Meaningful gestures and great friends

So I mentioned about living life trying to do meaningful gestures to friends and family (meaningful can mean many things of course to many people). From sending flowers to a friend who experienced unexpected loss or happiness to creating by hand a photo album chronicling a friend on her wedding day from getting dressed to partying til midnight or just giving a book on the new city my friend moved to for school are few of them. One of my faves was the coordination of my arrival to celebrate my close friend Tina's bday in NYC one year (I live in Boston) to surprise her. Her sister called me up, I took a train to Yale, she drove me to NYC. Then I crashed at a friend's place in Forest Hills overnight to then meet up (by the elevator with flowers and balloons) at the entrance of the ice skating rink. The look on my friend's face was priceless (I wish I took a photo) and very happy!

I have been blessed by many generous friends (I am not talking about generosity of money) but of time, spirit, encouragement, empathy and love that they share with me in their relationship and friendship. Recently, Sharon in London gave me some great words of wisdom when I saw here there. She really delved into the crux of the matter of some things I told her she did not agree with me. She caused me to see the errors of my ways (in terms of self perception unfortunately does not concur with others perception anyways hers at the time). I found that spending time with others especially when visiting and traveling you learn more about them.
I have been blessed with friends who listen to you and remember what you said earlier. I had mentioned once I wanted to try a facial and massage. That year for my bday, two of my friends arranged for me to have my first facial and massage--I was bowled over! I was speechless with surprise. I am just happy to spend time with my friend whether hanging out or even seeing a flick or eating a meal. Since those first times, I have not looked back, I love my facials and I love massages (but find them too pricey)! Or mentioning I am a sucker for Kpop, my friend made for my bday some CDS one with slow Kpop and one with fast dance Kpop tunes that had DJ Duk (yeah the good ole tunes from the 1990's).

I have found many a friendship blossom with travel or just visiting them as a result. One in particular was with Tina (the friend I visited for her bday in NYC) during our college days. We went to school in western Massachusetts which was not that exciting. She would generously drive us in her red Honda Civic to big Collegiate Parties in Boston. One party in particular (our first outing) we bonded over driving back in the wee hours, as three passengers in the back were sleeping, we chatted about ourselves. I always pride myself on trying to stay awake with the driver (especially late at night) as I want to be sure they are ok. This started many a road trip to Boston for dim sum and other parties. Or visiting my friend Dave in (SF) for over two weeks and I was able to explore the Bay Area and visit Yosemite National Park with him. He was always supportive of my passion for travel and I supported his love for photography--he went from working in a lab to being a wedding photographer! I am so proud of him! I recall the first time he bought his first camera and his first travel photos on it in Spain. (check him out at www.davidleearts.com). He instilled in me it is ok to take some shots (due to perspective, interest in the texture of the material -ie tree bark). I tend to take photos of people for memories sake. But there is something to be said about taking many cool scenery photos though.

I personally love to cook and make things as a way to show my caring and affection. So when I am a recipient, I always appreciate the thought and efforts. From my first baked cheesecake for my bday (thanks Lad) to a Italian meal at MIT Grad school housing (Emo you rock) where I would meet one of my future roomies HF to Dave cooking me great meals--brunch and dinner in Jamaica Plain (Boston is not the same without you dear !!!!) I have been spoiled.

It is said in many cultures, eating is so important. In Chinese culture (and other Asian cultures as I have noticed as well) asking if someone has eaten is a show of affection and caring towards that person. Food in cultures worldwide takes center place for many celebrations and festivals. Being Chinese, I must admit I LOVE Chinese New Year banquet. I tell all my non-Asian friends if you are invited to a Chinese New Year Banquet or Wedding Banquet run don't walk to the celebration! You will have a wonderful time and experience. The abundance of food (but with meaning for every dish) on the table is amazing in their meaning and their relation to the various holidays. Every time I talk to my parents, one of their mandatory questions to ask me is--have you eaten yet? What have you eaten lately? My sister and I always get food and homemade soups every time they come out from the South Shore to visit.

I like to bake and cook foods. One of my friends in the Bay Area started a scones mix company with her sisters (www.moreish.com) and boy are their scones tasty! They sell to stores and restaurants but as a lucky friend of an owner I can buy direct. I have shared the love with giving friends scones to try. I adore the many flavors but pumpkin and cranberry almond are particular favorites.

So for the last few years, I always make a point of doing small gestures all the time. Hey I feel good doing it, why not?