iPhone day + meetup with Lalang

Yesterday, we got our iPhones together! We had been talking about it for a long time, and we decided to take the plunge. I also signed up for the mio home plan for the rest of my family during this process. Stella got the 16gb white iPhone, while I decided to get the 32gb one, since it would last me quite a while. So we’re both glad and happy owners of new iPhones, and I think this more or less completes our Apple product family ownership. Guess which belongs to who?
Later that evening, we met up with Lalang and Alvin for dinner at Cafe Iguanas after buying our iPhone covers, followed by more drinks and music at the Pump Room. Although the band came late, we were still entertained by the great music and the jokes that the lead singer cracked during the course of the first set.

Stella and the beer tower :
Both of us:

We stayed on for the second set, and during that time, there were various song dedications, of which one was for the CEO of Starhub. I must say that he was really sporting about being called up on stage and even danced and sang to the song Can’t Take My Eyes of You. The classic moment would have to be when the lead singer called out who’s from M1, Singtel and Starhub respectively just for kicks, and each time, separate portions of the crowd raised their hands and roared in response. It was crazy. As if everyone somehow got the joke and knew what to do.

We then took a cab home and had some delicious processed food at the 7-11 just below Stella’s block. It was nice, just chilling in the middle of the night in the cold evening and chatting. I was glad that I could finally be out with the girlfriend, especially when I’ve been somewhat bedridden and roombound for most of the week. So this was really refreshing.

Wonderful Friday. I love Fridays!

birthday week (continued)

Day before my birthday, we met up with the guys for drinks at Walas. Although The UneXpected wasn’t playing that night, we still had a good time just chilling out and listening to the replacement band for the night. They weren’t half bad. Apparently they were some 60s old men rockers, and they could really play the stuff we requested from them.

It was nice just hanging out together, and Stella and I enjoyed their company for the night.

Some pictures for the night. Had to put the 4 person one in the centre as Hong was too “broad”:

All of us:

The following day, we had a gathering at my place. Stella had previously arranged for Andy and Keane to come back on the 20th to celebrate my birthday. Was really touched that she went through all that effort to get all the gaming people in one place. Also, this was special to me because it was my first birthday party ever. I don’t think I’ve ever organised a party for my own birthday before and it was something different for a change.

Prepared some food courtesy of Stella’s mom, and had some other food that my mom prepared earlier in the day. I booked the function room downstairs and prepared for the gathering.

Us before the party:

The food:

Waiting on the couch for the guests to arrive:

Andy grabbing a bite, with Tin watching on :

Keane and Serene who flew in from Wellington:

Stella, Serene and Tin:Me with Keane, Serene, Elton and Sheena:

After eating, we brought out the boardgames. For the night, we decided to play BSG since it was a group favourite. Also, we wanted to get Keane and Serene to try it to see if they liked it.

Shang arranging the cards. Andy and Jon hanging around:

Hong and Jingyi

Sheena and Elton, Keane and Serene. Learning the game.

Me and the beloved organiser of this party :

Unfortunately, we had to evacuate the place by 11, so we headed out to cut my birthday cake.

Everyone pooled in money to buy me my very own copy of Space Hulk! Been hearing all sorts of good stuff about it but was hesitant about spending the money on it since it was a whopping 149 bucks for a single game. Stella jumped on the opportunity when she heard me mention it to her a couple of months back, and she made a pre-order for it from PI. Thanks baby! Truly a geeky present, and I really liked it very much. Thanks everyone!

The guys:

The girls:

After that, it was more BSG. We finished the game at a nearby void deck. In the end, the Cylons won, but it was a good game all in all.

Most of the people departed from there, but Keane stayed for a bit to join Elton, Sheena and Stella and myself for a game zombie killing in Last Night on Earth. Definitely one of the better zombie games out there. From there, we parted ways, and there ends my very geeky and special birthday party. I had a great night, and if not for Stella, I would never have gone out to plan something like this for myself. Thanks so much dear, for the effort you’ve put in =) And finally, thank you friends, very much for making my day.

Shinjuku Izakaya

Damn, this has got to be one of the best meals we’ve had in a while. While looking out for some place to have some sake after a little ‘dinner’ of blood cockles and lala, we chanced upon this little hole in the wall place in Cuppage that Stella claims resembles the authentic izakayas that she had a chance to visit in Hawaii. The mood was complete by the fact that we were greeted with a very polite “konbanwa” by the lady boss the minute we entered, and the fact that we were the only Singaporeans when we were seated.

We ordered a couple of side dishes, and washed it down with hot sake.

Edamame:

Rows of various kinds of sake/ japanese alcohol:

Deep fried shrimps. Lightly salted and crispy. Fantastic with beer I’m sure.

Our sake. They utilized this simple but effective system of keeping the sake nice and warm. Basically a metal flask is placed inside a concrete/stone container which is in turn inside a wooden container, preventing the heat from escaping.

A very happy girlfriend =)

Ika sashimi, with real grated wasabi.

Shishamo

Finally, we were still itching for some food, so we ordered a mini ramen. Turned out to be fantastic stuff, for just 6 dollars. The soup was nicely salted, and the flavours from the meat and bamboo shoots were so nicely integrated into the whole dish. Really good. I might have one of that myself if I weren’t too full by the time.

After dinner, we headed to the Apple store to get Snow Leopard, but stocks hadn’t arrived at that time yet so we just headed home. What a nice way to end the uber long week that we both had. Although the bill was above the average amount that we were used to paying, there’s some added joy gained from paying for something good once in a while, and this was definitely one of those instances. We’re definitely coming back.

Vietnam Day 3-4

This will be the day that we’ll leave for HCM. Woke up early and headed for breakfast. Took some pictures of scenic Dalat before breakfast.

Research 101

Met up with Lalang and Alvin on Saturday to get their judgments for Stella’s thesis. It was nice as we don’t really have many friends who drink, so we had Japanese food at Nijumaru before heading out for drinks at No.5 Emerald Hill.

Just so happens that Stella was craving some beer that afternoon, and I’m glad that we got our fix.

All in all, a wonderful way to spend the Saturday. We hardly spend the weekends together so I’m thankful for all the non school outings that we have as it’s getting harder and harder to come by.