I said at the end of last year, that my role model for the next twelve months would be Andy Lau, and that I would work as hard as him. Slog till I break my back, chiong, chiong, chiong and not utter a single complaint. But you know the reality of new year resolutions is that they don’t work out most of the time.

I’m not slacking, definitely. But I’m taking it easy. I’d declined quite a number of jobs, some of which I had to use all my will and might. From “I would prefer not to do it. Thanks.”, “Perhaps someone else is more suitable for this. Thanks.” to “No, I will not do this, even if you kill me.”

So I’ve been getting used to really relaxing weekends.

An impromptu dinner date on Friday evening exploded into a four-hour session. I haven’t met up with S. for a while now, and she had so much to update. We used to trade taxi driver stories back then, and we thought we would co-author such a book. She told me about her operation (common womanly stuff, but eewwwww), her job, and subsequently grumbled about the usual grievances about life.

We celebrated G.‘s birthday on Saturday. Some of them wondered aloud why I didn’t attend Fish Leong’s concert, “I wanted to, okay! But it’s G’s birthday! I will be disowned if I dared venture near the Stadium!”

There was another birthday celebration the next day. The star wasn’t my friend; it was her five-year-old daughter. Oh man, I’m actually attending parties for my friends’ offspring. The adults tried to persuade the kids to greet me, but they were too shy to do so. “It’s ok, really. Don’t force them to call me Uncle, and don’t force me to hear them calling me Uncle. This is tragic. Let’s eat, ok?”

Note to all: It’s ok for your kids not to greet me. I wouldn’t imagine that they’re ill-mannered. I’m fine. Really. Don’t ask them to call me Uncle. And worse, don’t ask them to call me Gor Gor. They will be so confused! Muahahahaha.

X., whom I haven’t met for years, proudly showed off her wedding ring. “Sorry that I didn’t inform anyone… I’m married!” Well, this surprise announcement pales in comparison to what SJ. did last year. “What do you mean you’re inviting me to your baby shower? You didn’t even tell me you were pregnant!”

I had a great time catching up with these longtime friends. If only we work on Saturdays and Sundays, and rest from Mondays to Fridays.