Random stories from nowhere and everywhere
“Princeton, in the summer, smelled of nothing, and although Ifemelu liked the tranquil greenness of the many trees, the clean streets and stately homes, the delicately overpriced shops, and the quiet, abiding air of earned grace, it was this, the lack of a smell, that most appealed to her ... She liked taking deep breaths … Continue reading It was an overwhelmingly sweet memory
Early this month, I called my mother on her birthday. After wishing her well and chit-chatting about this and that, I told her about a recent award I just got. Unlike many previous research accolades I was awarded which were too "abstract" for her, she was actually truly interested in this one. She said, "Oh, … Continue reading “Good person award”
Standing in front of the mirror of my parents’ cabinet, I’m seeing the shadow of myself. I am definitely much older. It’s been seventeen years since I left this house for good. Now I am a different person with my own life, different than and separated from the life I had in this house. The … Continue reading Dayeuhkolot and me
After standing in line for hours, it was finally my turn. I was one of thousands of high schoolers who were queuing to register for the national entrance examination for public universities. I wished to be admitted in the best technical university in Indonesia. My very smart eldest brother, who applied to the same university … Continue reading Being Lim
One of so many fun dialogues from today's reception. I was there as a singer. Guest (G): Madame, what a great singer you are! It was beautiful. Me (M): Thank you, you're very kind. G: Where do you usually sing? M: Nowhere... I am new to Ottawa, haven't performed that much. G: Oh? Really? What … Continue reading Professor-ing
My late grandmother never finished elementary school. She had to drop out of school in second grade. She did not know the term human rights. She couldn't pronounce the word discrimination. And, yet, for all years of her life she always respected others, regardless of their religion, race/ethnicity, social status, or even sexual orientation. One … Continue reading My Grandma & Be Humane
In the last decade or so, I came across some intellectual celebrities in various occasions in various places. No, I don’t have any evidence of my encounters with these people, no autograph, no selfies, nada. I had some email exchanges with a couple of them but I’d keep these to myself. Also, while they’re inspirational, … Continue reading A neighbour with a beautiful mind
Last Thursday I delivered a ten-minutes-speech at the Passion for Research Luncheon, a university-wide annual luncheon to celebrate research excellence. Instead of 'preaching' (to the choir) about research/being a researcher, I chose to tell a story.... the story ... here it is... Warning: (Most likely) You will not get smarter nor gain any knowledge by … Continue reading A traveling professor
A month ago my department had a luncheon where incoming graduate students would meet their mentor for the first time. At the beginning of the event the students needed to "guess" or determine their mentor through trying to match the person with a "fun fact" about that person. I was the last person to be … Continue reading The correct fact
An old man let me squat next to him while continued drawing on the ground. As usual he did not speak any word. After several minutes, a glimpse of a shape appeared from the emptiness. It was a temple. A beautiful pagoda. I sighed, “Wow….” The old man looked at me, broke a chalk he … Continue reading A story in a string