My Teeth are Clean

I think mine are kind of like the #5

Not sure how I got there or how I got back.  Doesn't matter, the magic pill made the whole ordeal bearable.  Now to sink back into bed and hope that the spazzy muscles in my back will be happy.  After massage therapy, acupuncture, and every kind of compress I could find I discovered that a dental magic pill makes one's back be a non issue.  Glad I am going back  to complete the cleaning. But hope too that the back nasty does not last until I do.

I think I entertained anyone around me quite nicely with my drug induced   

                                          fog today.  I have to admit also - it is nice to be in a cold climate.

Kolly and Nana Spend the Afternoon Together

Although I was invited to Cirque de Soleil  I assured Jenn that I had seen more than my share of circuses in my life - could I please be spared this one?  I was, and that is how Kolly and I managed to spend the afternoon together, uninterrupted by others.  It was nice time we managed to have with each other. No mother in her view to distract her and want to be with, no brother in her vision to have to share the attention.

We did not do anything earth-shattering. But her nurturing personality shone through loud and clear, as she mimicked how her own mother cuddles and cares for her, through the ooh, ooh, ooh, monkey that Nana brought her this trip.


Kolly is such a loving little girl. She always makes sure those around her are ok, and need nothing.  Here is is with Mr. Monkey, doing just that.

After her nurturing and mothering, clearly it was time for re-hydration, and then maybe catch 40 winks before the little one needs further attention.

                             

Air Canada as usual

Anyone who thinks they can defend aircanada and their conduct, please think again.  Their latest scam is some e-mail they send to customers who collect airmiles.  Why I bother to collect air miles it beyond me, but I guess I will continue and then see if I can transfer them to a carrier that I can actually make use of the accumulation of miles.  They advise they have a contest that could win you a trip, but when you attempt to enter it when you click ENTER, nothing happens.  No entry form, no redirect, no nothing.  aircanada - your marketing stinks as much as your customer service.

Wash Cloth Elephants

I just received a picture of a very upscale place I will be staying in Canada.  They also have created art from extremely artistic ways of draping a wash cloth.  I have stayed at places in Thailand where they folded towels to look like elephants; and they have done a remarkable job.

But this place in Canada goes a bit further and incorporates little people into the formula and ends up with elephant-like art to join you in the bathtub.

Now off to find some bargoons and whatnot to take back to those little elephants and their parents.

I am a Clever Bunny

Now, after a full day of going somewhere, I have arrived at the Grand Four Wings Hotel.  Probably the best choice I have made in ages.  I have chatted with various people along the journey. I seem to be a person that attracts conversation from strangers.Not sure why, but it has been interesting.  I think a person will always attract that when they travel solo.  And my hotel pick up was there at the airport waiting for me. Everyone had a sigh of relief when the old lady came dottering up to the sign.  They had been looking for Mr. Embury, not Ms.  and were happily surprised to see me.What a great way to begin a trip back home.  This hotel is complete luxury and indulgence. And incredibly affordable. If you are reading this, and not a member of Agoda, get your rear in gear and join.  No cost, great deals.  agoda.com

Now gonna draw a bath and fall into bed for the night.  And then dreams of omelettes and real multigrain bread and all other good things for my first of many excellent indulgences for the next month.

Miracles DO Happen

I have been in Singapore for about 2 hours and have not coughed once.  Those of you still in Johor, throw away your ventolin and get over here.

Hey Ry - Do You Remember Your Dove Tattoo?

No, I did not get a Dove Tatto, but next best thing.

My Indian friend was out of town, and I had a bee in my bonnet to get a henna.  All over the place I went to no avail.  Finally I decided that Kota Jaya might produce a henna artist.  I went to a nail salon in Kota Jaya and thought we were talking about the same thing. Until she produced a portfolio of various nail art options. No, no, not that, henna - for my hands.  No, no, we do not have, it finish.  Ok, do you know any Indian shops here. Can, can, go straight , then go that way lai dat and there.  No, none of that, but another Chinese hair salon this time.  One stylist went to a patron - Indian - and came back. Stay here, wait.  I stayed there. I waited.  My new Indian friend says follow me. I followed her to a taman I have never seen before, with twists and turns and more turns and twists, and stopped at a home. My new Pakistan native friend who arrived in Malaysia the same time as myself began her work.  After several hours of her artistry, her dear little one year old daughter did a major high five on my right foot, right into the ink.  Not a pretty sight. She was devastated. You cannot correct this. I assured her it was still fine, and suggested we call it a day.  But I do have one lovely foot, a dramatic left hand, and a right foot that can pass very nicely after a g & t.

 Can you imagine what ideas will come to mind with my granddaughter when she sees this? I can.  Better hide the markers when she does.

Countdown

I do not know how I did it, but I am almost ready for takeoff.  Well, still to pack my clothing, but I really do not have much to pack - what I wear here will be of little use in the cold north. I will actually be able to use the beautiful shawl Ryan brought me this year for other than wrapping my fever-racked body, which is the only use it has had here.  I do hope I have left time for the henna paint and my friend being able to apply it. If not, another time.  I am happy with the choices of airlines I made - hope they were good ones in the end.  They both touted that they have extra leg room, so comfort should be better than tinCanair  was last year. Those who know me are likely wondering why I care about extra leg room. The reason is because if I actually had a proportionate body my height would only be about 4 foot six inches.  I am not that height, I am five foot four inches. Hence, all the height is in my legs, not the rest of my body. For those who do not know me, visualize a spider, and that is me (with only 2 legs).I am kind of like a drawing of a person that a 3 year old does - you know a big head, and arms and legs that magically flow out of the neck.  All this prattle leads to an appropriate cartoon I found online.

I have it covered, if that advertisement does not pan out.  I am a woman, so this next statement should be in my favour.

Holy crow, I am going to a land where people actually stop at red lights and stop signs. And to top it off, I don't have to drive.  Right, Jenn?

See you soon Kolly and Levi

Panic is a very good incentive

I have laid on the sofa for the past week, making a nest of kleenex and empty sparkling water bottles.  I have also become a skilled navigator of the debris I have created in this lifestyle.  Talking with a friend this morning who called to see if I was in Canada now gave me a burst of energy and the incentive I needed to get my rear in gear.  Besides, I had run out of kleenex and sparkling water.  Off to Econsave I traipsed. Drat, I should know better. They do not carry kleenex - they do carry some sort of tissue that rubs your nose raw, but  better than my sleeve. They do not carry sparkling water, but being flexible I was willing to pick up soda water. Forget that.  All on the menu there is coke and syrupy sweet something or other. Back home, back to my filtered water on ice. Then the cleaning began.  The main floor is swabbed, the upper floor is too. All ironing, except for what is still drying is done as well.

I packed the new luggage that could pass as something barbie would take.  Full of trinkets and things for everyone at home.  Might be a good idea to toss in some changes of clothes for me too.  It is very difficult to wrap my brain around sweaters and long pants, and sweaters and long pants.  I sweat just thinking of these things.  But pack them I must.  I have sorted all my currencies and now have to remember what value they hold. Some lucky or unlucky friend or family member might get something worth more than I was planning on spending or the reverse.  I decided to take cash only and when that runs out, I quit shopping.  It is the only way I can do that exchange - remember I said I was no good at math???  If I get lazy, I suppose I could just buy one thing with the wad and call it a day.  If so, one person might score well.

The fridges are bare bones, the larder is similar.  Now to get back to that nest - the Lion King is on television tonight.  I like the Lion King. I love the music, so I guess my neighbours will be blessed with my television volume as high as it will go.  Too bad there are no kids here with me, it would give me an excuse to watch it.  Popcorn sounds like a nice dinner with the movie, huh?  Because I can, lai dat.

Mixed Feelings - Two Feet of Snow!

I am almost there. I do know it will be much cooler there and look forward to that experience.  Someone sent me this great picture but I have mixed feelings about it.  I would love to post it on my blog, but not really want to experience it.  There are many parts of Canada that will be able to easily claim this one. Where I am going, there is always a possibility of the event, but highly unlikely. No, I don't want it, but it is still very amusing - to me anyway.

What is a Friend?

As I prepare for the journey across the globe I also prepare a schedule for the time there and give my friends notice of my arrive.  I cannot fit everyone into this schedule. That is not something I have a great deal of control over because the time is limited.  However, there are some who take offense to this.  This brings me to the definition of friends.

The word friend has morphed into something new.  When one has a Twitter account or a Facebook page it seems many of these people want to have millions of followers and friends on these accounts. Are these people really friends?  I too have a Facebook page and I have figured out how this happens. One person, shall we say, an acquaintance, asks to be your friend on Facebook. I eventually cave, and let them be my friend.  It does not stop there; their friends then begin pestering you to be a friend as well. It gets worse, there are people who have nothing to do other than surf the net and click on follow or be my friend and they have no idea of who you are. If you fold there, then those people bring friends to the mix and you are suddenly connected with people that you will never meet, talk to, or have anything in common.  Is that a friend?  How about Twitter?  The goal apparently becomes the one with the most followers.  All those friends who follow you are from all over the world, and from experience, I have had people who want to follow me that I do not want in that list. You then have to block them or remove them from your list.  Lets face it people, we are not all movie stars, we are not all the president of the USA.  Grab yourself a reality check and set realistic honest goals for your followers and friends on these accounts.  Social media has redefined friends.  I choose to subscribe to the old fashioned friend definition.

You can go online and read all the descriptions of what a friend is.  Myself, I go within and find that definition.  Being a friend is personal. Having a friend is just as personal.  If both parties do not subscribe to the same definition are they friends?  I have learned that they are not.  Someone from my past had declared that I am not her friend.  I did not know that one person can decide if another person can set that person's rules for friendship.  I guess they think they can, so does it really matter?  Frankly it smacks of playground etiquette.  You cant come to my party because blah blah.  You cant play with us because blah blah.  If you are not nice to me according to my rules then I wont be your friend.  Have the power of the crowd or the power of ownership of the ball and I guess you write the rules.  Yes, this friend felt that I had been given so much from her in the past that I owed her something now. What she defined as what I owe her now was my time. I do no have the time. Thus, the friendship was withdrawn.  Maybe she needs to redefine her statement. She is not my friend (by choice), not - you are not my friend (by her rules). That is fine. We all have choices.  But we need to own them. I know this is possible. I have friends from my past who are part of my present, that  often finds us not communicating for months at a time. But when we do, we pick up and don't miss a beat; it is like there has never been a gap of silence.

Now I get to say what I think simply because this is my blog.  Friendship, like love, is personally defined and personally executed.  My personal definition for friendship, exactly like love, is that what I give and to whom I give it has no expectations of return.  I give it freely.  Let me tell you, once you become a mother you have the greatest opportunity to learn that lesson.  I cannot imagine having a child to love and to nurture and not love that child through all the hills and valleys.  Children practice their independence in many ways. During that process they do not exactly express that unconditional love very appropriately in return.  But mom will always love them, the kids know it, and that is a good thing.

So, what have I learned? Well, even when you are as long in the tooth as I am and a female as well, I will experience friendships that come, friendships that go, and friendships that weather the storm.  Like that saying some people are in your life for a season, some people are in your life for a reason I will be a friend to those who want to count me in that list and accept their terms as they are expressed.  Please accept mine as well. For the others - enjoy your journey.

Mentee in Training Deserves an Apology

Previously I wrote about a mentee in training. I know she will read this - her mom is a follower here.

Aisyah, I apologize. I spelled your name a different way. The wrong way! My reason - I actually have a friend from Morocco and that is how she spells it.

Jeepers, I hope I did it right this time.  But then, don't count on it; it took me a year to learn the correct way to spell your father's name.  I guess that is why I call your mom "G".  Keeps it simple.

Is she a cutie or what?

Hari Deepavali

Yesterday was Deepavali and all Indians prepared for the day by preparing huge feasts to share with family and friends, dressing in new clothing, and opening their home to everyone. I was fortunate enough to make new friends here who invited me to their celebration. I knew I could not attend. They would be offended if I did not eat, and when I eat, I throw up from the medications I am taking the asthma that has a strong hold on my lungs.  I also knew I had to go there to explain so they would not think I just did not want to come.

Where in Canada could you arrive 2 hours before the invited time to drop off a gift and be greeted as warmly as I was greeted?  I cannot think of anywhere.  I tried to pick up flowers for my friends, because I knew I must take a gift of some sort. The flower shop was closed, the vendor was inside, so I called the number on the window. He answered and said he is now closed. I explained my plight, he said, I am now closed. And that was that.  I asked a young girl on the street what I could take as a gift for people celebrating Deepavali. She said flowers. I explained that I could not get any because the shop was closed. She said clothing.  What the hell? Clothing?  I can't take them clothing, so thanked her and went on my quest.  I remembered a nice cake/lunch shop down the street. It is actually fairly nice - quite western, so off I trotted.  I managed to score a very nice HUGE cake that would serve 50.  He decorated it with Happy Deepavali 2012 and boxed it up for me.

Now off to the friends.  I actually found the house with a google search and arrived to find everyone home and the yard beautifully decorated for the party.  The mother had made a coloured coconut emblem at the entrance to the property, and tiny lights twinkled in the nearing sunset. Food containers awaited the feast soon to arrive.  And the cutest little poodle I have ever seen here. In fact, the only poodle I have seen here. His name is Dino - named for the Fintstone dog.  They would not let me leave, but soon understood my health issue and why I could not stay.  We visited in the living room and watched a monsoon arrive.  Quickly, everything was snatched from the rain and brought under roof covers until it quit.  Over 70 people were invited for the gathering, so you can imagine how much scrambling was going on to keep things dry.  I began gagging in my most attractive manner and knew it was time to leave.  We have made plans for me getting henna feet and hands before I leave for home so that my family can see what sort of preparation goes on for Deepavali over here.  I guess there will be minimal hand washing once that is done in order to preserve the art. Or maybe just faded hands and pretty fresh feet to show off. Good thing I got pretty toes yesterday as well.

Here is what I got to experience, although briefly, and not with the crowd.  And clearly, lovely new friends who have taken a foreigner into their home with such kindness.  I sure wish I could have eaten with them, but I will not fade away and know there will be other opportunities in the future.

The next series of pictures are of the coconut art that was at the gate and inside the house.  Truly beautiful work, and the dog did not even try to mess it up.

at the gate

just inside the house at the entrance

one wall in the living room

closeup of previous picture

Lunch in Kota Tinggi

Najiha, known to me as G. Her name has
no G, but just the same that is who she is.

Syukry - G's husband.After nearly a year,
I was finally able to spell his name correctly.  

                                     

Yesterday I met some former mentees (husband and wife team) + their daughters for lunch.  One of the daughters - the elder one - kind of fits into the mentee catagory as well. My first time at her school so very long ago, I was in her classroom. The teacher never did show up and I had a sea of little faces staring at this foreign lady who looks very odd to them. I finally thought I might as well teach them something, but did not realize that they did not understand any English at all.  With them all staring at me with wide eyes I finally said does anyone here speak any English?  From the crowd, a sweet little voice piped up and said I can speak English.  And then our friendship was forged.  Ayesha Azalia helped me teach the class and everyone had fun.  It was a great way to these little people onside, and I will never forget the day.

Although we had planned to go to JB to Nando's for lunch the plan dissolved, and we opted instead to meet at the famous Rosemerah cafe just a short jaunt from my house.  I did manage to pick up a box of extremely decorated cupcakes for the girls while in JB getting my toes painted a flashy colour for Canada.  I think that was more of a highlight of our visit than actually visiting with me. But the parents and I enjoyed our time together and caught up on what we are doing, where we are going, and everything else in-between.

Yesterday I met some former mentees (husband and wife team) + their daughters for lunch.  One of the daughters - the elder one - kind of fits into the mentee catagory as well. My first time at her school so very long ago, I was in her classroom. The teacher never did show up and I had a sea of little faces staring at this foreign lady who looks very odd to them. I finally thought I might as well teach them something, but did not realize that they did not understand any English at all.  With them all staring at me with wide eyes I finally said does anyone here speak any English?  From the crowd, a sweet little voice piped up and said I can speak English.  And then our friendship was forged.  Ayesha Azalia helped me teach the class and everyone had fun.  It was a great way to these little people onside, and I will never forget the day.

                                                   

Anne is the little one, Ayesha Azalia is the mentee-in-training.
They are smile because they have cupcakes,
not because they are happy to see me.







G & Me - I'd like to think I looked dreadful because I
have not been well. Truth is - I always look like this! I really
must remember to leave my sunglasses on. It might help
a bit to stop looking like 'muskie'

Depavali Begins

Each of the cultures here celebrate their cultural beliefs at different times of the year. Like christians that celebrate Christmas every December 25th, the Chinese celebrate their new year either January or February, the Muslims celebrate their Hari Raya either July or August, and the Indians celebrate their Depavali in November. Here we are in November, and last night I was awakened, gently, to a sound that has become familiar to my in recent weeks.  The gentle sound of popcorn being heated and exploding through my new popper and into a bowl is what awakened me. Another way to describe the sound is like the noise one can make when sticking their index finger inside their cheek in the mouth and pulling it forward - kind of like a cork popping! I looked at the clock by my bed and it was midnight - on the dot.  Who is making popcorn, and why can I not smell it?  Practicing my Singlish, I would say - Smell it, I cannot, lai dat, lah, what reason it is lah?

The popping continued. I lay in my bed and wondered what was going on. Eventually I understood.  Occasionally I could hear one of those whistling fireworks ascend into the sky and explode (I assume) with a profusion of colours.  This popping continued for about 20 - 30 minutes.  I could be wrong with the time, but it was not a 30 second start/stop event.  Depavali had begun. It begins each year roughly the same time, but exact time is dictated by the moon cycle.  For those who celebrate this event, they will have festivities and gatherings for the next five days. Because I live along the river, and everyone seems to think the river is a perfect location to set off their celebratory fireworks, I get to see it all first hand.  If I was asked to vote on decorum, I would give the Indians the trophy hands down. They arrived with the fireworks without being heard, they set them off with a way that only slightly roused one from sleep, and they left without the listener knowing exactly what happened or why.  I am guessing that it looked much like this for those taking part.

Now I have to figure out how to be civilized and cough/choke free today. I have been invited to my Indian friends for their open house tonight at their home.  I met them at the Plaza a few months ago when we all were trying to get some kind of home internet.They took me under their wing and their eldest son (about 10 or so) translated for me when I was attempting to negotiate a home internet service.   The internet did not happen, but a new friendship was forged, and they keep in touch with me on a regular basis.  I am going to have to find a jasmine necklace somewhere. My own little jasmine shrubs will not be enough for that and even if they were, my knobby old fingers could never thread those delicate flowers onto the string of silk to make the necklace anyway.  I bought one in Little India, Singapore last year. The fragrance knocks you off your feet. Now the quest to find one or some here in Malaysia. Wish me luck. I would like to present them to my friends.   Happy Depavali Logan and family.  See you soon. 

Hmm, I know there is a temple on the way to K T from J B.  Maybe I will check there first.  

No, I remember all sorts of marquees being set up in Kota Jaya this week. That is probably where I will find them. But what a nightmare getting there.  Egad, wish me luck.

Tropical Fluoridation Available Here

I stopped in at a dentist here.  The list of available services made me giggle. Do you see what I was laughing at?  I guess the sign painter knew he lived in the tropics, so decided the word was spelled wrong, so he corrected it.

The Metropolis of Kota Tinggi

As I watch this cosmopolitan community unfold I realize that it is all in the perspective one has.  Had I seen what we now have when I first arrived, I would have had the same impression I had at that time, and had nothing to look forward to because of that.  So, I guess it is a good idea that I am experiencing this growth.  We have an automatic car wash now which makes me giggle.  I was tempted to go through it, just because it was there. But once I got into the line I realized it was just a hose - high pressure one - that two men sprayed on the car, and then sponged off with soapy water, then another hose held by another employee who rinsed it. But wow, it is more high tech than we have had in the past. Now, today, I went to one of the farmasis I go to and discovered it gone. Lucky for me, I saw it open further up the block so traipsed down there. The farmasist advised that they had to move because a new tenant was going to lease the entire space where they were before, plus all others on either side. Seems Courts  is moving into Kota Tinggi. Well, bless my soul!  This is a semi equivalent to The Brick where I come from.  Add the new mall to this mix and we have indeed begun the path to being a cosmopolitan urban experience.  I was feeling so urban that I stopped for a frozen thing to drink and watch the world go by.  The menu offering was all in pictures, so I chose the one that indicated it was made with a smatter of crushed oreos.  Yuck, it was some kind of chocolate cookie crumbled into the ice mix but heavily flavoured with mint.  I strongly dislike chocolate and mint together. It is like brushing your teeth while enjoying a delightful chocolate. It should never be allowed to marry these two flavours together.  This should be banned worldwide.  No, I don't dislike it - I hate it.

For anyone who fears the dentist as much as I do, here is a quick little jingle written by a poet that I always find amusing.  Ogden Nash hit the nail on the head with this one.

"some tortures are physical
 and

some are mental


but the one that is both


Is dental"


ogden nash