Caramel

Welcome to the new look of Sarah's blog. I was thrilled when I finally managed to upload this template after several attempts and initial failures. I looked around just to scout for templates, yet I always end up with the same theme colour ie pink or shades of pink. I was down to a final few choices which were green, purple and pink. Yet, the pink won. But they all have the same kind of design ie floral. I am truly girly!!

Anyway, it was a great weekend. The spring weather was pleasantly cool. We slept in later than usual on Saturday and how we dread for the day when we have to forgo our lovely sleeps (that is when the baby comes). Like any other typical Saturdays, I started cleaning the house. Big Elf was craving for BBQ pork and duck for lunch, but after much contemplation, we decided against it. Big Elf then came up with a really nice and simple lunch ie fried vermicelli. We had a fairly small portion because there will be a good dinner coming our way. We wanted to reserve our stomach for it.

My colleagues (2 are ex-es) wanted to to do something for my birthday. Usually there will be a cake at work and a small party that last for about 15-20 minutes. But because of the politics at work, I thought it was pretty superficial when everyone tries to be nice in that small window of time when there has already been a crack on the glass. Surely, it wasn't easy to mend the hurts, embarrassment, anger and hatred towards one another, still for some reasons unknown to myself, I bought myself a cake and celebrated with everyone. Probably because I was selfish. I didn't want the day to pass without a cake for myself.. it was still a special day to me. So, I just relinquished whatever feelings there were and just be nice to everyone.

Anyway, we had already planned to go out for dinner even before I decide to have the cake at work. So, Saturday was the day we met up and I treated it as the girls' night out, except our partners were only 'tagging' along. We went to the same Japanese restaurant as where I had my birthday last year (We are still not sick of it yet!). We had a really good time, the girls at one end, and the guys at the other. Food was great as usual. I couldn't take photos of the food as everyone started devouring the food as soon as it touches the table. However, I did manage to take some photos of the dessert, nothing fancy but alright. I was so touched with the birthday presents though!



Sunday was raining heavily in the morning and before the evening came, I suddenly remembered I was given 2 tickets for a movie preview. It was apparently a chick flick and I didn't think Big Elf would be interested. Still, I had to be grateful that I was given the free movie pass and if ever I was asked about the movie, I could give an answer. It was unfair to Big Elf should I 'force' him to watch the movie with me. Yet he was so kind that he accompanied me to the movies. I did tell him that should he find the movie boring, he can take the car home and pick me up later. Amazingly, he stayed till the end.

Caramel was the name of the film and it's our first Lebanese movie. It was quite a charming movie with constant humour throughout the movie. For me, it caught my attention, firstly as it was a film by a female director. I haven't seen many movies directed by women and I am quite interested to find out more. Secondly, I wasn't even sure if the language of the film was french or arabic or english. But I figured there will be subtitles since it's a foreign movie. The movie didn't really wow me and I didn't expect it to for a drama. Yet, it was a pretty enjoyable movie. Everyone in the cinema seemed to appreciate it, probably because it was free. I doubt they will have similar reactions should they have paid for the movie, they would have expected much more than just a drama for a film in the cinema. Unfortunately, that's just humans! Everything free IS good! How bizarre!

After the movie, we came home, still managed to pull through a lovely dinner. We prepared them beforehand, so it didn't take us long to have dinner. Again, Big Elf delivers (so, he always proclaim!). He cooked one of the finest curry chicken (his signature dish) that goes with nasi lemak. It was finger-licking good! And if you ask about my role in the kitchen, I'm a great assistant I must say. I cut out the ingredients and prepare whatever's needed. After dinner, I wash up everything, that's my role! If you must say, my role probably needs more hardwork, where as Big Elf's role needed more of skill (something which I lack, unfortunately!). Ultimately, we make a good team in the kitchen.

Oh well, that's our weekend and it's a shame that the weekend only lasted this long. We are so looking forward to next weekend and the next and the next... =)

Happy Birthday to me!!

At one point, I thought I was friendless (I mean I don't have many friends)... but after yesterday, I have some friends after all.. I am so touched by everyone who remembers my birthday and all the birthday wishes I received truly made my day. The only thing I dislike is when my birthday falls on weekdays. There's hardly plans for anything. Work being the main hindrance!

I regretted not taking photo of my birthday cake, coffee pecan cake but you can see it here, my all-time favourite!

After work, we had dinner at a nice Japanese restaurant, called Ginza (in Burwood) which we discovered by chance before going to the movie. It turned out to be a lovely restaurant and the soft shell crab was awesome, the best we've ever tasted in Sydney. After dinner, we watched Tropic Thunder.. what a dumb movie!! Still I enjoyed it nevertheless.


I received Vanderwee belgian chocolates for my birthday present (pictured above) and those are really lovely chocolates and the best I've ever tasted.

Birthday Celebration

Yes yes, it's my birthday and it was truly one of the best birthday I've had. Thanks to the APEC summit in Sydney, Friday was a public holiday. Therefore we had a long weekend to celebrate my birthday, which is today!

It all started on Friday, we had Italian lunch at the Sapore by the Fountain, in Leichhardt Forum. I had Salmon Fettucini and Andrew had Spaghetti with Mussels. Lunch was absolutely stuffing. We couldn't even finish our portion, so we ate up the more expensive food ie salmon and mussels and left some of the spaghetti and fettucini.

Then on Saturday, we met up with some friends we knew from OCF (Overseas Christian Fellowship) and had Chinese dinner. It was perfect as we really felt at home eating those food plus all the catching up. Had a really enjoyable time. Then we managed to slot in a movie whereby we watched The Bourne Ultimatum in the cinema. Movie was excellent with action-packed adrenaline rush. Love it! Great way to end the day, I feel.

Then on Sunday, fetched Andrew to church early as he is involved with worship this week. Our church had to change venue due to the APEC summit. We are not complaining because it's just about 5 minutes drive from our place. If only church is within that distance every week.

Then evening came, met up with a good friend of Andrew and his family for dinner. We had Japanese at Sushi Samurai, Pyrmont. Food was great, value for money, small place but with nice ambience. It was a thorough pleasure! Of course not forgetting my birthday cake which we came back to our place for it.

That was my whole birthday venture. Now, I am feeling really happy and contented and am counting my blessings, and naming them one by one which God has done for me. Thank you, Lord and thank you, darling for such wonderful and memorable day.

Oh, I almost forgot. Received a birthday present from hubby a week earlier and I absolutely love it because I have been buying all sorts of cheap watches for 10, 20 bucks, well I'm a very stingy person. What's annoying is they don't last at all. So, hubby bought a good one and we do believe it will last a long time for me. Here's to share with you the photo of the watch and our photo as of September 9, 2007.

Grey's Anatomy

I've never really followed a drama series ever, but this is one that really caught my interest. I love the main casts, Dr. Meredith Grey (I know some may dislike her, unfortunately) and Dr. Derek Shepherd. I will continue my blog about it some other time. It's been a long day!

Ok, let me continue with this topic. Grey's Anatomy (for those who haven't watched) is a tv medical drama, which has bagged many awards. However, as Wikipedia puts it:

"...it has its detractors where medical professionals criticized for innacurately presenting medical situations and greatly exaggerating how doctors fraternize with one another."

Still, a drama is a drama. It is exactly how the roles "fraternize" with one another that boost the popularity of the show. The main character is Meredith Grey and her love, Derek. Basically, the whole show is about them, I feel, or at least that's the reason why I watch. The whole sequel of her encounter with Derek is just so romantic and thrilling. The fact about him having a wife, does make the show sour, but thank goodness, it was his wife who cheated on him first. To cut the story short, he ended up divorcing his wife. Not that I condone to this act, but as I said, a drama is just a drama.

Oops, before I forgot, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BROTHER!

First Day of Blogging!

I have contemplated setting up my own blog, but laziness, self-inadequacy and procrastination was ruling my life. But today, finally I have signed up and here I am, joining others in the domain of blog. And today is also a very special day, my mum's birthday. So it marks the day my blog was established!

Happy Birthday Mum!