If I were sitting at a table with my girlfriends.....

There would be drinks, people watching and a ton of great conversation.  We have been in Singapore for about 4 weeks and I haven't been able to really have any girl time.  I could call them all but my husband might not be very happy with that phone bill.  Plus, it just isn't the same as being out somewhere sipping on a drink and just being with your amazing friends.  My husband is great and he is good to talk with but as most of us know, your husband just doesn't always get it and there are some conversations that are so much better with your girls.  So, it is Friday night and I really miss my girls so this post is going to cover what I would talk about with them if some how magically they would appear.  That would be amazing!!!  It doesn't help that my hubby has work calls most of the night with people back home.

You may want to grab a drink before you start this.  Here we go......

I have very little personal space.  People are everywhere and they really don't move so it is not uncommon to have someone bump into you or be so close you just want to walk away.  It doesn't help that they are pretty much always using headphones or texting/reading/watching tv on their phones so they are oblivious to their surroundings.  Just move over already!  Atleast I am taller than most so I can see where I am going. 

Skin whitening lotions are everywhere.  It is almost impossible to just walk up and grab a beauty product or lotion without it being skin whitening.  I am sorry but I prefer my fat to be tan versus blinging white in your face.  Make-up products are very expensive so that is definitely on my list of "must stock up on" while back in the states.  They also don't have all my favorite products.  :(

We wear short shorts.  And skirts.  People here definitely dress nicely and always put their best face forward but the women like things short.  Most of them are wearing really cute dresses but they are so short that I am afraid to even try to shop.  I really don't like the idea of my butt flashing the world.  Most of them are so short that they really can't bend over.  Please, do not drop anything!

Shoes are interesting.  This is a place where you walk A LOT!  You will see women all over in major heels or wedges.  Of course they also love flats and sadly the fit flops and birkenstocks have taken over.  I see many women wearing these and of course some are very glitzy.  I have to admit that I may try the fit flop if I can find a store that carries a 9 1/2.  Very hard to find larger sizes here.  This is also true for clothing.  If you are a size 10 or higher you are pretty much considered plus size and are very limited on stores that will carry your size. 

Apparently if you are not a size 0/2/4 (aka perfectly skinny) and a woman approaches you for a deal on a slimming treatment and you say no you must be crazy.  This also allows her to look you up and down with a shocked look on her face.  Thanks, you really just made my day.

Customer service is amazing.  We have hit up a number of stores to find what we need to get settled and it has been so nice.  Someone will watch you as you come in and when you start to grab something they will help you out and take everything from you as you buy and then have it waiting for you.  They will run all over and get whatever you need.  At restaurants they wait for you to signal for them and then pretty much leave you alone until they serve your food.  At most places you leave everything on the table for someone to clean up.  I will have to remember this will not happen back home. 

Ikea may have cheap prices but it is mandatory to have a drink (or many) afterwards.  This place is always crowded and people make a trip just to eat there.  It took us 2 1/2 hours to pick out what we were wanting and get out of there on a Saturday night.  Yes, we were dumb and went on the weekend but we had no choice.  People were everywhere and ALWAYS in the way and oblivious to people around them.  I need more stuff so I looked online and you can't buy it from the website and have it shipped.  No!  I don't want to go back!!!

Riding the MRT (subway) can be another adventure.  The kids love riding it and it is pretty cheap and usually very accessible to where you want to go.  It does take some time depending on how you have to transfer but it is so handy.  The MRT stations as well as the trains are amazingly clean and air conditioned.  Of course you are always surrounded by some shopping center at some point.  One of these centers is always packed with shoppers and an escalator maze.  I am finally figuring it out but can definitely get lost there very easily.  The main negative is that most of the time the trains are packed and getting on and off with kids can be tricky with others plowing through.  You feel like a pack of sardines sometimes.  I have heard at the peak times if you don't get out of the way they will just take you on/off the train with them.  Nice! 

 

Bad picture but this was from today on our way home from school.  They ask to ride all the time but sadly with them officially starting school on Monday they will ride the bus from now on.  I am looking forward to the bus!  I had to make two trips up there on Tuesday and Wednesday and then three trips on Thursday and today to get them to/from orientation at their separate times.  Fun and not cheap between all the taxis and MRT tickets.  Oh well, that is over.

 

Maids.  We went into an agency that was recommended to us by several people.  This agency was great to work with but on Tuesday I wasn't planning on setting up interviews for the next day.  The interview process was just crazy and so out of my comfort zone.  You are handed a profile for each girl and then given  around 10 minutes to interview them.  Of course they are eager to tell you what they think you want to hear and really don't answer many questions outside of what work they will do.  We had one that you could tell really didn't want to cook much and then one that seemed like she could be a little tough to work with.  We decided two of the girls would be great.  I should say women though since they are our age.  One was single and one had a daughter around Haley's age back home.  Both were very pleasant and had good references.  At that point we agreed for them to come by our apartment for a second interview that afternoon.  What????  I was not planning on things moving that fast.  Seriously nervous.  So Mason and I went to get Haley from school and got home just in time for the first one to drop in.  This is when they get to see what your home looks like and also see their living space.  The kids liked both of them but I could tell that they really liked the one who had a girl.  Of course she really was great with the kids and doted on Haley a lot.  I can't imagine leaving your kid back home for years.  Wow!  So, to end this long discussion, we have chosen a maid.  We are going through the application process right now that includes an online course that we have to take prior to being accepted.  We hope to have her here by the end of next week.  I think Chris is looking forward to someone else cooking.  I of course am looking forward to someone else cleaning and dealing with that darn dryer that I feel like never gets things completely dry.  Humidity sucks!  I am very stressed about getting ready for her and the first month or so of getting used to having a stranger in our home. 

 

It is really freaking hot here right now.  It has grown hotter since we first got here and we have heard it is going to get even hotter.  Yay!  Ugh.  By the time I walk down to wherever we are going I am sweating.  Poor Mason's hair is drenched on a daily basis and he gets annoyed with it.  Then once you go into a shop or restaurant you are freezing from the AC.  I have resorted to wearing exercise shorts under my dresses so I don't get "chub rub".  Lovely.  :(  Anyway, I am hoping to eventually get used to it.  I still don't think I will be wearing pants and long sleeves or jackets like the locals at any point.  I still don't get how they do that.

 

We have met some really nice people here.  On Tuesday Chris and I met parents of Haley's classmates and we really enjoyed talking with them.  It was nice to talk to others who are going through the same things we are.  I even met a woman whose family lives in our complex and one of her sons is Mason's age.  That has worked out so well and it was so easy.  She just walked up and sat down in front of me.  Imagine that!!!!  Thanks to her I have had some girl conversations and we have been able to vent some to each other.  I am also looking forward to meeting more parents at the bus stop on Monday.  I ran into one today who told me about things they do together after the kids go to school.  Yay!!!  It has also been great to hear where other expats do their shopping and find the things that we really miss from home.  It looks like soon I might have somewhat of a normal life with friends in Singapore. 

 

Ok, that is a ton of topics but I miss my girls and would really love to have them around me at such a difficult time of my life.  My friends all know that I speak my mind and tell it as it is so I thought it would only make since to do so in a post.  As you can tell I am having a lot of ups and downs and trying to keep up a positive front for my kids is getting exhausting.  I have been very frustrated at times but then very surprised and relieved at others.  I haven't had that moment where I just hit the wall and break down but I know it is coming.  Probably after the first time I try to drive over here.  ;)  Until then, one day at a time.

 

To my girlfriends back home, I love and miss you dearly.  Thank God for social media!!!!!

 

I promise the next post will cover some fun stuff we tried and pictures of the kids. 

Aquarium and Zoo trips

It has been hard to get settled and find time for fun but we managed to squeeze in a couple trips in the last week.  While Chris was at work we decided to hit up the Aquarium.  They had some great exhibits where you could touch and feed the fish and rays but besides that I wasn't too impressed.  It was a small aquarium and we felt that it wasn't as impressive as other ones we have visited.  Apparently the aquarium in Denver has left big shoes to fill.  Anyway, the kids did have fun and enjoyed the dolphin and seal show.

 

 

We enjoyed lunch while watching this peacock.  We have seen a lot of them out around the Sentosa area which is where the aquarium is.  The peacock walked right up into the food place and the man gave it some bread.  It then came between our seats to steal food under the tables.  It brushed against Haley so of course they both thought it was pretty cool.

I would definitely pass on going back to this aquarium.  Not worth it for the money.  Just my opinion.

Our next trip on Sunday was to the zoo.  We decided to go ahead and get the membership since we had heard so many great things about it.  Yes, this zoo is pretty amazing and we will be going back on a regular basis.  I wish I could describe exactly how amazing it is.  The animals are smaller than what you will see in Austrailia but you feel like you are closer to the animals compared to what we are used to at home at the St. Louis Zoo.  It is also really neat to just look up and see a random monkey over your head.  With all the lush plants and walk ways it is just gorgeous.  We lucked out and had a cloudy day so it was much cooler and it didn't start to rain until we were heading out.  Perfect!

Haley was very excited to see the white tiger.  I think this was her favorite part.

There were a ton of baboons.  The babies and younger ones were hilarious to watch play.

You can thank my husband for capturing their "huge red bubble butts" as Mason said very loudly.  Yep, that's my lil guy!

The orangutans were on a huge play structure that you were able to get pretty close to.  They also had areas up in the trees where they could go around and be pretty much free.  Again, I wish I could really explain how neat this zoo is.  Guess you have to come see for yourself!!!  ;)

I did not want to be close to this komodo dragon at all.  Mason thought it was awesome.

I hope you enjoyed a glimpse of this zoo.  We didn't get a chance to cover it all so we are very excited to go back.  Haley still wants to see the panda exhibit and Mason wants to do the elephant ride.  We will also try to do the night safari.

More island exploring

We have been a little busy trying to get settled into the apartment.  There have been AC issues and our stuff is everywhere.  I promise to post some pics once it doesn't look like a disaster.  The kids have really enjoyed getting all their stuff into one place and not having to go back to the service apartment every night.  I am happy as well.  We need a ton of stuff but of course that will take time.

One of our latest adventures was the Duck tour.  The kids really wanted to ride on one so we decided why not.  Here is a pic of another Duck boat we passed on our way out into Marina Sands Bay. 

 

A better look at the Singapore Flyer.  Hope it gives you an idea of how large it is.  Very cool.



A closer look at the Merlion.  

 



The Marina Sands Bay Hotel and Casino is pretty cool.  Chris and I have had dinner on top and we will definitely take the kids there.  On top is an infinity pool that looks off the edge.  I think you can only go to the pool if you are staying there.  Boo!

 

 

No worries....I will be back.  I can always use a new wallet.  Just don't tell my hubby.  ;)

 

Family portrait time.  Yes, it is very hot!  We have been told that since the monsoon season has ended we are in the really hot time.  I guess it is always hot for Chinese New Year so we will be sweating for a while.  This is definitely a 2 or 3 shower a day kind of place. 

 

 

Once back on land we went by a huge cricket field where locals have like to hang out.  A lot of them had picnics and were just sitting around talking.  It is too hot for me, I will meet you in a coffee shop or somewhere else inside! 

 



 

World War II monument. 

 

Done with the tour and ready to move on.  The kids are happy with their duck whistles that make duck noises.  Yep, annoying!

 

 

Now that we have a new camera you will mainly see pics of me with the kids since Chris really likes to take pictures. Sadly this was not the case for most of Haley's early years. At first you didn't even know she had a mom. Oh well, better late than never. If he will give up the camera I can take some pics with him.

 

Yesterday we went for a hike in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.  It is a jungle and it is located up on one of the highest points on the island.  Very hilly but really cool.  Mason thought it was cool that they had cicadas.  I really hate those things!  Anyway, here are some pics.

 

 A hike isn't a hike unless you can climb on something. 

 We looked up and saw a long tailed macaque checking us out.  The kids were so happy to actually see one.  They now want to go to more areas that these monkeys are known to hang out.  It was cool to see one in the wild and not behind a fence at the zoo.

 Chris thought these plants, epiphytes, were cool.  They grow up high on other plants for support as well as to get more light. 

 

 One of the few birds that we actually saw.  We could hear a ton of them but this was the only one that came down onto the path.  Not sure what it is yet.

 

We finished our hike right before the downpour so that was good timing.  We headed back to our apartment and the kids finally got to hit the pool.  There were some families down as well.  Apparently the maids are all off on Sundays so I guess hanging by the pool is a good thing to do.  At some point we hope to start meeting more families in our complex.  The kids need some friends and I need a break from entertaining them.

 

What time is it?

I have been without a phone since December 28th.  I hate wearing watches so I seriously ask Chris what time it is constantly.  My phone is my brain and like most people I have everything on it.  Without a calendar I have no clue what day it is.  So sad.  It has been nice not having it but it just reminds me that I can't easily call or text friends/family since you guys are snoozing away most of my day. :(  The good news is that Chris will get his new work phone by the end of this week.  Sadly we need his employment pass and my dependent pass in order to get me a cell phone.  That process takes a week and includes passport photes and finger printing.  I am sure the kids will think it is cool to do that since they need their passes too.  Eventually I will have a cell phone and my hubby is so lucky that I will only have him to text and bother.  Well, until I meet some people.  I think he may encourage me to get out.  Ha!

On a different note.  We have temporary furniture and our air shipment arrived at our apartment yesterday.  The kids enjoyed playing with all their stuff that they had to let go on December 17th.  I was able to get some cleaning done and my body really hates me now.  The tile and mirrors in the bathrooms go almost up to the ceilings.  I had to stand on the counters to reach the top.  Note to self, get a step stool!  It took me forever to get all 5 bathrooms done.  I still have to conquer the marble floors that go on forever.  Ok, I am starting to think a maid could be amazing.  Is it ok to tell the kids and Chris that we can only use one bathroom?  Hmmmm.....

We are still in the service apartment and will stay until Saturday morning.  With Chris working it will be easier to check out then and have all the bags taken over.  Where did all this stuff come from?  Anyway, today we are being lazy since we didn't have to rush off for some appointment.  My body needed the break and I think the kids are liking it too.  They are excited to hit the lunch buffet at the hotel and then the pool.  Sounds good to me!

Domestic helpers

A lot of my friends and family members have asked about domestic helpers/maids.  It is definitely very normal for families to have a live-in helper.  Most apartments have an area for this type of help and ours does as well.  I think the original use of them was as a bomb shelter but over time that has changed.  These rooms are very small and pretty much only fit a twin bed.  Their room is in the back the apartment off the kitchen and are not air conditioned but usually have a fan.  We apparently are lucky because our room has some nice built-ins.  They also have their own bathroom.  They will come and go via the service elevators and use the service entrance to the apartment.  Here are pics to show what we currently have.

This is the room.  The bathroom is just across the hall.

 

 

As you can see they have to shower in the middle of the small bathroom.  They also usually do not have hot water. 

 

These helpers work long days and take care of pretty much everything.  They clean, cook, wash cars, run errands, walk dogs and take care of the kids.  Sunday is the only day they have off.  The whole concept is out of my comfort zone.  To have a stranger in my home doing everything is hard for me to grasp.  Of course I will enjoy not cleaning the toilets but what am I going to do all day?  I know that for these women the opportunity to come here and do this work is helping their families back home have a better life.  Most are from Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.  What really hit me hard was that they are leaving their own kids and families behind.  They will send most of their money back home and keep very little for themselves.  We are expected to pay for their medical treatment, which is apparently very cheap here, in addition to having them live with us and their food.  From what I have heard most only go home after 2 years but I think they can go back once a year.  I would never want to do that but wow.  Wow!  I am very blessed.

 

We have decided to go ahead and try having live-in help since we will never have the opportunity to experience this again.  If it works out, great.  If not, then we look for part time help.  I just really hope we find someone who fits in with our family well.  Of course the most important thing is that she takes really good care of the kids.  

 

We got the keys to our place! Yay!

Today we went back to get the keys to our apartment.  It took a couple hours but we finally have possession of our apartment.  It was a little stressful again since our agent went through the entire place again and pointed out anything that needed to be fixed.  It is crazy!  They go through and point out any scratch/chip/imperfection and document it to show the state of the place when we move in for record when we move out.  They even make them fix anything that is loose (we have a toilet seat that is loose) or not working right.  Even the light bulbs are changed out by them if not working.  The condo is awesome but will take some time getting used to it.  All the light switches for the bathrooms are outside the door and you can't plug a hair dryer in as well.  You have to do that outside the bathroom.  I did buy a hair dryer today.  Happy dance!  ;) 

Another awesome thing was the cable/internet service.  We didn't wait for them during a 4 hour window.  Our agent had him come while we were there and within 10 minutes we were connected wirelessly and have a cable box waiting for our tv.  What?  Yep, you heard that right!  Awesome.  Our electric was already set up for us and the gas guy comes at 11 tomorrow.  So strange not getting the 4 hour window and having to sit around all day. 

I didn't take any pictures of the inside since the agents were all over the place but I did take some of the outside. 

The kids checked out the play ground.  Our building is right next to this and the pool so it is a very short walk. Convenient!

Mason was very excited to see the koi pond. 

 

This is my commute to the fitness center.  It is pretty nice and peaceful.  No road rage going down Manchester Rd.  Ha!

 

The view from one side of the fitness center.  The other view is of the koi pond.  Nicky and Katie - I think that is our favorite machine on the right.  Yay!!!!

 

Of course this is the kids' favorite place.  We will hopefully have time to hit this pool tomorrow or Wednesday.

 

We ended up eating lunch at California Pizza Kitchen and then dinner at an Irish pub.  I think we were needing a little bit of home today.  I needed a drink!  We are tired from all the walking back and forth between our two places and also carrying the bags.  I need to hit up Ikea for one of those rolling shopping carts.  That baby is going to get some miles put on it!

 

Getting down to business

Yesterday we went to check out a furniture showroom so that we can start picking out our rental furniture and make arrangements for our temporary furniture to be delivered.  Finding the place was interesting.  It was basically a huge parking garage that has businesses built in around the outsides.  Most of the places were auto shops but the showroom was also there.  It was weird to be walking in a parking garage to find a shop.  I will try to remember to take a pic the next time we go so you can see it better.  Anyway, I am looking forward to furnishing our new place especially since I have discovered teak furniture.  It is gorgeous and very reasonable priced here versus in St. Louis.  I think we need a nice dining table and chairs to come home with us.  Maybe a coffee table, chest......

Next we took the kids to see our apartment.  We had a pre-inspection to go through before we actually take possession during the "handover" on Monday.  Things here are different than what we went through when we last rented an apartment when we graduated from college.  During the pre-inspection we walk through and check everything out to make sure it works.  Keep in mind we are their with the property owner's agent, our agent and our relocation agent.  A little serious for me.  Whatever we find will be fixed by the time we move in on Monday or within 30 days if it is something big.  Our relocation agent pretty much did all the work so that was nice and made it a little less stressful for us.  There were a couple minor things to be done but the apartment looks great.  The kids enjoyed finding their rooms and were in awe of the pool.  I think we are ready to stop living out of suitcases.  We have been away from "home" since December 17th.  The housekeeping is nice though!  ;)  On Monday we will have another walk through where our agent will take pictures showing the current state of the apartment for when we move out.  We will also get to find out how everything works and finally hit that gorgeous pool!!!

Today we had fun going to the one department store that carries the kids uniforms.  It is located in Holland Village which is pretty close to us and has a lot of great shops and restaurants.  I think their open air food court might be a new favorite.  It was definitely cheaper and the chicken rice was really good.  Of course we found chicken nuggets for Mason.  When we walked in I about cracked up when he said "Do we really have to always eat at a chinese place?"  I think he is starting to miss home a little.  Poor guy was also tired from the shopping.

I was not sure how this experience would go but we were pleasantly surprised.  I thought we would walk in and have to hunt for everything.  Nope, we were immediately asked what we needed by a wonderful sales lady.  She pulled out everything we needed and the kids tried everything on before we left.  She even helped us find outfits for the kids to wear for Chinese New Year.  Apparently it is a big thing at school that they dress up for.  One less thing to worry about!  The kids were excited to get all their uniforms.  They even modeled them for me tonight.  So cute!

Aren't the hats adorable?  They have to wear them whenever they go outside.

 

Of course they have to have backpacks too.

 

Their PE uniforms.  Stamford's mascot is the Lion.

 

Their swimsuits.  Yep, they have a nice pool and swimming is part of their curriculum.  They both can also do swim team if they want.  Mason wasn't too fond of the tighter shorts.  He'll get over it!

 

  They are ready for Chinese New Year!  I really love Haley's dress and of course Mason's hat totally finishes off his outfit.  They even have matching stuff for Chris and I.  Aren't we lucky? ;)  We figure we should also get outfits.  Why not?

 

 

After all the shopping we decided to go on one of the Duck boat tours that took us mainly back down to Marina Bay.  I will post pics soon.  Until then, here is our cheesy family pic from the Singapore Flyer.