Turning 48

The wonderful Leica cake which Anita organised

I felt blessed this weekend. Those kind thoughts and soothing thoughts, from friends and family, really warmed my heart. The morning was greeted with the now customary cake and coffee from my clinic helpers Ida and Sheila, as soon as I reached my clinic. The messages on the phone and Facebook then started to flood in, including the email from LHDN wishing me birthday as well ... now, that is meaningful!

Then came lunchtime. A call from my ward - followed by cake and a sing-a-long. But the biggest surprise was at the Day Care. One of my dear patient - who is, unfortunately, inpatient at the moment - organised a feast for us there. Oh, my God! It was a great meal, plus the cake ...

Lovely dinner at Favola

There was satay, lamb chops, salmon ... and bread and butter puddings. I then took some of the desserts to the patient’s room for her to enjoy. And to say thanks.

I walked with a smile for the rest of the day ... greeting friends on the phone and along the corridors. That evening, the four of us went out for a quiet dinner at Le Meridien as Anita had always wanted the lamb there. A nice meal topped up with a 45% discount! She just can’t do no wrong! Idlan had the best risotto he had ever had, prepared by a chef from Milan. It was amazing!

That was Friday. Saturday started with a busy ward round and a long clinic. I rushed back to the apartment as soon as I could as Anita had prepared lunch for her Dad, who I shared the same birthday with, and me. More cakes!

The cake I shared with my father-in-law

But the best cake of all came later that evening when my Mum and Sister came along for dinner. Anita arranged for a lovely cake, topped with a sponge Leica M-series Rangefinder! Incredible! Until Idlan nibbled away on the camera ... And the great time rolled along until Sunday lunch when we went across to Gombak to join my Mum and Sister for lunch. One of my Uncle from Penang came for a visit as well. And nothing beats my Mum’s cooking!

I drafted this entry right after lunch on a full stomach at my Sister’s place. It has been an incredible few days. I felt blessed and thankful. Turning 48 also meant turning a leaf on my life journey, as I see them in groups of 16 years. I am certainly entering the fourth phase of my journey. And I plan to retire at 64, in 16 years! Thank you again for all the wishes and kind thoughts. Something to cherish and treasure ...