Adios, lah!

Dear Reader- that is, if there are any of you left…

I begin this post as I have many others with a simple apology for my absence. Three years is a long time to keep you waiting.

To be honest, the first six months of life in Kuala Lumpur were so hard it was impossible to write and the last six months have been so busy there has been no time.

KL has been a mixed bag- the mundane punctuated by amazing moments of culture and diversity. Celebration, followed up by failures. Tears, laughs, frustration, traffic jams, curry puffs, travel, homesickness and elation.  

Since I last posted, life has been nothing short of a cluster fuck wrapped in a Haiku, and I mean that in the best possible way. 

Maybe, finally, I can say we have settled. I bump into people I know all over the city, the kids are loving school, we are well adjusted and happy. I can get places without Waze. Blinkers are for losers and double parking is the norm- not the exception. Taco Tuesday is no problemo and our Thanksgiving turkey this year was actually a turkey…see the difference?

I'm pretty sure this is NOT a turkey!

Three years later...look at that bird! Just like home!

There have been moments of fabulosa: watching Vee learn Mandarin, listening to Davis bargain with shop keepers, Kirk eating unrecognizable food from street vendors, me attempting a Yee Sang salad from scratch at home. We are all learning, growing, changing. But of course, that is not always easy.

So as fate would have it, we got the call that it is time to move again- westward at last to the bustling metropolis of London! Oi mate! Mind the gap!

Before I start on London, I would like to properly bid fairwell to KL. I hate that I didn't write more while in Malaysia, it has been such a life changing experience for us. Admittedly, my heart didn't sing for Southeast Asia the way it did for Australia, but with time this beautiful, chaotic country has more than seduced me. The kindness and generosity of the people, the pause brought on by a daily afternoon thunderstorm, the richness that comes from three distinct cultures living as one. The smells, the spices, the manic pace that was so agressive at first has become the norm and a welcome flavor profile to our life.

Malaysia has forced us to let go of some of our American expectation and ideals. In the begining it seemed like a one sided compromise; for instance a non-certified electritian rewiring the house one plug at a time because the main breaker would trip when it rained. Or buying meat and it going bad a day after purchase. Or people backing up in the toll booth lane with 25 cars behind them. Or absolutely nothing getting done the entire month of Chinese New Year! Yet, I can report we are better for all of these "inconveniences" and not just because we all have stonger microbiomes. Malaysia forced us to surrender, accept that things do not always go as planned and move on. Adapt, smile, repeat!

What a gift.

So with enhanced perspective we embark on a different adventure and bid a fond farewell to a place that has felt like a new world almost every day. We say goodbye to dear friends and look forward to calls and visits and letters from far away.

Thank you KL, much love and cheers!

Adios, lah!

Evangeline

Petunia Atkinson

Petunia Atkinson

2003-2019

May 31st, 2019- Kuala Lumpur, Petunia Atkinson passed away surrounded by family, she was sixteen years old.

Petunia was born in Arkansas in a quasi puppy farm supplying dubious AKC papers. Anyone that encountered her knew right away she was not Westminster material. Short ears, longish legs…she was by all accounts the “sporty” model of the iconic Bassett physique. Proportions aside, the nose came standard and she was an accomplished huntress. Purchased in 2003 from an ‘OBO’ advert at a local pet store she quickly settled in as first born to the Atkinson Family. 

Petunia grew up at the prestigious Texas Corinthian Yacht Club in lovely Kemah, Texas. It was there her love for the bay and all things outdoors was cultivated. She enjoyed walks down the pier, fishing at the halfway house and sailing on the Sunfish. While not an adept swimmer- she made life on the water her own. 

It was at TCYC where she met the love of her life Otis Norwood-Gunter. Otis and Petunia were inseparable. They split their time together hunting rabbits, enjoying sunset cruises on Gumbo and lazing the afternoons away on the flats.  

In 2005 Petunia became a big sister to Evangeline Grace, and a short while later to baby brother Davis Flournoy. Petunia took her duties as eldest sibling seriously; a loyal companion, trustworthy guard dog and an eager playmate. Petunia’s non deserneing palette served her well- she was always game for a forlorned chicken nugget or the stray goldfish. Hoovering up floor bits made her a welcomed guest in some of Houston's most prestigious homes.

At the ripe old age of 10 the tides changed for Petunia and she traveled with her family to Perth Australia. Her loyalty knew no bounds enduring long stints in quarantine and the humiliation of crate training to accompany them. But, sacrifice has its rewards- Petunia thrived the the cool temperatures, enjoying naps on the beach and delicious new delicacies made from kangaroo!

           Life as an expat suited Petunia and soon she was jetting off to Southeast Asia, landing in exotic Kuala Lumpur. KL was a mecca of smells and new things to eat! Sadly at this point Petunia had lost most of her eye sight so grand adventures were limited to the backyard. Amazingly she memorized the layout of the house and navigated things well- her nose letting her know exactly when dinner was served. 

            Petunia will be remembered for her large personality, her strong will and her distain for baths. She loved car rides, lasagna, sunny spots in the yard and expensive upholstery. We are all better for having her in our lives- she was a loyal and generous companion. One of a kind.

           We take comfort in knowing she is in a better place- hunting rabbits in the woods, cleaning up under the burger bar, lounging in the sun, home at the bay.

           In lieu of donations please take a moment to give your fury companion an extra belly rub or treat. It is a lonely life without these crazy animals we call ours- thanks is due.