I'm praying that this is the only sort of tattoo she ever gets. If her reaction to annual vaccines is any indication, I think she's inherited her father's healthy dislike for needles. Maybe she'll stick with henna!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Tattoos at Five?
I'm praying that this is the only sort of tattoo she ever gets. If her reaction to annual vaccines is any indication, I think she's inherited her father's healthy dislike for needles. Maybe she'll stick with henna!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Zoo Time
Yesterday was a national holiday, so we decided to take advantage of the day off and go to the zoo. Unfortunately, it seems that everyone within driving distance shared those thoughts. It was extremely crowded, and it was hot. And sticky. I think I'm going to just change the name of the blog to, "It was hot. And sticky." Because two or five or fifteen years from now when someone asks, "So, how was Singapore?" I'm going to say, "It was hot. And sticky." (Sidenote: It's also wonderful; we're really enjoying being here. I'm not exactly complaining about the heat. I just want you to know that it's not like we're in some sort of 78 degree weather warp where we have cool breezes and low humidity. We have 89 degree weather, which would be tolerable, if it weren't 97% humidity. Ever been in a sauna? Yeah. Every Day).
Where was I? Oh, yes. The zoo. Despite the crowds (and the humidity), AK and B3 had a great day. Each time we would leave one exhibit and head for another, B3 would sign and say, "More? More!" as he ran after his sister down the path.
The orangutans were favorites. They're more or less free-ranging; they have ropes going from one side of the path to the other, cris-crossing a large area. It wasn't unusual to look up and see one right overhead.
We happened to be in the right place for their feeding time, too.
We saw giraffes,
rhinos,
kangaroos,
gigantic tortoises,
and much, much more.
the crane. Also known in our house as Skinny, thanks to Mighty Machines. Or Scary Snort, if you're a fan of Are You My Mother? The boy loves construction equipment!
They both enjoyed the carousel (B3 insisted he wasn't finished riding, but, he certainly was).
B3 asked about elephants all morning, and we finally decided the only way to see them was to go to their show. He asked about them; he called them. Finally, he saw them, and he was thrilled. Until one trumpeted. Into a microphone. He was done. He announced that they were "finished", even though they had yet to begin the show. He loudly told them , "bye bye" over and over. And he would not look at them at all. Even a day later, he shakes his head no if I utter the word "elephant".
Today we went early and stayed too late, which meant we felt (and perhaps looked) a little like these guys:
Since we bought season passes, we'll definitely be back to see the animals we didn't see yesterday and to see shows, including the elephants.
Where was I? Oh, yes. The zoo. Despite the crowds (and the humidity), AK and B3 had a great day. Each time we would leave one exhibit and head for another, B3 would sign and say, "More? More!" as he ran after his sister down the path.
The orangutans were favorites. They're more or less free-ranging; they have ropes going from one side of the path to the other, cris-crossing a large area. It wasn't unusual to look up and see one right overhead.
We happened to be in the right place for their feeding time, too.
We saw giraffes,
rhinos,
kangaroos,
But of all the things we saw, B3's favorite might have been this one
B3 asked about elephants all morning, and we finally decided the only way to see them was to go to their show. He asked about them; he called them. Finally, he saw them, and he was thrilled. Until one trumpeted. Into a microphone. He was done. He announced that they were "finished", even though they had yet to begin the show. He loudly told them , "bye bye" over and over. And he would not look at them at all. Even a day later, he shakes his head no if I utter the word "elephant".
Today we went early and stayed too late, which meant we felt (and perhaps looked) a little like these guys:
Since we bought season passes, we'll definitely be back to see the animals we didn't see yesterday and to see shows, including the elephants.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Do You Know the Chicken Man?
My grocery delivery experment was a success, and the day after I shopped, my trolley full of groceries arrived at my door. I had no idea how they would arrive, so I was surprised to see this after the delivery guy left:
Encouraged by the success of delivery, I decided to conduct another shopping experiment inspired by months of internet research. I've been reading several Blogs about Singapore life for a few months, and this blog post is bookmarked on my tool bar. I refer to it several times a week, if not daily.
In case you're not a link clicker, the link is to a post detailing a lengthy list of helpful information for Singapore. She gives the contact information for a chicken delivery guy, known far and wide as "The Chicken Man". The very idea of The Chicken Man intrigued me, and I couldn't wait to give him a call. First, I had to get a phone, and my very first call (other than a call to Ben) was to The Chicken Man (It should come as no surprise that he was my first call. No, Not because I'm such a chicken fan, but because I know no one on this island to call). His prices are about 1/2 of what our closest grocery store charges, and he delivers. Sign me up!
The day after I called, my doorbell rang, and there he was. The Chicken Man. Chicken in hand:
As we chatted, he actually referred to himself as "The Chicken Man", and I couldn't help but laugh. I did try not to think about the similarity between his red bag and the biohazard bags we became familiar with in our Appendicitis/RSV hospital experiences earlier this year, but I got over it as I calculated our savings.
I'll definitely be calling The Chicken Man again soon.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Experiments in Shopping
***anyone know why the pictures won't import? Help me!***
Today, B3 and I went shopping and filled a cart with laundry soap, bottled water, cereal, crackers, and baking supplies.
Then, we came home empty handed. We're trying out the Carrefour home delivery service for the first time. I realize that grocery delivery is nothing new, but it's certainly new to us. I admit, it felt a little peculiar to leave $240 worth of stuff in our trolley, but I'm confident that it will show up on our doorstep sometime between 9am and noon tomorrow. Unfortunately, I'll still need to go to the store again tomorrow since they don't deliver fresh or perishable foods. There are other stores that have online ordering and will deliver all items, and we'll be trying those out sooner or later.
After our Carrefour shopping, we went to Daiso, which is a Japanese dollar store. Everything costs $2, and they sell everything from craft supplies to porcelain dishes. One day, when I have packed more snacks for my sidekick, I'll take pictures of some of the more interesting things I've seen there. I'll just leave you with one picture I managed to take today.
Why, yes, that is a terry cloth toilet seat cover. No, not a lid cover. A SEAT cover. Christmas is coming....who wants one?
Today, B3 and I went shopping and filled a cart with laundry soap, bottled water, cereal, crackers, and baking supplies.
After our Carrefour shopping, we went to Daiso, which is a Japanese dollar store. Everything costs $2, and they sell everything from craft supplies to porcelain dishes. One day, when I have packed more snacks for my sidekick, I'll take pictures of some of the more interesting things I've seen there. I'll just leave you with one picture I managed to take today.
The Renegade Trend Setter
In the two weeks we've been here, at least 4 strangers have stared at, pointed at, or petted AK's head. It seems that her bows are quite a novelty. In the Ikea ice cream line (it was free! do they do that in the States??), one lady nearly pulled her pretty pink bow out trying to get a better look.
"Is it clip?" She asked, after she yanked.
"Yes, it's clip", I responded, as I silently prayed for AK not to squeal at the curious stranger.
"Oh! So Nice!" She smiled.
On Back to School night, I was talking to one of AK's classmates' mom. "Oh! You're AK's Mom!", she said. "My daughter loves AK!" She went on to say that her daughter had begun to want to wear her hair pulled back, on the side, in a clip, just like AK, instead of her usual headband.
I'm not sure what the attraction is; I've seen small bows for sale here. Maybe it's the Southern Big Bow style they're after.
Perhaps I see a business opportunity...
She's been wearing a navy bow everyday so far. Navy because it matches her uniform. Navy because her mother is a rule follower and read that "hair clips should conform to the color palette dictated by the uniform policy".
AK, however, has taken every opportunity to point out that navy is dull. Navy is boring. Navy isn't pink or even green or lavender. Her brother calls navy "gack", which is B3 speak for black.
"See, mama? He can't say black. Or even navy. He can say pink. Please, mama, can I wear a pink bow?" (He can't really; it sounds more like a sound a pig might make). She's been campaigning relentlessly for a week. "My friend wears a pink bow or even a red one, and our teacher doesn't complain..."
I caved. Tomorrow, she's wearing a pink bow. Because secretly, I agree. Navy is boring.
"Is it clip?" She asked, after she yanked.
"Yes, it's clip", I responded, as I silently prayed for AK not to squeal at the curious stranger.
"Oh! So Nice!" She smiled.
On Back to School night, I was talking to one of AK's classmates' mom. "Oh! You're AK's Mom!", she said. "My daughter loves AK!" She went on to say that her daughter had begun to want to wear her hair pulled back, on the side, in a clip, just like AK, instead of her usual headband.
I'm not sure what the attraction is; I've seen small bows for sale here. Maybe it's the Southern Big Bow style they're after.
Perhaps I see a business opportunity...
She's been wearing a navy bow everyday so far. Navy because it matches her uniform. Navy because her mother is a rule follower and read that "hair clips should conform to the color palette dictated by the uniform policy".
AK, however, has taken every opportunity to point out that navy is dull. Navy is boring. Navy isn't pink or even green or lavender. Her brother calls navy "gack", which is B3 speak for black.
"See, mama? He can't say black. Or even navy. He can say pink. Please, mama, can I wear a pink bow?" (He can't really; it sounds more like a sound a pig might make). She's been campaigning relentlessly for a week. "My friend wears a pink bow or even a red one, and our teacher doesn't complain..."
I caved. Tomorrow, she's wearing a pink bow. Because secretly, I agree. Navy is boring.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Market Time
I love a market. The people watching, the vast range of products for sale, and the smells combine to present a unique view of the neighborhood around you. Most Singapore neighborhoods have a wet market that sells fruits, veggies, and meats of all kinds. Most also have shops selling household goods, clothes and shoes. Each one is unique, and I couldn't wait to find the one closest to our house.
B3 and I decided to find it one morning after AK went to school. It was a nice 15 minute walk down the river, and I wondered what we'd discover when we got there. Fresh produce can be quite expensive in the grocery stores, so I was looking forward to saving a few dollars while enjoying the neighborhood market. We finally found it, and guess what?
It's closed! It's being renovated, and it won't open again until at least January. It was such a disappointment...mostly because I was drenched in sweat and had nothing to show for my efforts.
There were just a few bins of veggies beside where the market usually is.
Not easily deterred, we set out the next day to yet another wet market that's fairly nearby. It's a 20 minute walk, but getting there requires walking along a busy road and crossing 8 lanes of traffic. Twice. Not my idea of a leisurely stroll.
I was hesitant to take too many pictures, but I'll be back with my camera in tow. If they remember me next time, I want it to be because my kid waved at them and I bought their broccoli. I don't want to be known as the tourist with the camera (although that description fits).
As we walked the aisles of the market, we kept meeting the same woman who loved to talk to B3. She was a Grandmotherly type, and she'd bend down and say (quite loudly), "Handsome Boy!" as she shook his knee. Over and Over Again. You may know that B3 is a boy of few words, but by the time we met her for the 4th time, he was pulling up his legs into the stroller and shaking his head, "NO", grinning at her all the while. He didn't quite know what to do with all of the attention. I was thankful that, at least for today, the attention was not gained by his expressing his dislike of the stroller/train/mall.
B3 and I decided to find it one morning after AK went to school. It was a nice 15 minute walk down the river, and I wondered what we'd discover when we got there. Fresh produce can be quite expensive in the grocery stores, so I was looking forward to saving a few dollars while enjoying the neighborhood market. We finally found it, and guess what?
It's closed! It's being renovated, and it won't open again until at least January. It was such a disappointment...mostly because I was drenched in sweat and had nothing to show for my efforts.
There were just a few bins of veggies beside where the market usually is.
Not easily deterred, we set out the next day to yet another wet market that's fairly nearby. It's a 20 minute walk, but getting there requires walking along a busy road and crossing 8 lanes of traffic. Twice. Not my idea of a leisurely stroll.
I was hesitant to take too many pictures, but I'll be back with my camera in tow. If they remember me next time, I want it to be because my kid waved at them and I bought their broccoli. I don't want to be known as the tourist with the camera (although that description fits).
As we walked the aisles of the market, we kept meeting the same woman who loved to talk to B3. She was a Grandmotherly type, and she'd bend down and say (quite loudly), "Handsome Boy!" as she shook his knee. Over and Over Again. You may know that B3 is a boy of few words, but by the time we met her for the 4th time, he was pulling up his legs into the stroller and shaking his head, "NO", grinning at her all the while. He didn't quite know what to do with all of the attention. I was thankful that, at least for today, the attention was not gained by his expressing his dislike of the stroller/train/mall.
Monday, August 22, 2011
New Sunday School
Yesterday was our first trip to church as a family since moving. Ben and I visited a service in July, but AK and B3 had not yet been. Both were exited to take a taxi across town, but AK was less than thrilled to be there once we arrived. She's been talking about Sunday School all week, but when we got there, she was stuck to me like a sock sticks with static in the Winter time. I could barely fill out the registration forms; she simply could not peel herself off of me! She was uncharacteristically clingy when we found her classroom, and I had to walk her in. After she spotted the playdough, she finally managed to let go and find her way to the table.
When we picked her up, she couldn't wait to tell us that one of her friends from school was in her Sunday School class! Her joy was evident; it was "just like North Carolina," she reported. Even the story of the Good Samaritan was familiar, so all was well. I think we'll be a little more eager to go next week.
B3 seemed to enjoy his class, too. We had to laugh when we peeked thru the one way mirror at all of his class without their shoes and socks on. Our class was strangely reminiscent of our first Sunday School visit at Carmel. When we first visited in 2004, the class we went to was full of couples just like us - new to Charlotte. Many of the people we met yesterday had been in Singapore for only a few weeks, just like us. Several have been here for a few years (or forever!), so it seems like a good fit for us. We'll see.
Later in the afternoon, we took a walk to the mall to buy an iron and some groceries. The one that came with our apartment is cute and pink; unfortunately, "cute" doesn't really matter when I'm ironing. So, we bought one that will (we hope) actually remove wrinkles from our clothes. While we were there, AK and B3 enjoyed some ice cream from Burger King. Normally, B3 doesn't get to partake of good stuff like ice cream since he and dairy products don't usually agree with each other, but we simply could not resist a boy who says, "Me! Burger King Ice Cream!" Besides, it isn't fair to AK to never have a treat because her brother shouldn't have it, either. So, ice cream it was!
I don't know if BK in the States still gives out crowns, but let me tell you that these 2 are certainly now fans of BK. I remember loving the crown as a kid, and it's obvious that it hasn't lost its appeal in 30 years.
When we picked her up, she couldn't wait to tell us that one of her friends from school was in her Sunday School class! Her joy was evident; it was "just like North Carolina," she reported. Even the story of the Good Samaritan was familiar, so all was well. I think we'll be a little more eager to go next week.
B3 seemed to enjoy his class, too. We had to laugh when we peeked thru the one way mirror at all of his class without their shoes and socks on. Our class was strangely reminiscent of our first Sunday School visit at Carmel. When we first visited in 2004, the class we went to was full of couples just like us - new to Charlotte. Many of the people we met yesterday had been in Singapore for only a few weeks, just like us. Several have been here for a few years (or forever!), so it seems like a good fit for us. We'll see.
Later in the afternoon, we took a walk to the mall to buy an iron and some groceries. The one that came with our apartment is cute and pink; unfortunately, "cute" doesn't really matter when I'm ironing. So, we bought one that will (we hope) actually remove wrinkles from our clothes. While we were there, AK and B3 enjoyed some ice cream from Burger King. Normally, B3 doesn't get to partake of good stuff like ice cream since he and dairy products don't usually agree with each other, but we simply could not resist a boy who says, "Me! Burger King Ice Cream!" Besides, it isn't fair to AK to never have a treat because her brother shouldn't have it, either. So, ice cream it was!
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