McD in Malaysia

It appears to be worth my while when I take on writing to various corporations over here. I have found that the standards that were intended for many of the international franchised food outlets are not being met over this way. So, what do I do?  I write to the corporation.  And this time, it paid off.  Where I live, there is a McD, and on occasion, I find myself beating a path to that door, when I just want something familiar.  Well, they initially served milkshakes, then that was removed from the menu.  I cannot tolerate all the sugary drinks here, and really thought a milkshake might replace that nicely.  The fries are cold - probably a batch is prepared early in the morning and then served throughout the day. Locals are ok with this - that is the norm. But I don't like fries at the best of times, so if I am going to eat any, they have to be freshly prepared and piping hot.  Hence, the letter.  And what came of this?  Milkshakes back on the menu, and if I order fries, they are prepared when I order them.  Holy crow!

I feel like I have to go frequently to order a shake, just to keep them on the menu.  Yesterday, I dropped into a big outlet in JB because I wanted to get one of their very useful calendars they make. These wall calendars give all the school holidays for the year, so I can anticipate what dates I have off.  This year, it is in the form of a growth chart, so kinda fun for the little people to record how much they grew this year.  BUT, that location did not have milkshakes!  Seems that I needed to list all the locations that I wanted them available. Not a problem, I dont order them all that frequently, so my local eatery will suffice.

As for Welch's grape juice in the food stores - there must be many new followers of this treat.  They have now packaged individual bottles, much like a water bottle for convenient six pack purchases. You can bet I have stocked up on that. Not cheap, the little gems cost about $3.00 CAD each. Lucky me - they are my indulgence.

Wholes Need to be Repaired

Do you see the problem with that title?  If not, and English is not your first language, then you are safe. If you are upper management with a company that provides English learning, then there is a big problem.  Should I ask if the partials will be repaired at the same time?

The message was sent to us regarding our website that has never functioned since we returned to work. Kind of the same scenario with the last website we used last year.  Oh well, the spelling that comes in these e-mails keep a smile on my face.  The next one always outdoes the last.

Painted Lines and Traffic Lights

As the week begins anew, I am hoping that the drivers understand that the painted lines on the highways are not energy sources for their vehicles. I think they believe that these dotted lines are an alternative form of energy to power their vehicles, much like overhead cables for trollies in North America. Everyone straddles them.  It does not leave a lot of room for drivers who actually choose a lane.

Also,  I wonder if they know what the red light at a traffic intersection means.  I stopped at one yesterday in order to wait for a green light to make a right turn. Everyone drove around my vehicle on my left side as though I was a stalled car.  Do they not know that red means Berhenti? It is not the first time, but yesterday it was so strange how a whole stream of vehicles just began a new path and challenged the cars for position that actually had a green light. It was a public holiday so there was no need to get somewhere on time.  Maybe KFC was offering a special they did not want to miss.

Now to don the duds and hit the trails.  A short week. Nice.

PRAIRIE FEAST vs SMOOTHIE

If  you have ever spent any time in the vast prairie provinces of Canada then you will know what a perogie is.  I know them but I am not a fan of the ravioli-like tidbits.  A FaceTime call to me showed the preparations for the Saturday night feast that their friend suggested. Kolly assisting mom with the ever present hummus was one of the scenes I viewed.  The best one was Kolly dragging a chip through the hummus, licking it off, and dragging it through again. I won't let the other diners know about that! Next came the self invited guest, Bob who wielded the new chopping knife - mincing and dicing the chow. Even if I don't enjoy the star food on this menu, I wish I was there. My kids used to never have trouble getting to school on Thursdays. On that day each week, the cafeteria served these morsels and the lineup for lunch was a mile long. Lucky for me, I did not have to serve them at home.

Asked what I was dining on, I had to admit my choice of food was somewhat less exciting. A tofu smoothie laced with cinnamon, pomelo, mango, and strawberries.  It was, after all, the next morning here!  And a tasty treat  besides.

Thaipusam or Thespian?

Before you chortle over my blunder of the upcoming holiday, tell me - are the two words not very similar in a quick glance?  Well sort of, right?  In a country where there is a holiday for occasions that you would never consider a good reason, I was not shocked to see what I thought was a Thespian holiday. I assumed there was some special acknowledgement of actors on that day.  I am waiting for the holiday that is given to contemplate days to be honoured on a holiday.

So, what is Thaipusam Day?  A journey of faith. It is actually held on Sunday - today - but like we do back home, when a holiday falls on a day that is already considered a day off, the make up day is the following day.  Thaipusam is observed on the full moon day of the Tamil month Thai to make offerings to Lord Muruga. We cannot mess with mother nature, so when the full moon occurs, that day is the day.

If you think modern day body piercing practices are extreme, then wait until you witness the kavadi bearers!  A kavadi is a framework that carries brass or clay pots of milk, and can weigh as much as 100 kilograms. These kavadis have metal hooks, and these hooks, much like a giant fish hook, are embedded into the flesh of the kevadi bearers, while they make this arduous journey pulling the kavadis to the Temple. 

Fortunately, the Hindus look upon this event as a celebration of spiritual attainment, a celebration of life, and a celebration of good over evil.

I won’t show you any pictures of what this looks like. I am sure you can imagine the scene well enough. I have learned that the kevadi bearers take a month of training before this journey of faith.  Their strict vegetarian diet and month of abstinense prepares their body for this journey and allows the task to be completely pain free. Why, because the mind is free from material wants, and the body is free from physical pleasures. I wonder how many Westerners could discipline themselves to that degree?

Thaipusam Day – no thespians there.  But there will be millions of people witnessing this process in K.L., as there are every year. I know that Little India, in Singapore will be spectacular, but I do not have the energy to make the journey there. I am not sure if it is the same in every location, but in Singapore, people of other races take part in this ceremony as well, and fulfill their vows along side the Indians.  I think I will see what is going on in K.T. among my Indian neighbours. Or, at most, J.B.

How to Exercise Here

I have beaten myself up several times. Wanting to join a gym, buy a bike, go hiking, and never doing any of that. Why?  The gyms are upper floors of the row shops. That means bloody hot, and usually fairly unclean too.  A bike?  There is nowhere to ride a bike around here without making it your last bike ride on earth.  Hiking?  Anywhere urban follows the same pattern as bike riding, and rural is not something I want to mess with. Monkeys, snakes, and whatever else lurk there so, hiking has been deleted from that thought process also.

I have searched high and low for a yoga studio. I did find one on the route to one of my schools.  They are never open when I stop by. Must be one of those 24 hour places that are only open a few hours.  So, online I went. I found a FREE online yoga class that has categories for every level. I began today.  Now, there is another application for the iPad and wifi that I had not even considered when I was whining about wanting both.

Yay me.  Now I better make a difference or else everyone will think that once again I started something and dropped out soon after.

Say Om, Ahm, or Ohm

Pen Pals Begin

I have a rural school from BC ready to write to us, so I have some very happy children awaiting this event. I also enlisted one of my daughter's friends who has moved mountains for me in that regard. She has taken this project on like it was her own, and for that I am a lucky lady. Who knows, once I am gone from this land, my own grandson might just be corresponding with an ongoing project that starts this year.  Thank you Trudy for all your help.

Now to settle down and get the materials in order. But it is Saturday here. I do deserve a tea or coffee on the patio first, with one of those biscottis I brought back.

Voicethreads, Veggies and Vitriolic

Ok, voicethreads.  I was mumbling around the internet - because now I can.  I have been working hard to find pen pals for the little gaffers here. Unfortunately, North Americans don't really remember how to write letters because they have all that technology at their fingertips. So, I guess, armed with my laptop and hopefully intermittant internet, I am going to bring these kiddos into the age of instant messages and all else.  This voiecethread gig is something I think we can take part because I can upload much of the material at home and create the material in the classroom with voice recorders and digital camera. If either of my own kids are reading this they are likely chortling and wondering when they will get a call from their daft mother asking for help.

Veggies - I did make myself some broccoli cheese soup, and let it be known that emmental cheese slices actually work quite well if you lace it all with chunks of gouda.  Oh, yes, a half can of carlsberg beer was the broth. Nice work.

Vitriolic?  Well, I had to go to the local grocery today and everyone in the country was there. Today is Mohd Birthday, so I guess that shopping is how one celebrates the day.  All I needed was 2 AAA batteries for my recorder.  All the checkouts were filled with the locals and their carts teeming with bags of sugar, bottles of oil, and sacks of chilis that would blow both ends of a North American's digestive system into the universe.  I went to the 10 items or less check out. No one here seems to understand that statement. There were all variations of what I described just now, and no where near 10 items or less.  I asked the patrons in front of me why they were in that check out. They just looked at me like I had 3 heads.  The sign was written in English and Malay. It was posted in several places.  No one cares.  I fumed and eventually began muttering like a loon about the fact that people in this country don't seem to be able to count.  Vitriolic? Maybe strong word, but it started with V, and I was on a roll.

Lucky me - a Day off Tomorrow

A rather unproductive day today.  I had 4 meetings scheduled. I held two.  I waited for people more than met with people. Ah, yes, the Asian culture. Seems they would rather just not show up than contact me and say they cannot meet. After two very productive meetings I felt like I was on a roll. Silly me.  The other two who dodged me were not prepared to see me still lurking around - waiting for an explanation. I felt I deserved one. They have been under my wing for two years and they are very aware of western culture and expectations. I managed to corner one of them who put up a good struggle. I felt like I was back in time - interrogating my own kids many years ago.  She was just as spunky - and sassed back. I would not back down, she eventually folded and (hopefully) next week will show up for the meeting.  I did tell her I was happy to see her spunk - it means she is learning what I an teaching.

So then on to Tesco to pick up what my brain was craving. Broccoli and swiss cheeses.  Well, broccoli was there, but no Swiss cheese to be found. I did eventually find some emmenthal cheese slices, so will slip those into the yummy soup I will bubble up. Also found some 'snappy' cheddar and then grabbed a little packet of feta. Hopefully the feta will pretend to be gruyere cheese. Sorry Jenn, I had promised to make some while I was home. But you cannot really be jealous when you see what ingredients I am using.

The fruits in season now?  My happy little honey mangos are back, local pomelo in abundance, and today I bought some exotic pears.  I dont usually like those. They are usually starchy and woody when you buy them in Canada. But these little gems are just like anything that is locally grown. They are devine.  Almost a challenge to a bartlett pear from the Okanagan.  Oh, yes, also another break the bank packet of Korean strawberries. I think they work out to about RM2 each, so you definitely do not waste any. (think of a ringgit like a dollar to you - they are in my budget)

For now, I think I will put my feet up on a table (because I can - it is my place) and think about making that broccoli cheese soup. Maybe nosh on the other half of the exotic pear.  I can hardly wait for the Chinese oranges on their way. They are like nothing you have tasted in Canada.

                                only 50 calories for a whole pear and very low in sugar

                                                                                                                            

Superman Returns to South Korea

                                    

After a long contract at sea, and a wonderful visit with his mom, Superman returns to his special lady in Korea.  His entire family is so glad he is back on land before the next mission. We constantly wait for his return, and when we get the chance to be with him, let him know how much we missed his presence.

Now I know why I am in Malaysia.  I get to hug him more often.  Glad I am here for those hugs and visits that I am always rewarded. I am luckier than his family in Canada who only get quick little visits back there.

When he finally hangs up his dive suit, I think there is a very good book to be written. But, I guess he and his sister have to go diving together first. Many years ago he gave her a dive course for her birthday. I  think he needs to see firsthand, just how she did.

Other People Who Melt My Heart

I finally downloaded the pictures from Canada.  Here are two little people that appear to hold me in high regard. I like that.

Does life get much better than this, when you have such a fan club?

It is 4:30 am, I think the diver must be back home now, on his way to his abode and Sumi. I can imagine how happy both of them are now that he is there.  Myself, I could not sleep any longer - I hit the hay last night at 6:30, so I guess it is time for the reading of assignments for me.

Ryan Visits the Old Ma

I have been the luckiest mom in the world. My son has been to visit me often while I live in Malaysia, and what mother would not love that?  This visit was after an extended dive that ended with some serious problems that could have turned into some casualties. I have to believe in a higher power in this situation He came back to me with very little in physical injuries, a lot more in emotional injuries that everyone on that crew will be dealing with for a while, and a set of arms that know exactly how to hug a mother and make her melt.  We need to never forget that the sea is the master.

The visit was brief, but so good for both of us.  Here is who I saw at my gate yesterday afternoon - before the monsoon hit and opened the skies with a flow of water that did not seem to know how to stop.

The Best Date Since I Moved Here

I have a gentleman at my place visiting me. What a treat.  Ry, the diver arrived yesterday and unfortunately leaves today. But I was the lucky lady in his life to be the first non diver to hang out with him since he is back on land.

With the most sensitive and generous heart, he arrives, laden with gifts for his mom.  Does he still not know that the only gift I need from him is his presence?

I pointed out to him last night that the common mynah song we were listening to was not a good omen. That song signals approaching monsoon.  Mr. Mynah did exactly that. It has been raining since yesterday afternoon, and no sign of let up in sight. Let's hope that the roads are not flooded. I, of course have mixed feelings - if they are, I get to keep him here. If they are - he misses his flight and as a consequence, delays getting back to Sumi. I cannot be selfish. I got my time with him this month, now time to share.

I am Pretty Sure I Have Made a Good Choice

More mumbling about this university online program. It took all morning to log in - seems there are fragile bits in this website. I either get a overload message for a place I want to sign into, or just plain no movement and I sit.  Whatever the issues, I am confident that it will become more usable.  What other options do I have. Anticipating the worst, I copy and save various articles I need to read, so that I can read when access is not available.  This happy Mac should be well filled by the end of this program.

So, I think I am confirming to myself that taking a TESL program in an Asian community is an excellent choice.  How else can I actually experience what I am trying to communicate with and maybe fully understand the culture?

Now off to earn the living in the culture I am  where I am submerged.  Cant say submerged in - that would end a sentence with a preposition.

OMG what have I done?

OK, back from Batty Pahat, and now attempting to navigate my way around the new online university experience. To begin, I was assaulted with all Bahasa Malayu - no English. Egad.  Good thing for Google translate. You can copy and paste huge amounts of text there and get instant information.  Now, reading my first assignment in Student Assessments. Seems to have a focus on Imperial examination in China.

OK, I need to read a great deal but for now. I am thinking I better find a comfortable chair and hunker down and begin.  Real reason?  I  logged out of the site and now cannot find my way back to what the heck I was reading.  So, once again, good thing I was not entertaining a Master Computer Science program.

Good Grief.  Now the site does not know me. I cannot use any of the passwords or usernames and go anywhere. Looks like tech support and I will get to know each other rather well.  So, I have deduced that tonight is not the night to begin reading. So, the iPad and entertainment there will have to suffice.  Besides, I need a good rest. Ry is coming to visit me tomorrow. I have arranged the driver, the time for pick up, and will do a few cartwheels to express my excitement of his arrival.

g'nite

Why I Pay Bills face to face

I had a tongue lashing from back home because I have an agent (my daughter) paying my bills there for me. She told me to start doing this myself now that I have internet.  She does not know what happens here even when you have internet. She is an accomplished businesswoman and mother and techno wizard.  Her mother is not. When I lived there I would take my shekels from the bank and go to another bank and pay my credit card bill. I liked the tactile experience of knowing that I had spent money, and now owed it to the nice person who had let me use credit until a certain date.  I paid everything like that. I got a piece of paper that was stamped with my payment, I went home and filed it away until the file got too big.  Daughter does not do this. She has set up online this, online that and dances through the motions of paying without batting an eye. It gave me apoplexy watching her do it.

My attitude is perfect for this part of the world. Everyone uses money, very few establishments take credit cards, and those who do are rare if they have the technology for the new 'chip' cards.  Wow, I even know about these!

Anyway, today I attempted to pay my university program online. What a nightmare.  I finally tracked down a person from the university and they are trying to figure out what happened.  I got the message that I had paid successfully, but then the screen went white and refused to move ahead to the receipt page I was promised.  What are the consequences of this?  I cannot access my program. I cannot access my classes.  I cannot access anything.  Imagine this if I was trying to do something from here to over in Canada?  At least I was able to track down a human here. But a completely different time zone - in fact a different day, means I would only reach automated systems, and the nightmare would grow.

Now I am getting behind at school. If you know me, then you know that bothers me.  I was so looking forward to starting my first assignment tonight. All ready and raring to go and I cannot get in. It's not like I was registered in a PhD in computer sciences.  Thank your lucky stars for that, people.

Customer Service Anyone?

I don't have anything to say, but received this picture in my inbox today.  Thought you might enjoy it as well.  It's always good to start (or end) your day with a smile.

I can think of many call centres I make calls to as I look at this picture.  I wonder if this is what the room looked like when I made my many calls to the internet provider company insisting on having wireless in my home?

Up Late - Getting Ready to Multi Task

Now that the reality of being a teacher and a student at the same time has sunk in, I ponder how I will divide my time. I know there will be sufficient time. I am not a social being; maybe a bit too much introverted, but just the same, happy with my own company.

It is almost amusing.  My first three classes are learning and cognition, philosophical ideas in education, and educational assessment.  Hmm, sounds like some professional development classes I taught last year.

I am not feeling at all smug.  I am thinking there is a lot more to learn in these areas, so time to put on the thinking cap and muse.  Wish me luck.

Data Collection

As I inch my way to 'back to school for myself' I realize that this blog is a perfect data collection site for my thesis.  A reader told me that this blog is the perfect data collection site for my thesis for my next degree. So, some of this might feel like bigger drivel than usual, but for me, it keeps events fresh in my mind, or at least, in the blog so I can return when I begin writing How to Buy A Popcorn Popper in Malaysia.

Intercultural communication is really what TESL is really about. Both sides know how to teach, both sides know how to communicate. Problem lies in communicating with each other. Here are events that displays this perfectly.

1. I landed in Singapore and beforehand, contacted my travel agent in Kota Tinggi advising my arrival time and when I needed to be picked up.  I stated that I would be arriving in Singapore late in the evening on January 2, and that I needed to rest for the night because I was very ill with the flu.  I asked that the driver pick me up at the hotel at noon the next day.  The reply I received was :  Welcome back to Malaysia.  We missed you.  Yes, we will let you rest and the driver will be at the hotel at noon on January 2nd.  what happened?  Well, English is the language that has verb tenses to determine what we mean. Other languages do not. So, the next day really did not have an impact on him so what he saw was January 2, so he dispatched a driver for January 2.  Good thing I was prepared for this and asked him to write back to confirm pick up.  They would have been waiting a long time, and I would have been sad on the day I expected to be picked up.  I always get confirmation of understanding. If not, the wrong day, place, time, and all else always happens.
2. I have more than you can imagine of questions asked and wrong answers given. I have them noted, so wont bore you.
3. My mentee list has changed from last year. I have not updated my text message list accordingly because I think that it might change again. I sent out a text message to everyone on the list advising when the next TPD will be.  I added that if they are no longer mentees to disregard the message.  I got several messages back asking me why I disregard them? Am I mad at them?  what happened?  This culture is English Second Language.  I sometime forget that they do not all have a good grasp of English words. They look up a word and then apply it to themselves rather than to an action.  They think I disregard them.  I applaud them for asking.That is a big step they have taken since we first met.
4. Last term we had two events that required the mentees to be out of school for both of them. We received approval for both and then no approval for one but approval for the other. Eventually we received non approval for both. I was wise enough to wait a few days as all this took only 3 days.  Finally, I contacted all the mentees and sent them a text message. Message content:  I am sorry to advise you that according to the Ministry, approval for mentee attendance at the drama and music workshop and the mini conference has been disallowed and I stated the dates for each.  Please reply to this message so that I know you have received it.  The messages I received were:  When will the workshop and conference be?  Why can I not go?  Who is going? What do we have to do at the workshop?  Do I do anything at the conference?  Are the dates for the workshop and conference switched? what happened?  Some mentees do not understand a complicated message. Put yourself in their shoes.  If I had anything BUT very simple language written in Bahasa Malayu I would not have any idea of what I read.  I really needed to write very simply and let them call me back if they had questions.  The problem was they never asked questions, so I guess I have overcome that barrier. Questions do abound these days, and that is a good thing.

thats all for now

E Books and Old People

You could probably wonder how I make it through a day without some sort of assistance if you ever watched me attempt to download an e book.  Wow, that was worthy of having my blood pressure checked.

I tried to download a recommended book from iTunes, but somehow, this system knows where I purchased the iPad and it was telling me that it is not available in Canada.  Trying to change store locations was not an easy feat. It kept telling me I was not connected.  Well, then connect me!  Finally, after browsing all other options, I returned to the site that was a thorn in my side, and voila!  It let me connect.  I now have 2 books on my bookshelf.  I am almost afraid to read either. If I have to go through this again, I might just reread and reread what I have.

My kids would be so proud of me.  Well, after complete embarrassment of their dolt mother admitting this on a bog.  I have to admit, it is very nice to have two books available to me and no paper or books to recycle at the end of the reading.  Now I have something to entertain myself again instead of a steady diet of solitaire before bed.

The book?  The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared

I thought it might be a good read to prepare myself for that age which is just around the corner.

Weekend Almost Over

Well, the wifi has been a dream come true.  Except for the power outage, which is something that happens on a regular basis, I had continual coverage all weekend.  Even missed a Skype from my family back home, because I went out to do errands. Also had a short visit with my son who is possibly heading this way for a visit.

Life cannot get much better than this. I just sent a message to the nice engineer who helped orchestrate this connection to the world. I am sure he does not get many thank you's; if people are the same as other parts of the world.

Next week I can look forward to a landline phone so that I will not have to depend on the pathetic cell service I have.

I Have WiFi

I really do.  There is nothing else to say.  It even works. And next week, they will bring me a cordless phone.  I can even get phone calls here!

Good things happen to those who wait, right?

Purchase

Coming back here has a few things that require getting used to once again. One, is getting into bed, and knowing that I am not far from the floor, having to reach up to take anything off a bedside table whose surface is only about 18 inches off the floor, and missing out on any breezes that waft through the bedroom because I am located too low to get the benefit. Solution: get a higher bed.  So, on my ramble home one day, I stopped at a shop and picked out a new mattress to have delivered.  Finally, the day came, yesterday, to have the delivery.  Remember, it is always a crap shoot. Pay your money (cash), and then trust that the delivery will take place. It did - as usual.  But the delivery men were very confused. They appeared unable to put the mattress on top of another mattress.  Almost like it was forbidden.  Finally, the new mattress took up its resting place on top of the other, and they left.

Now looking at this structure, I feel almost western once again.  A real bed, with real height.  Only set me back about 100 bucks, so I figure I am worth the investment; even if it might be only for another year.  Fortunately, my gams are disproportionate to the rest of my body, so clamouring into this new bed is not a problem.  Otherwise, I would probably need a bunkbed ladder.  Visualize a chubby little spider with long legs and you can picture the scene.
                                                                                                             

The bonus is if I happen to have a bunch of visitors from the west, I can take one mattress off and end up with two beds for the crowd.

Healed - Off to Work

I was beginning to think that apple sauce was my new diet.  However, I consumed real food yesterday and this morning treated myself to a mango/strawberry/applesauce smoothie.  It amazes one when a treat like this can change one's view of the world.

More than half way through the week and probably not very far ahead in the grand scheme of things regarding the program.  However, each little step makes an impact, so I am just gonna go with that feeling and know that next week will actually be productive.

Hopefully I will get my own car back with everything working.  Now to face the traffic, the drivers, and the big city.

This looks fairly normal:

Sorting Out Schedules - Getting Chariot Working Properly

The first month of work tends to be scattered and less than productive. I am looking forward to work days that flow.  Also need the chariot looked at. The air con tends to work sporadically. I am not a princess that needs air con, but when it rains, the air con is the only thing that clears the windows.  Not a good feature to have stalling.

Nothing else to report.  I also await the technician call for installing my new wireless.  Egad - I have almost succeeded.

Back to the Salt Mines

After a brief recovery, I am heading back to work.  A nasty virus put me to bed for a while.  I apologize to anyone who I infected along my path - which is probably anyone who was within breathing distance from me.  I cannot say enough about the good care Cathay Pacific provided.  Separating me from other passengers, I was given a full row of seats in business class next door to the facilities in order to keep the transfer of the 'bug' to a minimum. I am sure it did not contain much, but it certainly gave me as much comfort as I could have.

The last day in Canada was tobogganing day at Mount Seymour.  Vancouver is one of those cities that allows you to walk in the rain or overcast day or drive a few kilometers and go skiing or tobogganing.  As the family set out on the ski hill day, they passed golfers, cyclists, and hikers before they reached their destination.  I opted to stay home. I needed to pack for travel.  Good choice Frannie!

Jenn took this picture to demonstrate what you see when you arrive.

Pretty stunning, huh?

Thanks to a friend who sent me these photos for the kids at school, here is what they did that day.

Can you imagine a 1 1/2 year old whistling down this slope?  And a parent who constantly has to carry them back up again to do it again?  No need to do any fitness routine after that day!

Now time to get in the chariot and head to work!

Preparing for Popcorn

I have not figured out how to capture a photo on my mac while on Skpye.  On the old pc system all you had to do was click and you have a picture. Not so here, so when I have time I will figure it out. For now, I have discovered 'grab', which encircles the area you want to save and grabs it.  Not very clear, but memorable for me.

Kolly called Nana today on Skype to tell me that she is having popcorn with a movie.  As mom popped the corn, Kolly wore the bowl as a helmet.

Once it was ready, she kindly offered a piece to me - through my Skype picture on her screen

Taman Christmas Present

I just talked with my neighbours.  They installed wifi in their homes on Christmas Day.  Of course, they were thinking of me - the rabble-rouser who instigated this whole process.

Once I am healthier I am traipsing down to the internet office and getting me some wifi myself!

7 am and the common myna is calling

For those who do not know why this bird calls - Monsoons are on the way.  The sky agrees - dark heavy clouds all around me.

Coming Home

I have learned that home is where the heart is.  I dont understand that statement now, because I thought my heart was where my family is.  Maybe it can spread across the globe and be in many places.  Otherwise I do not understand that statement.

What I do know, is that no matter what conditions one lives in; their home is where they want to be when feeling under the weather. Maybe that is sort of like being in an abusive relationship. We tend to gravitate to what we know, not necessarily what is good for us.  And that is exactly where I wanted to be all this week.  I am there, and I am not disappointed.  Seems I left the place in less than a tidy state when I checked out over a month ago. Clean, but clearly a rapid escape with clutter around.  When I got here, that did not matter.  I dragged my weary body up to my bedroom and fell into my bed.  Now, my bed is not exactly a top model of this sort of furniture, but I had the best sleep I have had in ages.  Donned only with the airline blanket that Cathay Pacific donated to me somewhere over the international date line, I slept like a baby.

OK, it is 5 am, and I just heard a screech coming from my upstairs.  Not sure I want to check this out.  None of the windows are open, so who could this be?  Sounded kind of like a cat or a monkey in distress.  Maybe I will just let them stay in distress and take up residence on the main floor for a while.  Ah, yes, Gordon.  My neighbour convinced me to leave my patio light on for the entire 6 weeks.  She advised it is a good security measure; so I did.  Last night before closing up the main floor, who did I see out on the patio roof?  Probably every gecko from the Kota Tinggi municipality. Frolicking on my ceiling out there thinking life is good. If you use your imagination, they looked like little lambs dancing around and bouncing madly all over their arena. There must have been 20 or more little reptiles there.  However, this morning I checked and there stood Gordon alone.  He looked a bit sad.  The party is over.  Guess he will come back inside and live behind the television again now that I am home.  It kinda looks like when teenagers get busted when their parents return home, right?

Now home, I need to settle into work and school.  You will see a lot of observations on the blog for a while - I intend to use the data collected for my thesis.  And other personal contributions regarding intercultural communications, from others will be very welcomed.

Yes, I am back

I looked at the room service menu again.  Here is a line that bought a smile to my face.  Think it will do the same for you.

Prawn Bisque
A rich and creamy seafood soup that will not be missed.


That sort of description would bring the patrons ordering this delight - right?

A Very Short Message

After travelling 1/2 across the world and probably providing enough fuel for propelling the aircraft, I am almost home.  I can say that I count my blessings for travelling Cathay Pacific.  They looked after me in every way during this horrible flu I had, and even donated one of their blankets to me - the kind that people think they should steal at the end of a flight.

Wrapped in the new blanket and dressed in everything I owned, I sat on the curbside at Bangkok international airport.  I could not bear the air conditioning inside, so had to warm up out there. I definitely had a lot of stares from onlookers dressed in t's and tank tops. Don't care.  I had to figure out how to look well because I was afraid that airlines would not allow me to fly and I needed to get home. After a 500THB charge for intervenous for hydrating me, I figured I was in good shape to travel. So, this morning I arose and was actually hungry for the first time this week.  Going down to the dining room in my Singapore hotel I decided I would nosh on watermelon.  I had planned on room service but their 24 hour room service actually begins at 11 am.  Of course.  Watermelon is a bad choice.  I am back to square one with the stomach issue.  Crap.  Yes, crap.

Can hardly wait for my driver to pick me up and take me home.  I need my bed, I need my house, I need to be home.  Talked with Jenn.  She was only ill for 24 hours.  Nice to be young.  But then, she also has 2 children to care for and a job that is very demanding.  Nice to be old when you think of it that way.

I will be back later.  Happy New Year everyone.

You know what?  Those people at airports that wander around with medical masks on their faces are not so dumb, now are they?