Thank God.

It’s what we normally say when we avert some crisis, major or not, or encounter something that relieves us of worry, burden..  mostly any negative emotion. When we manage to brake just in the nick of time so as to not crash into the bus or truck in front of us, we go “Thank God”. We say it so often that it’s second nature. Most of the time, we don’t even realize we’ve said it!

But that’s the way December often makes me feel – like thanking God. There are a million things I want to thank God for each year, and this year is no different.

1. Thank You for a safe trip through Europe. 4 weeks in Europe was almost a dream and everything that could go wrong did not go wrong. We managed to get insanely affordable roundtrip tickets with Emirates (RM3300!) right before the worldwide price hike thanks to the skyrocketing price of crude oil.

You blessed us with near-perfect weather (considering that before heading to London, Krakow, Vienna and Paris, it thunderstormed for a few days but the weather was clear when we arrived).

We were blessed with good company which made the trip a gazillion times more fun that it would have been. After all, it’s the company that truly matters.

Rachel, Whoi, Lyn, May and I in Paris on the way to Avenue des Champs-Elysees

one of our first jumping scenes in Camden, London

The insanity that was Rachel Law and Tan Chiew Whoi

Us being silly at the Cliffs of Moher

Camwhoring in our apartment in Prague

Up to our usual nonsense in our rented apartment in Prague over a scrumptious dinner

Also, despite May and I being so sure that at least one person will be pickpocketed during our trip or lose stuff, no one did in spite of some close shaves. Regardless of Ms. Saw leaving her bag on the tram in Vienna and her camcorder in the restaurant we lunched at in Paris, You led two good samaritans to us in the form of another tram rider and a waiter who returned her belongings to her. You also blessed us on terms of accomodation, obtaining affordable and safe places (with the exception of Elizatbethhouse in Vienna I still think) to shelter us. All in all, like I said, everything that could go wrong, managed to not go wrong and as such, thank You.

Vienna

a kind passerby took this amazing picture of us at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland

2. I’d also like to thank You for bringing the Chungs/Chins/Mahs together in 2008. Prior to 2008, my maternal family has not seen a reunion like this in slightly more than 8 years. We even managed to take a family photo this time. Thank You for blessing my family living overseas for safe journeys home from Perth and Cleveland respectively and most of all, thank You for giving my grandmother this opportunity to see all her children and grandchildren in one place. Thank You for giving my poh poh a long and healthy life, to be able to witness the birth of all 7 and in a few months, 8 of her grandchildren and enjoy their company.

3. Aside from the reunion of my immediate family, during my trip to London You gave me the opportunity to meet up with family members whom I have not seen in a long time. Auntie Olivia and Uncle Eng Itt were so kind as to introduce us a guide us around London on our first day there, in addition to putting me up for 3-4 days.

Uncle Eng Itt and his friend having a pint in the outskirts of London

The Antills – I tend to see them during every Olympics season. Thank You for giving me the opportunity to meet up with them again and spend time with them after four long years of not seeing them. You’ve blessed their family and with your guidance, Pheng KP and Uncle David have helped Cammie so much that he’s growing into a fine boy.

The Antills - Uncle David, Amelia, Cameron and Pheng KP

In 2008, I also reconnected with family members from down South that I see only on special occasions – family members who have been, in recent years, disconnected from those back home in Penang in the form of How Leng KP and Uncle Jason, Auntie Jasmin and Erik and Mei Choo Ee Ee.

Janda Baik

4. I also want to thank You, Lord, for Rock Up! 2008. Almost everything that could go wrong, did go wrong and yet, it was a success by our standards. We surpassed our targetted amount, we had a relatively successful event and wonderful support from celebrities and sponsors alike. All in all, Rock Up! was a nightmare and a dream and we were blessed to be able to work with such kind and giving individuals who donated not only their money but their time in order to make the event the success it was.

with May and Choy, our emcees for the latter part of the event

Amir and I with Chelsia Ng and Alvin Wong, two of the many celebrities who lent us their time and energy to help make Rock Up! a success

5. Thank You, Lord, for giving my college-mates and I our one chance to go on a trip together. Langkawi was spectacular despite the rain and the gloom thanks to the wonderful company we had in the form of Jacks, Izzy, Sheanny, Kok Wui the Crazy, Elvi and Adrian, Elvi’s buddy living in Langkawi. We had such a good deal in terms of the airticket, the hotel and the car rental that the doom and gloom that was the weather did not dampen our spirits.

Gloomy Langkawi weather

6. Most of all, thank You for giving me a spectacular year. Despite being so crazily busy, You still gave me the chance to reconnect and let loose with some great friends. In 2008, I made good friends and rediscovered the joy of old friendships. You gave me moments that I will hold dear for a long time to come. By the time 2008 ended, I realized that I learned a little more about myself, my capabilities, my flaws and my strengths. In 2008, You stretched me to the limit and with Your hand guiding me, I prevailed. Though I strayed off the path You carved for me on a few occasions, I thankfully made it back before straying too far. All in all, thank You, Lord, for giving me a fantastic year.

Jack's farewell drinking session in TTDI Plaza

Chuan Wei, Jason, June and I after a delicious Christmas dinner at Jason's

girlwhohitonNads, Nads, Jeff and I partying during Halloween

Post-Prom party at Ivy's - May, Sim, Ivy and I.

Rockstar Party at the Factory - KhaiLee, Yuri, Sam, Nads, Julianne, Effa and I

2008 was a great year and I’m sure that 2009 will be too.

Thank You, Lord for a wonderful 2008.

Love,
Your daughter.

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