Mirthful Celebrations

This year, 2009, has been the best year of my life to date. Steady career, amazing friends, warm family, not to mention lots of good TV shows. As if I couldn't ask for more. Hm... on second thought, a girlfriend would be great. So before I forget, thank You, Lord. Praise Thy holy name. \^^/

Therefor I feel like celebrating, and I believe my birthday is a good excuse. I can think of 5 gatherings dedicated to my birthday.

The first was obviously on my birthday night, after I get back from work. A family dinner at Dharma Kitchen, Pluit. Unfortunately my father was on leave, so there were my mom, bro, sis, and I enjoying full range of vegetarian dishes that night. We left the house at 9, hence we were their last customers when we finished at 10. Thanks to mom for paying the bill. ^^

The second was the day after. I tried to wake up and go to work earlier that day. I stopped by Delicatessen -- a cafe at Le Grandeur Hotel, Dusit -- to buy a cake so I could celebrate my birthday with my colleagues at the office. It was merry. Steve and Cella are such jovial buddies to mingle. We took a few shoots and Cella secretly recorded a video when I blew out the candles. It was hilarious. ^^

The third was on August 23, Sunday at Hachi Hachi MTA with my high school friends. I had a hard time gathering them. Sukreni, Astrid, Christofer, Yessy, Purnama, Fungly, Robert, Oscar, Chiang-Chiang, and I made a total of 10 sushi eaters. A few decided not to attend via last minute phone calls. I guess they helped in easing the bill a little. Ha ha ha... It has been a while since last time I met them. I kind of missed them.

We were divided to 2 adjacent round table huts. They were fine except for the fact that some of us had to move back and forth to the other table. I guess 15 reserved chairs were too much to ask for the restaurant. We dined and talked for a couple of hours. Sukreni gladly paid the bill.^^ I did not hold a lot of cash that day, so I thought borrowing her credit card and a simple transfer would do the trick. Well it did. A waitress delivered a cake when I returned to the table. Then they started singing and I started blushing. I made my wish, blew out the candles, cut, and handed over the cake to my friends in slices.

Two presents were given to me after we finished with the cake. The first torn wrap was from Pur, Fungly, Robert, Chiang, and Oscar. It is a board game similar to snake-and-ladder with a "twist". It includes 6 glass of shots. I guess the player who reaches a certain point is obliged to drink from a shot. The second wrap was from Sukreni, Astrid, Chris, Yessy, and Widarto. It's a bag, but not like any other bags. It has multiple handling ways -- it can be a sling-bag, a backpack, or a hand-bag. Luckily, Amel kindly lent her camera to me for the occasions. I got an album for my Facebook. So thank you all my friends. It was fun.^^

The fourth was at the same place, but with different set of crew. I already typed in my thoughts on my Facebook album, August Allure, so I will just adapt it to this blog.

Suddenly Hachi. The place kept crossing my mind dozens of time whenever I think of a dining place to celebrate. The reason per se was I always enjoyed my dining experience there, and that is enough to keep me -- or anyone else for the same reason -- to come again and again. I invited my college friends and held the occasion on August 30. A week after the third celebration with my high school friends. This time, I didn't bother to call anyone who didn't show.

Joining me that day were Bonnie and Imelda, Panci and Anne, Yola and Ochie, Devi, Vely, and Susan. Another 10 merrymaking sushi eaters. ^^ I missed them all too, especially my angels -- or concubines, whatever I prefer to call them. He he he. We grew close at college, and that was then. Everyone is caught up with work and their career. It was nice to see us together again.

Status updates. These are my impressions of them.

Bonnie was still searching for a better job. His office was recently moved to his boss' house at South Jakarta. The reason being was because his bosses -- 3 of them -- decided to split because they can't afford to pay the building rent. I guess that does make anyone feel uneasy on his shoes.

Imelda. She's a fine girl. I don't really know her though she is Bonnie's girlfriend. I guess she is still working in a magazine. I've seen her talked mostly to Devi. Those two are anomalies, working outside graphic design. I always admire her elegance, and that is the reason I respect her.

Melissa Elfarini aka Panci. She is my dearest friend -- in a platonic sense. She looked rather mellow for a reason I understand. I knew she tried to hide her unwanted emotions and kept up the mood for me that day. I hope you sort out and resolve your feelings, dear. I'd love to see your smile again.

Anne is my favorite girl. She always makes fun of me as I keep making fun of her. ^^ Old habits sure die hard. She brought a big round straw hat which took everyone's attention that day.

Yola is pregnant. I often forget the fact that she's married for the way she is. She wore a black gothic dress, complete with a black Emily bag, and make-up which complemented her look. Ochie looked nice in a white flowery dress. Yola and Ochie are twins, and it's hard to tell if I only met one of them. They even sound the same.

Vely... is Vely. She also wore a black dress that day. She arrived late after church. She still clings to Panci. I guess it's because she looks up to Panci. Actually, Vely and I have a lot in common.

Susan was the last to arrive. She texted me earlier saying that she had work to do and haven't had any sleep. Typical Susan of course.

Devi seemed distant that day, or maybe she and I aren't that close to begin with. We shared the occasion because she was born the next day I was -- I was on August 18 and she was on August 19.

Those were nine of them. There is one "celebrity" who did not -- or could not -- attend. Grace, you don't need any invitation. We'll flock again whenever you decided to come home. >:3

The cake came out shortly after I paid the bill. The candles looked suspicious. I was right because those were the kind which light on and on after our gasping blows. The cake said "Happy Birthday Jonc & Devi". Devi cut through half of the cake and I cut the rest and passed them all. Two presents appeared after the cake. Devi got a pendant -- I think it was the shape of a cat, I got a DIY action figure of Keroro Gunso. ^^ Thank you guys for the cake and the gift. I got another album on Facebook. We should gather more often.

The fifth will be on this Sunday, September 6. September Splash. I will make another blog entry pertaining to that occasion. I think this is the longest blog I made so far.