#6 Of What Makes Me Smile

Last week, my step-sis called to tell me that there was going to be a surprise 80th birthday party for my step-dad (her father).  I wasn't sure if I would attend as I already had something planned.  Anyway, as is my habit, I didn't say NO straightaway.

Thinking more about it, I decided that this was going to be a "MUST" attend because I love my step-dad, Peter Chang very much.  He came into our lives when all of us were already grown up and he took his time to win us over.  Dad, as I have called him since so long ago, has always been my confidant.  I can ask him and tell him anything.  He would always have the right advice and suggestions for everything.  I have spent hundreds of weekends walking, shopping, talking and eating with him.  He would faithfully wait while I browsed through clothes, shoes, bags, books or whatever.  We would go check out exhibitions and events together.  Once or twice, he was my date for an official function.

The funniest story I have of us is the time when we were having lunch in a restaurant.  Someone I knew from my school days was also there with his wife and family.  He looked at me, I looked at him and suddenly we recognised each other.  He walked over to our table and I introduced him to my Dad.  He looked at Peter, who is of Chinese descent, then at me and chuckled, "Oh boy, he sure has changed!".  I burst out laughing.  Often, I forget that Dad is my step-dad when I make introductions.  He is so much of a father to me.

Dad before cutting his cake!

For this reason, I am glad that I didn't give in to the temptation of being my usual anti-social self.  Duty is a very personal thing and I did feel duty-bound to be part of his birthday celebration.

He will turn 80 on 13 February 2012.  I understand that he will be the first of his siblings to reach this age.  It is truly and honour to have him in our family.  I am so grateful that he is a part of my life.

After the party, he told me that the surprise celebration was the most memorable night in his entire life.

Credit goes to his three wonderful children, Susan, Ann and Gerarde for getting almost all of the family together and organising such a lovely dinner.  Here is a picture of everyone taken after last night's dinner, all looking radiant and happy.  The "Birthday Boy and Guest of Honour" in that moment, with a look of complete and utter satisfaction.

The beautiful family members

Project 366 - Week 4 (Jan 22 - Jan 28)

January 22 - I've looked at clouds that way... 

January 23 - Favourite pastime.

January 24 - Synonymous with Chinese New Year. 

January 25 - My pals keep me company. 

January 26 - View from my kitchen balcony. 

January 27 - Cupcakes made by a Cupcake. 

January 28 - Yee Sang :) 

GONG XI FA CAI 2012

Looking forward to an ending and a new beginning.

Out with the old and in with the new!!!

Live!  Love!  Laugh!

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

Project 366 - Week 3 (Jan 15 - Jan 21)

January 15 - Finger-lickin' good 

January 16 - My latest wallpaper.

January 17 - My colourful dinner 

January 18 - Fortune Cookies saying "You are in for an amazing year". 

January 19 - Yearly ritual 

January 20 - Spoilt for choice. 

January 21 - Honey Mandarin Oranges. ♥ 

Project 366 - Week 2 (Jan 8 - Jan 14)

January 8 - Chinese New year is in the air. 

January 9 - Glass of red reflection, anyone? 

January 10 - I've had this since 1992. Just found it today 

January 11 - Freshly cut grass, I love the smell.

January 12 - Yes, home is where it begins and ends. 

January 13 - First Coach 

January 14 - View from front gate (Singapore) 

Project 366 - Week 1 (Jan 1 - Jan 7)

January 1 - First day of the year with my Baby!

January 2 - Christmas gifts from the kids.

January 3 - Driving home after first day of work.

January 4 - Finally, I have a New Year resolution.

January 5 - What a nice word verification, just for me.

January 6 - View from my office window.

January 7 - Bangles of love

Of seeing personalities

You can see a person's personality from the way he or she behaves in real life as well as in the virtual world. 

In the first three days of 2012, with all the news and views going around, you can tell so much from the way people react.

Those they adore, they now abhor.

Those they would defend, they now easily condemn.

In my world, a friend is a friend is a friend.  I won't understand everything about my friend and I don't need to analyse and dissect every word, deed or action.

Just as I would want them to accept all I do without judgement, the same I must do for them.

However, it is nice, though, to know who will stand up for a friend.  

Newer New Year Wishes (found online)

New Year's Wishes

May you get a clean bill of health from your dentist, your cardiologist, your gastro-enterologist, your urologist, your proctologist, your podiatrist, your psychiatrist, your plumber and the I.R.S. May your hair, your teeth, your face-lift, your abs and your stocks not fall; and may your blood pressure, your triglycerides, your cholesterol, your white blood count and your mortgage interest not rise. May New Year's Eve find you seated around the table, together with your beloved family and cherished friends. May you find the food better, the environment quieter, the cost much cheaper, and the pleasure more fulfilling than anything else you might ordinarily do that night.   May what you see in the mirror delight you, and what others see in you delight them. May someone love you enough to forgive your faults, be blind to your blemishes, and tell the world about your virtues. May the telemarketers wait to make their sales calls until you finish dinner, may the commercials on TV not be louder than the program you have been watching, and may your check book and your budget balance - and include generous amounts for charity. May you remember to say "I love you" at least once a day to your spouse, your child, your parent, your siblings; but not to your secretary, your nurse, your masseuse, your hairdresser or your tennis instructor. And may we live in a world at peace and with the awareness of God's love in every sunset, every flower's unfolding petals, every baby's smile, every lover's kiss, and every wonderful, astonishing, miraculous beat of our heart.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

2011 will soon be over.  I am so thankful for many reasons.  The first is for my wonderful immediate family, followed closely behind by the extended family and then the super, duper friends who have become like family.

I am thankful to all of them who made me smile and laugh and showed their love constantly.  

God bless you all for the happy moments!

Here's a wish I received and would like to share.

May you always have

Walls for the winds,

A roof for the rain,

Tea beside the fire,

Laughter to cheer you,

Those you love near you,

And all your heart might desire!

May you be in

Heaven a half hour before the

Devil knows you're dead!

May your blessings outnumber

The shamrocks that grow,

And may trouble avoid you

Wherever you go.

There are many good reasons for drinking,

One has just entered my head.

If a man doesn't drink when he's living,

How in the hell can he drink when he's dead?

May those who love us, love us

And those who don't love us,

May God turn their hearts

And if he can't turn their hearts,

May he turn their ankles

So we will know them by their limping!

Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter

Lullabies, dreams, and love ever after.

Poems and songs with pipes and drums

A thousand welcomes when anyone comes.

That's the Irish for you!

May your neighbours respect you,

Troubles neglect you,

The angels protect you,

And Heaven accept you.

(Thank you, Tony E)

(pics from photobucket)