So, I finally received my birthday present today... Huh, I can't do this.

*a few minutes later*

Lets start with yesterday.

Yesterday (which was not my birthday)

My parents took me out to Outback for my birthday dinner and the food was (as always) "orgasmic". We ordered our all time favourites which were the sirloin stake, the spring chicken, mushrooms, and a plate of buffalo wings. We shared everything because the last time we ordered one for each, we ended up having a hard time finishing our meal 'cos the portions were so generous. The amount of food we ordered was just right for three hungry people.

As I've said earlier, the food was magnificent. The steak was cooked medium, landing it the succulent texture that I adore, and there was just a tiny streak of red in the middle. Just the way I like it. The spring chicken was a good, solid meal. Giving you that sense of fulfilment upon eating it. It was good comfort food, I think. The beef bacon done just right. Crisp, providing an excellent contrast to the soft melting cheese which topped the whole meal.

The deserts we ordered was also to die for. Chocolate thunder from downunder, they called it. And what a thunder it was. Hot brownies topped of with one scoop of ice-cream placed on it, and on that heavenly vanilla ice cream sat a sinful amount of stiff whipped cream. (The same amount of the ice-cream!) As a finishing touch, shredded chocolate were sprinkled on top. Heavenly.

Today

My mum bought me my present today. She (and my dad too, actually) had me choose what I wanted and still managed to keep it as a surprise. My parents brought me to the counter where they sell the perfume brand (lets call it brand "X"), my mum insinuated that she was buying herself an early mother's day present, and somehow managed to wring out which was my favourite out of the lot, then purchased two bottles - different ones, of course - one for me, and one for her (I still hadn't realise that one of them was for me, by this point), then managed to inform the sales boy that it was a birthday gift for me without my realising it; had him got it wrapped along with a golden ribbon and limited edition carrier bag. And after all this plotting, she still managed to be cool as a cucumber.

Anyway, on our way to Kinokuniya, Hayani gave me a ring to just basically wish me a belated happy birthday and we talked for a bit, then I had to go 'cos the crowds were a bit rough, and it was hard to navigate myself and still continue to chit chat on the phone. We got to Kino and got my mum's books and then we had coffee. That's when she gave me my present and I can't seem to contain my joy and excitement when she handed it to me; all the thank yous in the world gushed out from my mouth by that point. Oh, I was so happy.

Then my mum went on about how she got her first real perfume when she was my age, and how conventionally, a girl of my age should get her first (French, in my case. And hers) perfume when she's 17.

Oh, I don't know what else to say, really, other than my parents has managed to make me feel so very special, and shown me their appreciation. I mean, I know that they do even if they don't get me all these worldly things, but you know, it's nice that they make an effort to show me how much they care. And boy, does it show! To be able to pull a stun like this takes precision, strategy and craftsmanship. It's not something that one can come up with over night. They have put a lot of time and effort in getting me this, and making it special. That's what touched me most. I'm not easily deluded, so hat's off to my parents for managing to pull this one off.

My infinite love to you both,

- Azalea

ps: The creator of brand X actually created the parfum for her daughter. As a gift. To show her affection towards her.

pps: I am the next bloody Kate Middleton.