claire

I left on a Saturday. Cousin Priscilla and Brother Sangtea dropped me to the airport. And on the way, Prissy, who was driving, ran over a chick (en). Oh wait! According to Prissy, The chicken ran over her! Bro said the chicken was drunk! Well, I say Prissy and the chick share the same boyfriend, so both were fuming hot, and decided to finalize on who gets the guy (hehe). Anyway, poor chick. It flew right in to our track, dashed itself to the front window, and bounced up to the side of the road. We stopped. People started gathering around, and we told them we were really sorry. They said its ok, and told us to go ahead except for one old man who was a bit drunk kept saying “Look what you’ve done!” He had a big knife (Chempui) attached to his waist, so we told him it won’t happen again, and kept mum, or else FLICK!! (brrrr...)

My flight was a bit delayed. But I happen to meet a very nice lady. Her name’s Mary and she was with her husband and one year old son. They were to board the same flight. So she gave me company. We had a good chat. After reaching Guwahati, we exchanged numbers and went on our separate ways. It was a long drive from the airport. Getting stuck in the traffic made me realize one thing I always miss about home. In Mizoram, the drivers are mostly well disciplined. Whereas in other places that I've been to, all drivers have the intention to insert themselves in every gap available. I find this very dangerous. And the honking sounds almost made me sick.

I reached the campus in the evening. I was amazed! The place is awing and beautiful. There are trees and lakes and flowers and buildings and and and... Everything was so clean and well maintained. The guest house is just as beautiful. It reminded me of my hostel in Mysore. It has a hexagonal shape, with a carpet of grass in the middle, and a fountain at the centre. I was the first to arrive among all participants. It was a bit boring, until my new roommate arrived the next day evening. Things started to get better.

The topic was "Application of Molecular Tools for Crop Improvement". Training programme was mostly hearing out presentations from inspiring Scientists in the morning, and laboratory sessions after lunch. We had a “High Tea” on the first day, which me and my new found friends joked about. It was written like that in the programme sheet, our first time coming across such a word, and we were wondering what a high tea would be like (hehe). Well, it was a nice cup of tea with delicious snacks. I could use some of those high teas anytime :-). I got to make friends with many of the participants. We all had good interaction, and by the third day, we started exchanging email addresses and phone numbers. Everything was well organized. And FOOD WAS GOOD! :-)

The most I like about this place is the people working in this Institute. Everyone’s so dedicated to their work. And hats off to our Instructors. They have inspired and enlightened me. They know all the basics of the experiments we were doing, and I kept saying to myself “When you go home, go open your books and start reading!” which I will be doing, soon! *grin*

Lab sessions were interesting, and tiring. There were times when we worked till 7:30 in the evening. And our instructors said, sometimes they used to work till 10 at night! This showed how much dedicated they are, and at the same time showed me how much of effort I should put in my work. A big sorry to all my friends, for not getting you anything, anything including the "thing” you asked (hehe). Seriously, we were busy right from morning till evening, and I didn’t have time to go out and shop. I promise I’ll make it up to you next time :-)

I came back the next Saturday. My flight was delayed (again). I met a nice lady (again) from Kolkata. She was on her way back from Shillong. But she left early, since her flight was earlier then mine. Even though it was just a one week program, I came home inspired, encouraged, enlightened, boosted and tired.

PS: I stayed 7 days without combing my hair! I completely forgot to take my comb *grin*

It all happened, when I accidentally dropped my phone in a steaming hot agar medium which I had just taken out from the microwave oven for my laboratory work. An agar medium is slimy and sticky, liquid while its hot, but gradually solidifies as it cools.

I gave the phone for repair to one of my brother’s friend’s shop, not very far from my house. He was kind enough to lend me an extra phone of his, a Nokia N83, and asked me to keep my phone overnight. But I missed my phone, a normal Nokia 6300, not even a hi-fi better quality phone could take its place. I got it back the next day, the LCD and something else was changed. But since then, it has’nt been the same. I had to take it back to the shop several times, even the salespersons would give a ‘I know why she’s here again – smile’ whenever I entered the shop :-).

One day it would show a black display, and on other days, the music player would just not work, and sometimes the alarm would go off an hour late. There was also a time when one could not hear my voice through the phone, it was a problem with the speaker system. These were all repaired.... until.. the PQRS keypad failed me!

So, first of all, here’s a good excuse to all my friends, complaining that I never reply their sms. *grin*

Try to think of making up a sentence without using these letters, can you? See, I’m telling you, it’s hard! But the creative me (coughs) have used sms slangs like ‘thnx’ for ‘thanks’, ‘GM’ for ‘Good Morning’, ‘Vodka' for 'Voksa' (lolzzz..JK!)etc plus, I found out that it’s much easier to modify Mizo sentences rather than English.

‘In atangin I chhuak tawh em?’ rather than ‘Have you StaRted fRom home?’

‘I hman tawh em?’ rather than ‘aRe you Ready?’

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

Argghh, I just can’t think of anymore examples right now, as it is, it is already a pain in the a** :-D

And most of the time, I find myself ‘almost’ losing patience trying to click that keypad just once, JUST ONCE so that my sentence would be complete. The other day, I tried to type ‘sports’, only OT came. Haha! “kan OT a” :-D

Now, I’ve given up trying. IF I cannot think of a sentence without pqrs at the first thought, then I’d rather call, than type.

Don’t tell me to buy a new phone, unless you're willing to buy me one ;-), I think I can still manage with my 2 years old Nokia 6300. And in case, if you plan to buy me one (hehe), I would like to have the same model *grin*..... which reminds me, my annoying but loving cousin brother Kima a.k.a illusion in the air still owes me a cute laptop mouse!

Whenever I see an old lady
I get reminded
About my grandma and how she used to sit under the sun peacefully with gazing eyes

When life doesn’t go my way
I get reminded
Of the song “Lesson’s learned” by Carrie Underwood

When I see a family happily going to church together
I get reminded
That it has always been my dream to raise a Christian family one day

Whenever I ride my Scooty
I get reminded
About the game “Need for Speed”, especially while going slow on the curves

Whenever I see the flower Hibiscus and its leaves, sand and GI Joe, Tea sets and an empty ‘Khaini’ box, a mango tree..
I get reminded
About my childhood playtime days
(Hibiscus flowers were used as ‘oil’, its leaves as ‘paan’, tiny roads were made on the sand for the joes to have their own kingdom, Tea sets, particularly the red ones and steel ones, and empty khaini boxes were used as balance aka patla, and we’d always climb up the mango tree near my uncles place)

When I see school girls happily chatting and laughing
I get reminded
About my friends in high school. We used to call ourselves “The Mighty Queens” and we didn't have a care in the world

Whenever I wake up at 4 am
I get reminded
Of the song by Secondhand Serenade “It’s 4 am, and I’m waking up to your perfume..” not that I’m waking up to anyone’s perfume :-)

Whenever my nieces get a hair cut, the one with a fringe
I get reminded
Of my hairstyle when I was their age

Its cold outside
But my heart’s getting colder
Its dark outside
But my mind’s turning darker
There’s mist all over
But the mist in my head is taking me over

The clouds have turned gray
But my thoughts have made me blue
The birds have flown to a safer place
But I cannot fly to anywhere safe
The thunder echoes loud outside
But not as loud as the rumors echoing in my ears

I see lightning across the mountains
But it’s the vileness of men that strikes my heart
The sky has finally poured its rain
But my eyes have finally poured out tears of pain
The clouds may have vexed my mind
But I’m glad they all have a silver line

It’s that time of the year again, when you just cannot predict the weather. One minute the sun would embrace you with its heat, and assure you that you could go hang your clothes to dry; and just when you’re done hanging them, the rain would pour without any warning, which will last for 15 minutes or so, and then you have to repeat the procedure all over again! I remember few years back, before any of my brothers got married, we always had clothes to dry almost everyday. This is apparent though, considering the fact that we are one BIG family. Someone would shout “It’s drizzling again!” and we’d run up the terrace to save our clothes from getting drenched. You just cannot sit in peace. God knows how many times we had to run up and down. Now, since I spend my daytime at work, I need not bother about how many clothes are being washed today and can finally enjoy the rain. Leave them to the ones staying at home :-D.

I love the sound of the rain. I love to watch the rain; with music softly playing in my ears, I can just go on dreaming. The other day, I caught sight of a splendid view. It was drizzling, and the mountains were fresh and green, with clouds resting on them. A view I always miss when away from home. Looking at it, I sighed and sighed.

August is the time when those so called Leo’s are born (the first part of the month and end of July of course). I have quite a few good friends with Leo sign, and one of my sisters-in-law is a Leo, and we are like best friends. Although when it comes to relationships, Mimi and a Leo guy is a no no, so far :-D. I don’t really believe in Horoscopes and Zodiac signs, but its fun when you pretend to believe it. There was one time when me and my friends had the habit of reading a horoscope from one Mizo magazine. It was actually called “HORRORSCOPE” where they wrote all kinds of funny things. And it so happened one day, that one of our friend went to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, and her HORRORSCOPE read “Vawinah DC office kawtah mi anglo angin I hawi vual vual dawn”. We literally rolled on the floor and laughed to tears. Lolzz..

Back in high school, August was the month where we had to go to A.R. Ground for Independence Day march past practice everyday, come rain or come shine. Oh yes, I was one of the National Cadet Corps members. It would always rain on the day. I remember watching the movie ‘Independence Day’ on Independence Day (15^th August) at J.L. Cinema hall, right after our parade in the field. We were in uniform and our shoes were filled with mud. But we enjoyed the show. Sigh! Those were the days. Speaking of august and a movie, I love the movie ‘August Rush’.

August is personally a remarkable month for me. It was the month when I got my first kiss :-). Now I can see you grinning. No, I’m not going to reveal the date and year. If I do, my friends out there can surely track who the guy is. And he does’nt even know that he was the first. *GRIN* End of story for this one. Hehe..

And in Mizo tradition, I heard that it is forbidden to get married in August. Some thing to do with the rain? Can any one fill me the details with this one? What’s the particular reason behind? I can ask mom and dad, but it will be interesting to know from someone out there too. I know a family friend getting married next week! Should I warn them?? hehe

1. “Now, which one should I put on? Hmm.. I think I’ll go for purple, coz it will match my purple purse, even though its heels are higher than the rest. I can bear the pain”

“Ughh.. These heels are killing me!! Whoever invented high heels? And whoever brought it into fashion?? I will never wear ‘em again!”

2. “OMG! Who is that guy? He’s so cool. Maybe I should go and ask him his number”

“Me go ask his number? No ways.. I’d rather stay back, who needs it anyway?”

3. “I’ll start from tomorrow, I’ll read this tomorrow, there’s still time…”

“Oh man! Still so much to read and exam’s just around the corner. I will never keep things for the last minute again. This is torture! Arrrghh !!”

4. “That’s it! I’m done! I will never ever ever fall for a guy again!”

“All guys ain’t the same. And there ain’t just one fish in the sea. Why should one wrong guy change my opinion for the others?”

5. “I love this song! I love it! It just reached the 100^th repeat and I can’t get enough of it”

“Plzzz… Not that song! I am so fed up. Anything but that song will do”

6. “I’m so lean. I should eat more. This is not good. I look like a stick!”

“Oh no.. Why have I become like this? These pants don’t fit anymore! Diet, girl, diet!”

7 “This is so worth it, next episode please, next, next, next…Thank God I’ve downloaded everything..”

“Yawn…! Zzzzzzz.. Damn! I can’t keep my eyes open. Why did I watch all the episodes last night? I should have saved some and slept earlier.. zzzz”

8. "I look like a granny. I think I can manage without these glasses for today.."

"Oh me eyes! I cannot see as clear as before. I need to put on my glasses regularly from now on..."

9. "This game is so addictive! I should reach the next level soon. I'll wait for a while to regain my energy. Meanwhile, i'll invite more friends to join my mafia"

"I should have done something better instead of just wasting my time"

10. "O.k! It's a little tight, but I think I can manage"

"Oooof! It's so warm and these pants seemed to be sticking to my skin!"

*Sometimes, I am my own enemy, and sometimes I am my own friend* :-)

I know I’ve been a brat

I know I’ve let you down

I know I’m not the perfect girl for you

But I know you love me for me

You love me just as I am

You love me even though I’m not good enough

You love me not because of my looks

You love me even when I’m in my Pj’s

I’m sorry for testing your patience

I’m sorry for hanging up the phone on you

I’m sorry for being too proud at times

I’m sorry for making you cry

You make me feel beautiful everyday

You make me want to become a better person

You make me realise the love of God

You make me what I am today

I wish I could remember the day we first met

I wish I could recall that first day you held me in your arms

I wish I’d not taken you for granted

I wish I could turn back time

Thank you for being there when I needed someone

Thank you for giving me hope when I felt like giving up

Thank you for laughing at my jokes

Thank you for your appreciation

I love you for all these and more

I love you with all my heart

I love you for who you are

I love you Mom, I always have, and I always will

Of course, not that Aerosmith’s song.. But the song did cross my mind when I realised that I WAS and still AM living on the edge, and my life could just end at the blink of an eye.

I had an eventful experience this Wednesday. My work requires collection of samples from different parts of Mizoram. This time, my trip was planned to Champhai. Brother 1, brother 4 and brother 5 were supportive enough to come with me (I have five brothers for those who might be wondering).

Here’s a link of the main places we have to pass through to get to Champhai. (Link)

THE TRIP

We started at 8 am with our faithful Santro car. Before we left, we all gathered in the living room and Mom prayed. She always does. It rained the previous night, and it was drizzling when we left.

Breakfast at Seling. Smoked Pork.. yummmm :-)

Crossed Keifang, and heard that there was a Landslide prone area ahead. We moved on.

Reached Tuivawl at 12 pm, there was a long line of vehicles ahead (Picture 1). Mostly buses and Pickup trucks. Some of them were stranded since 10 am that morning. A landslide had occured the previous day, and a Transport Truck got stuck in the mud. Two JCB's were working to clear the land, and to move the truck out.

At 1:30 pm, part of the land was cleared for vehicles to pass(Picture 2). Truck was still there. Vehicles infront started to move, crossing the landslide area one by one. Just when our turn came, the two JCB's took their many timeth trial to move the Truck out. Finally, it was moved.

Brother 1 drove our way to the danger zone. Guess what? Our Car Got Stuck! Right at the Landslide point! (Picture 3). It wouldn't move front, or back. Brother 4 and 5 got out to push it. I thought I’ll give a hand, but they told me to stay in, so that my feet won't get dirty. I felt loved :-)

But then, people from the other side started shouting that the land was going to slip again, and to move out quick. We all panicked. Somehow we managed to move back, and just then, the land slipped, right in front of us. Seriously scary!!!

Brothers asked me to get out, and to stand as far as possible (Picture 4). Again, I felt loved :-). Two men from behind ran towards us, and gave my brothers a hand, and they pushed the car far back away from the danger zone.

The JCB started to clear the land again (Picture 5), for about an hour until it ran out of diesel!

Bigger vehicles behind us took risk and started to move ahead, and they got stuck one by one. Some lucky ones passed through. That's the first vehicle which got stuck after us (Picture 6).But guys from the other side came to our side, and started to help push. This is exactly what I was talking about. “Helpful Mizo Guys”.

That’s the third or fourth vehicle which got stuck. As these pictures were taken, there were some debris and stones falling every five minutes! But these guys risked their lives to help others, strangers that they don’t even know.

I wanted to go back home, because it was still raining, and the place was still very dangerous. Even if we could go across (with the help of these guys), we were to come back after 2 days, which was still risky. But I did not want to tell my brothers, because this trip was for me. Boy! Was I glad when brother 5 asked me if I wanted to go back home! I quickly nodded.

My (muddy) shoes (Picture 8). Hehe..

I didn’t want the trip to go waste. So after a tea break at Keifang, we asked around and found a place where I could collect few samples.

Yep.. that’s me collecting my samples (Picture 9).

Dinner at Seling. Smoked Pork again.. yummmm.. hehe

Brother 5 drove the car after dinner. At around 8:30 pm, we crossed Tuirial, and guess what? A huge boulder came tumbling down right infront of us! Followed by stones. We panicked a lot! Brother 1 asked brother 5 to back up the car, and for a moment, he forgot how to back it up!

Luckily, a JCB which was on its way home came along. It cleared the road for us again (Picture 10).You know what I was thinking? “God saved us, and has sent us guardian angels in the form of men and JCB! God has answered Mom’s prayers”

Since I brought my camera, I wanted to take every picture to remember this incident. And I so wanted to take the picture of this huge stone. While we drove past it, I tried to take a shot, just as the flash came, all three brothers shouted “Is this the time???” Haha.. I laughed to myself for being so silly.. But later we all laughed talking about me and my camera. Lolzz..

Home sweet home at 9:45 pm

I am glad for this trip

I am glad to realise the love my brothers have for me

I got to see the beautiful night view of Aizawl from Zemabawk (always one of my favourite views)

I got to eat a delicious breakfast and dinner (I’ve always thought that food at Mizo Hotels is tastier then home made ones..hehe)

I am glad to see our mizo guys in action again

I am glad that I could collect my samples

I am glad to be alive

God has saved our lives TWICE!