Who is that stud behind those Foster Grants??
Monday, December 17, 2007
December in Singapore and Singapore Wedding
Singapore gets very excited about Christmas. Given how much shopping is a way of life around here, you can understand why. Orchard Road is the famous shopping street in Singapore and the lights are everywhere! You will see a couple of pictures here taken at Orchard Road. Another hilarious sight is at Tanlin mall where they make it "snow" everynight with a bubble machine shooting foam. At first glance, it actually looks like a snow scene and the little kids love it!
Lauren and I also were able to attend a traditional Chinese wedding dinner. In Singapore, the couples get married in a small ceremony similiar to a justice of the peace type ceremony. They often do this before they are actually going to live as a married couple because they have to be officially married to get on the list for government sponsored housing (known as HDB housing). In this case, an Administrative Assistant from our office had been married previously, but had her traditional wedding dinner for 400 guests on a Sunday night at the Orchard Hotel. It was a 10 course Chinese meal that included such items at jelly fish, shark's fin soup, and yam paste for dessert. It was not nearly as bad as you might think and it was a great experience for us.
We will be home in a few days. Can't wait...
Best,
Jed
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Hello from West Brookfield!!
We are loving looking at the pictures and reading all about your life and trips there!
So amazing!! We talk about you often. Hannah tells me she misses you guys and she always
wants to know what time it is where you are!!
Thanks for including us in your blog -- it's amazing!!
The Niemiecs
We are loving looking at the pictures and reading all about your life and trips there!
So amazing!! We talk about you often. Hannah tells me she misses you guys and she always
wants to know what time it is where you are!!
Thanks for including us in your blog -- it's amazing!!
The Niemiecs
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Ammas
Most families here in Singapore have live-in domestic helpers known as Ammas. The Ammas tend to be from countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. We are fortunate to have a wonderful Amma named Alona. She is from the Philippines and is a wonderful cook and person. Our apartment has a bedroom for her and she has her own entrance and bathroom. Alona has worked in Singapore for 6 years. She has good english (although sometimes it is hard to understand) and also knows Korean (she worked for a Korean family). She does most of the cooking, cleaning and laundry. Many Ammas take care of children, but, of course, ours are old enough to fend for themselves now.
Alona's situation is better than many. Some of the apartments we looked at had terrible rooms (closets) for the Ammas. It is also our understanding the many of the Ammas are mistreated - working 7 days a week and maybe getting one day off a month. When you register to be an employer of an Amma, you must take a test and learn about the regulations. However, some people ignore the issues. Witness this picture we took from our apartment of the building next door. This helper is washing windows from the ledge of the building about 20 floors up! We were horrified and could not believe what we saw.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Another Visitor!
Mike Cyros came to Singapore on business and we were excited to get together with him. Fortunately, he had a free Saturday afternoon and evening and we got a chance to catch up. He came on over to our place and we spent the afternoon and evening relaxing at home. Our helper, Alona, made a nice dinner including the spring rolls which was a group effort!
Thanks for coming by Mike! For the rest of you out there, feel free to come on over!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Finally, we joined!
hjkiu ktyi tjhlgkgjloikumnbvc
jason
Hello Petty Family!
We loved the pics of Cambodia -- and the beautiful journal of Jane's. Such eloquence!
We will be busy this rainy Saturday getting the Halloween costumes finished. Still trying to figure out how to attache Darth Maul's (Ryan) horns. Harry Potter (Jason) is much easier.
Love to al. Looking forward to Christmas.
Jodi.
jason
Hello Petty Family!
We loved the pics of Cambodia -- and the beautiful journal of Jane's. Such eloquence!
We will be busy this rainy Saturday getting the Halloween costumes finished. Still trying to figure out how to attache Darth Maul's (Ryan) horns. Harry Potter (Jason) is much easier.
Love to al. Looking forward to Christmas.
Jodi.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Are you cheering on your Red Sox?
Tremendous pictures from the other side of the world. Big win last night for the hometown team. I hope you are getting up early (or staying up late, not sure on the time difference) to cheer on the local nine.
Thanks for inviting me to read your blog.
Ken Carpenter
Thanks for inviting me to read your blog.
Ken Carpenter
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Cambodia Pictures
Here are many pictures from Cambodia. I am posting the small versions to fit more. If you click on them they will expand. See Jane's post below to hear about our trip.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Cambodia Trip!
Hi Everyone,
While my grandparents were here and us kids were on fall break, we took a trip to Cambodia. We left on Sunday morning and returned on Wednesday night, and didn't waste one minute of our time there. Cambodia is only one hour behind Singapore, so we didn't really need to adjust. The plane ride to get there was just about 2 hours, so it was bearable. When we arrived, the first thing we noticed was how small the airport was. We went through Immigration, right to Baggage Claim, and then right out the door. When we stepped outside the next thing we noticed was the weather. We've been complaining that Singapore is hot and humid, but Cambodia is even more so (if that is possible)! We met our guide and got into our bus that could seat about 20 people. We drove a short way to the hotel and took our bags out of the bus. We sat in the lobby while our bags were being brought to our rooms and got cold towels and a welcome drink. After our drink we went down the street to lunch where we had a surplus of food. Everybody ordered two dishes (as told), to share, but there was way too much food. Sitting at the table facing an ally, we saw how poor the country was. Many kids were out on the street, trying to sell you the same items. These two girls came up to us and started talking to us. They asked us where we were from, and when we said the U.S. they started to tell us facts they knew about our country. The waitress shooed them away, but they asked us to promise to buy something from them later. After lunch we gave them each a dollar and mom took a picture with them. They also drew mom a picture of flowers and wrote her a note in very nice handwriting. After lunch, we went to get a 3 day temple pass, and in that afternoon saw 3 temples. They were not the most famous ones, but they were still beautiful. By the end of the day we were very tired from all the walking and traveling. We went to eat at a French (but much more Asian) restaurant where we had a set menu that included spring rolls, pork curry, steamed white rice, and fresh fruit for dessert. Then we hit the haystack to wake up early the next day and visit more temples.
Day two was the day for the most famous temples: Angkor Tan (something like that) and Angkor Wat. In the morning we saw the temple that was built right in the center of the King's square city. We rode an elephant arond the temple, which was most of our favorite parts. We also fed them mini bananas (a bunch of 10 for $1) which was a lot of fun. After riding around the temple, we walked through it and our guide, who we called Barang, told us about it. We ate lunch at another restaurant where the set menu consisted of spring rolls, pork curry, steamed white rice, and fresh fruit for dessert. Then we drove back to the hotel for our favorite part of the day- SIESTA! After our break, we visited Angkor Wat. We walked over a bridge that had no railings and made me especially nervous, particularly when Leah thought it would be fun to walk right along the edge. We walked through the entrance ways, and then had a nice view of the main structure. Unfortunatly, they had just started restoring the very top level. This meant two things: one being that we couldn't climb to the top of it and have a nice view, and two being that there were two big green ugly tarps ruining the picture. After having a few "kodak moments" we climbed up Angkor Wat until we got as far up as we were allowed. We left to climb a mountain and then a temple on the peak to watch the sunset. It set early- around 6. The climb to the top of the temple was steep and the stairs were narrow, but everybody went up except for Pepere because of his knees. From the top we had a good view of the country and we could see Angkor Wat. The bummer was that it was hazy, so the sunset wasn't that good. Another part us kids didn't like was seeing a mother with her child that had a disease. I forget what it is called, but the childs head was very big. It made us kids feel sick to look at it, and on the way down we all gave Pepere money to give to her. After we saw those temples we went back to the hotel for a little while to rest and clean up. Later we left for a dinner with a show of the dancers. The Cambodian Dancers work from an early age stretching their fingers and toes ridiculously far back. It is the most flexibility I think I have ever witnessed. The dinner was the same, except for with our fresh fruit desser, we also got coconut custard, which I thought was pretty good.
The next morning we got up and went on a boat ride. We took it through these villages on the river. Mostly Vietnamese live there and they literally live in their boats. Our guide said that if they are not fishers or go on land to work, all they do it wake up, prepare and eat food, drink, and go back to bed. Also floating among these "houses" were churches, schools and stores. We went to one of the stores and some of us got a drink, but I mostly just watched this very cute baby swing back and forth in a hammock. The whole village has to move when it changes between dry and wet season. It must be a hassle. We went to eat the usual lunch. Then we took our siesta on the long bus ride out to two more temples. These two happened to be my favorites. The first one we saw it what they call the "Woman Temple" because the designs are so intricate they tought only women could have designed it. The carving was really spectacular, and nothing like it is made now a days. Next we saw what is known as the Jungle Temple. It is most famous because it is where the Tomb Raider is filmed. It is very cool becuase trees are growing on the temple. The trunks of the trees are all individual sticks wraped in one, so it looks very interesting. That night for dinner we went to a western food place!!! We got salad, penne with pesto or pork with mashed potato, and then apple crumble or fruit with lemon sorbet for dessert. We loved the food and it was a good break from what we had been getting for every meal.
Wednesday was our last day there. We had a leisurly morning and went out and strolled the city. Me, Mom, Dad, and Evan found a good western bakery, with an lounge upstairs. Everyone there seemed to be a westerner and the treat was good. We went back to the hotel and Grammy, Mom, Evan and I (and Leah came along) got a massage at a place where Mom got a full body traditional massage for $6. It was very nice and relaxing. For lunch we went to that cafe, and most of us got fish and chips, Dad got a buger, Mom got a vegetable sandwich, and Leah got ham and cheese. After lunch, Mom, Dad, Evan, Leah, and I went to the Children's Hospital where Dad and Mom were going to give blood and see if there was anything us kids could do. We got a tuk tuk (an open carrige like thing with a motor bike pulling you) and went to the hospital. When we got there, it was closed to visitors becuase of the holiday of Hari Raya. After losing Evan, we decided to go the the other Children's Hospital started by a Swiss doctor. By the time we got there it was pouring rain and we felt really bad for the tuk tuk driver. We got out and went to the blood bank. Mom and Dad were able to start right away and Leah took some pictures and video while I sat in the corner and felt sick. After Mom and Dad, the tuk tuk driver felt inspired and he donated some of his blood too, which was really nice. After 3 bags of blood were filled, we rushed back to the hotel in the rain and quickly put our bags in the bus. We drove to the airport where we checked in and then got something at Dairy Queen. Soon our it was time to board the flight, and we were headed back to Singapore.
On Thursday, Dad went to work and the rest of us sat around the house resting. We also played a lot of Rummy. On Friday we went to the famous Jurond Bird Park. We spent most of the day there and had a lot of fun. My favorite were the owls, but we all had a good time at the Lories. In the Lory sanctuary (the largest in the world), we bought cups with nectar in them. When we walked near a bird holding the cup, they would fy onto the edge and drink it. Sometimes it was scary (at least to me) because they would fight for it. Also, if a bird was on the cup and you tried to pass it to someone else, it would peck whoever it could. Grammy got pecked right through her skin. On Saturday we hung around the house during the day (Mom and Grammy went furniture shopping) and then went to the Night Safari. That was also really fun. There were different types of cats, and they were all beutiflul. They also had tons of other animals, some that I had never even heard of. We got back at midnight and ate the chocolate cake I had made earlier that day as a midnight snack seeing as we missed dinner. On Sunday morning we woke up and turned on the Sox. We had hot dogs and chips (and beer) for breakfast, and we were able to stay awake for the whole game becuase it went into the afternoon (except Pepere who needed a nap because we got in so late the night before). When the Sox lost a dissapointing loss, Mom and Dad went to lunch with Dad's co-worker who was visiting, and us kids went to the American Club. Pepere was napping and Grammy stayed home to prepare our Sunday dinner like we used to have. We had a delicious pork roast that night, but it was bittersweet because knew we went back to school and Grammy and Pepere left the next morning. Well, eventually Monday Morning came, and we said goodbye and went off to school.
We had a good visit with Grammy and Pepere and a wonderful trip to Cambodia. Now we are back to normal (living in Singapore standards).
Miss you All,
~Jane~
While my grandparents were here and us kids were on fall break, we took a trip to Cambodia. We left on Sunday morning and returned on Wednesday night, and didn't waste one minute of our time there. Cambodia is only one hour behind Singapore, so we didn't really need to adjust. The plane ride to get there was just about 2 hours, so it was bearable. When we arrived, the first thing we noticed was how small the airport was. We went through Immigration, right to Baggage Claim, and then right out the door. When we stepped outside the next thing we noticed was the weather. We've been complaining that Singapore is hot and humid, but Cambodia is even more so (if that is possible)! We met our guide and got into our bus that could seat about 20 people. We drove a short way to the hotel and took our bags out of the bus. We sat in the lobby while our bags were being brought to our rooms and got cold towels and a welcome drink. After our drink we went down the street to lunch where we had a surplus of food. Everybody ordered two dishes (as told), to share, but there was way too much food. Sitting at the table facing an ally, we saw how poor the country was. Many kids were out on the street, trying to sell you the same items. These two girls came up to us and started talking to us. They asked us where we were from, and when we said the U.S. they started to tell us facts they knew about our country. The waitress shooed them away, but they asked us to promise to buy something from them later. After lunch we gave them each a dollar and mom took a picture with them. They also drew mom a picture of flowers and wrote her a note in very nice handwriting. After lunch, we went to get a 3 day temple pass, and in that afternoon saw 3 temples. They were not the most famous ones, but they were still beautiful. By the end of the day we were very tired from all the walking and traveling. We went to eat at a French (but much more Asian) restaurant where we had a set menu that included spring rolls, pork curry, steamed white rice, and fresh fruit for dessert. Then we hit the haystack to wake up early the next day and visit more temples.
Day two was the day for the most famous temples: Angkor Tan (something like that) and Angkor Wat. In the morning we saw the temple that was built right in the center of the King's square city. We rode an elephant arond the temple, which was most of our favorite parts. We also fed them mini bananas (a bunch of 10 for $1) which was a lot of fun. After riding around the temple, we walked through it and our guide, who we called Barang, told us about it. We ate lunch at another restaurant where the set menu consisted of spring rolls, pork curry, steamed white rice, and fresh fruit for dessert. Then we drove back to the hotel for our favorite part of the day- SIESTA! After our break, we visited Angkor Wat. We walked over a bridge that had no railings and made me especially nervous, particularly when Leah thought it would be fun to walk right along the edge. We walked through the entrance ways, and then had a nice view of the main structure. Unfortunatly, they had just started restoring the very top level. This meant two things: one being that we couldn't climb to the top of it and have a nice view, and two being that there were two big green ugly tarps ruining the picture. After having a few "kodak moments" we climbed up Angkor Wat until we got as far up as we were allowed. We left to climb a mountain and then a temple on the peak to watch the sunset. It set early- around 6. The climb to the top of the temple was steep and the stairs were narrow, but everybody went up except for Pepere because of his knees. From the top we had a good view of the country and we could see Angkor Wat. The bummer was that it was hazy, so the sunset wasn't that good. Another part us kids didn't like was seeing a mother with her child that had a disease. I forget what it is called, but the childs head was very big. It made us kids feel sick to look at it, and on the way down we all gave Pepere money to give to her. After we saw those temples we went back to the hotel for a little while to rest and clean up. Later we left for a dinner with a show of the dancers. The Cambodian Dancers work from an early age stretching their fingers and toes ridiculously far back. It is the most flexibility I think I have ever witnessed. The dinner was the same, except for with our fresh fruit desser, we also got coconut custard, which I thought was pretty good.
The next morning we got up and went on a boat ride. We took it through these villages on the river. Mostly Vietnamese live there and they literally live in their boats. Our guide said that if they are not fishers or go on land to work, all they do it wake up, prepare and eat food, drink, and go back to bed. Also floating among these "houses" were churches, schools and stores. We went to one of the stores and some of us got a drink, but I mostly just watched this very cute baby swing back and forth in a hammock. The whole village has to move when it changes between dry and wet season. It must be a hassle. We went to eat the usual lunch. Then we took our siesta on the long bus ride out to two more temples. These two happened to be my favorites. The first one we saw it what they call the "Woman Temple" because the designs are so intricate they tought only women could have designed it. The carving was really spectacular, and nothing like it is made now a days. Next we saw what is known as the Jungle Temple. It is most famous because it is where the Tomb Raider is filmed. It is very cool becuase trees are growing on the temple. The trunks of the trees are all individual sticks wraped in one, so it looks very interesting. That night for dinner we went to a western food place!!! We got salad, penne with pesto or pork with mashed potato, and then apple crumble or fruit with lemon sorbet for dessert. We loved the food and it was a good break from what we had been getting for every meal.
Wednesday was our last day there. We had a leisurly morning and went out and strolled the city. Me, Mom, Dad, and Evan found a good western bakery, with an lounge upstairs. Everyone there seemed to be a westerner and the treat was good. We went back to the hotel and Grammy, Mom, Evan and I (and Leah came along) got a massage at a place where Mom got a full body traditional massage for $6. It was very nice and relaxing. For lunch we went to that cafe, and most of us got fish and chips, Dad got a buger, Mom got a vegetable sandwich, and Leah got ham and cheese. After lunch, Mom, Dad, Evan, Leah, and I went to the Children's Hospital where Dad and Mom were going to give blood and see if there was anything us kids could do. We got a tuk tuk (an open carrige like thing with a motor bike pulling you) and went to the hospital. When we got there, it was closed to visitors becuase of the holiday of Hari Raya. After losing Evan, we decided to go the the other Children's Hospital started by a Swiss doctor. By the time we got there it was pouring rain and we felt really bad for the tuk tuk driver. We got out and went to the blood bank. Mom and Dad were able to start right away and Leah took some pictures and video while I sat in the corner and felt sick. After Mom and Dad, the tuk tuk driver felt inspired and he donated some of his blood too, which was really nice. After 3 bags of blood were filled, we rushed back to the hotel in the rain and quickly put our bags in the bus. We drove to the airport where we checked in and then got something at Dairy Queen. Soon our it was time to board the flight, and we were headed back to Singapore.
On Thursday, Dad went to work and the rest of us sat around the house resting. We also played a lot of Rummy. On Friday we went to the famous Jurond Bird Park. We spent most of the day there and had a lot of fun. My favorite were the owls, but we all had a good time at the Lories. In the Lory sanctuary (the largest in the world), we bought cups with nectar in them. When we walked near a bird holding the cup, they would fy onto the edge and drink it. Sometimes it was scary (at least to me) because they would fight for it. Also, if a bird was on the cup and you tried to pass it to someone else, it would peck whoever it could. Grammy got pecked right through her skin. On Saturday we hung around the house during the day (Mom and Grammy went furniture shopping) and then went to the Night Safari. That was also really fun. There were different types of cats, and they were all beutiflul. They also had tons of other animals, some that I had never even heard of. We got back at midnight and ate the chocolate cake I had made earlier that day as a midnight snack seeing as we missed dinner. On Sunday morning we woke up and turned on the Sox. We had hot dogs and chips (and beer) for breakfast, and we were able to stay awake for the whole game becuase it went into the afternoon (except Pepere who needed a nap because we got in so late the night before). When the Sox lost a dissapointing loss, Mom and Dad went to lunch with Dad's co-worker who was visiting, and us kids went to the American Club. Pepere was napping and Grammy stayed home to prepare our Sunday dinner like we used to have. We had a delicious pork roast that night, but it was bittersweet because knew we went back to school and Grammy and Pepere left the next morning. Well, eventually Monday Morning came, and we said goodbye and went off to school.
We had a good visit with Grammy and Pepere and a wonderful trip to Cambodia. Now we are back to normal (living in Singapore standards).
Miss you All,
~Jane~
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Jane Needs E-Mail Addresses!
Hi Everybody,
Sorry I'm not writing anything interesting, but I need some people's e-mail addresses that I don't have. I'm not sure how often each of you check the blog, but the people I can think of are:
~Chrissy
~Mrs. Fehlner
~Mrs. O'Malley
~Jill
If you guys see this message, just write your e-mail address as a comment and I will try and write (although I have not been doing too well lately!)
Off of that subject, mostly what we have been doing is hanging out with my grandparents and going to school. We have Friday (tomorrow) and then the whole next week we are on break. I'm really excited. We are going to Cambodia to see Angkor Wat (spelling?). It is one of the new wonders of the world. We will take lots of pictures and write about it on the blog. Other than that, we will do more things with Grammy and Pepere. We are hoping to go to the Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park and maybe the zoo. If you can believe it, our school first quarter ends the week after we get back from break, so it is a big time for grading. I have already had an English test, and tomorrow I am having a history test. I'm sure Evan has/is going to take tests, but I'm not sure what.
Well, better go reply to some e-mails so people don't think I forgot about them!
Miss you all,
~Jane~
Sorry I'm not writing anything interesting, but I need some people's e-mail addresses that I don't have. I'm not sure how often each of you check the blog, but the people I can think of are:
~Chrissy
~Mrs. Fehlner
~Mrs. O'Malley
~Jill
If you guys see this message, just write your e-mail address as a comment and I will try and write (although I have not been doing too well lately!)
Off of that subject, mostly what we have been doing is hanging out with my grandparents and going to school. We have Friday (tomorrow) and then the whole next week we are on break. I'm really excited. We are going to Cambodia to see Angkor Wat (spelling?). It is one of the new wonders of the world. We will take lots of pictures and write about it on the blog. Other than that, we will do more things with Grammy and Pepere. We are hoping to go to the Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park and maybe the zoo. If you can believe it, our school first quarter ends the week after we get back from break, so it is a big time for grading. I have already had an English test, and tomorrow I am having a history test. I'm sure Evan has/is going to take tests, but I'm not sure what.
Well, better go reply to some e-mails so people don't think I forgot about them!
Miss you all,
~Jane~
Monday, October 1, 2007
HELLOO!!!!!!!!
Hello everybody! (its Chrissy, Sue's daughter) I just wanted to say hi! sounds like everyone is having a ton of fun. Jane, youth group so misses u BIG TIME! its not nearly as interesting without u. Were trying to make a haunted trail ride thingumabob, so far its sorta working. They also say they want to go back to NYC. i don't know if i would really want to do that because i don't think any of the parents would put up with me singing wicked for the whole million hours it took to get down there. (he he he ) Stay optimistic and have allot of fun !
LOTS OF LOVE
CHRISSY !
CHRISSY !
P.S. ur so lucky its hot there i am freeezzzeeinngggggg
It's October and the in-laws are here
Happy October everyone. Unfortunately, there are no leaves changing color or nice cool nights in which to sleep (except with the air con!), but things are still going well here in Singapore. Richard and Bonnie arrived in the middle of last week. They survived the 17 hour flight from Newark. Lauren has been showing them around Singapore. They will be experts before they return!
Let's see, thus far they have seen the waterfront, central business district including the Merlion, the Fullerton hotel, Clarke Quay and others. They also had a lunch at Flutes of the Fort, a wonderful restaurant at Fort Canning Park. Friday, they went to the Botanical Garden and Tanglin Mall. Richard took a nap later in the day, while Lauren and her Mom got a pedicure at the American Club. Friday night, Richard and I went to the horse racing track for a fundraiser for the American School. It was a great night with dinner and drinks and a terrific room from which to watch the races. I managed to win enough to cover cab fare and a round of drinks.
On Saturday, Jane, Leah, Lauren and her Mom went to Jane's orthodontist appointment and then did some shopping on Orchard Road. Richard, Evan and I went bowling. It took Richard one game to warm up (we both smoked him), but he got his revenge in game 2 by posting the high score of the day (among the three of us). We met for lunch at a hawker center, with Richard joining me for some spicy "Nasi Padang". On Saturday night, we went to the Chinese Garden, this wonderful park in the western part of Singapore. It is the end of the Harvest festival and they had amazing lanterns on display. These lanterns are in all shapes and sizes (flowers, people, buildings, etc.). They are very colorful and some are on land, while some float on the water. We had dinner at the park, sampling some mango salad, satay, and mee goreng.
On Sunday, we relaxed. We spent some time at our pool and then for the evening, we had a fancy dinner at the Equinox. The Equinox is at the top of the Swiss Hotel, which either is or was the tallest hotel in the world. The view is wonderful and the dinner was terrific! Today, Lauren and her parents came down to my work. Lauren had a chiropracter appointment and then I took them to lunch at our local hawker center. There, you can choose from many stalls with most meals costing either SGD 2.50 or 3.00 (about USD 1.75-2.00). Thus in the matter of 12 hours we ate at one of the more expensive restaurants in the city and one of the cheapest. I bet you can guess which one I preferred!
Much more to come this week. We will write more later. In the meantime, one picture is of Lauren and girls with their chinese lanterns they got at the festival. These lanterns are given away and have a lit candle in them. It is pretty amazing to see so many people, including little kids walking around with them. Lauren and the girls were even able to bring lit lanterns onto the city bus. The second picture is all of us at dinner at the Equinox. You can not really see the view, but trust us, it was fabulous.
All the best,
Jed and Lauren
Hi Guys We've been thinking about all of you and I've been having the church pray for you all. The school year has us crazy busy but in a good way. I can only imagine the controlled chaos you all must be going through. I'm in every direction. Molly is making friends with Renee Verebetian and walking to school with a group of her friends To the Ed Molin( We'll be helping build the play ground this weekend). Mark is car pooling with 6-7 families to NH for a first year private school in Hampton called SeaCoast Acadamy. Chrissy is rolling out of bed and going to the HS. Lots of change for her. The classes are much more difficult, teachers not as warm and fuzzy. She is in the band with Kyle, she plays flute,Kyle is Tuba!! (Lots of parent involvement with this group) She has two call backs for plays which she is excited for. We'll keep you posted, Molly may be Tiny Tim!
Jane the youth group really misses you. I'll get the girls onto the blog we have a meeting here on Sat night for a Haunted Weekend fund raiser in NH.
Hugs,
Sue
Jane the youth group really misses you. I'll get the girls onto the blog we have a meeting here on Sat night for a Haunted Weekend fund raiser in NH.
Hugs,
Sue
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Hi Pettys!
I haven't checked the blog in a few weeks and I have missed alot. It's great to read and hear about all that you are doing. We are getting into the school swing of things here... Abigail loves kindergarten and her teacher so much that she wants to go 7 days a week! I'm so happy for her. Jack started preschool last week. He was so proud to finally get to go to school himself you could just see it on his face. So that gives me a few hours 2 days a week for some alone time with Claire which is so nice. We enjoyed music class and the playground this week. I was sorry to read about Bauer not doing well, I hope he is doing better now. Casey is still doing well.
John is out this morning helping build the new playground at the Bresnahan. I volunteered his services! Sounds like alot of familiar faces are there helping so i think he's having fun.
We have had some beautiful fall weather lately. I'm looking forward to Jack's apple picking field trip with preschool in another week. Abigail has a soccer game today. Last week she did great - such a big improvement from the spring season. She scored 2 goals and did a great job on defense too (that week at soccer camp this summer really taught her how to play the game!).
Guess that's all for now. Take care! Kelly
I haven't checked the blog in a few weeks and I have missed alot. It's great to read and hear about all that you are doing. We are getting into the school swing of things here... Abigail loves kindergarten and her teacher so much that she wants to go 7 days a week! I'm so happy for her. Jack started preschool last week. He was so proud to finally get to go to school himself you could just see it on his face. So that gives me a few hours 2 days a week for some alone time with Claire which is so nice. We enjoyed music class and the playground this week. I was sorry to read about Bauer not doing well, I hope he is doing better now. Casey is still doing well.
John is out this morning helping build the new playground at the Bresnahan. I volunteered his services! Sounds like alot of familiar faces are there helping so i think he's having fun.
We have had some beautiful fall weather lately. I'm looking forward to Jack's apple picking field trip with preschool in another week. Abigail has a soccer game today. Last week she did great - such a big improvement from the spring season. She scored 2 goals and did a great job on defense too (that week at soccer camp this summer really taught her how to play the game!).
Guess that's all for now. Take care! Kelly
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Hello from the Wallace Family
Hello to all the Petty Clan!
I've ben enjoying catching up on everything on the blog! Wow - what unbeleiveable things you guys have already been able to do!
I happened to e-mail Jed yesterday at Wellington because 2 of his Singapore Colleagus are going to be in the management class I am facilitating next week at WMC (one of them is the one with the smelly fruit!!!) and low and behold he was n Boston!
First full week of school here in NBPT - some kinks to work out but so far so good. Liam is liking the Bres and his teacher which is so impotant for him to do well. Ella turned 3 last weekend - cannot believe it - she's no baby any more. No there will not be a 3rd!
Lauren and Leah we miss seeing you walking along High St. in the mornings!
Another home football game this Friday - Fall is in the air!
Be well !
Jerry, Denise, Liam, Ella and Kinsale
I've ben enjoying catching up on everything on the blog! Wow - what unbeleiveable things you guys have already been able to do!
I happened to e-mail Jed yesterday at Wellington because 2 of his Singapore Colleagus are going to be in the management class I am facilitating next week at WMC (one of them is the one with the smelly fruit!!!) and low and behold he was n Boston!
First full week of school here in NBPT - some kinks to work out but so far so good. Liam is liking the Bres and his teacher which is so impotant for him to do well. Ella turned 3 last weekend - cannot believe it - she's no baby any more. No there will not be a 3rd!
Lauren and Leah we miss seeing you walking along High St. in the mornings!
Another home football game this Friday - Fall is in the air!
Be well !
Jerry, Denise, Liam, Ella and Kinsale
Sunday, September 9, 2007
I Hear the Weather is Hot back Home
Yes, that is sweat that Jed is wearing! You can imagine what the back of his shirt looked like. Leah took this photo and the kids cracked up when they saw it. It was definately a moderate to difficult trek! This island is so small, and so commercially built up with concrete, yet there are many national parks and reservoirs and mangroves to explore. The hot and humid weather can limit you, if you let it. I hope to "drag" my family on some more of these outings. We will keep you posted.
XOXO-
Lauren
XOXO-
Lauren
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Weekend Fun
First of all, we are very pleased to let everyone know that Bauer is doing very well. It has been a week since his transfusion and the medicine seems to be working. He is a very playful, active puppy. He has gained weight and looks very healthy.
On Friday night, Lauren and a neighbor, Sue went to the Singapore horse track. The company that moved our goods in Singapore, hosted the event. I was returning from Korea and could not make it. Lauren did not want to miss a free night out with food and booze so she and Sue attended. They did not do much betting, but Sue won a couple of races and they enjoyed the evening. There were about 15,000 people in attendance, mostly natives. I am sure Lauren's Dad, Richard, is looking forward to trying his luck at the races in October! Let's hope he does better than Lauren.
Today, Saturday, we all went to MacRitchie Resevoir where there are some terrific hiking paths. The highlight is "The Treetop Walk" which is a suspension bridge that takes you over the rainforest canopy. We saw monkeys, huge ants, beautiful butterflies and enjoyed a good couple of hours of exercise. It was cloudy, which is a positive when you are outside in Singapore!!!
Enjoy the pictures!
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Bauer update
The day after Bauer's 3 month vaccinations he became very lethargic and ill, we thought it would pass, but after 24 hours he was worse. Mom brought him to the vet and was told his red blood cells were 9, the normal was 37. They diagnosed him with a tick fever, he received a blood transfusion and is taking many meds. We will know in about 5 days if this treatment has been successful. Let's all hope so, because if it does not, the prognosis is grave.
Here is an updated photo of Bauer.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Summer's End
Dear Friends and Family.
I imagine you are celebrating the last weekend of summer at the beach, lake, poolside or taking in one last get-away. Knowing many of you, I bet your children have had their back-to-school haircuts already and an outfit picked out. I am trying to remember the cooler temperatures, the crispness in the air. Oh, the beauty of fall, I am missing it for sure. Picking peaches and apples and the fall raspberry crop...
I am thinking of all my teacher friends and family, my little neighborhood buddies and special friends of my children heading off to school in a few days. I am sure you are eager and excited. Maybe a little nervous too? I wish you all a great school year! And I would love to know how school is going for all of you. Many changes in the Newburyport system this year...I hope they are positive, for you teachers, the kiddo's and our community.
Our children have just completed three weeks of school. They are in full swing with homework, tests and school trips. They ride one of 70+ buses to school. They wear a uniform, which I love, and they don't seem to mind, but need to complain about anyway. We leave our flat at 6:57 a.m. to take a slooow elevator ride from the 20th floor, to meet the bus right outside for a 7:03 pickup. The bus ride lasts about 25 minutes. Their school day is 8-3. After school activities end at 4:15, but not everyday, and they return home around 5 pm on those days. The classrooms are airconditioned, and the open air hallways, of course, are not. It seems to rain very hard everyday where they are, which is north and in the rain forest. Fortunately the halls are covered, but the rain comes down hard into the courtyards. I love that!
Leah has adjusted quite well. She loves her teachers, and has made new friends easily. She is learning to play the flute, which she happily practices daily, and is taking, and really enjoying, Mandarin. She will meet her new Orton-Gillingham tutor next week, finally. Of course, no one will compare to Teresa, her tutor in Newburyport.
Jane and Evan continue to struggle. They miss home, and their schools, so much. The biggest hole in their lives right now are the friends they left behind. The Singapore American School is huge. Evan's 10th grade class is larger than the entire GDA student body. Jane and Leah certainly come from even smaller schools. I imagine that is overwhelming! It is not easy to make a connection with another student. Jane is the only new student in her home base, and is the only American, actually, the only Westerner in that class. It is heartbreaking for Jed and I to see these two children so lonely.
Jed is great at getting photos onto the blog. He likes to write about little trips and outings, but not so much about the emotions that are challenging us. We have seen some beautiful places, eaten delicious new foods, and continue to explore our surroundings with new families we have met. The children are not even aware of how much they are coping with and how well they have done so far, but they are still so angry at us. I still believe they will "figure it out" and will grow strong and happy through this experience. Please keep your fingers crossed!
With lots of love-
Lauren
I imagine you are celebrating the last weekend of summer at the beach, lake, poolside or taking in one last get-away. Knowing many of you, I bet your children have had their back-to-school haircuts already and an outfit picked out. I am trying to remember the cooler temperatures, the crispness in the air. Oh, the beauty of fall, I am missing it for sure. Picking peaches and apples and the fall raspberry crop...
I am thinking of all my teacher friends and family, my little neighborhood buddies and special friends of my children heading off to school in a few days. I am sure you are eager and excited. Maybe a little nervous too? I wish you all a great school year! And I would love to know how school is going for all of you. Many changes in the Newburyport system this year...I hope they are positive, for you teachers, the kiddo's and our community.
Our children have just completed three weeks of school. They are in full swing with homework, tests and school trips. They ride one of 70+ buses to school. They wear a uniform, which I love, and they don't seem to mind, but need to complain about anyway. We leave our flat at 6:57 a.m. to take a slooow elevator ride from the 20th floor, to meet the bus right outside for a 7:03 pickup. The bus ride lasts about 25 minutes. Their school day is 8-3. After school activities end at 4:15, but not everyday, and they return home around 5 pm on those days. The classrooms are airconditioned, and the open air hallways, of course, are not. It seems to rain very hard everyday where they are, which is north and in the rain forest. Fortunately the halls are covered, but the rain comes down hard into the courtyards. I love that!
Leah has adjusted quite well. She loves her teachers, and has made new friends easily. She is learning to play the flute, which she happily practices daily, and is taking, and really enjoying, Mandarin. She will meet her new Orton-Gillingham tutor next week, finally. Of course, no one will compare to Teresa, her tutor in Newburyport.
Jane and Evan continue to struggle. They miss home, and their schools, so much. The biggest hole in their lives right now are the friends they left behind. The Singapore American School is huge. Evan's 10th grade class is larger than the entire GDA student body. Jane and Leah certainly come from even smaller schools. I imagine that is overwhelming! It is not easy to make a connection with another student. Jane is the only new student in her home base, and is the only American, actually, the only Westerner in that class. It is heartbreaking for Jed and I to see these two children so lonely.
Jed is great at getting photos onto the blog. He likes to write about little trips and outings, but not so much about the emotions that are challenging us. We have seen some beautiful places, eaten delicious new foods, and continue to explore our surroundings with new families we have met. The children are not even aware of how much they are coping with and how well they have done so far, but they are still so angry at us. I still believe they will "figure it out" and will grow strong and happy through this experience. Please keep your fingers crossed!
With lots of love-
Lauren
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Hungry Ghost Festival
This weekend we went on a tour to learn about the hungry ghost festival. It is a local festival that is celebrated annually during the 7th lunar month. It is believed by many Chinese people that the spirits of deceased persons roam the earth during this time. Spirits with no family members on earth have no where to go and no one to provide for them. The emphasis of this ancient festival is on respecting and remembering the dead.
Neighborhood events entertain and feed the hungry ghosts. Roadside offerings, incense sticks and paper money can be seen. There are large stages set up for Chinese Opera (wayang) and pop concerts (getai). The front row is always left empty for the special guests! We went out to a couple of these and were clearly the only non-locals among the crowd. Nonetheless, we were invited to stay for dinner and welcomed into the temples.
National Day
Hi all,
We hope everyone is doing well and thanks for checking the blog! We have not updated much since we seem to be quite busy. School has been in session for two weeks. Along with school come many activities - baseball, swimming, music lessons, girlscouts, community service clubs, etc.
Singapore recently celebrated their National Day. There was a parade on the largest floating stage in the world. You needed tickets to sit in the stands for the best view so we watched it poolside at the American Club. Here are a few snaps.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Bauer Pics.
Here is Bauer sleeping with Mom, and one of him awake. He is quite the troublemaker but also loves to cuddle up with you and take a snooze. He looks so much like Navio we have called him that a few times....lets hope he does grow to be bigger so we can tell them apart!
Miss you all.
Jane
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