ALL AROUND THE WORLD

It may look "different" but this little dim sum treat called Sew Mai is absolutely delicious. It's my favorite. And Matt bought me some during our dinner last night! Tasty, tastey!

Not sure how well you can see it, because that part of the picture is dark, but this is a WOMAN WITH A RAT-TAIL!

And because this is the ultimate of all my odd-ball posts:

1. Ahem, excuse me to a certain Sir. Kindly take your BUM off tv and try your hand at your REAL job. I'm sure I can say for certain, that you are no longer a community organizer, so therefore, get yourself off tv and into the Office!! Ps-I still think you are doing a horrible job, I hope everyone that voted for you is happy we are headed towards an even more racist, socialist society.

2. Whew......probably gonna come under fire for that one. But I do not care!

3. Also, does anyone in Singapore wonder why there are traffic jams? Last night riding the bus, Matt & could clearly see that the problem was an older gentleman, pushing a cart with loads of bags tied to the back....in the traffic line. Dear elder Singaporean gentleman, you are not a car. May be wise to remove yourself from the lane.

4. NEWSFLASH:** Travel Plans:

Aug 15: Hong Kong

Aug 31: Tokyo

Sept 1: Tulsa

Sept 3: Manchester/Woodstock, Vt.

Sept 8: Tulsa

Oct1: Singapore

November.....TBA/ Tulsa

December....TBA / Tulsa

Have a great weekend!

Cheers!

OH THE CRAZIES

A crazy=a Singaporean or any Asian, for that matter, and this is a list of crazy stuff they do
For instance:
1. Yesterday the alterations lady told me I was lucky I was from the USA & b/c we have 4 season, and especially fall and winter. It's so hot in Singapore, you have to walk around every day with sticky, sweaty underwear.
2. All the cabbies LOVE Obama but they cant really tell you why. So Matt tells them they watch too much tv (it's hilarious).
3. You aren't Singaporean if you dont love karaoke
4. You aren't Singaporean if you dont LOVE crazy game shows
5. The old man walking down Cross St. (think busy 4 lane road ie: Memorial in Tulsa or May Avw in OKC) dragging baskets on the ground half his size.
6. You aren't Singaporean if you dont sew or alter clothes
7. They eat ice cream with chopped jello & jelly on top (all kinds of flavors).
8. They eat durian( durian=the taste is the smell worse than a public toilet in a large trash dumpster). 50 million Asians cant be wrong......Oh YES THEY CAN!
9. They dig into your shopping basket and start talking about the things you are buying
10. They abuse the horns in their cars.....seriously I think some honk just to do it.
11. And much much more....this is just the beginning.
More to come later
Cheers!

FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE

The Thai Chef special platter for 2....so yummy

A fountain at the Bali Villa restaurant

Anderson Road Arch

Forest Walk

Looking down at the path of the Forest walk

Henderson Waves bridge

View of Henderson Waves bridge from the street

Flying the Singapore flag over the city, practicing for Nat'l Day

Helicopters flying Singapore's flag

Cannon/Gun at Labrador Park History walk

Matt on an adventure

Who gets the office in the middle?

Pick up the poo!!

There were kites flying so high, you cant even see them in the photo, but the shy looks cool that day

Labrador Park

A view from the Labrador Park jetty

View of the sea from Labrador Park

Handsome and Funny

Crackin' up at my husband....and the crazies

Lots of pictures from this weekend. Matt was in the mood for some adventures, and boy did we get into some. We ventured over to Labrador Park and Henderson Waves bridge and Forest Walk. It was really awesome. We even stumbled into a restaurant that made us feel like we were on vacation in Bali, and the had the best Singapore Slings I've ever tasted!

We also witnessed for the first time in either of our lives a lovely transaction between pimp and prostitute Friday night. We walked down the street to a local hawker to enjoy some Tigers and apparently were in some interesting company outside. I'm sure we both looked like deer in headlights when one group of girls came upon another group sitting with their men. Matt & I were sure some sort of Asian "Bring It On" showdown was about to happen, but actually nothing did.

It was a great weekend, found some new restaurants, explored MORE of Singapore, and as usual had a blast together.

We are definitely still exhausted! Hopefully we have an easy, stress-free week!

IPOD UPDATE

I was charging my ipod this morning and decided to transfer Matt's Joel Osteen podcast. I kid you not, I need newer music too. I don't think I have updated my music on that thing in like 2 years.
Anyways, I just wanted to share the positivity I got out of it with everyone who reads this. And I wanted to pass along the challenge I am giving of myself: not to judge others, have patience, have understanding, be forgiving, be compassionate and be positive about your life.
I admit, I am no Saint when it comes to any of this. However, I have realized that I hold terrible grudges against people. Its a horrible thing and I hate having that negativity all stored up inside me. I realize it's just not healthy and I need to grow up. So there are people that have said and done extremely hurtful things. I thought I was choosing the higher ground by not responding; and in a way I think thats ok b/c there is no reason to get revenge or cause hurt to someone who is obviously dealing with their own issues inside.
I just need to pass along the message to everyone to be happy with your life. No matter what is going on. Be thankful that you are alive and experiencing what you are. Be thankful you are still here and LOVE your friends and family like there is no tomorrow. Be patient with others who are less fortunate and who do not see the light in this. Be compassionate to others who are struggling in hard economic times. Be compassionate to others who maybe made different choices than you.....do you not think they have a hard enough time being reminded of their mistakes every day?
This has just been something I feel like I need to pass along. I get so angry and frustrated when I hear of bombings, shootings, etc...Every single person on this Earth is just that: a human being. They have Mothers, Fathers, Sons, Daughters, Nieces, Nephews, Friends, Cousins, etc....just like everyone else. Maybe they are of a different religion so embrace that, accept it and learn about it. Learn about each other and different cultures (at least for the food if nothing else).
Learn to put all the negative away. There are no excuses. Like his example, Joel Osteen notes a guy who has a crippling disease, bad speech, but still goes and tries to preach the Word of God.....and I'm not for for preaching, but at least he is saying thanks to God that he is able to live and that he has the life he does. So what is your excuse for not doing so? And what is your excuse for your hatefulness, judgemental attitudes and negativity?
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, God Bless each and everyone of you!!

THOUGHTS

Thursday means that the weekend is almost here!!
The more I think about coming home in September, the more anxious I am to get back there!
Matt's job (actually I should say the people) are driving us both crazy. I don't know how he is able to get through the day sometimes. People can be unbelievable. How is it that you can try to hold a meeting when you don't even know/understand what you are talking about? So what happens? Matt usually has to correct the person or take over. Just the usual....another day in paradise.
Hopefully we can do something this weekend to take his mind off things....

FROM THE WEEKEND

Over the weekend:

We had an awesome date night Friday which included making home made pizza....which turned out delicious. Matt is thrilled I've turned out to be quite the little cook.

Saturday we took in breakfast at the Society Bistro at One Fullerton. Ended up getting to watch practice for National Day. The Singapore military had some watercraft (Matt can tell you which kinds) that were splashing and sea-do chasin' for a couple hours in the Marina Bay area. It was so cool to get to see and of course there were tons of visitors, so people watching was nothing less than entertaining. All kinds of posing taking place by the Merlion statues. Then we headed over to Holland Village at lunch for some yummy Mexican at El Patio. Had a leisurely time sitting outside eating some good food, enjoying good company and delicious margaritas and chips n salsa. That night we headed out Changi Village and met up with 2 guys that work for Matt; Yanni and Hussein. They are always such nice guys. We enjoyed some good conversation (I had lots of questions regarding Changi Prison) and also had a few tapas and delicious Sangria. Yeah, we boozed it up Saturday (kidding).

Sunday we spent time at home relaxing and preparing for this week. Made some calls and talked to family. Watched a little tv, took a nap....all the usual lazy Sunday stuff.

Now its Monday afternoon, I'm taking a break from my cleaning binge and Matt has been hard at work.

News also....we got our tickets booked today for our trip home and will be back all of September, with the exception of Labor day weekend which will be spent in Vermont for my brother's wedding.

Thats all for now-

Cheers!

A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND........

Had to dedicate this blog to my best Best BEST friend in the whole entire world!!! The one who was my Matron of Honor at our wedding and who I will always be ever grateful to for all her love, support and amazing friendship!
Just got an email from her and decided to give her a call....she was a bit surprised!
I truly love this girl with all my heart! So exciting to hear she is happy and doing well. And a Happy Anniversary coming soon to Shane and Heather for their 4th (?) wedding anniversary. It's always so good to hear her distinct voice on the other end of the phone, but it is even better in person. She has such a fun personality that is very contagious!
Cant wait to see you when we are home!!

STORMS ARE ROLLIN' IN.....

Dear FAA--How do you explain the roof/ceiling of airplane opening up during flight?? Way to cut back on maintenance and funding in order to keep all those air travelers safe! How ridiculous is this? Is anyone else not completely outraged at all the issues the airline industry seems to be having lately. Matt needs to take this wife to the airport lounge before I get on the next plane home.

And another thing, when you have 8 kids (that is by choice) you have a certain responsibility. Sorry not to bash anyone specific here, this goes for all sex-loving people out there having children when clearly they are in no position to be doing so. Its selfish and I feel horrible for all the children involved. Its called FAMILY for a reason. (dont even get me started on all the rest).

How do you even begin to comprehend the murder of the adopting-special needs children-couple in Florida (in Florida, right?). Unbelievable. I cannot even begin to tolerate this. I'm speechless.

Apparently someone in Singapore DOES NOT like Post brand cereals, seeing that 4 stores we have been to have taken them off the shelves. Matt is very upset because he has not been able to have his Post Raisin Bran for breakfast. We are debating on what to do.....opt to choose something other than cereal for breakfast or give in and buy the S$12 cheerios (no not kidding here, Velveeta cheese is S$22).

ps-my picture is a view of storm clouds rollin' in at 7am as I write this blog....our apt overlooks the shipyards and thats what all the lights are from. You can see how high (36 stories) and close to the water way we are. And how close other buildings are.

ON MY MIND...

Thoughts from this weekend:
1. Damn I hate Hate HATE squat toilets....and it's no fun when they are the only kind some bathrooms have. It's a very traumatizing experience. You really have no idea what it is like until you have done the Asian squat, thighs burning thanks to that Jillian Micheal dvd 30 day shred you have just done, face red, don't look me in the eye just pass me the hand sanitizer, I need to go home and wash my feet (I think). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squat_toilet.

2. People watching here is nothing less than very entertaining.

3. We ordered and ate for the 1st time Pizza Hut. I highly reccomend the chicken curry pizza (tastes similar to cheese & onion).

4. Conversations about being financially responsible....and thank goodness we are.

5. The Pump Room fits us a little too well....another yummy Sunday brunch done there just right!

6. So cool watching storms from our apt....love the views of lightning in the clouds & over the see. It really is amazing.

7. More shopping to do today.....along with an errand (it is the REAL reason I am even going to the mall). Do I get an award for all this shopping but no buying?

8. Moms, MILs, friends, family and women of the whole wide world....I left dirty dishes in my sink this weekend. I did not touch one. Oh the horror! See, we have no dishwasher, well I AM the dishwasher I guess. But no actual appliance. So I gave up on them Saturday. Just got tired of doing them. And now I am mad at myself because I WILL have to face them today.
And LOADS of laundry :)

That enough thoughts for now...dont want to get into any trouble :)

DID I MENTION?

1.Matt cut my hair this weekend before our 4th of July outing. I made him. No I will not go somewhere. I'll coach you through it, and besides, my hair is super long, so if we screw it up, it's not like it will be a tragedy. It's just hair. And he did a perfect job :) Just needed to get those scraggly ends off. They were gross and driving me nuts. I immediately felt better once they were cut.
2.I am missing our home in Tulsa terribly. My dish towels, my dishwasher, our new bed and bedding. Our cute living room. Our "sitting area". Our backyard, driveway, front yard. Short drives to Panera. short drive to the grocery store. Walking over to TU for some games. Umberto's. Garlic Rose. Sr Tequila. My family. Everything. I miss it all. This is one girl who is definitely ready to be back home.
But the most important thing is that I'm right where I want/need to be :)

3. Off to do some much needed shoe shopping today. They are grounding all the elevators in our bldg and conducting some fire alarm testing from10-3. No I'm not kidding. so, I've opted to get out and about today and hit the stores hard! I am on a deep search for the perfect pair of shoes to wear to my brother's wedding in September, in Vermont, on the grass, but wood dance floor, navy dress. Any and suggestions are accepted.
4. Hope everyone is well. Give us a shout sometime. Matt and I would love to hear from anyone. The weekend is near and we are VERY ready!!
Cheers

SINGAPORE STLYE

We had an awesome 4th of July weekend. We went out to the Navy installation at Sembawang. The American Association put on such a great event with live music, tons of good food, beer, margaritas and wine (by bottle or glass). There was tons of stuff for the kiddos to do ie: face painting, dunk tank(I didn't cause the line was really long), bouncy castles and jumbo slides. Luckily all that stuff was at the back of the event so it really cut down on kids running and screaming through the front part. Definitely well organised. There were probably ~2000 people or so.

Matt & I got a prime seat, right next to all the food and beverage stuff and also in front of the stage, so we could have a great view of all the performances. And ended up with the best seat in the house for the fireworks.

Oh and we were completely 100000% safe and secure. Upon walking up to the event we saw guards, in camo wearing jungle hats and walking the perimeter with guns....like AK47's or something. Crazy. And then right when we got to very front entrance by the metal detectors, there was a military man standing in the back of a truck watching over with a machine gun. I jumped. Scared the crap out of me. But also makes you feel totally safe.

I have been inspired to take on some sewing....hmmmm I've never really done that before. Anything I've had to "patch" or "fix" uhm kind of turns into knots. So this should definitely be the ultimate challenge. Ahem. Oh and the reason I'm doing this because I was supposed to start my new job today, but the lady I'm working for is still in Houston for another week & pushed her trip back several days. So, I figured I have sometime on my hands, and I may have seen Mrs Sheehan's blog about sewing a cute summer top, so why not me? I told Matt I'm going to become a cooking, sewing extraordinaire and he just raised his eyebrows and giggled a bit.

Thats about all for now. Matt is off to work this week as usual. I pray nothing too crazy happens. All of his team is back in Singapore, so I think that is helping a bit. And he got his new phone last week. At least I know he is eating well; thats because I pack his lunches every day. So, if nothing else, at least he can say his lunch was good!

Hope everyone had a wonderful, safe 4th weekend. We hope everyone is doing good!

READY FOR THE WEEKEND

I wish Matt could have today off work since IT IS Friday and tomorrow IS 4th of July....but we'll just have to wait until August 8th (8-8... double 8's are lucky numbers) which is National Day here in Singapore.
I made a beautiful (hardly) American flag cake for Matt to take to work. Really hard to make it look like perfection when using an 8'' round pan. Why can I not find a 9x13??? Matt's team LOVES when I bake for them. They even told him that I should open up my own shop! (I think it was around the time when he did their reviews, suckers).
Anyways, off to our weekly lunch date in a bit out near good ol' Changi. Then maybe some shopping at the Expo at Robinson's sale (a dept store). Then maybe the ECP hawker center tonight for a local dinner.

Confession to make: I officially,as some of you know by now, have joined Facebook. It seemed everyone I know was always talking about it. Well....apparently ALL of my family and friends are on there. I feel just as much as a traitor to myspace as everyone else has been. But oh well, what can you do? Its a facebook world.

And Matt has his new phone. After leaving it in a cab, and luckily not having it all during our stay-cation, he came back to work to find out no big deal, he was due for an upgrade anyway. So now he's using the latest blackberry.... I like the old one better. So, you may be getting a phone call from him soon. His number is still the same, so feel free to call, as long as it is not late at night or too early in the morning. We are 20-something newlyweds....we need and value our sleep!!!!
Another confession: we hardly act 20-something. More like 40-something when you go to bed at 9pm every night and wake up at 530am. Oh well :) 'tis the life!

Hopefully everyone has a safe and wonderful weekend. We'll be sure to post more pictures next week.
Cheers!

LOVE IS IN THE AIR!

We just celebrated our 6 month wedding anniversary last night! And it was wonderful. Despite not feeling 100%, I still went and had an amazing dinner with my perfect husband. He took us to an Aussie steakhouse and we both had the sirloin special...mmmm and the mashed potatoes were so yummy! We also had some delicious wine and great dessert. But the best part of all was without a doubt, the company! What a happy 6 months they have been! We are looking forward to a long happy life together!
Also, a special Happy Anniversary to my Mom and Dad...they have officially been married 37 years on the 30th!