Scratch That! Liz will be home May 9!!!

Liz is Coming Home May 4!

Yes, my ticket is booked and I will arrive in Chicago in the afternoon on May 4!! I hope it won't be snowing!

I am SO excited to come home! I haven't seen my family and friends in 8 months. Sooo much has happened in that time and so much more is going to happen during the month of May!

I hope that I will get a chance to spend time with as many family members and friends as possible!

I'm so excited but there are a few things I am apprehensive about. These are a few things I am thinking about:

• In Indonesia, you drive on the left side of the road. I don't drive here but it has still taken some time to get used to it. I think it will be weird being on the right side of the road when I get home.
• Here, because I don't speak Indonesian, I tune out a lot of conversations going on around me. I have been told that everything will seem SO loud when I get home since I am not used to being able to understand everyone talking. This will be interesting.
• Maybe I won't want to go back to Indonesia. Maybe I won't love Chicago anymore.
  
• Jakarta is so polluted; I am worried about passing out from all the relatively clean air once I arrive in Illinois.
• Maybe I will have nothing interesting to talk about. I have been living overseas for 8 months but am afraid I don't have any interesting stories. Please remember that what you have been doing for the past 8 months is interesting to me and I want to know everything.
• All my pictures are online. I didn't print any out. I will have nothing to show you. :(
• I have a lot more gray hair now compared to when I left. And more wrinkles. I want to blame it on Jakarta but I think it's just age.
  

Maybe this is all a little trivial. However, there is some anxiety setting in; I've been having nightmares...

All this aside, I can't believe I have been gone for so long! I can't WAIT to be updated on your lives!

xoxoliz

Anyer and Krakatau, Indonesia

Fremantle and Perth

I went to Australia in mid-February; it was AWESOME! The air was clean and there were sidewalks. I saw a rugby game (the players are soooooo HOT) and some black swans. I went to the beach and the markets in Fremantle.

Here are some of my favorite pictures.

Since When is Becky's Favorite Season...

WINTER!?!?!

What's yours?

7 Month Mark

So, I guess I am not living up to my NYE resolution of posting on my blog once a week! Ooops! :P

Things are going well; I went house hunting with a friend today! Time to think about moving out of the beige palace and into a real house...but only if there's a maid! heheheee...

Communication is still a problem for me; many of you are aware, I'm sure. Haven't received an email from lizroche78 lately? You aren't the only one! I am sincerely sad about this...even though I am in complete control over it. I am working on it...seriously. It's not because I don't care. It's more that I don't want to dissolve in tears and self-pity as I send out emails to all my friends at home. I have been wrestling with homesickness since December. While it has abated some, I am still struggling. Although counter-intuitive and counter-productive, I tend to steer clear of email when I am wallowing in loneliness.

That being said, I am doing GREAT otherwise! I can't wait to come back to Chicago for a visit. While I am super homesick, I am still really enjoying living and working and traveling overseas! I went to Australia last weekend and it was AWES! I highly recommend it! One thing is for certain: I DO NOT miss Winter.

As for my internal conflicts and journey to finding myself, I am pretty much over it. I'm happy (except for the homesickness). That's it. I am working on my five-year plan (gasp! yes, for real...the princess of short-term thinking is re-evaluating...) I am hoping this five-year plan includes some overseas structured education!

Miss you and love you,
xoxoliz

Six-Month Mark

This week marks the six-month anniversary of my arrival in Indonesia. It is during this week that I was supposed to be packing to return to Chicago. As most of you know, my plans changed and I am now committed to staying in Jakarta for 3 more months. I will return to Chicago in May...

I have been thinking about my time here, how happy I am and sometimes, about how guilty I feel for being so happy that I am here. I remain firm in my belief that living and working in Jakarta has been one of the best decisions I have ever made...let's see where it goes.

Miss you and love you. See you in May.

Remember, if you want an exclusive, sign up now. I reserve the right to give my family first dibs...I'm not sure how long I will be in town. ;) Home is where the heart is and no matter where you run, your head is always there...

Can you believe...

that if I was still under my initial contract, I would be packing to come home for good in 3 1/2 weeks?! Where does the time go??

Crossroads and Conflict

I am back to the decision of whether or not I should stay in Indo for an extra year. I don't know what to do. I don't have much to say about it right now, but since so many peeps are pissed that I post my thoughts on FB instead of through emails and on my blog, I figured I would let you know where my head is via my blog this time (it IS a 2009 resolution of mine, of course, to post more on my blog...the resolution being complete with guidelines and metrics in place to ensure that I make you happy in acheiving my goal)...if you read it, please comment so I know I spent my time wisely. People always comment on my FB status, which is one of the attractions.

I don't know what to do. Of course, I ask those close to me for guidance. There are those who would never leave their hometown for anything and those who would never return to their hometown for anything and those who are slightly in between. It is an interesting array of perspectives. Before you go on saying this is my decision and no one elses, I know. I know that. No one but me will sign that contract. Got it. I just need your help on how to arrive at the decision. What questions do I ask Liz? And before you ask, remember that I like instability...well, in the sense of doing different things all the time and being in different places and making weird decisions to see if I can survive. I like doing what I love to do, which is clearly NOT sitting at a computer...well, unless that computer is home to a 6 hour online chat with an old buddy from college. I like drama. Not quite soap opera drama, but you know, that CAN be a quick fix...hmmmm....

And running away - forget about it. I'm not running away. I would like to tell you that living overseas has been the best decision I have made in years but has probably opened more worm cans than if I had just stayed in Chicago. And don't go saying that returning to Chicago is running away from Indonesia, then. That's just silly and my life will be one crazy circle, around and around and around and...and then I will think you really just don't know what you are talking about.

And please don't throw my age into this. Self-discovery is commendable at any age; it just depends on who it affects. I don't have children, so it affects me. If it affects you negatively, then all I can think to say is thank you for allowing my friendship to impact your life. It is an honor, truly, and I feel fortunate that my friends care about my friendship so much. However, self-discovery just happened to bring me to the other side of Earth at age 30...okay. okay.

And lastly, you may think this entry is directed towards you, but its directed towards me. If you are offended, you shouldn't be. You aren't the only one who is(n't) reading this blog or who doesn't get the whole story or who gets one email a month or who has been asked for advice. The record needs to be set straight on certain things and I needed to brainstorm. Thanks for listening.

oh yeah, and the earthquake was really far away, so I am safe! Thanks to all those who were concerned and told me so.

oh yeah, and my phone number is +62 81 388 290906. Feel free to call.

xoxoliz

Coming Home Party

So, I am already planning my coming home party! The holidays have prompted a bit of homesickness and now I am eager to see all my friends and family from home!!

I posted a poll at the bottom; let me know what date works best for you! In my selfish state, I want to see as many people as possible! Maisie graduates May 16, which knocks out one weekend...

Also, any thoughts on venue would be appreciated...

Happy New Year!

Best wishes for 2009! I hope everyone has a wonderful year! I posted some pictures from New Year's Eve, Christmas and Christmas Eve in Jakarta! I've also been dog-sitting for the past couple weeks for an adorable pug named Molly.

NYE - went to a club with Canadians Lisa and Julie
Christmas - made turkey dinner and sang karaoke
Christmas Eve - went to a club with Lisa, Julie and some of Julie's coworkers...see Santa and his ninjas...(no elves?)


Miss you all!

xoxoliz
Molly and her Christmas Toy!
Poolside activities on Christmas Eve

Dinner was a success! (Thanks to Lisa and Julie...my job was to stay out of the way)

Lisa and Julie, makin' some Christmas dinner after a swim at the pool!

Christmas Dinner! YUM.

Lisa and Liz at DragonFly on Christmas Eve

Out at DragonFly on Christmas Eve! Not sure if you can see Santa's Ninja on the right...

NYE with Lisa and Julie (early in the evening)!

NYE with Lisa and Julie (later in the evening)!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town...

And hopefully, he is bringing me along. I just checked prices on flights to Chi-town and they have gone down! Please keep your fingers crossed that these prices will hold steady as I work on my budget. I want to come home.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Today I am thankful for many, many things, including:

• My Mom and Dad who continue to profess their love for me, even when I make retarded decisions and who inspire me with their commitment and dedication and capacity to love and who have taught me about ducks.
• My Sheep, who I miss SO SO SO much.
• My Favorite Brother, who is super smart and gives me the best advice and tells me like it is and is starting a new life in a new city and who inspires me to be more interesting.
• Favorite Little Sister, who is interviewing for jobs and knows where and what she wants to be and is convicted on her path in life in such a way that I am inspired.
• My friends! Thank you for all the emails, cards, presents, letters, Skype talks, support, advice, beers, updates from home, everything!!
• My job - even though it is hard with holiday hours and a decline in local currency, I have a job...a job that I LOVE.
• Facebook - endless hours of reconnecting with people, saving me from the depths of self-pity and homesickness.
• River and Zia - you make me laugh hysterically, no matter what mood I am in!!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

A Day In The Life...

I have been asked about my days here in Jakarta and I thought I would give you a snapshot.

7 a.m. - Wake up! Hurrying to get ready!

Take a bajaj to work (only $1!)

...10 minutes and I'm there!


8 a.m. - Teach Pilates Class! I love my job....it's early though.

9 a.m. Teach Pilates Class! I love my job. It's really hot in the studio right now because the sun is so bright!

10 a.m. - Teach Pilates Class! I still love my job...I need some coffee though.

11 a.m. - Private Pilates client! I love my job the most! One-on-one sessions are so much fun! My clients are a mix of local Indonesians and expats. Everyone is so interesting to me and I enjoy hearing their stories.



12:30 p.m. - Eat lunch - sometimes by myself or sometimes with Susan. Lunch is my main meal and I am starving after four hours of being active.

2-ish p.m. - Go to the gym, work out with Susan, get some reflexology (1 hour for $7!) or a pedicure (2 hours for $12!)

4 p.m. - Pilates client or class!

5 p.m. - Pilates client! Still loving my job...

6 p.m. - Pilates client!




7 p.m. - Time to go home! Or out for a drink!


Cast of Characters
Rani - The FIRST person I met in Jakarta, she is the Pilates studio manager. Rani's boyfriend lives in Detroit and we are crossing our fingers that she can get a visa to go visit the United States for the first time early 2009.

Yunie - Assistant Pilates studio manager. Yunie studied English in college and is originally from central Java.

Susan - my boss. Susan is originally from Singapore. She is great - she looks out for me constantly!

Kika - Indonesian girl who I met through a client. She is my movie-watching friend!

Lisa - Canadian girl who works across the mall from me in a chiropractic clinic. She has three cats that are great. She has lived in Jakarta for almost five years.

Lelsey - Another Canadian girl, I met Lesley through Lisa. Lesley works for an NGO doing micro-finance work. She adopted a dog and lives in home that has a pool and a yard and a maid and security guards and lots and lots of beige furniture.

Julie - Julie is a relatively new friend (yes, another Canadian!) and I met her through Lesley. She works for a PR firm and while I don't understand her job specifically, it sounds interesting and she knows tons about the local political system.

November 12, 2008

This week I am struggling with communication. I am really enjoying my time in Jakarta! Please bear with me and I will post pictures of Jakarta and of my trip to Bangkok, Thailand later this week!

xoxo

In Response To Becky's Post:

Dear Becky and Santa,

All I want for Christmas is Chicago.

Love,
Liz

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FAVORITE LITTLE SISTER!!

I LOVE MY MOM!

Mom - I just got your postcard! It took over three weeks to arrive! Thank you, thank you for the update on the seashore - I wish I had been there. I am glad you had a good time and had a chance to visit all the "regular" spots...

LOVE YOU.
xoxoliz

Check out 2 new posts and a new poll (at the bottom!)

some random notes...

• Somewhere, in some language, I am willing to bet that "Jakarta" translates to "city of slow walkers." Seriously, I didn't know people could, bio-mechanically, walk so slow. I didn't know that SO MANY people could walk so slow...

• There is also the tendency for people to stand in front of escalators and have meetings...

• Wendy's tastes the same as it does in Chicago. Take it for what it's worth.

• There are bugs everywhere. EVERYWHERE.

• If you are going to the bathroom in a public place, you have to bring your own toilet paper...or Kleenex, as people prefer to use. If you are lucky enough to find a restroom that stocks its own, the dispenser is located outside the stall.

• On the same note, a majority of people don't wash their hands when finished...although, I am only speaking for the female population, as my presence has not graced the inside of the boys' bathroom.

• There is no health inspection office that regulates health and safety code in restaurants.
  

• The sky is not blue here. You can't see the sky, actually, so more accurately, the sky is hidden by smog. It is hard to get a tan here, that's for sure. Well, unless you go to the volcanoes, where there isn't as much pollution and you forget sunscreen and stand at the highest point for two hours starting at noon...
  

• There are assigned seats in the movie theaters.

• No one here cares about the Cubs, the Sox or the Packers, except me. Terrible, terrible. Then again, this IS the country that did not broadcast the Olympics.
  

• I went to Zara today, for the first time. I believe this is a store that originated in Spain and is now probably global, or close to it. I found it odd that in Jakarta, where there are 2 seasons (rainy and dry), with both having approximately the same temperature (hot-as-f...), Zara was selling wool coats. Long, wool coats in many, many styles and colors.

• If you are leaving the country of Indonesia, you have to pay $100. Yes, I am serious. Who do you pay? I don't know...

• Indonesia ranks #143 on the Corruption Perception Index...at least it's not last, like Somalia and Myanmar, sharing the #174 spot. Phew! (United States, by the way, is #20).

I think that's all I have for you now...more to follow as I become more adventurous.

September 2008

So I LOVE LOVE LOVE the postings and emails about everyone's goals! I find it so inspiring! A quick recap of mine - yes, I have already failed! BOO! I did not sign up for the half marathon in Singapore fast enough and it is now closed. YIKES! However, luck is on my side and there is one in Cambodia the same weekend! I will register this week and continue my training! Anyone interested in spending some time in Cambodia? Provided all goes well, I will be there Dec. 5 - 8!

As for another goal, I have learned to count to 10 in Indonesian. Rock on.

I can't BELIEVE September is over already! Time is flying so fast!

This month, I went with friends to visit some volcanoes in Ciater or Lembang...(not sure exactly, but in that vicinity). We saw two volcanoes - Tangkuban Prahu and Kawah Ratu (Queen Crater). Tangkuban Prahu emits sulphuric fumes and has pools of boiling water but is not considered active. We were able to walk around this one. The pictures I posted of this volcano. Kawah Ratu is considered active and emits various poisonous gases and therefore, we could only look down in it from the edge. People are not allowed in this volcano.



I also went to my first Indonesian wedding reception! It was great - there were about 1,000 people in attendance. It was not like American wedding receptions, that's for sure! There was no alcohol...in fact, the only drink served was water. There was no dance floor or tables. All the food was served buffet style and everyone stood with their companions to eat. There was live music, but this ended around 9:30. The banquet hall itself cleared out by 10:00. The bride and groom were beautiful and glowing. The cake was HUGE. I have never seen such a big cake! I think it had to be about 10 feet tall! It was an enjoyable experience, despite the lack of traditional American hoopla.

This month was also Ramadan, which is observed in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the month in which the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It is a month of fasting, when Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to sunset with the purpose of teaching patience, sacrifice and humility. Because it has been fasting month, bars and restaurants close early (some even close for the entire month!) and alcohol is not openly served. It is an interesting tradition and inspires a spirit similar to that of Christmas.

So...there is no poll for September so please post stories of your recent adventures! I KNOW you have stories....

It's Good to Have Goals...

For those of you who aren't aware, I set a multitude of goals at the beginning of each year. I have several categories of goals (including financial, career, be interesting/personal development, spiritual, etc.) to keep them organized. I also assign metrics to each goal to track my progress, which is measured monthly. Every three months, I try to do a review of my list of goals to see how I am progressing and determine if my goal list needs to be updated. Yes, this goal list is created in Excel and No, so far, I have not used macros to make this process easier.

When I decided to go to Asia, only one goal was allowed on my goal list: acclimate. Maybe I have not ENTIRELY fulfilled this goal yet, but I am READY to start my new set of goals! (I am lost without my goal list...can't function...yes, it's sad, but true).

So, I thought I would share some of my goals since I feel like this is a turning point for me! The first goal I made since I realized I was ready to set goals was to run the half marathon in Singapore! It is December 7 and I am just beginning my training now! I thought, what better way to see another country than to run around in it! So I will. I will keep you updated on my training...at least Singapore is flat (as opposed to Cincinnati...ugh).

I also have the normal goals of saving money, emailing my friends on a regular basis, sending my grandmas cards, keep Sundays open for Liz day (btw, I failed this week...I made plans), be a better big sister, appreciate, do volunteer work once a month, etc, etc...

One goal I made in January 2007 was to be a better friend. I continue to keep this goal on my list with more and more detailed ideas on how to be a better friend. What I find amazing is that since I have been away from the States, some of my friendships have progressed to deeper, more meaningful levels. I have reconnected with people I haven't talked to in years, people from high school, college and even, elementary school. I have made new friends, maybe not with tremendous ease, but much more quickly than I thought and with people that I expect to remain in touch with once I (boo!) leave Asia.

I am realizing that most of my posts are related to food or friends; that's kind of funny! (Mental note: New Goal - blog about a new topic.)

Anyway, I've shared my goals. What are yours? Post for all to see!

New Food

So many of you know that I am not the biggest foodie around and I would rather drink my dinner than eat it (hmmm, do I sound like an alcoholic when I phrase it that way? I do eat lunch...) but I have been trying to be a good sport in the spirit of learning a new culture and have tried some new things.

A couple days ago, I had this wonderful, spicy, tasty soup that had a fish head in it. Yes, I ate fish. Yes, I saw its eyes. I did not realize I was eating fish-head soup (not sure of the Indonesian translation, but I will work on that for you). I had lunch with a couple people from work at an authentic Indonesian restaurant. I did not participate in the ordering, which is fine as I would not have ordered fish-head soup. It was probably actually called whole-fish soup, as all the fish meat was still on its bones. However, the soup was AMAZING and I will likely eat it again. Besides fish, the soup had vegetables (don't even ask what kind...I am sure you can find them at the Asian grocery store in Chicago though), spices and I believe, lime. Oh yes, and of course, there was plenty of oil and/or butter. If a dish is not made with a pound of butter, sugar, oil or chili peppers, I don't think it can be considered authentic Indonesian.

Today, I had some red bean/coconut pudding. For those of you who know me well, YES I ATE BEANS. In the form of pudding, no less. It actually tasted good. Except for the bean skin. (which I politely stacked in the middle of my plate).

Last weekend, I ate Pizza Hut. Oh wait, that's from the US. Surprisingly, it tastes just like home!

Happy Eating!

Thank God and the Universe for Old Friends...

Tonight, I had the chance to talk to an old high school friend....amazing what a 10 minute online chat can do for the spirit. An hour later, I had the chance to talk to Kristen on Skype video phone and "meet" her new son, Aiden. I feel so much joy right now that it is almost overwhelming! I just had to share...

August!

Firstly, thank you to everyone for supporting me through my worst night ever! Everything turned out okay and I am feeling much better! It is wonderful to feel the support of my friends and family from so far away!

August was a very event-filled month! There were weddings, birthdays, family events, the Olympics, and so much more! What was your favorite event? My favorite events include talking to my twin, the first time I directed my Taksi driver to the gym, the birth of Kristen's baby, ALSP's special news, talking to my dad and Juli's wedding! (If only Indonesia had broadcast the Olympics, I would probably include this on my list!) For me, it is hard to narrow down my favorite things...I am finally back in a place of loving my job and enjoying my life - it changes my perspective on everything! I wake up in the morning feeling happy and go to bed feeling happy.

During August, my homesickness was reduced significantly. It feels like it took such a long time, but now I am actually having fun in Jakarta! I have a To Do List of things that I want to do while I am here, including restaurants to try, vacations to go on, and malls to shop in. I joined the American Women's Association. I can't wait to go to the Zoo! I am setting up a time to do some volunteer work.

Because August was an acclimation period, I don't have much to report. I hope to have some interesting stories for you in the next few weeks!

Scroll down and vote for your favorite event of August! If you don't see it, feel free to post your story for all to share!

Happy September!

worst night ever

it's 2:30 in the morning here. i can't sleep. i have too much to think about. it's so surreal. how did everything turn upside down? i want to go home.

Is Friend-Making an Olympic Event?

If it is, I surely would not medal.

Make new friends but keep the old.
One is silver and the other's gold.

I am not the most outgoing person. Unless truly comfortable, I am a bumbling idiot in social settings and am afraid of my own shadow...imagine talking to someone I don't know! Scary. Yikes. I would probably come in second to last in a friend-making contest.

However, I have been fortunate enough that the people I have met here are willing to take me around, introduce me around, look after me and in general, alleviate the shock of being miles and kilometers away from home. In this week alone, I think I handed out my number to five potential (female, for the record) friends. Not only that, when I was sick last week, one client brought me cans of Jakarta's version of gatorade, someone made me soup, someone brought me information on various mosquito diseases and several people checked in on me in the days following. One client invited me out to her home outside of Jakarta for a recent long weekend so that I wouldn't be lonely.

When I decided to go to Indonesia, I figured I would eventually meet people. What I didn't figure was how many people would be able to empathize with my homesickness and culture shock, and take it upon themselves to help me ease through it. I am truly blessed.

In the past couple of weeks, I have learned my way around my portion of the city (today I even directed my cab driver to the mall I wanted to go to!). I have learned how to take some local transportation (bajaj, pronounced BAH-jeye, which are these funny 3-wheeled buggy things that seem to have lawnmower motors). I bought pirated DVDs for $0.65 a piece. I celebrated Indonesia's independence day. In short, I am acclimating.

I still can't talk about my mom and dad without crying but I think, maybe, I will get there soon.

Confidential to my Mom, Dad and Alec.

Have a safe trip to DC!! I hope the move goes well! Send pics of Alec's new place!

Alec, let's talk...I still want to stop by and see you on my way back to Chicago in February.

I hope you love your new home! Good luck with the new job. Keep us updated.
xoxoliz

Pictures from the Weekend!

I was a tourist attraction...

So here in Jakarta there is a term for white person, which is boolay. A boolay can be from Europe, America, wherever, as long as they are white. Apparently, there is no judgement or stigma attached to the term.

Yesterday I went to the National Monument (Monas), the Puppet Museum and another museum (can't remember the name, but still very neat). Everywhere I walked, there were whispers of "boolay, boolay..." At the Monas, a man asked me to take a picture of him and his girlfriend (so I thought) so I went to reach for the camera. Instead, the woman stood next to me and the man took a picture of us. Interesting. One man on a bus started waving to me - "Hi boolay! Hi boolay!" Uh, hi.

I did get to ride on the busway. The busway is a part of the street that only buses are supposed to drive on, though a lot of motorcyclists use it. The bus was pretty clean and not too much different than the CTA buses. There is an operator on the bus that allows only a certain number of people on at each stop. It cost 3,500 rupiahs, which is about $0.40.

So I am learning more and more about Jakarta, which is pretty cool. It's been 3 1/2 weeks since I first arrived. I am not about to call it home, but so far, its not so bad.

send liz snail mail!

In case you were wondering, this is where you can send me mail!

Liz Roche
C/o Bodyworks
Darmawangsa Square City Walk, Unit 48, 2nd Floor
Jalan Darmawangsa, Kebayoran Baru
Jakarta 12160 - Indonesia

I MISS EVERYONE.

What made YOU happy today?

I had a great day today! I had the chance to talk to both my parents, my brother and my little sister this morning. I had a GREAT set of clients. I opened an Indonesian bank account. Someone took time to help me get my bank account. I lost 6 pounds. I had a great workout. I ate some more yum fruit. Someone sent me a friend request on Facebook. I got some awes emails from my River and my Zia and my favorite twin. My dad emailed me 4 times. The sun was shining. I joked with a Taksi driver and made him laugh. Someone took time to ask how I enjoyed my weekend. I actually made dinner instead of microwaving a frozen Lean Cuisine (which, btw, are SO expensive here!) I am awaiting news of a close friend's new arrival, baby Aiden. I had a cheeseburger for lunch. I wore a pink shirt. Someone else took time to show me how to cook chicken curry at home.

What made YOU happy today? Post it for all to see!

Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.
~Guilaume Apollinaire