Just before 1 am, I was seated on my high stool at my peninsular kitchen with a notebook on the black marble stone counter, trying to burn the midnight oil. I had some outstanding work to finish and it was almost 5 in the morning. I was struggling to lift up my sleepy eyes. Being anal of deadlines, I knew I needed to wrap up before the dawn of 29 July 2006. It just something I had to do so I will enjoy my birthday celebration the next day, should there be a plan. Finally, I’m done. I just marched towards my garden to get some fresh air.

Looking outside at my lovely garden, from the pegola bench at 6 in the morning all-alone, reminded myself that today marks an important day of my life. My vision suddenly focused on the wooden chime looking so cozy between the bushy scented-kesidang branches with the maroon fengy-penny petals dropping to the ground. Hoping my 30th year birthday celebration would look as cozy as my garden. My thoughts just vanished when I heard the continuous beeping as a warning of the text messages coming through from my O2 mobile.

I had messages coming through for midnight. I just smiled to myself seeing how all these messages just came through and through. Smiling to myself, I thought I should retire soon. Feeling a sense of satisfaction on the completion of my work, I just washed up and went to bed.

“ Tonight, we are going to dinner. Just you and me,” hubby announced a few minutes before 8 pm. I just nodded thinking where will he take me. Nonetheless, I got ready, and looking at my short hair of 1-½ inches from hair scalp again, I just made it messier with the hair wax.

As we walk-in the restaurant, I was surprised to know that reservations were awaiting for us, but I was even more speechless and flabbergasted, to see a whole bunch of family, cousins and close friends all gathering a round the table awaiting for our arrival. I was practically smiling from ear to ear to see these beautiful characters looking up at me.

These are the people, who I have not seen for a while, and have come together to be with me on this special day. Their sincerity of smiles just filled up the room with the jovial pep talks, the joyful experience and some sorrows. Nevertheless, the moment being together just made me realised we are never going to be forever young. Year by year, we will age and by the time you know it, your lifestyle and priorities will change as well. We may not see each and everyone again, at this very table. But the memories of my birthday bliss turn out to be just as cozy as my garden, or even more. My thoughtful memories of my special day will linger together with shared personalities that successfully made a big positive impact on the big 3-0 of my life.

29.07.2006