4:02:00 PM
July 8, 2002. 'Twas the happiest birthday in my life, inasmuch as my memory could reflect. The day started with a surprise from my friends at around 12.20 AM. I knew I would get a surprise, so I kind of waited. As the minutes went by, I decided to go to bed... when I suddenly heard the doorbell ringing a few minutes later. Honestly, I didn't expect so many people would come: Bayu, Henny, Sandra, Deni, Gino, Iwan, Jill, Anthony. As I had expected, they brought me tiramisu cake from Buca di Beppo =D But that wasn't all. Bayu brought his finest bottle of champagne for a toast to my birthday. Sandra & Henny brought me a yellow bouquet of roses. "Friendship is forever" =)

By 1 AM, they all went home. I had been sleepy before they came, so I planned on sleeping right after they left. But around 2 AM, I found myself engaged in a pretty deep conversation with Bayu online (in MSN); about people, personality, and constructive criticism. I finally bid the night adieu at 5 AM and said hello to sunlight around 11.40 AM. I hurriedly got ready, since Marco was taking me to lunch at La Cachette, Los Angeles. Without further ado, I instantly put the restaurant into my "favorite French restaurant" list. Everything we tried there, and I mean everything, was delicious. Flawless. Succulent!

On the evening, Bayu & Henny accompanied me to the LAX airport to pick up my mother & younger brother. Yes, they came to celebrate the day! :D We had dinner at Chaya Brasserie, Los Angeles. It was pretty good. The appetizers were not as good as the entrees, though. Unfortunately, we were too full to try the desserts, so I will have to come back there again someday.

You now see why it was my loveliest birthday. My close friends and family were there. The food was good. The surprise was meaningful (hey, I never got one before!). Above everything, I thank God for my 23rd birthday, for I have gotten so much :)