A telephone call

from an unknown number woke me up this morning.

Usually I would've chosen to ignore calls and go right back to sleep, but somehow I picked up the phone and was prepared to hang up if it were telemarketers.

It wasn't just any call, it was a one from the Dean's office inviting me to the annual gala dinner for students who made the list. I had a chance to invite two professors (as well as a plus one) to sit at my table. I was told to RSVP by October since the event is later that month.

I feel absolutely weird about inviting my professors, and frankly weird about going to the dinner too. I didn't know there were gala dinners for such events. In my previous universities, the Dean just sent you a congratulatory letter if you were on the list and that's that.

Well. There goes my sleep.

I'm coming to feel the Illinoise.

Bought them today. If you're on a roadtrip with me and I'm driving, these are the songs you'll be listening to in my car. Just giving you a heads up.

The CD's are coming in the mail next week.

Can’t wait.

What's the hurry, boy?

Cos you're making me dizzy.

The Case of the Horrible Artist

I asked B if my mother looked like me, and she said a firm "no". 

I went through every feature - the eyes, nose, lips and smile. The only thing she said we have in common is the way we laugh. When I asked how she remembers what my mother looks like, she said “I just saw her”.

I cannot remember what my mother looks like, the same way I cannot remember what everyone else looks like.  

Tales of a Candle Princess

There is a Malay idiom called puteri lilin, or candle princess. It really means someone who is unable to stand heat or is afraid of it. And I am one, I have always been.

So even when it's really not all that sunny, I will shield myself from the sun with either my hands or a parasol. When it is really sunny, there is no question that I would have sunglasses or a hat at hand (there are days when I am paranoid about dirty, germy sunglasses rims but that's a story for another day).

People who are with me when they see this phenomenon can't help but raise their eyebrows. Many friends openly remark that they do not care about going under the sun and why should I. The fact is, I truly dislike the feeling of going under the sun. It makes me lethargic, hot and bothered, sometimes sweaty and sleepy. I do of course appreciate it some days but most of the time it is unwelcomed.

Since a little girl, my favorite days had been those moody, melancholic days where the sun is nowhere to be seen. On these kind of days I remember feeling happier and more energetic. I'm faring better these days with the sun and heat, learning to let go a little now and then. To enjoy any God-given day.

And if do you catch me trying to shield myself on a not-so-sunny day, you'll know why - I'm what they call a candle princess. As cheesy as that sounds.

with You by my side

"Surely I am with you always, to the very end of age".

                                                                                                                      Matthew 28:20

I never realized how pretty

grizzly bears are.