I've resisted posting about this for a while....I feared if I dared to post it to the world, the problem would persist, or get worse. I can no longer stay silent.
I found a gecko poop the other day. In the house.
There, I said it. I may be tempting fate, but I feel the need to give a full representation of life in Sing. Like my house, I must come clean. There are gecko, lizards, and snakes. They occasionally enter the house. So far, I've only encountered a few geckos, in our house and that one giant size iguana at the bird park. I realize they are tiny, harmless creatures, and my size and appearance scares them way more than they scare me. I know they have their own very important role in the eco-system. They eat the bad bugs that cause disease. But still. Yuck. Lar finds this endlessly amusing, and my tell tale shrieks delight him. He finds the way I flatten myself against a wall, if I see one, hilarious. I'm sure if he saw the way I enter the kitchen at night, a la The Charlie's Angels, throwing my hair in first, and crouched down, he'd practically split his pants from laughing. I also realize that given the area we live in we are very lucky we only see the little guys occasionally. The complex we live in is very proactive on critter issues. They spray monthly, and come into our apartment to do 'something' to the drains. I fear it may have something to do with bugs or snakes, so I don't ask. Am I being a big wimp? Probably. Do I care? Not even a little. I can handle a lot, but like my dear friend, Reverend James L. Meyer (Jimeyer, one word) says; "I don't live with bugs." Amen, Father.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Hi Everyone! It's Thursday morning in Sing, and you are all probably getting ready for bed on Wednesday night. So, technically, it's Thanksgiving for me and Lar. However, we decided to celebrate on Friday, so we're right in sync with our families, and because Lar is off on Friday. We're having roast chicken, and all the other thanksgiving stuff. Then we might walk up to Orchard street, and see all the Christmas lights and decorations. We just got an invite to go for turkey dinner tonight at an american resturant, with some Boeing guys...should be fun! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, eat well, rest, and be safe. And Mom? Put turkey on the list of things I want when I come home in the spring! And vernors. Preferably together. And a coney dog. Preferably not together.
Lar returned home from his business trip to Seattle, late Tuesday night. It is VERY good to have my Hubby home. I did fine without him, but 13 days alone in a new country is a loooong time. I was worried I'd start actually answering the voices in my head....kidding...heehee. His work stuff went well, because he's a genius....(you can pay me later), and he had a good visit with Ryan, Annabella and Ronnie. Ryan and Bella are doing great, and Lar reports that Bella is getting tall and sassy! Excellent!
While he was there, he had a shopping list for Target that we had compiled. Because stuff is so expensive here, we figured it would be a good idea for him to bring an extra suitcase, and stock up on some things we use, but that are too expensive here, or that we can't find. I asked for bubble bath, and poultry seasoning, bendy straws ( they make me sooo happy!) pretzels, among other things. Lar had 2 cases of his beloved 'Best Made' dill pickles shipped to Seattle, and packed those up too. It was fun unpacking all our goodies, and I just love that we now have enough poultry seasoning to last us for a good 25 years of marriage, maybe even more. I might try to sell some on the Ex-Pat Black Market, along with the 10 packs of bubbalicisous bubble gum.
Gobble Gobble everyone! Miss you!
xoxoxo
He was REAL happy! good hair too!
Me too!
Perhaps I shouldn't have turned on the jets...
If there is ever a shortage, we're SET!
Lar returned home from his business trip to Seattle, late Tuesday night. It is VERY good to have my Hubby home. I did fine without him, but 13 days alone in a new country is a loooong time. I was worried I'd start actually answering the voices in my head....kidding...heehee. His work stuff went well, because he's a genius....(you can pay me later), and he had a good visit with Ryan, Annabella and Ronnie. Ryan and Bella are doing great, and Lar reports that Bella is getting tall and sassy! Excellent!
While he was there, he had a shopping list for Target that we had compiled. Because stuff is so expensive here, we figured it would be a good idea for him to bring an extra suitcase, and stock up on some things we use, but that are too expensive here, or that we can't find. I asked for bubble bath, and poultry seasoning, bendy straws ( they make me sooo happy!) pretzels, among other things. Lar had 2 cases of his beloved 'Best Made' dill pickles shipped to Seattle, and packed those up too. It was fun unpacking all our goodies, and I just love that we now have enough poultry seasoning to last us for a good 25 years of marriage, maybe even more. I might try to sell some on the Ex-Pat Black Market, along with the 10 packs of bubbalicisous bubble gum.
Gobble Gobble everyone! Miss you!
xoxoxo
He was REAL happy! good hair too!
Me too!
Perhaps I shouldn't have turned on the jets...
If there is ever a shortage, we're SET!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Sentosa and the Wet Market
Last weekend, Larry and I went to an island that is also part of Singapore, called Sentosa. It's kind of a resort type place, very touristy, but fun. That's where the beaches are, and underwater world, dolphin lagoon, etc. It was a hoot...we rode the cable car over, and for a simple gal like myself, that was treat enough! ha! I was soooo excited! but then we got to do one of my favorite things...look at underwater life, up close. I love that kind of stuff. Lar was in heaven, taking a million pictures ( good thing he shoots digital!) We have a digital camera that can go under water too, so that was fun for me ( it's the point and shoot). They have a Sting Ray pool, and you can touch them, feed them, etc. They were super friendly and personable. They were pretty rowdy too, it was a hoot. Lar stuck the camera right in the pool, and got some good shots. One of my favorite moments was when a man asked Lar if the camera was waterproof....um.....yeah. We cracked up to each other, and said, "gee, no, it's not, we're just dumb tourists!" In all fairness, I think he was just amazed it could go in the water, and was trying to start a conversation. Still funny though. The aquarium is actually a big underwater tunnel, so the fish are all around you, really cool. After that, we went to the dolphin lagoon by bus. I'll try to describe the bus...it was jammed with too many people to start with, and as always, it was HOT. There were seats lining the walls of the bus, but then a row of handles to hang onto. Lar and I got stuck with the handles, which is no big deal, becasue we ride the subway a lot. It's different in a bus, a lot more room to swing, especially on curvy roads. Just as the doors were closing, about 20 more people crammed in, all around Larry and I. We think they were Vietnamese, or at least that was the language they were speaking. They were all very tiny, and very loudly and excitedly talking and gesturing about Lar and I. I just caught Lar's eye, and we both started giggling. It was just such a mind blow....barreling down a curvy road, in an Asian country, hanging on for dear life, and being the hot topic of conversation. I said "Let's just take a moment, and soak in where we are". Truly, it was a hoot....
The dolphin presentation was pretty cool, and we plan on going back to swim with the dolphins, maybe for our anniversary in March.
After Larry left for Seattle, I met a woman he works with at one of the local wet markets. They sell fresh veggies and fruits, as well as meats and fish. It was pretty neat. It was the first day of Deepavali ( I found out what it is!...Hindu new year!) so we went to a Indian temple, and right next to it was a Buddist temple ( that sums up Sing perfectly) both were beautiful, and busy with people praying, lighting insence, and rubbing the big Budda ( of course I did!) Lydia and I had breakfast at the hawker stands (I had noodles and chicken...for breakfast! ha!) Then we walked around, and she showed me all over that area, which is called Bugis. She was telling me that in the 1970's, it was a big area for transvestites, and they'd put on shows on the roof tops. I'm gonna do more research on it, and find out more...I love that stuff! ha! Actually Sing is a big place for sex changes, but more on that in a different post. It was a nice morning, and I think I've finally found a buddy to do stuff with occasionally.
I went to a party on Saturday for Deepavali at another woman's house that Lar works with, Anu. In typical Pam fashion, I didn't want to go...I wouldn't know anyone, I didn't know the area. yada yada yada. But it scared the crap out of me, so I knew I had to go. It was a BLAST! Anu was a wonderful host, and her family and others from Boeing were a fun, lively bunch. And the food was off the hook....true indian food, home made. Sooooo good! And our plates didn't stay empty long, it was funny....I complimented Anu on the food, and she said " to really show me you liked it, you have to have 2 or 3 helpings!" She was serious! ha! I did my best....I live to please, you know. It was a really nice night, and I'm glad I went.
Lar is doing good in Seattle, and having a nice time seeing Ryan and Annbella. He did the big list we had for Target....I was a little jealous, but as I said this morning, if I had been doing the shopping, there would have been lots of stuff in the cart that wasn't on the list, so it was probably a good thing.
More soon...miss and love you all!
xoxo
Pam
The dolphin presentation was pretty cool, and we plan on going back to swim with the dolphins, maybe for our anniversary in March.
After Larry left for Seattle, I met a woman he works with at one of the local wet markets. They sell fresh veggies and fruits, as well as meats and fish. It was pretty neat. It was the first day of Deepavali ( I found out what it is!...Hindu new year!) so we went to a Indian temple, and right next to it was a Buddist temple ( that sums up Sing perfectly) both were beautiful, and busy with people praying, lighting insence, and rubbing the big Budda ( of course I did!) Lydia and I had breakfast at the hawker stands (I had noodles and chicken...for breakfast! ha!) Then we walked around, and she showed me all over that area, which is called Bugis. She was telling me that in the 1970's, it was a big area for transvestites, and they'd put on shows on the roof tops. I'm gonna do more research on it, and find out more...I love that stuff! ha! Actually Sing is a big place for sex changes, but more on that in a different post. It was a nice morning, and I think I've finally found a buddy to do stuff with occasionally.
I went to a party on Saturday for Deepavali at another woman's house that Lar works with, Anu. In typical Pam fashion, I didn't want to go...I wouldn't know anyone, I didn't know the area. yada yada yada. But it scared the crap out of me, so I knew I had to go. It was a BLAST! Anu was a wonderful host, and her family and others from Boeing were a fun, lively bunch. And the food was off the hook....true indian food, home made. Sooooo good! And our plates didn't stay empty long, it was funny....I complimented Anu on the food, and she said " to really show me you liked it, you have to have 2 or 3 helpings!" She was serious! ha! I did my best....I live to please, you know. It was a really nice night, and I'm glad I went.
Lar is doing good in Seattle, and having a nice time seeing Ryan and Annbella. He did the big list we had for Target....I was a little jealous, but as I said this morning, if I had been doing the shopping, there would have been lots of stuff in the cart that wasn't on the list, so it was probably a good thing.
More soon...miss and love you all!
xoxo
Pam
Sunday, November 11, 2007
One Month
I've been in sing 5 weeks...and the time has flown. I just looked at the calendar, and can't believe the date. We've seen and done a lot already, and I know for myself, I have to keep telling myself that we live here and we don't have to cram everything in on one weekend. Much as happened. My dad had toe surgery, my mom had more knee problems, my friends Maureen and Joel had a beautiful baby girl. Deb gained 4 pounds, and increased her PFT score (can I get a whoop whoop??) My hair buddies have graduated, and are moving on. I've looked at pictures from home and missed you all so much it aches. I've been homesick 3 times, emailed my dad to come get me once, rode the subway alone once so far (more this week!) eaten chicken rice 4 times, burned dinner twice (getting used to cooking with gas, and a convection oven) Gotten lost in Mustafa's (The Burler's of Singapore) twice. Worked out and walked more in 5 weeks, than I have in 3 years. Stuck my big toe in the China sea. Argued with Lar once ( over something dumb, not even sure what now) Shopped for, and wrapped all our Christmas presents for family. Fallen more in love with Lar than I thought possible. Gotten used to the heat, and learned the hard way to drink water, before, during and after being outside. I've gotten sunburned twice. Craved Coney dogs and greek salads twice, and vernors more times than I can count. Scared by a gecko twice, and an iguana once ( that's more than enough) been fascinated by the bats that fly around at dusk, eating all the bugs (they are BIG, and fly lower here, it seems) I've also fallen in love with the light, right before dusk, and one of my favorite things is laying in our bedroom with Larry, enjoying the silence, looking out our window at the "gloaming". It is different here, and all the greens and golds seem to glow from within for a brief few moments. Truly lovely, and I know I will miss it when we leave. I haven't posted in a while, and I feel like I need to catch up. Larry is back in the states this week, so I will post often. I'm also trying to figure out how to post groovy slide shows, like Joel has on their blog:(www.journeyofhopekurth.blogspot.com/) Along with moving to a new country, these 5 weeks have also been about living with my hubby for the first time. So, here is my David Letterman top 10 on living with Larry.
10. He frequently bellows "Wife!" as a greeting, or if he can't find me. This has morphed in the 5 weeks to include nick names: yifus, sugar, etc. rarely my given name. Remember, it is also in a thick Texas accent. This is especially fun in large stores or in crowds.
9. He's a snuggler (sorry for calling you out, Babes). If he can't find me in our king size bed, he'll pat around (usually my head or stomach...oof!) until he finds me, then pulls me towards him, and falls back asleep. I may grumble, but I secretly love it. Sshh....
8. He's occasionally cranky in the morning, but usually full of piss and vinegar after his shower. I know it's gonna be a doozy of a day when he comes bounding into the kitchen, nude, and holding his towel. He'll root around in the gadget drawer till he finds a chip clip, wraps himself up, fastens the clip, grabs me for a quick smooch, sometimes a wise crack, then is off to start his day. This often leaves me bewildered, especially if I was in the process of making my morning coffee, not actually drinking it.
7. He's a neat freak, I am a clean freak. Two very different things.
6. He loves pickles and cheese almost as much as he loves me....ask him at the right moment, and it might even be more.
5. He's tolerant of my naivete and goofiness about Singapore. He even occasionally thinks it's cute. He's often amazed at me for "being a girl" but I think he secretly digs it. Don't tell him I told you.
4. He has a knack for decorating ,and is deeply creative with his photography.
3. He is fearless about trying new things, food or experiences. This is one of the things that first hooked me, but it's even more apparent now that we live together. He's a hoot to experience things with...he has a "kid on christmas morning" look every now and then that just slays me. It's a gift, and I'm learning to be in the moment with him.
2. He makes me coffee if he gets up first, and has learned the hard way to feed me, or else. I think I'll keep him.
And the number 1 thing about Lar after 8 months of marriage, and 5 weeks living in the same country....
1. Chicken tacos fear him. There are usually no survivors, and it's ugly. (Mo, he and Hope will get alone great!)
More tomorrow! I miss you guys! and you too my Hubby!
xoxoxo
Pam
I reverted back to my "secret single behavior" now that Lar is out of town... popcorn for dinner! My Grams would be proud! thanks for the jiffy pop Deb, it was fun, and yummy!
10. He frequently bellows "Wife!" as a greeting, or if he can't find me. This has morphed in the 5 weeks to include nick names: yifus, sugar, etc. rarely my given name. Remember, it is also in a thick Texas accent. This is especially fun in large stores or in crowds.
9. He's a snuggler (sorry for calling you out, Babes). If he can't find me in our king size bed, he'll pat around (usually my head or stomach...oof!) until he finds me, then pulls me towards him, and falls back asleep. I may grumble, but I secretly love it. Sshh....
8. He's occasionally cranky in the morning, but usually full of piss and vinegar after his shower. I know it's gonna be a doozy of a day when he comes bounding into the kitchen, nude, and holding his towel. He'll root around in the gadget drawer till he finds a chip clip, wraps himself up, fastens the clip, grabs me for a quick smooch, sometimes a wise crack, then is off to start his day. This often leaves me bewildered, especially if I was in the process of making my morning coffee, not actually drinking it.
7. He's a neat freak, I am a clean freak. Two very different things.
6. He loves pickles and cheese almost as much as he loves me....ask him at the right moment, and it might even be more.
5. He's tolerant of my naivete and goofiness about Singapore. He even occasionally thinks it's cute. He's often amazed at me for "being a girl" but I think he secretly digs it. Don't tell him I told you.
4. He has a knack for decorating ,and is deeply creative with his photography.
3. He is fearless about trying new things, food or experiences. This is one of the things that first hooked me, but it's even more apparent now that we live together. He's a hoot to experience things with...he has a "kid on christmas morning" look every now and then that just slays me. It's a gift, and I'm learning to be in the moment with him.
2. He makes me coffee if he gets up first, and has learned the hard way to feed me, or else. I think I'll keep him.
And the number 1 thing about Lar after 8 months of marriage, and 5 weeks living in the same country....
1. Chicken tacos fear him. There are usually no survivors, and it's ugly. (Mo, he and Hope will get alone great!)
More tomorrow! I miss you guys! and you too my Hubby!
xoxoxo
Pam
I reverted back to my "secret single behavior" now that Lar is out of town... popcorn for dinner! My Grams would be proud! thanks for the jiffy pop Deb, it was fun, and yummy!
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