Thank God.
It’s what we ordinarily say when we avert some crisis, major or not, or encounter something that relieves us of worry, burden..  mostly any negative emotion. When we manage to brake just in the nick of time so as to not crash into the bus or truck in front of us, we go “Thank God”. We say it so often that it’s second nature. Most of the time, we don’t even realize we’ve said it!
But that’s the way December often makes me feel - like thanking God. There are a million things I desire to thank God on behalf of each year, as well as this year is no different.
1. Thank You on behalf of a safe trip through Europe. 4 weeks in Europe was an estimated a dream as well as everything that could go wrong did not go wrong. We managed to get insanely affordable roundtrip tickets with Emirates (RM3300!) right before the worldwide price hike thanks to the skyrocketing price of crude oil.

You blessed us with near-perfect weather (considering that before heading to London, Krakow, Vienna as well as Paris, it thunderstormed on behalf of a few days but the weather was clear when we arrived).



On the Gatwick Express to Victoria station





Notre Dame de Paris from the south


We were blessed with good company which made the trip a gazillion times more fun that it would have been. After all, it’s the company that truly matters.


Rachel, Whoi, Lyn, May as well as I in Paris on the way to Avenue des Champs-Elysees

one of our first jumping scenes in Camden, London
The insanity that was Rachel Law as well as Tan Chiew Whoi
Us being silly at the Cliffs of Moher
Camwhoring in our apartment in Prague
Up to our usual nonsense in our rented apartment in Prague over a scrumptious dinner
Also, in spite of May as well as I being so sure that at least one person shall be pickpocketed during our trip or lose stuff, no one did in spite of some close shaves. Regardless of Ms. Saw leaving her bag on the tram in Vienna as well as her camcorder in the restaurant we lunched at in Paris, You led two good samaritans to us in the form of another tram rider as well as a waiter who returned her posessions to her. You also blessed us on terms of accomodation, obtaining affordable as well as safe places (with the exception of Elizatbethhouse in Vienna I still think) to shelter us. All in all, like I said, everything that could go wrong, managed to not go wrong as well as as such, thank You.

Vienna



our great group shot using a tripod as well as timer! 


a kind passerby took this amazing picture of us at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland
2. I’d also like to thank You on behalf of bringing the Chungs/Chins/Mahs combined in 2008. Prior to 2008, my maternal family has not seen a reunion like this in slightly more than 8 years. We even managed to take a family photo this time. Thank You on behalf of blessing my family living overseas on behalf of safe journeys residence from Perth as well as Cleveland respectively as well as an estimated all of all, thank You on behalf of giving my grandmother this opportunity to see all her children as well as grandchildren in one place. Thank You on behalf of giving my poh poh a long as well as healthy life, to be able to witness the birth of all 7 as well as in a few months, 8 of her grandchildren as well as enjoy their company.


3. Aside from the reunion of my immediate family, during my trip to London You gave me the opportunity to meet up with family members whom I have not seen in a long time. Auntie Olivia as well as Uncle Eng Itt were so kind as to introduce us a guide us around London on our first day there, in addition to putting me up on behalf of 3-4 days.

Uncle Eng Itt as well as his friend having a pint in the outskirts of London
The Antills - I tend to see them during every Olympics season. Thank You on behalf of giving me the opportunity to meet up with them again as well as spend time with them at the end of four long years of not seeing them. You’ve blessed their family as well as with your guidance, Pheng KP as well as Uncle David have helped Cammie so much that he’s growing into a fine boy.
The Antills - Uncle David, Amelia, Cameron as well as Pheng KP
In 2008, I also reconnected with family members from down South that I see only on special occasions - family members who have been, in recent years, disconnected from those back residence in Penang in the form of How Leng KP as well as Uncle Jason, Auntie Jasmin as well as Erik as well as Mei Choo Ee Ee.

Janda Baik
4. I also desire to thank You, Lord, on behalf of Rock Up! 2008. Almost everything that could go wrong, did go wrong as well as yet, it was a success by our standards. We surpassed our targetted amount, we had a relatively successful event as well as wonderful support from celebrities as well as sponsors alike. All in all, Rock Up! was a nightmare as well as a dream as well as we were blessed to be able to work with such kind as well as giving individuals who donated not only their money but their time in order to manufacture the event the success it was.


with May as well as Choy, our emcees on behalf of the latter part of the event
Amir as well as I with Chelsia Ng as well as Alvin Wong, two of the numerous celebrities who lent us their time as well as energy to help manufacture Rock Up! a success
5. Thank You, Lord, on behalf of giving my college-mates as well as I our one possibility to go on a trip together. Langkawi was spectacular in spite of the rain as well as the gloom thanks to the wonderful company we had in the form of Jacks, Izzy, Sheanny, Kok Wui the Crazy, Elvi as well as Adrian, Elvi’s buddy living in Langkawi. We had such a good deal in terms of the airticket, the hotel as well as the car rental that the doom as well as gloom that was the weather did not dampen our spirits.

Gloomy Langkawi weather



Suzuki ERV!





“Diana!”





The gang on Pantai Cenang


6. Most of all, thank You on behalf of giving me a spectacular year. Despite being so crazily busy, You still gave me the possibility to reconnect as well as let loose with some great friends. In 2008, I made good friends as well as rediscovered the joy of old friendships. You gave me moments that I shall hold dear on behalf of a long time to come. By the time 2008 ended, I realized that I learned a little more about myself, my capabilities, my flaws as well as my strengths. In 2008, You stretched me to the restriction as well as with Your hand guiding me, I prevailed. Though I strayed off the path You carved on behalf of me on a few occasions, I thankfully made it back before straying too far. All in all, thank You, Lord, on behalf of giving me a fantastic year.
Jack's farewell drinking session in TTDI Plaza
Chuan Wei, Jason, June as well as I at the end of a delicious Christmas dinner at Jason's
girlwhohitonNads, Nads, Jeff as well as I partying during Halloween
Post-Prom party at Ivy's - May, Sim, Ivy as well as I.
Rockstar Party at the Factory - KhaiLee, Yuri, Sam, Nads, Julianne, Effa as well as I
2008 was a great year as well as I’m sure that 2009 shall be too.
Thank You, Lord on behalf of a wonderful 2008.
Love,

Your daughter.