Giving Thanks...

Give a warm welcome to today's guest blogger...Blaine! 

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So as you may know, I am not one of those people on Facebook who chose to do 30 days of things I am thankful for, or the every letter of the alphabet that I am thankful for.  Not that there is anything wrong with any of those, in fact, I love reading all of the things that my friends post throughout November.  

Now, Thanksgiving in Malaysia really has little meaning to anyone other than us Americans who are living here.  I mean even our Canadian friends celebrated Thanksgiving several weeks ago.  So since we were in Malaysia, Robin and I had considered not doing the Thanksgiving thing this year, but when our boys heard us talking about it, they made it very clear that they expected the full works, turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and rolls at the very least.  This made us chuckle because the only thing that they will really eat is the turkey, cranberry sauce, and rolls, but none the less today was our Malaysian Thanksgiving.

Some may wonder why we had our Thanksgiving today, and the simple reason is that our boys are playing in a baseball tournament in Singapore on Thursday-Sunday of this week.  Caleb asked me today if it was bad luck to play ball on Black Friday.  I told him no, because there are many of our friends in the states who are under snow, ice and cold that would love the opportunity to play baseball in November in 80+ degree weather.  Especially those friends of ours who spent Saturday night watching football in -17C and making snow angels before the ISU/KU game!

So today started off like many of our usual Thanksgiving days.  We started off the morning with a special cinnamon roll breakfast (thanks Pillsbury and Jaya Grocer, we finally found them).  Then we settled in for a little football (my Pokes were doing a little Bear hunting).  We also knew that the day would hold too many calories, so we got a quick workout in during halftime.  The rest of the afternoon was spent preparing the meal that our boys asked for, and I must admit that it was pure heaven to have this little taste of home (complete with Pepperidge Farms stuffing - both cornbread dressing and bread stuffing, yes we are a split household)!

The highlight of my day (besides a big Cowboys win) was listening to my family talk about what they were thankful for.  Family and friends near and far, parents, health, and enjoying our experience here together topped our lists!  

I know that there are many different people that we have celebrated Thanksgiving together with over the years, and all of you are in our hearts today.  Happy Thanksgiving wherever and whenever you choose to celebrate it!

Fab 5 Friday...

Another week has come to an end...and it was a good week. Grayson and I are still struggling to get along. He insists on having the last word (which drives me freakin' C-R-A-Z-Y!) and while I love that he loves his teacher...her way is not the only way to do things - so he can stop correcting me anytime now. I know it's a phase...he'll grow out of it...eventually. Just please keep me from becoming a heavy drinker before this stage ends...

Let's move on to Fab 5 Friday!!! (If you get tired of the Friday Fab 5 - let me know! I can change it up!) Here's five things that made me happy this week...in no particular order!

1. Lunch With Some Fabulous Crossfit Women. Yeah, I blogged about the lunch earlier this week, but it deserves a spot in the "Fab 5 Friday" countdown. Just a relaxing lunch with good people...nothing more to say about it!

 

Elle, Susan, Me and Mabel

2. Crossfit. Crossfit makes the top 5 list this week. I had some strong workouts this week (and one that really sucked. Yeah...just giving myself points for going to the box that day! There was no gas in the tank and my performance showed it! But, I was there! Sometimes just showing up is enough!) I even made some of the morning workout crew pose for a picture post-WOD - so here they are:

Noor, Me, Mabel, Devi, Susan, Nick, Aliph, Madhu, and Jen

(Remind me! No horizontal stripes in future photos!) 

3. Thanksgiving. I honestly wasn't going to do Thanksgiving this year. We leave for Singapore Wednesday evening and I figured I'd just skip it. Well, last weekend the kids learned of my plans to skip it - and put the kaibosh on that! So...we went and bought a turkey ($36 USD for a 9 pound turkey - these kids better eat every morsel of this expensive bird) and I dug out my Thanksgiving stuff...and I'll be doing the Thanksgiving thing on Sunday while we put up our Christmas tree. I kind of like that they insisted we celebrate it. Back in the States on Thanksgiving we would invite anyone from Blaine's office who would not be going home for the holiday over to our house to celebrate. Those were some of my favorite memories of Thanksgiving...always filled with lots of laughs and good food. (So happy to hear that Michelle Morgan is continuing the tradition this year and hosting the Cargill crew at her house! We'll miss you guys this year!)

Thanksgiving comes to Malaysia

4. Good Customer Service. Okay, I'll be the first to admit that I make fun of Malaysian customer service. Last Sunday we waited all day for a Unifi repairman (after repeatedly checking to see if he was truly coming) and he did not show. And, there was the washing machine repairman...and, well, the list goes on. So...this week I posted to Facebook that I was looking for jellied cranberry sauce...the kind in the can that comes out looking like a big gelatinous can-shaped cranberry blob. (My kids LOVE this stuff!) I went to B.I.G. and couldn't find it...searched Village Grocer to no avail...and then decided to ask my local KL friends if they had seen it. While we all knew we had, no one was quite sure where. That's when my phone rang! Christine from B.I.G. (my wonderful cooking class instructor) called to say it was in aisle 2 near the ketchup and mustard. (This would be why I did not find it...I would not think to look near the ketchup for cranberry sauce!) Anyways. LOVE that she took the time to call me and tell me where it was and save me few extra trips searching for it! That's good service...some others could take note in this country.

One can was not enough!

5. Ambiance. So I've walked by this store named Ambiance many times. Several friends have recommended it to me, but I never took the time to go in and check it out. Last Saturday I ventured in with Blaine - so we could purchase a Kuala Lumpur Christmas ornament (which needed to be done - as this is the item we collect when we travel!) - and the store and staff were just lovely. I purchased a couple of presents and they gave me cute little gift bags for each of them...and the prices just did not seem that outrageous. I'll definitely go back...I think there's a few more things I need to buy for family and friends - and maybe myself!

A few gifts from Ambiance

The blog may be a bit quiet next week. While I'm here early in the week, we're finally heading to Singapore for our first baseball tournament. Very excited to see Caleb play! And super excited to visit Singapore!

Enjoy the weekend peeps!!

Lunch At Nathalie's Gourmet Studio...

So today was a ladies' lunch with some of the fabulous women of Crossfit. Mabel is currently on vacation from her pastry work at B.I.G., so it was the perfect time to plan a lunch date. Elle and Susan were able to join in today, too - so the four of us headed to Nathalie's Gourmet Studio, located in Publika.

Elle and Susan --- Me and Mabel

We all went with the set lunch today...which was a starter and dessert. They brought us rolls and butter first. Who can really resist warm rolls and butter? And then they sent out hummus and cherry tomatoes in these pretty little cones. As for the starters, Elle and Susan chose the scallops with beets, Mabel went with the risotto and snails and I went vegetarian with a parmesan and tomato dish served with a soft egg.

Pretty presentation! 

(If I wasn't with lunch guests I might have licked the balsamic reduction off of my plate!)

Lots of good conversation during lunch - which is the whole point of having lunch with friends. I could meet friends as McD's - and as long as the conversation is good - I'll enjoy it. (Okay...there's really no need to head to McDonald's here in Malaysia with so many restaurant choices, but you know what I'm saying...)

For me, the highlight was dessert. I know that Nathalie is know for her macaroons, but I couldn't resist crepe Suzette today - all sorts of orangey goodness. Mabel did try a macaroon and Susan and Elle had some desserts that looked fabulous...although I have no idea what they were!

Chef Nathalie working in the kitchen

Desserts

Chef Nathalie also offers cooking classes at the restaurant. I was able to sneak a peak at her studio space as we had lunch today. I'm thinking I'll check out her class schedule and see if she has anything that interests me - maybe another bread class. (I really should stop eating bread. It's like kryptonite to me!)

Anyways, hopefully, we'll get a few more lunches in before Elle heads back to Scotland and Mabel heads back to work. I'm sure we can find a few more restaurants to dine at...

The Big Excitement At School...

So...the largest and oldest tree at school came down this weekend. It was located in the middle of the courtyard at school and during a rainstorm Sunday afternoon it came crashing down. Needless to say, the kids had me take some pictures...

I can't help but wonder how long it will take to be cleared. Things don't always move quickly around here...

Fab 5 Friday...

So...for me, this was an excellent week. It passed a bit slowly, but really...I can't complain. I made it to Crossfit everyday this week - and the back feels fabulous! I've started work on the blog for our PA at school - which I'm really enjoying and think it will be a beneficial form of communication for our parents. Grayson and I had a few moments where I thought we might kill each other...and then I reminded myself that he is just like me and I need to respect his little personality! Caleb had a rough day yesterday...got stabbed with a pencil (accidentally!) and then some kid got on him about his soccer playing abilities. (I was a bad mom and told him to tell the kid that he would kick his ass on a baseball field! Yeah...probably not my best parenting moment! After I said that, we did have a laugh and we came up with some better strategies for handling this little urchin who thinks he's the next Messi!) I think Blaine had a decent week at work...I know there was a bit of frustration for him at points this week, but overall, he seemed pleased with how things went. (Plus, he's played some golf this week...and that always makes things better.)

Anyways, it's Fab 5 Friday time...let's get to it!

1. A great haircut. Once again, I'm going to say that finding a stylist who gives a good haircut was one of the best parts of the week. I tried the new Tony & Guy salon at Publika and Elaine, the salon manager, did an amazing job. Now, I could've done without her comments about needing to color my hair to cover the grays...but, I'm willing to look past that as the haircut is great.

2. Family Dinners. Since we've moved to Malaysia...it seems that we've had more family dinners. And, I have to say I think we all appreciate this. It's nice to sit down and talk about our day (and have the children critique my food...future food critics they will be!) or plan what we're going to do on the weekend. While Blaine still travels, it seems to be more day trips and less overnights - a definite positive about our move to KL.

3. Jeans that fit. Well, the scale has not moved much (at all!) in the last few weeks. While I find that frustrating as all hell, I am celebrating an NSV (non-scale victory) - jeans that fit! Woot! Woot! Now, I don't wear jeans that much (too freakin' hot!), but I did try on a pair that did not fit when we arrived - and they fit - easily!

I went with the gym membership!

4. Starbucks holiday drinks. Yes, I was unfaithful this week to San Francisco Coffee...I went to Starbucks one day. (Please forgive me SF Coffee! It won't happen - well, too often!) And, had the most delicious Toffee Nut Latte. Yum! 

Deliciousness in a holiday cup!

5. A final klonut. So Dessert Storm (at B.I.G.) closed last night closed. The boys insisted that we make a final visit to Miss Mabel for one last scrumptious klonut. Who am I to deny my children this little request?

Peanut Butter Klonuts

Caramel Apple Klonuts

The kids will miss these little delicacies, but we're hoping Miss Mabel will be back in about a month with some other fabulous pop-up in the Dessert Storm space.

All right...need to go. I've got some shopping to do and splurging on a massage this afternoon! 

Holiday Spirit...

So...I'm kind of in denial that it's mid-November. By mid-November I usually have a significant amount of Christmas shopping done, I'm thinking about decorating the house for the holiday season, and planning what deliciousness we'll be cooking.

Yeah, none of that has happened. It's sunny...hot...humid...I'm dressed in a tank top and shorts and flip flops...

Yup...flip flops

And I haven't given much thought to Christmas.

But, signs of Christmas are popping up all over the place! Christmas music is playing in certain stores...even my favorite coffee shop has a tree up and decorated.

Oh, Christmas Tree...Oh, Christmas Tree...

Now, trust me...I'm not complaining about the warm weather, but...it's just weird. There's no other way to describe it. I've always lived in places with four seasons...here, the weather doesn't change. And, the weather is having a definite effect on my holiday preparedness and spirit.

Last night, we did chat with the boys for a few minutes about what they would like for Christmas. First off, Grayson has some serious concerns that our Elf on the Shelf, Troy, will make it to Kuala Lumpur. He said, "Mom, we should've left Troy a note so he'd know where we are!" (No worries, young child! Troy made it to Kuala Lumpur. He's currently buried in a closet (probably suffocating!). And, he'll make his triumphant return once we return from Singapore.) Then, the discussion quickly turned to what they would like from Santa - because they had no worries that the jolly, old fat man knew where they were located. I loved Caleb's response. He listed a couple of items...nothing too outrageous. He asked for some money (once again...not surprised) and then he asked that we all "just have a good time in Bali." At 9 years old, he just "gets it." He understands that it's not about the amount of presents...or even the particular presents. He gets that we are here for a finite period of time and that Santa is helping to bring the gift of travel and new experiences to him. Even Grayson was on board with the whole thing...although I believe he asked for a few more presents than his big brother did! (What did you expect!?)

So...it's time for me to find my holiday spirit! Time to do a little Christmas shopping! Time to figure out when the tree will go up! Time to figure out Christmas meals. (The kids are insisting on pizza for Christmas Eve...a tradition we have had for as long as they have been able to eat pizza! But, Christmas Day may find us going out! That will be a change!) Time to stop letting the warm weather keep me from my love of this time of year!

Project Cambodia Cooking Demonstration...

So while I do not have any cooking classes on my calendar for a little bit, I did get to attend a cooking demonstration this morning which benefited Project Cambodia, an organization at our school which helps needy children in that country. Students from our school go to Cambodia to help teach English, purchase much needed food, clothes and supplies and help in anyway possible while there.

Today's demonstration took place at Fahrenheit 600 over at Publika, but was being conducted by Chef Federico Michieletto, of Marini's on 57. (Blaine and I went to Marini's on 57 a while back...and loved it! There's a blog about it somewhere!) Anyways, Chef Federico was completely charming...in that wonderful, Italian sort of way. (Yeah...I'm partial to Italians...sue me!) And, did a wonderful job demonstrating a few dishes for our group before we had lunch.

Fahrenheit 600 and some of the women enjoying coffee

Our group listening to the students explain about Project Cambodia

Chef Federico introducing his team of chefs

Everyone gathered around to watch the demonstration

Answering questions

The dishes he prepared

Today we had orechiette pasta with smoked duck and truffle oil (this was my fave!), a lovely vegetarian pasta with Japanese eggplant and burratina cheese, mussels with lemongrass, ginger and fennel, and of course, tiramisu. Lunch was delicious and the money went to a great cause.

Really, it was just a fun morning chatting with friends and meeting some new folks who live in Mont' Kiara. I was invited to join a very fun group of women for coffee in Solaris most mornings - will definitely have to meet up with that group! They seemed right up my alley!

Ciao!!

Embrace The Little Things...

Today is all about embracing the little things...

A good workout this morning...

This is me smiling after increasing my shoulder press by 5 pounds!

Roses from my husband...

So pretty!

Finding a stylist who gives a good short haircut...

I'm not a selfie kinda girl - but I do love this haircut!

So yes, the Monday may have started with rain and thunder, but it quickly turned around! 

Shrimp Boil

Last night the M'KIS Parents' Association hosted a shrimp boil at school - Adults only! Woot! Woot!  Lots of good food and great conversation! Had a great time meeting some new folks and hanging with some of the people in our neighborhood.

The breezeway at school - ready to go!

Louisiana Shrimp Boil

Preparations being made

Celine and Trang, Bridget, Brandie and Mike

Some of the people from Duta Tropika

Hanging out

Time to eat!

LOTS of shrimp!

It was a fun night for sure! Just what the Blackburns needed!

Fab Five Friday Funnies...

Okay peeps...it's Friday!! We've made it through another week. Today I'll let you in on some of the funnier moments of the week - or maybe not so funny, but now that a couple of days have passed...I think it's funny.

1. Blaine receives his first Malaysian speeding ticket. Yes, I said first...'cause I'm sure it's going to happen again. They have cameras set up all over this country and even with our little Garmin yelling, "Slow down...speed trap ahead" my husband got a ticket. It was via a camera and was mailed to the car rental place who in turned mailed it to him. I laughed because Blaine came home and said, "Okay...I'm just going to confess...I got a speeding ticket." (Really...I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner...he has a lead foot and his driving skills are starting to mimic many of the locals.)

2. The Myvi receives it's first ding. Yup. I dragged the fender of the Myvi against the curb and then up on the curb and then off the curb. This scraped the hell out of the fender and cracked it a bit. Whatever. It's a rental. (Where are my college roomies when I need them? Do you remember that great party senior year during football season and beer cans were being thrown all over the house and the standard line was, "Who cares?! It's a rental!" That's how I feel about the Myvi!) I often forget that I'm not driving my Honda Pilot - which would've had plenty of room to clear the curb.

Sorry little Myvi!

3. Grayson's reaction to Dennis Rodman. Yes, we got to see Dennis Rodman last weekend...who came out and played basketball (if you can call it that) looking like this:

Upon seeing him, Grayson asked, "Is Dennis Rodman a mime?" I told him, that, unfortunately, no he was not. A few minutes later, Grayson asked, "Is he a clown?" Hmmm...I stopped myself from giving my real thoughts on this and replied, "No...he's just an old, weird basketball player."

4. Washing Machine Repairman. Ah yes, a gentleman came to fix my washing machine which was occasionally not draining the water. He came in, found the model number, went back to his car, came back in with a manual and started reading from page 1. Yes, page 1...and continued reading the manual for at least the next hour. He then took apart my machine, put it back together and told me nothing was wrong with it. The next morning, Elizabeth, my helper, said that the washing machine was leaking - which it was - and asked if somebody had been here to look at it. Yup, so he not only did not fix the problem I had, but created a new one. Ah, Malaysia...truly Asia.

The washing machine...now with a whole new problem!

5. Hump Day. Once again...the camel rears his little head in honor of Hump Day and our friends', The Klutts'. We found this camel at the mall last weekend and just had to grab a photo...we were all giggling and could hardly wait until Wednesday to post the photo!!

Our Malaysian camel.

So there you have it! I hope you've found a few things to laugh at this week in your own life. And remember...

Birthday, Indian Cuisine, and more Birthday...

Okay...I feel like we've been in birthday mode for Caleb for about a solid week now. (No, it hasn't been that long...just feels that way!)

Sunday we made snack mix for Caleb's class. It had cereal, pretzels, M & M's and Skittles! He brought it to school on Monday since there was no school on Tuesday due to the holiday. His teacher (who I just love!) took a few pictures!

Caleb and his teacher, Mr. G

Caleb and a few of his classmates

Now, Tuesday was his actual birthday, but there was no school. I had a cooking class to attend that day - so it was a father/sons bonding day! Blaine, Caleb and Grayson headed out to hit the driving range at KLGCC, the batting cages at 1 Utama, Chili's for lunch and then a couple of games of bowling! Phew! I'm tired just thinking about it! 

The loved the driving range at KLGCC! Three stories, fully-automated!

What's not to like?

Seriously?! A three-way tie!??!

The boys got home just after I finished with my Indian Cooking class. A bunch of us were at B.I.G. to learn to cook Butter Chicken, Aloo Tikki, Chaat Salad, and Mango Lassi. Susan and Trang came, along with Donna and Elle and Heidi! We had a full class and brought home lots of yumminess!

Lots of ingredients and spices today

Butter Chicken

Aloo Tikki - a type of Indian potato pattie

Friends doing their cooking

Chaat Salad - Christine described it as Indian Nachos!

Christine making mango lassi for the group

Some of the great food we prepared!

Mabel had me stop by and see her before I left B.I.G. She was so sweet and had made Caleb an incredible M & M filled cake! WHAT!?! Cake and candy all in one?? A child's dream!!!

Look at those M & M's sneaking out!!

Ah! The motherload!! CANDY!

Caleb's birthday, but Grayson was pretty happy to partake in the goods!

So...the birthday celebrations have officially ended and I don't have another cooking class for a while. Thankfully, I have a few other projects to work on for the Parents' Association...definitely enough to keep me busy!