Suddenly Singapore

Songbird Culture

2010-05-20T18:59:00.003+08:00

A few Saturday mornings ago, Larry and I were up and at em early. We had errands to run, and roti prata to eat. It was a pretty, vaguely cool morning. As we were pulling out of our complex, Larry asked if I had my camera, so I could take a quick picture of something funny for his brother. That reminded us that we have been wanting to go to the our local aviary and take pictures. What's an aviary? In the more central, or heartland neighborhoods, there is often a park set up for Singapore's Songbird enthusiasts. I've tried to do a little research on it, but it's been harder to dig up info on it than I expected.

This park is in our neighborhood, tucked away, behind a wet market and hawker court. Early mornings, before it gets too hot, people bring their Songbirds in intricately carved, teak wood cages. The cages are beautiful, ornate, most custom made, with special ornaments and adornments. Cages are handed down from generation to generation. The birds are often prinices, robins, shikes, merboks, china thrushes, ect.

Larry and I parked the car (well, he parked, I just sat there looking cute), and I gave us a pep talk that we were very much the outsiders in this adventure, and that we had to be super respectful. We got a few curious glances, but though we weren't heartily welcomed, the people were friendly and polite. I tried to stay towards the edge, I didn't want to disturb the men chatting and swapping bird tips. Larry went off to take pictures, and explore a little further. It was truly a beautiful place. The noise level was amazing...the birds were singing their little hearts out. And though it was loud, it was also very peaceful and relaxing.

Once again, I was pleasantly surprised to find another little piece of this curious Singapore puzzle. They build huge high rises, are one of the biggest and most powerful shipping ports, adhere to and make strident rules, demand cleanliness and strive for an utopian society. But tucked away in little nooks, you can still glimpse the way Singapore used to be...a little slower, a little less clean, a little less flashy. Larry and I both say all the time that we love living in the 'heartland' rather than in the expat part of town. We never would have had the chance to see this wonderful place. oh, and I got my tea in a bag too, so I felt very local too!

2010-05-20T18:57:00.001+08:00

I Started this post On Easter...

2010-04-04T15:12:00.004+08:00

Yep, that's what it's come to....so many have asked why I don't post more, and it pretty simply comes down to 1. Laziness. 2. Busyness 3. Not much to say. I'm still here, and think about posting all the time...in fact, I thought this post from Deb says it perfectly! Check it out, it's cute.

A quick catchup:

January 2010 came blowing in, and with it, a whirlwind of getting ready for our annual home leave trip, and for Larry to volunteer at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C. Lots of packing, shopping, clearing out and prep, until Larry left at the end of the month. He met up with his brother in Vancouver, and they had a busy few weeks before the families arrived. Beka and I joined the guys, me for a week, her for 3 (I think). It was such a blast...I highly recommend checking out Vancouver if you ever get the chance, it is so, so gorgeous there. I've fallen for the Pacific northwest, big time. Larry and I got the chance to see ice dancing, which was waaay too fun. I felt like a little kid, seeing the ice capades for the first time (yes, I know I just dated myself...I had the Dorothy Hamil haircut too, so???) And though my time there was short (6 days) I really got caught up in the olympic spirit. I'm really looking forward to participating in future games. Anyone have a house we can use in London, 2012? We're willing to swap!

I also got some good, quality Grammy/Annabella time. I stayed with Ryan and Annabella for a few days, before I shoved off to Detroit. To say it was fab is putting it lightly. She was an angel baby, as usual, and we had a blast. Larry and I bought her a new bed for her birthday (4!!) and I may have gone slightly overboard in the execution of the princess bed theme....well worth it though, her face was worth every penny and four hour web search. At one point someone said " see Annabella, now you really are a princess!" She replied, hand on her hip, cute red curls cocked to the side " Course I am!". There ya have it. Job accomplished, as far as I'm concerned.

From Seattle, I flew onto Detroit to spend time with my parents, friends and family. It was a shorter trip this go around, but it was super fun. The first week my mom took of work, so we did lots of stuff, just the three of us. It was nice to have my parents all to myself for a bit. I miss them all the time living over here, but when I get back home, it always becomes apparent just how much. Ya know? Same with Deb...we can skype, and chat all the time on the phone, but face to face time is precious. That goes for everyone I saw really....time there is short, and far between, so to be able to hold your babies (even if they are 5'5 and taller than me, and have bigger boobs) rub your pregnant bellies, have coffee in my jammies with you, listen to how your year was, read your child a bedtime story, share a meal, cry with you, or just sit with you, I take those moments, shove them down in my heart, and take them out, one by one, like the shells and sea glass we collect and look at them when I come back to this life in Singapore. Sometimes I wish for more, but usually, I'm just really grateful I got to have those moments with you, even if it was just for a bit.

One of the hi-lights of this trip was timing it perfectly (with a little rearranging) to be able to go to Chalfonte house this year for Women's weekend. I've been going since 2 weeks after my sister died, in 1996. It is a group of women, all from similar, but varied backgrounds, roughly the same age, but in varied stages of womanhood. There are single people, some married for 2o years, some widowed, and some newly married. New moms, or expecting, and moms of teenagers. There is a doctor, a few nurses, artists, insurance adjusters, stay at home moms and writers. Oh, and there is a really old guy that facilitates the whole thing and occasionally dresses in drag (that's a story for another day). There are usually about 12 of us, sometimes the cast of characters change slightly, but for the most part the core hasn't. I've missed the past 2 years. I was bummed about it, when it happened, but like most things in my life, if it's unpleasant, I just skate over it, trying no to feel it too much. Um, yeah...that bit me in the ass. Being there was such a spirit lifter. I didn't know how much I needed it. I need those women, who laugh with me, cry with me, and even though I am a gazillion miles away, hold me up and support me, even when I think I am alone. Something pretty special happens when you get us all in the same room. Sure, it's loud. Chocolate is flying, someone is probably beating someone in backgammon, there is laughter, tears, a little wine. Walls come down, and spirits that were sagging, lift a little. When someone is doing great, we celebrate, when someone is struggling, we lift them up, and when someone is too damn proud to admit they need support, we push. Grateful doesn't seem like a big enough word for my women's weekend ladies. They have woven an invisible net around me, and really, I feel the love and support from here. I may not be able to go next year, but I know I need to try.

I'm pretty grateful for facebook these days too. Say what you will about the social networking site that can suck time and allow old boyfriends to find you, but it is also great place to reconnect with people. I will save that for another day, but just a teaser: I had a grade school reunion while I was back in detroit. Stay tuned, I'll write more about it soon. It was a HOOT.

Back to the post: May 2, 2010. I originally started this post on East Sunday, and really the time has flown, and whirred by me...Like I said before, I do think about this ol blog a lot. I mean to sit down and write, but usually, 20 other things get in the way. So, back to the catch up. I've mentioned before on here that I have a sister that died from complications of Cystic Fibrosis. I've also mentioned on here that my best friend, also has the disease, and is preparing to be listed for a double lung transplant. Fundraising has begun, and Larry has thrown his hat in. He is trying to lose weight for better health, so he decided to tie losing weight into raising Deb some cold hard cash. For the next 90 days, for every pound he loses, friends and family have pledged a dollar. It's a win win! We're pretty excited about it. We bought a scale this weekend. Good news: Larry is down a few more lbs. Bad news: Frank weighs 15 pounds.

Friends in Singapore have agreed to help me raise money for Debbie here...so many great ideas have been coming in, and I am so grateful. I'm really looking forward to these next few months, and seeing how much we can raise. Being so far away is hard, but having this to focus on has been great. I will likely use this blog as an update place, so check back to see how Deb is doing.

Visitors....we LOVE em. Anyone out there thinking about a visit to Singapore? We have the room, and would love to have you.

One of the hardest parts of expat life is hitting me square in the face this next week. My dear friend, Sarah, is leaving to go back to the states...this is my first time experiencing having a friend leave, and I'm pretty much in denial. I think it will hit me for real when I go to call or message her for a last minute lunch in little india, or a pedicure. She and her husband have been very good pals to Larry and I, and they will be missed so, so much.

Thanks for those of you that still check this blog, and for the gentle nudges. I'm listening.

xoxoxoxo

Pam

Do These Toes Make My Butt Look Fat?

Random Frank

It's A Wonderful Life

2009-12-27T16:02:00.005+08:00

I love that movie....I watch it every year. Every year, I get a little teary. Sure, it's sappy, but it also makes a good point. Slow down a little, and enjoy what you have. You only have one life, make it count, and cherish the little things, because they can be taken away in an instant. It also suggests we appreciate things when times get tough. I know I needed a gentle reminder of that, especially this year.

Here is a list of some of the things that make my life wonderful.

So, in no particular order, here goes:

The quiet moments of my mornings...I am very lucky to be able to arrange my hair schedule to give myself time in the mornings to chat with family and friends at home on skype, email, or procrastinate blogging. I usually have a 900 pound furry monster on my lap, and a hot cup of coffee. It's so nice, and such a huge departure from my old life of having 2 and 3 jobs, school, or my daycare and 12 hour days of nose and bum wiping. I don't take it for granted for a minute.

Exploring southeast Asia...we're still liking it, and though it still sucks some of the time, being so far away, overall, I feel really, really lucky to have this opportunity. I've said it before, but I never in a million years would have tagged myself to be the one to leave Michigan and live in a foreign country, but I did. The experiences and people we have met are truly a gift.

That brings me to friends. My friends here have made my life richer, and broadened my world scope in a way I never thought imaginable. I have buddies from Scotland (I delight daily in the great sayings and no nonsense attitude of my Scottish buddies. Salt of the earth, those birds.) Friends from the foreign to me Southern states of Texas and Louisiana (also salty birds of the earth, they make my life here a LOT more sane) I have friends from England, Ireland, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Africa, Canada, Australia, Brazil, South Africa ...it's truly amazing, and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have met them in Detroit. So, even though we're living in Asia, I have been lucky enough to be exposed to some really unique and fun traditions of lots of other cultures.

Friends back home, the ones I can wake up at any hour and know they will be there, groggy, but happy to hear my voice. Debbie has been an amazing source of comfort in this last year, even when her own life has been turned upside down and given a hard shake. The generosity of that is humbling. The friends that still call and write, just to say hi...even though the newness of me being gone has long since worn off. The ones that haven't forgotten I'm still around, you know who you are; I appreciate it more than you will know. Thanks for still missing me.

Family...I cannot begin to scratch the surface on how much family has meant to both Larry and I this past year. I haven't come clean as to the personal struggles we have had, because they are just that, personal. But like most things, I think it might be easier to just throw it on the table. We are struggling with fertility issues, and both of our families have been a great source of love and comfort. I am very, very thankful for that. The loss of my sister, Larry's loss of his parents, moving away from home, and all the other struggles we've shared have made us a lot stronger. However, this struggle has thrown me for a great big, fat loop. We are slowly getting around to fine, and doing what we need to, but when we first found out, it was hard...just really stinkin hard. Devastating really...and that's not me being my normal dramatic self. Everything I knew and all the hopes and dreams I've had forever were challenged in an instant. Being away only added to the devastation I felt. Family (and friends) were what got us through. That and a lot of holding onto each other for dear life, and large boxes of cheeze-its and swedish fish. I have been very reluctant to share this struggle with those not in our inner circle, because the wound is still so tender, but I have decided, with Larry's blessing to make this blog more "real" and share the good, bad and ugly. I am personally dealing with the very real possibility of not becoming a mom. Some days I am fine with it and very philosophical, knowing I can still have a very happy and fulfilled life and lucky to have Ryan and Annabella. Some days I cry. A lot. Some days I ignore it all together and focus on my job, my husband and my cat. Not sure which is better to be honest, because it all comes around in the end to bite me on the ass. I have learned not to expect people to get it, or understand at the level I need them to. But when it happens, it is a gift and it helps a lot.

Being a Step-Mom, and a Grammy. Again, another thing that has pushed me as far out of my safe little box as possible. I would not, for one second trade it. It has pushed me, challenged me, and made me a better person. Ryan is pushing 27, and far too old to have me "mothering" him, but he is a good sport about me being a nudge in his life, and this past year we have gotten to know each other more and more. He's all right, as step kids go. I think I'll keep him. Annabella is a light in our lives and I am so stinkin grateful for that little bundle of red headed joy. She is also extremely patient with me, and is truly a delight. Her no nonsense, eager to please personality is so much fun to be around. She tells it like it is, and if I could somehow bottle her zest for life and fun, well, I think I might have the cure for the world's trouble. I wish every single day we could somehow teleport her her to Singapore for a nice, long visit. Asia wouldn't know what hit it.

Frank, the furry band-aid. I've said it before, but he really is a helpful guy to have around. It's hard to dwell on shittiness when you have a goofball, slightly dim little fellow running back and forth at a high rate of speed.

And last but not least, the guy that I often wake up to holding my hand. The ups and owns of a new marriage (oh yeah, they are real baby, straight up), living as physically far away from our family and friends as we can, struggles with infertility, purchasing a new house in the Seattle area and all the other fun stresses we've had this year, cannot dim the fact that I still really like the big lug, and I wouldn't trade his middle of the night hand holding for anything.

These are the big and little things...each one, even the yucky struggles, I wouldn't want to swap, it makes life wonderful, messy and never dull.

Merry Christmas, near and far, and here's to kick ass 2010.

Love,

Pam

I'm Braggin...

2009-10-27T14:42:00.007+08:00

The Incredible Shrinking Husband!

Taxi Cab Speech Therapy

2009-10-13T16:23:00.003+08:00

I've mentioned it on here before a few times, but for those that don't know, I am a lifelong stutterer. Sometimes my fluency is better than others, and depends on lots of factors. I hate the phone, and public speaking is a big hell no. Some conversations are smooth and easy, other times I struggle. If I am tired, or have had a drink or two, my speech gets sticky. Larry was the first person to successfully get me to speak on the phone for any length of time, pretty quickly putting me at ease. Good thing too, or we'd never be the power couple we are today. It's a very personal thing, and my family and friends have gone to the ends of the earth to help me in my fluency. Stuttering is a neurological issue, not a learned behavior. My brain is wired differently than others, and the signals to my mouth and vocal chords get mixed up. I've learn how to deal with it over the years, and I do a fairly good job of not letting it hold me back on stuff. Not always...sometimes I shy away from the phone and other difficult situations for me, but I normally push through it. It is part of who I am, and I've learned in my advanced age that if someone has an issue with it, they can take a long walk off a short pier.

So today, I hopped into a cab, and was expecting my usual quiet ride, where I rifle through my bag, looking for sunglasses, mints, money, ect. Sometimes I pass the time texting friends or Larry. Every once in a while I will have a chatty cab driver though. Today was one of those days.

Conversation between Me and Mokithar ("you can call me Mo"):

Mo: Where you from, Lah?

Me: America (stuttered on the m)

Mo: aaaaahhh....nice, nice, very nice. Very Big. You Like my country, lah?

Me: Yes, very much.

Mo: How long you live here?

Me: Two years.

Mo: How much your rent? (I get asked this all the time....it seems normal now)

Me: Too much, lah!

Mo: hahahahaha....I see, I see.

We drive along in silence for a bit....Mo is dodging motor cycles. I'm trying not to bring up my breakfast.

Mo: Ma'am, if I may?

Me: (thinking oooh boy, here it comes...gonna ask me how much I weigh, or some other screamingly personal thing) Sighing, Sure, go ahead?

Mo: When I was a little boy, I also talk like you, always getting stuck on my words. I think you and I were frightened as children, so we afraid to let out words.

Me: hhmm, oh really (not very interested....I've heard all sorts of stuttering stories, and well, it's a very, very personal thing. I rarely discus it, and if I do, it is with the very inner circle of family and friends)

Mo: Yes, yes, lah! And my Grandmother, she cure me!

Me: Really? (ok, I'll bite...) How did she do that?

Mo: Well, whenever I would talk, and my words would get stuck, she would very quietly come up behind me and hit me with a pillow. This would shock me, and my words would get unstuck.

Me: (shocked, slightly freaked out) Mo! Really? and this worked?

Mo: yes, yes, you try lah! can!

Me: hhmm...I don't know...I don't really want to be hit.

Mo: ask your husband or friends to use a pillow....softly, lah! this will shock the words out of you, and you won't be stuck.

Me: ok, ok....maybe I will try.

This pleases Mo, and he is quiet for a few more minutes. Then he looks worried.

Mo: ask your husband to use a pillow....not a hard stick,lah! If he use a hard stick, you will hurt head, and you talk no more, lah!

Me: Guffawing....I know, I know, something soft! hahahahahaha....(we both were giggling at this point...the visual was great)

Mo: You try, you try. I help you with this, yes?

Me: ok, I will tell my husband.

He then went on to talk to me about his grandmother, and all her ideas for healthy living. Kidney health was big with her, and Mo suggested I go into the jungle and find some herbs to eat for good kidney function. I'm gonna get right on that.

So, Mom, Dad, and other family and friends that have spent years and years encouraging my fluency, not to mention the thousands and thousands of dollars and hours spent on speech therapy, I guess we had it wrong. All you had to do was sneak up behind me and bop me over the head with a pillow! Softly, lah! And for goodness sake, don't use a hard stick!

HUH?!?!

2009-09-30T13:16:00.007+08:00

So, I woke up yesterday to a message in my inbox saying I had won a blog award. Huh? What!? Me? Are you sure you have the right person? I haven't regularly posted in a long time. Sporadic, yes, regular, nope. I have a few Singapore buddies that post all the time, and have spectacular blogs about the ins and outs of life as an expat, and living in southeast Asia (Hi Leone!!) My posts of late have been heavy on fascinating content regarding Frank having hiccups (it was hilarious...he came 2 ft off the ground with each hic...uh, anyhooo....) and light on actual info or stories about life in Singapore. Maybe it's that I've been here 2 years (double huh??), and the wide eyed wonder of it is gone. Maybe seeing men in skirts, putting a dollar into my shopping basket, eating foods spicy enough to blow my face off, drinking tea and coffee from a plastic bag with a straw, and seeing toucans is just my normal life now. It's still super cool...there isn't a day that goes by that I'm not jolted from my every day reverie and notice the differences. I still love living here, and despite being so darn far way from family and friends, and not being there when they need me, I am not ready to go back. My life here is pretty sweet. I work when I want, get to travel, have a pool outside my door, get to spend these early days of marriage taking on the world with Lar, just us. Oh, and cheap massage. Definite perk. I've been pretty open about it occasionally sucking. It's pretty much the being so far away that is hard. My best friend has gone through a very difficult year, and being away from her was hard on both of us. Not being home for the holidays, yep, it sucks. Going through personal struggles without my peeps around me, yep, sucks. Something that is occasionally brought up with my expat friends is that, in fact, it is a lot harder than we bargained for, living here. This is something that is usually discussed in a sheepish, I can't believe I am saying this manner. Because we know how it looks on the outside, to our families and friends far away...we live in the tropics, most of us don't work, have full time help, and get to travel. And Cheap massage. We are aware that we shouldn't whine and complain. We don't want to sound like privileged douche bags. So we do it quietly, amongst ourselves, and every once in a while, we let our families and friends know that there is nothing else in the world we would rather do, no place in the whole world we would rather be, but to be sprawled out with them on their couches.

But the good still outweighs the suck. You can quote me on that incredibly eloquent nugget.

So...if you'd like to read a really good, informative blog about life in Sing, I highly recommend you go here. I'll keep posting about Frank playing with his wind-up mouse, and Lar eating his body weight in pickles, and the occasional cultural high point, as I come across them. In the meantime, I've very honored to receive the award....I'd like to thank my husband (almost pulled a Hilary Swank...whoops) My parents, the little people, Kate Gosselin's stupid hair cut and the guy that made my coffee this morning.....You like me, you really like me!!

Ahem...ok, sorry...moving on before Kanye interrupts me.....

In other news, the F-1 night race came to Singapore again this past weekend. Lar and I got tickets from friends (thanks guys!!), and Larry went on Sunday night. I chose to not be amongst the gazillions of people, deafening noise and sweatiness. We took advantage of all the hub-bub and went to one of the concerts the race was sponsoring on Friday night. We saw Simple Minds (still sounds fab....and a little botox goes a long way) ZZTopp (sounded good, just a little rickety...it's hard playing sober after all these years...BAHAHAHA....I crack myself up...) and No Doubt (great performers...Gwen Stefani is gorgeous, and she just kicks a lot of ass). After toughing it out in the first few rows of pushing, shoving, no deodorant wearing teenagers, we moved up to a quite area where we found a picnic table and sucked down water like camels preparing for a trek in the sahara. We had a great night, but sorta felt our age....oh well....I can still rock out when I need too. And it was pretty funny to watch Larry point at his Texas hat and wave, every time he thought the ZZtopp boys were looking our way. Sigh.

It is a big time of year in Sing....Hungry Ghost month, Hari Raya, Mid-Autumn fest, and my favorite, Deepavali. We are going to a lantern fest party this weekend in our neighborhood, and I'm sure I'll be hanging out in Little India, trying to talk myself out of buying a sari at the Deepavali bazaar. We have a guest coming in a few weeks, so guest room prep is well under way. Larry and I are seeing Depak Chopra this weekend. He's coming through Singapore, and we're having him over for dinner. Ok, not really. But we are seeing him give a lecture, and I'm pretty excited. I heart him.

Thanks again for the award...It made my day. Now go read Leone's blog.

xoxoxo

Pam

Random Frank and random Lar eating random soup.

Do You Know the Noodle Man?

2009-09-13T15:42:00.004+08:00

Do you know the noodle man? The one that works on Smith Street, in Chinatown?

I was introduced to his wonderful restaurant by my pal Sarah. The name is Lan Zhou La Mian, and it's at 19 Smith, about halfway down the street. It's easy to miss, so look for a little nook of a place, with loads of snapshots on the walls. The pictures are of the Noodle man, and hundreds and hundreds of patrons that come into his humble little place for some of the most delicious and fresh noodles I've ever had. Lan Mian translates from Chinese to mean "hand pulled". He makes dozens and dozens of fresh batches each day, right in front of you. I ordered the vegetable noodles, and the pan fried dumplings. They were super yummy...the noodles are tender and light, but still have a "to the tooth" bite to them. I brought Larry back on saturday afternoon for a late lunch, and he enjoyed the minced pork with bean curd sauce, the dish that they are most famous for. Lar thought he was getting soup noodles, similar to Pho, so when his noddles arrived "dry" he was surprised. He still liked them, but wants to branch out and try one of their soup noodle dishes next time.

After almost two years of living here (what?!?!) I think it's pretty cool I can still be delighted to happen upon these little gems. Or have smart friends in the know! Even though it's in a pretty touristy part of town, I still get a sense that it is 'real singapore'. The place is not fancy in the least, but the food is good, cheap and honest. And the Noodle Man always has a smile for you...can't get better than that. I think Mr. Noodle just acquired two more regulars.

I dare you to not hum the tune "Oh do you know the Muffin Man" now...go ahead try.

Quick Update

2009-09-09T10:16:00.002+08:00

I am back and posting...we'll see for how long, but I will try. Larry and I went on quick trip back to the US. We needed to take care of a few things that I will post about in a future post. We primarily stayed in the Seattle area, hanging with Ryan and the fabulous Annabella, but we did dive bomb my family in Detroit. We snuck into town (giggling and high five-ing our sneakiness) and surprised Debbie and Louie by showing up in their pool. Her reaction was great...well worth the little white lies. Then we surprised my family by driving by them at their usual spot on Woodward Ave. during the woodward dream cruise. Their reaction was also hilarious....even my mom almost biting the dust by choking when she saw us drive by. It made for some funny jokes the next day, that's for sure. My family has a sick sense of humor, so you can imagine. We had a nice relaxing day with them the next day as well, and enjoyed a perfect Michigan summer dinner. Michigan corn on the cob, tomatoes, cantalope, and one of my favorite things, HOTDOGS. What can I say...I'm a cheap date. The trip to Detroit was too short, but I'm really glad we got the chance to do it. Seattle was fab too...the weather could not have been more perfect. We spent an idlyic day at the ocean, full of memories I will treasure forever. Annabella was a dream...she is such a sweet, funny girl. She really got into hanging with her Grampy and Grammy. We stayed at her house, so she was super fun...and Larry loved the red headed wake up call. We did stay a weekend in a hotel, and Annbella was quite impressed with the fold out couch...I kept telling her "this is very, very fancy" and she agreed...too cute!

We are back and getting into the swing of life again in Sing. I've been super busy with hair, and Larry is back on the day shift. He is getting ready to start golf lessons, and seems pretty excited about it. Frankie is speaking to us again, after getting the furry cold shoulder. He was well taken care of by Catherine and Sarah, but he still prefers his peoples around him all day.

Today we woke up to some bad news from Detroit. Debbie and Louie had to put their beloved furbaby, Max to sleep. They are so very sad. Anyone who has had to put an animal to sleep knows how incredibly shitty it is. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Maxie was a sweet and loving boy...I loved him very much. We were great pals, and he was the best fur godson I could have asked for. He will be missed by many, many people who loved him so much.

It is also Larry and Gary's birthday today....happy birthday to my very cute hubby and fab bro in law!!

More tomorrow...hint...it involves noodles.

xoxoxo

Pam

Happy 39!

2009-08-03T09:24:00.002+08:00

A very Happy Birthday to my best friend, Deb! WHOOOOHOOOOO OL Lady!!

Shuffling right along...

2009-08-03T08:55:00.003+08:00

I am stealing this brilliant idea for future blog posts from My BFF, Deb. I will put my itunes on random, and the next 3 songs I hear, I will write a short blurb about what the song means to me, the time it brings me back to, ect.

So here goes: Song number one: The Story, by Brandi Carslise. I first heard this song bombing sown 696 in Detroit, probably running late for school or work. It was when I had just realized I was head over heals for an old guy that lived in Seattle. It was a very fitting song and I LOVED it. Then it was on Gray's anatomy, and it became a huge hit. I love her raw, not overly pretty voice. A friend of mine was driving with me once, and it was on the radio...I was doing my usual teary eyed singing along, and she was just shaking her head, calling me a sap. (Hi Stro!) Anyway...I still love it...for someone so young this chick can write and sing!

K, next one coming up.....Make Your Own Kind Of Music, Mama Cass.

Oh please! I dare you not to LOVE this song....I have always LOVED, LOVED Mama Cass...that gorgeous, rich pitch perfect voice of hers...oy vey! I remember my mom having an album (huh, what the heck is an album??) of hers when I was little, and a lot of my early childhood memories are laced with mama cass in the background. When I got married in Vegas, I got a little slack for not going the more traditional route. Deb sent me one of those musical cards with this song in it...saying she thought it was pretty nifty that Larry and I chose to do it our "own way". Thanks for "getting it" Deb! It has definitely always been a "theme" song of mine. Good one, shuffle!

Neeeeext! Bust a Move, Young MC. What can I say....you can take the old school hip hop outta the girl....woohooo...this song makes me shake my groove thang....not much more to say about it...it's funny, silly and has a great beat.

Thanks Deb for the great idea....this is right up my alley!

Oh Yum!

2009-08-03T08:10:00.011+08:00

Larry and I went out for our usual saturday night 'dinner out'. We debated our choices....our new favorite; Bali seafood? No...we didn't want to get burned out on that....Mr. Prata (24 different kinds!!) No....not in the mood....Pho? No.....we had a very unfortunate experience there a few weeks ago, and it will take me a while to muster the courage to go back (insert gagging noises here) Pizza? Nah...I needed to get out. Lar was feeling under the weather, but he agreed to go out...so not wanting to go far, we decided to try something in our new neighborhood. We chose Ivin's Peranakan restaurant, right up the road from us. It was a surprisingly mild evening, so the short walk from the carpark was nice. We even saw a few kitties, none as cute as Frank, but still cute.

I didn't know much about Peranakan food (check this link out, tells ya all about it), and knew only a little of the culture from my visit a few months ago to the Peranakan museum. I knew it was a mixture of Maylaysian and chinese...and that's it. Ivin's reminds me of a local italian joint in MI.....families were there, enjoying family style portions of comforting food their Mama's probably made. It was cheap, cheerful, and even though we were the only Ang Mo's, we were warmly welcomed. The food was DELISH! I was trying to figure out a way to describe it yesterday....it didn't seem very chinese...more Malaysian, which is normally roti prata, nasi goreng , that kinda thing. We ordered a chicken dish that came in a VERY hot ceramic crock (Lar burned his finger....poor guy was having a rough night) it was hunks of chicken in a rich red, tomato-ey sauce. Not spicy at first, but it did pack a punch after a few bites. It was served with white rice. There were 2 large 'rocks' in the dish...Larry this they are to cool the dish down, thrown in after it is cooked. We ordered to vegetable dishes, both super yummy. One was a large slab of sweet potato cooked in coconut sauce, with the sweet potato leaves ( you eat them! yummy!! and think how healthy!) and one random shrimp...it was my favorite. Then a curried vegetable melange. I t had cabbage in it, but I still liked it. Lar really wasn't feeling well,so his opinion was a little skewed...he drank few cups of tea, and ate about half of his dinner. He was patient with my lip smaking and ooh-ing and aah-ing though. He only rolled his eyes once...

I LOVED this place...we will for sure be making it one of our regular spots. Oh, and it was CHEAP!! We are finding that more and more...the more local restaurants in our new 'hood are cheaper, the food is fantastic, and though we may get a few looks, we are always welcomed. I'm loving exploring our new surroundings, and getting a more 'real' feel for the people and culture of Singapore.

Two thumbs way up from the Grulich's!

Random Frank

Happy 4th!

2009-07-05T14:51:00.004+08:00

We spent the 4th of July at the American Association's annual party again this year. It was even better this year to be able to share it with friends. The fireworks were great this year, and I got a little weepy thinking of all my family and friends that are in Ludington (northern MI) for the annual week at Sauble Resort. It's weird being so far away and not being able to go...even though this is my second year not going, it still seems weird, like a hunk of me is missing for a bit.

We enjoyed the evening, laughing and chatting with our friends, and I even got to have a quick chat with a fellow Southfield-Lathrup High School Grad. He owns Botak Jones, an american food restaurant here in Sing. He was the first graduating class, and I followed 20 years later. It was neat to touch base for a minute with a fellow charger. It makes you realize just how small this crazy world really is.

Larry and I are going to a swim meet tonight for the Singapore Youth Games...hopfully I'll have some good pictures to post! Have a good Sunday everyone!

Pretty In Pink

2009-06-27T09:25:00.011+08:00

I've been doing lots of hair the past few weeks, and have been having fun getting to know new people. A few brave clients have wanted pink ( ok, Leone was talked into it...). It's been so fun to express my creativity and step out of the hair color box!

We've had a busy few weeks. We had a party for Larry's work folks, so it has been a hub-bub of getting the house ready, food cooked ect. I'll blog about that a little later.

Thanks for being so patient with this blog. Things are good here, or at least better. We are fine!

xoxoxo

Pam

Good Things

2009-06-05T11:03:00.006+08:00

I made myself think of five good things to be happy about this morning. Lar and I have had some challenges these past few weeks. I always struggle with keeping this blog all about the good stuff, or to just lay it all out there, the good, the bad and the real ugly. We aren't quite ready to delve into the ugly, especially for the entire blogisphere to consume, so here are a five good things that are helping to keep my head above water. We are fine, or will be. I'm sure I will share all the gory, fun-filled details at some point, but for now, please send us good vibes, and if you feel like it, swedish fish and copenhagen chewing tobacco (our own oral coping mechanisms of choice...yes, Larry's is gross. Yes, mine will rot my teeth and brain and make my ass larger. We. Don't. Care.).

Yankee candles. Yep, I pretty much lost my mind in Tang's department store. I kept screaming " OH MY GOSH, THEY HAVE THE BIG JAR!!!" Oh, the poor saleswoman....we shall not mention the price. Suffice it to say, it was ugly...real, real ugly. But...I. Don't. Care. Sometimes, it's whatever will get you through that day, that moment and that breath.
Golf balls. Larry has taken golf back up, and that was to represent him getting clubs, balls, and me promising to get him a snazzy golf outfit (think Jackie Gleason....knickers, tam with large pom pom, and loud sweater to match.) He's very excited.
The world's most darling pedicure
Milk Dud's. This is my movie stash. Sarah brought these back from her trip to the states. I always sneak a little bag into the movies with me. Someone, who shall remain nameless, recently pillaged my stash. I threatened divorce, he just snickered and complained that his jaw hurt now.
Last, but certainly not least, my furbaby. Frank the wonder cat....he is a big, fat furry band-aid on our hurting hearts right now. If I could bottle his sweetness, I might be able to solve the crisis in the middle east. Seriously.

Any suggestions for a fun, singapore themed blog post? Hit me with your best shot....my brain has shriveled from all the red dye #5 in the swedish fish.

Have a great weekend everyone!

xoxo

Pam

Random Frank

He loves his daddy-o

Did You?

2009-05-15T10:43:00.006+08:00

Did you wake up this morning, trip over the cat, make the coffee, make breakfast, kiss your husband, feed the cat, say goodbye to your husband, feed the cat, settle down in the arm chair with coffee, tell the cat he is DONE eating, flip open your laptop, read emails, tell the cat to get off the keyboard, that you're trying to type, then look up and see THIS on your garden wall?

No?

Well I did! After I stopped standing there like a doorknob with my mouth hanging open, I rushed around trying to find my camera. I contemplated running up and down the 376 stairs in my house to look for it, but decided to enjoy the moment instead, and watch this beautiful bird. He hopped around my garden for a bit, flew up onto the wall, then into a tree in my neighbors garden. I wondered why I heard so much shrieking from the other birds, and then realized he was eating eggs out of a nest...sad, but part of life. He then hopped onto a skinny, one branch palm tree and hung there for a few minutes before flying away. It was SO cool!! Sometimes I think I've become jaded or accustomed to the amazing things I see while living here. Oh, look a Monkey! Yawn......yeah, big deal. But this morning, it's kinda neat to see I can still be amazed. I hope he comes back!

If You Build It.

2009-05-08T11:48:00.006+08:00

Here are a few pictures of my new home salon area.

The cute pink chair is getting relocated to my office upstairs, I found a good deal on a real salon chair, and we're gonna get it this weekend. Good thing too...it's already covered in hair color! whoops!

I also may be meeting some shady character this weekend that may have a lead on hair color....nothing is easy in Singapore! I have a feeling his 'warehouse' is really the trunk of his car, but we'll see.

So, I am up and running, and so excited to have new clients. Email me if you'd like to set something up!

Random Frank.

Stealing Wit.

2009-05-02T18:15:00.008+08:00

Have you ever noticed that the longer you put something off, the harder it is to get back to it? That's what's been happening here. The move threw me for a loop, and then I had several hair clients, and then, and then, and then....well....you get the point. Blogging has been low on my list. I have also been fighting the blues about being back from home leave. They were latent in their arrival, as we had Tim and Kae here, then the move, but like death and taxes, they arrived.It's another fun thing about being an expat that is rarely discussed. I love going home, , and then I love getting back to my home in Singapore, but a funk always descends for a bit. I've also been staring at my computer for hours usually on google which sends me to all sorts of scary sites, wondering and questioning how the heck I got to be 37 and without a kid yet. I just reread what I just wrote...it hasn't been as dreary as it may seem. In the last month, I have formed even more fabulous friendships. Things are ok, I'm just getting my feet back under me. As another blogger I read always says "I'm just keeping it real."

My BFF, Deb, is also a blogger. She did a cute post in the past few days that I am totally stealing.

So, this is me stealing her "Big Purge" post. Warning, it's random, and quite possibly weird.

We moved to the 'heartland' of Singapore, meaning we are out in the center of the city, rather in the downtown area where we were. So far, I LOVE it. The people seem a little shocked to see larry and I out here, but they are lovely and kind. We've met our neighbors. To the left, they are expats from France, and to the right, they are Chinese. My friend Catherine, from Scotland lives in this complex as well. It seems to be an interesting mix, and strolling around at night, looking into the windows, is quite fascinating.
I have driven TWICE!! I have been thinking about it for a while, and gave Larry fair notice (he went pale at the idea, hoped I was kidding, but is now supportive). It's going well so far, and I am just taking baby steps at this point. I'd love to get my singapore driver license, so we'll see how it goes. Driving on the right side of the car is WEIRD. **Update: by mutual agreement, I have ended my driving career in Singapore.
Things are waaaaaay cheaper out here. Cool whip at the tony expat grocery store in our old neighborhood is 8.00 for a small tub. It is 3.50 at my new grocery store. Oh, and weird random find alert! I was cruising through the grocery store (it's kinda like a meijers or wal-mart, it has everything), in a big hurry one day, and a display of t-shirts caught my eye. I looked more closely, and they were J.Jill t-shirts. Ok...J.Jill is my FAVORITE catalog/website to buy clothes from. Everything is soft, cottony, squishy goodness. And EXPENSIVE. I stopped in my tracks, swung my cart around and took a look. They were the real thing, with a thin line drawn through the name. I pawed through, and they had MY SIZE. I kinda lost my mind, and bought ALL of the ones in my size. Then went back the next day and bought some for Deb, and a few more for me. Oh, and did I mention they were THREE DOLLARS AND NINETY CENTS????? Yeah, now you understand the losing of the mind stuff that was happening. I kinda wonder if they 'fell off a truck'....just seems so weird to have a big shipment of their shirts. I will keep my eyes peeled for more, that's for darn tootin.
Staying in touch with people from home just got easier....I finally joined skype. Though it seems like the day to day stuff of keeping in touch with people has waned, I am still able to get a good catch up with people on skype. If you are a member and would like to chat, let me know. I do love hearing from home...so if you get a chance, shoot me an email or note...I do miss you all so much.
We are 95% sure Ryan and Annabella are coming here for Christmas. We will know more soon. If it does happen, it will be a full out, jazz hands Christmas in the tropics EXTRAVAGANZA.
there are 376 steps in my new house.
Frank is now a hired killer. He has single pawedly knocked back the gecko population in our home to insignificant numbers. It's often bloody, loud and things get broken, but his parents couldn't be prouder.
Larry and I go to a wellness practice here, run by an Australian woman. If any of you watch Private Practice in the states, it's like that, but without all the drama and sex. I'm assuming, that is....I may be wrong. Anyway, I LOVE it. Every aspect is addressed, and I feel like we are in really good hands for our medical stuff.
I have mastered beef or chicken lo mein. I bumped up the health factor with a ton more veggies, less sodium, less fat, ect. And the best part...I can get fresh hoikkein noodles at my local grocery. Sometimes living in Asia rocks.
My best friend Deb is starting a big thing in her life soon, and you should check back here from time to time....I'll keep you updated, and will be asking for your help. I knew I started a blog for a reason!
My hair business is booooooming! woohoo! need a Do? Contact me!
If you are on facebook (facecrack) and we aren't friends yet, look me up. Hi, my name is Pam, and I'm a facebookaholic.

Thanks to my loyal readers...I will be back to regular posting. And if you want to follow me, do so in the top right hand corner.

xoxoxoxoxo

Pam

A Few Pictures To Appease

2009-04-24T12:31:00.000+08:00

Like George and Weezy

2009-03-21T10:49:00.007+08:00

Well, it's official. We are moving from our current flat into a new town house. Our lease is up at the end of the month, and after going round and round, we decided to look at other housing options. A friend of mine lives in the Ang Mo Kio neighborhood, and mentioned there was an opening at her complex. After much wrasaling (yes, I said wrasaling....) with our leasing agent (she didn't want us to move, she would lose money), we were finally able to convince her we know what we are doing by moving to a more "local" area, and out of the safety net of the expat neighborhood we live in now. Our new place is a lot more roomy, has two patios (yes!! TWO!!!). We are getting packed up, and will be in our new place by the end of the week. I will post pictures soon! And I will send out a change of address email in the next day or so.

Not wanting to dull the still shimmering memory of the Motley Crue concert, here is a short video for the Indigo Girls concert last week. Larry and I can now say we've been to one concert from the other's musical taste. Overall, he enjoyed the girls very much....and oh my....their lush harmonies and intricate vocals....mmmm, mmmm, mmmm....hard to shake, even a week later.

More From Shea

2009-03-18T08:39:00.002+08:00

I was having blogger glitches when Shea sent me her last blog entries, so they were on hold. Here are her thoughts on her last few days. Thanks for writing about your experiences Shea, everyone loved reading them!

*************************************************************************************

Hey all you bog readers out there! I just noticed something, I never said happy Valentines Day on Valentines Day! So happy belated Valentines Day! Now, about today.

Today we didn’t have Alice with us again. We had things to do before we leave. We spent almost the whole day at the Yashow Market! We had bought gifts for our friends. We got scarves, purses, shoes, and clothing. We had gotten glamorous wallets for my cousins, Molly and Emma, a purse for their mom, Laura Varon Brown, you might recognize that name from the paper, shoes for my cousin who is just 5 years old and her mom is about to have a baby girl! So we got the newborn and the 5 year old, Sloane, some shoes, and we bought more wacko stuff! I, surprisingly, didn’t get anything for me until later! Usually I would find something I like instantly and I would be the first one to buy something, before we even found something for anyone else!

I’ve been reading your comments lately and a lot say things about pictures. No worries, they’ll be up in a short while! They might not be posted with their correct blog, but they’ll be up and you’ll be able to tell which one goes with which.

We went to see the Acrobats tonight! They were absolutely AMAZING!!! ASTONISHING!!! Some of them did mess up a little bit, but when they did, it wasn’t so bad. There were 3 kids doing some seriously cool things! They were doing funny but cool looking handstands on 1 pogo stick with 1 arm! Sometimes, they would do some real kid stuff like bouncing on pogo sticks (with 2 pogo sticks with both arms) while their legs were going crazy, like a young child would do! These kids looked like they were younger than me! Younger than 10! Absolutely ASTONISHING!!! There was this thing called the Slack Wire. It was kind of like a tight rope, but I guess they don’t call it that here. So, this guy, who looked extremely young, like another kid, and he was walking and doing tricks on it! He did handstands, headstands, (without hands. Just head) and he took a ladder and put it on the wire, then did a handstand on it! It was SUPER COOL!! Then, he took a unicycle and rode around on it on the wire! That is called EXTREME BALLENCE!!!

So, sorry there wasn’t much to tell, and sorry this one doesn’t have a picture, they wouldn’t let us video tape or take pictures. L But, there’ll be more tomorrow! So stay tuned!

*******************************************************************

I guess for the rest of the time here, we are not going to have Alice with us. Mom and I got around just fine today. We went to the Temple of Heaven. When we got there, there wasn’t much, but there were people dancing, singing, and there was an exercise park with all these exercise machines! But they were much different from what we have in Michigan, but they are so much more fun than what there is in Michigan! So, mom and I hung out over there for about 20 minutes and then we went to the Temple. At the Temple, there wasn’t much to see. There were a lot of stairs and single stairs in the middle for the Emperor to walk on. When you got to the Temple part, you could only look from the outside looking in. There wasn’t much inside, just a throne and some desks.

After the Temple of Heaven, we went back to the hotel room and watched movies and read our books. It took us a while before we started gussying up for tonight, that night we were going to get the famous (in China) Peking Duck! I was so tired during dinner! I slept through it! I’ve been sleeping through every dinner I’ve been on this vacation! I was up for the duck, it tasted like chicken! It was good, but I still didn’t eat it. I won’t eat anything that looks like what it is, like duck. If it looks like a duck, I’m not eating it! They chopped off the head! It even had the beak and everything! GROSS!!!!!

I am SOOO sorry I don’t have more to tell! I’ll try to tell more tomorrow!

******************************************************************************************************Today is my last day, and I really didn’t do anything. I got a manicure, and we went to the Water Cube again. Mom went out to dinner with one of my dad’s co-workers while my dad and I got room service.

Today wasn’t much of a blog, but this is what happened today! Catch ya l8er!

Some More Pictures

2009-03-15T14:13:00.003+08:00

Here are a few more pictures from Tim and Kae's visit...it was a blast! Come visit us!

Um, Yeah.

2009-03-09T16:31:00.005+08:00

Tim Hits The Island Of Batam

2009-03-09T09:18:00.011+08:00

We headed to the indonesian Island of Batam on Friday morning. We took the ferry from Singapore, and arrived at around eleven island time. We stayed at the Turi Beach resort in the balinese huts. It was a great little getaway. Tim and I really enjoyed swimming up to the pool bar. Lar had a few naps, and Kae liked strolling along the beach. Tim and Kae also found a monkey hideout, and caught them doing all kinds of funny stuff. We had 2 great dinners at the tapenaki restaurant, and even went into Batam center for a little shopping.

We came back on Sunday afternoon, and Larry and I had to attend a funeral wake for a co-worker's father. It was a Chinese wake, and it was truly fascinating. Larry and both felt honored to have been able to experience it. We were both a little nervous, but we were warmly welcomed, and shown how to participate. They mourn for five days, for 24 hours. Larry's co-worker looked worn out and exhausted, but seemed to be holding up okay. There was traditional music, food, and chanting going on....as sad as it was, it was also joyful. Again, Larry and I were humbled to be allowed into a very intimate aspect of the Singaporean culture.

Tim and Kae are off to Chinatown today for their last day in Sing. They are going for souvenirs and stuff. They are getting good at riding the mrt themselves, and like exploring on their own. We are going to the East Coast Hawker stand tonight for their last dinner in Sing. (Tim's request...he loves having so many choices!)

Here are a few photos from our batam trip.

Days Two, Three and Four

2009-03-01T21:54:00.003+08:00

We've been having a great time with Tim and Kae this weekend. Thursday, we just hung out at home, and then we went for Chilli crab at the east coast parkway seafood center. It was all kinds of yummy. We went to Chinatown on friday, and we rode the mrt, had Dim Sum at Dimjoy, and then came back for a little rest. When Larry got home, we went for indonesian food then to the fish spa...here is a video of Tim and Larry enjoying the experience.

On Saturday, we went to Macritchie park to do the tree top walk. We took the long trail thinking it would be no big deal...we were WRONG!! It turned out to be around 6.5 miles (it felt like 2000) and well...me being in my best physical shape...I was a whiney mess by the end. Thankfully we missed the rain though, and came back for a nice healthy meal of stirfry veggies, a little beef, and some rice. Tim as been trying to master chopsticks, and is really coming along at it. Kae taught me how to make her famous potato pancakes this morning, and after Tim ate 40 of them, we spent the afternoon at the pool. We went for pho for dinner, then rode the Singapore Flier....it was a hoot...I wasn't expecting much, but I loved it!

We've been having a blast...more soon!

Day One

2009-02-26T10:37:00.002+08:00

I'm happy to report Tim and Kae have arrived safe and sound In Singapore! They survived the flight, and were in good spirits when they came off the plane. It's hard to put into words what it felt like to have someone you know and love walk through the doors here. My first year here, all I wished for was a visit from someone. I slowly let go of that wish, because I figured it was too far, too expensive, ect. Even when Tim and Kae told me they would come, I didn't let myself get too excited. So to have them here for a visit is pretty darn cool. I was jumping up and down like a dork, and pretty much bounced and bubbled the whole way back to our place. I'm just thrilled to show them around, and we are looking forward to exploring and doing loads of fun stuff.

Larry was working his last night of night shift, so I was solo on picking them up. They are still sleeping, and today we are going to the fish spa, per Tim's request. We're taking it easy today, just hitting the fish place, then dinner. I will post video of the experience for sure.

Frank the cat is very excited to have guests. He was more social than I expected him to be last night. He played with his new toy we brought back from the states (it's like a small playhouse, with holes in it that he pops in and out of) and put on quite the floor show. Tim is allergic to cats, so like most cats, Frank has laser lock on him, and likes to follow him around.

I will post pictures and videos later!

I'm Back

2009-02-25T06:39:00.002+08:00

We are back in Sing, and slowly getting settled back into life in the tropics. I was away for 6 weeks in Michigan, Texas, and Seattle. It was a great trip, and the cold mid-west weather really made me appreciate living in Sing. It was great to see my family and friends, and those of you I didn't get to see, please know I love you and miss you....I gotta figure out a better way, maybe a big open house or something ( Deb's idea).
I have loads of pictures I will post soon....just waiting for my power cord to arrive (I left it at my parents...using Lar's computer)

Frank the cat was sooooo happy to see us! He has not left our sides for a minute, and has taken to hanging out with Larry in the man room. I guess they talk about baseball, spit, scratch and pass gas together. He loved the presents we brought back for him, and has been performing a nightly show of our great he is at playing with them. He was spoiled rotten by Sarah...I have a feeling he may go home with her next time she comes over!

My Aunt Kae and Uncle Tim are arriving from MI tonight, for a ten day visit. To say I am excited is an understatement. We have been hoping for visitors since we arrived, so we can't wait to show Singapore off to them.

I have a few more posts from Shea and her trip to China I need to post, but I am having technical difficulties. When I figure it all out I will post her stuff.

I've been running around, un-packing, fitting in a few hair clients, and trying to keep the jet-lag bug away this week. Larry has been a big help, and he is settling back into his work routine.

I will be back to blogging on a more regular basis soon here...promise.

Another Update From Shea!

2009-02-16T21:40:00.000+08:00

Olympic Games Shea Thomas

Today was truly amazing! Alice, mom and I went to the Forbidden City, with a REAL tour from Alice because mom video taped wrong the last time, and we went to the Olympic Park!

In the Forbidden City, we saw much more things than the last time! We saw where the Emperor and the Empress slept, their lounging area, and everything in between!

The Emperor has many beds! He has one in his bedroom, and one in a room that looks like it could be a throne room if you took out the bed! The Empress has her own bed in her own bedroom. The Emperor and Empress didn’t sleep in the same bed/room like adults do now.

Their lounging area is normal, nothing too exciting. It has a couch, table, chairs, and some bookcases. Alice liked to compare it to a study. It does look sort of like a study.

I was FREEZING!!!!! I could never have been colder! We stopped and got some hot chocolate, tea, coffee, or cappuccino.

We finished our tour by cruising through the garden. There were huge, beautiful rocks, and a few buildings. Nothing in them.

The next thing that happened was Alice couldn’t get a taxi because all the taxi drivers that she found said no, and when she did get a cab, my dad and his boss left in it. Mom, Alice, and I had to wait until Alice got another cab! When we finally had one, this taxi driver took us to the Olympic Park!

The first thing we did in the Olympic Park was go to the Water Cube! This building is built from bubbles! Of course, there is more, but I honestly don’t know what! What’s interesting about these bubbles is that 3 cars could sit or drive on 1 bubble by its self without popping it!

Inside, we saw the actual pool where Michael Phelps swam and where the Olympic divers dived! We saw the diving boards, that don’t bounce, that Olympic divers dove off of!

After we saw the pool, we went to get some gifts! They had some key chains, jewelry, and hats! All of these, we bought!

Next we went to the Bird’s Nest! There is definitely a reason why they call it the “Bird’s Nest”! It really looks like a bird’s nest!

Inside the Bird’s Nest, we went onto the field where there were 2 blow-up Olympic Mascots! The red “welcome fire” mascot is HuanHuan, and the green mascot is Nini. They are so cute and cuddly! There was a gift shop, too. I got one of those beany like pillows of HuanHuan. We also got my dad a t-shirt that says Beijing 2008 with the Olympic rings on it! It was white, and fortunately, dad loved it!

Mom and I took lots of pictures of both places. The ceiling in the Water Cube had snow flakes on it! It was so beautiful, especially in the sunlight! The walls had blue water bubbles in different sizes! I took pictures of it all! Plus, everything in the Bird’s Nest! I found out that if you go on the field of the Bird’s Nest, if you look up, you will see the sky! There’s a hole for the bird to feed her babies! :D

Sorry I have to go, but there’s no more to tell. But no worries, I’ll be back

From Shea-Friday

2009-02-13T22:39:00.001+08:00

Friday February 13th 2009 Shea Thomas

Lots of people say that Friday the 13th is “bad luck day”. I say not! Today I got to see awesome things!
We went down town into Tian’anmen Square and saw some cool things! There were shops and markets. Some people were not in cars, they were on bikes or motorcycles! Some even had cover-ups on them! They were so cool!
Next, we went to the Forbidden City! I learned what the Forbidden City is, it was the Emperors home! Geez! It was HUGE!!!!! And there was only, how many people living there? Like 3 or 4! That’s A LOT of space for just that many people! That place had a lot of stairs. But I didn’t mind. In some places, there was a stone isle where only the emperor could walk. No empresses or anything! Also, it took us almost an hour just to get inside the building! That’s right! When you step into the Forbidden City territory, your not even inside yet! You’ve got a WAYS to go, I’ll tell you that much!
I didn’t really eat much of lunch, I didn’t really like it. So, there’s not much to tell. There was noodles and chicken. The noodles were too…soft for me, and the chicken had this yellow sauce on it that made me loose my appetite. But it wasn’t so bad. We met a Chinese guy that knew English and showed us his office. His professor, for art, had made all of these remarkable paintings and he sold one of them to us! It was a weird looking picture with a man and a woman on it, enough to make out the people, and Chinese writing down the side. The man translated it. He said it means “Dance”. I guess you could see the man and woman in the picture dancing. The pronunciation in Chinese for “Dance” is wo. Just wo.
My mom has been talking about going to the market all day long! So, she got her chance to go to the market. It was like a mall, except all these people were selling different thing for ridiculous prices! Mom would type in, on the calculator, the price she wanted to pay, but they would beg for more. So, if mom typed in 200, they would beg and type in 250. Then, mom would type in 220. They would type in 230. That’s when they would come to an agreement. I got an awesome Roxy jacket in red! It also has blue, grey, and black on it.
So then, we went back to the hotel and chilled out. I started thinking about the next day. Tomorrow, I’ll be walking along the Great Wall of China with my dad’s
co-workers. Exciting! Stay tuned for The Great Wall of China!

From Shea

2009-02-13T22:36:00.001+08:00

Wednesday February 11th 2009

Today is the day! The day that I am leaving! Who knew I’d be going to China?! I am the luckiest kid in the world!
When I got on the plane, my head almost touched thee ceiling! It was the smallest plane I have ever experienced! At least it was only a 1 hour and 42 minute flight.
The flight seemed long and poor. I couldn’t stand it! Every once in a while the plane would bounce and it was very uncomfortable.
Finally, we land! I was a little rolly-polly in there! Now, I am ready for real entertainment!
Wednesday February 11th 2009
Flight #2

I am so ready to sit on a new ride. By the time I arrive, it will be Thursday.
These seats are awesome! They got their own individual televisions plus a remote with video game controls on the back! I am going to be just fine for 14 hours, just fine!
During the flight, I mostly watched movies or played games! I totally kicked some butt in Battleship! We got served dinner which our choices were salmon or beef. It was like 1st class, except for the fact we weren’t on 1st class.
I slept for about 2 hours nonconsecutive. Very uncomfortable.
The last couple of hours were extremely hot. It was burning! Maybe enough to pop popcorn! We got served breakfast about 3 hours before we landed.
The landing was interesting. The runway was different from what there is in Michigan. I couldn’t believe it was China!
China

The airport was quiet. Mom and I were probably the only ones speaking, except for about 3 people. It’s scary how serious these people are. It was like the quietest library in the world!
The ride to the hotel was great! I didn’t wear my seat belt because there was no buckle to click it into! We passed the Olympic nest and the water cube! It really does look like a nest! It was funny listening to the Chinese radio. The radio going off, my parents talking, and the beauty of China passing by out the window.
The hotel has a great, big, golden lobby. It has a pool, but I haven’t seen it yet.
Our hotel room has 1 king size bed. AKA, the “mom and dad” bed. So, I get my own twin bed. We ordered it up and when it got to the room, I thought, “right there is going to be me shoofing.” They set the bed down, made the bed, and WALAH! There’s my bed all fluffed up! What else is there? I’ll just have to wait to answer that question. Tomorrow, I really get to explore China.

Guest Blogger!

2009-02-05T11:35:00.003+08:00

I'm extremely happy to introduce my guest blogger for February. Shea Thomas is 10.5 years old, lives in MI, and loves gymnastics, her dog, and Zac Effron. Her parents, Linda and Kevin rate pretty high too. I have known Linda for 20 + years, and Shea, well I've known her since she was just a wish.

She's going to be chiming in on the blog from time to time in the next few weeks, as she travels to China with her folks.

Below is her first entry. I'm fairly certain she's gonna be famous. Enjoy!

********************************************************

My dad travels all around the world for work. I miss him. We miss him. So mom and I always go visit him in where ever he is.

This time, dad’s going to Beijing, China! Can you believe it?!China! So, guess what that means? Mom and I are going to China, too!

Dad already left this past Monday, but mom and I are leaving a week from tomorrow. But, of course, we have a few problems, 1, we don’t know any Chinese! 2, what are we going to eat? I don’t usually eat Chinese food, so I don’t know what I’m going to eat! So, that’s why my mom’s good friend, Pam, is taking us to a Chinese dinner!

At dinner, Pam made me promise to try everything! So I did. Pam and mom ordered a feast! I didn’t know what to say! There was enough food to feed 2 of my dads’ and us! But, I promised to try everything, so I did.

Our first course was sushi! There were California Rolls and Spider Rolls! (I didn’t try those!) I got to use chopsticks, too! I wasn’t too good at those. And I learned some very important things about chopsticks: 1: Do NOT stab your food with chopsticks. It is very bad to stab your food in China. 2: Do NOT point with chopsticks. It is also very bad and impolite in China. 3: when you are done with your chopsticks, lay them gently across your plate.

Next, we had a waitress tell us some things that I would like. She said I would like dumplings, noodles, rice, and some chips. So, mom ordered it ALL!!

Everything was delicious! I learned a lot of things I would have never guessed I couldn’t do in China. I can’t wait to really experience a new adventure in a place I’ve never been, next week! Next Wednesday is when I will truly begin to write about my journey.

Shea Thomas

*this is all Shea, no editing from me....stay tuned, I think this is gonna be GREAT!!

I'm Here!

2009-02-04T10:35:00.004+08:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while...I knew I wouldn't. I am back in the states on our annual home leave, and to say I've been busy is an understatement. Some hi-lights include: (I'll go into more detail soon, this is just a quickie!) Hanging out with Deb for a full week of girl talk, jammies all day, laughing, crying and chocolate munching. It was much needed on both ends. I spent another week just with my parents, hanging, watching movies, going to the zoo, and a fun trip through our old Detroit neighborhood. I met up with Larry in Texas for his brothers wedding, and to experience his "homeland" for the first time. We hung with his my stellar brother and sister in law, their babies, and various friends and family...it was truly a blast. Larry and I then flew to MI for four days of MORE family and friends, a new tattoo, and superbowl Sunday in the D. This week I've been catching up on laundry, seeing a few friends, and getting ready to go to Seattle on Thursday to celebrate Annabella's 3rd birthday. I'll be there for the weekend, then come back to Michigan until February 18th. I will then fly to Tokyo, meet up with Larry in the airport, and we fly home to Sing from there.

So...sorry I have been neglecting the blog....back soon.

Below is a adorable letter my friend Euvah sent me, from Frankie the cat.

Auntie Euvah came over with Auntie Sarah and I was, as usual, not quite so patiently waiting. This waiting for my people is getting old, but I am always happy to see anyone who comes and talk forever telling them so. Today was no different. I let Auntie Sarah know that I was starving; I had not been fed for at least a month. Well, it seemed like a month anyway, but both Auntie Sarah and Auntie Euvah said it had not been that long and shook my food bowl for me. Ugh, it was that nasty dry food.

You know, I get wet food with Auntie Sarah, maybe you could take lessons from her. I have come to expect it now. Maybe you should always give me wet food. It is very yummy. I could even wean off of the dry food, right?

Auntie Sarah set right about getting my wet food out of the refrigerator. Can you believe she gave me cold food when there is a microwave right there? Well, I ate it, but I think it should be warmed – and I should get more of it. I tried to tell her it was not enough for a growing boy, so she filled that dry food bowl and made me eat it. See her forcing me here? Oh, wait, that is Auntie Euvah with that stinkin’ light in my face.

No worries, I just ignore her:

And I am pretty good at it if you ask her.

Then we went in and played on the floor. Auntie Euvah thought that was a fun thing to do, but she had that light flashing in my eyes. I am a pretty darned smart kitty though – I tried to take it from her.

I tried eating it:

Then acting like I didn’t want it after all:

I even tried ignoring her:

It didn’t work.

She tried to brush my hair. I told her in no uncertain terms was she not going to do that:

So I held on to that brush for dear life and gave her the evil eye:

Auntie Sarah thought we should go play catch. I am not a dog, but I guess she doesn’t understand that. I do like to do what she asks me though and I am trying to be very good, so I acted like a dog and went after the toys:

Anyway, life is ok here. I really miss you and I wait every day for you to come home. Auntie Sarah is a good Auntie though and she spends lots of time with me. We even watch tv together. But I sure miss you:

But can tell Aunt Euvah not to come over with that light again? Please?

In the meantime, I will be waiting on you and playing with Auntie Sarah.

Love, Frankie (your cat in Singapore)

Sent by Auntie Euvah *she is good for some things – but she forgot to get a picture of me with my favorite Auntie – Auntie Sarah. Some Auntie she is – see I told you she is not good for much!

Snowy Return

2009-01-11T05:56:00.003+08:00

I'm back in Michigan, enjoying the beautiful snow, family and friends.

Maybe I should get off the computer and help, eh?

Batam

2008-12-30T20:08:00.005+08:00

Larry and I spent the day after Christmas on the island of Batam. It's only a 35 minute ferry ride from Sing, and once you step onto the jetty, it's like stepping into a different world. It's part of indonesia, and feels a little like Bali. It's beautiful, quiet and very relaxing. We stayed at a small resort that was very nice, and enjoyed a day of lazing by the pool, walks on the beach, and a yummy dinner. There was no internet service, and cell reception was poor, so Larry was able to really chill out and not worry about work stuff. He even asked if I had packed him a book (uh, no.) I was in mid sentence when I started snoring (according to Lar). Saturday morning we woke to a gorgeous day, and met friends Leone and John for breakfast at the resort. They have a villa up the road about 10 minutes. We walked to their place after breakfast, along the beach and that alone was a treat. Their villa is at the top of a hill, so Miss Out Of Shape 2008 was huffing and puffing and *glowing* like no tomorrow. However, I do not exaggerate when I say it was a beautiful and completely worth it walk. Their home is beyond lovely, and peaceful. We enjoyed a house tour, and after cooling off a bit, we had a wonderful, traditional Indonesian lunch. YUMMY!! The company, food and wine were all superb. One more thing to be thankful for about Singapore. I must have said the word "beautiful, or gorgeous" about 9000 times...I need a thesaurus for next time. We walked back to the resort to catch the shuttle back to the ferry terminal, and we realized Larry didn't have his wallet. So we were sitting at the pool, waiting for Larry to get it out of his suitcase, and a man walked up to us and asked if were were staying there, and the room number. I told him, and he produced Larry's wallet and our passports from behind his back. He was one of the managers, and was looking for us. BIG relief to say the least. The rest of the trip was uneventful, and we arrived home to a very happy to see us Frank. We will definitely be back, and will even be bringing my Aunt and Uncle when they come to visit in February (um yeah, I'm slightly excited, and need to buy towels stat!!). it's just such a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Singapore...we highly recommend it!

Larry and I are getting ready to go to Cambodia in the next few days as well. We've wanted to go since we've gotten here, so we're very excited to finally go. The big draw are the temples, and we plan on going to the biggest one, Angkor Wat. I just checked out the hotel online and it looks pretty nifty as well. Should be a good trip.

I've been spending this week getting ready to go back to the US. I am coming in the next few weeks and am looking forward to seeing my family and friends. I'm planning on a good chunk of time with my best friend, as well as hanging with my parents. We're also going to a wedding in Texas (Larry's brother) and to Seattle for Annabella's 3rd birthday (can you say pink bike with a basket and a bell??). So lots of laundry and cooking for me this week!

Happy New Year to all of you! Here's to a wonderful, healthy 2009!

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Pam

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-25T13:12:00.005+08:00

Merry Christmas! It is Dec. 25th, and not a creature is stirring. Larry is napping, and frank is snoring in his suitcase bed. We're enjoying a quiet day at home, might watch a movie,dip extravaganza (various dips...yeah, we're excited), opening presents, and having my famous pasta carbonarra for dinner. There may be wine involved too...and perhaps some chocolate. It is Christmas, after all. Larry had to work on Christmas eve, so I joined my friends Sarah and Tommy for dinner and drinks in Chinatown. It was a hoot and a half. Tommy called Larry at work with updates on our whereabouts and what we were doing, and even though he wasn't with us, I think he felt like part of the fun.

We are going to an island called Batam tomorrow for one night. It is a 35 min ferry ride from Sing, and we're staying at the Turi Beach resort (sorry Deb...don't hate). A friend of mine has a villa on the island as well, so we are going to see them on saturday, and visit them at their place. We're really looking forward to it.

Christmas is very different this year, compared to last years slightly dreary one. I'm glad I put the tree up, and only had one bad day of homesickness and tears (sorry Babe!) I think staying busy was the key, and just finally realizing that this is our reality, and to make the best of it. Missing family and friends goes with being an expat. If I am ever asked to give a new expat advice, it will be that. Expect it to suck a little. But also be open to the wonderful experiences and new friendship that can come into your lives. It's a pretty amazing thing.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you. You are deeply missed and loved!

XOXOXOXO

Pam and Larry and Frank

p.s. the fudge and shortbread cookies I made both turned out perfect! I guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree!

Beginning To Look Like Christmas

2008-12-16T18:29:00.016+08:00

In a counter strike against the ol' homesick blues that like to sneak up and bite me on my ample booty, I've been decorating and getting stuff ready for Christmas. I made cards this year (it didn't go well, please keep your guffawing to yourselves when they arrive), I'm baking and making fudge for gifts for Larry's office mates, and getting gifts ready to bring home. It's been fun, and it's been a good distraction. The minute I let myself be quiet for a little bit though, the bug takes a good chunk...so...busy I will try and stay!

Our cute little Charlie Brown tree from Ikea, flown all the way from the US in a refrigerated container!

Larry brought this little guy back from China. I added the festive hat.

Chestnuts roasting over an open fire...in Chinatown.

This is Frank and his big hairy butt on the Christmas place mats. (don't worry, if you come over for dinner, I won't give you that one to eat off of!)

This a Singapore Santa...I found him at a craft fair...we think he's pretty nifty.

Hope your Holiday prep is going well too...today I attempt my first solo fudge making of the famous Rick Schuler Christmas fudge...results tomorrow!

Sparkle Cat

2008-12-11T07:10:00.003+08:00

So, I stumbled out of bed today, bleary eyed and trying not to trip over Frank as we made our way into the kitchen. Frank was protesting loudly about his bowl being 1/3 full. I went about my morning routine, turning on the kettle, throwing a load of laundry in, scooping out the litter box. After Frank ate for five full minutes, and drank a full bowl of water, he was lounging on the little rug I have by the sink, lolling about, looking content and cute. Something caught the corner of my eye. Something sparkly. I looked more closely at Frank. To my horror, I realized he was COMPLETELY covered in glitter. I had been making my christmas cards, and had left a plate of the leftover glitter on the table over night. With dread in my heart, I walked as if in slow motion to the table. My worst fears had been realized. He had turned the plate over, and laid in the glitter. I'm sure there was some rolling around too. And jumping up and down from all the chairs. Then walking all over the entire house before I could find this little surprise and clean it up. I thought it was sweet that Larry had glitter at his hair line when he came to bed....I thought '"hmmm, maybe he was looking at the cards". Now I know he was holding Frank. Frank, the sweet, not overly bright, intensely loyal little guy I wanted so badly. Frank the extremely mischievous little guy that gets into EVERYTHING and makes us laugh so hard we gasp, every day.

Anyone want him?

Something Fishy A Foot

2008-12-04T08:31:00.005+08:00

I've been wanting to try a fish pedicure since I got to Sing, so I finally had the chance this week with my buddies. There is a new fish spa that opened right up the street from our house, so after a day of doing hair and lunch, we checked it out. You wash your feet, and sit on benches that surround a big fish tank. The tank is filled with Doctor Fish, just ready and waiting to nibble on the dead, calloused skin on your feet and legs. I didn't know what to expect, and it is definitely sensory overload at first. The fish swarm your feet at first and it's such a weird feeling! It doesn't hurt at all, and once you get accustomed to the feeling, it's actually very relaxing and fun. My close friends and family know my little secret about my fred flinstone feet....they are majorly calloused and kinda gross ( Larry is thinking "Kinda??") I have tried everything under the sun to get rid of it...I even have a dremmel tool I use ( seriously?? did I just write that for the whole flippin world to read?!?!) Anyway....after the fish were done with my feet, they immediately signed up for weight watchers. My feet felt great, and the fishies had a nice BIG meal. Larry and I had joked previously that they would all eat so much the fish would be belly up after I left...I'm happy to report no fish were harmed in the treatment of my feet.

Here are a few videos from the experience. I'm bringing Larry back this weekend, so he can experience it too.

P.S. Don't ya just hate the sound of your own voice?? I'm seriously cringing over here in Sing!

Joyful Eating

2008-12-02T09:05:00.002+08:00

A few saturdays ago I dragged Larry out for Dim Sum. I had read about this place on another blog, the greedy glutton . I had been bugging him to go ever since. It was worth the wait! Boy was it yummy! The food was fresh, delicious and served with a smile and the thoughtful offer of forks (we declined). It was hard to find, tucked away off a side street in chinatown, but after 4 passes, we finally found it.

This is the definition of Dim Sum, fond on Wikipedia :Dim sum is the name for a Chinese cuisine which involves a wide range of light dishes served alongside Chinese tea. It is usually served in the mornings until noon time at Chinese restaurants and at specialty dim sum eateries where typical dishes are available throughout the day. Dishes come in small portions and may include meat, seafood, and vegetables, as well as desserts and fruit. The items are usually served in a small steamer basket or on a small plate. Yum cha(literally "tea drinking") is the term used to describe the dining session, especially in contemporary Cantonese. Chinese families in particular typically like to gather at Chinese restaurants for dim sum on occasions such as Mother’s Day or Chinese New Years.

It was a yummy light meal, and we will be back for sure. if you live in Sing, make it a priority to check it out!

Famous?

2008-12-01T10:11:00.003+08:00

When you woke up this morning, did you have a message asking you to be in a movie?

No?

I DID!!!

How cool is that? I had a facebook message from a fellow American woman who is a grad film student here in Sing. She is shooting a movie in December, and needs an american woman to play the lead. She looked at my photos, and pretty much the sheer fact that I have an american accent led her to contact me. I wrote her back and told her I thought it would be super fun, but gave her a heads up about the stuttering. I'll let you know what comes of it. The director is an award winning director from Chicago, and this film would be shown in other competitions. Maybe I'll be strolling down the red carpet (in valentino, I already know which dress I want!) at Cannes!

Thanks for you!

2008-11-27T15:36:00.002+08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone far away (and near too)! This is our second year celebrating Thanksgiving in Sing.....I saw that after I wrote it, and it looked so weird! Sometimes I still can't believe it. Larry is on second shift, so I am going to my friend Euvah's for dinner. I didn't get off the hook cooking though, Larry and I are celebrating on saturday.

I am running out the door, and I will write more later, but I wanted to wish everyone a wonderful holiday. I am so thankful for all of you. Be well, and enjoy your day. You are dearly missed.

xoxoxo

Pam and Larry

Frank too!

Catching Up

2008-11-19T20:12:00.005+08:00

Things have been a little crazy lately, and I've noticed if I'm not feeling great, if something is bugging me, or if there is something happening to someone I love, the blog falls quickly to the wayside.

So, an update.

Being here a year has really been a cause for me to reflect on stuff. I know I dropped the ball on that "one year" series I had planned, but it hasn't stopped me thinking. The person who started this blog last year is certainly not the person that sits here today, tapping away at the computer. I look back on those earlier posts and have to laugh at my wide eyes goofiness. Now I take for granted that I regularly see men in skirts, bow when saying thank you (sometimes in chinese) ride the subway, put a dollar into the shopping cart to use it, say carpark, flat and lift instead of parking lot, apartment, and elevator. I say "Can" and "Can not" when I mean yes and no. I hand my credit card to the cashier with 2 hands and nod and smile. I am a wife...I fold my husband's underwear, and iron his shirts. This still throws me every now and then even though it been 18 months of wedded bliss (occasional non- bliss, but overall, very nice!) I am rested for the first time in I don't know how long. I don't have a sleep deficit, and I even have time to apply body lotion! Amazing!

I do feel out of the loop sometimes...I have missed a lot over this year...my dad retiring, my mom turing the big (significant birthday) friends and family having babies, holidays, Deb's moms struggle with cancer. That was one of my worst fears about moving so far away...that I would miss stuff. It's gotten a little easier, but I do still love to be caught up on stuff. Don't forget about me over here! I still care about all of you and your lives...and miss you so, so much.

I have a Furson...one of the best decisions we made this year. He is a furry, purring salve on my homesick heart. He follows me around ALL day and is endlessly amusing. There isn't a cupboard or cabinet he hasn't investigated. He takes his post on my desk, usually in front of my laptop as I write and fool around online. He must be touching me at all times. I only wish we would have done it sooner. He is such a love!

I have buddies! We are an unlikely trio, a decade or two apart in age, happily thrown together. We would have never met each other in our 'other' lives. I have explored more parts of singapore with them than I ever did on my own. We've gotten lost, had ice cream for lunch, giggled, cried and shared. It is sooo good to have them. One of the friends (Sarah) and I wonder often why in the hell it took so long to meet each other, as we both frequented the same places. We've come to the conclusion that we had to have a long, lonely year so we could appreciate each other more. I had made attempts to make friends, and a few were cooly ignored (if you think it might be you, it probably is)...so to be so welcomed and understood is super cool. And in turn it has made me start to really love Singapore. When asked over this past year if I liked it, or was happy, I'd always respond with a quick "yes, and, of course!" The truth is, sometimes in down right sucked. I have to try to be a little more honest on here. No more rose colored glasses! But no one wanted to hear me whine. I get it. My dad mentioned he thought I may have been whiny at Christmas last year. I looked at that long and hard. Yes, I was whiny, but also thankful. I was away from my family for the first time in 35 years. I think I was allowed a few moments of blue. I tried to tamp down any boo-hooing, especially on the blog, because, believe me, if I had heard someone whining about living in the tropics with their love, and having the adventure of a lifetime, I'd want to throw tomatoes too. But I didn't take for granted for a minute that my big butt was sitting on a Bali beach. I am a lot more aware of grace and being grateful too. There are just little moments when you are thrown into a new situation such as this that just make you tingle. A kind word in a different language, from a stranger, a smile and a nod from a construction worker. A hug from a little neighbor and finding a wonderful caring doctor. Finding friends that just "get it". A care package from my parents, or friends. A real letter in the mail, not just a bill. A snoring, gassy husband and a snoring, gassy cat. Web cam chats...if you have one, lemme know...it helps so, so much. My veggie guy being delighted to see me. A phone call (you can call us anytime one the vonage phone, it is free for you!!) from friends and family...we really don't care if you wake us up. Email me if you want the number. My pool...I love my pool. The promise of visitors ( I am so excited I might pee!!!) I could go on, but you get the point.

I can now say, that as much as I still have homesick days (today is one, for some reason...I really miss my parents), that I do love it here. It is truly a gift to be here. As maddening as it is sometimes, it's still a nifty little island, with good people. We love having a car...man has that been an eye opener. I love getting lost in neighborhoods. Once we were so lost looking for a restaurant a nice guy had us follow him...that wouldn't have happened in the states...at least not in Detroit. And really, how lost can you get on a 23 mile across island? One of our new favorite things to do is jump in the car at night and just drive. I usually shout out cool stuff I see, and Lar concentrates on not getting us killed. We found the 2 drive through mcdonald's on the island and will have a 60 cent ice cream cone every now and then. I amaze Lar with my mad car dancing skills, and he amazes me with his stellar singing voice. If only I could figure out a way to take Frank with us and not have him want to scratch the hell out of us, it would be perfect. I also like to randomly honk at people and wave...still making my own fun here in Sing-Sing.

I have started doing hair here...what a BLAST! I did a hair party that was a rousing success (at least I think so!) and have a few more cuts and colors in the next few weeks. Call or email if you want to set something up. I also had my first singapore haircut about 2 months ago...and that's what really got me thinking about doing it a little here. He was really good, and it stirred up all my creative juices. Larry is lucky he isn't sporting hi-lights and a faux hawk. (as far as you know)

Back to the honesty part of the blog. I have to say that being away from Debbie when her mom died this month has blown big chunks. I still can't wrap my head around why we are apart right now. Some lesson is being learned, it's just about as clear as mud right now. Flying home was an option we discussed, and Deb, in the end said she'd rather have me after the fact. So I will be home sometime soon to help wade through the hard stuff. I just wished I could have been there to hold her hand as she has held mine so often. I am thankful for the moments we had on the phone and im chats. As she said at one point this year, technology has saved our asses big time.

So...in conclusion...haha....things are going fine here. We are getting ready for thanksgiving and Christmas, and are pretty busy these days. Larry is working on his masters, and now that I have buddies, I am not home nearly as much as I used to be. Thank you for the gentle (and not so gentle) nudges to keep the blog up. I am taking suggestions for topics....what do you want to see on here?

I miss you and love you all (or at least like you a LOT)

xoxoxo

Pam

Sad News

2008-11-09T09:50:00.003+08:00

Debbie's mom, Donna lost her battle with cancer today. Please send her and her family all the love and prayers you can. You can read more about it on Deb's blog.

xoxoxo

Pam

p.s. Sometimes, it really sucks being so far away.

Good Stuff Needed.

2008-11-03T17:23:00.004+08:00

Please keep my best friend Debbie and her Mom in your thoughts and prayers right now. Donna is battling cancer, and things aren't going well. So, if you can muster up some good vibes, prayers, anything, please send it their way. You can read more about what is going on right now here.

Lucky

2008-10-31T09:26:00.002+08:00

My Mom works for the city of farmington, in Michigan, and she got to ride the fire truck for her birthday...just thought these pictures were cool!

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

2008-10-30T08:48:00.004+08:00

In a strange turn of weather events in Singapore, it rained the other day. Oh heck, who am I kidding? It pretty much rains everyday for at least a little bit. But this time, we were in our new car, stuck in it...and it was slightly awe inspiring. Here is Larry's Texan take on it.

Wheels

2008-10-29T18:43:00.003+08:00

Get your motor runnin'
Head out on the highway
Lookin' for adventure
And whatever comes our way
Yeah Darlin' go make it happen
Take the world in a love embrace

Like a true nature's child
We were born, born to be wild
We can climb so high
I never wanna die

Born to be wild
Born to be wild

© MCA Music (BMI)

We got our new wheels this weekend! We took over the lease on Larry's co-workers car. Linda is headed to Hong Kong, so we now have her car! We spent the weekend cruising around, and only got lost about 5 times. We're looking forward to being able to explore the island on our own, and the freedom of jumping in our car and going somewhere. Anyone need a ride?

Dreaming Of Sari's

2008-10-29T08:50:00.003+08:00

This past month we have been celebrating Deepavali in Little India. It is the Hindi New Year. Called the "Festival of Lights," where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being, light versus dark. Deepavali is celebrated on the new moon day (approx fifteenth day) of the month. I was here for it last year, but knew very little about it. This year, I did a little research, and having been here a year and bumming around little india all the time, I really enjoyed it. Little India is by far my favorite part of Singapore. I say it a million times when I'm down there, how comfortable I am, how "real" this part of town is, ect. I love how it swirls around me in a haze of color and aroma, overwhelming my senses, and making me wonder just how many yards of fabric I would need for a sari of my own. I actually have one(thanks Deb!!), but I left it in Michigan. You see, I have always had a fascination with the Indian culture. I think it's highly likely I lived there in a past life. I can't get enough of the food, smiling people and sense of peace that comes over me when I am there. I love strolling along, looking in the jewelry store windows, admiring the sari's and sidestepping a fresh load of flower garlands being delivered. The smell of curry and other spices wafting from the stalls and shops intoxicates me. I also love that I am not so much an oddity in little india as I am in other parts of Sing. Big healthy girls like myself are looked at as a sign of prosperity. I can actually find clothes to fit me here, and I love to stock up on the indian blouses that line the streets for the tourists. When I am asked where I am from by the shop keepers, and I say that I am from America, but I live here...this always delights them, and they ask if I've had my lunch, would I like to buy some gold, and did I need a good tailor? Then they ask if I like it here, and their eyes light up when I say I do. They are proud of their little community, and it shows. One of my great hopes in being over here is to be able to get to India. I just have this burning need to see the real thing for myself. I'm trying to talk Larry into taking a quick, weekend trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. We'll see if we get there...and if we do, I'll have my sari all ready to go.

Meet The Other Man.

2008-10-21T11:26:00.008+08:00

This is the "other man" I spend time with...he is my super cute neighbor, Josh, and we've been buddies almost a year now. He is from the UK, and he and his family live in our building. We met at the pool, and we just hit it off...he is such a fun guy, and we have a blast together. He comes to visit at my place from time to time, and we have fun building forts, playing with rocks, and pretending all sorts of stuff. I often have to giggle at the way he and I sometimes struggle with our different versions of the english language....but we figure it out, and he's patient with my nasaly mid-western accent and stuttering.

He has made some my more homesick days a little easier. He's definitely a bright spot in my life here in Sing.

He thinks my red shoes are fabulous too!

You Haven't Lived.

2008-10-17T10:55:00.006+08:00

A recent conversation between Larry and I:

Larry: Motley Crue is coming to Fort canning Park, wanna go?

Me: (guffawing,trying to breathe, snickering,gasping) Um, DUH....how could we NOT go??

Larry: Ok, order tickets.

Me: Honey?

Larry: (warily)Yes?

Me: Can I wear my leather bustier, and leopard print stretch pants?

Larry: Um, do you own a leather bustier and leopard print stretch pants?

Me: Well, no. But I could.

Larry: Maybe you should try to 'blend in'.

Me: hhhmmmppffttttt. (pouting)

Me: Honey?

Larry: (sighing) Yes?

Me: Can I rat my hair real big and wear an inappropriate amount of eyeliner?

Larry: (rolling eyes) Sure, go for it.

Me: SAAWEEEET.

So, I've heard you haven't lived until you've seen a rock show in Asia. Not only did we see one, but it was the venerable aging rock gods in Motley Crue. This was their first time in Singapore, and it was an awesome show. I was fully prepared to make snarky comments all night about how old they are, and how they needed walkers to get to the stage. In reality, I only made a few. The show was great, and the crowds were a hoot. Lots of middle age expats squeezed into leather and do-rags. Loads of Americans so stinkin happy to have a little taste of home that everyone was their best friend. Larry made friends with some very friendly and very drunk Indian fellows that couldn't get enough of him or beer. We think they passed out after 2 songs. Once the band got started, the crowds really let loose and it was mayhem. Everyone was so excited they were here, and the vibe was electric. I can't remember the last time I had that much fun.

p.s. For the record, I did leave the house with HUGE, fabulous hair, but the minute we got to the concert it fell in the humidity and heat, so I threw it up. Just sayin.

Comments

2008-10-16T07:38:00.001+08:00

I changed the settings, so you can't leave anonymous comments anymore...just type in your name, and do the word verification...sorry for the trouble, but I think I've been spammed!

Whoops.

2008-10-15T19:49:00.006+08:00

Note to self:

Dear Pam,

Always remember to check Larry's pockets before you do laundry.

Hugs and Kisses,

Pam

p.s. you're looking quite lovely today, and dinner? FAB!!

The Big 4-0.

2008-10-05T10:21:00.004+08:00

From whence I came.....

Happy 40th Anniversary to my parents! Thanks for getting married and having such great kids!

xoxoxo

Pam

One Year: Part One

2008-10-01T10:00:00.005+08:00

Warning: Long winded, navel contemplating blog post. Enter at your own risk.

I recently read a blog post from one of my favorite sites. She was feeling introspective and posed this question to her readers: Is your life in the past ten years what you thought it would be? How are things different? Do you have any regrets? This really made me think. My first reaction was “UM, NO!!!” I spent several days thinking about how things were nowhere near the neat little package I had detailed for my self. Married by 28, baby by 30, house, career, happy dog playing in the yard. Nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, and nope. A lot of my friends followed this course. I always thought I was lagging behind, trying in vain to catch up, the whole time wondering what the hell was wrong with me. I always knew that as much as I was like my friends, and people my age, I was also different. In my twenties, I liked living independently. I also had the defensive, authority challanging reaction “ why can’t I ?” when asked why I moved out when I did, and chucked college. It wasn’t always easy, and I got myself into plenty of trouble that I probably would have had I stayed at home longer. I don’t regret that decision, I think it helped me to grow, and become more self sufficient (my dad is guffawing right now….) I have wonderful memories of living with roommates, figuring out who we were, being goofy twenty something’s. I formed strong, lasting friendships with people, that can only happen in that time when you are all struggling. I also lost my sister in my early twenties. I think this had a huge factor in shaping me, and what I perceived as normal and good for my life. It taught me not to take stuff for granted, and if I wasn’t happy, to try and change it. Try is the operative word. Lord knows I spent a ton of that time miserable. Lonely, freaked out, broke and lost. So I tried and tried. I made HUGE mistakes, little mistakes, and occasionally a good choice. I chose a career I thought would make me happy for a long time. I worked my butt off, sometimes at 2 or 3 jobs. Into my thirties, I told myself it was fine I was single, lived in an apartment and lived with a much loved, overfed cat. I still liked my job, was on the cusp of finally doing it the way I wanted. Something was about to give and change, I just knew it. I had heard the Oprah-esque hype about how great my thirties would be, and what I would learn and do. I waited, and waited. I made a big move in my career and location. I moved to the country, lived in a friend’s house, and finally had a little success with my business. I told myself this was what I wanted. I wondered then why I wasn’t as happy as I thought I would be. I had dodged a pretty big romance bullet, ended up on my feet, albeit a little shakily, and questioning everything. I’d stare at my bedroom ceiling and wonder: is this it? Is this all there is? A tiny voice usually answered back, “NO. There is more.” The elusive MORE. What the hell was that?! I questioned it at every chance. I loved my job, caring for kids was endlessly rewarding. I gave it my all, and in the end, that was the final push. I knew if I wanted children of my own, I needed to make a change, before I became so burned out, I wouldn’t do it. I knew this change would effect many people, and be somewhat difficult. I tacked on several more years of loans and went back to school. I was 33. What the hell was I doing? I was in classes with 18 year olds. I was endlessly exhausted, living alone again, working several odd jobs to make ends meet, and still not succeeding. I LOVED it. I was finally doing something creative, and in the end, it made people happy. As a life long people pleaser, this was my nirvana. I’d lose myself in the creative process and actual work of doing hair, and in the end, get the pay off of a happy client (not always…I was still learning, after all…Deb can attest to that…haha...). With tears in my eyes, I would whisper to my friend with the chair next to mine, “I Love doing hair Mikey!” and he would roll his eyes and agree. This happened weekly. I was satisfied for the first time in my life. My heart felt full. I had a lot to be thankful for. I was still broke, alone and didn’t have solid place to live. I’d look for change in my couch for gas money. I froze my butt off in a friend’s spare room. I had veered way off the course I had thought my life would take. But I was doing something I had always dreamed of, and I had enough faith in myself at that point to know I would bounce if I fell. I was also held up and supported by family and friends. Their kindness and generosity was the biggest thing that got me through. I am extremely grateful. If something crappy would happen, it wasn’t long before I was put back on my feet. My roommate became pregnant, and I got to experience it with her the entire time. That was a gift. When it came time for me to move out, a dear friend of the family came through on an empty condo. If I needed some cash, Deb would find stuff for me to do at her house. She’d listen and pass the tissues too, if it got to be too much. She always gave me more love and support than I deserved. My Parents had me over for lots of dinners, hired me to clean their house, and I'd find a mysterious 20 in my purse from time to time. It seemed life was telling me, ok, you’re doing something for yourself, you’re happy, we got your back. I think the fact that I was open to new things, happy and fulfilled is the reason that Larry came into my life. On paper, he was nothing like the person I thought I would end up with. Thinking openly and with an open heart had gotten me pretty far before, why not now? So we took a chance on each other. I was not looking for a serious relationship, and certainly not marriage. I wasn’t looking to move, not to Seattle and certainly not to Singapore. People in my circle didn’t do this kinda thing. You followed the path, had the big white fancy schamncy wedding, had the cute babies, lovely home and happy dog in the yard. I was going to veer again, and this time it was BIG. This was some scary shit, and not something I took lightly. Was this the More I had coming? Was this the portal I would take to new experiences and places? The tiny voice in my head answered back with a resounding YES.

Frank Update #1

2008-09-22T08:47:00.002+08:00

My cousin Janet asked for a Frank update, so here ya go!

He's been here a month, and is settling in really well. He has several spots he likes to snooze, and has finally gotten over his weird fear of our bedroom. He sometimes sleeps on a pillow on the floor by my side of the bed. I don't think he sleeps though, just hangs out. He is really rowdy in the mornings, and at around 9 pm every night, all hell breaks loose. He runs like a maniac from one room to another, and plays with his toys and us. He's obsessed with my makeup brushes and I've found them all over the house. I started locking them up...same with lip gloss tubes...loves them.

He seems to have switched allegiances, and is currently giving Larry the cold furry shoulder. I think he'll come around though...he even seemed to a little last night, and curled up on Larry's legs when we were watching T.V. I suspect it may have something to do with the hunk of roast chicken he gave him, but hey, whatever works.

He is a very mannerly cat, and doesn't use his claws at all. He's only scratched me once, and that was because he got startled. He does better with gentle, quiet corrections, rather than yelling. He really seems to listen well, and if we tell him to stop scratching the carpet, or furniture, he usually stops, blinks at us, and goes over to his scratching post. He never begs for food (except that one tuna can incident), and waits patiently for a bite.

His latest kitty entertainment has been the black birds nesting in the tree outside our window. He spends hours watching them, growling, and making this weird, half meow, half gurgle noise in the back of his throat. And his tail! It goes a hundred miles an hour...very funny to watch. The birds totally mess with his too, and get right up on the ledge, puff up and peck at the windows....it's just driving him crazy!

He's a really funny guy, and we love having him here. More soon....

Mid-Autumn Festival

2008-09-17T09:07:00.003+08:00

We celebrated Mid-Autumn/Moon festival this past weekend in Singapore. It is a very auspicious time in the year for families to get together and celebrate the harvest. It's right up there with Chinese New Year, so like everything else in Singapore for a holiday, the decorations were BIG and fancy! Families get together, and eat Mooncakes, and Pomelos(like a big green grapefruit). It's a little more subdued than Chinese New Year, and we could really feel a laid back vibe from people. We went to the Chinese gardens to see their lantern walk. It was really pretty...and we beat the crowds, which was great. It wasn't a super hot night, and we really enjoyed strolling around and looking at everything. That was my second time there, and I will definitely be back. It's very serene there, and a nice break from the cement of the city. larry was in photo nerd heaven and took a ton of amazing shots. His big boy camera was able to really capture the night scenes better than the point and shoot.

I got a sugar art lollipop from one of the crafters, and it was almost too pretty too eat. I loved watching him do it. He had you spin a wheel, and what ever animal it landed on, that's what he made for you. Pretty neat.

Then this weekend we ventured out to a new restaurant/hawker stand I had read about. It's called Botak Jones, and it's american food. It was really yummy, and the service was excellent. I had a chili dog. Not quite like the ones back home, but still good. They have Swanky Frankys on the menu...very much a Detroit thing. Only thing that would have made it better would be a big frosty diet Vernors and a Sanders hot fudge cream puff. I checked out the website (botakjones.com), and it turns out the owner is a fellow Southfield-Lathrup Senior High School Alum! He was the first graduating class. We shot a few emails back and forth, and I think there is a slight possibility of cream puffs being on the menu sometime soon. Small world huh?

Halfway around the world, and I find a fellow Charger. Made me a little homesick and awed all at the same time.

After that yummy dinner, we hopped in a cab and went down to Chinatown to check out the Moon festival/lantern walk going on down there. It was all lit up, and gorgeous. Again, the vibe was really laid back and fun. I love seeing the little kids with their lanterns, and parents pointing out the big beautiful moon. I sat down on a bench while Larry took pictures, and just observed the traditions going on around me. One mom shared a mooncake with her baby bird kids, all three of them stood in a line with their mouths open, then took a bite, it was really cute. I was once again struck by how lucky Larry and I are to have this experience, and to be able to be participants in these peoples lives, if only as an outside observer. Things are still often strange and sometimes difficult living here, but I wouldn't change it for a second. When Larry came back over to where I sat, I grabbed his hand, and whispered " let's take a minute and remember this forever." It may sound corny, but doing that kinda cements it in my head. I wanted to remember the colors and smells and sounds swirling around me. I know someday, when we're back in the routine of living in America, I will have those cemented moments to go back to.

*note on the new slideshows: I am trying these out, because I can add music, which if you know me at all, you know is a nifty new tool for me. If the songs are annoying you, or two are playing at once, simply click on the volume button on the top left corner, and it will stop.

xoxoxo

Pam

p.s. I had a tiny bite of the mooncake, and though it's not my cup of tea, Larry like them a lot.

They were a gift from a co-worker, very sweet of him!

Last b-day post.

2008-09-17T08:29:00.003+08:00

Yep, Birthday week is officially over, but here are a few pictures from festivities. Oh, and the ginormous german chocolate cake? My neighbor selflessly took it off our hands. Thanks Belinda!

You Say It's Your Birthday!

2008-09-08T19:40:00.005+08:00

It's Larry birthday too, yeah. And Gary's. That tends to happen when you're twins. 47 years ago today their young, sweet unsuspecting mother; Helen, went into labor with her first born baby boy, Larry. Then 30 minutes later, she got the shock of a lifetime when she went into labor again. Gary joined the fun, and the rest is history. Happy Birthday Guys!

Meet Frank.

2008-09-04T22:19:00.008+08:00

Frank it is. We took a week, bounced all the great names you all sent in around, and narrowed it down to a few. Frank is my dad's nickname, and when we called the cat by it, he turned and looked at us. He never really responded to the other names, so he seems to like it. Naming him after his Grandfather seemed fitting. We also got a call from the SPCA, checking in on us, and making sure things were going ok. We received some different info on Frank's background. We were originally told he was a stray that had never had a home, and was at the shelter a long time. The adoption counselor that Larry spoke to said that he had only been at the shelter for about 4 or 5 months, and most likely had a home, and family that cared for him. That explains his well fed tummy, and his ear tattoo. Makes me a little said for his former owners. He's a great cat, and he's really turing out to be a sweetie. One of the names we talked about was Velcro, because he is so attached to us. He likes me well enough, but if Larry is home, I am chopped liver. He has settled into a cozy spot, right between our two chairs, and rests his head on Larry's arm. It's pretty stinkin cute.

Thanks again for all the great input!

Working hard.

The New Guy.

2008-08-31T11:21:00.003+08:00

We finally did it. After talking, ruminating, planning, and figuring out the details of getting a pet in a foreign country, we are proud to announce the addition of (insert name here). He is a 3.5 year old stray that we adopted from the SPCA. He's never had a home, let alone humans, so he is a little skittish. He's not used to negotiating corners, doors, the sound of Larry brushing his teeth, so every new thing is a challenge for him. We spent the first 24 hours carting his well fed furiness into rooms, because he was only happy if he was with us, and he wouldn't walk, just cower at our legs. We got him on friday night, and he's just now starting to explore and check out his new digs. Larry and I went today to get him some stuff, like a littler box, a few toys, and an elaborate scratching post that Larry deemed "perfect". I was leaning towards the cheaper, no frills one, but his furry new son will only have the best.

Going to the shelter was a sobering experience. It's an outdoor enclosure, and it's fairly well run. But still. All those poor animals that need a home! We almost brought 2 cats home, but the adoption counselor said the cat we had chosen "didn't play well with others". I hope this doesn't mean he runs with scissors as well. We chose him because he was older, was getting close to his last days in the shelter, and seemed sweet and calm. He's been super sweet so far, and seems to prefer Larry to me (it's a gonad thing, I was told). He's happiest when he is on one of our laps, and he yells if he can't see us.

What pushed us over the edge to get one was that I was talking to Sarah, another friend I recently met, and she said she'd watch him when we travel. That was pretty much all I needed, and Larry was close behind. Aside from the first hard days, he is a sweet, lovable guy, and I almost can't remember when he wasn't here.

Speaking of buddies, I've been having a blast with Euvah and Sarah...I see many good times, and loads of trouble ahead for us. AND!!! Drum-roll please! I was invited to join a bookclub! To say I am excited and happy is an understatement. I miss my bookclub in Michigan soooo much. Thanks Sarah for the invite! Yippie!!!

Hope you're all doing good! miss you!

xoxo

Pam

p.s. any ideas for blog posts? I'm in a bit of a rut....Oh, and name ideas too! (no Mom, I'm not naming him Milton.)

Euvah's Blog

2008-08-22T15:17:00.002+08:00

Hey! My new friend Euvah has a really good blog about her new experiences in Sing. Her pics are way more informative than mine, and it's fun to see her take on being a "Singapore rookie". She's been fun to hang out with, and I love her stories....enjoy her blog, it's GREAT!

www.cajunsis.blogspot.com/

Never A Dull Moment

2008-08-21T16:56:00.007+08:00

It never fails...whenever Larry is gone, something happens in the apartment. Today, all hell broke loose. First, our Vonage phone is out, and I have no clue how to fix it, then the internet was out. That I fixed, with a crazy little tool, called "paying the bill". The washing machine was spewing water and suds. It's being replaced in a few weeks. The air conditioner in Larry's "man" room, and the guest room were out, so I rang the maintenance men, and they came to have a look. As I was getting laundry and stuff out of their way (they had to go through the window in the laundry room), I slipped on some water. I cleaned it up, not really thinking anything of it. But then I came back, and the puddle was back...so....I looked up. I noticed a steady trickle coming from the kitchen ceiling. I just laughed, shook my head, and pointed it out to the maitinence guy. He called the other maintenance guy, who just so happens to be my favorite, because he is always so smiley and silly. His name is Murgian, and if he can't fix something, he is always very sweet, and makes jokes. Well, he had to poke around, and as always, it was a good thing he is on the wiry side. Luckily, there was a hole in the ceiling, just big enough for his head. He seriously cracks me up.

The Red Shoes-Pam's Version

2008-08-17T12:35:00.017+08:00

Once upon a time, in a beautiful and faraway land, called Detroit, a little girl with long brown braids and freckles lived with her parents and a sister, with curly blonde hair and freckles. The little girls lived a happy life, playing with dolls, a lively brown and white spotted dog, and lots and lots of books. The little girls went to a parochial school, where plaid pleated skirts and brown shoes were the rule. Every year the mom and dad would take the little girls for shoes, in their chariot, a really nice white buick. Listening to beautiful music called ABBA, and Captain and Tennille.

The girl with the long brown braids and freckles had a hard to fit foot, big, wide and square, not unlike Fred Flintstone. The little blonde sister had a narrow, perfect foot, not unlike her maternal grandmother, The Queen Of The Golf Course. The little sister was able to shop at any store, and her shoe needs were easily and inexpensively taken care of. The other sister had to shop at a store call Verfaillies, that carried shoes for her enormous foot. Each year, although her parents tried to keep a brave face, they secretly worried and fretted over the expensive shoe trip.

One year, when the little girl with brown braids was seven, the girl and her mother went to visit the store. Mr. Verfaille was a kind man, and his store was festively hung with colorful banners that said "Back To School Sale". He quickly took care of the school shoe needs, and the little girl was pleased with her wide brown shoes that reminded her of Holly Hobbie. This was a time long, long ago, called the seventies, when children had one or two pairs of shoes, and were quite happy with having enough. Not too much, but enough.

Then, the nice shoe man took the mother aside, and quietly whispered that he had gotten in a very special pair of shoes, and would the little girl like to see them? The mother nodded, but figured they were out of the yearly shoe budget, and really, the girl had enough. But she knew that the little girl with brown braids and freckles loved looking at pretty shoes, and secretly wished she had a perfect foot like her little curly blonde haired sister. The nice man, with a sparkle in his eye, gave the little girl a tootise roll, gave her braids a little tug, and bustled off to the back room. The little girl sat, happily swinging her feet, admiring her new shoes. The man came back and told the little girl to close her eyes. He slipped a shoe on her foot, and told her to open her eyes. The little girl slowly opened her eyes, and both she and her mother gasped. The most beautiful pair of red patent leather shoes they had ever seen were on the little girls foot. And they fit! They were shiny, like a perfect red apple, had beautiful straps and buckles, and were made for parties. The little girl with the brown braids squealed and skipped around the store, so happy to be in normal little girl shoes. The mother was delighted to see the little girl so pleased, and asked the man the price. He told her, and the mother sadly looked at the little girl and told her they were out of the budget.

Crestfallen, the little girl started to take the shoes off. But then the nice man reminded the mother that the store was having a sale, and with a special discount for little girls with freckles, the beautiful red party shoes could easily fit into the budget. The mother and little girl could hardly believe their good fortune, and thanked the nice man that gave the little girl an extra tootsie roll for her little curly blonde haired sister. The little girl loved the shoes with all her heart and wore them at every opportunity. She was sad when her foot grew too large for the shoes, but she never forgot them, or that very special day. It instilled in her a deep love of red shoes that ran true and fierce.

Well, the little girl with the long brown braids and freckles grew up. She learned how to find shoes that fit her enormous foot, and delighted in finding a good shoe sale. But still, she worried. How would she ever find a prince that could love her, despite her enormous feet? She busied her self through the years, caring for and playing with children, and learning how to cut and braid hair of other little girls with freckles.

Then one day, she met a charming prince from a beautiful and faraway land called Texas. Prince Larry was dazzled and smitten with the girl, who now had short hair of varying colors. He fell in love with her, enormous feet and all. He took her to a beautiful and faraway land called Singapore. They lived a happy life of laughter, pho noodle soup and travel. One day, Prince Larry took the girl of now varying hair colors to yet another faraway land, called Amsterdam. The charming prince took her all over the land, exploring it's wonderful customs. One day, they toured a wooden shoe factory. The girl was delighted with all the pretty shoes, and wandered over to where they sold shoes called Clogs. She was happy to see they had shoes to fit her enormous feet, and chose a nice black pair to wear when she styled, cut and braided hair. As they were leaving the store, the girl happened to turn back, and notice a nice man, with a sparkle in his eye. He smiled and nodded at the girl, and extended his hand to show the shoes he was standing by.

The girl nodded and smiled back, but then, as if time stood still, she looked down, and she swore she heard angels singing. There, on the bottom shelf were the most beautiful pair of red patent leather clogs she had ever seen. One pair. In her size. The girl squealed and skipped and did the cabbage patch dance as Prince Larry rolled his eyes, and tried not to grumble to hurry up, so he could see the cheese factory. The girl hastily threw the boring black clogs to the side, narrowly missing some innocent russian tourists, and skipped and squealed all the way to the cash register.

The Prince and his Princess with varying hair color and freckles came back to Singapore, and she has been happily clomping around in her new shoes ever since, much to the delight of the neighbors in the flat below her. Prince Larry was happy for the girl, and laughed as the girl wore them to bed the first night she got them. He stopped laughing when quite by accident one of the beautiful red clogs met his shin, in the middle of the night. The princess promised to only wear them at appropriate times, and they lived happily ever after. THE END.

Debbie Was Right.

2008-08-15T21:24:00.008+08:00

Sigh. I admit it, occasionally she is correct. Anyway, She finds most (ok, some) of her information on the scrap book message boards. She is a font of useful, and sometimes obscure knowledge she gleans from the boards. I do my best to make fun of her for this at every opportunity. It's my job, and I am a strong worker. Anyway, I'm not too proud to say when she is right, and I benefit from the info. A few months ago, she asked me if she could give someone on the message boards my blog address, because the woman was moving to Singapore. I said, sure, then forgot about it. Well, a few weeks ago, I heard from the woman. She emailed me, asking a few questions about moving to Sing. We've been emailing ever since, and today, we met up at my Singapore version of target, Ikea. She's from Louisiana, and since I have a deep and abiding love for all things southern (um, Larry, greens, funny accents), I knew right away we'd be buddies. Plus, she told me she'd teach me to make okra, so that pretty much sealed the deal.

Sooooo...thanks Deb, for being, the brilliant, supportive, friend. And figuring out 20 gazillion miles away, how to help me find someone I could hang out with. I don't know how you do it, but I think perhaps you should run for president. Or maybe queenhood. And Euvah? Thanks for moving here, and being so fun! We're gonna have a blast!

More Amsterdam

2008-08-13T09:54:00.003+08:00

So, since Larry was in Amsterdam for work, we were invited to a dinner with his associates. I wasn't going to go (contrary to popular belief, I do not know everything, and my aviation knowledge is limited), but Lar convinced me there would be little "shop talk" and it would be fun. Boy am I glad I went. Ok, you all know I love food. I love to cook, I love to try new things, I read about food, research food, dream about food, and try often times in vain NOT to eat food. I make food to show love, and I come from a long, distinguished line of family cooks. Restaurants are fine, but make me a home cooked meal, and I'm a happy girl. So, when we went to this teeny tiny italian restaurant , tucked away in a historic canal house, I really wasn't expecting much. It was a old "brown bar" which means the walls are yellowish and brown from smoke. These places are now considered historic, and the owners are not allowed to restore or change anything, only keep it up. Larry, Kevin and I were the first ones there, and I was very skeptical, but figured "hey, it's gonna be fine..." I very much underestimated. I am going on record here as saying it was the best meal I have ever had. Now, coming from me, knowing my family, you may think, "yeah Pam, your last meal was the best meal you ever had" (Kinda like Mary). But really it was. The restaurant is owned by an Italian family that moved to Amsterdam about 20 years ago, and they run a tiny, six burner restaurant. The mom is the hostess, and dessert maker (oh. my. gosh.) and Franco is the head waiter, stand up comic, and commander of all. If you order something he thinks isn't just right, he will correct you. The menu was in Dutch, so he translated from dutch to italian to english. He was a delight, and took great pride in making sure were comfortable, well fed, and that the wine and lemoncello were flowing. His brother, was the head chef, and only popped his head up from the kitchen once to bark orders to Franco, who made a face behind his back, and muttered something in italian. Our hosts, Larry's work associates form the Amsterdam office were so excited to bring us to this place, they could barely contain themselves. They tried to suggest things on the menu, but gave up and said, "Just eat, everything is good!" So, Franco recommended a ravioli appetizer, where were were able to try several different kinds of their homemade (that morning!) ravioli. We eat tried one of each, and it was so, so good. And I know homemade ravioli....my parents make them at Christmas. These were right up there. The we had ceviche of beef, and zucchini(that's what I had, Aims!), which means the food is marinated and "cooked" in lemon and olive oil, with fresh herbs. It was delicious, and fresh. The company was wonderful too, and the conversations was rowdy, funny, and we whiled away the time, letting our food settle and meld with the delicious wine. Kevin, my 32 year old chinese son, did well keeping up with the rowdy dutch, and we all enjoyed shocking him with funny stories. After a long intermission, we ordered out main courses. Since the kitchen is so small, and everything is made from scratch (pasta too) our table of 7 was only allowed to order 4 different dishes, we could all get a dish, just some of us had to order the same. I had one of my very favorites, carbonarra, as did Larry. It was so delish...even better than mine! and I think I have my recipe perfected! ha! Dinner was so good, and the carbs were a flowing! I didn't think I could squeeze in dessert, but our hosts said we absolutely had to try it. They highly recommend the creme carmel, but I had to be different, and I had the lemoncello mouse, with fresh strawberries and basil. Sooooo stinkin good!! Larry and I had agreed to order different things, then switch halfway through....but I reneged. Mine was too good. Larry was generous enough to let me try his creme carmel though, and it was really good. I think he's still pissed about it though (big grin). And did I mention that I love lemoncello? It was a wonderful night, I'm so glad I went.

To back track a little...we went on a tour to the Delph pottery factory and Madurodam on Thursday with Kevin. As we were leaving the tour, we started talking to an American family from Colorado, and the thirteen year old son asked Larry and I if Kevin was our son. We pretty much doubled over at that one...and Kevin was a good sport, and called me "Ma" the rest of the trip. Larry said "well, there ya go, you've always wanted to be a mother". Indeed...I just didn't know he'd be 32 and Chinese.

On Friday, we went outside of the city to a small town that hosts a weekly "cheese market". It was a tour, so after that, they whizzed us to the windmills and a wooden shoe factory. Even though it was slightly too quick for us, it was still fun, and we really loved the weather and being so close to the windmills. The cheese wasn't bad either! The wooden shoe factory was really interesting, and deserves it's own post. Just a teaser: there are RED shoes involved.

We're back! And Gone Again Too!

2008-08-10T10:40:00.002+08:00

Hi Everyone! We are back from a week in Amsterdam! It was sooooo much fun! Seriously a great city. Larry was there for work, and I went to roam around and check stuff out. Larry and I had to fly separate airlines, but we met up at the airport, and along with Kevin, Larry's associate (and apparently my son...more on that later!) and we made it to our hotel. It was early Sunday morning in Amsterdam, so we crashed for a few hours before checking stuff out. We went for a yummy brunch, right across the street from our hotel, to a little pancake house, secluded in a canal park. It was yummy, the day was perfect (70 degrees, breezy and sunny). We got out my handy dandy guide book (seriously, I wore that thing out), and decided the first thing we'd do was go to the Anne Frank House. Because we didn't yet know our way around much, and didn't know how easy it was to jump on the tram, we hoofed it. It was a nice walk, we took the canals, and just enjoyed seeing all the pretty boats. We did our best not to get run over by Amsterdam's "Silent Killer" the bicycle. I read in my book that there are 6 million bikes in amsterdam....I believe it...everyone rode...young, old, tourists. There are 720,000 residents of Amsterdam, 16 million in all of Holland, and it's half the size of Maine. (all this info is from a chatty tour guide) There are 172 different cultures...isn't that mind blowing? Dutch is the main language but most people speak English, if that's how you greet them. By the time we left, we had both picked up a few words, and could say hello, goodbye and thank you.Anyway...back to the Anne Frank House. There was a bit of a line, but we soon got in, and it was well worth the wait. I had read The Diary Of Anne Frank as a 8th grader. It was number one on my list of things to see in Amsterdam. Most of the furniture was removed when the family was found during the occupation, but the secret bookcase was still there, and you actually had to climb through it, and up really steep stairs to the annex. Making that journey was so surreal...I mean..I had read about it as a kid...and Anne's words made me feel like I was with her, but to actually do it....just amazing. I entered a room, looked around, and realized I was in her room, the one she shared with Franz Hubert, where she did most of her writing. The shock was on my face when Larry looked at me. He said " what's up, Babe?" and I just shook my head and started to tear up. I had no words for what I was feeling. When we left the house, and were taking a break in a nearby park, I could better describe to him what I was feeling. When I was in the house, it was just awe that I was seeing her space, saddness from reading all the accounts, seeing her writings, and her dad's markings of her and her sisters heights on a wall. Then when we left, and I had a minute to compose myself, bald faced shock that I was actually in Anne Frank's house... As a bratty 13 year old, I never in a million years thought I would ever get the chance to see where she lived. More tears, a baffled Larry (I explained now I was happy...keep up, Mister!) Happy tears, that this crazy ass life I have has brought me here. I think Lar got it...he tends to run deep on childhood stuff, and he gets when I'm blown away about realizing dreams or wishes. (me=lucky beeotch) Anyway, I think he could do without all the blubbering, but hey, that's part of the pamalicious package. After that, we wandered around and found our way to central station (one little ticket, and I coulda been on my way to Paris!!) We hopped the tram back to our part of town, and went and did the obligatory Hard Rock visit. After that long day,we staggered back to our room, exhausted and ready for a good rest. Larry had to work Monday morning, so we got everything ready for that, then crashed.Two of my all time favorite books are about independent women, that set out to travel alone. I admire their bravery, their moxie, their ablity to pack light(ha...four suitcases is not that bad...) And though I travel alone all the time, I never thought of myself in the same light. In Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert, she gives herself permission to do whatever she wants: "Liz, what do you want to do today"? then does it...no guilt, no worry about what needs to get done at home. I took this approach in Amsterdam. I did some research before, bought a guidebook, figured out the city map, and made friends with the concierge. I set out each morning, after a quite breakfast in the lounge, reading the paper from cover to cover, drinking tea, and mentally preparing myself to "let go". In the book Without Reservations, Alice Steinbach explores Europe in the same way...how ever and when ever she wants, doing things that make her happy and teaching herself to live in the moment. I made a list of all the things I wanted to see and do, them did them! Wow! what a revelation, eh? Spend a day at the Van Gogh museum? Sure! Walk along the canals and get a little lost? Sure! Have Pome Fritte for lunch? Sure! Find the store that only sells toothbrushes? Sure! Go to the floating flower market for tulip bulbs? Sure! Buy Annabella fuzzy wooden clog slippers? Sure! Buy fruit, cheese and bread and have a picnic in the park? Sure! Each day, I got a little better at living in the moment, and enjoying my time alone in Amsterdam. By Wednesday, when Larry and I decided to extend the trip and go on a few tours, I felt like I had done everything I had wanted in the city. I knew my way around, and (I'm embarrassed to say this...) I actually know how to read a map a whole lot better. I relaxed into the rhythm of vacation, and didn't freak out if I missed a tram, or had to walk back from where I came and start over on the map. I asked directions, took the time to chat with people, and soaked up Amsterdam. It was wonderful....it's a gorgeous city, the canals are surprisingly clean, and people are very kind. The weather was beautiful...a little warmer than usual, and everywhere you turned you could hear "Warm genoeg voor ya?". A few days, it was in the high 60's, and seriously, Larry and I were like little kids...sooooo happy! It warmed up to the 80's and 90's by the time we left, but the humidity was still way lower than Singapore.Here is few slideshows...more tomorrow. I have to hit the hay. Tomorrow is National Day in Singapore, (like our 4th of July) and I'm going to the parade with my friend Lydia. Larry is in China for the Olympics...check out the boys blog! Looks like they are having a blast!

You Know You Live In Asia When...

2008-07-25T20:39:00.005+08:00

You break down and buy a wok. And seriously consider a rice cooker.

And spend the rest of the night saying "waka, waka, waka" like Fozzie Bear.

And Larry say "mmmm, tofu!" and kinda means it.

Happy Friday everyone! Lar and I are off to Amsterdam, will post when we get back with lots of cool pics of my new wooden shoes!

xoxoxo

Pam

25 days

2008-07-18T20:22:00.002+08:00

25 days since I gave up coffee and caffeine! Those of you who know me, know this is BIG change. I've been very tempted the past few days, so I thought I better make it public, that way I won't slip up. Predictably, the first few days were hard, and luckily for Larry, he was in Seattle! ha!

This isn't to say I won't occasionally have caffeine again, but I just decided now was the time to make this little change.

Oh, and forget giving up chocolate. Not happening.

xoxoxo

Pam

Feeding The Addiction

2008-07-17T19:29:00.006+08:00

A friend of our family recently sent me a recipe that she thought the person in our house with the pickle problem would like. It's from Barbara Vethacke(my Lebanese mother) who got it from her soon to be daughter in law; Carey. Larry is usually happy with whatever I throw in front of him for dinner, and I may hear "this is pretty good", but he doesn't go overboard like I'm used to in my family: "this is the BEST *insert name of food here* I've ever had!!!!" . So, when I presented Lar with this, I knew he would like it, because, hello, it has PICKLES in it. But I didn't know how much. He LOVED it. It may sound weird, but it really is yummy. I served it with a nice green salad and a crusty roll, just for fun. Making soup in the tropics sounds odd? Well, the day I made it, it stormed all day, and with the arctic air conditioner, I pretended it was soup making weather. Try it, it's yummy!

ZOSIA'S DILL PICKLE SOUP

8 c. chicken stock or broth
2 chicken bouillon cubes
2 medium carrots, coarsely grated
2 c. peeled, cubed potatoes
1 c. thinly sliced celery
5 coarsely grated Polish dill pickles (from the jar)
1/2 c. milk
2 T. flour
1 egg
5 T. sour cream
salt and pepper to taste
finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
finely chopped fresh dill (optional)

In a large saucepan or soup pot with cover, combine chicken stock, bouillon, carrots, potatoes and celery. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook covered, over low heat, til potatoes start to get soft (about 10 minutes). Do not over cook. Add pickles and continue cooking about 15 minutes. In a small bowl, beat milk and flour til smooth and stir in a small amount of the hot soup (to temper) and add to soup. Bring to the boil and cook til slightly thickened. Remove from heat. In a small bowl, beat egg with sour cream til smooth and stir in a small amount of the hot soup. Add to soup and stir til smooth. Keep soup warm but DO NOT BOIL (the soup will curdle). Add salt and pepper to taste and garnish with parsley and dill. (makes 10 servings)

* I used lowfat yogurt instead of the sour cream, and it turned out great. Also, I added about a half a cup of pickle juice, and omitted any extra salt. I also threw in some dried dill, while cooking.

** Zosia is Polish for Grandma

Friends

2008-07-17T09:20:00.002+08:00

Here is another slide show of all the buddies I was able to see in Michigan...good times...I missed seeing a few, but next time, I will for sure!

xoxo

Craft Supplies?

2008-07-10T12:33:00.003+08:00

All of you Singapore readers that helped with the button question, thank you! It was very helpful,and Larry can now rest easy that his pants will be button up-able (not a word, I know). I know he was losing sleep over this, so thanks for saving the day. Now all I need to do is actually sew them on...

My next question for all you smarty pants out there is: where can I find craft supplies? The crafty husband has a project in the works, and I was informed today, he needs "supplies". Sigh.

Thanks in advance for the tips!

Kiddos

2008-07-07T19:07:00.003+08:00

One of the coolest parts of my trip home was getting to see all the kids of my family and friends. It was amazing to see how everyone has grown, and to see what they are into now. A few I met for the first time, and tried to get my share of head sniffing in (can't help it, I'm a baby head sniffin addict, Man). Some I didn't get to see, which is a drag, so please send me frequent pics!

When I first realized I was moving to Sing for sure, I actually had a moment where I said, wait...I'll miss everyone growing up...but thanks to home leave, my freakin awesome mac with built in webcam, and emails, I still get to see everyone fairly frequently.

Not to mention the phone! I love getting calls from my kiddos!! (hint, hint)

Here's a few pic from my visits...seriously, aren't they so cute??

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow...

2008-07-06T13:50:00.002+08:00

Did you know, that before I led the extremely glamorous life of an expat housewife (har, har), I was a hair stylist? I loved doing hair, and when I was home for our home leave, I was able to do quite a few of my friends and family. Some even waited 7 months for me to cut it! I realized how much I missed it, so I decided to throw it out there to who ever reads this in Singapore, that I am able and willing to do hair. I'm licensed, and well trained (I went to a GREAT school). I have references if anyone wants them, and I have a small portfolio. I'd love to do it from my home, but I'm willing to come to yours too. I do long, short, men's, kids, and everything in between. Most importantly I think one of my best skills is listening to what you want as a client. I try not to impart my opinions, unless you want them, then I usually am full of good ideas and suggestions! One of the fun things I can do is help you host a "hair party". You gather a bunch of girlfriends, perhaps a few bottles of wine or whatever you prefer, and I come and cut everyones hair...it's a blast, and I've had some great times doing it back in the states. And I can guarantee I'm cheaper than most places in Sing (except maybe those nifty 10 minute places...but hey, you get what you pay for!)

If anyone is interested, please contact me at: hairpam327@aol.com

Oooh Aahhh!

2008-07-06T12:17:00.005+08:00

I didn't expect to get homesick on July 4th.

Not because I discounted it as a holiday, I just figured that I was still riding the comfortable wave of being home for 2 months. I saw a lot of friends and family, so I thought I was safe. I had the occasional twinge this week, as my entire family, and the extended circle that comprises the people we go to Ludington with were enjoying the annual week in Ludington. It's on the west side of the state (get your "handy" map of michigan out....got it? Okay, it's the top part of the pinkie). This is the first year since I was a baby that I missed it. (there were a few years in my 20's that I could only make it up for a day or two, due to jobs). We've been going for 36 years. The group now includes first, second and third generations of families. It's kinda neat to think I have known the kids in my generation for as long as I've been alive, and now, getting to know their babies, it's pretty awesome. It's at a resort (I use that term VERY loosely) that is a bunch of cabins. I think at last count it was about 75 people, but I may be off on that. There is a ribfest, 30 years and going strong, pub crawl, euchre tournament, wonderful, long lazy days on lake michigan, and all the family togetherness you can stand. Hi-jinx and silliness are a requirement. It's a sun burned,sand in your bathing suit, full tummy, laughing with old friends, euchre playing blast.

Like many things in life, such as grief, taxes and christmas shopping, the homesick bug snuck up and bit me on my big 'ol butt. It wasn't as bad as it has been this past year, but it was there.

So, trying to be proactive, and jump all over that sneaky little bug and stomp it into a gooey mess, I suggested we have a barbecue for some of Larry's american work people. No one was available....soooo, plan B found us searching the internet for local festivities. The American Association of Singapore was hosting a party at the naval base for all american families. It was free, and had bands, tons of american food (Louie, I had a freakin hot dog!!), even Jerry's Memphis Barbecue of Singapore (what?!?!) was there. Larry had it, and said it wasn't as good as Texas, but it was pretty darn good for Singapore. We also enjoyed a margarita or two...yummm.

Larry and I registered to vote from overseas through the embassy, and we were so happy we had the chance. That has been on our minds, so to have that taken care of is pretty cool. I signed us up to have a Naval person over for a home cooked meal, and I am looking forward to that.

We met some fun people, exchanged emails, and enjoyed chatting with fellow americans. I think I may have finally made some contacts that can lead me to the one thing I haven't had much luck with yet in Sing...the rare and elusive friend (oh, there are a few, but not like my HUGE group in the states) The party was really fun, and the bands were GREAT. I was blown away at how many Americans were there...naive, I know, but in my little world, I don't have much contact with any. It was so nice to talk to people who are going through the same things we are. All around us, we could here people sharing stories of selling their houses, where they live now, and were they have visited. The kids were all so cute too, and there was tons for them to do. It was a really fun night, and we are even thinking we might join the American Association.

One of the hi-lights for me was the fireworks. I've always liked them, but it's never been a big deal for me. I guess you really do appreciate things more when you can't have them. I wasn't expecting to see any this year, so the fireworks we saw last night were a little bit brighter and sweeter. Like the sneaky homesick ect. bug, the grateful bug got me good last night.

miss you all, hope Ludington was a blast (despite the crappy weather!)

xoxoxo!

Suddenly Singapore

Songbird Culture

I Started this post On Easter...

It's A Wonderful Life

I'm Braggin...

Taxi Cab Speech Therapy

HUH?!?!

Do You Know the Noodle Man?

Quick Update

Happy 39!

Shuffling right along...

Oh Yum!

Happy 4th!

Pretty In Pink

Good Things

Did You?

If You Build It.

Stealing Wit.

A Few Pictures To Appease

Like George and Weezy

More From Shea

Some More Pictures

Um, Yeah.

Tim Hits The Island Of Batam

More Video Fun

Days Two, Three and Four

Day One

I'm Back

Another Update From Shea!

From Shea-Friday

From Shea

Guest Blogger!

I'm Here!

Snowy Return

Batam

Merry Christmas!!

Beginning To Look Like Christmas

Sparkle Cat

Something Fishy A Foot

Joyful Eating

Famous?

Thanks for you!

Catching Up

Sad News

Good Stuff Needed.

Lucky

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

Wheels

Dreaming Of Sari's

Meet The Other Man.

You Haven't Lived.

Comments

Whoops.

The Big 4-0.

One Year: Part One

Frank Update #1

Mid-Autumn Festival

Last b-day post.

You Say It's Your Birthday!

Meet Frank.

The New Guy.

Euvah's Blog

Never A Dull Moment

The Red Shoes-Pam's Version

Debbie Was Right.

More Amsterdam

We're back! And Gone Again Too!

You Know You Live In Asia When...

25 days

Feeding The Addiction

Friends

Craft Supplies?

Kiddos

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow...

Oooh Aahhh!