Momma Moments - Take 2

Yesterday's event seems so simple today. It was easy. I had conditioner and even if I didn't I can buy that at the store. Today's moment -- a crayon that got in the hands of a 4 year and a special painted birthday bench. I have heard so much talk about Magic Eraser but never had one but now is when I really want one. The only problem is they don't sell them here so I guess we will try to scrubbing.

Somebody is being staked a bit closer.

Momma Moments

Momma moments comes in all varieties. There are the times you know what to do and the times when you are left wondering how do I deal with this. There are times when it is just sweet and you want to kiss their beautiful heads of hair and then there are the times when they are driving you nuts and you are about to pull out your hair. Then there are times that you are left wondering -- how do you get Play-doh out of hair. My recommendation is conditioner. It worked for us yesterday after a large amount of yellow Play-doh was placed in one's head. She will remain nameless but considering I have one child and I didn't do to myself. I think you can guess.

I wonder what momma moments I will have today.

Some things are best unknown

like the price of a gallon of milk. I buy milk in 946ml cartons so that is about 1/4 gallon so when you do the math or is it maths (British say maths) and then convert it works out to . . . really I shouldn't do the math. But since I already did, I might as well tell you - $9.61 for a gallon of milk.

Guess who is now going to buy more powdered milk, it is about $8 for a big can of powdered milk and that is full cream, New Zealand powdered milk.

Okay, just had to share that bit of news. What do you pay a gallon?

We are fine

Yes, there was an earthquake in the area. I will admit that we did not feel it. I do know what earthquakes feel like. After the 9-21, from a few years ago I know.

Thanks for asking and being concerned.

It worked -- Cream of Tartar

Miss K received a magic book for Easter. The one where you use a special marker and the pictures appear. I decided that would be great to talk with us on Sundays except that the marker if it gets on clothing leaves a mark. I looked on the website and they said to use a rust remover that you can buy in the supermarket. That might work if you lived in America and had various kinds and brands of stain removers. I looked in a few supermarkets. There were various things from the UK, Japan and Australia but nothing that said removes rust. I tried baking soda because that will remove rust from some surfaces. That did nothing.

Someone on a forum suggested cream of tartar and sun. I had to wait a few days for the sun but I tried it and guess what -- it took the spots out. I am thrilled. That is a household hint to remember.

Only 3 days

not 10 for the lipstick to get 10 minutes south on the train. I received a call yesterday.

I actually know where my Club Clinique VIP card is. If I spend $5000 (US$650) I get a free gift. It amazes me how much money is spent on make-up and such here. There is no way I will spend that much money on Clinique in a million years not because I don't like Clinique but because I just don't spend that much money on make-up.

My favourite colour of lipstick

I am probably like most people and have a favourite colour of lipstick. I have worn this colour for years. It goes with everything I wear. I guess that is why it is my favourite colour -- Clinique Chocolate Raspberry. I found it here in Asia years ago and learned that it was a colour that they only sold in Asia. No problem, I have just bought it all these years while here and always had a stash.

A few weeks ago I ran out and also discovered that I did not have any in my stash. I stopped by the Clinique display in the mall. They still had it on the display so I was in luck until I learned they were out of stock but the good news they would be back in stock in a few weeks. I bought something to wear but kept wishing for Chocolate Raspberry.

Yesterday was a few weeks later and we were in that mall so I decided see if it is in stock. I walked in and looked and they didn't have it on the display. I asked. She looked, no, they didn't have it. I had just dropped off my sewing machine for the 2nd repair in the past 3 months and I was not happy because of course, I had sewing I needed to do. That was my mood.

I told her "but a few weeks ago you told me it would be in stock." She got tired of dealing with me because I was stretching her English. She turned me over to someone else who told me I could check the other stores. "Okay," I asked, "where are they?" She then offered to call the other stores. New Town Plaza had it. Yeah, I told her I would take 2 one to use now and one for my stash.

Driving to and parking at New Town Plaza is easy. We had just done it the night before. She said they could send it over to Festival Walk. We are in and out of that mall a few times a week. "Please, send it over here." I signed my name on the hold information and then asked one more question, "when will it be here?" Her answer -- about 10 days.

I was actually nice and didn't say anything. I was close to getting my favourite lipstick and I didn't want to jeopardize that.

10 days -- New Town Plaza is 2 stops away on the train. Less than 10 minutes. I can get an airmail package from the USA in less than 10 days. A container ships from Hong Kong to LA in 11 days and my 2 sticks of lipstick will take 10 days to go south 10 minutes on the train. Some things I will never understand.

Talk like I Blog

Do I talk like I blog? That is this week's question.

I think I would have to answer and say, "yes". I am straight to the point and don't like to mess around. Small talk is not something I really like but I am learning.

There is the answer to the question. I think I will leave it at that.

10 Simple Pleasures

Someone on a message board was complaining no I mean encouraging us to update our blogs. She must have been looking for updates here and didn't find any. Well, another dear friend gave a suggestion for a topic, 10 Simple Pleasures.

1. A sleeping baby/toddler - there is nothing like a sleeping baby/toddler. They are so sweet and peaceful. Mine is sleeping now.

2. Clean sheets that have been hung on the line and have that fresh outdoor smell. I might live in the city but I have am able to enjoy that. Then again having a dryer here is a big deal. I do have one but only use it when I need to.

3. A new box of crayons - I love the smell and the colours, the sharp points. I just need a new colouring book to go with it.

4. Dark chocolate - Wilbur Buds are my favourite -- just the right size to pop in your mouth for pure delight.

5. A vanilla latte - I am still drooling about the delicious one I had a few weeks ago. I don't know what they did different but it was oh so good.

6. Warm chocolate chip cookies - I like to make them with Toll House chocolate chips. I just brought back 2 bags of chips with me.

7. A letter in the mail from a friend - I love getting mail in my mailbox. I even enjoy writing letters back.

8. A foot massage - aghh, my feet are ready for another one. I found my coupons so I am ready to go -- just need some time.

9. Autumn leaves and the colours - it is a pleasure and one I enjoy but have not seen it for years.

10. A hug and a kiss from my wonderful husband which says so much to me.

Quote for the day

"Cleaning the house while the kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk while it's snowing." Phyllis Diller

I did clean today.

Quote for the day

"Stockpile Beautiful Memories"

That was what was written on the bookmark that I bought for a friend. In a way it is a funny saying but in another way it is a good reminder. It reminds me to enjoy the beautiful memories. I am realizing how many beautiful memories I do forget and so I need to work to remember them. I used to be very good at journaling but that was before I was married. I think it is time to pull out the journal and again write in it. I will tell you that reading those is fun. There are also parts that I think I was crazy and parts that I don't want anyone to read because they might think I really am crazy.

What beautiful memories have I created this week? A memory of bundling to stay warm as the temperatures dropped to what I think is record lows. Memories of Miss K asking for "school". Memories of laughing with a friend as we created our diaper cake. I have the memory of realizing that even though I have one child and am in the middle of adoption paperwork, infertility still hurts. I am going to work on stockpiling beautiful memories.

What's Happening

I know I have not posted much recently. I have been busy with various things around the house. I will try to catch up on a few things that I have done.

I did make another batch of ketchup last night. This time I made a double recipe and put a bit less vinegar in it and also less sugar.

I made some pear butter last week in the crockpot. I found cheap pears at the grocery store. They were cheap because they were bruised. It was so easy to make them in the crockpot. I bought some more pears and peaches because I realized that is cheaper than buying Smucker's Simply Fruit.

I made hummus the other week. That is so easy with the food processor. We use that for dip with our veggies.

One of our favorite fun meals is quesadillas. My recipe includes a cooked potato grated as well as cheese. I did make my own tortillas. They were good and a bit better than the store ones. I don't yet have the feel for rolling them out. I guess I need more practice.
I love the salsa that I made to go with them. It is yummy but only lasts about 24 hours and it doesn't taste as good.
I also made a pizza for Miss K. I found the idea on this website http://www.toddlertoddler.com/archivedactivities.htm and bartered for some felt. I had bought some felt while we were home but didn't buy white. So I bartered necklaces from the Jade Market for felt. It is easy to go to the Jade Market and difficult to go to Spotlight where I know they will have felt.

Ramdom Reflects from Here

Coming from one of the most densely populated cities in the world we are amazed how big everything is here -- the houses, stores, cups of soda, and yes, even the people.

I am enjoying being able to run the washer and dryer at the same time.

I am reminded how easy things are here. Need something just get in the car and go to the nearest store. I am also working to be careful that I don't get greedy and buy everything that I see and think that I might want or know I want. One of the things that I have been learning is just how much we stuff we have available to purchase here and how easy it is to do that. Personally, I am learning to live with less. It is a slow learning with a few purchases that were not necessary.

I think one other thing that I have noticed this year coming home is the fact that now it is acceptable and fashionable to wear your lingerie in public.

Miss K is having fun in the sand box, the big grassy yard, and even learning to ride a tricycle.

I get to see all the new gadgets that have come out. My mom had to show me how to use her new can opener.

Things here are not marked with how many trans fats they contain.

Those are just a few of the reflections that I have had this past few weeks as we are adjusting to being here for a few week.s

Pausing and Pondering

I sat in shock for a bit of time this morning. I am still pausing and thinking. I know my blog is not usually full of deep thoughts but today I am pausing and pondering.

In April we had traveled to visit friends and during the Sunday fellowship I met someone. I had heard her name numerous times but actually met her that day. She greeted me during greeting time telling me that I had a cute daughter. She then told me about her sister who also has Down Syndrome. She told me her name and then we went through the list of people that we knew. She was there in that country helping homeschoolers and working with special needs kids.

This morning I talked to my friend that I had visited and mentioned this gal as a resource for homeschooling and special needs and my friend said, "oh, you didn't hear". She died. Old people die, sick people die not people in there 30's or so. It was about a month after our visit. She had pneumonia and went into respiratory distress.

This was someone that I met once. We talked briefly. In many ways I didn't know her and yet in a little way I knew her. She loved special needs kids, she loved helping people, and she loved Asia. Now she is home with Jesus.

I paused to think about how short life really is, it is a fading flower. So how am I going to spend my days. Do I want someone to remember that I got angry and yelled? Do I want my last words to be complaining?

I want to say "I love you more." I want to smile. I want to laugh. I want to give praise to God for all that he has given me. I want to love. My days may be long or short but Lord help me to fill them with your praise and for your glory.

Tired but Happy Feet

I think I did things in the wrong order today. The first thing I did was meet a friend and go for a foot massage. Aghhh, that is one of the most wonderful things. First they put them in warm water to get the blood flowing and then look out feet and body. Actually, the girl that did my massage was not too rough. It felt wonderful. It was a nice treat. I did hear there is a place in my town that is nice and cheap. I might have to try it again or just wait until vacation next month.

After that we headed to California Pizza Kitchen for lunch. Yummy. That is my favorite place here to eat. There are so many good things on the menu that it is hard to pick which one I will have to eat this time. The Greek Pizza is on the menu for a limited time so we had to have that. We ordered an appetizer and as soon as it came a certain 2 year old was grabbing (remember the name Grabber Gal). She ate that and a bit of pizza crust.

Then we continued our running around down. We took the ferry across the harbour as that is the fastest way to get there from where we were. The options include the subway or a bus. We had a 2:30 appointment at the consoluate. They don't have Citizen Services on Wednesday afternoon but we had an appointment for Wednesday afternoon. Then I saw our name on the list and pointed to that. Oh, yes, they do fingerprinting only on Wednesday afternoon so you can go up to the 2nd floor. It was quite there and they have toys so Miss K was happy.

We finished that and I had to go to the toilet (that is what they are called here). The guy told us there were public toilets around the corner and he said "they are clean and tidy". For public toilets I do give them a high rating. Actually for any toilet they get a high rating. There was paper in the stall, soap, and a hand dryer.

I took Miss K and we came home but first we had to walk to the MRT (subway) station. Thankfully it was downhill. It was only the 2nd stop so I was able to get a seat which is always a blessing.

We stopped at the mall which is always crowded as I wanted to get some baskets and since I was there get some feta cheese as that is the cheapest place in town for feta. Most things at that grocery store are more expensive. The milk is $10 more for the same thing you could get at another store. One of the things you learn is where you can get things and who has the best price.

I came home. Oh, I rode the train from the mall to our stop and then had my driver take me home (doesn't that sound impressive when all it was really was the next taxi in line). My feet were tired and needed a foot massage when I got home.

One of the challenges of living in the city it you can't throw things in the car when you go to the next place. I have to carefully think what orderI want to shop and how I can get everything home.

That is my day. I did make dinner. Now I am going to play Word Racer which is our favorite online word game.

New Twist to an Old Problem

We live in the city, a large crowded city. We take public transportation so we don't have to worry about finding a parking space or walking from the parking lot to the destination. In the USA sometimes if you go to a large church, you have to allow the time to get from the parking lot to the building.

Yesterday we didn't have to plan on allowing time to get from the parking lot rather we needed to allow time to get from the first floor to the 18th floor where our service was. When you have a few thousand people gathering in the building at the same time for various services it can take time. I will say it is organized the elevators are marked with which floors they will go to and you get in line for the floor that you want. We made it but a bit late.

I've been tagged

I have been tagged. I can't believe someone actually reads my blogs and tagged me.

So here are the rules:

1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves. (I can do that.)

2. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. (I don't know 8 people that blog that would not kill me if I tagged them.)

3. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and asking them to read your blog.

Eight random things about me. Okay.

1. I am a paper monster. Scrapbooking has only brought out that monster. I remember as a child loving all kinds of paper. I am slowly using the paper but do buy more along the way.

2. I love bags -- you know various purses, backpacks, and bags like that. My husband knows that and laughed at Miss K one day as she had a bag and was giving him a long speech. He thought she was telling him all about her bag. She got that love from me.

3. I have 3 sets of inserts in my passport and I got a thick passport to begin with. That means 3 times I have had more pages added. It is thick. The name change is on page W but there are now 3 page W's. This is my passport that was issued in Florence, Italy which is another story.

4. I have not driven a car, van, or anything since last September that is 8 months. Do you think I will still remember? Give me my Civic and I will be happy.

5. I like Pepsi when I am in America and Coke here.

6. I wash my floor on my hands and knees. I have not found a good wet mop here and so I have resorted to my hands and knees but I think it was my mother who taught me that is the best way to clean the floor.

7. I have a Chinese teapot collection. Chinese teapots are not necessarily pretty flowers and such rather various shapes, sizes, and colours of clay.

8. One more I need to think of one more random thing. Why is this so hard. Hmmm how about I am starting a ribbon collection that will rival my paper collection. In the garment, fabric district I have found some wonderful ribbons stores and so I have been getting some for sewing and scrapbooking and maybe even making cute hair bows.

There 8 random things about me. Now the hard part I have to impose on 8 people to tag. Maybe that should have been one of the 8 random things I hate to impose on people even if it is someone that I am paying to do something for me. So if 8 random people want to be tagged, let me know.