Celebrated a quiet birthday dinner with the soulsister, Rachel last Saturday.

She invited me for a birthday dinner treat last Tuesday, and I agreed because I thought papa was not going to be here this weekend.

How wrong I was. He is here right now, for work purposes.

But luckily, there was a family gathering at Matang so I was in no dilemma and able to go for the dinner. *phew*

Besides, I had already planned in my head (I am a planner like that) to celebrate my birthday with the family during the CNY eve family dinner as EVERYONE is here.

We had dinner at Porkies, Jalan Song. 

This is our first time here. I've gotta say, the atmosphere was great. 

Was surprised that the service crew uses football jersey as their uniform.

But I've gotta say, whoever comes up with that idea, you're awesome. Haha.

The food, on the other hand, was a bit salty to our liking. 

It was good, but just a bit salty.

Which leads to our conclusion that it explains the reason why our mulut sangat 'masin'.Haha.

*here comes the deep thoughts*

*deep breath*

When I was growing up, I assumed that being popular is the way of life.

That having a lot of friends brings benefits to me.

As I reached my 20s, I come to think,

HOW WRONG I WAS. 

What is the point of having a lot of friends when during rainy days, 

none of them is available for you?

What is the point of being popular when it only brings drama to your life,

and you complain every second of your life drama?

Despite of the small circle of friends that I have,

they are always there for me when I need them,

and I am there for them when they need me.

We may not see each other everyday, but we know that we are in each other's life everyday.

I come to learn, not everyone you met is deserved to be called a "FRIEND".

And family, oh family.

They are the most important support system that everyone have,

but fail to fully utilize them.

I'm glad for my family, despite of the imperfectness.

Then again, nothing in this world is perfect, and every time possible,

I thank God for my family, and the friends that I have.

I also realized that, being thankful everyday is a great way of living.

Yeah, I may not have what the other person has,

or my family is not as rich as another person's.

But being born in this family makes me realize that most of the things in life,

are PRICELESS. 

A cliche, but true statement. 

Last but not least,

life is a rat race, indeed it is.

But if you live your life by competing with other people in terms of

how big your car is, how big your house is, or

how big your paycheck (or your significant other for the matter) is,

you will never have enough.

Which explains the reason why I decided to extend my semester last September.

I must say, I think I make a right decision because my CGPA did increase.

Although it may not up to what I hope, but I get what I deserve.

Like a lot of people said, 

"you reap what you sow".

I believe in that too.

This will be my year, AND I KNOW IT!

I guess that's a long deep thought. Haha.

Now, for my birthday wish.

Well, I don't hope for much though, because I know God knows 

what's best for me.

That is why, whenever I pray (bukan riak, haha) I will end it with, 

"whatever Your will God, let Your will be done unto me",

and I know, He'll grant it for me.

Sooner, or later.

I know he will.

Now, I am a Christian. A Catholic to be exact. And although I don't seem to express my feelings about this on Twitter or Facebook, or this blog even (this is the first time I actually state my opinion in regards to this on social media), doesn't mean I have no stand on this. I am not very angry like most people about this issue, just, bitter. Bitter because a country so beautifully multiracial like ours became unstable because of this. We are the laughing stock all around the world, because only in Malaysia, non Muslims are not allowed to use this word. But unlike some keyboard warriors out there, I don't go on and say bad things about Islam. One, because my bestfriend is a Muslim. I respect her religion as much as she respects mine. Surprised? It's because I am a Sarawakian, and most people know that Sarawakians people are very laidback, and the real concept of 1Malaysia had started way earlier before our Prime Minister proposed this, ideology (if I might say so). To me, I don't care what religion you are. I value you as a person. If you are good and kind to me, I will be good and kind to you. Because to me, every religion, be it Christian, Islam, Buddha, etc, are beautiful. What makes it ugly, are the people who acted in the name of religion.

Wow. That was a very lengthy explanation. Lengthier than I thought. Haha. Moving on to the next issue.

2. Kangkung issue

Now, for those of you who doesn't know what "kangkung:" is, it is actually a water spinach. This kangkung issue stems from the Prime Minister's speech at Terengganu, where he said that everyone should be thankful for despite of the hikes of the prices of goods, the price of "kangkung" had decreased. Okay, I know he meant well because everyone (I reckon) loves to eat kangkung (P.s. rojak kangkung at Swee Kang is to die for!), but he could have come up with a better example. And now, there's gonna be flash mob to mock about this issue, some even lashes out about kangkung. As much as you against this, I don't think that there is a need to do that. We have other issues that requires attention, REAL ISSUES, like how to tackle about the sudden increase in goods price and such. 13th General Election might be over, but if these issues continue up to the 14th General Election, I am not sure who to trust because both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat are acting up like school kids. Maybe it is just me. I know not all of the politicians from both sides are like what I just described, but most of them, are just disappointing.

An advice that sometimes I wish other people would understand, especially nosy relatives 

asking, "bila gik nuan ka kawen?"

MY KUMANGS!

It has been indeed a while since we last went out, together. These faces I mean. Rachel texted me on Friday asking me if I am free on Saturday, and immediately I said YES! Initially, the plan was to go to the movies (Victoria's plan bah ini), but since it has been a while since we last had a great talk with Tina, so Rachel opted for lunch. Smart move I must say. We had our lunch at Kim Bay Restaurant, Boulevard, and boy, I tell you, that small table for the five of us is full of food. We are all foodies, especially Vic, Rachel and me! 

There were lots of laughter, be it at Kim Bay, or the children's section at the hypermarket (yup, we kumangs are wacky like that. Vic's sister is expecting, and she is the one who is more excited. Typical her. Haha), and even at the parking ticket payment machine. And then we visited Pris who is working at BeeHive Dessert, Jalan Song. Again, we bring more laughter at the cosy shop. Maybe too much because the passer-by doesn't seem to want to stop by even though Rachel kept showing her thumbs up because the food there are delicious. Haha. Oh, just a mini advertisement (and I am not paid to do this), you guys should go to the place. The place is very cosy, just nice for a chill out moment with the people you love and the food is great too! 

More photos of us at BeeHive Dessert!

(photos courtesy of Vic)

Btw, the person who sat next to me is Imelda, or Ida as we affectionately call her. Now, she tags along at most of our outings, just like Elly used to when she was still staying with me before. The last photo is Pris, in her element, doing her job. Oh! She bought all of us gifts from her trip to Japan. Green tea KitKat okay? You cannot find it in Malaysia. Haha. And in case if you guys are wondering why were we looking so serious in the second last photo, it's because we were looking for songs to be played during Tina's wedding reception in May. I can't wait for that event! And I love planning. Maybe I should consider to be a wedding planner *coughs*. 

Gift from Japan courtesy of Priscilla! 

Marcella and Martina. Hehe. Both Aquarius. One is bride-to-be. One is enjoying her life with food, tv shows and occasionally, her cats. 

So basically that was the summary of January 4th, 2014. Even though only Vic and I are still studying among us kumangs now, but we are almost at the finish line, I can almost taste it. I may not know what is in store for me for the rest of this year, but I am hoping that it will be as great as 2013. 

Here's to 2014, and whatever may be, will be.