how to make a snow angel

1. cancel your appointment to go to a random party in a far out place because your ride home is not attending.

2. join some colleagues for lebanese dinner and lotsa beer. while you’re at it, impress them by cleaning out your plate, just so they get to know you better. (though it’s really the beer that leaves you feeling full, rather than the food.)

3. comment that you’ve never made a snowman before.

4. get them excited enough to bring you to a schoolyard with plenty of snow.

4. discover that the snow can be used to make a snowball, but is too powdery to put together a snowman.

5. lie on the ground, then flap your arms and legs.

6. go home cold but satisfied.

i’m here alright, i’m here

what a great way to start. or so my fortune cookie says.

you guys have been asking about the blog. the truth is, i haven’t been taking many photos. it’s strange really, i keep telling myself i’m not here as a tourist, i’m here for a good whole year at least. so i don’t whip my camera out at every opportunity. well, it doesn’t feel quite right when i’m making my way to the bank to set up an account. not when trying to find my way to the bus stop or to the L (that’s what the call the train system here, L for elevated though some of it is underground). and definitely not when i’m keeping my eyes and ears peeled for any danger lurking around me (i’ve heard so many scary stories, it’s not funny!)

snow on michigan avenue. that’s when i realised that i need real winter boots. shopping! yay!

then there are also apartments to view (i’m still looking for the elusive cosy place in a happening location with fun housemates – and here they call them roommates, not housemates, which caused some confusion at the beginning.) plus i’m also trying my hardest to be a little more social. well, you guys know me, and how it takes a while for me to warm up to people. so while i’m really comfortable spending time alone in my service apartment and exploring areas on my own, i also make it an effort to speak to people at work and meet up with others outside of work. so far, i’ve made small talk, met up with fellow singaporeans i don’t even know, and asked a colleague out over the weekend. proud of me, aren’t you?

yes wei, the lake does freeze. see the white parts? that’s ice.

other than that, the cold was bearable when i first arrived. nothing i haven’t experienced in minneapolis the last time around. then this weekend killed me. it was -18C, plus wind chill. my toes and fingers and nose were frozen. seriously frozen. even after i came back to my heated room, i still took like an hour to thaw or something. it’s still supposed to be pretty cold the following week, but if i’m just going to the office and heading back after work, it really shouldn’t be a problem. just my luck that i came during the coldest time. talk about getting a warm welcome.

this is what’s gonna keep me busy for the next few days. DIY shoes