Before the 30s

Every year, I will tell the people around me that I didn't want any big celebrations or parties. But after spending the last 28 years of birthdays, I need to tell myself that I have been lying all this while.

The people who cared about me nonetheless went through great lengths to make my birthday memorable each year. It is indeed heartwarming to be remembered.

One can tell for sure that I have a very sweet (and decayed) tooth for cakes, especially chocolate ones. I used to tell a good friend of mine that "Chocolates are my vitamins". And yes, I took them daily until metabolism went against me.

This year, I received presents without any related theme. My friends told me that they have ran out of ideas but I can tell from each and every one of the gifts were painstakingly thought of. One even had post-it notes to explain the 'purpose' of each gift!

Perhaps I shall spare them the agony next year and come up with my own "Wish List". Chanel sounds really good you know? *grin*

The celebration begins...

My birthday treat @ Al Dente

From left front: Bryan, his wife Rene
From right middle: Bon, her partner Travis
From left back: Adrian, his partner Carrie

First family photo blowing out the candles

Adrian selected the place because we had a chance to have a glimpse of the NDP preview. All went well until the sudden downpour.

It is remarkably amazing how the group ended up aquainted today.

Adrian - He was my ex-polymate in another faculty. Ironically, I never kept in contact with any of my polymates from the SAME faculty.

Bryan - He was my ex-colleague in Fujitsu and now my neighbour in Sengkang. Again ironically, Bryan was from a different department.

Bon - She was my secondary schoolmate. Special mention about her at the later part.

Celebration part 2...

Dinner at Pan Pacific 10 @ Claymore

Dylan surprised me yet again this year with cupcakes from Da Paolo Gastronomia sent to my office. The presentation of the cupcakes were surprisingly disappointing, although they still tasted better than The Patissier. Then it was dinner at Pan Pacific Claymore.

Trying to take an 'artistic' shot

The food spread was nothing to rave about. We were done by the 2nd serving.

Not wanting to miss the night without Jayden, we picked him up from in-laws place and headed home. I thought the day had ended real early and was starting to grumble about not having a "Happy Birthday" song from Daddy and son.

Until Celeste and family popped a surprise visit with a cake! How sweet!

Jayden having 2nd serving of the yummy cake

Celebration Part 3...

Irene and Oliva arranged for a lunch treat at the Carousel. I was very looking forward to a nice buffet after the disheartening visit at Claymore.

I went for the lunch buffet with a light heart thinking it was purely a lunch get-to-gether. Except that they already had something on their agenda.

Before we settled the bill, the entire crew at The Carousel started marching towards me, singing "Happy Birthday" in "You're just too good to be true" tune!

Look at how 'traumatised' I am...

The 2 Irenes & Liv

So you see, whoever said they wanted only simple celebrations must be lying. Of course, this would never have been possible without the people that cared. Thank you for letting me be a part of your memory.

SPECIAL THANKS TO...

Jayden, please remember Mummy's very special friends: -

Auntie Bon - She is Mummy's seconday cum poly school mate cum part time colleague. So if you count in numbers, we have been friends for the past 14 years. Back in school, Mummy was the quiet, boring wallflower. Before Mummy even had any boyfriends, Auntie Bon already had 10. (just kidding!) We had the most wonderful and fun times. If we were to recall our encounters, we could write a book! Of course, Mummy and Auntie Bon had our arguements but that only made the bond closer. She is also your Cookie Monster rival.

Auntie Celeste - She is one person that I believe Fate exists. We were only colleagues for 3 months and lost contact thereafter. One fine day, Auntie Celeste dropped me an email, and the rest is history. We then become course mates, gym mates and even attended pre-natal classes together. The similiar experiences we've encountered together is simply remarkable. I am thankful we didn't encounter the same birth experience though. *hehehe* Come to think of it now, you and Ziv are only 3 months apart. Coincidence again?

Auntie Olivia - I cannot remember when we decided to be sworn sisters because everything happened naturally. And naturally, she is also your Godmother. If you ever need to know what silly things Mummy did when she was a kid, you know who to ask. Our friendship goes back beyond the years even before Mummy reached puberty. So if you ever need education fees, you know who to look for! *heheheh*

Auntie Irene - She is my ex poly mate and colleague. Ironically, she was my friend's friend and we bumped into each other frequently back in school. Althought we don't talk too much often, she never fails to be present on my birthday. She is also our neighbour and shares the same birth-date as Auntie Bon.

These people brought alot of happiness into my life. These people are also the ones who knew and went through the ups and downs with me.

I can only say, I am truely blessed.