Congrats, Itak Da Ge!

Those who have been following my blog would probably know how I view wedding dinners as one of the world's most torturous events, and dread attending such events to be stuck with strangers/people I don't want to see. (Basically I'm anti-social, yah?) Yet, the world's filled with exceptions, especially if those people you are talking about are important enough to you.

And it did happen, the rarity of me looking forward to attending this particular wedding reception AND dragging myself up at 5.45am despite my severe sleep deprivation mode (even without the sleep deprivation part, I haven't even been bothered to get up anytime before 7am these days anyway). But of course, this event was special, special enough to be given a "font-size-60-cum-Bold" status in my mental diary. How could it not be so? Especially when (1) it was da ge's wedding and (2) I was actually invited over despite the distance (the reception was obviously not in Singapore).

Da ge being da ge, I was absolutely sure I would be in safe hands even if I am alone in a foreign land. Being stuck with a whole lot of strangers is usually awkward, particular if they're all relatives/friends of your friend and all of them seem to know each other so well that you're the only odd one out. Still, that wasn't the case today. Edi picked me up from the ferry terminal and gave me my first ever ride on the bike!! Itak, Itak's eldest brother, sister-in-law and 2nd brother ensured that I was never without food and drinks even though they had their hands full. Esp his 2nd brother and Edi. I could tell that they were going all out to make me feel comfortable, chatting with me or making sure that I wouldn't be bored on my own. Edi even had to hunt a seat for my return ferry, otherwise I would probably still be in Tanjung Pinang at this hour. Da ge too. To a certain extent, I could tell that him dragging me in to take the various photographs was his way of looking out for the younger sister and not let her feel awkward. Even though he didn't have to.

To a certain extent, I did feel kind of useless. Angel's close female buddies readily did her make-up for her; her friends from the radio station hosted the reception and sang; her best friend (I presume so) was their driver; da ge's best buddy, Robin, was the "official" hairstylist for almost everyone. And there I was, not being able to do anything, and was being served all the time instead. Perhaps you guys didn't mind, but still, if only I could make myself more useful...

Lest anyone think that I was unhappy as a result, I really wasn't. In fact, the short trip was the refresher to a somewhat drained me. Being able to participate in a closest friend's joyous milestone in life and sharing that simple joy is something that's priceless. Add to that a doze of unexplainable feeling of safe and comfiness. Not forgetting meeting up with Darmaji da ge, someone whom I haven't seen in almost 8 years and just chatting with the da ges, Darmaji's wife and Robin in Darmaji's new residence. Makes me can't help but make the oblique reference to an acquaintance's MSN nick.. 幸福就是如此的简单吧!

Whatever it is, congrats da ge! 祝你和大嫂从今以后都过着happily ever after 的日子!!

Disclaimer: Photographs relating to this post will be included in due time.