July 19, 2009
June 01, 2009
Pecah!
“Puh-CHAH!” in Bahasa means to shatter, bust, explode (like a balloon or a watermelon)…or in this case, like our friend Tall T’s driver’s side window. We went to the park (see Isaac’s blog for a video that will make you laugh) and came back to this…
When we knocked on the neighbor’s door, the kids came to the window to quickly tell us that their parents weren’t home and then named the girl who threw the rock that accidentally shattered the window. After Anthony talked to the girl’s mom we went about cleaning up the mess. While we were cleaning the 9 year old girl who did it came very relunctantly up the hill to our house to apologize. She was balling her eyes out. Poor thing. She’s the sweetest of all our neighbor kids and is very protective of Isaac (check out this post…she’s the girl with the light shirt on nearest to Isaac). I hugged her and told her we weren’t mad and knew it was an accident. She still cried though for like 30 more minutes. Bless her heart.
After the glass was cleaned up a neighbor offered industrial strength seran wrap to cover the door! We planned on getting it fixed the next day so it was just a one night deal.
Then… around 10pm the little girl’s dad came over. He apologized (he’s a funny guy and would be easy to forgive even if we hadn’t already) and offered to fix the window himself. He’s a taxi driver and drove a “Waja” (the same kind of car) for several years before getting his latest car. Since they were paying anyway, we agreed. He’s helped us fix our car a couple times and we trusted him. He said he would try the place he knew on Sunday, but wasn’t sure if it would be open…”No big deal, Monday is fine.”- we told him.
Then about 11pm he knocked on our door again and already had the replacement window and wanted to install it that night! We agreed and he began taking the door apart.
Everything went together great and at 11:45 he shut the door, rolled down the window, but when we tried the lock it didn’t work. He disassembled and reassembled the door 2 more times and the 3rd time was a charm and at 12:45 the car window, door, and locks were all in perfect working order. And it was all done right outside our front door. It’s got to be a record from “pecah-ing” to fixed and done…7 hours tops!
When we knocked on the neighbor’s door, the kids came to the window to quickly tell us that their parents weren’t home and then named the girl who threw the rock that accidentally shattered the window. After Anthony talked to the girl’s mom we went about cleaning up the mess. While we were cleaning the 9 year old girl who did it came very relunctantly up the hill to our house to apologize. She was balling her eyes out. Poor thing. She’s the sweetest of all our neighbor kids and is very protective of Isaac (check out this post…she’s the girl with the light shirt on nearest to Isaac). I hugged her and told her we weren’t mad and knew it was an accident. She still cried though for like 30 more minutes. Bless her heart.After the glass was cleaned up a neighbor offered industrial strength seran wrap to cover the door! We planned on getting it fixed the next day so it was just a one night deal.
Then… around 10pm the little girl’s dad came over. He apologized (he’s a funny guy and would be easy to forgive even if we hadn’t already) and offered to fix the window himself. He’s a taxi driver and drove a “Waja” (the same kind of car) for several years before getting his latest car. Since they were paying anyway, we agreed. He’s helped us fix our car a couple times and we trusted him. He said he would try the place he knew on Sunday, but wasn’t sure if it would be open…”No big deal, Monday is fine.”- we told him.Then about 11pm he knocked on our door again and already had the replacement window and wanted to install it that night! We agreed and he began taking the door apart.
Everything went together great and at 11:45 he shut the door, rolled down the window, but when we tried the lock it didn’t work. He disassembled and reassembled the door 2 more times and the 3rd time was a charm and at 12:45 the car window, door, and locks were all in perfect working order. And it was all done right outside our front door. It’s got to be a record from “pecah-ing” to fixed and done…7 hours tops!
May 27, 2009
Mr. & Mrs. for 5 Years!
We have been married for 5 incredible years! We can't believe it's been that long and we marvel at everything we've done and been through (see ALL the former posts on this blog for reference:)God has truly blessed us far beyond anything we could have dreamed and we have "as long as we both shall live" to experience the rest of what He has in store for us. If the first 5 years have been are any indication of what the rest will be like, we can't imagine what life will be like at year 10, 25, or 50!
May 25, 2009
10 Things to Miss...
We’ll be returning to the US at the end of June. With one month left in the place we’ve happily called home for the last (almost) 3 years, there are inevitably things we’ll miss. This list isn’t the major things, but the “little” things we’ve come to love and that seem all too normal here… In no particular order…
1. Choosing our own seats for a $3.00 movie.
Here, when you go to the movies, you pick your seat when you buy the ticket. At first we thought this was weird… it’s best to go early or buy your tickets online (no, we don’t live in a hut!) but then, even if you end up getting there 5 minutes late or in the middle of the previews, your seat is there waiting for you. They even have “Couple Seats” in the back couple of rows that don’t have arm rests between them. And the theaters here are all stadium seating, very much up to US standards. I definitely think the US though, could learn from Asian ticket buying- When I think about going to the movies in the states I’m already whining because I know I’m going to have to buy tickets early, then make sure I get to the theater early (or wait in line early) then try not to get into a yelling match with the bozo saving 8 seats for all his friends who haven’t shown up yet! Grrrr.
2. Full-Service Petrol Stations.
Do these even exist in the US anymore? I think in the entire time I’ve been here, I’ve pumped my own gas less than 10 times. Thanks to the (more than likely) illegal Bangladeshi workers, going to the gas station is less of a hassle.
3. Gargantuan Malls.
If there is one thing Asia does hands-down better than America, it’s malls. There is no such thing as a single storey mall here. And I can only think of one 2-Storey one…wait, nevermind, the bowling alley and movie theater are on a lower 3rd level. So yeah. Malls here are big. And there are tons of them. “Malling” is definitely a cultural thing. It doesn’t matter that a new 5 storey mall goes up 2 miles from the last one, on the weekends, they are ALL ALWAYS packed. I’m going to miss participating in this part of the culture!
4. Parking Garages.
These are a necessary accompaniment to the mega malls. If I make a “10 things I won’t miss” list, these will probably be on it too. But under the hot equatorial sun, never having to get into a car that is suffocatingly hot or never having a seatbelt brand my hand or leg, and never having to worry that anything in my car might be melting is nice.
5. The Ice Cream counter at McDonald’s.
I have no clue if these exist in the US, but they’re standard here. Nearly every McDonald’s has an entirely separate counter that’s just for ice cream so you don’t have to wait behind all those burger eaters for your choco-top cone. Nice.
6. Head Massage with any Shampoo.
At salons here it’s a given that you will get a head massage. You don’t have to ask for one. They shampoo your hair as you’re sitting up in the chair (I know, and it’s not messy, I have no clue how they do it) and while shampooing they work their magic on your scalp. I’ve noticed that if I compliment the stylist as they’re massaging, they go a little longer. Even at barber shops they do it (and Anthony’s barber also does a neck crack that would cause any chiropractor to applaud)…the best part is there’s no extra charge!
7. Weather reports not-necessary.
Here there’s no “Weather on the 10’s” during newscasts. It’s either hot and dry or hot and wet 365 days a year. Bring an umbrella and you’re prepared for either (people use umbrellas more for keeping sun off than rain). My news watching must be proportional to weather forecasts because I think I’ve watched less than 10 newscasts since being here because I already knew what the weather would be!
8. Roundabouts.
This is also one that could end up on a “won’t miss” list, but I think I’ll be missing the sight of them. It’s not that they’re better than a four- way intersection (though for 5 way intersections they’re nice) it’s just that they’ve become part of what I expect to encounter when I drive…so they’re a distinct part of my experience here. It’s a good feeling navigating one without feeling scared...almost like a rite of passage. And if I ever get on the Amazing Race, I’m sure it will give me a leg-up by expertly maneuvering through the mess as the other confused Americans wait nervously for the ‘break’ that never comes in a roundabout traffic! Ha!
9. Being called “Madam.”
I’ve never googled or wikipedia-ed this, but I’m fairly confident that the word “Madam” replaces “Mrs.” for a married woman’s title in British English. At hospitals, clinics, and other places where formality reigns, “Madam Sharon” just sounds so British Colonial and I love it. Also young boys are called “Master” so when we fill out Isaac’s medical forms and what not, he’s called “Master Isaac.” Very cute and very Un-American sounding.
10. “COMELNYA! MATA BIRU!”
That’s “He’s so cute! Wow blue eyes!” in Bahasa. Isaac gets this everywhere we go. And though a lot of the time I crave anonymity, being told constantly that your baby is beautiful…to the point where Isaac gets at least 2 spontaneous photo ops when we’re out in public each time, is nice and boosts the ol’ mommy self-esteem. Camera phones come out and people hold up their peace signs with the blue-eyed, fair skinned baby and everyone walks away smiling. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still “cute” in American terms, but I wonder how much my ego will suffer when no one randomly asks for my baby’s picture when we’re in a sea of blue, green, and hazel eyes. ☺
1. Choosing our own seats for a $3.00 movie.
Here, when you go to the movies, you pick your seat when you buy the ticket. At first we thought this was weird… it’s best to go early or buy your tickets online (no, we don’t live in a hut!) but then, even if you end up getting there 5 minutes late or in the middle of the previews, your seat is there waiting for you. They even have “Couple Seats” in the back couple of rows that don’t have arm rests between them. And the theaters here are all stadium seating, very much up to US standards. I definitely think the US though, could learn from Asian ticket buying- When I think about going to the movies in the states I’m already whining because I know I’m going to have to buy tickets early, then make sure I get to the theater early (or wait in line early) then try not to get into a yelling match with the bozo saving 8 seats for all his friends who haven’t shown up yet! Grrrr.2. Full-Service Petrol Stations.
Do these even exist in the US anymore? I think in the entire time I’ve been here, I’ve pumped my own gas less than 10 times. Thanks to the (more than likely) illegal Bangladeshi workers, going to the gas station is less of a hassle.3. Gargantuan Malls.
If there is one thing Asia does hands-down better than America, it’s malls. There is no such thing as a single storey mall here. And I can only think of one 2-Storey one…wait, nevermind, the bowling alley and movie theater are on a lower 3rd level. So yeah. Malls here are big. And there are tons of them. “Malling” is definitely a cultural thing. It doesn’t matter that a new 5 storey mall goes up 2 miles from the last one, on the weekends, they are ALL ALWAYS packed. I’m going to miss participating in this part of the culture!4. Parking Garages.
These are a necessary accompaniment to the mega malls. If I make a “10 things I won’t miss” list, these will probably be on it too. But under the hot equatorial sun, never having to get into a car that is suffocatingly hot or never having a seatbelt brand my hand or leg, and never having to worry that anything in my car might be melting is nice.5. The Ice Cream counter at McDonald’s.
I have no clue if these exist in the US, but they’re standard here. Nearly every McDonald’s has an entirely separate counter that’s just for ice cream so you don’t have to wait behind all those burger eaters for your choco-top cone. Nice.6. Head Massage with any Shampoo.
At salons here it’s a given that you will get a head massage. You don’t have to ask for one. They shampoo your hair as you’re sitting up in the chair (I know, and it’s not messy, I have no clue how they do it) and while shampooing they work their magic on your scalp. I’ve noticed that if I compliment the stylist as they’re massaging, they go a little longer. Even at barber shops they do it (and Anthony’s barber also does a neck crack that would cause any chiropractor to applaud)…the best part is there’s no extra charge!7. Weather reports not-necessary.
Here there’s no “Weather on the 10’s” during newscasts. It’s either hot and dry or hot and wet 365 days a year. Bring an umbrella and you’re prepared for either (people use umbrellas more for keeping sun off than rain). My news watching must be proportional to weather forecasts because I think I’ve watched less than 10 newscasts since being here because I already knew what the weather would be!
8. Roundabouts.
This is also one that could end up on a “won’t miss” list, but I think I’ll be missing the sight of them. It’s not that they’re better than a four- way intersection (though for 5 way intersections they’re nice) it’s just that they’ve become part of what I expect to encounter when I drive…so they’re a distinct part of my experience here. It’s a good feeling navigating one without feeling scared...almost like a rite of passage. And if I ever get on the Amazing Race, I’m sure it will give me a leg-up by expertly maneuvering through the mess as the other confused Americans wait nervously for the ‘break’ that never comes in a roundabout traffic! Ha!9. Being called “Madam.”
I’ve never googled or wikipedia-ed this, but I’m fairly confident that the word “Madam” replaces “Mrs.” for a married woman’s title in British English. At hospitals, clinics, and other places where formality reigns, “Madam Sharon” just sounds so British Colonial and I love it. Also young boys are called “Master” so when we fill out Isaac’s medical forms and what not, he’s called “Master Isaac.” Very cute and very Un-American sounding.10. “COMELNYA! MATA BIRU!”
That’s “He’s so cute! Wow blue eyes!” in Bahasa. Isaac gets this everywhere we go. And though a lot of the time I crave anonymity, being told constantly that your baby is beautiful…to the point where Isaac gets at least 2 spontaneous photo ops when we’re out in public each time, is nice and boosts the ol’ mommy self-esteem. Camera phones come out and people hold up their peace signs with the blue-eyed, fair skinned baby and everyone walks away smiling. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still “cute” in American terms, but I wonder how much my ego will suffer when no one randomly asks for my baby’s picture when we’re in a sea of blue, green, and hazel eyes. ☺
May 11, 2009
Stylo Mum
Mother’s Day weekend was fun this year…is it wrong to say it was fun because of the free stuff I got? No. I’m the Mommy and I say no.Since most of you will only look at pictures, I’ll put this part of the story first…
The most unexpected Mother’s Day surprise happened as I was walking to the nail salon in the mall. This girl stopped me before getting on an escalator and said, “Hi! I’ve spotted you as a Stylo Mom!” (and then handed me a slip of paper with the same thing written on it) “Go to the concierge desk to collect your prize.”
“Wha?”
She then said, “ You’re a stylish mum. Can I take your picture?” She held up the camera and snapped a photo of me holding Isaac. Then she was gone and I got my mani/pedi.
Later I went to the desk to receive my prize, still a bit confused. The prize was a new wallet, eye shadow, blush, and some lipstick. The guy at the desk wrote my name and phone number on the back of the slip of paper, then he took my picture too. Confused, I asked what all this was and as far as I could understand there’s some judging or something for the pictures and then the “mum” chosen wins another prize. Anthony saw a wardrobe (as in clothes, not the C.S. Lewis kind) on display and he thought that could be the prize. I highly doubt it, but if anything comes of it I’ll post pics here for sure!
My husband snuck and bought me the last two books in the “Twilight” series while I was getting my Mother’s Day Manicure/Pedicure. For those of you who don’t know me personally, no, I’m not a teenage mom… I just happen to find the adolescent vampire love story interesting. Don’t argue with me about it either.On Sunday morning I woke up and Isaac had made me his first ever Mother’s Day card (with help from Daddy of course).
We went to eat at Bubba Gump’s with some friends (her first mother’s day!)…we went there last year, so maybe every year we’re here for Mother’s Day we’ll make it an official tradition. The kids meals there are so cute served in the shrimp boats…though Isaac was really into the tartar sauce.
It was a great weekend and to reward all of you who so faithfully read all the way to the bottom of this post… I woke up this morning to my sister calling from the US (where it was still Mother’s Day) to tell us that their birthmom was in labor with the child they’re hoping to adopt! So, no doubt this post will soon be replaced with a birth announcement!
May 05, 2009
10 Things About Where We Live
1. Where we live there is a very slight chance of getting hit in the head from a falling durian... which kills an average of 1 person a year (true fact).
2. Where we live Crocs are just as popular as they are in the US (and just as ugly).
3. Where we live people believe cold drinks can make you sick (the food below: sweet lime tea and char kuey teow... mmmm... soooo goooood).
4. Where we live there are wild tigers, elephants, rhinoceroses and monkeys in the rainforest.
5. Where we live there's WiFi in every McDonald's and the employees bring home the chicken bacon (no pork here :) by making RM4.50/sejam ($1.27/hour).
6. Where we live my wife takes unflattering pictures with her friends in Starbucks (she doesn't know I found this... he he he).
7. Where we live many people bloodlet to get rid of headaches.
8. Where we live nearly every local restaurant is open 24 hours and they're often packed at 2am.
9. Where we live little kids commonly go to sleep at midnight.
10. Where we live the word for heart (as in "you'll always be in my heart" or "I'll keep your memories in my heart") in the local language, when directly translated, means "liver."
What's cool about where you live? Leave a comment!
2. Where we live Crocs are just as popular as they are in the US (and just as ugly).
3. Where we live people believe cold drinks can make you sick (the food below: sweet lime tea and char kuey teow... mmmm... soooo goooood).
4. Where we live there are wild tigers, elephants, rhinoceroses and monkeys in the rainforest.
5. Where we live there's WiFi in every McDonald's and the employees bring home the chicken bacon (no pork here :) by making RM4.50/sejam ($1.27/hour).
6. Where we live my wife takes unflattering pictures with her friends in Starbucks (she doesn't know I found this... he he he).
7. Where we live many people bloodlet to get rid of headaches.
8. Where we live nearly every local restaurant is open 24 hours and they're often packed at 2am.
9. Where we live little kids commonly go to sleep at midnight.
10. Where we live the word for heart (as in "you'll always be in my heart" or "I'll keep your memories in my heart") in the local language, when directly translated, means "liver."
What's cool about where you live? Leave a comment!
May 01, 2009
Krispy Kreme. A Poem.
Krispy Kreme
How I love thee.
So sweet, so melty.
Hot now.
I see your light.
Double dozen?
I think I might.
Us at the Grand Opening...Anthony eating one while waiting in line...the baby is not mine. (that last part wasn't part of the poem...just a coincidence that it rhymed.)
How I love thee.
So sweet, so melty.
Hot now.
I see your light.
Double dozen?
I think I might.
Us at the Grand Opening...Anthony eating one while waiting in line...the baby is not mine. (that last part wasn't part of the poem...just a coincidence that it rhymed.)
April 19, 2009
Easter 2009
We spent Easter with the Law Family and a couple other American friends. It was laid back and fun. Easter (unlike Christmas and Valentines Day) here hasn't gotten too commercialized yet so it's actually pretty easy to just focus on the real meaning of it all. Mrs. Law fixed roastbeef...sooo good.
We brought drinks and on the way over the tea spilled:)
I'm sure if we're still in the states next year for Easter that it'll be a much bigger deal (probably won't be wearing jeans:) But it was fun just chillin'. Isaac enjoyed hanging out and watching tv with his "cousins." :) Eli now actually introduces Isaac as, "this is my cousin Isaac." So sweet!
We brought drinks and on the way over the tea spilled:)
I'm sure if we're still in the states next year for Easter that it'll be a much bigger deal (probably won't be wearing jeans:) But it was fun just chillin'. Isaac enjoyed hanging out and watching tv with his "cousins." :) Eli now actually introduces Isaac as, "this is my cousin Isaac." So sweet!
April 05, 2009
How Did I End Up Here?
Not a whole lot culturally has been happening, but I (Sharon) had a weird night the other night.
Ok, so we were meeting some friends at the Mall to eat at Chili’s. Our friend was returning to America and it was a send off party. Anthony and I got to the mall early. Anthony went into the “World of Locks” store to buy a lock/key thing for our office. I was chasing Isaac around and stubbed my toe on the bottom of a shelf/display in the locks store. It hurt pretty bad and when I looked down I saw I cut it open and that it was starting to bleed. I gave Isaac to Anthony and hobbled toward the bathroom a few shops away. By the time I got to the bathroom my sandal had filled with blood. I rinsed my toe off in the sink and put tissue on it but it kept bleeding.
Anthony arrived I wrapped my foot in about 3 feet of tissue and we set off in search of a clinic. Anthony found it and of course it was at the clear other end of the mall. You must understand, there are no small malls in Asia. Half a kilometer later we arrived at the clinic. The doctor said I needed stitches! I begged him not to- not because I was scared or anything I just didn’t want the hassle of stitches. So he taped it and wrapped it and said if it started bleeding again then I would have to get stitches.
Then. It’s about 1 hour before we met at Chili’s…and my tooth falls out! Lemme ‘splain. I was born without several of my permanent teeth (which my almost-a-dentist friend Cara tells me is pretty common). My molars are all still baby teeth (I also don’t have wisdom teeth). This tooth had slowly been dying (part of it had already broken off) and a couple weeks ago at the dentist the doctor said the roots were nearly gone. So Anthony went and got me more tissue for my mouth. Luckily it didn’t hurt! Craziness.
We get to Chili’s. Eat. Leave Chili’s with little incident.
We were trying to leave the mall and were changing Isaac in the incredible baby care rooms they have here (do they have those in America? You can nurse your baby on a sofa and change your baby on a changing table, they also have small play areas and hot/cold water machines for formula. They rock and I hope they have them in the US!) Then Anthony stepped on my toe. Oops. It bled horribly once again. When I got to the clinic the nurse (pretty sure without thinking) said, “So you didn’t keep it elevated did you?” Seriously? Elevated? At Chili’s? As the doctor gave me stitches I couldn’t help but wonder aloud, “How in the world did I end up here? This is so random!” He also gave me a tetanus shot, antibiotics, and some pain pills.
The stitches are out now and hopefully the cut will heal soon. I think my poor little pinky toe is gonna look weird from now on!
Ok, so we were meeting some friends at the Mall to eat at Chili’s. Our friend was returning to America and it was a send off party. Anthony and I got to the mall early. Anthony went into the “World of Locks” store to buy a lock/key thing for our office. I was chasing Isaac around and stubbed my toe on the bottom of a shelf/display in the locks store. It hurt pretty bad and when I looked down I saw I cut it open and that it was starting to bleed. I gave Isaac to Anthony and hobbled toward the bathroom a few shops away. By the time I got to the bathroom my sandal had filled with blood. I rinsed my toe off in the sink and put tissue on it but it kept bleeding.
Anthony arrived I wrapped my foot in about 3 feet of tissue and we set off in search of a clinic. Anthony found it and of course it was at the clear other end of the mall. You must understand, there are no small malls in Asia. Half a kilometer later we arrived at the clinic. The doctor said I needed stitches! I begged him not to- not because I was scared or anything I just didn’t want the hassle of stitches. So he taped it and wrapped it and said if it started bleeding again then I would have to get stitches.
Then. It’s about 1 hour before we met at Chili’s…and my tooth falls out! Lemme ‘splain. I was born without several of my permanent teeth (which my almost-a-dentist friend Cara tells me is pretty common). My molars are all still baby teeth (I also don’t have wisdom teeth). This tooth had slowly been dying (part of it had already broken off) and a couple weeks ago at the dentist the doctor said the roots were nearly gone. So Anthony went and got me more tissue for my mouth. Luckily it didn’t hurt! Craziness.
We get to Chili’s. Eat. Leave Chili’s with little incident.
We were trying to leave the mall and were changing Isaac in the incredible baby care rooms they have here (do they have those in America? You can nurse your baby on a sofa and change your baby on a changing table, they also have small play areas and hot/cold water machines for formula. They rock and I hope they have them in the US!) Then Anthony stepped on my toe. Oops. It bled horribly once again. When I got to the clinic the nurse (pretty sure without thinking) said, “So you didn’t keep it elevated did you?” Seriously? Elevated? At Chili’s? As the doctor gave me stitches I couldn’t help but wonder aloud, “How in the world did I end up here? This is so random!” He also gave me a tetanus shot, antibiotics, and some pain pills.
The stitches are out now and hopefully the cut will heal soon. I think my poor little pinky toe is gonna look weird from now on!
March 25, 2009
Better Ingredients...
I’m not really sure how it happened, but Papa John’s opened here in December sometime and we managed to get to March without knowing about it. Good thing we saw the KRISPY KREME sign hanging up next to Papa John’s announcing its opening next month… we will not be late for that one!
Ok, all you faithful blog readers out there who scrolled all the way through the pics… I want to share a story that could have everything to do with the pictures above. Back in 2004-2006 I worked at Outback Steakhouse. One day I waited on a table with 2 gentlemen sitting at it. One, I thought, looked familiar…
Sharon: “Hi! Wait. Have I waited on you before? You look familiar.”
Man sitting with Familiar Guy: “Um, well, you may not have waited on him, but he may have made your pizza.”
Sharon: (as the lights went on I said like an idiot) “You’re Papa John!”
That’s right folks. I met and served THE Papa John. He was very polite and even asked about me. When I told him I had plans to move overseas (and named the country) he said, “Really?” Then his friend (who was super-lame and totally acted like the side-kick to someone famous) told me they were actually discussing opening Papa John’s in China. I said, “Well, I don’t know about there, but I know I’d like to have a Papa John’s where I’m moving to!”
Could it be? Could I have been instrumental in bringing Papa John’s here? I, of course, choose to believe so and will therefore reward myself by an extra helping of garlic sauce!
Ok, all you faithful blog readers out there who scrolled all the way through the pics… I want to share a story that could have everything to do with the pictures above. Back in 2004-2006 I worked at Outback Steakhouse. One day I waited on a table with 2 gentlemen sitting at it. One, I thought, looked familiar…Sharon: “Hi! Wait. Have I waited on you before? You look familiar.”
Man sitting with Familiar Guy: “Um, well, you may not have waited on him, but he may have made your pizza.”
Sharon: (as the lights went on I said like an idiot) “You’re Papa John!”
That’s right folks. I met and served THE Papa John. He was very polite and even asked about me. When I told him I had plans to move overseas (and named the country) he said, “Really?” Then his friend (who was super-lame and totally acted like the side-kick to someone famous) told me they were actually discussing opening Papa John’s in China. I said, “Well, I don’t know about there, but I know I’d like to have a Papa John’s where I’m moving to!”
Could it be? Could I have been instrumental in bringing Papa John’s here? I, of course, choose to believe so and will therefore reward myself by an extra helping of garlic sauce!
February 21, 2009
Isaac's First Birthday!
Isaac is One Year Old!
We had his birthday party today at our house. We put up a couple of tents because around here, when you have a party the number one signal to all neighbors is a tent! We didn't have to send out invitations or anything. We did tell a couple of people, but mostly people just saw the tents and heard by word of mouth. If you're a friend, you come.
We bought a small pool for his party (thanks Mom!) And set it up under the porch because people here do everything they can to stay out of the sun.
Even though we both grew up in Florida, having February birthdays meant we never got to have a pool party. We thought it would add some fun to the normal birthday festivities. Only a few kids played in it (but enough to fill it up for sure) and it was a big hit. We told the adults we were gonna buy an even bigger pool and have a party for ourselves and the adults next week for our birthday… I only tell you that little piece of info because I said it in their language and I must have said it right because they all laughed and then rolled with the joke. (One mom when her daughter asked if it was true, said, “Yes, but you can’t play in it. Only the adults.”) It’s all about the small victories folks.
I can’t believe our Miniman is ONE! They say the years just get faster, especially when you add more kids (which we’ll hopefully do this year!)
I made my mom’s chocolate cake for the big cake- not nearly as well as she does, but it turned out alright. For Isaac’s cake, I made 3 cupcakes hoping I could come up with something. I tried to make a koala and I think it turned out alright (disproportionately large ears, but who would dare judge?)
Isaac liked his cake, but in an effort to help the icing not melt in the VERY hot sun, I put it in the freezer… a bit too long though. When he went to dig in, it was too hard! AH! Anthony gave it a poke to try and get it started for him, but even for Anthony it was tough. But he eventually got into it, picking the entire cupcakes up and shoving them in his mouth.
Not long after we cleaned him up, he had a sugar crash and napped for about an hour. The older boys had a water balloon fight with the leftover balloons. 
We opened presents later. In this culture, you normally don't open gifts in front of people, so we did it inside when there were just a few people left.
Everyone took home a bit of cake and a few extra cookies. All in all it was a great party! Happy Birthday Sweet Isaac!
We had his birthday party today at our house. We put up a couple of tents because around here, when you have a party the number one signal to all neighbors is a tent! We didn't have to send out invitations or anything. We did tell a couple of people, but mostly people just saw the tents and heard by word of mouth. If you're a friend, you come.
We bought a small pool for his party (thanks Mom!) And set it up under the porch because people here do everything they can to stay out of the sun.
Even though we both grew up in Florida, having February birthdays meant we never got to have a pool party. We thought it would add some fun to the normal birthday festivities. Only a few kids played in it (but enough to fill it up for sure) and it was a big hit. We told the adults we were gonna buy an even bigger pool and have a party for ourselves and the adults next week for our birthday… I only tell you that little piece of info because I said it in their language and I must have said it right because they all laughed and then rolled with the joke. (One mom when her daughter asked if it was true, said, “Yes, but you can’t play in it. Only the adults.”) It’s all about the small victories folks.
I can’t believe our Miniman is ONE! They say the years just get faster, especially when you add more kids (which we’ll hopefully do this year!)I made my mom’s chocolate cake for the big cake- not nearly as well as she does, but it turned out alright. For Isaac’s cake, I made 3 cupcakes hoping I could come up with something. I tried to make a koala and I think it turned out alright (disproportionately large ears, but who would dare judge?)
Isaac liked his cake, but in an effort to help the icing not melt in the VERY hot sun, I put it in the freezer… a bit too long though. When he went to dig in, it was too hard! AH! Anthony gave it a poke to try and get it started for him, but even for Anthony it was tough. But he eventually got into it, picking the entire cupcakes up and shoving them in his mouth.
Not long after we cleaned him up, he had a sugar crash and napped for about an hour. The older boys had a water balloon fight with the leftover balloons. 
We opened presents later. In this culture, you normally don't open gifts in front of people, so we did it inside when there were just a few people left.
Everyone took home a bit of cake and a few extra cookies. All in all it was a great party! Happy Birthday Sweet Isaac!
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