Surprise @ 50

• Apparently the conspiracy was conceptualised some weeks ago (X'mas day to be exact !!!) but the plot thickened over the week. The stage was set starting on the morning of 6 Jan 2008. Unsuspectingly, Clarissa-Anne had my birthday announced at the 7.00 am mass by Trevor but as I was late in coming in, did not managed to hear the entire announcement. Only hint that something was said was when Sr Agatha queried on "my mother" for she mis-heard "Nicholas Teo" for "Mrs Teo". It was only later when Clarissa-Anne's friends and other friends came up to extend their Birthday greetings (Apparently many of them have been briefed of the surprise party plot !!!) .... that it was clear that a public announcement was made.
  
  

After the usual morning breakfast and sunday grocery shopping, returned home and caught 40 winks. Clarissa-Anne, who was with me the entire morning did not even squeak a little (very unusual of someone who loved to talk !!!).

With the usual wake-up call, all were quickly off to the park car with a venue already in mind ... Novena Ville. (Should have realised that this was an unusual phenomena ... There were NO AGUEMENTS, ALL MOVED VERY QUICKLY .... and were concerned about TIME !!! AMAZING !!!!). There were also some "delay tactics" employed along the way (from parking across the road @ Novena Church to re-checking if the car was locked !!!). Daughter No #1 even took photo of me walking along the road (Hmmm !!! Must be for AAR, in case some evidences were required for failed attempt !!). Anyway, entered the restaurant (from the bright outside to the dark inside, took a while to focus/re-adjust). First person I noticed who looked familiar was Janet (Hmmm !! What a coincidence !!! and it donned on me ... everyone behind her also looked familiar !!!) ... NEXT came the "SURPRISE" and was suddenly the MAIN FOCUS for everyone in the place (Wished the earth would just open up and swallow me whole !!!). .... Was also greeted by 50 cup-cakes (specially ordered by Sarah-Marie and collected by her godma (Margaret Wee) .... and who were present to make it possible .... (34 pax ... + the birthday guy ... 35 in all !!!) .

Michael & Margaret Wee (with Marc & Shaun ... in picture below)

Pom with daughter (Barbara Ann)

Parents-in-law.

Richard & Julie Tan.

Aloysius & Joni (with Michelle, Amanda & Matthew).

Elsie & Clarissa-Anne.

Dave & Beatrice Tey ..... Beatrice (not in the picture as she is the main photographer !!!)

Albert & Shawnna (with Zachery & Timothy).

Eddy & Irene (with Ashley).

Allen & Janet (with Benedict ... Matthew was unable to join in).

Jared, Sarah-Marie & Aaron-James.

Yayuk & Hanti.

With a hearty meal, wine and good company (and some embarrassing moments), it was a nice prelude to being 50. With a few more hours to go (1435 hrs on 7 Jan 2008), have to move about slowly and carefully. (That's the secret to being 50. Get to 49+++ and move about very carefully !!!)

The Chief Planner, Conspirator, Organiser & Executor is no other than "THE WIFE". Taking advantage of my "high frequency hearing loss" and my lack of interest for "eaves-dropping". [Margaret Wee too played a major role in this plot. She recommended the venue]. That's what happened when friends & sibblings get together and talk behind your back .... and when topic suddenly changed when you show-up. Beware !!! A surprise party is brewing up.

Thanks everyone for everything .... the presents, your presence and the closely guarded "SURPRISE" @ Novena ville.