There is no hard and fast rule about the whole family gathering and eating together. This all adds up to each of us eating at different times and places. That said, I don't really have dinner at home these days. I'm either out, or in school. More often than not, Sunday is the only day of the week that I dine at home.

I was done with school at about 7.40pm today. Took the train to Paya Lebar and decided to call my parents to see if they were around the area to fetch me. Thankfully, they were at Parkway. When they picked me, I found out that the whole family had yet to eat dinner as well. And since we were in the East, my first suggestion was Jumbo. My parents usually reserve Jumbo for occasions or that once in a blue moon craving, so I wasn't really expecting them to accede to my suggestion. My sister agreed and it was soon left to the 2 heads. Once my mother gave the green light, dinner was set.

4 people sitting down having dinner by the beach. Catching up on school, work, the random house/car... it felt really good to have some family time. My parents are way more relaxed now than I've seen in recent times, though I expect that to be short-lived with my sister's impending PSLE results. But, at their age, just sitting down there and having dinner with their 2 kids, I must imagine it to be quite a feeling. My sis has grown up quite a bit, and she can join in the jokes and banter. The car ride back, windows all drawn down and just feeling the wind ripple through the car... it was a good night and a good escape from school with those who have known me my entire life.

I might not have agreed with many of my parents' decisions. But I guess at the end of the day, they've done quite a good job.

I mean, hey, look how awesome I turned out to be? =P