Our Singapore Sling

Return to BWCA

2010-08-07T21:30:00.001+08:00

What better way to feel back at home than a trip to Northern Minnesota! We returned to a favorite site (we call it Shadow Rock) in the Boundary Waters, joined by friends Jose & Laura Souto. Afternoon naps and handfuls of blueberries helped us get over our jetlag. Click on the photo for more...

From BWCA 2010

Welcome Minnesota!

2010-07-30T21:16:00.000+08:00

We all returned to Saint Paul, Minnesota on the 30th of July 2010, no worse for the wear. The cats were especially pleased to be home and outdoors once again. Susan and Mike headed straight to Punch pizza.

From Hello Minnesota

Farewell Singapore!

2010-07-30T06:05:00.000+08:00

A very big thank you to all of our friends and coworkers for the touching goodbyes, and thanks to you, Singapore, for letting us stay with you for the past few years. It has been a wonderful and adventurous time for us, and we leave with loads of great memories. Click on photo for more departure week photos...

From Farewell Singapore

one last beach holiday

2010-07-26T08:04:00.000+08:00

With our days in Asia coming to an end, we spent a few days of R & R on Nikoi Island (Indonesia), a couple hours by boat from Singapore. The ocean, pool and beach houses were perfect for reading, napping, and bringing back childhood memories of watching Gilligan's Island.

From Nikoi Island 2010

A weekend in Krabi, Thailand

2010-06-28T21:01:00.001+08:00

Jen Scanlon flew in from Switzerland for a quick holiday sans children. She and Susan enjoyed four days of spa treatments and sunsets with cocktails in nearby Krabi. Mike joined for a couple of relaxing days as well. If you aren't already jealous, click the photo for more...

From Krabi June 2010

A weekend in Laos

2010-05-30T16:15:00.000+08:00

They say that Laos has some of the friendliest people you could imagine, and after a weekend in Luang Prabang, we tend to agree. We saw and did plenty in our short trip, but would love to go back and see more. Click on the photo for a quick tour...

From Laos May 2010

Easter weekend in Margaret River Australia

2010-04-04T08:52:00.000+08:00

Margaret River is a beautiful wine region just south of Perth. We had fantastic weather and enjoyed the coastline, the wineries, Mike's favorites brewery, sighting kangaroos and dolphins. All in all a very nice Easter weekend.

A weekend in Myanmar (Burma)

2010-03-21T17:51:00.003+08:00

We spent last weekend in Myanmar, or what the US still calls Burma. We went there to see the village of Bagan which is quite impressive due to the thousands of temples. But equally impressive are the people of Burma - so very friendly and welcoming. The girl on the right can converse in 8 languages as a result of selling postcards to tourists! Click on the photo for more...

Glorious Sydney

2010-03-07T17:42:00.000+08:00

Susan was in Sydney for work and Mike came down for about 24 hours - but well worth it! We spent all our time on our near the water.

Domo arigato, Japan!

2010-02-16T16:28:00.005+08:00

We met the Wedls in Japan over Chinese New Year (and Valentine's Day) for some skiing, hot springs, traditional Japanese inns, ramen, teppenyaki and karaoke in typical Japanese style.

Cheers!

2009-12-31T17:13:00.001+08:00

We had a nice and quiet New Year's Eve, complete with fireworks at midnight (we have a view of Singapore's fireworks from one of our rooms).

London

2009-12-13T21:37:00.001+08:00

Susan went to London for a work trip in early December, just when her parents were leaving. Even though it was a very quick trip, she stayed with Rani and got to spend a bit of time with Rani and Ariana. Jen also came over from Switzerland for a day of Christmas shopping in the city - a great way to catch up and get in the Christmas spirit! Click on photo for more.

Planes, Trains, Automobiles & Tigers!

2009-12-06T18:33:00.001+08:00

Susan's mom and dad came for a visit in late November. After a couple days to acclimate to this time zone and eat a quickie-Thanksgiving meal, we flew off to India to see the "Golden Triangle" and spend a couple days at a tiger reserve. Click the photo for more pics.

We've also posted a quick video clip of one of the tiger sightings

Her parents also did their own side trip to Kuala Lumpur. It was great having them in Asia again!

Mike is 40!

2009-11-20T16:25:00.002+08:00

The Patels were very generous to offer their rooftop patio for Mike's birthday gathering. Happy 40th Mike!

five days in Northern Thailand

2009-11-02T22:49:00.001+08:00

We timed our trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand with the annual Loi Krathong festival, during which thousands of paper hot-air balloons are launched into the night sky.

Click on each of the photos for more...

So inspired, we also launched ourselves into a hot-air balloon.

We found the elephants to be quite hospitable...

and the tigers too!

The chicken pad thai was so good, we had to find out how to cook it for ourselves. And of course we found some time for rest & relaxation too.

a night out in Geylang

2009-10-23T22:21:00.002+08:00

The Geylang neighborhood of Singapore is known for offering the best of local cuisine, as well as hosting it's best known red-light district. We went out with friends June & David who led us to some good eats. It all tasted great, especially with cold Tiger beer, with the exception of the durian! Click on the noodles for more photos from our night out.

birthday girl

2009-10-15T22:08:00.002+08:00

A milestone birthday for Susan deserves some chocolate cake and champagne!

A Trip to Bhutan

2009-10-02T19:11:00.002+08:00

We took a trip to the Kingdom of Bhutan (in the foothills of the Himalayas between India and Tibet), and what an amazing place it is! The country measures its success not by GDP but by GNH (Gross National Happiness). Their traditions have remained the same for hundreds of years. Click on the photo to get a better feel of a country with only one runway and not a single traffic light!

Cargill Friends to Singapore

2009-09-25T19:04:00.001+08:00

A workshop brought Cargill friends Rani, Cindy, Tracy, Damon to Singapore. It was so fun to have them here for even a short while. Click on photo for more.

Minnesota Home Leave

2009-08-18T16:19:00.000+08:00

We had a great time seeing family and friends in Minnesota, as short as it was. Most of our time was spent up North, either at the cabin:

or in BWCA with Mike's family (click on photo for more):

and just one full weekend in White Bear (click on photo for more):

48 hours in Koh Samui

2009-07-12T12:29:00.000+08:00

We spent another quick get-away weekend in Koh Samui Thailand. Click on photo for more.

48 hours in Phuket

2009-06-13T12:00:00.004+08:00

Just a quick little trip to the island of Phuket in Thailand. Click on the photo for more.

another tri

2009-05-23T12:00:00.002+08:00

Mike takes the boat over to Indonesia for another triathlon.

Currently in Minnesota...

2009-05-03T20:39:00.003+08:00

Mike is back in Minnesota this week to do his semi-annual hospital service at United. Susan will join him for the weekend since she has some meetings the following week. It's been 9 months since Mike was last in Minnesota, so it's a great time to catch up with friends! Click on the photo for more...

London & Geneva in April

2009-04-24T19:40:00.002+08:00

The day after Easter Susan went to London for a couple weeks' work, which not only gave her time to see some good friends in the London office (and stay with Rani and her family), but she also scored with glorious London weather for a change. During the weekend she visited Jen, Antony and Ryan in Lausanne, Switzerland ~ more gorgeous weather and fun time to visit just days before the twins are due! Click on the photo for more...

Easter 2009

2009-04-12T19:30:00.001+08:00

We had the 3rd annual Easter brunch at our condo, including some fun and games for the kids, and a fabulous spread with everyone contributing. Click on the photo for more...

Minneapolis in April

2009-04-05T20:26:00.001+08:00

Susan was in Minneapolis for a week at the end of March / early April. It was a busy schedule, but still had a chance to see Julie, Mary, Renee (Jeff) and their twins! Click on the photo for more...

Vespa day

2009-03-15T14:22:00.004+08:00

Mike and I recently bought a little Vespa with which to scoot around Singapore. It can be a lot easier to buzz about than a car, but not so great when caught in the pouring rain - I speak from experience! On a recent Saturday we had a gorgeous day and took the Vespa to the modish area of Duxton Hill.

Recent visitors

2009-03-15T14:04:00.002+08:00

We were so thrilled when Angie came to visit from Germany - the Blueberry sisters reunited! How wonderful to have a week with Angie. We also welcomed Tracy and Cliff for a couple nights on their way to Vietnam, and the Spence boys for a pizza night. Click on the photo for more.

Thaipusam

2009-02-09T07:58:00.003+08:00

Last night Mike and I, with Rob and Micah, went to see the Thaipusam Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community. It's an annual ritual for the birthday of Lord Murugan whereby devotees implore help from the god by enduring the physical burden of body piercing (thanks Wikipedia). The activities are now banned in all countries except Singapore and Malaysia. Let me just say that it isn't for the faint of heart. Check out the photos and the video.

Sri Lanka

2009-01-17T21:49:00.001+08:00

Mike and I went to Sri Lanka over the Chinese New Year holiday. It was a quick trip but we managed to visit a couple places including the old fort town Galle and the beach areas just south of there. We had a great tuk tuk driver who took us around the area and invited us to meet his family. They live in a "tsunami house", that was built from tsunami disaster relief funds. Click on photo for more.

Hong Kong

2009-01-12T22:41:00.002+08:00

Mike and I met up with Jen, Antony, Ryan and a couple Scanlon TBDs in Hong Kong for a long weekend. We had fabulous weather (we appreciated the coolness) and great time catching up!

Pangkor Laut Malaysia

2008-12-08T14:34:00.004+08:00

In early December we had a long weekend due to the Hari Raya Haji Muslim holiday. We decided to road trip it up to Malaysia. We made it to Kuala Lumpur on Friday night and then another few hours north on Saturday morning to catch a ferry to Pangkor Laut. We had two very relaxing days at the island spa resort. We have both been working long days lately and really needed the R&R. ahhhhhh. Unfortunately the long trip home wasn't so relaxing, especially since it took more than 2 hours to get through Malaysia immigration (we should have figured a Muslim holiday in a Muslim country - nobody working!) Click on the photo for more.

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-29T22:34:00.000+08:00

Great turkey with Spence and Adams Families. Click on the photos for more.

Cargill's Dinner and Dance

2008-11-22T14:18:00.000+08:00

Every year Cargill puts on a big holiday Dinner and Dance. This year's party was very early (even before Thanksgiving). It was obviously a costume party - Mike and I were finalists but unfortunately didn't get the big prize. Click on the photo for more.

Jack & Mary visit Singapore

2008-11-20T14:06:00.002+08:00

We were so excited that Jack and Mary came to visit! They spent a few days in Singapore and then moved on to Australia and New Zealand before spending another five days with us - just in time for Mike's birthday. It was so nice having them here. Click on the photo for more.

A Sunday Morning

2008-11-02T18:21:00.004+08:00

Just thought we'd share with you a lazy Sunday morning we had today. We made crepes for the first time (thanks to Bob for the crepe pan, and Mary & Jon for the recipe and demos!). It was fun, and they were yum! Sport & Zoe enjoyed a little hunting, Singapore style. Click the photo for more.

palawan, philipines

2008-10-12T12:00:00.002+08:00

Taking advantage of living in Southeast Asia, we took a quick trip to a fantastical area in the Philippines called Palawan. Click on the photo for images from a great trip with our friends Rob & Christina...

year number one

2008-09-30T00:00:00.005+08:00

On Sept 30 Mike and I are celebrating our 1st anniversary! Unfortunately I was back in the U.S. for work, so I made another little video for Mike to look back on the last 20+ years (for those who were asking me to post the video I did for the wedding - it was too long, so I cut out about 20 minutes!), and I added a few photos from our first married year. What a year it's been. I am so very lucky to be married to my perfect match!

girls just wanna have fun

2008-09-27T12:00:00.005+08:00

While in Minnesota for a work trip in September, I was fortunate enough to spend a getaway weekend for a great weekend with some Cargill friends. Click on the photo to see more from our fun trip to Grand Rapids...

Esher England

2008-09-16T08:50:00.001+08:00

I had to leave my hubby again and went to London for a few days work. The biggest benefit being that I could visit my dear friend Rani and her family. She also works for Cargill. They live in an absolutely adorable village called Esher - could this be a sweeter house and how quintessential - a Mini! Thanks Rani for having me.

One weekend in Bangkok

2008-08-31T02:04:00.004+08:00

A colleague, mentor and friend from Cargill came to Singapore for the last time before she retires in September. For years we've been wanting to do a little excursion together, and it finally happened. We went to Bangkok for the weekend, which just so happened to be the same weekend that protestors stormed the Prime Minister's office resulting in a Thai state of emergency! While we barely noticed in Bangkok, Nancy did have to cancel her next leg in Phuket - better safe than sorry. Here's wishing Nancy a happy retirement!

back home

2008-08-25T15:05:00.003+08:00

I think the cats may have been a bit bored while we were away...

BBQ @ WBL

2008-08-17T15:00:00.004+08:00

Yet another great day as friends and offspring joined us for a barbecue at Susan's parent's White Bear Lake home. Sorry Matt & Becca, no pictures of you. Click for more...

congratulations Julie & Rob!

2008-08-15T14:22:00.001+08:00

If there is anyone that could pull off a spectacular wedding in less time (six weeks) than we did (eight weeks), it would be Susan's sister, Julie (with a little help from her mom, right Rob?). Congratulations! Consider coming to Singapore for a second honeymoon...

next stop... wisconsin

2008-08-09T14:34:00.004+08:00

The great weather continued as we headed to Eau Claire to see Jack & Mary, John & Carrie, and one very cute Lily. Thanks for the Leine's, brats, cheese curds and hospitality! Click on photo to see more...

back in the bwca

2008-08-04T12:00:00.007+08:00

There's no better way to start off a three week holiday than with a trip to the boundary waters. Susan and I enjoyed four days of perfect weather and plump blueberries on South Hegman Lake. Also pictured are ages-old rock pictographs and the most scenic Angleworm Lake. We will no doubt return to these lakes one day. Click on the photo to see more...

Susan takes a "Tri"

2008-07-19T09:52:00.003+08:00

So after supporting Mike on a couple Triathlons, I decided to give it a "tri" myself! It was a mini-triathlon with shorter distances. I liked it, and may even give the sprint triathlon a try one day. Mike did the sprint later in the day. Since our camera didn't survive when I mistakenly dunked it in sea water (oops!) we don't have photos of his event. But he did well as usual.

bintan triathlon 2008

2008-05-24T12:00:00.003+08:00

Mike competed in (and completed!) his first triathlon along with good friend Sarvin Patel on the island of Bintan, Indonesia on a hot and humid day. Susan was our personal cheering section and photographer. Mike looks forward to another triathlon, but will likely engage in some proper training first... Click the photo for some action shots.

weekend in hanoi

2008-05-20T12:00:00.002+08:00

We took advantage of a holiday weekend and booked a getaway trip to Hanoi, Vietnam. In the city, we were most impressed with the beauty of the lakes, the early risers for badminton and exercise (all ages), the no-rules traffic, the local art galleries, and of course the great croissants and coffee.

Three hours drive from Hanoi is Halong Bay and its 1969 limestone islands. We explored the Bay, islands and caves by an overnight junk boat and kayak. The spectacular scenery, worthy of a James Bond movie, is difficult to capture in pictures. Click the photo for more...

random photos from singapore

2008-05-03T10:49:00.004+08:00

click on the picture to see more riveting photographs...

A new doc in Singapore

2008-04-12T11:10:00.006+08:00

Mike has decided to hunker down and get a job after five months of freedom and travel. It'll be an adjustment for both of us - it was nice having him along on my trips, and at home coming up with fun dinner menus! But he's very excited to about the clinic he's joined and to get back to the work he loves. It's in a nice new clinic that serves mostly expats from Australia, Europe and US. Check it out - and also the pic of the handsome doc under the "doctors" link. :)
International Medical Clinic

Easter celebration 2008

2008-03-23T12:08:00.004+08:00

We had a 2nd annual Easter brunch with some Singapore friends. The kids enjoyed decorating cookies and easter egg ornaments.

from saint paul to sao paulo

2008-03-19T14:59:00.006+08:00

A much needed trip back home allowed us to spend some quality time with friends, family and coworkers. Mike was able to actually spend a week working at United Hospital, after a few months of self-imposed unemployment. We drove to Grand Rapids for a long day of snowmobiling, and discovered our map reading skills aren't what we thought they were. After a quick trip to Chicago for our travel visas (and a good pizza and shopping), we headed to Brazil, where Susan was able to participate in global treasury meetings. The lofty and magnificent sights of Rio de Janeiro were the highlight of Brazil. Click on the photo to see more...

a time to weep

2008-03-19T13:49:00.004+08:00

It is with great sadness that we report that we lost our baby to miscarriage on February 21. We named her Lucy. As the angel says, Those we have held in our arms for a little while, we hold in our hearts forever.

A special thank you to all of our family and friends that helped us through this challenging time with your thoughts, words, prayers, support and just being there for us.

Mike and Susan

a quick trip down under

2008-02-15T12:00:00.000+08:00

Australia is the next stop on our world tour. After a weekend in Sydney, we headed to Melbourne for a few more days. Mike spent his time sailing, kayaking and touring the cities while Susan was hard at work, which included a visit to the slaughterhouse in Wagga Wagga. Click on the photo to see more shots of a couple of awesome cities...

this side of paradise

2008-02-06T19:12:00.003+08:00

If you ever want a dream holiday on a tropical island with sunny skies, blue waters and white sands, we highly suggest you consider heading for the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. We were impressed in every way, and our high expectations were exceeded. The photos should give you a good idea of what we did for five days (not much). Mike's biggest problem was figuring out any word he could spell with his Scrabble letters in the photo. Click on the photo to see them all...

seoul searching

2008-01-20T21:36:00.000+08:00

Susan and I paid a visit to the 11 million people of Seoul, Korea this past week (she for work, and I as a tag-along). We partook in the quintessential Seoul experiences of public bath houses, private DVD bang rooms, busy markets, kimchi and barbecued beef. The cold weather, conifers and ice rinks made us a bit homesick for a good Minnesota winter. We also made a side trip to the heavily protected demilitarized zone and saw one of the four tunnels the North has made attempting to gain entry into the South. Now its back to cozy little Singapore for me, and a week in Minnesota for Susan. Click on the photo for more images from South Korea...

the rumors are true...

2008-01-14T19:51:00.000+08:00

We are expecting a child in June! When this ultrasound photo was taken a few days ago, I immediately noticed the resemblance to her mother-to-be (see photos below). The doctor also believes it will be a girl. Susan is doing very well, especially considering her busy work and travel schedule.

We are accepting name suggestions...

(I also notice a resemblance to Lucy...)

Mike travels to India

2008-01-06T19:27:00.001+08:00

Mike is currently on a Habitat for Humanity trip to India with our friends Rob and Sarvin. I haven't heard much about his trip yet - except that their taxi hit a cow when they first arrived (and keep in mind that cows are sacred in India).

This is Mike here... I'm back from India with an update. I was fortunate to be part of a great group of Habitat volunteers working in an area affected by the 2004 tsunami. We helped out on the front end of a project to build 97 brick and cement homes in a village south of Pondicherry (you may recognize the name if you've read Life of Pi). The work was tough, but at day's end we had time to play cricket with the local kids and meet the families that will live in the homes. India is indeed an assault on the senses, and these few pictures hardly do justice to the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of such a fantastic place.

Rob Spence will no doubt have much better pics on his site soon (www.snowless.com).

And by the way, the cow that our taxi hit thankfully survived and walked away.

click on photo to see more...

Susan's family visits Singapore

2007-12-31T18:55:00.000+08:00

My family came to visit Singapore for Christmas - Mom, Dad, Bob, Julie. It was great to show them around the city I've been living in for over a year. We did the Night Safari, walked along Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, went to Chinatown, we all went in for reflexology (though not everyone enjoyed it), went to a hawker center on East Coast, drove down Orchard road...all the typical Singapore touring. We also relaxed with a couple home-cooked meals including Christmas dinner with the Spences. Click on the photo for more.

On Christmas day we took a 2 hour flight to Bali for 5 days. We arrived to some torrential rains which lasted through the following day. It had been a pretty bad storm - with so much debris, logs, branches, coconuts, trash washed up on the beach. But we did took advantage of our time there and toured around the island. The weather eventually cleared up. The highlight of the trip was a bike tour from the top of a volcano (on the outside!) through rice paddy fields and little villages. It was so nice to see the part of Bali that wasn't built up and so congested. Click on the photo for more.

We came back to Singapore in time for a New Year's celebration at my boss's home, and then up at 4am for the flight back to the States. It was so great having them here!

I've been tagged

2007-12-15T17:46:00.000+08:00

I've think I've been "tagged" by Kim F (still not sure if I'm Susan "M", as I still naturally consider myself to be Susan "C")... Anyway, being tagged by another blogger means that I need to post 7 interesting things about myself on our blog. I'll cheat a little bit and include interesting things about Mike too.

1.) I have a life goal of staying above my age in the number of countries visited. So far I'm at 43 (with S Korea and Maldives coming up in the next month I'll be at 45), so I have a few years to rest up if I like.

2.) Mike and I once had a contest that started the very first semester of college: whoever got the highest GPA by graduation would get treated to a Boundary Waters trip by the other. We compared GPAs every semester with Mike ahead at first, then Susan pulling ahead 1st semester senior year. It finally ended in a complete tie! - down to the 5th decimal place. It was a bit anticlimactic, but we did hold true to our Boundary Waters trips - for 14 years so far.

3.) Mike and I were 7th grade cooking partners. It is there I realized his artistic talents - he preferred to DRAW the food instead of cook it. He has definitely change over the years - he has assumed the cooking responsibilities and is always on the lookout for good recipes - esp good marinades.

4.) I once met Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf. A Pakistani Cargill colleague invited several of his co-workers to his wedding in Pakistan. My colleague's was a general in the army and General Musharraf was at the wedding. We all met him and had our photo with him. This was in 2000 before his name became recognized worldwide.

5.) Mike holds a St Olaf track and field record for the one and only time he has done a pentathalon. He has decided to train for a triathalon in Indonesia this coming May. Knowing Mike, he'll probably win that too.

6.) I have a really bad memory - my family reminds of this all the time. Other people in my life can remember exact dates of snowstorms from 20 year ago, who they went to movies with 5 years ago, and every ingredient in a recipe they made 2 years ago. I have a hard time remembering what I ate for dinner last night.

7.) Mike's very first job was at Dairy Queen (if you don't count his paper route). Every time we hit a Dairy Queen he reminds me how much that Peanut Buster Parfait cost 20+ years ago. He also claims to have sold the very first Blizzard in Minnesota.

Now, my other blogger friends, you are now tagged! Rob S, Joshua, Carrie M.

Sport & Zoe come to Singapore

2007-12-09T21:03:00.000+08:00

Their journey began on November 7 when they were rudely woken from naps, placed into travel cages and sent to the airport. After lenghty layovers in New York and Amsterdam, they arrived at the Singpaore airport, were inspected and transported to the quarantine site. There they endured 30 days together in a closet-sized room (cell number 32) with little to do but daydream of better days chasing birds. After a month they were released and brought home, a little worse for the wear. Upon arrival, they inspected nearly every square foot of the condo (including the balcony ledge) and found it to be suitable. Sport and Zoe are now happily situated in their new den. You might notice in the photos some changes in appearance from beginning to end of their month in captivity... Click on the photo for more.

Party Time

2007-12-01T12:40:00.000+08:00

Mike arrived just in time to partake in Cargill's annual holiday Dine & Dance, with a Musical Masquerade theme this year. The highlight no doubt was Christina's heart-wrenching rendition of "Hopelessly Devoted to You". Video available upon request. Click photo to see more...

Thanksgiving

2007-11-30T00:00:00.000+08:00

We enjoyed not one but two Thanksgiving feasts this year. An outdoor potluck buffet with roast turkey on Thanksgiving day was followed by grilled steaks with the Spence family on Friday. The only thing missing was some quality time on the couch watching football.

Mike arrives in Singapore!

2007-11-08T19:43:00.000+08:00

So after a few hectic weeks of wrapping up business and saying farewells at work, enjoying some final Nook burgers & Cosetta's pizza with friends, sending off the cats and packing up the house, I finally boarded my plane with my iPod and the new Vince Flynn novel in hand. Twenty four hours later, I landed in Singapore, was met by Susan at the airport and we headed to our new home.

In the photo, I have just polished off a filet at the Raffles steakhouse (thanks Tostruds). You may notice that I am a much faster eater than Susan...

Susan's Birthday

2007-10-15T15:55:00.000+08:00

I had a fairly mild birthday, which was just fine by me since we had been doing so much celebrating lately, and my new hubby is not yet with me in Singapore. My colleagues took me out to lunch. Afterwards we walked around the Fountain of Wealth (three times for luck). Click on photo for more.

Our Wedding

2007-09-30T20:37:00.000+08:00

We had an absolutely wonderful day, despite the torrential rains (I actually loved the rain!). Thanks to all our family and friends who shared the day with us. Thanks also to all those who traveled from so far. Click on the photo for a sneak peek from our awesome photographer. We'll be posting more soon.

Boat Party from United Family

2007-09-29T16:25:00.000+08:00

Mike's clinic arranged a farewell and congratulatory party for us on a Mississippi paddle boat. We were really amazed at the whole event...the turnout, the fun, the speeches, the singing, the food, the cake, etc. It really made me realize how much Mike will be missed when he moves to Singapore, and I know he will miss them too. Click on the photo for more.

Pre-Wedding Events in Singapore

2007-09-29T16:18:00.000+08:00

Arranged by my old friend Christina, some new friends in Singapore took me out for a Hen Party (a.k.a. bachelorette party). My Treasury team also arranged a fun girl's night. I was given some fun girly things for the honeymoon! :) Click on the photo for more.

Some recent Singapore events

2007-09-15T16:33:00.000+08:00

In August Singapore celebrates its National Day - the day Singapore gained independence (when Malaysia kicked them out of their country). I enjoyed the evening with some good friends Ali (and his family) and Rahul at a bar on the waterfront next to my condo. There were fireworks all weekend - taken from my bedroom window. Click on the photo for more.

In early September Cargill had a "Family Day" when every employee could bring their family up for a resort weekend in Malaysia. It was a bit rainy as you can see, but that didn't stop the avid golfers. Click on the photo for more.

Indonesia Plantation Visit

2007-08-30T16:49:00.000+08:00

I had another trip to a Cargill plantation in August. This one in Indonesia. Click on the photo for more.

We're Engaged!

2007-07-29T15:45:00.000+08:00

Mike popped the question while I was back home for some meetings! He'll be joining me in Singapore in November ~ and we may just have the wedding before then!

And just for fun... photo from senior prom almost 20 years ago..yikes!

Another visit from Mike

2007-06-24T21:10:00.000+08:00

Mike came for another visit in June. It was a quick but really fun visit. These photos are from a little excursion to one of Singapore's other islands (city of Singapore in the background). Click on photo for more.

Singapore Twister

2007-05-26T12:34:00.000+08:00

Yesterday there was a huge waterspout off the coast of Singapore, not far from my condo (my condo window is in lower right hand corner). I wasn't lucky enough to have seen it myself. :(

Cabin weekend

2007-05-20T11:45:00.000+08:00

Megan and I went up to the cabin for the weekend - a nice, relaxing time, though a bit chilly! We helped Bob put in the dock and boat for the summer.

Visiting friends back home

2007-05-14T13:31:00.000+08:00

While I didn't have a lot of time to see many people I'd like to, I was able to see a few. Here are some photos from a visit with Sandra, an outing with my godchild Ben, and a BBQ with my gradeschool classmates. Click on photo for more.

Mother's Day

2007-05-13T13:24:00.000+08:00

I was lucky enough to be back in the Twin Cities for some meetings for a couple weeks that spanned Mother's Day weekend. So I didn't have to break the annual tradition: Race for the Cure and brunch at the Yacht Club.

Papua New Guinea

2007-05-01T17:45:00.000+08:00

Last week I went to Papua New Guinea to visit one of Cargill's palm oil plantations. It was a great experience. In all the years I've worked at Cargill, I have just started seeing our facilities, and this one was a highlight. I was able to go with Christina and a couple other colleagues. Traveling to and from the remote location took a bit of time (8 hours flight to Australia, 3 hours flight to Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, 2 hours flight in prop plane to Alotau Papua New Guinea) - but all well worth it. The area is very remote, so the company must house all employees and build its own schools and clinics. We have over 1,000 workers at this plantation and four schools and clinics. Click the photo for more.

New Delhi, India

2007-04-21T16:08:00.000+08:00

The finance leadership team had semi-annual meetings in the New Delhi offices. I was a bit tired because I flew straight from Australia - Singapore - New Delhi - but was a good meeting. We had a couple dinners with the local teams and had a few hours to tour around Delhi. But it was HOT! About 42 degrees that day. Click the photo for more

Australia - Ryan Scanlon's Baptism

2007-04-21T16:07:00.000+08:00

Jen and Antony asked me to be the godmother to their first child, Ryan Cullen Scanlon, born on December 20, 2006. The baptism was on a gorgeous day April 14. It was fun to see so many people that had come to Minnesota for their wedding. I also stopped by to see the Kennys, dear family friends from Mom's growing-up days in Sydney. Click on the photo for more.

Easter Egg Hunt

2007-04-14T19:02:00.000+08:00

On Easter Sunday I hosted a brunch for some friends and their kids: The Spences, The Guptas, The Patels, Ali Syed. It was a Christian holiday celebrated together with my Christians, Muslim and Hindu friends. The kids loved the easter egg hunt.

Treasury Team BBQ

2007-04-05T22:00:00.000+08:00

I had my Treasury team over for a BBQ and cards on April 5. Click on the photo for more.

The Scanlons come to visit

2007-03-30T18:57:00.000+08:00

Jen and Antony came through Singapore on their way to Australia. It was great to see them and meet my new godchild. I'll post photos as soon as they send them to me!

The Wedl's come to visit

2007-03-25T16:09:00.000+08:00

My dear dear friends Megan and John Wedl came to visit in February during Chinese New Year, and yay, Megan's sister Ann came too! We had such a fantastic time touring around Singapore and taking a side trip to Phuket, Thailand - ahhhh. I was so sad to see them leave, but look forward to their visit next year.

Kristy and Lesley visit

2007-03-25T16:08:00.000+08:00

In January Treasury had a global meeting here in Singapore. My friends Kristy and Lesley stayed with me the weekend prior to explore Singapore. We further explored with the full treasury team during the week. Click for more photos

Minnesota in January

2007-03-25T16:07:00.000+08:00

I went to Minnesota for a quick week of meetings (too short to see many friends), but was able to see my Pea Green Palace Gals, and make a trip up with Mike and family to the cabin in Grand Rapids. There was no snow, so ice skating 8 miles across the lake and back was no problem! Click photo for more.

Christmas with the Spences

2007-03-25T16:06:00.000+08:00

My very good friends Christina and Rob Spence moved to Singapore about a year before I did (it made it quite easy for me to decide to move as well!). They have two adorable kids, Liam and Nolan. We conveniently live in the same apartment complex. It was great to spend Christmas with my Singapore family! Click the photo for more.

My apartment

2007-03-25T16:04:00.000+08:00

This is my apartment at Pebble Bay - fully decorated thanks to Mom's help! Click on the photo for more.

Mom came to help out

2007-03-25T16:03:00.000+08:00

My came in December to help me get settled. She came all that way for just five days, but boy, did it make a difference. Thanks Mom!

This is photo of Mom with Christina's son, Nolan.

Thanksgiving

2007-03-25T16:02:00.000+08:00

I had some meetings back in Minneapolis in November - perfect timing to get to Florida with my family for Thanksgiving!!

My first visitor!

2007-03-25T16:00:00.002+08:00

Mike came to visit even before I was in my new apartment. What fun to have someone to explore the city with! Click the photo for more.

Something about Singapore

2007-03-25T16:00:00.000+08:00

Here are some photos from around Singapore - just to give you a feel for the place. Click on the photo to see more.

Finally some communication!

2007-03-25T14:30:00.000+08:00

Well it's been 6 full months that I've been in Singapore. Time flies, doesn't it? It's been a good 6 months....exciting to get settled in new place and start exploring the region. Since leaving Saint Paul in mid-September, I've been to Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Vietnam, Indonesia (twice), Australia (twice), Thailand, India and London. A couple work trips back to Minnesota and several visitors to Singapore have made me feel sometimes like I never left home. A Saint Paul phone number and a Slingbox (a contraption that let's me watch Twin Cities television from Singapore) also help to make the world feel a lot smaller than it is. Now, if we can only figure out how to get us all on the same time zone...

I never thought mass-communication like a blog would be my style, but since I've been so horrible with communication I'm going to give it a try.