Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

1. What kinds of seafood have you tried and liked? What is the most unique seafood you’ve eaten?
I don’t like seafood and I haven’t tried many… Some fish, lobster, crab cakes, crab dip, popcorn shrimp. My favorite is popcorn shrimp but I still never eat it.

2. An unforgettable vacation moment is _____________________.
Sea kayaking in Thailand. It was amazing! Read more about that here.

3. When was the last time you tried something new?
Hmmm I dunno. I started a new job recently.

4. Who or what inspires you?
My determination to get my dream job and my passion for travel.

5. How did you chose the names of your children. If you don’t have kids, how do you choose pet names?
I don’t have kids but I have names picked out: Emerson Harper for a girl (Emmie) and Finnegan for a boy (Finn but I need a middle name!). My cats’ names are Diesel Gambrinus and Riley Moonshine. I love the name Riley for a girl but I have a friend who used it already so I feel like I shouldn’t! Except for a cat. I always joked if I had kids I would give them redneck names of Diesel and Baby Jane. So I was going to name my cats that but I had a cat named Janie growing up so Baby Jane seemed too similar. I thought Moonshine was pretty redneck too, and a cat name I always liked, so I went with that. Then I figured Diesel needed an alcoholic middle name as well… Gambrinus was my favorite Czech beer when I lived in Prague. Diesel ended up being a girl and not a boy as I thought but she already had the boy name so…

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. When you’ve eaten in a restaurant do you complete their comment card? Do you take online surveys highlighted at the bottom of store receipts?
If a comment card is left on a table then I will fill it out. I only do the Old Navy surveys to get a discount. Any other surveys where I could get a chance to win a bunch of money or something I don’t bother with… Because chances are it’s a waste of time!

2. The (US) ban on women in combat was lifted at the end of January. It will probably be next year before specifics are worked out, but its been reported over 200,000 front line positions will eventually open up to women. Your thoughts?
I think it’s a good thing. If women want to have front line positions then let them. But I won’t be one of them!

3. In looking back at all the blog posts you’ve written, what’s your favorite post title?
I don’t usually come up with very creative titles. The one that popped into my head was You Down Wit’ Ko Phi Phi? (Yeah, You Know Me!).

4. What’s worse… Overly permissive parents or overly protective parents? Did your own parents lean more to the permissive or the protective category? If you’re a parent where do you fall?
Overly protective parents are worse in my opinion. I don’t believe in sheltering your children from everything. My mom was more permissive and I turned out just fine.

5. Candlelight, moonlight, firelight, bright lights in the big city… Which one’s your favorite?
I’m gonna go with firelight when on a camping trip.

6. Dr. Seuss’s birthday was celebrated on Saturday. What’s a favorite book you remember (Seuss or otherwise) from your own childhood? Did books play an important role in your growing up years?
I loved to read as a kid and still do. I loved The Baby-sitters Club and Fear Street series.

7. To quote Dr. Seuss… “From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere” from One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. Share something funny you’ve recently read, seen or heard.
I laughed out loud while reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid the other day (for a class assignment). Pretty funny book!

8. Insert your own random thought here.
My cat Diesel has been bringing me some nice presents. For awhile it was just mice but in the past week I’ve gotten a crawfish, baby chipmunk, and enormous frog!! Luckily they were all still alive and well and I was able to rescue them.

My Favorite Places in Southeast Asia

If you haven’t yet, check out my guest post on Lesley’s blog By the Porchlight for all the reasons you should visit Southeast Asia! Now that I’ve convinced you to travel to the region, where exactly should you go? Here are a few of my favorite places:

• The River Kwai Jungle Rafts in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. This floating hotel is only accessible by boat and has no electricity! But it was amazing. You can jump off the front deck and float down the river or watch elephants bathe from the hammock on your balcony.

• The Puerto Princesa Underground River on Palawan Island in the Philippines. Named one of the new wonders of nature in 2012, you can take a boat ride on the river into an enormous cave. On land, you’ll see giant monitor lizards and monkeys hanging out together and the most gorgeous green water you could imagine.

• Street food stands in Hanoi, Vietnam. I don’t even care for Vietnamese food, but the pho I ate at one of the many tiny tables set up along the sidewalks of this charming city was so delicious. Chances are there won’t be any English spoken here but a little pantomime can go a long way. After dinner grab a beer at a roadside bia hơi joint.

• Kuang Si Falls near Luang Prabang, Laos. Best swimming holes in the world! But please be respectful of the local culture and wear a t-shirt over your bathing suit. There are tons of signs posted yet I saw so many foreigners in bikinis. Also be sure to visit the Bear Rescue Center at the entrance to the park!

• Beng Mealea near Siem Reap, Cambodia. Angkor Wat gets all the hype but I preferred this remote temple that can be reached by tuk-tuk in two hours. Prepare for a dusty, bumpy ride… But it’s worth it! Beng Mealea has been consumed by the jungle and left to ruin, which to me only adds to its beauty. You can climb up and over fallen rocks and rubble. Since there are many trees, it is also much shadier than other temples.

• Phang Nga Bay Sea Kayaking near Phuket, Thailand. Definitely do the Hong by Starlight tour with John Gray’s Sea Canoe. Expensive but so worth it! Amazing guides, great food, beautiful scenery, monkeys, swimming… I also loved making krathongs out of banana leaves and flowers and making a wish as we watched them float away in the candlelit lagoon. Magical!

• Nipah Guesthouse in Pulau Pangkor, Malaysia. This is the best hotel I have ever stayed at because of its owners. Nicest, friendliest people you will ever meet! Alicia and Anuar really went above and beyond to make our stay exceptional. This is a great place to visit if you want to relax for a few days… Read in a hammock, take a leisurely stroll to the beach, munch on banana fritters, and feed the hornbills. Walking to Coral Island during low tide is fun too!

• Buddha Park near Vientiane, Laos. There isn’t much else to do near this city so if you’re in the area, definitely check out this sculpture park! So many bizarre Hindu and Buddhist statues. There’s also a giant pumpkin with three levels (hell, earth, and heaven) that you can go inside. From the top there’s a great view of the entire park.

• Bali, Indonesia. This island is my favorite place in the world (so far). I love the offerings that are EVERYWHERE. Balinese people are very spiritual. They believe that Bali is populated with gods, ancestors, spirits, and demons and the offerings are meant to show respect and gratitude. I saw many items presented in the offerings, such as fruit, candy, cigarettes, money, crackers, and incense.

Single Ladies Link Up

10 Things I Love About Myself

1. I am a good friend. I am thoughtful, I remember things, I make an effort, I don’t back out when I say I’m going to do something.

me and my friend Cindy (skiing on Tuesday)

2. I am well-traveled.

Mongolia, June 2012

3. I am intelligent and doing well in grad school.

4. I can cook and bake some delicious dishes (most of the time).

5. I like to do things by myself (going to the movies, traveling, etc.).

but when you travel by yourself, you tend to take photos like this all the time (Laos, June 2012)

6. I love my two cats like they’re my children.

7. I have cute toes. And a cute nose.

8. I have an exciting life and am always trying new things.

riding an elephant was scary! (Thailand, July 2011)

9. I throw great parties.

Santa’s Mustache Bash, December 2012

10. I’m fun! I will sing karaoke or be the first one on the dance floor.

Carnival Cruise, September 2012

Sunday Stealing

1: Would you swear in front of your parents?
My mom yes, dad no.

2: Which continents have you been on?
North America, Europe, and Asia.

3: Do you get motion sickness? Any horror stories?
Not usually but I did get seasick on a boat from Phuket to Ko Phi Phi in Thailand. I didn’t puke but I came close. It was awful!

see those choppy waves?

4: Why did you name your blog whatever you named your blog?
If was after this song, which I listened to when I was homesick while living in Korea.

5: Would you wear a rainbow jacket? A neon yellow sweater? Checkered pants?
I’d probably wear the yellow sweater.

6: What was your favorite cartoon growing up? Post a picture if you can.

7: In a past life I must have been a…
Cat. I like to sleep, eat, and be grumpy.

8: If you had to look at one city skyline for the rest of your life, which would it be?
Out of all the cities I’ve been to, I think I liked Hong Kong the best. It would be a cool place to live.

9: Longest plane ride you’ve ever been on?
14 hours from Washington DC to Seoul.

10: The longest you’ve ever slept?
I dunno… All day when I’m hungover.

11: Would you buy a sweater covered in kitten pictures? Would you wear it if someone gave it you for free?
I might buy it at a thrift store and wear it just because it’s funny and tacky.

12: Do you pluck your eyebrows?
Yes.

13: Favorite kind of bean? Kidney? Black? Pinto?
Black beans.

14: How far can you throw a baseball?
Not far at all…

15: If you had to move to another country, where would you move?
Indonesia, Bali specifically. Most amazing place I’ve ever visited, and cheap!

I was not a fan of the monkeys however

16: Have you ever eaten Ethiopian food? Vietnamese? Korean? Nepalese? How was it?
Not Ethiopian but I have had the other three. Nepalese is similar to Indian, so it’s delicious! Vietnamese is OK (although the pho they sell on the streets of Hanoi is amazing) and Korean is my least favorite (except for bulgogi).

Sunday Stealing

1: Do you notice a person’s eye color?
Never.

2: White, milk, or dark chocolate mocha?
I don’t drink mochas. But milk chocolate is my preference.

3: If you could get a tattoo free, would you do it? What would it be?
If it was by a reputable artist then yes. The next two I want to get are a quote with a skeleton key and “let it be” with a dandelion and birds.

4: Did you grow up in a small or big town? Did you like it?
Small town and I pretended like I hated it then but it wasn’t that bad.

5: Your favorite adult as a child (and not your parents, if they were your favorite)?
My Aunt Laura.

6: What kind of smoothie sounds really good right now?
Mango. Yum!

mango smoothie in Bangkok

7: Most embarrassing moment from your elementary school years?
I fell down a flight of stairs in 5th grade.

8: Most embarrassing moment from your middle school years?
I fell out of my bedroom window and into our compost pile in 8th grade.

9: Most embarrassing moment from your high school years?
I can’t really think of one…

10: Have you ever fired anyone?
No.

11: Have you ever climbed a tree more than twenty feet off the ground?
That sounds really high so no.

12: Did you like swinging as a child? Do you still get excited when you see a swing set?
No, I hate swinging. As a kid it was OK.

13: If you could have any pet in the world, illegal or not, what would you get?
I love my kitties but I would also like a bunny.

14: What’s your favorite place to relax?
In a bubble bath.

15: What’s your most favorite part of your personality?
I think I am a thoughtful friend.

16: Madonna or Lady Gaga? Neither? Both? Who cares?
Lady Gaga.

Lady Gaga concert in Seoul, April 2012

17: Have you ever watched the Superbowl all the way through?
Yes of course!

18: Have you ever watched any major sporting event live?
Yes I’ve been to NASCAR, an NFL game, and an NBA game.

hating the NASCAR Samsung 500 race, April 2009

Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots, December 2009

Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic, May 2010

19: What’s the most delicious food you’ve ever eaten in your life?
Indian curry and garlic naan.

20: Margarine or butter? Which did you grow up with?
Either one. My mom is big on real butter though.

2012 Review Extravaganza: First Quarter Recap

January:

I went on vacation to Palawan Island in the Philippines (so beautiful!!).

that’s a real starfish!

fresh coconut milk

monkeys and monitor lizards!

Puerto Princesa Underground River

it was Chinese New Year

I also blogged about my December 2011 trip to Singapore and Bali.

this was actually terrifying

I quit my job as a kindergarten teacher to be a full-time student. My last day there was filled with cards, presents, and hugs!

February:

I went on an awesome Bugok Hawaii Ice Festival and wine tasting trip.

red wine foot bath!

party bus

I visited the Korean Folk Village.

chestnuts roasting on an open fire

March:

I visited Busan.

I visited Siem Riep, Cambodia and Bangkok and Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

In case you’re wondering, I lived in Korea from May 2010-May 2012.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. In what ways do you indulge yourself?
I live a pretty indulgent life… Food, vacations, lots of “me” time watching TV and movies, pedicures, shopping. I’m spoiled!

2. Have you ever taken a cooking class? Any interest? What type of class would you most like to try?
Yes, I took cooking classes in Korea and Thailand. Right now I am taking a cake decorating class. I would love to take many more in the future! #1 would be an Indian cooking class.

3. What does it mean to be a good citizen?
Vote!

4 ‘Tis the season of the political advert… Do these ads influence your vote?
Heck no. I think most people are already decided. They’re just annoying!

5. What’s something you see today that makes you wish you were a kid again?
My bank account balance.

6. What’s your least favorite cliche?
I don’t have one.

7. What percentage of your Christmas shopping has been completed? How does that make you feel?
5%. I’m fine with that; it’s still early.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Can’t decide which movie to take my nephew to this afternoon… Hotel Transylvania or Frankenweenie?

P is for Paris, Phuket, & Pulau Pangkor

Paris, France

I visited Paris with my friends Breanna and Hazel in May 2004. It was part of a whirlwind European backpacking trip that I had planned as a college graduation gift to myself. We visited many awesome places in the city, including (pictured) Sacré Cœur, the Catacombs, Notre Dame, and Centre Georges Pompidou.

Phuket, Thailand

I went to Phuket in July 2011 with my friend Lienna. We had so much fun! Activities included riding elephants, sea kayaking, getting massages, visiting temples, and a Thai cooking class!

Pulau Pangkor, Malaysia

I visited this island in February 2011. It was one of my best trips in Asia because we had a group of friends come along too! We had fun just eating, drinking, chilling on the beach, and hanging out at the awesome Nipah Guesthouse.

The Friday 5

1. List your (current) top five favorite food dishes; include photos if you’d like.
These are my top five I like to cook anyway… Top five to eat would get trickier!

• I always make tacos at least once a week. I cook ground pork with spicy taco seasoning, add cheese, my homemade salsa, and sour cream, and throw all the delicious ingredients together in a flour tortilla.
• Spaghetti is the meal I make the most after tacos. My recipe for sauce is here.

• A crowd pleaser is chicken spaghetti. Cook one pound of chicken (on the stove with olive oil) and one pound of spaghetti. Combine in a baking dish with one can cream of chicken soup, one can cream of mushroom soup, and one can of chicken broth. Top with cheddar. Enjoy the fattening deliciousness!

• I have two go-to recipes for parties… pinwheels and Mexican dip. For the pinhweels, combine eight ounces sour cream, eight ounces cream cheese, one cup shredded cheese, and some diced green onions. Spread the mixture over flour tortillas. Roll each tortilla up, cover in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for an hour or so. Then unwrap and slice into sections.
• Mexican dip recipe: Spread a can of spicy refried beans on the bottom layer. The next layer is eight ounces of sour cream, then eight ounces of salsa. Top with shredded cheese and diced green onions.

2. List your top five disliked movies of all time and why.
This was a hard one! I usually avoid movies I know I won’t like (action and comic book films).

• The Tree of Life has to be the worst movie of all time. I can’t believe it was nominated for an Oscar this year. It makes no sense and is sooooooooo boring.

• Employee of the Month with Jessica Simpson and Dane Cook. It was just so bad. I had to turn it off after I rented it. Usually I stick it out if I paid money but it was awful! (On a related note, I loved the Dane Cook movie My Best Friend’s Girl.)
• Made of Honor with Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monaghan. Worst chick flick ever.
• Bambi. I never liked it as a kid. And not because it’s sad. Dumbo or Pinocchio either for that matter. I guess I just prefer Disney movies with princesses!

• Shakespeare in Love. Saw it in the theater in high school. Walked out of said theater out of boredom.

3. List your (current) top five favorite TV shows and why.
Hmmmmm I think you might notice a theme here…

• Sons of Anarchy. I am in love with the main character Jax Teller. The show is really exciting, especially the most recent season.

• Dexter. I am also in love with him! It’s a very dark, disturbing show and also really thrilling.

• Game of Thrones. I love this medieval fantasy show. It’s hard to describe why I like all these shows. Great plots and characters you grow attached to. P.S. I love Tyrion.

• Homeland. It didn’t sound that interesting to me so I waited awhile to watch it. Then I got so sucked in! The first season is a mystery that you try to figure out while watching; I can’t wait to see what the second season brings! P.S. I love Brody.

• True Blood. Just a fun, campy, Southern, vampire show. My boyfriend always makes fun of it and says it’s just arguing and sex. But I love and it. And… P.S. I love Bill!

4. List your top five favorite places to visit; include photos if you’d like.
Well, these are my top five so far…

• Bali. Such an amazing place. Beautiful beaches and temples. Read all about it here.
• Italy. Specifically, Cinque Terre and Venice. And the cheap food and wine. I must go back!

• Mexico. Great beaches, ruins, food, beer, margaritas!
• Thailand. Great beaches, temples, islands, and food! Cheap massages too.
• The Grand Canyon. It is simply breathtaking.

5. List your (current) top five favorite songs; include video if you’d like.
Here’s the problem… I don’t listen to music currently. At home I just listen to the radio in my car. In Korea I don’t have a car so… I listen to my iPod only if I’m really, really bored. And all the songs on it are really, really old.

• Lady Gaga’s You and I. This is the most current song I know (and love)!
• Pink’s Sober. I’ve had this on my iPod for years and still listen to it all the way through every time.
• Glee’s Thriller/Heads Will Roll Mashup. I don’t like either of the songs by the original artists but this combo works!
• The Band Perry’s You Lie. The most current country song I know and love (told you I’m behind the times). I like to sing along with a country twang.
• Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time. It’s my karaoke song (duet with Daniel)!