Chinese New Year Together

After having been friends for 27 years, it may come as a surprise that lunch on the 4th day of Chinese New Year this year was the first time all of us have spent the celebration together. This would not have been possible had Ken Lin and Sally not come down to KL from Penang. We then managed to convince our Hong Kong friend Elsie to fly in for the weekend from Kota Kinabalu where she was having a holiday.

 

As this was only decided in the week leading up to Chinese New Year, thanks also has to go to my friend Emily who secured us a table at Oriental Pavilion, Jaya 33. Suffice to say, the restaurant was extremely packed but that made the festive atmosphere even more enjoyable. Most importantly, it gave us all the opportunity to embark on the Year of the Goat together, carrying with us the aspirations that we hope to attain individually and as friends.

 

It is pretty rare for a friendship to have survived almost 3 decades. Much effort has been put in to nurture the relationships that we all share as a group, and while we may have gone our separate ways somewhat after completing our studies, the dedication and commitment to keep in touch have enabled us to remain good friends. And this one ought to appreciate.

 

 

Group shot at Oriental Pavilion, Jaya 33 in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

2 May 2014

I am thankful for the birthday greetings that have flooded my phone and Facebook wall today, plus the phone and Skype calls too. I've tried to respond to each one individually but if I have missed anyone out, do know that I appreciate your well wishes and kind thoughts immensely.

 

As I reflect on the past year, I have learnt much. To live life to the fullest, to always be in a positive frame of mind, to appreciate the good in life. The most important lesson of all, to value oneself. Ever so often, we try to accommodate others and put them first, whether in our personal or professional lives. Sometimes this is warranted, but at other times, not. We, well I, need to be more discerning. This I will be conscious of as I begin a new chapter in life.

 

As I embark on a new year, I will take all your well-wishes with me. To appreciate good health, to be grateful for family and friends, to experience joy and happiness, to love and be loved, to embrace work and career, to travel the world and much, much more. Cheers to all of you!

 

 

Birthday lunch at Oriental Pavilion in Jaya 33, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Pearl Wedding Anniversary

Boxing Day marked Chow Fah Q and Auntie Nancy's pearl wedding anniversary. Thirty years of marriage is indeed a milestone that is very much worth celebrating. In a time when relationships come and go for so many, such a lasting marriage gives many hope, and serves as an example of how commitment and the willingness to journey through life's ups and downs together as a couple can lead to lasting happiness and fulfillment.

Oriental Pavilion at Jaya 33 was the perfect setting for an intimate dinner celebration with family and close friends. Casual and lighthearted (although we did dress up), the evening reflected the close bond that we have as an extended family. No formal speeches, just anecdotes; playful table photographs rather than formal group shots; great food and fabulous company; ingredients for a memorable occasion.

Here's to the next thirty years!

Party favours from Wicked Wax.