Two days of fasting have passed and I am on a strict- Silence Meditation course- diet. This means I am taking the headache and body aches that occur when one removes all the caffeine and sweets to which one is accustomed BEFORE the course. The first two days were strict fresh squeezed juices and broth days. Bad headache. And body aches the second day. Stupidly, we decided to bring the girl to Wild Wild Wet and only lasted an hour-with pounding music and lots of screaming kids. Booty finally got her fries and she ate them with a seriousness I have seen only in NASA think stations.

Today my body is still not 100%. I went for a two hour pain treatment, I mean massage. One would think I am a dedicated masochist but I am convinced that my body is out of wack and needs to be wacked back into its rightful place. I had a few words to say to the therapist tho',

"Hey do you think you could make an exception for once and go a little easy on me?

I could go easy but the best way is to go to the painful spots and release the block.

But what if I am experiencing pain the whole two hours? Thats not right is it? I mean the idea is that I get to relax a little. I am almost nauseous with pain right now."

He eased up a bit and actually there were a few really excellent moments especially when he wasn't working on my calves, feet, shoulders, and back. I guess that leaves my a** and my head.

Free your mind and your a** will follow
or rather
Free your mind and your a** will follow...
immediately.
The rest takes time.


Also today the therapist decided since he was the only english speaker on staff he would take all the phone calls.
While he was working on me.
After the 6th call I asked him if he was planning on taking calls the whole time. He gave his excuse and then admitted to feeling bad about it.
"If you feel bad about it, don't do it! It feels like you aren't prioritizing the customer you have. You are prioritizing the customers to be. It doesn't make sense!"
No phone calls after that.
And the next hour was so much better.

Field trip to the Jurong Bird Park.
We have been before but this time we went early when it was still a civilized temperature outside. And during the week the park is very quiet and peaceful.
Altho' I didn't feel entirely restful when I finished buying our admission tickets (SGD$35!) and couldn't see Booty. I calmly walked through the entrance with my tickets- they never asked where is the child for this ticket? And there she was strolling along as if she was enjoying the park solo for the day. Lecturing a 3 year old is one of the most unsatisfying pursuits and yet one feels obliged to do it in situations like these, (so that is what the child-leashes are for!) I explained to her that unless she wanted to hold my hand she would have to stay close and listen when I called to her. OK she told me. Hey Booty. Distracted looking out into space. No running off please.

We hopped on the panorail and viewed the bird habitats from way up high, got out at the African Waterfall Aviary. We hiked up to the waterfall which was lovely but Very buggy, and managed to get bitten (despite bug spray). On the way down we fed some beautiful African Starlings (Superb, Purple Glossy, Lesser Blue-eared, Wattled, Violet, Hildebrandt and Emerald) with worms in our outstretched hands. Yes! Booty did it too!

Then we took the tram back to African Wetlands. But little girl wanted to ride on the automated kiddy rides. I didn't have coins so I asked her to come with me to get some.



Eventually I got some change and she was able to ride (above) and then we cooled off in the Penguin house. On the way out she grabbed as many stuffed penguins as she could at the gift shop, (they place them there strategically). When I asked her to put them back she began to scream. You know, those shrieks that do not mean pain but rather indignation? Then we took pictures of her holding the Parrots and were just about to grab some fries and ice cream when...

she ran off again. When I saw her at a distance I called her, "C'mon Booty lets get some french fries!" but she smiled and ran in another direction and climbed onto one of the mobility scooter rentals and started pushing buttons. The staff ignored her.

At this point it was about 11:30 and we were planning on staying a bit longer but I felt that this was an opportunity for some follow through. I walked over to where she was and gently scooped her up and proceded to exit the park walking by the cow sculpture she had wanted to climb on and the cafe.

"I want some french fries mommy!"
"I am sorry but when you run away from mommy like that it means its time to go."
Screams and cries. Shrieks and Shrill imprecations!
Once we were in the cab. She started again but quieter,
"I want french fries."
"I know sweety. Maybe next time. There will always be a next time."

After she woke up from her nap,
"Can I have ice cream and french fries now mommy?"

One afternoon Booty started to sing this song. And for those of you who know me, know that Sly and the Family Stone and especially this particular album remain for me one of the most satisfying and joyful. This is still true today. Later that day I asked MB and she told me she had taught it to her. :)

So now this song is on our evening after story song list. Usually, I tell Booty a story in the dark. It is usually the same story for a month or so, (as she likes it). We just finished with the 3 little pigs and are telling a story about the elementals (earth, fire, air and water). Then we sing 2-4 songs. Here are the songs we are singing now.

Que Sera sera
Leaving on a Jet plane
Swing Low
Who built the ark?
Pitter patter pitter patter (listen to the rain)
This Land is your land (mommy this was your first song!)

Booty walked all the way to the train station today. A 30 minute walk for a 3 year old. I told her now that she is 3 she is able to walk to the station instead of riding in her stroller. We talked along the bikepath, which is mostly pleasant. She noticed people walking their dogs and shiny cars, one of which she decided to touch.
"Ooo momma, that car is hot!"
I reminded her that when we are out in the world it is best not to touch EVERYTHING.
And as we passed a young woman jogging she said,
"She's not touching everything!" and as she pointed to the woman she touched her.
Luckily, the woman was not offended.
"I made a mistake momma. I touched her. Next time I ask 'commission', can I touch you?"

On to the station. When we boarded the train someone gave up their seat for Booty. I struck up a conversation with a woman who, she told me later, was "tatting". This is a form of crocheting, but much more defined. She gave me the name of a shop near my Doctor's office that sells supplies and holds classes.

We got off at Bugis and took the escalator to BHG (Be here for good things), a department store and up again to the third floor to the children's department to buy some walking shoes. It seems all Booty has is flip flops and crocs.

Barbie, Disney, Legos brand, Hello Kitty!, Strawberry Shortcake and a brand named Sweet were the only offerings in size 26 sneakers.
And the color choice was...
PINK. shades of. Sequins and glitter and Bling!
Of course Booty was all over the Barbie sparkly, and Disney Princess sneakers.
"Sorry." I said to her predictably and began one of my familiar refrains,
"I am not paying to advertise for a corporation I don't even like."
Lots of raised eyebrows. (Crazy white lady with child on aisle 4)

We had to settle for a pair of pink and brown Lego brand high top style sneakers, (the logo is hidden on the tongue flap). I bought some lacy socks to girl it up a bit.

She wore them home.

We stopped in the food court and got some juicy Chicken satay. She went back for seconds. And bought some cookies and a freshly baked eclair for me (one of my weaknesses).

We got a seat (Again!) on the train on the way home and Booty was able to look out the window while leaning up against an elderly Singaporean woman, who smiled when the girl finally noticed she was practically in the woman's arms.

Cabbed it home from the station (too hot to walk) and Bee-phia (her nickname for herself) took a nap.

Just finished making some bagels. Sat on the kitchen floor listening but not understanding H's mom and dad speaking Gujurati while I stared at the bagels baking. Sweating.

And now I better get "practiced" before I leave for my course- 4 straight days of silence and meditation. I hear the girl screaming loudly.

Breathe.

Annie Leonard and Free Range Studios strike again with the story of Bottled Water!

Happy Birthday Surekha MOM!




We received some beautiful buntings in the mail today to celebrate the birthdays we are having this week. This lovely Japanese floral print bunting (detail is shown in enlarged photo by creator) is made by Solohandmade, a handcrafted home items store in the Netherlands founded and run by a fellow Bostonian-adoptmom-expat. She makes me crazy with love and envy- if only I could create such magical things! I would be worthy!

Tonite homemade pizza and icecream from Ice Cream Chefs! which is down the road, (don't hit the link unless you don't mind inane music box music). This was mom's request and we are curious to see if this store will live up to our imaginings. We are getting mocha chip, creme brulee and strawberries and cream iceream. They also have more adventurous flavors but I have learned the hard way with the bean paste icecream and the DURIAN. Link provided to show you that I can be fair altho' I think durian is one of God's mistakes, sort of like bungi jumping.

Lots of Indian food on the menu for the next few weeks!
And in one week I will be going to BALI for the Art of Living Part 2 Silence course. Yes!
I get to be quiet for 5 days. The mind will rest. In preparation I will be fasting for the three days prior and taking myself off processed sugar, coffee, and tea. This means just veggie broth, decaffenated tea, lemon water and juice for me.

This Is What An Internet Scam looks like. I received this several days ago and share this with you. I contacted the individual that this scammer is imitating but no report has been made.
All names have been removed but not the $details.

Hello,

How are you doing? I hope this email reaches you on time, i had a trip to the United Kingdom, but unfortunately for me i got mugged at the park of the hotel,all my cash, credit card and cell-phone were taken away from me. I don't even have a phone where i can be reached right now because of my hotel bill.

Presently my things are been held down by the hotel management due to my inability to pay the hotel bills which i currently owe, they even had to restrict my access to the hotel facilitates until outstanding bills are cleared and i don't have a dime on me again,i had to walk down to the city library in order to send you this email.

I need you to kindly assist me with about 1,280:08 Pounds so that i can settle the hotel bills and make arrangement to return back home, please let me know how much you can assist me with soonest.

Thanks,
S****

Oh S****
I am sorry I didn't receive this until just now.
But anyway. I am also sorry I don't have 1000 pounds.
I am thinking of you and hoping you are ok.
Best,
XXXX

I really appreciate your prompt response and concern about my situation. i will appreciate whatever you can afford to send right away. things are really in a bad shape here so i need to leave here soonest.

Below is the details you need to send money to me through western union money transfer:

Receiver Name: S**** ***
Address: ### Romford Road
City: Stratford, London
Postcode: E15 3NS
Country: United Kingdom.

As soon as you send the money kindly email me the transfer detail or scan and send the transfer receipt as an attachment.
Thanks once again.

I wonder what would happen if someone went to that location looking for that Identity thief.

We wish you a Happy Birthday
A joyful and celebrated birthday
to our dear Sun Booty
May you have a long, healthy life!

The grandparents are here! And this morning our dear Masami did a short birthday puppet story for Booty! So, after a request from the girl for pictures of her birth mother (I want to see me coming out of her tummy!)- we did a slideshow for her of our trip to Ethiopia including pictures of our time with her birth family.
Tomorrow Raj's family will come over for snacks and cake.

Last night we went to one of the many glam malls in Singapore. This one is called "Iluma" because the facade of the mall is made up of light cells that illuminate in a wave so it looks like Las Vegas. We had an unsatisfactory meal at Manhattan Fish House and something like icecream at Marble stone Creamery before we went to see "Up in the Air"- our second choice, (The Hurt Locker was sold out).
H did not much care for the movie but thought the woman who played Alex was quite good. I enjoyed it. But I am not as picky now when I see american films, so homesick am I .

She was known to drink coffee from a bag.

The first installment of my autobiography



Once upon a time...
there lived a strange, STRANGE woman.

Booty Contemplates Death but Deems the Rest Quite Satisfactory

In the cab yesterday on the way to the ferry:
"The Hunter came with his gun. Babar's Mama is dead. Really dead."

Why the heck did I buy that book!? I thought it was going to be filled with all those detailed illustrations I remember, elephants and monkeys playing in the water. Quaint French villages and vintage style clothing and cars. But instead we have a dead mummy, a poisoned king, a crying elephant, and tribal, spear-wielding hunters that look pretty darned racists to me, (they all look the same and their mouths are the central exaggerated feature).

But she seemed undisturbed as she continued to talk in the taxi about her life and how things work.



She also had a joyful time on Kusu (turtle) Island and was intrigued by the Imperial Cheng Ho cruise boat which provides breakfast, tea and dinner cruises around Singapore and stops briefly on Kusu Island. We did not take the cruise but a ferry instead. On the island she proceeded to collect many sticks for her dadda raft (one of her father's nicknames) even battling red ants. After being bitten by a red ant because she "poked him", she cried loudly until I explained that the ant bit her because he was afraid. She stopped crying. This seemed to make sense to her. The trees on the island had huge ridge-like roots that were perfect for hidden treasures or building fairy houses if one had been of a mind to do so.

Later in the afternoon we visited the turtle sanctuaries on the island (3 that we know of) and finally went swimming. The island was all but deserted and we were happy to have brought water, food and sunblock. Kusu island is quiet but provides nothing but bathrooms, two temples (one Malay and one Chinese), scenery and a place to rest from the sun. If you like to see huge container ships, barges, or the like, the view from the island is excellent.

Arriving home we were famished and felt very icky (from the oil-slicked sea). We promptly bathed and came down for a delicious meal made by M of sauteed tofu, vegetable stir fry with red Thai rice and garlic spinach. Desert was homemade yogert and fresh applesauce (still cooling. After a long day in the hot sun, this was such a treat. Booty and I fell asleep in a heap on our bed by 7pm.

Inutile!

My feet aren't the same.
As before that is, before I moved to hotter climes.
Since I mostly wear flip flops out of doors, and no shoes in doors, my feet have changed and have become soft. Not used to shoes. Of any kind.
I found this out when I walked to the train station last week with a new pair of Sketcher flats.
By the time I reached Bugis Street I had 6 raging blisters. I stopped at the pharmacy and bought some blister covers which only partly worked ( to detail this is to subject you to a fair amount of cringe). And so I stopped at the nearest shoe store and bought, you guessed it, another pair of flip flops. Green Tevas.

My daughter isn't the same either.
Not that I expected her to listen to me and her father when we said, "Do not change! We like you the way you are RIGHT NOW and so no growing up and getting particular." Whoever came up with the phrase "terrible twos" was a year off. As my friend A has said, we are being given "the business". Our girl doesn't know what she wants and therefor we must dance until the entertainment suffices. One of my sisters referred to her son as "the puppet master". Yes. All this is dawning on me now. And just to add more fun to the situation, Mr. D is travelling (He may be at your house right now!) And I have taken myself off prescription "help". When Booty says in regard our sweet friend Minaz, "She's like my mama!" I hear, "I wish she was my mama because my mama is a mean, old bag!" Sigh. Learning curve? Learning? HA! (Very witchy laugh let me tell you).

I have been avoiding other blogs. I have a blog friend who is absolutely brilliant, beautiful (yes you) AND sweet tempered (How do I know? I KNOW.) Because I feel so. so.

I was recently told, by someone I love, that I have not yet met my "destiny" and that something is in the way. Instead of making me feel excited about this- "Oh cool, you mean travelling around the world with these beautiful people is not what I am supposed to do? There is MORE out there WAITING for me?" I feel like, "Oh great! Someone else knows what I know, that I am not accomplishing anything despite my efforts." I am in a word, inutile! Or another, superflu! When you read these words you must say them aloud, in French with an accusatory tone. "In OO Teel!" "Soo Pair Floo!" Thank you.

Somehow just talking in this way makes me feel better.

I just finished "The Lacuna", by Barbara Kingsolver. A sad but beautifully told story of a young writer whose life is changed by his close association with the Rivera/Kahlo household. It is a nice hunk of a book (500 pages) and I was glad of the length and breadth of the tale.

I am now reading, "Say you're one of them" by Uwem Akpan. So far, excellent.

While it appears I am wasting this lifetime away, I have taken on some additional Anthroposophic study. This week we are studying the senses. Not just the 5 you know about but an additional 7 as well. This study of the 12 senses directly and profoundly relates to the development of the child.

I finished two more dresses from the lovely khadi that we bought in Bombay. Perhaps I will ask the da-in-la to purchase more before they visit for the Booty's birthday coming up very soon. "My Pink Birthday! I want a pink dress, and a pink cake and a pink camera and a pink phone with pink buttons!"

All I can think is, "How did it happen?"