Never Say Never: Oh Saturday...

I'd like to say we're doing something really cool tonight (like watching the Formula 1 races from the Marina, or at least watching them practice while having drinks on a rooftop bar), but we're not. On the flip side, we are having a VERY low key and relaxing evening at home. I think it's just what we needed. Luke went to another birthday party this morning and had a great time. Adam and I spent the afternoon running errands back on Orchard Road. As I waited for my Starbucks at the very first Starbucks I went to on Day 1 in Singapore, I said to Adam, "It's crazy to think back to when we were here 2 months ago before our home, jobs, helper, everything." We feel like we've done so much the past two months and have experienced more than we can truly wrap our heads around.

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss some luxuries from home (aside from the obvious family & friends). ELLA, my car, a house with more than enough room for our family, a back yard, coffee, cool morning runs... the list could go on and on. But then I think of what I love about our Singapore life. Constantly exploring new places, swimming at all hours of the day, walking to work, having Luke at school with us, making new friends, having very few bills to pay, saving money, having someone cook, clean, grocery shop and do laundry for us, great places to travel close by and above all - experiencing it ALL with my little family.

Living in a different country gives us so many new experiences, but I am constantly reminded that feelings are feelings and people are people no matter where you live. We still have days we're exhausted, I cry because I miss people, we throw our hands up with frustration at work or home, we have stress and joy, sadness and excitement. These feelings are not unique to Singapore or to our family. The more I talk to people on this journey, the more I realize they are more normal than unique. AND they are all feelings I had back home.

Home...it's a word I use for both here and there. It's a word I can't commit to using solely for Singapore or Portland. I like that. I like that I have two places that make me happy and that I'm connected to.

As Adam and I eat our Prata (one of our new favorite Indian foods) at the table and the boys play together in the living room, Adam said "At this very moment I miss being able to say: Go play in the playroom!" The boys are loud, we're trying to have a conversation and their laughs & screams get in the way. Ahhh...some things never change - no matter what side of the world we're on!

Tomorrow is a day on the East Coast with one of our favorite Singapore families - Alex, Jill & Ella. Will post pictures of our fun! Love to family & friends....