I love my father to a fault and everyone knows it.

When I left, it was not because I was unhappy.

There was that thirst for knowledge. The hunger to learn and achieve more than I have. It felt so right - "I am still young, I need to venture, I need to experience more." And there was that small matter of that ego; all because I was h-e-a-d-h-u-n-t-e-d.

But was it a mistake? Because it damn sure feels like the biggest mistake I have ever made.

The grass is definitely not always greener on the other side.

And in my mind, I can see them going, "I told you so."

I am sick of living on thin ice and I am sick of YOU. I am sick of you picking on my brother to get to me. Leave him out of this; you are unhappy with me so leave it between US. Not that you would ever be reasonable or understanding on this issue, anyway.

Is it a wonder, then, why I am hardly around these days?

Word of caution: Don't make me break your spirit.

********************

Okay, enough angst for today.

After a harried day at work and enduring a boss who was suffering from Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (whoever heard of the male species encountering such a thing, anyway; it seems to be all the rage amongst men these days), I figured that some form of retail therapy was in order.

I convinced her to meet me and the sweetheart actually agreed! Tee-hee, little did she know that there was a surprise in store for her.

So we, actually it was only I, started shopping. I finally chose to splurge at Charles and Keith since I already had a $40.00 voucher, which was a birthday gift courtesy of Geetha and Jo. Top up a little over $20.00 and I laid a claim on these:

When I was done splurging, I felt hungry and gleefully dragged unsuspecting Fadzilla to the basement of Tampines Mall for dinner.

Then the surprise came...

I got her a brownie with her name on it - I was told she likes brownies, you see.

And after much gossiping and trying to decide on her dinner, she finally realised that dinner was a birthday treat from me. Hohoho!

Seafood Platter for me and Grilled Salmon for her. Ahhh, the portions were so huge, I felt delightfully bloated afterward. After dinner, I opened Aimee's gift to me, received today during my much-belated lunchtime:

Black pumps! Something I'd always fantasised having but never had the guts to buy, so thank you babe! We shall meet in mid-February, yes? I cannot wait to try these out.

So, on a parting note, thank you muchness, Fadzilla, for accommodating to my every whim and, of course, the nice night out. Now, I hope that my surprise was truly a surprise and that you enjoyed the night as much as (if not, more than) I did.

Once again, here's wishing you an advanced 24th Birthday!

PS: I think I shall refrain from picture blogging in future. It is tiring, you know? So I salute everyone who does photo-blogging ever-so frequently.

Matchmaking attempt gone wrong. Simple reason being that both parties were related, so one did not turn up. What a riot! I think I should stick to planning parties, agreed?

So aside from the failed matchmaking attempt, dinner was good. Arnold's Fried Chicken. Making plans for the next meeting. A ride to Kembangan MRT Station. Home.

Sigh.

Despite the hectic, urbanised lifestyle I have fallen back on, I am itching to plan an event. Something, anything. Anyone wants to task me with this?

And the long, relaxing weekend gave way to an insanely busy day which saw me skipping lunch without realising it (until, of course, The Stomach was rumbling loud enough for me to HEAR). I need a break again.

Now, what was that about a long and relaxing weekend?