Dear Daddy, with love.

 Dear Daddy, Happy 46th Birthday. 

You may be halfway across the world right now, and I may not get to give you a big warm hug, but I pray that you'll be surrounded by love and happiness. I pray that God's angels will encamp around you throughout every second of the day and may they protect you from harm's way. I'm blowing tons of blessings your way and I hope that it gets you through the day. With love from all of us at home.

I contemplated on which would be the best way to wish you for your birthday and I ended up deciding to write a journal entry. Simply because you're not worth a simple birthday note on Facebook or a quick e-mail; you're worth so much more than that, Daddy. 

After thinking of ways to wish you, came the question of what to say to you. I didn't want to just write you a birthday poem or a letter because I seem to be doing that on every occasion. And I realized that after awhile, the hype of getting something written by one of your children will soon be just another meaningless letter on the table. As I sat in my room, questioning myself, a sudden overwhelming wave of thankfulness washed over me. I began to think about what I was thankful for. 

Here goes: 

I'm thankful for having an amazing father. 

I'm thankful to God that I am one of those blessed ones whom has grown up with a father-figure.

I'm thankful for having someone as my pillar of strength throughout my 17 years.

I'm thankful for having someone in my life I know I can run to, when the going gets tough or when it feels like the world has gone against me.

I'm thankful for having someone in my life whom has never failed to uplift my spirits or to fuel that spark within me when I am discouraged. 

But most of all, I guess I'm just thankful I have you in my life. I've been blessed enough to have you watch me grow up, to watch me 'blossom' into a young lady. And as every daughter needs a father, you were there when I needed you. You were there to encourage me to strive for the best, to put effort into what I love doing and to achieve greater things. Truth be told, I wouldn't have gotten through what I have if it weren't for you. In a few more weeks, I'll be sitting for yet another major exam and that means I'm gonna need someone to drill and discipline me to perform my very best. You see, I'm never gonna stop needing you in my life. Time flies by faster than a blink of an eye and by each second, I'm growing up. But that doesn't mean I'm gonna stop being your little girl. 

A daughter might be obliged to say these wonderful things but I'm not doing this out of duty as a daughter or obligation. You may have already read the same things in one of the many letters I've written to you, but I'm going to keep saying it. I love you, Daddy. Although you may not hear this word as often as you'd like, just know that I do. And wherever you are right now, my heart and love goes out to you.

One surprise after another

I'm at a loss for words. Speechless.

In the wee hours of the night, just before the clock struck 12 today, I received a pleasant surprise visit from three of my closest friends - Roy, Emma and Kavilnd. Everything was perfectly planned as I did not have a clue about what was going on. At first, I was a little agitated by the fact that everyone - including my mum - was being so secretive with me. Of course I knew something was up, I just didn't know what it was. I'd suspect my friends to do something this thoughtful, not my siblings. But they were in on this whole surprise too.

Roy came walking through the door holding a plate of tiered J-Co Doughnuts. All lit with candles on each doughnut and a Happy Birthday sign on the one placed the highest. After placing in down on the table, they began to sing the Happy Birthday song shortly afterwards, made me make a wish and blow out all the candles.
I was pretty speechless, even they could tell. I stayed silent for a moment and almost broke down in tears.

Sure I was expecting a wish or two, but never this.

We then spent the night all sprawled on the couch of the living room, yacking the night away and watching Paul Blart: Mall Cop until it was time for them to leave. It was a good time spent catching up on recent happenings and laughter. And God only knows how much I've missed having my best friend Roy around in school - his absence left the school lifeless. So having him in my company last night sure made up for lost time (most of it, that is) 

In a matter of mere minutes, kisses and hugs were exchange, and they left for home.  


The hands of the clock hit 12, and I spent the night in bed reading text messages of wishes that kept flowing coming in. 

__________

The official day. 


I woke up this morning feeling as if butterflies were fluttering in my stomach. I was all smiles even though my eyes were still half shut. Just when I was about to open my room door, I saw a paper that was taped to the door which said: 

It was from my brother. Throughout all these years, gifts were never expected from either of us siblings when it comes to birthdays. Even a simple wish was never expected. But this really put a smile on my face and I was truly touched. 


As siblings, we may not show our love each other on a daily basis or treat each other the way a brother or sister is supposed to be treated but there is no doubt when it comes to the love I have for them. At the end of the day, they are all I have and I'll always do anything for them. 

In church, something else awaited me. 

Prissy arrived at service acting all weird and unlike herself. When I mentioned about a recent birthday wish by a friend, she made a face showing nothing but complete shock and confessed to not remembering my birthday. But something already smelt fishy. I knew something was up. 
 


And I was right. 


When service ended, Abiel led me to one of the rooms and out of darkness, everyone wished me a Happy Birthday. Everyone meaning my usual circle of church friends - Abiel, Josh, Jemima, Emily, Sue Xian, Prissy and my siblings. And again, a Happy Birthday song was sung, a wish was made and all the candles were blown out. 


When the delicious-looking cheese cake was cut, everyone burst into complete maniacs and started smearing cream on each others faces. Mostly everyone in that room was covered in orange cream. Especially me. As both the cream and the cake tasted exceptionally GOOD, we didn't mind licking it off our fingers or from each others faces (God forbid)  


Each Sunday, a bunch of us friends would get together and head over to the mamak, as a ritual. But the fun and laughter that was spent and shared with each other was so much more special, in a way. To me. I don't take things or people for granted and as of late, I'm beginning to cherish each and every significant person in my life even more. 


So, this entry is to tell you how thankful I am to have you in my life. And for making this 17th birthday a truly unforgettable one. 


"Friendship is not about whom you have known the longest, it is about who came and never left". - Unknown 

"The happiest moments my heart knows are those in which it is pouring forth its affections to a few esteemed characters."
- Thomas Jefferson 

And to Prissy: 

No one has ever done anything this sweet for me in all my life. I mean, I wasn't expecting anything this year - just a small get-together with my family and a few close friends - but you turned it all around. And you succeeded in surprising me, a little. He he. You didn't have to write me such a long note or leave your most treasurable possession in my hands. You didn't have to do anything and I'd still love you.

In all my life, I grew up with people whom have only claimed to be my friends so they could be in the same limelight as I am. They'd always try to act as someone other than themselves and would try to do whatever I did just to fit in. And it was just unnecessary. I would've accepted them for who they are even if they weren't anything like me. But they doubted the love I have for them. So now, they are either apart of my past or are just complete strangers who only wave at me from across the school hall. 

Then, you came along. It was pretty ironic actually, the way we met. We just clicked and sooner became inseparable. I don't even remember how we met because between how we met and where we are now, too many memories have been created. All of which I sometimes look back wonder, how? 

Prissy, you will always have that special place in my heart. Even if anything happens to us, that place will always be kept just for you. You are my soul sister and my significant other half. What on earth will I do without you? I'd be completely lifeless. You bring colour into my life and my world always rock with you in it.

I've said it before and I'll say it to you for the rest of your life - everyday, in fact - I Love You! And please, don't ever doubt that. You are loved for the crazy, high, Indian mama you are! Thank you once again for taking the time to plan everything out and for making the day I was born amazing. 

With all my heart.

Speaking of all that's love and appreciation, 

Because no one should walk alone

It's gonna be Emma's 15th Birthday tomorrow. So, I just thought I'd write her a little something and dedicate it to her. Glad it made her Mum and her tear up! ;)

Hello Love,

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to this little angel,
Happy Birthday to you! ;)

(Just for starters).

It's been quite some time now since I'd thought about writing something to you/for you, truth be told. But somehow, life got in the way of my plans. As usual. And with my finals going on and all, it does limit my time to whip up something really special for someone like you. But now, with excuses left behind and thoughts swirling around in my head just waiting to flow through my fingers and into this message, I now shall begin.

Firstly, you need to know how just how much you are loved. From the very first time I met you, through your brother, I believe you only saw me as your brother's type of friend and not yours. Maybe's because I never really did spend enough time getting to know you and you me. Maybe at first sight, we were both two shy individuals. But then years past and feelings and bonds grew a lot stronger. You were best friends with my sister and me your brother, and that's how we usually got along.

Then, slowly down life's road, I got to know you a little bit more. You'd come over to hang out and sometimes we'd chill at a mall or something. We did bond. We gave each other a chance. And voila...

I realize I'm not exactly the Best Sister material, I don't do things the way they should be done and treat my sibling the way they should be treated. It's just the way I saw the people around me treat each other that I learned from. To me, showing love to someone who isn't your sibling is so much more easier. Hence, the many pet brothers and sisters I have. And I realized just how much better I treat them.

As teens, we go through a hellhole of problems everyday. And in a certain moment, we feel as though the whole world has turned against us and nothing is the way we'd hoped for it to be. That's when we really need someone to turn to. Someone who's gonna be our pillar of strength to uplift our sorrows and mend our broken hearts.

I don't claim to know everything when it comes to this. I went through hell myself when I was growing up and slowly discovering myself. Luckily I had good friends who'd put up with all the crap i went through. The thing is, I didn't mind it all happening to me. Lessons were learned and bridges were mended. But I told myself, "I'd rather go through this than letting my loved one's suffer from this too. And if I could just prevent them from suffering from a broken heart or ease whatever plight their going through, I would". So, here I am.

I may not go through the same things you go through and may not be able to walk in your shoes but I'm here and I love you - not because you're my best friends sister or my sister's best friend - but for who you really are. You're an awesome, AWESOME girl. You're beautiful despite what you really feel when you look in the mirror every morning. You're strong and blessed with so many loving people whom love you. If you only give them a chance to prove their love for you. Whenever you need a shoulder to cry on or a ear to listen to everything, you can come to me.
I'm here and ready, just reach out. Okays, love?

Here it is, all written up and done! Hope you loved it.

Happy Birthday sweetie!

P.S - Fifteen by Taylor Swift is dedicated to you.

Lots of love on your birthday, Krissy ♥.

For she's a jolly good lady

I'm happy to say I've arrived home safely - from Ipoh. Without the feeling of sleepiness or nausea having it's effect on me as I type.
Throughout the entire journey, falling asleep was somehow an impossible task. I suppose it's due to being entertained with my choice of soundtracks blasting through the speakers while singing along, having to munch on tit-bits every few minutes, admiring the greenery through the windshield - also, photographing when inspirations start to bloom in my mind.

We made our way down to Ipoh to celebrate our Grand Aunt Emily's 94th birthday. She may be aging, but her heart is still as strong as ever - I'm still amazed.

Daddy and his new girlfriend

When we arrived, we were welcomed by Un. Noel and Aunt Christina whom led us to our Hotel- The Majestic Station Hotel. We were even lucky enough to stay in their only suite - the very same room Tunku Abdul Rahman once stayed in. A few rooms from ours was Room 300 which bought back memories of a scary movie. Whilst straight ahead, displayed a vast beautiful garden.

That night, reservations were made at some cosy steamboat restaurant where we all gathered to celebrate a very special person's birthday. By all, i mean - Un. Larry, Un. Noel, Tennessee, Aunt Christina and the V.I.P, Aunt Emily. It's been awhile since we've gone down to visit them, so alot of catching up was done that night.

Not forgetting, having to indulge in the much too scrumptious cake.

As dawn set in, tears welled up our eyes as we had to say our goodbyes and depart, and god knows only too well I'm not one for goodbyes, at all. I start to get emotional and all teary - which will be inevitable. Just seeing Aunt Emily made the tears harder to be held back.


I don't think it's necessary to elaborate any more further for the highlight has already been stated.

All in all, it was yet again a visit never to be forgotten.