AJ very kindly agreed to pick up the kids after school and bring them for a distant chess tournament, buying me much needed time to tidy the home more before CNY (even though it will definitely not be done by the New Year), and to try to finish a piece of work.

When they came back, the kids were obviously very tired, because O flew off the handle very quickly and snapped “F*ck you” to me, and after a series of exchanges, went into a mini meltdown, of the likes that I haven’t seen in many years. I called AJ to consult and discuss because I was at a loss. Eventually he calmed down, and I had a chat with him, hugged him and kissed him good night. I’m glad we made peace and reconciled. I don’t like carrying anger overnight.

I decided to build one of the CNY Legos in the evening to calm down, and because it needed to be done anyway – F had built his set, and O was quite progressed with his. This was the first Lego set I’ve ever built entirely on my own (I haven’t yet built the Orchid Lego that I got as a Christmas gift in 2023). I chose the Plum Blossom because it was pretty, red and suitable for Chinese New Year, and I loved what it signifies. I didn’t realise it before looking it up, but the plum blossom (梅花) is a very beloved flower in Chinese culture. To summarize from Wikipedia It is apparently symbol of winter and a harbinger of spring, and are so beloved because they are viewed as blooming most vibrantly amidst the winter snow, and symbolize perseverance and hope, as well as beauty, purity, and the transitoriness of life. Such an apt symbol for me.