The one about the beginning of life...

Ah, yes. Today my blog description changes. Since I'm no longer approaching the big four-0. You guessed it - the old birthday has crept up and smacked me in the face and now slowly fades away. What does it leave behind? A messed-up mid-life crisis-ed out middle aged guy? Hardly. In fact I don't really feel any different. My birthday passed by without me staring death in the face or embarking on some life changing journey of self-discovery. I didn't attempt the impossible nor did I challenge my good senses. Yet, today was special. The rest of my life begins, today.

As it turned 12midnight and the date changed to the 31st of October 2006, Jo wished me and surprised me with a cheese platter, crackers and a bottle of wine. We enjoyed the midnight snack while surfing on the net! A little later, Jo brought out a small gift - the first of a few, I was told. It was a very appropriate book entitled "The Top 10 of Everything 2006". It will remind me of what was "Top 10" when I turned 40! I also got to open the gift which Jo and I went to pick out from the shops - a brand new blue tooth headset by I-Tech. Loved this type cause you don't have to stick the ridiculous looking contraption on your ear at all times, pretentiously waiting for the phone calls.

This morning, I woke a little late, an indulgence helped by Ethan waking up later than usual. Jo brought Ethan to me to wish his dad a Happy Birthday and I got a pleasant gift indeed... a kiss from the little fellow. Now that's worth more than anything I can imagine. Jo then produced the rest of my gifts. Two more intricately wrapped presents. I got a "Liverpool FC" DVD and a gift book, meant to be my gift from Ethan and from Jo the coupe de grace - a very bold and stylish Armani watch! Thanks Sweetie, I really loved everyone of my gifts!

Later, I spent sometime on the computer working - rushing a document which some clients needed for their meeting in Singapore on Wednesday. Then Jo and I left Ethan at home and headed to the office. It was business as usual until lunch time when we went to Gurney Plaza where I got my hair cut. My usual stylist May decided to experiment with a slightly different cut and my hair did look different then. However, once I got home and took a shower, it didn't seem too different after all!

Just before dinner, we had a little family private cake cutting thing - Ethan was amazed by the candles and the cake but it was meaningful to have that especially with mum and Ethan there together.


Jo was taking me out to dinner - she says to the 1885 at E&O. However, I was certain that she had booked a Winemaker's Dinner at the Hardwicke as I had noticed she was looking for the phone number to the place. We got dressed up and started out towards the E&O but as we passed the Hardwicke, Jo asked me to drive in! We were going fo that dinner after all. It was an awfully expensive dinner with an Australian winemaker showcasing their wines to accompany the set meal. With a good sample of wine for every course in the meal, we were in for a "high time" after all!

I think it was suffice to say that the meal was exquisite, the wines excellent and the whole dinner - simply awesome.


After dinner, Jo had planned to meet the gang for coffee and cake at Dome in Gurney Plaza. We arrived a little late, as the meal had dragged on a little longer than expected. Unfortunately, Raphael who was there first didn't chose to wait and left without informing us. Sue & Yan were there when we arrived while Mel and Stacy got there only a few seconds after us.

Suffice to say, there was drinks, some birthday song singing, cake cutting and great chat between friends. A fine close to a wonderful day.


As I reminisce on the events of the day, there wasn't any earth shattering phenomenon which would make this day one which lives in infamy. Instead, there was sentiment, caring, laughter, happiness, gratitute and most of all love. What better way for life to begin...

The one about the calm after the storm...

The Hari Raya holidays proved to be a quiet one for us after all. The first day of Raya, Tuesday 24th October was spent mostly vegetating at home. Almost felt guilty for doing absolutely nothing.

That evening, Jo and I ventured out to Gurney Plaza to meet Jinny & KH for a movie. This time we caught "World Trade Centre". A bit about the movie - the 9/11 terror attacks provided the background for this show about the will to live. Two Port Authority cops (this is a true story) were buried under rubble when the first tower collapsed and survived two other tower crashes only to be found by a scary-looking ex-marine volunteer and brought out by rescuers. The two cops practically willed each other to live on. To me the real trial may have been the countless surgeries each had to undergo after the fact on the road to recovery. Pain.

After the movie, we had dinner at the Fish & Co. and then proceeded to Coffee Bean for after-dinner coffee and chat. Celina and Chus joined us then and we had fun making up names for each other. Don't ask.

The next day, second day of Raya was supposed to be visiting day. However, Jo and I got real lazy and spent the whole day at home. Its amazing how easy it is to do nothing.

That evening, it rained and rained, justifying our decision to stay at home. Mum was out with my uncles and aunts and they too stayed put. Ethan was getting restless so we decided to set up his pool and allow him a quick swim. Since it was kinda cold, we dressed him up in his full suit - a present from his Aunty Carolyn. Think he felt strange being fully dressed yet allowed in the pool!



Thursday 26th October was basically back to work for us. The staff were mostly on leave which left us with a hectic time in the office - running around like headless chickens.

Friday was more of the same as clients decided that they would all want their matters done at the same time. We managed to stave off the onslaught for the time being anyway. That night I got home tired, worn-out but relieved. Enjoyed mum's famed spaghetti laksa dish which she prepared for my uncle and aunt that night.

Saturday morning was a slow one for me. I got up lazily and spent part of the morning playing with Ethan. Since the planned party for my birthday was no longer, there wasn't much anticipation for the events of the night. Later in the evening, we heard that most of the gang - Sue & Yan, Mel & Stacy were all going to Nazriah's house for a Hari Raya function - so we decided to accept the invitation as well.

After mass at the Assumption Church, we used the new highway to Nazriah's house. It was surely much faster indeed. Her place wasn't too crowded yet, but then she had spaced out her guests over three days. Soon we were all tucking in to yummy rendang, curries and tomato rice. We stayed on till about 9.30p.m. before deciding to adjourn to E-Gate for coffee. Sue, Yan Jo and I chose Starbucks while Mel & Stacy joined us later after their shopping at Tesco's.




The next morning, we returned to some semblance of routine - bringing Ethan to Tumbletots and then to Jo's parents for lunch. Jo and I then headed out to Little Penang for some browsing - and early Christmas shopping. We then visited our grandparents' graves at the Western Road cemetery - beating the crowd that would be there this Thursday (All Souls Day).

The rest of the weekend was spent in relaxed mode at home. I do dread the coming Monday - with an early court matter - and the pile of work lying on my desk. At least I'm looking forward to a great birthday ahead. No swimming with sharks (like Ralph did on his 40th last week), but I'm sure my "landmark" birthday will prove to be memorable in its own special way.