Warning: Potentially the longest blog post in the entire world…

Hello!

Thank you to everyone who came to my 21st Bday Bfast! I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you individually. Even if I’ve only known you for a short time, or even if I don’t even know you that well, I really want to thank you for being a part of my life. You’ve all helped make my 21 years really special… Thank you!!

Also note, I haven’t finished thanking everyone yet – will endeavour to finish this by the end of today

Lisa Hong
Lisa Hong you are like a rare treasure. So hard to find, so beyond measure in value, and beautiful beyond words can say. You’re matchless (a part from Jesus) in your loyalty and love that you show your friends and even strangers. I know that God looks at you and smiles. Your life is exemplary to everyone who’s blessed enough to know you. I love you heaps and I’m so happy that I have you in my life. Thank you for always, always being there for me.

Linna Hong
Linna Hong, you’re amazing. You are joyous, empathetic, a leader, faithful, generous, head-strong, independent. You’re adventurous, you’re a party animal (I know about cloudland!!), you’re filled with such a bright spirit that is so infectious. You really live life to the full and I love that about you. Thank you for always making me feel loved. Can’t wait til our next hug!! .. and by the way – you really blessed me today with your cheerleading! I was so touched when you said that I take joy in other people’s successes. Thank you for your encouragement to me Linna!

Tina Wong
Tina Wong, you are definitely a world-changer. You don’t waste time dreaming about what you could do to build God’s kingdom, but you go and live the dream. You never cease to inspire me. You are a woman of influence Tina. Keep doing what you’re doing, I’m supporting you all the way ☺Thank you for always, always, always making me laugh. You make me so happy

Lucy Wong
Lucy Wong, you are my favourite Homie G. I am so blessed by you – even though I don’t get to talk to you or see you that much nowadays, you always take the time to see how I am. Thank you for lending me your ears. Thank you for your advice that always encourages me and re-ignites my hope. You never fail to make me laugh. I love our jokes that no one else gets. Ur one of a kind to me luce, love you.

Christine Pan
Cypan, update-buddy! What can I say? What would I do without you? My day seems incomplete without you! Thank you for your honesty, thank you for understanding me, thank you for listening to all my nonsense, thank you for keeping me in check. My ideal day is spent with you, chillaxing, watching a drama, talking about Pink Ranger, talking 2pm at 2am . You make each day brighter for me. You’re my sun ^^ I love you heaps. I praise Jesus for our friendship.

Christianne Tham
SSB#2!! You make my dreams reality!! I can’t get over how genius you are. You knew exactly what I was visualising in my head for my birthday and you made it happen! You are so gifted in multimedia, seriously, you are pro!! Thank you for being my favourite SSB#2 – I love hanging out with you – there’s something about you that makes me relax. I love how down to earth you are. You are the coolest, christiman ☺

Rosie Koh
My one and only Meshach. Mrs Jaebeom, Thank you for being my 2nd older sister (noona!). You are like family to me Rosie (make yourself at home!). You are like family to so many actually – you’re like home away from home for so many people. You have a warmth about you and genuine heart that makes people want to open up to you because they know you really care. Rosie you’re one of a kind. Love you heaps, ONLY YOUUU!

Mary Park
Little Nepperz, my paradise. Mary, even though I don’t get to see or talk to you as often as I would like, whenever I see you, it’s such a joy – You are really a breath of fresh are for me. It’s so effortless being friends with you. Thank you for always being here for me and “staying up” with me before my exam (LIES! Haha). I love you more than words can say!! Let’s rock, let’s rock, today… Saranghaeyo ^^

Kasey Toh
Mrs Toh! “Ya like, ya like??” – you always make me smile Kase. I love how child-like you can be (eg. “1-mississipi, 2-mississipi…”) but I love how you are also really mature and motherly (eg. how you always give me great advice!). It’s been a joy getting to know you more and more – Leon is the luckiest guy in the world. Thanks so much for the pastries too – you made my day. Love ya kase!

Leon Toh
Mr Toh! Thanks for always making me crack up – your emails are hilarious. You know I remember awhile ago in my 18th birthday encouragement notes book you wrote “… I heard you’re doing accounting or something totally unlike you in uni” – Haha I’ll always remember that cos it’s actually so true… that was just a random thought haha. Anyways, thank you for being you Leon – your easy-going personality makes everyone at ease. ! You’re still the best-life-group-leader-ever!

Vicki Trieu
Bus buddy! Vick vick! I really enjoy hanging out with you because I feel so comfortable to be myself around you. Even silences around you aren’t awkward anymore. Thanks for hanging out with me every Friday during uni – you know, initially I was sad to not be allowed to sing at church on Fridays, but in the end I was able to bus it with you and get to know you more – blessing in disguise! Love you heaps Vicky and I’m glad I get to see you more often!! Til the next bus trip…

Mei Goh
HORSE!!! You know I love you. Thank you for all the bear-horse times we’ve had. I always feel at ease talking to you about anything and everything. Thank you for sharing your struggles with me and thank you for being a great example to me. Your persistence in life is something I will always admire. You mean the world to me horse! You are forever the face of the future!

Melissa Toh
Meh-ru, totochanlolo, Mrs Yamapi ☺ Hearing you speak about the church and jesus and your holy discontent is something I love listening to. Your words speak such conviction into my life and it frustrates all complacency in my heart. I’m so glad that I have gotten to know you more in 2009 (and even more in the future!) My fondest memories are with you in Japan! Can’t wait to travel with you again one day!

Wynnie Cheong
Wyn wyn! My fondest memory of you is when you were so supportive and enthusiastic about helping me out in that create-a-background competition on twitter. Another memory of you that I’ve been so touched by is that time outside Border when you helped that Blind man – seriously was so touched by your kindness and put to shame by my ignorance. I’ve learnt so much from you Wynnie – you have so much wisdom. Keep sharing your life because I know it will impact many. Love you!

Karyn Tran
Mrs Khun!! I’m so glad to have gotten to know you more through coming to UQ lifegroup. You are a true gem – one that shines behind the scenes. You’re so thoughtful, you never leave people out, you have the best sense of humour, you have such cool fashion sense. The more I know you, the more I find out what and awesome person you are Karyn. Ur Khun-tastic! ☺

Ashley Lim
ASHER! Soul sistah, whaddup butter cup? Nothing much sugar pup! Thank you for always making me laugh! You are someone I feel so comfortable around – I feel like I can say anything to you because you already know me well – even if I think my joke might be lame, I’ll say it to you anyways because I know you will just let it slide even if it fails… thank u! hahaha So glad I have you as my friend ☺ Asher, I will always be supporting you what ever you do. You are bursting with hidden treasures and talents – I have so much confidence in you because I know you have so much potential. I can’t wait to see that potential being put to use. You will go far when you put your heart into what you do. FIGHTING!

Jay Suede

Hey Jay, baby. Hahaha Too far? Sorry, Lisa Hong! Suss emails are the best! Anyways, in all seriousness, thank you for being like an older brother to me. There has never been a time where I haven’t laughed when you’re there. You are one of the funniest people I know. Thank you for the life example you are to me. I’m always encouraged by your testimonies. Thank you for all the meals you’ve bought me (the poor student), I will definitely repay you one day, maybe a private jet? Or an Aston Martin? You will be repaid in full. Thanks jay, you’re the best.

Fung Niamkongkit
I just watched you run like a girl up the stairs in ABS, you tripped! Anyways, YOU DA MAN FUNGERS! You’re so adventurous and you’re always ready to do new and fun things – it’s so great having a friend like you to organise all this stuff! Fung, it’s been a real blessing watching you grow in leadership over the past year. Also, you’re going to make the coolest architect ever!!! You are awesome

Sophanny Tea
Soppy! You continuously surprise me – I will never forget this: Li: “Hey sop could you write this for me?” – sop: “sure, what font would you like…?” – Your hospitality and thoughtfulness always blesses me Sop. You are so good at food-stuff – I’m always impressed by your creativity and geniusness! You’re awesome because we both share a love of Breakfast AND handbags Hope to get to know you more in the future Sop! You’re a blessing to so many.

Sean Toh
Sean! Original Dream Team! AND not champs, but super members! Thanks for always supporting me in my singing with your matchless g-tar playing. You’ve always helped me out when I ask you (often last minute) ☺ Thanks for always making me laugh. Most of the time I know I shouldn’t laugh, but I can’t help it, your pay outs are good! On a positive note, I really enjoy your discussion leading. You lead in a really down-to-earth way which makes me effortlessly listen to you. I’m always encouraged by your dedication and faithfulness in serving the church. Keep encouraging me! You’re a cool guy sean!

Lisa Toh
Lis!! Even though I don’t get to hang out with you often, I’m always really touched by your life. You’re like the mother hen in Ablaze ☺ I also really love your style! Thank you for your genuine care and kindness. You have such a soft heart for people and I’m really encouraged by you because of this. By the way, I like your thumbs! They’re like Mae maes ☺

Torchie KL
Sawadeeka Mr Thailand! Thank you for translating for me free of charge! I feel our friendship has progressed well thanks to Nichkhun (pronounced Nich-a-khun)!! Anyways, Torchie, thank you for influencing my life. From the words that you’ve shared, from your leadership, many lives have been touched both directly and indirectly. I hope to live my life following after your example – in obedience to Jesus and whole-heartedly for Jesus. You’re awesome Torch ☺

Chris Bee
Chello! Chris Brown! Chrisanthemum! Even though I don’t get to hang with you that much, I’m always blessed by your heart that is sold-out to serve God and God’s people. Thank you for always encouraging me in my singing and things. I enjoy having a giggle with you as we talk about very mature things like the ULTIMATE PUNCH! And, the outback spectacular… this will be the death of me. You’re super cool Chris!!

…By the way, SUCKS that you couldn’t make it! Hope you’re on the road to recovery? Anyways, thank you so much for getting my new baby… guitar! Do you realise you will be kinda responsible for some seriously awesome tunes in the future? Best investment ever!

Wesley Woo
Wesley! You’re the best at talking… I mean this in a good way (most of the time ) – I really admire the way you’re able to talk to everyone – from the youngest to the oldest – For me, I get pretty nervous around older people but you’re at ease and you get along with such a diverse array of people. It’s awesome! Thanks for being Wesley woo!!!

Tim Pan
Tim Pan! Trusty PA guy – Don’t know what we’d do without someone like you. Seriously, genius man! You have some major skills hey! Tim, I have to admit, at the end of the day, you’re a pretty funny guy! Thank you for always amusing and entertaining me by… being you! Oh and by the way, you have the coolest sister alive

Mark Westall
MD! Thank you for hookin me up with all the quality comedy goods you find. I have laughed lots because of you (and Dwight and JD and Turk and Michael and Rod (who likes to party)). MD, you’re one of the most reliable people I know – you’re super focused and you get the job done – it’s awesome! Also, thank you for always challenging my life. Your convictions are so strong – it’s really infectious. Hasn’t hit me yet, but will definitely miss having you round at QUT!!!

Brad Tavener
B-rad! Thanks for your friendship – it’s really great that you’re in QUT. I’m always blessed by our chit chats and I really love how you’re so open and honest about your life and struggles. I’m always encouraged by you and I’m always inspired by you especially your study and work ethic. So dedicated and persistent! Here’s to an even bigger and better 2010. Thanks for everything brad!

Hun Chng
Hey Hun! You know, you’re one of the nicest guys I know! You’re so easy to talk to! Another thing that’s really cool about you is that you really take initiative in everything you do – you got yourself a good job and you enjoy exploring around unknown places. I remember Yeelin told me once that you went to DFO all by yourself when you only just got to Brisbane. Genius! Anyways, it’s been great getting to know you more over the time you’ve been here. All the best for 2010!

Yeelin Chng
Hi Yeelin! I’m so glad that you’re in my lifegroup and that I’ve been able to get to know you a little during the few years you’ve been here. I can’t get over how far you’ve come – I’ve noticed that you’ve become more out-going lately! It’s cool! Thank you for your genuine friendship. I will always cherish all the life-chats we’ve had. You mean a lot to me Yeelin and I can’t wait to get to know you more in 2010!

Bowel man/Magneto
Thank you for being a friend and not a stranger! Thanks for putting up with my lame jokes, my slowness, my fails and bad spelling. You’re really the coolest and nicest person I know. Thank you for trusting me! It’s been a blessing getting to know you. It’s something that I’ll never get over & I’ll be forever thankful for! Thank you for making each day really exciting for me! Thank you for your amazing music taste – can’t get over how you know so much good music that I’ve never even heard of. Anyways, thank you sincerely for everything. See ya on the subway!

Ricky Tran
You’re the man, because man rhymes with Ricky Tran. Thanks for being one hilarious man. I always love getting random emails from you that always make me chuckle til my belly hurts. Wish I could get to know you more Ricky! I hear you’re a wise man ! Keep workin’ those magic eye-brows of yours!!

Justin Chan
JC!!! You are really really cool – I love hanging out with you because there’s no effort required to have a good time with you! I really admire your leadership JC – you are someone worth following! So great to have someone like you for all the high schoolers to look up to. Thanks for all the fun & laughter you bring to my life! Thanks for your spontaneity too! You rule!

Aaron Chan
Hey Aaron! I don’t really get to talk to u or hang out with you much but you’re a super cool guy! I remember ages ago when you were younger you used to be super shy! But you’ve grown up so much. I also remember an msn convo I had with you once on msn on justin’s account – I remember it being really funny.. hahaha fail! Totally need to get to know you more! Anyways have a great 2010! All the best with yr 12!!!! I heard ur a smarty, i’m sure u’ll ace it!

Tiffany Wong
Tiff! Back-seat buddy! I am so glad that Mae and I got to know you more through taking you home – if we didn’t, who knows, I may not have been able to get to know you that well What a tragedy that would be cos you’re an awesome girl!! You’re so sweet and you’re really down to earth. I enjoy our brief chats! Thanks for coming to the vending machine with me that time – you eventually got my hint Haha! Hope to get to know you more in the future! All the best for 2010 Yr 12 too! Praying for you!

Daniel Le
Dan!! Thanks for taking me and Mel to the airport – without you the trip wouldn’t have happened (…kinda) – anyways, I’m glad I’ve gotten to know you little by little over the time you converted to an Ablazian (you made the right move) haha You’re a super cool guy with an awesome sense of humour! Looking forward to getting to know u more in the years to come!!

Trung Tang
Trungers – you’re an awesome servant of God – you always serve faithfully and I admire that about you. You have a really good heart to want to improve yourself all the time. You always want to learn from your mistakes and better yourself – it always encourages me. Thank you for being awesome!! May God bless you in 2010

David Dailey
Dave! So glad you could make it to the party! Miss seeing you around more often.. things seem dull without you! Haha Thanks for filling my life with vibrancy and laughter. You have so many gifts and talents, I pray that you’ll continue to use them for Jesus. Take care of yourself Dave! Will be supporting you all the way!

Fatima Lay
Fatima, the one thing I always hear about you is that you’ve come so far. All the stories I hear about you blesses me so much. Your willingness and desire to serve really blesses my heart all the time. You are a true leader – soft hearted, willing, with God as number 1. Thanks for coming to my party! I hope 2010 is great for you!!

Bec Lay
Bec bec! Thanks for lighting up my day with your warm “Hi Li!!”s I really really admire your heart for God. Every testimony I hear about you wanting to bring Jesus into your school really stirs my heart. Thank you for using your school days to the full – I know that Jesus would look down at you and smile widely. Love you bec!!

Amy Law
Ayms! You know you really blessed me on my birthday – you were really excited when you saw me and wished me happy birthday – I was really touched! Especially when I warned you about my sweaty back but you didn’t care – TRUE FRIEND! Amy it’s so uplifting talking to you. You’re so caring and genuine and I really love that about you. Hope to get to know you more and more in the future! You’re a star!!

Anne Woo
Anne!! I didnt get to talk to you at my party! Anyways hope you had a good time! You know, I don’t get to see you that often, but when I do, you’re always so easy-going and it super easy to chillax around you. I love that about you! Thank u for coming to my party! I pray that 2010 will be amazing for you, just like you’re amazing to me

Natasha Rozells
Tashten, it’s a pleasure being under your leadership – today even at lifegroup, you reminded me of what true leadership is like. I really love your heart to serve and your willingness to get in there and get your hands dirty. Thank you for your enthusiasm and your good-sport attitude. It’s really great. Love you to bits tashten! Can’t wait to see what God has in store for you this year!

Matt Edgely
Hey Matt! Glad you could make it to the party! Thanks for always serving with a smile Your willing spirit and your positive attitude always makes the day brighter. Can’t wait to see where God takes you this year! Looking forward to getting to know you more in the future!

Lorene Ling
Hey Lorene! You made my day… you came with the best looking hair (i’m glad tash made you do it ) and you got into the dress-theme. So proud! Thanks for being Lorene. My mum’s a big fan of you – she thinks you’re really helpful and focused haha. Hope to get to know you more in the future Lorene! I know God’s taking you places and I can’t wait to see how far you’ll go!

Paulie Ng
Hey backup buddy! You’re super cool – you’re one of the most easy-going and genuine people I know, seriously. You can talk to anyone and you’re such a great sport. That’s what I love about you! You got some smooth dance moves too Paul!! Thank you for teaching me diligence and persistence! You taught me a lot especially when you were at QUT I’ll never forget those days! All the best for OT too – you’re a smart guy Paul, I know this is just the beginning for you!

Liz Barredo
Hey Liz!! So glad you could make it to the party! Even though I hardly get to chit chat to you, it’s always so refreshing to see your face. I still remember that you were one of the first people I talked to when I came to Hope Church – if it wasn’t for your warm heart and your hospitality, I may not be here today, seriously. Keep living for Jesus, even in the seemingly insignificant things. You never know what God has up his sleeves. You’re awesome :

Joyce Ong & Jonathan Rhode-Bramanis
Hi JJ I’m really glad that you both could come to my birthday party. I was super happy that you guys got into the theme as well! Loved ur kimono-ish robe, Joyce! Looking forward to your wedding day! You guys are a great looking couple! I wish you both all the happiness in the world. God bless!!!

Liz Forrest
Livin’ it up Liz. Dearest, dearest Liz – when I think of you, my mind is filled with so many fond memories that it’s not even funny… it’s HILARIOUS! Seriously, the best of my high school days were spent with you – so many good times, so many personal jokes, so many unforgettable moments! I’m so glad you could make it to my birthday party – even though I don’t get to see you as often nowadays, you really mean A LOT to me. I’m always here for you Liz. Until our next ya-ya witch dance… LOVE U

Alice Husband
Alis! You are one of the loveliest girls (woman?) I know! You’re so smart and beautiful and cool. Every time I catch up with you I’m so encouraged at how far you’ve come – you’re so independent now! You’ve always been such a head-strong person Alice and I really love that about you. You know what you believe and you always stand by that. You’re always ready to stick up for others. I’m so blessed to know someone like you. Thank you for making my 21 years really awesome

Jennifer Chen
Nei nei! You are a true friend to me. No matter how long we haven’t seen each other, when I see you it’s like we never left each other.. and like we never aged – we’re both still at the same maturity level… to the ends of de errt Thank you for being you – seriously, there’s no one quite like you Jen. I’ll always be here for you – remember that!! I will make sure our friendship is life long. You better be up for it! My kids, your kids and… CRANIUM!!!! Muahahaha

Amon
Hi Jen’s man! Thank you for being so good to Jen. Thank you for coming to my party! You know, even from the first time I met you, I knew you were really good for Jen. Jen is really special, you should cherish her – she’s one of a kind. All the best for everything in 2010! Have fun in Thailand too!

Jacinta Inwood
Jay! I really miss seeing you everyday. I miss being able to pop over to your house because I was practically family even though lots of time has past, you’re still really important to me! You made my high school days really special – I can remember the endless fun we had – just chilling out, enjoying each others company, laughing about really stupid things. You are “orquid”… I really hope to see you more often this year. I hope my 21st was the end of our code of silence haha Love you heaps jay – your friendship means the world to me!

Helen Lu
Helen!! You know, I never really got to know you that much in High school..? I’m not going to lie, we’re not the closest friends are we… haha but still, you know, every time I see you, at a random party, at a random place in the city or just around .. Australia.. I always have the best time just talking to you and laughing about.. stuff.. I really wish I got to know you more in High school cos you are really really super cool (not just cos you went to Korea…haha). Let’s be legit friends ok!! But seriously, you are such a cool person. U RULE!

Anna Huyunh
ANNA! Seriously, you are amazing. You are one of the most friendly and caring and thoughtful people I know. Thank you for always brightening up my day when I bump into you. Thank you so much for making muffins again! Seriously, they were delicious! My mum loved them! You know Anna, although you may be discouraged at times by uni stuff, I really believe you are one of those people who will be successful at whatever you do. Whether you’re a hobo on the streets or a CEO of some rich company… you will be successful because you are a genuine and hands-on person. I believe in you! haha Hope to get to know you more and more this year!

Niti Sheth
Nittster! My favourite Nittster. You are truly good value. You are one of those people that I feel MOST comfortable with – I feel totally at ease being myself with you. I think that’s who you are – you bring out the best in people because it’s so effortless to be friends with you. Thank you for being such a REAL friend to me. I’m so blessed to know you. Thank you for your kind words in your speech too! Your speech was the best!!! So creative! You’re a genius Niti! Please know that I’ll always be here for you, no matter what. Your bday is coming up too! I’m expecting a call from you soon!! Love you to bits Nitts. You know that. Thank you for being a part of my life!

Suni Chamala

Deb Tan

Ally McKenzi

Eric Lee

Salina Lim

Sarah Yeung

Patrick

Tirzah Withers

Kris

Aunty Bin Sim and Uncle David

Uncle Pat

Aunty Esther