Saturday, January 31, 2009

The Fourth Year

I wish I could have said to you in person what I said to you in prayer.

I still remember.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Keeping It Cool (Or Not)

So after a long day of classes (8 AM-5 PM... geez!), I spent an hour at the FreeP and then ran off to join a hall event: Coolidge Corner for Korean barbecue. It was nice because I had never been to Coolidge Corner before and I was excited for the food, which was indeed delicious. But I was a little distracted by the FreeP and my roommate forgot to come, so I felt really alone there trying to make awkward conversation with people I had never even met before (oh the woe of my antisocial dorm). The place was called Yasu, and although we ate well and correctly (one of my hallmates is Korean), it was super expensive and not so filling so I don't think I'll be returning there anytime soon.

Afterward, I had to head directly to the FreeP where I was encouraged to try writing an editorial. I was freaking out last night when NeRi told me, but he liked what I had and he said he would probably use it as a template and splice in any info and specifics I was missing. I do hope he keeps most of it though; I'd like to have something to, you know, sort of "show off" to my friends.

In other news, I found out today from the honors program associate director that Sargent Camp is closing in August! The FreeP just heard about it too, and according to one of our editors Sargent Camp is releasing an official statement tomorrow. Oh but I'm so sad. Izzy and I have already decided to protest.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Happy [Lunar] New Year

For Asians this time.

I realize today that I should have gone out for dim sum yesterday or something. I'm also feeling a little deprived of lo bak go (daikon radish cake, google it) and other New Year's confections.

But my aunt has promised to make me some when I get back. Until then, maybe I'll go food hunting in Boston Chinatown with Izzy, Caca, and Soos.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Monday, January 19, 2009

Out and About

Happy MLK Jr. Day.

But aside from that, I must say that I had a very good weekend.

So I spent much of Friday with Izzy. After my one class on Friday (again, it's amazing), I had lunch with her at the GSU and then we hung out again at night.

On Saturday, Izzy and I decided to go to Boston Commons to go ice skating [outdoors]. It was definitely an experience, but unless I had my own skates (theirs were horribly deformed) I probably wouldn't go again. Boston Commons is still very pretty in the winter though. And for memory sake, I'm recording this exchange between Izzy and I here:

"Boston Commons is good place to take a cute dog."
"Or a cute boy."
"They're interchangeable."

Don't mind us.

Anyway, prior to going, I had to stop by the Boston Public Library to make photocopies of this book since a) after two weeks I've yet to receive my copy in the mail, b) people in my class borrowed all the available copies in the immediate area, and c) the one library that did have a circulating copy closes at the obnoxious time of 3 PM (isn't 5 PM the universal closing time??). And when I got to this main branch, I had to go through this strange process in order to get the book too, and the photocopies ended up costing me $7.50, which cancels out about half the money I should have saved by ordering it from an individual seller. Ugh, people.

And what was more upsetting was that Izzy couldn't find any of the books she was looking for either because they had all been withdrawn. Even when I tried suggesting to her one of my favorites, A Separate Peace, we discovered that the library doesn't even have its own copy!

Of course, not relenting we then went on a hunt to find it. We stopped by a Borders on the way to Boston Commons so that she could perhaps find a copy and I could browse the moleskine journals. Funnily enough, all we came out with was a mini tinsel Christmas tree that was purchased [by me] for a measly two bucks (hooray for after-holiday sales, and now my roommate and I finally have that long desired tree).

But still not relenting, after ice skating and dinner at Rhett's, we headed to the library (I know it was a Saturday night) to look for these elusive books. And alas, even in the many [eerie] levels of Mugar, we still could not find a copy of A Separate Peace despite it appearing in the database. When we asked, the lady replied that someone may have just taken it, and she directed us to a room full of books where she said we could check. Although we didn't find it, the room was full of literary classics, every notable author you would immediately think of, and Izzy ended up leaving satisfied with the one David Sedaris book she had not yet read and myself with Jane Austen's Emma and "Gilgamesh," a play. While Izzy was more upset at the fact that I was leaving with two books and herself one, I was more bemused by the fact that she managed to force me into taking out books in the first place! Not to say I'm adverse to good reading, it's just not one of my priorities at the moment.

Anyway, the failed trip to Borders still left me without a journal so we decided that we would visit Harvard Square. Of course, it snowed on Sunday, so we ended up delaying our trip, but I thoroughly enjoyed trudging through the snow, first on Comm Ave to meet Izzy for lunch at Warren and then back to the dorm via Bay State Road. You'd think I'd be sick of snow, but I really thought it was quite marvelous yesterday, so I took pictures to remember and enjoy later.

Of course, I took plenty of pictures today too, first during a lunch date at a noodle house with Izzy, Caca, and Soos, and then during Izzy's and my adventure to Harvard. There in the Harvard bookstore I finally found a quaint little journal to act as my acting journal/storybook, which I admittedly splurged on, but I think it will be worth it. Then before heading back, we got bubble tea (which sucked by the way, and I'm not just being a New Yorker) and traversed back through the Harvard campus. On the way home, Izzy suggested that we explore a new part of Boston every weekend, and I heartily agreed.

And I apologize for the abrupt ending, but afterward I met up with my cousin to do math homework, ran into Caca and ate with her for dinner, and attended a PHE meeting before heading back to my dorm to do work.

Which unfortunately is a lot, thanks to my busy busy weekend.

But it was definitely worth it.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

The Last Professor

The Last Professor

I quite liked this blog post. Or not really liked, but agreed with.

Even though it applies more to universities and academia, now that I've dived headfirst into the humanities I can't help but sympathize.

It sort of makes me wonder though. Maybe that's why so many English majors head off into the realm of communications. In order to find a place in society, they become slaves to it, serving its materialistic desires. But it is its patronage, its money, its fat laughter and petty amusement that provides fuel for the fire and allows the slaves to rise as well. And in that manner society becomes slaves to them in turn.

I don't know if what I just wrote makes sense. I think I'm just trying to justify my recent ambitions. Whatever. I don't really want to think about it right now.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Spring Term

So I successfully got through my first week of the semester and fortunately I'm able to report back favorably about all my classes.

My anthropology class seems like it's going to be fun. My professor is hilarious. On the first day, he asked us how many of us "like free crap" and then, what do you know, he takes out a manila envelope with "FREE CRAP" written on it and a list of students chosen randomly to answer a question and receive something from the envelope (which contained a highlighter, a book, various bonus points, a Nature Valley granola bar with a Sacajawea dollar taped on the back, and money from Madagascar worth approximately 48 cents, which is of course what I personally wanted). Then today, he had a very interesting powerpoint presentation which at one point culminated in something with Yoda and lightsabers and "Furbys deflecting off the lack of sobriety of Amy Winehouse" or something to that effect. Class definitely flew by. But even from an educational standpoint, I think I might like what anthropology has to offer. It seems like the perfect blend of science and the humanities, exactly what I like... except an anthropology major may be one of the few things more useless than an English major. Hah... I guess we'll see what happens.

Anyway, that was my only class on Wednesday since my math and anthropology discussions were both cancelled this week--though it is my only class on Mondays and Fridays, which I have to say feels REALLY nice. Of course, that means my Tuesdays and Thursday are hell, and indeed:

My math class starts my Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 AM. My cousin Saa is also taking the class with me, but we're both pretty vulnerable to the lure of sweet slumber. Anyway, it seems like a pretty straightforward class. My professor seems pretty straightforward too and very fair. The material isn't at all bad [yet?] (the topic was inequalities on Thursday) and I actually kind of liked the way he taught it. He seems like a really nice guy, and even though he tries to crack a few corny jokes, I appreciate his effort to be somewhat interesting.

Directly after that I have my history class, which is an honors seminar itself so fortunately I don't have to commit any extra class time to it. The first class on Thursday was deathly boring, but he said that would be the only time he would speak for the entire period. It seems like there's going to be a decent amount of work in the class, but if the topics are as interesting as I think they are then I don't think I'll mind. My professor appears to be a really nice person too. I was walking toward the classroom and he was coming from the opposite direction, and even though he hadn't met me yet he still smiled. He also has this "I'm here to learn too" kind of approach to class so I think it'll go well.

After that, I have a 90 minute break before heading off to the College of Fine Arts building for my--drumroll--acting class! I admit that it was a pretty impulsive move on my part; I signed up for it the day before. But I'm kind of glad I did it! So far it's really relaxing and seems like it's going to be a lot of fun. Plus, as an added bonus, there are actually guys in this class (you don't understand the plight of female students at BU).

After that, I have another 90 minute break (yeah, I wasted a lot of time yesterday) before I finally ended the day with my English class. I actually got there pretty early since I got tired of waiting around in random places, but I got to meet someone since she was there early too. We got to chat for quite a bit, which was nice, but once class started it was horribly boring. The professor seems slightly authoritative too, which worries me somewhat, and in fact this may be the one negative thing I have to say about my schedule. But I'm hoping that was just a bad impression and that it will get more interesting as time goes on.

So yes, that's basically how my Tuesdays and Thursdays are going to be run, from 8 AM to 5 PM. If you didn't notice, I am indeed overloading, but I really wanted to take that acting class and there isn't so much extra work (plus it satisfies requirements if I do decide to major/minor in film... yes, I'm thinking THAT ahead of the game).

I just hope I'm not getting myself in over my head, especially since I don't know how heavy my coursework is really going to be. Aside from the FreeP (which can easily take up any time I have at night), I still have commitments to PHE for which I still have to attend weekly one/two-hour meetings and teach during the day several times a month. I'm also really interested in becoming a Dean's Host and a Freshman Resource Advisor, but of course whether I actually get those positions isn't up to me.

Ah, but I do feel energized. I like being busy and productive, at least for now. And I'm excited to meet new people.

And to clarify about the guys, I have one on my history class and two in my English class, which is depressing because you have to admit that they're usually the ones that make class fun and spontaneous. But this dilemma doesn't just apply to me, which leads all of us women to question where they could possibly be hiding.

In fact, that's why in response, at the start of my drama class I mentally exclaimed, "Here they are! I found them!"

...which is also funny because, as my roommate pointed out, our hallmates' number one New Year's resolution was to, quote, "Find men."

...and which became even funnier when my roommate and I subsequently decided to tape a sign to their door that said, "I FOUND MEN!"

...and which became super-funny because they actually liked it and decided to leave it up on their door.

And there you go.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Into the Swing of Things

So on Sunday, I went to the Cheesecake Factory again, this time with my family. Afterward I hung out at FatMan's house with a few other people, which was a nice way to end the break. Interestingly enough, I got called out on apparently being a "wallflower" though. I was told that I'm "the type of person who just absorbs things... and then probably goes home and writes about it," which FatMan affirmed without hesitation.

Dear Blog... yes.

Anyway, I headed back to Boston yesterday. The weather was nice and there wasn't much traffic so it went pretty smoothly (and I didn't get on the wrong train). When I got back, I got my books and then had dinner with Izzy. After hanging out for a few hours, I headed back to my dorm and started to get my books organized and such.

Today I had lunch with Izzy, and then afterward I headed to the FreeP to start my first night as an official editor. I edited two letters about the Israel/Gaza conflict, and I have to admit they were interesting and pretty well written. I think I genuinely feel a little more informed about the topic too, which is good.

Class starts tomorrow. I kind of wish I got back a little earlier (it's nice being in Boston without having to worry about work), but honestly, as much as I don't want classes to start, I am a little excited.

I guess I can't wait to see what life has in store for me.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Lost

So after going back to high school to talk to current seniors about college, FatMan and I took the LIRR to Penn Station. Once we got there, we parted ways and I headed off to meet my friends in Queens. Now I know that I didn't need to go all the way to Penn, but my dad didn't want me transferring alone at Jamaica and then again somewhere else.

In that case, I hopped on the E train. At least in Boston, I seem to have a tendency to always get on the train traveling in the opposite direction of what I intended. Today, I did get on the right train, except any pride I could have gained from such a small feat gradually diminished to nothing as I could sense that I was quickly heading farther and farther away from my destination. In fact I took the E train to the end and ended up in Jamaica anyway. Stupid me didn't realize that the 74th St/Broadway stop I was waiting for was referred to as the Jackson Heights/Roosevelt Ave stop.

Ah well. After an hour I eventually got back on track and managed to successfully take the 7 train to Flushing. I guess the MTA is a little clearer in terms of direction, but then again, if I was from Boston I'd probably know where Ashmont/Braintree and Alewife are. I'll get it right eventually.

In other news, I spent the day at Kirby's house. She had the Wii Fit, which I got to try and which was completely awesome. I'm definitely getting one for the summer. Haha...

Saturday, January 3, 2009

2009 Outlook

So I don't believe in horoscopes AT ALL... but I kind of liked what it had to say.

My "Overview" was naturally vague, and I think I already self-determined most of it myself (being less materialistic, going with the flow, finding security and growth, etc.).

"By surrendering to your higher power, you realize you don't have to struggle as much to get what you want. As you open up to the ideas and energies flowing around you, your priorities shift dramatically... Great opportunities arise as your explore your potential, and discover what kind of environment best serves you in your endeavors. Being in touch with this part of yourself helps you align with your higher purpose, and your drive to continue will lead to great success."

In particular though, I quite liked what my surprisingly-specific career outlook had to say:

"You're fascinated by just about everything that happens in 2009, and you'll be inspired to pursue all the opportunities that come your way. Writing and other forms of communication are a great way to put your higher ideals and dreams into motion. Writing about your success in overcoming obstacles could be of great benefit to the world."

"The exchange of ideas brings balance and harmony into your work. Trusting that everything is in divine order will help bring you great success and comfort in your career. As long as you are in tune with your own personal energy, and respect the ebb and flow of life, you are able to recharge and realign yourself to the new work possibilities on the horizon. Come springtime, you will discover new creative outlets and reach new mastery in your work as you connect with a higher purpose."

Coincidence? Of course. But I like it. I'll take it as a wink from the universe.

Oh and you know what else I like? This article giving three reasons why it's good to sleep late.

According to the article, "you may need more sleep than you think" (apparently people used to average 10 hours a night), "night owls are more creative" (which makes sense to me!), and "rising early is stressful" (the stress hormone peaks around 7 AM).

Hm... now that I think about it, I had to wake up at 7 AM for seven years, for both middle and high school.

Coincidence? For this one I think I can say, "I think not!"

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Resolutions

I look back a year ago and I laugh at what I wrote.

I was obviously afraid of making any commitments to myself.

So here we go, resolutions that aren't as ambiguous and abstract:

1) I will write.

Something. Anything. Noteworthy of course. A novel. A script. I need more than floating words. I need proof of my existence, justification for my dreams.

And...

2) I will be more independent.

Because I need to find a standalone source of happiness, so the misery can't repeat itself again.

That's it. Just those two.

Because that's all that matters to me right now.

Happy New Year.