Time does flies and today, I’m 21 years old. When mentioning the age, people would always put the word, “finally” to describe you, for two things; 1) you are getting older by a year and 2) you are taking your first major step towards adulthood. Well, I guess this call for a celebration since it marks a new chapter of my life.

Initially, many friends and relatives were asking me regarding my plans for the celebration, whether will it be a massive party or a hotel / chalet feast or something. These ideas did come across my mind before but after seeing through some of the problems that might occur during the ‘so-call’ party, I decided to scrap the idea off. Therefore, with much consideration, I preferred to meet my good old buddies and friends in small groups, separate timings to celebrate this wonderful occasion with them, yet it’s more like a bonding / gathering session rather than birthday celebration.

The celebration begins on the eve of my birthday, as I invited some of my secondary school buddies for a seafood buffet lunch at Vienna; Novena. I really appreciate the group; Jack, Eugene, Jonathan, Jia Long, Jimmy and Kian Wee; for turning up for the celebration cum feast and the ‘hongbao’ that you guys had prepared for me, even though I declared every year that I don’t need any gifts for my birthday. Thanks a lot and I do hope you guys did enjoy the feast though the food was quite average. As for those whom were not invited, my bad for that. I had budget constraints so I had to limit the numbers.

Not to forget, this birthday celebration is not only for me but to Jimmy too. I understand you had your 21st birthday a few days earlier than mine and some of us could not make it to celebrate it with you. To be honest, this feast is actually planned not just to celebrate my birthday but also yours. I hope you did enjoy it and happy belated birthday to you, Dude.

The next group I went to meet up with was the V.E. Alum~9!! Alright, it turned out only 2 could make it out of the 8 of them. However, I am still grateful for the wishes that the rest had blessed me with. As for the 2 ladies; Cai Yun and Ping Ding; thank you for offering your time to accompany me. I know that work and other commitments had flooded your schedules but by making time for me, I’m really touched.

It was a simple dinner at Waruku Pasta and a movie (that is what I’m been hoping to do during my birthday) of “Ice Age 3” at the new Illuma that has filled our night with fun. Before we head off for home, a light desert at the nearby Bugis Street was good enough to keep these memories vividly in my mind. Once again, thank you for accompanying me and I do hope you gals did enjoy the meal, movie and outing.

At the actual day of my birthday, I was lazy to go out during the noon till 3 plus, when I need to book the tickets for the movie “Transformers 2” at Ang Mo Kio Hub, which I’ve planned to watch it with my childhood buddy; Yong Hong. It was a thrilling movie but as I had drank too much water and some miscalculation of the time; both of us were urgently looking for the restroom once the movie ends. After that, dinner at a nearby coffee shop with another childhood buddy; Mah Chin Wah; ends my celebration for the day. Simple and sweet! Anyway, brothers, thank you for celebrating my birthday. I don’t need an expensive treat but I’m happy with the coffee shop food, especially the 铁板豆腐. Haha…

However, at the end of the day, my only regret was not to watch a movie with the special person that I long to see. From the start till then end, all I wanted from that person was to catch a simple movie but was rejected, over and over again. Well, at least, I got to watch 2 movies in 2 days. Wow… How much money had I spend on movies…

For the many people whom had texted me their blessings, I really thank all of you and appreciated the efforts in remembering my birthday.