To a childhood best friend

Dearest Rachael,


Happy 17th Birthday!


All these years we grew up together, you're always the gentle, thoughtful, appreciative one, who with unfeigned support,

plays along the games so close to our hearts.


Remember this?

Our adventure to Malacca! Is this when we first unite as Famous Five? =D

And those other times..

I feel thankful that we were put through more than 10 years of English classes together, by our set of best-friends-parents. The last 6 years in UK English Training Centre, where we've gone through FCE and CAE together, laughters, knowledge, our projects (the Mars and Taiping ones) are ever memorable. Friday nights, for the past years, were sheer bliss, what's more, never regarded as tuitions (oh well, just sometimes, when the workload gets heavy!). Those were the times that I missed so much, times that I relived and relished now and then. How I wished I could continue taking CPE with you..

Come to think of it, I guess, I'm thankful that we share this same passion, though you have dug in deeper and brought yourself out, through those strings of words, more impressively and more polished. You've got to agree with me! I think your "Third Eye" startled me the most XD. Your writings are admirable, showing your unique style, simple yet always conveying the messages between the lines, Teacher Jo will definitely attest to that.

Oh and those mysteries! Those were the times we unleashed the child in us, like we used to be, allowing our imaginations to run wild and far, escaping to paradises not seen, felt nor comprehensible by others (namely our parents XD)... I missed those times!

You may appear shy, but in fact, you have got these jewels hidden within, each sparkling shinier than the other, as your kind, humble and warm personalities move people around you.


Like this scrapbook you compiled as a farewell gift to me,


Each and every page illustrating our memories since young, intricately.. and you gathered autographs from our dear friends, family and teacher, quotes.. You even encapsulated 10 reasons why you like me in pictures, things I've once said and your sincere views, the 10th being:

"Well, it's been so long..

That sometimes..

There really isn't a need for reasons.."

I've never felt more appreciated.



And till now, we're still in touch, through emails, and you still, show your support for my plans, thoughts and life here.


Just want to thank you Rachael Lum, for everything..

On your very special day,

I wish that you'll be blessed with every ounce of happiness you truly deserved,

now and always.


May you achieve what your heart desires, and reach those stars you wish upon...

"Not all fairy tales need to be completed..May this one go on as long as it takes to reach "HAPPILY EVER AFTER". " - Rachael

It will..

Hope you know that I'll be there for you too.. =)

Lots of love,

Mei Shan

PS: ALL pictures above, courtesy of your lovely scrapbook.

Double the Celebration!

1. Happy Father's Day!

Dear Daddy,

A song dedication for you:
*PLEASE open link in new tab* (pardon my noobness, no idea how to embed the html code)

http://www.esnips.com/doc/2603f1c8-a95a-43db-8ba8-5b77b8a1d57a/My-Love-Will-Get-You-Home%E2%80%93Christine-Glass




My Love Will Get You Home

If you wander off too far, 
my love will get you home.
If you follow the wrong star, 
my love will get you home. 
If you ever find yourself, lost and all alone, 
get back on your feet and think of me, 
my love will get you home. 
Boy, my love will get you home. 

If the bright lights blinds your eyes, 
my love will get you home. 
If your troubles break your stride,
 my love will get you home. 
If you ever find yourself, lost and all alone, 
get back on your feet and think of me, 
my love will get you home.

Boy, my love will get you home. 

If you ever feel ashamed, my love will get you home. 

When there's only you to blame,
my love will get you home.
If you ever find yourself, lost and all alone,
get back on your feet and think of me,
my love will get you home.
Boy, my love will get you home.

If you ever find yourself, lost and all alone,
get back on your feet and think of me,
my love will get you home. Boy, my love will get you home,
Boy, my love will get you home.

***

Here I stand
on the land miles away
I'll always remember that


Even when the world closes in
and lies so heavily upon me

I know that there is a heart and
there is a home;
Rendering the loss of the world as nothing
as there would always be someone loving me
more than the world could ever give.


Happy Father's Day
I love you

2. Happy 19th Birthday Jia Yen!


Dear Jia Yen,

Happy 19th Birthday!

Hope you've enjoyed the surprise we've thrown you at midnight!

All this while in Aussie, thanks for everything,

always being the level-headed one, my tranquilizer (Mei Shan, calm down!), my adviser, my decision-maker (proven =p), my drama-provider (though unfinished due to my weird withdrawal syndrome), my tree-climber-partner (while others o.o ), my partner-in-spontaneousness/randomness (taking photos with Orientation Carnival Ensemble, the Comedy Festival lady, Moomba tree(just the one above =p) AND AND psychotic psychology research ), disaster-escape-route provider (eh Mei Shan, you sure you want to..?), gossip partner, gap-zai partner, emo partner etc etc.

Hey, you colour up my life here!


Not forgetting you accompanying me in Eltham during that lonely weekend.. =')


So a year older, a year wiser yea! Fai gou jeong dai.

May you be blessed with abundance of joy, happiness, health, wisdom and grace!

And and leave all your misfortunes for the week behind and celebrate your entrance into pre-adulthood!


Remember to make a wish that would last forever!


Have fun!





Lots of love,
Mei Shan

Happy Wesak!

"Wesak dawn has paced in softly, tip-toed through the moonlit night.."


I remember singing this hymn every Wesak in the temple.

"May the Buddha be at my head, the Dhamma in my heart, and the Sangha by my side, to guide and protect me always."


I thank you, Buddha, for guiding and leading me on constantly in my life through your great teachings, through Dhamma.

On this tri-sacred day, may you all seek what you're seeking for, and be well, peaceful always.



Sadhu and Sokihontu.


With Metta,
Mei Shan