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Friday, April 30, 2010

Happy Birthday Joanie!



Hello April 30!!!

It's another birthday. The year that was--came so quickly that it already wiped the twelve months that I once looked forward. I noticed when an individual grows older, maturity really comes with their age. For me, it just came at this point of my life that I stopped looking forward on having a birthday party, a birthday surprise, birthday presents and birthday greetings. I just suddenly felt that if people will remember me I’d be happy. If they don't then it will be ok. That simply means no more expectations this time. I just want something plain and ordinary.

This may sound contradicting of wanting something ordinary but I wouldn't let go of the fact that I want a birthday cake no matter what happens. And I started that promise to myself two years ago. And I'm glad that I am having my birthday cake in 3 consecutive years. Blowing it with eyes closed year after year still excites me! Always wishing that all my wishes will come true one day...

Since I don't expect anything for my birthday, I just slacked and waited for that day to come. Surprisingly I got the chance to pull my leg and went out of town to Nha Trang. It's a 12-hour bus ride from the busy city of Saigon. I celebrated it with good friends and they can't help but give me surprises, which include the birthday cake. I didn't really expect anything but a lot of things during my birthday surprised me---like tried parasailing for the first time; it surprised me to see myself up in the air. I was very stiff and tensed. I was really scared before it went on air. But as I was sailing up in the sky, I was flabbergasted with the fantastic view above the ground. It was a different feeling to see things in a different perspective and a courageous way to conquer my fear. End reward---I was able to fulfill my dream.

I remember last year I came up with bags of good wishes before I headed Saigon. Some did come true. Some are still work in progress. And now, additional dreams are coming my way. I just can't stop setting goals and visions for myself. It always include the things that I am passionate about--My cooking and art. What I have and will always be proud of is a a marriage of two talents. I always keep my fidelity on these two things that I will be forever grateful that my creator has bestowed upon me.

My life in Saigon is a maze-like journey. Few more days I will be approaching my first year anniversary here. How time flies, I really have to say that. And that's another story for me to tell because Saigon is my life now. Up to when it would be? I don't know yet. For now I am just happy to cuddle and embrace him in my life 'til the day that we are still meant for each other.

Oh my Birthday. A really happy one. I was amazed to all the people who greeted me on Facebook. They are a lot for me to thank here. I wasn't expecting anything but just a good birthday but three surprises made me at least happy on my birthday. First, my friends who were my company during Nha Trang trip that made my birthday really fun and exciting. Second, my Aussie friend whom I thought will not remember my birthday but called me and surprisingly he was the only person who called me that day. I could've spent my birthday with him if I was not in Nha Trang. That call compensated everything he owed me. Lastly, to my best friend who greeted and sent me a video he did with a soundtrack "Summer Song" by Chad & Jeremy. That made tears fall over and over again in my eyes. I can't thank him enough for being the person who helped and inspired me to become the woman I am today.

Life is nothing but a journey. I will continue to travel and I will see you again next year to narrate another birthday blog :-)

hugs,
joanie xxx

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Wishes! I am glad you got your cake! Best Wishes for the year ahead!

Mr. PINKMOON said...

I couldn't greet you in person but keep in mind that I always wish good things for you.

I really hope your wish will come true this year around :)

I just read all your birthday blogs here, just can't help but smile and frown. Be tough, life is filled with pleasant surprises...

belated happy birthday joanie!

Lyndon said...

Hey petite!
My warm birthday greetings =)
cheerios!

Joanie said...

Thanks Mami Joy!
As always I am happy whenever you visit :)

Thanks a lot PINKMOON :)

Lyndon, thanks!!! :)

Anonymous said...

WHere is Nha Trang in Vietnam?
Are u staying in Ho Chi Minh?
Do you stiill do your Artist chef there?

thanks
Bryan de Guzman

ollie said...

Happy Birthday Joanie, wish you the very best in life.

Anonymous said...

Now ko lang nalaman na birthday mo Joan. April 30 nga pala. Maligayang bati internet's & philippine's one & only artist chef!!

Thank you for making us proud to be a Filipino because of you :)

-Mye Mye

Joanie said...

BRYAN
Yep, I still do Artist Chef here in Ho Chi Minh. Nha Trang is 12-hour bus ride from Saigon and 8 hour by train. You can also ride an airplane for 1 hour or more.

OLIVER
Thank you! and Welcome back to Melbourne mate :)

MYE MYE
Salamat naman. I wish our nation a peaceful election. Vote wisely :)

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday Joanie!

Joanie said...

Thanks Ellie :)