There’s something you should know about me.
I love routine and structure and rules and schedules and color-coded charts and all things safe and un-risky. But then I moved to the Philippines. Ha ha.
Things in the Philippines operate freely and loosely. Internet isn’t working? Hey, we’ll be there next month to check it out. Grab a mango lassi and chill out, girl.
This relaxed mentality is wonderful in theory, right? But in reality my type A brain would shrivel up and die if I didn’t have my life anchored around a few predictable routines.
Routine #1: Oatmeal everyday. I finally found ONE single container of old fashioned oats on the back of the bottom cereal shelf at the grocery store. Praise the Lord that I can enjoy my same old Midwestern breakfast here in Cebu.
I make it in the rice cooker because it seems like the Cebuano thing to do, and sometimes I mix it with brown rice, coconut milk, and bananas. And I eat it cold, which leads to routine #2.
Routine #2: Cold leftovers. We don’t have a microwave. I’ve always kind of wanted to be microwaveless and it turns out that there’s no better time to give it a try than moving to a developing country.
If I really need my leftovers warmed up, I just set them out on the counter for 20 seconds. Voila.
Routine #3: Cold showers, 2x a day at minimum. And here’s a picture of a gecko on a coffeemaker since I’m coming up short on pictures of the shower.
Interesting fact of the day: most Filipino water faucets have one direction for on and one direction for off. No temperature controls here, missy.
But our high maintenance tendencies won out and we decided to splurge and go for the water heater, which has 4 temperature options: Cold, Warm, Warmer, and Warmest. This would be a good time to let you know that Cold actually feels like lukewarm bathwater. So when I say that about 75% of my showers are Cold, you understand that basically I haven’t stopped sweating since the day we arrived.
That’s our apartment pictured above – we are on the second floor and it’s awesome.
Routine #4: Purse purge. The only things that go out into the wild with me are my Cebuano phrasebook, my umbrella, my Nokia 110 Cebuano cell phone, a few coins, and my travel toilet paper.
That’s it.
No camera, no iPhone, no large bills, no computer, no jewelry (in fact, I don’t wear my wedding ring at all). This is sad for me because 1) I like to wear my wedding ring, and 2) I wish I could take more pictures, but that’s hard to do without a camera.
One of my coworkers recently had her gold earrings stolen when she was out in the city– someone snuck up behind her and literally pulled them out of her ears. All the people we’ve met here are so lovely, friendly, and outgoing, but as with many big cities, theft is a big problem.
Someday I’ll get the guts to take my camera out into the streets and capture the full extent of this colorful, loud, and beautiful urban craziness.
Routines: Part 2 coming up next Monday. You can never have too many routines, I say.
Can I say one last thing? I am continually overwhelmed by your encouraging comments, emails, and messages throughout this whole living abroad process. Thank you for your support, through a computer screen, half a world away.
I’m sending you a virtual s’mores bar now. XO.
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love the post and glimpse into your new life, microwave-less, gecko-filled, and sweaty…and you could post this type of thing every day – I love hearing and seeing what it’s like!
Thanks Averie!
So interesting – and what an adjustment. My OCD tendencies would be in major shock!
Loved seeing a bit of your routine, I’m not sure how I would cope with that kind of reality!
Sounds like you’re adjusting well! I know what it’s like to give up all those modern conveniences to be in a new place, it’s tough. Since you’re using a rice cooker, thought I’d make sure you saw Kimberley’s recent post about creative uses for rice cookers: http://theyearinfood.com/2012/07/eating-well-on-the-road-pt-2-one-pot-meals-and-the-magic-of-the-rice-cooker.html. Hope that will broaden your options!
YES! Thank you! I almost bought a rice cooker cookbook the other day… this is perfect!
Great to hear what’s going on with you and Bjork. Keep up the life-style posts!
Thanks Patrick. PS. You should ask for the video people at Renovation to include your announcements on the Renovation message videos. We were excited to hear you give the announcements when we watched the video the other day, but they cut you out, darn it. You need to say something about that.
wow this is SOOOO interesting!
When i lived in Russia during communism (totally developed but I swear they used to do some of this stuff just to eff with its people), we used to have either all cold water for 2-3 months at a time (in Russia cold means freezing and you may actually have hypothermia after a bath…there are no showers) or NO water for 2-3 weeks at a time….this happened so regularly that I don’t think anyone even blinked an eye.
Here we had Hurricane Irene come through and lost power (and with our electric well-water pump water as well) for 5 days and you’d think that life ended.
Isn’t that crazy? I have a feeling it will sort of be like that when we come home, with people freaking out about the smallest little things and me feeling like it’s luxury just to have the basics!
I’m a huge routine gal too! Great pictures, and your apt is gorgeous.
Thanks! We love it. It’s a little weird to live in such a nice building and have “squatter” homes all around us (basically people living in shacks and shantys), but we sure appreciate having a safe and clean place to settle down for the year.
What a fun post Lindsay! It’s so interesting to read about your new life. I’m not sure how I would live without a microwave, but now I’m curious about it.
And I don’t blame you for not taking out your camera or jewelry onto the streets. Better safe than sorry, right? I’d be heartbroken if my camera was stolen!
I know, that’s kind of how I feel. Just tonight I read a blog post from a guy who is living in Cebu who had his iPhone stolen on a Jeepney, so I’m thinking I’ll keep leaving all that stuff at home!
I think you’re handling the culture shock quite well, and with lots of humor. I would have fainted dead away at the sight of the gecko on the coffee pot–and I wouldn’t go near the pot again! I have so much admiration for you and your family. And to keep the blog going to? Wow.
Wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your e-book about food photography. I wish I had purchased it sooner. Your explanations were so much easier to understand for me that other books about photography that I have purchased and read.
Thanks,
Alaiyo
Thank you so much Alaiyo! It makes me so happy to hear that the book was useful and helpful for you.
Delicious s’mores bar thank you!
It would be tricky adjusting to life in such a different city but it seems like you guys are doing a pretty amazing job. I love your enviro-friendly microwave – the kitchen bench!
Brings back memories!! You both remain in our prayers. Enjoy the mangos
Patti
Thanks Patti! We really appreciate it.
And I just bought another whole bag of mangoes this afternoon. Mmmmm!
Hi Lindsay ,from Montreal(Québec)mes meilleurs voeux de santé pour continuer votre oeuvre charitable.Soyez prudents. My english isnot so good but I can read your article.Do you understand french langage.Bonne chance
Grandma and IAee sitting here chuckling . I remember the multiple showers and the hair always plopped on top of my head. Saved a ton on makeup that rapidly melts to the chin line!
grandma says we enjoy hearing from you. Susan is visiting this month to all the babies (great grands) on her Minnesota tour. Love you. Enjoy those mangos grandma
Thanks Nancy (and grandma)! You made my day!
And I’m so thankful that someone else knows about the makeup melting to the chin line. Soooo special. Hope you’re enjoying your summer!
Thanks as always for sharing. I love the insights into all you are learning – both about your new home and insights to yourself!
I’m newly into rice cookers myself! It seems like magic!
I’ve always had one but never tapped into its full potential. This will be the Year of the Rice Cooker, I think. Let me know if you find any amazing ways to use it.
Thanks for sharing life with us, Lindsay! I admire your courage to follow God’s leading to serve like this in a country so far from your home, family and what feels comfortable! You have a way with words. I really enjoy reading your blog. Despite all the ups and downs of settling in, I hope you and Bjork are really enjoying your time in Cebu! This year will go by so fast and you will be so glad you took advantage of the chance you had now to do something like this down the road.
Thank you Karen! I already can’t believe ONE MONTH has gone by. We are doing our best to enjoy every moment and laugh and the challenges!
PS. Any more thoughts on starting a blog??
I started reading your blog shortly before you moved to the Philippines and already it’s one of my favorites. This was a great peek at how you are making your life work there!
Aw, thanks Jodi!
You are doing great!
I’m not sure I could do what you are doing with such grace.
Can’t wait for another recipe!
Hi Lindsay! I really look forward to your posts about living in Cebu. I am living vicariously through you until I can one day visit my homeland for the first time. I think what you’re doing over there is so awesome. God is doing some amazing work through you.
All of those adjustments sound like a huge change for me but I’ve always wanted to learn to live a simple life. I think our culture here in the states is so busy and overstimulated. Are you finding that life is simplier or harder?
Joanna, thanks for your sweet comment!
I do feel like this is a simpler life, mostly because we literally have fewer possessions now. Culturally things are really relaxed, and that part is hard for me (sometimes it’s maybe too relaxed in my opinion) but on the other hand, I’m finding that things I used to care about don’t really matter to me anymore. Which is probably ok. 
You should read the book Seven by Jen Hatmaker. It’s all about finding simplicity, as a way to follow God, in a overmaterialistic and busy American culture. I found it really inspiring and it sounds like something you might be interested in. Take care Joanna! 
Great story. So glad you shared. I really wouldn’t risk taking your camera out. The photos you post here are fine. If it were stolen (because photography is important to you) that one single incident could have a profound effect on your attitude.
I love your blog, and even though I never comment I always come for the good food (no, wait, more like fantastic food!) and a handful of silly-cute stories from your life, but this routine thing made me realize that I’m not the only one in the world with her little quirks, and I had to say – thank you so very much for it.
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However, the gecko on the coffee maker scares me. Really. I guess I’m still a teeny tiny bit worse at adjusting to the unknown than you.
You two are both adorable and you seem to be handling the change really well. You are.
Thanks so much Barbara! The gecko on the coffee maker thing was weird at first. Ok, still is weird. But if I can have enough composure to take pictures of the gecko instead of running away, I think I’ve made progress.
You crack me up with your posts. It brings back memories of when I visited the PI many years ago (and I too was overwhelmed with sweat “everyday”). Have you tried “Halo Halo” yet? It will help you and Bjork with the heat and humidity and is a yummy treat. Maybe a recipe for it in the future from you?
I don’t know… I’ve had halo halo and something about beans in ice cream just doesn’t do it for me.
But I DO love the ube ice cream, and the corn flakes are awesome! Totally wish the ube was more available in the states!
Wow, you are brave! I think the gecko would make me come unglued…oy! What an adventure.
We always tell the 2nd graders to use more “VOICE” in their writing. I should read them your blog posts!
Ha! Um, no.
I love your site, Lindsay! I’ve been living in California for around 20 years now and seeing pictures of the day to day life in my country keeps me smiling. The gecko, or “butiki” in Tagalog is such a great shot. They’ve always been a part of our lives living there, no matter where you are, rich or poor.
It’s so great that you and your husband are doing this, and greater still that you are keeping such a great attitude through all the changes! I have friends, American AND Filipino who cringe at the stories I tell them about growing up in the Philippines. I’m definitely sending them your blog. ^_^
By the way, since you like oatmeal, have you ever tried the local “champorado?”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champorado
Here’s a pic : http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2029/1814118412_a783154800_o.jpg
It’s basically chocolate rice porridge. Sounds weird, but really, it’s yum. :] I like eating it cold too, with lots of evaporated milk. Nom.
Keep up the great, inspirational work, and thanks for all of it! :]
Yes! The tiki! I was wondering if anyone would mention that… I figured that I should just call it a gecko since most people wouldn’t know what I meant by tiki. And as for the champorado, I have never even heard of it! Do I need to buy it anywhere special? I think I would love it!!
Love the sneak peek! I didn’t have a water heater when I was younger and I would jump in and out of the shower…I remember those days! Now I need to take a bath with hot water all the time (even in the summer) and you know how hot it is over here!! Definitely need to try me oatmeal in the rice cooker soon!
Ah the gecko! Or what we call it –> ‘butiki’
Bath with hot water???? YOU ARE CRAZY!
Wow, thank you so much for sharing this. It’s so interesting to read. I’m exactly the same and love my routines and for everything to be organised and neat and working properly. My dad told me I was getting far to stressed over a swarm of flies in my house the other day and it got me thinking that I shouldn’t really sweat the small stuff.
When I traveled in Africa, it changed me. I became laid back, went with the flow, worked with what I had and loved every minute. It was hard adjusting back as I felt bogged down by too much stuff and still feel that way now. It was really dangerous travelling in South Africa too which wasn’t so nice but I spent most of my time in calmer places which was lovely.
Looking forward to hearing more of your journey.
Hi Lindsay,
I’m a first time reader that found you through a pin for your garlic shrimp baked penne, which i will be making tonight for our Olympics Opening Ceremony Celebration so yay! But i have to comment because I have been to Cebu! I lived in Bangkok during high school and took a small school trip to Dumaguete to build houses for Habitat for Humanity. We flew into Cebu and stayed the night there before and after Dumaguete – even went to the Cebu mall! I really enjoyed the Philippines and the people and the food. Dumaguete/HfH was a truly humbling experience and makes you appreciate the small things that you take for granted, and i was only there for a week! You’re doing great work and i hope you enjoy the experience!
That’s awesome! Thanks for the comment, Bethany! And I hope you guys enjoy the shrimp pasta/ opening ceremonies!
I had to laugh when I saw the gecko photos. You’ve obviously come a long way in regards to your lizard phobia! Taking multiple up-close photos instead of running away! Way to go!
Living overseas is all about adjustments. You just go ahead and do whatever it is that makes you feel comfortable and at home. Some days are better than others and there continues to be culture shock from time to time even after you think you’ve over it, but as long as you can find things that you love about it, you’ll make it just fine. And a sense of humor is a big plus! We always label having to do something that seems insane to us Americans a “cultural experience” and then we have something funny to write home about…
HI Lindsay , I enjoy hearing of your expierances. Humidity doesn’t go very good either, but then I am 85 yrs, too . You guys are constantly in my prayers . Susan was here for 3 weeks ,returned home ,Sat. We did a lot of traveling and I am tired. Saw Melia and held ,went to Wgtn. saw so many friends ,thento Ellen’s ,Baby was born at home ,in the morning. Chelsie was working at the Mayo when her water broke .Help there said well whate you going to do now? Chelsea said go home and have my baby ,it was born about 8 hours later 8 lb. 8oz. Call him ALISTAIR ERVIN grampa would have been thrilled. Will be one year that he left us I do miss him . HOpe all goes well with you two Love G’ma R.
Hi Grandma! Thank you for your nice comment! I have been thinking about you so much and praying for you all the time! It makes my heart sad to think that it’s almost one year since Grandpa passed away. I had a feeling that with all the cousin’s new babies that someone would be naming their baby Ervin… Chelsea was the first one to get to it, I guess! Lucky!
I miss him so much. I miss you too and I’m going to call you this week. Love you Grandma!
Aaah I didn’t know you’d moved to the Philippines! Just shows I haven’t visited your blog in too long, haha. I have a friend who’s living in Manila right now and she posts the most colorful, crazy pictures and stories! I’m definitely going to be reading your blog more regularly now because 1.) it’s awesome that you moved to the Philippines and 2.) There’s probably going to be more stuff that I can make because you can probably get similar ingredients to what I can get, hahaha! I love that part about being so happy to finally find rolled oats because I have feelings like that all the time! (“What, they have a package of cream cheese in there? SCORE!”)
That’s awesome – does your friend have a blog? I’d love to check it out!