Darren's 17th Bday!

Met Lestari and her fellow Raffles Players at Tampines Mrt. Felt a strange sense of relief to see them; msut be cus of the ill-timed 1 hour ++ journey and then the 30 minutes wait -_-. Spoke to some of the Raffles Players, namely Genevive, while waiting for bus 292. It seems like they're a really bonded and fun-loving lot. Wish that fencing could be like that too, but I think its hard with the segregation due to the different weapons groups. We reached the house, tucked away our shoes to a hidden corner (so that he wouldn't see them and suspect that something was amiss), then sequestered ourselves in the second floor bedroom, where we armed ourselves with party poppers and signed our names on the banner several of them had made for him. We blew up some heart-shaped balloons too. Reuben burst his and decided to make a racket with his burst balloon.


When it was our cue (just like RP haha!), we descended the flight of stairs in a procession of sorts, with Kalpie carrying the cake. Darren was so stunned; if only I had a picture of his priceless expression to put up here :P. After getting over his initial shock, we gave him our presents in alphabetical order. Next, we attacked the sumptuous spread his aunt had prepared: Pineapple and cheesecake, shepard's pie and tuna and cheese sandwiches (Yum, Yum!). It really brought out the glutton in me; I took 2 to 3 helpings of each dish :P. Following that, I did some random photo-taking (or is it photo-whoring) sessions, with me, Lestari, Genevive and Noddy in (ahem!) compromising positions =). Will post some when I get hold of the pictures. Darren opened up his pressies and took lotsa photos. I thought the one with him in the Indian costume and clogs was especially funny :). Here's a list of the pressies: an LOTR Figure, 2 movie posters, a VCD, a poem, a pair of clogs, an Indian costume, a box of sweets, a waterbottle and best of all, I should think, the warmth and camaradarie that close friends give.

Darren is so lucky to have such caring family members and thoughtful friends like Kalpie. I think its wonderful planning surprise parties for people; the tangible expression of delight and surprise unfurling across their faces is such a sight to behold =). Oh, apologies to Darren's aunt for messing up her house with all the party popper remains (I released one next to Reuben's ear) and other fallen food pieces. Had several more group shots and buddy shots taken with some Raffles Players before returning back home via MRT.


PS. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARREN! THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH A GOOD FRIEND AND NICE (*I know this word is kinda overused but nvm=P*) SABRE CAPTAIN! ROCK ON AND STAY FUNKY ALWAYS! MAY ALL YOUR WISHES COME TRUE!