Actually hit "the big three-oh" well over 2 months ago, but I didn't feel like posting these at the time and have since been waiting for an opportune moment to do so. These are tumultuous times we live in, fighting a multidimensional (literally and figuratively) war against deep-seated evil. While the 4th of July doesn't hold any significance for us here, it represents the triumphant will of the people in the United States, which is one of the focal points of said war. Those who know, understand whatever happens there, eventually trickles down into our lives here. Having spent the past year providing support to the 2 spearheads leading the charge against authoritarianism in Singapore, I've had my eyes — and mind, especially — opened up to just how pervasively captured our institutions have become. As such, it makes it all the more meaningful when I receive a surprise from these courageous individuals; clearly, they appreciate those willing to step up to the challenge. Shoutout to my mum too, who spent a fortune on ordering a feast for me, and who's still willing to put up with my intermittent bullshit even after all these years. The last photo best depicts my frame of mind, for which I can confidently state: this year's celebration eclipses all prior ones, even that of 2021's, which I at the time claimed was the "best I've had in years"! P.S. Thanks @peikai for nailing it with the cake, since you miraculously ended up with my favourite flavour! https://www.instagram.com/p/Cfmhsv7h5_E/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
