Late entry....

Downtown getting my hair done this day and I said "I'd better take my camera". So I snapped a few picks of Bugis Street area ( pronounced Boo-gus) and some Chinese New Year decor.

Okay. The last one is Maggie Moos, which just cracks me up, since this is what American exports to the world?? Yes, it's good. And I think of my niece Oddie when I see them.

Going Native....

I am always so impressed with the blogs I follow, and wonder why mine isn't as awe inspiring. I think it is because I'm not a faithful writer. I can honestly say writing is NOT my forte, and never will be. I do not aspire to write a book or anything beyond this blog. Thus, as stated before, is a journal of the chaos that is my life. It's not a bad life, rather it's not a usual American life.
But I can see a tendency to be going native now. Hubby and I tend to eat only Asian type foods. Our favorite eateries are HDB hawker stalls (housing estate cafes under the tall apt buildings) where the average meal we buy is S$3, that's US$ 2.40 for a plate full of food. But I think the biggest reason  I'm going native is I don't carry my camera with me everywhere anymore. I keep seeing great things and shouting "I don't have my camera with me". The neighboring pedestrians shake their heads in pity - crazy Ang Mo!!  We're entering Chinese New Year and there is beautiful decor everywhere. I've even bought some for the house. No idea what it says or what it means, but they are pretty, inexpensive and festive!! Alas, no photo....
Well upon the request of my Big Sis, who doesn't believe I really work...anywhere...I did drag my camera to work today to prove to her and others that I do have a job ( though not full time, as I like it).

I did not merely run behind the bar and have someone take the photo. Oh no. I have on the work uniform , complete with ugly hair up requirement.  Just filling water this time around.
Later this week I take the ultimate plunge and have my hair Rebonded..... ( insert dramatic music here). This is a procedure where they chemically treat the hair to straighten it. It also takes some fluff out ( hopefully) but not as much as a Brazilian Blow out. Those are are hugely expensive here, as it is a "western" thing. The locals do the rebonding and being the cheapie I am, I'm going to give it a try. Wish me luck. Photos to follow. I promise.

The wheels on the Buss go round and round...

It's it interesting how some days you plan one thing, and another completely different thing happens. Ok, this isn't anything earth shaking, but I planned a simple day around the house ( workmen coming over), then a lunch with Hubby, and a quickee trip to the market for some supplies for this evening's dinner. All went according to plan till I was heading for the bus stop in the company shuttle. Got to gabbing with another rider and she mentions that Causeway Point (mall) is big, western and has everything - without the hour trip south to Orchard Road. All right. I've been meaning to get over, as it isn't that far really. But I never travel that way so it's been put off. Well today can be the day. Why not?? I was going to catch the 169 Bus south to NorthPoint mall, so why not hop on the other way and check it all out. Sure. So that's what I do. It terminates at the mall/Interchange anyway so it's a simple ride ( no worrying I'll miss my stop). I get there and it indeed is huge - 4 stories plus the basement shops. Ugh. Am I glad?? I hate huge places where I can't seem to find anything. There is the Metro Dept store ( which I forgot to come back and check out) and tonnes of other stores. THe usual suspect shops are there (if needed), plus some new things. Okay it looks promising - again for those times when I might need it ( haven't yet). What I do need, and was going to get at Northpoint, is the Popular Bookstore who sells the mailing labels. I'm out. Somehow I've managed to use 50 in 1 year. You all must have gotten quite a few gifts from me!!! Now that I'm playing with my Silhouette, I can make stickers and all sorts of fun stuff.  So labels it is. Luckily, being a Big Girl shopping mall, they have the bookstore. I buy the labels and think "yeah, this can work". Granted the bus ride was a bit longer than the shuttle driver said....
But my main purpose is veggies for tonight's dinner - Caribbean Curry rum chicken!! YUM. I need veg: cilantro (coriander), a red apple, mint -  insert cricket noise here - other than the apple for $.65 there was nothing.  Hmmm. Plus I'm in a different store with a layout I don't know. Bugger it. I'm heading to the little market by us. Oh wait, let me grab those good rice crackers while I'm here.
Honestly I'm not too keen on taking the bus back the way I came and since I need to go to the market at the MRT, I head for the station right outside the door. Two stops later, I'm in familiar territory. So I pop down to the market grab all the goodies I need ( and a few more they have on offer), then it's outside to wait for the local bus 882 to take me practically to my door. Today has been muggy and as I wait there, I realize it's one of those days where the temperature/humidity makes even the front of your knee caps sweat.
Yup, welcome to Singapore..

January already!!

Happy 2013. Wow I can't believe it's marching on already. But that is good . The job at the Terror Club is keeping me busy, even with only two days a week. It fills some time and then what time I have at home is filled more with the things I need to get done.
But lately I find myself really missing London and all the diversions. It's so different here ( trying not to complain but compare) with things not right out my front door. Plus the heat inhibits me. Sorry. That's the truth. I'm just not a hot weather person. I'm longing for the cold and often check the temps in places I know it'll be cold! Weird huh?
I'm hoping for the new year to get downtown more. There are still all the museums to explore. It's just not as fun doing these things solo. At least people with kids and babies have that, a travel partner. There has been a new influx of people here so maybe a travel buddy will emerge. I may have to "humble" myself, and buddy up with a mom who has little ones. Eek. The  thought is not thrilling. But needs must, eh?
Christmas brought me a new toy: Hubby bought me a Silhouette cutting machine. While I am NOT a scrapbooker or card maker, This little gem will aid me in some crafts. I can cut vinyl for wall decor (signs. You know I love my signs), stencils for glass etching, fabric appliques should I chose to do so, or paper cuts. This is now my new diversion. I do have to say I am disappointed in the lack of  a manual. They tell you how to plug it all together but there is not real guidance on usage. So I spend a lot of time online watching tutorials on Youtube and blogs. This is not making Hubby too happy and I think he may be regretting his choice. I need to do all this while he's at work I suppose.

whole kit & kaboodle

design programme

little sample I did while learning...nothing great, but it gives you an idea

 Next month I head back to the States for a month in the cold. I am very excited as I will be staying with the Girls and doing the annual trip to the Caribbean. Nothing like girlfriends to tell you the truth, laugh at all the craziness in your life and just be there if you need strength or support.  I'm really looking forward to it.