Dubai...
So alive, and yet so depressing.
Diverse and multi-cultural. Impressive in its rapid growth, control and generosity of its natives.
Yet, something is missing...

The weather is amazing. I love the sun :)

Shopping scene is very impulsive, kinda addictive too. I had no intention of buying anything but somehow I ended up purchasing what surpasses my needs and pretty much what an enitre family may need ! I even bought things I later realized was a bit strange, even for me!

Night scene is ... crazy! (Can't find a better word!) Its just crazy and "needy". Yes needy. Not quite desperate, no.

Arts & Culture scene... WOW! Its great how the Arts, sciences, education and research are very well-endorsed here, respected, praised and looked after... Expression is encouraged and "freedom of speech" is not just a cute phrase people like to use.

Great place for families to raise their kids. Great place for singles. Non-singles. I like it... Yet, I don't see myself living here one day. Its not for me.

I will not hesitate to return though... again and again. Glad this visit was succesful.
I just wish I had someone to share it with. Its a little bit lonely.

So Dubai... Good bye. This is not a farewell.

(In the terminal)

Am currently sitting in JFK's transit terminal, styrofoam cup of bitter coffee sits next to my new netbook (which am typing on now), my hair is poofy like a show dog, my carry-on luggage is huddled next to me (in fear someone will snatch something the moment I blink away) and... am bored stiff.

My plane to Dubai has been delayed 2 hours due to "inappropraite" weather (a.k.a rain). Its been 3 hrs and 45 minutes... I've been through every single shop in the duty-free and non duty-free area, chatted to a stranger in Starbucks (whom I believe doesn't think "oversharing" to random strangers in airports is possible!), read an overpriced magazine, and phoned the family back home. I regret not putting my novel or sketch book in the laptop case. Shoot!

Opposite sit a gothic Asian young couple. Apparently, they couldn't find a room, and/or can't wait to arrive safely to their destination, and they chose to perform this public display of affection only 2 feet away from center food court in JFK!! hmm... though gotta admit, I like his weird hairdo, and her boots!

Cutest Hispanic baby with her mother on the table next to mine. Her laugh is so adorable, and she seems to be easily amused! My dress and loud keyboard typing grab her attention and her eyes are fixed on my pink fingernails hitting the keys...
Love babies. Don't think I want some of my own though (Poor mother! Guess she'll have to do with my brother's kids)

JFK is so busy. Its amazing how they can maintain order in this place.

Better go grab a bite and ask about this damned plane at any information desk.

My next blog entry will be from Dubai (That is, IF I arrive anytime during this week and not turn into the female version of Tom Hanks in the movie "The Terminal" !!)

"Nobody wants to be alone
The heart beats happy when it has a place
And if it doesn't have a home,
It can come into my space...."

First verse of "You Can be the One"
touches me every time...

..........................................................................

If loneliness had a face... If loneliness could speak; I would not bare to see it or hear a word it has to say. It'll be too painful to be in the same room. And yet, loneliness is a friend of mine.

The gift of patience

Years ago, in my teens, I sat on the floor in a circle with my friends and we played a truth and dare game. Somehow we ended up playing a question game, that was so mind-provoking.

It was my turn to answer my best friend, who asked, "If you could give me anything what would it be?"
Knowing him all my life, I knew exactly what he needed. I knew him inside out and even better than he knew himself! I could take one look at him and tell u what he's gonna blurt out next.
Of all the materialistic goods in the world, I wanted to give him a gift u can't buy. Can't find. Simply can't pick up coz ur "life" can't "afford" it.
I wanted to give him the gift of appreciation.
S needed it most then. He needed to appreciate what he had, and not look so far ahead in the future and forget about now. I needed him to appreciate the good times we had and stop worrying about the moment of farewell.... I needed him to appreciate. Appreciate life as it is.

To spare us both alot of explaination to do infront of our other friends and also coz I'd rather give him the whole appreciation speech in private, I smiled and said, "I'd give u eternal happiness S"

Everyone looked at me amazed. They thought it was very thoughtful that I gave him "happiness" and not a yacht or a new car. or whatever else money can buy.

But as much as I would've liked to enjoy this glow, of coming up with something no one would've ever thought of.. this unselfish thing... My best freind steals away my thunder and moment of glow.

(Rules of the game: After the question is asked, the person who asked the question has to answer this same question themselves... )

So S, says... " I give u patience" and he doesn't smile back. I didn't see this one coming. Instead, we both stare at each other knowing exactly why he had said so. Exchanging intense questioning looks... I felt hurt. Yet, deep down, I knew he was right.

Today, as I sat recalling that night, I started to think: "but if it was not for my imaptience to see immediate results and getting things done and over with, would I have not been so driven to get what I want? Or would I have still gotten it, someway or another coz fate had it in store for me anyways, (besides having worked for it of course) and that maybe impatience has done nothing for me but given me sleepless nights, unecessary anxiety and not to mention the never-ending caffiene consumption?" Alot of what-if questions began to pop-up here... so u can imagine my distress during my journey of self-reflection!

So really S, I know ur intentions were good and I remember the incidents that had sparked this that particular day, and that u would've given me patience if u could... but is it really a gift?

Can "patience" be a "gift" u'd want, anybody?