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Guilty! I've not completed the road trip to Williamsburg posts and have been absent for more than a month from blogging. Work has been hectic and year end demands are looming. There are 2 more events that need to be worked out and coordinated before I can take my long awaited vacation back to Malaysia.

Oh, about that, MAS air fares to Malaysia has increased significantly. Well, by a freaking $600 smackaroos. When I looked at the breakdown, I was surprised that we have to pay fees for passing by Guam. Guam?! We're not even flying that direction! Of course, that's not the chunk of it. The biggest goes to - MISCELLANEOUS charges. This universal term used by businesses everywhere to gouge prices at the expense of customers e.g. fuel/gas charges, more $ into the pockets of crony suppliers, etc.

By the way, did you know that MAS also charge customers "passenger service" fees? If we are already paying tax on the ticket, does this mean that the $15 are tips for the flight attendants? Do their employees really get a cut out of it or is this another quick buck for the airline executives? In short, there are too many shady charges. Unfortunately, MAS still has the best flight connection to Kuching, so our hands are tied. *sigh*

Anyway, back to more interesting things in Serenity's Jersey Life...

First of all - "HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADRIAN!"

The lovely Fraisier birthday cake from Financier - with a hint of Grand Marnier!

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Celebrated Adrian's 35th. birthday last weekend with a brunch at Blue Smoke's, 27th. Street, New York City

Blue Smoke is a barbecue joint/jazz bar. They are live jazz bands on Mondays and whenever they feel like it. Sunday is the antithesis, just perfect for families and burnt-out-from-work folks like us. Hmm...

The interior

Bar sitting section for the lonesome

Dining area for those who brought company

Humongous stars - definitely won't be caught underneath it unless you wanna risk getting stabbed by those pointed tips!

Appetizer - BBQ Mussels. Tangy, lots of zing to it. Sauce has BBQ bits ;)

Table and meal

Host with beefed up muscles and accentuated southern drawl sat us next to the little garden by the window. Nice but look at the condiments and sauces below.

I love the one which read "Magic Dust". My favorite is Kansas City BBQ Sauce. Magic Dust is a Texan rub. It's ok, but I'm not partial towards the drier type BBQ. Saucy is my style.

Adrian's choice: Rib Sampler for one - Memphis Baby Backs, Kansas City Spareribs and Texas Beef Ribs

Serenity's choice: Breaded toast with fresh berries and maple syrup.

Let's just say, ribs for brunch is just too much for me. Anyway, the day isn't about me. It's Adrian's birthday. He can have his cake and ribs and eat them to his heart's content!