A DAY MADE SPECIAL BECAUSE OF THE PEOPLE

The third year and still feeling so blessed. I still remember all the birthdays I have with these group of people. They are the ones I go through my ups and downs with most of the times. And yes, I admit, sometimes I do get "sick" seeing them EVERYDAY hahahaha, but if I don't, I miss them. It's really a love-hate relationship.

Really, I have the best people around me - that is my blessing. 

Sadly, at this age, I am a damn problematic kid, with emotions similar to one on a rollercoaster ride. It is true - sometimes, when I feel down or misunderstood, I blame myself that I don't see the beauty around me, and the fact that I am surrounded by so many great people. 

Despite the flu bug that has taken the office and Malaysia by storm, my fellow colleagues took the trouble to organise a pre-birthday celebration for me. 

Words really can't express how happy I am really. This is really cliche but everytime they plan something for me, I am really touched. Words really can't express how grateful I am for the effort and creativity behind their plan. So THANK YOU all.

Though single at 26, I've never felt too alone most of the time because I have these great people by my side, and of course, my friends. They are my pillars of support when I am down. Whenever I need someone, they are always there. Really, I wouldn't and can't ask for more.

There are many times I really don't think I deserve it, because, what I am really? Not the most noble or kind soul - sometimes, I even sin hahaha (and no, I am not writing a song here), so really, thank you for everything. And I am really sorry for the times I might sound ungrateful.

A few highlights of my day:

1. My Bolster shape Birthday cake

Yes, they went through the trouble to get my mum to send them a photo of my beloved bolster, Stylo Mylo. I really love it because it is so cute. Stylo has been with me for almost 19 years, yep and has been with me everywhere. When I say, everywhere, I really mean EVERYWHERE! He was with me in the forest when I attended National Service. He was with me when I was in Liverpool and he travelled with me on business trips too.

2. The Beautiful Birthday CardI love heartfelt messages, even better if they are handwritten.

So I was very happy for the card, it was really beautiful and special because of the notes. It meant a lot and made my day really. :)

And because they know I love steak, they choose a funny BEEFDAY card! Haha :)

My replies to the card:

Choulyin: As a colleague, I grew in the company with you side-by-side. And I've seen you blossom. You are always awesome and always caring (although sometimes overly strict with me muahaha). Thank you for being such a great colleague and for always listening to me and for always helping me out! Really enjoyed the moments we shared together. More importantly, you are awesome because you have awesome music taste, just like me. We shall Karaoke soon! Thank you for helping with the birthday plan.

Kah Jin: Call me sis again I shall drop you from the Bursa Boardroom (Level 15). Thank you for being such a great team player. You have really lessen my workload tremendously and I really love your pro-activeness. You have a lot of potential really judging from your ability to do a lot of things on your own with minimal explanation. I always believe in chemistry when it comes to building a team and I really feel that we make a good team. Now I have someone to consult and share ideas with. We shall continue to rock the world and bring awesomeness to the lifestyle division. Working with you gave me one reason to fight again. :) Thank you for the celebration. You really got me with your Whatsapp message!

Chiu Ling: My dear Ah Ling, if I can be anyone in the office, I'd choose to be you actually. You are so focused at your work and so capable with managing your time. And I like your innocence and shyness, something I hoped I have preserved from back in the days but sadly, I've aged and became very annoying, even to myself hahaha. I liked you the first time I spoke to you at the interview, mainly because you are so different from me. You will continue to do well because of your tenacity and focus. Thank you for everything and most of all, for appreciating my jokes! p/s: I enjoyed being your roommate in Bangkok too!

Rosabel: I am very happy to have you as our latest addition to the family :) I believe you are very outgoing, and a "joker", but I am waiting for that side of you to show more muahaha! Thank you for your lovely message, for liking my jokes (more to come). I believe that sharing is caring, hence my flu bug. Muahaha. Looking forward to working more often with you.

Ma: OMG! Always the joker. Thanks for always bringing joy and good advice to the table Ma. Always look up to you! :) Very blessed to have you around as an advisor and once upon a time, client. The "gossips" we share and the great times working together - I will forever remember. Thanks for always listening to me and advising me on work-related matters. Your advice always enlightens me. I am also very happy that you can be part of the celebration today.

Hui Hsien: No essay required! Thanks for the wish and for being part of the celebration. Have known you for almost 7 years now. And we are women of few words :P

Stefani: Owe you too much Stefani really. Thanks for being such a great mentor from when I was a fresh graduate, till today. Thanks for always being like the big sister for me. You are really a beautiful person, from the inside out. I remember a love letter a guy wrote to you that you shared with us, that dude (although crazy), he got his description of you spot on! You are always there for others, to a point where I feel that you have always put others first before yourself. Just like my salad over your steak today!! Please remember, you do not need to always sacrifice yourself for others because I believe you deserve all the best things in life because you are such a great person. And yes, I shall continue to bring QUALITY laughter to your life ! That's the very least I can do for all that you've done for me :P

Darren who didn't leave me a note but I feel 'obliged' to send him a message because he is the boss: Thanks for all the arguments and "torturous" moments in the office. There are times when I was damn angry with you for various reasons (I hope you know some of the reasons by now :P) but at the end of the day, I do know that you are a very nice boss, with weird thinking/judgment at times muahaha. Many people find it weird that I have such great bosses (you and Stef), to a point where if I say something negative about you (even if it is just a joke), I get BLOODSHOT eyes you know! Oh well... Whatever I have to say about you is just so I can share with you what I think - and I don't mean to offend. Just remember, I do not neglect everything you say, if what you say make sense haha. Thank you for always taking care of me and for being there to support. Thank you for bearing with my cheekiness and for being part of all my birthday celebrations.

3. The lie

I was told that we are meeting a client and my boss even told me to do research. And my colleague, I told him to join me and bring my name cards. He lied straight to my face and tell me that he is very excited about the big client (they said, Hush Puppies).

If I had any doubts before, I had none after that. Even when we entered a big room, I completely fell for the story.

4. The Instagram Message

It meant nothing really, and just that my idol wished me Happy Birthday on Instagram. Muahahaha. I don't even know why I have this dude as an idol, but yes, I like him for funny reasons and yes, I was flying high when I saw it. Hehe.

It was a fantastic day for me; thank you everyone for taking the time to celebrate my special day with me. I cannot express how grateful I am really. Each and everyone of you have made a very special print on my heart and I can't thank you all enough.

Thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart and these memories I will carry with me forever.

Thank you Stef, Darren, William, Ma, Choulyin, Hui Hsien, Chiu Ling, KJ, Hoay Ming, and Rosabel. Every year, my wish is the same - to give the best to all of you (friends and family).... Sadly, I don't have enough time to recite all the names haha!