Today marks two months in Singapore. On the one month anniversary of my arrival, I got food poisoning and puked in a bush. Today, I'm the the head-full-of-phlegm phase of a cold. I'm hoping the third month anniversary of being here doesn't involve being sick. : )
It's been a good week so far, and I'm reminded that I'm so blessed to be able to do this job. I get to experience another country, work with wonderful staff and kids and families, and the amount of stress I deal with on a daily basis has gone way, way down. God is so awesomely good. Sometimes I wonder what He has in store further down the road, or how all the different things I've experienced are going to come together, or even if they're ever going to come together in a way that makes sense to me.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The leaves are still green
I've been thinking a lot about autumn in Wisconsin lately...I miss ripe tomatoes and making salsa, the changing colors and the way the trees on Rib Mountain look when I drive past, and that crisp, chill -but not cold! - weather that's perfect for sweatshirt-wearing. It makes me think about riding my bike through piles of leaves, apple picking, and making pie.
The more I think about these things though, the more I realize that I haven't done very many of them during the past few years. Bike-riding and apple-picking all happened in college. Singapore is a lot different, but it's bringing with it a new host of experiences worth remembering.
I know I've talked about the stages of transitioning to a new place before, and more and more I realize I'm in that second phase where differences make themselves more apparent and you notice so often the things you miss: Taking cheese fries out of the oven. Sitting in the tiny wedge of space between my futon and the coffee table. Shopping at Target and Festival Foods.
It makes me a little sad to write about it...I've been in Singapore for almost 2 months and I think it's almost time to get a tear-jerker movie so I can have myself a good, healthy cry.
Let me say that there are so many things to love about Singapore too - the plethora of fruit juices, huge thunderstorms more often than Wisconsin could ever supply, plants and flowers and trees every where you look, and the wonderful community of people at our school. I'm curious to see what kinds of things are going to stick with me from here, the things I'll miss sometime far, far in the future.
The more I think about these things though, the more I realize that I haven't done very many of them during the past few years. Bike-riding and apple-picking all happened in college. Singapore is a lot different, but it's bringing with it a new host of experiences worth remembering.
I know I've talked about the stages of transitioning to a new place before, and more and more I realize I'm in that second phase where differences make themselves more apparent and you notice so often the things you miss: Taking cheese fries out of the oven. Sitting in the tiny wedge of space between my futon and the coffee table. Shopping at Target and Festival Foods.
It makes me a little sad to write about it...I've been in Singapore for almost 2 months and I think it's almost time to get a tear-jerker movie so I can have myself a good, healthy cry.
Let me say that there are so many things to love about Singapore too - the plethora of fruit juices, huge thunderstorms more often than Wisconsin could ever supply, plants and flowers and trees every where you look, and the wonderful community of people at our school. I'm curious to see what kinds of things are going to stick with me from here, the things I'll miss sometime far, far in the future.
Friday, September 3, 2010
3 weeks down!
The students and I have survived three weeks of school with no life-threatening injuries: Thank You, God! This really is a heartfelt praise, because I guess I forgot just how accident-prone kids and young adults are. They knock each other over in P.E., fall off things, and get well-acquainted with the sidewalk...on pretty much a daily basis. Tripping down the stairs is less frequent, but has happened twice already. A large chunk of me wants to wrap every last one of them in bubble-wrap, but with Singapore's heat and humidity, the prevelance of eczema, and the current fashion trends, I don't think that would go over very well.
Learning names is something of a challenge too - I have no seating charts to go by, and it's a random draw of which 350+ students are going to walk in each day. Names are important though. I remember when I was younger, it was crushing if someone I considered important didn't remember my name (or worse, used one of my younger sisters' names!). I'm trying to make an effort to remember them, but it might take some doing!
There are, of course, a few familiar faces already. One kid I've seen a few times popped in after school for something and I asked if he and his parents were going to come to the open house tonight. He said he thought so, and I suggested that it would be nice for his mom and dad to see his classroom and his teacher. "And you," he announced - which I'll admit made me just a bit tickled pink.
Learning names is something of a challenge too - I have no seating charts to go by, and it's a random draw of which 350+ students are going to walk in each day. Names are important though. I remember when I was younger, it was crushing if someone I considered important didn't remember my name (or worse, used one of my younger sisters' names!). I'm trying to make an effort to remember them, but it might take some doing!
There are, of course, a few familiar faces already. One kid I've seen a few times popped in after school for something and I asked if he and his parents were going to come to the open house tonight. He said he thought so, and I suggested that it would be nice for his mom and dad to see his classroom and his teacher. "And you," he announced - which I'll admit made me just a bit tickled pink.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Shopping in Singapore: Uniqlo
Being of the cheap, frugal variety, I get excited every time I think I get a deal. I've been in Singapore just over a month (yay!) and one of the things I've realized is that my love of clearance rack shopping probably isn't going to be as easily fulfilled here. So, every time I find a store I really like, I'll try to do a little blog about it (mainly for the benefit of my shopping-obsessed sisters).
Uniqlo is a Japanese clothing store - they have shops in a few other countries, including one in Manhattan. It reminds me A LOT of Old Navy: the quality is okay, and most of the clothes are casual with a small selection of dress clothes, sports outfits, business appropriate wear, and sleepwear. There are also a lot of basics like t-shirts and tanks in a solid color range. I only looked through the ladies' section; there's a large men's area as well and they seem to have about the same selection.
Prices are affordable and there are a lot of sales. The selection seems to get changed a lot, so while I haven't found a clearance section, things are "on sale" for as low as S$10.
Sizes range from S to XL, but they run small. I wear a S/M in Old Navy's clothes, but a M/L here. I didn't try on any jeans so I can't tell you how those run.
Uniqlo also provided me with my first fitting room experience in Singapore: you'll have to queue up (get in a line) and an attendant will take everything off the hangers for you and find you a cubicle. You'll be required to leave your shoes outside the cubicle. When you're done, the attendant will take anything you don't want.
The best part?
If you're short like me, and want your pants hemmed, Uniqlo does it for FREE (unless you buy something under a certain price; then it's S$5).
If you want your bottoms altered/hemmed:
1.) While in the dressing room, ask an attendant to come over. They'll help you decide on the length and mark the garment.
2.) Take all of your things to the check-out counter. Make sure to mention which items need to be altered. They'll staple a tag to the garment and have you provide your name and phone number.
3.) Take the item that needs to be altered to the alteration counter. It's probably right near the dressing room. They'll let you know what time you need to return for it.
4.) Leave. Alterations usually take between 2-4 hours. Best make Uniqlo your FIRST shopping stop of the day.
5.) Return at the appointed time and retrieve your garment. You'll have to show your receipt as proof of purchase. You can try it on again there to make sure the alteration is suitable.
That's all!
Uniqlo is a Japanese clothing store - they have shops in a few other countries, including one in Manhattan. It reminds me A LOT of Old Navy: the quality is okay, and most of the clothes are casual with a small selection of dress clothes, sports outfits, business appropriate wear, and sleepwear. There are also a lot of basics like t-shirts and tanks in a solid color range. I only looked through the ladies' section; there's a large men's area as well and they seem to have about the same selection.
Prices are affordable and there are a lot of sales. The selection seems to get changed a lot, so while I haven't found a clearance section, things are "on sale" for as low as S$10.
Sizes range from S to XL, but they run small. I wear a S/M in Old Navy's clothes, but a M/L here. I didn't try on any jeans so I can't tell you how those run.
Uniqlo also provided me with my first fitting room experience in Singapore: you'll have to queue up (get in a line) and an attendant will take everything off the hangers for you and find you a cubicle. You'll be required to leave your shoes outside the cubicle. When you're done, the attendant will take anything you don't want.
The best part?
If you're short like me, and want your pants hemmed, Uniqlo does it for FREE (unless you buy something under a certain price; then it's S$5).
If you want your bottoms altered/hemmed:
1.) While in the dressing room, ask an attendant to come over. They'll help you decide on the length and mark the garment.
2.) Take all of your things to the check-out counter. Make sure to mention which items need to be altered. They'll staple a tag to the garment and have you provide your name and phone number.
3.) Take the item that needs to be altered to the alteration counter. It's probably right near the dressing room. They'll let you know what time you need to return for it.
4.) Leave. Alterations usually take between 2-4 hours. Best make Uniqlo your FIRST shopping stop of the day.
5.) Return at the appointed time and retrieve your garment. You'll have to show your receipt as proof of purchase. You can try it on again there to make sure the alteration is suitable.
That's all!
Friday, August 27, 2010
4+ Weeks!
I've spent just over four weeks here in beautiful Singapore - a month from tomorrow, I was flying into Changi Airport for the very, very first time. I still remember a little bit of those first 24 jet-lagged hours: the confusion over whether or not I should tip the porter (if you're wondering, the answer is no), seeing our lovely flat for the very first time, and the late evening walk by the Esplanade, complete with blurry photos that I was too tired to frame better. I can't remember what I ate for lunch.
And now it's very, very nearly been a month and we've survived two weeks of school already. I'm quickly learning that working in a school is much, much different than working at a hospital - there are very few things you can predict, occasional uneventful hours, and other times when the office is invaded with chaos (or sixth grade boys).
If you ever worked with me on 8 North, let me tell you that I'm incredibly thankful for what my years with all of you taught me: how to stay calm when you're concerned, the ability to grab what you need and take off running, triage questions, the value of watching and waiting, how to appreciate a conversation, and how to wrap an ACE-bandage. ; )
In two weeks there's been plenty of excitement too: a bloody nose, allergic reactions, a couple bumped heads, and the usual variety of fevers, headaches, scrapes, and puke with a little local heat over-exposure thrown in. I pulled a tooth. I've called plenty of moms and dads. I'm basking in the delight of the short conversations about summer vacation, pink shoes, puppies, sports, and kids' lit, among other things. Today I got my biggest scare - if you're in the medical field, you know the words "come right now" are never a good thing. I don't want to downplay a broken arm, but let me just say I was relieved when I had to get a taxi instead of an ambulance!
It's also been a joy to be around kids again. I want to write so much, but I think "joy" sums the feeling up pretty sufficiently.
On a final note, I also got pranked today. I'd offer some advice on how to better convince me you've severed two fingers, but I'm a bit concerned someone would actually try to see if the methods worked. ; )
And now it's very, very nearly been a month and we've survived two weeks of school already. I'm quickly learning that working in a school is much, much different than working at a hospital - there are very few things you can predict, occasional uneventful hours, and other times when the office is invaded with chaos (or sixth grade boys).
If you ever worked with me on 8 North, let me tell you that I'm incredibly thankful for what my years with all of you taught me: how to stay calm when you're concerned, the ability to grab what you need and take off running, triage questions, the value of watching and waiting, how to appreciate a conversation, and how to wrap an ACE-bandage. ; )
In two weeks there's been plenty of excitement too: a bloody nose, allergic reactions, a couple bumped heads, and the usual variety of fevers, headaches, scrapes, and puke with a little local heat over-exposure thrown in. I pulled a tooth. I've called plenty of moms and dads. I'm basking in the delight of the short conversations about summer vacation, pink shoes, puppies, sports, and kids' lit, among other things. Today I got my biggest scare - if you're in the medical field, you know the words "come right now" are never a good thing. I don't want to downplay a broken arm, but let me just say I was relieved when I had to get a taxi instead of an ambulance!
It's also been a joy to be around kids again. I want to write so much, but I think "joy" sums the feeling up pretty sufficiently.
On a final note, I also got pranked today. I'd offer some advice on how to better convince me you've severed two fingers, but I'm a bit concerned someone would actually try to see if the methods worked. ; )
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Singapore: 2 Weeks Down!
I've officially been in Singapore for 2 weeks now! I'm better at navigating the bus and can now identify bus newbies when they try to board from the wrong door. I've tried more new foods. The office is beginning to feel a little bit more like my office.
Things I Really Like:
Being able to walk around alone at night and still feel safe
Hearing more than one language on a regular basis
Trying new food almost every day
School people
Seeing kids walking around in uniforms
The nice people in our neighborhood
Hearing more than just American music in malls
Things I Like that I Didn't Think I Would
Boxed milk
Living high, high up in the building
Learning a new currency
Things I Don't Like:
Broken aircons
Feeling gross almost all the time
Crazy expensive American food
Walking into a bathroom and realizing there are no Western toilets
Things I Really Like:
Being able to walk around alone at night and still feel safe
Hearing more than one language on a regular basis
Trying new food almost every day
School people
Seeing kids walking around in uniforms
The nice people in our neighborhood
Hearing more than just American music in malls
Things I Like that I Didn't Think I Would
Boxed milk
Living high, high up in the building
Learning a new currency
Things I Don't Like:
Broken aircons
Feeling gross almost all the time
Crazy expensive American food
Walking into a bathroom and realizing there are no Western toilets
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
S'pore - Week 2!
So I've officially been in Singapore for a whole week! This place continues to present me with new experiences, challenges, and especially new food. I'm definitely enjoying all the Indian food and am working up some bravery to branch into the more unfamiliar Chinese cuisine (fish balls, anyone?). The flat is starting to feel like home: a few days our power went out and we went on a scavenger hunt for the fuse box (we ended up having to call someone else to look...but met some of our Singaporean neighbors in the process!). We saw (and Kara killed) our first cockroach. I've successfully plugged the sink, but haven't figured out how to unplug it (whoops!). We don't have hot water in the kitchen, so to do dishes we carried water from the bathroom. After we learn how to work the stove/range, we should be able to just boil water on the stove for cleaning. We continue to learn the bus system a little more every day (I think I can finally recognize when to push the buzzer for our school stop...).
We also started school orientation this week and I've been spending plenty of time tidying up my office and getting first aid kits ready for all the classrooms. My cupboards are full of all kinds of pharmaceutical and bandaging goodies and my goal is to successfully complete a supply order by the end of tomorrow - it's a challenge because all the brand names for products are different, and medical supplies are usually referred to by their brand names. I'm used to coverlets, kerlix, and Band-aids...not the mysterious "elastoplast" and "helioplast" ("-plast" is a great ending around here, apparently...).
Tomorrow I have an appointment regarding my green card/work pass and sometime in the next few weeks we'll be working on getting me recognized as a registered nurse in Singapore. For the time being, I'm a First Aid Officer. Whoop-whoop! Your prayers that this process would go smoothly would be appreciated!
The returning people from school continue to be absolutely wonderful: I feel like we're constantly going out to eat with people or having a meal at someone's house. There's such a great feeling of community and I absolutely love it. The new people are awesome as well! It's fabulous to have people drop into the office to say hi or to be able to peek into the junior kindergarten during a break. Today a group of us ate lunch at the hawker center near school...more delicious Indian food.
Did I explain hawker centers? It's basically a huge complex with tables for eating and tons of food and drink stands where you can get something to eat. There's no aircon, but the food is super cheap ($2-$6 SG) and there's plenty of different things to try. The hawker near school is huge: there are also tons of shops, a bakery, and a wet market (fish smell!) nearby.
Tomorrow's goal: learn to do laundry. Our washing machine is itty-bitty compared to the commercial washer back in Wisconsin, and we don't have a dryer. Get ready for an adventure!
I realize I still haven't posted photos...NEXT TIME! (I think I've taken about ten photos total...sad!)
We also started school orientation this week and I've been spending plenty of time tidying up my office and getting first aid kits ready for all the classrooms. My cupboards are full of all kinds of pharmaceutical and bandaging goodies and my goal is to successfully complete a supply order by the end of tomorrow - it's a challenge because all the brand names for products are different, and medical supplies are usually referred to by their brand names. I'm used to coverlets, kerlix, and Band-aids...not the mysterious "elastoplast" and "helioplast" ("-plast" is a great ending around here, apparently...).
Tomorrow I have an appointment regarding my green card/work pass and sometime in the next few weeks we'll be working on getting me recognized as a registered nurse in Singapore. For the time being, I'm a First Aid Officer. Whoop-whoop! Your prayers that this process would go smoothly would be appreciated!
The returning people from school continue to be absolutely wonderful: I feel like we're constantly going out to eat with people or having a meal at someone's house. There's such a great feeling of community and I absolutely love it. The new people are awesome as well! It's fabulous to have people drop into the office to say hi or to be able to peek into the junior kindergarten during a break. Today a group of us ate lunch at the hawker center near school...more delicious Indian food.
Did I explain hawker centers? It's basically a huge complex with tables for eating and tons of food and drink stands where you can get something to eat. There's no aircon, but the food is super cheap ($2-$6 SG) and there's plenty of different things to try. The hawker near school is huge: there are also tons of shops, a bakery, and a wet market (fish smell!) nearby.
Tomorrow's goal: learn to do laundry. Our washing machine is itty-bitty compared to the commercial washer back in Wisconsin, and we don't have a dryer. Get ready for an adventure!
I realize I still haven't posted photos...NEXT TIME! (I think I've taken about ten photos total...sad!)
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