So Long, Farewell

It's been a month of bidding friends and colleagues adieu, occasions centred on good food and quality time. Honestly, I'm not sure how I managed to stomach so much food but it boils down to a well planned schedule and a swinging single lifestyle.

In celebration of friendships and what-nots, here's who I have been busy with:

1. The Planners
Brought together through our stint in what most would call the boring division, I recall an era where it was difficult recruiting what more retaining new hires. Nevertheless, our homing instincts brought us together where we had fun working alongside each other and learning the art of a good powerpoint.

While we have mostly moved on to other pastures, the bonds remain and the good times continue whenever we gather. And it was a hilarious night where we cracked silly jokes, downed alcohol in all forms as we entertained ourselves with the Soju Showdown between A&E.

Although all good things must come to an end, I'm happy to now have a digital photo album to remember all the happy times we have shared.

Starting the night with zhi char and excellent oyster omelette followed by the soju showdown where a victor emerged after a very tough fight. 

2. The Competitors
Although we were disbanded (not by choice) eventually, this was a team which brought out my best (some might say worse) competitive instincts.  In view that they liked winning and I liked vouchers, we bonded over taboo, laser quest and D&D best dressed competitions.

Naturally competitive individuals, they were the colleagues whom I won the most competitions with and it was good fun trying to win regardless of the final outcome. *grins*

While we are no longer able to meet as conveniently, I'm really glad to have gotten to know them better over the 2 years together. The memories created have etched an indelible space in my memory bank and appreciate the heartfelt gift selection which included old school snacks (THAT I ADORE!) as well as a Chinese cookbook to hone my domestic goddess skills.

Chi Chi high tea at 10@Scotts with scrumptiously good crab cakes, chocolate mousse, chorizo sausages and parma ham.

3. The Entertainers

What can I say, they are funny and keep me young at heart at the ripe old age of 32. The people I now spend the most time with at the office and whom I have had many hilarious conversations (mostly at my expense) in the midst of a sometimes dreary workday.

Over a night of fun at Play Nation where we could indulge in Play Station and Wii, it was great fun uncovering our inner gamer instincts after a very filling meal at Tao's. *puts game face on*

Once again, I was amazed by their very thoughtful gifts which were an expression of their confidence that I would re-live my student days and become a fine chef with the help of Gordon Ramsey no less.

A fun filled night where we uncovered new skills and a very all rounded gamer. Indeed, he came, he fought and won a $20 capitaland voucher.

4. The Childhood Friends

Having known them since my secondary school days, they are friends where the bonds forged will remain deep in spite of our sometimes disparately busy lives. While we have remained the same height, we have certainly grown alot closer through the long distance conversations (during uni years), relationship support (from dating to married life) and the capriciousness of life.

Always being able to count on them to join me for a good meal and encourage my over ordering, I would certainly miss our gastronomic dates AND quality conversations. Thanks to technology and whatsapp, it's good to know that we can definitely connect in an easier fashion. In spite of the distance, at least we are in the same part of the world. =)

Dinner and Lunch at Artichoke [from left to right, top-down]: gorgeous mezze platter, divine chocolate brownie with sour cherries and vanilla cream, sticky date pudding, lamb ribs, chicken sausage with couscous, braised lamb shank and lovely scrambled eggs. A place I would return to again and again...  

Last Day at Work:

Adding more pictures to my digital photo album...

Friends and Colleagues that I have had the pleasure of knowing and whom I will always have fond memories of:

People I have known in the different seasons of my life...

my fellow colleagues who never fail to remain upbeat no matter what...

Indeed, while it's hard to say goodbye, we will certainly meet again my friends.

"Don't be dismayed at goodbyes, a farewell is necessary before you can meet again and meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends."

– Richard Bach