A Saturday with Old Friends

Today I woke up to an email from a family friend, giving me suggestions of things to do in Singapore. I decided to take her up on a few of them, including going for English Tea. I looked at the map and decided to walk - which ended up taking me over an hour. I finally made it to the Goodwood Park Hotel. I found the place where they were having tea and was seated. I ordered a really nice Vanilla tea.

This is the before picture....

..the during...

and the after...

Yes..that is my knitting on the table.

After tea, and I sat there for almost 2 hours...I decided I was going to take the train back to my hotel. On the way, I got sidetracked and spent some time with some old friends.

I bought 2 pairs of my favorite pajamas..

...and a book.

I feel like I had a really good day!!!

Pants

I'd like to say that I think my pants are looser these days.

Last night we went to a Chinese resturaunt as a group. I had been assured, after the dim sum lunch episode on Monday, that there would be chicken to eat. Well..there was chicken, however, by the time it made it to me, what was left was questionable. I never, ever want to have to decide if that is a chicken foot on my plate!!! Other choices included huge crab legs covered in a very questionable sauce, tofu, and fish..that had a face and was looking at us! Needless to say, I had a few noodles and some white rice.

So, I say again...I think my pants are a bit loose.

remind me

I am kind of tired this evening..and I have no pictures. All I have to say is remind me to tell you about the toilets!!!!
http://www.talesofasia.com/toilets.htm

Look Mom!!!

Mom...look what I found!!!

The girl I was shopping with kinda looked at me funny and asked if I knew what that was...I said that I did! Then she looked at me REALLY funny.

Sentosa

On Saturday, one of the ladies who is working with us, Rebecca, took us to Sentosa. http://www.sentosa.com.sg/ Sentosa is this island which is basically a big tourist attraction.

Before we took the tram onto the island, we saw this lovely boat...

Unfortunately, it began to rain, and rained all day. This didn't stop us however! We went to the beach where all the sand is imported. I found that to be a little strange, but it seems that just about everthing here IS imported.

We also got to see one of the more recognizable images here in Singapore.

One of our stops was to the Underwater World, which was actually the best thing of the day. Besides, it being indoors, which meant we could get out of the rain, there was also conveyer which took you through a tunnel where there were fish swimming all around you...and I mean there were FISH! We were there during feeding time and there is something about seeing a shark eating right over your head that makes you appreciate whatever they reinforced that glass with!

We also saw a dragonfish...

But I'll have to admit, my biggest amusement came from this sign...

I can't say if it really was that funny...or I was just really tired...and tired of being wet. Take your pick.

a few of my favorite things...

Now that it is Saturday, I am getting more out and about. After wandering around looking for lunch..and finding some really strange selections...I settled on Burger King. I know, I know...but I just couldn't bring myself to eat something I could not yet identify!!!

The grocery shopping was actaully quite interesting. Do you know that in Singapore, you'll pay $11.70 for a six pack of jell-o pudding cups?? Yep...that works out to about $7 US. Yikes! I did manage to get some water..some milk..and a few other family favorites! Or should I say, favourites???

I thought you might enjoy my display...with the flowers from my room.

I also discovered these wonderful snack crakers, ok..its like Ritz and honey peanutbutter...but notice the name of them. Can you see it??? They are called Julie's. Any anything by that name...well..its wonderful!!! haha

Alright..well I am going out again. Hope to bring back some nice pictures! Good night!

Greetings from the Other Side

I have made it to Singapore and have adjusted to the time. The flight was not as bad as I thought it would be, I am pleased to admit. During the first flight, to Hong Kong, I was seated next to a very nice gentleman who introduced himself as Bob. I am guessing that was his "flying name". We were treated very nice in Business Class - I even received my "United" goodie bag.


This must be how the rich and famous travel!

For the first 15 hour flight, I managed to stay awake until we were past the 8 hour mark. I took several photos to keep myself entertained..

...we flew over the Arctic Ocean! and Siberia.







Here's how the Arctic Ocean looks, in case you've ever wondered. It is basically, from what I could tell, a big sheet of ice with cracks in it. You'll probably have to make the picture bigger to be able to see. Its not a perfect picture...but I wasn't getting out for a better shot!





I was also glad to see that I was going to be able to shop, Duty Free, on my way back!






After 15 hours of flying..a 2 hour layover in Hong Kong, a migraine, and having my bags hand searched by Communists, I made it to the hotel.


This will be home for the next 2 weeks.

Of course, this goes without saying, that after all of the travel...I couldn't sleep!!!

Singapore bound

I am trying to stay awake so that I can sleep during my very long flight to Singapore tomrrow. If you'd like to read about where I am going, the Lonley Planet's website offers a fine assortment of information. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/asia/singapore/

Also..if you'd like me to bring you something back, you'd better make your request early.

Anyway...this time tomorrow...I'll be flying somewhere over the Pacific Ocean. Nighty night.

Cubs, friends, and candy....

This has been an exhaustive weekend..and I may have reached my beer quota for the month.. Saturday, we had the luxury of attending the Cubs/SOX game...Cubs lost...shocker...but at least I got to spend the defeat with some of my very favorite people.

After the game, we took in some of the sites... including the 2 on my left. We also met a man with the most beautiful eyes in the world. He claimed no one had said that to him before..but I know he was lying. And finally, we met 4 very interesting men including Shorty..who..well..he showed us his shorty....

All in all a very, very excellent day!

A Very Merry UnBirthday to You

(Alright...so I realize this happened in September...but I am WAY behind....) On Saturday night (9/3), the family went to Benihanna to celebrate the birthdays of Carol and Willie.

As you can see, a good time was had by all.. as is typical when we all go OUT somewhere and no one is on clean-up! Gavin expecially liked the umbrella drinks..and the oranges which were attached to the glasses.


Cathy and Jeff sat at the far end of the table...so Keith and I had the pleasure of starting back at their lovely faces all night....so much pleasure, in fact, that Keith could hardly remove the smile from his face! Now that is a good familiy outing!

The evening continued with a rousing rendition of what we assumed to be Happy Birthday to you...but truth be told, it could have been "get out of here...we are sick of bringing you things..."

Jordan and I met at the bar for a final drink. Her's was non-alcholic, of course...mine, was not.

I believe at some point there was some type of cake or ice cream cake... I don't actaully remember us eating any..but I am sure we did...and, of course, we have this picture...where Carol is wearing the same shirt as above... and the cake says Happy Birthday Carol. I guess the proof is in the pudding...

The Weekend

I am officially too old - this past weekend has proven that to me. There is no denying it...I must accept it and make it part of me. heehee.. On Friday, Sara and I decided to go up to Lake Geneva and see one of our favorite bands. You can visit them at www.thenadas.com

We made the 2 1/2 hour journey with the Friday Wisconsin crowd. The place they were playing we a real hole in the wall..but they had good bar food..and cheese curds...so could it be all that bad? I don't think so. We talked to the bartender about the fact that they had Welches Grape soda. Welches Grape?? What does that go with? We suggested Jamesons and Grape..or Jack and Grape...uck! After a few beers, and the clock turning 10:30 (!!!) the band went on. Three sets later, and after a nasty confrontation with a rude girl where Sara let me know she had my back, we took note of the time, 1:30, decided to start heading home - in a violent thunderstorm. Overall, an excellent night with an excellent band...and I never did have that Jack and Grape...gives a reason to return next time!

At 10:30 Saturday, I opened my weery eyes..and knew I had to face the day...which meant I needed breakfast...so that meant a trip to the IHOP. I always forget how loud it is in there. Once nourished, I headed home and went back to bed. Sometime in the mid afternoon, Carol asked me what I was doing...I said I was resting because I had to get up soon and get ready to go out again. How do the young people do it???

Saturday I went with Sarah to see a show at the Royal George Theater - Verbatim Verboten. This show revolves around conversations had by people. Some of these are famous, some are not...all are hysterical. Makes me think that someone should go through my emails and make a show out of them! Some of the silly, silly conversations I have. Anyway, so then we went for a drink and headed home.

Sunday....I was very unproductive. I think I deserved a day off!

Happy 1st Birthday Gavin!!

Today, August 4th, is Gavin's first birthday.

He looks shocked that a whole year has gone by already!

We are celebrating with cake on Saturday, when everyone can be here, (I will add those picutures later) but Nana and Lindsay thought that he needed some gifts on his actual birthday. He got many of the classic toys we all remember enjoying as children - the phone, for instance. He enjoyed pushing it around the floor.
He also received the "popcorn popper". He really likes this one! He also received a dump truck, a hammer which makes noise, a book, and a bear that sings...

Lizzie got a gift too...she got tissue paper... and then Gavin decided she needed some help with her technique...

When all the presents were open and we had finished running around the house with the popper, we were tired...and needed a drink. Birthdays can be a lot of work!!! And I am sure Gavin looks forward to celebrating again on Saturday...WITH CAKE!! I hear there are Elmo party hats too....

Congratulations Keith and Louise!!

This past weekend, I was in London to attend the wedding of my cousin Keith and his new wife, Louise.

It was a lovely day, the rain held off all morning while getting ready and getting to the church. Thinking back it makes me want to sing the song "Im getting married in the morning.." but I shall refrain. Everyone looked fantastic, though I give the girls the award for looking the best!

The ceremony got off to a late start, but once we were underway, it was very nice. The bride looked stunning! After they said "I do" and exchanged rings, it was official..they were hitched!!! Now off for a few photos! Luckily the rain stayed away. See...didn't I tell you she looked stunning?? And he didn't look to shabby either... :)

And lets not forget two very important people...

Now that the formality was out of the way...it was time for the party!

Upon finding our way to the venue, having a few drinks and greeting our new bride and groom, we were seated. On each of the tables were small wedding shaped containers of bubbles. It is amazing how these kept our table entertained! After much heated competition, and a little coaching by one of her table-mates, Lisa was declared the winner! Louise came in a close second but she didn't complete the release...maybe next time.

Dinner was served, followed by some very heartwarming speeches! There were also some jokes about some of Keith's schoolmates being there..but I think they were referring to some elderly people...I just didn't get it.

The night continued with dancing and mayhem...and I am happy to report that no one threw a punch. (Though it was questionable at one point.)

Congratulations Keith and Lou! May your lives be filled with the happiness and love you both deserve!!!

Kung Fu Master

Gavin has been sick and so when he and Lindsay were over today, and after he had a long nap...she found this purple belt thing laying around and put it on his head. I don't know about you, but I am thinking that later in life he could be either be a kung fu master or an aerobics instructor - I'm sure his father would perfer the kung fu life!

Whatcha Reading?

I felt it was time for a book update. Right now, I am reading Aloft, by Chang-Rae Lee. This is a fantastic book! Its main character, Jerry Battle, is a middle aged man who worked in the family business and now is retired and has started the second part of his life. You encounter his children, his father and all types of other people in his life. Believe me, my synopsis does not do this book justice. It was one of those books I saw on a list somewhere and thought that maybe I would read it some day - I am seriously loving it. I will finish it over the weekend so if you would like to read it, let me know!!!