Awesome or atrocious? I just can’t decide.
VOTE NOW….
Filed under: Random Stuff | 2 Comments »
Poll–Best or Worst
Posted on May 25, 2012 by Crystal
Gujarati Princess
Posted on May 23, 2012 by Crystal
My in-laws came back from India with a special treat for Ellie. I think she looks like a proper gujarati princess…if only I had my wedding bindi kicking around (it’s in the US), then the look would be complete. I’ll have to get a sticker one or two. We didn’t get the wrap done quite right, so I didn’t include those photos. Ellie will be sporting this at a cousin’s wedding this coming November.
And for Rhiannon
Filed under: Asia, Bombay, Identity, India, Pictures, Travel by Continent, Country, Weddings/Receptions | 7 Comments »
My pre-eclampsia story (WAM)
Posted on May 23, 2012 by Crystal
May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month. Pre-e is a common disease during pregnancy that doctors don’t educate patients about nearly as well as they should. Come read about my experiences with it over at White as Milk.
Filed under: Pregnant Expat, White as Milk, Writing | Leave a Comment »
Why is my time more valuable?
Posted on May 22, 2012 by Crystal
In the six months since we fired B, I have had to balance our family schedule against that of air con service techs, pest control, dry cleaning pick up/drop off, water delivery, and the occasional handyman call. As with service people the world over, appointments are often made within larger swaths of time; between 10 and 1, after 4, or before noon (as examples). The problem is that without a helper, I can’t afford such lackadaisical approaches to appointment making.
At some point in dealing with each of my service companies, I’ve had to utter the following sentence “I don’t have a maid, so you need to be on time.”
What bothers me isn’t that I have to be clear that we are not the average family with a maid who can be home all day if need be, waiting for a service person to arrive. What bothers me is that each of my companies/providers then takes scheduling so much more seriously.
My time is treated as more valuable than that of a maid.
I am uncomfortable with this, even as I appreciate that the companies I do business with are at least trying to help me out. It feels like a difficult needle to thread.
Filed under: Culture Shock, Helpers, Singapore | 4 Comments »
I’ve joined the White as Milk team
Posted on May 21, 2012 by Crystal
I recently joined the White as Milk team as a blogger.
White as Milk describes itself thusly…
White As Milk is a next to be online shop which will sell baby powder milk and/or diapers in Singapore based on a subscription model (launch is expected in June 2012)
Having said that this blog wants to be a point of contact with parents not only to promote how fantastic it is to be delivered milk and diapers home but also to share tips about the growth and education of our little ones and on a more larger note, life in Singapore (Yes, it is not because babies arrive that we have to stop discovering new restaurants, stop having drink with friends, stop watching movies or stop reading book.
I hope you’ll come and read me over there as well.
My first post for White as Milk is about how I became The Accidental Stay at Home Mom.
Filed under: White as Milk, Writing | 4 Comments »
A Chorus Line–Show Review
Posted on May 21, 2012 by Crystal
I really wanted to like A Chorus Line.
It was a childhood favorite; I wore out my VHS copy of the movie. I knew every song from the Original Broadway Cast Album. However, I had never seen it staged live before last weekend. Knowing that Baayork Lee, one of the original interviewees that helped shape the show, was directing and choreographing added to my anticipation. I was revved to see a revival of one of Broadway’s classic shows.
It was…okay.
While sharp dancers, many cast members are clearly not vocalists. Many singing voices were lackluster, problematic in both diction and volume (and occasionally pitch–and I’m not talking about “Sing,” where being off pitch is the point of the number). Further, about half are also not compelling actors–I genuinely couldn’t care less about characters I *did* care about on the soundtrack and in the movie. The girl who I saw play Diana Morales, a Latina from the Bronx, was horribly miscast. By comparison, the woman playing Sheila (the oldest dancer present, wondering if she should just give it up and open a dance school), owned every second she had the spotlight.
It probably doesn’t help that this is a show that is not aging gracefully. References far too old for most people, yet not old enough to be nostaligic include–Steve McQueen, Bob Goulet, that 42nd street in Manhattan was ground zero for prostitution and sex shops until the mid 90′s (to see what it used to look like see here, versus today here), method acting, and the majority of the costumes.
A Chorus Line is, at heart, about 17 dancers desperate to nail 8 parts. That is an ageless story, and as true today as it was in 1975. Leaving it as a period piece distances the audience and unlike “Thoroughly Modern Millie” where the fact that it was the 20′s was a key part of the story, leaving A Chorus Line in the 70′s does nothing to add to the show. There were a thousand missed opportunities.
I checked the show’s Wikipedia page for the show’s original date…and found that most of my program’s content about the show’s plot and history, and “other media” were plagiarized from that page, and I’d like my $20 SGD back (it also explains why the program talked about various productions of the show and the two documentaries about the show and completely ignored the 1985 movie, something I found baffling). The laziness inherent in plagiarizing the wikipedia page is perhaps the best summation of the show overall–that there was an obvious lack of effort.
This is a bare bones show. It’s supposed to take place on an empty stage, so it is simply the stage with a black background (that occasionally revolve to be mirrors). During Cassie’s solo, there are additional mirrors that descend from the ceiling–for no reason. She doesn’t interact with them, and they add nothing to the dance that the back mirrored wall doesn’t do. Why? Zach moves out into the audience, but without a spotlight or anything that could add to that. Again, a missed opportunity.
Did the show suck?
It wasn’t awful. Perhaps if it wasn’t coming on the heels of Wicked, which was a superior touring cast (either of the leads could have stepped onto a Broadway or West End stage), I wouldn’t have been so let down, but I’m not sure.
The dancing was superior (as it should be). Several numbers, such as “Dance 10, Looks 3″ and “I can do that” were outstanding. The cast is trying, but I lay most of the blame at Lee’s feet. You can’t put a new spin on a character, when you’re being told to paint by number and go through the motions.
If you really want to see the show, or if you really really love musical theater, it’s worth it to buy a 2nd or 3rd tier price ticket for the remaining week that it’s here. Otherwise, if you’ve been on the fence whether or not to go…give it pass.
Filed under: Singapore, Theater/Shows/Events | 1 Comment »
500
Posted on May 19, 2012 by Crystal
This is my 500th post at Expat Bostonians.
I began the blog on March 8th, 2010; 2 years, 2 months and 9 or 10 days (depending on how you count the time difference) ago. A blog seemed like the logical way to keep our friends back home apprised of what life here in the Lion City was like. Before I moved here, the only things I knew (or thought I knew) about Singapore was that some American kid had gotten caned here when I was in high school, and that chewing gum was illegal here.
In honor of my 500th post, I thought I’d share some of my favorite posts in chronological order.
2010–Lots of factual posts (what does the money here look like), not a ton of introspection. I think I was so busy taking in Singapore that I couldn’t really process it.
Our look see visit to Singapore — This is a favorite post because it’s my baseline. It contains my first photos and impressions of Singapore. This is a post I look back at to see how far I’ve come.
Awkward–My first post about hiring a helper.
4th of July, Singaporean Style–Our first big American holiday spent in Singapore, and a favorite memory to this day. I’ve loved the American 4th of July event both years we’ve been here, and I’m looking forward to our third in a few months.
Palawan Beach–Our first visit there, and contains some of my favorite photos.
Thailand, Part 2–Describes one of the coolest things I’ve done in Southeast Asia-the Siam Safari in Phuket. A 6 hour adventure that tried to balance eco-tourism with preserving culture, and the struggles that come with it. I’m a nerd, so learning on vacation=YAY. Also-BABY ELEPHANTS! Extremely long entry, but one of my all time favorites
Christmas out and about in Singapore–I was totally thrown by stores being open and seeing Christmas treated as just another state sanctioned holiday.
2011-I got to know more people and began to really participate in the blogging community here. I started writing posts that tried to get to the why instead of the what. WHY were things the way they were instead of a book report.
Happy (sort of ) New Years–I live tweeted the NYE special with Kirsten and this post shares some of the highlights. Sort of New Years because it was 2011 in Singapore but still 2010 in Boston.
Skin Whitening…it’s a “thing” here–One of the first posts discussing my discomfort with the way whiteness is idealized here.
Having a Maid…the bad and the ugly–Singapore practically expects you to have a maid, but few people talk about the negatives. This post explored the negatives both from the culture clash perspective and the issues within Singapore itself (the racism and abuses).
What do I do when the power goes out and other questions I forgot to ask–just when you think you’ve figured out expat life, something happens to totally upend your sense of comfort.
Hong Kong-Goldfish Market and Street Markets–On our child-free vacation in Hong Kong, Ravi and I visited the Goldfish Market in Hong Kong and it was another really memorable vacation moment.
Bad Expat (Part 1-ur doin it rong)–In which I explain all the ways I suck at being an expat.
Seth Rogen talks about Singapore–and SG isn’t happy–this was the first time I felt like I could explain and understand both sides of a US/SG critique and conflict of humor.
Things you don’t see/hear in Singapore–After a trip home, I began to realize there are some things I never see or hear in Singapore
Maids, Cultural Expectations and the Importance of Modeling (expat to expat advice)–A post that really talks about the cultural issues (small and big) that come with having a maid.
Pink Dot 2011–I was so proud to be at Pink Dot (an celebration of all love, particularly LGBT love and the only pro-gay event in Singapore) last year, when Google stepped up as the first ever corporate sponsor.
A negative experience at a doctor’s office and maybe some news–It feels strange to put such an angry post on my “favorites/top” list. However, I think it is well written and it clearly articulates an issue I’ve had repeatedly with older male doctors in Singapore-being condescended to/spoken to as if I were my 3 year old. As an expat, you have to constantly negotiate cultural issues, and, in general, it is best to learn to bend and to be flexible. However, it is also okay to have lines that you can not, under any circumstance, cross. This experience was one of them.
Our second 4th of July in Singapore-Our second, and equally memorable 4th of July in Singapore
My tale of laptop woe grows–I take my laptop to a certified apple repair center, tragic hilarity ensues
Comparing Singaporean and American Pregnancy Guides–After having a baby in the US, I wanted to read a local pregnancy guide to figure out how the approach locally was different.
My first name is not Crystalann–I like the post more because of the really interesting conversation it inspired in the comments section about names and culture.
Validation-The post I wrote after my first fiction short story acceptance
Santa Cruz Boardwalk-A wonderful day with Ellie on vacation. Ravi was sick, and I was pregnant, so it was one of our last big adventures just her and I before the baby arrived. I also love the pictures.
Why I didn’t want to be in the US on 9/11-On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I was in the US and I was reminded of many of the things I don’t like about being an American, and why we have such a bad reputation abroad.
Just WHAT is in those 8 suitcases Part 1 and Part 2 –A photo essay of the kind of nonsense we bring back to Singapore from home.
Prenatal care in the US vs Singapore–Shh, don’t tell anyone, but I might like Singaporean prenatal care better.
Rhiannon Arcadia-I got to announce and post a picture of my newly born 2nd child. Of course it’s a favorite.
An American Halloween in Singapore–We go trick or treating!
Happy Birthday Elanor–her 3rd birthday post
Slutwalk Singapore 2011–I took the girls to slutwalk because I want to raise them to be strong independent feminists.
Wicked Green Carpet and Gala–I won tickets to the black tie gala premiere of Wicked in Singapore. My friend Kirsten and I and our lack of social skills went…hilarity ensued.
Oh Christmas Tree—We had a great Christmas Tree, until the cats went on the offensive
Disconnect-Firing B was not a highlight of my blog, but it was one of the most significant events, and for that reason, I need to include it.
2012-I’m really proud that so far in 2012, I got nominated for a Singapore Blog Award, was named a top blog by InterNations and have started contributing professionally at White As Milk.
Irresistible-The book with my short story in it was published (the short story is under a pen name, but if you read the book, you’ll be able to figure it out, trust me)
That does not mean what you think it means–English vs English FAIL
Lessons learned from my negative maid experience–I take ownership of my mistakes in the whole B debacle
What I love about Singapore that has nothing to do with my children–I had to really think about this as all my reflexive answers have to do with my kids.
Where are you from–I share a story about Ravi and wonder aloud how my 3rd culture kids are going to react to their home culture…or if they’ll even consider it their home culture
Stuff I wish I hadn’t brought to Singapore–Things that I’ve found around the house that have me wondering just what I was thinking when I brought them to Singapore
Elanor and the ACA–why health care matters–Elanor’s story (warning–possible triggers as it does graphically describe what happened to Ellie at a week of age, including how close she came to death, and includes a photo from intensive care)
When I was six–What life was like for me in small town MA as a kid in the 80′s
My misconceptions about Expat Life–Boy did I have it wrong on some things.
Ways that living in Singapore have changed me—the shallow edition
Wild Life Sydney Zoo at Darling Harbour–the highlight of our trip to Australia
My bank is trying to Punk Me-another absurd/hilarious tale of customer service hell
Filed under: Acts of Supreme Clumsiness, Asia, Attractions, Australia, Before the Move, Boston, Culture Shock, customs, Expat to Expat Advice, general places, headdesk moments, Helpers, Holidays (Not Singaporean), Hong Kong, Identity, medical, North America, Phuket, politics, Pregnant Expat, San Francisco, Singapore, Sydney, Thailand, Third Culture Kids, Travel, Travel by Continent, Country, Uniquely Singapore, US, With Kids | 3 Comments »
Wordless Wednesday–Elanor
Posted on May 16, 2012 by Crystal
Filed under: Pictures, Video | 4 Comments »
My bank is trying to Punk me
Posted on May 15, 2012 by Crystal
If you’ve never seen Punk’d, the premise of the show is that one celebrity tries to trick another celebrity by taking a situation to a ridiculous extreme. Take away the celebrities, and you have the situation I found myself in earlier today.
I went to the bank to fill out a GIRO form. I did this because the last two times I’ve tried to just fill one out and file it, they have told me that my signature doesn’t match the one on file. Thus I have taken to physically signing my GIRO forms in front of bank representatives to ensure that the forms are accepted.
Today I showed up at the bank with my passport, my IC, and two GIRO forms.
I signed the forms in front of the teller.
The teller then proceeded to tell me that my signature didn’t match the one on file and that she couldn’t accept it.
It was at that moment that my worst customer service experience ever (aka the laptop repair failure of doom) was topped and a whole circle of hell was created.
Seriously people, if my life is being broadcast on the internet as some kind of surreal comedy or test to see how long before a person cracks, please tell me.
Filed under: money, Singapore | 9 Comments »
Happy Mother’s Day
Posted on May 13, 2012 by Crystal
Happy Mother’s Day to my mom
My mother in law
to me
and to all my mom friends who keep me sane.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who have lost a baby or are still struggling to conceive. I’ve been there on a Mother’s Day, and I hope that you don’t feel invisible, like I did–I see you, and I wish you a happy Mother’s Day as well. No matter how briefly your child was with you, you deserve a Happy Mother’s Day as well.
Filed under: Holidays (Not Singaporean) | 4 Comments »
