Tempest7: Blogger

2007 Birthday

Nothing like a birthday to make you reflect on life. For my birthday this year I was really lucky to have someone plan out a dinner for me. I don't like planning my own birthday dinners. I don't mind planning out events, but I always feel like I'm constantly working when I plan something. I feel responsible, so I have to monitor progress and develop contingency plans in my mind to ensure a smooth running event. Seems bothersome but the happiness of those involved with my plan are paramount. That's why when someone else plans an event I can just relax, so I had quite the relaxing birthday this year.

First off is a special thanks to Sandra for planning and co-ordinating the events that night. She did a bunch of planning before she left on her trip and made sure everything ran smoothly. I felt like a king that night all thanks to her and of course all my other friends.

At work I had quite the surprise. The mother of one of my students found out about my birthday during my lesson and went out and bought a cake for me. My first birthday cake was with my students. They were adorable, forcing me to eat as much cake as I can. Of course they really enjoyed their share of cakes. During the actual lesson as soon as my students found out it was my birthday they started taking out their own snacks and offering it to me as gifts. They drive my crazy sometimes but this really touched me.

After work I ran into my University friend Brian on the MTR. I haven't seen him since Raymond's birthday party. I invited him to go and we headed over to Miramar Shopping Centre to meet up with Ayaちゃん and Tiffany. We then headed over to Wildfire in TST. Sandra was already there with a few others. What surprised me was that she was on a first name basis with "Karen" our waitress. The people present at my birthday were Sandra, Jamie, Tiffany, Kazue, Gloria, Priscilla, Hiroko, Divya, and Brian. Angie made a brief guest appearance to wish my happy birthday and Diana showed up a bit later for pictures and cake. I'm glad everyone made it out to support me as I age one more year. The gifts were great and also the cake at Wildfire was amazing. Totally unexpected, I highly recommend you find the chef at Wildfire to make the cake for your next event.

Several interesting things came out that night. The group of friends is really mixed from all parts of the world and a mixture of languages. It turns out that Divya went to school with Alvin and technically Tiffany and Priscilla at one point (or possibly they just happened to go to the same school). Divya noticed the similarities between Alvin and his sister. When we met up by Timesquare previously I pointed out Alvin's picture but she didn't recognize him then.

To add to this, Hiroko and Kazue turned out to be pretty much neighbours in Japan. They're both from Osaka and I introduced them to each other in Hong Kong. I believe they also have a mutual friend.

Of course it doesn't stop here. One of Kazue's students at school is the child of one of Aya's volleyball teammate.

We also play tennis with the parents of one of Priscilla's students. What small social circles I have.

I had lunch the next day with Flora since she's back in Hong Kong. It's her birthday coming up next week. Lots of March birthdays this year for me. It was never like this in the past. Thanks to everyone who came out to see me and those who remembered my birthday. I don't advertise my birthday, usually if people feel that I'm important enough they'll remember.

Labels: Birthdays, Friends, Hong Kong

posted by Tempest7 @ 11:21