My 23rd..

I think this is the 1st time writing specifically about my Bday, because it was so good i can't ignore it.


It started at 7pm when i fetched stel n titus, dropped off my sis at CS, she's going back to s'pore.
Since 11pm the day before, when i was asleep, sms-es started pouring in, never happened before in my previous Bdays. Altogether received almost 30 (!) sms-es, plus some emails & facebook superwall; from primary sch friends, my 2 diff sec sch friends, pastor, leaders, church friends (tnt & teenz), and other adult friends. Phone ringing with sms-es almost every hour.

I don't get it, so surprising.



Brought stel & ah tat for dinner, stel picked "Rooster", a little restaurant hidden opposite the old indian bakery, downtown.
An obscure restaurant that looked like an old jewel, the priceless ambiance that shines from within, emanating warmth as we dine simply on its special nasi lemak, delicate hokkien mee, other yummies and scrumptiously blended fruit drinks.


something like this, inside..

Talking sweetly nonchalantly as the old music dances along delightfully, in a place of cushy little sofas and antique chairs, as the voices cover over warmly lighted table tops and dark corners.
The pretty waitress behind an ol' wooden counter, blending fruits, walking up & down the stairs serving satisfied customers.

Something I have wished some time ago but forgotten, a bonding haven for good ol' friends.


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Paid the bill and headed to stel's place together, as opposed to my better suggestion at Danga Bay. My two best friends are a little weird today.

Drove in, parked, walked into her house, waiting to sit on the dining chair.
My eyes caught a glimpse to my right, a group of familiar faces sitting there, looking at me like I am going to burst into a thousand magic tricks.

"Happy Birthday!!"

Chorused the crowd that jumped colourfully into my monochrome world.

I smiled, with all my heart.

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Wei Ting, Ah Zhou, Ke Tyng, Ye Chou, Ee Vynn, Yan, Wen Mynn, Thomas, and others.
I am definitely not used to being the centre of attraction, somehow the bubbles of joy & surprise popped out before it reaches my face and head.
Thanked them profusely, if it translates out to my actions accurately.


Poured chinese tea into english cups, with additional coffee in homely mugs.
Thinking back now, it all seemed like something that only appears in movies, too good to be true, the cafe and surprise at home.

Ken arrived shortly, present me a nice Ikea table lamp, roundish white. Looks like Doraemon's hand, lol. Lovely present.

The cake is proudly paraded to the coffee table, plus a hilarious candle scene, when the candle fire was puffed and secretly added a drop of chinese tea to make it difficult to light up again.
There goes the most popular song on earth, and being persuaded to share what the newly 23 year old boy wished.


blah blahs..


I suggested to play this simple game, everybody prepare a full cup, and take a generous sip when you are the something I say, similar to truth & dare, but a friendly version. It went really well, I think the responses are so fun & interesting, like who wants more than 3 children in the future, who initially wanted to stop joining tnt during the the first few visits, etc..
Everybody brought closer in their sincere admittance of not-too-sensitive pasts, weakness and hidden big dreams.


It's getting late.

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Byes and repeated happy birthdays. Footsteps and wishes.
Tiredness drifts in as cars drove away.

Thanked stel, try to thank all others.
Fetched ah tat to customs, thanked him for everything he had done.

Received my last few belated Bday sms-es.







Home.
23.
and He whispered that I am never alone.
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