Well, the big wedding weekend is over and most of the family is back in their respective locations. I'll be leaving later this evening so Mom and Dad can finally have a vacation.
It's a general consensus that this was on of the best weddings ever. It was entirely too much fun. The ceremony was beautiful, an incredible mixture of cultures and faith. We knew we were off to a good start with the baraat (groom's procession, when the groom's family presents him to the bride's family). In India this would mean going from the groom's village or home to the bride's parents but we were at a hotel so it was a bit shorter. Nevertheless, we certainly represented the Grady family well. There was a drummer (of course, now I can't remember the correct name) who led us in and Colin was a sight to behold. Dressed in his sherwani, he set the tone for us all and danced like we've never seen him dance (and probably will never see again). A group of his buddies also helped us dance him in and they were spectacular. Even Father Tim got really into it, pulling up his robes so he could jump and dance better. It was an unseasonably hot (VERY hot) day so everyone was sweaty. None more so Colin but my dad mopped his brow for him and Galen held a decorated umbrella over him. I don't think the Newport Marriott had seen something quite like this; we drew quite a crowd of onlookers. Especially after people realized that it was a white man dancing like a maniac in the middle of all this.
Once the barat was over, things calmed down a bit. The HIndu ceremony went on and it was great. Pandit Dilip Bhatt talked everyone through it so we could all understand and then Father Tim did the same with the Catholic ceremony. In the end, the similarities were more striking than the differences and Colin and Sarina were married. I cried a few times but never too much. just leaking tears.
The reception was tons of fun. People gave lovely toasts and some of Sarina's cousins did a dance performance and one of her friends sang a song. For me, Galen's and Nolan's speeches were the highlight though. They were perfect and completely in character for the both of them. After all that was over, the dancing began and didn't stop. Those Indians love to dance and turns out, all the rest of us can hold our own too. So we all danced well into the night until finally the lights were turned on. Slowly people drifted out though it was clear not many wanted the night to end. We all went to bed very late but very happy.
I don't think we could have asked for a better celebration. But now I have to go back to my real life where there's a lot less dancing. However, John will be out in Vancouver for Labour Day so I'll get to have two fun weekends in a row!
31 August 2009
28 August 2009
OC Wedding
The whole family is gathering here in Orange County for Colin's wedding. Nolan will be the last to arrive this afternoon and the weekend events really kick off with dinner and drinks here at our house tonight. Should be fun and I'm sure very busy. A lot of names to be remembered as we're all introduced to the extended Shah family.
Everything has gone smoothly so far, with the minor exception that my dress was accidentally left back in Pennsylvania. But Pete and Denise, family/work friends, retrieved it and are bringing it with them today. So as long as Nolan arrives, I think we'll be ok. I know I'm going to be crying the whole wedding; I can't help it because everything is just so beautiful. Colin looks great in his sherwani and of course, Sarina will be stunning in her outfit. It's hard to believe that Colin will be married after this weekend. I don't think much will actually change; he and Sarina have been together for a few years so it's not like we're not used to them as a couple. I guess we've all been anticipating this for awhile so now it seems unbelievable that it's already here. I kind of wish I were still in Philly so I could be around for this year while Colin and Sarina live there but I'll just have to lure them to Vancouver. I now Colin would love it there and I think Sarina could get on board too.
Anyway, the flight down to LA from YVR (Vancouver's airport code) is easy. Just 3 hours. Plus the Canada Line for the Skytrain makes my life so much easier. Getting to and from the airport is a dream now. The apartment is much improved with a loveseat and a scavenged desk and some lamps. More work to be done but at leas it looks like somebody lives there. When John rolls into town, I think I'll hang some pictures. Hopefully we can find some yard sales to go to though I don't know what it'll be like on Labour Day weekend.
More to come after the weekend festivities!
Everything has gone smoothly so far, with the minor exception that my dress was accidentally left back in Pennsylvania. But Pete and Denise, family/work friends, retrieved it and are bringing it with them today. So as long as Nolan arrives, I think we'll be ok. I know I'm going to be crying the whole wedding; I can't help it because everything is just so beautiful. Colin looks great in his sherwani and of course, Sarina will be stunning in her outfit. It's hard to believe that Colin will be married after this weekend. I don't think much will actually change; he and Sarina have been together for a few years so it's not like we're not used to them as a couple. I guess we've all been anticipating this for awhile so now it seems unbelievable that it's already here. I kind of wish I were still in Philly so I could be around for this year while Colin and Sarina live there but I'll just have to lure them to Vancouver. I now Colin would love it there and I think Sarina could get on board too.
Anyway, the flight down to LA from YVR (Vancouver's airport code) is easy. Just 3 hours. Plus the Canada Line for the Skytrain makes my life so much easier. Getting to and from the airport is a dream now. The apartment is much improved with a loveseat and a scavenged desk and some lamps. More work to be done but at leas it looks like somebody lives there. When John rolls into town, I think I'll hang some pictures. Hopefully we can find some yard sales to go to though I don't know what it'll be like on Labour Day weekend.
More to come after the weekend festivities!
23 August 2009
1 Week In
So I've been in Canada for a week and only one meltdown so far. While many factors went into said meltdown, not being able to get a couch was the catalyst. Twice I've tried to have couches delivered and neither fit. Not really a huge problem but it was right at the point when I was starting to get a little lonely and not having a couch seemed like a failure. I know it's not and I still don't have a couch but I'm feeling good. A little sunshine and some good deals at yard sales can do wonders for the soul. I also painted my living room a light blue which is lovely. Except I was a little lackluster in my application techniques so just don't look too closely at the walls when you come visit. Or just assume it was a look I was going for. So once I get a little furniture in here, I'll be on top of the world. I picked up a coffee table from a nearby alleyway so that's pleasing and free. I don't think I can rave about yard sales enough; they're the perfect places to pick up little odds and ends to make a place seem more like home. Also, I got a small shelving unit for closet for only two dollars (Canadian). Granted I looked a sight carrying/wheeling it 5 blocks back to my apartment but it's worth it.
Erin will be arriving here tomorrow afternoon to give me a hand with some of this moving thing. More than that though, I think I'l appreciate having some company and a buddy to do things with. I've managed alright on my own but it does get a little tiresome. So we'll get some much needed things around here (a sofa??) like lamps. Light would be good. Maybe we'll find some nice things for the walls too. I am going to show her my new favorite haunts (Salvation Army, alleyways) and we'll go father abroad to Richmond where all the big chain stores are. Thrilling, I know. And Costco. I think I really want to go there.
I also went to church this evening at St. Augustine's. It's only 4-5 blocks away and felt like a nice, comfortable place. As I've said in posts long ago, the ritual of a Catholic mass is reassuring and familiar when you're in a strange place. I didn't feel homesick there like I once did when I was first in Italy. I think going to mass is something I'll rededicate myself to. Maybe for the somewhat superficial reason of giving me something to do every week but it certainly feels nice to be part of a community.
So, all in all, after one week this place is feeling like home. I'm getting the hang of things around here and I've been happy for the majority of the time. Sure, a little lonely at times but it won't stay that way. Now I just have to get used to the seagulls that are always screaming outside my window.
Erin will be arriving here tomorrow afternoon to give me a hand with some of this moving thing. More than that though, I think I'l appreciate having some company and a buddy to do things with. I've managed alright on my own but it does get a little tiresome. So we'll get some much needed things around here (a sofa??) like lamps. Light would be good. Maybe we'll find some nice things for the walls too. I am going to show her my new favorite haunts (Salvation Army, alleyways) and we'll go father abroad to Richmond where all the big chain stores are. Thrilling, I know. And Costco. I think I really want to go there.
I also went to church this evening at St. Augustine's. It's only 4-5 blocks away and felt like a nice, comfortable place. As I've said in posts long ago, the ritual of a Catholic mass is reassuring and familiar when you're in a strange place. I didn't feel homesick there like I once did when I was first in Italy. I think going to mass is something I'll rededicate myself to. Maybe for the somewhat superficial reason of giving me something to do every week but it certainly feels nice to be part of a community.
So, all in all, after one week this place is feeling like home. I'm getting the hang of things around here and I've been happy for the majority of the time. Sure, a little lonely at times but it won't stay that way. Now I just have to get used to the seagulls that are always screaming outside my window.
20 August 2009
Home, Sweet Canada
I'm a Canadian resident! Temporarily at least. I think my study permit says I have to depart by September 30, 2011. Ok, Canada. Got it. I've applied for the Medical Services Plan in British Columbia, have a bus pass, a student ID, bills, and a credit card application in the works.
Slowly I'm getting furniture in the apartment. A few stops and starts but by the end of the week, I should have a couch to go along with my bed and dining set. I also painted my bedroom yellow which was instantly uplifting and a big step to making this place feel like mine. I still have a lot to figure out but this is where my weekend hobby of yardsales will come in handy. I just love the deals!
I've been so busy that I hardly have time to miss people (but I do miss all of you) and so the whole "I just moved very far away and don't know anyone" thing hasn't hit. It will though, it will. It helps that in a week I'l be in California for Colin's wedding and then John's here for Labor Day. I know I'll be seeing lots of people soon so I don't have to be a mess yet.
So far, I'm feeling really comfortable here. I don't know any neighbors yet; this doesn't seem like that kind of building. But who knows. Once school starts, I'm sure I'll have my fill of people, especially after this weird kind of isolation I'm currently in. School will be a nice distraction though after I'm done with the apartment stuff.
I might paint my living room too. It's a big task but could be a happy improvement. Color suggestions? Something light and neutral but not pinkish. Dare I try a blue?
It's only 9:45 here but I might get in bed. Don't have much else to do. I'll take some pictures of the place soon so you can see it. I can't do it now though because it would be depressing for everyone to see it in this state.
Slowly I'm getting furniture in the apartment. A few stops and starts but by the end of the week, I should have a couch to go along with my bed and dining set. I also painted my bedroom yellow which was instantly uplifting and a big step to making this place feel like mine. I still have a lot to figure out but this is where my weekend hobby of yardsales will come in handy. I just love the deals!
I've been so busy that I hardly have time to miss people (but I do miss all of you) and so the whole "I just moved very far away and don't know anyone" thing hasn't hit. It will though, it will. It helps that in a week I'l be in California for Colin's wedding and then John's here for Labor Day. I know I'll be seeing lots of people soon so I don't have to be a mess yet.
So far, I'm feeling really comfortable here. I don't know any neighbors yet; this doesn't seem like that kind of building. But who knows. Once school starts, I'm sure I'll have my fill of people, especially after this weird kind of isolation I'm currently in. School will be a nice distraction though after I'm done with the apartment stuff.
I might paint my living room too. It's a big task but could be a happy improvement. Color suggestions? Something light and neutral but not pinkish. Dare I try a blue?
It's only 9:45 here but I might get in bed. Don't have much else to do. I'll take some pictures of the place soon so you can see it. I can't do it now though because it would be depressing for everyone to see it in this state.
10 August 2009
WEEK OF AWESOME
Some of my friends here in Philadelphia and I decided to call the first week of August "The Week of Awesome". We determined that this would be a good opportunity for a lot of friendly activities because I would still be around, others would be finished with school/jobs, and still others would be home for short visits. And we did have a week of awesome activities. Here's a summary as I can recall.
Aug. 1-2: Ridiculous
Jamie, Meg, John and I went to Northern Liberties in Philly to a Bike Polo Fundraiser. Bike Polo is polo on a bike and the World Championships are being held Labor Day weekend. So the folks at this bike shop put on a party, $15 for a bottomless pint and free pizza. Also there was a raffle for all sorts of cycling items which Jamie and Megan won lots of. Sometime during the 4-5 hours we spent there getting progressively more tipsy, a plan was made. A plan to go to Atlantic City. So we made our way to 30th Street Station, ate some McDonald's because we were all being gross and then jumped on a NJ Transit train to AC. The cast of characters on the Saturday night train to AC are special and I'm sure we made quite an addition. Anyway, we got there and quickly found an Irish pub for some sustenance then, guided by Jamie's friend Brian, we went to a casino. John quickly separated from the group to gamble seriously while the rest of us had drinks and played some penny slots (unsuccessfully). Before we knew it, it was 4:30 in the morning and we decided to head back to the train station so we could get the 5:45 am train to Philly. While in the casino, none of us were tired (this we attributed to the crack that streams from casino lights) but the moment we sat down everyone was exhausted. We made quite an impression I'm sure as we slept on the train to Philly, sat on the platform floor to wait for the R5, and slept again all the way until Wynnewood. Then we walked back to my house and the rain started to pour down just as we turned into my street. John and I managed to get back to his apartment, were showered and in bed by 9 (this is Sunday morning now), and slept until 2. Needless to say, Week of Awesome events were postponed for the next 2 days as well recovered.
Aug. 5 : Phillies Game
By Wednesday, we felt well enough to be awesome again so Jamie, Meg, Audrey, Christine, Monica, and I all went to the Phillies game. We tailgated for a few hours and some Victory Golden Monkeys facilitated truth-telling. Also, Washers is a very difficult game. Finally we went into the stadium and ate lots of fries and stuff, watched little of the game (the Phillies won 7-0) and went back to my house. There I talked for an our about Jon and Kate Plus 8, much to Jamie and Megan's discomfort. They did manage to escape by midnight though.
Aug. 6: Mug Night
The next night we went to Erin Pub for Mug Night as we are wont to do. It was a good time that devolved into a dance party. Our group was the only group in the bar though as our dancing seemed to scare everyone else away. Perhaps the music selection wasn't varied enough for them. Anyway, everyone had fun and the fun continued at Audrey's house afterwards though John and I had to skip that because he needed to get home and go to bed so he would be able to go to work. He did manage to get to work on time, even a bit early!
Aug. 7: Shiny Shirt Night
And finally, Friday night. We decided that we should get dressed up in those bar shirts that we all have but never actually wear out. Unfortunately, most people didn't have bar shirts, were embarrassed by them, or had packed them and taken them to Vancouver already (me). Still, Megan looked very shiny in her shirt and I snagged a shirt from Erin and wore some obnoxious sparkly shoes Jamie bought. We went down to Fairmount and ended up at London Grill for awhile. We ate lots of bar food there and had delicious and girly drinks. Then we continued on to Urban Saloon where again, our night devolved into a dance party. While we weren't the only ones dancing, we were probably the most obnoxious, especially after we started requesting songs. Nevertheless, the night turned out pretty well. We were all fairly tired from the rest of the week so it wasn't quite going out with a bang, more like with an audible pop, but all fun.
And so Week of Awesome concluded. And it was awesome.
Aug. 1-2: Ridiculous
Jamie, Meg, John and I went to Northern Liberties in Philly to a Bike Polo Fundraiser. Bike Polo is polo on a bike and the World Championships are being held Labor Day weekend. So the folks at this bike shop put on a party, $15 for a bottomless pint and free pizza. Also there was a raffle for all sorts of cycling items which Jamie and Megan won lots of. Sometime during the 4-5 hours we spent there getting progressively more tipsy, a plan was made. A plan to go to Atlantic City. So we made our way to 30th Street Station, ate some McDonald's because we were all being gross and then jumped on a NJ Transit train to AC. The cast of characters on the Saturday night train to AC are special and I'm sure we made quite an addition. Anyway, we got there and quickly found an Irish pub for some sustenance then, guided by Jamie's friend Brian, we went to a casino. John quickly separated from the group to gamble seriously while the rest of us had drinks and played some penny slots (unsuccessfully). Before we knew it, it was 4:30 in the morning and we decided to head back to the train station so we could get the 5:45 am train to Philly. While in the casino, none of us were tired (this we attributed to the crack that streams from casino lights) but the moment we sat down everyone was exhausted. We made quite an impression I'm sure as we slept on the train to Philly, sat on the platform floor to wait for the R5, and slept again all the way until Wynnewood. Then we walked back to my house and the rain started to pour down just as we turned into my street. John and I managed to get back to his apartment, were showered and in bed by 9 (this is Sunday morning now), and slept until 2. Needless to say, Week of Awesome events were postponed for the next 2 days as well recovered.
Aug. 5 : Phillies Game
By Wednesday, we felt well enough to be awesome again so Jamie, Meg, Audrey, Christine, Monica, and I all went to the Phillies game. We tailgated for a few hours and some Victory Golden Monkeys facilitated truth-telling. Also, Washers is a very difficult game. Finally we went into the stadium and ate lots of fries and stuff, watched little of the game (the Phillies won 7-0) and went back to my house. There I talked for an our about Jon and Kate Plus 8, much to Jamie and Megan's discomfort. They did manage to escape by midnight though.
Aug. 6: Mug Night
The next night we went to Erin Pub for Mug Night as we are wont to do. It was a good time that devolved into a dance party. Our group was the only group in the bar though as our dancing seemed to scare everyone else away. Perhaps the music selection wasn't varied enough for them. Anyway, everyone had fun and the fun continued at Audrey's house afterwards though John and I had to skip that because he needed to get home and go to bed so he would be able to go to work. He did manage to get to work on time, even a bit early!
Aug. 7: Shiny Shirt Night
And finally, Friday night. We decided that we should get dressed up in those bar shirts that we all have but never actually wear out. Unfortunately, most people didn't have bar shirts, were embarrassed by them, or had packed them and taken them to Vancouver already (me). Still, Megan looked very shiny in her shirt and I snagged a shirt from Erin and wore some obnoxious sparkly shoes Jamie bought. We went down to Fairmount and ended up at London Grill for awhile. We ate lots of bar food there and had delicious and girly drinks. Then we continued on to Urban Saloon where again, our night devolved into a dance party. While we weren't the only ones dancing, we were probably the most obnoxious, especially after we started requesting songs. Nevertheless, the night turned out pretty well. We were all fairly tired from the rest of the week so it wasn't quite going out with a bang, more like with an audible pop, but all fun.
And so Week of Awesome concluded. And it was awesome.
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