Happy Happy Tuesday everyone!! As usual I awoke this morning to the sound of construction going on next door at my neighbors. Actually I think it's 2 houses down but I swear sometimes it sounds like they are in my house. I hope they are almost done because day after day I have to deal with Oso barking at all of the sounds. He thinks he's protecting me but all he's doing his annoying me more than they are. Today I've included a photo of my new niece and I just love it, especially with everyone's hands around her, you can tell the photos was taken shortly after her arrival. We're happy she's here and can't wait to meet her in person.
I got a chance to talk to a lot of people on Mother's Day. I went up to George's to use their wi-fi because I figured their connection was better than ours so all of my calls were clear. I was glad to hear my family and friends's voices but really it did make me miss everyone more. Yesterday Michael delivered our new car so now Jim can finally return the rental car he's been using since we got here. Michael was very thorough with the instructions on how to transfer the registration and everything but he also suggested that we go to a used car dealer to have them handle the paperwork since it would be easier. I think that's what we are going to do because the process seems very lengthy and complicated. Because it's a Jeep already we know that the cost of gas is going to be more expensive. Last night Jim went and tried to fill it up because of course Michael delivered it empty and paid 100 ringitts and it still wasn't full. We're not too concerned considering the only driving that we've been doing is when Jim goes back and forth to work.
Overall this past weekend was quiet for us, I guess we're settling into our routine. Saturday I met Jim at City Golf for lunch and watched basketball and then we came home and just chilled out. Sunday I spent most of the day at George's calling everyone after we talked to Jim's parents via video call. I stayed late because of the time difference and I wanted to make sure I spoke to everyone either before Mother's Day or on Mother's Day. Because of that I was pretty tired all day Monday and just stayed home and did domestic stuff. I think sometime this week I will walk around our neighborhood because pretty much I've been staying close to the mall area. There are several shops up and down the street that I haven't familiarized myself with yet.
I'm a little disappointed because when Jim looked into going away next weekend for our anniversary up to Genting Highlands there aren't any rooms available anywhere so it looks like we'll be homebound. Supposedly Monday is another holiday and that's probably the reason why every place is booked up. I guess it's ok considering we're still getting used to our new home, but still I was looking forward to it. Maybe I'll go get a spa treatment instead.
Well I'm off to the grocery store and maybe sometime this afternoon I finish hanging all of Jim's dolls so they can get off of my floor. I need a break anyway from all of the noise and I want to go before it starts raining.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
Saturday May 10, 2008
So one weekend has past and we're starting another one. I've been slacking on my writing but when I think about it somedays I get so caught up doing other things that I forget. So my apologies. This week I don't think that I have left the block at all. I've been unpacking and trying to figure out where everything should go. Our house is probably the largest we have ever lived in but somehow we have managed to fill the place up with our things. You never really know how much stuff you actually have until you move. I was able to use all of the cabinet space in both of my kitchens and in the process discovered some pots and pans left behind by the previous tenant. Score for me because it was all brand new, still in the packaging and actually useful. I already owned a wok but the one left behind is huge! And she also left some T-Fal pots which are on the pricey side. I can only imagine she was a shopaholic and the pots were stored in an upper cabinet that even I had to use a step stool to reach so she must have forgotten they were there. There was another item that at first I thought was this massive wicker basket but it turns out that it was a food cover for when you eat outside. I thought that was cool and am proud to add it to collection of household products.
The biggest challenge has been hanging all of my pictures. Everyone knows that I am a photoholic and I cherish every single picture that I own including all of our whimsical caricatures that we get done when we visit some place different. Problem is all of our walls are either concrete or tile and supposedly we are not supposed to "bore" holes in the walls. Let's not forget Jim's extensive collection of sports dolls- 127 of them total that's not even counting the ones that are a foot tall and can not be hung or even his 4 foot long tributes to Michael Jordan and Walter Payton, his autographed ESPN magazine of LeBron James, and his 3 Stooges golf poster. All things that he cherishes and he even has a stash of collectibles in a box that in the 7 years I've known him I still don't know what it contains, I'm guessing something to do with Tiger Woods. Already his hobby has taken over 2 rooms in our house, our office and a bonus room at the top of the stairs. I really don't mind it all, I actually think it's pretty cool but when you have to hang everything using 3M adhesive hooks ( 127, remember ) it's not surprising some days I am resentful. So I am doing it all in stages, I've already finished basketball, total of 58, next is baseball 21, football there's 44 and lastly 4 Tiger Woods bobble head dolls. Fortunatly he has not added to his collection in the last 2 years. My other photos I've said to hell with not boring holes and used concrete nail hangers. That also is tricky because I'm not one for measuring like Jim is so I just eyeball it and pound away!! So far I've been fortunate because nothing seems off balanced or too crooked and if it does I just hang another picture next to it to even it out. So far it is starting to look like home. The guy at the hardware store is making a killing off of us!!
Jim has also been successful in getting a car loan and we are expecting delivery of our Jeep Cherokee on Monday. It's an older model but still looks brand new, however it does have leather seats and who would want leather in this type of heat! He got a good deal on it because the guy is moving to Australia and needed to sell it fast. Supposedly Jeep does not import cars anymore to Malaysia so this one was one of the last ones to come in. Surprising since Mercedes makes Jeep and there are Mercedes everywhere. I also got my hand-made patio set delivered this week and it looks wonderful! I bought some plants to go outside on the patio and it's like another living room outside with the ceiling fans and everything. It's very nice to sit outside and have dinner and a glass of wine, but I'm always on the look out for bats! So far haven't spotted one yet and that's fine with me. I did catch Oso chasing a gecko the other day but the lizard was too quick for him.
Speaking of wine, I mentioned last time that we were invited to a wine tasting last Friday. I must say Jim did remarkably well and has found that he can actually stomach a night of wine and actually enjoy it. The tasting was held at the distributor's warehouse where they also have a lounge built inside, it's very Ikea-ish but stylish just the same. At first it was awkward because we just walked right in and there was no one there to greet us so we waltzed up to the bar where they had choices of 6 different wines for the evening all made by the same vitner. Eventually someone decided to stop and talk to us and I don't remember his name but he is a former ambassador to Austria. He was pleasant enough and of course he and Jim started talking about golf and I turned my attention to the caterers. They served mostly appetizers like fried shrimp, quail eggs fried with bread, quail eggs topped with caviar, raw veggies with feta cheese dip and wontons. All of it was good but I don't think I like caviar...too fishy. Later on someone brought out roasted lamb from some room tucked into a corner and honestly I'm not a big fan of lamb because sometimes it tastes too gamey, but this was awesome! The other people present were an eclectic bunch, some were from Australia like the maker of the wine and his son, some from Britain, America, China and India and after speaking with a few of them Jim and I realized that we were in the company of millionaires. I can't remember every person I've ever met in my lifetime but I can honestly say that this was a first. This whole adventure has led to a lot of firsts.
Last Saturday and Sunday we didn't do too much other than hang out at George's and got to know the staff better. I have told them my real name but not directly. I said before that here you can purchase your own bottle of liquor and keep it at the bar so we got a bottle of Capn Morgan ( our favorite ) and originally they wrote "Jim and Wife" on the label so when I went in on Sunday I changed it to Tiffany so now they all know my name is not Steph which actually is my sister's name who by the way has made her way to L.A. and is enjoying her new job there. I talk to her more now than when I lived at home so I am making progress on strengthing my family ties. My brother Justin is graduating this weekend from Alabama A&M, congrats to him, wish I was there! and my brother in Dallas, Christopher and his wife Stacy have welcomed a new addition to their family: Matisse Victoria Edwards. Not sure if Matisse is spelled with one s or two but she is named after our grandmother and Stacy's grandmother both of which were named Mattie and we're all glad she arrived without complications and is healthy. No one knew the sex of the baby not even Chris and Stacy, they wanted a surprise and for sure everyone thought it would be a boy, I was even calling the baby Cason Joel just to get used to it but she surprised us all so Mattie it is. My life isn't just all about new adventures and life celebrations because also this month my brother Nicholas who is stationed in Germany with the Army will be deployed to Iraq for the second time in his career, this time for 15 months. He will leave behind his wife and their 4 kids in Germany. He says not to worry and that he will be fine because since he is a staff sergeant now he will command his own troops but that does nothing to ease my anxiety of him being over there in the first place. So I pray for his safe return and am thankful for all of the other blessings that my family has received. Before I forget...Happy Birthday Joanne! Happy Birthday Jayson! Happy 2nd anniversary to me and Jim and lastly Happy Mother's Day to all of our "mommas"!
The biggest challenge has been hanging all of my pictures. Everyone knows that I am a photoholic and I cherish every single picture that I own including all of our whimsical caricatures that we get done when we visit some place different. Problem is all of our walls are either concrete or tile and supposedly we are not supposed to "bore" holes in the walls. Let's not forget Jim's extensive collection of sports dolls- 127 of them total that's not even counting the ones that are a foot tall and can not be hung or even his 4 foot long tributes to Michael Jordan and Walter Payton, his autographed ESPN magazine of LeBron James, and his 3 Stooges golf poster. All things that he cherishes and he even has a stash of collectibles in a box that in the 7 years I've known him I still don't know what it contains, I'm guessing something to do with Tiger Woods. Already his hobby has taken over 2 rooms in our house, our office and a bonus room at the top of the stairs. I really don't mind it all, I actually think it's pretty cool but when you have to hang everything using 3M adhesive hooks ( 127, remember ) it's not surprising some days I am resentful. So I am doing it all in stages, I've already finished basketball, total of 58, next is baseball 21, football there's 44 and lastly 4 Tiger Woods bobble head dolls. Fortunatly he has not added to his collection in the last 2 years. My other photos I've said to hell with not boring holes and used concrete nail hangers. That also is tricky because I'm not one for measuring like Jim is so I just eyeball it and pound away!! So far I've been fortunate because nothing seems off balanced or too crooked and if it does I just hang another picture next to it to even it out. So far it is starting to look like home. The guy at the hardware store is making a killing off of us!!
Jim has also been successful in getting a car loan and we are expecting delivery of our Jeep Cherokee on Monday. It's an older model but still looks brand new, however it does have leather seats and who would want leather in this type of heat! He got a good deal on it because the guy is moving to Australia and needed to sell it fast. Supposedly Jeep does not import cars anymore to Malaysia so this one was one of the last ones to come in. Surprising since Mercedes makes Jeep and there are Mercedes everywhere. I also got my hand-made patio set delivered this week and it looks wonderful! I bought some plants to go outside on the patio and it's like another living room outside with the ceiling fans and everything. It's very nice to sit outside and have dinner and a glass of wine, but I'm always on the look out for bats! So far haven't spotted one yet and that's fine with me. I did catch Oso chasing a gecko the other day but the lizard was too quick for him.
Speaking of wine, I mentioned last time that we were invited to a wine tasting last Friday. I must say Jim did remarkably well and has found that he can actually stomach a night of wine and actually enjoy it. The tasting was held at the distributor's warehouse where they also have a lounge built inside, it's very Ikea-ish but stylish just the same. At first it was awkward because we just walked right in and there was no one there to greet us so we waltzed up to the bar where they had choices of 6 different wines for the evening all made by the same vitner. Eventually someone decided to stop and talk to us and I don't remember his name but he is a former ambassador to Austria. He was pleasant enough and of course he and Jim started talking about golf and I turned my attention to the caterers. They served mostly appetizers like fried shrimp, quail eggs fried with bread, quail eggs topped with caviar, raw veggies with feta cheese dip and wontons. All of it was good but I don't think I like caviar...too fishy. Later on someone brought out roasted lamb from some room tucked into a corner and honestly I'm not a big fan of lamb because sometimes it tastes too gamey, but this was awesome! The other people present were an eclectic bunch, some were from Australia like the maker of the wine and his son, some from Britain, America, China and India and after speaking with a few of them Jim and I realized that we were in the company of millionaires. I can't remember every person I've ever met in my lifetime but I can honestly say that this was a first. This whole adventure has led to a lot of firsts.
Last Saturday and Sunday we didn't do too much other than hang out at George's and got to know the staff better. I have told them my real name but not directly. I said before that here you can purchase your own bottle of liquor and keep it at the bar so we got a bottle of Capn Morgan ( our favorite ) and originally they wrote "Jim and Wife" on the label so when I went in on Sunday I changed it to Tiffany so now they all know my name is not Steph which actually is my sister's name who by the way has made her way to L.A. and is enjoying her new job there. I talk to her more now than when I lived at home so I am making progress on strengthing my family ties. My brother Justin is graduating this weekend from Alabama A&M, congrats to him, wish I was there! and my brother in Dallas, Christopher and his wife Stacy have welcomed a new addition to their family: Matisse Victoria Edwards. Not sure if Matisse is spelled with one s or two but she is named after our grandmother and Stacy's grandmother both of which were named Mattie and we're all glad she arrived without complications and is healthy. No one knew the sex of the baby not even Chris and Stacy, they wanted a surprise and for sure everyone thought it would be a boy, I was even calling the baby Cason Joel just to get used to it but she surprised us all so Mattie it is. My life isn't just all about new adventures and life celebrations because also this month my brother Nicholas who is stationed in Germany with the Army will be deployed to Iraq for the second time in his career, this time for 15 months. He will leave behind his wife and their 4 kids in Germany. He says not to worry and that he will be fine because since he is a staff sergeant now he will command his own troops but that does nothing to ease my anxiety of him being over there in the first place. So I pray for his safe return and am thankful for all of the other blessings that my family has received. Before I forget...Happy Birthday Joanne! Happy Birthday Jayson! Happy 2nd anniversary to me and Jim and lastly Happy Mother's Day to all of our "mommas"!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Thursday May 1, 2008
I know, I know, I've been away for awhile but it's really not my fault. You see on Tuesday we finally received our container from the States (Yay!!!) more than 8 weeks after we left, 2 weeks after we were supposed to get it. So Tuesday we welcomed about 10 people from the moving company who they sent to unload and help unpack our things. I've moved a few times and never have I had this many people. So anyway the workers showed up before the container arrived and just kinda lounged around our front yard while Jim and I waited upstairs with Oso in our air conditioned guest bedroom. When I finally came downstairs they had unloaded everything and it was sitting on our front patio so it was my job to look at a box, tell them which room to put it in while Jim checked off numbers on the inventory list. They made quick work of it all considering they just literally formed a line throughout our house and as they handed over a box they told the next person which room to take it to. So back to the reason why I haven't been online. Normally, I guess the movers would stay and unpack everything for us but I had no idea where I wanted everything to go so I just had them place the heavier items where they belonged and sent them on their way. Since Jim and I had set up the desk in our office, he decided to unpack our desktop and get it set up. It took most of the afternoon but he finally got it done only to realize that our new internet connection wasn't working properly on our desktop. So for the last few days it's been like a game: Is is going connect me or not? We still haven't figured out why our wireless network isn't working so for now my laptop is taking a rest.
Since we're coming up on another weekend let me see if I can remember what we did last weekend. Friday we went to Mid-Valley mall to check out a place called Brewballs ( funny huh? I know what you're thinking) It's located at the top of the mall where there is also a movie theater, bowling alley, tons of restaurants and of course shops. It basically was a pool hall with a bar but it played good music and the service was great! Everytime we started a new game, someone would come over and rack the balls for you. After that we ventured close to home and of course ended up at George & the Dragon. Saturday, Jim had arranged with a guy to look at his Jeep Cherokee because he still needs to buy a car. We went into Petaling Jaya and thought we were supposed to meet him at this mall called One Utama but our information was wrong. Jim thought that we would be close enough to walk where we were supposed to be and after about a mile and half he finally hailed a cab to take us the rest of the way. The cab driver was laughing at us because we were all hot and sweaty. I told Jim that from now on if we don't see any other foot traffice then we probably shouldn't be walking. At night we went down the Village and decided we were going to do our own pub crawl ( we're still on the hunt for that dive bar ). We would go to one place after the other and have one drink and one appetizer but only if the place didn't look like a restaurant. There were 2 big soccer matches on that night so most places were lively which made it difficult to choose which ones to go into. I know the majority of them were Indian bars, some were nice, some had critters ( those I did not order food at ), and some were just your run of the mill neighborhood bars. We ate a variety of things from onion rings to japanese dumplings. We finally stumbled across a pub on our way back to our car called Dinty's ( I think ) and it was there that we found a lively crowd, cheap drinks and pool tables albeit british pool but pool nonetheless. We'll probably end up going there a lot even though it's not in walking distance like we had hoped but still it's close.
Sunday, Jim had plans to meet a co-worker for the F-1 race down in the Village at a place called Ronnie Q's so I spent my afternoon at George's drinking margarita's and getting to know the staff better. Already as soon as we walk in you hear "Hi Jim, Hi Steph" I haven't gotten the nerve to let them know my name is Tiffany so I just say Hi back. There seems to be only 2 main bartenders there Mon and Rafael. Rafael is the one who knows the ingredients of the drinks but Mon is the one who can make them better. Since they're always there when we go in I had to ask when do they get days off which I found out is one day a week during the week and if there is a soccer match on that night, they have to stay no matter how late until everyone leaves. So if you know that there is a game still on and it's 2 am then you can go to George's and have a beer. Plus they serve pork so you can have a beer and a BLT.
So now I'm jumping ahead, Tuesday we unpacked some things and Wednesday I spent the entire day unpacking all of my kitchen supplies. I've found out that even though I have a ton of cabinets the majority of them are up high so I had to go and buy a step stool. It's strange because the sinks sit really low, sometimes my back hurts after I wash dishes from leaning over and the cabinets are really high. I don't care I'm glad to have my pots and pans back not to mention real plates and a table to sit at and eat. The picnic's over! Now that I can cook I've noticed something different about my stove, nevermind I have to light the burners myself because it's gas but the oven is electric (? what's that all about?), but also there is no heat control on the burners. When I light it, that's it, there is no simmer, no medium high, no high, just on. Some burners are bigger than the others so when I need to simmer something like rice I have to move it to the smaller burners because it's a smaller flame underneath it. And the oven, don't get me started! There is a knob which controls the temperature and whether it's on or off but then there is another button that you press which controls if the broiler is on or off, easy right? Nope, I've had to play roulette with it because I can't tell. I'm sure in time, or in frustration, I'll get it right.
So that's been my week. Today was a national holiday, Labor Day, so we made the mistake of going to the mall. I bought some plants for my patio and an entertainment center for the living room for whenever my husband decides on what size television he wants. I think he's distracted by buying the car and getting a Malaysian loan for it. I haven't asked about it because hey, it's not like I'm ever going to drive! Tomorrow night we have been invited by one of Jim's accounts to go to a wine tasting. I'm not sure how Jim is going to do but he says that he's been thinking that maybe he should get used to drinking wine because there is bound to be some event where he won't be able to order a beer. I'm not convinced he'll take to it like I have, once a redneck, always a redneck! Happy Mother's Day everyone, I know usually I send cards to all of my mothers, psuedo moms, friends who are moms, grandmas, sister-in-laws, but I'm afraid it's just not going to happen this year and I already feel bad about it but I know you all understand my situation at the moment. Once I get used to the postal system then I know I'll have an easier time of it. Hope everyone has a great and relaxing day. Love you all.
Since we're coming up on another weekend let me see if I can remember what we did last weekend. Friday we went to Mid-Valley mall to check out a place called Brewballs ( funny huh? I know what you're thinking) It's located at the top of the mall where there is also a movie theater, bowling alley, tons of restaurants and of course shops. It basically was a pool hall with a bar but it played good music and the service was great! Everytime we started a new game, someone would come over and rack the balls for you. After that we ventured close to home and of course ended up at George & the Dragon. Saturday, Jim had arranged with a guy to look at his Jeep Cherokee because he still needs to buy a car. We went into Petaling Jaya and thought we were supposed to meet him at this mall called One Utama but our information was wrong. Jim thought that we would be close enough to walk where we were supposed to be and after about a mile and half he finally hailed a cab to take us the rest of the way. The cab driver was laughing at us because we were all hot and sweaty. I told Jim that from now on if we don't see any other foot traffice then we probably shouldn't be walking. At night we went down the Village and decided we were going to do our own pub crawl ( we're still on the hunt for that dive bar ). We would go to one place after the other and have one drink and one appetizer but only if the place didn't look like a restaurant. There were 2 big soccer matches on that night so most places were lively which made it difficult to choose which ones to go into. I know the majority of them were Indian bars, some were nice, some had critters ( those I did not order food at ), and some were just your run of the mill neighborhood bars. We ate a variety of things from onion rings to japanese dumplings. We finally stumbled across a pub on our way back to our car called Dinty's ( I think ) and it was there that we found a lively crowd, cheap drinks and pool tables albeit british pool but pool nonetheless. We'll probably end up going there a lot even though it's not in walking distance like we had hoped but still it's close.
Sunday, Jim had plans to meet a co-worker for the F-1 race down in the Village at a place called Ronnie Q's so I spent my afternoon at George's drinking margarita's and getting to know the staff better. Already as soon as we walk in you hear "Hi Jim, Hi Steph" I haven't gotten the nerve to let them know my name is Tiffany so I just say Hi back. There seems to be only 2 main bartenders there Mon and Rafael. Rafael is the one who knows the ingredients of the drinks but Mon is the one who can make them better. Since they're always there when we go in I had to ask when do they get days off which I found out is one day a week during the week and if there is a soccer match on that night, they have to stay no matter how late until everyone leaves. So if you know that there is a game still on and it's 2 am then you can go to George's and have a beer. Plus they serve pork so you can have a beer and a BLT.
So now I'm jumping ahead, Tuesday we unpacked some things and Wednesday I spent the entire day unpacking all of my kitchen supplies. I've found out that even though I have a ton of cabinets the majority of them are up high so I had to go and buy a step stool. It's strange because the sinks sit really low, sometimes my back hurts after I wash dishes from leaning over and the cabinets are really high. I don't care I'm glad to have my pots and pans back not to mention real plates and a table to sit at and eat. The picnic's over! Now that I can cook I've noticed something different about my stove, nevermind I have to light the burners myself because it's gas but the oven is electric (? what's that all about?), but also there is no heat control on the burners. When I light it, that's it, there is no simmer, no medium high, no high, just on. Some burners are bigger than the others so when I need to simmer something like rice I have to move it to the smaller burners because it's a smaller flame underneath it. And the oven, don't get me started! There is a knob which controls the temperature and whether it's on or off but then there is another button that you press which controls if the broiler is on or off, easy right? Nope, I've had to play roulette with it because I can't tell. I'm sure in time, or in frustration, I'll get it right.
So that's been my week. Today was a national holiday, Labor Day, so we made the mistake of going to the mall. I bought some plants for my patio and an entertainment center for the living room for whenever my husband decides on what size television he wants. I think he's distracted by buying the car and getting a Malaysian loan for it. I haven't asked about it because hey, it's not like I'm ever going to drive! Tomorrow night we have been invited by one of Jim's accounts to go to a wine tasting. I'm not sure how Jim is going to do but he says that he's been thinking that maybe he should get used to drinking wine because there is bound to be some event where he won't be able to order a beer. I'm not convinced he'll take to it like I have, once a redneck, always a redneck! Happy Mother's Day everyone, I know usually I send cards to all of my mothers, psuedo moms, friends who are moms, grandmas, sister-in-laws, but I'm afraid it's just not going to happen this year and I already feel bad about it but I know you all understand my situation at the moment. Once I get used to the postal system then I know I'll have an easier time of it. Hope everyone has a great and relaxing day. Love you all.
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