Happy Independence Day!

Okay - I'm a bit late, but did not forget.  There is no 4th of July celebration per se (I took Friday off to ensure my own 3-day weekend).  However, in August, Singapore celebrates their National Day.  On 9 August 1965, Singapore gained its independence.  It is so weird to think my new home is so young.

I understand that National Day is heavily celebrated here.  There is a big parade and show near the marina.  In fact, I was out two weekends ago and there was full on practice for the day's events - a month and a half away. 

courtesy of Bryen's blog

I was walking around the Arab Quarter one afternoon and heard helicopters.  I looked up and saw them dangling a giant flag of Singapore (above).  I wondered what the heck I was missing.  I didn't recall hearing about any special events for the weekend.  Bryen's blog above has some insights into what the flag represents.

Then airforce jets flew over, all loud and amazing.  I knew the air show was not going on.  Was there some sort of military drills I was missing??  I continued my way across town to head to another shopping store.  On the way, I cross a major street and could not believe the huge line of military vehicles on the road.  The road was blocked off to regular traffic and the vehicles weren't really moving.  I had my camera with me and snapped a couple pics.  I still had no clue what was going on. 

When I finished shopping, I grabbed a taxi home. It was then that my taxi driver informed me traffic was really bad because of the National Day practice (for the parade and show).  Another practice was scheduled for next weekend too - so he warned me I should stay away from downtown next week as well.  I had no idea that practice was so involved.  I guess I'll have to scope out a spot early for the parade in August :).

BBQs, bug spray and late-night fun

Happy 4th of July! For those of you that got rained out in central Illinois, it was beautiful and clear up north in Wisconsin. By late afternoon, we had blue skies and puffy white clouds.

There was plenty of time for Nerf dart shooting (?), bocce ball and relaxing before the dark set in and it was time for fireworks. My uncle cooked up a delicious pork BBQ (sorry, gotta say I favored the pork over the beef even though dad supplied the beef). And of course all of the great side dishes that come with summer BBQs. Here's me and my cousins (well kids of my cousin - so 2nd cousins?) at Grandma & Grandpa's farm.

My food contribution was red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese icing and 4th of July sprinkles. I can't take too much credit except for the icing. Friday night was margaritas and Pita's (well minus the Pita's, plus Pizza Hut - that's another story) at the party house. It seems the woman of the party house is great at making cupcakes and I easily let her take over :). I roped Curtis in to help with the sprinkles. A couple items of note for those of you thinking "...red velvet cupcakes and cream cheese icing, that sounds so good I think I'll make some..."

1. Careful on your red velvet mixes - mine had tendency to stain fingers red.

2. Because of point 1, the mini, bite-size cupcakes with no wrappers are a hit!

3. Cupcakes need to cool before icing; unless you like red crumbs in your container of frosting.

My other uncle provided the entertainment of fireworks. I was quite impressed with the show. If only the killer mosquitoes weren't there, it would have been a perfect evening. After the show, mom, dad and I piled into the cab of the truck (we're a very close family) and proceeded home. I slept most of the drive, making it fly by but putting a crick in my neck.

**Only 2 days to the SC road trip. See you soon!

via Hong Kong? or Tokyo?

I chose Hong Kong. Yep, my flight is booked for August 15th. Now, it is a refundable ticket because it hasn't technically been approved yet, but I think it should go through okay. I'm on the priority wait list for an upgrade to business class. Only 15,000 miles. I have like 190K and for some reason thought upgrading my flight half-way around the world would be more than 15,000 miles. But I'm not complaining...more to keep for later :). Apparently business class is currently only 50% booked - so please, no one else book a ticket so that I can get my upgrade.

My desk chair has joined the couch in departing the apartment. My picture from the last blog also raised some interest. So here's a couple more items I have in case anyone needs some bar stools or a desk w/o drawers. :)

Not much else noteworthy occurred this week. Tomorrow will be shopping for my red, white and blue apparel. Then making cupcakes to bring to the family outing on Saturday. I will try not to eat them all before hand.

Next Wednesday Mom and I begin our road trip to SC to see Katie and Tom. I'm sure that will prove to be much more exciting material and some good pictures. Stay tuned 'til then......

I hope everyone has a happy Independence Day (4th of July)!!

*Oh! if anyone wants tickets (up to 3) to view Peoria fireworks from the rooftop terrace at my apartment building (front row seats), let me know. I know, you're thinking Peoria fireworks?, but really, it is quite an impressive show for all the other things that the city may mess up.