tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484872298685809822012-02-13T05:43:49.822+07:00'Footprints are the impressions or images left behind by a person walking' - Wikipedia. In this blog I intend to leave behind tracks which represent various stages of my life. These will take the shape of stories, poems, thoughts, dreams and images.sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.comBlogger1451100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-60947765169333757982011-07-01T11:04:00.002+07:002011-07-01T11:25:08.290+07:00

Sitting here at my computer in my bedroom overlooking the sea, bridges and the cityscape of Macau, I hear the loud chatter of packers each masking tape screech tears painfully at my heavy heart. Why does it hurt so badly? When we first arrived I hated the oppressive grey and polluted skies of gloomy Macau, a country populated with rough Chinese people with a love of concrete and lonely slot

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-85472631907830015262011-05-19T15:22:00.003+07:002011-05-19T17:28:53.686+07:00

A year and a half later I decide to return to my blog and it marks the occassion of Amandinho's birthday. My little angel born 52cm and 4.3 kgs is now a two year old, 90cm and 14kgs! Doesn't time fly.. my oh my.. I should have listened more when people said to savour every moment of the baby time and keep records

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-76274919758581662562009-12-19T20:51:00.001+07:002009-12-19T20:51:42.923+07:00

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-28343775491922027492009-11-24T22:24:00.001+07:002009-11-24T22:40:30.701+07:00

Length: 69cmWeight: 8.8kgsBy Francis Thompson and William BlakeKnow you what it is to be a child? ... It is to have a spirit yet streaming from the waters of baptism; it is to believe in love, to believe in loveliness, to believe in belief; it is to be so little that the elves can reach to whisper in your ear; it is to turn pumpkins into coaches, and mice into horses, lowness into loftiness, and

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-395676128445347102009-09-19T22:23:00.000+07:002009-09-19T22:24:30.238+07:00

Weight: 7.2kgsHeigth: 66cms

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-2944479282076053742009-09-08T10:38:00.005+07:002009-09-11T10:41:41.681+07:00

This past month was mostly spent with Amandinho's avos who doted over him and made my days much easier. He went on the plane for the first time to Krabi, behaving exceptionally well which is very much in keeping with his good humoured spirit. He rarely cries, except when he is hungry and then he is unconsolable. Mornings are my favourite time of day as he always wakes up with a huge smile and

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-66210008489214569342009-07-19T21:25:00.005+07:002009-09-08T12:55:22.516+07:00

1 month: 56cms + 4.6 kgs2 months: 60cms + 5.7kgsHe spent most of this month with his Oma and Opa Sprangers and travelled by car to Pattaya. He didn't sleep through the night, having two feedings at 2am and 5am which was torture for me :-(. He learnt how to do many exercises from his Oma and didn't stop kicking his legs. He started seeing us at the end of this month and trying to reach out to toys

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-90445035674974990782009-05-19T07:03:00.005+07:002009-05-23T22:30:38.021+07:00

After a restless sleep, at 6:00 am the alarm clock marked the beginning of the day when Amandio Gabriel was born. Apprehensive yet strangly calm, I went through the motions of preparing for our departure to the hospital. The taxi ride there was excruciating. I hated that we were sitting in morning traffic when we could already be there and starting the process of finally getting to meet our son.

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-271491190708509252009-05-16T20:38:00.006+07:002009-05-16T21:39:10.728+07:00

It is official.. my pregnancy-induced hypertension has now a high risk of becoming pre-eclampsia with traces of protein in my urine and blood pressure of 160/192. This is a disease occuring soley in 8-10% of end of term pregnancies and can be quite dangerous to both the mother and baby. The only known treatment is delivery (to rid the body of the placenta). It is related to a condition within the

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-46906548475551783332009-05-14T18:01:00.002+07:002009-05-16T19:23:41.596+07:00

journey so far Video sent by footprint-s From 13-08-08 to 14-05-09 The above is a link to a movie I made with all the photos and ultrasounds from conception to now (lol.. I am bored of waiting!).Did I mention that I am ready!?? All the baby clothes are washed and ironed, the bedding in the craddle, the nappies and all the baby products in place on the changing table, my hospital bag packed and

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-42923558268586194872009-05-14T15:38:00.004+07:002009-05-14T16:16:28.266+07:00

The past three weeks my blood pressure readings have been high.. reaching a peak last Saturday of 153/80 along with low iron levels (slight anaemia). This coupled with two days of severe headaches last week has caused slight concern that I may have pregnancy-induced hypertension, which can happen at the end of term. The fact that the lower reading is still below 85 and that I don't have any

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-88077208421825998002009-05-09T19:58:00.002+07:002009-05-09T20:26:21.933+07:00

What was probably one of the easiest pregnancies has developed a few 'minor' (not sure yet) complications. Admittedly, getting pregnant in the first place was more of an ordeal for us with hormone injections and surgical proceedures. Therefore, I guess it was only fair that I didn't suffer from much nausea, and completely avoided vomitting, embarrassing flatulence, linea negra, hair growth, skin

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-60419880905858494652009-03-10T17:37:00.004+07:002009-04-20T14:28:02.181+07:00

http://www.dailymotion.com/user/footprint-s/video/x91ad6_amandinho_people?hmz=7461626d656d626572This was done on the 10th March.. 29weeks 1 day pregnant and probably one of the most wonderful things I have ever seen. It is amazing what today's technology can actually do. Imagine to be able to see your child in motion and colour inside the womb. Watching him slowly move his fingers, his hands

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-5174099079157185302009-01-20T18:43:00.007+07:002009-01-20T19:59:44.015+07:00

It IS a boy.. despite all my maternal instincts telling me it was a girl (or maybe that was a subconsious wish). We are both delighted.. this ultrasound was done December 18th, the day prior to leaving to Portugal. He (yes, now I can say.. he) was 17wks and three days at the time. This is an 'areal' view and his head, left arm and hand, right leg and part of right arm are visible. VEEERY

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-52822790131665837932008-12-06T21:20:00.018+07:002008-12-06T22:33:29.612+07:00

Things have returned to 'normal' and the airports are back up and running and the backlog of flights lessening. Thai Airways is sueing the PAD party for huge losses. The court ruled against the government which had to stand down (though they just shuffled things around and most of the party are now a part of the care-taker government. Names for a new PM are being put forward and general elections

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-83598894037822169802008-12-02T09:11:00.004+07:002008-12-02T13:53:01.233+07:00

Could the situation in Thailand escalate into a French or Russian revolution? The royalty/elite against the proletariat? Lets hope not and that the normally peaceful Thais won't let things reach the point of civil war. However, things are certainly shaping up that way with the royalist PAD backed by businessmen and old Bangkok elite on one side and the PPP with the poor rural, middle class and

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-76458860131401649482008-11-28T12:11:00.007+07:002008-11-28T14:21:44.050+07:00

The whole situation in Thailand is infuriating! I can't believe that the royalist PAD (anti-government - yellow t-shirts) blockaded all access routes and stormed the airports. Insolence! and pure stupidity! Of course, people should be allowed to protest and voice their opinions (though in this case most of the active supporters are urban poor and being paid by the rich elite and businessmen -

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-11607061707126820422008-11-28T11:50:00.005+07:002008-11-28T12:10:15.055+07:00

Gosh it really has been a while this time. Things have been hectic this past month. We moved house (30-10-08).. from an apartment to a townhouse in a compound with security and pool. A professional moving company packed everything for us and I was under strict orders not to lift anything (at that stage I was still under 3 months). You know me .. though I did sit back a lot, I couldn't not be

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-27794144209269748682008-10-25T16:00:00.006+07:002008-10-26T14:15:24.893+07:00

This week was actually quite busy and I had two days of almost normal activity. Last Sunday in the market looking for furniture for the new house, I found this amazing shop that makes teak furniture in asian, classic, western and modern styles. After leafing through reams of catalogues, my eyes rested on a Chinese style tv stand. Naturally, I had to make some alterations to make it slightly more

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-25965493037113238532008-10-11T18:12:00.005+07:002008-10-26T13:54:26.404+07:00

Look how much bigger everything has become! Now, 1.37cms. You can see the head on the top.. looks a bit like a bean ;-)Heartbeat.. 159 per minute! Feeling so happy.. everything finally feels real. I can start to believe that there is actually a live baby in there. Relief and joy prevail.Walking down the hospital corridor after the ultrasound, emotions of sheer relief and happiness welled up,

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-78088093251532073312008-10-07T10:34:00.008+07:002008-10-07T13:00:24.969+07:00

Life is slowly reestablishing itself. Not to give you a false impression.. the baby and crossing of fingers and toes that it is developing as it should be is always first and foremost on my mind. Last week was a time for socialising: a romantic Italian dinner with Amandio, Sunday brunch with our portuguese friend, staff dinner with work (see photos), Morrocon dinner with friends. Thankfully, I

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-19216277984403806982008-09-27T18:12:00.005+07:002008-09-30T13:00:41.272+07:00

LOL.. can you spot the 'yolk'? (look for the faint circular outline in the left of the gestational sac? (big black dot) - erm... that is supposed to be our baby).What was a very stressful morning turned out to be an even weirder afternoon. Seeing the gestational sac on the monitor during the ultrasound.. IN MY UTERUS and not in my fallopian tube... didn't give me the sense of relief I was

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-31860448899330352302008-09-25T11:42:00.005+07:002008-09-25T13:09:03.480+07:00

I don't know why it is so difficult for me to write about these 'waiting' periods. Perhaps because this time is like a kaleidoscope of emotions playing tug of war. These shape shifting emotions, being very momentary and transient in nature, make it challenging to sculpt them into words. This time, it is not the anxiety of the unknown which is playing games with my rationality, but more the dark

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-41581277376762781022008-09-17T19:36:00.007+07:002008-09-18T18:28:28.049+07:00

The pregnancy test! :-) A bit of a change from the Home Pregnancy tests!After a restless early morning with numerous trips to the bathroom and a beautiful message from Amandio (Sarita, no matter what happens, I love you) which put me at ease I was off in the taxi at the ungodly hour of 7:45, feeling apprehensive yet plagued by nausea, to do the Beta blood test at the hospital . I had a two hour

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-44051527549925837552008-09-16T14:48:00.003+07:002008-09-17T19:59:21.944+07:00

This is perhaps the most agonising time. (oh.. good start! I have to lie down..not feeling at all well these last two days... to such an extent that I called the hospital today (16/09) to check .. will continue later)

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-1350492915868272532008-09-16T14:43:00.000+07:002008-09-16T14:44:54.167+07:00

Interesting Times..As you may have read, the political scene in Thailand is as hot as ever. Former PM Thaksin has jumped bail and taken refuge in the UK from where he continues to try to influence things here. Although he hasn’t managed to get his Thai assets unfrozen, he’s managed to turn a healthy profit on his Manchester City transactions. £50million or so in a year isn’t bad and should keep

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-54963260076357033072008-09-12T09:57:00.010+07:002008-09-16T14:42:48.555+07:00

Thursday 4th September was Embryo transfer day. Full of anticipation Amandio and I, both donning green (Amandio) and blue (me) surgery gowns, hands sterilised, hair up in those shower cap things were a sight for sore eyes as we waited in a private hospital room. This was a real Kodak moment, but unfortunately we couldn't take the camera with us. I was like a yo-yo back and forth to the bathroom..

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-48109047876410681342008-09-06T15:30:00.005+07:002008-09-09T17:56:53.311+07:00

The surprise gift was this beautiful sapphire ring! Click on the image to see the detail. Gorgeous.. 18K white gold with a beautifully cut Ceylon sapphire and 36! cut diamonds (gives a great BLING!). I just love the heart shape on the side of the setting.. kind of Art Deco style (my fav). I still say Amandio is mad.. (thinking of bedside tables, bookcases, desk that needs buying for our new

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-17297821625822146222008-09-03T17:54:00.003+07:002008-09-03T18:22:02.176+07:00

At what seemed like the crack of dawn on Monday morning after a broken sleep we battled our way through Bangkok traffic to the hospital (our home away from home these days). At 9am after being prepared I was taken to the operating theatre. Hands and faces fussed above me, skillfully positioning my body, robes, arms with bloodpressure band and finger with heart monitor. An IV was inserted into my

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-58954979161439234512008-09-03T17:35:00.004+07:002008-09-03T17:54:04.146+07:00

IVF 5 was a trip to the hospital on Saturday afternoon (28th) to do another ultrasound to check the development of the follicles. The report reads that my uterus is growing in thickness, the endometrial thickness being 10.3 for double layers (appears to be perfect). This time the leading follicle was 21.4mm and the 10 others ranged from 9mm to 19.2mm. Ready to start the process...IVF 6.. that

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-75278084887707571552008-08-29T18:29:00.015+07:002008-08-29T18:52:58.395+07:00

My last hormone injection today! Hurrah!! See how he holds the injection poised like a dart!! I'm going crazy with the whole house situation too! .. the landlady of the townhouse we are interested in got back to us and said that yes, a November move would be okay afterall! This was after her saying that she had lots of interest from others to start a lease in October and so would

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-3910373696050185212008-08-28T13:01:00.006+07:002008-08-28T13:18:56.202+07:00

At Bumrungrad hospital at 08:00am on the 28th in treatment room No. 8 (Amandio pointed out all the eights ;-). The morning started off with a bloodtest (quick and efficient.. Amandio popped his head into the lab to sneak in this pic!) We then waited for two hours during which time we had breakfast and signed the millions of formal documents (things like who is responsible for the frozen embryos

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-35999145453963656622008-08-26T13:33:00.004+07:002008-08-26T13:52:10.327+07:00

Time to start monitoring the follicles containing the individual eggs. We went to the hospital on 25th August (10am) for an ultrasound. Apparantely, my uterus is normal in size and shape (that's a relief!), the endometrial thickness is 7.2mm with double layers.. I suppose this is okay too.. haven't been told otherwise. My right ovary (where fallopian tube was removed) contains 4 follicles

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-74451615753108916502008-08-24T21:26:00.006+07:002008-08-26T13:32:09.809+07:00

The 19th of August was Day 1-2 of my period so off to the hospital we went to do some blood tests. Hormone levels were checked along with all the usual pregnancy tests we had done already this time last year. We had to wait two hours for the results, but of course this was unrealistic seeing as Amandio had to go back to work. It was time to start the ovarian stimulation and monitoring phase with

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-77011144999621159912008-08-24T20:31:00.004+07:002008-08-24T21:13:00.659+07:00

http://www.bangkokfinder.com/rental-listings/rent-houses_property2846.htmlAre we mad!? Perhaps... Here are my feeble attempts to explain this momentary insanity.. It all started with the need to renew our contract, only to discover that our rent was increasing by 5%. Curiosity lured us into the housing market to check if we could get something better (grass is always greener ;-) or perhaps closer

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-41011495029166207802008-08-24T19:59:00.007+07:002008-08-24T20:31:17.736+07:00

Sitting down this evening (Amandio is watching football and Formula 1), having slept a couple of hours after I got home from work, to begin my IVF diary... before time passes and catching up becomes daunting. I am already 10 days into the treatment! It all started on the 12/13th of August (Mother's Day in Thailand) with a trip to the doctor. The first task at hand was an ultrasound to check that

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-38911459282670214362008-08-15T14:35:00.003+07:002008-08-15T14:55:50.533+07:00

It was Mother's Day in Thailand on the 12th August (The Queen's Birthday). This particularly auspicious day also marked the beginning of the long awaited IVF treatment. Combined with the Amandio's lucky 08-08-08 birthday, the odds are in our favour, the planets are well aligned, the angels are watching over us - all those 'lucky' expressions.. If I were a gambling man... LOL! two reasons why

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-54986010071676196972008-08-11T14:39:00.006+07:002008-08-11T14:46:13.778+07:00

It was my little cousins second birthday on 09/08/08. I wish the whole family a wonderful day.. I have such wonderful memories of being with them and miss them terribly! Such a beautiful baby ;-) Making me feel all motherly just looking at these photos..

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-71392947642363366792008-08-11T13:58:00.010+07:002008-08-11T14:30:19.980+07:00

It was Amandio's birthday on 08-08-08! According to the Chinese (in fact most Asian cultures) this is a very lucky date, the number eight representing prosperity, luck and power. It is not by chance that the most popular mobile phone/house/street number, birth/wedding date.. is eight. It is also the symbol of infinity and of course coincides with the start of the Olympics in Beijing. This year,

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-78484366269645697012008-07-31T23:48:00.013+07:002008-08-11T14:34:27.618+07:00

Above are some pics I took of my bday at work. The girls were so sweet and got me flowers and pressies and my students all sang for me ;-)Amandio took me out for dinner in this really glam outdoor restaurant overlooking the city... on the 52nd floor no less! We had a wonderful time savouring the food, good wine and each other for three hours. Very romantic.. thanks love. U

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-54929505549855967942008-07-28T21:52:00.003+07:002008-07-28T22:02:09.818+07:00

Amandio came back this evening! Yipee! It was quite a long trip this time... He came home wrecked and had to go straight to work again.. No rest for the wicked ;-)There is a video to come to explain the above hairy whale. LOL!!

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-69455386489659828562008-07-28T21:36:00.004+07:002008-07-28T21:52:19.774+07:00

I spent the last week or so having a great time with G, discovering new restaurants, shopping, going to the cinema and wandering around Bangkok. Even though it has been 18 days since I last saw Amandio, with work being so busy and my social life picking up it has also flown. Oh.. We went to see the movie 'The Strangers' with Liv Tyler. It is a horror suspense movie where a young couple are

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-37884700320282244742008-07-22T23:19:00.005+07:002008-07-22T23:43:07.008+07:00

My camera unfortunately has died an unexpected death! During our week of luxurious pampering one part of our treatment was a private kayaking trip in the mangroves on the other end of the island. Provided with a waterproof bag we decided to risk taking the new video camera so as not to miss any beautiful shots. Amandio was also eager to catch close-up shots of snakes and other wildlife with the

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-35582616853946037772008-07-22T21:50:00.007+07:002008-07-22T23:19:25.419+07:00

Two months have passed and my blog is screaming out for a bit of attention ;-) I guess Facebook is partly to blame as I am now having more regular contact and updates with people there. The downside of course is that in later years, if I ever get the urge to reread my ramblings, there will be a unfortunate gap.So, bearing that in mind I am going to summarise some of the highlights.Certainly the

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-60931892924177737702008-07-22T21:43:00.002+07:002008-07-22T21:50:08.828+07:00

Wedding MessageUploaded by footprint-sThe first thing I want to mention is a very special day tomorrow, 23rd July .... a new chapter in the lives of people I hold very dear ;-)

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-34088241496704753842008-05-17T11:36:00.005+07:002008-05-17T12:08:07.151+07:00

Amandio, the sweetheart, decided to surprise me with an early birthday present.. yeah, REALLY early!! He came back from the Maldives with a Singapore Duty Free Bag which could only spell a credit card impulse buy :-) Out comes a flashy new JVC Camcorder with 40GB and a light for night filming.... The zoom is amazing - better than binoculors and not only is having the ability to actually zoom

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-30189845558558760342008-05-15T21:18:00.007+07:002008-05-15T21:53:22.877+07:00

Happy Birthday Feetje! I hope you had a wonderful day out. Around this time last year we (family Martins) spent a glorious time being received so beautifully by you in the South of France. The flowers that you both so carefully tend to were in full bloom - Spring is a terrific time to have your birthday :-) These are some of my current students studying in the new Self-Access Centre. We just

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-48080877288613310112008-05-11T12:55:00.005+07:002008-05-11T13:02:00.489+07:00

Edward Hopper - NighthawksI also thought I would share an email that I received from my father that deeply moved me.... both for the sentiment and the beautiful way he captured a dream with his words. Dag Saartje, I awoke from a dream and was wondering what it meant, felt a bit worried. It was a somewhat strange scene on the curb of a street in a city, it was a western city, european maybe, but

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-89069422981058081812008-05-11T12:06:00.006+07:002008-05-11T12:53:31.826+07:00

This week was busy once again but with less writing homework to correct as my afternoon class finished on Tuesday. The following three afternoons were spent with a private student at home preparing for the exam on Saturday (she called straight after the exam to say that she was pleased with it and hopeful of getting a Band 6.5). There is a buzz around the school lately with the planned move of

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-698574728160876012008-05-06T22:05:00.003+07:002008-05-06T22:25:29.461+07:00

We just came back from Phuket. Amandio had a Sales and Marketing conference there over the long weekend. It was a last minute decision to go, but seeing as Thursday was a public holiday,I managed to postpone my Friday classes and go for a long weekend. Unfortunately there were only seats left in Business Class on Wednesday evening - so.. I had to make do :-) Packing light, I didn't take a book

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-78220215928307299002008-04-17T19:57:00.003+07:002008-04-17T20:26:30.568+07:00

Back to the office today after having almost a week off. I tore myself out of bed extra early today to teach the staff for an hour before my lesson started at 10am.. only to hear that because it is such a short week this week they decided not to have a lesson! Huh.. could have had another hour in bed :-( Well, I decided to kill time by checking my email at work.... (I occassionally go there to

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-78400168537607322752008-04-14T17:11:00.001+07:002008-04-14T23:59:44.536+07:00

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-67374298951881797972008-04-13T14:46:00.003+07:002008-04-13T15:28:07.799+07:00

Wow.. have I been neglecting my blogging duties or what? When I am old and grey browsing through my former glory years, there will be this huge gap. Well, what can i blame it on this time.. hmm... work. Yes, that is always a good one. Actually, in my own defense, I have been really busy lately. I finished developing the writing course and it has been tried and tested by several teachers (still

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-37877754544815143352008-03-17T16:18:00.006+07:002008-03-17T17:27:37.773+07:00

Well, time has absolutely flown with many adventures squeezed in. In the past two weeks we have lived every second to the max it seems having gone to Hua Hin resort for a long weekend, Ayuthaya ancient capital of Thailand and the new Six Senses resort on Koh Yao Noi (my absolute favourite and perhaps also the most beautiful place in the world so far) on one of the many islands jutting out Phang

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-42105251840453009452008-02-29T09:48:00.003+07:002008-02-29T11:59:57.501+07:00

Well, it is the time of year for visitors again this year. Isla left a few days ago to join her mother and sister in India and now Mafalda and PN (AMandio's brother) have arrived from Portugal. I am tiptoeing around the house as they sleep off their jetlag.

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-34112187675847507382008-02-16T23:20:00.002+07:002008-02-16T23:42:51.180+07:00

salted butterolive oil6 cloves garlic3 diced onions1 cup celery1 cup green bell peppers1/2 cup red bell peppers2 cups white wine1 pinch cayenne pepper2 bay leaves2 tsp cajun spice1 cup tomatoes3 tbsp of tomato paste2 tbsp fresh parsley2 tsp fresh thyme1 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined1 cup of dried shrimp3 Tbsp of chivesPlace the butter and olive oil in the pan over medium heat and add the

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-22167544883841634442008-02-14T10:19:00.007+07:002008-02-14T10:47:55.374+07:00

Chinese New Year has come and gone.. it was very uneventful in Bangkok this year as we are still mourning the death of the King's sister (dressing in black and white and no festivities). We did have a dinner party at home for twelve friends (Phil's leaving for Spain for a few months - I know.. any excuse for a get-together). A great night was had by all and only ended at 3am.. felt the effects (

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-35781870276546639202008-02-04T14:29:00.001+07:002008-02-04T14:41:56.339+07:00

Serves 4Ingredients:4 large onionsMedium sized pumpkin3 carrots1 Red pepper2 ApplesCashew NutsCoconut milkThai Chili paste(or something else spicy)1 Cinnamon stick4 Cloves of garlicGinger rootMethod:Heat the olive oil and add chopped garlic browning slightly. Cut the onion halves into thirds (large wedges)and then later the chunks of carrot and sweat for a few minutes. Add the red pepper chunks

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-54235082507695932842008-02-04T10:57:00.000+07:002008-02-04T11:36:58.562+07:00

Gosh.. it has been ages since I blogged. I have finally joined Facebook though in the interim - I am still stumbling around in the dark, not really sure what I am doing, besides of course getting into contact with old friends which is loads of fun. I have been warned that it is addictive.. but so far, I'm not really into the time consuming links, games and activities... for now anyway. I have

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-86103089870739573432008-02-04T10:49:00.000+07:002008-02-04T11:48:29.289+07:00

Flame crystallised against black velvetSilently illuminating the lacklustreVeined with determinationPurity willed beyond the rimSatiated by crators of soft laceSeduced by a gravitational pullEbb and flow dance to your rhythmLulled by tracks of glistening silverA celestial siren beckoning loversWeaving a magical interludeEach changing facet reveals truthA phoenix rising at one with firePeaceful

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-69808448372000230682008-01-08T16:31:00.000+07:002008-01-08T16:34:15.362+07:00

I have just finished reading Jasper Ffordes second book in the Thursday Next series. This is a review I found of the book. I liked this one even better than the first one - and boy was it fun being lost! The inventive, exuberant, and totally original literary fun that began with The Eyre Affair continues with Jasper Fforde's magnificent second adventure starring the resourceful, fearless

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-73506289714145969792008-01-08T15:52:00.000+07:002008-01-08T18:16:02.036+07:00

I haven't read a book quite like this in a while! Despite being science fiction (which I generally don't like too much), the surreal world he creates and the way he writes makes it very believable and extremely witty.Background: Great Britain circa 1985 - time travel is routine, cloning is a reality (dodos are the resurrected pet of choice), and literature is taken very, very seriously.

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-29559397937785054562008-01-08T10:41:00.000+07:002008-01-08T10:48:23.573+07:00

I met friends of Felix yesterday, Larisa and her lovely daughter Vera. They were here to visit her sister who lives in Bangkok. After a lot of missed communication we managed to meet for drinks on Sukhumvit a few hours before they were to fly back to Europe. She was really nice to talk to, but most of all I loved hearing about how she knows Felix and their stories together - it brought me closer

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-60983790166748037322008-01-06T18:42:00.000+07:002008-01-06T19:17:07.428+07:00

I just have to show off my new ruby ring! :-)After firmly swearing that we wouldn't buy each other any Christmas presents this year (we had already bought our new computer before we left for Portugal), Amandio turned around and surprised me with a little red box under the Christmas tree with my name marked on it. Cunning little devil, we had killed some of our time waiting at the airports looking

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-88510493847982253712008-01-06T17:44:00.000+07:002008-01-07T08:59:23.266+07:00

So back in Thailand... well, in body anyway. After a fantastic New Year's Eve dinner (smoked salmon, lumpfish caviar, snails, pate, shrimp, cheeses, dark chocolate mousse and wine and champagne...mmmm) with siblings we left Portugal with heavy hearts and suitcases on 1st January. I didn't sleep a wink on the plane, crammed, a crying baby behind us, an annoying person who kept on switching on the

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-79472035709104757902008-01-04T13:16:00.000+07:002008-01-04T13:24:05.824+07:00

Why should the wedding ring be worn on the fourth finger? There is a beautiful and convincing explanation given by the Chinese Legend... Thumb represents your Parents Second (Index) finger represents your Siblings Middle finger represents your-Self Fourth (Ring) finger represents your Life Partner & the Last (Little) finger represents your children Firstly, open your palms (face to face), bend

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-6156506780686933812007-12-28T06:57:00.000+07:002007-12-28T07:19:38.570+07:00

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1819617729Check out the link.Hope you are all having a lovely festive season with loved ones....we are in Portugal still getting rounder by the spoonful :-) We had a glorious Christmas with loads of food, presents, port wine (which by the way is our port wine that we made for our wedding and is turning out to be a real vintage!)I got loads of 'coffee table' books on

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-79372089315112466692007-12-12T06:17:00.000+07:002007-12-12T06:50:30.207+07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RINUS!Gosh time is flying. I haven't really been writing much but I have been keeping a sort of video diary on Dailymotion. Here I am in Portugal busy going through the Christmas motions with family. The weather is glorious; crystal blue skies with pure fresh air. I find it really chilly and am suffering from an incessant cold that I just can't shake off. On the plus side, the

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-48984406879788812252007-11-25T00:28:00.000+07:002007-11-25T00:37:13.915+07:00

(Translated folk song)November full moon shinesLoy Krathong, loy Krathongand the water's high in the river and local klongLoy Krathong is here and everybody's full of cheerWe're together at the klongEach one with his krathongAs we push away we prayWe can see a better dayLoy Krathong is a festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand. It is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-7356857923791354522007-11-22T23:25:00.000+07:002007-11-25T00:53:11.979+07:00

24-11-07To my dearest father. Happy Birthday! Hope you have a wonderful day.I love you.

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-66575401738178913952007-11-22T17:22:00.000+07:002007-11-22T23:26:55.984+07:00

It has been a while.... Lots has happened in the past two weeks. Work is as busy as ever and I am still rushing around buying xmas presents for family - the experience is slightly more credible due to recent xmas decorations and songs flooding the soundwaves (despite the fact that it is quite hot here and yeah.. still November!) We have been to the doctor (yeah... I had been putting that off a

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-23185222900895824772007-11-05T15:21:00.008+07:002007-11-09T22:50:47.120+07:00

Today is Friday 9th December! (dunno what is wrong with this date thingy)With firecrackers keeping me up late at night for the last two days I decided to look into what the festival which is being celebrated in noisy Indian style on my soi is all about. All the balconies are beautifully lit up, mouth watering aromas of Indian cooking wafts in through open windows potently mixed with sulphur from

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-83218077344142064112007-11-05T15:21:00.007+07:002007-11-07T22:14:22.938+07:00

Above link should direct you straight to my most recent vids on DM - (testing)

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-63231537199166052782007-11-05T15:21:00.005+07:002007-11-07T19:07:36.970+07:00

Ingredients: (I usually do this by eye, but I'll try writing the quantities....)For four peopleOlive oil3 cloves of garlic1 medium onion3 Red chillies/Tabasco/Chilli past1 cinnamon stick1tsp cumin seedsRosemary and Thyme to taste1 pork stock cubeHandful raisins200g Risotto rice250 - 300g minced pork 100g bacon cubes4 leeks (Chinese Onion)200g shitake mushrooms (or other variety)1 red

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-37266846812122598262007-11-05T15:21:00.004+07:002007-11-07T11:12:20.845+07:00

DriveUp and down and left and rightjust goroad road roadlet it grow grow growtar and asphalt dreams whirl by your head like dead dust bunniesand you wonder where you're goingso you go, just go go goand your mind is a terrible driver and swerves, mad with glee, as if dancing with insanitythe desert was meant for you, it seems, as the city flees from your sight, far far behind, in dream timeand you

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-86964513222822814282007-11-05T15:21:00.003+07:002007-11-07T10:23:05.331+07:00

Yesterday we were invited to a Thai style house (built in 1908 by the Royal family and still lived in to this day by a Royal Prince) to sit by the river pavilion and watch the Royal Barge Procession in honour of the King's 80th birthday. At the trumpeting of the conch shell, chana and mahorathuk drums and then the royal anthem, the 52 Royal Barges with over 2,000 oarsmen began their journey down

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-78317812201342903682007-11-05T15:21:00.002+07:002007-11-06T10:11:08.866+07:00

Thai “Condom King” Receives Gates Award for Global HealthEstablished in 2000 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Award for Global Health recognizes organizations that have made major and lasting contributions to the field of global health. The award is administered by the Global Health Council, and presented at its annual international conference in Washington. A jury of

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-70927237222525095282007-11-05T15:21:00.001+07:002007-11-05T16:43:19.361+07:00

I have decided to add a new category 'reviews' as well as the latest 'food' one(particularly because I'm not doing much writing these days). Lately I have been doing a lot of reading, going to bed earlier in the evenings - enjoying our cozy bedroom (after having bought the lamps and throws etc) and savouring the escapism into new worlds that authors draw me into. Hmmm the first one wasn't

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-76694552921486812712007-11-05T15:21:00.000+07:002007-11-05T15:37:28.417+07:00

We are just back from four days in Hua Hin. Amandio went under the pretext that he had a lot of work to do there (he did.. but it could have waited until after Christmas) to accomodate my need for a break! I know it sounds terribly spoilt, but since we have come back from Portugal I haven't had a moment to breathe. I jumped at the chance to 'manipulate' :-) a situation and negotiate a few days

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-87716887045927011282007-10-02T16:19:00.007+07:002007-10-24T17:24:15.667+07:00

Yesterday was Chulalongkorn Day in Thailand. A much needed day off to cut this week in two. We went for a lovely lunch with a friend (Hoisin Duck pizza....yummy!!)and just lazed around for the day. This day, (23rd OCtober) honours the 1910 death of King Chulalongkorn the Great (Phra Chula Chumklao Chaoyuhua, พระบาทสมเด็จพระจุลจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว, known in the West as Rama V) with Chulalongkorn

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-63582587439196268082007-10-02T16:19:00.006+07:002007-10-21T23:42:09.390+07:00

(20th October 2007)Shopping, shopping, shopping!!! Sales, sales, sales!Presents, gifts, surprises!I have found shoppers' heaven! In Central Chidlom department store they are celebrating their 60th Anniversary with a floral show which they call 'Blossoms of Eden'. Imagine doing what a woman does best, lured mercilessly by irresistable sales, guilt subdued by background chamber music, protectively

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-22966339997172360332007-10-02T16:19:00.005+07:002007-10-21T23:11:57.833+07:00

I have decided to record the dinners that I throw together with whatever ingredients I have available in the fridge. Could be useful later on :-)Let me know if any of you try them out!Ingredients: (I usually do this by eye, but I'll try writing the quantities....)For four peopleOlive oil3 cloves of garlicGinger root to taste3 Red chillies / Tabasco sauce to taste2 tablespoons of balsamic

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-80759547157996834942007-10-02T16:19:00.004+07:002007-10-17T21:26:12.046+07:00

Wednesday, 17th October)I just love this photo of both Jacob and his wife (now one year). Happy Birthday dearest brother! May your 29th year on this earth be full of compassion, adventure and new beginnings. I love you :-) You have grown into a wonderful man, one which I am very proud to call a brother and share my life with.

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-88235845743047360762007-10-02T16:19:00.003+07:002007-10-17T21:10:13.850+07:00

Tuesday 16th October. (photo: Miriam in Cabbages & Condoms -afraid the quality isnt great:-(.... Now, I really want to mention some of my observations and how learning the language has not only given me deeper insight into Thai culture but a better understanding of my students' 'inherent' errors. I am thirsty = Dichan hiw naam = Directly translated: I want waterI am hungry = Dichan hiw khaaw =

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-58673951484862473952007-10-02T16:19:00.002+07:002007-10-08T16:34:29.623+07:00

Monday 8th October.(Happy wedding anniversary to Jacob and Monica)Life is full lately despite the fact that Amandio has gone to Dubai/Oman without me! I went with Som to Siam Paragon to buy things for their new house last Friday and ended up having dinner at a really nice Japanese restaurant - sashimi, sushi, miso soup, tempura, seaweed salad, teryake salmon, sake the works. New Cambridge

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-26345919339373141162007-10-02T16:19:00.001+07:002007-10-06T22:33:16.287+07:00

Sawadee Kha!Dichan chuu Sarah, naamsakun Martins. Pen khon Nederland. Tham ngaan thii kruntheep. Pen khruu.My name is Sarah Martins. I am from the Netherlands, I work in the 'City of Angels'. I am a teacher. (and I know how to count in Thai :-)This all sounds very good..but THai is a tonal language which means that a word may have two or more distinct and unrelated meanings depending on the tone

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-579106154378497012007-10-02T16:19:00.000+07:002007-10-02T16:24:58.638+07:00

Sitting alone I watch the colours swirl around the room. I wait.The clock ticks his piercing madness through the moonlight. I listen. The giggles of the lusty dancers stepping gracefully before me in and out of rhythm. The room twists and turns around them. Lightening cracks above me falling wistfully on wooden forms, Lovers play their whimsical games in the silent abstractions between the

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-31614482044331092052007-09-15T22:31:00.002+07:002007-09-27T12:42:50.498+07:00

Once again a busy and productive week at work this week (the last week in September - gosh the 9th month .... time flies when you are having fun :) - tearing my hair out mostly and putting out fires! Hands up to Thai spontaneity and impulse decisions for keeping you on your toes :-) It turns out that our manager - without consulting any of us - in a meeting with the BKK Technology University

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-75884319571178264562007-09-15T22:31:00.001+07:002007-09-22T21:44:41.949+07:00

Phew!! What a week! I have been up to my eyes in work all week (6 days). My company has been approached by a university to write an entrance exam for the international courses and Masters degrees offered. IELTS (academic paper testing the four language skills) is the qualification that they require to date. However, it is quite costly for the majority of Thai middle class students and they would

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-32671037106103740152007-09-15T22:31:00.000+07:002007-09-15T23:22:32.097+07:00

So this is one of our regulars and I decided to do a write on it. Well, 'Cabbages & Condoms?' I hear you ask. Let me explain... Thailand of course,is internationally reknowned for its good food. Here is a land which has developed the most amazing fiery and sensational dishes; spicy and fragrant creations laced with coconut; sex on a plate really! "Who mentioned sex? I was thinking about cabbages!

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-88761432142762743402007-09-05T20:29:00.002+07:002007-09-07T21:36:27.733+07:00

RAFAELBorn to shine Don’t blow out the flame The fuel of life No matter the obstacles No matter the challenges Think, reflect Share your internal light Play and laugh Opening your arms Embrace the entire world Explode with passion Into emotions of love! Born to be alive Throughout our entire being Physical, mind, soul Gallop like an untamed horse Wild as a comet crossing the sky Moving beyond

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-57585726506133002842007-09-05T20:29:00.001+07:002007-09-06T21:41:29.428+07:00

Your smile is the warmth of the sunCarefully unfurling my delicate wings When our fingers touch and auras collideI am a moonsbreath ... by your sideI quiverYour heart is an enormous beaconcasting vessels of radiance into the fogA safe haven to secure my soul Under a sky of ... shooting acts of love I twinkleYour mind is a beautiful labyrinthKeeping me forever enchanted Hand in hand you reveal

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-59791070570465641432007-09-05T20:29:00.000+07:002007-09-05T20:53:19.550+07:00

Today was my first day back at work after a few days off. I was actually looking forward to it but as fate would have it my body thought otherwise. Coming out of the lift I suddenly started seeing stars and a bottomless pit of darkness and felt a constricting feeling in my head... Alarm bells started ringing, I've had this before .... and I fainted. Luckily my private student (a dermatologist)

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-54149518213704522872007-09-04T16:32:00.003+07:002007-09-04T17:49:51.943+07:00

I seem to be falling a bit behind on blogging! Since we arrived back in Bangkok our social life has picked up tremendously. Impromptu romantic dinners together in the restaurants near our home after work, Sunday brunch at the Four Seasons, cosy wine dinners at an Italian restaurant and elaborate dinners entertaining friends at home. Work is going well. Not quite as hectic as before the holidays (

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-3805100625680976042007-09-04T16:32:00.001+07:002007-09-04T16:59:13.678+07:00

Friendship holds out her hand touching compassion's heart giving solace to each soul a haven for the weary Let her tender touch lead you gently back home to rest your head upon her pillow of understanding

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-41806405542748694402007-09-04T16:32:00.000+07:002007-09-04T16:46:21.172+07:00

Inhale Here I am Left without youMy emptiness filling the void I lost myself again Missing the part of me you held Feeling so small Unable to find shelter in my words A new life taken from meMy heart crippled and cold Alone Grasping to memories of future dreams Finding myself in that place Where God and man Can never see eye to eye Us just asking .... whyExhale

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-83883792822825030322007-08-20T22:36:00.001+07:002007-08-20T23:08:07.669+07:00

Our holidays have come to an end..sniff! Three glorious weeks of lazing in our house in Tomar (which has become even more beautiful in the past two years that we have been away - see picasa for pics).We are already missing the long chats, being pampered by family, morning yoga and meditation sessions with Elma, delicious traditional dishes and bbqs, expectantly waiting to see what meal lies in

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-25582459900153527162007-07-25T19:04:00.000+07:002007-07-27T17:04:09.809+07:00

This is the first day that I feel well enough to sit up to write. The operation went relatively well. The 'mass/tissue' as our doctor tactfully calls it was removed through the bellybutton along with the right fallopian tube. (before and after photo above). My uterus was also scraped clean. On inspection of the left tube, the doctor saw that it is too narrow for sperm or eggs to pass through, so

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-62650325934047928612007-07-25T16:58:00.001+07:002007-07-25T16:58:33.687+07:00

Happy Birthday .... Eliane Pearse, Pedro Martins, Anne Nidecker, Flora Cornish, Rafael da Silva, Paulo Nuno Martins, Levi Goudsmit, Amandio Martins, Des Saddler, Aoife Harrington (and me). Quite amazing how many Leos have found their way into my life. (There are more of you - apologies if I am forgetting some - I am going to send around a Birthday Alarm soon to keep on top of birthdays).LEOTo you

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748487229868580982.post-80300030744040822682007-07-19T21:06:00.001+07:002007-07-19T21:06:22.076+07:00

I am at a loss where to start. What was a beautiful moment - Amandio at my side, squeezing my hand, wrapped in a warm blanket of dreams, looking at fuzzy clouds on a black screen - turned into sadness.... The baby is now almost 4cm long, alive... but stuck in my right fallopian tube. Due to its size I have to have laparascopic surgery (tomorrow morning at 8am) to remove the whole tube. The doctor

sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09239439143920723638noreply@blogger.com0