2008

I am back in Toronto, and it seems like I never left this place. I guess there is something to be said about home and the familiarity. I landed in Toronto with the flu, and this past week has been somewhat miserable, yet I probably couldn't have chosen a better time or place to fall sick :) Now, I'm feeling 90% better, and definitely looking forward to the rest of this year :D.

2008 has been a pretty amazing year for me, a lot of twists and turns, some highs I never thought I'd reach or aim for, and a few lows, nonetheless it's been a good year for me. This year has witnessed a lot of changes in my life and in the lives of people I know. Personally, I've made new friends, travelled to different places on my own, tried and failed at so many things, yet I've also succeeded at others, learnt a few hard lessons along the way, about myself and those around me. I finally got to see my beautiful niece and nephews in India, spent a long vacation with my grandmother without worrying about work or school, started grad school, made some lasting friendships, succeeded at cooking for more than 3 people simultaneously :).

As I look back at the past year, the most important thing seems to be my yen to look forward to the future. My experiences in 2008 have brought me to this point, where I have so much more to look forward to than I would if I just looked behind me.

Isn't it so fascinating, the way we emphasize our highs and lows based on the people we share it with? Be it our parents, sisters, brothers, cousins, family, friends, spouse/partner, or colleagues, the moments we remember, the memories we create, the emotions we feel, are all the stronger because of the people we associate with those moments, memories and emotions.

Here's to my last blog for the year, and hoping everyone has a fabulous 2009 with people you love and trust. Cheers!

Toronto...

tender flakes swirling by
melting as they touch my cheek
I feel the ice in my veins
even as I try to catch the drops on my tongue

I face the sun
with my eyes closed
and arms outstretched
yearning to reach the warmth

Snow storm all around me
Blinding white in its beauty
The sun shining bright
keeping the illusion of warmth nearby

People thunder by
snuggled warm, as they trudge to work
A snow storm is all in a day's work
for those around me today

A land of diverse natures
the first home I know
Snow storms, wind chill, bright and cold
Toronto, in all its different flavors...

By Angela Archana Vincent

midnight ramblings...

..so, I head home to Toronto shortly and I find myself back in the ol' habit of blogging about my midnight ramblings, so here is another random one...

Crossroads..

ever wonder why it is
I find myself at crossroads
over and over again
unstoppable, some force that brings me here

I believe my path has been set
I think my goals are concrete
I feel my emotions are secure
Then, I find myself at these crossroads again

The path behind me is littered with stories
both good and bad
The roads in front of me are alive with possibilities
each very different from the other

How do I chose?
Why should I chose?
Can I stand undecided at these crossroads
while others pas me by?

Unfortunately, it isn't in my nature
to let things stay undecided for long :)
I make my decisions with care and thought
but once made, I tend to see it through

Yet, the crossroads come
every other chance
it's a window of opportunity
with a view rather blurred

Big and small
these crossroads keep me going
good and bad
they make my story, I like to think, interesting...

By,
Angela Archana Vincent

Loved one...

Bitter winds howl in my ear
as I huddle under the tarp
Paper against the cold floor
my only comfort against the wind

I left home when I was 16
angry at my parents
I thought they did not love me
so I would make it on my own

I wonder if they think of me
as they plan another holiday
with the entire family present
except for me...

I wonder if they are warm and cozy...
if my sister still snuggles next to my mom
as they watch my dad decorate the tree
I wonder if they miss me at all...

I hear strangers call me names
homeless, stranger, hobo...
the taunts are limitless...
yet they barely hurt anymore...

I once had a home
I once had a family
I too was once loved
I left it all for no one and unknown...

Christmas is a holiday for wishes
I hear children wishing for gifts
I wish I may, I wish I might
Make a wish to go home tonight

To be with my family
To hold them close
To let them tell me
I am their loved one...

By,
Angela Archana Vincent - 9.32pm December 8, 2008

holiday cheer

so it's that time of the year again..when we all scramble to buy gifts, plan our holiday travels and are generally excited for the holidays or morose about being apart from family/friends!

The attack on Mumbai left quite a few friends devastated and very upset about the lack of appropriate action by the authorities in India. Yet, as usually witnessed following such terrible attacks, everyone seems to be moving on with their lives. The disparity of sentiments and actions always astound me about the capacity of the human mind to bear witness to tragedy yet balance it with light-heartedness.

On Friday, Hopkins had candle light vigils for the victims of the attacks. Yet, except for a select few, most everyone seems to be unaffected by the terror across the ocean. The rest of the world is scampering to buy christmas gifts, plan their travel and enjoy the next few weeks of fun, food and family.

I sound like a Hallmark card, don't I? To be honest, I love this time of the year..I get to relax, decorate the house for Christmas and generally eat lotsa good food. I never realized how much I love it, until I thought about going home this year. Two weeks and I'm counting down..I get to go home to my parents, my friends, sis nd jiju, Christmas gifts, decorations and lotsa food :D..

I wonder if I'll miss being at my place and doing things with new friends...yet the idea of staying at home with my family and friends has me so excited! I can't wait to land at Pearson, run out into the arrival area, meet my family and then..my most awaited dream..a Tim Hortons iced cap..hehehhehehe..my sister has promised to have one ready for me as soon as I land in TO...yey!!! (my mom has also warned me to dress very warm since its apparently been snowing constantly in TO and its freezing out there...yey!!!!!!)