Thailand

The boat trip visiting islands in Thailand was an amazing adventure. I stayed at this place called the Diamond Cliff Resort and Spa with a colleague named Carole. She was a great travel buddy and we enjoyed relaxing, while also exploring Phuket. I hadn't realized, but the tsunami had hit Patong Beach (in Phuket) on that fateful December 26th day. I believe it was 2004. There were signs all over Patong Beach reading : Tsunami Evacuation Route and pointing to the road to follow in case of a tsunami. Scary! I heard that Phuket and Patong Beach were hit hard. The area has recovered and then some. In Phuket, Carole and I shopped (I bought new glasses for cheap: under $200 with the prescription, etc.!), ate, and got foot massages. The foot massage was so relaxing and I got tickled a bit. They also try to crack your toes which I didn't like. A half hour massage was 200 baht. That equals US $6.60. Wow.

There were many restaurants and shops around- pearls from the Andaman Sea are a part of the economy here. I got a certified "authentic" pearl necklace for US$ 30. It's pretty and pink.

I'll write more soon. There's much more.

Thai Thanksgiving

First off, to my followers who know about blogs, etc. How do I add in pictures? Lawrence- you were talking about pictures once..maybe you know how? Becca? Maya?

Anyway! I had Thanksgiving in Thailand--was very amazing. So much more to write. I will...it's all written in a journal and I will update. I had to write something though because I couldn't leave my last post with a story I wrote 3 weeks ago. I've been having a hard time opening up this blog after I know I dedicated my story to Uncle Dick. I've been thinking of him and Memere. I miss them tons.

Will write more about Thailand soon! More to come! :)

Snowpocalypse-no- not in Singapore!

Here is the story I wrote for a class...

Snowpocalypse 2010

By Danielle Carrier

Dedicated to Uncle Dick Carrier

The city sounds were usually noticed 24/7. “Vroom, vroom, beep, beep.” I was conditioned to hearing them daily. On this day, the city was quiet. The sky was dark as if the nation’s capital was in the center of a hurricane. I was looking forward to a break in my unpleasant routine and I welcomed the chance for snow to bring me some peace.

“I’m on my way over!” I exclaimed to Heather and hung up the phone. I squeezed into my friend’s black snow pants and double checked to make sure I had layers so that I would be warm enough outside. The news was painting a grim picture for travel in Washington, DC for the 5-6 of February. I knew I had time to enjoy the snow, my friends, and my favorite places. “I’m all set for this adventure!” I thought to myself. I scurried with anticipation out of my apartment to begin the winter journey to 1324 W Street NW- Heather’s house.

As I stepped outside, my boot descended into a 1 foot pile of snow on the Cathedral Mansion steps.

“Oh my God,” I thought to myself. This winter wonderland was one of the most amazing natural phenomena I’ve ever seen in my life. Cars were snowed over in their parking spots and the landscape was quiet.

As I turned onto Connecticut Avenue, I noticed that the street had turned into a flat ski trail! I kept thinking to myself, “I love when there are hardly any people around. It’s just you, nature, and your thoughts.” You’re always surrounded by people in a city. Many times in my childhood, I found that the most peaceful times were when I would walk after a snowstorm. With that thought, I excitedly called my dad.

“Ring. Ring.”

“Hello!” my dad answered.

“Dad- you’re not going to believe HOW much snow is here!”

“Really…”

“Yes- I can’t believe it- it’s one of the coolest things I’ve seen in my life! There are no cars on Connecticut Avenue. Just a few people walking in the street. EVERYTHING is covered.”

By this time I had walked to the Woodley Park/Adam’s Morgan metro station, holding my umbrella to shelter me from the thick falling snow. I gave my dad the play-by-play of my walk because I knew how much he would have enjoyed this storm had he been in DC.

“Oh my God! The snow is piled up almost to the top of the spotlight- you should see this!” I shouted into the phone in astonishment.

“Wow- that’s cool, Dan. You’ll have to take pictures and send them to us!” My dad said goodbye to spend time with his dying brother and his sibilings in Florida. I set out to continue my snowy trek to Heather’s.

I looked at the sky. It was as if 1:00 PM was night. The snow poured down in fluffy white blankets as I walked. I had wished it would snow like this for days.

I loved living in Washington, DC. I loved the people and the places. If I could just spend quality time with the people at the places, without the outside pressures of schedules and getting work done, I would have truly enjoyed every moment like the days in my childhood. This winter day, I felt like a child again. How lucky were we, in Washington, DC, to live through this one-in-a-lifetime blizzard. I imagined people inside of their homes, keeping warm with blankets, watching movies and drinking hot chocolate. These were the times they, and I, would always remember. A time when life came to a standstill. A time when friends could truly enjoy each others' company and play outside like kids. This snowstorm brought peace to me in the form of snow covered streets in a city with people that I will always love.

Busy bee

Wow...this week was pretty darn busy followed by a busy weekend. I'm just sitting down to write after my first race here in Singapore.

Let me start with the week. It started Sunday night when I went out with Akira and Sydney (his girlfriend) to a chef friend's place near Little India. This place had an amazing pool. There was even a separate pool with underwater workout equiptment- like a treadmill for double resistance (and less pounding on the joints). Back to the party--there were a ton of chefs there from other posh restuarants in Singapore including the head chef at Wolfgang Puck's, which is a restaurant opening up at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Google the Marina Bay Sands Hotel--it's pretty famous here in Singapore- it's the 2 buildings with the "boat" on top. It has this "infinity pool" in the boat--the pictures make the pool look scary like you're going to fall 40 stories off the top of the building. One of my students' mothers is the general manager there. My student wants to go on a field trip there ;)

Well, Akira and Sydney told me that the chefs at this party were chefs from celebrity chef and shows like that on TV. I don't know any of those shows- so it didn't faze me that much. The chefs seemed to be having a good time because Sunday is usually their only day off. Work hard in the kitchen, party hard with food and alcohol on Sundays. I guess that's what they do. I didn't end up getting home too late because it was a school night, but I ended up taking Akira and Sydney to the Banana Leaf Apolo restuarant in Little India because we were all hungry and I knew that this restaurant is good. It's a recommendation from Niko Molinos, also, so I knew it would be good when I first got here to Singapore. It was nice to be able to show necomers a place- like I've been living here a while or something. I'm so glad for a Farmington person!!

Monday night I went to Eat, Pray, Love with Nadiah after school. I liked the movie and it was fun to see Italy and Bali- both places I went to. Now I'll have to get to India at some point.

Tuesday I met up with Sydney and Akira for dinner. I had them try Din Tai Fung (dumplings) and they were awesome. Sydney is getting adjusted to being here in Singapore...Akira seems like he's the same wherever he is. Too funny.

Wednesday I went to our school play at SAS (totally seemed like a professional production) of Grease, but I left early cause I was stressing about getting miles in for this 10 K race I just did. It's like you have to do your homework (putting in the miles) if you don't want to feel like crap on race day! Also...you have to adjust to the climate, which was difficult. But more on that later...The grease production was excellent and I loved the third grade school counselor's son in the play--totally sounded like the counselor, who helped us with our class play! Carmine (the school counselor), told me that the performers had been practicing this production since the first day of school (August 15) for 2 hours after school- 5 days a week and 6 days a week in the month of October. That is dedication! It paid off and these high schoolers were super talented! Reminded me of mhy high school days when we would do stuff like that...good old FHS (similar to SAS in many ways)...

Thursday- meeting after school and just ran--but getting very tired...

Friday saw Grease AGAIN! because I missed a lot of it on Wednesday and I wanted to watch it not stressed out.

So much more--but those friends and other people reading that are like, "why is she just talking about her days"?? Just ignore all that stuff....I'm keeping people I usually talk to daily up to date with what's going on so they know why I'm not in touch--there aren't enough hours in the day!

I ran a 10 K this morning with the teacher that works next door to me and it was my first Singapore race. It was sooo hot! Truly don't know if I would be able to do a half marathon here...the climate is difficult. Carmine has done a midnight marathon here. He said it was so humid he was sweating before the race began--at midnight. He said it was hotter than during the day. Was all the heat trapped or something???

Anyway, Happy Halloween everyone- I'm running out of steam and need to recharge! I also saw dragon boat racing on my way home from from the race...I'll talk more about that next time, but it looks cool. XOXO. This is more like a journal entry than a blog! How do we define blog anyway? I saw The Social Network last night, too. Makes you think!! Loved those North Face jackets--felt like I was HOME!

Poetry and Georgia

We had an awesome speaker come to us from the States named Georgia Heard. She's very inspiring. She's a poet, writer, and teacher. I read one of her books about teaching poetry on the beach in Bali. Her work with students in Harlem and other places in NYC has helped me with my students. I feel like I'm finally learning more about teaching poetry like I've wanted to in the past. Laurie Young always had these "poetry doors" that she always talked about, but I finally have the time and resources to learn how to really do this stuff. I'm going to have to tell Laurie.

The kids were cute today and I've been hanging out with Akira and his girlfriend. Tonight is finally a night when I'm coming home before 9 PM.

And...Just got sidetracked by Facebook...see what happens!! Now I need to shower and go to bed. How time flies and you get sucked in by the Internet.

Smoggy air

So neighboring Indonesia (Sumatra) has been burning trees for the past 4 days. They're clearning land and apparently they do it every year. Burning is the option that they choose year after year because of the cost- it's cheap. Well, the wind blows all the smoke into Singapore so we have this constant fog/haze that smells like burning wood. It gets into your lungs and makes your eyes burn a little. I can't wait until it's over! Naidah calls it the flu- and she hates it. She says that she remembers the fog ever since she has been alive- 22 years. Indonesia is causing so much pollution- let alone where all those animals are going??

It's going to be a quick posting tonight- tired- and Lawrence- sorry that our schedules never lined up- the time difference to Minnesota was not on our side. Do you know anything about "the burning" for land clearning? And what about the traffic in Indonesia? My friend Tom told me today that the traffic in Bali is nothing compared to Jakarta. Denise- I know you said that the traffic is crazy--and that was 20 years ago! I guess some things don't change.

Hope all is well with everyone...xoxo

Return to Life in Singapore...

So the Bali trip was amazing. It was just what I needed. I definitely recharged the batteries and relaxed. I got my first massage on the beach! I was sore the next day and wondered...why am I sore?

Gretchen, the PE swim teacher for the primary and intermediate kids, came to Bali and we ran on the beach in the sand 3 mornings in a row. It was awesome. That was actually my first time running on a beach. One of the mornings, many Balinese people were by the ocean for some type of ceremony. All Gretchen and I could see as we were running we people wearing white. They had prepared flowers and were releasing things into the ocean that I couldn't see. It was pretty cool.

Bali is approximately 8 degress south of the equator- so now I've been to the Southern Hemisphere! I have to say the weather was pretty awesome- I liked it better than Singapore's weather. It seemed less humid and more bearable. Singapore is 1 degree north of the equator- so it's just super humid and hot. I looked at the weather forecast today (October 19) and it's 90 degress and hazy like all of the days. Whoa!

Anyway, I'm not going to talk about weather anymore because I'm missing the fall weather back in the States. It feels weird not having a change in weather for the seasons. I'm probably going to be in shock when I get back into cold weather...December here I come!

Back to Bali- I've never seen so many motorcycles. Not even in Italy or Europe. Tons and tons. We walked to most of the places- we stayed in Seminyak- and there was a restuarant we went to- Ku De Ta that I highly recommend. Awesome sushi- I'm getting into sushi now. Probably cause it's just so hot here and that is cold!

So just so you know, 300,000 rupiah (their currency) is about US$29. Seems weird. Our meal at Ku De Ta was over $1,000,000 rupiah! Haha...it was the million dollar meal.

Richard (banker friend) wants to see Eat, Prey, Love (gotta love Richard) so I think we may go this weekend...lots of the movie is set in Bali! I admire Richard's seize the moment in Asia way of living...he's here for a few more months...I got to meet some his Singaporean friends this past weekend. That was fun and nice to branch out.

Love from Singapore- time to start winding down- I have this thing called "Bootcamp" tomorrow- we'll see how I survive!

Gettin Itchy to Leave the Island!

So....I'm leaving for Bali on Wednesday night- I'm so excited! It will be nice to have a change in the routine and actually RELAX a little! Of course the pace is hectic, but it keeps my exercise on pace- I run faster here! Crazy!

I had a nice weekend- a balance with doing things I wanted to do, friends, and doing what I needed to get done, done. Saturday I ran and then ate lunch with Richard in the "Food Republic" in Somerset. I had Korean food for the first time- some chicken and vegetable soup with egg in it. It was weird because I wasn't expecting the egg, then I saw it in there- like sunny-side up- and I hate yolk- but oh well. Becca would be proud. There were all these sprouts in it- and I was trying to be healthy- but the chicken wasn't the best grade chicken- oh well. Richard was funny all day- and we went swimming after in Barbara's pool and he couldn't keep up pace with me, swimming-wise. He knew. When you're not used to the water, you get out of breath quickly and easily. After we swam, we just chilled on the side and Richard was trying to get me to update my Facebook status with weird updates like "looking at maps- 17 out of 20 on the fun scale!" I was looking at my i phone- the maps trying to find out where a movie theater was located. Looking at the map was actually really cool- found out I live near a nice park- and I've been here for 3 months and still haven't gone to it.

Saturday night I went out with some girls from school and then met up with Richard at this place called "Pump Room". I walked in around 10 PM and it was like SAS central. So many teachers were there and a lot of PE teachers! One of the PE teachers was celebrating her birthday, so I was the PE teacher that teaches my kids and it was cool to see him out. It was nice to be out on Sat. night instead of staying in like I did last weekend. You have to force yourself to do those things sometimes, especially if you were homesick!

I went to a brunch on Sunday for 10/10/10 and started getting excited about Bali. Gretchen, the swim teacher for the primary and intermediate school, is coming and she was at the brunch. We siked ourselves up. 4 single girls in Bali!! Woo hoo! I had a nice run in the afternoon and actually made food for the second time in my apartment, which was also fun. If I had more time, I would probably cook more- or if I was cooking with someone. Isn't that the story of our lives!! Food is such an interesting phenomenon if you think about it...

Speaking of food- a high school classmate of mine is moving here October 20- and he's a chef! It will be interesting to hang out with him- most likely I'll get more into food if we hang out a bunch. I've never known any professional chefs before! We weren't friends in high school, but we knew of each other- our friends were friends-and he dated one of my best friends! For all of you who know Farmington High School- it's Aikra Akudo! He's coming to live in Singapore for 2 years...yay!

Gotta go shower- more parent/teacher conferences tomorrow--I'll write about Bali and tell more about the Singapore Sling! I don't remember what is in it...

XOXO.

Laying Low

So it's Saturday night and I'm sitting on my couch with my leg elevated. Feels like the story of my late 20's- elevating my leg! I feel like I may be getting a shin splint again, so I'm icing and being careful. I'm also on my feet so much and moving around all the time, so it's good to get the blood flowing in my legs in the opposite direction.

So while sitting on my couch with CNN on in the background (whatever CNN is on here in Singapore), there was just a segment on about Sorriso- a pizza restaurant in Cleveland Park. It pretty much hurt to the core seeing Cleveland Park all the way here in Singapore. City Fitness is just across the street- and man- do I miss that area when I see it. I can't believe it was just on TV!

All other things are well in Singapore. School was great this week and my students performed an assembly on Friday which went over very well with everyone. My students, Ms. Nadiah (my aide) and I had such a good time in the process. Nadiah and I have been laughing so much in class (well, when the students are gone)- it's been an experience. Nadiah is awesome and I am so lucky to have her with me everyday with the kids :)

That's it for now...nothing too out of the ordinary...just feelin tired and staying in for once on Saturday night. I still have a bunch of work to do tomorrow! Ah! And i worked today! It's never ending! But it's good...

Staying connected to the US

So last night I went out to dinner with Maggie Mutsch, Kate Brundage, and Janis Freckmann. A powerful and fun group here- very into what they do and education. The best part about the night was Maggie telling me all about podcasts. I knew about podcasts earlier, but never really needed them. Now I've downloaded NBS Nightly News and the Today Show onto my i phone, which I can hook up to my TV (I need to figure out how) and play the news a day behind. This also means that I can get the shows I want- Grey's anatomy, So You Think You Can Dance, etc. from my i phone and just watch it on my TV!! So those Thursday nights when I completing Friday Folder comments, I can watch something I've downloaded from the US from my phone! How cool is technology? (Well, when it works...)

I'm also off to Starhub to check how I can be calling my friends and family in that short window of time when we're both up without using Sykpe because the connection is not good over the 3 G network- Skype works well only with WiFi at my apartment or at school. I'm usually running to catch my cab share in the morning (past the minister mentor's house- I run right by his guards) so I can talk to someone in the US when it's there 6:20 PM until 6:25 PM. Gotta love 5 minute time frames- every minute counts!

Talk to y'all more later...I'm headed to the famous Raffles Hotel tonight for a "Singapore Sling" drink for a colleague's bday...one drink I hear is every expensive. I'll tell you about the Singapore Sling later. Also- the restaurant we went to last night was gorgeous. It was a Thai restaurant with excellent decor. I know that doesn't really explain it- but I'll say there were Thai dancers, huge seats, etc. Maggie is the Superintendent's wife- she works next door to me teaching 3rd grade, so it was nice getting to know her a little more too. I had gotten to know Brent (the Superintendent) a little bit when he hired me. Janis Freckmann is the math specialist that comes to SAS once a year to do math consulting. She's out of Wisconsin, so it was nice getting to know her a little more, too. Kate Brundage, the school librarian whose classroom I took over, invited me out with these lovely ladies. It feels good getting to know different people, little by little. I'm so glad I now have these tools to keep me connected back to the US, because of course- that's where I'm from. Roots are very important!!

Dani

Sorry for my disappearance...

So...it's been over a week. I apologize. Something had to give- I had been partying way too much. 3:30 AM arrivals home- and intense school weeks- doesn't make for a healthy combination. It was fun, but I've got to settle a little. So this weekend I laid low and did a lot of running, which I was happy about. I've got my poor little bike here that I haven't been able to ride, but I'm glad it's here with me. The great Lawrence helped me get it here and he needs to get out here to Singapore- he probably knows more about it than I do!

So I'm going to Bali, Indonesia in October. We have a 4 day break and I'm getting away with some fun girls and we're going to chill on the beach and who knows what. Probably party until the wee hours of the morning. Who am I?? J/k. That partying was a certain banker's influence- but I stayed away from him this weekend. Who knows what his situation is. And he's here for 6 months. I don't want to party, party, party and then "bye bye", I'm back to LA. That sucks.

Speaking of the banker (it's so bad that I call him that)- we went to the night safari for my birthday (sorry no pics- it was too dark for anything good to come out)-and Richard (the banker) held this huge snake (what is the biggest snake in the world called?) in front of a whole audience of people. He was called up from his seat to do it and he hates snakes apparently. There is one picture of it that one of my friends, Linda, has. Richard got a stuffed animal snake for being a participant and he gave it to me for my birthday. I brought the snake to my classroom and now my students are using it as the bathroom pass. If only Richard knew. I'll tell him sometime.

Ok- so I should try to get some sleep before the work week begins- I can't even begin to explain how intense the work week is. I'm sure you all understand with your respective jobs. I guess i make mine so crazy because I have a work out schedule in there that I try to do as best as I can- so that takes a chunk of time.

If you want to see pictures of my students and class:

http://www.sas.edu.sg/gallery/10-11/Q1/IS/3rd_Grade/Carrier/index.html

Enjoy!!

Hari Raya Puasa, literally “Celebration Day of Fasting”)

Today is Hari Raya Puasa and recognized by Singapore as a public holiday. It is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of “Puasa” (fasting).

My aide, Nadiah, will finally be able to eat during the day! She has been working at school with me for a month and has been fasting- meaning she doesn't eat or drink anything during the daylight hours! I can't even imagine...but the suffering is supposed to bring Muslims closer to Allah. It's like Lent for Catholics, except we give up one thing for 40 days. Today is a day of celebration for Nadiah and the other Muslims in Singapore (mainly the Malay people), and it's like Christmas for us! I gave her a nice card with $$ in it. She was appreciative.

So we didn't have school today and I haven't left my apartment ALL DAY! My body is saying "stay put and rest!!" so that is what I am doing. One of my colleagues has a birthday tonight- she's turning 30- so my friends and I are going out near the Raffles Hotel. I'm not going to make it a crazy weekend like last weekend. And my birthday is coming up! My friends and I are planning on going to the Night Safari tomorrow night at the Singapore Zoo for my bday. I've not been yet and I'm looking forward to this new experience! Hoepfully it won't rain and I'll remember my 29th bday :)

My kids continue to be really cute and all the work is worth it. I'm so busy during the week though, it's a little maddening! I just have to know how to pace myself....

Lots of love- will update about my bday.

Danielle/Dani

Weekend-fun and exhaustion

I'm writing hung over. I haven't been hung over in a while! To me, it seems to mark the end of training/triathlon work that I was so intensely into before. I'll most likely get back there, but it's a mentality in a way that is difficult to break.

On Friday night, I met up with a friend of an acquaintence and we went to an Italian Restaurant in Clarke Quay. There are a lot of expats in Clarke Quay, so it was an interesting scence. We were right on the water. I came home at like 10:45 PM and literally passed out on my bed (wanting to take a "nap" and get up enough energy to wash my face, take off my make up, etc.), but I fell dead asleep until 4 AM when I woke up thinking, "shit- I never washed my face and do I have to be somewhere this morning?" It's such a great feeling to know you can sleep in when it's Saturday! So, I woke up at 4, washed my face, took off my makeup, brushed my teeth, and went back to BED!

Saturday night I had a "reunion" with the people I came over to Singapore with (all of the new hires at SAS) and we went to a really nice house- Frank's house, who did the new teacher orientation from the minute we landed in Singapore. He had a really cute little dog named Feng Shui that I played with for a while. We had a lot of wine to start, hence how I started on my way to this hangover. So, after reconnecting with the new hires and seeing how everyone is doing in their school lives, I met up with the friend of an acquaintence, Richard, and an old friend of his from high school, Toby. We went to Holland Village and the beers were flowing...flowing! We saw a cover band and then went to another bar. It was fun to talk with a Brit again- he's from London, so we talked about London a bunch. Time started passing- I got home at 3 AM and passed out on my bed- AGAIN!

That's where the fun and exhaustion come from...time to unpack a little bit more right now from my things being delivered on Thursday and time to get back into school mode!

Hope I bounce back from the drinking soon! I'm already feeling better after eating...

Love! Dani/Danielle/Dan/Freya

The maids...

So I had my first maid experience here in my apartment (about a month after I've moved in...). It was great! My stuff was everywhere and I tired picking up, but the maids (a team of 3), said "sit down, sit down- relax!" It seemed surreal to me sitting down and relaxing while people were vigorously cleaning for me. I do like the feeling of things getting clean though. So I was sitting here at the table with the maids doing their thing, thinking to myself, "I am already getting too used to this". I am getting spoiled! I have Nadiah in my classroom, maids to clean up at home, it's crazy! What is also crazy is the amount of demands at school. That is why we need an assistant and maid to clean- we need to spend our time having fun because it is work, work, work! Speaking of work, I will need to get back to work soon! I have been working out regularly, which is good, but- you have to try to keep the balance of working and sleeping. It's a little tight.

My shipment from the US is coming in tomorrow (my bed, couch, nightstand--it will feel a little more like home here!) and I'm excited. I'm talking half a day tomorrow. I also met a friend of a friend on Saturday night--he's here in Singapore for 6 months doing some banking stuff, but he's connected to Becca and Keylor through their friend Brendan. Small world and I'm glad we got in touch because I have another American friend here, who is not a teacher. It's nice to have those friends outside of your career. So Becca--Brendan has a cool friend here! We'll have to chat!

Love, love you.

Freya/Danielle

Where is the time?

Hi blog followers,

I've been wanting to blog, but the time seems to get away with me! Right now I'm planning my lesson for tomorrow; I've been grading spelling inventories which take FOREVER; and I've been working a lot, but also going out which has been good :)

I wish I had a more exciting entry, but alas, I do not right now. I feel the urge to go back to my planning as I'm seeing the kids tomorrow. Life has been good- hectic, but good- and I've met a few more people.

Love from Singapore! I hear there is a hurricane with my name somewhere near the states....

XOXOXO.

So I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth...I'm just- really busy like all of you reading this! :)

World News

I wonder what news is not played in the US. On CNN right now there is breaking news of a Philippines hostage drama that is unfolding in Manila. It's close to here, but not sure if it would play in the USA.

I went to a Catholic Church yesterday- my first time since landing in Singapore (about a month ago) and it was an experience. I wanted to take pictures, but it said not to take pictures. The church was like an outdoor church-it didn't have walls, just a roof and altar and stuff- and lots of fans. And it was HOT. The service was cool because there was good music and it seemed more "Christiany" than the more traditional Catholic churches I am used to back in the States. It's hard to explain when I'm exhausted. I am glad I went to church though and got to spend ample time saying prayers.

So Nadiah, my aide, is Malay and Muslim. She's been fasting for almost 2 weeks for Ramadan. What she does is eat before the sun rises and then she can't eat or drink ANYTHING until the sun goes down after 7 PM. All I can say is wow! I hope she doesn't get thirsty in the Singapore heat. At least our classroom is very cool (temperature wise). Nadiah and I are going to see Step Up 3 D on Friday- I'm getting happy about that.

Went to Sentosa (an island off Singapore) on Saturday, which is like a man-made beach. I thought it was nice because I wanted to be at a beach to RELAX after all of the madness of school (I came home with a headache EVERYDAY last week) and I felt they would turn into migraines. My teacher friend, Carole, told me that I probably wasn't drinking enough water, so I'm drinking a lot more now and feeling a lot better. So anyway, I fell asleep on the beach and didn't get burned. Yay.

More to say but just ran out of steam. Sorry! On the way home from school tonight at like 8:30 PM, it was dark and rainy coming up to my apartment and there were these shell looking things on the concrete. I was wondering what they were- and they're snails! Like the snails you see in drawings! It was one of my revelations for the day. Those birds keep chirping at 7 PM- it's so weird! And we have a lot of thunderstorms here- it's so awesome. It will get so dark at school and it's so freakin cool. I love it. We're all in the classroom and it gets dark outside. So fun!

Week One- check!

Wow- I made it through the first week!

Here it goes:

-students- amazing- love 3rd graders (no 'tude yet!)

- aide- Nadiah- amazing- I get along with her so well and she does amazing things for my classroom and my kids

-intense working environment- but all good. figuring out the ropes

-tons of technology-im becoming spoiled

-Went to the first annual Youth Olympics for men's (or should I say boy's) gymnastics

-exhausted- time for bed.

thanks family for reading (the ones that actually read!) ehem- dad!!! christine! :)

Will write more soon. must sleep for big skype call in the morning.

Day #3- Already Day 3!

So...the running has still been good. Gotta keep up the running and all the other stuff because my third graders are now motivated to do triathlons! How adorable...you never know who you are going to motivate with your stories! I had a parent today tell me that he daughter wants to do a triathlon....that's how you inspire!

So I was out to dinner with some of the teachers that have been at SAS for 2 years already (mainly the "single girls") and one of them- a high school english teacher- was talking about her curriculum and class. She was talking about child soldiers and her class- some grade in high school- not sure which grade because she teaches all of them- and they read one of my favorite books, A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah. I was sort of suprised that high schoolers are reading this book, but as I'm coming to find out and you'll, in turn, come to find out, that "this is SAS". SAS seems to be on the cutting edge of a lot, and as our Superintendent told us at one point, these kids are the future leaders of tomorrow. I truly believe that. Anyway, this is a random connection, but I'm writing about child soldiers and this high school class because there is a program on the history channel on child soliders and Ishmael Beah was just featured on it. I haven't seen his face since I've seen my book which is in my shipment and when Becca and I went to see him speak at Politics and Prose before we read his book. What a coincidence that I was talking about child soldiers this week and it's on the history channel. It must be something people are learning about and coming to terms with that unfortunately, child soldiers exist. Education will hopefully help. Another note: all of the high school students do their English work on laptops: submit their papers on laptops, take their notes in class on laptops, etc. This is SAS! (And this laptop thing just started this year)- Can you imagine?? I have to admit-I love using all of the technology in my classroom :)

A theme from the history channel: kids are kids- kids are similar all over the world- my kids do "the cheese touch" from Diary of a Wimpy Kid just like my fourth graders did last year. It's weird to me that I am going to be teaching addition and subtraction this year- I've never taught math this young- I better get better at my mental math!!! Right Heather and Maya!

Love you--miss DC. But I have to go with this amazing opportunity here! If only MY FAMILY actually read my blog! Haha...My day is ending and yours is beginning!

Bonne nuit.

Day #2

This will be quick. Good day #2. So tired. Math tests to grade already. Kids and parents very supportive. Listened to some good i tunes from my laptop that I haven't listened to since I was back in DC. So weird how the times change and how songs can bring you back in time...

Gotta love the kid comments from day 1:

"Why did you move to Singapore?"

"Are you married?"

Imagine kid voices. Inquiring kids always want to know that stuff! Talked about Christine and me fighting over clothes when we were younger. Oh what we talk about in third grade...

FYI- the first annual Youth Olympic Games are being held here in Singapore...so cool! And the F1 Grand Prix races are coming in September...Apolo Ohno was thinking of coming...sigh....

Time to grade some math tests! Miss my friends...thinking of those starting DCPS soon!

The First Day- success!

Can hardly hold my eyes open now...wanted to say something, though. What a great day with great kids! Yay and fun. I'll definitely have to write more about it later. Went out to dinner with some girls around my age that were hired a couple of year ago..it was nice that they asked me to come with them. Anyway, come to find out that a teacher that I'm cabbing with is a published author back in the States and pretty much a guru when it comes to reading/language arts! How cool! I always knew she loved what she does, but I didn't realize that she is semi-famous! So fun! We share a taxi in the morning to work each day and she's totally into what she's doing...she's great. She's teaching 8th grade language arts here at SAS. The little wing where she'c located is fun- great teachers in that corridor. I must say, the third grade team is having a blast with 6 new third grade teachers (many of the other teachers moved onto specialist positions). Lots going on...right now mainly school. Time to rest up for day 2 tomorrow! Thanks for reading my blog (especially fellow teachers)- I'm going to have a lot to share. Cool, eh? Lots of love from Singapore--my kids are SO CUTE! And super motivated to learn- how nice. :)

First Day Tomorrow!

I orignally wanted to write a much longer posting today, but time got away with me. Now the school plans really start! Today was a day of recovering from this past intense week and I have a week and a half until our parent's "Back to School Night". Once that night is over, we can chill a *tiny* bit. SAS is such a huge and exciting place- we'll see what the year brings! As teachers, we all know we will have our challenges, but it always nice to get fresh perspective and work with new people. Time to finish up some of my lesson plans, review my student names and pictures from when I met the kids on Saturday, and relax! I hope to get some sleep! :)

I'll let you know how it goes- I have a feeling the treadmill is about to begin!

Open House

I meet my students tomorrow! And their parents! Open House, baby!

Countdown till kids come...

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 (Dad's birthday)

If you're reading my blog, please leave comments! It's like I'm talking to you, so in a way, it makes me feel more connected. Moira told me today that she's reading- so I love that!! It motivated me to write right now! It's just like with students when you mark their papers- they become more invested and willing to write!

Today started early. I was up at 5:30 AM to meet another teacher for a cab share at 6:25 AM to school. I'm going to get up earlier tomorrow to catch the MRT to school to be there by 7:00 AM. Whew- early mornings in Singapore! It's weird that it's pitch black in the morning until about 7 AM and it's so hot. I don't need to walk out of the door with a sweater or anything!

Now I'll back up to last night. Yesterday was Singapore's birthday- called National Day. There were fireworks last night at around 8 PM and some of the teachers and I went to the IT Coordinator of the high school's apartment in Novena who has a great view of the city. His name is Jay and he has a partner named Jim. Jay and Jim are some of the nicest and cutest people. Jim is a mall planner- he's Asian and from Australia, so he has an Australian accent. He's hilarious. Their apartment is on the 17th floor, so you can imagine the view. A bunch of us went over for appetizers and beer/wine before our work week started. It was a little crazy knowing that this week was going to be intense, but it was good. Tom (can you tell there is a theme with me talking about him-he's a fun guy and we get along pretty well...other than him looking for young Asian women- haha!) had texted me at about 5:20 PM asking when I was going to the party and I had told him 20-25 min. I didn't end up getting there until about 7 PM (when he said he was getting there) and he broke out the text and said, "Did you realize that you sent this at 5:20 PM?" and I answered, "Yes- I could have told you that you would have, in reality, gotten there earlier than me". He replied, "I'm learning...!!" Haha....In school or in terms of work, I'm punctual or early. In friends/social situations-I'm late. Sorry guys!! Maya and Heather would want to kill me sometimes...

So today was like a whirwind. Tons of meetings and I met the entire Intermediate School Staff. They all seem like great people. More and more I realizing what a great gig I've landed. My aide, Nadiah, is amazing. I've just been texting with her and she's working on my behavior plan at home!! I told her to stop working- she won't stop! Who does she remind you of?? She went into work on Monday when we didn't have any school- she's working, working, working! It feels nice to know someone else is working hard, too- another adult that is going to be working in my classroom! She is 21 and totally adorable....she's observing Ramadan starting tomorrow, so she can't eat during the day. That is going to be tough! I don't know if I could do it!

Father Golas, if you're reading this, I haven't told anyone I'm Canadian yet. I still need to find a church here- so pray for me!

Miss you all...it's been harder to Skype with my parents because I miss them and I think that's something that I'm finally going to have to go through. It's been the "new and exciting/honeymoom period" in Singapore, but when the day in day out really sets in, I know I'll miss more of the little things. At least I got my ticket home for Christmas today- I'll tell you Mom and Dad when I'm coming in! DC folks...I'm probably going to have to take a train down from Hartford...we'll plan it out. I LOVE YOU! Going to stay strong and embrace all of the wonderful opportunities here--as people can tell from my Facebook pictures, I am very happy overall. This is the time to do this!! Time for a run at the gym...

Dani

The Ups and Downs...says Brent

For those of you that don't know- Brent is the Superintendent of Singapore American School. He hired me and he's made it a point to make sure that all of his new hires are settling into Singapore nicely. Brent was the first person I saw when coming off the plane in Singapore. He gives us many words of wisdom.

So, yesterday I went into my classroom when nobody was there. It was Saturday and I wanted to get some things done that I wasn't able to do during the week. It was actually nice being there when no other teachers were there so work quietly and on my own. My classroom is shaping up and the full staff comes to work this upcoming Tuesday, August 10- my dad's bday. Tomorrow is my Aunt Karen's birthday! Happy birthday guys!!

Anyway, I'm writing about my classroom because that's when the "down" came. I was "up" by all that I had accomplished, and then I went to look at my i phone for my phone number to give to a travel agent for getting home for Christmas, and it was off. It wouldn't turn on. It wouldn't accept a charge with my charger. That phone is my life!! I know I sound so dramatic, which, yes, I am- and so my new friend, Tom, is finding out. So, I luckily had my other i phone that I had jailbroken before I came to Singapore- and texted Tom about my finding because I was going over his new house. He knows how much I love and am addicted to my phone. For those of you that know, I've become very addicted to this i phone thing. I was super sad when it wouldn't turn on. So- I took the MRT after I left my classroom to the place where I bought my phone. They told me to contact Apple. So- this was similar to one of my i phone situations in DC (no- not when I left it on the Metro...!!) when it just wouldn't turn on. I was thinking I was going to have to wait like more than a month to get this "spoiled" i phone replaced- but wait to see what happens soon.

So, Starhub (the place where I got the i phone 4), didn't help then. So- I went to Tom's. Tom is an 8th grade math teacher who's 42 and taught in Turkey and Indonesia. He's a mid-western boy from Indiana with 3 brothers. He has gray hair but dyes it blonde because he doesn't like the gray. I say go natural! Anyway, Tom got a place in Bukit Timah which is not city-like and next to the nature reserve here in Singapore. You can sometimes see monkeys running down the street. It's very nice. So Tom finally was able to move into his place after getting it painted and his shipment delivered and a lot of his furniture was handmade in Indonesia. It was pretty cool. He has modern paintings on the walls and it's nice looking out the windows to huge trees. The nature reserve is rainforest. Our friend Dan- 36, teaches high school business studies, came over Tom's to head over to my colleage, Susan's, husband's surprise 50th birthday party at this restaurant called the Firestation. The atmosphere was beautiful and it was right near Tom's house. Other SAS people came and it was fun hanging out with everyone. I was forgetting about the phone.

So...the party was fun and Dan and I got a taxi home. Dan is still staying in the Orchard hotel because his place is not ready yet and I live near the hotel we were staying at when we arrived to Singapore. So...onto my next bit because now I have to leave. Today, I woke up wanting to see if I could get my phone fixed. I thought I had everything with me and--bam! I closed my door without my keys. My keys were on the kitchen table! Of course there is only 1 set of keys, so I thought I was going to have to call a locksmith. Then I came up with a creative solution. I called Dan. "Hey Dan- this is sort of a funny situation, but do you think you could come over and hoist me up through my window to get inside my apartment to unlock it?" Dan agreed- thought we were going to get arrested, and he did end up hoisting me up through my unlocked window to get into my apartment. No locksmith required. So...just for your peace of mind- I now know how to lock my windows :) Plus the minister mentor (who started this country) of the President of Singapore lives on the street next to me so there is tons of security.

That's all I have time for now.....i phone troubles and getting hoisted through my window! Wahoo! Oh- the i phone works now, too! I took it to a different place and they helped me- so it wasn't completely a waste of a phone!

xoxoxo.

Dani

Firsts for everything

August 3, 2010- Tuesday

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while- it's been a bit hectic and I haven't had consistent Internet. I've also been in the process of moving into my new place, which has actually been fun. I'm almost settled and tonight is my first night sleeping in my OWN place! It's also the first time I've had a place by myself- so- it's pretty cool! Who knows what weird noises I'm going to hear tonight- but there are firsts for everything!

One thing I've noticed in Singapore that I'm wondering about...the birds chirp furiously from about 7-8 PM at night- and it starts getting dark around 7 PM. All the birds are in the trees at about: 7 PM. Does anybody know why this occurs? Of course I could google it, but it's so interesting to hear as I'm walking down Orchard Road: "chirp, chirp, chirp" from what seems like a million birds.

On the school front: I started new teacher orientation on Monday and I've just completed my second day. The school (SAS) is absolutely amazing and I know it's going to be intense. As people have said, "it's hardcore". So...I better get to sleep for another day of setting up my classroom and figuring out the lay of the land- the primary, intermediate, middle, and high schools are all encompassed in a 37 acre campus. I can tell it's going to be an exciting, challening, rewarding, and amazing year. My mind and heart are open.

Love to you from Singapore!

Rain storm downpour

Friday, July 30, 2010

Unfortunately not much time to blog. I'm supposed to be downstairs in the hotel lobby to catch the bus to a Thai dinner. Yum. I'm moving tomorrow to my new place and I did a big shopping earlier to get ready for the move- cleaning supplies, etc.

So- this morning was almost pitch black at 8 AM. It was rain clouds and it started POURING on our way to SAS for an HR Orientation. Marco (a fellow DCPSer and middle school teacher here at SAS) walked to the MRT after the HR session to try to buy the i phone 4 which launched here today in Asia. I am pleased to report that we got i phones!! They were S$230 with a monthly 2 year contract of $58 dollard a month- not bad, eh! I was pretty excited and now all of you i phoners, sometime we can chat on video phone. Can't wait to try it out!

Anyway, I think some Singaporeans were jealous that I had the new i phone and they didn't get it yet. But Marco and I put in our time- we waited about 3 hours to get the phone.

More on Singapore and not just i phones in the future!!!

Much love--

Freya. (Danielle)

Crazyness of setting up your life

Thursday, July 29, 2010

So I didn't realize how busy today was going to be. It started out with going to the doctor for a check up and work clearance. That was totally fine- had to get a chest x-ray, etc. Had to do some explaining about the broken ankle. Dr. said I'm healthy, so yay.

A colleague from Canada and I took the MRT (metro/public transportation- so so soooo clean!!) from Orchard (our hotel area and one stop north from my future stop of Somerset) to our school stop. The doctor's office is right by school. I was sitting on the train and waiting for the school stop...many, many stops. It's going to be about a 45 min. train commute for me- which I haven't experienced since London in 2003. New life changes. I'm thinking I'm going to have to sleep early and rise early to get the train early enough to get to school. I believe we need to be at school at 7:30 AM, so you do the math. I haven't really thought that far ahead. Anyway, we made it to the doctor's office and I played on my i phone for some of the way. I also noticed all of the different people on the train- and wow- I'm the minority now! It's mainly Chinese people in Singapore, then Malay, then Indian. I've seen lots of Chinese people- and all very polite.

Sorry- I know this entry is going to be scattered, but i's kinda late and I have to be at school by 8:30 AM tomorrow. A bus is getting us from the hotel at 7:50 AM. HR paperwork to fill out.

So my most interesting experience today was trying to sign up for home Internet/cable TV/mobile phone service. The people at Starhub (as it's called- like Comcast cable or something) were really cool. This one Asian guy just laughed a little at me cause I was trying to figure out what kind of package I wanted- which prices, which services, etc. It took a really long time and once I finally figured everything out- I had to go and not sign up yet because I didn't want to miss the bus for this Chili Crab dinner for the SAS new teachers. So- I'm going to head back tomorrow to Starhub.

More to come...dinner was good....but starting up your life sure takes time! I am excited for my new place, my new HD TV and hopefully new i phone- version 4- it comes with a plan and it's not so expensive! So---why not upgrade right now when I'm going to be locked in for 2 years! Wahoo! So visitors...I'll have a trust i phone waiting for you to use while you're on the island...all you have to do it have it topped up and we can talk! This is if I can get an i phone 4 on this island...we're expecting pandemonium.

Night night. I'm ending my day and you all are eating lunch!

Peace and love--

Settling In

Monday, July 26, 2010

Wow! So I haven't written in a couple of days, but that's okay- I'm going to update now.

1. I found an apartment that I love. It's on Oxley Rise in Somerset, which is downtown and near all the action. I'm excited about it because it's spacious, has a lot of natural light, it's pretty quiet, and it's really close to the MRT (metro station). It also has a 711 close by (reminds me of home) and it's close to a grocery store, etc. I felt very comfortable in that space when I went back to look at it for the second time. I was drawn to the place. The apartment is a one bedroom with a study (so I can put a bookcase and lots of other things in there) and has a lot of storage. I don't have an oven, but I can get a stand alone oven, so I'm told. There is a pool, gym, jacussi, and BBQ in the back of the complex. It's really nice and I can picture myself living there for the next 2 years. I pick up the keys to the place on Friday and I'm going to sleep there for the first night on Sunday night. So crazy! This is going to be my first apartment on my own and I'm excited! I bought a 32" flat screen LCD TV yesterday with an HD DVD player with surround sound. SAS (my employer) helped to make this possible with our relocation allowance. Upon our arrival, they put in a bunch of $ into our Singapore bank accounts. Amazing! Also amazing that SAS is paying for this apartment...

2. Some things I have learned:

-When you're paying someone, it's a sign of respect to hand the person the money with 2 hands.

-There is a tax for having a TV and listening to the radio.

-Hawker stands sell cheap food, but it made my stomach hurt pretty badly

-The sun rises at 7 AM every morning and sets at 7 PM every night

-Taxis are cheap

-Beer and wine is very expensive

I know there are some more things to say, but can't remember right now. The other teachers are fun to be around and it will be cool to see how the school year unfolds. My classroom is pretty big and the hallways are outdoors.

Random tidbit: Ever since I got here, I was waking up naturally at 6 AM regardless of what time I was going to sleep. Today, I woke up at 10:30 AM and I couldn't believe it! I thought there was something wrong with the clock! I guess my body needed it and it's only 8 PM right now and I'm sleepy. We've had a few days to apartment search, so there hasn't been anything else on the schedule, but since I have my apartment all squared away, I've been on my own schedule!

XOXOXO from Singapore--signing off for now.

The Housing Hunt

Thursday, July 22, 2o1o

On our third day here in Singapore, we split up from the group of new hires to search with our housing agents for housing. I'm looking more toward the downtown area. Another SAS staff member and I looked at 5 different places today and it exhausted us. This morning I woke up to major thunderstorms and pouring rain. The weather was pretty cooperative despite rain showers here and there. It hasn't been super hot. I'm noticing how British everything looks here- Marks and Spencer, the cars, some street names. There is so so so much construction! The economy is good here and lots of future opportunities for professionals...it's a very interesting and exciting place!

First Day in Singapore

July 21, 2010

I've completed a full day in Singapore with everyone back at home in the US just starting theirs. Unfortunately, I saved this blog entry until the very end of working on my laptop and I'm fully exhausted. What was today like? Woke up early to go to SAS (Singapore American School), saw my classroom (very big with lots of technology), the temperature and humidity was not bad (it's hotter in CT right now!) and the hotel I'm staying at is pretty cool. I'm at the York Hotel until we (the other new hires at SAS and I) find our housing. A housing agent is coming to meet me tomorrow and we're going to look at some 1 and 2 bedroom apartments tomorrow. Should probably get rested to be ready for tomorrow- a bit jetlagged. Will write more interesting stuff soon.

A New Beginning Starts Tomorrow...

July 18, 2010

Flight to Asia tomorrow. Hartford to Detroit to Tokoyo to Singapore. Wish me luck! I'll have my amazing snuggie with me to keep me warm on the plane...not that I'll need it when I land in Singapore! Some packing left, weighing of suitcases, etc. My sister is making an awesome Gordon Ramsay "last meal in the US" dinner to end with homemadeTiramisu. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep tonight! I'm lucky to have gotten a lot of family/friend time before I leave...onto a new adventure!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

So I'm not really sure how all of this works and how you can start following this blog, but hopefully I'll have some followers. I bet people who I've invited said, "who's Freya??" and who knows why I picked a pen name. Anyway, almost exactly a week until I leave for Singapore and I've been pretty busy and taking each day at a time up until I leave. It's nice to be able to hang out with family and friends in the midst of getting things done. Of course there's a lot to do in preparation for a big move- but it's all working out. Doesn't it all usually work out? Until next time!

Danielle (A.K.A Freya)

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Huge family party in Farmington, CT. Many family members in the backyard playing beer pong. I better get down there! Denise made me remember to make this blog (it was on my "to do" list earlier), and when I had started creating the blog earlier in DC (and kept falling asleep at the computer!), it must have saved my settings with the name Freya. I like the name so I'll just keep it right now. Anyway, not a very exciting first post, but stay tuned for "Adventures in Asia"! T-minus 16 days until I fly out to Singapore for the first time...woo hoo! I'm prepared with a rainjacket for now- (thanks, Mayita for helping me find a good one!)

A bientot. Freya