September Splash

I woke up with a smile on September 6. It was the day we, The Jadoelers, looked forward to. My fifth 27th birthday celebration, September Splash. Five birthday celebrations within the year. Wow. I guess I sure have much to give thanks to. It's a personal record!

There I was, digging through my closet, trying to find my swimming trunks. I almost turned it inside out when I realized that I already got what I was looking for. Silly me. I packed my swimming gear in my "special bag". The only reason it's special is because I always use the bag when I go swimming and, to me, swimming is a special occasion.

Late morning bath and breakfast, personal grooming, Playfish games, and an episode of Star Trek TNG before Velin and the others arrived around 2. I waited Chandra to return from my bathroom before I squeezed myself in her car. The car was packed, and I wondered what were those things she threw in her backseat.

My group -- Me, Chan, Erline, Velin, Amel, Lenong, and Fenny -- was the last to arrive. Obbie, Cyn, Lenset, Hermon, and Nancy had gone and arrived first. Jadoelers wore the same t-shirt we bought for our recent trip to Puncak -- except Hermon & Nancy. It says "I LOVE VACATION DAY". It suits each of us. Fenny was given Morgan's t-shirt since he was unavailable. Lenset asked me to buy the tickets while the others chat and shared a bowl of kolak. I owe her for using her credit cards.

We started taking pictures on our way in. A guide led us to our gazebo where we stashed our belongings. We started to change to our swimming gears despite the bright weather. Thanks to the sunblocks, I believe no one had any sunburn on their skin.

I really had a good time that day. There's a Facebook album for September Splash to remember our crazy times. Erline's foot went to Velins face. Though I did not see it for myself, but that was the second time she had it. Ha ha ha. The first honor belonged to Robert. ^^ Then there was a moment where Velin had a difficult time sliding down. Her belly made skidding sounds as she moved inch by inch. Ha ha ha. I don't remember all the details, but Amel has a good memory and wrote our experience in her blog.

We rinsed before dark and on our way to Pizza Hut for dinner. We ordered a lot of menu and stormed the food. The dinner only lasted for about half an hour. When Amel stepped out of her chair, my gut told me that something was bound to happen. Then a few waiters came in with a cake, and they all started singing Happy Birthday. ^^

The cake was so cute and special. It was custom made to suit my nickname, Babi. OK, it was a pig cake, but it was so cute and personal, I loved it. And there were 11 small pigs, each of them has a friend's name. Unfortunately, the baker did not get Nancy's name right. But it was OK, because we had our fun and laughter together.

After a few pictures taken -- each of us with our pigs -- Velin took out the presents and handed them over to me. It was then when I realized what was on the backseat of Velin's car. A birthday cake and presents for me.^^ I opened the big one first. I couldn't believe it was a pair of shoes. ^^ I tried one of them and it fits. They told me to wear them on our future gatherings, but I don't believe I can comply. They were so white, brand new, and I hate to see them dirty. The small one wrapped up with a collar, so I crossed my fingers and hoped that it was not an underwear. >.< It turned out to be a photo with a frame. It's a photo with a 3 x 3 boxes, with me in the middle and Jadoelers -- minus Erline and Fenny -- in the boxes around it. It wishes me happy birthday by Jadoelers '09 written at the bottom. Hermon did a fine job designing the picture. It's beautiful and funny at the same time. I have it on my office desk to remember them.

September Splash was a blast. I really enjoyed that whole day. Thank you Jadoelers for everything. You guys are one of the best things in my life.