Tea-day for an Extra Day!

A BIG THANK YOU to my loyal friends who commented and expressed their thoughts in my first blog.  Some expected that I will also be that expressive when it comes to writing. Ha, ha, ha… Seriously, I will try my best, don’t worry! Ü

This 2012 is a leap year.  What is leap year? I clicked Google and quoted: ‘A leap year is a year containing an extra day. It has 366 days instead of the normal 365 days.  The extra day is added in February, which has 29 days instead of the normal 28 days.  Leap years occur every 4 years. 2008 is a leap year and so is 2012.  Except that every 100 years special rules apply. For example 1900 was not a leap year, but 2000 was.’  You can type ‘leap year’ in  Google to know more the detailed answer if you are interested scientifically, but for me, I am more interested on the traditions that some countries celebrate during this year.

choosy?

In the British Isles, it is a tradition that women may propose marriage only on leap years. It has been claimed that the tradition was initiated by St. Patrick in the 5^th century Ireland. (Remember the movie, Leap Year?)  It was required by law that fines be levied if a marriage proposal was refused by the man; compensation ranged from a kiss to a pound or to a silk gown, in order to soften the blow.   Why is it that this tradition was not practiced here in our country?  Wow, men will be so proud if that would be done here.  Imagine if each Filipina will follow this tradition, there will be fewer ladies with the “single” status.  I am not just sure how many marriages would last out of those “proposals”. 

if marriage is as simple as this, for sure my status by March 1 is 'engaged' (whoa!)

one of my all-time fave films! Oh My Goode!!!!

There are scientific reasons why the Gregorian calendar added another day in February; they say it’s because of the moon’s rotation, etc.  To many, today would just like be another day with the same old routine, just the same day like yesterday.

with my chum Annie!

But to a woman like me (who is still single by the way!) who considers this day as another magnificent gift of an extra day, I am Thankful. A great day to spend and reconnect with old friends,  planning where your next adventure will be, taking another leap of faith, discerning where you really should be in the next couple of months, whether you decide to shift careers, improve  personal relationships or just anything that you want to change and achieve in your life.   No one can stop you in doing these things because you have this bonus day to thank the Lord for the many blessings that keep on pouring.

with Wil, Myurkee & Kate (bleh!)

 May you be full of extra ordinary moments this leap year!  Definitely, there are endless lists on how to do it.  Share that extra special tea drink with your closest friends (just like what I did).  Today, i made my friends feel how important they are to me.  I want them to feel that there is more than the tea drinks (read: by treating and spoiling them).

with Kleng & Annie enjoying the wintermelon tea

More importantly is that you always lose yourself to the laughter they bring, while letting your worries slip as you eagerly sip your favorite tea. Cheers!