Signs that get lost in Translation

Ok, let's try this blogging stuff again. I've realized that I do not keep up with blogging, but I will try it once again. So in an effort to get me motivated to blog, I will be posting favorite signs, posters, and paintings I see around Asia.

 This was an add to order food from an airline during the Chinese New Year.

 This one is a maxi-pad / tampon dispenser in a restroom in one of Jakarta's many malls. The suffix -licious should never be attached to any feminine/bathroom products.

 This add was plastered on a truck. I saw it as we were going through the toll both. Essentially this add is advertising maxi-pads. The creepy guy (who I'm guessing is Uncle Chin?!?!) is closing a gate to keep the young girls inside the school. Is it advertising anti-leakage protection? 

Did I miss something in history class? This to me is offensive but this is a painting that decorates one of our favorite restaurants in Jakarta.

At least they're honest: It says it in the title "Destroy Hair and Beauty Salon."

Essay Contest for Indonesian Students!

Why does it have to be an American president? Why not "How has a prominent figure in Indonesia inspired you?"

Just questions...

The Key is Training NOT Straining!

"The key is training not straining.  If you want to get in shape fast, exercise longer, not harder. And that will help you stay committed to a consistent, regular exercise program."
                                                      - Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Connection Daily Devotional

God has been impressing on my heart that maybe the key to healthy living is not following an intense, strict exercise regime as in the TV show Biggest Looser...

BUT a moderate exercise regime for the rest of your life: One that exercises consistency!

I mean don't get me wrong: I still want washboard abs and rock solid legs by tomorrow, but who has the 8 hours in a day to completely devote yourself to exercising. Plus, even if you do, how sustainable is that?!?!?!

Nowadays, I'm thinking that my physical body was made for consistency and not quantity. So, I've decided that my early mornings will begin with a trip to our apartment complex's gym.

To be honest, I'm tempted to find out the latest exercise regime by Bob and Jillian (the trainers of this TV show) and lock myself in the gym until I conquer it.

BUT we all know, I will only keep it up for a week (maybe 2) and then feel horrible that I dont have the stamina to continue.

So instead, I've committed myself to exercise everyday by doing moderate cardio for 30-60 minutes and lifting weights. Once, I've conquered this and have made it a consistent habit, I will venture into the fancy regimes espoused by those solidly famous trainers.

It's all about consistency NOT quantity!

How Global Warming will affect the North Pole

Every wonder what the North Pole looks like? What if The Polar Express got it all wrong? And how does Global Warming affect the North Pole?

Well, think no further the answer unfolds before your very eyes...

When the North Pole gets affected by Global Warming, Santa Clause will be....

Tending the ducks

 Ridding his bike through the rice fields...

 Harvesting rice with his elves...

Changing outfits to fit the climate changes... Asian rice-field hats are coming back! Dont the eleves look so good with their new hats?!?!?!

This post was made possible thanks to the amazing Indonesian rendition of the North Pole in Plaza Senayan Mall. Thanks!!!

My Homade Tortillas

Thanks to living in Indonesia: The land of the most horribly tasting tortillas, I'm learning to make my own. I must say that my tortillas top them all.... Or so Matt says. One thing is for sure my "Crunchy-Granolaness" is reaching new heights: Unimaginable Heights! 

Here's my recipe if you want to increase your Crunchy Granolaness. I adapted my recipe from Kitchen Stewardship

Mix together
2 pinches of salt
1 cup of whole wheat flour
1/2 cup of white flour
1/2 cup of ground flaxseeds (and a little more for EXTRA good health - It comes out to be 170 grams using my only measuring cup here. 1/2 cup = 120 grams. Gotta love the metric system! My brain is making a measuring switch. It feels so weird when it does!)

Cut in with pastry blender or two knives:

¼ c. butter (slightly softened) I use coconut oil because its SUPER healthy and its REALLY cheap here.

When it looks like crumbs, add gradually:

½ c. room temperature water

Toss with a fork to make stiff dough.  Knead thoroughly until smooth and flecked with air bubbles.  (Just a few minutes.)  Refrigerate 4-24 hours and allow to come to room temperature before rolling out.
Divide dough into 8-11 balls, depending on how big you want your tortillas.  Roll as thin as possible on a lightly floured surface.  Heat an ungreased electric griddle or cast iron skillet very hot (400 degrees) and drop tortillas on it.

 ENJOY!!!!!  I know Matt does!!!!

Christmas in Indonesia!

Christmas arrives in Indonesia thanks to the marketing of fellow Indonesian stores.

 

Our Christmas has had to arrive in our hearts [not in the form of Christmas trees, stockings, lights, snow (added at Matt's request), etc] as I refuse to pay for over priced, not so pretty Christmas decorations here. (Maybe there are prettier decorations for a good price here, but I dont know where to buy them yet). 

Although Christmas feels so different in Indonesia, it has become so real in our hearts!!! 

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. 

And He will be called 

wonderful counselor, 

mighty God, 

everlasting Father, 

Prince of Peace." 

- Isaiah 9:6

Once it arrived in our hearts, God blessed us with visiting The Webb's and their amazingly decorated house. This is a picture of their Christmas Tree.

Here's a picture of Matt hugging their Christmas Tree.

My First Lesson: Food

The first lesson I had to teach at the school was on food. These are the materials I used for that lesson. First, we played "Bingo" to get the kids used to the vocabulary.

All the kids loved playing Bingo. I got these cards from www.mes-english.com  These cards were for teaching main course meals and snacks.

I had to modify my lesson for teaching drinks as amongst the Bingo cards were these:

Learning this vocabulary can be quite offensive here. Thankfully, I was able to modify my lesson.

At the end of my lessons I like to have a "how to apply this to your life" section. For that section, I made a menu template for the kids to create their own menu. Here's the one I made

All the kids loved this lesson. Now, I'm wondering if I set the bar too high for myself. How can I continue to deliver fun and exciting lessons every week?

Thankfully, Winter break is just around the corner!!!!