Alright, I’ve never done this before, so this is my first time typing thank-you messages here. It was a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing, so… Here we go.

This first message is the most important one and it’s dedicated to my loving grandmother. Applause, please.

Grandma,

You may not get to read this, heck, even if I told you about it, you wouldn’t understand it anyway. I know I’ve never said any word of gratitude to you, and probably some people might think that speech is infinitely more sincere than typed words, but I guess I never was good at speaking.

Thank you for quitting your job a decade or so ago to bring me up and I’m really sorry for causing you so much trouble. But through it all, I suppose that you’re the only person who is really closest to me, though I suppose your naggings can be irritating. (Trust me, Mum’s worse.)

Thank you for cooking for us during the weekdays and making such delicious treats for us. It must be tiring and boring to be standing at the stove nearly every day slaving for the family, but even so, you have never complained one bit.

Thank you for tolerating all my crazy stunts when I’m watching TV programs with you, singing Lady Gaga songs among other things…

You are the best grandmother anyone could ever have, and words can’t express the love and respect I have for you.

From your crazy grandson.

Mom and Dad,

I know I’m not exactly the best son to both of you, seeing as that brat is way better than me in all aspects. He’s better than me in studies than I was when I was his age and he enjoys talking to both of you. He’s the filial one and I’m just not that, I think.

Still, I want to thank you for spending money and energy raising me up, especially stuff you’ve done with regards to my education and I can never thank you enough. Most of the things I ever wanted, you have given me, and I’m grateful for that and mark my words, I will repay both of you for your contributions.

I know that more often than not, both of you have nearly given up on me, hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve already did, and I don’t blame you two at all. As I said, I wouldn’t count myself as being a filial son, but do know that even though I’ve never expressed it, I still love both of you for giving me life and making me who I am today.

Little brother,

You know I hate you, but I’m still going to say this.

Do well for your studies and don’t disappoint Mom and Dad. And please, for your own sake, stop eating junk food. You’re getting fatter and fatter and being fat isn’t good, you know. Though I suppose through some miracle, you’ll probably lose all that flab when you grow up. I think.

Karmen,

(First of all, yes, I am dedicating this to Karmen, with a K. I know most of the people who read this think badly of her, like saying she’s ugly and stuff like that and those people also think that we are dating, but no. None of that is true. I’m doing what I should have done a year ago and I regret not having done it. Karmen is a very good friend of mine and I do not like her in that boyfriend-girlfriend kind of way, and similarly, she does not like me in that way either. We have been good friends since primary school and I see nothing wrong with that. Oh, and some of you may think she’s ugly and that she’s not good-looking. That’s your opinion and I’m going to respect it. But, my opinion is that she’s one of the most beautiful girls I’ve ever seen. Different people have different perspectives, and I only ask that you respect my view. I know I’m asking for trouble by typing this, but it’s not like I’ve offended anybody. My conscience is clear.)

You’ve been a really great friend all these years, supporting me throughout everything we’ve gone through. I know we have come under criticism but you and I know that that has only made our friendship become stronger and more lasting. We’ve shared a lot of joy and sorrow but I know that those moments were worth it.

Here’s to more jokes about Heaven and Earth Green Tea bottles (and our friendship, of course).

(And to the only person from 201 I’m typing this for)


Hao Han,

Thank you for bearing with my utterly crazy antics and ramblings while sitting with me for the past few months. I know it’s pure torture. You may have been irritated by me a few times, and I with you, but you’ve been an excellent (erm, what do you call it?) sitting partner (??) and I’m sure you’ll miss me waving water bottles in your face while singing (more like croaking) Single Ladies to annoy you. Hahaha.

And this last message is to the few of you (who have not been mentioned) for making my experience in the road of life fun, hilarious and, despite all the chaos, a journey worth taking and continuing.

On another note, wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and (what else?) a very happy new year!