I am the Pope

Fumata nera?

or Fumata bianca?

Of course you will understand that these are the smokes that emit from the Sistine chapel's chimney upon a failed x2 to x10 (nera) or successful x1 (bianca) selection of a new Pope during papal conclave.

Rejoice if you see white smoke! That's when the new pope will comes out to the infamous balcony and pageant wave to all believers and tourists that patiently awaits, just like Queen E, Kate, or like the Japanese royal family.

Yay, a Pope! Wherever he's from.

But I don't get it. Maybe because I am not Catholic (Btw, I am Methodist, whatever, or am I Baptist? *What am I??!* I need to ask Jesus what kinda Christian-type I am).  I don't get it. I don't get this papal conclave because I don't understand why people have to rejoice when a pope is selected. I mean, don't they always GET selected at the end? No surprise. But yah, maybe if the Pope originates from your country, only then, probably, you (or I) may feel a great difference and I may even feel proud. Otherwise....meh!

But you see, this is tradition. This is process. This is meaningful. Bare in mind, each step in every process as its significance. 95% confidence. May not make sense to you, but make sense to others. I'll just rejoice, when everyone does. I will also feel sad together-gether with the anxious crowd if no pope pops from the balcony after 20 fumata nera (unlikely! 95% confident). I will just do and feel as the masses do. Process. Culture. Tradition.

Oh no, false alarm. No pope?

Let's relate:

This Sunday will be my first time (once in my entire life!) going through a 'process'. A tradition. A culture. My own papal conclave. I may be lost in translation but at least when I am an important part of the process, I might be learning faster than normal times. And I just KNOW that my papal conclave will result in a fumata bianca even in the first round of voting. So, already, please rejoice!

My "Sistine Chapel". Obviously without a balcony.

This is my big FUMATA BIANCA:

White smoke can have many meanings

Disclaimer: This post may touch the sensitivities of some readers. Views are purely personal and unintentional. 

Yee ha!

Maybe some close friends has already know this - that I will be attached to Houston, TX for a few months, which may be both a good and a bad thing. The good thing is: I am going to the USA! It's USA, y'all!! Yee haa!! *cowgirl style*. I have always wanted to go US ever since my whole family  were there for my brother's graduation, except the pity me. So, this is it (FOC some more, except the shopping bags). But on the other hand, I don't know what will become of my ROM/wedding, etc. I might have to delay my wedding if I can't plan on time. Wedding is all about planning, and communication which at this point of time, is pretty much = zero.

Another splendid thing about me going to the US, is that...ahem....I am giving my fiance the time he needs to renovate our new beautiful house. By me going away, probably I don't have to mess with him on what's best for the house. I've been with him long enough to know that I am such a butthead on the new pad, his annoyance shows in his demeanour. :-P Hehehehe...macam clash of the titans gitu. But I trust he knows best, well, except probably the wardrobe. Decorating the bedroom and wardrobe always requires some woman's touch/feel (which some times guys, as guys, just can't seem to get it).

BTW, my family in Ipoh are all moving out to a bigger place near Tambun. I am expecting two new houses in a year! *Blessed*

Yee ha! New Ipoh house.

I have been advice by friends/relatives close and far regarding how we need to 'be ready' for a wedding, like... book this, book that, do this, do that, don't do this, wear this, don't wear that, get this make-up, guest list, etc. Hmmphh. At this point of time, there's no date, I've not surveyed a single bridal gallery, haven't talked to the Pastor. I have no dream wedding in mind since I was a kid (cause that's just me). But I do have Pinterest and wedding ideas from there are infinite, kan?! I think nothing beats Pinterest as a good start to bridal wants and nots, whilst putting my smartphone to some other good use besides Candy Crush and Facebook. I still can't see myself in the dress I am to wear on my wedding day, but one thing I do know is the theme will be pink, which is undeniably, my favourite colour.

All I can think of now what kinda stuffs I wanna buy and bring back from the US *rub hands**evil smirk*. Actually, I've no inkling how it's gonna be at Houston but as usual, Wikipedia (and Pinterest) would be a good start. However, even before Wiki, I knew Houston has NASA, ample museums, Houston Rockets (Jeremy Lin's back! But when I go there the NBA season may be over), summer heat and humidity like Malaysia (not too good a feature), but lots of sweet succulent ribs and steak! I have to remind myself many times that I am there to korek minyak, not to shop. :-P So say Houston is a mecca for shopping, but then again, which US city is not?

 Let's get started: A shopping list, a US visa (urrggh!) and a lots of credit and cash.

Rice University is located at in the middle of Houston. I feel so spoilt already.

Houston is the oil and gas capital of the world. Wait, issit..?