Most people with a boy over the age of 3 has at least seen the show Phineas and Ferb at least once, right? Well it's Finn's FAVORITE! We no longer have cable, but do have DVDs of Phineas and Ferb so he can watch 30 minutes after school.
I think it's a fun show, but yesterday Finn had a complete breakdown from watching an episode where the Evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz decided he no longer wanted to be evil nemeses with Perry the Platypus and replaced him with Peter the Panda. There's a long scene of Perry walking alone thinking of all the "good" times and there's a sad song in the background. Well, somehow this had an effect on Finn that was beyond me. He got up in the middle of the scene turned the TV off and came over to me crying telling me how sad it was that Doofenshmirtz didn't want Perry anymore.
I thought I had some time before my kids started getting emotional over TV, but Mike and I both agree there's probably a real reason this could have an effect on him...DUH, we've had 2 BIG moves in his short life and with both moves he's had to say good-bye to LOTS of friends. Mike said the scene in the show probably reminded him how quickly someone can be out of your life, and he's still too young to comprehend why it would bother him so much.
After this and the way he acted out the day before our BIG move, I can clearly see it's going to be a trying 18-years with the kids and FS.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Pryor TV
A few weeks ago we decided to ditch the cable. I found that I was letting the kids watch the TV way too much during the summer break. I bought a few of their favorite shows on DVD so I could limit them to 30 minute episodes and move on to something a little more active or creative.
Mike is the creative parent in the house, most nights after dinner he does something fun with the kids, make up their own type of sharades game, play pictionary, make a TV and come up with shows.
Check out a few of our first channels. Coming soon: Tiger Channel, Robot Channel and possibly some remakes of our favorite books.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Maggie's First day of Preschool
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| She really loved her uniform...the school was out of skirts, so she wore her own. I think the pink totally goes with her shirt :) |
She got up this morning, sweet as can be, ate her breakfast and did everything that I asked her to do. She packed her snack and her backpack and kept asking if it was time to go yet. Such a big girl. The thing she was most proud of was her uniform. She excitedly told me that her uniform has buttons and she LOVES it! So sweet. I'm going to miss her face for 3 days a week, but she's totally ready and HAPPY!
The only thing we could get her to tell us about her first day was that she danced like a princess in the art room and learned about painting :) That's my girl!
Vang Vieng
With the rainy season seeming to be coming to a close, or at least a whole week without it, we decided to head to Vang Vieng so Mike and one of the English Teaching Assistants could do some rock climbing and I could sit by a pool :) We only spent a night there even though it was a long weekend. Laos doesn't recognize Labor Day, so Finn had his first day of school Monday and would've flipped had he missed it.
I wouldn't say Vang Vieng isn't worth the trip, but it's definitely not my favorite place so far. Now if I didn't have 3-kids under the age of 5, I would probably like it more. There's lots of adventurous stuff to be done there: rock climbing, tubing, hiking waterfalls; all very fun stuff, but not so easy with the kids.
While Mike got his first experience in lead climbing (climbing to an anchor to clip on to, then continuing on to the next anchor), I was hanging at the pool with the kids and walking around the little town. I have kind given up on walking with purpose since getting here. Either the kids are fascinated by something they see or we're stopped every 4-feet to be talked at (still learning the language), touched or sniffed; it was more just to have an idea where places were so we could go eat when Mike and the ETA got back. In the end the walk was pointless except the kids found a puppy to gawk at while every person along a 30 meter stretch held and sniffed the baby.
We went back to the hotel to let the kids swim again with Mike and the ETA then wandered back into town for the most awful food EVER! Seriously, I didn't think it could be hard to muck up some papaya salad, but this place did. Also, for anyone interested in what Vang Vieng has to offer other than adventure stuff, just do a little search and you'll find that every "restaurant" has short tables with cushions and TV's playing, of all things, Friends. That's right, the TV show Friends was playing in almost every place we passed. We thought the random blogs had to be outdated and that this couldn't possibly be true, but it was. If it wasn't Friends it was Family Guy. Sadly, Vang Vieng is known to most backpackers as the party spot in Laos, with "Happy Shakes" and peaceful places to hang out after a day of drinking on the river. Although, while we were there Happy shakes were not advertised on menus, most places did advertise cheap buckets of whiskey cokes.
Even if it's not exactly a kid friendly place, I'm not opposed to going back. Just give me a pool and a hike and I'm happy. The kids weren't too thrilled about the waterfall, maybe because they are used to the slow moving, short waterfalls close to Vientiane, after we got home Finn told me he thought it was "pretty cool".
I wouldn't say Vang Vieng isn't worth the trip, but it's definitely not my favorite place so far. Now if I didn't have 3-kids under the age of 5, I would probably like it more. There's lots of adventurous stuff to be done there: rock climbing, tubing, hiking waterfalls; all very fun stuff, but not so easy with the kids.
While Mike got his first experience in lead climbing (climbing to an anchor to clip on to, then continuing on to the next anchor), I was hanging at the pool with the kids and walking around the little town. I have kind given up on walking with purpose since getting here. Either the kids are fascinated by something they see or we're stopped every 4-feet to be talked at (still learning the language), touched or sniffed; it was more just to have an idea where places were so we could go eat when Mike and the ETA got back. In the end the walk was pointless except the kids found a puppy to gawk at while every person along a 30 meter stretch held and sniffed the baby.
We went back to the hotel to let the kids swim again with Mike and the ETA then wandered back into town for the most awful food EVER! Seriously, I didn't think it could be hard to muck up some papaya salad, but this place did. Also, for anyone interested in what Vang Vieng has to offer other than adventure stuff, just do a little search and you'll find that every "restaurant" has short tables with cushions and TV's playing, of all things, Friends. That's right, the TV show Friends was playing in almost every place we passed. We thought the random blogs had to be outdated and that this couldn't possibly be true, but it was. If it wasn't Friends it was Family Guy. Sadly, Vang Vieng is known to most backpackers as the party spot in Laos, with "Happy Shakes" and peaceful places to hang out after a day of drinking on the river. Although, while we were there Happy shakes were not advertised on menus, most places did advertise cheap buckets of whiskey cokes.
Even if it's not exactly a kid friendly place, I'm not opposed to going back. Just give me a pool and a hike and I'm happy. The kids weren't too thrilled about the waterfall, maybe because they are used to the slow moving, short waterfalls close to Vientiane, after we got home Finn told me he thought it was "pretty cool".
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Summer 2011
Here's an update of our summer. We were a tad bit lazy, I mean busy...or lazy :) Had lots of adventures and lots of lazy days.
Here are some photos of our first hosted Baci ceremony, a ceremony meant to bring prosperity, good health and good luck, for special occasions. Our Baci in our house was for Mike's boss leaving Laos, and 5-months in, us arriving.
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| Receiving a blessing from the maw After our first Baci, we went on a trip to Luang Prabang. A beautiful world heritage city in the North of Laos. One of the top places to visit according to Lonely Planet. Mike had to work most of the trip, but it was still lovely to wander around. |
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| Hiked the top of Phusi |
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| Over 300 steps up |
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| Headed to a waterfall |
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| The waterfall. |
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| Our picnic spot. |
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| Playing in the water |
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
pros and cons of household help
First I will say this, this may be an unfair, seemingly stuck up gripe, and if you think this is offending, then stop reading now. This is written after a very frustrating, mistake riddled morning that caused added stress to the daily routine.
Second, I am very appreciative of all the work my mai bahn does and all the stress she takes off. Mike and I went back and forth for MONTHS about if we'd hire someone to help around the house. The first thing people would say when they found out we were going to Laos was, "The help's cheap." G Thanks for that, but most Americans aren't used to having someone do their stuff for them and are uncomfortable with the thought of having someone in their house all day. It's our first post, so we're not used to it all. After seeing our house for the first time we agreed it would be best to have a helper, someone to clean and cook dinner (my least favorite time of the day as all the kids seem to be have a meltdown at that time) and be flexible enough with her hours to be able to watch the kids every so often.The whole idea was to have another right hand, what I couldn't be doing, she'd do. I still do most of the laundry and wash dishes after we use them (I hate when dishes sit in the sink.) The kids also still have their own chores.
PROS:
Someone else cleans your house, which I might add has 7 toilets. I hate cleaning toilets.
Someone else cooks dinner, during the most stressful time of the day.
Someone else is here from the hours of 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., so if you need to run an errand while kids are sleeping, someone is here.
Every couple of weeks we can have a date night.
Most of the time she has information on where to find things around the city.
She can almost help translate when workers come to the house or when at a market trying to find something specific.
When trying to learn the language it'd be helpful to practice with the mai bahn.
CONS:
Language barrier. No matter how much English she seems to know, even if she doesn't understand, she'll nod and go on with her business. Then I find cooking oil under the stove tops when making oatmeal with a pleasant fire to start my morning, the morning after I specifically ask that she clean the stove tops after cooking because the spilled cooking oil smokes...
Things get ruined, it's a fact. Like $200 pots that weren't even taken out of the box more than 4-months ago, now have burned cooking oil at the bottom, because no matter how often she's told about cleaning the outside of pots, she still doesn't do it and I get to spend a morning trying to scrape the oil off the bottom and showing her how to do it. It happens, and I understand that, but no matter how much I tell myself it happens, it's still frustrating when someone else ruins my things and not me.
I still have a hard time leaving Maggie with her she isn't sleeping or about to go to sleep. I often find that Maggie has gone into my room, even after telling both the mai bahn and Maggie, that she is NOT allowed past the office doors. I will come home to find Maggie covered in my deodorant and nail polish all over the carpet or worse, climbing the window grates while holding a steak knife and fork. Anytime I tell her to do something with Maggie, like put her on the toilet or in bed, she'll ask Maggie and when Maggie says, "no" she'll let it go; then Maggie pees on the floor. Finn and Tess seem to be just fine with her.
Mike warned me when I told him it no longer took half the day for her to tidy up the upstairs part of the house, she might get comfortable and start skipping some things...like cleaning the outside of the toilets that have a 2 1/2- year- old's food poisoning on the side, or not sweeping the floors before mopping, or leaving an entire bucket full of mop water in the cleaning closet where the 2 1/2 -year-old can and will find it then dump it all over the floor where a baby is laying.
No matter how often she's told the kids have chores, she will still try to clean up after them and then tell me Finn had a long day at school and shouldn't have to pick up his toys...why not he picks up his toys he plays with at school.
Sometimes I'll ask her to do something once, then I'll find her doing it all the time, ok. Other times I'll ask her to start doing something and she'll do it once.
Now with most of this being said, I understand that I'm the employer and I need to take a better approach to get my employee to do what it is I want. In this culture it's a bit hard, you don't want to loose face or cause someone else to loose face, so by telling her she's been doing things wrong or making mistakes, she can loose face. Now I have to find a way to politely show her the way I'd like things done, again.
Second, I am very appreciative of all the work my mai bahn does and all the stress she takes off. Mike and I went back and forth for MONTHS about if we'd hire someone to help around the house. The first thing people would say when they found out we were going to Laos was, "The help's cheap." G Thanks for that, but most Americans aren't used to having someone do their stuff for them and are uncomfortable with the thought of having someone in their house all day. It's our first post, so we're not used to it all. After seeing our house for the first time we agreed it would be best to have a helper, someone to clean and cook dinner (my least favorite time of the day as all the kids seem to be have a meltdown at that time) and be flexible enough with her hours to be able to watch the kids every so often.The whole idea was to have another right hand, what I couldn't be doing, she'd do. I still do most of the laundry and wash dishes after we use them (I hate when dishes sit in the sink.) The kids also still have their own chores.
PROS:
Someone else cleans your house, which I might add has 7 toilets. I hate cleaning toilets.
Someone else cooks dinner, during the most stressful time of the day.
Someone else is here from the hours of 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., so if you need to run an errand while kids are sleeping, someone is here.
Every couple of weeks we can have a date night.
Most of the time she has information on where to find things around the city.
She can almost help translate when workers come to the house or when at a market trying to find something specific.
When trying to learn the language it'd be helpful to practice with the mai bahn.
CONS:
Language barrier. No matter how much English she seems to know, even if she doesn't understand, she'll nod and go on with her business. Then I find cooking oil under the stove tops when making oatmeal with a pleasant fire to start my morning, the morning after I specifically ask that she clean the stove tops after cooking because the spilled cooking oil smokes...
Things get ruined, it's a fact. Like $200 pots that weren't even taken out of the box more than 4-months ago, now have burned cooking oil at the bottom, because no matter how often she's told about cleaning the outside of pots, she still doesn't do it and I get to spend a morning trying to scrape the oil off the bottom and showing her how to do it. It happens, and I understand that, but no matter how much I tell myself it happens, it's still frustrating when someone else ruins my things and not me.
I still have a hard time leaving Maggie with her she isn't sleeping or about to go to sleep. I often find that Maggie has gone into my room, even after telling both the mai bahn and Maggie, that she is NOT allowed past the office doors. I will come home to find Maggie covered in my deodorant and nail polish all over the carpet or worse, climbing the window grates while holding a steak knife and fork. Anytime I tell her to do something with Maggie, like put her on the toilet or in bed, she'll ask Maggie and when Maggie says, "no" she'll let it go; then Maggie pees on the floor. Finn and Tess seem to be just fine with her.
Mike warned me when I told him it no longer took half the day for her to tidy up the upstairs part of the house, she might get comfortable and start skipping some things...like cleaning the outside of the toilets that have a 2 1/2- year- old's food poisoning on the side, or not sweeping the floors before mopping, or leaving an entire bucket full of mop water in the cleaning closet where the 2 1/2 -year-old can and will find it then dump it all over the floor where a baby is laying.
No matter how often she's told the kids have chores, she will still try to clean up after them and then tell me Finn had a long day at school and shouldn't have to pick up his toys...why not he picks up his toys he plays with at school.
Sometimes I'll ask her to do something once, then I'll find her doing it all the time, ok. Other times I'll ask her to start doing something and she'll do it once.
Now with most of this being said, I understand that I'm the employer and I need to take a better approach to get my employee to do what it is I want. In this culture it's a bit hard, you don't want to loose face or cause someone else to loose face, so by telling her she's been doing things wrong or making mistakes, she can loose face. Now I have to find a way to politely show her the way I'd like things done, again.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
our 4th of July tradition
Still lives on. I've just been busy, so I haven't had a chance to upload our photos from this year.
The Declaration of Independence written out somehow. This year we did 2 ways, wrote it on our wall and Mike and the kids wore it on their shirts, now that we have 3 kids it works great!
Tess is Life; Maggie is Liberty; and Finn is the pursuit of happiness :)
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Our 4th of July weekend was jam packed with FUN. Well, almost. The actual 4th Rocked thanks to a group of Embassy people who organized an Embassy party. Looking forward to next year.
The Declaration of Independence written out somehow. This year we did 2 ways, wrote it on our wall and Mike and the kids wore it on their shirts, now that we have 3 kids it works great!
Tess is Life; Maggie is Liberty; and Finn is the pursuit of happiness :)
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Lao Zoo
On our way back home from Nam Ngum, we stopped off at the Lao Zoo, which was far better than I expected, especially after visiting the Bangkok Zoo. The animals seemed much happier and healthier. There was a small restaurant and plenty of bathrooms around the trail.
Mike and the kids road an elephant, which was a first for them all, and was something the kids have talked about ever since we found out we'd be moving to Laos. Finn also fed the elephant some cucumbers...do elephants like those? He seemed pretty happy.
Mike and the kids road an elephant, which was a first for them all, and was something the kids have talked about ever since we found out we'd be moving to Laos. Finn also fed the elephant some cucumbers...do elephants like those? He seemed pretty happy.
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| The Gibbon seemed to be playing games so Maggie decided to play peek-a-boo; he turned his back on her. |
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| About a gabillion crocodiles at the zoo. |
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| Sassy pants |
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| First elephant ride |
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| They liked it in the end |
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| Finn fed the elephant; he's well trained. |
Ang Nam Ngum, take two
Saturday morning we woke up, a bit lazily after the 4th of July Embassy reception. We'd planned on going to stay at a villa in Vang Vieng, but the other couple who was going with us heard that the roads were flooded and shouldn't be attempted. So we decided to try a "resort" closer to Vientiane. Dansavanh Resort on Nam Ngum in the Mountains, sweet! So minus the other couple, we drove that way and made great time. Only 2 hours to the "resort". This is what the "resort" advertises http://www.dansavanh.com/namngum/index.html.
I seriously wish we'd taken a picture of what it actually looked like. I thought I was going to get a disease just touching the room, the pool was drained and it cost $40 to take an hour boat ride. Just plain run down and dirty! Mike wanted to look at the rooms, and in each one my eyes kept getting bigger and bigger and my NO WAY JOSE face kept getting stronger and stronger. At one point I was even shaking my head at him, but alas we ended up taking a deluxe room....the resort also advertises a "mini" zoo. I am glad I didn't see it but apparently it is just 2 bears in small cages in the back parking lot. AH! Thankfully Mike came to his senses after walking around and realizing there was NOTHING to do and was a huge rip off, we totally bailed!
I was praying we'd just turn around and go home, I desperately wanted a shower, but we pushed on farther North and ended up back in a small fisherman's village, called Thalad, this time going a few hundred meters farther than our boat restaurant and ended up at Longngum View Resort. http://www.longngumview.com/index.html Much, much better than the last place, but most of the rooms were booked, so we got a room that was fairly small with a king size bed, for half the price we would've paid for the craptastic resort before. I wouldn't say it was the best, but it was charming and this is Laos not Hawaii.
We slept in bed with Finn and Maggie crammed between us, HORRIBLE, and Tess got her pack-n-play AWESOME. She was the only one to sleep through the night. The weather was clear the whole day, but that night it rained, all night and Mike and I kept waking with fears that the roads would wash away or worse, but none of that happened. We got up early that morning, ate breakfast and Mike rented a kayak. He took the older kids out to explore the islands that were created when the dam was put up. They had a rockin time, but no pictures since they were on a kayak, we didn't want the camera to fall in the water.
They did find an island with a huge "rocket" and cows...Mike and Finn decided that cows crashed their rocket on the island and were stuck forever. The "rocket" is still questionable...
While Mike took the older kids Tess and I hiked around the lake. She's finally big enough to fit in our hiking backpack, which I would've killed for when we were car less.
After everyone got back, we had lunch, packed the car and headed back for home. A successful trip in the end. As usual we have to fail to succeed.
I seriously wish we'd taken a picture of what it actually looked like. I thought I was going to get a disease just touching the room, the pool was drained and it cost $40 to take an hour boat ride. Just plain run down and dirty! Mike wanted to look at the rooms, and in each one my eyes kept getting bigger and bigger and my NO WAY JOSE face kept getting stronger and stronger. At one point I was even shaking my head at him, but alas we ended up taking a deluxe room....the resort also advertises a "mini" zoo. I am glad I didn't see it but apparently it is just 2 bears in small cages in the back parking lot. AH! Thankfully Mike came to his senses after walking around and realizing there was NOTHING to do and was a huge rip off, we totally bailed!
I was praying we'd just turn around and go home, I desperately wanted a shower, but we pushed on farther North and ended up back in a small fisherman's village, called Thalad, this time going a few hundred meters farther than our boat restaurant and ended up at Longngum View Resort. http://www.longngumview.com/index.html Much, much better than the last place, but most of the rooms were booked, so we got a room that was fairly small with a king size bed, for half the price we would've paid for the craptastic resort before. I wouldn't say it was the best, but it was charming and this is Laos not Hawaii.
We slept in bed with Finn and Maggie crammed between us, HORRIBLE, and Tess got her pack-n-play AWESOME. She was the only one to sleep through the night. The weather was clear the whole day, but that night it rained, all night and Mike and I kept waking with fears that the roads would wash away or worse, but none of that happened. We got up early that morning, ate breakfast and Mike rented a kayak. He took the older kids out to explore the islands that were created when the dam was put up. They had a rockin time, but no pictures since they were on a kayak, we didn't want the camera to fall in the water.
They did find an island with a huge "rocket" and cows...Mike and Finn decided that cows crashed their rocket on the island and were stuck forever. The "rocket" is still questionable...
While Mike took the older kids Tess and I hiked around the lake. She's finally big enough to fit in our hiking backpack, which I would've killed for when we were car less.
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| A little exercise in the morning |
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| Heading out, Maggie didn't like it at first |
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| Please come back happy :) |
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| Didn't quite make it in time to get them returning |
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| She'll get used to this |
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Thai border crossing, take two
Last week I told Mike I wanted to go to Thailand and "stock" up on stuff. What stuff you might ask? I dunno just stuff.
I've grown tired of looking all over the city for things, and buying not 1 but 3 shovels that have all broken the second they strike the ground. See, unlike most people around here, I'm attempting to plant my own stuff (blog about that later) so I need a good shovel and possibly a spade, but they are not here! Annoying.
Anyway, back to the point, I told Mike I wanted to go to Thailand for stuff. I wanted a real store that was set up the way I'm used to with "quality" products. I just needed to see again what I was missing out on. To be FRANK, not much at all. Most of what we found today can be found in Vientiane, granted maybe for a higher price and questionable quality, but still found HERE, not across the border and an hour farther.
Mike went along with my plan, giving me credit for going with him on many, many trips I was not too excited about. See, I am more of a go along girl than a planning girl. I will do whatever he wants, even if I think it's crazy, rather than plan something myself. If I had my way, I'd get to sit in front of Lifetime movies all day or sit in the car and be lost in my thoughts for hours and hours, so that's why I choose to go along with him. Most of the time our trips take us in the wrong direction, sometimes many times, but at least once, so I get time to just think, about what who knows.
Ok, ok I wandered again, so we got to Thailand and one of the stores I really wanted to go to. It had shovels, and bug zappers- hopefully ones that won't break in a few days- and stuff :) Rows and rows of stuff in neat little aisles with Signs telling me where the "stuff" was. I was fairly content, until everytime I looked up 5 people were waiting to grab things for me, or just stare at us. The staring comes in handy when the kids are touching everything in sight, but they think it's cute, me not so much. I really like big stores but what I like about them is my that I can wander and look without being followed every step of the way.
I love stores, not because I love to shop, I just love 'em. I like that they guide me to what I might need. See, what I really miss is Wal-Mart. The one store I could go to and find absolutely everything I need. I HATE shopping, but I love wandering down aisles in a store that offers me EVERYTHING. I can't clothes shop in a mall, but give me a list of random items and I'll find them, all in one place!
So maybe this is what I was hoping for today in Thailand, but alas, I didn't quite get that feeling, more like spend some money and buy some crap to show it was worth something. In the end, I think my trips to Thailand will be limited and without the kids. I am okay with spending a few extra cents here vs. going the extra mile or 50 just to get a bargain. Plus I like it here, more than there :)
I've grown tired of looking all over the city for things, and buying not 1 but 3 shovels that have all broken the second they strike the ground. See, unlike most people around here, I'm attempting to plant my own stuff (blog about that later) so I need a good shovel and possibly a spade, but they are not here! Annoying.
Anyway, back to the point, I told Mike I wanted to go to Thailand for stuff. I wanted a real store that was set up the way I'm used to with "quality" products. I just needed to see again what I was missing out on. To be FRANK, not much at all. Most of what we found today can be found in Vientiane, granted maybe for a higher price and questionable quality, but still found HERE, not across the border and an hour farther.
Mike went along with my plan, giving me credit for going with him on many, many trips I was not too excited about. See, I am more of a go along girl than a planning girl. I will do whatever he wants, even if I think it's crazy, rather than plan something myself. If I had my way, I'd get to sit in front of Lifetime movies all day or sit in the car and be lost in my thoughts for hours and hours, so that's why I choose to go along with him. Most of the time our trips take us in the wrong direction, sometimes many times, but at least once, so I get time to just think, about what who knows.
Ok, ok I wandered again, so we got to Thailand and one of the stores I really wanted to go to. It had shovels, and bug zappers- hopefully ones that won't break in a few days- and stuff :) Rows and rows of stuff in neat little aisles with Signs telling me where the "stuff" was. I was fairly content, until everytime I looked up 5 people were waiting to grab things for me, or just stare at us. The staring comes in handy when the kids are touching everything in sight, but they think it's cute, me not so much. I really like big stores but what I like about them is my that I can wander and look without being followed every step of the way.
I love stores, not because I love to shop, I just love 'em. I like that they guide me to what I might need. See, what I really miss is Wal-Mart. The one store I could go to and find absolutely everything I need. I HATE shopping, but I love wandering down aisles in a store that offers me EVERYTHING. I can't clothes shop in a mall, but give me a list of random items and I'll find them, all in one place!
So maybe this is what I was hoping for today in Thailand, but alas, I didn't quite get that feeling, more like spend some money and buy some crap to show it was worth something. In the end, I think my trips to Thailand will be limited and without the kids. I am okay with spending a few extra cents here vs. going the extra mile or 50 just to get a bargain. Plus I like it here, more than there :)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
consumables
Vientiane, Laos is a consumables post. I think for good reason. Check out this picture:
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Both of these cost me the same amount of money, one was bought here the other bought in the states. I'm sure you can guess which one is which.
Now that I am over the "funny money" and actually have a concept of how much things cost I feel even worse about our pack-out. Several bottles of dish soap and hand soap were left under cupboards and forgotten until we left :( When I spend 12.50 on a gallon of bleach I want to scream having only sent 2 gallons.
Maggie's favorite thing to do is wash her hands now and when I catch her playing in the sink all I see are dollar signs flashing and have to contain my anger and politely demand that she not wash her hands again, for a week! Kidding.
One night I let out a cry when I watched Mike putting shampoo in the kids hair. He couldn't believe I was freaking over soap, it's just soap. Yes, just soap that cost 5x what it did in The States and I want it to last. He just shrugged and now I bite my tongue, because at least he's doing the bathing.
Someone was recently joking about how people keep their consumables secret; sitting in dark corners scarfing pop tarts so no one asks for one. It's true, I hide my good snack foods when other kids come over, mainly because they waste them, but also because I want them :)
Thankfully, even though we sent quite a bit of consumables, we still have a lot of weight left over, so we can do a second shipment; my list keeps getting longer and longer, mostly cleaning supplies and beauty supplies with lots of spray sunscreens and bug spray.
We're also totally lucky to be able to order stuff from the Bangkok commissary (which I have yet to do) although the prices don't quite compare to the States, at least we can get US brands of detergent and if you search hard enough on Amazon, lots of places ship to APO, so the kids still get to eat some of their snackie foods while attempting to broden their food palates.
Now that I am over the "funny money" and actually have a concept of how much things cost I feel even worse about our pack-out. Several bottles of dish soap and hand soap were left under cupboards and forgotten until we left :( When I spend 12.50 on a gallon of bleach I want to scream having only sent 2 gallons.
Maggie's favorite thing to do is wash her hands now and when I catch her playing in the sink all I see are dollar signs flashing and have to contain my anger and politely demand that she not wash her hands again, for a week! Kidding.
One night I let out a cry when I watched Mike putting shampoo in the kids hair. He couldn't believe I was freaking over soap, it's just soap. Yes, just soap that cost 5x what it did in The States and I want it to last. He just shrugged and now I bite my tongue, because at least he's doing the bathing.
Someone was recently joking about how people keep their consumables secret; sitting in dark corners scarfing pop tarts so no one asks for one. It's true, I hide my good snack foods when other kids come over, mainly because they waste them, but also because I want them :)
Thankfully, even though we sent quite a bit of consumables, we still have a lot of weight left over, so we can do a second shipment; my list keeps getting longer and longer, mostly cleaning supplies and beauty supplies with lots of spray sunscreens and bug spray.
We're also totally lucky to be able to order stuff from the Bangkok commissary (which I have yet to do) although the prices don't quite compare to the States, at least we can get US brands of detergent and if you search hard enough on Amazon, lots of places ship to APO, so the kids still get to eat some of their snackie foods while attempting to broden their food palates.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Hin Khanna
Yesterday at the last minute we decided to take a trip to some waterfalls. Since it was Father's day it was my job to look up some places to go for a day trip. The first little picture of waterfalls on the map we have was Hin Khanna, so I looked it up via google and found some good stuff. Lots of stuff that made it seem like it was less of a waterfall and more of a hangout spot. The other choice was a waterfall that was more like a stream of water falling off a cliff...3 kids under the age of 4 why do you think I chose the place that was less of a waterfall and more like a wading pool :)
It's really close to the city, so fairly easy to find and we didn't get lost once BIG score for our family :) We called a few of the interns that are here for the summer and had them join us. It was good fun. Lots of swimming, little boat rides, and good Lao food.
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| "The Falls" |
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| Kids playing in the rental boats |
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| In that little bungalow you might notice a few familiar faces. |
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| Finn Made Friends |
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| Dazed after a long day of splashing |
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Finn's end of school performance
I think the performance was actually for International Children's day, but the performance was after this holiday and before school ends for the kids so whateve.
Anyway, it was a lot of fun to watch the kids. Our friend Sevara was the most outgoing 2-year-old I've ever seen. She was on top of all the songs and moves, such a performer!
Finn's group got through most of their performance before the rain hit and he looked a little odd trying to keep up, but has since been singing the songs around the house. His favorite being Alli Baba Had a Little Farm...? He was very nervous about the show, I wonder if the teachers pressured the kids a little by telling them there wasn't much time and they needed to practice more, I'd do the same since their attention span is so small.
At the end of an "Indian" (Native American) song the rain hit pretty hard and it was hilarious to watch the kids slowly have melt downs. Finn was the last one on stage. If my Internet is fast enough I will attempt to upload a few videos. Since the concert Finn has told me that they did such a good job with their "Indian" song they made the rain come :)
The Director of the school set up a surprise visit from some traveling clowns, I could quite decide if it was funny or inappropriate, I've fallen in between. It was funny to watch and the kids liked it, even if the jokes and songs were lost on them. This group of people have apparently been traveling around the world on their bikes. The bikes were awesome to see.
Below you can check out some photos and maybe a video or two.
Anyway, it was a lot of fun to watch the kids. Our friend Sevara was the most outgoing 2-year-old I've ever seen. She was on top of all the songs and moves, such a performer!
Finn's group got through most of their performance before the rain hit and he looked a little odd trying to keep up, but has since been singing the songs around the house. His favorite being Alli Baba Had a Little Farm...? He was very nervous about the show, I wonder if the teachers pressured the kids a little by telling them there wasn't much time and they needed to practice more, I'd do the same since their attention span is so small.
At the end of an "Indian" (Native American) song the rain hit pretty hard and it was hilarious to watch the kids slowly have melt downs. Finn was the last one on stage. If my Internet is fast enough I will attempt to upload a few videos. Since the concert Finn has told me that they did such a good job with their "Indian" song they made the rain come :)
The Director of the school set up a surprise visit from some traveling clowns, I could quite decide if it was funny or inappropriate, I've fallen in between. It was funny to watch and the kids liked it, even if the jokes and songs were lost on them. This group of people have apparently been traveling around the world on their bikes. The bikes were awesome to see.
Below you can check out some photos and maybe a video or two.
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| Alli Baba Had a Little farm, Finn was the duck |
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| The "Indian" song which made the rains come |
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| Traveling clowns |
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| Chopping kid trees |
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Nam Ngum
We had a very productive weekend. Planted out first plants, made cookies, went to a BBQ then finished off with a trip out of the city to Nam Ngum, which is a river, but a few hours North the Lao built a damn which created a lake with lots of tiny islands.
The story goes like this, Pryor's pack the car full of junk to go swimming and play in the sun; leave the house at 8:45, just 15 minutes after we wanted ( I think we're getting better about time management). We promptly get lost as we make our way out of the city and head towards the wrong Nam Ngum, two on the Map, we wanted the lake not the river...Should probably make it a point to say which one in Lao next time instead of just Nam Ngum that way? HA! I have also decided that the person who reads and speaks the language should be the navigator, not the driver. Anyway, we ended up lost not once, but twice. I got car sick, but all the kids seemed to be just fine in the back.
When we finally made it to the lake, I wanted to eat at the restaurant that over looked the lake instead of getting on a boat right away, you know car sick and all, but our waitress jumped the gun and ordered our boat and took our food down to it, so we followed her lead, leaving everything in the car. That means we had no swim suits, no towels, no change of clothes, no diapers for the baby, no sun screen, NOTHING.
For as planned as this trip was we still failed to think it fully through as we jumped on the boat. We still ended up having a lovely lunch and the kids really enjoyed themselves on the shore of a tiny island in the middle of the lake. Luckily no one got sunburned; we only lost 1 pair of underwear due to an accident and pair of binoculars were dropped into the water. Below are some photos from the trip. ENJOY.
The story goes like this, Pryor's pack the car full of junk to go swimming and play in the sun; leave the house at 8:45, just 15 minutes after we wanted ( I think we're getting better about time management). We promptly get lost as we make our way out of the city and head towards the wrong Nam Ngum, two on the Map, we wanted the lake not the river...Should probably make it a point to say which one in Lao next time instead of just Nam Ngum that way? HA! I have also decided that the person who reads and speaks the language should be the navigator, not the driver. Anyway, we ended up lost not once, but twice. I got car sick, but all the kids seemed to be just fine in the back.
When we finally made it to the lake, I wanted to eat at the restaurant that over looked the lake instead of getting on a boat right away, you know car sick and all, but our waitress jumped the gun and ordered our boat and took our food down to it, so we followed her lead, leaving everything in the car. That means we had no swim suits, no towels, no change of clothes, no diapers for the baby, no sun screen, NOTHING.
For as planned as this trip was we still failed to think it fully through as we jumped on the boat. We still ended up having a lovely lunch and the kids really enjoyed themselves on the shore of a tiny island in the middle of the lake. Luckily no one got sunburned; we only lost 1 pair of underwear due to an accident and pair of binoculars were dropped into the water. Below are some photos from the trip. ENJOY.
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| Getting on our boat |
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| Finn is suddenly a sullen teenager |
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| Mike Finn and Tess taking a dip |
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| The lake |
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| An over look on one of the many small islands |
Monday, June 13, 2011
To work or not to work...
Number one question of moms right?
When we were close to getting to post a few positions came available, one being full-time and I really wanted to take the job. Thinking about it now, I couldn't even tell anyone what the job was that I was so desperate to take. I really just wanted a way to avoid having to deal with a huge culture shock and lack of friends.
Which brings me to my lack of friends, and one of the last job openings at the Embassy. If you know me, you know I have a really hard time breaking out of my shell and just talking to people, so being stuck at home with the girls attempting no-school preschool with Maggie while I try to keep the baby entertained and only having a maibahn around is pretty lacking in the adult conversation department. Lately I've also noticed that there seems to be some what of an insiders group with the spouses who do work. I like the other spouses around and can pretty much find something to talk to them about, but I often feel totally left out. I'm not in on the gossip, I'm left out of impromtue lunch dates and I'm not one of the girls. I don't blame anyone but myself for that, I could try harder to be around, but lets face it, having nonschool aged kids makes it pretty hard to just call someone up and ask to do coffee or lunch; or maybe I'm still out of the loop and have failed because I don't have a gabillion people around my house to take care of everything for me. I'm still very much unable to let go of being the person to take care of everything around the house. Anyway, I feel like if I applied for the last open job, I'd be more likely to be in the inner circle of people at the Embassy, if I don't apply the job I could A: be stuck at home with little adult ineraction or B: have to work much harder at finding people I get along with.
After living the working mom/ stay at home mom lives, I would for sure choose stay at home mom while my kids are little. It's my time to shape them and I don't want someone who lets my kid get away with everything raising them. Side story, I did go to lunch today with some spouses from the Embassy and I came home to find that Maggie had gone in my room tore it up, painted herself with deodarant and nailpolish and also our living room rug...I may not keep a close eye on her, but she knows if I'm home that will not be happeneing.
In the end I feel I've hit a brick wall, I like the people that work at the Embassy and would like to be more included, but I would also like MY girls to be raised to my standards, since Finn has done a pretty awesome job so far. I think in the end, I will give up the job prospects keep looking into school options and keep caring for my girls, while Finn is at preschool.
When we were close to getting to post a few positions came available, one being full-time and I really wanted to take the job. Thinking about it now, I couldn't even tell anyone what the job was that I was so desperate to take. I really just wanted a way to avoid having to deal with a huge culture shock and lack of friends.
Which brings me to my lack of friends, and one of the last job openings at the Embassy. If you know me, you know I have a really hard time breaking out of my shell and just talking to people, so being stuck at home with the girls attempting no-school preschool with Maggie while I try to keep the baby entertained and only having a maibahn around is pretty lacking in the adult conversation department. Lately I've also noticed that there seems to be some what of an insiders group with the spouses who do work. I like the other spouses around and can pretty much find something to talk to them about, but I often feel totally left out. I'm not in on the gossip, I'm left out of impromtue lunch dates and I'm not one of the girls. I don't blame anyone but myself for that, I could try harder to be around, but lets face it, having nonschool aged kids makes it pretty hard to just call someone up and ask to do coffee or lunch; or maybe I'm still out of the loop and have failed because I don't have a gabillion people around my house to take care of everything for me. I'm still very much unable to let go of being the person to take care of everything around the house. Anyway, I feel like if I applied for the last open job, I'd be more likely to be in the inner circle of people at the Embassy, if I don't apply the job I could A: be stuck at home with little adult ineraction or B: have to work much harder at finding people I get along with.
After living the working mom/ stay at home mom lives, I would for sure choose stay at home mom while my kids are little. It's my time to shape them and I don't want someone who lets my kid get away with everything raising them. Side story, I did go to lunch today with some spouses from the Embassy and I came home to find that Maggie had gone in my room tore it up, painted herself with deodarant and nailpolish and also our living room rug...I may not keep a close eye on her, but she knows if I'm home that will not be happeneing.
In the end I feel I've hit a brick wall, I like the people that work at the Embassy and would like to be more included, but I would also like MY girls to be raised to my standards, since Finn has done a pretty awesome job so far. I think in the end, I will give up the job prospects keep looking into school options and keep caring for my girls, while Finn is at preschool.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
how 'bout that storm
Last night we got home from a get together just before the rain started. I have to learn when the clouds actually mean it's going to rain or just hang over us and tease. All day yesterday big fat rain clouds hung around, but never produced more than a light sprinkle.
Anyway, it was a little late so we told the kids we'd give them a quick shower and put them to bed, but right as I started spraying Finn down the power went out...Screaming in a bathroom, not so easy on the ears. Good thing I put a lantern in their room and knew exactly where it was. Right after I turned it on, the power came back, but I said "Forget the shower, just get in bed." The kids fell asleep pretty quickly, but at around 3 a.m. the storm seemed to pick up its intensity and got really loud, even the rain was really loud.
Maggie woke up first scared of ants and mosquitoes in her bed :/ I got the lantern out and showed her that there was nothing in her bed, but for about 45 min she kept getting out and coming back in my room.
At 3:45 Finn woke up and came in my room, after Maggie conned her way into my bed, to tell me he was scared to be in his room alone. I was not about to give up my bed for them, so I shuttled them both off to their beds, where they both fell back asleep.
Mike managed to sleep through all the waking, but at around 4 a.m. we suddenly heard a noise on the roof that at first sounded like rain drops hitting the inside pretty hard. After hearing about someone elses roof caving in during a rain storm we both jumped awake. Mike even went through the house looking for leaks. Our stairs window seems to be really fixed this time, no waterfall on the stairs last night, but after a while we realized it sounded like an animal stuck in our roof. An animal walking on nails, kind of curious to figure out what it was, or is.
Tess managed to sleep through it all until about 4:30 when she decided she was ready to eat...so I'm sure you can guess that this momma is sleepy.
Anyway, it was a little late so we told the kids we'd give them a quick shower and put them to bed, but right as I started spraying Finn down the power went out...Screaming in a bathroom, not so easy on the ears. Good thing I put a lantern in their room and knew exactly where it was. Right after I turned it on, the power came back, but I said "Forget the shower, just get in bed." The kids fell asleep pretty quickly, but at around 3 a.m. the storm seemed to pick up its intensity and got really loud, even the rain was really loud.
Maggie woke up first scared of ants and mosquitoes in her bed :/ I got the lantern out and showed her that there was nothing in her bed, but for about 45 min she kept getting out and coming back in my room.
At 3:45 Finn woke up and came in my room, after Maggie conned her way into my bed, to tell me he was scared to be in his room alone. I was not about to give up my bed for them, so I shuttled them both off to their beds, where they both fell back asleep.
Mike managed to sleep through all the waking, but at around 4 a.m. we suddenly heard a noise on the roof that at first sounded like rain drops hitting the inside pretty hard. After hearing about someone elses roof caving in during a rain storm we both jumped awake. Mike even went through the house looking for leaks. Our stairs window seems to be really fixed this time, no waterfall on the stairs last night, but after a while we realized it sounded like an animal stuck in our roof. An animal walking on nails, kind of curious to figure out what it was, or is.
Tess managed to sleep through it all until about 4:30 when she decided she was ready to eat...so I'm sure you can guess that this momma is sleepy.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Mom, where are you?
This question is asked about 100 times in our house. Seriously! Finn started asking this question while we lived in our 2 bedroom apartment in VA...we had 2 bedrooms with a closet and bathroom, a living room and a kitchen...Total of 8 places I could possibly be, yet he had to know at every minute of every day where I was...
Now we live in a house with 4 bedrooms, an office, a play room, 7 bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room and a dinning room (most of these rooms aren't separated so I'm usually within sight.) I can see how it'd be hard to find me, but really did this horrible habit have to pass on to Maggie too?
Worse times to hear "Mom, where are you?"
When in the bathroom : Door's closed kid go away!
When trying to put the baby to bed: I told you what I was doing!
When I am in the same general area of the kids: Turn around bud.
Now we live in a house with 4 bedrooms, an office, a play room, 7 bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room and a dinning room (most of these rooms aren't separated so I'm usually within sight.) I can see how it'd be hard to find me, but really did this horrible habit have to pass on to Maggie too?
Worse times to hear "Mom, where are you?"
When in the bathroom : Door's closed kid go away!
When trying to put the baby to bed: I told you what I was doing!
When I am in the same general area of the kids: Turn around bud.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Van deck noi
Translated as Children's day! When I read the e-mail from Finn's school saying there was no school because it was Children's day I wanted to scream "Isn't everyday Children's day?!" I mean, I'm sure my mom told me this when I was a kid and I asked why there was a Father's Day and Mother's Day and not a kids day; a few FB friends said the same thing.
Finn came home from preschool yesterday and proclaimed that tomorrow is children's day so there is no school, so you can stay home and play with me all day, I know someone spit their wine out some where.
I love my kids more than I love my wine, but come on, REALLY? I am a stay at home mom from America, my whole life has been rededicated to my kids. I'm lucky if I get a hair cut once a year, god forbid I take a nap!
As a stay at home mom, I fully support take your kid to work day, where DAD gets to see how it is trying to accomplish something in a "normal" amount of time while entertaining a kid.
While driving today to go to a store where I thought I might splurge a little and buy the kids a crap toy they'd break in less than an hour, Finn asked me this "Why do we have to do what you want? Today is Children's day and we should be doing what I want!" Causing me to lose my mind and drive the wrong way on a one-way street. ACK! Luckily it's Laos and several other people were too.
The kids did eventually win, only because the activities I selected didn't actually involve me having to actually do much more than yell stop spitting on your brother.
According to Wikipedia lots of countries celebrate Children's day, but not all on the same day. Also according to Wikipedia Laos is in Vietnam! Not so trusting of Wikipedia anymore...
Next bid list, Mexico please, where I get TWO days dedicated to me ;)
P.s. Please DO NOT catch on in America
Finn came home from preschool yesterday and proclaimed that tomorrow is children's day so there is no school, so you can stay home and play with me all day, I know someone spit their wine out some where.
I love my kids more than I love my wine, but come on, REALLY? I am a stay at home mom from America, my whole life has been rededicated to my kids. I'm lucky if I get a hair cut once a year, god forbid I take a nap!
As a stay at home mom, I fully support take your kid to work day, where DAD gets to see how it is trying to accomplish something in a "normal" amount of time while entertaining a kid.
While driving today to go to a store where I thought I might splurge a little and buy the kids a crap toy they'd break in less than an hour, Finn asked me this "Why do we have to do what you want? Today is Children's day and we should be doing what I want!" Causing me to lose my mind and drive the wrong way on a one-way street. ACK! Luckily it's Laos and several other people were too.
The kids did eventually win, only because the activities I selected didn't actually involve me having to actually do much more than yell stop spitting on your brother.
According to Wikipedia lots of countries celebrate Children's day, but not all on the same day. Also according to Wikipedia Laos is in Vietnam! Not so trusting of Wikipedia anymore...
Next bid list, Mexico please, where I get TWO days dedicated to me ;)
P.s. Please DO NOT catch on in America
Saturday, May 28, 2011
It's my culture shock, and I'll cry if I want to
Which I did a fair amount of for at least a month, if not more.
So the theory is that once most people get to a new place they go through a Honeymoon period, then start to feel the differences, then get used to it, only to feel the differences again and finally move into a comfort zone.
The other night, while Mike was on a business trip to the South of Laos, he was telling me over the phone he had heard about culture shock and while it wasn't the same for everyone and I'm not completely by the book, he thinks I've moved into a comfort zone...lets hope.
I for sure did not go through my honeymoon stage, I went straight into crisis mode. Could be the way I'll always feel when moving to a new place, or the fact that I'd just had a baby and moved across the world, either way I'm sad to know that I didn't get the euphoria.
My sister-in-law asked me if I wanted to yell at people for their well meaning comments on my Facebook status updates when I was going through a very rough time...yes, yes I did want to yell and more. But I also admitted if I didn't want well meaning comments I could stop posting to Facebook.
So only 3-months into our assignment I might not LOVE it here, but I'm starting to figure out how to deal and hope I continue to.
So the theory is that once most people get to a new place they go through a Honeymoon period, then start to feel the differences, then get used to it, only to feel the differences again and finally move into a comfort zone.
The other night, while Mike was on a business trip to the South of Laos, he was telling me over the phone he had heard about culture shock and while it wasn't the same for everyone and I'm not completely by the book, he thinks I've moved into a comfort zone...lets hope.
I for sure did not go through my honeymoon stage, I went straight into crisis mode. Could be the way I'll always feel when moving to a new place, or the fact that I'd just had a baby and moved across the world, either way I'm sad to know that I didn't get the euphoria.
My sister-in-law asked me if I wanted to yell at people for their well meaning comments on my Facebook status updates when I was going through a very rough time...yes, yes I did want to yell and more. But I also admitted if I didn't want well meaning comments I could stop posting to Facebook.
So only 3-months into our assignment I might not LOVE it here, but I'm starting to figure out how to deal and hope I continue to.
Friday, May 27, 2011
in case you don't know me
I complain, A LOT! Really I am pretty sure it was pointed out to my husband one night years ago and yet he's still here.
Not only do I complain a lot, I also tend to stick my foot in my mouth quite often so don't take offense, I have a condition called never thinks before speaking.
While I've had a very hard time adjusting to life in a new country, my blogs may make it seem like I blame other people...no, I'm really not. I am aware that I didn't prepare myself enough for such a move and expected way more than is apparently normal. Living at Oakwood for over a year was like living in a bubble. It was easy to make friends, there were things going on all the time and shopping close by, insanely I thought all posts would be similar to living at Oakwood, crazy I know.
I've realized that everyday will be a learning experience and I'm trying very hard to take things in stride, but it's much easier said than done... Sometimes I just need a good vent.
I've realized that everyday will be a learning experience and I'm trying very hard to take things in stride, but it's much easier said than done... Sometimes I just need a good vent.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Updated 7 ways I know it's growing on me
As usual, I wrote this blog in a sloppy and fast way, leaving me feeling unsatisfied and thinking more about things I'm getting used to. So in the middle of the night as I'm cleaning up leaky boob mess, I added a few things. I also realize some of these may need an explanation.
Here is my list of ways I know Laos is growing on me; I'll probably still feel like I left something out:
1. My new scent is a mix of DEET, citronella and baby powder
2. Going over 30mph makes me feel like I'm speeding
3. I prefer to draw a map vs give directions
4. *It no longer makes me feel awkward when women grab their breasts while they speak to me.
5. I now prefer ice in my beer
6. Car seats have become a use 'em if you got 'em thing of the past.
7. lastly I don't jump when I see a spider the size of a turtle running around on my wall.
* This is because I usually have a chubby baby attached to me and even if they can speak English, women grab their breasts to ask how I feed the baby. Sometimes I want to tell my housekeeper that she doesn't have to squeeze her boob when she tells me she thinks my baby is hungry, but oh well.
Here is my list of ways I know Laos is growing on me; I'll probably still feel like I left something out:
1. My new scent is a mix of DEET, citronella and baby powder
2. Going over 30mph makes me feel like I'm speeding
3. I prefer to draw a map vs give directions
4. *It no longer makes me feel awkward when women grab their breasts while they speak to me.
5. I now prefer ice in my beer
6. Car seats have become a use 'em if you got 'em thing of the past.
7. lastly I don't jump when I see a spider the size of a turtle running around on my wall.
* This is because I usually have a chubby baby attached to me and even if they can speak English, women grab their breasts to ask how I feed the baby. Sometimes I want to tell my housekeeper that she doesn't have to squeeze her boob when she tells me she thinks my baby is hungry, but oh well.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Boun Bang Fai
Rocket Festival for us English speakers.
Finn got his own rocket too
Yesterday Mike took us and a few other Embassy employees, as well as the Ambassador to Nasawn to part take in Boun Bang Fai festivities. The mail clerk at the embassy was gracious enough to open his home to us and let us crash his party.
From what I understand the purpose of the rockets is to penetrate the sky and let the rains fall; the symbol of the raining season. I could be wrong, this is just what I remember Mike telling me last year while showing us videos of some of the rockets.
To see wikipedia history: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/rocket_festival
This is one of the most bawdy and sexually orientated festivals, but after experiencing Pi Mai Lao, I'm starting to think they all are. Men dress as women and dance in the streets, or like yesterday on Floats.
It was a good time, but I feel no amount of planning would've prepared us this time. Next time I will not go to the rocket field, I'll bring a fan and take the water out of the car. We did stay fairly hydrated, but left the party w/o our water bottles and the heat was just too intense. It was also much, much louder than I imagined. It sounded a lot like jets flying right over our heads.
Mike enjoyed himself, as usual. He always seems to take delight in activities that cause me to lose my shit.
So no more rambling; here are the pictures Mike took.
One of the rockets passing in a parade.
Some monks had a rocket :)
Finn got his own rocket tooRight about now I started to lose my shit
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
ready to scream
So this past week in Vientiane we've had quite a bit of rain. My helper has told me this isn't the rainy season, but it's coming, and quickly. With said rain, we've had many, many mosquitoes. For those not up to speed on this area of the world, mosquitoes here carry lots of scary things. So we always, always sleep under nets and I spray the kids with a non-deet product every day, twice a day, but fear this may not be enough, that one day the 104 fever one of my kids has is not just a random virus, but Dengue! So when I complain about this issue, I would feel it's justified to have people understand my fears and frustrations.
I am constantly seeking out standing water in my yard, which there seems to be a lot of, but that doesn't seem to be our problem lately, it's inside the house. Mainly centered in 1 bathroom that is always in use, but also in our kids room (hence my fears). One frustration is that many people are offering short term solutions to a LONG term problem. Vientiane isn't going away, mosquitoes aren't either; giving me a can of spray or having a company come fog the house isn't going to find the root of the problem.
I'm starting to realize, while I hate short term solutions, my real frustration is that I have no clue how to explain that there is a problem IN my house, and I can't say hey this is where it's coming from, I see this as an issue, do this to fix it. Nope, I am no expert, all I know is I have a problem and I need help.
I am constantly seeking out standing water in my yard, which there seems to be a lot of, but that doesn't seem to be our problem lately, it's inside the house. Mainly centered in 1 bathroom that is always in use, but also in our kids room (hence my fears). One frustration is that many people are offering short term solutions to a LONG term problem. Vientiane isn't going away, mosquitoes aren't either; giving me a can of spray or having a company come fog the house isn't going to find the root of the problem.
I'm starting to realize, while I hate short term solutions, my real frustration is that I have no clue how to explain that there is a problem IN my house, and I can't say hey this is where it's coming from, I see this as an issue, do this to fix it. Nope, I am no expert, all I know is I have a problem and I need help.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
We aren't in D.C. anymore
Ah Saturday morning started off as a normal Saturday. Drinking coffee, watching TV, and checking Facebook. We were supposed to spend it hanging out with friends at the playground and pool while Mike help build a playground (too bad you can't hear my giggles). But Saturday decided to be a rainy day, so I thought it'd be a great day to attempt our first border crossing as a family. Note I say as a family because my first attempt failed. We only had to do it and be back by 4 p.m. because Mike and I had a ball to attend later that night.
In the end I think we looked pretty good :)
So we grab the kids a few cloth inserts for diapers and jump in the car; how hard could it be. HA! So in all it took 2-hours to cross the Friendship Bridge from Laos to Thailand. Mike and I were running back and forth in the rain from 1 window to another trying to figure out what the heck we were supposed to be doing, as soon as we were finished with the border we got to Udon Thani in no time; awesome. And even found the one store we were looking for; even more awesome. That was about as awesome as it was though.
We found the store got most of what we were looking for only to find out that it was CASH only? WTF? A little heads up would have been nice. They ended up taking our credit for the electronics, but nothing else so Mike had to look for an ATM to get some Baht out. No probs, in the mean time the kids have vandalized the store, all the while screaming how hungry they were...heck I was too!
Ah thankfully there's a McDonalds down the road. Really a McDonalds! But for those of you who know Mike know there would be NO McDonalds indulgence. Oh how I wanted that cheeseburger...
Anyway, we found food and headed home, did I mention we had a very specific time limit because Mike and I had a ball to go to., but we kept getting turned around and Maggie kept complaining of a tummy ache. She's fine I kept telling Mike, she just wants to get out of her seat, but right as I finish that sentence she threw up all over herself. ACK! I undress her and hold her on my lap to calm her. As we were finally figuring out where we were and how to get to the main road I feel a rumble in Maggie's tummy, and reach for the door. Too late, she yakked all over me! I look over to Mike and scream at him to get us out of there!!
Lesson learned: A. Remember notes to self on things to carry in the car. B. We are not in D.C. anymore, 10-minutes of planning might go along way.
In the end we made it home with enough time for me to wash the puke off and put a dress on.
In the end I think we looked pretty good :)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Playgroup
This morning as my car is refusing to run properly, as the kids are screaming they are hot and poor Tess is dripping wet, I decided that Tuesday morning playgroup has become my CURSE.
Every week I have big plans of getting out there and socializing with other moms in Vientiane, but every Tuesday for the past 2 months something happens to prevent me from going. Most of them have been minor and in the end we benefited from me not going, but today was not one of those days.
Today my battery light turned on. So as I am trying to get Finn to school in rush hour traffic (not such a rush) I was trying to look in my book to see what that meant. I was really hoping it just meant I had to keep my car on so the battery would charge, but alas it could have been many, many different things. Stupid me turned the car off when I took Finn in and when I got back to the car it started, but everything that runs off the battery was not working, ie AC, power locks POWER WINDOWS. So, not only did we not have AC but we also didn't have the ability to roll down the windows. Not knowing if I was actually in drive I pull out of the school and frantically call Mike; who casually answers the phone to tell me I seem to always call him at that exact time everyday...I not so casually tell him that's because everyday at that time I have a problem. Anyway he directs me to the Toyota dealership that is really close to our house and tells me everyone seems to have this problem when they get their car the battery needs a charge or replacement should be a quick fix...
Famous last words! 3 hours, 2 meltdowns, lots of money spend on a new battery and a horrible English translation - leading me to believe I might not drive my car for 3-months - later the car is still not in my driveway.
Oh the taste of freedom was so sweet...
Every week I have big plans of getting out there and socializing with other moms in Vientiane, but every Tuesday for the past 2 months something happens to prevent me from going. Most of them have been minor and in the end we benefited from me not going, but today was not one of those days.
Today my battery light turned on. So as I am trying to get Finn to school in rush hour traffic (not such a rush) I was trying to look in my book to see what that meant. I was really hoping it just meant I had to keep my car on so the battery would charge, but alas it could have been many, many different things. Stupid me turned the car off when I took Finn in and when I got back to the car it started, but everything that runs off the battery was not working, ie AC, power locks POWER WINDOWS. So, not only did we not have AC but we also didn't have the ability to roll down the windows. Not knowing if I was actually in drive I pull out of the school and frantically call Mike; who casually answers the phone to tell me I seem to always call him at that exact time everyday...I not so casually tell him that's because everyday at that time I have a problem. Anyway he directs me to the Toyota dealership that is really close to our house and tells me everyone seems to have this problem when they get their car the battery needs a charge or replacement should be a quick fix...
Famous last words! 3 hours, 2 meltdowns, lots of money spend on a new battery and a horrible English translation - leading me to believe I might not drive my car for 3-months - later the car is still not in my driveway.
Oh the taste of freedom was so sweet...
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Note to self: things to keep in the car
Now that we have a car, I have started to write my list of things I need to keep in the car and it just keeps growing.
1. Water; check
2. Diapers; check
3. Wipes; check
4. toilet paper; wha
5. change of clothes for everyone; almost check
6. extra shoes for Maggie; wha
7. umbrella; whoops should'a known that
8. Sunscreen and bug spray; check and check (it's all-in-one)
9. snacks; check
10. sanity; nope long gone
1. Water; check
2. Diapers; check
3. Wipes; check
4. toilet paper; wha
5. change of clothes for everyone; almost check
6. extra shoes for Maggie; wha
7. umbrella; whoops should'a known that
8. Sunscreen and bug spray; check and check (it's all-in-one)
9. snacks; check
10. sanity; nope long gone
Thursday, May 5, 2011
If at first you don't succeed...
Try, try again? or just say screw it and grab a beer :)
Since I've gotten to Laos, I've found that no matter what I'm doing, it doesn't work the first time.
The first time I left the hotel by myself, I quit and went back because it was so hot. FAIL
The first time I attempted to do a group outing I was forgotten about. FAIL
The first time I left the house with a mission I got horribly lost, not to mention stuck. FAIL
The first time I tried to gain freedom by buying a bike, it broke. FAIL
The first time I tried to cross the friendship bridge into Thailand I didn't have the right papers. FAIL
It took me about 2 months to figure out how to get around with the kids using different transportation methods and when each would work best. People gave us rides; Tuk Tuks, Taxis, the stroller, a wagon and most of all our own two feet.
So after many, many times trying to do something and failing the first time, I've learned not to give up because eventually something will work....or I can just go to the neighbors for an ice cold Beer Lao and forget about it :)
Since I've gotten to Laos, I've found that no matter what I'm doing, it doesn't work the first time.
The first time I left the hotel by myself, I quit and went back because it was so hot. FAIL
The first time I attempted to do a group outing I was forgotten about. FAIL
The first time I left the house with a mission I got horribly lost, not to mention stuck. FAIL
The first time I tried to gain freedom by buying a bike, it broke. FAIL
The first time I tried to cross the friendship bridge into Thailand I didn't have the right papers. FAIL
It took me about 2 months to figure out how to get around with the kids using different transportation methods and when each would work best. People gave us rides; Tuk Tuks, Taxis, the stroller, a wagon and most of all our own two feet.
So after many, many times trying to do something and failing the first time, I've learned not to give up because eventually something will work....or I can just go to the neighbors for an ice cold Beer Lao and forget about it :)
Monday, May 2, 2011
What were you doing?
Today marked a historical time for Americans and people world wide! Osama Bin Laden was killed! Hip hip hooray! As I sit and watch the continuous news feed on this historical event, I hear the news casters constantly remind us that we will forever remember what we were doing when we heard the news...
Almost 10 years ago tragedy hit us. I was a sophomore in high school and like most teenagers decided it was just a bad day to go to school and wanted to sleep in. I was woken up at 7 a.m. by my mom telling me we'd been attacked. Living on the west coast at the time we were 3 hours behind NYC. It was an awful, awful day. Very emotional and I remember crying for months reading stories of people who'd lost their loved ones on that horrific day. Three years later I decided to join the United States Army. I wanted to prove to everyone I knew, I was strong enough and also to serve my country. Today Osama Bin Laden was killed in Pakistan, what was I doing 10 years later? Trying to cross the Friendship bridge at the Lao Thai border. It will be something I won't forget, but how I would have liked to be closer to more Americans who felt the feelings I'm feeling. I have many feelings about this day, so many it's hard to explain. Lots of pride, and truimph, but also grief. Serving 5 years in the Army, doing the job I was doing, I saw first hand how these wars were effecting people, mostly the people left behind. So while I write this I toast the men and women who laid down their lives to make this day happen. 10 years in the making, we caught and killed the man who managed to continue to hurt us long after his attack.
So, as we all celebrate this accomplishment don't forget just how much it took to acheive this. Sons, daughters, wives, mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers are without loved ones tonight.
R.I.P.
Adam David Quinn and James P. Hunter
and the 5,886 men and women who've made the ultimate sacrifice.
Almost 10 years ago tragedy hit us. I was a sophomore in high school and like most teenagers decided it was just a bad day to go to school and wanted to sleep in. I was woken up at 7 a.m. by my mom telling me we'd been attacked. Living on the west coast at the time we were 3 hours behind NYC. It was an awful, awful day. Very emotional and I remember crying for months reading stories of people who'd lost their loved ones on that horrific day. Three years later I decided to join the United States Army. I wanted to prove to everyone I knew, I was strong enough and also to serve my country. Today Osama Bin Laden was killed in Pakistan, what was I doing 10 years later? Trying to cross the Friendship bridge at the Lao Thai border. It will be something I won't forget, but how I would have liked to be closer to more Americans who felt the feelings I'm feeling. I have many feelings about this day, so many it's hard to explain. Lots of pride, and truimph, but also grief. Serving 5 years in the Army, doing the job I was doing, I saw first hand how these wars were effecting people, mostly the people left behind. So while I write this I toast the men and women who laid down their lives to make this day happen. 10 years in the making, we caught and killed the man who managed to continue to hurt us long after his attack.
So, as we all celebrate this accomplishment don't forget just how much it took to acheive this. Sons, daughters, wives, mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers are without loved ones tonight.
R.I.P.
Adam David Quinn and James P. Hunter
and the 5,886 men and women who've made the ultimate sacrifice.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Bangkok Fail
Who forgot the stroller for the big trip to the city?! Yup, me. The plan would have been to put the baby in the stroller because she now weighs in at 15 lbs, but after 1 day in the heat and trying to walk around I so would have put the screaming 2-year-old in it! The second we'd walk out of the hotel Maggie would scream her head off and whine to the point of incomprehension. It was not so fun, so with 4 days in the city of Bangkok I managed to see not one tourist site. I did however get lost several times and endure Maggie's whines with stares from plenty of people which lead me to continue my long list of things I'm not cut out for; newest addition: tourist alone with 3 kids.
We did get to visit the Bangkok Zoo, the aquarium, a play place for kids and ride on a river taxi...Most done with out Mike, but we did the taxi with him.
I did get home feeling happy to be home, which is something I was hoping going to "The States" would do for me...who knew a stressful trip to Bangkok would do it. Again, not the travel the tourist time.
We did get to visit the Bangkok Zoo, the aquarium, a play place for kids and ride on a river taxi...Most done with out Mike, but we did the taxi with him.
I did get home feeling happy to be home, which is something I was hoping going to "The States" would do for me...who knew a stressful trip to Bangkok would do it. Again, not the travel the tourist time.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Traveling with kids
Let me start off by saying I love my country, I do.
Earlier this month I had hit my "flight" mode of culture shock. I really just wanted to get back to "The States", to shop in a normal store where prices are laid out and I don't feel like I'm getting ripped off, well, I know I am getting ripped off, but so is everyone else. To be able to drive a on a road where I know the rules of the road, heck to DRIVE. Until last night I didn't have a mode of transportation except my feet, a wagon and a bike. Anyway, there were lots of things pushing me to go back to the states, but 1 keeping me away. The travel! Just thinking about going through an airport with 3 children alone makes my eye twitch. Monday we took a trip to Bangkok for Mike's job. Getting through the airports with the kids was a breeze, and coming home from a very large airport was so simple. We were taken to our own special line to check in because we had 3 kids, then a special customs and immigration line was opened for us. Getting through security was a walk in the park. I didn't have to take the baby off much less my shoes. No one barked orders at me and made me feel like a 5-year-old child again. This is why I wouldn't go home. I HATE going through airports in the US. Yeah, yeah families get their own special line there too, but come on that's such a joke! We're moved from one line where things are actually moving to another line because we have kids where nothing is moving. There might be many reasons why the TSA security people are so RUDE, but really, I think it could be toned down a notch. Going through an airport in the US makes my hair fall out; here it makes me feel like traveling with 3 kids could actually be possible...
Until you forget the stroller.
Earlier this month I had hit my "flight" mode of culture shock. I really just wanted to get back to "The States", to shop in a normal store where prices are laid out and I don't feel like I'm getting ripped off, well, I know I am getting ripped off, but so is everyone else. To be able to drive a on a road where I know the rules of the road, heck to DRIVE. Until last night I didn't have a mode of transportation except my feet, a wagon and a bike. Anyway, there were lots of things pushing me to go back to the states, but 1 keeping me away. The travel! Just thinking about going through an airport with 3 children alone makes my eye twitch. Monday we took a trip to Bangkok for Mike's job. Getting through the airports with the kids was a breeze, and coming home from a very large airport was so simple. We were taken to our own special line to check in because we had 3 kids, then a special customs and immigration line was opened for us. Getting through security was a walk in the park. I didn't have to take the baby off much less my shoes. No one barked orders at me and made me feel like a 5-year-old child again. This is why I wouldn't go home. I HATE going through airports in the US. Yeah, yeah families get their own special line there too, but come on that's such a joke! We're moved from one line where things are actually moving to another line because we have kids where nothing is moving. There might be many reasons why the TSA security people are so RUDE, but really, I think it could be toned down a notch. Going through an airport in the US makes my hair fall out; here it makes me feel like traveling with 3 kids could actually be possible...
Until you forget the stroller.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Things I took for granted
This is a list I started when I got to Laos of things I so took for granted in America
Motor vehicles: should be 'nuff said. Try living w/o one after years of depending on one. Especially after noting the next few things taken for granted.
Sidewalks: Try walking a stroller down a sidewalk here, you'll find cars parked on them, food stands set up and every so often a motorcycle driving on them. They are obviously not meant for walking on.
Paved roads: Again, try walking a stroller down our road, you may lose a wheel...just sayin.
Grocery stores: When you just need some spices, think again this particular market is only selling squirt guns and bug zappers today, but try again tomorrow and you might find that hose you've been looking for.
Pediatricians: Spider bite? Mosquito bite? Pink eye? could be anything, but no pediatrician to tell and good luck with the health unit that is always CLOSED. Oh and no motor vehicle...
A bug free home: Not having to sleep under nets or wear bugspray while in our house...
Asking for directions: language barrier much?
Online Bill pay: Cable is Thai, not Lao and paid for in Baht to someone in GSO? And Internet forget about it...
DEBIT CARDS:! really, I have to carry this HUGE wad of cash around in case the market is selling what I want today? No you don't take debit, or credit
There is probably a whole lot more that I will soon find out I took for granted, but for now these are the things I have most noticed and complain about, probably on a daily basis.
Enjoy this picture of how we've tried to overcome not having that beloved motor vehicle
Thursday, March 3, 2011
exploring Vientiane
The Pryor family invaded Laos almost two weeks ago and up until now I was feeling so LOST, I'm pretty sure it'll feel that way again Saturday, but yesterday I finally worked up the courage, loaded the kids onto the beast (double stroller) and hit the streets of Vientiane. We'd been exploring a lot before yesterday, but always with company. Mike, his coworker and a very nice Australian couple who took pity on me, but yesterday it was me and 3 kids. This took a lot of patience and keeping my senses open to my surroundings.
The Vientiane sidewalks were not made to walk with stroller, heck they are no longer for people to walk on. More often than not cars are parked on the sidewalks and now that every resident in Vientiane owns a motorbike, they drive on the sidewalks when traffic is just too slow for them.
Anyway, I got the kids out of the house while it was still cool outside and we walked along the Mekong River, I stopped to feed the baby while the older kids were fawned over by some teenage Lao girls.
Next along our route was a local grocery market. It's pretty yuppie, but I knew where to find it and needed some bread. We left spending less than 100k Kip(8000Kip to 1 USD), and the most expensive item I picked up was a Lao phrase book.
Since I could read the signs pointing to That Dam, one of the only land marks I know, I knew I was close to the American Embassy too. We stopped to eat a snack at That Dam then popped in to say hello to Mike. By this time we'd been out walking for 4 hours and it was HOT, so we called a taxi and went back home. All in all, I'd say it was a pretty good time and now that I know how to get to places from this side of town, I have to relearn it all from the other side.
The Vientiane sidewalks were not made to walk with stroller, heck they are no longer for people to walk on. More often than not cars are parked on the sidewalks and now that every resident in Vientiane owns a motorbike, they drive on the sidewalks when traffic is just too slow for them.
Anyway, I got the kids out of the house while it was still cool outside and we walked along the Mekong River, I stopped to feed the baby while the older kids were fawned over by some teenage Lao girls.
The kids in front of what sould be the Mekong River, Thialand in the distance.
Next we went to the river park, which I had thought was much farther than it really was. We watched 2 different preschools play at the playground. The kids really enjoyed listening to the Lao children sing songs while they waited for their ride. Finn has enjoyed showing how strong he is by getting on the see-saw while Maggie is on it.Next along our route was a local grocery market. It's pretty yuppie, but I knew where to find it and needed some bread. We left spending less than 100k Kip(8000Kip to 1 USD), and the most expensive item I picked up was a Lao phrase book.
Since I could read the signs pointing to That Dam, one of the only land marks I know, I knew I was close to the American Embassy too. We stopped to eat a snack at That Dam then popped in to say hello to Mike. By this time we'd been out walking for 4 hours and it was HOT, so we called a taxi and went back home. All in all, I'd say it was a pretty good time and now that I know how to get to places from this side of town, I have to relearn it all from the other side.
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