Old friends and fond memories

Despite the stress of last month, it was actually a pretty good month for me where old friends are concerned.

I, for one is the worst person to keep in touch with. With my busy busy schedule, I am often guilty of deleting my old friends' e-mails without even reading them, known famously for not returning calls and a frequent absentee from all gatherings that anyone took the trouble to organize.

I know not what came over me but it started off with Siew Jong calling me one day and asking if I would be attending an old CGBC gathering at Marche, Movenpick. (CGBC is short for Canning Garden Baptist Church in Ipoh where I spent my teenage and somewhat formative years). I was not able to actually give her an affirmative answer ( as usual) as I was really not sure if there will be an event that weekend.

Anyways the weekend rolled by and I decided on a whim to actually make an effort to go. It was actually fabulous to see all the guys and gals who grew up same time with me . It was good to see my Pastor Richard & his wife Jackie though I was much surprised to see how liberal they were with their daughter Faith. She had a rasfatarian hairstyle, goth nails painted black, kohl rimmed eyes and piercings all over. However, she proved to be an intelligent girl, very grounded and got on like a house on fire with Rachel (who gamely tagged along with me to the said gathering).

Well most of the guys like have put on like a ton of weight and like are double or triple their size. Those that were still trim are balding... The gals didnt change much and still kept their trim figures though. All in all it was a pretty good catch up session.

Later in the week, Irene Yeoh (my bestest friend ever) came down and we actually caught up at One Utama for coffee. Even though it was just a short one hour coffee catch up, it was good to see her. Irene is one friend who is always on my mind. We see each other once a year during CNY when I go back to Ipoh. Despite the rare face to face meetings, ours is a friendship that transcends time and whenever we meet, it is as if those gaps never existed and we can just pick up where we left off a year ago. She is a great friend whom I grew up with and will probably grow old with.

Two weeks ago, I was entertaining some clients at Rum Jungle and lo and behold ! who do I spy but a couple of my ex colleagues and my ex Amex boss, Dominic. He was back for good from Philippines where he was based for like the last ten years. I was drinking and dancing to myself and looking aroud the pub, feeling bored and not very inclined to make conversation with my clients when I saw this huge giant man who looks very familiar ( those who knoe Dom know what a big gentle giant he is) . I just hollered out DOM! and he reacted. He could also recognise me and we really caught up on some good old times. Chitra was there too but he sort of regaled the tale that I am one of the girls who used to go in "braless" to work during my Amex time to the group of people he was with.

There goes my reputation down the drain. I beg to differ though... Very short micro skirts and little black dresses - yes, I did that and still doing it but braless in to work ?? NEVER! It was Amanda that holds that title. I mean I do the braless thing too but don;t ever remember doing that during work hours.

Anyway what's wrong in going braless ? It is actually very liberating and let's face it, a personal choice and there really are some clothes you just can't wear with a bra. But somehow, if you do it here in Malaysia, a great deal is often made out of it. Well Amanda and all gals who has a hot bod out there, my motto is If you got it, flaunt it girl!

I also bumped into Vee Pin and we had a tete a tete over wine at La Bodega the other day. I had a wonderful time and we managed to polished off two whole bottles of red. She still looks good and vivacious as ever even though she does not trust MEN ever ever now and NO! she will not change her mind. I can't blame her though. She went through ike 3 very nasty breakups and all three of her boyfrined cheated big time on her.

I was there through it all and held her hand and gave her my shoulder. It was a very traumatising period for her but I am glad she is happy and being comfortable and confident of herself now. We both could laugh about it now and we could see how the experience have shaped her.

So, here's to good old friends. I resolve to take time and make it a point to sometimes stop and smell the roses and make an effort to really spend time with old friends.

So, to my good friends : Irene Yeoh, Vee Pin, Janne, Keith, Kenny, Shereen, Tuck, Queenie. Alfred, Siew Jong, KT.... I love you guys.