I've never had a birthday party, because I've been shy and wanted to avoid being the center of attention. However, as a young girl I've always envisioned celebrating my 21st with a grand birthday bash. I even had this red dress that I kept in my closet since I was 11 (I think it's a hand-me-down from my aunt), which I wanted to wear when I turn 21. It was a BIG deal to me.
It never occurred to me that my 21st would in fact be spent away from home, away from my family and the friends I grew up with. Anyway, I told my HK friends that I wanted to organise my own dinner (a party still does not seem to appeal to me), and that I wanted it to be fancier than usual. Booking a place turned out to be super stressful, because most restaurants have a 'minimum spending per head' rule if you want to reserve for a party over 10. And well, we're students- I know for a fact some of my friends will not be willing to spend so much on a dinner. And so we ended up in a place less classy than I wanted, but I had much more fun than I anticipated! =)
I did not wear the red dress. In hindsight, it actually looks too...matured on me. I wore this one which I bought in Thailand in 2012 but never had the guts to wear (never wore a strapless before). Ironically, it's from Forever 21.
With the kids
The Jji jjis
iGEMers
Ah yes, I neglected to mention that we had dinner the night before my birthday for convenience since it was a Sunday. I also told the girls not to get me anything because there really isn't anything I want/need. However I did get a box of assorted chocolates from Ele (with instructions that it is supposed to last me the whole semester; I am tempted everyday to finish the whole lot), chocolate cookies from my son Erica (more food!!), the daintiest little necklace and bracelet from the iGEMers, and a lavender-scent reed diffuser from the Malaysian guys (every time I walk into my dorm now it's like a whole new world...).
Oh and my sibwings also got me a necklace, delivered by my visiting aunt. So proud because Val told me that Zac actually gave his input and opinion in choosing it! (He is usually in his own world and is passive on such things)
I was lucky that computer lab was cancelled on my birthday, so I went out to spend some time by myself. I went to...Forever 21. Heh heh. Only because it is usually so packed and crazy busy, so Monday afternoon was a golden opportunity for stress-free shopping! As customary after F21, I crossed the street to have my frozen yoghurt and explored Causeway Bay.
Ele, HJ and I overdosed on sushi for dinner aaand we went for the weekly iGEM general meeting; because somehow Mondays just aren't complete without it!
Again, I am super grateful for the people and the blessings in my life, as I am every year and I really do mean it every year. I'm one lucky duck who had two birthday cakes and I know it =)
*atm*
