my innermost sanctum

in a spot

i've always pride myself

for the ability to come up with a witty repartee - or the bestest comeback line ever - when caught unawares.

YET whenever i'm asked either of the followin:
1. "so, how long have you been ere?"
2. "you just relocated to the wee islet?"
3. "are you..er.. a wee islander?"

i'd inevitably give the enquirer a glazed look before stammerin an affirmative [ack!].that is, "statistically and officially" which i never fail to add.

sometimes i'll throw in "unfortunately" for good measure. but of course not if the enquirer's are wee islander - lest they mistook it as a slight. and then some would reply back: "i understand. my sympathies." especially those who have been ere for moon's.

and one american bird had to ask me - incredulously - yesterday, "how the hell could you stand this place?"

"i really have no idea myself. i must have sleepwalked my way all this while."

and us both guffawed. heartily.