It was a weekend of reunions for me which culminated today in the celebration of a beloved friend and mentor’s birthday – Mike.

Mike is a truly unique and awesome person. Very wise, godly, intellectual and yet very down-to-earth, humble with a great sense of humor. It’s very rare to find such intelligence and humility in a single human being.

Anyway, the birthday party guest list was supposed to be a surprise. For one, Mike didn’t know that I and a few others would be there.

When Mike and Cynthia walked into Maroon Cafe, we yelled, “Surprise!”

Mike’s expression remained calm and bland. “Hi, everyone,” he said and sat down.

We observed his facial expression with interest. He looked completely unfazed even though he had not seen some of the people on the table for ages.

“Mike, are you surprised?” I couldn’t help asking.

“Yes, I am,” he replied. And proceeded to read the menu as calm as you pleased.

See, Mike is a Phlegmatic. And it’s very very hard trying to get phlegmatics all excited. Now, a Sanguine (someone like me) would be all excited and scream in esctasy at seeing people at her birthday party – even though she knows exactly who would turn up anyway.

Ooooh! As I’m typing this, Mike just sent an sms of appreciation with a lot of exclamation marks. I think he was trying to make up for his un-excited demeanor this afternoon lar. Heh Heh!

The planning of this May 13 birthday lunch began way back in February after Laurence passed away. While the memorial gave opportunity for Laurence’s friends to say how he had impacted our lives, Joshua and I agreed that it was far better to appreciate someone while they are still alive.

So Joshua thought that the best way of getting all our mutual old friends from Monash, Melbourne together would be to celebrate Mike’s birthday. Unfortunately, not many of them could turn up – which was disappointing. Nevertheless, the 8 of us (not including babies!) had a great time – as can be attested by the pictures below.

This looks like a scene from a seedy Chinese serial

Joshua’s baby Zoe is both a girl and guy magnet. Detracting all atttention from the birthday boy!
After a nice lunch at Maroon Cafe, some of us adjourned to Mike and Cynthia’s new apartment for more chit chats and some of Cynthia’s heavenly cookies. This is where the real fun began in today’s photo journalism. *Ahem* *Ahem*

Is this one hot mama or what??

Nah… this is the real hot mama. The above is a fake one lar :P

Mike and Cynthia sure bought Joy lots of cutie cuddly toys. I wonder if they have room for another a full grown kid…

I thought I died and gone to heaven when I spotted Ernie!!! He’s my absolute favourite Sesame Street character. Next to grouchy Oscar, of course.

This bear has a rich history. Mike got this Psycho Bear for Cynthia when they first started dating in Melbourne many many years ago. I personally think it’s a reflection of the giver’s character. You’ll see why in the next photo. Heh.

Happy birthday, Mikey!!! May you have many, many more to come!

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