From this year on, my birthday shall be discreet. My 21st birthday party last year was a huge one. Too huge for my liking maybe. No more big parties, big spread, big planning... until I am 70.

By then, I won't be planning. I will kick back, relax and the young people (my children probably?) will celebrate my turning of 70.

Ok, so for the next 48 years, I will be quietly spending my birthdays. I really don't like the fanfare, the dressing up and the elaborated planning of a 21st party.

So, for a start, on my 22nd (which was just this Sunday), I did just that.

I went for Sunday service after meeting Teresa. After that, spent an afternoon chilling with church girlfriends over TCC cakes and drinks at Novena.. And in the evening, it's dinner with my family at a pretty decent zi char place, with my sis and I footing the bill (:

I thank God that He cheered me up on my birthday when the stressful times are here.

This year, I spent more time on church-related matters as a youth worker. Investing time in the lives of others is satisfying because I felt so appreciated when the little sisters in my church gave me their hand-made birthday cards. The cards were simple.

One particular card was just a white paper folded into half, with just coloured words "Happy Birthday" at the front of the card. But the words inside made me sure of why I am serving as a Teens Mentor. It came with a block of Cadbury chocolate :D Now that's from Jojo (:

Minmin, a dear sister in Christ also gave me a handmade card, with encouraging words, just like her sister, Jojo!

I received two soft toys too. One which is that of Chip/Dale(?), came from 2 of the loveliest little sisters - Alice and Huijuan. I really appreciate it as they braved the rain to buy it. Hugs.

The other came early, on 5 Sep evening. After I came back from my cell group, I saw a huge package sitting on my bed. It was a Forever Friends Graduation teddy bear from De Ren! My favourite bear from Precious Moments... I was like pointing to him how cute and cuddly the bear was a few months ago.

So, he personally delivered it all the way to my house! I was thinking he would get it during my graduation and would get the smaller version but well, he bought the bigger version and it came early. He also made me a cool little book with our pictures and his thoughts inside (:

Another card came from a little sister whom I would not expect. It was a small little card but inside were big blessings of God's word and a slowly-but-surely blossoming relationship.. Thank you Szehui!

Plus, there were many many to sent birthday smses and Facebook wishes on my day. My long-time primary school classmate also called me just to wish me! She remembered all these years. Really appreciate such friendships. Technology, for this once, has served me well!

Oh yes, and not forgetting Little Aimee, Nellis and Priscilla's big birthday hugs as well as Nellis' gift of two Polaroid pictures. Good way to remember how I spent the day.

Let's not forget the generous angbaos from my loving aunties and nainai!

This has been a long post but the more I write, the more blessed I feel.

Turning 22 has been waaaaaay better than turning 21.

So cheers to 48 years of discreet birthdays. No to big parties until I am 70.