some interesting things

I went to an American Christmas Bazaar yesterday in Kuala Lumpur, believe it or not. There is a group of American expats who have made this an annual event, with several local artists just there to make a buck, but also a ton of charity groups selling things to raise money for their foundation. It was really fun and there was enough Christmas stuff there to get some stockings and ornaments, but they had everything from Persian rugs to Bengali silk scarves to Chinese jewelry. I wish I had taken my camera but no such luck. I did, however, get a good start on my Christmas shopping so the kids are almost done!

On a completely unrelated note I have discovered that my 10-month old baby has a freakishly long tongue that can touch the bottom of her chin. She uses it to lick off any baby food that has dribbled out of her mouth and down her chin. Seriously, it is freakish.

Finally, I have pictures of the house--just taken today! But to clarify...NO, we did not BUY a house, we are still renters. But let me tell you it is a ridiculously huge step up from apartment living in KL.
First the side view from the road. That's our beautiful pink wall.

Next, John showing us the entrance through the front gate. Behind him is our awesome & giant covered car park that dwarfs our car and makes it look ridiculously tiny. Our car was actually IN THERE when I took the picture, but you can't see it because it's pulled all the way forward and hides behind the wall at the left.

This the side yard of our house, where John & Emily's windows look out. Perfect for soccer games! The taller tree on the right is a rambutan tree and it should be bearing fruit around April or May. Can't wait!


This is our front porch, looking toward the (open) front door on the right. Michael is talking with our wonderful landlord, Dr. Jay.


OK, I have a few of the inside of the house, but they're terrible. I think I took them the night we moved in so not only is it pretty messy but they're dark and don't show things well. But I'll post a few anyway.
This is a picture of our old family room in the apartment in KL, the main place John would run around and play.

Here is just one half of our new family room, so big all our furniture fits in the step-down area to the right and we have no idea what to do with this part. So for now it's just a fun, empty place to dump toys and run around.

OK, here is a picture of our old kitchen. Nice, tiny, claustrophobic kitchen.

And here's half of my new kitchen...so blasted big I had to get it in 2 pictures.

And here is the other half. I think probably about a third of these cupboards are empty. Well, now I have room to collect some food storage.


Oh, last note for today...our landlord took us out for Chinese food at a new place and.. I ate beancurd! And I actually LIKED it! That's definitely a first for me. It had a tangy, soy sauce-y flavor and I gobbled up a big chunk. I am so proud of me.
We also bought some Siew Pau (pork dumplings) at our favorite bakery today and are taking them to dinner with friends tonight. With Thanksgiving coming up next week I think it might take me that whole time to start naming all of the things we are thankful for. I should start on my list now. Happy holidays!