Purpleians Meet Again, Part 1

22nd Feb 2008


Purpleians Meet AgainL Installment 1



Pre and Post Poh Seng's Dinner


When did the frenzy start? Was it the excited anticipation of Sensei's BIG 50 DO that had us girls planning and scheming behind the scenes?


Was it the phone call to New York that night when we gathered for drinks after Poh Seng's birthday dinner and, amidst the din, heard the Fat Lady saying she was coming back on the 4th? (Wah, very good – TW also coming back on the 4th! )


Was it the many suggestions for the venue for the BIG BASH that had us giddy with visions of big meals and endless yam sengs?


Or was it the SMS on CNY Eve that announced "Hi all, if u req a smart, single n mature person 4 company in d next 20 days, call me. No service charge" from Poo TW?


Or maybe it was the call from Yoke Chen that Pooi Lin was in town and leaving the week after CNY that was the catalyst to the breathless rush that began…


And so, thanks to Purpleian fever, the major telcos met their annual sales target within 2 weeks of CNY.


But first, back to Poh Seng's Birthday Dinner.


Which happened on 31st January 2008 at Ka Hiong Village Restaurant, Puchong Jaya.


It was the Thursday evening before FT Day and the jams were horrendous. Everyone managed to be late, including the Birthday Boy. But not as late as Rick, who came in time to eat the last piece of cake before the meat cleavers were flung out by the kitchen crew.


As expected, everyone except the BB lost their way. Siew Lee (who had a personal chauffer with no ulterior motive) gamely brought 2 bottles of vintage red, which, since our quorum was not big enough and because Yoke Chen brought one as well, were to kept for Sensei's do. Flo brought a cheese cake. Apart from his repertoire of bawdy jokes, Weng Choon came armed with his camera.


We low-sang-ed, followed by Tau Foo Kang and some other goodies. In place of longevity mee we had udon. And lots of conversation before, in-between and while waiting for the Taiko from Siputih. And that was how so many venues were floated for our next gathering: from Teluk Gong to Gohtong Jaya to Ipoh to Penang.


Before the personal chauffer could develop any ideas, Siew Lee made off. Then doubled back to offer her share of the cost of dinner. Which was of course promptly denied. Tsk. Tsk. So mafan for the man waiting inside the car outside the makan shop. See how we miss Mun Fai so sorely?


Soon, we were the last table left. Shutters were pulled partially. Calls were made repeatedly and it seems our last dawg was on the way. The towkay said, no problem, sit till your friend comes, we won't close yet. But you could hear the knives being sharpened in the kitchen.


Finally, the man arrived. We shoved the cake down his throat and sprinted out of the restaurant before blood could spill. Towkay generously recommended another venue for us to continue our rendezvous – the Station One kopitiam two roads down.


Retinue of cars headed for the next stop. At PS' request, no karaoke. The good ones, led by PS, drank (drumroll please) honey ginger tea and (gasp, Flo had) milk with honey. The others took a bucket. Didn't know that kopitiams serve Heineken.


Yak, yak, yak. Then call to NY and Fat Lady says she's coming back. Eleven thirty perhaps. PS said he had to leave 'cos the next morning he, the Healing QiGong Instructor, had an early class for the tai tais of Subang. Hmm, indeed.


So with Qigong Master gone, the gang had a first ever birthday party where the birthday boy left before his guests.


Before my pumpkin carriage disintegrated, I bade adieu to my fellow doggies who were just getting started. And that, folks, is episode 1.


Have patience please for coming episodes and, hopefully, a pictorial record from Sensei. Meawhile, thanks to QiGong Sifu for a lovely dinner and Rick for milk, honey and fermented malt. And of course, everyone, for the enjoyable company.