Is the 30s really the new 20s? Does that mean that we are growing up later, maturing slower? But kids are on the other hand, are getting smarter younger. So that means that the time that we spend as youths, is getting extended. Growing into teenagers comes earlier, while becoming adults with families comes later. hmm sounds like we all want more time for ourselves, more fun times and extending that period of time to stay as young as possible. OK I will admit it, call it selfish or what have you, but give me YOUTH!

Birthday celebrations this year was going to be a 3-day chalet, but that kinda didn’t work out due to all the chalets being totally booked out for this super peak holiday season. Point to note, book a year in advance or settle for a shitty chalet. But by the turn of events, I’m quite enjoying the celebrations in its place.

Celebrations first began last Wednesday, with my Colleagues, M and J. Being foodies, we decided to go for quantity and quality (hopefully) and opted for Hanabi at Odean Towers. The food was not too bad, but the portions seemed to have shrunked from the last time i remembered eating there. But all was good, we had a full platter of sashimi, side dishes, tempura, chawanmushi, miso soup, teppanyaki… by the end of the meal, we were stuffed! Feeling stuffed, but guilty for missing another wednesday class, I lugged myself into a taxi and made my way down to training. Not a good idea on too full a stomach. *burp* But survives anyway. Phew!

Then came Sunday, after a baby first month party at a friend’s. The sheer number of babies at the baby shower was enough to induce any mother-in-law/father-in-law to question, so when’s mine coming? Luckily, I have no such issues to deal with.

So, Mum and I went to Lei Garden at CHIJMES for dinner. Cantonese cuisine at this restaurant has certain standards, and the meal on Sunday proved it pretty much. We had a doubled-boiled soup, which the soft pork rib bones were simmered until its was tender, very yummy with soy sauce. Then we had a portion of roasted duck, which was waaaay better then the dried duck they now sell at the coffeeshop in our block. A stocked infused bowl of chinese spinach and whole cloves of garlic. And claypot rice with chicken and salted fish. For desserts, I had the fresh mango pudding, which had many chunks of mango and mum had the Guilinggao, I thought its own personal honey teapot was a nice touch.

While I was expecting the food to be good, but what I was really impressed with was their service. We had a waitress that was in charge of our table, the soup was the first to be served, and they ladled it out the first serving. But that was not all, she came back conscientiously to check if we wanted soup refills. She also did that with the plates we were eating from. Our claypot rice was served and she refused to let us serve ourselves even though we requested too, saying it was going to be hot. She checked if we wanted second helpings. And finally, we decided that we were too stuffed to eat anymore, we packed the rest of the rice and the veggie. Very nicely packed with the veggie in a plastic container and the rice firstly wrapped in aluminium foil and then packed in the usual styrofoam box. What was the ultimate, was after we paid the bill, and were about to walk to the door. The waitress, took the packet of food from us, carried that and walked us to the door which was two doors and a hallway away, and then gave it back to us at the entrance and said goodbye, thank you for coming. In Singapore, such service as similar priced outlets and sometimes even more expensive restaurants are far and few between. I’m impressed, and I will go back for sure!

And then its non stop from here…

Monday, was a surprise celebrations with the capoeira peeps. While I knew they were planning something for Monday after class, I didn’t know what and where. And it was a very good surprise indeed! Birthday treat was a show by Kumar at Hard Rock Cafe! I love the gig even tho it is the most un PC and *dirty* standup comedy ever! Jokes were fast and furious, and puns flew left right and center. Those who didn’t get it, gets jabbed as well! And here’s where the lap dance myth will spread… :p

Tuesday, was more of an impromptu event to fit everyone’s calender. Dinner with the Gs and Maiju G! Dinner was a spread of comfort food at Empire Cafe in Raffles Hotel, and in tradition, too much food was ordered as usual and we were all stuffed after. I cut my first birthday cake of the year here though! It was a yummy chocolate mousse cake, that was very very rich but good. The strawberries were huge and sweet! I had a bit of a walkabout Raffles after to settle the food down, before taking a bus home! I actually enjoyed the bus journey home if time is a luxury that day!

Then comes tonight, it’s movie night with the girls! And yes, we are watching Sex and the City! Although not the first few but quite an early audience as we are catching the preview before it starts showing proper on the 29th! 

Part 2 to come….