DATE

Yesterday my husband decided to work from home during the first part of the morning and that was very exciting. Contrary to what most believe, he actually did get a ton of work done, which was very beneficial. I just loved having him around.
Today is Friday and we have our usual standing lunch date. And, we have a date night planned to go to a duelling piano thing via the American Association. So that should be fun and interesting. We'll probably have some crazy story to share (save a spot in the book Ryan).
I was also hoping we could squeeze in some time at Morton's but that may not be possible. Maybe we can head out for a little Mexican this weekend too.

This weekend also marks our 5 month wedding anniversary....almost 6 months. Time definitely flies by fast! I feel like it was just yesterday. It has been a great, amazing, wonderful 5 months of being married and we are just so happy and excited for many many many more ( we were just talking about it the other night).

More to come after the weekend~

CLOSE CALL

So, I had my first close call with burning dinner last night. Apparently corn flakes do NOT like to be in the oven very long. Sounds crazy but I had this Italian chicken recipe and you marinate the chicken then roll them in crushed corn flakes. So, me in all my cooking glory, decide what's the hurt with adding the extra flakes on top. (Keep in mind here, the ovens are different, I have to do temp. conversions, and it's a just different kitchen appliances than what I'm used to).
Anyways, luckily, they were easy to brush off the top and the chicken tasted awesome. Thanks for the recipe, I used one I got at our wedding shower from a family friend and it was easy. (And now I know not to add extra crispies on top).
What I should point out is that, I have not had anything turn out just horrible. Everything has been fixable! And Matt is so sweet that he'll eat just about anything I put in front of him. What a lucky cook am I?

STEAK SANDWICHES

First of all, let me just say that the steak sandwiches and cocktails at Morton's Bar are yummy. I'm ready to go back. In fact, I think we both would be okay if we went back every night. The drinks went down super-smooth and the steak sandwiches are mini-fillet mignons stuffed between 2 pieces of bread with some wasabi-mayo. Mmmmm.....so good when it hits your lips. Our waiter was even kind enough to snap this quick pic of us. This place is serious. I arrived at 4:55pm and was the 3rd table. By the time Matt arrived at 5:25, the bar was completely full, with couples even standing. Wow.
We had a great weekend. My cousin Becca had a school project she is doing and we spent some time helping her out with that & took some more pictures of Singapore to send to her so she can show her 2nd grade class at Jenks West. Didnt get into a whole lot, so there is not too much report. We are definitely jealous that everyone back home has a 3 day weekend, but hope everyone has enoyed the patio, bbq's, the spas, the golf and other sports, the lake, etc...
Cheers!

LITTLE BITS

I'm sure as most of you have heard by now, there is no June trip home for this newlywed couple. Oh well, sigh, we'll just have to take our money and travel around Asia. Hehe.

In other news, we are trying for Morton's again tonight. And this wife will be making an early arrival to grab a spot. I have been craving a martini and those steak sandwiches for over a week now and I will do just about anything in order to get my hands on them. And I know Matt will stand by and cheer me on and support whatever has to be done. Cause don't think for one minute that I'm the only one who hungers for these tasties.

Speaking of Matt, he brought me flowers yesterday when he came home from work (they are pictured above). He is my sweetheart! And I have been cooking like crazy for him this week. I've made some treats, sweets and even home-made curry last night (which didn't turn out to be too bad). We are just really having the best time together, are so in love with each other and having a blast being newly married! How does it get any better than this?! We are so thankful and blessed to have each other.

Last night we had a small wine tasting event at our apts and even invited our friends Margaret and John (we met them here but they are from the US). They may even join us tonight for Morton's.

We are so thankful it's Friday and very ready for the weekend to be here after such a crazy week. Matt has been super busy with all the craziness that has happened this week and bless his heart he has been doing such an amazing job. He definitely deserves a much needed relaxing weekend and what a way to start it off by having lunch with the wife and happy hour/dinner at Morton's.

We miss everyone and send our love and prayers back to the States. We hope everyone has a great and safe Memorial weekend.

Cheers!

HUMP DAY

Back at good ol' Eskimo Joe's in Stillwater, they had a "HUMP DAY" special that was something to the effect of $1 mini burgers and cheap Joe's Cups of Beer. I LOVED hump days. And seeing that it is Wednesday, I thought I would pay tribute with a special Hump Day post. I miss Stillwater so much. I haven't been back there in quite awhile. It seemed like every time I had a chance to go back, I always had a Saturday class in Tulsa or it was my weekend to work at the hospital. Oh well. I get back there eventually. Actually we both will. We have at least had a couple visits to TU since the house is so close. It seems like a very nice University & Matt is always so proud (but seems to get a little nervous when we go by the KA house?) kidding. Hopefully someday we can venture back to OSU & the AX house.
With that said, I also need to say thank you EVERYONE for your prayers for Matt. He has been going through so much at work lately. And on Monday had the unfortunate circumstance arise to fire on of his own employees. Luckily, he had assistance from HR and everything went off very easily & without any trouble. Thank goodness. It has been weighing so much on his heart & in his mind. He has really had a hard time with it considering this was someone he had hand-picked to come to work for him. All I can say is that everyone seems surprised & looks can be VERY deceiving. However, Matt has had a great attitude about it all & says he feels a great relief now that it is all behind them. He is very positive & is looking ahead with the future of his group in mind. So once again, thank you thank you thank you, for all your prayers. He was even able to sleep Sunday night. And his sweet wife made all kinds of yummy snacks & stocked some Hoegaarden beers in the fridge.
We have a wine tasting at our apt tomorrow night & are going to try for Morton's again on Friday. I also believe we are 1 or 2 days away from finding out about our visit in June (or lack of one).
Keep those fingers crossed!!

MISCELLANEOUS MONDAY

My (Natalie) Mom (Marjean) ran a race Saturday. A 5k to be exact. And she took 1st place in her age group. Way to go Momma! Apparently she wasn't even planning on running, she was just going to walk, but got into it & the next thing she knew, she had won her race. Good job, we are so proud of you! Hooray!

Matt & I had a great, relaxing weekend. I made him watch the movie "Little Miss Sunshine". He giggled & laughed the whole way through. It is such a funny movie, so many great scenes & such a great cast. Redbox it, buy it, rent it or whatever. Definitely a funny movie.

Matt went to the American Club on Saturday to take care of some work related issues & even had a beer or two with the GM of Nordam here in Singapore. Greg offered some great advice (the wife is always right) & thankfully he was able to get some sleep this weekend. *Conveniently, we caught the Man Utd vs. Arsenal(sp?) soccer match Saturday night....definitely a bonus in his mind*

We also went to the Singapore National Library on Sunday...it was packed. There were so many people there, they were sitting on the floor to study, read, research, etc... It was a really cool place to see & makes our library system look so dated. It just amazed me how many teenagers were there. These Asians are so dang smart & its a wonder why! They are all at the library on the weekend (ok some were texting & giggling & doing that kind of stuff)! I think the library was 12 or 15 floors, I cant remember for sure. But it was a huge building with lots and lots and lots of resources at your fingertips! I may have to pay them a couple hours visit every week from now on.

We are ready for a new week & hope it flies by fast!
More to come another time!

FOR THOSE WHO DONT KNOW...

I'm writing this post for my amazing husband. Because as great & wonderful & smart as he is, sometimes he too needs some help.
So for those of you who don't know, his job has put him under a significant amount of stress lately. He has been working so hard & he has just been exhausting himself every day at work. He is in a really tight position, as he is THE smartest person over here, so guess who does most of the work? I don't really even know why he has a boss (surely he cant know about our blog or even read it). I can only imagine what it is like for him to go to work everyday. I have such a hard time communicating & "dealing" with people over here as it is, I can't imagine how much harder it is for him in a work situation.
This week has been & next week will especially be extremely hard. I cant go into any details, however Matt will be in situations that he has never been put in before. He is fine, his job is fine, we are fine & secure & safe. It's just the day-to-day stress along with other obstacles that are burning him out.
I wish I could go to work for both of us to take it all away. He is such a trooper. After long days, he wants to come home & help cook dinner or do the dishes. He is such a giving person, giving to his family, friends and anyone who needs help.
So, with that said, I am asking for those who read this, to say a few prayers for Matt. That he finds strength, support and eventually peace with his job. No need to call him or email or anything like that. No reason to make the burden greater. Just if you could say a prayer or two so that he may be put more at ease.
This little wife loves her husband more than anything & is asking for help cause she knows he wont....and happy hours can only take us so far!
Thanks & I hope everyone has a great weekend
We'll follow up soon!

WHAT DO OTHER PEOPLE DO?

I have decided we have too much clutter. Too many papers, mail, receipts, etc...laying on our tables. I stay at home, so I feel as if I'm doing a horrible job. But it is as if this "STUFF" just comes from out of nowhere & all of a sudden I'm noticing new piles.
So I have decided to dedicate today, since it's rainy outside, to cleaning up the clutter. Ok, so I know we are a bit limited in our apartment, it really is meant for 1 person, not 2. But that is all the more a better reason to get rid of it.
I mean, where does this stuff come from? Guess I need to get better at getting rid of it immediately when I see it. But I am also afraid if Matt doesn't look things over, I may throw something important away.
Not today. It all ends today. No more junk, clutter, etc....I may even put some clothes on e-bay or find a place to donate them.
Off to work, more to come sometime later, the weekend is almost here!!

IT IS WHAT IT IS

First of all Happy Mother's Day! Posted a short but sweet note about this on my personal blog. Love to all our Moms out there!
Second, this weekend we managed to:
1. Find an EVEN BETTER new mexican restaurant(El Patio...the chips & salsa are free & they actually have tequila in their margaritas)
2. Stay up until 2am
3. Be social(Happy Birthday Jason...whoever you are. Your party was fun)
4. I, Natalie, managed to fall in the subway b/c I attempted to wear my ruby red high heels with an outfit in an effort to look smokin' hot for my husband.My heel got stuck in a crack in the tiles & I went flying...without my left shoe. **Note, showing up sweaty with a bruise does not=hot
5. Work out even on Saturday
6. Realize we aren't totally alone in this crazy expat world
7. Realize sometimes all baby needs is a jean skirt & she feels like a brand new woman.
We had a pretty crazy weekend. We are doing good & we are just fine. Times can be frustrating but we have each other to help get through it all. Matt's job is even crazier than ever(no questions just prayers for him, please). We are definitely so happy to be together & at the end of the day we understand that is all that matters;no matter how crazy or frustrating things may get.
Oh and, can I just say that once again, we are THE couple to beat. Went to a birthday party Sat night for Jason, who is a friend of a friend of a friend. We didnt even meet him. Is that tacky? I think he just thought he was cool cause there were alot of people there, regardless if he knew all them or not. Go figure, French MBA students!
Thats all for now. Lots left-over from the weekend to do. Back to housework for me!

TRYIN'

I wish all posts could be funny, quirky, smart & upbeat. However, sometimes we all have bad days. Unfortunately, Madron is/has a bad one very day. That place is just crazy. You would not believe it, but Matt has spent all morning learning how to use the new time clock system. Seriously, it's been 3 hours of training how to use the time clock! And guess what? When he finally logs into the system, things are messed up. As in the words of Scott,a co-worker in town from Whales, SNAFU. Matt's translation of SNAFU: Situation Normal All F&%$ed Up.
I try really hard to be supportive of him, bless his heart. He does such a great job; he is so smart, patient, and he is such a hard worker. Sometimes it seems very trying. Other times we sit back with some tolerance juice (aka a beer) & laugh (ok maybe we do a little bitchin' too).
Well, thats enough for now. We are definitely looking forward to tomorrow since it's Friday that means the weekend is even closer!!
Until next time-

HE WORKS HARD FOR THE MONEY

What a weekend! All I want to say is that Matt is so smart & such a hard worker. He's just awesome. I'm not really sure what Nordam would do without him.
Not much to post here. Matt's been doing a great job with work, no matter how crazy things get. We had an awesome weekend, did lots of new & different things, even bought something for the house.
Hopefully this week will be great & fly by fast. Fingers crossed tight here.
More to come later, we hope everyone is doing well.