May 2025 - Letterbox on the Lane

Chaos, Connection, and Cake: Cambodia – March 2025

March is always a whirlwind for us—and this year was no exception.

Jackson turns 11!

We kicked off the month with a magical celebration: Jackson’s birthday! This year, he chose a Harry Potter-themed escape room, and it did not disappoint. The kids gathered at our place in the morning and we took a hired bus to the venue. It was so much fun having all the kids together in the bus – sharing snacks, excitement building. When we arrived, we locked up our phones (so no pictures!) and we began our adventure. Wands were waved, spells were cast, and puzzles were solved. After escaping Hogwarts just in time, we headed home for pizza and birthday cake. I’m ready for the birthday parties to get a bit smaller and more intimate, and this was perfect.

Not long after, Indonesia entered the sacred and festive time of Idul Fitri. I wanted to do something meaningful for my colleagues who were fasting, so I put together Buka Puasa boxes for them to enjoy as they broke their fasts. I filled little boxes with dates, dried apricots, roasted almonds, banana muffins, and almond crescent cookies. It was a small gesture, but one filled with gratitude and respect for the beautiful diversity of traditions here. Sharing food has a way of bridging cultures—and it’s always one of my favorite parts of living in Indonesia.

Wandering Wonders: Our Cambodian Adventure

After a busy March filled with birthday celebrations and local traditions, we capped it off with something truly unforgettable—a journey to Cambodia.

Our travel got off to a bumpy start. I booked the trip at the last minute. There were no direct flights available, so we had a layover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The originating flight was delayed in taking off, so we missed our connection. There were no other flights out the same day, so we had to stay overnight and try again the next morning. The airport shuttle did not show up, so I had to download the Grab app and take a Grab taxi to the hotel. In the morning, we were to head back to the airport. Unfortunately, the shuttle driver was late and still had to stop at another hotel before taking us to the airport. I had a meltdown on the bus, worried that we would miss the next flight as well. The driver drove like a madman around Kuala Lumpur and got us to the airport on time! We had intended to overnight in Phnom Penh and take a car from the hotel. I reorganized everything, cancelled the hotel, and asked that the driver meet us at the airport. He did, but because it was now Sunday around noon, the traffic was much worse than originally scheduled. What was supposed to be a 5.5 hour drive took us over 7 hours. Luckily, we stopped at a 7-11, and stocked up on some road snacks! (and we did stop halfway at a ‘rest stop’ with ‘Western’ toilets.)

We FINALLY arrived in Siem Reap—the gateway to Angkor Wat and the heart of Cambodia’s ancient Khmer Empire.

We stayed at a boutique hotel called Jaya House River Park. After the very long journey to get to Siem Reap, the warm welcome at the hotel was just what we needed. The cold towels at reception hit the spot. As we checked in, I was offered a ginger mojito and Jackson requested a Shirley Temple. (after describing the drink, they made one just for him!) We loved our stay at this hotel.

We started out with a photography tour to build up some skills to capture our best photographs. We started at the Bayon temple and ended at Ta Prohm (yes, the one made famous by Tomb Raider). We then went to the Apopo museum to learn about how rats are used to find undetonated landmines.

We made the mistake of going to see Angkor Wat in the afternoon. It was now the first of April and while the sun on the temple gave it a magical golden glow, the sun on us was just too much. In the olden days, elephants were used to carry visitors the distance to the temple. Elephants are no longer used, and there are no other options but to walk 45 minutes to the temple in the blazing sun. It was really hard to appreciate where we were, when we were actively trying not to pass out. The entire Angkor complex is enormous and awe-inspiring—we wandered through crumbling corridors, peered up at intricate carvings, and then needed to make our way back to the car. Once in the car, we went directly to the hotel to rest. Upon our return, the manager noticed that Jackson was miserable and in tears. He offered to bring him another Shirley Temple! I agreed, and it really made an impression on Jackson how kind the people of Cambodia are.

Over the next few days, we avoided the temples in the afternoon, and instead went swimming at the hotel pool, went out for gelato, and did some souvenir shopping.

Before we knew it, it was time to head back to Indonesia. We returned with tired feet and full hearts. Cambodia gave us more than just beautiful photos—it gave us perspective, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the history and resilience of this incredible region. If you’ve ever considered exploring Cambodia—go. It’s not just a trip; it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the passport stamps fade.

March reminded me of just how full life can be when you embrace it—celebrating the big moments, honoring the meaningful ones, and always staying curious about the world beyond your doorstep.

Here’s to the chaos, the connection, and the cake.

LIFE

Designing Dreams: My Custom Furniture Journey in Indonesia

One of the unexpected joys of living in Indonesia has been discovering the art—and adventure—of custom furniture making. There’s something incredibly special about watching an idea evolve from a sketch in your mind into a beautiful, functional piece that perfectly fits your space and style.

I’ve found a local carpenter whose work is nothing short of amazing. He has a true talent for taking my Pinterest-level visions and turning them into handcrafted reality. The process is simple, collaborative, and honestly, kind of fun.

It all starts with a few reference photos and some rough dimensions. I send him images of what I’m envisioning—sometimes a mix of different styles or features from various pieces—and he takes it from there. He makes a visit to my home to see exactly where the piece will go, taking detailed measurements and assessing the space.

Then comes the creative part: What style of leg do I want? How much overhang on top? What style of drawer pull? He shows me samples of wood stains, we talk through finishes, and he sketches everything out. His drawings bring the concept to life, and once I give the thumbs up, he sends over a quote. A few weeks later, he’s at my door, delivering a one-of-a-kind piece made just for me.

My latest creation? A stunning custom chest—and I absolutely love it. It’s exactly what I hoped for, and more. The craftsmanship, the personalized details, the way it fits just right in my home—this piece isn’t just furniture; it’s a little slice of art that reflects my taste and lifestyle.

Having furniture made in Indonesia is more than just a design decision; it’s an experience. It’s personal, it’s practical, and it’s deeply satisfying. Whether you’re furnishing a new space or adding a signature piece to your collection, there’s nothing quite like seeing your vision built from the ground up.

If you ever find yourself in Indonesia, don’t miss the chance to create something unique with the help of local artisans. Trust me—it’s worth it.

LIFE

Christmas 2024: Cookies, Cross-Country Adventures, and a Whole Lot of Love

This Christmas was anything but ordinary—and somehow, that made it all the more memorable.

It started early this year. Really early. I kicked off the season back in January when I began a batch of homemade vanilla, destined to become part of my office holiday gifts. As Christmas approached, I baked dozens of cookies for my colleagues—my kitchen looked like a full-blown cookie factory by mid-December. The tree was up, stockings were hung, and our bags were (mostly) packed for the 30-hour trek back to the U.S. to see our family.

Since Jackson spends Christmas Day with his dad, we usually celebrate when we return home. But this year, we decided to celebrate before we left. Let’s just say… we won’t be doing that again. Jackson was so excited he could hardly contain himself—and absolutely couldn’t sleep. He spent most of the night trying to drag me out of bed to open gifts. I told him I wouldn’t budge until the sun came up, so he literally stood at the window, keeping watch for daylight. Cute? Yes. Exhausting? Also yes.

After a very long (but thankfully uneventful) journey, we landed in South Carolina. Jackson headed off to enjoy the holidays with his dad, and I shifted gears to family time. My dad was recovering in rehab after breaking his hip, and though he wasn’t up for visitors beyond a quick hello, he encouraged me to spend time with Aunt Darlene. That’s when the next adventure began.

Aunt Darlene and I made plans to see The Nutcracker at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh—a magical treat that we hadn’t experienced together in years. I stopped in to wish Dad a Merry Christmas, then drove to North Carolina to pick up Aunt Darlene. From there, she took the wheel, and off to Pittsburgh we went!

We met up with my dear friend Missy, who had never seen The Nutcracker before. The performance was lovely—though after so much driving, a few of us may have caught a quick nap during the quieter moments! After a few hugs and goodbyes, Missy dashed off to her evening plans, and Aunt Darlene and I headed across the river for dinner at The Melting Pot. We shared a cozy fondue meal with my oldest son and daughter-in-law—too short, but so sweet.

Before wrapping up our whirlwind Christmas tour, we squeezed in visits with both of my brothers and their families. Then, it was time to head south again—though not without one more stop. Aunt Darlene had a Global Entry appointment in Norfolk, so we took care of that en route.

I made it back to South Carolina just in time to ring in the New Year with my dad. The perfect ending? Finally cutting through enough red tape to bring his beloved dog in for a visit. The moment they saw each other was pure joy—his face lit up in a way only a pup can inspire.

This Christmas wasn’t polished or perfect. It was a patchwork of plans, travel, family, and flexibility. But it was real, it was full of love, and it reminded me that sometimes, the best memories come from the unexpected.

Here’s to a new year of more adventures, spontaneous ballet trips, and plenty of cookies.

CELEBRATE, FOOD

Thanksgiving 2024: A Playdate to Remember

This year, we decided to shake things up a bit for Thanksgiving—and it turned out to be one of our favorite celebrations yet. Instead of the usual big fancy dinner, we turned the holiday into an after-school playdate for Jackson and his school friends. It was casual, joyful, and filled with laughter (and a few flying Nerf darts).

Jackson invited a handful of his classmates over to experience a mini Thanksgiving feast. For many of them, it was their first time trying traditional Thanksgiving food, and watching their reactions was half the fun. We kept the menu classic and comforting: mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and not one, but two kinds of pie—apple and pumpkin. Instead of going the traditional turkey route, we opted for a beautifully roasted chicken, which ended up being the perfect size and much easier to manage.

The kids were adventurous, each taking little bites of everything. Some were surprised by the tartness of cranberry sauce; others loved the richness of the stuffing. The pies were a hit all around, and we’re pretty sure we converted a few pumpkin pie skeptics.

After the feast came the real highlight of the day: an epic Nerf war outside. The kids dashed around, teaming up, laughing, and using everything from bushes to trees as cover. It was chaotic in the best possible way—just pure fun and energy, the perfect way to run off a few helpings of mashed potatoes.

In the end, this unconventional Thanksgiving reminded us what the holiday is really about—sharing, gratitude, and connection. Whether it’s around a formal dining table or on the lawn with Nerf blasters, it’s the people (and a little pie) that make the day special.