And If You Could Only Let It Be, You Will See.

See the words on the screen? I believe it's a line from an Avril Lavigne song.

Karaoke is really big in Asia and my friends and I used to go to all the time. Four years ago, my auntie asked my Mum to get her one of those portable karaoke microphones when she came to Sydney for a visit. Mum thought I might find it handy so she got me one as well. It gathered dust in the cupboard for months as I didn't think it was something that any of my friends would be remotely interested in. Boy was I wrong! I took it out to play during one party and there was no going back from there. It's a staple at all our house parties now. :)

I haven't done karaoke since moving to Sydney and it was exactly what I needed to lift my spirits up last night. I've had a really busy week at work as you know and karaoke was the best way to rid myself of all the stress. Lol. Also, Ramadan starts next week so we won't be seeing Reem, Sarah and Amanda for a full month! We totally rocked Karaoke World. We even had some people gatecrash our party cos they claimed that we were choosing much cooler songs than their friends were. LOL. And then of course we had to gatecrash their party after our 2-hour reservation ended. We sooo rocked the other party as well... changed things from lame to lively as we like to do. :p

Lucky and Loved

What a fabulous weekend it has been! I will definitely remember my 26th as one of the best birthdays that I've ever had. I have had a busy last three days dancing, eating and catching up with friends and family. I am very very grateful.

It's a Saturday night and I'm staying in. Earlier today, we capped off the 3-day birthday celebrations with a smaller gathering for family and close friends. The lunch was at Cristobal and Nuvia' house. They're Colombian and I met them ages ago through my good friend, Liz (remember her?). They love their culture and they love sharing it with friends. They occasionally open their home to friends and prepare yummy Colombian feasts. I have been to their place a few times and I connected with the family from the very beginning. We knew that I was with it when Nuvia saw me dancing lol. She brought her traditional skirt out, made me wear it and taught me cumbia all afternoon. Anyway, Cristobal and Nuvia were so nice to agree to prepare lunch for me and my friends today. Colombia has earned a very special place in my heart cos of the connections that I've made over the years and it makes me happy to share a bit of what I know about the country and the culture to friends who are equally special to me. Today was a typical lunch at Cristobal and Nuvia's... started off with yummy traditional dishes and ended up with loads of dressing up and dancing. The only difference was having all my family and friends there... very very special.

Happy Birthday!!!

I'll make you banana pancakes, pretend like it's the weekend now...

Where Is My Coffee?

There used to be a Starbucks here. Do you remember which one?

I read somewhere that were 84 Starbucks locations in Australia. Now there are only 23. There were loads of people who lost their jobs. The regulars would now have to get their daily dose of caffeine from somewhere else. And the randoms will have one less option to choose from.

I used to go to Starbucks a lot when I was in uni. In an attempt to avoid passing out on the couch whilst studying, I'd lug my laptop to the Starbucks down the road and work there... not that I'd always get a lot done. It would depend on who I bump into and if the study sessions turn into catch ups instead. :p I don't really go to Starbucks anymore. The last time would've been at the one on this photo and it had all the things that I loved going to Starbucks for... cinnamon on my coffee, good company and engaging conversations. A good last memory if I may say so.

I'll miss my toffeenut latte's though... but I suppose I can go to Starbucks in Town Hall. :)

Mr. Mraz Says Hi

Jealous much? It's possibly either because I got to see Jason or because Jason got to see (and dance with) me... I'll leave it up to you to decide. But I have a feeling it might be a little bit of both. :p

Do you hear me?
I'm talking to you
Across the water, across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying

Boy I hear you in my dreams
I feel you whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard

They don't know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss

And so I'm sailing through the sea
To an island where we'll meet
You'll hear the music fill the air
I'll put a flower in your hair

Though the breezes through trees
Move so pretty you're all I see
As the world keeps spinning round
You hold me right here right now

Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday...

Now close your eyes and I hope you see mine.. ciao for now.. xx

PS - In other news, it's City 2 Surf weekend. I thought of signing up for it but I'm kinda glad I didn't because I would've been too buggered to get up this morning. Maybe next year... :)



But hey...

Weekend Away

I took this photo from the car on our way back from Canberra to Sydney... Gretta was driving, I was dj-ing and Clara and Guapo were cuddling in the back seat.

It's almost silly to take naps in the car when you never know when you'll come across moments such as this one. I love how the mountain, the sun and the different cloud patterns show the depth of the sky. It was beautiful. Oh and if you look closer, you can actually see a silhouette of Telstra Tower right where the pretty clouds are. That's about as Canberran as this photo gets. :p It was a fantastic weekend... freezing (as expected) but I had the most amazing time. I was surrounded by wonderful people the whole time - some I've known for ages and some I only met on that weekend. There was so much love among friends and family and I guess above everything else, that's what made this short trip really special.