Finally Dad makes the trip to visit us, he picks up the coldest day to come and he doesn't bring his new jacket (orz...). We are so worry about him might catching cold on the way or while he stays in TPE. Well, we have heater in the house, he should be alright then. Dad is very happy to meet 99 and she even gives him many smiles while she is asleep. Another proud gaga.

Many thanks to Ting to visit and nice present to 99. FRA is warmer than TPE, how can we image that? It's 10 degrees and 80% humidity. FRA is 15 degrees and it is warmer than TPE. Well, let's see if we can meet up for a drink during Christmas trip back home. Fingers cross!

Many thanks to Cynthia too. We know how busy she is and she still makes it here. It's a nice afternoon chat, we just need a bottle of white and tapas then... orz... I need to wait for another month to do it and need to pump out more milk before that happens.

Update DC's 44th birthday party.

It's a lovely Sunday morning, we should stay out. So, we have brunch with Jerome in Tianmu. My goodness, Jerome doesn't keep in touch for so long. He didn't know Chris & Mia have 2 kids now, he only remembers Joshua. Well, Jerome is too busy in many things, work / sport / learning Chinese / etc... He doesn't even have time for girlfriend. It's so funny to see Jerome asking for my mom to provide strategy. And I can't believe my mom is so into it. I really look forward to see what will happen next.

It's been a while to meet my old friends from childhood. Mo & Hsiao were my classmates in primary school and we keep in touch still. They are so happy to see me and can't wait to meet 99 too. They do give me a lot of advices and they will give me more support after too. Hsiao has 2 girls, in 10 and 13 now. Can't believe time flies, little girls grow up. Our neighbourhood changes a lot too, so many nice dinning areas pop out and they are in walking distance. I'd love to take Dave to pay a visit next time. It's so cheap, 329 NTD (8.23 Euro) per person, all you can eat, hot pot, BBQ, Teppenyaki, Cantonse, Taiwanese snakes and selection of fruit and ice cream. I am in heaven again...

Since Candice moves to Tokyo, it's hard to catch up with girls. Finally, she is back for year end meeting, so we could get together and enjoy the spicy hot pot and do some gossip. OMG, it's really good old time. Let's see if 99 will join us in the very near future. Look at my bump, it's huge, I keep eating for 2 hours... and then fruit and ice cream.... I am in heaven...

It's Alvin's wedding reception, of course, we are all together again. But, some of us are absent coz Alvin forgot to inform them or they are working aboard (Tin / Howard / Nathan). It's so Alvin... This wedding has been postponed for 3 years coz of Alvin's father. I believe he was here tonight to witness his son's new milestone. God bless him, he did a good job. Alvin grow up a lot these 3 years, we saw him change from a boy to a man. Alvin's mom is so happy, her sons are all married and she can rest now. Well, we do challenge Alvin for a baby next year. Hahaha, we'll see if we can win this one... For the food in this reception, check out my photo album in facebook.

It's been a while to go to Carnegies. Not only it's an hour on MRT, plus change train twice; but also, Cynthia and Dave have been busy. Finally, we can go out for dinner and enjoy the night together. Well, I can't have the drink, only the ice tea... We are celebrating Cynthia's promotion. But, it turns out, the owner signed the promotion but hasn't announce it yet. mmm, he is so annoying. Cynthia is the most senior, experienced hotel sales I have worked with and she has been handled so many events. She should be promoted years ago, but she has been chicken out, and the owner doesn't like to promote a girl to that position. OMG, I really don't like this happen on my friend. For God's sake, it's an international brand hotel. Anyway, the paper is signed in the begin of Sep, the announcement should be published soon. Tonight, we raise our glass for Cynthia's new position, new title, same job as usual...

Finally, I can put on this clothes, could be the last time before my bump gets bigger. These days, my bump starts to get into my way, during cleaning, during cooking and I find one positive of my bump is to rest something on it. Something like put remove control on it, or cookies, or something small. hahaha. Now, I start to understand some mommies said they can't see their toes for months, I think I will be one of them soon.

For the very first time, it was Alvin's idea to get all of us together ~ for his wedding invitation. He is so Alvin, his wedding date is on 27th and he called us out last week. Of course, he didn't call us in the first place, it was Amanda called us and then Alvin called us later to remind us to bring his photo during these years... Tonight, Alvin called again to make sure we are on our way. hahaha, Alvin gets nervous, wow, that's really new to us. Of course, it's our first time to see his girlfriend / bride-to-be. Well, I tried very hard and got 111 photo of him in 4 years. And most of them were in Dan Ryans, KTV, Shannon and stir-fried restaurant. Same old gangs and same old story. Dave had paid me big time not to take out the KTV video, so the bride won't be pissed off. I should charge Alvin on this too.

However, it's been a while for us get together. During dinner, Alvin asks Daniel for favourite - to be his driver on wedding day. It's so Alvin, last min notice. Daniel and Eva are going to have another baby in Feb. Eva is 4 weeks later than mine. They don't know the sex yet, but Daniel said if it's a boy and I can have Shuan Shuan's stuff (his little girl, she is 2 now, can't believe it).

Amanda is working in Business Center of Sheraton and she is happy where she is, stable income and regular office hours. The only problem is she gets 5 shifts and she switches between, kind of annoying. But, otherwise, she is grand. And her sis is going to have a baby too, same time as Eva. We were joking that we should get a group discount. Even the bride was saying they plan to get a baby soon, hopefully, during their honeymoon in France or Switzerland. Alvin and the bride are dating for over 6 years, but Alvin didn't think about marriage until his father passed away, now, it's been 3 years, it's time. I believe Alvin's mom will be so happy.

Same as usual, Dave tried to get a party for Alvin, of course, I won't let him go. Alvin is tided up with everything else, and I don't think the bride will be happy about this party. Better keep her out of this mess, we know too much histories, even Amanda. We know what those men thinking of, we know too well... Kind of lucky for Alvin, Alex is too tired to come for dinner, otherwise, he can tell more stories... hahaha... The good old days.... can't believe Alvin is settle down now.

Here, Mark and DC show you how to drink Tequila. DC is in love with this shot again. Brass Monkey has Salsa night every Tuesday, that's new to know. Some girls dance there and some of them are good. Also, I see some guys are teaching there, but I am too drunk to put my feet down. Well, Next time. Again, don't drink if you are under 21. And no drink and drive, get a taxi for God's sake. Farewell Mark, We will miss you. Look forward to see you in Asia soon. Stay in touch via Skype.

House warming party! It's been a month since we move in, but this move took a lot of energy. Laterly, it's getting difficult to get us all together. Amanda hardly has weekend off. Alex doesn't really have day off at all. Michael just gets back from JP and he brings us the cake (hand carry back, priceless). Cyn cooks chicken wings and she is vegan, it's so delicious. I hope she'll turn around someday. Somehow, Alvin is working on this project which I am going to have interview next week. Daniel and Eva have parents talk with Chris and Mia. Joshua can't stop kissing Daniel's little girl. She is really pretty, Eva should be proud. In the end, we finish all the drink and leave chocolate in fridge. Guys go for KTV and we pass out. At least, DC doesn't go for 2nd round, I am happy with his choice.

There is a flower market in downtown TPE every weekend. Finally, I get Alex to go with me. He's brilliant with gardening and Feng Shui. I can't believe he's so busy now, Tai Chui at 6AM, Tea house work from 2-11PM and then English class and computer class from time to time. Wow, I am so lazy.... Well, I am happy with my flower arrangement and more herbs to come if I can pass Alex's test. Wish me good luck! And yes, House warming party is coming this weekend. Amanda had came and check, I got her appproval. Michael is flying to Tokyo this Sunday. I guess he's going to be VIP in WestNorth, he still thinks of moving to Osaka for a couple years. Well, talk about this, Cyn is going to Sweden in June. Looking at her is like me back to 6 yrs ago. No promise, no commitment, just an idea racing in my head. Cyn is afraid but who knows what will happen. I know DC and I have big influence on Cyn, therefore, I can't encourage or influence her. The only thing I can do for her is put down the facts with SWOT and a place for her to rest no matter what's her decision.

At least, this time, Alvin doesn't do anything fool himself, like challenging Irish for drinking. And Alvin is really good at it, Alex and Mark lost the game on him. Well, you know we gonna do something boring stuff after this feast and mass drinking, there are 4 empty bottles under table... All the elders are back home, it's our party time! We are going to watch Wales : England around 1AM, so, we are getting into the mood... Wales will win!!!

Happy Valentine's Day to everybody. No matter how you have this day, in the end of the day, spend some time with friends (single or not available) and let them know that they are not alone. That's more important things to do. When DC walks in with this bunch of rose and gives it to Mum, all restaurant guests are plousing, very sweet. Loos at her smile, there is nothing to buy that smile. Also, dinner with families are priceless. 5th Uncle comes out and Mia's parents also, we rarely to have all three families together. Plus, our friends, Alex, Alvin, Amanda, Daniel, Eva, Cynthia and Mark who makes it in the last minute for midnight match.

Yes, we are back to DUB and visit some old friends. It's only 3 months from last visit but children really grow up. They are like the balloon, in good way. It's few weeks to Christmas and that also meant the end of school day for 2008. Good to see old frends and catch up!

In business or in private, I do need a holiday off. And then, tough, I can't even have Sunday off. Still at work, since 7:30AM. However, it's a great hotel to stay in Tayih Landis with comfortable clean room and great service. Mark is ready to move on, the apartment is nearly ready. We come for final check, glad that we can help. Now, we look forward to house warming party!!!