Lone Star

Nope, I am not referring to myself (although it could be appropriate too), neither am I talking about the Norah Jones' song (which incidentally, has been ringing in my head) but the the state of Texas, otherwise known as the Lone Star State.

After a 15 hours mini-coma on the first night and another 10 last night, I am finally all here. I reckon I am feeling just about right, well, if the return of my appetite is anything to go by. I am suffering from caffeine withdrawal though, the coffee here just don't cut it. The southern drawl and the excessive use of cream and artificial colouring in food never fails to amuse me, not to mention inducing a silent gasp to myself all the time. On the other hand, I am constantly impressed by the customer services here, despite what I have heard. The generosity of food sizes, the extras (good bread, big basket of corn chips, containers with super-tight lids for food to go, generous servings of dips and sauces) they throw in, the impeccable gift-wrapping provided and the effort put in designing shopping bags and boxes. I can't help but wish Australia has these to offer too. It really annoys me whenever I ask for gift wrapping to be done but got some crappy tissue wrapper instead, not tomention the unavailability of decent looking bags and gift boxes. Yeah, such is the heartfelt gripe of a shoppaholic, cos after all, I do contribute a lot to the industry.

So work will finally start tomorrow, no more gallivanting around like a tourist, doing nothing but eating, shopping and reading trash mags. I hope it will be fruitful this time, and aim to learn heaps, despite however I might be feeling towards work at the moment. I have no qualms about returning to Melbourne though, I always miss it somewhat whenever I am away, but at the same time, I know there will be no fireworks upon my return either. It will be back to the grind, the usual chores and the unavoidable routine of everyday life.

I'm in my hotel room topless at the moment with the aircon set to the low 60's. The weather here reminds me of Singapore, warm and humid. I s'pose the weather here in Houston and me just don't go. Thank goodness for the mall, at least it kept me cool and occupied. I am in a good mood today, and ended up buying gifts for people back home. Whatever the case is, I can't wait to head down to The Galleria this weekend to get some real shopping done. Yes, other than the coffees, the shops here just don't cut it either.