Dear Pipsqueaks,
Another year had passed. About now, I think I'm starting to understand why people don't elaborately celebrate their birthdays anymore. It's like the 26th time, and there're only so many ways you can celebrate your birthday.
Clubbing, dinners, or just cake.
Actually, I asked a friend with the exact same birthday as myself what he'll be doing. He simply told me the name of a club. Really, by the 3rd time we've gone celebrating at a club for my friends' birthdays, I begin to bail after dinners. It's not my kinda thing anymore. Or should I say, "It's for the young ones!"
Then again, I quite enjoy a sit down dinner with a special cake. Not trying to be difficult here, but the cake is about the only factor that can be more easily varied in a birthday celebration. So, of course I'd look forward to it. Unless, one can change the location...
Which was exactly what happened this year.
Initially, I had it all planned out. Arriving in Taiwan on the 3rd for a wedding of a close friend of mine on the 4th, then staying for a week just to spend some quality time with the Sungs, including my birthday. Of course, I failed to realise I actually had to be in Guangzhou for our EB meeting.
Yes, I had completely forgotten that we have EB meetings during World Championships. Then again, you can't really blame me for not remembering. I didn't go during my first year here in 2011. 2012 was the Olympics. Therefore, the only work that came to mind was to Social Media the World Championships. That, I can do just about anywhere in the world as long as I have internet access.
Luckily, I hadn't booked the return flight from Taiwan. So, I quickly made arrangements to Guangzhou from Taiwan and back to KL from there. Done and done. Except, now instead of celebrating my birthday with the family, I'll be sitting in a meeting room in some isolated luxury Guangzhou hotel. Fantabulous.
To some degree, I had already agreed with myself that there won't be a celebration this year because it's just too difficult to make plans when we're out in some foreign land with limited transportation and knowledge of the area. Where to go, what to eat, how do we get there are all questions I'd just rather not deal with. Even so, I got myself the perfect birthday gift shipped to Guangzhou. At least I wouldn't have to sing "Happy Birthday" to myself in my hotel room on the 10th.
I would have to somehow excuse myself out of that company dinner on the 10th first. However, after speaking to the boss, he advised me to be there. When he advises, he really means he decided. So, not allowed. Fine, I shall celebrate after the dinner, was what I thought. Not to mention now that our local hosts, also a friend of mine, had prepared a cake. I can't just not go. Boy was I in for a surprise.
When people say everything in China is huge, they aren't kidding. When he said cake, I thought, okay 6 inch and share share with the small group of 20ish people, assuming half don't take sweets. But no. He meant this...
I was...speechless. When the lights were turned off and a trolley made a corner out behind the door, I literally fell three steps back from where I stood. Seriously?! He got me a cake enough for at least 30 people. Some said it was 10kg?! I don't know, but I was touched. It didn't have to be anything fancy or flashy, even though it was flashy by default for being gimongous. It was the thought that count.
Some more, the Council even lit all the candles himself. When I heard, my heart just melted. He didn't know me anymore than the rest of the lot, but I guess I made an impression. The best part of it was his toast - which was translated into English by his translator. Chinese or English, I understood his blessings.
"I hope everyone can be as happy as our Jessy."
It's a praise to know I can represent happiness. Loud and proud. I'm so thankful to have people who love, encourage, trust, and care about me. I'm very lucky, and I know it.
Happy 26th to me.
Smile always :)
Smile always :)
