Yes I use this word much more often these days... some might say I've been overusing this word because I've been throwing this one around like a dodgeball... anyway today the eighth of July two thousand and eight is the twenty-fifth birthday of a very close friend of mine, Zidni.

That's me with Zidni a bit more than five years ago. I think he looks almost the same still. I on the other hand, had gained quite a few pounds (muscle mass and fat alike) and have been keeping my hair short(er).

In every way possible he is a better person than I am. Smarter, better looking, more organized, etc. He's the best control system engineer in X-on-Mobil Malaysia (some oil & gas company) and he's mostly busy all the time making sure all the oil rigs work so I don't get to see him as often as I wish to. And I know I have not been as good a friend should be, for I have received so much from him and have yet to give as ample in return. That part, the part where I am unable to give more and receive less bugs me sometimes, because personally, I find more joy in giving than receiving, and by God I wish I have more to give than need more to receive.

I am so afraid that the friendship we have will drift apart, since we have not been hanging out that much (because I do not wish to bother him because he's a very busy person) so I hope that O&G company would promote him, cut him some slack and give hime some time for his knee surgery and also his marriage to the person he loves (who is also another friend of mine).

So here's to you Zidni, a friend, a pal, a brother, a benefactor. May you lead a happy, healthy life doing the stuff you enjoy with the people you care about and be together with the person you love.

Happy quartercentury ol' buddy.

Your pal,

IHSAN