Just some things I noted since arriving here:

(random, unranked thoughts)

1. I haven't watched any TV for 3 weeks, not even news. I also miss the Straits Times.

2. I haven't drunk any Milo for 3 weeks too, when I did everyday for the past 20 years at least?

3. I haven't driven any car yet too.

4. I have only eaten out maybe 4 times in 3 weeks, compared to at least 3x a week in Spore (esp for lunch).

5. We all haven't gone to an outdoor playground, nor swum, nor cycled. Whereas I brought kids to the playground to cycle and climb almost everyday previously.

6. I have not been to the beach nor seen any sea or body of water for 3 weeks. Having grown up beside the sea, and bred on the sunny island of Spore, I miss the salty smell of the sea.

7. I haven't eaten any whole fish too, the kind with head, fins and bones. Not to mention hawker food of course.

8. I haven't seen any flowers outside (of course), and I guess even though I don't really fancy them, I miss seeing the ubiquitous Bougainvillea, especially on overhead bridges, haha. And maybe, bird nest ferns on rain trees.

9. I haven't heard any Singlish at all, there must be no Singaporeans here at all! I may lose my skills soon if I can't practise it much! Help!

10. And hey I kinda miss being greeted "Good morning Mrs Goh! Thank you Mrs Goh! Have a nice day Mrs Goh!". Here I am Paul's wife, or the kids' mom.

The other side of the coin:

1. I haven't sweat at all for 3 weeks. No, not a bead of perspiration!

2. Haven't seen any ants, cockroaches or lizards in my house! This would be a rare occurence in Singapore, since I meet these old friends daily.

3. I leave an oreo cookie on the table for 3 days. Lo and behold, it is still crispy and crunchy after I find it three days later.

4. I have not worn fewer than 6 pieces of clothing at any point in time.

5. The kids love this best - no need to take bath every day. In fact, we bathe only twice a week!

6. I did not have to touch Campbell or any bio lecture notes. I have been memorising recipes instead.

7. And hey, surprise, surprise, I did not yield to temptation at all. I did not buy cartons of coke to store and drink at home. I did drink when I eat out though, but no more a can a day! So jonathan, there's hope for you, k?

8. I need to eat so much more here. Prob to generate heat is it? ds1 eats 8 slices of bread and butter a day. I have to buy 2 super size loaves each Sunday, and the super size loaf is double the size of our Gardenia at home. I can't imagine getting through 4 loaves of Gardenia a week in Spore, but here, it's no choice, else starve. Every half hour, the kids would ask for a snack, and surprisingly I'd feel very ravenous too. So I find myself eating all the time as well. You all need to tag me and tell me if you start to see a change in our appearances --- ballooning!

9. ds1 needed his milk in his milk bottle 3x a day in spore. but since here, voila, he doesn't ask for his milk at all. instead, every morning we all have milk and cereal, in a bowl. and that's fresh full cream cow's milk. cheap and good. not like those powder ones, so ex. yay, i can save a lot of money now. since ds2 doesn't drink powder milk at all, i don't need to buy any!

10. I debated over listing this, but must be honest... I am very loyal, I fly the Spore flag in my living room. I brought it all the way here at the risk of getting charged for excess baggage. But, I'm still glad: there's no more flag raising and staff mtgs... :-) I mean, secretly, don't you all envy me for that? :-)

but aiyah, there're so many things and people and comforts i miss that you all have right now...

btw, anyone in California studying or working right now? we'd like to drive over to see the Yosemite and Redwood National Parks in March and if there are old friends there, we'll visit! tag me or email to let me know ok? the kids want to visit Disneyland, but that's ex, so we'd need to think abt it. although being so near is definitely a plus point. if i want to come in future, there's the air fare to add in as well, so.... consider...