Today I turned 30 blissfully :)

Though I still have a long way to go in terms of -

a. figuring out my purpose/ calling in life
b. becoming (and remaining) optimistic, determined, focused, confident

and such...

I should also remind myself of and celebrate the countless blessings I've received in the past 3 decades of existence, such as -

a. having selfless, doting, caring parents and a nice sis
b. making wonderful friends along the way and managing to remain in touch with most
c. meeting D and getting married (seriously I was doubtful 5 years ago if I would ever marry)
d. and all the opportunities and other blessings in life I have received because of a, b and c and G.

and I guess many other cool things, but which my forgetful little mind fails to recall

On a more frivolous note - quite a few people asked me if I made my own birthday cake? To be honest I did think about making myself a most lovely 30th birthday cake - in girly pastel colours, with nice romantic ruffles/ rustic-look and all. And it would be the NICEST cake I've made so far. But in the end I couldn't bear washing loads of pans/ plates etc on my birthday/ birthday eve, and so the making of an elegant grand cake was shelved. But lucky me - D still got me a lovely little white chocolate yuzu cake for the occasion.

As for THE birthday cake- maybe I'd still try to do it tomorrow - when I am one day into being 30, and a little bit closer to the determined self I hope I will become :)

We caught Upside Down this afternoon - starring Kirsten Dunst and Jim Sturgess. Btw critics seem to think this is one of the better films Kirsten Dunst has done since her Spiderman days; but I think she doesn't do very much in the show either aside from looking pretty. Her co-star on the other hand has a meatier role and gets more fun/action with his part while looking quite cute :P Though the ending was slightly abrupt/ not very satisfactory, I still liked the show - and the gravity/ anti-gravity concept gave the movie an interesting (and at times humorous) twist.

The backdrop for Upside Down is a world (or two worlds) divided by wealth (and gravity). And it's becoming pretty clear to myself that I am somewhat drawn to movies that explore this rich-world-oppresses-poor dynamic. Recent films I've caught and like, which similarly explore this theme include In Time and The Hunger Games. I suppose deep down inside me the issue of rising social inequality bugs me a bit - and so I like watching shows that make me reflect/ think a bit more about the issue. Though admittedly I haven't quite stepped out of my comfort zone to do anything very much for the needier/ poor... :(

Anyways, here's the trailer! It's still showing in theaters here, if you want to catch it :)