Family Pets

Since we had to leave dear Thumper in Thailand (in capable hands, I assure you) D has been asking frequently for a replacement pet. She was willing to settle for a Golden Retriever, a Saint Bernard, a guinea pig, or a pug. The answer at first was, "We'll see about a small pet once we are settled."
So now, we're settled, in a house with a fish pond!

Are you thinking what I'm thinking??

Perfect! Low maintenance, outdoor, inexpensive pets! Meet Sharky, Boots, and Ginger. The last 3 carp at the pet store.

D is content for now. C is busting at the seams. And I'm happy to make use of a formerly neglected area of our property. I think it will also get the kids outside more and add a small chore to their all-too-short list of household duties.
Welcome to the family fishies! Enjoy fattening up on all the tadpoles that had taken over the pond!

I'm Flattered! And Creeped Out, All at the Same Time

So far, here in Davao City, we've encountered very friendly people. People smile and greet us warmly. Lots of "Good morning ma'am!" as you walk through shopping centers, salespeople are always fetching shopping baskets for me when I pick up too many items, and people see me waiting for the driver and they bring me a chair or invite me back inside into the air conditioning. It's lovely.

Another way they are kind, is by being very generous with the compliments about physical appearance. When we first arrived, we met 2 sisters who were showing us houses in the area. Each time they would email me, their emails always were always full of these compliments.
"Dear Pretty Madam," began one. And another, "Hello Miss Pretty," and my personal favorite, "Dear Miss Pretty Preggy Lady." Until recently, I was totally creeped out by these greetings and debated asking her to stop.

I've also been told I'm a "very sexy preggy lady" by a woman at C's school. And one of the female homeowners at a house I viewed felt the same way. I was WEIRDED OUT!

T said it came up at work last week that it is common and accepted for women here to receive these compliments. T works with 2 female receptionists who go by the nicknames, Legs and Racks (short for Raquel, I'm told). But he's struggling with that. Seems like a sexual harassment suit just waiting to happen! I guess it beats the co-worker in Perth who described herself as a "MILF" in a meeting when asked to say a few things to introduce herself. No joke.

So I'll do my best to get used to this new cultural difference. And be thankful it isn't commonplace to hurl insults at pregnant ladies!