EXCITED FOR THE WEEKEND

The weekend will be here at approximately 1130am today! Matt is coming home from work a little earlier than usual....we have an electrician coming to work on our hot water switch. We've had tons of people at the apartment this week & looks as if there may be more on Saturday with our landlord's agent wanting to show the apt.

Tonight we are headed to a cozy little family-run Italian restaurant. YUMMY! I cant even describe how good it is. We are celebrating our 10 month wedding anniversary. We kind of thought at least for the first year, it would be fun to celebrate the first 12months. And fun it has been (I'm sure its added to the waistline as well...huhaha).

Saturday we are attending the Denise the Wine Shop's annual Wine Fiesta. They have a huge wine tasting event with over 200 wines, 80 wineries are being represented covering 3 days. We bought a ticket for 1 day. The event goes on from 11am to 930pm (and of course we wont be able to stay that long) but they have nice finger foods and the guys at Uluru have a bbq grill type thing set up so you can always purchase a meal. Its great fun. We had a blast last year.

For the avid golfer, the Barclay Singapore Open is just across the port from us at Sentosa. Lots of great golfers. I would really like to attend but the rain is keeping me away.

Also, Happy Birthday to Mr Dill (Matt's Dad). His birthday was today (the 29th).
Hope he has a great weekend to follow, as well as everyone else.

Cheers!

THOUGHTS FOR THURSDAY

I have had some thoughts on my mind lately....
1. Why is it that when you try to be the nice guy, you constantly come in last? It doesn't seem like it accounts for anything anymore. What happened to good old fashioned manners & respect? In doing for other people, helping other people, putting others first, you always get screwed without acknowledgement or even a thank you.

What is going on in life that makes it ok not to have values, morals, practice business ethics or have belief in anything? It just seems bizarre to me. Has all that is good & notable been sucked from everyone's brain?

Why would you try to cheat someone out of something they deserve (its in their contract) so that they have to come back and negotiate policy with you? Especially when they have been saving you money?

Why is it ok for us to be selfish.....me me me me me, entitlement, entitlement, entitlement.....My life is busier than yours, I have this prestigious job, I live in a fab apt in NYC/LA/Chicago/Dallas and you only live in Oklahoma.
Why does it seem to me, that people in Oklahoma & surrounding states, are the only ones who are "getting it"?

I've just had numerous examples of this lately that have effected myself or someone I know. I just want to know where common courtesy and common sense went to?

Questions, Comments, Ideas???

OVER THE WEEKEND

Going to try to keep it short...the last few have been a bit long. Kidding.

We had an awesome weekend. Friday night I fixed some super yummy bbq beef brisket (never been done before). It was awesome just relaxing at home.

Saturday we were productive. Got up for an early jog/walk....whew kicked my butt! The police guards at the police station were cheering us on. How nice. We came home & took it easy. Then headed to the Pump Room at Clarke Quay & then to Durty Nellie's Irish pub for some chicken wings, beer and soccer.

Sunday we took it very easy. Bummed around for awhile & then headed to Haw Par Villa to check it out. Its a Chinese mythological creature themed park. Very interesting. The park has over 1000 statues & over 150 dioramas that show scenes of Chinese folklore, legends and history. Very interesting. It was created by Aw Boon Par after his brother Aw Boon Haw passed away.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haw_Par_Villa

Now its the start of the week. We have a few things going on. Maintenance of the AC, a pre-move survey is going to be done and a Wine tasting fiesta this Saturday. We've been busy over the weekend making reservations for things, plans, planning things for Christmas and the Spring, etc, etc.....

Here's to a good week!

ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE....

After my last blog, which I could hardly stand to leave up.....I dislike negativity, I decided to post a brighter blog today because....
IT'S FRIDAY!!!
A little rainy, but I'm sure the plants really enjoy it. But who cares, cause the weekend is a few hours around the corner, I can hardly stand it. All week long my days have been off....for instance, I thought Thursday was Friday. We had to go out to eat because I had nothing prepared for dinner. I was just getting anxious I guess.
I am just ready to spend time with my husband...he's had a couple phone calls back to Tulsa this week, which cuts out on US time. But thats ok. It needs to be done. And we'll have the whole weekend to do whatever. No plans as of yet. Which can be very nice.
I have a lovely brisket I am planning on cooking and hopefully we'll have a nice Friday evening at home.
Looking forward to the weekend is an understatement!
Cheers!

REALLY DISAPPOINTED AND ACTUALLY A BIT HURT

Matt came home from work yesterday, as usual. He had been to a meeting at one of the local technical colleges to discuss how Nordam can play a role in helping with the education of the kids by supplying tools or parts. Luckily he didn't have to go alone, the new HR lady also went along.
On their way back to work it was brought up about us coming home. And basically rumors around Nordam are that we are leaving "because your wife doesn't like it here".
OUCH!

I know sometimes I complain about stuff here, but that absolutely doesn't mean I don't like living in Singapore. In fact, nothing could really be further from the truth.
I am really disappointed by the individual who told the HR lady this, considering I met this person only briefly at a large event. Just barely long enough to be introduced, say nice to meet you and shake hands. So where this person got that I don't like Singapore is beyond me.
Whats even more frustrating, is that if Matt's company believed that to be true, why would anyone not say something to him?

There are many reasons we are leaving Singapore & returning home. I feel like I should go into all of them, maybe people would understand a little more what work/life has been like for us, but at this point that's neither here nor there. The important thing is we have been discussing this for several months now, knowing that Matt's contract expires at the end of this year. And ultimately, we feel like home in Tulsa is where we want & need to be. Not only for our sake, but family as well.

To clear things up. Yes, Singapore is a totally different lifestyle than the one we have in Oklahoma. But we actually love living in Singapore. Being over here has truly helped us develop such an amazing, strong base for the start of our marriage.We've taken some awesome trips to Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia. I wouldn't do anything any differently. And, if the situation were different here, we would absolutely stay. Unfortunately no one has shown any interest in keeping us here.
There are so many awesome things about Singapore. We will absolutely keep many ties close to our hearts. And I'm sure will stay in touch with the many people we've encountered here.

I just felt the need to write this. I am so disappointed & actually really hurt by the accusations of Nordam. If the people who were making these statements sat down with me for 5 minutes, I think they may change their story. And the ones who have know I love so many things about this sometimes crazy place!
Yet another example of daily life in the SGP island.....and for those who read this, please please please please please don't ever ASSUME you know something about someone. I have been a victim of this so many times & quite frankly I'm disgustingly SICK of it!
Hopefully next time I have a more positive blog you can read.
Until then-

SUNDAY SOMETHINGS....

Definitely would NOT see this guy back in Oklahoma. Couldnt miss the photo op!

Announcing the Singapore Slingers team players. Even have 2 Americans :)

The Singapore Slinger's mascot.....the Merlion!! (Mermaid/Lion). Grrrr!

The Slingers entering the stadium from the stands....where are the lockers rooms?

It's been such an awesome weekend....we both really needed a great weekend after having a rough week back in Singapore.

Saturday we spent a few hours poolside with lunch & yummy margaritas...91 degrees is hard to beat. Oh and I thought it would be funny to brag about on FB, and Karma definitely kicked my butt with this awesome lobster tan :) A lovely dinner at Esmirada was nothing a sun burn could beat though.

Today we were super lazy....sort of. I woke up before Matt & went to the store, bought a few groceries & came home to make Sunday brunch. It was so good & such hard work, we both had to take a nap afterwards. Then it was off to the Singapore Indoor Stadium for an ABL game between the Singapore Slingers and the Philippine Patriots. (A=ASEAN B=Basketball L=League....ASEAN=Assoc of SE Asian Nations). http://www.singaporeslingers.com/

It was so intense & fast-paced. Much like a college basketball game. We both has a great time. And to give Singapore & the ABL credit, the game was very similar to ones back home including dancers, t-shirt sling shots, contests during time-out, etc...) We loved the atmosphere....although the Philippine Patriots' fans were a little loud, I had to give 'em yell back. Final score Singapore 74 Philippine 69.

And now some quiet time on the couch, tv off, enjoying being at home. Hope everyone had a great weekend, took in plenty of sports & is as ready for this week as we are. Looking forward to another day with my husband gives me such great joy!

THE WEEKEND IS HERE!

No, not us....it's Matt's co-workers Scott & Mei Qi

Had a great Friday night! We went to have a couple beers with some of Matt's co-workers from Nordam. Shanice & Mei Qi from Nordam Singapore and Scott who was in town from Wales (but moving to Tulsa in less than 2 weeks) and the Dills went & had a pint or 2 at Bernies.

It was fun to get out & socialize. Shanice & Mei Qi are 2 of the nicest girls. Mei Qi does the best job taking charge & speaking Mandarin & getting everyone around & orders food for us (at the Chinatown People's Park Complex food court). It's awesome. I wish we could hire someone like her to go with us everywhere & be our translator....hmmmm.

Anyway, it was definitely fun. I think Scott does a great job helping Matt out...being an outside person looking in, but also greatly helps he is employed with the company too. And I think Matt gives him good insight on what's really happening behind the scenes. Its a great working relationship to have :)

So...no real plans for the rest of the weekend. Being lazy & takin' it easy so far!

Hope you all are doing the same & enjoying all the college football you can stand!

Cheers-

PUTTIN' IT ALL OUT THERE IN THE OPEN...FINALLY

So...for those of you who dont know....we have a bit of news thats come about in the past month or so.

1. We are oficially coming home for good at the end of this year.

We will be back just in time for Christmas & we'll be staying for good. Zai Jian Singapore!

This has really come about the past several months. Matt & I have been debating back & forth about what to do; to stay & renew his contract or to move back home & get settled in our house in Tulsa. This has been a really hard decision, but ultimately for 2 people who are very close with family & friends, staying in Singapore was a bit of a long-shot. With me not working & some other issues that have come up with family as well as work, we really feel like Tulsa is where we need to be.

So that is all the "official" news we have for now. We are so anxious to be back home. We loved our trip in September & the more we are home, the harder it is to leave Tulsa. We cant wait to get back just in time for Christmas (I already decorated....the ladies at Hobby Lobby looked at me like I was nuts buying Christmas in September, but hey, they were the ones sellin' it). It should be great :)

We'll both definitely miss Singapore, but I've done a fairly decent job learning how to cook some local dishes, so hopefully that can fulfill any longing we get.

This has been a great experience for Matt & he has really done an amazing job over here. As for me, some days have been really hard, but in the end, I would do it all over again... just for Matt. I couldnt imagine not having him in my life & my move over here has definitely been one of the best things I have ever done.

Until December, we'll keep you updated of the usual ongoings in life, love, work, and being the coolest expats around :)

THE LOW-DOWN OF OUR TRIP

So....here are all the glorious details of our trip.....

1. Went to Bryan & Hallie's wedding in Woodstock, Vt. We absolutely loved it there & would definitely go back for vacation. We ate so much and trust me, we never had a bad meal there. Matt had quite the adventure with a free golf lesson from my Uncle David (God Bless Him). The wedding was beautiful & an absolutely perfect day, the weather was amazing! The Fader's did a good job with putting on a great wedding & Mom and Dad did an awesome job with hosting the golf tournament & the rehearsal dinner was awesome.....they really couldn't have done better. Bryan & Hallie are very fortunate to have both sides of the family get along so well & be so supportive of their wedding.

2. We had a nice Fiesta get-together at our house with some close friends & family. It was definitely a treat for us to host a small gathering at our house. We cherished every minute of the day. My lovely parents even came early to help with a few things before we got started. Matt did an awesome job with his brand new grill....the fajitas tasted awesome. And after all our hard work cutting back bushes & wild growing things in our yard, the backyard was a beautiful spot to hang out. I might also add the margaritas were quite tasty. And of course, the company was the best!

3. I hosted a baby shower for my Sister-In-Law who is expecting a baby girl near the end of January. It was so fun to go baby shopping....so many cute baby things out there....goodness. Melissa got a ton of cute things and a lot of helpful advice from many ladies. It was great to have a fun happy day with just the girls.

4. We also got to hang out with some of Matt's college friends, have dinner with my college girlfriends, and spent tons and tons of time with family. We were able to spend a couple days making "connections" rounds with old co-workers and friends at Nordam as well as at Hillcrest.

5. Some friends had tickets to Dave Matthews in Tulsa & ended up not being able to use them, so they generously passed them along to us (lucky our trip got extended). We had a great time at the concert & enjoyed a great date night that Friday night. Definitely a fun time.

6. Matt's brother Jeff & his family came in from Tennessee & it was so fun watching Laney & Connor.....they are getting big fast. We also spent time in OKC invading the Ray's new house for the girls' 9th birthday party.

It was such a busy, exhausting trip. We truly enjoyed every minute. I'm sure there are things we left out, however, just because it was left out or not mentioned, does not mean it didn't matter :)

We are excited to be back in Singapore in the beautiful sunny weather. Our good friend Ryan is coming for a visit at the end of November & we are thrilled to have a visitor. Much to do before coming back home at Christmas....

Hope everyone is doing well. Wished we could have seen & spent time with everyone. I'm sure once we are finally back that will all change.

Cheers & God bless you if you read this far!

JET-LAGGIN

Back in Singapore and feelin' super jet-lagged. I'm sure it was not a great fun trip back for Matt considering I've had this sinus yuckiness going on. But what a great travel companion anyway.
We had such a busy, but great time back home. And we are exhausted.
So thats all for now, just saying we are back in Singapore safe & sound (well maybe half-sound).
Cheers.