damian + turion

turion at 10:40

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

[270208] Sometimes you have to let go of what you can't live without

Imagine this - You've been married happily with the love of your life for 44 years. Yet, progressively, her memories fade transforming the both of you from lovers to total strangers. That is the premise for the film, "AWAY FROM HER" based on the short story 'The Bear came over the mountain' by Alice Munro. The movie itself is slow and focuses more on the male lead, as he struggles to overcome his emotions in not only losing his wife but her affections as well after contracting Alzheimer's Disease. What made this movie so touching was the portrayal of Gordon Pinsent as Grant Anderson in his role as a loving and self sacrificing husband, contended to just look from afar at his wife (who has forgotten about him) even as he struggles with the fact that his wife has transferred her affections onto another man in the nursing facility. The ending is rather abrupt but surprisingly unexpected in a heart warming kind of way. Not a movie for those looking for those typical 'sweep you off your feet' kind of romance films that we're more used to but a more drama feel to the entire movie.

Away From Her - 3 popcorns out of 5

over the past year since i've started working at marche, i've developed into someone that has began to appreciate a nice slab of steak be it sirloin, prime rib, ribeye or tenderloin. So it was with much anticipation as i walked into Hogbreath's located at C.H.I.J.M.E.S. Knew about this place first from Kim Hang (who proclaimed on his msn nick that he wanted to visit this place). Got me all curious and i googled it and voila! Saw the menu, read the reviews and i was sold on visiting this joint. I'll just let the pictures do all the talking.

300 grams of prime rib steak cooked to medium rare served with cheese salsa sauce, sliced jalapeño, cruchy hagtail fries and a light refreshing mix vege salad. Absolute heaven. Along with a nice glass of chilled apple juice. I love me apple juice.

Mississippi Mud Cake. A name variation of the traditional mud pie. A VERY generous serving of warm chocolate with delightful ice cream and whipped cream. Sadly, it didnt taste as good as it looked. Though the chocolate was splendid, the brownie or the mud cake itself was a let down. Too hard and dry to digest alone once the ice cream's gone.

One more off day on friday and im already thinking of places to visit and eat. My blog's becoming a food blog. heh. Thinking of visiting this italian restaurant that got featured in Makansutra or perhaps Manhattan's Fish Market. *ponders* Tons of movies i've yet to catch and some arent even out yet. darn.

Juno
Valkyrie
Iron man
10,000 B.C.
Untraceable
Grace is gone
Vantage Point
The Leap Years
The Dark Knight
The Great Debaters
Step Up 2: The Streets
The Forbidden Kingdom
The Chronicles of Now-hia (Narnia): Prince Caspian

turion at 20:07

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

[260208] On my off day...

On off today, the 1st of 3 days off... today, tomorrow and friday. Shiokness. Thursday got some stupid rock-wall competition thingy but it's held at Yishun Safra, a stone's throw away from my home. No one understands how much of a relief it is not to be in camp suppressed by the regimentation, regulations, red-tape and regulars, that's why i enjoy my off days so much. I'm a civilian during these precious few hours.

Finally visited IKEA Tampines, it was huge and it was impressive. Finally managed to get my hands on the much fabled and critically acclaimed SGD $1.00 IKEA hotdog. Nice soft bun with that irresistible swedish sausage drenched in mustard, chilli and ketchup. A little piece of heaven finished in around 5 bites.

Took my time in walking around the displays especially the ones where they display entire homes in small spaces of 22 metre square or 35 meter square. It's simply amazing how they managed to squeeze in a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and even living rooms within the tiny confines. Saw a couple of nice displays for bedrooms. Really affordable too with one particular set going for under $1000.

Had lunch at the IKEA restaurant and ordered spaghetti with meatballs along with soup, coffee and a bottle of OLD GOLD beer (some danish beer that i decided to try). Kindda disappointed at the quality of the spaghetti, a case of 'Ive had better', should have just ordered the meatballs or the salmon which looked like a real treat. Beer was so-so, better tasting than Tiger (thankfully) but overall, only an okay meal and the meatballs sadly didnt really live up to expectations. Had I known, i would have just stuffed myself silly with the hotdogs.

Traveled to the new Terminal 3. The departure hall was huge... very airy and along with the glass paneling made the entire space feel bright, spacious and refreshing. The wall with fauna gave it an exquisite touch of nature in a man made environment and the prevailing useage of glass panels gave the entire space a very classy feel. I didnt know why, but i was smiling to myself as i walked around the departure hall. I know, i felt freaked out as well but there i was walking around, smiling to myself. I must look like an idiot to those at the airport. The basement and arrival halls though were suffocating in contrast to the airiness of the departure hall, with low ceilings and what seemed to me like inadequate lighting. Perhaps it was due to the severe contrast between the 2 halls but somehow i like Terminal 1 or 2's arrival halls for their bigger spaces and brighter lighting. The viewing gallery for T3 was sadly disappointing, not affording the best view as it's a considerable distance away from the tarmac.

A day not exactly meaningfully spent but at least on what i've been wanting to do for some time. Pleased. Looking forward to a nice slab of steak tomorrow. *drools*

turion at 19:47

Saturday, February 23, 2008

[230208] Quickie

14 days to going back to Indonesia.

37 days to 23.

200 days to ORD.

Lotsa OFF to look forward to next week. Shiokness.

OFF TO WORK.

GRUEZI! WELCOME TO MARCHE!

END.

turion at 10:18

Friday, February 22, 2008

[220208] cold bugs be gone

Yep, down with a nasty cough and cold... MCed, resting at home now... want to go out but going out means spending money, at home also bored to death. Book that i bought on sunday, finished reading already. Adding to my expanding book collection at home. Boredz boredz boredz.

Wanna go out also troublesome, the wake of tissues i leave behind would probably mean the death of a gazallion trees inciting Greenpeace's paramilitary wing to probably assassinate me in the name of nature, conservation and Mother Earth. Carrying around that much tissue would probably be a hassle also hence the brilliant idea below.

Convenience and conservation all rolled in one magical device. Instead of using tissue paper i use lower grade toilet paper that's usually made from recycled paper and the device strapped onto my head would save me the hassle of scrambling to take out my packet of tissue everytime the 3 Gorges Dam in my nose threaten the security and livelihood of our small red dot at the end of the Malayan peninsular by bursting and releasing tons and tons of viral and bacterial filled mucus onto the poor unsuspecting populace.

On a side note, we've won the IOC's bid to host the inaugural Youth Olympics. Take that you vodka consuming Russikies!! Not too shabby for a little red dot eh? Already the euphoria of such an epic feat is beginning to fade, for me at least. I AM happy for our country. Makes me proud as well seeing the recognition that the IOC has given us considering we are but an infant nation. But i wonder if it is THAT big of a deal. Some are touting that we'll be forever remembered as the birthplace of the Youth Olympics... this is in relation to Athens having hosted the first ever Olympic games. Erm... OOOOKKkkaayyyy... seems a bit far fetched if you asked me... ultimately, what Uncle Lee wants, he'll get...

especially when the Gah men puts its entire weight behind it. I still think come, 2010 when the Olympics are hosted, we'll see a level of wayang-ing that has never been seen by the world all over. One on a governmental and national level. That much i am certain of. But until that day comes, let's just sit back and bask in the glory of the achievements of our little red dot.

turion at 10:37

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

[190208] Whooper heaven

Im convinced that Burger King's Whooper is the King of All burgers. MacDonald's Big Mac? forget about it. KFC's Zinger? Not even close and it cant really count as an authentic burger when it doesnt have any beef patties in the first place!!! Had my second whooper in as many days but decided to try a monstrous version of it. Introducing the BK Triple Whooper. Yep, TRIPLE. 3, Three, 三, tiga, trois, tre, tres, três, drei, flame grilled beef patties with mayo, lettuce, tomatoes and rendang sauce in between 2 buns. ABSOLUTE JUNK FOOD HEAVEN.

Think im gonna go to hell for the dealiest of all sins. GLUTTONY. But until that day comes, eat i can and eat I SHALL!!! It's all worth it.

Contemplating if i should frame up my autographed newcastle jersey that's been hanging in my closet for over a year. Been wanting to get it framed ever since i came back from newcastle last feb and one year on, it's still not framed and it's turning slightly yellow. *YIKES* heart winces. Think i shall... 40% off on framing some more but still a huge tug on my fiances. Sighz, an NSF, forver poor. hmmm...

turion at 21:54

Sunday, February 17, 2008

[170208] Italian food @ Spageddies

Had lunch at Spageddies in Paragon, ordered the Pasta Sizzlelini which had scallops, prawns, mussels and crayfish in neopolitean sauce. Aint too bad. Hope to try their pizzas next, looked like a real treat. Hmmm... didnt do much today, went to town bought myself a tie, a book and lunched at Spageddies. Yep, that's all for today.

turion at 23:09

[170208] I smell with my nose

The gah men advocates saving water but i think that initiative has gone a tad too far... no flushing?!?! No wonder the Gents stink, ok ok i admit that our marksmanship (or lack of it) contributes also to the problem but using "eco-friendly biotechnology"?? haha... makes me wanna laugh. The gents this sign was in didnt stink for sure but i think it had to do with the fact that there was a cleaning lady loitering outside the toilet for the better part of the day.

I seriously wonder if there's a problem with my speech or pronounciation when conversing in English. Reason: Whenever i ask guests for cards or query them, most would give the blank look back to me as though i just spoke to them in martian or something. Equally annoying is the fact that they like to just give a blank look and "HUH?"

That usually riles me up and i reply back with: "S...i.....r..... M...a...y... I ha..v...e.. you....r... ca...r...d... plea....s.e...." pronounced as draggingly as it's humanly possible with the equally baffled and blank look on my face along with helpful (and exaggerated) hand signals (think YMCA).

3 scenarios then unfold depending on individuals' character and sense of humour:
1) The guest finally understands my martian and proceeds to hand me their card.
2) The guest realises that they're the dumbasses and laughs it off (along with me) and hands me their cards.
3) The guest gets pissed off thinking im making fun of them and they lodge a complaint AFTER they hand me their card.

On second thought, screw 'em.

dumbasses.

PISSES ME OFF.

LOL.

turion at 11:11

Saturday, February 16, 2008

[160208] we say thank you

Gah Men has announced a Growth Dividends, Life Bonuses for Singaporeans after the unexpected good economic growth from last year. Meaning we'll get more money in addition to the GST credits due this july. It's times like these when you cant help but utter the word "shiok". Who would mind money given out freely and without strings attached? Thanks, uncle Lee! I think we can address our nation unofficially as Uncle Lee, the Americans address theirs as Uncle Sam.

Hmm, so if that's the case, I would get the 1st part of my growth dividends in April, GST credits in July and the 2nd part of my growth dividends in October. I would rather they give me the entire package in one lump sum but i guess that's their way of helping singaporeans not spend all their 'bonuses' at one go. Anyhow, this would make it the biggest ang pow for CNY so THANKS!!!

turion at 08:47

Thursday, February 14, 2008

[140208] Homeless heart

Went to Mandai Training Village today, 106th intake's Final Exercise. My 3rd last final ex by the way... THE SHORT ONE followed, which made it an extremely boring experience and of course, if he follows, no fires would be lit. First time setting up and seeing recruits carry out an extraction of casualties (dummies) from the 4th level when the 2-point suspension is usually meant for evacuation of casualties from the 2nd floor. I seriously wonder what goes through the mind of THE SHORT ONE.

recruits from all 3 platoons getting ready

View from the 4th floor

Came across something very ol' skool the other day when my colleague bought it from the canteen from CDA.

Yep, these biscuits!! remember these? if you dont, you fall into 2 categories, you either do not have a childhood or you're too young to have experienced the wonderful taste of these 20cent biscuits that i used to faithfully buy everyday during recess time when i was in primary school. The best part was when i ate the biscuits, they tasted exactly the same, same taste, same price (it was selling for 20cents each also) 17 years down the road. Missing those carefree days.

Homeless Heart.

turion at 19:44

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

[1202008] Beyond

Kinnda hooked on Canto Pop now, especially Beyond's hai kuo tian kong (海闊天空) that's playing now in my blog. Damn nice... even though i dont understand a single word they sing, the simple and beautiful thing about music, you dont need to understand to love and appreciate it.

Beyond - hai kuo tian kong (海闊天空)

今天我寒夜裡看雪飄過
懷著冷卻了的心窩飄遠方
風雨裡追趕霧裡分不清影蹤
天空海闊你與我可會變 (誰沒在變)

多少次迎著冷眼與嘲笑
從沒有放棄過心中的理想
一剎那恍惚若有所失的感覺
不知不覺已變淡心裡愛 (誰明白我)

原諒我這一生不羈放縱愛自由
也會怕有一天會跌倒
背棄了理想誰人都可以
那會怕有一天只你共我

仍然自由自我永遠高唱我歌走遍千里

turion at 20:23

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

[060208] 'Tis the season to be jolly *NOT*

Yaaaaaayyyyyyy, chinese new year is here aggggggggaaaaaain (note the lack of enthusiasm in the tone of voice). Only note worthy thing about CNY is the 2 day long Public Holiday and of course, the ang pows. (hey, im just being practical.) Main thing about CNY has always been the ang pows, house visiting and gambling but unlike other common singaporeans, the majority (read: 99.99%) of my blood relatives are in Indonesia, ONLY a convenient 3 - 6 hours away (By air, car/train) depending on which relative im visiting.

So CNY has always been a rather dull affair. House visits are massive fun, hanging out with friends talking cock and catching up over lunch or dinner when YOU'RE invited that is. Gambling, well gambling's fun too but it has never been my forte and i wouldnt expect that to change anytime soon but what the heck, a little gambling never hurt anybody (unless you're betting in amounts running in 3 or 4 digits) I'm just looking forward to the long weekend where i can just slack.

Still abit sore about not working, wished i was but company doesnt pay 1.5 pay on PH so screw 'em. One thing that seriously pisses me off during CNY is the songs they keep on looping over and over again in every friggin' store that you visit. The new year songs simply pisses the hell out of me. I appreciate the fact that they're trying to bring up the atmosphere of CNY but to hear the same old songs (which i might add are not very pleasing to my ears) every single place i go simply drives me crazy. It doesnt help the fact that my dad seems hell bent on driving me crazy when im at home as well, whistling away the CNY tunes. JUST SHUT THE FUCK UP man. jeez, next thing you know, you go clubbing on CNY and they probably play a Gong Xi Fa Chai club remix or something. READ: OVERKILL. Too much of a good thing kills but so does anything. Too much of anything kills.

Too much time on my hands is a bad thing, i'd rather be pre-occupied with something so that my mind don't wanders. I hate it when my mind wanders, too many flashbacks, too many things that i un-necessarily worry, fret or think about and of course, too many doubts in my mind. argghhhh... any distraction pls. been a long while since i've blogged, so there you have it. A pre CNY post.

Staind - So far away

This is my life
Its not what it was before
All these feelings I’ve shared
And these are my dreams
That I’d never lived before
Somebody shake me
Cause I, I must be sleeping

Now that we're here,
It's so far away
All the struggle we thought was in vain
All the mistakes,
One life contained
They all finally start to go away
Now that we're here its so far away
And I feel like I can face the day
I can forgive and I’m not ashamed to be the person that I am today

These are my words
That I’ve never said before
I think I’m doing ok
And this is the smile
That I’ve never shown before

Somebody shake me
Cause I, I must be sleeping

Now that we're here,
It's so far away
All the struggle we thought was in vain
All the mistakes,
One life contained
They all finally start to go away
Now that we're here its so far away
And I feel like I can face the day
I can forgive and I’m not ashamed to be the person that I am today

I'm so afraid of waking
Please don't shake me
Afraid of waking
Please don't shake me

Now that we're here,
It's so far away
All the struggle we thought was in vain
All the mistakes,
One life contained
They all finally start to go away
Now that we're here its so far away
And I feel like I can face the day
I can forgive and I’m not ashamed to be the person that I am today

turion at 16:39

Yesterday's memories

My past