"When I bought the iPod on Craigslist, I didn't erase the music that the previous owner had on there. He was a huge Tom Petty fan. As a teenager, I was super into Petty, but I hadn't really listened to his stuff in years - except when it came on in a bar or a restaurant or whatever. So I took advantage of these Tom Petty records being on this iPod to really revisit his music."Learning to Fly" is a great track. I love Jeff Lynne's production -- that snare drum sound is one of the best I've ever heard. I also like how the chords are the same for the entire song. Also the guitar solo really rips. Great traveling music that really gives you a sense of optimism and the potential for discovery." -Zachary Mexico
Busy at the moment crafting a message for the chalkbot, am well excited to see it! Absoultely cannot wait. Am otherwise reading about Buzz Aldrin, whom I think I wrote a paper on in the 5th grade. Some report or other, and so this is the second time in my life I am reading about the man who walked the moon on Apollo 11 (and walked in space on Gemini 12.) It was most interesting, reading about these former astronauts, like Alan Bean, who became an artist in his life as a civilian!
Am reading about high calcium milk for a brief that I am working on. Wanted to throw it back but in the spirit of being more positive at work I have decided to just do it myself with the best attitude possible, as I am trying my best to be a joy to work with, instead of being that girl who always has something harsh to say.
It's been over a week since I wrote and I hope I'm excused on account of my Grandfather's death. He was 99, and I can hardly believe it, as he was my last remaining Grandparent. I didn't know him very well, considering I grew up away from him. But I remember meeting him for the first time when I was twelve years old. It was our first trip to Malaysia. It was weird, surrounded by Aunts and cousins, whom I couldn't communicate with. Sadly, I didn't even know anyone else's name. It was a Buddhist funeral, with so many rituals, and though I could not hold the incense or participate in their prayers, I said my own prayers and joined in the procession for the most part. My parents were fine with it, and I think my Dad was just happy I was there (even as Christian.) He left home so long ago with my mom (they were neighbors) that I can understand how removed they feel from it all, and also how my Dad carries the burden of his family on his own shoulders.
I was highly uncomfortable throughout most of the funeral, and there were many times I wished my brother and my sister could have been there too. My behaviour towards my Grandfather during his funeral was the same as it was when he had been alive: distanced and present only out of love for my Dad. I felt bad for that, but it wasn't nearly as strange as the relatives who acted completely differently the day of his death (caring about every little ritualistic detail when during his life they had hardly been concerned.) Am sure that death is hard for everyone, and there is probably much that I don't understand; what with it being my first funeral and everything.
But I re-affirmed the very reason I moved back to Malaysia; they need at least one of their children around for times like these. It is what I came back to do, and I must not forget that, no matter what.
Everything is slowly going back to normal, including my Dad. Hopefully this all blows over because I miss him talking to me during dinner.
Other news: D'cruz is getting transferred by his company to Singapore! I am stoked, as this not only means seeing him on weekends, but that J Pully should be headed down to Southeast Asia in November too. Kaneda being here felt really good, because there's nothing like one of your best friends being around. Am looking forward to the end of the year very much now.
Breakfast is up Saturday morning with Garrick, as is our tradition: and Sunday Bibienne is coming over for a play date (if her Dad allows.) Other than that I shall be nursing my aching muscles back into health-in time for RPM Monday morning I hope-writing yet another article for a parenting publication, hitting a home run in a batting cage, and reading the last few chapters of V.S. Naipul's biography (have so far decided that in fact, I don't wish to be like him as much as I'd thought earlier on in the book, which is no great feat for Mr. French to have spun me around so quickly) and seeing Johnny Depp's latest.
Thanks for sticking around during this time and especially for all your condolences and prayers. Am not one for thank you's but you know who you are ;)
