Since I moved to America...(and Ireland)

This post was inspired by a similar article by Janique and seeks to highlight some of the more interesting/curious experiences of my Univeristy life.

Since I moved to America

• I use the words "epic," "awesome" and "über" more than I think any human should be allowed to.
• I "hang out" with acquaintances, but my close friends all know I "lime" with them.
• I have developed a gag reflex to any tomato based pasta sauce courtesy the Morissey Tomatina
  
• I alternate between "soccer" and "football" so frequently even I don't always know what sport I'm referring to.
• I have discovered there are worse things than being super pale - like being fake-tan orange.
• My accent has become indecipherable. And I miss it.
• I have developed an intense rivalry with Jamaica, Barbados, Haiti and the Bahamas as they are the only islands people seem to know about. My country is in none of these islands.
• My accent is constantly imitated but never accurately so. At the hands of others I sound English, Indian, Irish and many things that can't even be classified.
• I learnt about cricket in order to explain it to others.
• I learnt more about my country and culture than 17 years in T&T ever taught me.
• I have been to countless interesting places and made many loyal and caring friends.
• I appreciate my Trinidadian friends so much more and miss them daily.
• I am constantly sleep deprived and a borderline nervous wreck but I'd do it all again anyway.
• I have become less radical in my views on international politics (which I think is an improvement).
• I met the most amazing young man and lost him but found the grace to thank God for the time given to me.
• I realised that my country's pledge outlines everything I aspire to become. (See end of note).
• I have discovered how little I actually know about myself - like what I want to do after college.
• I've become eternally grateful for all my parents have done for me and can openly acknowledge that they are, in fact, ALWAYS RIGHT.
  

Since I moved to Ireland

• I think it's grand that you can have great craic without getting locked.
• I know now that umbrellas are useless and nothing warms you better than a hot whiskey. (See recipe at bottom).
• I now appreciate the American system way more and don't know how I used to be able to lay it all on the line with a make or break 100% of your grade final exam.
• I have traveled all over one of the most beautiful countries in the world and while I love Dublin for how all it has to offer, I will forever miss the simple, friendliness of the people in Irish towns.

The National Pledge -

I solemnly pledge to dedicate my life
To the service of God
And to my country.

I will honour my parents,
My teachers, my leaders and my elders,
And those in authority

I will be clean and honest in all my thoughts,
My words and my deeds.

I will strive, in everything I do
To work together with my fellowmen
Of every creed and race
For the greater happiness of all
And the honour and glory
Of my country.


Hot Whiskey -

2 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
1 slice fresh lemon
4 cloves
1 tsp sugar
hot water

Pour the whiskey into a whiskey sour glass. Add cloves into the fresh lemon and gently place into the whiskey. Fill with hot water and dissolve in the sugar. Serve immediately.