For nearly 8 years, I have lived with an amended passport; my married name typed neatly inside the back cover.
This has caused countless headaches whenever and wherever we travel. Even though the US government made the amendment, it looks like I did it myself.
Supervisors have to be called over. Extra time is spent verifying it - I'm the one that tries to check in for her flight and suddenly stops the line from moving for the next half hour. Sometimes people say they understand, but it turns out they don't, and then they tell me with grave certainty that they can't find any reservation under Downing (my maiden name). And then the process begins again.
So today marks the day that all the confusion and uncertainty all comes to an end. Today I have a new passport. The picture is hilarious. I was wearing a tube top on the day it was taken, so it looks like I'm wearing, well, nothing (a little eye candy for passport control).
But I also find myself a little sad. My old passport now has holes punched through it, making the UK resident permit and Swiss resident permit inside no longer valid (it's not like I'm going back to either place anytime soon, but it was sure nice to have them in there - you know, just in case). My old passport will now sit and collect dust, while the new, shiny passport awaits a Chinese resident stamp. I won't forget the times we had, old passport.
(Whoa, I need some sleep, I just realized I'm talking to my passports)
Monday, November 20, 2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Schedule? What Schedule?
With all the moving about, scheduling Chase's naps, meal times, bottles, etc. has been literally impossible. I've been forced to trade in my highlighters and Franklin Covey for what I like to call, a relaxed parenting style (I can hear all those who know me laughing - because my relaxed style of parenting is anything but relaxed).
Today, I dug out Ruth Yaron's "Super Baby Food" book - one might call it a little tradition. At the beginning of each new month, I open it up and read a couple pages to get a sense of where I'm succeeding and where I'm failing miserably.
Okay, so what am I, the relaxed parent, focusing on this month?
1) Food: I can introduce tofu, watermelon, apricot, okra, tahini, bewer's yeast, powdered kelp, natural cheeses, dessicated liver (yuck!). It is also recommended to start introducing meat, but Ruth doesn't believe in that, so she poo-poos it and gives vegetarian options to create complete proteins (given we're moving to China, I'm thinking that's not such a bad idea). Ruth also tells me it's time to print out the food worksheet (oh great, something else to become obsessive about). I'm also supposed to start offering dairy (yogurt or cottage cheese). And I'm supposed to start weaning Chase to a cup. Okay, I reassure myself, all of that is totally doable.
2) A schedule: It would be great to put Chase on a schedule (so she naps, eats and plays at the same time each day). All the books tell you to do this from the start. But the books also tell you that each child is different, and Chase never really liked the whole schedule-thing, and unfortunately our lifestyle hasn't really allowed for her to ever get into schedule. Which brings me to have a "my daughter is going to need therapy when she is older" moment.
3) Brushing teeth: I went out and bought a baby tooth brush and baby tooth paste. Should be a piece of cake, right?
4) Teething: This is so hard. It is way harder than people make it out to be. Chase wakes up all the time, in the middle of the night. She used to be able to fall back to sleep, but now she needs to be cradled and rocked and loved. And she's getting heavier. She needs to be able to put herself to sleep by herself, but I can't leave her there screaming in pain. I'm at a loss. I'm going to keep rocking her to bed. I'll probably pay for it dearly - but I'll worry about that later.
5) Crawling: She's almost there. She is SO close.
6) Walking: She loves it. She is also getting good at kicking an tiny, soccer ball I bought her.
7) Talking: I predict she will start talking in sentences this month :)
8) Swimming: She loves this too. Gotta keep it up.
9) Socializing: I've got to find some kids for her to play with!
I'm pretty close to stopping moms on the streets of Singapore ... "you don't know me, but..."
Today, I dug out Ruth Yaron's "Super Baby Food" book - one might call it a little tradition. At the beginning of each new month, I open it up and read a couple pages to get a sense of where I'm succeeding and where I'm failing miserably.
Okay, so what am I, the relaxed parent, focusing on this month?
1) Food: I can introduce tofu, watermelon, apricot, okra, tahini, bewer's yeast, powdered kelp, natural cheeses, dessicated liver (yuck!). It is also recommended to start introducing meat, but Ruth doesn't believe in that, so she poo-poos it and gives vegetarian options to create complete proteins (given we're moving to China, I'm thinking that's not such a bad idea). Ruth also tells me it's time to print out the food worksheet (oh great, something else to become obsessive about). I'm also supposed to start offering dairy (yogurt or cottage cheese). And I'm supposed to start weaning Chase to a cup. Okay, I reassure myself, all of that is totally doable.
2) A schedule: It would be great to put Chase on a schedule (so she naps, eats and plays at the same time each day). All the books tell you to do this from the start. But the books also tell you that each child is different, and Chase never really liked the whole schedule-thing, and unfortunately our lifestyle hasn't really allowed for her to ever get into schedule. Which brings me to have a "my daughter is going to need therapy when she is older" moment.
3) Brushing teeth: I went out and bought a baby tooth brush and baby tooth paste. Should be a piece of cake, right?
4) Teething: This is so hard. It is way harder than people make it out to be. Chase wakes up all the time, in the middle of the night. She used to be able to fall back to sleep, but now she needs to be cradled and rocked and loved. And she's getting heavier. She needs to be able to put herself to sleep by herself, but I can't leave her there screaming in pain. I'm at a loss. I'm going to keep rocking her to bed. I'll probably pay for it dearly - but I'll worry about that later.
5) Crawling: She's almost there. She is SO close.
6) Walking: She loves it. She is also getting good at kicking an tiny, soccer ball I bought her.
7) Talking: I predict she will start talking in sentences this month :)
8) Swimming: She loves this too. Gotta keep it up.
9) Socializing: I've got to find some kids for her to play with!
I'm pretty close to stopping moms on the streets of Singapore ... "you don't know me, but..."
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Eight Months
Eight months old.
You've been outside almost as long as inside.
Oh my darling, you are growing up so fast!
You are so close to crawling. To walking. To talking.
It will be interesting to see what this next month brings.
Hang on tight, my dear - you will soon see Thailand, Hong Kong and China.
You've been outside almost as long as inside.
Oh my darling, you are growing up so fast!
You are so close to crawling. To walking. To talking.
It will be interesting to see what this next month brings.
Hang on tight, my dear - you will soon see Thailand, Hong Kong and China.
Confession: I Have A Little, Brown Problem
So I have a problem.
A little, brown, chocolate craving problem.
I really miss it.
I might actually need it to live.
I bought Oreos thinking that would do the trick.
Nope.
I bought non-fat chocolate milk, thinking surely that will do it.
Nope.
I've got to go find some Swiss chocolate.
Today.
Now.
A little, brown, chocolate craving problem.
I really miss it.
I might actually need it to live.
I bought Oreos thinking that would do the trick.
Nope.
I bought non-fat chocolate milk, thinking surely that will do it.
Nope.
I've got to go find some Swiss chocolate.
Today.
Now.
Swim Baby, Swim!
"I have a crazy travel schedule," my husband announced when he returned home. He then listed his trips (Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Phuket, Hong Kong, Dalian); I took note in my calendar. Hmmm, okay, so he'll basically be in Singapore for about three days over the next three weeks (maybe I should make more of an effort to make friends here).
As for Chase and I, we will meet him for a few days in Phuket, then most likely move to Hong Kong until our visas clear. (Pinch: Is this really my life?) The move to Hong Kong makes a lot of sense. It's closer to Dalian. There's no reason to be in Singapore. The lease here will be finished. Then, when our visas clear, we will move to Dalian, and our lives should settle down a bit more after Christmas.
As we discussed more moves, I had an "our poor, darling baby, she's going to need a lot of therapy when she gets older" moment and then I realized that this is what she knows. This is normal. The more I get to know her, the more I see that she really does prefer to be out and about to sitting and quietly playing in the apartment.
So hubs and I had a day together before his crazy travel started.
We went to an oh-so-sketchy baby store, as we heard it was a good place to find deals. It looked more like a collection of goods that fell off the back of the baby truck. Next door, however, there was a better store, where we found a great car seat for Chase (for our car in China).
As it was super hot, we decided to go swimming. It was Chase's first time in a pool. She loved it. She kicked and splashed about. She got a couple huge gulps of pool water (poor darling). My plan is to take her swimming at least 3x a week. When we get to Dalian we can enroll her in a proper swim class.
Loving it ...
Then.... not so happy here, as she had inhaled a little too much water ...
As for Chase and I, we will meet him for a few days in Phuket, then most likely move to Hong Kong until our visas clear. (Pinch: Is this really my life?) The move to Hong Kong makes a lot of sense. It's closer to Dalian. There's no reason to be in Singapore. The lease here will be finished. Then, when our visas clear, we will move to Dalian, and our lives should settle down a bit more after Christmas.
As we discussed more moves, I had an "our poor, darling baby, she's going to need a lot of therapy when she gets older" moment and then I realized that this is what she knows. This is normal. The more I get to know her, the more I see that she really does prefer to be out and about to sitting and quietly playing in the apartment.
So hubs and I had a day together before his crazy travel started.
We went to an oh-so-sketchy baby store, as we heard it was a good place to find deals. It looked more like a collection of goods that fell off the back of the baby truck. Next door, however, there was a better store, where we found a great car seat for Chase (for our car in China).
As it was super hot, we decided to go swimming. It was Chase's first time in a pool. She loved it. She kicked and splashed about. She got a couple huge gulps of pool water (poor darling). My plan is to take her swimming at least 3x a week. When we get to Dalian we can enroll her in a proper swim class.
Loving it ...
Then.... not so happy here, as she had inhaled a little too much water ...
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Let's Get Physical ...
We spent yesterday morning at Singapore General Hospital, where we were poked and prodded for two hours (apparently, potential employees have to take the same health screen before they are hired). We had a chest xray (to look for heart, chest and lung abnormalities). We were hooked up to computers (to monitor our heart). We didn't have to do any cardio tests (thank goodness as I would have failed miserably). We had blood taken, which I always hate because the nurse can never seem to "find the vein." They always giggle about it, "don't worry," they repeat over and over. But I do worry. The inside of my arm is now black and blue. Brian's arm is also black and blue, but for another reason. The Band-Aid.
There must be a different kind of adhesive used on Band-Aids here, something with extra stickiness, designed to withstand the high humidity. The Band-Aids literally fused with our skin. Brian still has welts and tenderness - he pulled his off last night.
Famished (because we were supposed to arrive for our physical with an empty stomach), we decided to hit the hospital cafeteria. I wasn't sure about this, as I still have nightmares about the food NHS tried to serve me while I was in the hospital. But the food at Singapore General was actually pretty good! I wouldn't take a first date there, but .... there were noodles (thin and wide), fish (some made into cakes, some fried, some in a light soy sauce), chicken (with breading and without), rice (fried, plain, with veggies) - YUM.
The rest of the day was pretty uneventful, although I did see President Bush's motorcade. It drove right past our apartment. Pretty cool, actually. It made me feel like singing the National Anthem. I didn't actually sing it, but for a moment I must admit, I wanted to.
There must be a different kind of adhesive used on Band-Aids here, something with extra stickiness, designed to withstand the high humidity. The Band-Aids literally fused with our skin. Brian still has welts and tenderness - he pulled his off last night.
Famished (because we were supposed to arrive for our physical with an empty stomach), we decided to hit the hospital cafeteria. I wasn't sure about this, as I still have nightmares about the food NHS tried to serve me while I was in the hospital. But the food at Singapore General was actually pretty good! I wouldn't take a first date there, but .... there were noodles (thin and wide), fish (some made into cakes, some fried, some in a light soy sauce), chicken (with breading and without), rice (fried, plain, with veggies) - YUM.
The rest of the day was pretty uneventful, although I did see President Bush's motorcade. It drove right past our apartment. Pretty cool, actually. It made me feel like singing the National Anthem. I didn't actually sing it, but for a moment I must admit, I wanted to.
What Do The Chinese Say?
"You know what the Chinese say?" The security guard at the US Embassy asked me. He had been watching me help Chase walk from one end of the waiting room to the other.
"No. What do the Chinese say?" I asked. It seemed a strange coincidence that we were applying for a Chinese visa (and no, the security guard didn't know).
"The Chinese say, little ones that walk fast are slow to talk, and little ones that are slow to walk talk fast."
He then proceeded to play peek-a-boo with Chase, and make faces at her - making Chase burst out in laughter. Eventually, he decided to go back to guard the embassy. But before he left, he told me that my daughter had a sharp tongue.
I was afraid to ask what the Chinese say about little ones with sharp tongues.
"No. What do the Chinese say?" I asked. It seemed a strange coincidence that we were applying for a Chinese visa (and no, the security guard didn't know).
"The Chinese say, little ones that walk fast are slow to talk, and little ones that are slow to walk talk fast."
He then proceeded to play peek-a-boo with Chase, and make faces at her - making Chase burst out in laughter. Eventually, he decided to go back to guard the embassy. But before he left, he told me that my daughter had a sharp tongue.
I was afraid to ask what the Chinese say about little ones with sharp tongues.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Seriously
Today I went to a temple (I'm always game to visit a great temple), an art gallery (a piece in the window caught my attention), the grocery store (to buy groceries for huevos rancheros - nothing says lovin' like cookin' up a good Mexican dish in Asia), the US embassy (to renew my passport - I'll have it by 5 December) and two hospitals (the first one was the wrong hospital and the second one wouldn't accept any new appointments so we have to get back tomorrow) to get a 3-hour full medical exam in order to get our resident visas for China.
Can you believe we have to go through a 3-hour intensive medical exam (including x-rays, blood tests and probably cardiovascular excercize) to get a resident permit for China? Seriously.
Can you believe we have to go through a 3-hour intensive medical exam (including x-rays, blood tests and probably cardiovascular excercize) to get a resident permit for China? Seriously.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
And We're Off!
This time to Dalian, China.
Today, we begin the process of applying for visas. No telling how long it will take (we think the move will actually happen in early/mid December). In the meantime, my darling husband will have to commute there every week (10 hours each way).
Today, we begin the process of applying for visas. No telling how long it will take (we think the move will actually happen in early/mid December). In the meantime, my darling husband will have to commute there every week (10 hours each way).
I Just Need Some Sleep
When I woke up today I felt like my head was stapled to the bed and my eyelids had fused shut. It was all I could do to get Chase out of bed and send my husband off to work.
I was really looking forward to her first nap (usually around 10 a.m. she goes down for about an hour). Getting her to sleep lately has been really tough, due to her teeth. So I end up rocking her back and forth until she falls asleep.
9:45 a.m. - Just as I had hoped her eyelids started to flutter
9:50 a.m. - Five minutes of rocking, fighting to keep my eyes open
10 a.m. - Her eyes closed and I could feel myself drifting off
then... knock knock knock at the door
(Huh? What's that? I don't know anyone here. Who's knocking?)
Then it came again, but louder. Loud enough to jolt Chase out of her sleepy time train seat.
I picked her up gently and ran for the door, knowing full well that there is a window between the time she *sort of wakes up* and the time she *really wakes up.*
At the door stood five men. Four workers. And the building manager. All wanting to come in to our *not so clean apartment due to my husband getting home late and me not having time or energy to clean.* They had a massive vacuum and looked like they meant business. I wasn't sure what kind of business, or why they needed a vacuum, but it didn't seem appropriate to say, "can you come back in two hours?" Plus, by this time, Chase was wide awake. Coyly smiling at the workers.
And so they came in. Stayed for an hour. Cleaned our AC vents. Don't get me wrong, I am really happy to have improved air quality, but I was basically sleep walking at this point. I couldn't understand a word they were saying. Still not sure why (did I just need coffee or were they really slurring their words together?). And then they left. And Chase was wide awake.
So I decided it was time to go outside. If there's one thing to do with a tired baby, it's distract, distract, distract. So we went to the mall. Not because I like to shop. But because it is a large building, with AC, that offers a lot of stimulation (nothing like a little stimulation to wear out a baby. Chase needs more than most. Her stimulation tolerance level is pretty high at this point).
En route, I decided to take a look at the Singapore underground. I had heard it was clean - and it boy-oh-boy, it sure was. So I took some photos, which are actually pretty blurry, but then again, it's only fitting, as it helps illustrate how I saw the world today.
Apparently they've decided to generate revenue according to height, which struck me as odd - why not by age? Good thing we're leaving Singapore, otherwise we'd have to start paying for Chase next week!
I also stopped into the supermarket - and this weird promotion caught my attention. I mean why would you want to associate a large, plastic toe with breakfast cereal? Is it just me or is that really wacky?
And then I went to Marks & Spencers - for no good reason. I thought this was funny.
And then we headed back to the apartment. Chase was exhausted. It was time for sleep. But by now I was awake. Well, wired actually. I've found I hit a wall sometimes - I just get so tired I can't sleep.
Anyway, long story, short - the rest of the afternoon consisted of me trying to put Chase down for sleep, thinking it was a done deal, and then some interruption would wake her up. So no real nap today - for her or for me. Boo hoo.
I was really looking forward to her first nap (usually around 10 a.m. she goes down for about an hour). Getting her to sleep lately has been really tough, due to her teeth. So I end up rocking her back and forth until she falls asleep.
9:45 a.m. - Just as I had hoped her eyelids started to flutter
9:50 a.m. - Five minutes of rocking, fighting to keep my eyes open
10 a.m. - Her eyes closed and I could feel myself drifting off
then... knock knock knock at the door
(Huh? What's that? I don't know anyone here. Who's knocking?)
Then it came again, but louder. Loud enough to jolt Chase out of her sleepy time train seat.
I picked her up gently and ran for the door, knowing full well that there is a window between the time she *sort of wakes up* and the time she *really wakes up.*
At the door stood five men. Four workers. And the building manager. All wanting to come in to our *not so clean apartment due to my husband getting home late and me not having time or energy to clean.* They had a massive vacuum and looked like they meant business. I wasn't sure what kind of business, or why they needed a vacuum, but it didn't seem appropriate to say, "can you come back in two hours?" Plus, by this time, Chase was wide awake. Coyly smiling at the workers.
And so they came in. Stayed for an hour. Cleaned our AC vents. Don't get me wrong, I am really happy to have improved air quality, but I was basically sleep walking at this point. I couldn't understand a word they were saying. Still not sure why (did I just need coffee or were they really slurring their words together?). And then they left. And Chase was wide awake.
So I decided it was time to go outside. If there's one thing to do with a tired baby, it's distract, distract, distract. So we went to the mall. Not because I like to shop. But because it is a large building, with AC, that offers a lot of stimulation (nothing like a little stimulation to wear out a baby. Chase needs more than most. Her stimulation tolerance level is pretty high at this point).
En route, I decided to take a look at the Singapore underground. I had heard it was clean - and it boy-oh-boy, it sure was. So I took some photos, which are actually pretty blurry, but then again, it's only fitting, as it helps illustrate how I saw the world today.
Apparently they've decided to generate revenue according to height, which struck me as odd - why not by age? Good thing we're leaving Singapore, otherwise we'd have to start paying for Chase next week!
I also stopped into the supermarket - and this weird promotion caught my attention. I mean why would you want to associate a large, plastic toe with breakfast cereal? Is it just me or is that really wacky?
And then I went to Marks & Spencers - for no good reason. I thought this was funny.
And then we headed back to the apartment. Chase was exhausted. It was time for sleep. But by now I was awake. Well, wired actually. I've found I hit a wall sometimes - I just get so tired I can't sleep.
Anyway, long story, short - the rest of the afternoon consisted of me trying to put Chase down for sleep, thinking it was a done deal, and then some interruption would wake her up. So no real nap today - for her or for me. Boo hoo.
A Tall Half-Caff, No Fat, Soy, Eggnog, Mocha, Latte, please...
Brian returned from Dalian, China, last night.
If all goes well, we will be packing our bags and heading to China in the next couple weeks.
Very exciting - not only to be moving - but the concept of staying somewhere for at least a year thrills me to no end.
So life is about to get even more interesting. Apparently very few people speak English there, so I'm sure my Swiss German, French and Italian will come in handy (not!).
I must say, I was happy when Brian reported that Starbucks has invested in Dalian - I trust Starbuck's ability to research and accurately identify emerging markets. It's also nice to know there's a place to go if I just get fed up with being in China and want to *pretend* like I'm in the US.
As an aside: I wonder what Chinese characters are used in translation ... I would use the characters for fame and fortune .
But enough about Starbucks, here is a picture of Dalian...
The Yellow Sea ...
Brian even found an apartment for us. We originally wanted an unfurnished apartment, but unfortunately it is not really an option at the moment. After viewing several apartments, Brian was overwhelmed by how China-rificly they were decorated. Understandably, the apartment below caught his attention immediately.
It comes with a pool and gym (no excuses now, it really is time to get back in shape) ...
And this is our guest bedroom - mmm, comfy - it's waiting for you ...
And in case I start missing the castles in Europe, I can just visit Dalian's castle ... Brian said it is supposed to be 100 years old, but he's pretty sure it was built yesterday.
If all goes well, we will be packing our bags and heading to China in the next couple weeks.
Very exciting - not only to be moving - but the concept of staying somewhere for at least a year thrills me to no end.
So life is about to get even more interesting. Apparently very few people speak English there, so I'm sure my Swiss German, French and Italian will come in handy (not!).
I must say, I was happy when Brian reported that Starbucks has invested in Dalian - I trust Starbuck's ability to research and accurately identify emerging markets. It's also nice to know there's a place to go if I just get fed up with being in China and want to *pretend* like I'm in the US.
As an aside: I wonder what Chinese characters are used in translation ... I would use the characters for fame
But enough about Starbucks, here is a picture of Dalian...
The Yellow Sea ...
Brian even found an apartment for us. We originally wanted an unfurnished apartment, but unfortunately it is not really an option at the moment. After viewing several apartments, Brian was overwhelmed by how China-rificly they were decorated. Understandably, the apartment below caught his attention immediately.
It comes with a pool and gym (no excuses now, it really is time to get back in shape) ...
And this is our guest bedroom - mmm, comfy - it's waiting for you ...
And in case I start missing the castles in Europe, I can just visit Dalian's castle ... Brian said it is supposed to be 100 years old, but he's pretty sure it was built yesterday.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
President Bush To Visit Singapore This Week
I received this news from my cab driver, along with the fact he will be staying at the Shangri-La. Should people really know this? I mean, isn't this a matter of national security? Maybe Bush is really staying at Raffles Hotel (that's where I would stay).
The cab driver continued, "do you like your President?"
The cab driver continued, "do you like your President?"
Singapore: Out And About
When I awoke this morning, it wasn't raining. Recognizing we had to act fast, we quickly had some breakfast (fresh papaya) ... Chase wasn't a fan.
So I froze the rest ...
We got dressed ...
Took a look at the map ...
I grabbed my umbrella, camera and diaper bag - and we were off!
Our first stop was Raffles Hotel (it was so fabulous), which opened in 1887 and was named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. The Singapore Sling was invented at the Raffles Hotel Long Bar. Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin, Michael Jackson and the Queen have stayed there (all enjoying Singapore Slings I'm sure).
Just outside Raffles Hotel, we saw the Civilian War Memorial, a 67-metre high landmark, built in remembrance of some 40,000 to 50,000 lives lost during the Japanese Occupation. Built in 1964, the locals call it the 'Chopsticks Memorial.' The four tapered columns symbolize the four main races - Malay, Chinese, Tamil and 'Others' (including Eurasian and European).
We also walked by the Singapore Art Museum, but we didn't go in because we thought Brian would want to come, too.
We also passed the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Singapore.
Saw a strange statue (how I love those Orchids) ...
A building with colorful shutters caught our attention ...
And I came across one of the most gorgeous, graceful flowers I've ever seen...
As we were in a full sweat (even after stopping in two hotel lobbies and two gift shops for a little AC), we decided to call it a day.
On the way back to our apartment, I stopped at the grocery store and bought Brian some lovely, traditional desserts to welcome him back.
So I froze the rest ...
We got dressed ...
Took a look at the map ...
I grabbed my umbrella, camera and diaper bag - and we were off!
Our first stop was Raffles Hotel (it was so fabulous), which opened in 1887 and was named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. The Singapore Sling was invented at the Raffles Hotel Long Bar. Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin, Michael Jackson and the Queen have stayed there (all enjoying Singapore Slings I'm sure).
Just outside Raffles Hotel, we saw the Civilian War Memorial, a 67-metre high landmark, built in remembrance of some 40,000 to 50,000 lives lost during the Japanese Occupation. Built in 1964, the locals call it the 'Chopsticks Memorial.' The four tapered columns symbolize the four main races - Malay, Chinese, Tamil and 'Others' (including Eurasian and European).
We also walked by the Singapore Art Museum, but we didn't go in because we thought Brian would want to come, too.
We also passed the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Singapore.
Saw a strange statue (how I love those Orchids) ...
A building with colorful shutters caught our attention ...
And I came across one of the most gorgeous, graceful flowers I've ever seen...
As we were in a full sweat (even after stopping in two hotel lobbies and two gift shops for a little AC), we decided to call it a day.
On the way back to our apartment, I stopped at the grocery store and bought Brian some lovely, traditional desserts to welcome him back.
Another City To Explore
Okay, so it has been a week and I must admit that Chase and I really haven't made an effort to explore Singapore. The problem is that it is either stinking, melt-your-skin off hot or pouring, monsoon-style rain.
So, starting tomorrow (Monday), Chase and I are heading out to explore the city (but seriously, if it is pouring rain, I'm not going outside, there is just no point).
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Darn Those Teeth - And Other Baby Updates
Our littlest darling is really feeling the pain now. I can't be sure but it feels like both bottom teeth are coming in at the same time.
It wakes her up in the middle of the night (and she only just got over jet lag). I smear on the (natural, homeopathic) teething gel and rock her gently back to sleep. She whimpers as if to say "make it stop, mommy." It distracts her during the day. It makes her want to chew on my shoulder. My chin. Her shoes. Anything but the teething ring.
Last night she tried chewing the leg of our coffee table. But rather than turn her head to the side (so that she could actually get her mouth around the leg), she approached it on her belly - straight on - like a bull charging a matador's cape. But she couldn't get her mouth around it, so she tilted her head slowly back and then quickly forward, which of course caused her to bonk her head on the leg of the table and burst into tears.
I bought some bread rolls for her. They seem to distract her. I tried the teething biscuits offered by Nestle, but they are a strange texture and turn into a weird cement after they get wet. She was a fan of the frozen carrot, but then I read somewhere that offering carrots to infants is dangerous due to nitrates or something and to wait until babies are older.
In other news, she has also started babbling. She actually started babbling about a month ago but I forgot to post it - bad Lang. It is the cutest thing ever. "Bababa baba baba." Seriously, it's outrageous. Her little girl voice. I just love it.
She's still "commando" crawling (a term I borrowed from a friend) - and getting pretty good at it - but she still prefers to sit, rather than be on her stomach. Yes, I know, she needs the tummy time.
Her latest toys: Brian bought her a harmonica, because she loves sucking and seems to be drawn to shiny things (that's my girl!). We're waiting for the first note! I found a kiddie-size soccer ball, so I'm teaching her how to kick the ball, instead of pick it up. The musical instruments (tambourine, bells and maraca) from Grandpa Mark continue to be among her favorites. She's also getting more and more into books. Pat the Bunny, Go Dogs Go, My First Book of Farm Animals, Baby's Busy Day At The Park, and the Numbers book from Kar Kar are her favorites. She has also played with the flower chime garden from Grandma Aiya so much that it's out of batteries.
All in all, I continue to be amazed by her. By how quickly she learns. How inquisitive she is. How captivated she is by things and people. How outgoing she is. How easy it is to make her smile. She is so eager for adventure - she gets so excited when I put on the kiddie carrier, as if to say "where are we going now, mommy?"
It wakes her up in the middle of the night (and she only just got over jet lag). I smear on the (natural, homeopathic) teething gel and rock her gently back to sleep. She whimpers as if to say "make it stop, mommy." It distracts her during the day. It makes her want to chew on my shoulder. My chin. Her shoes. Anything but the teething ring.
Last night she tried chewing the leg of our coffee table. But rather than turn her head to the side (so that she could actually get her mouth around the leg), she approached it on her belly - straight on - like a bull charging a matador's cape. But she couldn't get her mouth around it, so she tilted her head slowly back and then quickly forward, which of course caused her to bonk her head on the leg of the table and burst into tears.
I bought some bread rolls for her. They seem to distract her. I tried the teething biscuits offered by Nestle, but they are a strange texture and turn into a weird cement after they get wet. She was a fan of the frozen carrot, but then I read somewhere that offering carrots to infants is dangerous due to nitrates or something and to wait until babies are older.
In other news, she has also started babbling. She actually started babbling about a month ago but I forgot to post it - bad Lang. It is the cutest thing ever. "Bababa baba baba." Seriously, it's outrageous. Her little girl voice. I just love it.
She's still "commando" crawling (a term I borrowed from a friend) - and getting pretty good at it - but she still prefers to sit, rather than be on her stomach. Yes, I know, she needs the tummy time.
Her latest toys: Brian bought her a harmonica, because she loves sucking and seems to be drawn to shiny things (that's my girl!). We're waiting for the first note! I found a kiddie-size soccer ball, so I'm teaching her how to kick the ball, instead of pick it up. The musical instruments (tambourine, bells and maraca) from Grandpa Mark continue to be among her favorites. She's also getting more and more into books. Pat the Bunny, Go Dogs Go, My First Book of Farm Animals, Baby's Busy Day At The Park, and the Numbers book from Kar Kar are her favorites. She has also played with the flower chime garden from Grandma Aiya so much that it's out of batteries.
All in all, I continue to be amazed by her. By how quickly she learns. How inquisitive she is. How captivated she is by things and people. How outgoing she is. How easy it is to make her smile. She is so eager for adventure - she gets so excited when I put on the kiddie carrier, as if to say "where are we going now, mommy?"
Sometimes I really hate Skype
Like last night when I was trying to call my husband and the woman at the hotel in China couldn't understand me (and it wasn't because I wasn't speaking Chinese).
Friday, November 10, 2006
Dalian, China: Scout-It-Out
Brian has been in Dalian for the past several days. I chat with him every night - either on a phone with a crackly connection - or on Skype, with a severe lag and echo. Hard to say which I prefer.
The first time he called, there was a delay and crackle, which made it almost impossible for me to hear him. I thought he said there were icebergs in Dalian, when what he really said was he could use Skype in Dalian.
So he called me back. The second time, the connection was slightly better. At least I was able to make out what he was saying. Following are some quick updates and observations so far...
First, the job. The opportunity is looking really good. Loads of responsibility. The people in the office are very enthusiastic and very eager for him to join. He is super excited. So fingers-crossed, we'll be moving to Dalian soon (Ha! Good thing I just finished unpacking).
Brian reports it is a clean city, even when compared to a place like Singapore. The folks at the office have gone out of their way to find a Western doctor and an apartment for us. I was very concerned about water. I think I can sleep better at night knowing both Coke and Nestle supply clean, filtered water to the city.
Now onto the culture. As I have lived in Hong Kong, very little surprises me. The Chinese have figured out a way to employ as many people as possible - I guess they've had to, seeing as how China has a population of 1,200,000,000. Something that would take one person to accomplish in the US, takes at least three people in China. It's almost as though they make up jobs, or assign managers to projects, just for the sake of making people managers.
For example, in Brian's office there are three ladies in purple track suits (no silly, they aren't oompa loompas). They spend their entire day walking around the office cleaning, putting things away, etc. There is also a tea lady. Yes, she makes the tea. When I was working in Hong Kong, we also had a phone cleaner, who would literally visit you twice a week to clean your phone.
Brian has also commented on how crazy the streets are - for example, he saw a car going the wrong way around a roundabout. There is no such thing as pedestrian right of way. It's more like "walk at your own risk." I've heard people literally drive on the sidewalks as well. Interesting.
Oh, and my favorite... The Chinese government officially turns on the heat in December, so people across Northern China are freezing their tails off at the moment (there are currently snow flurries in Dalian). A company can pay the government to turn on the heat in their building, but in doing so, they also pay for the heat for all the other businesses in the building. Residences are treated differently. You can pay for heat as you need it.
So that's the news from the streets of Dalian, China. You heard it here first.
Pedicure
I am embarrassed to say that I have not had a pedicure in over a year (one is not supposed to get pedicures while pregnant and after having a baby it is so much harder to find the time...).The woman who was doing my pedicure was clearly dismayed at the condition of my feet. I wanted to explain to her that our place in Switzerland had slate floors, which were gorgeous, but absolutely dried and ripped apart my feet.
Chase sat quietly on my lap the entire time. She focused every ounce of her being on what the woman was doing to my feet. She sat absolutely still for almost an hour. It was amazing.
There were a couple other women getting pedicures as well. They chatted with Chase as if she was a regular, getting her regular color (pink, I'm sure). It was hilarious. I could tell that Chase really felt like she was part of the club.
The movie, The Devil Wears Prada, was playing on the TV. It was in English, with English subtitles. The subtitles were so terrible I found myself laughing out loud. For example, at one point the subtitle had the word corpse in place of where someone said "of course."
Maybe the translator was taking the title of the movie too literally?
Thursday, November 09, 2006
British Influence
I feel like I am still living in
A hot, sticky, tropical
I was in Marks & Spencers today.
Sure, it is smaller, but it still has tinned baked beans, preserves, and biscuits.
I still have to queue for a taxi.
The plugs are big ole three prong deals.
There are Brits everywhere.
Cars are driving on the "wrong" side of the road, but somehow it looks "right" to me.
So here's a funny little story from today - it reminds me a bit of
I went to the mall to get a mobile phone. On the way, I stopped into a bakery (I love all those sweet buns filled with pork, wasabi, bean paste, etc.). I was tempted to purchase a green tea muffin, but instead selected a flat bread that had nuts, raisins and some kind of paste in the middle (methinks it was bean paste) and took it over to the cashier. There was one woman standing in front of me (yes, she was British).
The bakery is set up in such a way so that when you enter (after you pick up a tray and tongs), you are immediately forced to go left. You then circle an island of various bread products before arriving at the cashier - which puts you just to the left of the person in front of you.
When I arrived at the cashier, there was one woman directly ahead of me. I stood behind her, just to her left. The cashier gave me a piercing look and pointed, saying, "the queue is over there." I looked at where she was pointing, but I didn't see a queue. I didn't see anyone. And then it occurred to me that I must be standing on the "wrong" side of the woman. Even though there was no one else in line, I wasn't queuing properly, which is, as we all know, the end of the world.
The woman I was queuing behind turned to face me and gave me a look like, "oh, you must be new."
"Silly me," I said, giving her a smile. She returned the smile as if to say, "yah, I know, the woman behind the counter is crazy, but you need to learn how to queue properly."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)