tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23588667339361236342024-03-14T00:28:28.530+08:00Tales of an ExpatMusings of a small town Texan gal living as an expatriate in MalaysiaSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-40391587407329575052008-07-09T03:35:00.003+08:002008-07-09T03:38:05.846+08:00New Blog!As I mentioned in an earlier post, we've repatriated back to the US, so it's time to change my blog! My new blog is called <a href="http://andsoanyway.blogspot.com/">I'm Just Saying </a>- y'all come by for a visit, k?Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-61995459343305821272008-04-05T10:28:00.003+08:002008-04-05T10:48:50.577+08:00It's Not Just My Uterus That's IrritableI am slowly getting settled in back home. M arrives tomorrow which should help things a lot. It’s a bit frustrating because I have a list a mile long of things that I need to get done, except that I have to really try not to overdo it, and so I have to parcel it out, depending on how I feel each day. Good days earn me perhaps a trip to Target AND the dry cleaners. Bad days earn me a spot on the couch.<br /><br />My uterus is still bitchy. I suppose the correct term for it is “irritable” but whatever. She’s bitchy. So am I. While I love being back home and have a tendency to get all rose-colored glasses about it (Oh look, bluebonnets! Oh, aren’t the grocery store checkers so nice here! And other truly bizarre random observations...), I am also reminded of the simple fact that helped me have so much objectivity while living in KL and pining for the US. That fact is: There are assholes everywhere. So I tend to swing from “Oh the US is so wonderful!” to “What in the hell is so great about it?” I’m having a hard time biting my tongue at rude people, and I’m ready for M to get here so he can save me from getting my ass kicked for popping off at the wrong person. Note to self: Houston is not KL. People are confrontational here, and some of them carry guns and/or are not above bitch-slapping a pregnant chick. <br /><br />I’m now 31 weeks, and each week that passes is a good thing. Having dodged many of the more common pregnancy ailments thus far, some of the later pregnancy symptoms are kicking in at this point: <br /><br />- The swelling, she has arrived. I don’t have the dreaded cankles yet, but the wedding ring no longer fits.<br />- Shaving is next to impossible, and my poor bikini area is sorely neglected, which is making me insane. However, in order for me to get close to it with a razor blade, I have to be able to SEE it. That’s an area that I find unwise to guess at with a sharp object. <br />- I leak. And not just when I laugh either. Damn, that's sexy. Should’ve done the Kegels.<br />- First trimester mood swings can’t hold a candle to third trimester mood swings. Holy shit. HOLY SHIT.<br />- The weight gain is coming on fast and furious. As in, six pounds in two weeks. Now, some of it is because of the swelling and some of it is because I hit the US right at the time that weight gain really picks up (at least I am clinging to those two excuses), but you and I both know that it’s because, although Char Kway Teow is yummy, it’s not nearly as good as Girl Scout Cookies, Easter candy and Marble Slab.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-10823206293852346872008-03-18T09:42:00.002+08:002008-03-18T09:57:51.222+08:00Perhaps a Blog Name Change is in Order?Well.<br /><br />I am no longer an expat.<br /><br />In three short weeks, M will no longer be an expat either.<br /><br />It really is quite a long story, but I’ll try to summarize:<br /><br />The whole thing started about a month ago, when we found out about a family issue involving my stepdaughter. Add to that several days of wondering how to handle said situation, until deciding that it would be best if we moved back to the US. Then throw into the mix the fact that a few days later I started having contractions. And not just a couple. At 25 weeks. Then add to that a hospital stay, some medication (which I’m still on), a hastily made trip back to the US as soon as my doctor cleared me, and here we are.<br /><br />So hopefully this explains why this blog has been so quiet lately. I’ve been a little distracted. But you should hear more from me now that I am back and getting settled into a bit of a routine.<br /><br />As for me, I am not on bedrest, but on a vague “take it easy” sort of regimen which involves medication, working from home most days, and (apparently) eating bizarre quantities of food, all while finding none of it all that appealing. The baby and I are fine, which we are so unbelievably thankful for.<br /><br />Sooo…..our repatriation begins. Hmmm...perhaps a new name for this blog might be in order...Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-21153298406901549462008-02-16T19:34:00.004+08:002008-02-16T20:46:02.833+08:00We Don't All Live on Wisteria LaneM is in the US on business and serious baby shopping duty, so I've had an eventful Saturday of reading, watching TV and emotional eating. My current Emmy worthy viewing selection is a US show, something along the lines of "Extreme Car Chases Gone Bad", or something to that effect. <br /><br />That got me thinking: I wonder what in the world your average Malaysian, or anyone else outside the US for that matter, thinks of the US when they watch a show like this? I kind of wonder about what impression that leaves, although it has to be better than the impression they get from watching an Akon video. Anything is. Seriously though, I've become much more aware of people's impressions of America, both positive and (more typically) negative, since living abroad. So, many times, I'll view American TV shows and movies through a non-American's eyes, just to better understand how impressions, generalizations and opinions are formed, because for a lot of people here, that's really the only exposure they have with the "American way of life" - the entertainment industry. (You know, because that's so representative.) Oh yeah, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Seriously. They love their chicken here. They need a 12 step program for it. But I digress. <br /><br />The creme de la creme is when they show "COPS". I cringe when they show "COPS". Fifteen year old episodes of "COPS", complete with a shirtless, shoeless BillyBobRayDon sitting on the curb with a cigarette dangling out of his toothless mouth, trying to explain to JoeBobJunior of the Fort Worth, Texas police department that he didn't KNOW she was a prostitute, he was just giving her a ride home and no, sir, I have no idea where that crack pipe came from. (I'll admit it. The Fort Worth episodes are my favorite, if only to see a glimpse of home and occasionally tell M "Hey, I've been to that bar!".) Or when a suspect tries to resist arrest and the cop, relying on slight, ahem, use of force, body slams them to the ground, I tend to think that this is not painting the US in a favorable light.<br /><br />So, yeah, it's a little disconcerting that the primary examples of American life that people are exposed to here are COPS, American Idol and Desperate Housewives, served with a greasy bucket of fried chicken. I'm just thankful they haven't added Jerry Springer to the line up. Then we're all screwed.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-88336589848525581172008-02-08T16:37:00.000+08:002008-02-08T16:56:18.807+08:00Spoke Too Soon...Well, we got two days of a fully functioning condo before something else konked out. Our bedroom air conditioner has decided to die...for the THIRD time. If it was any other unit, it wouldn't be a big deal, but I can't stand to be hot when I sleep, and having to sleep with a full body pillow doesn't exactly keep one cool and refreshed, does it? With Chinese New Year, it will be at least next week before we can get the contractors over here again to play the "Let's guess at what the problem might be" game.<br /><br />Now, the good news is that our owner is actually pretty great. She is very responsive and will usually intervene to help expedite things if necessary. So we are lucky to have her as an advocate, but still, we are looking at at least several more muggy, stuffy nights. We are hoping we can just get the unit replaced. It's too small for the room and so it always works at maximum capacity and just peters out. We need to step up to the next size compressor, or else we will just continue to play this game until we leave KL.<br /><br />Moving on...on the positive front, Paula Abdul appears to be spiking her Coca Cola cup on American Idol again this season, which is FABULOUS. The hiccup last week was truly awesome. It's the little things that keep me entertained.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-16090233701067400792008-02-05T17:25:00.000+08:002008-02-05T18:04:47.422+08:00Results!So at 11am this morning I am waiting. Waiting for phone contractor that was already an hour late, and who I imagined wouldn't bother to show up at all.<br /><br />Dealing with these daily frustrations is like someone lightly scratching the same place on your arm over and over again. Someone scratches you once, no big deal. Even a few times...not a problem. But when they scratch the same spot over and over again, eventually it irritates you to the point of wanting to bitch slap someone. It's times like this that M sometimes has to step in so that I don't completely freak out on someone and embarrass myself. <br /><br />So when M came home to pack for his trip to Bangkok, he went down to the management office to find out why the contractor hadn't shown up. Truth be told, it's completely normal here for contractors to be completely unreliable. But we were tired of dealing with it, so M proceeded to go to the manager's office and he gave her a thorough ass chewing. Her attitude was that it was completely out of her control, which is a lame excuse and one that we were tired of hearing. No, it's not completely out of your control. You can control this. Be accountable. It's called "customer service."<br /><br />Now, normally when we get angry or confrontational here, it results in absolutely nothing other than raising our own blood pressure. It's actually kind of a helpless feeling. So, I have no idea how the conversation went down in that office, but...<br /><br />Within one hour not only had the contractor shown up, but so had the other contractor that we have been asking about for a month to fix the bathroom door. This is unprecedented for us in Malaysialand. Bitching = RESULTS. Ah....just like home. I was giddy. I actually think endorphins were involved, I was so damn happy. I could have skipped. I would have jumped up and down and clapped with glee if it wouldn't have made me pee myself. I have no idea why complaining actually worked this time, and I don't care. It worked.<br /><br />Now, as soon as we can get the freezer door fixed, I can (hopefullyhopefullyhopefully) take a much needed break from dealing with maintenance frustrations and get back to the business at hand - nursery preparations and the pursuit of my daily donut fix.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-72648637797374695992008-02-04T18:20:00.000+08:002008-02-04T19:17:24.384+08:00And We Don't Even Own the PlaceHoly fucking shit.<br /><br />Have you ever had one of those days where it is absolutely imperative that you curl up in the fetal position and have a good cry? Things have gotten a tad overwhelming and so it's good that "my face scrunches in a cute way" when I cry, according to M, because he sees that look more often than I'd like these days.<br /><br />We got back from our baby shopping weekend in Singapore last night to the oh so pleasant odor of all the food in our refrigerator having spoiled. Our latest maintenance woe is the refrigerator. That mother fucking refrigerator. The seal on the freezer sucks major ass, and so it becomes unsealed regularly. Well, it became unsealed while we were gone over the weekend, causing the fridge to essentially crap out, and everything thawed and spoiled in both the fridge and freezer. We went to the grocery store on the way home, so not only was all of the food in the fridge spoiled, but most of the food that we came home with ended up having to be tossed out as well. M finally got it back working later last night, but not before I calmly walked in the bedroom, laid down, and cried. It was just the straw that broke the camel's back. Everything seems to be such a pain in the ass these days. Nothing is going smoothly. And so it goes on and on like this, until I have to release some of that stress. Some people throw things, some people yell. I cry.<br /><br />Then, this morning, our power converter imploded as M was making pancakes for our Superbowl breakfast. (Quick aside: What is wrong with that statement?? Superbowl = beer and queso. Not pancakes and juice. It also means Superbowl commercials, which we don't get here. That's just fucked up not to get the commercials. I mean, why even watch the game?) The whole apartment filled with smoke. It still smells.<br /><br />Then, to continue my lucky streak with maintenance issues, we had the telephone guy come over today to do some work. Here's the deal: We have like, six phone jacks in this place. But, we can only have two of them work at a time. (No, I don't know why. Because it's Malaysia.) So, we want to turn off the jack in the bedroom and turn on the jack in the gym, because we will be moving our computer in there to turn the office into the nursery. So we explain all this to M's administrative assistant. She calls the phone company. The guy comes over, and then proceeds to explain that he can't do anything because it's not a cable issue, and it's inside the apartment. Apparently, the admin told him incorrectly. Whatever. So he has to get management's approval to do anything in the condo. Fine. So we went down to the management's office, and, my good luck for the day, she was actually in the office. I spent the next 45 minutes listening to the phone guy and the manager argue over whose job it was to change the damn jack, and the phone guy explain to the condo's contractor over and over again what we needed done. I kept thinking to myself, "It shouldn't be this hard. It's essentially unplugging a plug from socket A and plugging it into socket B." I mean, if I get it and the contractor doesn't, then it doesn't bode well for us to have a working jack anytime before Chinese New Year. Then a few internal screams later, the contractor told me he would come tomorrow, then started raising hell with the manager again. Okay, so the contractor is supposed to come tomorrow. It remains to be seen, however, if he a) shows up, b) knows what the hell to do once he gets here and c) brings the proper tools. <br /><br />Wankers.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-32482950028636680802008-01-20T23:29:00.000+08:002008-01-21T00:31:27.602+08:00More Baby GoodnessI'm so over this whole Dubai trip. Really. Just...over it. This latest visit has certainly not enamored me with the city, and I have had pain in the ass thing after pain in the ass thing happen since I've been here. Plus, I woke up last night with the worst pain in my stomach ever. The doctor on speed dial (aka Triad 1) assured me it was probably reflux, but damn, it was the worst reflux I have ever felt. Four Tums didn't even put a dent in it. So it looks like it may be Pepcid and sleeping sitting up for a while.<br /><br />Enough with the bitching, because I tend to get on a roll if I indulge myself...so onto happier things! <br /><br />I don't think I mentioned it earlier, but we had another doctor visit a couple of weeks ago. This one ended up being the BIG ultrasound, as they say, although I didn't know that until we were in the doctor's office and he started the ultrasound. It was a treat to get more than a couple minutes' glance at the wee one! We had made the decision to switch doctors while we were in the US over the holidays, so this was our first visit to the new one. We really liked him; he was thorough and explained everything we were looking at on the ultrasound, plus he gave us all the ultrasound photos on a CD to take home. But the best part were the 3D photos. I had imagined that those would not even be an option in KL, as they are just now becoming more mainstream in the US, and are an extra charge typically. So I figured that it wouldn't even be an option for us, but halfway through the ultrasound, he clicked the mouse a few times, and there our little girl was in 3D!<br /><br />In other fun news, I feel the baby move on a regular basis now, and I have to say, it is the GROOVIEST FEELING EVER. One of my favorite things to do is lay there and just feel her wiggle all around.<br /><br />And another fun baby-related tidbit...we have decided to take a trip to Singapore in a couple of weeks to look for nursery stuff. We've looked all around KL, and while we can find some things relatively easily, there are other items that we just need a larger selection to look at before making a decision. You know, because I'm so good with decisions...having MORE options is REALLY going to help with that. Yeah. But I am the kind of person who wants to see all her options before deciding on something, and I am just not happy with the selection of the three bouncy seats that we have seen in KL. Is that so wrong? So off to Singapore we will go, where the stores have a larger selection, and (hoping against hope), the prices might be a wee bit better. We are primarily going to look for nursery furniture. We can only find cribs in KL, with the occasional plastic changing table, and sorry, but I'm not paying $550 US for a plastic crib. I'm just saying. When the saleswoman told me the price, I felt a little rude for my snort of laughter, but are you freaking kidding me? It's PLASTIC. There's supposed to be some lovely furniture in Singapore, though, which I'm totally jazzed about. Our car packing skills will be put to the test as we cram half of Singapore's nursery inventory into the teeny MyVi.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-30612526603618494832008-01-19T00:14:00.000+08:002008-01-19T00:37:59.501+08:00Can I Get Those With a Side of High Fructose Corn Syrup?You know you are pregnant when you are in one of the largest shopping malls (Mall of the Emirates) in one of the shopping meccas of the world (Dubai) and, while the stores aren't doing much for you, the food outlets make you GIDDY WITH ANTICIPATION.<br /><br />Aside from all the restaurants and fast food outlets, there was also a Baskin Robbins, Marble Slab Creamery, Cinnabon, an awesome crepe place that I love, candy stores with bins of fruity, chewy goodness dotted all along the walkway, and best of all...<br /><br />Krispy Kreme.<br /><br />As in, the Krispy Kreme that you cannot find anywhere in Southeast Asia. As in, home of the major pregnancy craving that I have had - that being, the Chocolate Covered Donut with Sprinkles. They had so many other kinds too - way more than the stores in the US - including one with a filling like a Ferrero Rocher chocolate. Now, I ask you, how can you top that?<br /><br />So, instead of drooling over shoes, purses, and overpriced sunglasses, I did my drooling over every sugar laden confection I could find.<br /><br />I have to go back tomorrow.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-22491547255357870042008-01-16T23:08:00.000+08:002008-01-17T00:08:53.756+08:00My Desert Packing List Doesn't Normally Include GaloshesWhat do you get when you cross a city built in a desert and 105mm of rain in 48 hours? <br /><br />A really solid argument for a city drainage system. <br /><br />I arrived in Dubai last night, not knowing that it had been raining pretty solid for a couple of days. Apparently, when this happens, all hell breaks loose because, well, it's a desert and thus, their infrastructure isn't really prepared for rain - much less a lot of rain.<br /><br />I guess my first clue was last night when, on the way from the airport, we saw several cars stalled on a flooded feeder road. This morning, it was still raining, although not particularly heavily. Those of us used to driving in Houston (which also can't brag about its drainage system) thought nothing of it. But like I said, when it rains this much in a city with no drainage system, it doesn't take much. Most people couldn't even make it into work. I had a crap time trying to get a cab when the car and driver for me didn't show up. Then, once I found a cab, I couldn't find a freakin' working ATM. Finally, the front desk of the hotel brought me some cash, and I was on my way. I got all the way out to work, only to come back to the hotel after finding out my meeting was cancelled.<br /><br />As it turns out, schools have been closed for days now. I've heard of snow days, but rain days? Speaking of snow, it's supposed to snow in Saudi Arabia this week. <br /><br />It's also in the 50's here. Not only did I not think to bring an umbrella to the desert (silly me), but I also brought no jacket and only one long sleeved shirt.<br /><br />I used to always check the weather before packing. But living in KL, where there is no point in checking the weather (because it's the same every day) has thrown me off my game.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-47583919689843428352008-01-08T17:39:00.000+08:002008-01-08T18:26:37.698+08:00Happy New Year!Well, hello hello! It's certainly been a while! All in all, it was a lovely visit to the US, once all that pesky work stuff was out of the way. We got back to KL on Friday, and ever since then, I've been jet lag's bitch. Last night was a little better, so hopefully I will be adjusted just in time to head to Dubai (and a four hour time difference) next Tuesday.<br /><br />To recap, there was much shopping, MUCH eating, much visiting doctors, much family time, much time driving the various Texas interstates, and oh yes, did I mention the eating? There were also many firsts - my first maternity shopping experience (shudder...more on that later), the first time someone took the leap and asked me when I was due (I've finally moved out of the the Pregnant? vs. Beer Gut? phase), the first time I put on a "grown up" bra, and on the day we were leaving, I felt the baby move for the first time! <br /><br />Next post: All the jacked up pregnancy symptoms that no one ever tells you about. Oh, and I'll throw in something non-pregnancy related as well, for those of you that quickly grow weary of hearing about hemorrhoids and the wonders of the Boppy.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-48887574531288957222007-12-05T09:26:00.000+08:002007-12-05T09:42:55.151+08:00I Heart AmericaSince arriving in the US last Sunday....<br /><br />7: The number of Christmas gifts bought<br />9: The number of cars on 290 that sped up when I tried to pass them on the way to/from Austin<br />0: The number of times I gave them the finger<br />9: The number of times I wanted to<br />1: The number of used condoms in the parking lot of the Love's truck stop on 290<br />6: The number of vegetables that came with my entree at Cafe Lux (Who says Americans are excessive?)<br />1: The number of railroad crossings that came down on my rental car while sitting at a ridiculously long Houston light<br />6: The number of donuts consumed<br />3: The number of them that were chocolate with sprinkles<br />1,000: The number of times that I have gotten in someone's way or caused a minor pedestrian traffic jam because I am walking on the LEFT of everything<br />5: The number of times people have asked me "So, are you actually going to HAVE the baby in Malaysia?"<br />2: The number of near meltdowns<br />1: The number of times I totally lost my shit<br />3: The number of times I was told how hot my anti-embolism stockings were. You know you want a pair.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-90456167281665013722007-11-29T21:24:00.001+08:002008-12-11T19:38:53.051+08:00Coming CleanI mentioned in my last post that there have been some things going on that I had decided not to post about yet. Well, time to come clean...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOX40wN9KnMYdvxm8o6O5Uj8MCdggK8NwqxmF1Xq2v9F0ajAf3BVRu82ULCW4Ehl8-6t_QEJmYoMadi50Y7VoGq21sLMElNgFTAHkor6sHp5O9-r22EeyZ51JGnBdK-JZz54Ps0MnYZo/s1600-h/IMG_4650.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOX40wN9KnMYdvxm8o6O5Uj8MCdggK8NwqxmF1Xq2v9F0ajAf3BVRu82ULCW4Ehl8-6t_QEJmYoMadi50Y7VoGq21sLMElNgFTAHkor6sHp5O9-r22EeyZ51JGnBdK-JZz54Ps0MnYZo/s320/IMG_4650.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138254089565435330" /></a><br />Hi. I'm pregnant.<br /><br />We are thrilled! Now, from here forward, I will try not to make every post all about the pregnancy, but to be honest, a good number of them will be. I know that women have been doing this since the beginning of time, but hey, it's my first baby, and I know that you are all waiting with baited breath to hear all about my latest hormone headache, my newly acquired sense of smell and every bout of constipation that I endure. I shall not disappoint.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-26995052072080326592007-11-24T13:16:00.000+08:002008-12-11T19:38:53.608+08:00I'm Still Here....!I haven't posted much in the past few weeks, because it's felt like there wasn't a lot going on to post about, except that there have been a ton of things to post about, I have just made the decision not to post about them yet. Perhaps next week...<br /><br />So let's see, what's been going on....<br /><br />The Christmas tree has been up for weeks. Who cares if it's a balmy 90 degrees outside? I wanted to be able to enjoy it before I left for the US (which I am doing TODAY!), so up it went. Our tree is a hodgepodge of decorations - there is not a lot of color coordination involved, except that the white lights do match the white and gold sheer ribbon that I twirl around it. While I think the color coordinated Christmas trees are beautiful, it just wouldn't be Christmas without this on the tree:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE7X2ltzqtW-TQLPZ5P-4ZdkPglLWMQ9ifBMmv-KN67KGl-YqEKqnmRRcqqmF4HS_sfxrybZsHJ4FZCp0NDN7-N-knfOKNOnx7czJVmXk8jBkf-suq2kU1tbzxVuwoDF_Nnbwn3_RuMQ/s1600-h/IMG_4680%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE7X2ltzqtW-TQLPZ5P-4ZdkPglLWMQ9ifBMmv-KN67KGl-YqEKqnmRRcqqmF4HS_sfxrybZsHJ4FZCp0NDN7-N-knfOKNOnx7czJVmXk8jBkf-suq2kU1tbzxVuwoDF_Nnbwn3_RuMQ/s320/IMG_4680%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136275685894976946" /></a><br />(It's a hollowed egg dressed as Santa, thanks to felt and cotton balls - made by me when I was 6 or so I think.)<br /><br />**********<br /><br />I'm writing this from the airport lounge in the Singapore airport, waiting for my flight back to the US! The only ick factor (aside from a 15 hour flight) is that I have a nine hour layover in LA. And LA is such a great airport to have a long layover in - there's so much to do!! Or not. Seriously, I would think that an airport that sees so much international traffic (and thus, probably has a lot of folks that have lengthy layovers there) would do a little bit more for those customers that end up having to be there for hours on end. I can't go to the Singapore lounge, because even though I have ten thousand kabillion miles with them, I can't use the lounge after a flight, only before. So I ended up getting a hotel. After a long flight, I just want a shower, and bed and a nap. The upside is that at least I can catch up on all my movies on the flight. <br /><br />**********<br /><br />In other random news, we celebrated Thanksgiving last weekend. The only thing that we couldn't find in KL were French fried onions for the green bean casserole. We did find some dried red onions, and I guess they were okay, although not quite the same. A little of those went a long way. We had Reese and J over and feasted on turkey, homemade cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole and apple pie. We thought about buying the stuffing mix, but I just couldn't do it. Stove Top will do in a pinch, but not at Thanksgiving. I am quite particular about my dressing, and I wanted the recipe I grew up with. Isn't that funny how people have their little quirks about Thanksgiving? Whether the dressing is cornbread or white bread, in the turkey or on the side, whether the sweet potatoes have marshmallows in them or not (and to that I say, what the hell people? Marshmallows should not be running around in any type of food other than Rice Krispie treats or s'mores. I'm just saying.) Anyway, so Thanksgiving was nice, and we had plenty of leftovers to feast on for several more days.<br /><br />**********<br /><br />I will arrive in Houston early on Sunday morning, and after a couple of weeks of work, I will be on vacation for the rest of the year! I can't wait to see everyone! (and go to Target) :)Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-50011890643626976122007-10-30T17:49:00.000+08:002007-10-30T19:07:57.673+08:00Carpet AuctionTwice a year or so, the American Association here in KL holds a carpet auction. Each time, the same company comes in with all their wares, and for a nominal fee, one can eat samosas (yum!), drink wine and bid their hard earned cash on a carpet or two.<br /><br />M and I arrived late, and the bidding was already underway. We would have arrived earlier except that <em>one way streets aren't marked on KL maps</em>. Fucking maps. Much cursing ensued. So, after finding another parking garage to park in, we made our way over to the hotel.<br /><br />Before we headed into the auction, we viewed the carpets outside to decide which ones were our favorites. As we were checking out the carpets, a guy came out to the buffet, reached into a chafing dish with his hand, pulled out a handful of spaghetti noodles, tilted his head back and ever so gracefully lowered the noodles into his waiting mouth. I shit you not. Then, a few minutes later, the same guy went over to the open bar, and while he was talking on his phone, he pulled the wine cork out of the bottle <em>with his teeth</em>. Okay, we will just mark your name on that wine bottle, sir, because no one else wants to put their hands on that nasty cork now. This guy ended up buying several rugs, which illustrates the point that money does not buy class. I feel a little bad for ragging on him because he seemed like a nice guy, but fuck! Spaghetti is not a finger good, and the chafing dish is not a trough. <br /><br />The auction itself was a blast. The auctioneers were entertaining and very knowledgeable (aside from being really amazing salespeople - quite smooth). We were about three rugs into things when the carpet up for bid caught our eye. We ended up bidding on it (and we were total auction virgins) and we ended up with a new carpet! So that sufficiently scared the bejeezus out of us bidding much more that night, as I didn't want our bidding card writing checks that our bank account couldn't cash, so to speak. The bidding part would be oodles of fun if, at the end, you could just tell them, "Never mind, I was just practicing" or something like that. They tend to frown on that, so our bidding card stayed in M's pocket for the most part for the rest of the evening. <br /><br />Not everyone else though. They were bidding left and right, on almost everything. The auctioneers have obviously learned that Americans + open bar = a very profitable night. As the night wore on, the crowd got more and more vocal, to the point of the auctioneer having to shh the crowd (I think the phrase used was "focus" - ha!) And while one or two Americans in a crowd of foreigners can sometimes appear a bit obnoxious, a whole group of Americans together? Well, that was just lovely. Really. It was the first time in KL that we've been around a large group of Americans. It was nice.<br /><br />Self restraint at the next auction will prove difficult. I do think, however, that I should at least be able to keep my fingers out of the spaghetti.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-68652889216564130322007-10-23T16:54:00.000+08:002007-10-23T18:43:25.773+08:00Hari RayaThe weekend before last was a lovely, lovely weekend. Not only was it our first wedding anniversary, our anniversary also fell on a four day weekend, as it was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hari_Raya">Hari Raya</a> - the end of Ramadan. <a href="http://allmalaysia.info/msiaknow/malaysiana/balik_kampung.asp">Balik kampung</a> gave me sweet, sweet relief!<br /><br />Everyone hightailed it out of town for Hari Raya, and M and I were originally planning to do the same. But after realizing that we could 1) join the millions of Malaysians on the highway (and waiting for hours at the toll booth) or 2) stay in KL and enjoy the city, which would be far less crowded than the highway, we knew what we had to do. So we cancelled our reservation at the E&O in Penang, and stayed in KL all weekend.<br /><br />The city wasn't empty, but it was a hell of a lot less crowded than it normally is. And it was freakin' great. The traffic was nil, the restaurants weren't crowded (the ones that were open, that is) and there was a slower pace to things - and I don't just mean the speed at which people walk here. (Seriously. <em>A snail's pace</em>. Drives us batty. I'm just saying.) <br /><br />We had a great Italian meal for our anniversary, then spent the rest of the weekend taking it easy, doing a bit of furniture shopping, and we even caught a movie on Monday.<br /><br />Okay, about the movie...it was Bourne Ultimatum, which I didn't think was all that great. I mean seriously, at the last minute you LOOP YOUR ARM through the seat belt and that saves you from the latest fiery multi-car crash? I am the "Oh, Like That Could Really Happen" Viewer. This is why M hates watching movies with me. But the part of the movie that was actually good? The theater itself. We went to the Gold Class theater, complete with leather recliner, blankie and snacks-on-demand button. I don't know if I'll ever be able to go to a regular movie theater again.<br /><br />All rested up from our relaxing weekend, we are thinking about putting up our Christmas decorations. It's only October, you say? We aren't concerned with the calendar. In our mind, it's close enough. Besides, it's 90 degrees here at Christmas, so what's the difference? I want to be able to enjoy the tree for a while before I leave for the US (which will be Thanksgiving weekend). Who's up for some eggnog and carols? <br /><br />(Who am I kidding? In my family, it's not eggnog and carols, it's Bud Light and Dirty Scattergories. Norman Rockwell, we are not.)Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-18736716998336728242007-10-13T09:14:00.000+08:002007-10-13T09:20:55.030+08:00AutumnI miss autumn. Okay, scratch that…I miss <strong>seasons</strong>. But autumn is my favorite. Every year, I look forward to that first crisp fall morning, where you get to break out your autumn clothes and maybe even a jacket. In Texas, that usually doesn’t happen until around Thanksgiving, but every once in a while we were lucky, and autumn would peek her head around the corner in October…for a day or two, until the 90 degree temperatures would take over again.<br /><br />Autumn is my favorite season. I like my fall and winter clothes so much more that my summer clothes. I get to wear my sassy suede jacket that needs to be replaced, but I can't seem to find a jacket like it and it’s one of my favorite items of clothing ever. So I'll wear it until it disintegrates. Halloween and Thanksgiving are fall holidays. Football is in the fall. Falling leaves (and in some lucky parts of the country, leaves of different colors) abound. The leaves in Texas pretty much go from green, to brown, to gone in a matter of a couple of weeks, but I’ll take it. They make such a nice crunchy noise on the ground.<br /><br />Seasons mark the passage of time. So it makes it a little difficult that we don’t have seasons here. It’s the same temperature…all year long. The sun rises and sets at the same times each day. The main variation on the weather here is if it will rain a little or a lot on any given day. Every day it’s like this. <em>Every day.</em><br /><br />I miss autumn.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-92034801045218832542007-10-03T17:23:00.000+08:002007-10-03T17:39:00.643+08:00Daily Dose of IronyLast night, I was watching an episode of Seinfeld. <br /><br />They censored the word "butt".<br /><br />They censored the word "butt" in the episode where the entire fucking episode was about masturbation.<br /><br />I'd like to thank the Malaysian censors for protecting the viewing public from the horrors of the word "butt" while they are viewing the Seinfeld episode where the characters bet who can refrain the longest from masturbating, and JFK Jr. de-virginizes Jerry's ex-girlfriend.<br /><br />Thanks guys, your priorities are definitely in order.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-54653573254943654232007-10-01T19:20:00.000+08:002007-10-02T18:30:25.193+08:00Strangely, He Didn't Offer a ReceiptFriday night, M and I drove our lovely little car to dinner. We were heading for our favorite Indian restaurant, and since it was our first time driving there, we took the same route that all the cab drivers have taken during the many, many times they have driven us to said restaurant.<br /><br />Well, getting there involved making a right hand turn across a couple of lanes of traffic (we drive on the left hand side here). We made the turn and started down a dark back road, where we were waved down by a cop. Turns out, when we made the turn, we crossed a double white line, which is a no-no. I guess we didn't notice it because we were too busy trying not to get hit, hit anyone else, dodge the motorbikes that are whizzing by us, etc. Besides, every cab we have taken to this restaurant has gone this way, but DING!DING!DING! We were the lucky winners who got pulled over.<br /><br />So he asked M for his license (which, luckily, we found the other day after misplacing it). He explained what we had done, we were apologetic, yada yada. He asked where we were from and we told him where we lived, but turned out he wanted to know where we were <em>from</em>, so we told him the US. Damn! I hate when we have to do that.<br /><br />He proceeded to tell us that we could pay an on the spot fine. Now, we have never been pulled over before, so we didn't know how it worked here. The on the spot fine was RM 300, which is the going rate according to a couple of other expats we've talked to.<br /><br />M didn't have cash, so the cop even escorted us to an ATM...holding up traffic and everything so that we could stay behind him. M got cash and the cop then proceeded to escort us to the restaurant. Along the way, on a dark and desolate street, he stopped and told us we could pay him there. Seriously. So we pay, and since at that point we didn't really know the neighborhood we were in, he escorted us to the restaurant.<br /><br />As it turns out, he could have given us a ticket and according to some locals, the fine would have been about RM 100, which we would have then paid at the police station. I guess that other RM 200 must have been a "convenience" fee, right? Do you get my sarcasm? Are you sure? 'Cause I'm laying it on pretty thick.<br /><br />Although, truth be told, I might opt for an on the spot fine again. Something tells me that going to the police station to pay a fine would <em>not</em> be an exercise in efficiency. Quite frankly, 200 ringgit is worth it to save my sanity. I have so little to spare these days.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-36340318241109887222007-09-23T19:19:00.000+08:002008-12-11T19:38:54.467+08:00Anyone Need a Ride?....Seriously, Anyone?Because we finally have a car! We have now joined the rest of these guys in KL:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BO11V4JP3QvaxramZS9KO72yVELpbhv9fy2uX0TTTo5tzcuDxIwzAGFU3RU8HsSiWuyeylKAo67MRox-CBqhbr2gqo2zAHz-YnPLIJFh837KZmXwhyphenhyphenBTiLY3jwYLkynVc8sh9xGAqYg/s1600-h/KL+Traffic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BO11V4JP3QvaxramZS9KO72yVELpbhv9fy2uX0TTTo5tzcuDxIwzAGFU3RU8HsSiWuyeylKAo67MRox-CBqhbr2gqo2zAHz-YnPLIJFh837KZmXwhyphenhyphenBTiLY3jwYLkynVc8sh9xGAqYg/s320/KL+Traffic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113348787443157314" /></a><br />One of our biggest frustrations in KL has been transportation. Not having a car means that you are at the mercy of the weather, the taxi drivers, and hoofing it to the subway station every time you want to go somewhere. It's a control issue with me, and a couple of months ago, I hit my limit.<br /><br />So we bought a car. FREEEEEEDOMMMMM!!!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4zq00C9PtXjBNUSeZLUgDeCnsscGtyNw-Q3jk30xjAAZomtU52t0Qq9FAoFxAOPt8xrPmfg02pj1QwYkX5NO2B9P72oigLpqQV34EV2oOXnPb4Kqfem0pugJAvB8H_NIFXZUaYH5sfY/s1600-h/Flickr+020.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4zq00C9PtXjBNUSeZLUgDeCnsscGtyNw-Q3jk30xjAAZomtU52t0Qq9FAoFxAOPt8xrPmfg02pj1QwYkX5NO2B9P72oigLpqQV34EV2oOXnPb4Kqfem0pugJAvB8H_NIFXZUaYH5sfY/s320/Flickr+020.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113353237029275986" /></a>We picked it up last week, and I have to say, it's some of the best damn money we have ever spent. We love our little Perodua. We've named her Lucy. <br /><br />Lucy is small, but that's exactly what we need in the city. The lanes are narrow, the traffic is (sometimes) harrowing, and the parking garages have tiny ramps and parking spaces. I have no idea how people even maneuver a Camry into some of these parking garages.<br /><br />We love Lucy. Seriously, every couple of hours or so, M and I will turn to each other and say "Why didn't we get a car sooner?" It's our very favoritist toy ever these days! After we picked it up last week, we drove out to dinner every night. On the weekend we drove all around town, even through Chinatown on a Saturday afternoon, which is taking your life into your own hands. A true madhouse. So our off time consists of thinking up different reasons to drive the car. Do we need to go to the grocery store? Let's go by towels! Let's go to dinner! Do we want to go to the mall?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9SQp51pIDjWDoC55OUyuD_5Q9-t-rQeYARZm5_S-1WL47YFVK_floUNqS9kknUgNnd5Ua6Kkkm6eB0Xhw1ddPaTl90YE0mtcE-I7tQgiL9COWRCsU8adwbjupMKEu8k2hgV8mCgVob8/s1600-h/Flickr+007.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9SQp51pIDjWDoC55OUyuD_5Q9-t-rQeYARZm5_S-1WL47YFVK_floUNqS9kknUgNnd5Ua6Kkkm6eB0Xhw1ddPaTl90YE0mtcE-I7tQgiL9COWRCsU8adwbjupMKEu8k2hgV8mCgVob8/s320/Flickr+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113354327950969186" /></a>M seems to have gotten pretty comfortable with the driving style here. Lanes are mere suggestions. Sometimes they abruptly end because people are double parked. They merge on a whim. People like to straddle them for kilometers on end. Blinkers are never used. Scooters rule the road and weave in and out of traffic. We are learning all about the "traffic circle" and how to read the signs in general. The signs will tell you what part of town you are going to, but generally, they don't tell you what road you are on. So with M at the wheel, and me attempting to read the map, it's like the blind leading the blind. I guess that's the best way to learn, I suppose. It would help if half the streets weren't named Damansara something.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C4Qmgy_kxg7PVsA0Gk_jfoixh1ph13Ku4wJhZLovNuYywXRMdaswhPTQKtZ7XebTd4qbPGOuBbDC_h1ylg8RdOhQUPd_cfIGF0m4LcHh0wMW832LV651qyBQpvkKLE0PzvtDEpBVsyI/s1600-h/Flickr+012.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C4Qmgy_kxg7PVsA0Gk_jfoixh1ph13Ku4wJhZLovNuYywXRMdaswhPTQKtZ7XebTd4qbPGOuBbDC_h1ylg8RdOhQUPd_cfIGF0m4LcHh0wMW832LV651qyBQpvkKLE0PzvtDEpBVsyI/s320/Flickr+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113356977945790834" /></a>In general, while the traffic can be bad in some places, we find that most drivers all work together, far more so than in the US. If you need to change lanes, they will let you in. If they are in your blind spot, they will give you a friendly honk to let you know, rather than hang out of their window screaming obscenities at you. In Houston, using your blinker is like waving a big sign saying "Cut me off! Please race ahead so that I don't dare move in front of you! Where you are going is far more important, and I understand that if you are one car in front of me, that means that you will get to your destination a full two seconds before I will. So please, go right ahead!" (Yeah, it's a long sign). Here, when you use your blinker (and I think we're the only ones that do)...they let you in. Brilliant. <br /><br />We love Lucy. Lucy takes us where we want to go, rain or shine. Lucy smells like new car, not like a cab or stinky subway. Lucy plays great music. Lucy has working seat belts, airbags and air conditioning. Lucy doesn't overcharge us. Lucy will take us to Melacca, or Penang, or Cameron Highlands, or Singapore. Lucy's meter always works, and Lucy gets her gasoline at a full-serve station (I didn't even know those still existed).<br /><br />We love our new addition to our family.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-87183097695008828432007-09-21T19:29:00.000+08:002007-09-21T19:33:21.988+08:00Musical Meme UpdateIn the spirit of musical fun, I've added a couple of lines to the songs that haven't been guessed yet in the <a href="http://talesofanexpat.blogspot.com/2007/09/musical-meme.html">Musical Meme</a> below. <br /><br />Go on, you know you wanna play....Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-12090181383514963712007-09-21T17:41:00.000+08:002007-09-21T18:24:12.188+08:00If You Get the Feeling Someone's Crazy, They AreThis afternoon, I went over to KLCC and had a lovely lunch with Reese. Afterwards, I headed back home via the KLCC park.<br /><br />The park at KLCC is really nice. Lots of trees and grass, a well maintained children's play area and a big wading pool for them to play in. I was meandering along on the path when I noticed footsteps behind me. Usually, footsteps behind me kind of bother me, since I am naturally completely paranoid of being snuck up or surprised in any way. Seriously, M can't even surprise me in the shower. He knows that it will scare me so bad that it usually will bring on tears. He's also likely to get hit with a bottle of shampoo, so he's learned. I have a bit of an anxiety issue, in case you can't tell. However, here in KL, I've gotten a little more used to it. There are so many people in general, definitely in the park, and given the "smaller personal space" issue as well as the shuffling noise that many people make when they walk here (seriously, people, pick up your feet), that I'm used to hearing people walk behind me.<br /><br />So I'm walking along, and hear these footshuffles behind me. This continues for a bit, until I hear,<br /><br />"Excuse me, miss?"<br /><br />I pretend to have not heard.<br /><br />Again, "Excuse me, miss?"<br /><br />So I turn my head and keep walking forward a bit. A local guy approaches me. Please don't try to sell me a Rolex, I think. (I'm not generalizing here. We get approached to buy Rolexes in front of KLCC on a semi-regular basis. M usually just speaks Spanish to them, they get frustrated, and end up leaving us alone.)<br /><br />"Where are you from?" he asks. <br /><br />"I live in KL," I reply. As I've said before, I typically won't offer the information that I'm from the US. I wasn't in the mood for a lecture. <br /><br />"You...are so beautiful," he says.<br /><br />"Um, thanks," I reply. K...that's a bit random. Where was this guy going with this? I have a healthy distrust of random compliments. Especially considering that I was wearing a ratty tank top and carrying a sassy nylon sling bag. Oh, and sweating profusely. Yeah, looking great right now.I figured he was going to try to sell me some face cream, or maybe a timeshare. I continue walking.<br /><br />"Where do you live?"<br /><br />What, are you crazy? Do you really think I'm going to tell you where I live? This guy was starting to weird me out.<br /><br />"I live in KL," I reply. I start walking again.<br /><br />"Excuse me, miss?" So I turn around again. He jogs up next to me. "I wanted to ask you a question."<br /><br />I wait.<br /><br />"Would you like to have...a dinner sometime?" he stammers. Okay, now I'm a teeny bit flattered, as he's obviously nervous, and that's kind of sweet in a stalkerish sort of way. <br /><br />"I'm married," I tell him, thinking that will finally end the conversation. I don't really do "conversation" with strangers in general, and in particular random guys who approach me in a park.<br /><br />"That's okay, it's just dinner," he said. Ohhhh, okay, just dinner. Well, sure, why not? I'm sure M would understand. Definitely.<br /><br />I shook my head and repeated, "I'm married."<br /><br />"Oh, okay," he said and I went on my merry way.<br /><br />A little weird, but nothing major.<br /><br />Except that then, from behind me, he starts yelling "You are so beautiful! You are so beautiful!" Okay, now this guy has crossed the line from a stammering, harmless enough fellow, to a loony stalker type.<br /><br />Maybe he was with some friends who put him up to it. Otherwise, he lacks what I would call "the social skills".<br /><br />Now, if he shows up underneath my window tonight holding a boombox blasting Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes", then I might be in trouble.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-72211191108927563242007-09-18T18:59:00.000+08:002007-09-21T20:58:40.318+08:00Musical MemeSaw this on <a href="http://www.spuddybuddy.com">Donna</a>'s blog and thought it looked really fun! Here’s how it goes:<br /><br />1. Put your mp3 player or music player on your computer on random.<br />2. Post the first four lines from the first 20 songs that play, no matter how embarrassing the song (Skip repeat artists).<br />3. Post and let everyone you know guess what song and artist the lines come from.<br /><br />Leave your guesses in the comments. No Googling for answers! <br /><br />1. I’m trying to tell you <br />Something ‘bout my life<br />Maybe give me insight<br />Between black and white<br /><em>Guessed by Triad #1</em><br /><br /><strong>2. Well when you’re down on your luck<br />And you ain’t got a buck<br />In London<br />You’re a goner<br />Even London Bridge<br />Has fallen down<br />And moved to Arizona<br /><br />3. There is nothing that competes with habit<br />And I know it’s neither deep nor tragic<br />It's simply that you<br />Have to have it<br />So you could make a killing<br /><br />4. This old man <br />I’ve talked about<br />Broke his own heart<br />Poured it in the ground<br />Big red tree grew up and out<br />Throws up its leaves<br />Spins round and round</strong><br /><br />5. Well I know it’s kinda late<br />I hope I didn’t wake you<br />But what I’ve gotta say can’t wait<br />I know you’d understand<br /><em>Guessed by Triad #1</em><br /><br />6. Mother mother ocean<br />I have heard you call<br />Wanted to sail upon your waters<br />Since I was three feet tall<br /><em>Guessed by Triad #1 (close enough)</em><br /><br /><strong>7. Well my baby threw me out<br />Because I drank too much<br />She offered me her car <br />So I could move my stuff<br />I'm gonna sell the bitch's car<br />I'm gonna sell the bitch's car</strong><br /><br />8. Twenty twenty twenty four hours to go<br />I wanna be sedated<br />Nothin to do nowhere to go<br />I wanna be sedated<br /><em>Guessed by Donna</em><br /><br /><strong>9. I know a girl who<br />Thinks of ghosts<br />She’ll make you breakfast<br />She’ll make you toast<br />But she don't use butter<br />And she don't use cheese<br /><br />10. I look at you<br />You might your tongue<br />You don’t know why <br />Or where I’m coming from<br />But in my head I'm close to you<br />We're in the rain, still searching for the sun<br /><br />11. So scream you<br />Out from behind the bitter ache<br />You’re hanging on the memory<br />You need most<br />You still want love<br />Love's ugly, smooth and delicate<br />But not without affection, but not alone</strong><br /><br />12. Oh l’amour<br />Broke my heart and now I’m aching for you<br />Oh l’amour<br />What's a boy in love supposed to do?<br /><em>Guessed by Donna</em><br /><br /><strong>13. Listen to the girl<br />As she takes on half the world<br />Moving up and so alive<br />In her honey dripping beehive<br />Beehive<br />It's good, so good<br />It's so good</strong><br /><br />14. Oh we were walking <br />Just the other day<br />And it was so hot outside<br />You could fry an egg<br /><em>Guessed by Reese</em><br /><br />15. Sweat baby, sweat baby<br />Sex is a Texas drought<br />Me and you do the kind of stuff<br />That only Prince would sing about<br />So put your hand down my pants<br /><em>Guessed by Triad #1</em><br /><br /><strong>16. Well he was fueled by a lack<br />Drew inspiration from a need<br />So many problems to crack<br />And mouths to feed<br />Crooked was the path<br />And brazen was the walk</strong><br /><br />17. You saw me standing by the wall<br />Corner of a main street<br />And the lights are flashing<br />On your windowsill<br /><em>Guessed by Donna</em><br /><br />18. There’s something in the way she moves<br />Or looks my way <br />Or calls my name<br />That seems to leave this troubled world behind<br /><em>Guessed by Triad #1</em><br /><br />19. Coming out of my cage<br />And I’ve been doing just fine<br />Gotta gotta be down<br />Because I want it all<br /><em>Guessed by Reese</em><br /><br /><strong>20. Every time I see you<br />Something happens to me<br />Like a chain reaction <br />Between you and me<br />My heart starts missing a beat<br />My heart starts missing a beat<br />Every time</strong>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-72240049116386430192007-09-13T17:27:00.000+08:002007-09-13T18:35:59.911+08:00RamadanToday marks the beginning of Ramadan (or Ramadhan, if you prefer). During the month of Ramadan, Muslims must fast from dawn until dusk. When I say fast, I mean not only from eating, but also from drinking (anything, even water), sex, sarcasm, gossiping, etc. Since I'm no expert on the subject, read this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan">article</a> from Wikipedia. It explains things much better than I could. If I tried to explain it to you, I would basically just recite the article, and plagiarism is bad, 'n kay?<br /><br />All around town, people are gearing up for Ramadan. Advertisements are everywhere for Ramadan buffets. Breaking fast is an event, and hotels are game to cash in with lavish buffets. Rush hour starts earlier as well. Many offices shorten their hours during Ramadan - some only offer this to Muslims, and other offices offer it to all employees. For example, our office in Dubai will end the workday at 2pm. Again, I totally agree with this. Dubai traffic is horrendous anyway, but to adding a bunch of hungry, low blood sugar, not having eaten all day drivers to the mix just doesn't make a lot of sense from a safety standpoint. For those offices who offer it to only Muslims, I am wondering in the back of my mind - how come I didn't get to leave work early during Christmas in the US? I could have gotten a ton of Christmas shopping done! Then again, I hardly think that fasting all day is akin to needing to go to Toys R Us to pick up some last minute gifts. Although, going to Toys R Us at 6pm during the two weeks preceding Christmas does have its own kind of sacrifice - that being, my sanity. But I digress...<br /><br />Companies will often hold events for breaking fast. Nice idea, really. I've heard though, that some companies make these events mandatory for everyone in the office, regardless of their religious beliefs. <br /><br />Huh?<br /><br />This doesn't fly for me. "Participating in social events" isn't part of many job descriptions out there. Neither is "participating in religious events". And I think it would be a stretch to include it as part of the "other projects as assigned" on said descriptions. As an HR person, I'm surprised at this. I enjoy social gatherings as much as the next person, but I'd never force anyone to attend. To me, this is akin to requiring employees to attend a Christmas party (in the US, you can't even call it a Christmas party anymore - it's a <em>Holiday</em> party, for fear of offending any particular religion), or requiring them to dye Easter eggs for the local kids to hunt. A social event, yes, but one grounded in a particular religious belief. While Malaysia is predominantly Muslim, religious freedom is an important part of Malaysia as well. <br /><br />So I'm left scratching my head on that one.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358866733936123634.post-67935317617814869482007-09-12T22:14:00.000+08:002007-09-12T22:56:46.980+08:00Did the Earth Move for You?So M gets home from work tonight. We are sitting out on our balcony, which is what we normally do, discussing what we are going to have for dinner tonight. All of a sudden, M stops and looks at me.<br /><br />"Do you feel that?" he says.<br /><br />Well, I'll be damned, I most certainly did feel that. So I respond "Yeah, I feel it."<br /><br />And we both watched his drink sway in his glass.<br /><br />"Holy shit, that's an earthquake," he says.<br /><br />"Oh. Cool," I respond.<br /><br />So we go inside, and sure enough, the hanging lights in our kitchen are just kind of swaying back and forth. Not violently or anything, but just a gentle sort of rocking. We notice it in the living room too, and our kitchen door is kind of rocking back and forth, making a sqiuik-squick noise. It's not like you feel the ground is moving, you just feel this weird vertigo and you notice that shit is moving that <em>should not be moving</em>.<br /><br />Whoa.<br /><br />So M is all about getting the frick out of there and going to dinner, because he's not too keen on experiencing more of our first earthquake in KL from the 11th floor of our building. Having grown up in California, he's all too familiar with earthquakes. Me, I'm fascinated. This is totally <em>gnarly</em>.<br /><br />See, I grew up in Tornado Alley (for those of you who aren't familiar with Tornado Alley, it's a swath of land, going from the Midwest - Kansas or southern Nebraska - on down through north central Texas, where most of the world's tornadoes occur). Growing up, I always had a strange fascination with tornadoes, and would plot them and track them as the weather bulletins would scroll across our TV screen. One time, I even saw the green clouds slowly swirling above us as we stood at our kitchen window, peering through the pea green blinds that were so circa 1982 it's not even funny.) So, given my penchant for weather and other things scientific, it's a wonder I ever got laid in high school. I'm fascinated with tornadoes, hurricanes, ice storms, all of that stuff.<br /><br />I am mesmerized by nature's violent tendencies. Not to make light of it because I'm not, I've just always been in awe, and so interested in these sorts of things. If we felt it on the 11th floor of a building, I wonder what it felt like to people on the 88th floor of the Petronas Towers?<br /><br />I never felt like we, in KL, were under any particular danger, since we are hardly ever (if ever at all) near the epicenter of earthquakes. The epicenters of the quakes we feel are typically in Indonesia. My fascination with them doesn't mean that I am naive to the damage they can do, so I don't mean to sound unsympathetic. It's just that for someone who has never experienced it, it's pretty wild. I always thought it would be a violent shaking. For us here, it was more of a rocking or swaying motion. It felt like when you are out on a boat all day, feeling the waves gently rock you, and then when you go to bed that night, it feels like you are still in the boat. Just a weird sort of vertigo.<br /><br />So, there you have it - our first earthquake. So during dinner, M went on about his dissertation about structural natural frequencies and mass moments of inertia. <br /><br />I love it when he gets all technical.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09160613837989641473noreply@blogger.com3