Malaysian Women's Marathon.

In the fall, my friend Amy asked me to run a 1/2 marathon with her.  Her first.   I have adjusted well to the heat of SE Asia and decided to give running a shot again.  We recruited a couple other friends from BKK to join and Team Sparkle Skirt was created.  

KL Towers.

The start of my training started off well.  I was hitting the miles on my plan and feeling good about it all.  Until...a month before the race I became cursed.   I first decided to have hand surgery (timing way off).  I thought it would be a simple procedure and a maybe a couple days of no running.  Nope, it was two weeks.  The taking of bone from my elbow was an unexpected setback that made running a little painful.  I was also pumped full of anesthesia that took weeks to wear off.  Then...a week before the race...I was hit with 5 days of stomach flu.  There is not running with that.  That left me with one week to run, before I ran 13.1 miles.  

Team before the race.

The race was the Malaysia Women't Marathon in Kuala Lumpur.   Friday night we all flew in and headed to Amy's.  We spent Saturday touring around KL and resting up for the race EARLY Sunday morning (beat the heat).

Start in the dark.

The only expectation I had for the race was to finish.  This meant walking or crawling over the finish line.  I knew I could do at least that.  It also allowed me to not have high expectations of myself by taking it too seriously and just have fun being with friends.

Male pacers in skirts.  Balloons attached. 

The race was a women's only event..in a Muslim country.  When we were signing up, there was an option of getting a male pacer...because women are unable to pace themselves.  At the race, the male pacers wore skirts to "show their belief that a women can find the strength to run that far and finish. (or something worse then that!)." With Team Sparkle Skirt being made of Western women, we stood dumbfounded about the words the speakers preached.  It was at that point I decided to run and make my motto "Pace this!".

I started the first 5k with some my friends (Caroline took off early).  The race was so quiet that I had to put on my headphones.  Girl Talk pumped into my head and I had to break ahead.  I picked up my pace and was able to finish by running the whole time.  It wasn't a PR (everyone else on my team PR'd), but I did finish well at 2:04hrs and placed 59/7??.  It was under 10 min splits (9:30 min), so I was happy.  

Way to finish Team Sparkle Skirt!

  

Darcy at the finish line.  PR 2:15

Amy and Colby at finish line. Colby PR 2:15.  Amy's first race

Caroline and me at end.  Her PR at 1:43 (WOW!)

Sweaty Team Sparkly Skirt.

Colby found this pic of me on the FB page.  After the race. 

Gili Islands

We first learned about the Gili Islands in one of those travel magazines that sits in the pockets of the seat in front of you on an airplane. "Come to this one of a kind Indonesian Island. Away from the hustle and bustle of Bali!" It called to us.  Ever since that flight, years ago, it has been on both Wade's and my list of places we wanted to experience.

The Gilis from the plane

Moving to Singapore made the trip even easier and more on our radar due to proximity.  When we learned that Chinese New Year was a national holiday that meant some days off work, the timing became possible.   I quickly got online and booked our "second" honeymoon. That's right...the kids were left at home.

How they roll. 

In August, we had somewhat celebrated tens years of wedded bliss.  We were waiting for this trip to do the real celebrating.  Just us and a tropical island.

Sunset Beach.

It all started easy, but then the AirAsia flight went down in Indonesia and our flight got canceled.   I spent weeks calling, emailing, and fighting with AirAsia about rescheduling the flight.   I was determined to make it happen.  In the end our flight schedule sucked, but we got to Gili and a bonus night with dear friends in KL.

Gili is definitely in a transition faze of going more upscale from the backpacker paradise it is now.  We stayed in one of the small handful of resorts located there.  Our days included walking around the island (we think about 6 miles with zero motorized transportation.  Just horses and buggies.), stopping for drink specials with the view, lounging on the beach, a water activity, happy hours, late BBQ seafood dinners, and ending with a nightcap on the beach or by the pool.   Heaven.

Hippy bar. 

Who knew that 10+ years ago, when we were a young, stupid early 20 something year olds, who had BIG plans to follow a logical sequential path, that we would be where we are now.   It has not always been easy, with lots of lessons learned, but in hindsight, I am proud of where we are.  We are living/experiencing life....and have yet killed each other while doing it. 

Wade helping rescue a boat from drifting.  They thought he was Hulk.  

A windstorm came in one night.

Wade jumping off a boat.

Happy 10 years.

Not as easy as it looks with wind and current

Notice the plastic around my hand?  I had hand surgery and was supposed to keep it dry.  Oops.

Amelia is 6!

Where has the time gone?   January came and went with a blink of an eye and now we are heading fast into February.   Friday I was reminded again to take the time and cherish the moments I have with Amelia turning six.   How has it been six years since I took on the most important, scariest, best job ever...a mom?!?  I honestly get a little choked up just thinking about it.

Our helper Cecile made Amelia this cake for breakfast.  Cake for breakfast...why not?

Amelia has blossomed into a smart, caring little girl with great "leadership" skills (otherwise known as a little bossy).  She was born knowing what she wants and has the determination to get it.  This may cause some times of tension, but Wade and I look at her and know we will no have to worry about this one...she is a fighter and will do great things.  I have said more than once that I feel I am raising my sister (another oldest who is a girl).  

Amelia loves school, her family, tormenting her little brother, and her current things are American Girl dolls and gymnastics.   She can be shy at times and loud at others.  One of her big goals is to read "big" books.  She loves books, art, and crafts.   She wants her own iPad, but that is not going to happen.

It was decided months before her big day that the party theme would be gymnastics.  I kept it easy on myself and took her and 6 friends (because she turned 6) to SAS open gym.  There they ran around and played hard with only stopping to eat pizza, pound some Gatorade and swallow a cupcake whole.   Wade and I just sat and watched (ok, Wade played too).  No clean-up or real planning.  I have decided I am now onto something for birthdays.

Happy Birthday Amelia Ann!

There was only three additional kids at the gym beyond our party.  It was pretty much just us!

Cake time!  We sat outside the gym, just above a pool.  The gymnastics gyms is located on school grounds.  She has lessons there every Monday after school.

We may have to get Liam into some lessons.  

The gym. 

Traveling with Kids

I am not claiming to be a travel or a kid expert, but taking 2 kids on 3 solo (myself and them) transcontinental flights and many little ones between this past year (and more before that), I have learned a thing or two.   Let's just say that Amelia now asks if the flights we have planned are a "movie flight" (if so, how many?) To determine how long she will have to sit.

We started this lifestyle when Liam was just over one and Amelia three.  Most of my tips cover that age and older.  So far, toddler age is by far the hardest to travel with.  I have found that three and older can handle longer flights the best because of their level of understanding.  Traveling with kids is hard, but worth it to us.  It teaches them things I could never teach. 

Here is some of what I have learned beyond the typical...

Sit in the middle: Two kids next to each other and hours of sitting in one spot will never be a good thing.  An adult being in the middle also allows access to all the things needed under seats and helping with meals and drinks.  A spilled meal/drink is never a good thing when you are stuck in a small spot for a long time.  

Pack snacks: Airplane food sucks.  Asian airplane food is worse.   I still don't understand why a flight would ever have fish as a meal option. Most likely, you all will be served something that isn't your best meal EVER! Make sure to pack snacks that have some protein.   We like pepperoni sticks and beef jerky.  Crackers are also a must.  This last time I packed Lunchables.  I will definitely be doing that again.  Also, don't forget gum or suckers for the ears when changing altitudes.  

Headphones: Get kid sized ones that fit over the ear.  The buds/headphones given are way to big to fit little heads.  The headphones are also a must to keep iPads quiet on shorter flights.  However, realize that strings can get caught and tear the electrical wiring in the speaker.  This has happened a number of times with us and we had had to buy a number of pairs.  

Hand sanitizer...and wipes:  I totally believe when they say planes and airports are some of the dirtiest places in the world.  Also, not everyone you are traveling with have the same sanitary level as you.  We got fevers and a coughs after our last flight.

Limit carry ons: I use to try to fill every allowed inch I got up with stuff.  But now, the less I have to worry about when in transitions, makes less stress for me. I just put everything else into the belly of the plane.   Keep is simple.  I allow each kids one backpack full of stuff for the plane and they share a carry-on for blankets, Pillow Pets, and a change of clothes.  I then give myself a backpack for electronics and items I needed easy access to under the seat in front of me.  Too much stuff makes it hard to get on and off planes and especially planes that do not use a gate and you have to take a bus, shuttle or walk to the main area for layovers and customs.  

Preorder meals: Call a couple weeks before and do this.  They are still weird, but there will be some items that look edible.  During this time also order a vegetarian meal for the adults.  For some reason, the vegetarian option always seems better.  Children's meals usually are some take on pizza, pasta, or something like that. Also, bring a water bottle or cup with a lid to limit spills.  

Kids can have mileage plans: I learned this after we had done a couple long flights with the kids. You pay for a seat, they can have the miles. Just call and set them up.   Both my kids already have enough miles for a trip to Hawaii or Mexico.  I try to fly airlines that we can gain them with.  I heard of one family that saved their daughter's up and when she turned 18 they gave them all to her.  She was then able to travel when she was in college and no longer on her parents dime.

Extra clothes: If you have them, you will not need them.  If you don't, you will.  Liam puke on himself and me coming down this last flight.  I was glad we had a change of clothes.  Makes the long haul easier.  I also like face wipes to freshen up in the middle of long ones.

Blanket fort: You read it right...a blanket fort.  We make forts out of the seats using the blankets the plane provides.  Adds fun and privacy.  Also blocks the lights when they are turned on at random times.  For some magical reason, it calms my kids down.  We make a fort, turn on a movie, get cozy and BAM...they fall asleep.  Eye patches also help in this scenario.  

Home for the Holidays

For winter break we got three weeks off of school.  This made a trip back home for the holidays possible.  I found a good price for tickets through an Asian airline (China Southern) I had never heard of, that also had the shortest travel time.  It all fell into place and being home for the holidays became a reality.  Wade was also able to make the trip for 5 days due to finding a great deal on Delta.  Even though the trip was fast, he said it was worth it. 

  

The kids did great with the traveling and the jet-leg on both ends of the trip was not bad.  We were able to enjoy the holiday traditions with family we have been missing since we went abroad.   Both kids were a little confused about the lack of snow on Christmas.  According to all the movies and books they have read/seen about Christmas in the US, it should have been. 

Highlights of the trip included a real xmas tree, hamballs, seeing the Nutcracker, meeting a new cousin, skiing at Baker, bringing in the New year wildly, and so much more.

Best dog ever.  He is missed!

Lowlights included having to put down our dog Tracker due to cancer and another goodbye to family and friends. 

Liam jumped right back into his home"uniform".  Every morning he wanted to look just like Grandpa.

Woke up one morning at 3am due to jet-leg.  That is my dad's daily wake-up time so he made me a fire.  So cozy!!

Wade and I were running errands and I had to capture the view.

We filled up on microbrew.  The prices were SUPER cheap.  Practically free compared to Singapore. 

Aunt Kathy sent all the kids PJ!  So soft. 

View on one of my runs in Whatcom. 

Adalyn Grace White.  Born Dec 26th.  So great to be there.  Next time we see her, she'll be so BIG. 

Cousins meeting cousins. 

Seattle tourist at Dick's.  Amelia is still talking about the food. 

Day at Baker and Liam's first time on skis. Thank goodness Grandpa was with us. 

Lunch after skiing. 

8 man hug.  Mimi with all her grandkids.  

Most beautiful place in the world!!  

Great being with family. 

Singapore Tourist

With friends visiting us, it became time to start to know this country we are living in and see what most people come to see.  Living here almost 6 months it was about time.  Thanks goodness Darcy and Orestes came, otherwise we could have gone a year and not seen the main tourist places to visit.  And luckily for future visitors, I have a great itinerary already planned out for you. 

Darcy stated the visit perfectly on her blog.  So here it is:  https://thejacksonstakethailand.wordpress.com/2014/12/20/singapore/

Horse track...near where we live

Where's Waldo with O.

Golden Gardens

On top of Marina Bay Sands.

All you can eat chocolate and cheese buffet. 

Marina Bar Sands.

Yeah for visitors!

Singapore chili crab.