When cake doesn't cut it.

It's been a long week. (Even though technically, it's just as long as all the rest.) I can't remember what I did on Sunday, what I ate on Monday or who I saw on Tuesday. Just like all the rest, the days blend into weeks blend into months... and even thought I'm quite not old enough to say this quite yet, eventually they blend into years.

So what are we looking for? (I constantly find myself as if in a frantic treasure hunt, with no clues but hoping to stumble upon something. Sometimes, it works.) This week, thanks to a certain unique someone, I had my much-awaited epiphany. It's not the cakes that matter, not even the cupcakes! It's simply the Cherry on Top. What makes the day before your wedding less special than the day of your wedding isn't the gorgeous dress or the 3 tiered 'gateux'; it's the littler things, like wearing your big sister's earrings and having Future Husband send you a handwritten note just before you walk down the aisle.

What we're really seeking isn't the cake. The cake is a pre-requisite, nothing can take place without it. What we're all looking for is that cherry on top, even more special and personal than the icing. (Yes there is such a thing as something which is better than cake it seems.)

So along the way and as I (apparently) continue to seek my cherry on top, I happen to be learning a thing or two. Or eleven, actually. Time has taught me that this helps the cake taste better in the meantime.

1. "SMS affairs require less effort & preparation time than real ones." - Source prefers anonymity.

2. If you feel like it's Thursday, it's probably not.

3. If you feel like you're going to collapse, it's probably Thursday.

4. "It may be a gorgeous dress, but a girl still needs her brain to work. Go ahead. Eat" - B.K.

5. Sometimes wishing for a song is not enough. Sometimes you just need to buy the CD.

6. Leaving your gym bag at home on a given day may or may not be a sign that you shouldn't go to the gym on said day. (Yes, obviously not something I learned myself.)

7. Time machines are an adequate solution to most problems.

8. It is best not to place small animals inside time machines. Unless they are guinea pigs; they're used to it.

9. No Parking signs are simply a suggestion. (Kindly note that "let them eat cake" will not be held liable for any alleged or actual parking tickets.)

10. A smart friend is a far better source of directions than any map.

11. It takes a certain type of cherry to sit atop a certain kind of cake. If you're not sure which cherry goes with your cake, it's best to consult an expert.
(Those specialising in cherries are usually best :) www.cherryontop.ae)

Forcing change

...the kind which signals a shift, not the kind in your pocket, although I'm sure we can all do with a little more of the latter. Yes, money may not buy happiness, but I'd rather be miserable in a lavish Ferrari than in my current rental.

Usually I'd advocate the idea that change is something YOU are in control of, something YOU can manipulate for your own objectives, something which YOU can induce and encourage and embrace. All sounds very well and nice I guess. This theory helps me sleep better at night.

But looking at all the Moments of Change in my life, I can't help but realise that I cannot pinpoint a turning point for any of the major changes, nor can I claim I was ever in control. Distressing, yes. Perhaps I should worry less, sleep more and sit back while I enjoy the lovely weather, ignoring the factors that brought about its change from "gross" to "quite pleasant".

The new mantra? Just do, and change will follow. (No need really to "be the change I want to see in the world.") Must learn to stop forcing change. (But should try to encourage change to appear more often in my pockets.)

Flipping through the brand new Middle East edition of Esquire last night, I spotted my favourite section: Things I've Learned. And yes, for those of you who know me well, you will know that, of course, I took it as "a sign" to blog. So here are the latest batch of enlightened musings:

1. One must specify "electric windows" and "remote-control lock" when securing a rental car.

2. A handbag has little use. I discovered this after forgetting my handbag in my unlocked rental car for about 6 hours. Potential robbers must have also speculated that my handbag has little use.

3. It's not the number of activities that you do that matters, its their proximity to home.

4. A barter deal of a daily ride home in exchange for unlimited use of someone's earphones is more than fair, any way you look at it.

5. If you wish hard enough, you will hear your current favourite song on the radio minutes after you get into your car.

6. It is important to distinguish between 1st, 2nd and 3rd base. Also, it seems there is such a thing as 3/4 base.

7. "Trix & Chocolate Milk" have replaced "Latte & Croissant" as Favourite Weekday Breakfast. (Both trail far behind "Pancakes & Maple Syrup", Favourite Weekend Breakfast.)

8. Having a chocolate crepe for lunch is extremely acceptable and should be exercised as often as one wishes.

9. When reading a book with "how to" in the title, you expect to learn something. This may or may not be the case. I will let you know.

10. Replacing Metro with Car increases your level of comfort but decreases your level of reading. Whether this is a fair bargain has yet to be determined.