Happy Birthday, My Dearest Lil Brother

My Dearest Brother,

Happy Birthday to you.

I sat down today thinking about our 'sibling-ship'. I recall the days of old, before you got your first girlfriend (7 years ago!), when we used to talk about everything under the sun and moon and stars, when we used to be best friends. I miss those days. I recall too the days before you came to the Lord, when you were so shattered when your first girlfriend broke your heart. That you cried and I remember we sat down on the floor of my room, when together we prayed and I committed you so securely into the hands of Him who loves you so very much.

I remember when I asked if you believed in God, if you would say the sinner's prayer with me. And I remember the immense sense of deep joy I felt, when I could see it in your eyes and sensed it in your spirit that you did. And how you did.

Today, I see you grow from strength to strength in Him, in leaps and bounds. And my spirit leaps too, at that thought. Beautiful are your feet for you bring His good news.

Over the years, I see how we have slowly drifted apart primarily as we grow up and lead our own separate lives. And also with your car and active social life, you hardly spend any time at home. I'd admit I resent the way you throw your temper, the way you treat this home like a hotel sometimes, the way you show irritation at so many things. Yet deep down when I reflect upon it, I see how the Lord has already changed you in so many ways and I know He is still doing a great work in you.

So today, I want to celebrate you for the wonderful brother that you are. I truly appreciate how you are just like a good friend to me, a lovely brother-in-Christ. I am refreshed by our morning conversations when you send me to work, when we share about things of Him, when I hear and see how simple yet deep your faith is. When I see how He has altered the way you see and live your life, I am truly heartened, encouraged and grateful. And thank you, for not complaining when I drag you up to give me a lift to work.

Thank you, mostly, for loving an imperfect sister such as me. A couple of days ago, I was feeling really down, when I saw the lil ornament you had given me years ago which says:

"My Sister,
A golden string no one can see has bound us from the start;
My very precious sister;
It's Love that ties our hearts."

I could not help but tear at that. I thank God for giving me a brother and a brother in Christ in you. Siblings sometimes fight to no end, and people are constantly amazed that we are like close friends. Nothing short of one of the largest blessings God has bestowed me with, I would say.

So Happiest of Birthdays, my Dearest Little Brother. I hope you know how much you mean to me.

God bless you with His richest, and Immeasurably More.

In His love,
your lovely sister :)

And now for some memories of the lovely food at Etna @ Upper East Coast

Now, the order is entirely intentional (in my humble preference).

Linguine con Capesante

Flat pasta with scallops in a pink lobster sauce

I say yums! Can't say no to scallops and pink lobster.

Capricciosa
Tomato, mozarella cheese, boiled eggs, cooked ham

I give this a 7. Splatter some cheese and chilli, and it's 7.5
Pity about the crust, could have been harder and crunchier.


Linguine al Granchio e Crema de Aragosta
Flat pasta with crab meat in a pink lobster sauce

Don't ask me why but the sauce somehow tasted different!
I preferred the scallops version.

Etna
Mozzarella cheese, porcini mushrooms, parma ham,
cream cheese, pistachio (from Bronte in Sicily)

You would have thought a pizza named after the restaurant would be its signature dish.
Well, apparently not. It's its worst! (Are they trying to be funny here?)
In the words of my foodie sis expert, "very bland".

Vanilla and Chocolate Gelato

Earnest, but vanilla tastes sour.
Redeemed by the dark chocolate.

Vanilla and Hazelnut covered in Pistachio

Very Kinder Bueno to me. Not too bad!

I would give it an overall 7. Not fantastic, but for the prices (less than 20 per person), what more can you ask?