hybrid rainbow

Another End, Another Beginning

2009-06-25T21:48:00.013-04:00

So it's been over two years now since I've had this blog. I honestly never imagined that it would last this long, even though I admit I've been rather lax with it lately. Still, I've never "successfully" kept a journal or diary, at least by my standards. Usually they deteriorate to frivolity and reach the point where even I'm too bored to continue writing in it.

By no means am I implying that this blog was anything other than frivolous. It is. But what I mean is that keeping a journal always became so pointless--for myself. I wrote in it because I felt I had to and because of that my writing lacked purpose.

To be honest, I've thought about closing shop here. I feel myself reaching that point; I've felt it for a while now. In fact, maybe I've always felt it. I wanted to blog about life, but I ended up being a lifeblogger. I wanted to offer smart social commentary, on God knows what, but that hardly happened, if at all.

Admittedly, this isn't the sort of writing I really like to do. My inspiration strikes me in the form of dialogue and images. My imagination comes to life in the form of movies, plays, novels. I like stories and I like to share them. Though I enjoy satiric comedy, I'm not witty enough to write biting remarks on politics and current events.

I'm not really sure where I'm going with this. Part of me feels like I should stop but when I think about it I realize that I don't want to. So I suppose, maybe for a little longer, I'll keep writing. As boring as it is. As mundane as my life is.

It's just difficult when you have an aversion to the things that make up your material. Or simply the fact that some of those things just aren't appropriate for the public sphere.

Ugh, I need a break. Better yet, another start.

And just as a note, Congrats Class of 2009.

College Con Artistry

2009-06-22T22:12:00.006-04:00

We all know private schools enjoy ripping its students off, but here's a story I'd like to share...

So I recently got charged $25 for "room damage." I suppose most people wouldn't think much of it and just pay the fee, but of course that's not acceptable for me (or my roommate). I finally had time to call the housing office today and inquire about the charge, and this is basically how things went:

The secretary says, "So the $25 fee was from a furniture moving charge between you and your roommate for leaving an air conditioner in your dorm."

Without realizing, in a completely bewildered yet skeptical tone I simply reply, " ... an air conditioner??"

She immediately puts me on hold for ten to fifteen seconds.

When she returns she tells me, "Okay, the $25 has been credited to your account."

I was quite confused. That was it? No arguing? The charge was revoked just like that?

I thank her and then report what happened to my roommate.

But yeah, not a very good story but I found the incident rather intriguing. I sincerely hope this was an honest mistake and not a sad attempt to extract more money from BU students. Even so, you have to admit that it was a pretty shitty mistake to make on their part.

A Few Pointers on Being a Complete Ass

2009-06-21T16:54:00.006-04:00

You know, I thought it strange that this past year I didn't really find anything ridiculous to blog about. But maybe that was it--I was in Boston, likely one of the most liberal cities in one of the most liberal states. The only crap I had to deal with were Greenpeace treehuggers blocking my path and chasing me down the sidewalk as I'm on my way to class or back home. But in retrospect, they weren't that bad. They weren't malicious. Not like the people I forgot I had to deal with here back home on the so-called traditional Republican stronghold of Long Island.

So I was at Costco with the parents just now and there I encountered the biggest asshole I've seen in a while...

Step 1 - Drive a Hummer. (BONUS POINTS if you make it red.)

Really? You found it necessary to spend X amount of money on an obnoxiously large vehicle that does nothing but piss people off and harm the environment? I'm not telling you to get a hybrid, but come on. And nothing screams the need for attention than getting one in a cherry red color. Well, whatever you're trying to do to show off, it's not working because all I see is stupidity on your part. (Have fun fueling up this summer!)

I'm sorry. Perhaps that seems uncalled for unjustified. I'm sure not everyone who drives a ginormous [red] Hummer is completely selfish and stupid. Let's move on.

Step 2 - Drive that Hummer badly.

Shall we define "driving badly"? How about: driving with a complete disregard for the rules of the road and those around you. I was approaching a stop sign in the parking lot when suddenly he (as in that same guy) turns left from the perpendicular street and cuts into my lane. Fortunately I was going slow and letting pedestrians pass, so I had not yet reached the stop sign when he decided to haphazardly come barrelling down the road. But whatever, I thought that would be the last I saw of him.

Step 3 - Think you're better than everyone else.

There was a Hispanic family beside us as we were leaving. To get our receipts checked, they moved to one person as we moved to the other. Suddenly I here a slow, disgruntled voice say, "So that's it? You walked faster than me just so you could get ahead of me?" I turned to my side and saw a large, redneck-esque man with a disheveled gray moustache, his beady little eyes locked on the family ahead of him. The father of the family turned around with a confused look on his face and of course said, "I don't know what you're talking about," to which the other man so ingeniously responded, "Yeah, I think you do." I stood there and watched with an incredulous look on my face. Racist bastard.

Step 4 - And care only for yourself.

As I pulled out of the parking lot, I saw the same guy leave his cart behind someone else's car and climb into his--you guessed it!--big red Hummer. (It's funny when things come around full circle, no?) What a total and complete asshole.

Oh well. I trust karma to come and send a nice flying kick up his ass.

And there we go!

Prop Shop Stops

2009-06-17T23:56:00.001-04:00

Dress the Set With Tears: It's a Wrap

Slideshow here.

Ugh, what a shame. Even Hollywood has a little guy to take the hit. Damn recession.

Until It's Gone

2009-06-14T13:46:00.003-04:00

So I just woke up not too long ago to discover that my house was completely empty. Or I didn't really "discover" it since I knew it would be empty, but I felt that lonely feeling you get when you're surrounded by people one moment and then completely alone the next, if you know what I mean.

My brother left for California today--permanently--and I admit that I'm just realizing this now. Yesterday (my family was at a wedding reception), a relative of mine commented how I must be so sad to not see my brother after today, and in response I laughed and told her that there was a period of eight years (college and then dental school) when I rarely saw my brother anyway and that I was used to it.

Maybe it's because California isn't a simple few hours away or maybe it's because it seems like such a foreign land to me (I've never been there), but honestly, I'm already proving myself wrong right now--I'm definitely not used to it. It upsets me now to know that when he came into my room this morning to say goodbye and I half-assedly sat up and hugged him, it was the last time I would see him for a while. I didn't realize that it was different this time. It was a one-way ticket--he wasn't coming back.

Up until today I really wanted to go to Thailand this winter break, but now the other option of visiting my brother in Cali suddenly became so much more appealing. It's true what they say: You don't realize what you have until it's gone.

The Hangover and More

2009-06-07T21:04:00.003-04:00

So I had a relatively eventful weekend. I finished a week of classes (one down, eleven more to go), and on Friday I went to go see The Hangover with a group of people. It's definitely not my type of movie, but Kait wanted to see Justin Bartha (whose character is the groom that goes missing). In case you were wondering it's basically every high school/college frat boy's dream experience on the big screen. It was probably the crudest, most ridiculous, and most vulgar thing I've ever seen (especially when the credits roll), but I have to admit that the story was actually put together... quite nicely, surprisingly enough. (Don't get me wrong; it's complete nonsense. But the nonsense makes sense... if that makes sense.)

Anyway, I spent the remainder of the weekend at Robert Moses with Kait and Brit yesterday and at my good ol' local beach with Loo today. Yesterday it was kind of cool for the beach, but today it was perfect.

In other news, this morning when I was running errands with my family I lost my heart-shaped locket. (Loo gave it to me for my 16th birthday, so I was naturally very upset). I spent the entire morning looking for it, and by sheer chance, an hour or two later and after we had driven back (on a whim) to the first place we visited, my dad checked where we had parked before and found it! I was so relieved. Unfortunately, it was flattened slightly so it won't close anymore, but I was grateful that I had it and that it was still intact. I put it away in its little box for now and I'm a little upset that I can't wear it anymore, but I was thinking that maybe I could frame it or something nice like that.

It definitely sucks too since I was actually contemplating wearing a different necklace today. Oh well, I suppose that's life.

Twenty Years Later

2009-06-04T15:46:00.001-04:00

Hong Kong Pays Tribute to Tiananmen Protesters While Beijing Stays Silent

Now that's a little sad, don't you think?

Makes me wonder if I should be proud of my heritage or detest it.

Maybe someday...

Parlez-vous français?

2009-06-01T21:12:00.004-04:00

I started my "Intensive Elementary French" classes today. They run from 6:00-9:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. Parlez-vous, "Eff my life?"

Though of course, since I've taken french before it's pretty easy so far. It's definitely coming back to me somewhat. Plus the professor seems pretty nice. She let us go early today since not everyone had the book, which was good since it wasn't completely dark out yet and I wanted to make sure I knew how to get home. I probably shouldn't get my hopes up, but it would be nice if she always let us out early (three and a half hours is just ridiculous, n'est pas?).

In other news, my laptop came back to me today, but since I had to leave early to pick up my textbook I wasn't home to receive it. Oh, what a pain...

Slightly Grown Up

2009-05-29T19:05:00.004-04:00

So I had to go to work alone today for a meeting since FatMan skipped out for training for his new CUTCO job (I apparently have a few friends who are selling knives now). To be honest, due to various circumstances this was actually my first time driving with no passengers, so I was somewhat paranoid, but I obviously made it through okay and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, it was somewhat empowering being able to control where to go and when to leave. Driving to work and back, making sure everyone had a ride--it's long overdue, but I actually felt somewhat more grown up doing those things, haha.

Anyway, the meeting was as expected. It was good to see the old interns (and by "old" I mean the ones I've met, since I'm one of the oldest interns working there now--scary). They gave me a warm welcome and asked me how college was. The new interns seem nice too... for the most part (according to a trusted friend/coworker, but maybe I should wait to see for myself before letting bias get the best of me). They seem like they'll be competent though, so hopefully this summer will run much smoother than my experiences these past years.

It definitely seems like there's going to be a little more discipline this summer though, not that the prospect of that stopped everyone from screwing around last summer, but honestly the lab could probably use some of it. It should be better this time around though, since the new interns seem like they'll take things more seriously and, not to be conceited or whatever, but I'll be one of the people in charge. As a "college intern," I actually have the authority now to ensure that everyone gets everything done, and I don't have to feel bad or wonder if it's my place to put people in line. I don't think there should be a problem though. Last year, I feel like no one listened to the college intern because he was a stranger to almost everyone (he was very old, and all the interns that would have bridged the age gap didn't return). This year, there's three of us, and we've all worked together before during the year as high school interns, so it should be fine... hopefully.

Oh well. We're just going to have to wait and see. It's my last summer there anyway, so regardless I'm just going to have to make the best of it.

Fatness

2009-05-26T22:29:00.004-04:00

The Famous Steak

So my family (meaning my parents, brother, two aunts, and an uncle) and I went out to Peter Luger's Steakhouse in Brooklyn tonight, which has apparently been rated "The New York No. 1 Steakhouse for 24 Years in a Row!" Now, I love food, but of course on my own I don't have the resources (AKA the money or the occasion) to ever visit and eat at such a high profile restaurant, so this was a nice treat.

The steak definitely was very fresh, very tender, and very juicy. It was cooked precisely as ordered, and their famous steak sauce complemented the meat very nicely (naturally). In addition to this, the table also ordered sides of broccoli, creamed spinach, and German fried potatoes. Then for dessert, we all shared a couple of their special "Holy Cow" hot fudge sundaes (which was the definition of "unnecessary indulgence"). Of course it was delicious (half of it was pure hot fudge), but since I have a very sensitive palate, I tend to enjoy foods with more subtle tastes.

But of course I'm not complaining. I left entirely satisfied and with my regret for my waistline saved for tomorrow. I'm not one to count calories or really give a damn about any food's nutritional value, but seriously, with my uncle here (he LOVES to cook) and all the eating-out I've been nothing less than gluttonous lately. There was Legal Seafoods, and I didn't blog about it but on Sunday we threw a graduation/family get-together party for my cousin; the food my uncle cooked was both wonderful and in abundance, and so again I ate everything in sight.

If you don't believe me, on Sunday I conveniently got a WiiFit (which is awesome, by the way) and apparently I weigh the highest I've ever known myself to weigh (it was a difference of almost 10 pounds from my usual weight). Ugh, I hate talking about my weight, dieting, et cetera, especially since it makes me feel like a hypocrite, but it's actually been bugging me enough lately to make me consider watching what I eat. I'm going to hate myself for doing it, but from the health perspective I should be happier in the end.

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T20:19:00.000-04:00

I went to the cemetery today.

It's funny how we don't really understand the losses of others, as much as we want to or claim we do.

All we are capable of understanding is what we ourselves, as individuals, have lost. Individually.

I spoke to her grave.

It's amazing how it still hurts.

Boston Again

2009-05-23T22:40:00.007-04:00

So I just got back from Boston... again. Yes, as I was riding the all-too-familiar green line I did indeed wonder myself what I was doing in that city again after less than two weeks of leaving it.

Here's how it all went:

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: Attend my cousin's graduation from BC Law.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: See as many people as possible.

THURSDAY: Minivan with my cousin's parents and my own mother. Departure at 9:30. Arrive in Chinatown for food, arrive at my aunt's house in New Jersey to pick up this aunt and another. Total number of aunts: 3 plus my mother (and yes, they're all sisters--imagine that car ride). Arrive in Boston at 6:15. After saying hello to my cousin, hopped on the T to meet Izzy for dinner at Uno's. After a very rushed dinner (she had to catch the commuter rail), headed over to Lillian's apartment before heading over to Seabird's (the ex-roomie, I figured it was time to give her a name) apartment for a visit. Headed back and crashed.

FRIDAY: Grabbed lunch from the GSU (it was weird having to use real money, by the way) and headed over to the science building with Lillian to eat with Seabird, Jooles, and other people. Didn't get to enjoy my lunch at all though since my mother can't comprehend basic directions and I had to stay on the phone to make sure the minivan knew where to pick me up. After much frustration, we all headed to the graduation where I baked in the hot sun for two hours. The family was embarrassing of course (and my feet were in horrible pain from my shoes), but I just kept my objectives in mind. Refusing to go back with the family after, I hung out at my cousin's apartment for a bit until dinner. Any frustration definitely subsided at this point though, as we went to Legal Sea Foods at the Pru. Behold:

The appetizer of raw goodness.

The famous New England clam chowder (served at every presidential inauguration since 1981).

My main course: Wood Grilled Assortment.

SATURDAY: Lillian's roommate's boyfriend cooked pancakes for all of us. Then Lillian and I went to the BU Beach to chill for a couple hours before I said goodbye and went to meet my family at the Pru. Had lunch at the Pru. Then headed back home with the cousin in tow, stopping only in Flushing to eat good Chinese food for dinner.

And there you go. Another busy adventure. It's really a shame I didn't get to spend more time in Boston but I guess I just have to enjoy the excitement another time.

By the Sea

2009-05-20T23:25:00.012-04:00

A view from the dock.

After a nice dinner at Panera, Loo and I hung out at the harbor for an hour or so. It's a shame this picture can't do the scene justice.

It's times like this when after a bit of traveling, you not only appreciate where you came from, but you finally recognize as well the uniqueness that comes attached with every place on this planet.

This is beauty. This is inspiration. This is my life.

Boston Pops

2009-05-18T14:25:00.002-04:00

Williams Surprises Spielberg.

Steven Spielberg is getting an honorary degree from BU.

Sigh, I wish I was at that concert!

I love it when the Indiana Jones music starts up, and I love how they had Rhett there.

Ah, I miss BU already!

Out with the Old

2009-05-15T23:23:00.004-04:00

So I finally finished unpacking today, and let me just start by saying that I HAVE SO MANY CLOTHES. They barely manage to fit in my room! Granted, I haven't really grown in five years meaning it's all been accumulating quite possibly since then (not to mention I have limited closet space and half my drawers are filled with athletic wear... not to make excuses or anything). Still, I could probably (definitely) save a lot of money if I just wore what I already owned. I should cut back anyway before I become a true shopaholic... (Darn my appreciation of good fashion.)

Anyway, I went through all my clothes again and pulled out things that don't fit or that I just don't wear. It was a pretty difficult process. Like I said, I haven't really grown so a lot of things still fit... in order to get rid of stuff I had to keep telling myself how much more someone would appreciate the clothes than I would if I just kept them. It worked for the most part, I think.

But yeah, after I was done I moved onto this little corner of my room where I kept some stuff from the college-search process. I remembered that I saved some of the really fancy books schools sent me or that I picked up, just in case anyone I knew was interested and so I could save the branch of a tree. Of course, now that a year has passed, I knew it would be unlikely for someone to ask for them and decided that now was the time to recycle them.

As I was looking through them though, I realized that I had also saved the letters I received from colleges asking me to apply. It was kind of sad really. I remembered why I had saved them: I knew I would never receive letters from these schools again. But on an even deeper level, I knew that I relished that impression I got from them--I loved that sense of feeling wanted.

They wanted me. The Ivies, MIT, Caltech, Georgetown, UChicago... I devoured their emblems with my eyes, savored seeing my name and address printed on their fancy envelopes. I always wondered why I applied to so many reach schools. I realize now: with all these schools begging for your application, wouldn't you have gotten your hopes up too? Wouldn't you have believed that you actually had half a shot at walking on these centuries-old campuses, at having that dreamed-of opportunity finally in your hands?

I don't know. Realistically, I knew from the start that BU was the only school I applied to that fell into the "good-fit" category of colleges for me, and for financial reasons it was last on my list until the scholarship they offered me cinched the deal. And I'm happy at BU. True, I do tend to make the best of things, but I really do feel like I have this sense of belonging.

Yeah, so I don't know why I'm bringing this up. It seems awfully immature of me. I do wonder though if the subconscious has its own way of working--did I know during the application process and all along that BU was the right school for me? Was it a sign when BU was the only college I applied to from my original list of schools? Was the supplement I sent to BU better than the supplements I sent to other schools?

Psh, okay. That's what I'd like to tell myself. I know I just wasn't good enough. I'm over it. With the exception of the BU letter and the letter I received from Harvey Mudd (it's hilarious), I threw the rest in the recycling bin.

Or really I had my mother do it... and I kept all my UPenn stuff of course.

Bye Bye Boston

2009-05-10T22:10:00.004-04:00

First off, I suppose I should say Happy Mother's Day since I haven't yet done so (judging from last year's post, I must always be a brat on these occasions).

Secondly, I've been MIA the past two weeks because a) finals and b) my laptop went comatose on me (and I have to admit that the latter reason probably played a bigger role in my absence).

But now that I'm HOME (yes, it's true), I have access to my own computer again and can blog at my leisure.

So let's recap...

(ENTER HELL WEEK!)

Saturday 4/25-Monday 4/27: Spent the gorgeous weekend reading on the BU beach (but didn't finish because it was A LOT). Some drama was in the works too, but I'm not going to blog about it.

Tuesday 4/28: It was late. I had just spent an hour and a half (yes, I know) editing with the columnist. I hadn't eaten and I had my anthro exam the next day to study for. I was just about to send the completed column to the e-mail when--blue screen--the computer crashes. Tried to start it in Safe Mode. Fail. Tried to launch this fix option that popped up next. Fail. Turn on. Turn off. Turn on. Turn off. Remove battery. All that jazz. No luck. Worst. Timing. Ever. Feeling defeated, finally giving up, I discovered the real meaning behind "FML."

Wednesday 4/29: Fell asleep studying for anthro (aside from stress induced by my laptop failing, I hadn't slept properly since Friday night, the 24th). Woke up in the morning to do it but of course it wasn't sufficient enough. Spent the rest of the afternoon finishing up research for my English paper, due the next day. Since my computer crashing didn't actually affect the status of my paper, I decided not to ask for an extension to save face. Napped, went to a meeting, FreePed (oh why am I so dutiful?). Then sat down with my roommate's laptop (thank goodness for her) and typed away.

Thursday 4/30: Of course I pulled an all-nighter. Skipped my final math lecture. Then since I couldn't skip my history class this time, I hijacked the laptop and continued to write my paper during and after class. Didn't eat. Only interruption was to go to my last acting class. Finished the paper at 3 PM. (But at least I was proud of it this time.) Printed it and went to class. Then took the effing BUWA (writing assessment), which I completely BSed since I could NOT come up with a decent thesis. When I was done, I was a bit upset that my English class was over. But anyway, when I got back to the dorm, Lillian (who had a 20-page paper on Uzbekistan due) and I rejoiced that it was all over. Got dinner but didn't appreciate being told to go to bed, so I went to the science building for a few hours simply to hang out (nap) while my roommate was physicsing. When it was late we walked back and I slept the best sleep I had experienced in a while.

Friday 5/1-Wednesday 5/6: So I actually went out with my cousin for the first time all year, and didn't end up returning to her place until 6 AM (wasn't me, I swear). But we had a good time, and since I slept over that first night, I guess I just thought it would be okay to spend another five days there. (Let's just say I was in need of a refuge, and my cousin didn't mind the company.) I spent the weekend writing my history paper (due Monday the 4th at 10 AM, another all-nighter) while she studied for accounting. Then we studied for our math final which was on Wednesday, and afterward I studied for my [unbelievably, unexpectedly hard] anthro final which was on Thursday.

Thursday 5/7-Saturday 5/9: After my anthro final, the sun literally came out. I was done. I packed, watched Mean Girls and Juno, helped Lillian move to South Campus, and said my goodbyes to several people. On Saturday, Saa (my cousin) and I went out to lunch on Newbury with our other cousin (who goes to BC) for the first time this year, and I must admit that when we parted ways I regretted not getting together with her more often.

And there we go. That leads to today, during which I said my final goodbyes to people, underwent the stressful moving-out process, sat five hours in a car back to Long Island, took my mother out to this Italian restaurant, and sat here and blogged. I know that must have been a horribly boring read, but I realized when my laptop died that I really do keep this blog as a record of my life. That's really what it's been all this time; I may have made a few snide remarks about life here and there, but as of the present time, I don't have much to remark about.

After all, it's hard to criticize something you love, and right now I really do love life. It's a wonderful feeling really... to be able to think that this is indeed the place where you belong.

Preparing for Hell Week

2009-04-24T21:07:00.005-04:00

So it's been a good few days. Thursday ran on a Monday schedule this week, so I've essentially only had an hour of class (anthro) on each of the past three days. Speaking of which, my anthro professor actually brought in his [lime green] bullwhip like he promised at the beginning of the semester and cracked it at the end of class. You'd think it would be sort of lame, but no--it was freaking awesome. Totally made everyone's day.

In general, I also feel a bit better about my life now since I've gotten my paper topics figured out, and I've gone to the library to take out the books I needed which happened to be as many as I could carry (didn't help that it was raining Wednesday afternoon and my open bag also had my laptop in it). I probably should have taken the T that day, but what's a mile walk with 15 pounds of books and an umbrella tactfully held in your already full hands...

In other news, I helped out with the Honors Program reception today which was nice. I basically just spoke with prospective students and their parents, and I have to admit that I really do enjoy that kind of stuff. In fact, lately I've been thinking about a possible career in education administration, but of course it's just a thought and I'm not worrying about that at all right now. Anyway, I also found out that two other people I know will be living in the Honors House next year, and they're both really cool so I think it will be a good house.

Today I also attended the Freshman Resource Advisor Spring Welcome which was actually pretty fun. We did that icebreaker where you have a picture on your back and you have to guess who you are based on what people tell you. They used Disney characters, and it was cool because the groups were organized by movie as well, so after the initial icebreaker you had to find others who were in your movie and that was your group. Overall it was actually more fun than I expected and everyone seems really nice. Granted, I already knew a lot of the people who are doing it, but I'm definitely excited to be a FRA. I get to have my own litter of Terrier pups! Hah.

Anyway, that said, today is probably going to be my last day of fun for a while. I need to read four books for my English paper this weekend, and I'm already behind schedule (not that scheduling things ever actually works for me). Apart from that, I have an anthro test to study for, a scene to rehearse, and a history paper to write. Ugh!

So here we go! Let hell week begin!

Marathon Monday

2009-04-20T23:04:00.006-04:00

Almost there!

I have to admit, the Boston Marathon is pretty cool. They shut down the street, everyone is cheering, and the runners absolutely love it. This picture was taken from Kenmore, so they had a little less than a mile to go from here. Of course, the Kenyans and Ethiopians have already finished by this point, hah.

Boston actually wasn't the shit show I expected it to be today, but then again I didn't get drunk/high myself or really go anywhere far. Apparently, on the way out of CityCo, my roommate was accosted by someone frantically shouting at her to get her hand off the railing (we deduced that he was probably hallucinating something). But other than that, none of us had any obscene encounters.

In other news, the FreeP got word about a murder involving a BU student. The next step was for the news editors to call the assignment editors to get on the story. What happens next is that Coco (who reports for the FreeP but was out at the time) calls Jooles (who's in the dorm with us), and Jooles comes out of her single to tell us that a BU student was murdered (not true) or something along those lines. At first, I think it's a Marathon Monday related incident, but we google it and the national news is reporting that the police have caught the "Craigslist killer" (which was somewhat ironic since we were talking about it last night). In case you're not familiar with a story, some guy has been running around meeting prostitutes he finds on Craigslist and killing them. Creepy, eh? Turns out he's a BU med student, but the details are still fuzzy. I guess we'll get more information on it tomorrow.

But what a way to end the day, right?

Relay for Life

2009-04-19T14:02:00.004-04:00

The lights went off. We all stood silent on the track. Listening.

We looked around. There were luminaria lit up all around the track, to symbolize the spirits of those who had lost the battle, to show that they were with us. There were also some in the stands that were arranged to spell out the word "HOPE."

A speech. Then more silence.

If a parent of yours had died, they asked you to crack the glowstick you were given and step forward. The sound of glowsticks cracking filled our ears for a few brief seconds. It was like rain hitting the roof when a lone raincloud passes through. It takes you by surprise. Suddenly loud, then suddenly soft. Then silence again. You could see the yellow light emanate from random places in the crowd. Then the lights moved forward.

If a grandparent of yours had died, they asked you to crack your glowstick and step forward. Eyes down, I squeezed mine in both fists and asked Izzy to come with me. She nodded, cracked hers, and followed me forward.

Aunt and uncles. Other family members. Friends. People.

Eventually everyone stepped forward, demonstrating how it has affected all our lives.

Glowsticks in hand, we proceeded to walk around the track. Round and round. The longer we went, the more dispersed we became. We eventually filled the track, creating a halo of light. It undulated gently as people kept moving forward. Individually, the lights floated like fireflies in a meadow in summer.

I grasped mine close to me. Somehow, it suddenly felt like I was carrying something precious.

Eventually, we deposited the glowsticks in four "luminaria" boxes with cutout designs and words. As the light shone through, one could see that they read: Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back, and Hope. I debated for a moment. Then I placed mine in the second box and continued walking.

As I reached the other side of the track, people were still depositing their glowsticks. It was an interesting sight. There was no longer a halo. Instead, like the luminarias perched around the track, each light in each person's hand became a spirit in my eyes. And as the spirits floated and moved forward, they looked as if they were on a journey, our bodies used as vessels invisible in the darkness. Then as the lights finally disappeared, it seemed as if they had all crossed over. I looked down. We had just escorted the souls of the dead.

Eventually, Izzy and I followed others and removed ourselves from the group. I laid there on the campsite in the company of my teammates and looked up at the ceiling. I listened to the music. Then I closed my eyes as the complex slowly lit up and the event resumed.

Hitting the Town

2009-04-12T16:10:00.011-04:00

My cousin and I had a very special visitor come to Boston for a few days. She arrived on Thursday and from then to today we've just been having a blast.

THURSDAY: I had an anthro exam on Friday so it was actually one of those few Thursdays where I wasn't not doing anything, otherwise I would have just hung out with them and had fun. Of course, I didn't let it completely stop me from going out, and so I still enjoyed a [second] dinner at Fin's with them. (I know, I'm a fatty.) But oh, how we love sushi...

FRIDAY: After my class, we took her to the dining hall for lunch where the food was actually quite good (and prospective students were aplenty, which explains it). Then we went out to Newbury and met up with my cousin's friends. We hit a few stores and then went to H&M, which was a bad move on my part since I went on a complete spree through the store. They had to help me decide which things to leave behind! (I am not a shopaholic. Really...) Afterward, we headed out to Quincy Market, which was my first time there since my visit during Orientation week. It was nice this time around though since I got there late last time and the stores were closed by the time I finished dinner. But anyway, we got to walk around inside the buildings (there's so much food, I had no idea!) and see street performers, well, perform. After a couple hours, we headed back to campus to freshen up before heading out to Newbury again for dinner. We ate at this cute little Italian restaurant named Bottega Fiorentina. It was absolutely delicious and decently priced, a place I definitely made note to visit again soon. After dinner, I was going to go back, but my cousin's friend made me go with them to see The Knowing, and I ended up calling a couple of my friends to join us. Let's just say the movie was both ridiculous and intense.

SATURDAY: We went to go get dim sum at the China Pearl in Chinatown, though we left late so my cousin had to leave for her dance lesson before we could all eat. Afterward, I took our guest to the Galleria to go shopping again (where I managed to exercise some restraint). We spent a good few hours there before heading back to campus, where we got Starbucks and relaxed in my dorm until my cousin got back. When she called, we headed over to her place and then out to dinner from there. The three of us and my cousin's friend decided to eat at Shabu Zen, a hotpot restaurant, which was okay but expectedly a little pricey. We did something a bit embarrassing while we were there, but it was funny nonetheless. We went to Super 88 (this Asian marketplace) for bubble tea after, and then we headed back. (Oh, and as a side note, the NCAA hockey finals were last night, and BU won in an AMAZING comeback.)

So yeah, today the four of us had brunch at Bertucci's before she had to head back home. I have to admit, it wasn't as great as I expected, but at least I've finally eaten there. But anyway, after that we finally said goodbye and parted ways, my cousin went with her to South Station, and I went back to my dorm to catch up on work.

And here I am now. Not much different. With the exception that, after this weekend, I am now significantly poorer than before. Oh dear...

Top of the Hub

2009-04-05T11:44:00.004-04:00

Boston as seen from the top of the Prudential Tower.

So this was hands down one of the coolest nights I've ever experienced. Yesterday was the night of the first annual CAS Formal, and it was absolutely amazing.

Tasty hors d'oeuvres, delicious deserts, and a breathtaking view, all for twenty dollars.

Not to mention the great music and the fact that my friends and I got to dance the night away.

Then afterwards we went out to T. Anthony's... even though it was 1 AM. Yes, we walked to West for pizza, and no, we weren't even drunk. I was glad though. It was my first time there (I'm never in West!), and even though I thought it was ridiculous to walk so far for pizza, I'm happy I went. It was still really busy when we got there, and when "Living on a Prayer" came on, everyone broke out into song. I thought it was so great.

Anyway, to make a long story short, we ended up staying until closing, took the BUS home, and crashed. It was awesome. Hah.

24-Hour StressFest

2009-04-02T17:05:00.003-04:00

So two weeks ago I was assigned this really complicated paper in my English class. Basically, the task was to write a description of Mansfield Park, the country house in Jane Austen's book of the same name. But it's not that simple. You see, the idea was to first find and use the details Austen described about the house (as scattered in the book as these details are). But since it can't quite possibly be enough to construct a complete picture of the house, secondly, we had to use this textbook-like book about the history of country houses to supplement her details. But that's not all! Thirdly, we had to go to the library reserves to take out these books that are basically detailed records of the features of almost all (if not all) the country houses in England... and imitate that author's style.

Yes, so because it was so complicated, for once I actually did not wait until the last minute to start this (in fact I started this past Saturday). But regardless, I still couldn't manage to finish the paper until 11:30... this morning. So yes, I did skip my two morning classes again, and of course I feel like crap for it.

It didn't help that housing selection happened last night. My appointment was near the end of the day too, so I had to endure an entire day's worth of delays. (My appointment was at 8:36, it's supposed to be a six-minute process, and I left the building an hour later.) But seriously, it was so hectic. First you arrive 10+ minutes early to wait in a frantic mob. Then they call your number and so you rush forward thinking that it's time, only to stop a mere five feet ahead of where you started because you've suddenly discovered yourself in a line. Then after you've waited in line and they check your housing slip, you again think it's time, only to be directed towards another waiting area where you have to wait to enter the selection room. Then once you enter the room, you have to wait for a housing person to become available so they can find you a room. And then, after you've found something and confirmed it, you have to wait for your confirmation pages to print out. Only then can you leave. (Gah!)

Granted, I did have a pretty good housing number (13,501, when it ranges from 12,000-17,000... Izzy got 16,000 something). I also somewhat spontaneously found myself a roommate, and so I pulled her into housing with me. The only bad thing is that we happened to run into this really belligerent girl we knew from the ski trip, and she was also pulling someone into the Honors House. So yeah, the four of us sat there in the waiting area, and we're all wondering who's going to get called first. Then surprise, surprise. It wasn't us, and they took the last of the two doubles available. It's okay though because my friend and I got the first floor triple and it's a suite. It's a little more expensive than a double and now we have to worry about who the third girl is, but I know it's a very nice room. And the house itself is absolutely gorgeous, so I'm very excited.

Life definitely has it's ups and downs. I'm especially excited for the next couple days. I have no lecture tomorrow, so as of the dismissal of my last class, my weekend has begun! More on that later! Ahhh...

Longest Week

2009-03-27T15:53:00.005-04:00

So for some reason, this week felt painstakingly long. Maybe it's because I had a history paper, math homework, a math quiz, and a math midterm due or occurring sometime within the past three or four days, but all I know is that I just needed to be able to press pause on different parts of the week.

The good news though is that it's over for now. That history paper was my last until the final project, and we have no math homework or discussion this week! Plus, we got our English papers back (the one that I finished last minute), and I'm gradually improving (unless my professor is the type who likes to incrementally increase your grade to make you think that you're improving, though I'm 67% sure that's not the case).

I also submitted my short story to this competition, so that's finally off my mind. Unfortunately, I didn't get much feedback on it before turning it in, but hopefully they'll find it acceptable. If I win, I get this award and a cash prize (though of course, that's not what I care about). Oh, but it really would be wonderful if it actually works out... Wish me luck, please!

But yes, in summary, I'm just glad this week is over. Yesterday my hallmates, roommate, and I celebrated Coco's birthday, and today I bought two casual mini dresses/tunics and a pair of flats while shopping and then had a long phone date with Kait. As you can see, I haven't hesitated to embrace the weekend at all.

Celebrating Spring

2009-03-21T22:33:00.004-04:00

First off, it's official--Happy Spring!

Last night, I went with my roommate and hallmates to go see Spring Fever Jam, an acapella concert presented by the Treblemakers and featuring the Dear Abbeys and Terpsichore--the co-ed, all-male, and all-female acapella groups respectively. And I have to say, they are all pretty damn good, especially the Dear Abbeys (YouTube them, though it won't do them justice). I was so surprised at how well the guys sang! (They can serenade me any day... hah.)

Today though I went to go see my cousin in C-POP, a show put on by the Chinese Students Association, which was, to be honest, for the most part actually pretty cool. I was especially impressed by this group called Bulletproof Theory, which is a collaboration between BU's Bulletproof Funk and BC's Conspiracy Theory. They are amazing (this is what they performed, although I think they've really improved since then).

But seriously, people are so talented. It's so inspiring! It just makes me want to try these things myself!

Humpfest

2009-03-20T08:10:00.004-04:00

So apparently, it's midway through the semester, and the FreeP likes to celebrate "passing the hump" with something called Humpfest, which took place last night and was really only a slightly bigger version of what they usually do on Thursdays. (Thirsty much?)

Anyway, let's just say it was an interesting night. In fact, it was absolutely ridiculous. Coco lacks all and any self-control, which provided quite a few hours of entertainment for our fellow FreePers and my roommate when we got back, though of course I still took care of her despite my rather insouciant attitude (apparently I suffer from slight verbal diarrhea, a lessening of inhibition, but nothing more).

When she was taken care of and I climbed into bed myself, I wondered though. Was it stress? After all, I did try to pull an all-nighter for my paper (which resulted in extremely fragmented sleep), and I didn't actually finish editing it until a half-an-hour before it was due... perhaps I was worn out. Maybe I just needed to relax. Or did I succumb to pressure? Did I think it a social obligation? Or maybe I really did just act on a whim. That seems simple enough.

Whatever. At least I know now that I'm capable of retaining at least some control.

Beautiful Boston

2009-03-15T13:35:00.001-04:00

So I just got back to campus and to be honest, I'm actually pretty happy about it. The bus ride back went well, which is always a plus, and I actually managed to take the T going in the correct direction. Yessss...

Anyway, friends are slowly filtering back in, and it's an absolutely gorgeous day in Boston today. I'm almost reminded of summer. Almost. But yes, I'm definitely going to take a walk along the Charles today. It's too perfect a day not to.

And then I'll start my work... you know, since all I did this past week was finish my short story and read The Crazy Iris (which I only finished because I stayed up until 4 AM last night). Hooray for not reading Mansfield Park, not editing my English paper, and not writing my history paper. Why yes, you may do me the favor of ignoring what I said in my last post about productivity... heh.

Izzy Goes To NY

2009-03-10T22:09:00.004-04:00

So Izzy left today to spend the rest of her spring break in Florida. This leaves me alone in the house now, though I never was one to mind having good, quality alone time, which is definitely nice after so much running about.

On Saturday, Izzy and I took the LIRR into the city. After lunch, we took some time to explore midtown and just relax in Central Park before heading uptown to Columbia's campus and then downtown, where we walked through SoHo to get to Little Italy for dinner and dessert. (So yes, I was basically dragged through several parts of Manhattan.)

On Sunday, I drove to the local beach which I was delighted to find open (which was, of course, after I was delighted to find that after several months I still knew how to drive). We walked all the way to the end of the private beach and back, and along the way we actually came across a few conches. In fact, Izzy and I accidentally traumatized one that was actually still alive in an attempt to confirm that fact. After a good ten minutes though, I finally realized that it was slowly withdrawing itself further into its shell after prodding it with the rim of a broken clam shell. After realizing it was alive though, I wasn't sure what to do with it so I set it between the waves and the shore, hoping to let it decide itself where to go. I just hope it didn't get eaten. Izzy and I did find a nice empty conch shell though, which we did take despite what they say about not removing stuff from the beach. I really wanted Izzy to have a "souvenir" to take back, although she insisted on having joint ownership of the shell. (Let's just hope nothing ends in a Lord of the Flies-esque way.)

Anyway, I also took Izzy to see my school, after which we stopped for ice cream at Carvel. Then we watched American Pie (on VHS!) before heading out with Loo to see Confessions of a Shopaholic, which due to current circumstances I admit I enjoyed WAY WAY WAY too much. (It's nothing but a typical chick flick to be perfectly honest, but the cutesy relationship between the protagonist and the "flawless guy" was too self-satisfying to resist.)

Then yesterday, apart from a somewhat pointless trip to the doctor (during which after five seconds of feeling my knuckle, he deemed my hand would be fine in a month or so), we stayed at home and watched TV the entire day. We ordered takeout and sushi for dinner, and then Kait (which will now be her name, since I can't remember if I ever assigned one to her before) came over to join us. And that's how it all winded down.

Regardless of the fact that I haven't started any work, at least I've seen my friends and can say that I've stepped out of the house this break. In other words, I think I've still been very productive. Let's just hope I do get that work done though.

Home Sweet Home

2009-03-07T00:45:00.002-05:00

So I'm officially on break, though I have to admit that I was a bit sad to leave. Regardless, I'm going to take that as a good sign because it clearly means that I'm finally having enough fun at BU to really miss it. Still, if it's this hard now, I can't imagine how I'm going to feel in May. But of course I won't think about that just yet.

Anyway, I took the bus back with Izzy, who's staying with me until Tuesday. More news on how that goes later. Tonight though, I took her to get some real Asian food at my favorite restaurant. I treated her to Thai Fried Rice, Pad Thai, and Hainanese Chicken (safe choices, I know, but always good). Then for dessert we had this hot, sweet Indian pancake thing (I forgot what it's called) and my favorite, ice kacang (google it). Oh, I definitely overindulged tonight.

I'm so glad it's break though. There's so much I can't wait to do. I just hope I get everything done!

Snow Day

2009-03-02T20:09:00.008-05:00

So BU has only had around five snow days in the past 20 years.

Today qualified as one of them.

In fact, I was thoroughly amused at this when I found out this morning. To think that I would actually experience a snow day at college, especially given BU's refusal to call them, was quite humorous.

It didn't make much of a difference to me anyway since I only would have had one class. Actually, I think it made things worse since I probably spent twice as much time in the dining hall and just slacking off in general.

My hallmates also visited throughout the day, which led to a rather ridiculous incident involving my suitemate and us. I don't want to get into details, but apparently, our suitemate didn't appreciate our friend's loud ranting this morning (around 11 AM, to be honest), and so she found a way to complain about it. Anyway, it led to this mess than caused our friend unnecessary grief. Fortunately though, my roommate's decision to directly talk to my suitemate actually led to our suitemate calling it a misunderstanding and apologizing. I guess the simplest and most obvious solution really does tend to be the best after all.

Still, I just remember how back last summer, I was at my best friend's house and I showed my friend's mother who my roommates were on Facebook. She made her comments, but I assured her that I wouldn't have any problems.

I suppose that's what you call a "mother's intuition."

Luck No More

2009-02-27T08:10:00.005-05:00

So these past two or three weeks have been absolutely amazing. I don't remember the last time (or if there was ever a time) when I had such a long, consistent streak of good luck.

All that ended yesterday though. I can't remember the last time I got bogged down with so much work. Suddenly, I had too much stuff to do and really not enough time to do it.

I hadn't finished my math homework. I had quite a bit of reading for my history class. I had reading for my English class too, ON TOP OF a six-page paper I was still doing the reading for.

I could make excuses. I didn't learn the material on the math homework until Tuesday. My history paper was due Tuesday. Thus I didn't start my English paper until after that. Then there's the FreeP which was a little ridiculous this week.

But honestly, I know my cousin and I are inefficient and quite unproductive when we work together on math. My history paper was originally due last Thursday but he gave us an extension, plus I was inefficient and quite unproductive this past weekend myself when it came to writing it. Then everything my English professor assigns is on the syllabus, so honestly, I knew I had reading and the paper both due. The FreeP may be my only legitimate excuse.

Ugh, but after finishing my day (at 4 PM, though I had a FRA interview until 4:30 PM), I met with my cousin for an hour which of course was stupid and unproductive. Then after attempting to do more math, I ended up napping because I was so tired. When I woke up, I ate dinner with friends before heading to the FreeP at 8 PM, which is where I stayed for another three hours (it would have been longer had I not asserted for once my need to get out of there ASAP).

I honestly tried to do work again but since I was so tired I took another nap until 1 AM. Fortunately, FatMan kept calling me to make sure I was awake, and so I was able to get my [seemingly extra-tedious] math homework done, finish the reading, and then start my paper by 4 AM (I know, that's ridiculous).

Now, I usually take an hour to write a page, so you can do the math and calculate what time I actually finished. Yeah, so my 8 AM and 9:30 AM classes? I skipped both. I didn't leave my room until 11 AM so I could hand in my math homework before the 11:30 AM deadline. Then after eating a quick lunch, I headed to the computer lab to quickly Sparknote my assignment (I'll read it this weekend, I promise). Then I continued my day as I normally would.

Ugh, but I just felt so guilty. I can't believe I skipped two classes, not to mention I sent an e-mail to one of the professors claiming that I wasn't feeling too well (I can't wait for karma to bite me in the ass for that one), and then my paper was definitely something to be ashamed of. I admit it's not as bad as I thought it was as I was writing it, but I definitely didn't answer the task as I should have. I'm pretty sure most papers I write I usually claim that each is "the worst paper I've ever written" and that "I've never been so ashamed of a paper in my life," but I really think this takes the title. I mean, Tuesday's history paper was pretty atrocious, but it's history, and in my mind, as long as I had the info down I'm good. Yesterday's paper was an English paper though, and apart from the fact that there's personal importance to me that I do well in English, I would prefer not to get called out on stupid grammar or technical mistakes (or on writing a completely disorganized, nonsensical paper as a whole).

Sigh, I guess what's done is done. It's a rough draft, albeit it's graded, but hopefully out of the total 20 percent of the semester grade its worth, this draft will be worth less than the final copy.

Ugh, yesterday was just not a good day, but I knew I was running a happiness debt and the universe would come collect on it soon. I just hope I'm not downtrodden from this point on. It felt so good to be so happy and for so long, and if it's over, I don't know what I'll do.

Not to mention, I hope I wasn't riding on something that wasn't actually there. Alors, la vie n'est pas parfaite.

Girlish Tendencies

2009-02-23T23:51:00.009-05:00

So this past weekend was an absolute fiasco.

I don't think I've ever laughed, giggled, or screamed so much in my life before.

You see, it would seem like the girls across the hall, my roommate, and I are in this strange mode of being. Let's just say that the feeling circulating around (apart from sickness) I feel is very Pride and Prejudice-esque (if you didn't get that from the brief reference in my last post).

As amusing the entire affair is, I feel it may be a little too personal on my friend's part for myself to share. I will say though that a charming [though admittedly cheesy] boy was enraptured with her (and she with him), and that he has followed through with contacting her after the party.

After a day of anxiety ("Do you think he'll call?"), she was very excited when she received a text message from him today. Of course we're all excited for her too, but doesn't the entire thing just ring a bell? Girl goes to party, girl dances with affable boy, boy is totally smitten with girl. Boy pursues girl and girl is absolutely lovestruck.

I'm having strong visions of Jane and Mr. Bingley. I told Izzy about this and she laughed at me and told me that I'm too obsessed with this book. Perhaps (no doubt), but can you blame me for wanting to witness this story unfold? In reality too?

I'm not sure where the rest of us filter into the Bennet family tree. We've each experienced our own unique moments of disappointment or triumph and some of the characters are so ridiculous that no one else really resembles a particular one. The most I can say is that as friends, we certainly at the moment do seem to resemble sisters though, judging by the way we tell stories to each other and such.

Anyway, the important thing is that I am one who is inspired. I've already outlined a story based on all this, and I can't wait until Spring Break so I can start writing it.

It's going to be good.

Lovely Day

2009-02-21T19:10:00.002-05:00

I had quite a lovely day today.

The only regret I may have is that I'm either blind or seeing too much.

"Can you die of happiness?"

Early to Rise

2009-02-20T22:31:00.001-05:00

Let me just start off by saying how ridiculous this week has been... and for once I mean that in a good way.

It started off Monday afternoon when I woke up at sunset. Yes, sunset. I finally managed to roll out of bed around 5:15 in the afternoon (evening?). Fortunately, I had no classes.

Since I had to FreeP soon after, I didn't get any work done that day; however, I do have one good thing to say: strangely enough, that nocturnal experience did manage to set my internal clock straight somehow.

This entire week, I've managed to wake up relatively early and without an alarm (with the exception of Thursday, since I had an 8 AM class). It's given me enough time to loll around while getting ready and to eat a hearty breakfast with my roommate. It's really nice, and I really like it.

I always wanted to be a morning person, though my mastery of procrastination techniques has prevented me thus far from ever being one. Now, suddenly, by this strange twist of fate, I've effortlessly managed to become one. All it cost me was an entire day of productivity--though that seems fair to me. (Honestly, how productive would I have been on Monday anyway?)

This week has been a relatively easy week though. As I think I may have mentioned in a previous post, Tuesday classes were substituted by Monday classes, and I personally had both my discussions cancelled on Wednesday due to the four-day week. This means that Thursday was my only full day of classes; all the other days this week, I only had one one-hour class each day.

That means my workload wasn't too heavy this week either. Actually, the only homework I had was for English and history. I did more or less pull an all nighter on Wednesday night to finish reading Pride and Prejudice, but other than that, especially since the due date for my history paper was extended to Tuesday of next week, I didn't have much work.

So yes, it was a good week, though I should point out that I have a tendency to feel tired when I have work to do and awake when I don't, if that makes sense. In this case, I hope this change in sleeping patterns isn't a temporary thing, though maybe I'll give myself the benefit of the doubt and hope that I've really changed for the better.

In other news, after passing out for an additional five hours after lunch today, I hastily ran to meet my friend for dinner before proceeding to my first hockey game. To be honest, I'm not a fan of hockey at all, but I do have to say that I found it pretty entertaining (and I enjoyed joining in the [sometimes ridiculous] cheers)... although I was told that this game (against Northeastern) wasn't that well played and was extremely, extremely dirty. We ended up tying 2-2, which sucks because BU would have been first in our conference had we beat NU. I was a bit disappointed too since we had beat NU in the Beanpot 5-2, and I expected us to do the same again. Oh, but tonight was so, so dirty...

Speaking of Northeastern and the Beanpot though, I found this following post from the "Overheard at BU" Facebook group highly amusing:

(At the Beanpot)
BU student section: Fuck 'em up, fuck 'em up--BC SUCKS!
Northeastern fan: Why are they saying BC sucks? We're Northeastern I don't get it!
BU parent/fan: ... Because you guys don't matter.

Sargent Center Love

2009-02-15T21:53:00.009-05:00

So I hope everyone's Valentine's Day went well. As for me, I think I can honestly say that for once in my life I was definitely, most assuredly in love.

Remember this? Okay well, that froze over completely and turned into this:

Frozen lake at sunrise.

Instead of the shore, I'm standing on the lake this time (or lying down to be precise). It completely freezes over in the winter and there's no danger in walking on it; the night before, we were told that the ice was around 23 inches thick. This and the picture below were taken Saturday morning when four of us went out to watch the sunrise.

Deep reflection.

Our actual first time on the lake though was Friday night after our arrival, and as gratifying as it is to watch the sun rise above the trees, there was nothing more breathtaking and awesome (in the purest sense of the word) than seeing the stars at night. Even if I could have taken a picture, nothing would have compared to what we saw. Being able to lie down in the center of the lake away from the camp lights (few as they were) allowed us an even clearer view of the sky. The constellations were fully visible and circled above, hovering over us in a perfect dome. A few of us observed that it was like being in a planetarium, but you must imagine what it must have felt like to know that this time, it was real.

Anyway, after watching the sunrise and eating a hearty breakfast of eggs, potatoes, pancakes, muffins, et cetera, we headed out to go cross country skiing. It was a little hard to get used to at first, but once we started on the trail, I picked up the form (sort of) and was able to move pretty naturally. We went on a long and relatively flat trail with a few inclines (and one ridiculously huge one that everyone fell at); I fell over a lot throughout the whole thing, but it was definitely one of the funnest things I have ever done, not to mention a great workout for your entire body too.

Afterward, we came back for lunch which consisted of chicken, bread, and other foods, though I was still pretty full from breakfast. Then after lunch, we went to feed the chickadees that are in the woods, and they were so trusting that they would perch on our fingers for a few moments to take a seed out of our hands before flying away. They're very cute, and I was happy to have had one of my childhood wishes finally satisfied (hah).

Chika-dee-dee-dee-dee.

Soon after that, we headed out on a snowshoeing adventure. It wasn't as fun as skiing in my opinion (and when going uphill, somewhat more exhausting), but it was less demanding on the body as a whole and so it gave us a great opportunity to just take in the sights. And naturally (no pun intended), they were beautiful:

Along the river.

And I took the following picture with my cell phone:

In the woods.

When we concluded the hike, we were given a few hours to do whatever we wanted before dinner. Most people napped and did work for an hour or two, but after a long rest another girl and I headed out to ski again. Unfortunately, I fell down that really steep slope again and bruised my finger this time around, but even though it hurts to bend it, it didn't swell or anything so I think I'm good (if it still hurts I'll visit Student Health later in the week... hah).

Anyway, we came back right in time for dinner, the highlight of which was the main entree--salmon and shrimp. I had one piece at first, and despite feeling full after finishing the rest of my plate, I still went back up to get another piece. It was delicious, and I wasn't about to pass up my one chance to have not only a good meal but good fish while away from home. Then there was apple cobbler for dessert with homemade whipped cream, and of course I absolutely had to force a big bowl of that down despite my already filled-to-capacity stomach. I was bloated for hours, but it was worth it.

Then after relaxing by the fire and letting ourselves digest, we went out to the meadow for a basic astronomy lesson. One of the camp people pointed out several constellations, and they also set up a big telescope for us and zoomed in on Sirius (I think, or some other really bright star). What's pretty interesting though was that after a number of people went, the star would move out of the telescope's focus. We thought it was because we kept knocking into it or something, but in reality, because the telescope was so zoomed in on the star, the earth's rotation was causing the star to shift out of sight. Pretty cool, right? Anyway, we were also told a few other things, such as where to find Venus. A few of us went out to the lake after to check for it, but we kept mistaking planes for the planet, and the sounds of ice shifting was unusually loud so we left soon after (even though it's supposed to be normal and we knew we were completely safe).

After returning to the cabin, most people were doing work, and aside from the people who left to go out on a night hike, the rest of us crashed between 12 and 1. We were actually so tired, that this morning none of us could get up, and it took us all a while to make our way to Northern Lodge for breakfast, which consisted of eggs, sausages, potatoes, french toast, et cetera. Then after breakfast, we were allowed to do whatever we wished, and so the majority of us went skiing again (during which time I fell again and scraped my wrist, ouch). The group I was with also went out to feed the birds again before heading back for lunch consisting of various breads, meats, and cheeses for custom sandwiches and wraps.

But yeah, that's basically it. After lunch we headed back to our cabins to pack and then return our equipment. We were all sad to go, and it felt horrible to think that such a wonderful place could possibly be closed down and... empty. But we all agreed that we would do whatever it takes to return before August 31, and personally, I feel more invigorated about saving Sargent Center than I did before.

Because as humans we are in love with what makes us happy, and it's important to preserve that with which we are in love.

And here is where my heart lies.

Unbridled Joy

2009-02-12T21:12:00.006-05:00

For starters, I know I've been neglecting the blog a bit, but I've just been so busy with work and the FreeP and such (plus I've been taking care of my sick cousin the past week). Believe me--I am not staying up until 4 AM every night on my own volition.

But that said, I feel the need to report that I must have looked like a total idiot today because I couldn't stop smiling as I was walking. I don't really know what or why it is (or maybe I do have a slight idea, just saying), but for the past week I've just been so extremely... happy.

I'm thinking the weather is playing a HUGE role (it's been above freezing for how many days now?). I went out with just a sweatshirt on Sunday and Wednesday felt like spring. Today was a windy and somewhat rainy day, but it was still warm apart from the wind, and I think I even started to feel a bit nostalgic or inspired or something along those lines--it was refreshing.

(On a side note, I also got to wear this somewhat-fluorescent light yellow cardigan that I've been saving literally for a rainy day. Don't mind my narcissism, but I admit that I felt quite special standing out against the usual winter palette, not to mention strangely optimistic too.)

Class has been going well. In anthropology, history, and math, I admit I'm kind of just skirting by with however little work I can manage, but I really love my English class (the class and the people) and I really find my acting class (especially the people) to be so much fun.

I can't stop smiling about last Sunday when for our drama assignment three of us met outside the Kenmore Classroom Building to do our "repetition game." Basically the game consists of making observations and having the two people repeat what the other person has said from his or her point of view, and then all this eventually takes on the tone and feel of a conversation (so it always changes depending on the people it involves). Example:

1: "You're smiling."
2: "I'm smiling?"
1: "You're smiling."
2: "You're laughing."
1: "I'm laughing."
2: "You're laughing!"
1: "I'm laughing!"

And so on and so forth... It's hard to explain concisely. If you don't get it, it's not important, but anyway, we had to do this while trying to achieve an objective and by employing various tactics. For example, my objective was to get the other person to be concerned about me, and so the tactics I used was to act distant, not make eye contact, etc. My charming classmate, however, decided that his objective was to get both my hands out of my pockets, and proceeded to carry out a variety of tactics, which included scaring me, shouting at me, and even flirting with me! Forget about what strange things we were already shouting out for everyone walking along Comm. Ave. to hear--by that point I was thoroughly embarrassed. But I admit that it was incredibly funny, and honestly, I have to say that I actually really quite enjoyed it.

As for my English class, everyone is so wonderful and nice. I've never had a class before where everyone gets along so well with everyone else. Speaking of which, I was talking to one of the News Assignment people at the FreeP tonight and she was telling us how in her philosophy class she asked the girl next to her about a point her professor made, and the girl said something along the lines of "I don't share notes with lazy ass people who can't take notes for themselves." How despicable! It's times like that I wish karma existed to strike down people who deserve it... Seriously, even though that's probably an extreme case, this is one reason why I'm glad I'm not pre-med or even a science major anymore.

But anyway, back to my English class, I really find our discussions quite enjoyable. It's funny too how I've also established this thing with a few of my classmates where we automatically glance at each other and smile across the conference table when something funny occurs. It happens naturally and all the time. I love it.

We're also reading Pride and Prejudice at the moment, which I would think is influencing my feelings were I actually reading it instead of skimming it and relying on my memory of the book to carry me through class. Still, I find the relationship between Lizzy and Darcy to be quite tantalizing. This apparently makes sense too since, as my professor notes, the cleverly-written book is highly erotic (cue the glances and giggles).

Ah, what fun. And I've got a great week coming up. I'm heading to Sargent Center again this weekend, this time to go cross country skiing and snowshoeing! I'll be back Sunday afternoon, meaning I'll still have time to enjoy the weekend (or do work, depending on how responsible I feel). Then next week, as much as I actually like my classes, Tuesday runs on a Monday schedule and both my discussions are cancelled, meaning I have my usual four classes on Thursday but only one one-hour class on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday! And I don't even have to teach next Friday. What luck!

Because of my necessity to think that all these good events must be balanced by bad events, part of me is somewhat-jokingly dreading what has yet to come. But I guess in the end, I'm not too concerned. I'm just so thankful for everything that's happened lately. Maybe the universe just decided to randomly give me a break.

Thank you, Universe!

Oh, and I almost forgot; I found this article very touching:

40 years' worth of thanks

Surprise, Surprise

2009-02-04T23:11:00.003-05:00

So today was full of surprises...

8:30 AM: Bad surprise - No hot water. Cold shower. Not fun.

10:30 AM: Funny surprise - Anthropology professor is lecturing on mutations. Picture of a fly with two big red dots on its wings pops onto the slide next to a population of normal flies. Professor's words: So here you can see it's mutated. It's like, "Dad... I have red balls."

1:00 PM: Scary surprise - Everyone starts receiving alerts from BU. Something is happening at one of the main buildings on campus.

1:30 PM: ...continued... - Everyone is told that police activity in the area has concluded.

4:00 PM: Scary surprise - I find out that a student reported a person who appeared to be holding an ammunition clip and a bullet. No suspect is found.

6:30 PM: Yummy surprise - Blueberry pie. Mmm.

8:00 PM: Funny surprise - Conversation at the FreeP is lively tonight. Laughing at a person's rather accurate comment about how our place is filled with "bitches and a Ho" (if you know who the editors are, you'll understand).

Hm, I suppose that's it. Sorry for the lame post. I think editing at the FreeP takes away my willpower to write. But yeah, just wanted to record the day's events. Hopefully I'll be able to write more this weekend. But for now it's back to work work work.

The Fourth Year

2009-01-31T22:07:00.000-05:00

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

I still remember.

Keeping It Cool (Or Not)

2009-01-27T23:58:00.000-05:00

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.

Happy [Lunar] New Year

2009-01-26T15:01:00.003-05:00

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.

How History is Made

2009-01-20T23:48:00.000-05:00

Obama Takes Oath, and Nation in Crisis Embraces the Moment

It's so inspiring.

What a truly beautiful day.

Out and About

2009-01-19T23:09:00.004-05:00

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.

The Last Professor

2009-01-18T23:42:00.001-05:00

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.

Spring Term

2009-01-16T16:16:00.006-05:00

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.

Into the Swing of Things

2009-01-13T20:08:00.004-05:00

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.

Lost

2009-01-09T00:35:00.003-05:00

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...

2009 Outlook

2009-01-03T19:49:00.007-05:00

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!"

Resolutions

2009-01-01T00:51:00.002-05:00

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.

Reflections

2008-12-31T22:13:00.003-05:00

So I'd like to take this time to reflect on this year.

I entered 2008 with college essays trailing off my feet, emerging out of my room mentally battered and delirious. But I was done with applications and that was all that mattered to me. I put my best foot forward for all those mighty colleges to judge, and I could do no more.

As the year started to move, everything started to change. I got increasingly caught up in the election. I watched Hillary take a blow (and blow after blow) and Obama rise to prominence. I was extremely skeptical of Obama, and I was angry.

I continued on with my schoolwork, with my science research, not succumbing to senioritis just yet. After all there was still hope. At the time that is.

But despite my work, my happiness escalated. I was having the time of my life, as were my friends. We went out and did spontaneous things and it was fun and memorable and all of it--I loved it all.

And then disappointment struck... for everyone. Rejections here and there. I found myself in the dismal position of having the last bit of hope I had collapse in my heart. But I convinced myself that I could still be happy, and it seemed plausible at the time.

But there was more. My research came to no fruition, and as if hope was my immune system without it I easily fell ill with senioritis. I wanted to continue on, but I had to drag my mind and body over every finish line, my only energy coming from the prospect of being perfectly happy with my friends after all of it was done.

And when it was done, it was blissful. Everything was carefree and I was very much in love with my life, with my friends, with everything. I had issues at work, and I often found myself furious, but in the end it didn't matter and I didn't care. I was having too good of a time.

Then it ended. Everyone parted ways. But I was excited. I was revitalized. I wanted to take on this new chapter of my life. I wanted to start college.

After all, I had all those fanciful visions of myself. Socializing. Succeeding. Oh, I was to have a wonderful time. But it didn't turn out that way. I found myself alone, lonely, lost. Meanwhile, I heard tales of my friends, now far away, seemingly so happy. And I wondered why I was not the same.

I started to fail. Any sense of belonging in Boston started to fail. The economy also started to fail, and after a long time the election finally took a decisive turn. And I threw my preference towards Obama, towards hope perhaps, but certainly against McCain, or more specifically, against Palin and against the possibility of another backwards presidency.

And in the dark, forced down to my knees, I started to grope for any form of support. I found a few friends, and I was happy with what I had, but there were times when I wondered if loneliness would be better... if only loneliness wasn't what sparked my thoughts in the first place.

So I spent the rest of the year in limbo, swinging dangerously between moods, between thoughts, hanging on only with the hope that my decisions will finally lead me towards a life I can be truly happy with.

And so it ends. I look back at my resolutions and I wonder how to judge myself. Be happy, appreciate, live. I was happy. I did appreciate. I certainly lived.

But I can't say it lasted. And unfortunately, as much as I hate to admit it, I suppose that's how 2008 is going to end for me. Such a shame.

A dismal end to an otherwise memorable and historical year.

Twilight

2008-12-29T01:40:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I finally saw the movie. Loo and I went for the sheer purpose of "staying informed" since she too is plagued by the cries of hardcore fangirls. And I must admit...

It was everything I expected it to be.

And much less.

But it's great because now I feel that my criticisms are justified. Book fans, I hope for your sake that the movie was not an accurate depiction, lest people think that you've lost your wits.

Oh, too late. Oops.

Okay, okay. I'm done being mean. But seriously, I still can't understand why people think Twilight (at least the movie) is so great.

Is it Rob Pattinson? Because honestly, I didn't find him all that attractive in the movie. In some of the promo pics? Yeah okay, maybe. But I've always found him very scruffy-looking, even in this movie.

The character Edward Cullen? I had to stop myself from laughing during the movie because he seems like such a creeper. "I like to watch you sleep." Haha. Oh, and the sparkly skin was great too.

The storyline? Um, what story? Girl moves to new place. Guy lives in said place. Guy acts weird. Girl is weirded out. Guy happens to be drawn to her. Girl suddenly (and by "suddenly" I do really mean "all of a sudden") gets drawn to him. Oh and then evil shows up, evil is defeated. And there you go.

I mean, seriously? I can make fun of how cliche the characters' names are, but that would be too easy. I hope the actors really do just suck because if not, the characters themselves really are just two-dimensional. Neither has much personality. Bella is this clumsy, emo child with no talents at all. Edward is supposed to be this suave, charming person who for no real reason is drawn to Bella. And therefore, it's even less comprehensible why Bella falls in love with Edward in the first place! Even the conflict in the story is horribly boring. James wants Bella. James hunts Bella. The Cullens kill James. Wow. How utterly utterly exciting.

I at least expected the cinemotography to be good, but I found it mediocre. I was also getting dizzy as I was watching, but I'm going to blame that on the small theatre in which I watched it in an admittedly poor attempt to not be a complete bitch about this. But seriously, I'm sad to report that Catherine Hardwicke's recognition from having the biggest opening ever for a female director truly is undeserved, the product of an already loyal fanbase and not a true testament of her skill.

But in an attempt to be positive, first I must say that I found the character Alice to be quite delightful. Second, in terms of eye candy, I think I enjoyed the character Carlisle the most. And third, I really did find the natural beauty of Washington to be quite captivating.

Other than that though I can't say much else. I would say that I'm disappointed in the movie, but my expectations already were at rock bottom.

Okay, okay. That's all, I promise. I sincerely apologize. I'm done being mean. For real this time.

Christmas Tidings

2008-12-25T22:42:00.002-05:00

So when I came home from Boston to find a real tree in my living room, I almost cried. It was round and full, peppered with red and silver ornaments and strung with lights that continuously blinked throughout the night.

I was so surprised. I don't think I ever had a real tree before. As I child I used to singlehandedly set up a little fake one, and then as I grew older I got lazy and nothing got put up.

But this year... I thought this year might be different. There was snow outside. The tree was pretty. My parents actually liked to plug in the lights at night. There were presents sitting under the tree, creating an iconic image that just seemed right.

But when I woke up today, I walked into the living room and looked out the large windows. The yard was bare. The sun was bright and the snow had completely melted (not that I expected any of it to remain after yesterday's rain, but it was a bit disappointing). Looking away, we then proceeded to open our gifts, but as I tore open the wrapping paper, I wasn't consumed by joy. Suddenly, time seemed slow and sluggish. I looked at my gifts. I liked them, but I didn't feel appreciative. And I didn't feel like anyone else felt appreciative of his or her gifts either.

So just like that, the holiday illusion shattered. And it didn't feel like Christmas anymore.

I did have family over, but only my mother's sister's family came and not my mother's brother's family, and so it was a lot more low-key. It was fun, and the food was good, but there was less excitement than usual and it seemed obvious to me.

After everyone had left, alone I thought back to what ignited this holiday spirit in the first place.

Then I reached behind the tree and unplugged the lights from the wall.

Pitied and Saved

2008-12-22T18:39:00.000-05:00

I got a B minus.

I GOT A B MINUS!

THANK YOU GOD.

Though my professor sent me an e-mail questioning my intent of being a physics major... I know--it annoyed me of course--but I tried to stay classy. I thanked him and told him that I already realized that it wasn't a possibility. Yeah, it sort of felt like I was admitting defeat, and in a sense it was, but I'm just glad I managed to come out with my pride [and scholarship] intact. I didn't want to admit that I couldn't do it, but at the same time, I refused to drop the class and quit.

But I'm definitely glad it's over. Overall, that was definitely the most pitiful experience of my life.

Bane of My Existence

2008-12-21T09:32:00.002-05:00

Physics finals are graded.

I got a 62... out of 125.

And that's WITH the curve.

Without it would be 68 out of 150.

The median score was 105 out of 125.

I don't know how I'm going to pass this class.

EFF. MY. LIFE.

Nepotism

2008-12-20T23:10:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the Family Business?

An interesting article worth reading.

Yes, I admit that I might be biased against Ms. Kennedy. But the other Kennedys' encouragement based on their desire to remain a presence in the Senate is really turning this into a case of nepotism.

And from experience, nepotism is one of the things I hate most.

FREEDOM

2008-12-18T22:33:00.000-05:00

This morning I took my physics final.

Ergo, I'm officially done with physics and with science in general!

I failed it for sure but I don't feel bad. I did try my best, and that may be why I don't feel bad, but I do wonder if it's because I resigned myself to my fate sometime within the last 24 hours or so (I studied, but maybe not as hard as I thought I did).

But anyway, the important thing is that I'm done! It's over! I made it! Physics, haunt me no more!

And sure, I had a very crappy bus ride home as usual (though it was nothing compared to the day I went back after Thanksgiving break), but I came back with my cousin Saa which was nice. She just finished her finals this morning too, and so we were both able to rejoice in the fact that we were finally free.

And it was wonderful. Freedom has never felt so good before.

America's Princess?

2008-12-15T20:13:00.001-05:00

Caroline Kennedy Is Seeking Seat Held by Clinton

Okay, I don't know what this woman has done, but personally, I think that's the problem.

I don't really believe in what she's doing. I don't believe that she can insist on staying out of politics and then suddenly show an interest in becoming a senator, or if she does actually have a genuine interest that she can become one without running for the position.

I think she's taking advantage of the fact that the seat was vacated by Hillary (of all people). I think she's taking advantage of Gov. Patterson's need to appoint a person he can be reelected with. I think she's taking advantage of her namesake.

In other words, I don't think this is right. I understand she's a Kennedy. I understand that she's a good person and won't be corrupt or anything like that. But to appoint a person with no real political experience to such a high post is preposterous (even Obama earned his positions). Were it not for her name, she would never even have been considered for this post.

And maybe it's just because I'm too young to appreciate the Kennedy namesake, but I could care less if the Senate would be left Kennedy-less. If she really is the most qualified candidate then let her have it. But if not, I hope New Yorkers will be smart enough to realize what's happening and to make their voices heard.

Of All Days

2008-12-11T20:43:00.000-05:00

Three papers due today and physics homework due tomorrow.

Two all-nighters in a row.

One overall bad day.

All I wanted was a little peace.

All I wanted was some sleep.

All I wanted... I just didn't want this.

I'm so ungrateful.

Stomach Bug

2008-12-04T16:48:00.006-05:00

So to be honest, I haven't been feeling very well since I got back on Sunday. I've lost my appetite somewhat (or at least I feel nauseated after I eat), I've been having some level of abdominal discomfort, and my stomach is making the loudest noises.

I've tried to control my diet over the past few days and recall what I've been eating, but the only reason as to why I'm not feeling well that I could think of was that I wasn't used to the dining hall food again and/or the crappy bus ride on Sunday got me sick.

When I did some online research, I wasn't liking what I was finding. (Tapeworm, in particular, disgusts me to no end. If you want to google them on your own time go ahead, but I couldn't bring myself to post a link of those impossibly long parasites.)

So to make sure it wasn't anything serious, I decided to take a trip to Student Health Services today. It turned out to be a stomach virus, even though I'm not throwing up or anything. I guess I'm just reacting to it differently than everyone else. Either way, I'm already feeling a little better, whether that's actually due to the visit or to the fact that I waited four days to get it checked out.

Whatever, as long as it's not a tapeworm... blegh.

Change of Heart

2008-12-01T22:01:00.001-05:00

So I was at the FreeP until 2 last night... except I'm not as annoyed about it as I thought I would be.

In fact, I'm actually pretty glad to be back in general. It's strange considering how desperate I was to get out of Boston.

But I don't know why that is. Maybe everyone was just really anxious to get home before break, myself included. People just seemed so sick of school and others who weren't able to go home were just upset and irritated... not that they didn't have a right to be, but I didn't enjoy all that "negative energy" that was polluting the air.

Except... as happy as I was to finally see my home friends again, by the end I was really quite disappointed. And then, when I came back, it was like my expectations were once again met with the complete opposite outcome.

The tolerable became intolerable. The intolerable became tolerable. I couldn't understand why...

But I'm not complaining.

Back to Boston

2008-11-30T19:21:00.004-05:00

Ugh, so today has been absolutely horrible. I had a terrible headache when I woke up this morning, probably from being upset the night before (for reasons that shall remain unnamed). Then I ran into one of my old coworkers (who was also returning to BU), which I suppose would have been a good thing had we not ended up sitting all the way in the back of the bus.

And the bus ride in particular was not pleasant. Aside from the usual discomfort, the air was stuffy and humid. The rain followed us from New York to Boston, and there was horrible traffic the entire way. The bus left New York at 10 and I didn't get back to my dorm until 5, by which point I still hadn't eaten lunch (or anything for that matter) and was absolutely starving.

I felt so gross from the trip too that I also decided to shower before going down to the dining hall. I ate with my roommate, which was nice, but naturally, the food felt insufficient compared to the food I had been eating the past few days. At least it's given me material for my cartoon though, which they need tomorrow.

I was going to get work done, but the FreeP called me since the current editor isn't supposed to come back until tomorrow and they wanted me to help fill in. Whatever, I just hope I don't have to stay there for long.

But then again, I need time to take my mind off something anyway.

A Real Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T23:56:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving is the best holiday ever. Friends, family, food--what more can I ask for?

Carved turkey.

More food.

If heaven could be served on a paper plate...

No joke, looking at these pictures makes me hungry again. My only regret was that I was actually full after seconds.

Oh, but it was a fabulous dinner nonetheless! And my cousins are awesome... Good times, good times.

Thanksgiving Eve

2008-11-26T23:56:00.004-05:00

So I'm finally home and this year, instead of eating out, we decided to save some cash and cook our own Thanksgiving Eve dinner.

The menu: Chicken Parmesan with Pasta and Garlic Bread, Chocolate Pudding Pie for dessert.

The cooking process.

Ready to be baked.

Done!

Sure, it took three hours to cook, but it was pretty good and we got some good laughs out of it.

Ah, friends... what a wonderful feeling.

I Hate Public Transportation

2008-11-21T20:15:00.006-05:00

So I didn't have physics homework due today since it was due Wednesday this week instead. In that case, you'd think I'd have an absolutely fabulous Friday, but no, if physics doesn't ruin it then something else must.

I had to teach again today, this time at a different high school. Firstly, getting there was already a pain. I got to the bus stop at 9:40, hoping to catch the 9:45 bus to the station which would allow me to get to the school around 10:15. This would give me a half-hour safety buffer since my workshop was supposed to begin at 10:46. Or at least that was the plan.

So yes, I get to the bus stop at 9:40, give or take a minute or two. I wait. The time comes, passes. Maybe it's late. Maybe I missed it. But I have time. I don't have a problem waiting for the next one.

Ten o'clock comes, passes. I'm standing there freezing in the 30 degree weather. Maybe it's late. I wait and wait. But there's no way I could have missed this one. I look around, and a young woman approaches me. She asks me if I'm waiting for the #8, and I reply yes, but tell her that it hasn't come. She concurs and explains how she's been waiting for that bus for the past half-hour! Alarmed, we approach a transit worker. He refuses to listen to the woman, telling her that she had not been waiting for the past half-hour, and that he was aware the bus was 20 minutes late.

Twenty minutes! Two buses should have came in that time! I was infuriated, but mostly worried. I looked at my watch. It was 10:15. If the bus didn't come in the next four minutes, I was taking a taxi to the school. Later I realized I should have taken it anyway.

It finally came in the next minute and I hopped on board. I got to the station, but then I had to walk to the school. Much to my dismay, the directions weren't clear and I reached an intersection where the road I was on traveling along curved right. I was supposed to turn left on a specific street, but as I saw no sign or indication, I followed the street to be safe. When I finally made sense of the directions, I realized that I should have turned left at that intersection, meaning I was going the complete opposite direction. I turned around and started running the other way.

By the time I got to the school I was late. I approached the front desk to sign-in, but one of my "superiors" was standing there and interrupted, asking if I was an educator. I replied yes, and she looked at her watch and said, "Oh, class started six or seven minutes ago." It wasn't in a malicious tone, but we both knew it was a problem. I tried to explain as she helped me find the classroom, but she clearly wasn't interested. I was so embarrassed, especially since I was late the last time I saw her too.

It didn't make me feel any better to teach the class. The kids I dealt with at the last school I taught at were absolutely wonderful. They participated and listened, and even those that weren't listening were still quiet. In other words, they showed us respect. But this school was the complete opposite. The kids completely ignored us, talked over us, and simply wouldn't settle down. My partner kept repeating how we were taking time out of our schedules to be there, how we were there because we wanted to help them, but they didn't care at all. And in the end, being the empathetic person I am, I was deeply depressed.

But that wasn't even the end of it. I received permission to take a taxi back since the workshop ended at 11:40 and I had class at 12. But I never did get that taxi. We tried hailing one from the streets, but all of them refused to take us. This angered me as only one of the five we saw actually had a passenger inside. We tried calling a company to send one, but they said that they didn't cover the area we were in. We gave up when it was past 12. I was late to class, and I resigned to take the bus back to campus.

I got back at 12:35, so I ended up skipping class completely. It's not such an important class in terms of grades and such, but I felt bad about missing it and I would have liked to participate in the discussion that went on today.

So I went straight to writing class and then afterward I ate lunch with Izzy, which was perhaps the one good thing that happened to me today. Then I took a nap to relieve my stress before waking up to have dinner with Caca.

Ugh, but I still can't get over what happened today. The bottom line: Boston public transportation sucks, and taxis do too.

Seriously, in New York, it's illegal to not pick up a person if you have an empty cab. But I know, I know; I'm not in New York now, am I?

Project Implicit

2008-11-18T01:34:00.009-05:00

Okay, okay, okay.

I know it's 1:30 AM and I should have totally started my homework already, but I was actually trying to get ideas for my paper (don't worry, it's not due anytime soon) and I came across this article and blog, which brought me to this thing called Project Implicit.

You don't have to read the article or blog unless you want some background, but I strongly recommend you take a look at the Project Implicit site. Basically, it's this study conducted by Harvard that reveals people's subconscious thoughts. There's a bunch of different tests you can take, and it really has the potential of revealing things you might not have realized before.

It's pretty sick.

I took the Race, 2008 Presidential Election, and Gender-Science IATs.

Apparently I:

a) Show a strong preference for European-Americans over African-Americans (Race--don't judge, I'm sorry it's subconscious!!)

b) Show a moderate preference for European-Americans to African-Americans and a slight preference for Obama over McCain (2008 PresElec--yeah, I don't know how my "race preference" changed.) and

c) Show moderate association with Female with Science and Male with Liberal Arts as opposed to vice versa (Gender-Science--yeah, I was the odd-one-out on this one.)

Anyway, I decided to stop before it ends up being 4 AM again. It's funny though because I think [as does my roommate] that it really just depends on the society in which one was raised. (I, for example, lived in a community that was 96% white and spent most of my secondary school career delved in the sciences.)

But I thought it was kind of cool that I came to the same conclusion back in junior year when I conducted a survey about the factors that influence the career aspirations of kids and young adults. I don't remember what I found exactly, but I think I did establish that there did exist a societal bias towards certain jobs, and that influenced what kids wanted to be when they grew up.

Wow, ISR does come in use... sometimes. But yeah, definitely check out the site.

New Beginnings

2008-11-16T20:44:00.003-05:00

So today was an exciting day. I registered for classes this morning and I received some fantastic news a few hours ago...

So I basically got every class I wanted, which was Human Evolution (anthropology), Seminar in Literature - The English Country House (not my first choice topic but perfectly acceptable), and Applied Math (which wouldn't be on anyone's favorites list anyway). I'm also 99.999% sure that I got into my honors class too (I was fourth in line last Monday for this special registration), and it's a history class called Catastrophe in Cultural Memory, so I'm really looking forward to that.

(Nope, there's no science in that schedule [unless you count anthropology]. This major turnover is legit.)

Anyway, my schedule borders on the extremes (my free time is essentially 11-3 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays). But I only have one class on Monday and Friday from 10-11, which is just superb.

But you know what else is superb? I'm the new Associate Editor of the Editorial Page for the Daily Free Press!

And I thought I completely botched the interview yesterday! No, I definitely did. But I still can't believe they gave me this opportunity! (Unless it was by default--I don't really know how it works... haha.)

Ah, but I'm so happy. It's effective beginning next semester, even though I start training this week.

But next semester is going to be so amazing. I just can't wait!

Heightened Ego

2008-11-13T22:38:00.006-05:00

Sorry for being MIA the past week. I just had so much work to do last week and some of it carried into the beginning of this one.

But anyway... I could tell you about how I didn't go to class on Friday or how I completely bombed my Physics quiz yesterday... but alas! I actually have something better to talk about.

So I had dinner with a couple friends tonight. I really only planned to eat with Caca but I ran into another girl I knew and her friend in the dining hall, so we all just decided to sit with each other.

The four of us introduced ourselves to whomever the unknown party was and started to have a conversation. Class registration is coming up, so we were talking about that for a bit. Caca asked my other friend what she was majoring in and she said English. Caca, in excitement, points to me with her fork and says between bites, "Oh! You two are doing the same thing!" I smile because my other friend and I have already established this previously. My friend, however, gives only a half-smile and quietly mentions, "Yeah, but I did it first. You were a physics major."

I force a laugh. Then to console her, I tell her not to worry and that instead of double majoring in journalism (as she plans to), I was hoping to do so in film. She forces a chuckle and the conversation moves on.

This wouldn't have bothered me as much if it wasn't the second time that happened. The first time occurred about a month ago or so when we were eating lunch together. At the time, I was ecstatic. I had just straightened out the mess I had gotten into and figured out what I might be doing with my life. I told her excitedly that I was thinking of majoring in English.

"Oh! That's what I'm doing..."

Then I told her about how I might BUCOP (double major in a different school) with the School of Communication and how I was happy because my future was open to me again, meaning I could study abroad, relearn french...

Then she says with that half-smile, "Hey... you're becoming me..."

I think I chuckled at this even though I was slightly offended--I'd like to think I'm above imitation--but I'm certain that she was feeling defensive. After all, I can understand where she's coming from. Valedictorian of her class, a Trustee Scholar at BU (meaning she's here on a full ride), she's smart, competitive, and--like me--probably enjoys being the first and best in everything.

Except I'd like to think I'm better at hiding that unattractive trait.

Still, it's funny to see how people act. And of course, I'm still going to go on doing my own thing, regardless of what anyone else says.

OBAMA

2008-11-04T23:55:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have our next president!

Last Minute Reminders

2008-11-03T22:39:00.002-05:00

Vote! Vote! Vote!

The fate of America will be decided within the next 24 hours!

How exhilarating.

Yet at the same time, horribly horribly terrifying.

It's in your hands!

Hapless Halloween

2008-10-31T23:41:00.005-04:00

So this has been one of the worst Fridays ever...

In fact, the only funny thing that happened today was that my roommate got spooked (or to be more specific, borderline-traumatized) at one or two in the morning because the box she was holding literally leapt off her lap (I saw), which sent us on a mousehunt for an hour (even though we know for sure that we have no mice). So now she's afraid of boxes. Oh, and we determined the scratching sounds in the walls must be a basilisk moving through the pipes. Yep.

And no, my dorm isn't haunted. That would be the fourth floor of Shelton Hall, down the road.

But then here's the bad news (and there's lots of it)...

Firstly, I stayed up doing physics (but of course that's nothing new).

Then I had to wake up at 8 because I had to be at a high school to administer a pretest for PHE. This wouldn't have been so much of a problem if a) I wasn't dead tired and b) I didn't miss the bus by less than a minute! Seriously, missing that bus set me back an entire half-an-hour, and much to my embarrassment I had to walk in late.

Then after my classes, I was in a frenzy trying to finish my physics homework that was just impossible for me this week. My intention was to finish the homework early so I could hang out with Izzy, but instead I stayed there working on it until 6 (by which point it was already dark and I had a slight headache).

So after finally finishing, I met Izzy and we decided to hop directly on the T to Salem. The train ride out of the city was sort of fun, but Salem was a madhouse. That is, we knew it was going to be busy, but there were lines to every restaurant, and people were already quite drunk. It was still early for the night, but we were so hungry that we just decided to leave.

Luckily, we got back to Boston at 10:40 or so, which was just enough time to eat at a restaurant before it closed. We ate at Fin's, a sushi place, and fortunately, because of it I could end my night on a good note.

But there's still people outside (thank you, big Kenmore frat party) who are screaming and being loud. Ugh, but they're not even as bad as the people at the T stations we passed; drunk, rude, and obnoxious, as the T honked incessantly at them to get out of the way, Izzy shouted:

God! We should just run them over!

Halloween just isn't our holiday.

Mid-Semester Crisis

2008-10-26T23:59:00.005-04:00

So I just submitted my writing assignment. Yep, it's due at midnight. I totally forgot about it again, but yes, I got it done because I'm just THAT good.

Actually, that's complete BS. I don't know what's wrong with me lately, but I just haven't been able to get things done.

My roommate has deemed it, "Mid-Semester Crisis." Apparently, she says she's getting lazy too and as of recent has been misplacing everything imaginable. As for me, I've just been eating and sleeping a lot, and I seriously haven't even been able to force myself to do work lately. What a pain.

On the other hand, I wonder if it's because I'm beginning to find friends here. On Friday, I went grocery shopping with Caca, Soos, and Izzy, and we picked up cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory on the way back too. When we got back to Caca's dorm kitchen, we microwave-cooked the pasta we had just bought and feasted on that for dinner.

On Saturday, I ate lunch with Saa and then went to Starbucks to study, although this proved counterproductive, at least for me. Afterward, I ate dinner with my roommate and then another friend came over. Then our neighbors from across the hall happened to come by and wanted to play Apples to Apples, so the eight of us did that before going to Late Night for food and heading back for the night.

Today, I studied with Saa again, but this time we went to the library so I was slightly more productive. After a few hours, Caca called me for dinner, and so I listened to her funny stories before coming back to my dorm and realizing that I had writing homework due.

And so it comes full circle... except I still have to finish reading for my writing class, and finish the reading for my Holocaust L&F class too.

... Yeah, I should probably get on that.

Achieving Normality

2008-10-23T02:18:00.008-04:00

I totally shouldn't be blogging right now but whatever...

So firstly, I'd just like to report that I got back my physics midterm during discussion today, and alas, I did NOT fail! I got a 75, which was below average (80), but frankly, I could care less since I actually PASSED. Of course, both my professor and my TF found the need to point out that it was on the easy side (thereby popping my already tiny self-esteem bubble AGAIN), but nonetheless, I'm still quite ecstatic, especially because I apparently have a B in the course so far. Really! A B never even crossed my mind! (Maybe I won't lose my scholarship after all!)

So I basically have to maintain that now... hopefully it won't get harder from here.

In other news, I met with an advisor today for class registration. He ended up being a fantastic guy and the meeting went quite smoothly. So for next semester, I'm starting off on track to becoming an English major, while continuing physics (though at the most basic level possible), restarting French (from the beginning, as I wished), and taking a history class about catastrophe and memory for my honors program requirement (though it does seem very very interesting). I looked up reviews on ratemyprofessors.com and even blocked out my schedule, so I'm just hoping the actual registration goes smoothly and that I'll get everything I wish for.

It really is great though. I'm excited for life again. And hopefully this path won't lead to a dead end.

But even life right now, I've just been feeling pretty wonderful lately (aside from the fact that I'm procrastinating a lot and eating and sleeping like a bear). I'd also just like to make a petty point that I haven't eaten a meal alone since Monday afternoon, which at six consecutive meals is definitely a record for me. I know that sounds silly, but to me it signifies that I'm achieving the... normality I've always wanted. And maybe this sounds dumb but to me... that's like seeing rays of sunlight come through after a storm.

Sargent Center Retreat

2008-10-19T23:57:00.005-04:00

So for my 200th post, I bring you news of my weekend. Behold:

Yes, this picture is legit.

So about 50 of us ventured up to New Hampshire this weekend to BU's Sargent Center, and I must say it was as exciting and fun as I thought it would be. After a two-hour bus ride or so, we finally arrived at the site. When we stepped off the bus, the crisp, untainted New England air filled our lungs. It was chilly, yes, but so clean, and we all took the opportunity to take in deep breaths. I looked around excitedly for I could see lots and lots of trees, and better yet, a large meadow of plain green grass (both simple luxuries I enjoyed at home but am completely deprived of here in Boston).

We were given a quick introduction from the very campy-looking Hutch (yes, that's his real name) and then directed to our heated cabins (which I was thankful for, since we hadn't been told where we were sleeping and I was prepared to rough it in a yurt or something in 29-degree New Hampshirian night weather). After that we trekked back to the main cabin, where another pleasant surprise awaited us. For lunch, instead of traditional, crappy campy food, we were served freshly-made baked ziti among other selections of "real" food. We also drank clean, natural water, said to be from the grounds of New Hampshire itself, and maybe his words had a psychological effect, but it really did taste fresh and pure.

Afterward, we went through several team-building activities. After playing many ice-breaker-type games, we split into three smaller groups and each did separate activities from there. My group was challenged to get everyone to swing across a mud pit from one small platform to an even smaller platform (without falling or stepping off at any time). Another noteworthy brainteaser [that I still detest] was this challenge to balance several nails on one (which as honors program students, we utterly failed to do). After that, the three groups rejoined and played different versions of tag. Then when those activities were completed, we were given time to do as we liked.

Izzy and Caca (who I knew prior to the trip from my writing and physics classes respectively) were with me and we decided to go canoeing. The lake was absolutely beautiful, and it was almost silent when we paddled out to the center of it. It also gave us time to really talk about things (ranging from silly girl talk to more serious social issues). But it was such a relaxing feeling to be out on the lake, and that short period of isolation was really quite soothing.

When it was time for dinner we paddled back to shore and went back to the lodge where we indulged in hot chocolate mixed with coffee (there was no hot water left, but it wasn't a bad idea). When dinner was served, it was delicious. Steak, rice, potatoes, it was all delicious (and somewhat sadly, much better than dining hall food--I mean seriously, steak??).

After dinner we all joined in on a drumming workshop, which is exactly what it sounds like. After being fanned with the scent of burning sage (or some kind of herb), we spent the night playing with various percussion instruments and being led around in a circle while chanting Native American tribal songs. Yes, it was actually a bit cultish to have everyone on the same page like that, but as the leader woman said, that feeling of unity did bring forth wonderful "energy" or something of that sort.

Afterward, we were led outside to a campfire site. During the drumming workshop, we were told to write down any wishes we had on cards, and these were then burned in the fire and therefore "released into nature so that they may come true in the spring" (I know, I know, but I just thought it was in good fun). Next we of course proceeded to roast marshmallows and tell "freshman-year stories." After all that was done, we went on a "night hike" (which was more like a short walk in the woods) and then gazed up at the stars as we returned to our cabin for the night.

On day 2, we ate breakfast (the traditional egg, toast, sausage, and potatoes meal) and then headed out to the ropes course which ended up being pretty awesome. It was something like "Project Adventure" in high school, except so much more... authentic (plus the zip line was the most awesome zip line I've ever been on). That took the whole morning though, so afterwards we had lunch (just sandwiches this time), headed back the cabin to pack, and boarded the bus back to Boston.

Can you see all the ropes?

So all in all, it was really fun. Socially, I got to meet a bunch of people, although I didn't quite fulfill my expectations as planned (I wanted to get to know everyone, but a lot of them knew each other from living together in the honors housing, so it was already a bit cliquey). But I'm fine with it. I got to spend time with Izzy, Caca, and some others, and I got the chance to get out of Boston again. It was a wonderful place and I had a wonderful time. What more could I have asked for?

Physics-Free Friday

2008-10-17T23:41:00.004-04:00

Um... so this Friday has been the most fantastic Friday I've had here so far. And I'm not going to pretend not to know why.

So I had my physics midterm on Thursday, which went... okay. I studied Tuesday night and all day Wednesday--I know, I know, but I swear I tried my best. After it was over though, my physics friend (who I shall refer to as Caca) and I just went straight to the dining hall to get ice cream (with all those luscious toppings). That probably wasn't the best idea, since we ended up staying there for 2 hours and eating the entire time, but we felt like we deserved it. Plus Soos (another physics friend) found us while we were there and joined us.

The rest of the day passed with me being quite unproductive (though to be fair, I was trying to sleep off some "stomach" pains). When I woke from my nap, I wrote a perspective for the Daily Free Press and drew a cartoon. (Stay tuned next week for at least the latter.) I can't remember what I did after that, but I must have just procrastinated for another few hours until it was 1 AM. Then on a whim, I decided to check if I had writing homework, and I found out that I did (and by the way, my writing homework is always due at midnight). I sent it anyway though, and then finally decided to finish up my Holocaust L&F homework, which kept me awake until 4.

I know, I'm not the smartest person when it comes to starting things on time.

But today went well. Kirby came to visit me, and we had breakfast together. Then we sat on the BU Beach for a bit before I had to head to class. Both my classes were pretty funny today, but I was super-excited when they were both over. I literally sang out in joy at the fact that I was free at that very moment. (Because having a physics midterm means no homework for this week.)

No homework, no five o' clock deadline, no stress.

Just supreme bliss and the wonderful taste of freedom.

So Caca, Soos, and I made plans yesterday to go shopping, and to my delight, we were actually carrying through. So we walked to Newbury Street together and went window shopping mostly, but we got things at H&M (I splurged again on a jacket).

Then Caca had to go meet her boyfriend, so Soos and I were left alone to wander the streets. We stumbled across a place called Snappy Sushi, had an impulse to eat out, and both ordered Chirashi Don (slices of fish over sushi rice, one of my favorites). We savored every bite before walking around a bit more and then back.

When we got back to campus, we hung out in the her dorm building's "music room," which was really just this big open lounge with several tables, chairs, couches, a piano, and a big screen TV (which we utilized by watching 2 episodes of CSI: Miami).

And... I have to admit that's it. It's not a very eventful story, although this is the most fun I've had in a while. But I'm happy. Things are picking up I think. And best of all, this weekend has only just begun...

I'll be away in New Hampshire the next two days on a retreat. Caca is going, and so is a friend from my writing class, so I'm really excited. But I can't stop thinking about the people I get to meet and the things we'll be doing... Ah, I just can't wait!

Station Frustration

2008-10-10T22:45:00.005-04:00

So the original plan was to go back to New York with my cousin. She usually finishes class at 5 on Fridays and my physics homework is due at 5 so I thought it would be perfect.

I talk to her Thursday night. She's attending the early lecture. She'll be done by 12. I, on the other hand, start class at 12. Considering the fact that I knew I would have work to do after class, I tell her to go home without me. No big deal though. I arrange to go home with a friend from my physics class who also has that 5 PM deadline.

Stupid physics.

We rush to finish the homework. As always. We know some answers are wrong but we don't care. We finish. And then, along with her roommate, we get out of there.

We leave Kenmore around 5:15. We're expecting to catch the 6 PM bus. No problem. Except my bag. My bag is too heavy. The books in my bag weigh me down. Especially that textbook.

Stupid physics.

I'm climbing up and down stairs. F equals mg, mg, mg with each step I take. Force times distance. Increased force. Long distances. I'm doing a lot of work.

Stupid physics.

We're rushing to catch trains. The door closes on my bag and me. Stupid bag. I hear the strap crack. I wonder how the tension is distributed. Ugh. No. Tension. I nearly fall over when the train accelerates. Acceleration. Force. Ugh. Stupid physics.

We arrive at South Station. The open area is obscured by an infinite number of meandering lines. We're shocked. Still, my friend presses through, searching for the right line. We stop and stare.

"We're not going home," I unknowingly foreshadowed.

A man on the line says that it's moving. We believe him and hop on line.

We move. Slowly, but not surely. We proceed up inch by inch. Minutes pass. Then hours. We still have hope that we'll make it home. One AM, two AM, our predictions get longer but we dare not speak that unspeakable line--that we won't make it home at all.

I see two more classmates from my physics class, maybe an hour after we arrived ourselves. They're going to NYC for fun. They already have tickets. They hop on the other line. We watch them merge into the mob and then disappear.

Three hours later. The other classmates were surely gone. But we're close! I can read the ticket booth sign. But the line isn't moving. It begins getting chaotic. I see four transit officers make their way through the mob.

Then they announce it. They're not selling anymore tickets. Three hours. And contrary to what I expected, I wasn't halfway to New York. Heck, I wasn't even on my way.

Angry, defeated, upset, I sit down and tears fill my eyes. I knew it would happen. I knew it. But I couldn't give up and leave the line. Not when I waited an hour, two hours, three hours. Three hours I wasted of my life. Three hours I spent stressed, tired, in pain.

My friend hands me a tissue to wipe my eyes. I didn't know I wanted to go home so badly. Or maybe I just couldn't believe I just went through that for nothing. (After all, that seems to be my ultimate fear in life.) After a few minutes, she notes that it's getting late and that we should head back. They take off. I get up reluctantly, haul my bag over my shoulder, and follow them out back to the T.

On the way back, we talked about what happened. We talked about what we were going to do. We scowled at their shitty business practices while we half-joked about how physics was the cause of all this misery... ugh, stupid physics.

But seriously... when it happened, I didn't even want to go home anymore. I was so upset. But my friend was still going back (her grandmother is in the hospital), and so I decided that I didn't really have a reason to complain and that I should go home too.

So for now, I'm still in Boston, in my dorm, alone, angry, sad. The plan though is to leave Kenmore at 5:15 AM and catch the 6:30 AM bus to Chinatown.

Whatever. As long as I'm back in New York by noon.

Prioritizing Life

2008-10-05T13:11:00.007-04:00

So I've done a lot of thinking these past three or four weeks, more so last week than ever. I considered what my orientation advisor had told me on Monday. He briefed me on what my future would look like, as I asked him to. Then he gave me his opinion on the matter and told me to figure out what was most important to me, whether that be becoming a physics major, becoming premed, going through with the Honors Program, et cetera.

So I thanked him and began to think, and in the process of determining what was important to me, I went back maybe half a year ago or so to when I used to dream excitedly about what I wanted to get out of college in the first place. And I suddenly remembered how much I wanted to do. I wanted to study abroad, relearn French, make lots of friends, and most important, do what I love. And when I looked back to the present, I realized that I didn't and wouldn't have any of that if I kept going the way I was going.

As a premed, I'd have difficulty studying abroad, and I'd have limited time to take extra classes. Also, already, I've already been sacrificing much of my social life to get through physics. As a person to whom math does not come easily anymore, I can only expect that the path would get only worse from here. And I can only study so much before letting every potential friend pass me by, which isn't good for a person who needs friendships and love to feel alive.

And as my advisor explained, just because I enjoy physics doesn't mean I have to major in it. It already isn't a good sign that I'm struggling with calculus. And as a premed, my schedule would only get more hectic... culminating to taking 4 science classes simultaneously both semesters of my junior year. (They hardly recommend that you take more than 2...)

So my choice became obvious. I needed a drastic change, and I needed it now. Physics had to go. I might enjoy it, but I didn't love it, and contrary to how I originally felt, it's not considered quitting. I'd get through the class, exactly because I'm not a quitter, but I'm not going to continue with it because it is a weaknesses, and I can clearly see and admit that.

So part one is done. My affair with physics is over. But now, part two: determining what to do.

I considered forsaking science completely. But I could tell it was an impulsive move. I could tell that I was upset, upset that my first hopes here were crushed, upset that I am now thrown so off track that it seems difficult to salvage those other hopes. After all, I chose physics because I thought that I didn't want to do biology anymore, and I always hated chemistry. Could I really go through with premed like that? After all, I'm failing in a class I'm so willing to get myself through. How would I fare in a chemistry if I'm already so disinterested?

And didn't I want to do what I love? And what is that? What do I love? I love writing, but should I really major in English? Especially when I was never good at the other aspects of it either? But I wasn't good at math, and I was so willing to major in physics... Should I do it? Maybe I should, I thought.

Then I remembered receiving an e-mail earlier in the week about advising with the Associate Director of the Honors Program. Already feeling impulsive, but still hanging on to some logic, I sent her a quick e-mail and my appointment was set for Friday afternoon.

So I saw her. I told her my story. I waited for her to say those words.

"Major in English then" was what I wanted her to say. It would have been so easy. But no, instead...

"Well, I don't think you should give up science so easily."

She could tell I was being impulsive. Was that a good thing? As much as my decision to major in physics was a haphazard one, it was hardly impulsive. It had the most benefits... at least at first.

She told me I could branch out within biology. It wasn't the same as high school. And if I wanted, I could do a minor in English. Either way though, the question came down to how dedicated I was to the premed track.

"Fifty-fifty," I responded. She told me to think about it hard over the weekend. I had to try to change that, even if it's to a sixty-forty or seventy-thirty... I just had to decide which way I was going.

But for now I had a few things decided. She helped me identify calculus as my biggest problem. It was obviously my most stress-inducing class, I don't have confidence in the help I sought out so far (my tutor didn't show on Thursday), and it presents a tremendous threat to my GPA (which consequently threatens my Honors Program status and BU scholarship). In other words, it wasn't worth it, and she recommended I drop it before tomorrow's deadline.

But having that one problem solved erects another. Instead of the other premeds who will have chemistry and calculus under their belts by the end of this semester, I will have only physics, and a very bad grade in it at that. I've put myself behind a semester in math, and I don't even know where my science track is headed. I found a GPA calculator online as well, and I determined that in addition to scoring As in my humanities and writing classes, I must pull off at least a C in physics (the minimum for credit acceptance anyway) in order to maintain the 3.2 GPA I need (just to keep my scholarship, I don't even want to talk about med school).

And I feel so behind. I feel like I messed up my entire premed track already, and I'm doubting my abilities to perform well in classes like chemistry.

And so I wonder... I don't know if I want to be premed. All I know is that I don't want to repeat high school again... I don't want to work so hard and have it come to nothing at the end.

Third Term

2008-09-30T16:17:00.002-04:00

So apparently, Bloomberg is going to try to pull an FDR.

Except the former is restricted to a two-term limit...

Well you know what I say?

Limits are good, but Bloomberg is better.

I mean, having FDR be president for a decade wasn't so bad.

I'm all for it.

Marshmallow Cow Patty

2008-09-29T21:54:00.005-04:00

This sounds delish:

“This is a huge cow patty with a piece of marshmallow stuck in the middle of it and I am not going to eat that cow patty,” said Representative Paul Broun, Republican of Georgia.

I'm sorry. I probably shouldn't find it funny that the bailout failed in the House, but come on--who really says something like that?

So back to my little isolated world here at BU... I'm a little upset again. I mean, I had a great Friday and Saturday despite the pouring rain. On Friday, the physics homework went well and I met four more people from my class. Then my roommate and I decorated this blank wall in the room so now it's pretty. Afterward, the people living across the hall from us came over and together we played a game of Apples to Apples so that was fun. Then Saturday I had lunch with my cousin, and I spent the rest of the day doing work and tidying up the room a bit but I didn't really mind.

I got a lot of work done on Sunday but I still didn't get to my calculus work (which puts me four weeks behind now I would say). My roommate also went to the hospital when I was still sleeping yesterday so I was a little worried when I found that out. She's still there now, and honestly I don't know how long she's going to be there for.

Today was pretty bad too. I had another meeting with my advisor who really asked me to think about what my priorities were. Then directly afterward I had to seek help on this IMPOSSIBLE physics problem that was due today, so thank goodness I managed to eat breakfast today because I had to forgo lunch (since I had classes right after from 12-3). After that I had to go back to my physics homework, which I finished right before my PHE meeting (which I literally had to run to so I wouldn't be late). Thank goodness my workshop meeting was quick today so that I could go grab dinner before the general meeting, otherwise I wouldn't have eaten until now.

Ugh... but seriously, I wonder if I should take my feelings as a sign that something I'm doing now isn't actually right for me.

Epic Fail

2008-09-26T00:59:00.006-04:00

Excerpt: AIM Conversation

Me: your bank failed
FatMan: Wamu!!!!????
FatMan: like bankrupt?
FatMan: should i switch banks?

Hah... Sorry, I couldn't resist. But yeah, apparently the government has seized it and parts of it have been sold to JP Morgan Chase. So for those of you with WaMu accounts, no worries to the point that your assets are safe.

But frankly, I'm quite amazed how unaffected I feel as a college student. You'd think going to school in Boston would be less isolating, but I still quite manage to feel like I'm in my own little world.

Speaking of my own little world though, it's absolutely consuming my life if you can't tell from my lack of blog posts. Monday was endless; after three hours of classes I had my three hour lab and then at 8 PM a three hour Orientation session for the Peer Health Exchange Program (but yes, hooray, I did get in). Tuesday night was the worst night yet though as I had 80 pages to read and a short story to write for my writing class, 60 pages to read and an informal reaction/comparison paper to write for my Holocaust literature and film class, a physics quiz to study for, and two (now three) weeks of math work to make up and learn.... for a quiz as well.

My emotions have just been tearing each other apart too over this whole "majoring in physics" business. I literally cried to my advisor on Monday because some things just upset me that much. I ultimately decided to continue with what I'm doing, but I'm still doubtful and I asked to meet with him again this coming Monday. But seriously, the emotional roller coaster I've been riding since I got here just keeps getting more and more intense.

But it hasn't been all bad news. Last weekend I spent a day with my roommate on Newbury Street, and since I had free movie tickets we went to see The Dark Knight since she hadn't seen it before (it was amazing how full the theatre still was). Then on Sunday we had a little hall bonding kickball game (although no one came), but it was still fun. As for this past week, I got a chance to hang out and [sort of] study with my cousin on Wednesday. I also mailed a package out on Monday for my best friend's birthday, and at first I was afraid it wouldn't get there on time, but it arrived right on schedule and she was happy. Then my political cartoon was published in the student newspaper on Tuesday which was awesome. I managed to fill a niche and they invited me to join them on their "beer nights" (their informal meetings/social gatherings every Thursday). But of course, since my physics homework is due every Friday, that has to come first.

And since I'm still technically working on that as I write this, that's it for now. Hopefully I'll have time to post again sometime this crazy, crazy weekend.

f(u)

2008-09-16T01:20:00.003-04:00

Since I simply don't have time right now to write a full-out rant about how miserable physics is making my life, I thought it would be interesting to at least note how tragically ironic my calculus homework is.

I noticed this as I was taking notes in class, but I was suddenly reminded of it now as I was painstakingly rewriting my notes.

"f(u(x))u'(x)dx equals integral of f(u)du equals F(u)+C"

Or as it's being said in my head...

"Eff you... equals integral of eff you... equals eff you... plus C."

Hmm...

Or should I say G(u)?

Palin vs. Hillary

2008-09-14T11:33:00.003-04:00

... played by the great Tina Fey and Amy Poehler on SNL.

Palin/Hillary Open

I don't think this video could be more spot on.

Year 7

2008-09-11T23:39:00.003-04:00

It was sunny today. A little cold, but sunny.

Lobster and Retaliation

2008-09-10T20:39:00.006-04:00

Tonight was Lobster Night at BU. Be jealous.

And now that my school has cleared the Northeastern coast of all its lobster...

To my delight, they struck back last night. My suitemate, who just happened to be standing out in the hall at the time, reported that it was rather hilarious watching them set up the following contraption outside our door.

So that's their contraption. Yes, that's a string hanging from the box. And the box is indeed duct taped above the doorway.

And that was the result when I opened the door on them... at which point they just screamed and bolted in all directions.

I honestly don't know what the balloons were for. They drew faces on each of them and there was one of a Scream-like face taped to the wall across our door. My roommate thinks I should have just let them finish, but I couldn't let them feel accomplished for what they did.

After all, that booby trap is just so horribly cliched.

Though I have to say, kudos to them for actually getting that to work. Not that I expected any less...

Did I mention before that the floor below us is the specialty floor for engineers?

Operation Cheez-It

2008-09-07T22:46:00.011-04:00

So after a nice early afternoon of shopping on Newbury Street yesterday, it began to pour when my friend and I got back. The rain was heavy and continued on through the night, but after a failed attempt to go to BU Central, I resolved myself to completing my writing assignment (as I'm forced to follow an online submission policy that requires the assignment to be uploaded by 12 AM the night before class... bad news for me, the late-night worker, I know).

But others don't seem to be as productive.

So it was 12:30 AM. My roommate had just gone to bed and I was still working on my assignment. Suddenly we heard an abrupt knock on our door. Puzzled and thinking that it might be our RA, we ran to the door and opened it cautiously. There stood a very tall boy, but not our RA, who asked if he could enter in order to... jump on our floor.

We paused and stared, but as we gave a semi-honest approval he slipped inside and asked us to help him. As we jumped and shouted out cries of confusion, he explained that he and his friends had taped Cheez-Its to the ceiling in the room below ours, and were trying to see if jumping on the ceiling--our floor--"would dislodge them."

After a minute or so, he thanked us and ran out. Our suitemate then came out of her room, questioning what the ruckus was about. We explained to her what happened, and by then we were all laughing.

So this morning, my roommate and I carried out the plan we conceived last night to seek revenge on the boys on the floor below us. First we go out to the convenience store, where we buy two boxes of Cheez-Its (classic and white cheddar... for aesthetics) and dental floss. When we get back to our room, we proceed to string the Cheez-Its onto the dental floss--in alternating colors of course.

We then stake out the area, but to our dismay, one of the room's inhabitants is [unknowingly] keeping guard over the room.

But after another couple hours, we decide to check back after dinner and gleefully find the door closed, indicating that the room's inhabitants were finally gone. We run and grab our things, and my roommate recruits one of her friends from that floor to help us.

We proceed to string up all ten strings of Cheez-Its across the door. "No! Intertwine them! Intertwine them!" whispers the friend. The strands become criss-crossed all over. Then when we're finished, he says, "Wait! You want to make sure they can't just take it down!" So he takes the mailing tape and reinforces the attachments... and adds lines of tape across the doorway as well.

Then we retreat to his room, where we write a note saying, "Just in case you're bored... dislodge this!" which we stuck on the door. After thanking the friend for his help, we proceed back to our room, where I say, "We should have written, 'This is judgment from those above you!'" My roommate agrees, so she writes that out, and we run back, stick that on their door as well, and retreat again.

We laugh when we're back in our room. Operation Cheez-It: Success.

Ah, bonding activities.

But what about the aftermath?

As of this point, they still haven't paid us a visit, but I suspect that we're going to find a little surprise for us tomorrow or something of that sort.

If not then that would just be boring.

Freshman Fall Beginnings: Part II

2008-09-03T23:52:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I'm not going to write a long post because I'm mentally exhausted and I need to go to bed. Today's classes went well. I think I'm going to enjoy my Holocaust Literature and Film class, and my writing class seems pretty chill too. The former has a thorough mix of students (as in freshmen, sophomores, etc.), and I'm assuming my writing class has a lot of freshmen but I could be wrong.

What really bothered me today was the walk from one building to the other. In fact, I already spoke with my writing teacher about being late every class just because there isn't a faster way to get around campus, and he's okay with it. A more urgent topic though is all the communication I've been having with the professors. I met with my Physics professor today to talk about my math class, and he concluded that I should try moving to a higher level math class lest I be screwed over next semester in PY252.

So that was pretty discouraging, and then I had this whole correspondence going with three professors and a teaching fellow (TFs, exactly like TAs). It's very exhausting, and now I'm scheduled to miss my MA123 discussion to attend a MA124 lecture... more info on how that goes later.

Ugh... I just need to talk to so many people. It doesn't help that my writing assignment is due in approximately 24 hours, and my physics homework (which is going horribly) on Friday. I just don't know what to do right now... I'm planning to stop by the pre-med advising office tomorrow because I feel like they know everything, but I hope I don't have to wait for an appointment or anything because in the state I'm in that would be absolutely horrible.

Freshman Fall Beginnings: Part I

2008-09-02T22:58:00.006-04:00

So today was... interesting. I had Physics and Calculus today and they weren't anything like I imagined.

I mean, I knew Physics was going to be a lot different from what I encountered in high school, but today was just review and I was still having trouble understanding what was going on. I rewrote my notes, so I realize now that it actually isn't bad at all, but I don't want to have to sit through class feeling like a moron. And it doesn't help that there are those kids who are just way too overeager to participate. Seriously, there was an equation on the board and kids seemed to be rushing to beat each other. One person called out the answer, a smile on her face - and oh with such confidence! I almost laughed out loud when the professor flatly said to her, "No."

Then I have Calculus immediately after so I was a little late. Of course the professor already started speaking about the syllabus so I'm already a little lost when it comes to what the homework assignments are and such. We covered limits today, and I'm not sure if I don't know it or if I learned it two years ago and just forgot it. Either way, especially after expecting to recognize everything, I was a little flustered to find myself not fully understanding the material at hand. But it's not something I'm going to worry about right now... according to the rules of my physics class, I might need to find an alternative math class to take anyway.

Looking beyond that though, I suppose my day was actually pretty enjoyable. The two professors I had so far both seem really nice. I had breakfast with a girl I met at Orientation. Then I met a girl in my Physics class and she seems pretty cool. Since I came late to Calc, I didn't really get the chance to make friends there, but the RAs held a dinner thing for all the freshmen in my dorm building so I finally got to see and meet them. Acquaintances were made, but some of them definitely stuck, so I'm happy to have experienced that.

In other news, there was apparently an "abandoned package" threat while I was in class (good to know that I got the warning to stay away from the area after it happened), and for some reason the fire alarm went off in my dorm building. (If I may quote the wise words of an upperclassman, "Guys, back away from the building... BU doesn't conduct drills." Well at least I know from this point on that if I ever hear the alarm go off, I should probably take it more seriously than I usually have in the past...)

First of September

2008-09-01T22:42:00.002-04:00

So we had Matriculation this morning but this morning wasn't so great. See, I slept through my alarm for twenty minutes meaning I only had ten to fifteen minutes to get ready when I finally realized what time it was and sprang out of bed. Then to my dismay, the crowd arrived earlier than the scheduled time. (The way matriculation works here is that freshmen meet outside their dorms and then join the mass of other freshmen as they make their way from one end of the campus to the other.) So I was essentially still getting dressed as I saw them pass by on the street below... not cool.

Luckily, a few other people came down the same time I did (all guys, does that say anything about my habits?), and we were able to catch up with them when they stopped at another dorm building. Still, I wasn't happy about the walk. I looked it up on Google Maps last night, and I found out that the walk is approximately 1.6 miles long. REALLY not cool.

Then the Matriculation Ceremony was boring itself of course, and so that didn't really put me in a good mood when I started running into other people. Seriously... sleepiness + fatigue + hunger = irritated girl bordering on being an inconsiderate bitch.

Splash (a club fair sort of thing) put me in a slightly better mood though as I put food into my system and started getting excited about what they had to offer. I think I ended up signing up for the school newspaper, kendo, figure skating, and sailing, and then I also put my name in for getting free tickets to the Boston Symphony Orchestra which would be nice (though honestly I didn't know what I was doing at the time... hah). Of course I won't end up doing all of them, but the newspaper was really lax about submissions and the Charles River really does inspire me to do some kind of water sport so I might try that too. But we'll see.

It was extremely hot by that hour though and all that walking really took a toll on me. I went back to my dorm to relax and write a bit, and by then I was feeling much better. Around that time my roommate finally moved in too, and I was extremely relieved to find out that she's as super nice as I thought she would be.

In fact we happen to get along wonderfully I think so I'm glad I can go to bed without worries. Plus I got to bond with my friend's roommate at dinner and then after along the Charles River, so I feel a lot better about making friends.

But tomorrow is the day I'm really looking forward to. Friendships begin here. BU, bring it on!

Taste of Success

2008-08-31T22:22:00.003-04:00

So today was rather nice. I can't really boast that I've stepped out of my comfort zone yet, but I'm a lot happier than I was a few days ago. And who knows? Maybe that's the way it was meant to be, or at least for now anyway.

I helped the old friend I mentioned yesterday get her books and such and we went to the Terrier Tailgate together (although they lied to us about the free food which totally sucks). I was wrong about the girls I met up with yesterday; they didn't ignore me like I thought they would. The girl I knew did text me about going, but I was the one who decided to be an asshole and kind of blow her off. I mean, maybe I should have given it a chance, but I doubt they missed me. I didn't feel that comfortable around them and I'm sure they had fun as a group, so personally I think it worked out.

Plus I finally got to meet this other freshman I've been talking to for months. It was a great experience and I was really happy that I got to meet someone completely new (in the sense that I didn't meet him face-to-face before). I just hope everything works out.

Tailgate was relatively fun though, even if they lost in the end. BU was leading 2 to 1, but UMass-Amherst scored in the last four seconds and put the game into double overtime. After the first overtime though, Amherst quite literally just took the ball and ran with it. One of their players just charged straight through everyone else... and scored.

It was a pretty horrible feeling, especially since this was a "grudge match" and victory would have been sweet. But oh well... maybe things will work out in the end for them too.

So yeah, going back to my last post, if I could label this day with any adjective, despite the setbacks... I think it's pretty close to being fantastic.

Ehhhhh

2008-08-30T23:59:00.001-04:00

So today was a little better. I walked around campus multiple times this morning to check out where my classes were and how far they were from each other. Then in the afternoon, as much as I wanted to meet completely new people, I finally decided to text people I met at Orientation. I met up with one who introduced me to the group of people she was hanging out with, but I'm not sure if that's where I belong.

Then coincidentally, on my way into my cousin's building, I actually ran into one of my old friends from the city, and to my surprise she happened to be living in the same dorm. I hung out with her and her roommate for a couple of hours, and to be honest it was rather nice. We've made plans for lunch tomorrow, so I feel a little better. Plus, I have plans to meet up with another freshman for this other event going on tomorrow, so I'm looking forward to that too.

Ugh, I know this is getting very very journal-like, but I guess that's just what's on my mind right now. But I can't help it. It took me twelve years to secure the friends I would keep for life. How long is it going to take for me to find a group of real friends here? Sigh... I guess we'll see. Maybe tomorrow will be fantastic... and if not, I guess it gives me a reason to look forward to class.

Dawdling

2008-08-29T11:17:00.004-04:00

So due to my lack of friends thus far, I've admittedly been feeling rather lonely. I've been with my cousin, but now that her friends are beginning to move in I really need my own group of friends. Seriously, I spent the night alone in my dorm and I was dying to talk to someone. I did meet a few people in my hall yesterday; one of my neighbors to my left I actually met back at the lab three years ago and one of my neighbors to my right seems really nice too. When I told him I was a freshman though, he was like, "Ah, that's why you're doing the door-to-door thing." Hah...

Ugh, but I can't wait until tomorrow when half the freshmen are moving in. To be honest, I even sort of want classes to start so I can meet people. (I know I'm going to regret that wish...)

Oh, and in other news, McCain apparently chose Palin as his running mate. Seriously? What is that? And I though Obama screwed himself over by choosing Biden! He must be playing on the idea that he's going to die in office if he thinks women are going to vote for him . Please, I would hope women aren't that shallow!

Blogging from Boston

2008-08-28T08:56:00.004-04:00

So after a long process I'm officially in Boston and settled in. I arrived on campus around 1 PM, and thanks to the magnificent Boston streets I finally managed to reach my dorm around 1:30 after going around that part of the city twice. (One way streets + no left turns + city traffic = annoying.)

I've met my suitemate, who seems pretty nice. (My roommate isn't coming in until Monday.) I've found a place for all my things and finally finished unpacking around 1 AM (don't worry, I didn't spend all 12 hours on it). After going out to dinner my internet finally began to work too, which was a relief, although I still need to go through this complicated process to renew my student e-mail account.

I do have the help of my cousin though, which is awesome. After helping me unpack yesterday, she slept over, and today we're going to see her parents and sister off and then run a bunch of errands around campus.

But I really can't wait to start the day. I mean, I have to admit, yesterday I did feel strangely. I was optimistic and hopeful, yet feeling so vulnerable at the same time. I've never worried about leaving, never thought I would miss my parents, but I can't really deny that I was actually a bit sad to see them go. I've been telling everyone that college was like a really long trip, that there's no reason to be sad because you'd see everyone again, but regardless, I found it pretty difficult to follow my own advice yesterday.

But oh well. Today is a brand new day, and today I start a new chapter of my life. From this point on I'm going to be strong... as long as I find some friends first. Hah...

Stay tuned for pictures...

Migrating

2008-08-26T11:53:00.000-04:00

So I'm almost done packing... sort of. Somehow, every time I look around the house I realize there's something else that needs to go. And so much for packing light... that is definitely a thing of the past.

But yeah, starting tomorrow I'll be blogging from Boston. Stay tuned for my adventures as a college student... hah.

Last Minute Business

2008-08-25T23:50:00.000-04:00

So after spending half my day napping, I've suddenly come to realize that I still have quite a number of things to get done. I still have a bunch of things that need to be packed and my room still needs to be cleaned. I also need to sift through my computer files to see which documents I need to take with me (as I'll be using my laptop instead), and I've actually just realized that I need to download several programs onto my laptop (my photo uploader, Photoshop... if I can even find the CDs). Seriously, the more I think about everything, the more I realize that I actually have a lot of things I can forget.

Ugh, it doesn't help that I have to do all the laundry tomorrow and stop by work to fix my timesheet. (So I wasn't subtracting my lunch break from my total hours... big deal. Honestly, I shouldn't be getting paid the same amount as the newbies.)

Sigh... Well, my last day home seems like it's going to be a pain. But at least I can legally drive now as of this morning (not that it matters either since I'll be living in a city and without a car for at least another four years).

Rawr

2008-08-20T11:02:00.006-04:00

Sorry for my absence... I was actually planning to blog last Wednesday, but I was so flustered after a [disastrous] intern dinner that I couldn't write for days. (Coworker X was there. Enough said.)

Then yesterday, as much as I was (for the most part) pleasantly surprised by my two artsy-fartsy friends' appearance at my door, and with a copy of our school's super-delayed literary magazine for me in their hands no less, I was horrified to find out that the people altered my artwork... I mean, seriously? They had the nerve to cut off writing submissions before the actual deadline so that none of my writing was even considered, and now, the only work of mine that did get in, they decide to mess that up too? And why was mine the only picture altered! Bullshit!

I hate you, Kaleidoscope. You took my shittiest poems last year and put them in, even messing one of them up, and then you took my sole piece of artwork and stripped it of all its meaning. ALL OF IT. Even from an aesthetic point of view, it sucks now. To me, its only beauty was in its color and its contrast, but now there's none of that. (But that's what happens when you take it upon yourself to recolor my artwork goddamn PURPLE.)

Ugh... and the FedEx guy came this morning with my laptop. Except the laptop isn't in my hands right now. Why? Because of course, he just happened to come in the freaking FIVE MINUTE TIME FRAME during which I was showering... Ugh! I knew knew knew that was going to happen! GRR!

Sigh... back to packing now, which is quite frustrating itself.

Lucky Eight

2008-08-08T23:42:00.003-04:00

So I thought this was worth sharing... you know, just to add to your quirky but not-so-necessary knowledge of the world. (I would have written about it myself, but I'm too lazy to actually explain anything right now.)

Oh, but if you're looking for some really cool eye-candy, this is pretty sick.

Not in Kansas Anymore

2008-08-07T18:15:00.004-04:00

So today we played a seriously massive prank on our fellow intern, JSF. Apparently, a tornado touched down nearby, and so my intern manager (yes, he's basically my boss) decides it would be a fantastic idea to prank call the other interns who aren't working this week, and tell them that the tornado ripped through the building and that it was now in ruins.

Now, in order to make the story more believable, we decide to get Coworker X (who also isn't working this week) in on the prank and concentrate the blow towards JSF. We brief Coworker X on the fabricated background story, who then proceeds to call JSF and sell him the story that our coworker just called her while hysterically crying, that she's been told that the building was destroyed, and that everyone was across the street at the gas station minus a couple instructors and our intern manager who all unfortunately went missing.

Naturally taking the bait, he tries calling us immediately, but half of us don't get service in that area and the other half cleverly turned off their cell phones. The one cell phone that we leave on, we don't answer when he calls, and afterwards we listen in on a "two-way" conversation between Coworker X and JSF, who worriedly tells her that he can't get in touch with anyone.

Next, its our turn to jump in. One of us calls JSF back, quickly expresses her worries, and abruptly hangs up on him in mid-conversation. Then we go upstairs, where our intern manager pulls up from the internet a sound file of sirens, which we play in the background as we call and hang up on him again.

He tries calling someone else, and we pass the phone to a different person each time the connection "cuts-off." We all sound worried, scared... when it's my turn, I tell him that FatMan has fainted and that he's bleeding from the head (under the suggestion of our intern manager of course).

He calls the phone of another intern, who we tell to act dumb and pretend that she left work early. She pretends to take it as a joke, and to his dismay tells him that it wasn't funny and hangs up on him.

Predicting his next move, we proceed downstairs where we hear the phone ring. We accidentally miss the call, although he immediately calls back the intern who supposedly went home and reports to her that no one picked up.

Ready to give up the act, she persuades him to call again, and although he refuses at first (for he really thinks it's useless at this point), she gives him the cell phone number of our intern manager, who is standing there beside us ready to expose our plot.

Of course, he calls, and our intern manager answers coolly...

"Hello?"

"Hey, J--, it's S--. Is everything okay?"

"Hey, S--. Yeah, everything's fine."

"Oh... where are you?"

"I'm in the downstairs prep lab. Why?"

"... Nevermind."

He hangs up, and we call him back with our own phones. We're all freely laughing by this point, and we admit to him everything and tell him how much we love him. In response, he laughs, and tells us that he hates us all.

He calls FatMan while we're on the way home, when I again reiterate how much we love him. He's upset that we "took advantage of his love and goodwill," but he brushes it off and admits that it was "very well-played." Finally though, he asks us where we got the idea from...

"So how did you come up with the whole idea? We're you guys like, thinking, 'Oh, let's think of a way to fool S--?'"

"No, it was all [our intern manager]'s idea."

"... I hate that man."

Good times, good times.

Fiesta

2008-08-04T23:27:00.004-04:00

So I'm a bit upset that I had Mexican-themed food all day (Taco Bell for lunch, Baja Grill for dinner). I swear, after I had that Crunchwrap Supreme I was ready to throw up, and I only ate half of my quesadilla for dinner. I am, however, delighted to report that work went very well today. The air felt lighter, purer... and as serious as I am about that, of course I know that it was probably all in my head. But that's okay. As long as I feel good psychologically, I feel like I can get through anything.

In other news, my tennis team decided last minute to have a reunion today. Really, only five other girls managed to show up, but it was a good group and it was still fun. We played on the [ghetto] elementary school courts (cracked and netted with a short metal fence) for probably 20 minutes (possibly less), and then we went out for dinner. Afterwards, we stopped at Starbucks where we ironically ran into our first singles player, although she didn't stay with us. Then after chatting there for some time, we went to our teammate's house... which was absolutely ridiculous. Gorgeous pool, gorgeous interior design, home theatre, weight room, sauna, pool table, hot tub, tanning bed... Seriously, if the hamlet I live in is considered affluent, then it's people like her who significantly up the stats for the rest of us.

As I was in her pool and walking around her house though, I began to feel bad because I started wondering if anyone ever took advantage of her (which is sort of how I felt tonight). But then I brushed away the thought and figured that she's an alright person, so she'll be fine.

I mean, I guess it's nice to have a big house with everything you could possibly want in it, but I'm sure all that money comes with a burden as well. Seriously, as simultaneously intrigued and disgusted I am at her house (and as lame as it sounds), I think I'm actually just glad that I have work to look forward to tomorrow.

Interesting...

2008-08-03T23:02:00.005-04:00

So these past few days have been pretty interesting, and by interesting I mean amusing, skeevy, and spontaneous...

FRIDAY: So maybe the universe agrees with me (or I'm just a little conniving bitch), but somehow, I think I helped create a rift between my coworkers. Now, it's probably bad that I find this more amusing than upsetting, but honestly, I can't help but love the fact that I'm not the only one who finds the personality of Coworker X (as I shall call her) bitchy, annoying, and simply repulsive. Seriously though, I can't stand the constant sex talk, the frequent meowing, the retarded and condescending valley girl voice she uses at random... And my other coworker (who I shall refer to as the Jewish Stick Figure or JSF) also hates how she bosses him around while she sits there texting on her iPhone the whole damn day. She was being especially bitchy though on Friday, when she got pissed at JSF for no real reason and forced us to wait until she finished eating before we could eat ourselves. I mean, I didn't mind; I've definitely grown closer to a few of my coworkers this week and I'm fine with that. Our little group ate outside together where it was calm and relaxing (although this is what I meant by "creating a rift"). But seriously though, the point is, not getting laid the other night doesn't give her the right to be a bitch to her coworkers...

SATURDAY: So my friend BrownMan is a phantom in a local production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and I found out that it would be his last show since he's going away for the next three weeks. Therefore, three of my friends and I make the decision to go see it, armed only with the forewarning from him not to raise our hands when they ask if there are any Rocky virgins out in the audience. Well, in addition to what another friend told us, we ended up being so skeeved out that (after arriving there an hour early) we stayed in the car for a good half hour before we happened to see him walking in. Then like the idiots that we are, we started shouting out the car window in order to call him over. When he came, we asked him to brief us on the show, and all he told us before running off to get dressed was that he was weirded out the first time he saw it too (not a good sign if you know his personality) and that it was about sexuality... and not in the sexual orientation way. So we're all really really skeeved out already when we entered the playhouse and found out to our horror that it's tiny (I would say it had a capacity of around 60 people). Normally, that probably wouldn't be a bad thing, but Rocky Horror relies on a lot of audience interaction... and let's just say the small theatre gave my dear friend the ability to interact with all of us. (Oh, if I could count the times I've expressed my hatred towards him... hah.) But I suppose it was okay. I was way too tired for that midnight show and the audience was waaaay too obnoxious for me to actually hear or understand anything, but he was happy that we came so I was happy too.

SUNDAY: So since the show started a half hour late, it didn't actually end until 2 and we didn't get back to Loo's house until 2:30. I was dead tired and looking forward to falling asleep, but of course, when you have a sleepover, you don't actually go to sleep. So we spent a few more hours talking and ended up sleeping from 5 to 11, when we woke up to tasty chocolate chip pancakes, courtesy of Loo's mother. Afterwards though, I went out with my parents to go grocery shopping, although I made sure I got myself to the mall as well in order to take advantage of a Victoria's Secret sale (hooray for saving $66 on underwear).

So yes, that was my exciting weekend. Be jealous. Although honestly, I really do feel happy... I spent time with friends and tomorrow I start another week of work, where I'm looking forward to having less worries than before.

Something to Smile About

2008-07-31T22:28:00.006-04:00

So today actually played out quite nicely... Perhaps I've been revitalized by yesterday's dinner conversations, but today I actually felt more reassured than I've been feeling lately.

Sure, I overslept this morning, found out to my dismay that I had FatMan's man-salad from yesterday instead of my Thai Chicken Pasta, was overall relatively irresponsible in my duties today, got ratted out about that by the intern-hating secretary, and had a spider drop on me from nowhere as I was lying on my bed reading, but my mind is [rather ironically] at peace.

It's amazing how different a person can feel when he realizes that he's not alone in his thoughts, when he finds out that there's still people on his side that are willing to talk to him and listen. And here I was thinking that no one would understand. But even though they don't completely agree, they do comprehend my situation and acknowledge me for who I am.

I was needy today, I admit. I spent time with the people whom I felt most comfortable with as opposed to trying to get along with the others. But honestly, I don't think it's wrong that I'm choosing whom to be around. I have my reasons, and I'm not alone in my thoughts. Therefore, in a situation like this, I think I'm justified.

Today I took a ride out for lunch for once. I decided I didn't want to stay behind with the others so I went with two of my coworkers whom I get along with well. Together we had an interesting time finding parking and getting to the creperie, where after some time we managed to finally enter and buy three sweet crepes. When we got back, the White Castle eating contest three of my other coworkers were participating in was already underway, all of them already on their eleventh burger. While I'd been suggesting it, I was pleasantly surprised when my two companions actually decided to sit outside, so we sat on the front lawn simply sharing the crepes we bought, chatting, laughing, away from everyone else.

So what if I can't accept them? I've always believed that fate leads people to the right path eventually. An alliance with the others... was perhaps simply never meant to be. But it doesn't matter. I have the alliances I need and care about.

National Cheesecake Day

2008-07-30T23:37:00.004-04:00

Does this count as a holiday? Because it is awesome.

Today: Thai Chicken Pasta and Vanilla Bean Cheesecake.

Both tasted good, but weren't extraordinary. The pasta tasted as it should be, and as much as I love vanilla, I think I would prefer it in cold, ice cream form. But I'm not going to complain. It was a good dinner, and the cheesecake was only $1.50 today. It may be a very clever marketing move, but I don't care. My cheesecake was cheap; therefore it was great. (Don't you love this logic?)

Plus I got to spend time with some of the best people ever. Though I think I might have said too much in that small period of time, I don't remember the last time I was in such accordance with someone during a conversation.

So what if we were united by hate? How does that saying go? Oh yes: An enemy of my enemy is a friend of mine. Hah...

But of course, I'm sure that there is something mutual, something we both understand...

The Dark Knight

2008-07-20T01:18:00.005-04:00

I already declare this the best movie of the year. Hands down.

After eagerly anticipating this movie since it's prequel, Batman Begins, arrived in theatres a few years ago, I must say that The Dark Knight does not disappoint. In fact, it even exceeded my expectations, and I was already sure that it was going to be really damn awesome.

Is this review biased? Definitely. After all, Batman is not only my favorite superhero, but I loved Batman Begins and absolutely adore Christian Bale. But don't worry. Everything I'm about to tell you is 100% true.

So the Batman saga returns with a deeper and darker agenda this time around. Director Christopher Nolan takes the tortured hero and throws him into a twister of complexity and chaos as he deals with external foes as well as internal woes. Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) continues to find himself increasingly dealing with the troubles of being a superhero as his childhood friend Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal) finds a new beau in Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart). To make matters much much worse though, even though crime has been deterred significantly, the Joker (the late Heath Ledger) shows up to turn things completely upside down, offering Batman a taste of evil unlike any other.

Indeed, the beauty of Nolan and Ledger's rendition of the Joker is that he is presented more as a symbol than as a simple villain. In line with tradition, the Joker elicits some chuckles and causes trouble, yes, a lot of it actually, but it's the surreal taste of sociopathic psychosis perfectly portrayed by Ledger that opposes Batman and everything he stands for. This Joker is driven by something incorporeal, and if I may quote him, he is a true "classic criminal." Unlike the plot of the first movie, this problem doesn't have a simple solution, and the dilemma goes beyond the surface and delves deep into the complexity of the human mind.

Things get even more complex with the transformation of Harvey Dent into Two-Face. While I expected it to happen, I had no idea his presence in The Dark Knight would play out as it did. Although it made things a little harder to follow at the end, it did introduce an entirely new moral aspect to the story, and even if it was a bit preachy, it was definitely deep.

But even if you're not into the pathos of a story, there's enough eye-candy to satisfy the average viewer. Stunning angles, boisterous Bat-vehicles, gliding between buildings and turning on walls, there's plenty of fancy action throughout. Oh and of course there are explosions galore.

The only problems I might have with the movie are the typical stupid things that the characters in movies do. For example, Rachel leaves the safety of Bruce's penthouse and Harvey knocks over a drum of oil that leads him to become you-know-what. But honestly, the numerous plot twists (naturally fed by the Joker's psychopathic personality) kept me on my feet and surprised the entire time. As the movie progressed, the mood became increasingly intense, and at the very end it was dark and beautiful at the same time. Bruce Wayne as Batman must play a more tragic role in his future, and the Joker has succeeded in showing him how alone he might be.

I'm not really sure how a sequel would work, but like the last movie it left off on a similar note, except instead of the idea that Bruce is creating his own category of enemies, he now has to deal with the dilemmas that reside within himself and his choices.

Anyway, in summary, this installment in the new Batman saga is definitely something to watch. It's much much darker, more intense, and even though it's a little too obvious with the morals the screenplay is enough to strike a person into awe. While the Batman veterans like Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, and Morgan Freeman portray their characters with much talent, Heath Ledger delivers the performance of his lifetime and breathes life into the character that's been flattened all these years into a two-dimensional clown. Christopher Nolan has once again done it, bringing respect back to the Batman franchise with a film that is deeper, darker, more meaningful and so much more sensible. In fact, that's what I've personally always found attractive about this movie and its prequel, the fact that this isn't just some corny let's-make-money superhero movie. No, this is a movie that is authentic and profound.

Rating: 5/5

Picture copyright (c) Warner Bros., DC Comics, and anyone else involved...

Taste of the Future

2008-07-18T22:52:00.002-04:00

So I just came back from a rather exciting three days of Orientation. Even if it was a little crazy, it was definitely memorable, and therefore, for record-keeping purposes (thus I don't really suggest you read this obscenely long post unless you're really bored), I'm going to reiterate it here.

If you're up for a quick read though, I did sum everything up in the end.

WEDNESDAY:

So I wake up at 5 AM to drive to Chinatown in order to catch the Fung Wah bus to Boston. I already understand though that this will be my primary mode of transportation to and from Boston for the next four years, so I try to pay attention. When we get to Boston four hours later, I follow my cousin's instructions on how to take the T to BU, and thanks to one little addition she made later, I avoided stepping on the wrong train (which I almost did anyway).

After switching lines, however, I did get off a bit too early (my dad swore that we had already passed the entire campus), and so we had to walk a good five minutes to the dorm which for some reason was located towards the very western end of campus. (Why they didn't put us in the dorm right across from where all the activities were taking place is beyond me.) When I get there there's a decently long line, and so by the time I got my room key, all I had time to do was just drop my bag off and "briskly walk" half a mile to another building located at the center of campus.

By the time I get there I'm tired and sweaty from the walk and from the heat. Then of course I run into a classmate from high school (the one person I could have run into), and when she goes to hug me I reluctantly hug back because I'm dripping with sweat and I knew that was pretty gross. We go inside to sit down, and I end up sitting beside a rather awkward boy. I eventually decide to break the ice and try to stir up some conversation, but his awkwardness stagnated it all and foiled my plans to be friendly.

The "Common Ground" program starts, and we're introduced to the Dean of Students who has quite the dynamic personality. When we're told to get up out of our seats and partner up, of course everyone around me turns to the person they've been talking to, and so because I hadn't hit it off with the kid next to me I didn't exactly have a partner. (Already I've established myself as a loner: EPIC FAIL.) When they tell anyone who doesn't have a partner to step up, I reluctantly do so and I'm partnered up with another lone person. After this, each pair partners up with another pair, each four partners up with another four, and each eight partners up with another eight so that there end up being sixteen students in each group. After this, we migrate to a Student Advisor who gives us bagged "lunches" (if you can call a bag of snacks and water a lunch), and she tells us to make eye contact with someone in the circle who will be the person you make sure is with the group. When I look around, I make eye contact with a nice Asian girl whom I got along with great and didn't mind at all except... (falling short of one of my objectives, my initial friend is someone from within my ethnic group: EPIC FAIL). As groups though, each is led to a different point in the city, where the students are given a list of clues and a GPS to navigate themselves to each waypoint. There we not only discover another part of the city but also take the opportunity to play numerous icebreaker games. While I admit it was a rather clever program that really did allow students to familiarize themselves with the city, the T, and other students, already my feet were blistering and I was already beginning to feel quite a bit of pain as I walked.

We got a "free" t-shirt for attending this pre-program though... so that was cool.

Afterwards, we were able to relax for a couple hours so I walked half a mile back to the dorm with the others. After that we walked half a mile back to the middle of campus where we were introduced to different parts of the city and allowed to choose a place to go. Earlier, my Student Advisor recommended a place called Faneuil Hall, so my friend from before and I went there. While waiting for the T, I tried to introduce myself to more people and I ended up befriending another two girls who we stuck with for the rest of the night. (Success!) We ate dinner together at a place called The Purple Shamrock, which served absolutely amazing food. (My choice: A Lobster Roll... delicious.) By the time we finished dinner though, most of the stores were closed, so we just walked around the markets (much to the chagrin of my feet).

When I got back to the dorm, I finally met my roommate who also happened to be from New York. She was really nice and we got along great, although we were both dying from the heat.

THURSDAY:

Actually, that night I couldn't sleep at all, and although I had showered at night, I ended up waking up (after many other times) at 5:15 and taking another shower because I was sticky and sweaty, and the cold water forcefully rushing towards my skin cooled me, cleaned me, and allowed me to breathe again.

My roommate woke up after I had taken a shower, and after we got ready we tried going to a CVS, even though it was 6 in the morning. Of course we failed, and so we walked back and stayed outside (which was significantly cooler than the concrete oven we were sleeping in), where we waited for breakfast to start at 7. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing though because we were one of the first in line, and I already had my custom-made omelette (yum) while others were stuck waiting on a tediously long line. Eventually, the people I had met the day before joined my roommate and me for breakfast too, and it was nice.

The rest of the day was pretty uneventful though. We again walked half a mile to the center of campus where we sat through the welcoming address and met with our [real] Student Advisors. When we separated into our real school-specific groups, I got the chance to meet a few more people who I stuck with the rest of the time though, so that was fun. The rest of the day wasn't so much though. I attended a mandatory pre-med presentation, which was somewhat more informative than the ones I've attended in the past, and afterwards we attended school-specific presentations (which I slept through... whoops). Then we had to take a dreaded writing assessment, which I later found out I got a 3 out of 5 on... sigh. Then I got lost a little in the College of Fine Arts building where everyone was regrouping, but after I found my group, I was given a bagged lunch (with a sandwich in it this time!) and we proceeded to choose our potential classes for the next three hours.

I, of course, am always the weird problem child though and like to make things difficult for myself and everyone around me. Seriously considering a quote they'd been feeding us nonstop (because I'm lame enough to actually take these things to heart), I decided to follow its advice. Howard Thurman once said, "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

So I decided to try to be a Pre-Med Physics major (which, by the way, totally turns the pre-med curriculum upside down). Don't know if that's more likely to "make me come alive" than it is more likely to totally screw me over and kill me, but I figured that now is the time to take chances and give everything a shot.

Because I was a problem child though, I didn't exactly get done what I needed to get done, so that sort of made things a little more complicated than they should have been the next day. I also hadn't received word of my AP Exams, which made the process of choosing classes so much more annoying.

After that process, we proceeded to a horribly long two-hour presentation that really could have been summed up in two words - "Don't Drink." We had a barbecue after though, which served as a nice reward for our patience. After that we trekked back to the dorm, where we stayed for a couple hours before trekking back for yet another presentation about student life and "BU: The Musical" starring our Student Advisors. The presentation was very well made, however, and the musical was actually both informative and hilarious, so that wasn't bad. Plus they left even more freebies for us on each seat.

Then after that, we had a real taste of some of the things you can do on campus. Down at BU Central, they had things like karaoke, dancing, and even a mechanical bull. Personally, I chose to watch the comedian who I admit was actually pretty funny. (Oh, and everyone got a free shirt again.)

Then after making our way back to the dorm, we again endured another cookout in our rooms, though it wasn't as bad as the night before, whether that be due to truly cooler (as in less hot) weather or to the possibility that we just got used to it.

FRIDAY:

So this morning after again waking up at 5:30, as my roommate and I attempted to walk outside where it was cooler, we were greeted by the call of a security guard who stopped us and told us to come back inside. Apparently, the curfew lasted until 7 AM, and so I sat in the lobby with a couple others who had tried to escape and with the few who had found their rooms too unbearable and slept on the lobby couches. When the security guard "decided to be nice" and let us go around 6:50, we moved outside and waited for breakfast where I ate another custom-made omelette and sat with an ever-changing group of people which ended up being an excellent chance to meet a few more people.

After breakfast, we began the long process of actually registering for the classes we selected. First we had to wait to see faculty advisors, then choose classes by hand, and then actually register online. It was actually a lot more complicated than that though since A) my group was the last group to go, B) I decided to be a Pre-Med Physics major (oh, and I also have to take a special class to fulfill the requirements of this separate program), C) and therefore my first advisor didn't really know what she was talking about. Then, D) I also had to see a pre-med advisor who then sent me to E) another faculty advisor (a Physics professor) who helped me straighten everything out and F) sent me back to the pre-med advisor, who approved my schedule. In the next stage, it took me a while to figure out to sign up for the different components involved in each class, which didn't make sense to me anyway because so many of the classes were filled up anyway that blocking it out by hand was pointless. After they approved what I had scheduled, they then sent us to the computer lab where I was finally able to complete the 3-hour long process and print out my schedule. So that's set.

After that I got my ID card done and proceeded with the other members of my group to the closing ceremonies where they gave another short presentation and conducted a few giveaways. When it was finally over, everyone said goodbye and proceeded back to the dorms where it was near impossible to get into the elevators. When I finally managed to grab my luggage and escape from the building, I handed in my key and left to take the T back to South Station where I boarded the Fung Wah bus again and headed home. There was this slightly sketchy moment when two guys went up to the bus driver and asked (and then bribed) him to stop at a specific pit stop on the way. It was very strange, and I admit I was very suspicious at the time.

But I got home safely [obviously] and ate dinner in Chinatown. Then I drove home with my dad, and that was the end of that adventure.

SUMMARY:

So...
Total Travel Time: 13 hours
Total Hours on Campus: 49.5 hours
Total Trip Time: 62.5 hours
Total Distance Walked: 6 miles (and more probably).
Average Distance Walked Per Day: 2 miles
Total Number of Hours Registering for Classes: 6
Total Number of Hours of Sleep: 10... disrupted of course.
Degree of Foot Pain: INTENSE

So basically, I had a good time. BU's Orientation I'm sure is unlike any other, and aside from the concrete ovens we slept in, it was pretty amazing. While I was there:

- I met a number of people so in the worst case scenario I won't be too alone this September (hah).
- I also set my schedule, which consists of consecutive classes with ten minutes between each for me to literally run across campus to catch the next. (No joke, I'll map it out one day.) Aside from two classes though, the duration of my days range from 11 AM to 3 PM so it's okay.
- Furthermore, I've made the decision to be a Pre-Med Physics major. I can feel myself being screwed over already, but it's okay because if it really doesn't kill me, then I think it really will be something that "makes me come alive."

I'm really looking forward to September though. I can feel the excitement and the buzz, and I've yet to make a circle of friends and find my "College Best Friend"... hah. But I know, I know. Don't worry... I'm in no rush at all.