When you're no longer a teen..

you're 20!

Here's a post to dedicate my thank-yous to you, you, you and you! (In order of occurence)

Firstly, to dad and mum + granny, aunts and family, for providing me a loving and nurturing family, for instilling the values I hold so closely to my heart! =) And for the pre-departure birthday cake and the beautiful, precious pairs of earrings!

To [S][A][M][P][A][T] Clan, for my first ever surprise birthday party, it was really memorable and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for the awesome day ever. I didn't expect the gathering to turn out as a birthday surprise and sorry MJ for being mad at you! Especially happy to meet you UK/US/Taiwan peeps (and of course the Msia bunch) some of whom I haven't met for 2-3 years!! I actually wrote a proper post about it and saved it in my laptop, which now - sigh. RIP. Anyway, you guys are the best, I'm so thankful we are one big family - with members around the globe preaching the teachings of SAMPAT hahaha. Welcome Leying, the latest baptised member! And Thanks SAMPAT for the birthday bag, it's my new uni bag now!

To Mengs, because you are Mengs.

To Gugu, for the beautiful bracelet =)

To Sara, for your card and snail mail all the way from Brissie! Was reading it on the morning of my birthday on the train, smilling the widest smile, can you picture it? It was the most beautiful feeling. Catch up soon on Skype!

To Rachael, for your birthday blog post, and our 1-day spent back in Malaysia. Having the deepest heart-to-heart talk with our imaginations of the past and future playing as the landscape, followed by a hearty 10-song karaoke at the cosy, 2-sitter karaoke box in 1U! Thanks Rach for a memorable day.. I wish you the best in the UK.

To Kor and XW, for the gorgeous purse! And to Kor, for tolerating all my ah-forgot-keys-forgot-phone moments! haha! Promise I'll be more careful!

To Eric, Jillian, Julz and Brendan, for accompanying me in the afternoon, just reminiscing about Shanghai, laughing and watching the world go by at Breadtop! Thanks to Bhong, we now talk in a currency known as "Dumplings" and GDP - Gross Dumplings Product! haha, "OMG this AUD 1 donut is actually worth 10 Dumplings in Shanghai!!"

To Xia, for spending the birthday eve with me, am glad our friendship lasted as long as now, you're one of my first International friends from Uni!

To Noelle, for the beautiful clover necklace and sweet notes of wishes accompanying it! We must spend more time together alright, enjoy ur ski trip!

To Jian, for the spending the birthday eve as well with me in Max Brenners and your precious gift - My first ever perfume - Harajuku Lovers Fragrance! And for being a listener, and for your generous advice and care.. And that shoulder to cry/rely on.. Love you.

To Jia Yen, Pei Wen, MC, Andrea, Chen Hao, Jeremy, Kwee Loong, Kuan Jhun, Vern and Wai Kit, for the birthday dinner at Crowns Casino - definitely a different experience, having to take pictures cautiously lest we get caught by security! It was awesome company, food, "speed-dating" lol, psychology tests (the Z - sex addicts haha), bunny ears picture etc! And for the after-drinks at Trunk, thanks MC for the Apple Bramble and Wai Kit, for the beer (though I only had a few sips haha). Sorry I was so depressed after the drink, I told you guys, alcohol is no spirit-lifter for me. Now you believe me! I think I kept talking about being heartbroken. haha. And to the gals for organising the dinner and allowing me to stay over the night! And to Jia Yen and Pei Wen, for your gifts and Andrea, for the birthday cake! THANKS!

To Jeremy, for the precious gift that I still think I don't deserve. And for the audit textbook LOL. Thank you.

To Eric & Julz, my Shanghai buddies, thanks for you-know-what..

To Meng Kit, for calling from Malaysia, lol that was really a surprise! lol you're hillarious! And not to forget our rushy-no-one-cares lunch in Malaysia lol and our ever ever refreshing msn convos haha..

To everyone of you for your birthday wishes via SMS, facebook and MSN! Trust me when I say I take every word to heart and appreciate them lots.. =)

A special dedication to my dearest sister, Mei Ting, for your birthday card - it's so pretty I have it on my table now..love you! And to Mei Yen, my best friend - for your maturity, your coolness, your ears, your tears, your hugs, love you sister, I really do.

And lastly to METLINK Melbourne, for the free public transportation all day! hahahah

Hope I didn't leave anyone out!


****


Daddy says, birthday is also a day to reflect.

I have to say, I am a blessed person with allthe love and care from family and friends, and a life that has been nothing but blissful. Surely I go through ups and downs, just like everyone else, but never alone, never for long. Sometimes I wonder how lucky I am to earn these blessings..

I hope to be a better person:
1. Be stronger mentally,
2. Love and laugh more, and
3. Spread the love - stay in touch with loved ones and always give a helping hand!


Personal goals -
1. Studies - cruise through my final sem with upmost spirit!
2. Career - be more proactive!
3. Health - errr.. exercise more?


Birthday Wish:
1. Me + family + friends find happiness always.
2. Undisclosed..

*****

haha ok la enough of 30th JULY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY AND DAPHNE!

LOVE YOU DAD!

You're the greatest dad ever, keep being the cute, simplistic, sampat you ok?

hehe. Much love..

MEISHAN

One day after the anniversary!

Happy 23rd Birthday KOR!

Oldest + youngest Low

(at the moment, you should be having your candle light dinner with XW, without me as lamp post 1000 W, thankful much?)

**

On your birthday

I wish that you'll have a smooth sailing relationship with

FAMILY

FRIENDS

WORK

N

LOVE ^^,

**

I also pray that you'll grow to look your age eventually NOW

so that ppl don't think you're younger than me

because we all know

I DEFINITELY look my age

(don't frown you know it's true)

so it's you who needs fixing hahahahahah

Finally

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING :D

**

Have fun!

xoxo

LMS

To a lil bro!

To my [S][A][M][P][A][T] Jimui,

Happy Happy 20th Birthday !!!

Aih, no more image d laaaaaa, what sacrifice!


**

Though we haven't talked for awhile
'cause you always say 'bye' when I say 'hello' >:-(
You'll still be my
'bagai "kambing" masuk kampung'
best driver
caring caring
buddy!!

(don't vomit blood!)

**

Can't wait till we hang out again back home!

Best wishes to everything la~
Studies
Extra-curricular in Uni
Friends
Health
LOVEEEEEEEEEEEE (^^,)

**

Oh today Jo bought me my first cup cake!!!
Oreo cup cake
So pretty


NAH, GIVE YOU!
Happy Birthday!
(haven't eaten it ok)


Stay the crazy you.

**
Be happy!

=)

To a dear sister

HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY

(haha fine fine, happy 19th, 22 hours and 22 mins)

SARA :D

How innocent you always look...

You've gotta be the most looks-deceiving person I've known =p

Ah.. how I miss those Neophilia times at your room

with your toy friends, good music, prophecy readings, and personality RESEARCH :D

Trust me, this is the most sane looking I could find

**

Thanks for always being there!!

Continue being the unique you

I love how you enjoy defying norms

with your little experiments every now and then

rock on!

Continue doing things you love

Mastering German, volunteering, shopping, yoga

(and maybe improve more on eating =p)

Continue to be the full-of-surprises you

<3

**
I.O.U
a present this year
pardon me
wait up alright!
**


Cheers to friendship!

How you never seem to age and I.. sigh

Have an enjoyable day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

To Dearest Jian,

Happy 20th Birthday!


Thanks for being such an awesome 好朋友 thru thick and thin :D

Stay the infectious you ok!

(non-viral XD)

On your birthday,

may your dreams,

matched with your heart's true desires,

come true.

Stay the tough you!

要多为自己, 要开心哦!

Love ya!

<3>

120909

Happy 20th Birthday to Meng Jin and Xiao Wei! =)

[what's the time difference between here and Ireland?]

Hehe reminds me of our good (& perhaps confusing) ol' days with Imbangan Duga/Kunci Kira-kira/Untung Rugi!

**

May the magic wrap your hearts as soon as the day kicks start!

Make a wish that would last forever =)

All the very best and hope we'll all meet soon soon soon!

**

Your birthday song:

Take care =)

Happy Birthday =)

Just before the day ends,

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY TO DEAREST COUSIN XUAN

&

HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY TO CHLOE !!

Hope y'all have a blessed day and for the days to come!


**

These days, my life's been filled with studies, work and family & friends' contacts.

An ordinary day usually starts at 7 am and ends at about 12-1am.

Really tiring at times but feels great to be maxed out.

On another note, Grandma,

your Pui Pui misses you.


PS: A cycle.

End of July

First and foremost, Happy Birthday to Dad and Daphne, 31st July babies!

Superdad, enjoy your weekend 50th birthday celebration at the hotel!!

Daphne, hope you enjoyed your celebration last night =)

***

19 was a day of realization and appreciation. For those who genuinely cared, mattered and all that's worth after all. Even those miles miles away. Enough said =)

Thanks to those who called, mainly from Malaysia, my dearest family (with personalized birthday songs from sisters, parents & Granny), love you all! And from Sri, Juliana, Zhi Shan (a surprise at 11.54 pm)) & Leying + Xiao Wei + Wei Han (really warmed my heart that night, you trio!)! Thanks also to Bryan for singing to me online!

Thanks to those who sms-ed me (especially those from home), who wished me on my blog and also at 12 am sharp on msn and to the many yous who wished me on Facebook =) They may seem simple, but thoughtful nonetheless, I appreciate them a lot. Arigatou!

On that day itself, many thanks to Gloria for lunch, and later for your special attention to my poor foot! And for the pretty gift! =)


Thanks to Xia for the afternoon cake + drink, plus your hand-made card (which I won't publicize here, for your sake XD) + gift, and for searching high & low in China for the Huan Zhu series! AND for purposely wearing BLUE for me! XOXO



Thank to Sara, who've sent me a birthday card all the way from Brisbane 3 weeks before, to which she sealed it with a "Do Not Open till 30th July"! Simple wishes that made my day. =)


Thanks to Rachael, for your Ten Gifts, through your gift of words. I can't ask for more. Treasure =)

Thanks very much, Jian, for the card + beautiful Victorian-inspired jewel box, definitely suits my taste, and for making it for the dinner through much difficulties =) And for your blog post!

My camera doesn't do it much justice, trust me!

Thank you to Jia Yen, Pei Wen, Jian, Andrea, Daphne, Kor, Ming Chin, Chen Hao, Mao Mao for organizing a birthday dinner for me at TOTO's! And for the scrumptious birthday cake =) =)


Group Picture




**

Last but not least, thanks to Mengs, for always understanding, for always being there and for your magical words =) Will try =)

PS: Nineteen indeed.

My new baby :D

"Hey, close your eyes!"

"Why?"

"Just close lar."

*puts down dishes, and covers each eyes with 3 fingers*

"Ok, close d"

"Nah, happy early birthday!!!!"

*opens eyes*

*gasps*

I've got to admit though, at first glance, I have no idea what it was.

"WOWWWWWW COOL!!"

"...what's this?"

But even a techno-idiot like me knows it's got to be some awesome gadget (judging from the packaging) :D hehehehehehehe.

Opening

Remote :D

Blue!!! Time and day! Alarm!

:D

Tadaaaaaaa~~~~~ :D :D :D

tee-hee!

Now I can play my music on loud speakers!

Music System + Alarm Clock + Radio + Ipod Charger

It can also be connected to my lap-top to enhance my very poor sound system, thanks for noticing that !!!!! :D :D :D

I AM SO HAPPY! TEEEEEE-HEEEEEE!

I LOVE IT!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Am touched beyond words =)

Though I seldom say this,

thank you for everything
and I love you!!!

xoxoxoxoxo

*don't vomit k*

Kor and I =)

PS: I know you "secretly" visit, like Dad & Mum, SAY HI LAR!

Of Birthdays and Indulgence

On Wednesday, my afternoon was spent with Gloria, first at Box Hill - Food Haven, then at her tastefully decorated home in Balwyn. Had a hearty catch up and played Wii (Sports, Cooking Mama, Brain Challenge & my favourite - Mario Race Challenge)! Ahhh.. how enliving, maybe I should start saving up for entertainments as such! It was a rainy afternoon, more so when I left but many thanks to Gloria, for dropping me off at the bus stop + waiting for me in the rain till the bus arrived! It was indeed a simple splendid afternoon =)

The bus ride took longer than usual (due to rain and traffic) but I reached the city on time nonetheless. It was Chen Hao's 20th birthday dinner at Corretto's! Or you could call it a mini Chung Hwa-Melbourne gathering, what with the presence of 7-8 CHians (some visiting from Malaysia), with the exception of Jian, Paik Yen and myself. My Bolognese Ravioli was awesome, and so was Jian's Salmone, whose share I won shamelessly from MC, another hungry friend helped myself to, since she couldn't finish it. Yummay ~ a glutton I am indeed =p Albeit the cold we endured sitting outdoors, the company was warm enough =)


As for yesterday and today, I stayed in my well-heated room and indulged in Shanghai Girls by Lisa See. Powerfully alive were the fates of two Shanghai sisters, first in Shanghai then in Los Angeles between 1937 - 1957. First surviving the Japanese's atrocity during WW2 and next the communist witch hunt, when Mao's Regime took over. A very rewarding read of one's fate, fortune and destiny; striving hard to fit in the Land of the Free, yet holding tightly to her origins =)


What I enjoyed most about the holidays is to have my world moving at my pace, no rush and hustles, no deadlines nor commitments. Ah~ when time is a luxury.


PS: Oh, so soon!

Dear Mum

Happy Birthday. Thank you for being my sunshine, shedding light on the path I take, never really giving me answers but allowing me to make decisions. When I make wrong ones (more often than always) you readily pick me up from my pieces. Can't imagine how directionless life will be without your guidance and love.

I respect your wisdom and capability, I aspire to be like you one day. You always say, when a problem occurs, the first person you should come to terms with is the person in the mirror. Don't judge others but always look for the better. I admire your calmness during stormy times and how you always look at the bigger picture, as the Chinese saying goes, the bigger fish at the end of the bait, so unlike my berserk moments; most of all, I admire your simplicity, generousity and selflessness. Ah..one day mum, one day.

On your birthday, I pray that you'll be healthy always, less stressed out from work burden and be happy always. I love you.

To the Clover Girl

Dearest Childhood Best Friend,

Rachael Lum

Green-lover

Green for the colour

Green for the environment

Green for the Ambassador of World's Environment/Health/Peace Day

;p

To an inpiring member of the United Nation's Club

To a Speech & Drama and UK English Training Buddy of 1 decade

To the member of 3S1R Taiping Fans XD

To an avid member of the Famous Five

Most of all, to a very faithful, supportive, sincere

& beautiful pal

Happy Blessed 18th Birthday.

May joy always find its way to you like

how you find yours to it.

**

Hope you like "it" (a bit messy I reckon)

Thanks to Joyce as well. :D

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy 20th Birthday Jia Yen!








As you step into your big two-0,


may you find your compatible duo, *winks*


have all the fun, with it comes joy


in your journey up you're bouyed!

Thanks for being a great pal!

=)

All the best in your Jap test!

PS: Will make it up to you, wait for me!

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to Ean Wearn and Happy belated Birthday to Kah Chong!

=)

And you (if you're here), sleep earlier!

Happy 20th Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Mengs!

On your 20^th birthday

With age comes more dreams

yet responsibilities

may you continue to believe in

fulfilling them

as you have always been

for what doesn't kill you

only makes you stronger

"Believe that you can"

At the same time of turning twenty

may you continue to live the child in you

"Youth"

And enjoy the simple pleasures

in this complex world

like you always do =)

"Simplicity"

***

Through the separation these years

time has been shedding light on

your strength,

genuine effort and sincerity.

And for that,

I will always thank my lucky stars.

"You don't always see them, but you know they're always there"

Thank you! =)

***

May you have a joyous 20th birthday!

P.S. Wait for us.