Screen-Free Family Time in Singapore: East Coast Park

Posted on July 14, 2014 | 2 comments

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Singapore can be a dangerous place to live.

You might be surprised to read that. When you live here you must always be aware of your surroundings when walking in public. Unlike other major cities in the world it’s not because criminals are lying in wait for unsuspecting pedestrians. The danger is the Singapore smartphone user.

It does not matter if they are crossing a busy street or strolling through a crowded mall many have their heads buried in screens. They have no clue if the pedestrian sign is now blinking with 3 seconds left to cross or if they have run into you while you’re holding onto a small child, groceries and dry cleaning while navigating the busy side streets. What they do know is that they’re at the next level of candy crush and that one of their “friends” posted something so captivating on Facebook that it is worth crashing into my 8 year old on his scooter.

I value technology for utilitarian, and entertainment purposes; and if I am being honest, sometimes it is a good babysitter when you need to get some things accomplished with kids in the house. But after more than a year living in Singapore and watching entire families use their electronic devises at restaurants, babies watching iPads at grocery stores and routinely being run into on the streets by people with their faced buried in their phones it makes me want to throw our electronic devises out our 16 story window.

Seeing as though I’m not Amish and am mostly a rational person I realizes that is not a reasonable solution,

Now that long summer holiday is upon us and my children’s deepest desire is to spend their days doing all things electronic I have planned outings and activities to do sans technology. Fortunately, having lovely weather year round, a condo with a pool and lots of kids around helps my cause. But as all parents know you have to up your game to combat the desire for technology.

One of the first outings was a spontaneous morning bike ride at East Coast Park. We grabbed a taxi to a bike rental shop. East Coast is a public park so typical exorbitant Singapore prices do not apply. We rented 5 basic bikes for about $60.00. There are bike rental tents/kiosks all over the park for if you do not have your own. Bring your passport or local identification/dependent pass to rent the bicycles.

We rode along the flat tree laden paved bike trails just at the edge of the beach. People were rollerblading, jogging walking and skateboarding. We took a break from our ride and stopped to throw a football and play on the beach, and still managed to clock in over five miles. The day was without drama with the exception of my bike’s chain falling off toward the end of the ride. Fortunately, I’m married to MacGyver so it worked out fine. The event was capped off with some ice cream near where we rented our bikes. There are several places along the bike paths to stop and grab a bite or a cold drink.

The kids returned home thoroughly tired. They bathed and then put their noses in their iPads with my approval.

That evening I kissed them goodnight and my sons commented on what a great day it had been and how cool it was to do something they had never done before. I turned their lights off and momentarily felt great about a day well spent. Unfortunately, the familiar pang of mother’s guilt reared its ugly head as I recalled about 3 miles from our home in the U.S. there is a bike and running path, which I had never taken the time to take my kids to. I was too busy with life’s obligations and other scheduled activities.

*Another parenting lesson learned courtesy of this move to Singapore. Don’t ever be too busy to enjoy simple opportunities to make memories with those beautiful boys.

I will be sharing a few of our other screen-free activities in upcoming posts.

What are some of your favorite ideas for family time?

More information on East Coast bicycle rental: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_news&task=view&id=142&Itemid=50

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Small Pieces of Home

Posted on April 30, 2014 | Leave a comment

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For the last two weeks my husband and I have been walking during his lunch breaks. We tie up our sneakers and head out to parts of Singapore unknown.  We see the funky architecture of neighborhoods that are off our normal path. We have no particular route and without the kids we could walk for hours. Barring the inevitable meeting to get to or the risk of passing out due to the sweltering heat that accompanies living so close to the equator.

I fancy myself a bit of an explorer since moving here. Seeing new and different buildings, trees, people and hearing languages I have only read about are somewhat intoxicating and best of all comes without the headache and morning regrets.

However, I must admit there are those days I feel a little homesick. Those are the days I wish I could click my heels together and be back home in the U.S. watching my kids play with our neighbors in our big grassy backyard.

Fortunately, these feelings are fleeting. Perhaps because we have had little bits of home sprinkled into our lives throughout the year. Most are simple and conjure up unexpected feelings of nostalgia.

Over the past few weeks I can recount some pieces of home that stood out to me.  We received a package in the mail from my sister containing Big League Chew gum, Hormel pepperoni and Wheat Thin crackers. Christmas had come early in the Schuster house. The boys ripped open the gum and recounted the days at the ballpark when I would allow them to chew wads of gum during their Little League games. The pepperoni reminded them of Friday nights when we would make homemade pizza and they could drink soda. Not much was said about the Wheat thins because our mouths were full.  Long after the mailing box had been taken down to the recycling bin. Our hearts were still full by the kindness of family and a taste of the life we had left behind.

Another piece of home came at the end of one of our walks we ended up at the grocery store. While scoping out some decent strawberries I heard Hall & Oates coming from the Fair Price speakers. I could not hold back. I began to sing with gusto to the music. Let the onlookers be damned! I did not care that in several languages the words “crazy American” was being uttered. My husband did walk away as if he didn’t know me.  A few moments later in the lettuce aisle it became a duet. A 50 something Japanese man hummed and occasionally sang quietly to the chorus. Another piece of home in such an unexpected venue it was such a great feeling I almost forgot I was paying $8.00 for a small pack of strawberries.

The last came a few weeks ago I was searching online for a nice spot to have Easter brunch. Before I knew it there were 3 sets of eyes checking out what I was l doing.  My oldest instantly questioned why we were not having Easter at home with friends and family like we usually did. I explained I did not know if we had enough dishes here and we don’t have any platters and other reasons that seemed silly when I said them out loud to a 10 year old and to two 8-year-old boys. The kids just kind of stared at me and my oldest said, “our friends don’t care about all of that let’s invite all of our friends to lunch, they would like that.” They continued talking about what we could serve and how they would clean their rooms and it would be just like at home but with our new friends. Their excitement was contagious, and within a few minutes I was on board.

Easter afternoon, the boys had their friends hanging in their rooms and the adults were relaxing and finishing dessert. We were all content even without the platters or matching silverware. Our first Easter in Singapore will be a sweet memory we take with us no matter where we live.

Once we move back to Atlanta I imagine there will be moments I will find small pieces of our life in Singapore that will stop me in my tracks. I will fondly recount my time here and dream about pieces of this home.

What are pieces of home to you?

 

 

 

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No Matter Where We Travel We Hear the Same Thing

Posted on April 10, 2014 | 1 comment

Photo from Mar 26, 2014-2

My family spent Spring Break in Phuket Thailand. We were sitting in the lounge of our resort during my beloved Happy Hour. Our server delivered our drinks and looked at our family and said, “Three boys Mam, you must be busy. ” She placed the last of the drinks on the table and questioned “You don’t want a girl?”‘ I responded with my pat polite answer, “Oh yes, 3 boys, and no I  am happy with my guys and life is very full.”

I have other comments I say depending on the rudeness factor of the person asking the question. This particular lady was kind and had even commented the previous day about the kids being well behaved, she also added for good measure, especially for American kids?! Anyway, I felt obliged to give the kind response, plus she was in charge of the wine delivery. I certainly didn’t want to make her angry!

As I sipped my complimentary house wine, I realized something. The five of us have traveled together to several states and now several countries and although the levels of English proficiency and dialects might change we receive the same comment over and over again.

No matter where we go strangers feel the need to make conversation about our same sex children all hovering around the same age. There seems to be some sort of fascination, or compulsion to comment.

Before I got pregnant for the first time, I’ll admit I did want a girl. But as the cliche goes, once  I found out I was pregnant my only desire was to have a healthy baby. Plus the  moment I saw my oldest’s face minutes after he was born I happily submerged myself in dump trucks and lego Bricks and never looked back. At this point, I hope for lovely daughter in-laws.

-In my experience with 3 school aged boys I will receive one or more of these communications daily:

1. A call or email from the teacher, letting me know as a gentle reminder that something has been forgotten, lost or the children are failing to complete something. I have received emails noting my sons’ greatness as well!

2. A notice from the school lunch card system letting me know they are low on money AGAIN

3. A call from the nurse for varying degrees of injury or illness

4. An email from a room parent requesting an item or volunteers

5. An email notifying me that one or all of my sons have signed up for a new optional school project to be done at home!

6. An email from a coach about a change of schedule including an added practice

7. An invitation to a party or playdate (which requires gift and or taxis)

8. An email or call from the Principal,letting me know about an “incident”

*This lovely one occurred today along with #2, 4, & 6 and it is not yet noon!

*What are the questions you get asked over and over by strangers?

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Are We Raising Entitled Children?

Posted on March 31, 2014 | Leave a comment

ImageGeneration “E”

Last month the Editor of Family & Life Magazine, Singapore asked me to write an article about families who raise entitled children. I immediately winced at the thought of writing this article that described so many children I have come into contact with over the past few years. I worried about the backlash I would receive from fellow parents for writing this article. Fortunately, I remembered most of us, including me at times only have the capacity for minimal self-reflection anyway. So my social life would probably remain intact. Sadly, I also realized I was regarding my literary fan base a bit too much in believing that everyone in town was waiting for my articles to arrive in their mailbox. Basically that group consists of my mom and occasionally my husband.

My first step in the writing process was to define what this term actually meant, because what did I know about rising generation “E?” I hoped nothing, but as I researched and began writing; tiny seeds of doubt crept into my mind.  According to World Book Dictionary, an entitled person is one who has a right to ask for or get something. He or she is a privileged individual. The important part of this definition is the word “right.” There is no concept or understanding that the “right” is earned.

As I wrote I began to think about my sons and what we were doing right and wrong in relation to this topic. Upon moving to Singapore we consciously chose not employ a helper; for those of you unfamiliar a helper is mainly Singaporean term for a  full time live-in employee who cooks, cleans, shops for groceries, assists with the children, helps run the home and the old standby other duties as assigned.  Employing fulltime house staff is quite a popular and an affordable option in Singapore especially for Ex-Pat families like ours.

My choice not to have a helper has been a source of much conversation. We have been questioned by everyone including our move coordinator, our friends, clerks, teachers, employers and even a few uncle taxi cab drivers about our reasons for not having a helper. There are many reasons, but basically, it comes down to three things: I do not work fulltime and do not feel it is necessary, my husband and I enjoy our privacy and we believe our family should function as a team which includes our children’s  daily help with chores and running our home.  While having a helper is a positive experience for many families it is simply our choice to do without.  I will admit to having a housekeeper come2x a month. Mainly to handle the marble floors that I can’t seem to keep clean, but the kids are only slightly aware she comes because she arrives and leaves during the school day. But I have heard the kids comment on how nicely she organizes their stuffed animals and they choose to sleep on top of the covers for a few nights so as not to mess up her work.

Today, like every afternoon I stand at the bus stop with the other mums and helpers while I wait for my boys to get off the school bus from the American School. And every day I watch the middle school girl get off the bus and hurl her backpack at her helper to carry and then the tween proceeds to walk 3 paces ahead of her helper and routinely forgets a basic consideration like holding the door for the helper. Did I mention the helper is attempting to grab the coded door while balancing the backpack with the younger sibling strapped to her in a handmade baby Bjorn and a grocery sack from Cold Storage in the other hand? Disgusting huh. Yes, that makes me feel smug in both my parenting abilities and my decision not to employ a helper.  My angels rush over to open the door for the helper and of course they carry their own bags. I also feel like throttling the girl and her parent….but I digress.

My smugness however, is short lived. Once we arrive home I ask my 10 year old to get some trash bags and empty all of the tiny trash cans in the house. He does it but with a sour look on his face and he dramatically wipes his brow mentioning how hot it is in Singapore. I’d call that Strike 1 in parenting that day. A few minutes later my 8 year old asks me if he needs to straighten his room before going downstairs to play with his condo friends. I respond the way I do every day when he asks me this same question “Yes, of course. “He grimaces and asks when the housekeeper is coming back. Strike 2 for my parenting.  That afternoon there were many additional strikes on my parenting record but there is always tomorrow and a chance to get a homerun.

Writing this article reminded me of some fundamental things Dwayne and I are doing well and was pleased by our efforts. It also shined an excruciatingly bright spotlight on what we were doing wrong as parents. There is no manual about how to raise my sons, and as parents we are a work in progress and some days we are better at it than others.

*Check out my article on page 20 about rising generation “E” There are tips and interesting facts. Just paste in your browser and the issue will be immediately available. 

file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/reenieschust/My%20Documents/Downloads/FamilyAndLife-Issue_6-Mar2014%20(1).pdf

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Food for Thought

Posted on March 16, 2014 | 2 comments

Collin tasting noodles at hawker

Collin enjoying his Prawns & noodles at Whampoa Market

Today, I treated my sons to a rare lunch at McDonalds. It reminded of our first weeks in Singapore and one of our least stellar lunches out on the town.

The first Saturday living here, our move coordinator, Sandra picked up my family for an afternoon of sightseeing.  She had arranged for a large van and driver to ferry us around for the day. We piled in the van and she suggested we take in some famous sights in Singapore like Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands Hotel & Casino, or the Botanical Gardens. My husband told her we could sightsee on our own, but today we would like to go shopping. We had made the decision not to get a car while living in SG. This was our opportunity to shop with someone who knew where to find the best bargains. Sandra was puzzled at our request but dutifully took us all over the city and we filled the van with 3 small desks, a coffee pot and toaster and steaks from an Australian butcher shop and several other must haves.

At Lunch time we took a break and Sandra asked us where we wanted to eat. We told her to take us somewhere local and yummy. She asked if the kids would be ok eating traditional food. “Well of course” we boldly responded.  I’ve always prided myself on raising children who eat whatever is on their plates (with a few exceptions). It’s a parenting victory that my husband and I take full credit for. When we moved to Singapore we planned to fully embrace our new country which included food.

Sandra took us to one of the more famous chicken rice restaurants in Singapore, Boon Tong Kee on East Coast Road. For those unfamiliar with the local dish it is called Chicken rice not chicken & rice. The chicken is served on a bed of white rice with cucumbers and other vegetables nestled in between. Sandra ordered bamboo shoots and bean curd as a side.

When the waiter delivered the chicken rice to the table my husband dished healthy portions on the boy’s plates. They sat wordlessly staring at the food. Our host showed us how you could mix the fresh ginger and soy sauce to make a lovely dipping sauce. The boys looked from me to my husband hoping one of us would give them a pass not to eat. Much to their dismay they received the death stare from both parents which meant you had better eat now. My son Jack took a bite the size of a gnat and began gagging and quickly spit the food it into a napkin. Aaron, my shy son just stared at the plate while giant tears welled up in his eyes. My eldest son Collin ate a piece and then grabbed his water and guzzled it down and his face turned crimson as he realized he had finished his entire water. The meal did not get any better, somehow the boys managed to eat enough to appease their parents. Sandra was kind and offered to take them somewhere else to eat. Of course we refused. She felt so badly for them that she made a special stop and bought each of them a pastry at one of the many street bakeries.

At home we replayed the day and looked at our purchases and lamented about the chicken disaster. We were trying to figure out what had happened that afternoon. I mean, we are the parents whose kids actually eat casseroles and brussel sprouts, I kind of felt bad for our tough stance on the whole chicken debacle.  I asked my husband if he thought the boys did not want to eat because this was all too much for them. Could their response to lunch be explained by the fact we moved to a foreign country a few short days earlier, or the incessant heat of Singapore, or seeing the pale chickens and ducks hanging from their legs in the restaurant window or the surprise they got when they went to the restroom and there was only a hole to do their business in?

Whatever the reason we had been embarrassed. We decided we were going to try local foods as a family and make our pallets adventurous.  After all, we hadn’t raised chicken nugget children so far why start now.

In the months to follow my kids tried pepper crab, “too spicy mommy” they gasped as they washed it down with $6.00 sodas. We ate weekly at a local hawker stand and they realized they do like chicken rice but they like it roasted and brown rather than boiled or steamed and opaque. They each found their favorite dishes; Collin feasted on noodles, prawns and squid, and Aaron found chicken wings with spicy green beans, and Jack loves green tea, who knew? They tried roti prata, fish curry and kaya toast.

3 months into our adventure and we had not succumbed to the McDonalds that lurked a few short steps from our front door. We rarely even thought about going to any of the American food favorites that are scattered all over the city.

We were doing well until we headed out to IFly Singapore. It simulates skydiving with an indoor wind tunnel. This is a super cool place. After taking several turns we were both exhilarated and ravenous. We looked at several places nearby to grab a bite and then like a beacon the boys saw the golden arches in the distance. We gave way to our American fast food ban and ate lunch at McDonalds.  The boys declared it was the best cheeseburger and fries they had ever had at McDonalds.

I will admit those salty fries were a welcome treat for me as well, and later in the week we did head to Dairy Queen for a long awaited Blizzard. Almost a year later we occasionally hit the fast food giant but reserve it for really busy days or a special treat. The boys rarely mention heading to McDonalds but are always glad when we do. I think we have found a happy medium that we can live with, now if we can only figure out how to manage their time on the I-pads.

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We’re on Holiday! Our 1st Trip Back to the U.S.

Headed Back to Singapore Atlanta International Airport Christmas 2014

Waiting for the 9 bags to be checked-in

The title of this post is just to prove how “International” I am. (I’m paying homage to those American posers who go to Europe for 10 days and return referring to the elevator as “the Lift”). 

-In late December, we planned to return home to the U.S.  for the first time since moving to Singapore 9 months ago. Once the plane tickets were booked, I began to fret about the trip. My worries seemed based in reality. After all, we were technically homeless.  We rented our house when we moved. The vision of 3 energetic boys and 2 large adults living in hotels and imposing on family and friends for shelter for 3 weeks was beyond my comfort zone. By far the most anxiety provoking piece was how my children would react to being back home in Atlanta and then leaving a few weeks later. I had already been through the homesick struggles when we moved and had no desire to return to them.

-We packed 7 suitcases and got in a Maxi Taxi at 3:30 AM and headed to the airport and embarked on our 23 hour journey. No, we did not walk; Singapore is just really far from home. My children do not mind the trip, they have complete control of the in-flight entertainment system and feel compelled to order soda every time the flight attendants walk up the aisle. Lest we forget their love of the Delta Sky lounge; Comfy chairs, Snacks, more soda and electrical outlets to plug in their I-Pads.

-The parents, well I sleep a lot, enjoyed cheap wine and completed several  easy large print crosswords. My husband attempts to sleep but ends up watching countless movies while simultaneously glaring at me while I peacefully snooze next to him.

What we did on vacation:

*Hung out with our closest friends

*Spent time with family

*Ate a ton of pizza and Mexican food (oh how I miss my shrimp tacos)

*Sundays at our church

*Took care of rental house and other necessary business (many days of this)

*I drove a car for the first time in many months

*Both Dwayne and I ended up sick and going to the doctor.

*Made a surprise visit to the boy’s school to see teachers and friends

What we learned going home:

*We are blessed by wonderful people who opened their home to us carte blanche. Their acts of love and kindness will stay with me always.

*Family is great but sometimes people who are not related by blood turn out to be family.

*Unfortunately, people we thought would move heaven and earth to make time for us did not. It’s ok really it is..sniff sniff…but it opens your eyes.

*Appreciation for our church.

*Eating and drinking non-stop for 3 weeks will add inches to your waist.

*Shopping is a necessity. I am not a shopper but I constantly shopped for items to bring back to SG. I also found myself at the grocery store for pleasure. Oh how I miss Publix!

*I missed Singapore and it went beyond the warm weather.

*MY kids are resilient.

-We returned to Singapore with two extra suitcases and my sister Lora in tow for a visit!! (Serious bonus)

-My anxiety about the trip turned out to be unnecessary, as worry often is.  We basically stayed at 3 family’s homes while in town. Our friends and family were un-phased with the changes in their routines, messy guest bedrooms, and additional laundry, food and water bills. All of this was taken in stride and returned with loving hospitality. We are fortunate.

My boys visited their school and their old neighborhood. A few tears were shed as we said goodbye.

After marathon plane rides back to Asia, We opened the door to our condo In Singapore. My oldest ran to his bedroom and said “I’m finally home, it was a long flight but it was worth it to get back to Singapore.”The younger two echoed similar sentiments, and ran to their rooms to play the with the Lego bricks which had been discarded for a few weeks. I could hear them planning the next day’s adventures which included playing cricket with their friends and taking their Aunt Lora to the pool.

All was good except for the unpacking.

 

 

 

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Posted on February 26, 2014 in Parenting in Singapore

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First Week Adventures in Singapore

Posted on February 20, 2014 | Leave a comment

Aaron and his Scooter

What happened during my first week in Singapore prompted me to write an OP-Ed piece for Family & Life Magazine, Singapore. This confirms my belief there is never a dull moment living in a foreign country with 3 boys.

Check out my first piece since moving to Singapore.

An Emergency in a Foreign Land, Singapore Maureen Schuster 2014

* Don’t forget to give me a little love & like the article:

**My next article for Family & Life Magazine, Singapore comes out March 2014

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10 Things I LOVE about Living in Singapore!

Posted on February 13, 2014 | Leave a comment

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This is not a comprehensive list about how much I love Living in Singapore, rather what immediately comes to mind.

1. Safety- Singapore is safe, I do not have to worry about someone snatching my purse on the MRT, I walk to the grocery store after dark without a thought and we let our children out of our sight in public, which is a big one. Today I went to the boy’s school, Singapore American School (SAS) and saw the student’s bikes in the bike racks. Do you know there was not one Lock on any bike. I love that!

2. Easy to Navigate– I am directionally challenged, I’ll admit it. I stood on train platform in Paris staring at the Metro map and had not a clue. I just waited for my husband to tell me what route we were taking. Not a good thing for someone who likes to believe they are in charge. In Singapore the train Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is easy to figure it out  with its color coded lines even a 4th grader can figure it out…I know this because my 4th grader often tells us what route to take. If the MRT is not your thing how about the plentiful taxi cabs where the drivers mostly speak English, and the fares are one of the more reasonable things you will find in Singapore.

3. February- MY friends are complaining on Facebook about the snow and cold and this afternoon I cannon-balled in the pool. Why you ask? Because I can!

4. Expat Friends- I have met some of the loveliest and most interesting people since moving here. I rarely meet an Expat who is not friendly and inclusive. After a week living here I was invited to cocktails with my new neighbors who immediately added me to their group. Everyone seems to remember when they were the newbies on the block and go out of their be kind. Refreshing for sure.

5. Resort or Real Life? I live in a condo with amenities which include an exercise room, sauna, tennis courts, playground and a pool that rivals any resort. I live on the 16th floor and and have a beautiful view of the pool and have a breeze from the balcony that cools my home. Seems like a dream most days.

6. Food- Then grocery store is at times my Singapore nemesis. Let’s be honest groceries are outrageous here. I will post an entire blog about the insanity that is food shopping in Singapore later. However, My entire family loves cherry tomatoes and they are a bit pricey in the U.S. However, honey cherry tomatoes are $1.50 per container. We purchase about 5 packages a week, it’s one of the few bargains here.

7.) International Flavor- My boys attend an American School. Their classes are comprised of students from all backgrounds. I love in casual conversations my children say things like “My friend from Russia….” or I hear them refer to the elevator as “the lift” These cultural experiences can’t be learned in a classroom.

8. Bread- Every corner there is a plethora of bread and pastry shops. For this carb addicted mom that is both dangerous and delightful.

9. Singapore Sushi- Believe it or not I was not a fan of sushi before moving here. I am a convert. the local grocery store makes it fresh every morning and I am there each morning to purchase. Tuna, salmon, cucumber,crab oh my!

10. My Boys- In Singapore I have the luxury of being a work at home mom. I am able to take my boys to the bus stop and pick them up every afternoon.I am the mom who attends the field trips and makes the homemade Halloween costumes and writes while the boys are at school. Being at home is the best thing about moving to Singapore. I feel so fortunate.

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Superbowl Monday Morning?

Posted on February 5, 2014 | 1 comment

Living in Singapore I have gotten used to being 13 hours ahead of my friends and family back in Georgia. I wish people Happy birthday the day after their actual birthday and I’ve been trick or treating in the Woodlands long before my friends even get up and think about last minute Halloween candy shopping. However, Superbowl Sunday threw me off a bit. The Superbowl tradition begs for chicken wings, beer, 7 layer dip and other yummy afternoon/evening food.

So what are a bunch of Americans to do when The big game comes on at 8am Monday morning?  Take the day off of course and gather at local watering holes that televise  the game.

Monday, morning at 6:45 am my husband and I put our 3 children on the school bus and flagged down a cab and headed to Clarke Quay to meet our friends and  have beer, chicken wings, and nachos at  Did I mind eating bar food and drinking a lager a few short hours after the sun came up? Not a bit. The bar was packed with fans in jerseys and the cheering was loud. Now if only the Broncos could have put more few points on the board!

The only drawback to seeing the game in Singapore was the long awaited commercials were not to be seen in Singapore. Unfortunately, you saw the same 3 local commercials at every TV break. Don’t worry the table next to us made the annoying replay of commercials into a drinking game. That is what I call creativity.

It was a great day for fun not such a great one for Peyton Manning.

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Happy Chinese New Year:Gong Xi Fa Cai”

Posted on January 31, 2014 | 1 comment

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Photo:Chinatown in Singapore at night, taken with my new camera. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to take more and better photos.

2014 is the year of the horse. I can confidently  say I only know this fact because I live in Asia. It’s a strange feeling to live in a country during a major holiday and not celebrate it. School is out so we are swimming and enjoying family time but I almost feel like hosting a reunion dinner. But as my husband reminds me we have a reunion dinner every evening. He is right,a s we are the only family we have in Singapore.

Over the past few weeks I have been to Chinatown twice and seen the beautiful horses and lanterns displays that light the streets near Pagoda street. My kids although not completely sure about what the holiday means are all too willing to receive the red packet of money. I think I can scrounge up a couple of bucks for some sweet little boys. In the meantime here is an inspirational greeting appropriate for new years I found. 福禄寿  which translates to Happiness, Prosperity and Longevity. Happy 2014 make it a great one!

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