December 2011 – Creative Meanderings

On Being Asian

Creative Meanderings, Writing No Responses »

Dec 312011

Just because I am Asian
On the outside doesn’t mean
I am on the inside.

Just because I am Asian
On the outside doesn’t mean
I want you to be my sugar daddy.

Just because I am Asian
On the outside doesn’t mean
I understand when you practice Ni hao, Konnichiwa or Annyeong haseyo.

Just because I am Asian
On the outside doesn’t mean
I am an excellent student or play classical music.

Just because I am Asian
On the outside doesn’t mean
I love Hello Kitty and all things cute.

Just because I am Asian
On the outside doesn’t mean
I relate to anything Asian.

Just because I am Asian
On the outside doesn’t mean
I am on the inside.

~T
December 30, 2011

Kayaking in the mangroves has been an activity that seemed fun to try and with the cooler weather, it’s a good time of year to do it. Before MJ arrived, Groupons had a deal for a kayaking tour and so R got us coupons for it.

The location is not far from our apartment, which is a bonus and the mangroves are nice. However, it’s a workout! By the time we reached the mangroves from the dock, my arms were already sore. Poor MJ and R, who were sharing a kayak, were already pooped out by that point.

So, they hung out while I continued on with the tour group. The annoying thing about tour groups, and the group mentality in general, is that everyone has a ‘lemings’ attitude of needing to follow the crowd and be at the front. Heaven forbid, you should fall behind and actually enjoy the sights and not go too crazy with rowing or racing.

Therefore, while I was taking my time as the only single woman in a kayak (others were in two-man kayaks or were single men), the guides kept making me feel like I was holding things up because I wasn’t in a hurry to be with the group. In the end, they insisted on towing me back because I was ‘too slow’! (Oh the humiliation! hahahah)

In any case, it was a nice experience and good to get exercise outside. Kayaking is a sport that needs a lot of practice and time – thus not sure I will be doing it much. However, it’s worth doing during a visit to AD. 😀

Kayaking in the mangroves30-Dec-2011 11:22, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.7, 11.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

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Mangroves30-Dec-2011 12:31, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

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30-Dec-2011 12:31, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

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30-Dec-2011 12:31, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

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30-Dec-2011 12:55, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.1, 17.3mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

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Reem Island in the background30-Dec-2011 12:02, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 18.9mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

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30-Dec-2011 12:02, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

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30-Dec-2011 11:31, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 18.9mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

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30-Dec-2011 11:31, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 18.9mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

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Christmas post a few days late…

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Dec 302011

Well, we had a nice Christmas.

It was the first time in 20 years or something like that R and his mom were together during the holidays, so I think it was nice for them to be together.

Plus, it was the first Christmas for R and I to celebrate in the same house, which was also very nice.

Of course, it’s not the same without family and my dearest friends nearby, but we had a good time giving and getting gifts (I’ll post mine later).

Also, I spent nearly two days baking and cooking to prepare for dinner. I was too exhausted and forgot to take pictures of any of the food after it was finished, but everything turned out well.

So, Christmas passed.

I did manage to see a few firsts in Christmas moves – “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “The Grinch who Stole Christmas” – plus some oldies – “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A White Christmas”. We had some others downloaded, but didn’t get to those this year. I’ll save them up for next year!

Dubai

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Dec 292011

What’s a visit to the UAE without a stop in Dubai?

We took MJ for an overnighter in Dubai; stopping to see all the necessary places. I didn’t get as many pics as she did, so will have to wait for them, but here are some highlights:

Burj Al Arab

Tip of Burj Khalifa

Entrance to Bastakya Quarters

Sleep…

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Dec 272011

The past week or so I have been having trouble sleeping through the night. It hasn’t been a problem for a while, but for some reason the insomnia-like patterns have returned. To ensure that I sleep, I began taking melatonin again to help me sleep through the night and so far that has been enough to get me the 8 hours or so that I need.

Since I was so tired last night from spending about two days cooking and preparing for Christmas, I just sort of figured that I wouldn’t need to take anything to help me sleep.

WRONG…

I woke up at 3:20 and spent about two hours trying to sleep again, but my brain won’t turn off. Thus, I am up…hoping I will go back to sleep for a few hours before we leave for Dubai since I am driving and playing tour guide.

Anyway, will have more updates after we return tomorrow. 🙂

The Christmas Spirit…

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Dec 242011

It’s Christmas Eve day and it could be just another Saturday for all I know.

Living in a non-Christian country and in a climate with weather like late-spring or early summer in the winter makes it rather difficult to muster up that Christmas spirit.

I have a tree up – lights and all –

There are even presents under the tree. I’ve watched a Christmas movie or two and am downloading some Christmas tunes for tomorrow.

Still…it’s not the same when it’s not cold outside and a warm fire is crackling in the stove and my family is mulling around preparing for the holiday. Although I try to make it my own – it’s not the same. 🙁

However, I shall not despair! Perhaps tomorrow I will be of a more festive mood. 😀

Al Dhafra Festival 2011

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Dec 232011

The Al Dhafra Festival happens each year out in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi Emirate.

The festival includes the camel beauty contest, camel racing, date packaging contest, a souk (market) of local items and much more.

Although it is just over two-hours drive (one-way) to get there, we decided to go for it since MJ is visiting. It was a new experience and quite fun overall, though the drive is rather deadly and tiring.

We had a lovely tour by a young volunteer, Hamdan, who is a young 10th grader with beautiful English and a sense of responsibility unseen in any of our students at the Zoo. So, it was refreshing to meet such a nice young man.

Anyway, will let the pics speak for themselves!

Al Dhafra Festival 2011Dec 21, 2011Photos: 47

Sade in Abu Dhabi

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Dec 222011

On December 16, 2011, Sade performed at Yas Arena in Abu Dhabi.

When I heard she was coming, I was super interested, but in keeping with my vow to only attend concerts if they are free or I’m willing to pay for the seated tickets, I wasn’t sure. The cost of the seated tickets were outside of my budget and so I figured it was one I would miss.

However, my friend – B – was able to procure free tickets through her contact and so away we went!

Having attended a number of concerts here, this was absolutely the best one I have seen. Not only did Sade perform for two hours straight with a one-song encore, but she had style and class. Although her music isn’t necessarily the greatest, I’m impressed at her consistency and quality that has lasted over the years.

Also, the audience area was decreased so that you could feel closer to the performance. Thus, I was also able to see her much easier than I have seen other performers without feeling crushed!

Overall, it would have probably been worth it to pay for the tickets, but free is a great price for a really fantastic concert!

(Thanks, B!)

SadeDec 16, 2011Photos: 74

Vacay update

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Dec 202011

Well, this vacay has been slow to feel like a vacation with our visitor here. She’s been a nice one so far and though everything has been quite low-key, I have realized that I need a lot of ‘me-time’ in order to relax and enjoy vacation. That hasn’t really happened yet….

However, I am getting things done here and there. I’ve gone to pottery and am going again today. So, it’s not all about entertaining our guest. I’m just spoiled.

One problem is that my sleeping is up and down. Yesterday, I slept like a baby through 10 hours. Last night, I woke up every two hours or so until I finally got about 5 straight. So, today I’m a bit on the groggy side. Hopefully, the sleeping will start to regulate soon!

Well, that’s my update. Sadly, still nothing interesting to note!

And so it begins….

Going Mental No Responses »

Dec 192011

The data collection Phase I of my doctoral research has been unleashed!

If you come across my page and/or are in a formal leadership positions (with title and pay), then please click here to complete my survey.

Keeping my fingers crossed for a lot of responses and good data! 😀

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