a gathering of many hellos and farewells.

gatherings are always good times to have some unrestricted and senseless fun.

they also are times where you understand people beyond your usual contact with them.

and today, it was a time of hellos and farewells.

hellos in that it was a great time, with much laughter and recollection of fond memories.

and farewells as we move on to the next phase of our lives, united by common heritage and experience.

farewells are not exactly goodbyes, though they are often said when we say goodbye.

broken into its root words, farewells are just what they are - fare well.

fare well, in future endeavours.

fare well, in life.

and fare well (instead of farewells) to the friends i met up with today, and all whom i know and know me.

had dinner with three of my friends, whom i knew previously as project group mates to people i can really talk all kinds of stuff about. a common tutorial class / group was what brought us together, though i admit we held beyond just mere project partnerships.

i'm sure we'll meet up again one day, when we will then share the latest happenings in our lives. but for now, here goes my fare wells (order does not indicate preference or importance):

jasmine: for the long chats over msn on late weekday nights, thanks for being my confidante in certain matters and teaming up with me for the cerebos competition. every bit of effort and sweat from you is deeply appreciated. though the champion cup was not ours to keep, it sure was memorable and sincere wishes for your career and relationship ahead.

chai ling: for being downright frank and funny, thanks for keeping me ever on an alert state as you perk me up with your well-meant sarcasm. there is nothing i would like to say except to keep your wits with you at all times and stay sharp and focused. i do hope things will turn out perfect at the end of the day but there is no harm in "opening your eyes wide."

erienne: for being an excellent study mate and mixed pot of candies (colorful, vibrant and sweet), thanks for your witty comments and valuable tips on a very interesting topic. great job done in getting my lazy ass off the chair to join the cerebos competition, and a wonderful outcome it was (though not the champions but it's alright). what else can i say? enjoy your trip!

till then.

p.s. it wasn't needed, but it sure came in handy. over the long trip home i made up my mind - first i'll sleep it off, then do what i have to do.

i thought it was going to be a surprise, but it wasn't exactly what i expected. in any case, it wasn't about admiration at all - but it doesn't matter now.