Note to Self:

     I’ve been told I can write. I never thought I was any good at it. I tend to ramble, drift off topic, and write in a stream-of-conscious-I-don’t-give-a-damn-about-grammar kind of way. I can’t spell to save my life - I’m seriously not kidding, ask anyone who knows me. However, despite this, I’ve been told I can write by people that don’t know me as any better than “Marlene’s daughter.” Speaking as someone who has trouble spelling ‘grammar,’ I take this as a compliment.

            I still don’t think I’m that good at it. In the grand scheme of things my opinion is worth nothing more than the wisdom of a 20-something graduate student in the crumbling economy of another world empire. What do I really know about the world? Who knows, or cares. All I know is that if you asked me what I could actually see myself doing after I graduate I’d answer you with either working with C to ‘save the world, one bamboo stick at a time’ or write.

I enjoy the stories of the people I meet, especially the ones people tell without even realizing it. As of right now, writing is my back up plan. I have no idea how I would go about, or even fund either of these endeavors, but that’s all part of the thrill for me. I can’t see myself thriving in an office environment. I’m too restless. Although I know that beggars can’t be choosers in this environment, I also feel that now is the time because of this environment. It isn’t like the job market in the west is going to magically change drastically in the next year so what do I have to lose?

The way I see it? Screw how things are ‘supposed’ to be done; just go for it. If it’s an idea worth pursuing, the rest will follow.

I know I usually give you a little something extra if you make it through my posts so this has been on my playlist lately enjoy!

     I’ve been told I can write. I never thought I was any good at it. I tend to ramble, drift off topic, and write in a stream-of-conscious-I-don’t-give-a-damn-about-grammar kind of way. I can’t spell to save my life - I’m seriously not kidding, ask anyone who knows me. However, despite this, I’ve been told I can write by people that don’t know me as any better than “Marlene’s daughter.” Speaking as someone who has trouble spelling ‘grammar,’ I take this as a compliment.

            I still don’t think I’m that good at it. In the grand scheme of things my opinion is worth nothing more than the wisdom of a 20-something graduate student in the crumbling economy of another world empire. What do I really know about the world? Who knows, or cares. All I know is that if you asked me what I could actually see myself doing after I graduate I’d answer you with either working with C to ‘save the world, one bamboo stick at a time’ or write.

I enjoy the stories of the people I meet, especially the ones people tell without even realizing it. As of right now, writing is my back up plan. I have no idea how I would go about, or even fund either of these endeavors, but that’s all part of the thrill for me. I can’t see myself thriving in an office environment. I’m too restless. Although I know that beggars can’t be choosers in this environment, I also feel that now is the time because of this environment. It isn’t like the job market in the west is going to magically change drastically in the next year so what do I have to lose?

The way I see it? Screw how things are ‘supposed’ to be done; just go for it. If it’s an idea worth pursuing, the rest will follow.

I know I usually give you a little something extra if you make it through my posts so this has been on my playlist lately enjoy!

     I’ve been told I can write. I never thought I was any good at it. I tend to ramble, drift off topic, and write in a stream-of-conscious-I-don’t-give-a-damn-about-grammar kind of way. I can’t spell to save my life - I’m seriously not kidding, ask anyone who knows me. However, despite this, I’ve been told I can write by people that don’t know me as any better than “Marlene’s daughter.” Speaking as someone who has trouble spelling ‘grammar,’ I take this as a compliment.

            I still don’t think I’m that good at it. In the grand scheme of things my opinion is worth nothing more than the wisdom of a 20-something graduate student in the crumbling economy of another world empire. What do I really know about the world? Who knows, or cares. All I know is that if you asked me what I could actually see myself doing after I graduate I’d answer you with either working with C to ‘save the world, one bamboo stick at a time’ or write.

I enjoy the stories of the people I meet, especially the ones people tell without even realizing it. As of right now, writing is my back up plan. I have no idea how I would go about, or even fund either of these endeavors, but that’s all part of the thrill for me. I can’t see myself thriving in an office environment. I’m too restless. Although I know that beggars can’t be choosers in this environment, I also feel that now is the time because of this environment. It isn’t like the job market in the west is going to magically change drastically in the next year so what do I have to lose?

The way I see it? Screw how things are ‘supposed’ to be done; just go for it. If it’s an idea worth pursuing, the rest will follow.

I know I usually give you a little something extra if you make it through my posts so this has been on my playlist lately enjoy!

     I’ve been told I can write. I never thought I was any good at it. I tend to ramble, drift off topic, and write in a stream-of-conscious-I-don’t-give-a-damn-about-grammar kind of way. I can’t spell to save my life - I’m seriously not kidding, ask anyone who knows me. However, despite this, I’ve been told I can write by people that don’t know me as any better than “Marlene’s daughter.” Speaking as someone who has trouble spelling ‘grammar,’ I take this as a compliment.

            I still don’t think I’m that good at it. In the grand scheme of things my opinion is worth nothing more than the wisdom of a 20-something graduate student in the crumbling economy of another world empire. What do I really know about the world? Who knows, or cares. All I know is that if you asked me what I could actually see myself doing after I graduate I’d answer you with either working with C to ‘save the world, one bamboo stick at a time’ or write.

I enjoy the stories of the people I meet, especially the ones people tell without even realizing it. As of right now, writing is my back up plan. I have no idea how I would go about, or even fund either of these endeavors, but that’s all part of the thrill for me. I can’t see myself thriving in an office environment. I’m too restless. Although I know that beggars can’t be choosers in this environment, I also feel that now is the time because of this environment. It isn’t like the job market in the west is going to magically change drastically in the next year so what do I have to lose?

The way I see it? Screw how things are ‘supposed’ to be done; just go for it. If it’s an idea worth pursuing, the rest will follow.

I know I usually give you a little something extra if you make it through my posts so this has been on my playlist lately enjoy!

Just can't help myself...

      Adjustment to a life back in the States has proven harder than I originally thought. I often find myself trapped in my own little world, with my own little thoughts, looking around at a backdrop that was once familiar like the back of my hand. Now, the backdrop has its familiar wrinkles, but there is a sense of unfamiliarity, of displacement, of lines that I don't quite remember being there three months ago.

     Who can blame me really? I've gone from a place where possession of marijuana is punishable by death via hanging, to the city that boasts more dispensaries than Starbucks. I once inhabited a country with a 3% unemployment rate and returned to the one that is creeping slowly towards 10%. My age group is even higher. People here are active, outdoors frequently, and dog-enthusiasts. Can't say the same for the majority in Malaysia. I used to pay $5 for a beer ($3 at one spot) and that was considered cheap; here you can get 64oz of craft beer for a mere $4. On the flips side, don't ever expect to get a $2.50 lunch in this country that will taste like a million bucks. I can actually figure out where the hell I am now, not by landmarks, but by a city grid (albeit, Denver's is a little odd). Freedom of expression, dress, and behavior here are not confined to the much more omnipresent social pressures that un-deniably exist in Malaysia. I realize I'll offend some with this statement; however, you would be lying to yourself if you said they were non-existant. I've seen 'growth' on an astronomical scale. Here we are just hoping that Denver's numbers continue to stay above average.

I know it's tough to read, but trust me, this type of 'gas station' does not exist in Malaysia

     Despite all of those differences, the other side of the coin gives a much more 'same-same' feel. One can easily substitute Bangladeshi, Burmese, Filipino, and Indonesian illegal labor forces for those of South and Central America. We both have politically controlled mass media (ours less obvious than MY); as well as governments that truly believe they are being clandestine, but the educated know otherwise. Denver and KL both share an enthusiasm for food and local eateries. Our beer is your durian. Car dependency goes without saying. Branding here is more about outdoor sporting companies and less about Louis Vuitton, but it's the same idea. Lastly, who can deny that our flags are strikingly similar? I still don't know why this is...

Durian tasting, beer tasting? Same thing...well almost...

     With all of this being said, there is one thing that really bothers me about my experiences this past summer. A common conversation, had by both strangers and friends started off like this...

'Why did you come to Malaysia?'
'For work.'
'Why didn't you want to work in the United States?'
'There are no jobs for architects in the US.'
'Really?'
'...'

     I also kept hearing about how Malaysia wants to become like the West. Emulates the West. To this I have one thing to say: WHY?!? Seriously, WHY? For whatever reason, there is this un-realistic stereotype about Western, particularly American society. I don't get it. Yes, we have done some things right, but in case you haven't noticed (or choose to ignore) we have done A LOT of wrong. Some things (see photo) are irreversible. We have dug ourselves a large hole. Currently, we are clawing at these walls of damp soil to simply get a leg up to get out.

This is one of countless 2-mile-long coal trains that pass by me every day

     I saw building after building go up with no regards to what existed there before. The whole situation is  sad, unsustainable, and - to put it bluntly - thoughtless. I have often heard the excuse, 'well the west did it this way, so it's your fault.' No, that is simply an immature response to pass off guilt to another party. Two wrongs don't make a right. I find it hard to believe that the US is forcing Malaysia to build in this manner (Indonesia, well that's another story). First of all, the US has (finally) begun to realize the value in what is already there and the absolute importance of changing the design paradigm to one that focuses on a more sustainable approach. Second of all, name one large (in population) US city that doesn't have a vibrant and thriving historic district. We saw the value in a pre-existing, sound structural system with open floor plates and adapted.

   So I say this to you Malaysia. Be your own country, your own people, and your own culture. If you truly believe in becoming a nation the world can follow, do not ruin this one shot you have by trudging down the same path we did on steroids. It won't get you anywhere. Instead take this opportunity to slow down and think. Be a global leader in a sustainable manner, this will attract attention. Yes, I realize money, in the end, is what talks. However, you will spend much more fixing your mistakes than you will if you do it right the first time. Learn from the west's failures. Don't buy into 'the faster the better' argument, it's simply not true. Just because China built a huge damn in record time isn't going to rid them of the extreme environmental problems that they now face with flooding and destruction of precious farm land. Good things come to those who wait...and think.

-M

 

PS...on a personal note: Back to normal face, hair, and nose (although it's still a bit sore).

 

      Adjustment to a life back in the States has proven harder than I originally thought. I often find myself trapped in my own little world, with my own little thoughts, looking around at a backdrop that was once familiar like the back of my hand. Now, the backdrop has its familiar wrinkles, but there is a sense of unfamiliarity, of displacement, of lines that I don't quite remember being there three months ago.

     Who can blame me really? I've gone from a place where possession of marijuana is punishable by death via hanging, to the city that boasts more dispensaries than Starbucks. I once inhabited a country with a 3% unemployment rate and returned to the one that is creeping slowly towards 10%. My age group is even higher. People here are active, outdoors frequently, and dog-enthusiasts. Can't say the same for the majority in Malaysia. I used to pay $5 for a beer ($3 at one spot) and that was considered cheap; here you can get 64oz of craft beer for a mere $4. On the flips side, don't ever expect to get a $2.50 lunch in this country that will taste like a million bucks. I can actually figure out where the hell I am now, not by landmarks, but by a city grid (albeit, Denver's is a little odd). Freedom of expression, dress, and behavior here are not confined to the much more omnipresent social pressures that un-deniably exist in Malaysia. I realize I'll offend some with this statement; however, you would be lying to yourself if you said they were non-existant. I've seen 'growth' on an astronomical scale. Here we are just hoping that Denver's numbers continue to stay above average.

I know it's tough to read, but trust me, this type of 'gas station' does not exist in Malaysia

     Despite all of those differences, the other side of the coin gives a much more 'same-same' feel. One can easily substitute Bangladeshi, Burmese, Filipino, and Indonesian illegal labor forces for those of South and Central America. We both have politically controlled mass media (ours less obvious than MY); as well as governments that truly believe they are being clandestine, but the educated know otherwise. Denver and KL both share an enthusiasm for food and local eateries. Our beer is your durian. Car dependency goes without saying. Branding here is more about outdoor sporting companies and less about Louis Vuitton, but it's the same idea. Lastly, who can deny that our flags are strikingly similar? I still don't know why this is...

Durian tasting, beer tasting? Same thing...well almost...

     With all of this being said, there is one thing that really bothers me about my experiences this past summer. A common conversation, had by both strangers and friends started off like this...

'Why did you come to Malaysia?'
'For work.'
'Why didn't you want to work in the United States?'
'There are no jobs for architects in the US.'
'Really?'
'...'

     I also kept hearing about how Malaysia wants to become like the West. Emulates the West. To this I have one thing to say: WHY?!? Seriously, WHY? For whatever reason, there is this un-realistic stereotype about Western, particularly American society. I don't get it. Yes, we have done some things right, but in case you haven't noticed (or choose to ignore) we have done A LOT of wrong. Some things (see photo) are irreversible. We have dug ourselves a large hole. Currently, we are clawing at these walls of damp soil to simply get a leg up to get out.

This is one of countless 2-mile-long coal trains that pass by me every day

     I saw building after building go up with no regards to what existed there before. The whole situation is  sad, unsustainable, and - to put it bluntly - thoughtless. I have often heard the excuse, 'well the west did it this way, so it's your fault.' No, that is simply an immature response to pass off guilt to another party. Two wrongs don't make a right. I find it hard to believe that the US is forcing Malaysia to build in this manner (Indonesia, well that's another story). First of all, the US has (finally) begun to realize the value in what is already there and the absolute importance of changing the design paradigm to one that focuses on a more sustainable approach. Second of all, name one large (in population) US city that doesn't have a vibrant and thriving historic district. We saw the value in a pre-existing, sound structural system with open floor plates and adapted.

   So I say this to you Malaysia. Be your own country, your own people, and your own culture. If you truly believe in becoming a nation the world can follow, do not ruin this one shot you have by trudging down the same path we did on steroids. It won't get you anywhere. Instead take this opportunity to slow down and think. Be a global leader in a sustainable manner, this will attract attention. Yes, I realize money, in the end, is what talks. However, you will spend much more fixing your mistakes than you will if you do it right the first time. Learn from the west's failures. Don't buy into 'the faster the better' argument, it's simply not true. Just because China built a huge damn in record time isn't going to rid them of the extreme environmental problems that they now face with flooding and destruction of precious farm land. Good things come to those who wait...and think.

-M

 

PS...on a personal note: Back to normal face, hair, and nose (although it's still a bit sore).

 

      Adjustment to a life back in the States has proven harder than I originally thought. I often find myself trapped in my own little world, with my own little thoughts, looking around at a backdrop that was once familiar like the back of my hand. Now, the backdrop has its familiar wrinkles, but there is a sense of unfamiliarity, of displacement, of lines that I don't quite remember being there three months ago.

     Who can blame me really? I've gone from a place where possession of marijuana is punishable by death via hanging, to the city that boasts more dispensaries than Starbucks. I once inhabited a country with a 3% unemployment rate and returned to the one that is creeping slowly towards 10%. My age group is even higher. People here are active, outdoors frequently, and dog-enthusiasts. Can't say the same for the majority in Malaysia. I used to pay $5 for a beer ($3 at one spot) and that was considered cheap; here you can get 64oz of craft beer for a mere $4. On the flips side, don't ever expect to get a $2.50 lunch in this country that will taste like a million bucks. I can actually figure out where the hell I am now, not by landmarks, but by a city grid (albeit, Denver's is a little odd). Freedom of expression, dress, and behavior here are not confined to the much more omnipresent social pressures that un-deniably exist in Malaysia. I realize I'll offend some with this statement; however, you would be lying to yourself if you said they were non-existant. I've seen 'growth' on an astronomical scale. Here we are just hoping that Denver's numbers continue to stay above average.

I know it's tough to read, but trust me, this type of 'gas station' does not exist in Malaysia

     Despite all of those differences, the other side of the coin gives a much more 'same-same' feel. One can easily substitute Bangladeshi, Burmese, Filipino, and Indonesian illegal labor forces for those of South and Central America. We both have politically controlled mass media (ours less obvious than MY); as well as governments that truly believe they are being clandestine, but the educated know otherwise. Denver and KL both share an enthusiasm for food and local eateries. Our beer is your durian. Car dependency goes without saying. Branding here is more about outdoor sporting companies and less about Louis Vuitton, but it's the same idea. Lastly, who can deny that our flags are strikingly similar? I still don't know why this is...

Durian tasting, beer tasting? Same thing...well almost...

     With all of this being said, there is one thing that really bothers me about my experiences this past summer. A common conversation, had by both strangers and friends started off like this...

'Why did you come to Malaysia?'
'For work.'
'Why didn't you want to work in the United States?'
'There are no jobs for architects in the US.'
'Really?'
'...'

     I also kept hearing about how Malaysia wants to become like the West. Emulates the West. To this I have one thing to say: WHY?!? Seriously, WHY? For whatever reason, there is this un-realistic stereotype about Western, particularly American society. I don't get it. Yes, we have done some things right, but in case you haven't noticed (or choose to ignore) we have done A LOT of wrong. Some things (see photo) are irreversible. We have dug ourselves a large hole. Currently, we are clawing at these walls of damp soil to simply get a leg up to get out.

This is one of countless 2-mile-long coal trains that pass by me every day

     I saw building after building go up with no regards to what existed there before. The whole situation is  sad, unsustainable, and - to put it bluntly - thoughtless. I have often heard the excuse, 'well the west did it this way, so it's your fault.' No, that is simply an immature response to pass off guilt to another party. Two wrongs don't make a right. I find it hard to believe that the US is forcing Malaysia to build in this manner (Indonesia, well that's another story). First of all, the US has (finally) begun to realize the value in what is already there and the absolute importance of changing the design paradigm to one that focuses on a more sustainable approach. Second of all, name one large (in population) US city that doesn't have a vibrant and thriving historic district. We saw the value in a pre-existing, sound structural system with open floor plates and adapted.

   So I say this to you Malaysia. Be your own country, your own people, and your own culture. If you truly believe in becoming a nation the world can follow, do not ruin this one shot you have by trudging down the same path we did on steroids. It won't get you anywhere. Instead take this opportunity to slow down and think. Be a global leader in a sustainable manner, this will attract attention. Yes, I realize money, in the end, is what talks. However, you will spend much more fixing your mistakes than you will if you do it right the first time. Learn from the west's failures. Don't buy into 'the faster the better' argument, it's simply not true. Just because China built a huge damn in record time isn't going to rid them of the extreme environmental problems that they now face with flooding and destruction of precious farm land. Good things come to those who wait...and think.

-M

 

PS...on a personal note: Back to normal face, hair, and nose (although it's still a bit sore).

 

      Adjustment to a life back in the States has proven harder than I originally thought. I often find myself trapped in my own little world, with my own little thoughts, looking around at a backdrop that was once familiar like the back of my hand. Now, the backdrop has its familiar wrinkles, but there is a sense of unfamiliarity, of displacement, of lines that I don't quite remember being there three months ago.

     Who can blame me really? I've gone from a place where possession of marijuana is punishable by death via hanging, to the city that boasts more dispensaries than Starbucks. I once inhabited a country with a 3% unemployment rate and returned to the one that is creeping slowly towards 10%. My age group is even higher. People here are active, outdoors frequently, and dog-enthusiasts. Can't say the same for the majority in Malaysia. I used to pay $5 for a beer ($3 at one spot) and that was considered cheap; here you can get 64oz of craft beer for a mere $4. On the flips side, don't ever expect to get a $2.50 lunch in this country that will taste like a million bucks. I can actually figure out where the hell I am now, not by landmarks, but by a city grid (albeit, Denver's is a little odd). Freedom of expression, dress, and behavior here are not confined to the much more omnipresent social pressures that un-deniably exist in Malaysia. I realize I'll offend some with this statement; however, you would be lying to yourself if you said they were non-existant. I've seen 'growth' on an astronomical scale. Here we are just hoping that Denver's numbers continue to stay above average.

I know it's tough to read, but trust me, this type of 'gas station' does not exist in Malaysia

     Despite all of those differences, the other side of the coin gives a much more 'same-same' feel. One can easily substitute Bangladeshi, Burmese, Filipino, and Indonesian illegal labor forces for those of South and Central America. We both have politically controlled mass media (ours less obvious than MY); as well as governments that truly believe they are being clandestine, but the educated know otherwise. Denver and KL both share an enthusiasm for food and local eateries. Our beer is your durian. Car dependency goes without saying. Branding here is more about outdoor sporting companies and less about Louis Vuitton, but it's the same idea. Lastly, who can deny that our flags are strikingly similar? I still don't know why this is...

Durian tasting, beer tasting? Same thing...well almost...

     With all of this being said, there is one thing that really bothers me about my experiences this past summer. A common conversation, had by both strangers and friends started off like this...

'Why did you come to Malaysia?'
'For work.'
'Why didn't you want to work in the United States?'
'There are no jobs for architects in the US.'
'Really?'
'...'

     I also kept hearing about how Malaysia wants to become like the West. Emulates the West. To this I have one thing to say: WHY?!? Seriously, WHY? For whatever reason, there is this un-realistic stereotype about Western, particularly American society. I don't get it. Yes, we have done some things right, but in case you haven't noticed (or choose to ignore) we have done A LOT of wrong. Some things (see photo) are irreversible. We have dug ourselves a large hole. Currently, we are clawing at these walls of damp soil to simply get a leg up to get out.

This is one of countless 2-mile-long coal trains that pass by me every day

     I saw building after building go up with no regards to what existed there before. The whole situation is  sad, unsustainable, and - to put it bluntly - thoughtless. I have often heard the excuse, 'well the west did it this way, so it's your fault.' No, that is simply an immature response to pass off guilt to another party. Two wrongs don't make a right. I find it hard to believe that the US is forcing Malaysia to build in this manner (Indonesia, well that's another story). First of all, the US has (finally) begun to realize the value in what is already there and the absolute importance of changing the design paradigm to one that focuses on a more sustainable approach. Second of all, name one large (in population) US city that doesn't have a vibrant and thriving historic district. We saw the value in a pre-existing, sound structural system with open floor plates and adapted.

   So I say this to you Malaysia. Be your own country, your own people, and your own culture. If you truly believe in becoming a nation the world can follow, do not ruin this one shot you have by trudging down the same path we did on steroids. It won't get you anywhere. Instead take this opportunity to slow down and think. Be a global leader in a sustainable manner, this will attract attention. Yes, I realize money, in the end, is what talks. However, you will spend much more fixing your mistakes than you will if you do it right the first time. Learn from the west's failures. Don't buy into 'the faster the better' argument, it's simply not true. Just because China built a huge damn in record time isn't going to rid them of the extreme environmental problems that they now face with flooding and destruction of precious farm land. Good things come to those who wait...and think.

-M

 

PS...on a personal note: Back to normal face, hair, and nose (although it's still a bit sore).

 

Home

     It's weird to say 'I'm home.' It's no surprise that the summer flew by and for the last time (thankfully) that final countdown to school has begun.

     The 50 plus hour trip home was somewhat like a lucid dream; which is funny, because I kept having this re-occuring dream (up until last night). The setting was normally the Balinese 'long-house' I stayed in, except I wasn't in Bali, the setting was Burundi (er...I mean I guess they start with the same letter?). There was a huge table set out and all of my friends were there. When I say all, I mean random selections from groups of friends I've had throughout my life. Random things would happen (like the place got over-run by a herd of mustangs) but for the most part it me being a fly on the wall, listening in on different conversations.

rainstorm

     Visiting my LA house is always a weird experience. I sleep in the guest room, as my room has been deconstructed, packed, and unpacked in other locations. All that remains is a pile of clear storage boxes containing souvenirs from past lives. It sits there in the middle of that room with nothing but brightly painted walls and some photographs falling out of cheap frames. My house in Los Angeles reminds me of a ghost town.

     My dad took me down Ventura Blvd (damn tourist traffic) in order to make my flight on time. Those of you who have not been blessed with the opportunity to drive down the largest eye/commercial-vomit infested street in the nation, it's a bit like this: sign after sign after sign advertising everything from Halal eateries to Kosher meat shops, Sushi to burritos, head shops to bridal accessories...well you get the point. However, it was the first time I've made that drive in at least 3 years. It was a comical trip down memory lane. That 24-hour hookah joint is still there and so is the place where you could convince the clerk to sell you booze without an ID.

Nina Represents

     Reverse culture shock has been quite interesting. Clearly, it isn't like it was when I came back from Denmark.  The oddest (and funniest) thing to get used to is all the white people. I associated white people with touristy things, and touristy things with a greater chance of getting robbed. It's also weird to see most people dressed in clothing that would offend the general population of KL. Granted, most people who aren't Muslim don't care, but having lived in a predominately Muslim part of town, it's something you only do when you are going out, not walking the dog (which is another thing I'm happy to see again). Other than not having to worry about getting killed every time I cross the street, the only other surprising thing to me has been the food. Denver is a food city, this is an unknown thing to most of the world, including the US. I'll save my full belief in why this is for another day, but let's just say medical marijuana plays a large role. Although I never got sick from the food in Malaysia, or any of the other places I've visited (aside from the occasional heart burn), I've actually had trouble adjusting to the food back home. Hopefully this goes away in a few days, as it is totally raining on my food parade.

Until I write again

-M

     It's weird to say 'I'm home.' It's no surprise that the summer flew by and for the last time (thankfully) that final countdown to school has begun.

     The 50 plus hour trip home was somewhat like a lucid dream; which is funny, because I kept having this re-occuring dream (up until last night). The setting was normally the Balinese 'long-house' I stayed in, except I wasn't in Bali, the setting was Burundi (er...I mean I guess they start with the same letter?). There was a huge table set out and all of my friends were there. When I say all, I mean random selections from groups of friends I've had throughout my life. Random things would happen (like the place got over-run by a herd of mustangs) but for the most part it me being a fly on the wall, listening in on different conversations.

rainstorm

     Visiting my LA house is always a weird experience. I sleep in the guest room, as my room has been deconstructed, packed, and unpacked in other locations. All that remains is a pile of clear storage boxes containing souvenirs from past lives. It sits there in the middle of that room with nothing but brightly painted walls and some photographs falling out of cheap frames. My house in Los Angeles reminds me of a ghost town.

     My dad took me down Ventura Blvd (damn tourist traffic) in order to make my flight on time. Those of you who have not been blessed with the opportunity to drive down the largest eye/commercial-vomit infested street in the nation, it's a bit like this: sign after sign after sign advertising everything from Halal eateries to Kosher meat shops, Sushi to burritos, head shops to bridal accessories...well you get the point. However, it was the first time I've made that drive in at least 3 years. It was a comical trip down memory lane. That 24-hour hookah joint is still there and so is the place where you could convince the clerk to sell you booze without an ID.

Nina Represents

     Reverse culture shock has been quite interesting. Clearly, it isn't like it was when I came back from Denmark.  The oddest (and funniest) thing to get used to is all the white people. I associated white people with touristy things, and touristy things with a greater chance of getting robbed. It's also weird to see most people dressed in clothing that would offend the general population of KL. Granted, most people who aren't Muslim don't care, but having lived in a predominately Muslim part of town, it's something you only do when you are going out, not walking the dog (which is another thing I'm happy to see again). Other than not having to worry about getting killed every time I cross the street, the only other surprising thing to me has been the food. Denver is a food city, this is an unknown thing to most of the world, including the US. I'll save my full belief in why this is for another day, but let's just say medical marijuana plays a large role. Although I never got sick from the food in Malaysia, or any of the other places I've visited (aside from the occasional heart burn), I've actually had trouble adjusting to the food back home. Hopefully this goes away in a few days, as it is totally raining on my food parade.

Until I write again

-M

     It's weird to say 'I'm home.' It's no surprise that the summer flew by and for the last time (thankfully) that final countdown to school has begun.

     The 50 plus hour trip home was somewhat like a lucid dream; which is funny, because I kept having this re-occuring dream (up until last night). The setting was normally the Balinese 'long-house' I stayed in, except I wasn't in Bali, the setting was Burundi (er...I mean I guess they start with the same letter?). There was a huge table set out and all of my friends were there. When I say all, I mean random selections from groups of friends I've had throughout my life. Random things would happen (like the place got over-run by a herd of mustangs) but for the most part it me being a fly on the wall, listening in on different conversations.

rainstorm

     Visiting my LA house is always a weird experience. I sleep in the guest room, as my room has been deconstructed, packed, and unpacked in other locations. All that remains is a pile of clear storage boxes containing souvenirs from past lives. It sits there in the middle of that room with nothing but brightly painted walls and some photographs falling out of cheap frames. My house in Los Angeles reminds me of a ghost town.

     My dad took me down Ventura Blvd (damn tourist traffic) in order to make my flight on time. Those of you who have not been blessed with the opportunity to drive down the largest eye/commercial-vomit infested street in the nation, it's a bit like this: sign after sign after sign advertising everything from Halal eateries to Kosher meat shops, Sushi to burritos, head shops to bridal accessories...well you get the point. However, it was the first time I've made that drive in at least 3 years. It was a comical trip down memory lane. That 24-hour hookah joint is still there and so is the place where you could convince the clerk to sell you booze without an ID.

Nina Represents

     Reverse culture shock has been quite interesting. Clearly, it isn't like it was when I came back from Denmark.  The oddest (and funniest) thing to get used to is all the white people. I associated white people with touristy things, and touristy things with a greater chance of getting robbed. It's also weird to see most people dressed in clothing that would offend the general population of KL. Granted, most people who aren't Muslim don't care, but having lived in a predominately Muslim part of town, it's something you only do when you are going out, not walking the dog (which is another thing I'm happy to see again). Other than not having to worry about getting killed every time I cross the street, the only other surprising thing to me has been the food. Denver is a food city, this is an unknown thing to most of the world, including the US. I'll save my full belief in why this is for another day, but let's just say medical marijuana plays a large role. Although I never got sick from the food in Malaysia, or any of the other places I've visited (aside from the occasional heart burn), I've actually had trouble adjusting to the food back home. Hopefully this goes away in a few days, as it is totally raining on my food parade.

Until I write again

-M

     It's weird to say 'I'm home.' It's no surprise that the summer flew by and for the last time (thankfully) that final countdown to school has begun.

     The 50 plus hour trip home was somewhat like a lucid dream; which is funny, because I kept having this re-occuring dream (up until last night). The setting was normally the Balinese 'long-house' I stayed in, except I wasn't in Bali, the setting was Burundi (er...I mean I guess they start with the same letter?). There was a huge table set out and all of my friends were there. When I say all, I mean random selections from groups of friends I've had throughout my life. Random things would happen (like the place got over-run by a herd of mustangs) but for the most part it me being a fly on the wall, listening in on different conversations.

rainstorm

     Visiting my LA house is always a weird experience. I sleep in the guest room, as my room has been deconstructed, packed, and unpacked in other locations. All that remains is a pile of clear storage boxes containing souvenirs from past lives. It sits there in the middle of that room with nothing but brightly painted walls and some photographs falling out of cheap frames. My house in Los Angeles reminds me of a ghost town.

     My dad took me down Ventura Blvd (damn tourist traffic) in order to make my flight on time. Those of you who have not been blessed with the opportunity to drive down the largest eye/commercial-vomit infested street in the nation, it's a bit like this: sign after sign after sign advertising everything from Halal eateries to Kosher meat shops, Sushi to burritos, head shops to bridal accessories...well you get the point. However, it was the first time I've made that drive in at least 3 years. It was a comical trip down memory lane. That 24-hour hookah joint is still there and so is the place where you could convince the clerk to sell you booze without an ID.

Nina Represents

     Reverse culture shock has been quite interesting. Clearly, it isn't like it was when I came back from Denmark.  The oddest (and funniest) thing to get used to is all the white people. I associated white people with touristy things, and touristy things with a greater chance of getting robbed. It's also weird to see most people dressed in clothing that would offend the general population of KL. Granted, most people who aren't Muslim don't care, but having lived in a predominately Muslim part of town, it's something you only do when you are going out, not walking the dog (which is another thing I'm happy to see again). Other than not having to worry about getting killed every time I cross the street, the only other surprising thing to me has been the food. Denver is a food city, this is an unknown thing to most of the world, including the US. I'll save my full belief in why this is for another day, but let's just say medical marijuana plays a large role. Although I never got sick from the food in Malaysia, or any of the other places I've visited (aside from the occasional heart burn), I've actually had trouble adjusting to the food back home. Hopefully this goes away in a few days, as it is totally raining on my food parade.

Until I write again

-M

I used to write letters I used to sign my name

     After packing up three months worth of my life and doing some last minute shopping for tomorrow's festivities I'm chilling out before the night falls. I'm not too sure I'll get another chance to write before I step on that plane in 46 hours. In short, my trip home is expected to take 52 hours with 22 hours of hang time on a plane. I'll bounce from Taipei to LA to Denver with 26 hours in LA. I come home, have a few days, then set out again for the sand dunes and eventually Tahoe.

     Although I really wish I had more time here, I hear home calling. We all know if I stayed on, the second the snow blanketed the Rockies I'd come wandering home. I'm longing for that moment at the airport; the one where time stops for a brief moment and I can finally say 'hello.' However, I've got unfinished business in this part of the world, and I'm a creature of closure. When I say I'll be back I mean it. Once I'm finished with school next July I'll return.

     I put together a quick little 'project' for the closing of this chapter. The following is a series of faces of my South East Asian summer. I don't know the names of some of these people. Others have changed my life forever. I will never see some of them again and some have become life-long friends. What I will really take away from my time here are the people that shaped my experiences, no matter how brief or long the encounter...

and if it helps hear this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqyakRmPNM8

-M

     After packing up three months worth of my life and doing some last minute shopping for tomorrow's festivities I'm chilling out before the night falls. I'm not too sure I'll get another chance to write before I step on that plane in 46 hours. In short, my trip home is expected to take 52 hours with 22 hours of hang time on a plane. I'll bounce from Taipei to LA to Denver with 26 hours in LA. I come home, have a few days, then set out again for the sand dunes and eventually Tahoe.

     Although I really wish I had more time here, I hear home calling. We all know if I stayed on, the second the snow blanketed the Rockies I'd come wandering home. I'm longing for that moment at the airport; the one where time stops for a brief moment and I can finally say 'hello.' However, I've got unfinished business in this part of the world, and I'm a creature of closure. When I say I'll be back I mean it. Once I'm finished with school next July I'll return.

     I put together a quick little 'project' for the closing of this chapter. The following is a series of faces of my South East Asian summer. I don't know the names of some of these people. Others have changed my life forever. I will never see some of them again and some have become life-long friends. What I will really take away from my time here are the people that shaped my experiences, no matter how brief or long the encounter...

and if it helps hear this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqyakRmPNM8

-M

     After packing up three months worth of my life and doing some last minute shopping for tomorrow's festivities I'm chilling out before the night falls. I'm not too sure I'll get another chance to write before I step on that plane in 46 hours. In short, my trip home is expected to take 52 hours with 22 hours of hang time on a plane. I'll bounce from Taipei to LA to Denver with 26 hours in LA. I come home, have a few days, then set out again for the sand dunes and eventually Tahoe.

     Although I really wish I had more time here, I hear home calling. We all know if I stayed on, the second the snow blanketed the Rockies I'd come wandering home. I'm longing for that moment at the airport; the one where time stops for a brief moment and I can finally say 'hello.' However, I've got unfinished business in this part of the world, and I'm a creature of closure. When I say I'll be back I mean it. Once I'm finished with school next July I'll return.

     I put together a quick little 'project' for the closing of this chapter. The following is a series of faces of my South East Asian summer. I don't know the names of some of these people. Others have changed my life forever. I will never see some of them again and some have become life-long friends. What I will really take away from my time here are the people that shaped my experiences, no matter how brief or long the encounter...

and if it helps hear this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqyakRmPNM8

-M

     After packing up three months worth of my life and doing some last minute shopping for tomorrow's festivities I'm chilling out before the night falls. I'm not too sure I'll get another chance to write before I step on that plane in 46 hours. In short, my trip home is expected to take 52 hours with 22 hours of hang time on a plane. I'll bounce from Taipei to LA to Denver with 26 hours in LA. I come home, have a few days, then set out again for the sand dunes and eventually Tahoe.

     Although I really wish I had more time here, I hear home calling. We all know if I stayed on, the second the snow blanketed the Rockies I'd come wandering home. I'm longing for that moment at the airport; the one where time stops for a brief moment and I can finally say 'hello.' However, I've got unfinished business in this part of the world, and I'm a creature of closure. When I say I'll be back I mean it. Once I'm finished with school next July I'll return.

     I put together a quick little 'project' for the closing of this chapter. The following is a series of faces of my South East Asian summer. I don't know the names of some of these people. Others have changed my life forever. I will never see some of them again and some have become life-long friends. What I will really take away from my time here are the people that shaped my experiences, no matter how brief or long the encounter...

and if it helps hear this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqyakRmPNM8

-M