The Arrival

In relative terms, I would describe my flight hours to be about 5 meals, 4 good movies and a long nap (in real terms: about 24 hours flight time with a 4 hour layover in Paris), we have arrived in New York! It was June 29, 2013.

       

Arrival in John F. Kennedy International airport - muka penat;p tapi we were revived with the very warm welcome by Salinda & Nurul. It was warm and slightly breezy. Good day as any to arrive in New York. 

After a quick stop at Forest Hills for a peek at my future home, we were brought for lunch at a new Malaysian restaurant in Queens called Mamak House. The restaurant is owned by Nani who hails from Penang and serves authentic Malaysian food Penang style - char koay tiau, Mamak noodle, kari kepala ikan and other delicious fares. No time to miss Malaysian food:) Sorry, no pics here as we were hungry especially after the paltry vegetarian meal served in Air France.  seen here with Said & Nurul, Salinda, Kat and yours truly

Since we arrived over the weekend, Salinda was kind enough to bring me around town and had all the necessities set up eg mobile phone (coz stupid ass MAXIS didn't roam even though I had called them before I left to set up roaming) and did furniture shopping to fill the house. She had left behind the basic necessities such as a queen bed, iron, rice cooker, pots, pans, cutleries, etc so I was ok for a couple of weeks sans furniture and tv. we had wifi so that was a consolation. 

Monday came.

I was still jet lagged but determined to learn as much as I can before Salinda hands over officially . As a preparation for the posting, HQ made us attend a two weeks crash course to learn the necessities of managing an office eg accounts, admin matters, marketing. But being there in the actual office with all the tasks in front of me, it became very real that I had all this responsibilities to fulfill. There were so much to learn in the three days before Salinda leave. So it was information overload for me, coupled with my befuddled, jet lagged mind, I wasn't sure if I had all the information down pat. I guess I'll just have to learn on the job.

Handing over job scope by my predecessor, Salinda and looked over by my boss, Mr Johanif.

I must admit that the first 2 months was hard for me, just adjusting to the new job, with one staff short (on wedding leave) for the first month. But the good camaraderie in the office helped me to quickly adjust to the city, weather, work, people. Missed family and friends back home, missed the food, favourite hangouts. But NYC is home for the next three years, so will make the most out of it by exploring as much as I can on NY. 

Note: Right now preparing a bucket list to explore as much as I can - USA and beyond.  

Things that happened for the past year

I have been absent from my blog for a year. A YEAR!

There was a time when I couldn't let a day go by without at least checking in on my blog. I was totally obsessed with trying to post something online.

So many things happened within the year. I was contemplating a change of pace as I was feeling stuck. Work was beginning to get to me and I feel like I wasn't performing. Then the New Year came. 2013! I figured that I had to do something with my life, trying something new.

Mid April I got the letter that would change my life. I was up for posting in New York during the summer. NEW YORK?!! I have not dared to dream of overseas posting, plus with a seemingly highly coveted destination like New York. I was in disbelief.

YES?NO?MAYBE?

From then on, my life was in a whirlwind. I only had about two months to pack all my stuff, vacate my home to rent it out, hand over my current job, preparing for the new job. Not to mention moving thousands of miles away from family, friends and familiarity. I was excited but sad at the same time. Scared at the unknown. So many questions in my mind. Its America. would they be tolerant of Muslims after 9/11? Can I do the job well? I have been out of HQ and so many things have changed for me.

Eventhough I have traveled overseas before but moving to stay overseas feels totally different. Both Hubby and I were like scared children about to leave the nest. We had to depend on each other as we were all that we have over there.  

With limited time on my hands, I had to make the most out of it. Meet my friends, settle some personal affairs, trying to learn as much as I can about New York which will be my home for the next three years. My predecessor, Salinda had been very supportive and informative. So much information given out on the conditions of New York - the office, workload, staff, home, what to do, where to go. We shared so many whatsapp chats over the nights and day, but it seems like I can never get enough information to prepare myself once I get there.

I longed to visit Rompin and Yan again, meet with aunties, uncles and cousins, but alas, time did not permit.

Colleagues at MyCEB was lovely. They were all excited for me and threw a lovely farewell, one of the best parties that I ever had the privilege to be part of. Everything was beautiful but poignant at the same time. My parents also did a small kenduri selamat to pray for our well being.

Love the Cake!!

Then the time came for me to say goodbye. Both Hubby's and my family and some friends came to say goodbye at the airport. This was it. I was finally happening. Its bittersweet but I am glad of all the love that was showed by family and friends. In body as well as in cyberspace (yes, that was you, Siti and Lisa).

With Yanti, one of the first few friends I made since UIA days, united by our passion for Taekwondo

With Azura, who has helped me maneuver thru working life and kept me grounded both in TM and MyCEB. Also my makan2 and geli2 partner. Fridays won't be the same without you

The very delicious red velvet with frosting cupcake made by Kak Azah. Who though not in body, was with with us in spirit and cupcake:)

With all them ladies Hola! Many thanks to Cik who has helped me physically with the final moments of packing up

With my family and Shiefa & Najmi

Time to say goodbyes and bleary eyes. See you in New York!