Sunday, March 26, 2006

yes, i have finally hit the big 2-0.

it was an unexpectedly wonderful one. i had three birthday celebrations. and i spent it with the people that mattered the most to me. thank yous are in order to all my friends who messaged me to wish me well, and my family for making it so memorable and happy.

on friday night, fly and i went to chijmes to celebrate both our birthdays. he's 13 days older than me. we dined al fresco at pizzeria giardino, where surprisingly it's not pricey given it's location. the drinks, though, were a different story altogether. unfortunately, my camera conked out rather quickly and i'd thought i wouldn't need spare batteries, so the photos aren't very good. we shared a nice big cipolla (pizza with mozarella, onions and bacon) and a strawberry romanoff which was just sublime. the atmosphere is lovely, with the tealights, the night breeze, the grassy landscape and the lovely scenery. excuse the duck lips.

shortly after we got there, i realized we were the only non-caucasian diners. how strange! btw, fly's shirt basically says on the back that Jesus does miracles for his soccer team. just found that funny. :p we went shopping for a bit after dinner, and i was pleased to find a new skirt for myself, the sort that i'd been looking for.

i had to wake up uber early because my grandmother wanted us to get a headstart on qing ming. it was less crowded (because it's the beginning) and getting a parking spot was easy peasy. phew. this is the first birthday in years (i think ever since i was a kid) that i've got almost my entire family with me, cousins and all. and after lunch, i was surprised with a lovely cake from swissbake courtesy of my aunt...it's such a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by your family, really. seeing all the faces around you, clapping and singing, then making a wish and blowing out the candles...it was all i could want.and i genuinely wished in that moment that i'd put all the hurt and regret behind me and look forward to the future with hope and to once again live life as i wanted to, with renewed zeal and optimism.

a nice buffet dinner at a japanese restaurant with my family (just the 4 of us) rounded off an amazing day. tiring but fulfilling and it's gone by so fast. this is by far one of the best birthdays i've had in years, and everyone's love, thoughtfulness, generosity, warm wishes and company just made it perfect the way it was. i'm feeling incredibly blessed :)

rachel at 9:00 PM

2comments

2 Comments

at 11:17 PM mc said...: harpy birthday to rachel! yes.. hope all that follows will give you plenty more to harp about in your journal (assuming harpings are good). glad you feel blessed on your day today, and know that youve been one to others on all other days. harpy harpy birthday!
=>melanie.
at 12:37 AM rachel said...: hello mel! cant believe i just saw your comment. hehe a belated thanks:)