I'm Baaaack!

Let's try this again!

So, I realize that I've been off my blog for about a year.  Let me just say, that writing has never been my outlet and I have a tendency to start and stop many things.  But, since I'm back in Vietnam for another year or so, and Facebook is entirely too difficult to get on, I thought I'd get back into blogging.

So many things to get caught up on. 
Hmmm...well first, I survived yet another year in Vietnam.  I found myself hiding in my apartment a lot.  My excuse was saving money for our relocation to Japan.  We actually got jobs in Japan with Westgate.  But then as the end of the year approached and we (me and Jon) calculated our money, we realized that we didn't need to go straight back to work.  In fact, we really really needed a long break and decided instead to take our savings and go backpacking around Europe. 

So after a month in England, and Jon going to the Olympics, we started off to Italy!  Right...now you're going to want all kinds of picture and details!  Can we do that on another post?  Ok!  Thanks!


Fast forward to the end of our European vacation around the 3rd week of October 2012 and we thought, well...we're right at the holidays!  So we decided to head back to Hartlepool, England and stay with his mom through the holidays.  Now, we weren't total slackers.  Well at least Jon wasn't!  He could sign on and get a little money each week, plus, he needed to clean out his stuff.  We sold his and other people's things online (Ebay and such) and that basically kept us supported during that time.  In fact, it was enough to buy me a ring! 

Yes, folks, Jon finally popped the question and we're engaged!  Yay!  How wonderful!  Let's celebrate!  And then....

Dear God!  We have to do visas, and plan a wedding, and think of jobs, and pick a freaking country!  See, I'm from American, Jon's from England.  We both have awesome loving families and friends.  We both come from beautiful places, we both love our countries.

We after many, many, many, many discussions, we've finally agreed on America.  At least for the first few years.  I've promised Jon that after we have kids and get established in careers and if he can find a well paying job in England, we can someday move there.  But America comes first!

So that's the plan.  And, that's why we're back in Vietnam.  Wait, what???

Well, just exactly how are we to afford all this stuff without jobs?  As of Jan 8th, the day we left England, we hadn't worked in over 5 months.  For reals people!  How did we do that?  Um..one word:  Jon

Ya, he's WAAYYYYYY better at managing money than I am.  He handles the budget and I handle the cooking.  I know you may be saying, "Like, OMG Linda, that's so 1950's".  Whatever! If you know me in real life, you know what a strong modern woman I am, but also how appalling I am at saving money, so just chill!

Ok, so we cashed in our plan B and just went ahead back to our jobs and life in Vietnam.  We still have plenty of friends here and know how it all works.  Dealing with the visas will be expensive and stressful enough, without having to figure it all out in another country.  In case anyone was wondering, we couldn't simply stay in England.  First that damp, chilly weather was trying to kill me.  I was sick nearly the whole time.  But, I only had 2 weeks left on my visa and couldn't work there.  Jon, likewise, couldn't just hop a plane to America with me.  Which is why we're the "neutral" country of Vietnam while we do the following:

1.  Process Jon's Fiance visa
2.  Save as much money as possible
3.  Get wedding fit (I want to lose 50 pounds and Jon wants like 25)
4.  Plan the wedding
5.  Enjoy our last hurrah in Asia, as we really will not be living here after this year.  I mean it, seriously, this is it.  Really people!

More to come as I begin the long long road to getting wedding ready, and all that it entails.  I hope this blog will help keep you all up on my life and progress, as well as keep me motivated and sane. 

A little catch up

It's been ages since I've updated.  Just a little recap.

I spent my summer back home in America.  Most of the time was in Nevada with the folks and my sister Janette.  Then I got to have a little trip down to Arizona to see most of my friends and family.  It was wonderful and I felt like I got the recharge that was sorely needed.  Then fast forward through the summer, and here I am back in Vietnam.  Shocker!

I truly never thought I'd be here for this long.  Now I'm embarking on my third year, in a country that I thought I wouldn't last 9 months.  But after a while, I suppose it grew on me.  Now, don't get me wrong, there are still daily frustrations.  Well at least when I decide to step out of my front door.  At least once per week I have, as Jon has titled it, an "I hate Vietnam day".  On those days I hibernate inside my princess palace (the corner nook on the sofa where everything I need is within reach).  If I have to step outside my door, it's only to set the trash by the elevator for the maid or service person to take out for me.  Hey don't judge, it's what they've told us to do and we pay plenty of money to live in a serviced apartment building!!!  ...See, luxuries like these are the kinds of things about living in Vietnam that have grown on me. :-)

Oh speaking of, or well, writing of, we've moved back into our old apartment building.  We had every intention of finding something closer to the city center so we'd be closer to Jon's work and a bit more nightlife.  The problem was, that our apartment building is fantastic and nothing else we looked at could compare.  Not for the money and the convenience.  It's important to us to have things like, staff that speak English, and maids that do a great job and won't steal from you.  Or 24/7 security, and a gym.   Management that will actually register you with the government, so that when you need a police clearance or paperwork, you can actually get it.  They pay a foreigner tax to rent to us  of course that gets passed on to us.  But some landlords charge the foreigner the extra money and then just pocket it.  Leaving the foreigner in a tight spot when they go to leave the country after a year, and have no evidence of where they have lived.  The government will back charge you about $50 per month and won't let you leave until you pay it.  Then the landlord will conveniently pretend they have never met you.  It's your word against theirs.  The only thing you can do to prevent this is get a residence card, which you can't get unless you have a landlord that has registered you.  See the vicious circle?

So, additional bonus of going back to our old place.  We have our favorite supermarket nearby.  Yes, of course there are plenty of supermarkets in HCMC but there are only 3 Big C's.  The other 2 are in areas that we wouldn't live, and if you've ever had to shop at CO-OP mart, you would understand.  Shopping is a very frustrating thing in Vietnam.  The parking, the lines, and the general clusterf**ck that is a Vietnamese supermarket.  The have to stock shelves all day long.  I've never seen less than 200 shoppers at a given time and if you go at peak hours there are likely 500 - 700 in the store.  Everyone pushing and grabbing, with every line 10 people deep.  It's like the day before Thanksgiving but everyday.

Being at home this past summer, and going shopping was such a surreal experience.  First of all, the amount of selection was almost overwhelming.  I had gotten used to only having 1 maybe 2 items to choose from.  See, in Vietnam it's either the Vietnamese brands, Korean, Chinese or a randoms.  Like French or Australian.  Of these choices through trial and error we've figured out the ones that we like, can afford or simply can tolerate.  So shopping doesn't have much variety, except in the import shops, where Philly cream cheese is $6 for a rectangle.

Then I was suddenly home.  Home!  There were so many things to choose from.  After 2 years of making everything from scratch, it was laughable to see 20 different bottle of ranch.  Or things like seasoned cream cheese to add to your meal.  Um hello, don't we all have some mixed Italian herbs in the cupboard somewhere?  The problems were the prices.  One shopping trip:  2 bags $50!  $50 is a 10 day shop for me in Vietnam.  Seriously, about 10 days.  That's meat, produce, dry goods, drinks, dairy, and random extras.  Then Jon and I split that bill.  So being home, yes loved the choices, too bad I couldn't bear to part with that much money.

I thought I would come back here with a suitcase full of things that I would want for the next year.  Instead I bought clothes, delicates (impossible to replace over here),  skin care products, make up (cheaper in the States),  hot sauce and Necco wafers (my favorite candy).  I figured if I really needed more, I could get it here or make it from scratch.  And so far so good, it seems.

So one month down, only 11 more to go!  Seriously though, this is the last year!  After this perhaps Japan, or England or America.  We haven't got it planned that far, but that ok, life's about now, for now.


Love ya,
Linda

Adele and Ellie

I love live performances the most, and it's particularly great when the live performance is better than the album.  This song is amazing, and I think most people can think of someone in their past that it applies to.  Enjoy!

Ellie Goulding was the one performer that got to sing at the Royal Reception.  She's pretty cool and even though in this clip her voice seems a bit tired, it's a great performance and a kickass song!  Makes me want to move!

Films I HAVE to recommend

First on the list is "Never Let Me Go".  Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightly.  Though Carey is the narrator, and basically steals the show.  It's breathtakingly beautiful and the story is one that just breaks your heart.  If you watch the trailer it's hard to get what really going on.  I'll give you one word, that I promise doesn't ruin any surprises and makes you empathize with the characters immediately.  Clones.

Highly recommend it, and I'll most likely watch it over and over!


Second of course is the King's Speech.  Colin Firth deserved the Oscar for this one, and it made me love him even more.

Next I'm going to check out Bradly Cooper in Limitless.  I've heard good things!

So if you like any of them let me know your thoughts.
Cheers!

Go to sleep!

Well I might as well be blogging because I can't fall asleep.  This only happens to me about once per year.  But tonight is that night:  Insomnia Night

I'm actually listening to a Science Friday on NPR podcast about sleep, to see if it can help lull me to sleep.  Wow!
Perhaps it was the kit kat bar I had around 11pm.  Good God it's 4:30am!  I think the chocolate has worn off!


Hmm....maybe I've got too much technology going on.  TV, computer, downloading, podcasts, etc.  When Jon was still here (3 weeks ago) I would just bring a book to bed and be out within 20 mins.  But without him I'm much less focused and easy to distraction.  Such as late night munchies.  Anyhow, sigh, I just will be happy when we're back together in our routine.

Ok, starting to get drowsy.  Thanks NPR and the soothing voice of Joe Palca!

Throwing rocks

Today I had a lovely lunch and then watched a movie with my friend Nicole.  After the movie we were walking along stretching our legs.  I was heading home and Nicole was going to grab a xe om.

As we walked along Tan Son this kind of wigged out creepy guy was walking towards us.  Nicole and I parted so he could walk between us.  Well apparently he thought is was a great time to grab Nicole's ass.  She shrieked in shock, completely caught off guard, as this had never happened to her in Vietnam.  Honestly, it's really not a common behavior here.

He scurried away looking back towards us laughing at our expense, quite pleased with himself.

I, of course, reacted in my typical impulsive way, and picked up a rock and threw it at him.  My aim sucks, but it was worth the look of surprise on his face.  I then picked up two more rocks and threw those.  Still with shockingly poor aiming ability, but with a happy sense of satisfaction for me.

Nicole and I continued on our way.  When we hugged our goodbyes, Nicole said, "Thanks for throwing a rock."  I said, "3 rocks!"

Anytime, my friend, anytime!

Giant Mirror

I have a giant mirror in my room at my guesthouse of which is aptly named L'Amore.  The guesthouse, not the mirror.

Right.  Of course I'm here without Jon, so normally where a giant mirror is kind of fun in a room you rent, unfortunately, living with one is kind of torture.  The mirror is roughly 6ft long and 3 ft high.  It's hung low of course, because I live in Vietnam, aka Munchkinland, minus the awesome baby-like men with beards.  Their faces are mainly hairless here.  Anyhow, I can't see my head unless I'm sitting on the bed.  However, at all times I can see myself from the shoulders down.  Ya know sometimes, you REALLY don't want to do that!

Minor problems:
I freak myself out at night when I catch things out of the corner of my eye.  Is this room haunted or do I have floaters in my retinas?  Thank God I'm so nearsighted or I would wake up and just see my reflection in the giant mirror.  That would be a rude awakening!

Major problems:  Ummm....you know when you're in the fitting room trying on clothes in bad lighting?  Well basically in my room it's like that ALL the time.  If I look too far to the left when I'm eating (while sitting in bed), I feel like I'm on Animal Planet.

Positives:  The obvious is the room looks bigger.  Duh.  Also, I know if there's any kind of lint on my booty.  Also, I can blue tack things to it, without worrying about damaging the wall paint.  Score.

My closet better watch it!

So, yesterday my darling Jon left the country and has begun his backpacking tour of Asia, starting with India.  I won't see him until we meet at the airport in Kuala Lumpur, on June 1st, rendezvous at McDonald's.  Glamorous for sure!


I've spent my entire day in bed, trying to get over this latest cold.  Again.  I've downloaded episodes of How I met your mother, season 6, watched a movie, made instant vanilla pudding and am now updating my blog after a 2 month hiatus.  Believe me, without Jon around, I'll be much more consistent.

I'm always pleased when I move.  The chance to downsize.  Discard unwanted crap and streamline.  I've moved so many times in my life, I hold very few possessions dear at all.  In fact, items that I may have moved once or twice before, are now tossed aside with flourish, as I refuse to move them again.  I acknowledge that it was a waste of energy to move these things in the first place.  Now they're gone!  Ruthless.

Two months in this guesthouse, and I will likely downsize my wardrobe by half.  It's my goal not to buy ANYTHING aside from food, toilet tissue, and the odd toiletry before leaving.  Then, I'll head home to America in June after my trip to Bali.  There I have a few boxes of items stored at my parents house.  It's my goal to also review those items and cull the fat again.  My possessions should be afraid.  Be VERY afraid!

The long and winding road of my vacation part 1

Suffice it to say that my vacation was varied, and covered way too many trips to the airport.  Oh but what fun to be able to see 3 countries in 13 days, before returning back to Vietnam.

The fun started in Singapore.  I love Singapore!  I really get all gushy about it.  Not only does it have amazing shopping, but with the ease of travel on the MRT and every possible food that you can imagine, it's my version of a grown up play ground.  Oh, and let's not forget that everything is squeaky clean.  Thank you very much armed security for the prevention of littering at $1000 SGD a toss!

Anyhow, here I was able to ring in the Chinese New Year with Jon, his mum and her BF.  We hopped on over to Universal Studios.  My first time ever going to one, and it was a lovely day of fun.

Are they looking for my honey?

Shrek's outhouse, comes with local Indian man free of charge.

.

The animals are out!

Jon shrugged

Then it was off to Hard Rock Cafe of course, though I'm sad we didn't go to Chili's.  Yep they had one.  The enchilada soup was calling me.  Perhaps I'll just have to make my own.  Boo!

Ok more later

Too much Karaoke! Is there such a thing?

If you've ever met me then you know that I love, and I mean love karaoke.  I love to sing and pretend I'm on Broadway or American Idol, or kickin' it old school like on Star Search.  Anyhow, it makes for great fun especially here in Asia where you get a private room.  It's great especially if you're a ham like me!

January has been the month of karaoke.  We went for Jon/Rufus' combined birthday do's, then my corporate students from DHL wanted to do dinner and karaoke, and then for Rufus' leaving do...that's right another night of karaoke.  So I think I'm at the point where I've gotten most of the singing out of my system.  At least until after the Tet holidays.  

 mot, hai, ba, Dzo!!!!!!!!  (1 2 3 cheers!)

The rest of the group

 Singing our hearts out for Rufus' leaving do!

Me and Jon of course!  Duets baby!