I was totally out of the loop when the news came out on Monday. Didn't think it would be possible foranyone to missthat. But blame my crazy week, which thankfully has begun to wind down a bit.....for now.
This brings me back to my visit to Ground Zero in the bitter cold March winter of 2007, I'd have to say it was an experience in itself. What compelled HY and I to go there, in the first place, escapes me. We just knew we had to do it. Setting out on an early subway ride to the Financial District, which we discovered was the southern-most part of Manhattan, we didn't know quite what to expect. But a tourist spot it was not. Perhaps it was the freezing winter. Perhaps it was too early in the day. Coming up from the station, Ground Zero was not more than a few icy steps away. Icy in every sense of the word. Despite the obvious construction work going on, the whole area was relatively quiet. It was a workday after all. I think for a moment HY and I were speechless when we looked at the site of what used to be an icon in the Manhattan skyline. It would never look the same again.
Trying to get a better view of the site, that was now completely flattened, we climbed onto an elevated marble platform in front of the opposite building. Apparently this was not allowed, as we soon learned from the guard at the building. It might have been dangerously slippery anyway. Maybe that's why.
Another disappointment was that we couldn't find a decent place for breakfast anywhere nearby, so we settled for the nearest Burger King. I don't know whether it was that time of the morning, or the fact that we were essentially tourists, but let's just say that their service wasn't great. Of course, what could you expect from a fast food joint? But it was almost as if there was this collective sense of gloom in the area. This particular Burger King was directly opposite the Twin Towers. Sitting on the first floor overlooking the site, it finally dawned on us why the people may have been the way they were. One could only imagine what it would have been like to even be in the surrounding buildings, let alone the WTC itself. Once again speechless. Realizing this, it was time to take the next train back to more familiar ground.
Even though 9/11 was 6 years before then, those images are impossible to erase. Neither do people want to be reminded. Nevertheless, it's a place that needs to be treated with respect.
If you have to ask which Abbey, then you must be on another planet! Mind you though, a couple of weeks ago my hairdresser quips, "So there's a Royal Wedding coming up." My head must have been on holiday as I replied,"Really? I haven't heard." For some reason I instantly thought he was talking about one that was to take place here, which, if were the case, I definitely would have known about it.
But of course there's Kate. Who in 2 days time will become Princess Catherine Middleton. They fell in love in college, had a brief albeit a much-publicized falling out, and got back together again. The stuff of fairy tales. Not quite. But better. I do somewhat cringe at the overuse of the term "fairy tale" in that it implies something that is not true. And we all know how those stories end........Happily ever after, of course!
Another pet peeve of mine is the way a small portion of the media (let's just say the more "regional" members) constantly compares Kate to Diana. Yes, like Diana had done, Kate has easily won the hearts of the people and the media. She has a great sense of style (we'll forgive her for her more revealing faux pas) and seems a great stand-up young lady who can hold her own. Any girl with a heartbeat is living vicariously through her. She has all the boxes ticked for the making of a princess. Certainly fitting for Prince William, she is. Although it is inevitable to make comparisons with his late mother, Kate should just be known asThePrincess Catherine, who will be more than capable of making a name for herself. (And we can rest assured she won't be wearing a meringue!)
I think everyone would remember exactly where they were and what they were doing on the day of Diana's tragic death. It's one of those unforgettable events, like September 11th. I was in London at the time, staying up at an insane hour, as usual, with The Gang. We were playing cards at the time and had the radio on. The radio wasn't even on that loud, but suddenly the breaking news came on and we all sat in silence. We were all going through a bit of a rough time then and this shocking news just shrouded the rest of the summer. The next morning we all paid our respects at the Palace grounds. The whole of London was there. A sad day indeed. It was amazing how the world was so affected by such tragedy, when the closest the most of us ever got to Diana was the TV screen or some glossy magazine.
In the same token, why is the world so excited about the Royal Wedding? Probably even more so than the people in Britain themselves. (No, who am I kidding? They're getting a 4-day weekend. Am I right?!) I spoke to a lady from London and I was surprised that she seemed unfazed that she'll be missing the actual event while she's here. So why are we, the rest of the world, so fascinated by this? From the Bruneian perspective, I think a lot of it has to do with our long history with Great Britain and our political, educational and social ties. As for the rest of the world, they're just in awe of all things Royal, in this case, the British Royal Family. Plus we all love a good romance.
Another huge reason that perhaps has not been emphasized enough, is the fact that the internet has become as natural as breathing now, which was unheard of during Charles & Diana's wedding in 1981. Let's just say I was too young to remember that. I did, however, remember reading a series of books on the British Royal Family in the library back in elementary school and those photographs are still fresh in my mind. So now with satellite/cable/digital TV and the ubiquitous social media, we'll all get a chance to witness the wedding live (whether you want to or not). Ok, for those of you who'd rather not, go find yourselves a nice comfy rock to crawl under!
And to Will & Kate, may they live out their fairy tale and enjoy their REAL LIVES!
Check outAstro's listings for the live coverage, plus other programs in the lead-up to and after the event.
For online live-streaming you can tryhere orhere.
When I first saw the clips fromDC Cupcakes on Star World, I couldn't help but wonder, in all my stops in DC how did I ever miss it? It turns out that I didn't........
On a rainy 4th of July in 2008
From the show, it looks like the sisters have a bigger shop also in Georgetown, Washington DC. This was their first shop that they also call their "lab" where they work on ideas on big projects. And it's true how they say the space is really small....
My 1st time there in June '08
July '08
All lining up for these
Given the limited space inside the shop itself, the best way to enjoy these decadent works of love is right outside their door. No seats or tables required. 'Cos once you've got your hands on one of these, you just can't wait to sink your teeth into it!
3 sins in a box
I could have done a lot worse than being force-fed a cupcake!
Not the typical foodie show, DC Cupcakes takes us into the journey of the two sisters who gave up their high-powered jobs to pursue their passion for baking. The icing on the cake, so to speak, is the fact that it's a family business and they go into the personal side of things too. I'm sure many baking enthusiasts will be able to draw inspiration from this show to take it beyond their ovens and really make it big!
So how many of us really follow the Oscars, or more correctly, The Academy Awards? It's such a long strung out event of glitz and glamour, no less, with virtually no live performances, save for the Original Score montages, and yet has us glued to the screen for a good 3 hours! That also depends a lot on the host of the show. Billy Crystal used to be on forever, but I suppose the Academy wanted some variety. This year's hosts will be the very easy-on-the-eyes James Franco & Anne Hathaway. Need I say more? Well, they may be fabulous actors, but hosting the Oscars is a pretty tall order. Hugh Jackman managed to pull it off, though. The show, I mean. Not his shirt. :P
Last year's line-up of nominees was quite impressive. Though, I'm finding it hard to remember who won Best Picture, which isthe award of the night. Some film about the war in Iraq, with Jeremy Renner. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow (Spielberg's ex-wife) who also won Best Director. Yea, I really don't know anything about that movie. Perhaps it was 'cos I never watched it. The Hurt Locker. That's what it was.
Out of last year's nominated films I saw Up in the Air, Up, An Education, The Blind Side, Precious and Inglorious Basterds; all of which I enjoyed each in different ways. But still none of them really "left me affected", as I would say to myself after I've seen a film. 'Cos that's how I know when the movie's hit the spot. Be it anger, pain, love, hate. Any emotion evoked that lingers will be worthy of my 5 stars. Yes, I'm still talking about movies here. (Glance over to my right pane under "Flix" for my personal ratings)
And then came 2011. 3 words: The King's Speech. I must admit that the title itself was enough to put me to sleep, but I went ahead and watched it not even knowing the 1st thing that it was about. All I knew was that there'd be a King and that there'd be a speech. Probably hell of an important one. How exciting canthat be? The film proved me so wrong. It was like seeing a whole chunk of the history of Great Britain that no-one really knew about. A very real King with a very real problem. A human problem, that anyone could be struggling with. But for a King? Colin Firth could not have been more perfect for the role. I don't think you could get moreEnglish than Colin Firth. The Oscar's in the bag.
The quintessential Englishman
With 12 nominations, The King's Speech is sitting pretty.
Inception. You had me at Leo. The babyface only gets better with age. Sure, it's a dream in a dream. In a dream. How cool would it be if we could record and replay our dreams? My picks for Original Screenplay and Visual Effects. We've all seen The White House and The Empire State Building annihilated by major disasters, space-ships & aliens, but Paris? Now we're talkin'.
Black Swan. Darren Aronofsky does it again. Now this film for me was disturbing. It affected me. Which only means that it was that powerful. Again, I had gone in thinking it was some story about a ballet dancer being abused by her mentor. Although I wasn't completely out of line, I just wasn't expecting it to be so dark and twisted. Hey wait a minute, I'm supposed to love that kind of thing! Natalie Portman for Best Actress please.
Tell me this poster doesn't give you chills.
127 Hours. About the amount of time I've taken to write this. No, I kid. That's 5 days and a bit, dude! Being practically stuck in the deep dark butt-crack of a canyon for 5 days. With an arm lodged under a rock. What's a man gotta do? What would you do? This was another one that had me Googling for days, 'cos the story was so fascinating. And did I mention James Franco? Sorry James, Colin's got this one. But I still love you! A.R. Rahman's also been nominated for Best Original Score, but I couldn't help thinking of Slumdog Millionaire & Bollywood. For all I know, he could still win it. I'm not sure about the Danny Boyle treatment though, but the experts seem to think he's a genius.
The man himself Aron Ralston & James Franco
And then another 3 words: The Social Network. A bunch of geeks fighting over billions made from this thing they call Facebook. This had better not be one of the upsets that tips The King's Speech over. I must admit that I fell asleep 2/3 into the movie, which was probably the most important part, but I don't really have the urge to see it again. But don't go by my word. As always, everyone else loved it.
See what I mean? Geeks!
I have yet to see The Fighter and The Kids Are Alright, but I think I've got the rest pretty much covered. (Nobody has to know I've also seen Toy Story 3!)
Who knows? It might be the year for True Grit. But for now, The King's got my vote!
And if you haven't seenany of these stellar movies, go and get yourself out from under that rock...........just hope you've packed your Swiss Army Knife! :P
I'll be "LiveTweeting" the 83rd Academy Awards Ceremony tomorrow @8pm!
I just might have to stay well away from all forms of media right up to then for fear of spoilers! 'Cos on this side of the planet, some of us will have to work!
So it's Raya Eve. Or isn't it? From the last 2 weeks of Ramadhan, I've been anticipating the moment when the mood sets in. Picked up my new dresses. Nothing. Bought our favourite standard fixture Raya cakes and cookies. Nothing. 2 pairs of shoes. Still nothing, for evenme! I wasn't getting it. The mood or the reason why I've been such a Grinch. This year of all years.
Apparently I'm not alone on this. There seems to be a general sense of holding back, not just in terms of spending, but also celebration-wise. Or is it the chicken-and-egg situation? Lower Wiser spending means a subdued affair. No mojo, no shopping. Unless you're female! :P
Radio stations too seem to be slow on livening up the Raya spirit. Even the songs they play are the poor-man's cover versions of the nostalgic originals.
So I figured I'd just let it be. Until today, when I realized that it was this very moment that got me going. This sweet spot. Raya Eve. Or Raya Eve's Eve. The penultimate moment, when everyone's rushing to get things bought, collected, baked, washed, dried, dusted, hung, polished, painted and basically looking somewhat new, if it isn't already brand new. That doesn't even cover the grooming, primping & preening. I wonder if those "car-wash" eyelashes will make a come-back this year!
I'm really hoping we'll be celebrating Raya tomorrow. Sure, there's still lots to do. Yea, while I'm schlepped in my bed waiting for Sungkai. I could use the energy though. These last few days of Puasa are always the hardest.
Whatever the outcome on the announcement later, it's gonna be a long night!
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri! Maaf zahir dan batin :)
I don't do this much, but I just had to give a huge shout out to our latest addition to the family, my first nephew, Baby H, born at 5:13am this morning, September 3rd 2010. Congrats too my dear bro ZFM & wife NI on yet another lil heartbreaker a.k.a Rooster Jr.!
Now let's all start spoiling him rotten! What a way to ring in Syawal! Now I'm in the mood for Raya!
It's now the 9th day of Ramadhan in Brunei. By now we're pretty much used to the fasting, the early morning suppers, the rampant cranky traffic everywhere throughout the day, and the incessant yawning at work. Yet, everyday, we're faced with the same resounding dilemma, "What to eat?"
Ever noticed how the Fasting month seems a lot more productive than others? Not to mention in terms of religious deeds, but also where work and everyday activity is concerned. I, for one, always find myself finally getting down to do stuff I'd been putting offforever! Perhaps not having to worry about breakfast, lunch or tea gives us a lot more time for other things. Or maybe we're a lot more creative with all this free time, trying to distract ourselves from eating. Provided this creativity doesn't go to waste in those long afternoon naps. We've all been guilty of those....
Does this mean our lives revolve around food? No doubt, food is part of our culture. And we're proud of it. What with the endless lists of places to eat, food-stalls and supermarkets all within easy reach, we're spoilt for choice.
Home-cooked meals are always top of the list. Though for some cooking might be a bit of challenge when fasting, while experts could do it with their eyes closed. In Ramadhan, we tend to crave certain foods that we otherwise wouldn't find any other time of year. The obvious place to start would be the Gerai Ramadhan (Ramadhan food-stalls also dubbed as "Open-air Saunas"). This is, of course, after you've braved the traffic, both vehicular and human, and the scorching heat from the sun and open grills. In the beginning, it's almost as if the whole of Brunei is concentrated in these main Gerais, you need a skill to manoeuvre through parking, let alone find a space! But everyone's in good spirits. A great place to see people we probably haven't met in ages. Funny how there are some people you'd only meet exclusively at the Gerai, and never see them throughout the year.
Given the heat, that's ever more intense during this trying month, browsing through the Gerai is no easy stroll. The first visit, we identify the good stalls, the popular stalls, the overhyped......(but let's not go there.....Pun intended!) After a few times you've probably mapped out the place like the back of your hand and target-buying is a breeze. I usually plan what to buy and I'm in and out of there in no time. It's too hot to go around rambling with decisions.
After a while, though, it seems like we've exhausted our choices at the stalls, couldn't be arsed to cook, so we're left with the option of the Sungkai Buffet. This year I have yet to Sungkai out. Whilethis andthis have been very useful, I still can't decide where best to go. Then again there's the issue of beating the hungry human traffic. A more popular choice especially towards the end of Ramadhan, most places are booked up fast. I'd be glad to do at least one Sungkai outing this year. What I do find interesting is this policy of some restaurants charging extra for wastage. I know they have a point, but surely there's a better way of putting it. I suppose it goes with the saying Love Food, Hate Waste. Some have said, "Love Money, Eat Home"...
Thanks for all the lovely birthday wishes from everyone, anywhere in the world you may be. From home, the US, the U.K. Some of my nearest and dearest are sprinkled across the globe, but as my bro ZFM poignantly wrote......
Thank goodness for the Lunar New Year, otherwise I might have waited until January 2011 to write the next post! Any excuse. I'm finding myself homebound and bed-ridden all of a sudden, on the CNY long weekend at that! Justperfect! I was smart enough to schedule my H1N1 vaccination on a Thursday, so I'd have Friday to recover from the effects. After hearing all the horror stories from people who had been vaccinated recently, I was relatively prepared for it. The most common complaint was that the arm would be feeling sore for a few days. So left arm it was. Having had the regular flu vaccine over the years, I thought nothing of it. Until now. Mind you, I had been putting this off for a while, until the flu hit some of my nearest and dearest, and I was the first in line for the dreaded jab! Ok, maybe not exactly the 1st. I was sent away from the OSP clinic as they claimed that they were not allowed to open a fresh vial of vaccine unless I came in a party of 10! I understood their reasoning, but I wish I had known this before rushing off from work! Luckily the set-up at the Indoor Stadium was still up and running. It was over and done with pretty quickly, only I wished their air-conditioning was working!
So now MOH has suspended the vaccination program for the time being. In a way I'm relieved that I finally got mine, but I could really do without the effects. While my arm is no longer sore, my face looks like a Chinese lantern and I'm going through the Kleenex by the box! Least I'm in the festive spirit! Hehe..
I've indulged myself in my new-found guilty pleasure in the form of Glee! Yes, guilty as charged! To think that only last year, after watching the Lambert-Allen Idol Final, I switched channels 'cos I couldn't stand Rachel's voice! My bro and my sis-in-law were still there and we were all going, "Whatis this???!!" So now that it's become a craze, I decided to see what the fuss was all about. I must admit I did download the soundtrackbefore actually watching it properly! I figured that aside from the good-looking cast, it's kind of like Grease, withbetter newer music! (I still can't stand Rachel's voice, though!)
Some people have been asking why I haven't written in so long. Made me think too. While there's always the convenient excuse of "being too busy" or being "caught up with stuff", there's really only so many times I can recycle them! Besides, I really do have a lot more free time now compared to when I was in the States. True story. So my real reason would be that the dynamics have changed along with my change in location. This used to be a way for me to share my thoughts and goings-on with my family and friends while I was away, especially since ironically, not all of them are on Facebook or MSN. It also meant I didn't really have to write so many individual e-mails about virtually the same things. I'm sure most people use their blogs the same way, even inadvertently so. I suppose, now that I'm home I feel less of a need to write as much as I used to, seeing as friends are just a drive, phone-call or text away. Having said that, though, it hasn't always been easy keeping in touch with my Stateside friends, thanks to the time difference, so it does help to give them snapshots of what's going on with me back home.
I think my next dose of Panadol's up. Sweating buckets here. I do hope I'll recover by tomorrow, so I can be up and about for some of the festivities. Otherwise, I'll just have to duvet up to the umpteenth instalment of Glee!
Happy Lunar New Year peeps! Stay well....
Disclaimer: This is not to say that the H1N1 vaccine will necessarily cause flu-like symptoms. As with all vaccinations, there are bound to be effects due to building up of immunity. Therefore do get vaccinated (as soon as it becomes available again) as it'll still protect us in the long run. Insya Allah.
So where did the year go, aye? That seems to be the general thought, anyway. Or is it just me? I was going through my pictures and thought, "Did all that happenthis year?!" I suppose when you look at it that way: overcoming hurdles, reaching milestones and all that good stuff, the year might have been just as long. And yet that's how time flashes before us.
I never really know how to feel on New Year's Eve. Amidst the "bonus buzz" in Brunei, or the sudden lull when it feels like everyone's left the country, I've decided to do what I do best to ring in the New Year......Absolutely nothing! Not to sound like the New Year's "Grinch" or anything. I'll be watching the fireworks from my room.
I have, however, been a lady of leisure for the past 2 weeks, which naturally went by in two blinks. Thankfully, that's not quite over yet.
So here's wishing you've all had a fulfilling year and hope that you'll have a blessed and even better year ahead!...........Amin!
Great hopes for 2010! You've gotta love that number!
P.S. To my dear friends, i.e. once known as "The Gang", wherever in the world you are: We'll just catch up next year, yea?
One of my favourite shots from Fell's Point, Baltimore
A reflection of my current state of mind. I told myself that I wasn't going to stop writing just because I was finally home. And that's what I've told the handful of unassuming people I've met who've been following my page from time to time. I'm truly touched thatanyone'sbeen reading this. Thank you.
And so I've been telling myself that as soon as I found the time to relax and be able to string two words together, I'd write again. As soon as I found at least a solid hour to myself, without having to worry about home deliveries, workmen, or that other thing called.....a life! All I've needed is some uninterrupted peace and quiet without looking at my watch. So finally I've foundthe time. No more excuses!
From the moment my plane left Baltimore-Washington International Airport, last September, I knew that I had to write about my departure from the States. Of course, at the time, I hadn't slept the whole night as I was scouring away in the kitchen and moving my mountain of magazines and other unidentifiable junk to the trash-room in my apartment. Can you say "last minute"? Oh and I had to pack for home too! That night for me was truly unforgettable. I didn't even have the chance to stand back and think to myself that I was actually leaving. For good!
8:15am. "Ma'am, your driver is ready to take you to the airport." Damn those people were punctual. No that's not the word. Military is more like it! Naturally I would think that, seeing as I still had one hand holding my hairdryer, and the other trying expertly to conceal my eye-bags. "Take your time. Whenever you're ready." So I did! But after the 3rd call I feared I'd be late for check-in.
So rush I did, out the door. Dropped off my keys and forwarding address to the office and dragged my luggage to the black shiny vehicle waiting patiently for me. Now that was a ride! I was still in a daze all the 20 minutes to the airport. "Is this for real?" Meanwhile dear A.D. had called me at least twice to make sure I was up and that I was on my way. Bless her for changing her flight back from Boston, just so she could see me off. I kept insisting that there was no need, and that it would probably make my leaving a lot easier. But that was just my bravado talking.
After checking in, A.D. and I had a few minutes to spare and were joined by S.D. Seeing people off at the airport is not always common practice in the US, but I suppose it's not everyday that they bid farewell to a friend travelling to the other side of the world. For good.
Not that it was deliberate, but I seemed to have lost track of time that morning. I only had 20 minutes left until boarding, A.D. and S.D. practically had to push me through immigration! This was it. The moment when all hell would break loose. My floodgates would break open and I'd bawl my eyes out.......
........But no. Maybe a tear or two. But no streaming waterworks. Maybe 'cos I was too exhausted. Maybe we had already cried weeks before that. I know A.D. did. Sorry dear, but I think it helped us be emotionally prepared. Also maybe, 'cos I knew it wasn't going to be goodbye. I've been too attached to the life and friends there to cut myself off completely. Although my stay there was shorter than that in Ireland, back in my undergraduate years, somehow I know that the States will always be a part of me and a place I'd love to come back and visit in years to come. I love the feeling that I will no longer need to feel like I'm out of place in a strange land. I've made great friends and memories that will not be forgotten. Maybe that's why my departure was not a sad one. There are no goodbyes. And to this day my dear Stateside friends and I have been in touch, with e-mails, FB messages and the occasional phone-calls. That's a lot coming from those who are still constantly busy with work, studying and other "life dramas". Again my sweeties, thank you!
I must have fallen right to sleep after take-off, 'cos before I knew it, I had left Baltimore. Just like that. I had to brace myself for yet another epic flight home. For good. And that's when it dawned on me. It was a setting I was all too familiar with. Crowded plane full of complete strangers, and me.......in tears.....
Some 24 hours (and a bit) later I was finally home. Alhamdulillah, back with my family. My lovely nieces hyper as ever to see me. This was what I came home for. Unconditional love and feeling safe again. It's good to be home. For good.
P.S. Please excuse any typos or grammatical errors. I can't seem to find the spell-check! Yes, it's beenthat long!
It's finally hit me. It's about time. People around me are having a hard time accepting it. They tell me. I listen. They cry. I console them. But my calm stoic exterior is somewhat unfazed, it's unsettling. More so for me. At least until now. Right at this moment. I feel it. I've been telling myself, I'll be alright. I've done this before. Same story. Different place. Different cast. I'll be alright. Right until the last minute, then I'll open up the floodgates. Whennobody's looking. Past the departure gates.
But this particular parting is probably going to be one of the hardest. I remember the first time I saw you. Actually it was a slightly different version of you. I was hesitant. I thought you'd look different. I was told you would. But I was willing to give you a chance. After all, you were so welcoming and I was just relieved. I knew for one, that you would be quiet, but just quiet enough for me. I felt an immediate sense of calm. I was home.
Thebeginning is always exciting with something new. It was also the beginning of many other beginnings. A new environment, a new city, new faces. I came here wide-eyed and naive. I only thought the best of everything and everyone. Soon after I was to learn that not everything was what it seemed. Not everything I had heard was true. Not everything I had believed was real. As time passed I got to learn more about the life here, the city, the faces. At times I would retreat into my haven. At times I would escape.
But then familiarity set in. Armed with a little more street sense I was enticed to explore the city. I happily discovered gems around me that I otherwise would have been oblivious to. The city was suddenly changing around me. Colleagues became friends who became family. I was finally feeling comfortable. And you helped me feel that way.
Every day, no matter how long and exhausting it was, there was nothing I looked forward to more than seeing you. No matter how bad my day was, I'd feel calm again. I tried not to bring my work home, but same days I had to. The many nights I stayed up slaving away, only to see the sunrise seeping through the blinds before getting ready for yet another day. You keeping me warm through the numbing winters and the angry storms. You kept me safe.
Strangely, as sad as I would normally be leaving home each time after my yearly trips, my jet-lagged self couldn't wait to see you again, and it was like I never left.
And then there was our company. My dear brother who'd come every so often when he was here. The holidays weren't just days off work anymore. Labor Day, Spring Break, Memorial Day, 4th of July, were all family days for us. Superbowl Sunday; now we know what all the fuss is about! (kinda) Inauguration Day was the only time my TV was switched on to CNN thanks to dear Bro! His friends joined us for the 4th of July weekend and our tiny space still managed to make everyone feel at home. My sister-in-law joined us recently and we played families again.
Then there wasCN. Our crab nights. Friday nights, or sometimes Thursdays. You couldn't get 2 goofier-looking girls prancing around in front of the TV to theWiiRRR 1,2 AND 3!!! We called it "exercise". Now thatCN's gone, Friday crab nights are no more (except for the odd cravings...that aren't much fun anyway). The pot's never looked so sad. The crabs are happier though.
You haven't met too many of my friends. I'm somewhat protective of you. Not that I'm secretive that way. I just like our space.
Then there were tears. The worst tears I had ever cried. The night I will never forget. At first I wanted to be alone. But I knew I couldn't.CN was at my door in no time. Two more of my friends came later. I had no-one else. That must have been, for me, my "tipping point". The moment when they, my friends, became family. You know. You were there.
A day later I picked myself up again and I said I'd be alright. Because you were there.
From then on you became more and more special to me. The days, the weeks, the years passed. The laughter, the joys, the pain, the tears. The long hours on the phone with my mom asking me when I'm coming home. My mom often asks about you. She knows you've been keeping me safe and happy.
I've done my best to take good care of you, just as you have me. While I'm what you would call a minimalist (in more ways than one), I've also tried to keep my mess that way: at aminimum! But you know how it is. That pile ofjunk-mail has a life of its own. I've kept the National Library stashed in my once-closed-walk-in-but-can't-walk-in-anymore closet. If you can even call it a closet. I have the Boots Drugstore & Pharmacy on my dressing table AND bathroom. And how could I forget New York Fashion Avenue throwing up and having babies in my, dare I say again, closet! It's been a little more than 3 years. You haven't expanded, so I HAVE!
And soon all this organized chaos will no longer be a problem for you. They'll all be packed into boxes to be shipped off to a land far far away where they will make an even bigger mess! But I'll worry about that later.
All this time, I've probably been in denial. I've dragged it out, I must admit. Seeing my friends, my mentors, people at work, I know that we'll still be in touch. Maybe not as much as now. But how am I going to say goodbye to you? Now I get it when they say "if these walls could talk". There was so much more we could have gone through. But you were my solace. My independence. My home.
A couple of weeks ago I travelled south to The Lone Star State. That's Texas to you and me. Most of my friends, particularly those back home, were asking "Why Texas?" Seriously, of all the destinations, of all the states in the US. Texas? Huh. That same quizzical response I got when I was heading to Nashville almost a year ago.....Huh. Coincidentally these two states do have a lot in common. Cowboys, country music, the Southern drawl. Which was why what little time I did spend there, I had to constantly remind myself where I was. Cue the line: "You've seen one city, you've seen them all!"
But there was nothing of the sort. Well, except for the Southern drawl, though, that I was quick to get used to, until everyone just sounded "normal". And okay so maybe there was country music too. I just didn't hear it. But no horses or Stetson hats in sight. Of course not. After all I was in Houston. So called "the energy capital of the world". (Yes I'm Wiki-ing this as I'm going along. Sue me!) I was there visitingCN, as promised, for a long weekend.CN's currently doing a fellowship at the M.D Anderson Cancer Center, located in the impressive Texas Medical Center, that itself might as well be a city by it's own right. It's huge! But then that's what Texas prides itself of, aside from beingthe largest of the 50 states.Everything's bigger in Texas! (I'll let you imagine the rest...)
A 3-hr dependable Southwest flight took me to Houston Hobby Airport. My airport shuttle ride toCN's apartment gave me a glimpse of the Texas terrain. Vast, dry.....and HOT!!!! And I'm supposed to be from Brunei???!!! No this was I-need-to-shower-right-away-after-my-last-shower kind of hot! What was it, 41C?! Dry, prickly, burning heat. Of course I had been warned. Clothes: optional.Haha, I kid.
20 minutes in the thankfully air-conditioned shuttle and I had arrived. A lovely Spanish villa-esque holiday resort-looking building, without the beach of course.CN was still at work, so she had kindly made arrangements for the staff to let me in, complete with detailed instructions for me on how to work the temperature control, TV and DVD player. You couldn't get more organized than that. Naturally, as soon as I got in, I headed straight for theaircon. 75F.Aaaaahhh...much better! Then just asCN was on the phone with me making sure I got thereok, a loud noise suddenly went off. A fire alarm???!!! Now???!!! I was barely there for 5 minutes! AndCN asks me if I was cooking anything???!!Haha. So I made my way to the exit, somewhere and found myself back at the main entrance. Hot!!!! Luckily the alarm stopped ringing. Turns out someone had lit a cigarette in the garage and there was no fire or firemen, so we could all relax again. I had to laugh. What are the odds of the fire alarm going off when I had just set foot in the apartment? After that fiasco I made my way back toCN's apartment. Now did I mentioneverything's bigger in Texas? This building was no exception. I was so confident I'd find my way back, but I did in fact get lost! In an apartment block??? All the hallways and doors looked exactly the same. Visions of "The Shining" played in my mind. Get the picture? This was until I found a tiny plan of the building mounted across the elevator. And I was back inCN's apartment. A shower never felt so good!
CN came home around 7:30pm and we caught up on stuff from the past month or so. It wasn't long until she had to turn in. She had a very early morning. Every morning.
The next day I joinedCN at the Cancer Center. Complete with scrubs and all. Did I mentionCN was very organized? After a sumptuous seafood buffet lunch, I decided to stick around keepingCN company, dabbling around in the lab and stopping by the OR before calling it a day. We went out for dinner withCN's colleagues at Rice Village, supposedly the younger, hipper part of town. We ended up at Pasha's, a Turkish restaurant. I had my meat fix. Incidentally one ofCN's colleagues is amuslim originally from Sudan, so he knew the places that served Halal meat. Dessert was at The Chocolate Bar. Yes a bar where you can find almost anything under the sun made of chocolate. Quite a novelty, we were surprised there weren't more of these places around. The ultimate sugar fix after a long day.
A few doors down from The Chocolate Bar, we passed by a Latina restaurant/lounge/club. I wasn't sure what exactly it was, 'cos Latina music was blaring and all I could see was a packed crowd of people moving to the rhythm. And boy could they move! Every city I visit I always try to find its identity. Its own beat. Maybe this was it!
Saturday was shopping day at The Galleria, quite a distance fromCN's place. After breakfast at The Cheesecake Factory, we were all geared up for some serious retail therapy. Or so I thought. I must have lost mymojo that weekend or I just couldn't find anything I fell in love with (except for a pair ofWeitzman sandals that I couldn't resist....butc'mon, of course I had to buy shoes!). We got home in time to recharge before the Green Day concert. When did I last listen to Green Day? It was the only good show in the vicinity at the time. And 21 Guns is a great track, so I was in. Crap seats. Great concert! Oh and don't think you can get away with bringing in an SLR. I had to check mine in and prayed that it wouldn't be buried in a mountain of otherSLRs by the end of the show.
Sunday was spent in Rice Village for a spot of brunch, shopping, frozenyoghurt and finally tired feet! I was tanned. Again. And I don't like to tan. And as if my prayers were answered the clouds started closing in on hotol' Houston!
Monday was time to head back to the Eastern Seaboard, as I like to call it. I was missing the not-so-hot-heat. Not to say that Houston was all that bad. Given more time, and a car, or someone with a car, I would have liked to visit the NASA Center. And maybe, just maybe, catch a sight of one of 'em cowboys.......;)
P.S. I'll post more pics once I've figured out the glitch. (ithasbeen a while, hasn't it?!) In the meantime you can view somehere.
Here's wishing a blessed Ramadhan to all my muslim friends and family. Selamat berpuasa (happy fasting) wherever you are. May this month be filled with peace, serenity and clarity. Amin.
