38 And Counting

Whoa... the big 3-8 is upon me.

The flurry of activity during birthdays has somehow faded. Back in the day, birthdays were a big deal. I had a day jam-packed with appointments with friends and family and I was determined to keep every single one of them. So, it was a mad rush. After school (my Pre-University days), I'd start off with lunch with all my classmates at a fast-food restaurant. Our usual choice was Pizza Hut at Plaza Singapura cos we could do a little shopping after lunch.

My friends were really sweet. Knowing I was a huge collector of vinyl records (12" remixes), they'd spring for one - and it would usually be a rare remix. I'd make them sign on the record label and believe it or not, I still have them today. Playing those records bring back wonderful memories.

After that 3 - 4 hour session, I'd rush off to either meeting some relatives or have a date. Of course, those dates were far from romantic because firstly, I was not really looking for a girlfriend back then (school, friends and deejaying too up all of my time) and secondly, I hardly think tea and cake at 4:30 pm was romantic. Still I was flattered that anyone would actually ask.

Evenings were reserved strictly for family. My parents worked long hours and so as not to leave them out, I'd have final celebration of the evening at my Dad's company - the very same one I am running today. My Mum would buy a huge birthday cake along with curry puffs, cream puffs, sausage rolls and drinks and we'd invite my Dad's students to come join the celebration. No birthday celebration back then would be complete without my absolute favourite - Dunkin' Donuts. Its a pity they no longer exist in Singapore.

This celebration, of course, a far cry from what it's like now. I woke up bright and early (which is rare for me on a Sunday) and Mrs Premster, Devster and I headed to the temple to pray. We got home and my dear wife catered a lunch fit for a King. My in-laws came by and we all had lunch together. My mother-in-law made her famous traditional dessert - something which is to die for. We then got together to cut my birthday cake - a special blend of dark chocolate and banana cream. I'd have to say that was the best store-bought birthday cake I have ever had in my 38 years of existence.

After that, I was already pooped out. So, I took a nap. I got up and found it was already 7 pm. I decided that I didn't want the day to end just like that so on impulse, I took my lovely bride for a candle-lit dinner at a quiet restaurant. We had lamb chops and ice-cream with brownies for dessert. What I enjoyed the most was that quiet time with her - something which we haven't had for a long time.

Between the two, I'd have to say that I prefer the latter. It felt more meaningful to spend time with my family - "my family".... something I never thought I'd say when I was celebrating my birthday with my classmates at Pizza Hut.

I have to thank my uncle "K" for his call in the morning wishing me good health and good fortune, "JK" for her birthday e-card, "ER", "JC" and my best pal cum bro "W" for the text message greetings. Never thought you guys would remember! "W" promised a "wonderful gift". He shouldn't have troubled himself but I'm excited to see what it is anyway. *wink*

Most of all, I thank God for Mrs Premster, The Devster, Eddie and Casey for being a part of my birthday celebration and my life. I think that is the best gift I could ever have.

And what did my dear wife get me for my birthday? She got me an iPod Touch!

Hope you guys and gals had a fun-filled weekend too!

I'm One!

Hellooo everyone! I'm Dev! I hope you don't mind me borrowing Daddy's bloggie to share my birthday celebration with you!

Did you know I turned one year old last Sunday? I didn't too! I woke up nice and early as usual and when Mummy brought me into the living room, there were colourful buntings on the ceiling that said "Happy Birthday" and a whole bunch of balloons on the table ready to be inflated! I giggled with delight because I knew I was going to have a good day. What surprised me more was that Daddy was up and about too - which is rare on a Sunday because he sleeps in till way past noon. Don't tell him I told you but Daddy LOVES sleeping.

Mummy had bought me some new clothes last Friday and I got to wear those. I looked totally cool. Daddy, Mummy and I headed out and went to the temple. We all prayed and then we left to go to the mall that was near our home. I was excited to hear that we were there to collect my first birthday cake! It was huge! Daddy said it was 2 K G. What does K G mean? Anyway, it had a lot of cream and my favourite character, Spot. Spot is like Eddie, always running everywhere with his ball. I've never tasted cake before so I was really excited!

By the time I got home, I was tired from all the excitement. Mummy and Daddy had a few more errands to run so I decided to stay home to get some rest. By the time I woke up, Daddy and Mummy were back with food and the balloons were all inflated and had streamers hanging from under them! Our home looked so colourful!

Not long after, Grandpa and Grandma came. Grandma showered me with kisses and Grandpa bought me a nice birthday suit. It was a real suit, not the usual definition of "birthday suit". *wink* Mummy helped put it on and I looked really smart - like James Bond Jr!

Here's when I got upset. When it was time to cut the cake, Daddy insisted that he help me cut it and held my hand. But I am already one year old! So, we struggled a little and since Daddy was stronger, I had to bring out the big guns - I started to kick up a fuss! It worked! And when I was about to blow out the candles, Mummy thought I might not be able to do it and she did it on my behalf! No fun! *humph*

Anyway, we all had cake and the adults sat together to have dinner. And after dinner, we all sat around to chat a little. I tried to share my thoughts but despite my intellectual input, all the adults could do was mimic whatever I say and then laugh. *sigh* I'll never understand them.

And the best part of a birthday besides the cake? Presents!! Daddy and Mummy got me a Lego set for little ones like me. So, you can imagine the size of those blocks. I can't wait to grow up so that I can get a regular Lego set like the ones Daddy plays with. Oops... that was supposed to be a secret too. Ssshhh! Uncle W, Daddy's best friend, bought me a push-car which I can drive with a steering that looks like a motorcycle's. Very cool! Way cooler than Daddy's car! Too bad its a single seater, if not I could give Mummy a ride to the market to buy my favourite Sweet Potatoes.

Before long, everyone left and I was really tired. I had a bath, a nice tall warm bottle of milk before turning in. I had loads of fun and am really excited about my next birthday celebration. I'm guessing it's this weekend?

Anyway, here's to my 1st birthday! As the adults always say - Bottoms up! I'm doing it in my picture. See?


I now return you to your regular programming. Over to you, Daddy! *hehehe*

Jazzin' Things Up

I am not a huge fan of record companies teaming up old school crooners with current pop performers. But a couple of weeks ago, I saw Tony Bennett's latest CD featuring himself performing classic tracks with some of today's well-known names and thought "this might actually be good". So, it was a case of great minds thinking alike (or fools seldom differ) when my closest friend in the world bought me this CD as a birthday gift. I was thrilled.

This CD is definitely full of gems performed by the biggerst stars like Michael Buble, John Legend, Diana Krall (*woohoo*), James Taylor, George Michael, Stevie Wonder and Sting. The tracks are not "enhanced" to sound more modern so what you get is still the good ol' feel. I haven't stopped playing it since I got it.

My absolute favourite tracks off this collection are The Very Thought Of You, For Once In My Life, The Good Life, The Best Is Yet To Come, I Left My Heart In San Francisco and my buddy's favourite - If I Ruled The World.

And hearing how much trouble he went through just to find this special CD for me was especially heart-warming. Everyone should have a friend like that.

Thanks for the fantastic gift, W.

All Pooped Out

I was feeling a little blue on my birthday because this the first birthday without my Dad in 37 years. So, to cheer me up, my wife decided on a mini family outing - with our little boy. This is the first time he was actually going out with us and not headed to the doctor's for his monthly medical evaluation and vaccinations. I wasn't sure if it was a good idea, with the baby and all, but I thought a change to our weekend routine might help.

Although we only stayed out for about two hours or so and aside from the fact that both our arms were aching from carrying Junior (we were 'clever' enough not to buy a baby harness or bring his stroller), we actually had a good time. And he was totally well-behaved too! No fussiness or being Mr Cranky Pants. He calmly watched people walking by and enjoyed the colourful things he saw. Our biggest fear was if he needed his diapers changed while we were out. My wife told him "Please don't poo while you're out, ok?" And he obeyed! He didn't till the end of the day!

That's my boy!!

Above : Picture of our little boy slouching in his car-seat tired from his two-hour outing.

I Turn 37

Premster's Birthdate: October 7

You are an island. You don't need anyone else to make you happy. And though you see yourself as a loner, people are drawn to you. Deep and sensitive, you tend to impress others with your insights. You also tend to be psychic - so listen to that inner voice! Your strength: Your self sufficiency Your weakness: You despise authority Your power color: Maroon Your power symbol: Hammer Your power month: July

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Happy Birthday, Casey!

Today, Casey celebrates her 2nd birthday. That makes her 14 years old in dog years.

For her birthday, my wife prepared a special treat for her. Of course, Eddie benefits from such celebrations as well. My wife said they did not take their heads out of their bowls still everything was cleared up

Happy birthday, Casey!!