View 2010 Tour in a larger map

I’ve been commented by a few friends that I’ve been putting on alot of weight looking at those pictures I posted on facebook recently. Do I look cuter? No is their answer… I think I get it - It’s time to discipline myself from having buffet after buffet and start my gym routine. Besides, IPPT is coming. But sometimes I wonder… when will fat be the new sexy?

You may choose to detest or embrace cultural differences but I think the latter will survive the test of time. The world is more interesting as a result of it don’t you think?

I had my late morning brunch with my housemate at IHOP - as some of you might know - it refers to the International House of Pancakes, an all-american pancake icon. Neither me nor my friend (from now I’ll refer him as YJ) are big pancake fans. Actually, Maple syrup just make the whole experience worst. We were there because they have an eat-all-you-can pancake promotion and it’s the most economical way to fill us up, as we thought so. Some credit however, IHOP’s coffee is excellent. Okay, in short we were there for cheap food and good coffee. When we were there, unlike Americans who ordered for themselves an individual set each, we, being traditional thrifty Chinese decided to order a set to share (Rings a bell if you’re a fellow singaporean reading this isn’t it)… I mean since it’s eat-all-you-can, we decided to share it. What’s wrong with that? Anyway, we turned the pretty waitress off. Who cares, it’s not like we’re gonna have a chance with her. But we had our fill and when we requested for additional pancakes after our third round, the waitress shot at us with some texan slang - it goes something like this “Yo’ll not sar-puse to share this ya know!” and stomps off. Gosh, she don’t even own the place, why does she care? She can kiss her tips goodbye. But yeah, we had our third plate of pancakes and that’s it. In fact, the third plate was really just about enough. Another plate would be a little too much…

The beauty of it is that we will always find ways to exploit a good offer, getting the best of it. And in this case, as long as the terms doesn’t state we can’t share food, it means we can share! In USA, as long as the roads does not have a NO-U TURN SIGN, you can make a u-turn! It’s the land for the free! But Americans are often guided by this sense of self-righteousness. As such they will naturally order individual sets even if they can’t really finish them. But at the end of the day, I got my money worth…

No wonder you don’t see such fantastic offers in Singapore. Of course there are a few- remember the “Eat all you can” pizza hut promotion @ $6.99 many years ago? That didn’t last. Pizza Hut just did not realise how hungry Singaporeans can get.

Oh ya, I forgot to mention. Will any banks in Singapore offer you $10 cash to open a checking account? No frills, no nonsense - pure $10 credited into your account once you open an account. Not that I know of really. But here in Texas, I just made USD125 for opening a checking account with a minimum deposit of $100. Fantastic huh? And guess what when I was in the bank, the banker mentioned that I’m like the number 7 Singaporean there for this offer. Ouch! But who cares? As long as I’m $125 richer…

In short, you can’t really give Singaporeans a good offer, they’ll rip you off. America is one living example - Thanksgiving as we know is an american festival, but thanksgiving sale is a paradise for Asians. What a contrast!

It’s 11 pm as I am writing this. I meant this to be a start of a daily journaling habit I’ve procrastinated all along for so long. I really do not know what to begin with but to write whatever that flash across my mind. Not that there are many things on my mind nowadays - my memory is slowly fading away, making me all so frustrated about myself at times, trying to recall things that were once readily available at a snap of my fingers. There’re also too may things I am more worried than ever about nowadays, thinking about how best to dress, speak, act and impress. Although worrying over things that are beyond my control is pointless, but my mind just can’t stop wandering towards them. I think Jesus said something like “…worrying does not add another day to your life…”. How true it is! Maybe I am putting too much pressure on myself, working more than I should play - yet I’m afraid to slacken myself. Well on hindsight, at least I know my problem. Probably a good start. Maybe it’s even the cause of my failing memory. Maybe I’ve got to stop trying too hard and be myself. Yet how does one grow in character without trying his best? Doesn’t matter whether I’m in Singapore or here, it’s a vicious cycle everywhere…

Maybe a prayer is all it really takes… Indeed!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6

A happy new year to all you cool people out there!

It’s been almost 1 month since I penned down about my journey to the west. Well, the daily work routine has gotten the better of me. Gone are the initial feelings of anticipation and excitement that one may have when he is in a new environment. Reality sets in.

I am starting to miss my family, and a lot of my friends. Over the past few days, I’ve been calling quite a few. And nothing is more therapeutic than hearing sweet lovely voices you find so irritating in the past! It took me to realize what wonderful friends I’m blessed with all these while! Now I’m in a new land, new culture, new slang (My tongue is a little bit too stiff trying to speak like them) I guess I’ve to resist my resistance to get to know new people. I mean some people just make friends so easily. It takes considerable effort on my part tho. Adding to this, opportunities to mingle with the locals is low. The only few places really, is clubs and clubs. But I don’t  club. Maybe dating sites would be a nice option….

I’m also beginning to get tired of American food. Besides, they are not cheap at all. A decent plate fried rice would cost at least US$7, not including tax and tip. That’s almost SGD12 for one meal! Now I have one more regret - not learning wonderful cooking skills from my mum… And my house mate can’t cook for nuts! Can you believe it, he has problem frying even an omelette. That really leaves THE Man with no choice but to roll up his sleeve and do some cooking on his own. Yeah, guess what? I could never imagine myself cooking meals on a daily basis for my roommate and myself. Of course my initial cooking was bad! It did not look good and did not taste good. But a little bit of consistent effort is all it takes. Now, we’d so much prefer to eat in than out. Not to mention, its alot alot cheaper too. Oh ya, how can I forget the little chances we create for ourselves whenever we are in the supermarket - striking up conversations with pretty housewives, asking them about food products, etc. C’mmon, they are lonely beings too you know…

Other than that Texas is a fantastic place. Golf is a cheap sport to pick up. I got myself a respectable second-hand set for barely $300. Signed up for golf lessons and got myself to be a member of a beautiful golf course. Frankly, I always thought golf is a stupid game. Why hit a small ball over and over again for hours? No wonder only the old and senile plays them. I was wronged the moment I pick it up. It’s addictive. It’s a game of perfection. Now I think it’s a good sport to be in. My colleagues think otherwise, that I am playing it to get my investment worthwhile. Whatever it is, it is a new sport I’m very enthusiatic about currently.

No snow this christmas

My first love in Texas

Christmas celebration @ work

Maine lobster for dinner

This debate has been going on for years and I personally like this one, by south park.

Although it’s not mine for the taking after 2 years, it’s a fantastc experience living in such wonderful facilities. Oh ya as you can see, I’m still pretty mesmerized by it and totally forgot about the world class gym, sub-class swimming pool, basketball court, sauna and other clubhouse facilities. We jus had a farewell BBQ for a few of our comrades overlooking the pool too. Beautiful view. Rustic looking settings as the sun sets. Just a day ago we had the most enjoyable of cheap treats at A&W. Never really understand why they cannot survive in Singapore when they have so many loyal supporters amongst them. We had a fulfilling flow of rootbeer float, connie dogs and much munch more…

Non edited image

Awwwww - simply A&Wwww

Howie! It’s really cold today, with wind chills forcing temperatures below 5 deg C.

Firstly, special thanks to those of you who saw me off at the airport. I am touched by your effort, waking up so early in the morning to send me off. I’ve never had such special treatment until that day… Sob Sob… Or maybe you guys were simply celebrating the fact that I’m finally out of Singapore… Whatever your reasons, I’m glad to have you there…

Big thanks to all those of you who were not able to send me off but kissed me goodbye with your well wishes - sms, facebook, emails, etc. I really appreciate all the gifts, cards, hugs and too bad no kisses. Trust me - you have given me strength and blessed me with the knowledge that I have very loving friends…

I was so inspired to write about my first taste of USA when I touched down last Friday, although that original enthusiasm has died down, or rather, been transmuted into jet lag and work commitments. But there are some things that has certainly caught my eye - Everything is big in Texas! From chicken wings to the trucks transporting them. An it was amazing to experience autumn once again, large air-conditioners blowing down from heaven gates. It just brings back memories of those times when I was working in Tony Roma’s - entering walk-in freezers for pork ribs and beef. It felt almost as cold as the weather here! One thing I can’t accept however was Hollywood’s portrayal of beautiful women – I expected a beautiful town with beautiful people. How wrong am I. Like I said, everything is big in Texas, including  women - big at the wrong parts… Must be the Wendy’s, IHOPs, Krispy Kremes and other fantastic food chains that greeted my arrival. Who knows? I might become one of their ‘big is beautiful’ contestants soon after.

I love my estate, and you shall see why…

My Cottage - St Marin Apartments

Kitchen

Royal Bathtub

Living Room

Bed Room

When we arrived at our apartment, we were told to quickly put down our stuff and head to Walmart to buy basic necessities. Mine, Walmart is huge! What is Carefour or Giant as compared to that supermart!

Wal-mart

Endless range of products

Oh, actually, before we headed for walmart, we had a satisfying dinner in one of America’s flagship food chains - IHOP (International House of Porn Pancakes). As usual, everything is big here - the burger was huge, the onion rings - ever larger!

IHOP Restaurant

Bacon & Cheese Burger - US$7.95

Chilli sauce is almost as hard to come by as asian women here

There are so many things to share with you guys but so little time. Too bad I do not have time to share about the chains of factory outlets in Allen. Can you imagine? Coach bags at more than 50% lesser than those in SG. I bought 3 levis jeans. 501 is priced at $19.90 - beat that! No wonder they call USA a consumer’s paradise. I can’t wait for their Thanksgiving/ Black Friday sales this 27th!

Update you guys further with more juicy buys and adventures!

Signing off
Edwardo