So what does the return of broadband and the end of the month-long wedding extravaganza mean? That's right folks, the pizzle is back. Of course, the sporadicness (is that a word?) won't end, I'm going to be making the big move pretty soon, but nonetheless, it feels good to be back.
After taking a few days to recover and reflect, I'm still having trouble articulating my thoughts on the past month, so I'm just gonna throw out some observations in no particular order.
My mom's youngest brother, Choto Mama, is still, by far, the coolest man on the planet.
Traffic in Houston can suck my nuts.
God help me if I see the inside of Garden Ridge ever again.
I logged a preposterous amount of driving miles both in Dallas and in Houston (and in between). Not that I minded being the designated chauffer/go-fetch boy, I believe I have regained my pre-truck-accident air of invincibility behind the wheel of my 98 Camry.
My cousin Mou Apu is a really cool, hip version of my mom and her sisters. This, as I've said before, is not a bad thing. It is a very good thing.
Mou Apu, Choto Mama and I have decided that we love Ankhi so much we are going to adopt her into our family.
I discovered I have no great love for most of dad's sisters (except Sajjid's mom from New York). They are pretty self-centered and very ineffecient. This wedding would've been a disaster if all was left up to them. I do care about them, but not in the unquestioning devoted kind of way I love my mom's family or even our surrogate family group here in the Dallas area.
I can't decide whether I like my new reputation after the fights at the wedding in Houston. I guess it depends on how it really turns out. If people think I'm a total hothead, I don't like it. But if they recognize that the ugliness came out only because my brother was in percieved danger, then I suppose I'm ok with it. That's alot closer to the truth. I don't have a temper at all, just don't touch my brother.
Speaking of the fights, I was astounding by how quickly accounts of the incidents spread and became exaggerated. Unbelievable. Within minutes I had apparently beat Sabrina's cousin to the ground and then beat him some more. This was news to me. And just to set the record straight. I was not going for Saif on the stage, and Said did not hit anyone, at any point during the second fight. Not that it matters that I'm trying to set things right, people have unfortunately made up their minds, oh well. Next time, just dont touch my brother.
The bullshit grapevine, back-biting rumor mill among Bangladeshi women (of all ages, and even among some of my favorite aunties) must stop. It is more damaging than I think they realize. I wish they would fucking grow up.
According to my mom's work friends who came to the reception, I look like Rob Lowe. I have no comment.
I was voted Best Dressed by my peers at the reception. I'm flattered but could've done without the extra attention. I just wanted to surprise my mom with the "Prince coat".
My post-Vegas vow never to go another strip club was violated, but my reasons for trying to uphold it remains. It's just not my scene.
Mou Apu's husband Babla bhai AKA "Goofiest Guy Ever", asked for my thoughts on the wedding Sunday night after it was all over. I, surprisingly, even to myself, said that despite the hard work, frustration, dealing with difficult people and sleepless nights, it was alot of fun. Not that I would ever do it again, but I only have one brother, and his happiness is of the utmost importance. Therefore, all the work, the "khatni" if you will, was justified.
Also, I learned alot about myself, about my capacity for hard work, my patience for dealing with those who are not working as hard (which did unfortunately run out at times) and for my ability to not get bogged down too much in the stress and just have fun. Props to Choto Mama and Ziyad for keeping things light even during times of the worst khatni.
Most importantly, this whole experience allowed me to reconnect and reaffirm the bonds with my closest family and friends that had sort of weakened after 5 years in Austin. Being able to spend so much time with people like my Mou Apu, my Choto Mama, Ziyad, Ankhi, etc, has been invaluable. I rediscovered what good fortune I have to be surrounded by such wonderful people. I never thought I would miss them this much, but after going through such a difficult and stressful process with them, I really will miss everyone alot. I hope by moving away (again) I can this time keep up the strong ties. Of course, Russ once said that the mark of true family and friends is to be able to pick up right where you left off no matter how much time has lapsed since the last time you were together. So hopefully, at the next wedding or whatever, we will have just a good of a time.
As long as it doesn't involve any trips to Garden Ridge.
******
" Hey, don't write yourself off yet.
It's only in your head you feel left out or
looked down on.
Just do your best, do everything you can.
And don't you worry what the bitter hearts are gonna say.
It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything will be just fine, everything will be alright."
-----Jimmy Eat World
I know I may have seemingly abandoned the pizzle as of late, but my parents moved into a new house (so no internet) and wedding preparations are kicking into high gear. hopefully in a couple of weeks, I'll be back...until then homies and homettes, peace out.
"The hard part of faith to get your head around is believing God exists. The rest is arguments over the details."
----Gregg Easterbrook, senior editor of New Republic, a contributing editor of The Atlantic Monthly and a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution, and most importantly, Page 2 columnist.
"I never will forget those nights
I wonder if it was a dream
Remember how you made me crazy?
Remember how I made you scream"
---Boys of Summer, Don Henley and most recently The Ataris