Where I'm From

Where I'm From- I wrote this poem a couple of years ago and ever since turning 30 (October 3rd) I have been feeling a bit nostalgic. It is based on a famous poem. I used the format to create my own 'Where I'm From' poem. I posted it on my blog in 2006, but decided to post it again.



Where I'm From


by Shoshauna Clark



I am from safety pins, hair pins and coconut hair oil,
from the stench of urine soaked nappies and chai tea.

I am from rain, monsoon rains, roaring down.
I am from mango trees
and the jasmine bush
whose perfume still captures hold of me.

I'm from chocolate cake and key lime pie,
from root canals and panadol.
I'm from the well-versed and the ill-mannered,
from the alcoholic and the self-absorbed.
I'm from som tam, cha ca, kra pao, banh beo
and pani puri.

I'm from Bangkok International Airport and United Nations International School,
biscuits, momos and tomato chutney.
I’m from humming 747s
and purple vibrating floors.

I’m from misty, foggy, Himalayan views,to bright, blinding Colorado skies.
I’m from Sukhumvit city lights, sweltering Calcutta days
and black croaking crows.

I’m from big blade fans and thin worn sheets.
I’m from moth balls and mehndi stains.
I’m from squatting toilets, cockroaches
and gleaming marble floors.

I’m from hotels.
Ahh, yes hotels.
Oberoi Grand, room service, tight-fitted cold bedding
and Orchard Road.

I’m from blistering cold Hanoi days.
I’m from stupid young love and crowded streets.
I’m from both “calm noodles” and “no noodles,”
smiles, and jealousy.

French Broad Chocolate Lounge

While I was in Asheville North Carolina, I had the chance to visit the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. It is was a wonderful experience. It is hard to describe the ambiance of the place, but it is dimly lit and they serve both chocolate & wine. I bought an assortment of truffles. I bought two boxes as gifts and already opened one box! The Masala Chai truffle was amazing and really tasted like chai!

Travel, part 1: North Carolina & Tennessee

I just arrived in Nashville-TN after spending a week traveling across North Carolina. I have not written in awhile and have thought about closing the blog down. However, after reading some of my old entries, I decided not to. This blog is mainly for me. I enjoy looking over some of the things I have written in the past.

Chapel Hill was as green as ever. I went and had a great bowl of soup at a local eatery. I then spent a couple of days in Asheville, which BTW is absolutely gorgeous! I spent my 30th birthday there! I had a great time- the hotel sent up a big fruit/cheese/wine basket for my Birthday.

Again, I just arrived in Nashville, TN. Not much to talk about so far. I found NC to be much prettier. Who knows, after I see a bit more, I might change my mind. I went over to Neely's and had some barbecue (the couple that started the restaurant have a show on the Food Network called "Down Home with the Neelys). It was quite good.

I am going to be on the road for 4 more weeks. I will be home on October 31st, just in time for Halloween. I miss Khazana. My Mom is with me this time around and that makes it easier. Not so lonely.

Politics is consuming my trip. If I am not working, I am watching t.v. and if I am not watching t.v., I am surfing the political blogs and news networks on the Internet.

As many of you know, Preya got a job in Thailand. I am very happy for her, but I miss her. It is so weird being away from her. I don't think we have ever really live apart. I also miss the international world! I have now turned 30 and I feel like I have been in the U.S. forever. Time to start searching to see what else is out there.

Anyhow, I am going to hit the sack. I have a full day tomorrow. Maybe I will write later in the week when I get to Memphis.

You betcha I will keep ya updated ;)

Mourning Tim

1950-2008

Catch-up

Ok, so I have not written in awhile!

I have had so many things going on:

I have been at CU-Boulder for officialy one year now as an admissions counselor (not including my internship). It has been a whirlwind and I have grown in many ways. It has been exciting with all of the travel and might I say, I have become a pretty good public speaker (Americans #1 fear).

Where I have travelled for CU-Boulder in the past year:

North Carolina
Nevada
New Mexico
Idaho
Arizona
Minnesota

Where will I be going next year? Who knows....I am excited though. I LOVE to travel and it has been a fun experience.

Tonight I spoke at the commencement ceremony for a local community college. I was asked to speak at the ceremony because of my background: I went to the community college, transfered to CU, and now work in the admissions office at CU-Boulder as an admissions counselor and lead transfer recruitment.

It was a very good experience. I was SO nervous, but I think I did quite well and I am very glad that I did it. It was rewarding and is something I will remember forever. In addition, I ran into somebody that was graduating that will be attending CU and who I admitted! Talk about full circle and seeing & feeling your work in action.

I walked into the computer room tonight and Khazana was just sending an email.

Dear Porfesser,
I'm nine yrs old and I'm absalutley love Harvard.
If I'm not talking to the right porfesser please tell me. Well My name Is Khazana Nguyen and I right now am going to Aspen Creek K-8. I'm trying to get into Dawson for Middle school and High school. I want to get a teaching licenses and become a good photogafer. My friends are all ways saying it's Hard to get in to Harvard and they say I would never get in. I want a good nice life to. So I was wondering what I need to get into Harvard Unavirsity. I'm playing Lacrosse I actually just quit competived Gymnastics I've been in it for about half my life. I love Math, Science and Social Studies. When I do got to college what classes should I do.
Are there anythings that would help me or for me try to do? I'm a little Vietamiese and Indian and Half American. Well thanks for listening to my story.
From,
Khazana Nguyen

Believe me, I was a bit shocked. This was totally out of the blue and random. We have not talked about her doing this or anything. She looked up contact info herself on Harvard's website. She even misspelled Harvard and google corrected for her!

Amazing!

I am taking the GRE this Saturday. I plan on applying for a Master in Public Administration degree. I am not sure if I want to do this right away, but I definitely want to get the GRE out of the way.

I took and failed the Foreign Service exam this year. I had a feeling that I did not pass. My essay was horrible. I just could not get it together this time around. I did order my score breakdown and it seems as though I actually passed the exam section, but the essay was not scored high enough for a passing grade. Some of you know that I actually passed last year. Oh well, next year.

My tonsil surgery is all over and I feel %100! It was a slow recovery process, but I am glad I did it and it is over.

GOODNIGHT.