Happy birthday to me

"Dear, what would you like to do on your birthday?", my wife asked.

Our birthday celebrations are becoming more spontaneous like our traveling style. We tend to take it as it comes and go with the flow. It's not really what you're doing or where you're going, but who you're with that matters. You can be doing the most boring thing on earth, yet having the most awesome time with the one you love.

Kranji War Memorial

"How about visiting the Kranji War Memorial?", I replied after some thought.

I could see one giant question mark growing above her head that exponentially multiplied to fill the entire room. Her face then started to contort to look like someone I have never met before. I think she was trying to process if I was talking about some new theme park that she doesn't know about.

"Like seriously!?"

"Like seriously."

Well, I have never been there before. And it would be nice to do a "road trip" in Singapore and go pay respects to those who died so that we can be free. I remember watching a documentary on the invasion on Singapore and one of the soldier said something along the lines of,

"War is an evil thing. You are commanded to shoot and kill a stranger who has done no wrong to you. If you don't, he will do the same."

And so my wife got to spend her birthday in Switzerland, I got to spend mine in Kranji War Memorial. It's a good deal I must say, we both got to do what we always wanted to do. Like seriously. :)

Kranji War Memorial, Singapore

Kranji War Memorial, Singapore

Dean & Deluca

Prior to Kranji War Memorial, we headed to Dean & Deluca at HillV2 (Hillview) for brunch. Bukit Batok is an area I don't frequent often but it does have a nice tranquil feel to it. It's a grocer cafe that has a nice ambience with an open feel inside as well as the nice open landscape and view outside. The food portion was quite huge. Considering that we are having our breakfast and lunch, we still couldn't finish our fluffy pancakes and french toast brioche. We should have just ordered one item to share and that would probably be just nice. I love it that the pancakes there are tasty by itself. There are some pancakes that have no taste, but the ones here have a nice buttery taste to it. We would definitely head back there to try to the other items on the menu.

Pancakes, Dean & Deluca

Dean & Deluca

French toast brioche, Dean & Deluca

Dean & Deluca

Mad Max in Gold class

After brunch, we headed down to the war memorial and then en route to town, we decided to stop by Upper Seletar Reservoir along Mandai Road for a visit. Just watching helicopters fly by, random uncles fishing and breathing in some nice fresh air for a change.

After that nice detox for our lungs, we headed down to Suntec to catch Mad Max Fury Road in Gold Class!

Firstly, let me warn you that once you start watching in Gold Class, there is no going back! And I can't believe that I have never tried Gold Class before! It was heavenly! Large automated reclining comfy seats and nacho with cheese, that's the secret to the perfect movie screening! Shiok! 

Secondly, Mad Max is an awesome show. For those who love steampunk, you will love this show. The storyline is good, not too predictable, good cast and the set and props are totally amazing. It's action packed from the start to end and the show really kept me glued and engaged throughout. You could say the show kept me on the edge of my seat, but on the reclining edge in my comfy sofa. ;)

You can watch the trailer below.

Alkaff Mansion

After the show, we went for dinner at Alkaff Mansion. It was our first time there and we love the decor of the place, interior and exterior. They have complimentary parking there but it was full when we arrived. That wasn't a big problem as there were ample free parking just down the road.

For the quality of food and ambience, the prices were rather reasonable. We got a great deal with the UOB 1-for-1 Gourmet Set Dinner promotion, so that was definitely worth it. You can check out their website to see if there are any ongoing promotions when you intend to dine there. The staff there were really friendly and the chef also came out to the dining area a few times to see if everything was ok.

Dinner at Alkaff Mansion

Dinner at Alkaff Mansion

Dinner at Alkaff Mansion

Gifts and giving

Over the years, I have received many different gifts for my birthday. I've got cards, cash, vouchers, clothes, jeans, watches, shoes, soccer boots, socks, accessories, jackets, phones, books, wallets, spectacles and food. I literally don't need to do any shopping for myself as I've already gotten all I needed and all my daily items for the last few years have all been gifts from my awesome family, friends and my amazing wife! This only reminds me of one thing.

"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

- Luke 6:38

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."

- Galatians 6:7

That whatever we receive is a result of what we give. And I thank God everyday for His goodness, provision and blessings in my life. As I grow older, I realise I don't desire material things anymore as they will all eventually fade away with time. Yes I still appreciate the gifts that I receive but I am more blessed by the love and friendship that I have with my family and friends. So thank you all for being part of my life.

For me, to lead a happy life, all I need is my God, my family and just a few good friends that I can truly count on. And I thank God that He has given me that.

Thanks everyone for your wishes, messages, celebrations and gifts. May you also be blessed back bountifully for all your giving! :)

It seems that the only thing lacking from my daily necessities are underwears, that should complete the package (I'm not sure if the pun should be intended). Then again, I think my ex-girlfriend, then girlfriend, now my wife, did get me some before. So my life is complete!

Brunch at Wheeler's Yard