Tears

Having attended my last ISC event as an official member, was the most bidirectional feeling I have ever had thus far.  I am extremely grateful to be part of the beautiful diversity of culture for my two-year tenure, and will miss every part of it.  

I am not the best at expressing my feelings, but believe me when I say that you guys are family to me.  ISC was my home away from home; it was my safe place where I've always felt loved and cared for; and each and every one of you weirdos made it comfortable for me to be weird, too.  Despite our little squabbles every now and then, I know that at the end of the day, we still could rely on each other.

I will miss every single one of you wonderful people, and it brings tears to my eyes that I can't spend every crazy week with you guys in our regular meetings, filled with jovial minds and a splash of chaos.  Thank you all for everything that was done.  You may not know it, but you have all changed me to be a better, bolder, wiser person.  For that, you all have my eternal gratitude.

With much love, 

Fang.

Too Soon To End - Alain Clark and Diane Birch

Lunch

Some funny conversation happened last week.

During my TA sessions, I was in the prep room with my other TA colleagues, when one of them, Mia, stared at me, acting perplexed.

Now, she was an oddball, so her staring at me was much worth being concerned (then again, most people in the life sciences fall into this category).

So with curiosity written on her face, she asked: "Fang, do you have a girlfriend?"

Now, this took me by surprise, as I wasn't remotely close to any girls in the past month (remotely meaning that I haven't been seen public with a single person, I usually hang out with a group of people).

I immediately played down the prospect. "No, why would you ask that"?

"Because I saw you with a girl".

"That's very vague" *shrugging with a grin*

So that whole conversation was somewhat memorable, because of an epiphany I had: I seldom eat with a small group of friends.

Maybe because it's the racial segregation back home (I had lunch with Faziera in this scenario, mind). But I notice that living in the States has made me appreciate more intimate, or at least, a closer comfort of dining together with friends and acquaintances.

I'll consider this to be an interesting, albeit casual lunch!

Elevate - St. Lucia

Gift

Had the privilege of listening to opera singer Simon Estes, granting Diane Fru a special request.  He has performed for 6 US presidents, Nelson Mandela, and numerous kings and queens!  

Hearing him sing "God Bless America", with his powerful, yet spine-tingling voice, was an unforgettable experienced,  His voice left me frozen on the spot, shocked by his vocal prowess.

What a beautiful moment.

Voodoo People - Alvaro