I haven't written in a while. I have had a little writer's block.
There is only so much one can write about similarities between Milwaukee and Singapore. I've hit most of the interesting topics – food, people and sports. I have a few controversial issues I care about, but writing too much about them might get me booted out of this little democracy.
I was thinking about writing about the seedy underside of the sex trade in Singapore, but that might lead to the question, "How does he know?" I will hold off on that one for now.
I have also been in a funk since the Brewers post-season crashed and burned. Finally, I just changed jobs. I've moved from Big Denim to Big Banking.
The job thing is my biggest news. I had a nice gig where I could wear jeans, T-shirts and sneakers to work; in fact, I pretty much had to (at least the jeans). Being the loyal employee that I am, in just under two years I amassed around 30 pairs of Levi's, Dockers and dENiZEN pants. I also have lots and lots of tops and accessories. Those bottoms, from distressed to vintage to skinny to baggy to button fly and zippered, are all now located in the back of the closet. I will wear them on weekends and when I travel to the U.S. It's way too hot to wear them for kicking around here near the equator.
So I have gone into the industry that has recently inspired many to take to the streets. An industry that is doing pretty well here in Asia where the economy is decent and emerging markets are growing like crazy. One that values the skills I have developed over my long career.
It's my first week so I have a little down time as I am learning my way around the office and the company. I have a super view of the heart of Singapore from my 32nd floor window. I can see the Esplanade, Singapore's high end music and theater venue (the two low, spiky roofed buildings that look like the regional stinky, but well-loved fruit, the durian) and the Merlion (Singapore's made-up city mascot that is half mermaid, half lion) as he/she spews water into the Marina Bay.
In the other picture, just behind the Ritz Carlton Hotel, you can see the very amazing three-building structure with what looks to be a big boat on the roof joining the buildings. That is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino, and further left is the Singapore Flyer, one of the world's largest ferris wheels. In the distance is the waterfront and beyond the container ships anchored there, about five miles out is Indonesia.
So as I gaze out the window and get geared up to start working hard for a change, I am glad to have kicked the writer's block for now. I'm hopeful that I will have some new topics soon as I need to get back on the road a bit and will be hitting hot spots like Jakarta, Manila and Hong Kong soon.
Just curious, anyone want me to write about the seamy underside? I am willing to do the research!
