Dognapped! and HPV

Some pure-bred Yorkshire terriers were dognapped at gunpoint from their home in L.A. Now, all except one have been returned. What is this world coming to? The puppies are really adorable.

There's a debate on whether the HPV vaccine should be compulsory for girls in 6th grade onwards. First of all, I hate that issues concerning women's reproductive health are always politicized. I don't hear any debates about Viagra. This should be a personal choice. I believe in the benefits of the vaccine although the idea of making it compulsory isn't appealing. A lot of conservative parents are opposed to the idea and they have a right to be. But should a parent's conservative beliefs be enforced if they're detrimental to the child? For example, Jehovah's witnesses refuse blood transfusions. What happens when a child is in dire need of one but the peroz refuse based on their religious beliefs? Technically, it can't be done without their consent unless perhaps in an emergency (even that is a gray area). Anyway, the debate is on.

On Misery

I give up.
On learning how to swim.
And other things.


I'm reading an anthology for a humanities class and the statement below stuck in my mind:
"You're both in the throes of misery, so you're blind to each other's misery"
--by Michio Hisauchi in Japan's Junglest Day

Glimpses of home

I always talk about the beauty of Kenya, and specifically the rolling countryside where I spent most of my life. So, here's some proof that it's not a desert! I didn't take these pictures, so I have to give credit to the brilliant and skilled photographer J. who I had the honor of meeting while I was home.



Waking up to this beautiful sight is practically a daily occurrence. The opposite of the miserable weather I have to deal with right now.




The road home...which was supposed to be tarmacked about 10+ years ago. It's probably a good thing it remained this way. I was once riding in the back of a pick-up truck along this road and almost fell off! It can be a bumpy ride.




Now, here's a great reason to go for a nature walk!

I am a Pig! This is my year.

So much has been happening around the world. And even though some of the news is "old" I'm gonna share my 2 cents.

Barrack Obama is making history. No matter what the outcome is. Wish I got a chance to see him in person, but don't have the budget for the exclusive events. The question whether he is "black" enough is so dumb that it doesn't even warrant an answer. Ati some black leaders were offended that he made his candidacy announcement on the same day as the State of the Black Union (never heard of this day till recently). Anyhow, Hillary has compe! If I could vote, it's clear where my vote would go.

Rats are found in a Taco Bell. I'm so glad I haven't eaten there in years! Ati,we used to hear about this place when we were in Kenya from people who'd spent their summers in the States. I used to think it was all that till I saw it for myself. It's on my list of "places to eat when I'm starving in the middle of nowhere." Even then, I'm sure there'd be a McDonald's around the corner.

The Chinese New Year was about 10 days ago. It is the year of the Pig/Boar. We didn't eat pork growing up because of religious taboo and tradition (I'd sneakily eat bacon on occasion). So, imagine our reaction on visiting a Chinese friend's house for a celebratory meal and being presented with a cooked pig in the middle of the table. I ate some to be polite. Plus I was curious. It was kinda tasty. I was given some lucky money in an envelope (leisee) by someone last year so I keep that as souvenir. I'm taking a class about Chinese culture and I've been struck by the similarities we have.

It just happens that I was born in the year of the pig some 20+ years ago. I'm reading about the qualities us piggies possess and I've got to admit some ring true, like I know a lot of people but few I'd call friends. Words like 'chivalrous', 'gallant', and 'loyal' make me think of a knight. Maybe I was one in my past life...

"People born in the Year of the Pig are chivalrous and gallant. Whatever they do, they do with all their strength. For Boar Year people, there is no left or right and there is no retreat. They have tremendous fortitude and great honesty. They don't make many friends but they make them for life, and anyone having a Boar Year friend is fortunate for they are extremely loyal. They don't talk much but have a great thirst for knowledge. They study a great deal and are generally well informed. Boar people are quick tempered, yet they hate arguments and quarreling. They are kind to their loved ones. No matter how bad problems seem to be, Boar people try to work them out, honestly if sometimes impulsively."

---adapted from the Chinese Cultural Center


Any fellow pigs out there?

Gifts and 5 Things

I am a weird person.
I don't like getting gifts unless they're from blood relatives or very close friends. Why? Because, then I feel like I owe the person something. I hate that feeling. And there are always strings attached. Very few people have the heart to give you something just for the sake of it. Especially if it's a guy. Am I too cynical? Or did I get converted to the individualistic, self-sufficient American way of thinking? The polite thing to say when somebody gives you a gift or a compliment is "Thank you." But what if you don't feel comfortable with the gift or don't believe the compliment? Is it rude to say so? But then, I'd have to launch into lengthy explanations which may not even make sense to anyone. Feelings and beliefs aren't always logical, but they can still be valid.

5 things that irritate/piss me off:
1. Hanging out with somebody who's constantly yapping on their cellphone endlessly on non-urgent calls.
2. Being put on hold for a long time while being forced to listen to bad music or commercials. And automated voice systems.
3. When a person states "That job is so easy!" yet they've never had any experience or in-depth knowledge of that line of work.
4. Married people or parents who think that life is so simple for those of us who aren't. While I realize there are heavy responsibilities when you're attached to another human for life, it's not like the rest of us don't have responsibilities. In addition to this, parents who take over the entire sidewalk with strollers in a busy area. Can't they go to the park or something? Just get out of my way.
5. Bad coffee.

P.S. There's Kenyatta Day and Moi Day. Will there be Kibaki day? Just wondering....

It's Over

The most hilarious Valentine's post this year is by Ichiena. Check it out! And
Modoathii had some wicked advice on avoiding the whole Valo drama.

Even though I didn't care to celebrate the day, I got a few messages wishin' me happy val's. The award for the earliest message goes to a dude in Nairobi who asked me to be his valentine a month ago. It was kinda sweet. Dude, how did you know I have a thing for guys in uniform? Thanks for giving me directions when I was lost. Doubt if we'll meet again.
Now,the one person I wanted to hear from yesterday didn't contact me. Not that I was expecting anything apart from a call or even a text saying "how r u." Even though the last time we were together, I was in a bad mood. Because of a situation that I was trying to handle earlier that day. When I say have things on my mind, it's usually quite serious. I have to make some decisions that will affect not only me but others around me. And there are issues going on that I can't control. I won't go into details. I don't like confrontations but I see one coming up. I'm not perfect and don't like criticizing but I have to express my views and feelings.

Jekyll/Hyde and Who's the Daddy?

What's with the shooting rampage lately? I mean non-gang, non-hunting related shooting. A business meeting in Philadelphia turns deadly. Even malls are gonna start having some serious security after the incident in Salt Lake City. “He was a such a good boy. I don’t know what happened” is what a relative said about the gunman. Don't we people always say that? So basically, all these good people just snap one day and nobody has a clue why they're frustrated enough to kill? I wonder if they plan it calmly or just act in the heat of the moment? Perhaps we all have a Mr. Hyde in us although the world only sees the wonderful Dr. Jekyll.

News stations tend to pick high profile stories and focus on them exclusively. I am so over the circus surrounding Anna Nicole's death. I barely watch tv but every time I pass by one, yet another dude has crawled out of the woodwork claiming to be the father of her kid. They should do that DNA test in a rush and conclude the affair. But the bigger question is about the huge fortune. I just want to know what happens in the end.

San Diego & Anti-Valentine's

Didn't make it to San Diego for the 7's this year. Just waiting to hear all about it from buddies who went. I first visited the city a number of summers ago and was so impressed. Stayed in the Gaslamp quarter, went to Balboa Park and Coronado island. Also crossed the border to Tijuana for a day trip; ate delicious food and drank lots of margaritas. Walking down the streets, some people would smile excitedly and yell out "Moesha", it took a while to figure it out though. I guess Brandy was the most popular black female in Tijuana at the time. It was amusing coz nobody looked like her. I'd rank San Diego as one of the best places to live in the U.S. out of the cities I've visited.

This weekend was somewhat productive: worked, finished an essay, and went to an Anti-Valentine's Day party. Of course there were couples:)The buddies who hosted it always have the greatest themed parties and they have a cool crowd of friends so you're sure to mingle with interesting people. In fact, I met a girl who lives 2 blocks away from me. What sucks about Valentines is that if you're a single female and everyone around you is getting flowers and chocolates delivered then you'll be wishing someone would send you some. (Come on admit it!) And if you're part of a couple (esp. a new one), the expectations may not be clear especially for dudes. If the guy doesn't do anything, he'll risk pissing of the chic coz it's seems that he's not acknowledging the relationship. But then again if he's a romantic and goes all out, maybe the chic doesn't even care for the whole flowers-chocolates-dinner routine. Seems like a sexist day, coz what gifts do the guys get?

I'm so into the song "Nibebe" by Nyota Ndogo featuring Nonini. Nyota Ndogo has such a beautiful, melodic voice. I read her life story (can't remember the link) about her family struggles and her journey to stardom. She deserves all the success coming her way.

By the way, there's a really catchy Kenyan song that goes "Najua unaipenda unaitaka pia..." Does anybody know who did it?

Directions

We all need directions at one point or another. It's great to have signs and symbols to guide us. But it seems like even the most obvious things come with directions. Like a drink that says "twist cap open and drink." But in this extremely litigious society, everything has to be disclosed and stated, even though it seems obvious. That's why the average person has to sign like 100 kinds of contracts and releases for everything. Not reading and understanding the fine print can totally mess you up as some of us learned the hard way. Or, if you don't ask certain questions,you just won't know. Information is a valuable commodity.

Decisions

Decisions.
We've all have to make them. I'm torn between some right now. I tend to overanalyze some things and then put off making a choice because I'm thinking of how it will affect future plans. However,I have to act soon and think about here and now as well as the future.

Superbowl Sunday

This won't be a replay of the game coz I didn't watch it but heard the Indianapolis Colts won. I just needed a catchy title:) I rarely watch tv, but I'm into Nigerian movies.

So I got through 2 swimming lessons last week. It's fun so far! Even though the water is cold ( thought the pool would be heated), you feel really great afterwards. I can hardly wait for warm weather.

School has started off quite well. Maybe I'm a nerd, but I really like school! Last sem was tougher coz of making the transition back to the academic world, but now I'm more comfortable and can find my way around. Plus, I'm taking some fun classes (in addition to swimming). One is a humanities class where we read lots of interesting books (including Things Fall Apart and The Brideprice). If I could get college credit for all the books I've read, maybe I could graduate sooner! The professor for this class is also quite a character. The class was packed on the first day (good sign) and when he was talking about his expectations, he'd say "I don't give a shit about..." He's very laid back and well-travelled, including to several countries on "the continent of Africa." I like that he's very knowledgable about non-Western cultures. It irritates me to hear people say "I went to Africa" as though it's one town. Please be specific, it's a huge continent, with so much variation and I've only seen a small portion of it.

On the other hand, there are also people in Kenya who don't seem to realize that the U.S. is a huge country! Some states are bigger than our country. Some people at home were asking me about their kids 'n relaz as though we're all neighbors. I rarely even see some neighbors and buddies are scattered in different places. If there's a major event, like the upcoming Rugby 7's, that's when most of us meet. When I went to apply for an ID, the dude there was asking me if I knew his nephew in Wisconsin (or Wyoming). I've never been to either one of those places. Furthermore, we all come from the same populous tribe with huge extended families. I barely know some of my own relaz so what's the probability of me knowing some random dude in Wisconsin?

It doesn't hurt to ask though, coz improbable things do happen. Like running into an old schoolmate you haven't seen in almost 10yrs on the streets of Nairobi. Yup, it happened to me. It was one of the few days that I was there, exploring the small section of the city that I know just coz it's close to my Uncle's office. I was so happy to reconnect with her. It's an amazing feeling to be somewhere where you have a history. It's a great feeling to belong and not have to constantly explain yourself. Home was different because most of my friends had left the country about the same time I did. And didn't stay in touch with others. So I know very few people around my age there. I was also on holiday after most people visiting had already left. It's too bad that I missed the KBW meetup. When you interact with people online, you start to guess what they're like in person. I read Half'n'half's post about why she missed the meetup and I can see where she's coming from. Although, unlike her, I think that my chances of already knowing anybody in KBW are slim to none. I'd enjoy meeting a number of KBWers in person. I'm a little shy with groups so I do better one-on-one. It's a funny thing, but sometimes it's easier to be more honest and real with strangers coz they don't have a preconceived idea of who you are and have nothing to gain or lose from your actions. If you do something that people who know you don't expect, they can get shocked. Does that mean that they didn't know you that well to begin with? Or they just don't know this side of you?

I Flew Around the World

When I was a kid, we'd often accompany an uncle to the airport as he jetsetted to work in different parts of the world. I was envious of the people (mostly junguz) lugging suitcases and backpacks ready to fly out. Who cares where they were going? It was an adventure. I'd listen wide-eyed as my Dad and Uncle would regale us with stories of life abroad. Little did I know that someday, I, too, would be one of those travellers....

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How do you know that you live in shagz?

When an answer to "Unaishi wapi?" results in: "You know K? Sawa, wakati unaelekea P, unapitia barabara ya kuenda R, halafu ukifika sokoni T unaingia ndani. Fuata barabara kwa kilomita nane na utafika C."
To keep it simple, I often shorten the answer to K, the main town where everybody goes shopping and to have some fun.

Change is unavoidable. Progress at home is invariably measured in terms of land and construction. It happens in the cities and extends to the villages. I was somewhat amazed at the structures that had mushroomed on a previously open field where cows grazed occasionally. I remember the days when we'd buy sweets at the main kiosk and eat chips and nyama fry at the main "hoteli." Now, there are a dozen. And that hoteli no longer exists:(

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Sidenote:***For anybody visiting Kenya for the first time, beware that the word 'hotel' is used rather liberally. It can describe a luxurious 5-star hotel, a dingy backstreet lodging above a bar, or a place to eat. On our drive home from Nairobi, I spotted the sign "Undugu Silent Hotel." It was one of those simple buildings with a mabati roof. Sure enough, all the windows were boarded up and there was no sign of life. So, do you think the guests are instructed to shut up as soon as they enter? I find so much humor in Kenyan life=)

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Familiarity is comforting. Walking into my bedroom and seeing the curtains and wall hangings just warmed me up. I enjoyed being in my parents' house that has a beautiful yard with trees, flowers, and a vegetable garden. I used to take it all for granted and never understood when visitors would rave about the beauty around us. I can see why my parents moved us there. I currently live in an apartment in a densely populated urban area so I appreciated all the space. I never used to get the idea of going to a park till I lived in this area.

I found it strange that some people thought I didn't understand Kiswahili well. Nobody can mistake me for a Tzian (although this actually happened one day) or someone from Coast; I don't speak sheng and wouldn't be able to write a prize-winning insha, but I do get by. Of course, I'd love to stay in either one of those places and be able to speak Swa with that rhythmic, melodic sound.

______________________________________________

Aviatophobia, aviophobia, or pteromerhanophobia are words used to describe the fear of flying (courtesy of wiki). Often, fear stems from the fact that you don't know what to expect. The first time I got on a plane, it was a domestic flight. I was very excited. I remember fumbling with the seatbelt before the kind gentleman next to me helped me snap it in place.

Domestic flights in the U.S. are relatively affordable, but there are still tons of Americans who've never been on a plane. There are always risks you have to take. On the last stretch of my flight back here, we delayed on the runway for over an hour while the engines were being checked out. Strangely, I wasn't anxious, just irritated. When I think about being in a plane crash, my first thought is about life insurance coz chances of surviving are slim. I'm not a morbid person, but I have preferences: I don't want to drown, die in a car, or have a chronic illness that will kill me painfully over many years. I have relatives who've died under suspicious circumstances that leave many questions unanswered. It's been said that the only certainties are death and taxes. I'll save my tax rant for another day (or night).

Resolutions? Goals? Aspirations?

I've read some blogs where New Year's "resolutions" have been thrown out the window in favor of "goals." And I'm liking it. So, pardon me as I dub your ideas and share a few of the goals I have for this year 2007:

1)Learn how to swim--in the deep end without floaters. It gets a little embarassing hanging out in the shallow end with the toddlers. This is something I should have learned to do when I was a kid. Nobody's self-conscious about their body or hair then. In my younger days, I took a few lessons randomly then finally went to a school where it was an organized activity. It was fun before the older girls would entertain us with stories of people who died in that pool. I was in a vulnerable state of mind and couldn't go back after that. So I dropped out.
**I've already signed up for a swimming class at school. Not sure if I can stick it out. I'll need more than a year to work on this.

2) Successfully complete 2 sems of full-time classes at my school. It's a juggling act but it's got to happen.

3) Spend my summer in a different part of the country and visit at least 2 or 3 new cities on my list.

4) Save X amount by the end of the year. If I'm successful, then I know exactly where to put it.

5) Take the GRE 1 or 2 times, dig up more info on my top ten, and compile grad school requirements. By this time next year, I'd have narrowed the choices down.

P.S. I wrote these down on few weeks ago on old-fashioned pen and paper.

"There and Back"

Guess who's back? (like you really had to...)

The past few weeks I spent at home will always be among the most memorable times of my life. I feel amazing after being immersed in the love, warmth, and comforts of home. Spent quality time with peroz (love you Mom and Dad) and relaz. I experienced so much in Kenya, there's no way I could put it all in words. I will share some observations and incidents that a lot of KBWers can identify with. When I left this place, I felt like an old car that was running on an empty fuel tank. Right now, it's the opposite: I am energized, filled to the brim and overflowing. Let me attempt to get some sleep because of an 8am class in the morning.

Nyumbani

I got home safely, long long layover along the way. I'd read and doze off then wake up to find only 1 hr had gone by. The warm welcome at JKIA was well worth the hassles I went through. Even the immigration dudes were enthusiastic (One even proposed.) Everything is lush and green (lots of rain). I'm taking lots of pics. Lots of changes but some things are the same. I'm eating such good food. Enjoying the comforts of home. Taking it easy away from everything. Lots of r 'n r (I always wanted to use that expression).

Glad to look back to last year and see that I fulfilled all my resolutions--at least the ones I blogged about. It was a first coz I don't usually make resolutions.It's such an amazing feeling to plan specific things out and have them happen.

All the best in 2007 everybody! Hope your dreams come true. Don't know who said, "If you don't have a dream, then how are you gonna make a dream come true?"

Leaving on a Jet Plane (II)...

home!

I'm superstitious so I didn't wanna talk about it too much for fear of jinxing it (well, other reasons too). I'm finally leaving on my trip and I live in shagz (that's the countryside) so I'm not so sure how my internet access will be. Went on marathan shopping session yesterday and got help packing from my siblings. A dude at the bank was looking at my DL and was wondering if my relaz would recognize me. (Btw, the shilling has greatly appreciated in value.) I do look different now. Leafing through an old yearbook, I can see the differences. I know my ideas and views of the world have changed a lot since I left. I can hardly wait to see my parents.

Happy New Year y'all!

Furious!

Hell hath no fury...like a pissed off woman! Imagine being woken up in the dead of night to take a transatlantic call from a person who declares he has "an urgent message." Along with a drunken dial from an undesired admirer, an insistent telemarketer, or a stalker, this is one of those calls you never want to get. And for the record, this happened to me night before last.

The caller is not my personal acquintance but my parents'. He resides in a Western European country (which shall remain unnamed) that prides itself on being modern and 'civilized'--don't they all? It just so happens that on my way home, there'll be a lengthy layover in the above country, so they offered to host me. I was thinking, why not? Save money on a hotel, kill time, maybe see a sight or two. Perhaps. Like many Western countries that are prime destinations for us citizens of the Third World, this country has stringent visa requirements. I am no stranger to compiling documents with personal information. I've done it countless times over the past 6 years. This time, I didn't get the desired results.

I heard back from the immigration/consulate a*holes who think that me spending less than one day breathing their freezing winter air surrounded by the snowy foggy landscape of their wonderfully modern 'civilized' country and seeing 1 or 2 of their amazing sights is like handing me a key to the pearly gates: impossible. After all, once I get to such a prime destination, why would I want to leave? It doesn't matter that I'm firmly entrenched in my current life and have the documents to prove it.

I am so sick and tired of filling forms, being assigned numbers, and subjecting all my personal affairs to scrutiny under a government microscope: from the hour of my birth, health status specifically what deadly viruses or 'African diseases' could be surging through my bloodstream, financial assets (or lack thereof), and what kind of education I received before I landed on these hallowed shores (gasp! including how I learned to speak English).

So, I let my would-be host know that I would be restricted to the airport while I was in the country politely thanking him for offering to host me. But no...he had to call me in the middle of the night to have me repeat the details of what happened, and to tell me what I needed to do. First of all, I was pissed because there was nothing urgent about this matter. I know what urgencies and emergencies are and use those words with extreme caution. Email is a brilliant form of communication that works! And if you have to make a phone call, can you call at a reasonable hour? Second, I hate being talked to like I'm a 10yr old girl who's never lived away from home. I detest it when someone who doesn't know my specific circumstances tells me what to do. Luckily, I was brought up to respect older people so I exercised a lot of restraint during this conversation and cut it short as quickly as I could. I was cussing when I got off the phone and about to make some calls across the ocean but decided it would be unwise. It was difficult getting back to sleep. I had a major cloud hanging over my trip and I wasn't even sure if I'd take it; until the issue was resolved just today. I'm just going to take every day as it comes.

Electronics and Shiny Things

I don't understand the benefits of switching to beta blogger so I'm sticking to the old one for now.

I am not a techie kind of person although I operate various electronics and mechanical items daily. When I mention that I want to buy something, say a digital cam. or a comp. I get lots of helpful tips from my technically minded friends but some things just go over my head. Brand names I can remember, but when people start quoting lots of numbers and letters, like 300HZ or EP827GB....that's it! Which is why I was feeling overwhelmed at the electronics store last week when I went to buy something for my Dad. Some salespeople are so unhelpful as they hurriedly point out the items. And when people are working on commission, they may recommend extra things you may not need. I don't begrudge anyone their commission; in fact, if I'm going to buy something I'd like the workers to get a portion of the funds. If they can take the time to explain why such an item will be a great addition to my life, I'll be convinced to buy it. Luckily, a buddy of mine works at the store so I tracked her down to break things down for me, and point out the good deals. I was glad with the final choice. While I was there, I spotted some big screen tvs that are just to die for. Although I am a simple person, with (mostly) simple tastes, I would love to own one of those massive screens.

But I'll settle for any kind of diamond jewelry: ring or earrings....isn't that what Christmas is about? Fantasy? Shiny things? Christmas spirit is seriously lacking around here. From the various rants I've read in the blogosphere, I'm in good company!

Snip, snip

I went to the "beauty" shop last week, and guess what I bought?



(I remember owning a comb like this way back.)


&



There's a first time for everything; this was the first haircut I gave myself. The results are not too bad. Of all the things I've done to simplify my life, this will rank among the highest.

On my bookshelf

Superfudge is a classic from my childhood. It never fails to crack me up=)


For anyone who likes books with pictures, try a graphic novel like this. by Marjane Satrapi.


I haven't gotten very far; it's deep one.



This exact book has been on my shelf for months, but I can't seem to get through the last part where Mitya is on trial. Borrowed from a friend, but at this rate he's probably given it up permanently. Thanks R!



Here's a good one from the motherland! by Buchi Emecheta


It's not what you think, but it's guaranteed to blow...your mind that is! Now I've got to see Kiribati for myself. I don't own this one. by J. Maarten Troost