*Stressssss*

Well -
First off, I am stressed about my grandmother... I know that she is really sick and I wish that there was something that I could do to make her feel better... My aunt took her to the doctor the other day, and although it had already been decided that she would not be able to continue on with chemo, my aunt asked the Dr. whether it might be possible. The doctor didn't answer my aunt, but instead turned to my grandmother and asked her whether she wanted to have chemo again.... to which my grandmother answered a definitive "no". Then my aunt asked if she could at least take the chemo pill again. Once again, the doctor didn't answer, but instead turned to my gram and asked her whether she wanted to take the chemo pill again... to which my grandmother answered a definitive "no". I guess it's a good thing that she is not going to put herself through the torture of chemo anymore, but it is still sad to know that there is no chance for her to recover, and that it is time for us to begin looking into palliative care.

I really need to go and visit her this weekend, and bring her some of the goodies that I know she loves: coconut covered date balls, a smoothie, needhams... and hopefully I will have the time to make some vegetable soup for her, I know she likes that.

My aunt also keeps asking my mom why I'm not visiting my gram as much... but I guess it's hard for me to deal with it. It becomes too real to me when I see her. I don't want to remember her as being sick, I want to remember her for the amazingly strong women that she is. I want to remember all of the funny stories that she told me when I was growing up. She made so many mistakes, but when she told me the stories... they always made me want to make the same ones, because she put such a positive spin on them. Like the time she drove the car into the basket ball hoop... I'm sure it wasn't funny at the TIME, but it sure is funny NOW when she tells the story. I am going to go and visit her this weekend... I AM.

Second - I cannot STAND this woman that I work with. She has actually been fired, but she is still here because my boss was nice enough to let her stay until she finds a new job. Or at least she WAS going to stay until she finds a new job... as of last week my boss decided that it would be best if she left at the end of the month. I completely agree with this decision, as she is making things very difficult here... for both Melissa and myself. She wants to be right all the time, and she's so bloody negative. She feels the need to take control of all situations, even ones that have NOTHING to do with her... and nothing makes her happier than when she is making other people feel like shit. It's like working with a jealous 12 year old girl... and I cannot WAIT for her to leave.

On a positive note, I spoke with friend Sarah last night, and we have decided that she will come and visit me in September... YAY!!! If only I could see all of my friends, as I miss you all so much!

Well, I suppose I should start pretending to do work again... but oh gosh does she make it difficult for me to be here....

*Malaysia & Eating Beetles*

Well, the Malay planning has been taking up a lot of our (my) time, but we have managed to get all of our hotels booked.

Our schedule looks like this:

16 October - 20 October ~ Kuala Lumpor ~ Swiss Garden Hotel (in Chinatown)
20 October - 24 October ~ Taman Negara National Park ~ Mutiara Taman Negara Resort
24 October - 27 October ~ Palau Tioman Island ~ Minang Cove Resort
27 October - 30 October ~ Singapore ~ Perak Hotel (in Little India)

Staying in the Perak Hotel should be great since it's in Little India and we'll be there during Deepavali, the Indian Festival of Lights! Here is a photo of Little India in Singapore lit up for Deepavali!























I've purchased a new pack: Mountainsmith Recycled Trillium Internal Frame Pack

Features:
- Load Dispersion Technology Suspension
- Independently adjustable shoulder straps with dual density foam
- Elastic sternum strap and bite valve catch
- Molded foam back panel
- Pivoting waist belt w/ dual density foam & HDPE sheet
- 4 load adjusters for load dispersion
- Collared storm shield with draw cord closure
- 4 compression straps w/ quick-release hardware
- Detachable day pack that is hydration compatible
- U-shaped zippered access into the main compartment
- Dual ice axe loops with daisy chain rigging points
- Separate sleeping bag compartment
- Sleeping pad compression straps
- Hydration compatible with dual exit ports
- Trekking pole mounts
Product Details:
- 150d Recycled PET rip stop lining
- 840d Recycled PET reinforcements
- 450d Recycled PET body fabric
- 100% Recycled PET webbing and binding
- Bar tack reinforcements
- Twin T6 1” 6061 concave aluminum stays

Specifications:
Dimensions: 27.5'' x 13'' x 14'' 70 x 33 x 36cm
Weigh:t 4 lbs. 7 oz. 2.13 kg
Volume: 2929 cu. in. 48 L
Fit Range: 15'' - 19'' 38 - 48 cm

My parents got me some sweet binos for my birthday: Nikon Monarch 10x42 Binoculars

* 100% waterproof and fogproof

* Ultra-rugged rubber-armor design

* Precision-aligned optics for viewing

* Extended eye relief and center focus

* Fully multicoated lenses for bright, clear images


I'm really excited about the whole thing, and the idea that Maria is trying to go along with us, it should be pretty great!!! Yay Holiday in Malay!!

___________________________________

In other news:

On Saturday, when A and I were eating our lunch of knäckebröd with roasted pear, goat cheese and toasted almonds, we both started to see these tiny insects scurrying around on our plates. After a few minutes, we realized that they were tiny beetles, and that they were coming from INSIDE the knäckebröd. For those of you who have not had knäckebröd before, it is full of tiny holes, crevases and pockets... perfect for tiny beetles to hide in. EWE...











The beetles turned out to be Sawtoothed Grain Beetles (Orzaephilus surinamensis) which are able to 'saw' right through boxes and bags of prepared foods. For all we knew, they were SWEDISH Sawtoothed Grain Beetles... since we were eating imported knäckebröd!
















Sawtoothed Grain Beetles (Orzaephilus surinamensis)

All I have to say about that is.... ewe. I've brought the buggies to work so that I could identify them (they wern't in my insect book... no surprise, it sucks) and I've been getting quite the reaction to having the little fellows living upon my desk in a vial. They are my new pets... both outside... AND inside my belly... eweeee.