I think my love for reading has come back. Reading for pleasure is what it's meant to be again. Being able to read "outside of the box" really keeps me content. Not that textbooks for school are horribly dry, it's just nice to read some personal non-fiction or even some forms of fiction that seem true enough to be real. I absolutely enjoy it. I just finished The Namesake and I'll be working on reading Perfume of Dreams tomorrow. It's definitely going to have me slightly depressed by the end of the week, but the satisfaction of finishing another book is going to be rewarding.
I've also been reading through people's old blog posts. Now that I have time anyway. I feel like I've missed out on their lives, even if I'm two weeks behind. At this point I'm also sure I enjoy reading other people's writing a lot more than my own. And to think I used to gloat that I had finished mini "masterpieces" back in high school, not only for AP English but also for my own personal writing projects: poems, short stories, etc. It makes me cringe every time I go back to look at how much all of that has declined in terms of aptitude. I'm hoping I'll improve in time, especially since upper division writing is just around the corner (which terrifies me...Humanties CORE at UCI at its worst will forever haunt me).
It gives me greater comfort to know that I absorb a lot more when I read.
P.S. I fixed it, Lewis!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
I Digg Twitter
I just made two nerdy references if no one got that. I've been trying to recruit more friends to join! So far, no luck, especially with Anum. She compared Twitter to how Facebook status changes. I guess micro-blogging has been downsized even more. Then again, when my friends and I tried to get her to join LiveJournal, that as well failed because she didn't blog as much. I thought Twitter would change that since she's the type of person with little to physically write, but a lot to verbally say. I have thought of other potentials to ask though. Twitter will not die like Pownce did. R.I.P. Pownce.
On another note, studying for finals has become such a slow process. My ADD personality has ruck amuck and I honestly can't sit still enough to absorb anything. Maybe that's why it's best to stand up once in a while if you want to remember information. Other myths would be eating chocolate or writing your notes in black ink, too. I'd follow them just the same for their sake. I get why people make fun of psychology though, humanists are such hippies! The whole it's-all-about-you-Mr.Roger's-neighborhood approach pretty much sums it up. Liking what I'm reading though, just a lot to take in. I'm going to be giddy taking finals this week for abnormal psych. All the other finals are more downhillish in terms of mood. ICS 21 being at the bottom of the food chain.
I think when I get back from winter break, I'm going to buy a plant, if not a pet. In my history of plants last year...I think I'll have better luck with a pet rock.
On another note, studying for finals has become such a slow process. My ADD personality has ruck amuck and I honestly can't sit still enough to absorb anything. Maybe that's why it's best to stand up once in a while if you want to remember information. Other myths would be eating chocolate or writing your notes in black ink, too. I'd follow them just the same for their sake. I get why people make fun of psychology though, humanists are such hippies! The whole it's-all-about-you-Mr.Roger's-neighborhood approach pretty much sums it up. Liking what I'm reading though, just a lot to take in. I'm going to be giddy taking finals this week for abnormal psych. All the other finals are more downhillish in terms of mood. ICS 21 being at the bottom of the food chain.
I think when I get back from winter break, I'm going to buy a plant, if not a pet. In my history of plants last year...I think I'll have better luck with a pet rock.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Costco Pie- Day Three
It's never going to go away! I don't want to pack the pie with me either and there's no way we're going to finish it by tomorrow. Lewis should drive with the pie back with him :). I've had pie for breakfast twice this week already. Not good for me. Punishment for the Id getting the best of me. I used to love apple pie as a kid, but I guess I sort of outgrew it. What a shame.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Easy Week
Going home Wednesday. I'm just too thrilled at the thought of it. I need to make use of my camera so this week should be a good opportunity. Still have to pack though. I'm in such a good mood today, it's a wonderful feeling.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
West Side Story
On a much lighter note, Lewis and I went to see West Side Story! Our friend Nancy was one of the dancers for the Sharks' side and she was adorable as Teresita! Lewis's co-worker, Blake was also in it and played Officer Krupke well, too. I loved the set that the UCI arts department put up. The singing and dancing was strong. I think the female leads were my favorites, singing wise. I was slightly giddy watching the cast dance, it was so fun to watch. The costumes, the girls' mostly, were really cute.
I completely forgot how the plot of West Side Story went after "Tonight". I was shocked that Bernardo died because Tony stabbed him! Kind of saw Tony being shot coming, but did not expect that actual sound of a gun shot going off during the performance. I teared up a few times through out the play. Really makes me want to go see more shows. Always a treat to go to them.
Pictures courtesy of Lewis :)!
Nancy was awesome! "Aiyahhhh", hilarious.
I completely forgot how the plot of West Side Story went after "Tonight". I was shocked that Bernardo died because Tony stabbed him! Kind of saw Tony being shot coming, but did not expect that actual sound of a gun shot going off during the performance. I teared up a few times through out the play. Really makes me want to go see more shows. Always a treat to go to them.
Pictures courtesy of Lewis :)!
Nancy was awesome! "Aiyahhhh", hilarious.
Not There Yet
There are so many approaches I want to take to get through to you. Sometimes it's like talking to a brick wall. Other times it seems like you're trying to rebel by not listening, but I'd like to think that you can hear me. No matter how many phone calls, emails, MySpace messages or heart-to-hearts we have, the things I really want you to understand will never get through.
As much as I like to hear your laugh and giggle over stupid jokes or how your day went, that doesn't mean I don't want to talk about other things. Future shopping trips, afternoons dedicated for baking, or how stupid boys are, that's all we jabber about whenever we're on good terms. When I want to talk about serious stuff, you automatically turn off and act as if you can't respond. If you can still still physically hear me, you act as if you can't understand. Thing is, you don't want to understand. I know you're capable of actually doing the opposite, you're smart enough. I can't be around you unless you want me around. If I piss you off, I'm on your worst hit list. Give it a few days or weeks and I'm back to being on the okay list.
I can't get past telling you that I'm proud of you or that I love you because once I give the positive opening sentence, you're already expecting me to be serious and you change subjects. Your best shot at handling our conversations would be keeping them brief and short. No confrontation. You assure me you're fine, that you can handle it. You don't seem at ease once you pour everything out and it's looking back at you. You're hoping you don't have to deal with it anymore because it's a thorn at your side. I try to help, but once I attempt to tackle the reasons of what's going on, you shut down.
I'm starting to analyze you too much, isn't it? At least that's what you say. I know you feel uncomfortable when people try to understand you because that means you're easier to figure out for a 'complicated person'. Once the world figures out who and what you really are, there's nothing else to hide. Is that it?
As much as I like to hear your laugh and giggle over stupid jokes or how your day went, that doesn't mean I don't want to talk about other things. Future shopping trips, afternoons dedicated for baking, or how stupid boys are, that's all we jabber about whenever we're on good terms. When I want to talk about serious stuff, you automatically turn off and act as if you can't respond. If you can still still physically hear me, you act as if you can't understand. Thing is, you don't want to understand. I know you're capable of actually doing the opposite, you're smart enough. I can't be around you unless you want me around. If I piss you off, I'm on your worst hit list. Give it a few days or weeks and I'm back to being on the okay list.
I can't get past telling you that I'm proud of you or that I love you because once I give the positive opening sentence, you're already expecting me to be serious and you change subjects. Your best shot at handling our conversations would be keeping them brief and short. No confrontation. You assure me you're fine, that you can handle it. You don't seem at ease once you pour everything out and it's looking back at you. You're hoping you don't have to deal with it anymore because it's a thorn at your side. I try to help, but once I attempt to tackle the reasons of what's going on, you shut down.
I'm starting to analyze you too much, isn't it? At least that's what you say. I know you feel uncomfortable when people try to understand you because that means you're easier to figure out for a 'complicated person'. Once the world figures out who and what you really are, there's nothing else to hide. Is that it?
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
GObama!
I am ecstatic with how elections went yesterday. I've been waiting to vote for a new president since I turned into a legal adult, man. I woke up early. 6:30 early to get ready to take the bus to get to the voting site. Studied while I waited in line to vote. 8 machines were down and I patiently waited for my turn with my headphones on. I couldn't help but overhear this obnoxious guy in front of me trying to change everyone else's votes from Obama to McCain. A foreign exchange student had his camera on and wanted to interview some locals about the elections. Most declined except for of course, the guy in front of me. 20 minutes must have past and the machines were up and running again.
It took me two tries to try and vote. The day before I tried to vote early by going to the Student Center and register. No luck there...they couldn't find my address and I had to leave. I always manage to screw up a registration form one way or another. The next time was a better chance. My old address still worked and I put my vote in. Being able to buy a lottery ticket or getting a tattoo isn't a mark of adulthood. To me voting was.
It took me two tries to try and vote. The day before I tried to vote early by going to the Student Center and register. No luck there...they couldn't find my address and I had to leave. I always manage to screw up a registration form one way or another. The next time was a better chance. My old address still worked and I put my vote in. Being able to buy a lottery ticket or getting a tattoo isn't a mark of adulthood. To me voting was.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween
"This is Halloween, this is Halloween, Halloween, Halloween..."
It doesn't look like it's up to be Halloween today. No one's dressed up and it's not cold enough. Back home my mom was telling me it was supposed to rain tonight in Fremont. Rain! Oh how I miss you! I cannot wait when Irvine/Newport Beach get rained in. That's going to be awesome. I wish I was more into random holidays like today's. Dressing up can be fun. I used to dress up for Halloween all the time back in the day. Never had any strange costumes 'cause I was a prude. My sisters are going as Pinocchio and Snow White. Disney themed, how cute :). They better email pictures.
I'm waiting on the last 10 minutes of work so I'm sitting here blogging. Working and studying at work tomorrow. I have 2 more chapters to read for Psych 120P...and probably 4 or so for ICS 21. Hopefully not that many more chapters :(.
It doesn't look like it's up to be Halloween today. No one's dressed up and it's not cold enough. Back home my mom was telling me it was supposed to rain tonight in Fremont. Rain! Oh how I miss you! I cannot wait when Irvine/Newport Beach get rained in. That's going to be awesome. I wish I was more into random holidays like today's. Dressing up can be fun. I used to dress up for Halloween all the time back in the day. Never had any strange costumes 'cause I was a prude. My sisters are going as Pinocchio and Snow White. Disney themed, how cute :). They better email pictures.
I'm waiting on the last 10 minutes of work so I'm sitting here blogging. Working and studying at work tomorrow. I have 2 more chapters to read for Psych 120P...and probably 4 or so for ICS 21. Hopefully not that many more chapters :(.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Monday, Monday, Monday!
I hope my week is turning up. Midterms are at the middle stretch and I can feel the anxiety and stress building up. I'm a lot less moody about school than I was last week though. Mondays are my short days out of the week next to the weekends. I love it because I don't have work and I usually finish class by 12, if not 3 in the afternoon. Other days drag on till 5 or 6. Crossing my fingers that next quarter I'll have a more spread our schedule so I can enjoy my evenings. I think this made my day.
If only it were cold like this longer! Makes me miss home. Southern California is like a pit of sunny delight. Makes me sad it can't take a little more rain and cooler temperatures. At least this fog is a start.
And of course, he always makes my day, too :). Just realized, Happy 1 Year & 8 Months! :D
And of course, he always makes my day, too :). Just realized, Happy 1 Year & 8 Months! :D
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Notes
It's amazing how bad my memory can be, if not how often I put myself on auto pilot. I know that I'm paying attention in class or work, but then somehow, I manage to do things without really paying attention, yet I'm still consistent and reliable. It's a natural occurrence, yet I'm nearly always fascinated.
Studying like mad for psychology tomorrow. Going to bed, g'night.
Studying like mad for psychology tomorrow. Going to bed, g'night.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Ho Hum
I feel amazingly behind in non-academic activities. Okay maybe blogging and keeping in touch with friends, but that still counts! I haven't called home much and that's unlike me to do so. Called my parents today and talked for a long time, it felt good to talk to them again. I have been doing my best to be non-hermit-ish, but somehow I have a talent to be the opposite of that regardless. I'm not agoraphobic, I go out and interact with people. I like how I almost typed angoraphobic. I'd be afraid of wool instead. Sorry, little psychology humor in there.
Classes have been going well except for ICS 21. I honestly dread being tested for that class, ever since the first quiz, I feel a little jaded. Can't lose hope, just have to be patient and "think". Those are the main instructions for lab, be patient and think, a lot. Statistics on the other hand, was not as horrifying as I sought it to be. It's actually a lot better when I try to learn the material myself since it's an online course. The server is stubborn as hell though because it either freezes or won't let me navigate to other pages which is annoying. The professor and the TA tells us that the refresh and exit button are our friends. You have to log in, log out, and start all over if it won't work. Luckily it saves your work, otherwise I'm screwed. This class also gives me back my Fridays by moving them to Mondays. No lecture after the non-mandatory lab!
To be fair, I have to rave over my psychology classes, too. I'm head over heels for them! I'm already in waist deep and as sad as this sounds, I think this quarter has reassured me this was the right major to switch into. I can't get over how fun it is to sit in lecture. I think once you get past the core psychology classes, you're basically outlining what type of psychology you want to get into. Right now clinical sounds like a set structure to think about, but I guess I have to wait and see until I take the classes for it first. It's been fun applying what I've learned outside the realm of lectures. Freud cracks me up. Seriously.
Nothing else to update. Only social events I've been to the past few weeks were my uncle's wedding and a baby shower last weekend. I'm going to another wedding this week! My RA is getting married so that's going to be super exciting. This talk of marriage and babies makes me wonder how the heck I'm going to turn out after I graduate. Don't have time to contemplate about it so pfft.
Classes have been going well except for ICS 21. I honestly dread being tested for that class, ever since the first quiz, I feel a little jaded. Can't lose hope, just have to be patient and "think". Those are the main instructions for lab, be patient and think, a lot. Statistics on the other hand, was not as horrifying as I sought it to be. It's actually a lot better when I try to learn the material myself since it's an online course. The server is stubborn as hell though because it either freezes or won't let me navigate to other pages which is annoying. The professor and the TA tells us that the refresh and exit button are our friends. You have to log in, log out, and start all over if it won't work. Luckily it saves your work, otherwise I'm screwed. This class also gives me back my Fridays by moving them to Mondays. No lecture after the non-mandatory lab!
To be fair, I have to rave over my psychology classes, too. I'm head over heels for them! I'm already in waist deep and as sad as this sounds, I think this quarter has reassured me this was the right major to switch into. I can't get over how fun it is to sit in lecture. I think once you get past the core psychology classes, you're basically outlining what type of psychology you want to get into. Right now clinical sounds like a set structure to think about, but I guess I have to wait and see until I take the classes for it first. It's been fun applying what I've learned outside the realm of lectures. Freud cracks me up. Seriously.
Nothing else to update. Only social events I've been to the past few weeks were my uncle's wedding and a baby shower last weekend. I'm going to another wedding this week! My RA is getting married so that's going to be super exciting. This talk of marriage and babies makes me wonder how the heck I'm going to turn out after I graduate. Don't have time to contemplate about it so pfft.
Friday, September 26, 2008
(Lucky) Quarter #7?
Not that I'm superstitious or anything, but I hope I get lucky somehow with classes this quarter. Just looking over the classes I'm anticipating to struggle in worries me. After seeing how more classes I need to take in order to graduate is a bit overwhelming. At least most of the classes I need to take are psychology or Asian American Studies related. Only 2 more math classes to go and I'm home free with breadth courses. I finished with science requirements so thank goodness for that.
I'm already a ball of stress, but I really hope there isn't a repeat of last year. Results of it sure, but not the whole thing I guess. Classes for this quarter, I think I'll enjoy my psych classes. My 120A psych professor made fun of "Sex and the City" and that just made my day. My 120P professor seems like a bit of a hippie, but seems super chill. I have mixed feelings with ICS, but hope to get the hang of it and get a decent grade.
Stats on the other hand is like a reoccurring nightmare for me. Taking it in high school was the worst for me and it never left me. I dreaded math in general. Only two quarters of it and I'll be done. Watch, I'll be waking up screaming and managing to bump my head on the ceiling over and over.
I think taking the longer shifts at work tend to depress me a bit because I have time to think about what I've accomplished and then go through the stacks of master and doctorate papers people have written here. I should consider doing relaxation exercises this year if not visit the psychologist at least once on campus.
I'm already a ball of stress, but I really hope there isn't a repeat of last year. Results of it sure, but not the whole thing I guess. Classes for this quarter, I think I'll enjoy my psych classes. My 120A psych professor made fun of "Sex and the City" and that just made my day. My 120P professor seems like a bit of a hippie, but seems super chill. I have mixed feelings with ICS, but hope to get the hang of it and get a decent grade.
Stats on the other hand is like a reoccurring nightmare for me. Taking it in high school was the worst for me and it never left me. I dreaded math in general. Only two quarters of it and I'll be done. Watch, I'll be waking up screaming and managing to bump my head on the ceiling over and over.
I think taking the longer shifts at work tend to depress me a bit because I have time to think about what I've accomplished and then go through the stacks of master and doctorate papers people have written here. I should consider doing relaxation exercises this year if not visit the psychologist at least once on campus.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
IHS Fire
"Investigators were called to Irvington High School on Sunday, after firefighters extinguished an early morning blaze that destroyed two classrooms." (SF Gate)
What the hell man? What is going on with Fremont? Last year were the lock downs from a gun threat and stabbings at JFK and now IHS? That is unacceptable. Horrrifying because people have gotten hurt in those situations last year. Luckily no one was hurt this time.
I always find a way to hear about bad news back home when I'm at school. Our city used to be so safe, I don't know what happened. When I was there for high school, it was secure. Once our class left things reaked havoc and hell broke loose. I know a number of families that are already considering to move out of the area because of the random break outs of violence. It's just too scary and risky to raise a family or live alone in Fremont. It was definitely a lot safer 5 years back.
It's bad that I'm already jumping to conclusions that it has to do with a number of students that tried to rebel against the staff at Irvington High about the new dress code. My sister called me a few days ago and started ranting about how the administration is worried about the increased gang violence in the area and wanted to prevent it. Hoping their decision would be effective, they decided on banning the students from wearing any articles of clothing that had a dominant red background. Whether or not it's a form of self-expression, I don't see why the school didn't ban other gang colors to be fair. Seems like a minor thing to start a fire over, but you never know. Kids these days.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Busy Work
Not really busy at work, just working on busy work. At least I don't have to go find something to do and start sharpening all the pencils in the department or hide in the back and pretend I'm re-shelving books and dusting them off. Or my favorite (not really), emptying the humidifiers.
I'm moving mountains though! Taking down the piles and piles of dissertations today and the fact that I'm helping with the tidying up in the department is turning my OCD levels up even more. I like a clean workplace. Who doesn't? I must be nuts to be stuck in an office job and half-enjoying it. Better than dreading to go in the first place.
...AH! The cataloging cart is being filled up.
Pencils in a row on the desk near the department printer.
Looks like they need be sharpened.
Boxes to put back in the basement and other dissertations waiting to be filed away.
Mmm, someone else can do that Friday. I'm not working tomorrow :).
I'm moving mountains though! Taking down the piles and piles of dissertations today and the fact that I'm helping with the tidying up in the department is turning my OCD levels up even more. I like a clean workplace. Who doesn't? I must be nuts to be stuck in an office job and half-enjoying it. Better than dreading to go in the first place.
...AH! The cataloging cart is being filled up.
Pencils in a row on the desk near the department printer.
Looks like they need be sharpened.
Boxes to put back in the basement and other dissertations waiting to be filed away.
Mmm, someone else can do that Friday. I'm not working tomorrow :).
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Beeeeeeeep!
That annoying door alarm from Special Collections and Archives is buzzing again. If the pitch were any higher, I think dogs from the OC would be a runnin'. We're actually busy today, lots of students coming in about their research papers and Michelle has been pressing the assistance bell every 10 minutes. Feels like I have a minor purpose in my regular day now that I'm back at work. Good ol' Langson Library, where I'm on the floor that doesn't have stairs in case of a fire. Minor setback. We do have AC and humidifiers to keep the books from molding and dusting.
Working on a better system for dissertations, thank goodness for common sense and organization skills! Will post about new apartment and roommates soon :). All I have to say is so far so good.
Working on a better system for dissertations, thank goodness for common sense and organization skills! Will post about new apartment and roommates soon :). All I have to say is so far so good.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Taco Neck Syndrome
Ever heard of it? I didn't until Lewis brought it up after my dad bought my loft bed for my new apartment. It's quite literal, think about eating a taco, instead of tilting the taco itself, your head does. That's my basic position to get out of bed every morning from now on. As of today I haven't bumped my head yet and I'm giddy that my thin mattress from IKEA is super comfortable. Me ceiling is about 7.5 feet by the way and the bed probably gives me about a foot of room to crawl.
(Edit 9/22/08) Okay that was for that day, me avoiding an accident with the ceiling...last week however, I did bump my head. The whole scene was like out of a comic strip. Sarah's alarm went off first, she turned hers off. My phone alarm went off on my desk below. I woke up in such a panic and managed to scrape the back of my skull. It hurt a lot. I just remember springing back to my original position and cursing in pain. Sarah thought I was bleeding and all I could hear was "Do you need ice?? Are you okay?!" I was fine. The shock of everything within the 2 seconds was horrifying. It seemed hilarious afterwards though.
(Edit 9/22/08) Okay that was for that day, me avoiding an accident with the ceiling...last week however, I did bump my head. The whole scene was like out of a comic strip. Sarah's alarm went off first, she turned hers off. My phone alarm went off on my desk below. I woke up in such a panic and managed to scrape the back of my skull. It hurt a lot. I just remember springing back to my original position and cursing in pain. Sarah thought I was bleeding and all I could hear was "Do you need ice?? Are you okay?!" I was fine. The shock of everything within the 2 seconds was horrifying. It seemed hilarious afterwards though.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Worry Wart
I worry about worrying. I even worry when I don't worry because I think there should be something to worry about. I'm anticipating for the stress to come this school year because I've been mostly carefree this whole summer. Something tells me stress is going to ride me for as long as it can. It's doing its magic right now. I'm acting somewhat like Chicken Little except I don't believe the sky is going to fall, I just think everything going on for me that's stress related is going to hit me like an apocalypse. Kaboom!
Worrying is normal, but the way I worry is not. And she says she needed anti-anxiety pills, hah!
Worrying is normal, but the way I worry is not. And she says she needed anti-anxiety pills, hah!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Behind Gray Lines With Purses Upfront
Once you enter the third room to the Chihuly Exhibit at the de Young in San Francisco, you'll most likely encounter an obnoxious security guard with a mini fan against his ear sternly telling everyone to be behind lines and purses where he can see them. Aside from that minor annoyance, I really enjoyed this exhibit. Though rather short, it was still spectacular, mainly 'cause of the colors used in these glass sculptures. I feel like I'm making a Yelp post, but I'm not! Everything was just marvelous. Here are just a few of the pieces at the exhibit!
This exhibit ends September 28th so if anyone still wants to go, you can! It's $5 plus admission. And yeah...this is sounding like a Yelp post. Sorry.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Toy Car
The Infiniti is no longer the second (or third) hand car I got from a relative. It became a toy car. Refurbished to its newer state, it only fit 3 people total along with the driver and was powered by the weakest battery that could pretty much hold no more than 210 lbs. Remember those battery powered cars that would take 6 year olds around for a cruise? Yeah, that's what my car became.
Luckily that was only a dream and I wasn't chased by a giant panda either. As a side note, Happy 1.5, Lewis! :)
Luckily that was only a dream and I wasn't chased by a giant panda either. As a side note, Happy 1.5, Lewis! :)
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Forgetful
I feel like I need to blog or write more in my journals so I don't forget minor details of my day or night. I'm trying to remember what I'm supposed to be blogging about specifically so I'll just leave it at that.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Zebras Against Horses
I find it ridiculous that some people can't take a little constructive criticism. Looking back at it, I should take it personally. It's like saying if I was served the wrong item on the menu and expected to eat and praise the food instead of complain that they got my order wrong. Yes well, the customer isn't always right, but at least they should be honest about their experience. I was honest, not brutally, but honest enough.
So here we go, my review about a certain veterinarian clinic on Yelp was asked to be taken down today. No not from the Yelp people, nor other users, but the actual clinic. I got a phone call today from one of their doctors and he immediately defended his diagnosis and case with my dog. He asked for me to take down my review and that he'd appreciate it. There were equally good and bad reviews of this place and some members had reported worse experiences with their pets there than with my review. What's up with that? I don't see why I had to be targeted to call and be asked to take my review down.
Here's the back story: Last week my dog was walking extremely funny and we didn't know what was wrong with her. Her legs looked like they were in bad shape. She couldn't sit properly and definitely didn't want to walk. So we took her to Vet A. The doctor took a look at her and said she had a tumor right away. Never offered to do tests on her. We said her legs were swelling, but he never paid attention to that. Never explained why my dog was walking funny and brought our attention to something else that was a lot more serious. We didn't know for sure if his diagnoses was true. Zebra! Medical term for rare diagnosis. And even if it were true, shouldn't you treat something that's curable right away and then worry about whatever long term disease is present later?
My parents took our dog to Vet B for a second opinion. They brought the medical notes the previous vet had written and he took one look at my dog and found what was the problem. She had a thorn in her leg. Right then and there it was extracted and she was given antibiotics. Horse! A more common diagnosis for the cause of illness or pain. The source of the swelling was a lot more probable than quickly ignoring that area and suddenly pointing out a tumor to some unknown area of the derriere. They did tests for tumors and didn't find anything. That was it. Our dog was fine once she got home and is in better shape.
As for my review, I merely stated how my family's experience was there, I did not bluff and certainly did not say anything about wanting to shut down the place. I'm not cruel. Yelp or no Yelp, if anyone asked my about Vet A, I would have told them the same thing I reviewed. It wouldn't have mattered anyways. Talk about freedom of speech. What's funny is that during the phone call, the doctor mentioned about the thorn and was defending himself that he said the tumor wasn't in the leg but somewhere else. If he knew that the thorn was there, why didn't he treat it right away? Or maybe worse, my review gave the result of my dog's condition and he used it to act like he knew what was going on.
Yes I know doctors are only human and are able to make mistakes. It was just the way things were handled were not professional and I'm not impressed. Either way, my review still stands. I took the first review down, but I'll make sure to put up a briefer account. Horses over zebras, jerk.
So here we go, my review about a certain veterinarian clinic on Yelp was asked to be taken down today. No not from the Yelp people, nor other users, but the actual clinic. I got a phone call today from one of their doctors and he immediately defended his diagnosis and case with my dog. He asked for me to take down my review and that he'd appreciate it. There were equally good and bad reviews of this place and some members had reported worse experiences with their pets there than with my review. What's up with that? I don't see why I had to be targeted to call and be asked to take my review down.
Here's the back story: Last week my dog was walking extremely funny and we didn't know what was wrong with her. Her legs looked like they were in bad shape. She couldn't sit properly and definitely didn't want to walk. So we took her to Vet A. The doctor took a look at her and said she had a tumor right away. Never offered to do tests on her. We said her legs were swelling, but he never paid attention to that. Never explained why my dog was walking funny and brought our attention to something else that was a lot more serious. We didn't know for sure if his diagnoses was true. Zebra! Medical term for rare diagnosis. And even if it were true, shouldn't you treat something that's curable right away and then worry about whatever long term disease is present later?
My parents took our dog to Vet B for a second opinion. They brought the medical notes the previous vet had written and he took one look at my dog and found what was the problem. She had a thorn in her leg. Right then and there it was extracted and she was given antibiotics. Horse! A more common diagnosis for the cause of illness or pain. The source of the swelling was a lot more probable than quickly ignoring that area and suddenly pointing out a tumor to some unknown area of the derriere. They did tests for tumors and didn't find anything. That was it. Our dog was fine once she got home and is in better shape.
As for my review, I merely stated how my family's experience was there, I did not bluff and certainly did not say anything about wanting to shut down the place. I'm not cruel. Yelp or no Yelp, if anyone asked my about Vet A, I would have told them the same thing I reviewed. It wouldn't have mattered anyways. Talk about freedom of speech. What's funny is that during the phone call, the doctor mentioned about the thorn and was defending himself that he said the tumor wasn't in the leg but somewhere else. If he knew that the thorn was there, why didn't he treat it right away? Or maybe worse, my review gave the result of my dog's condition and he used it to act like he knew what was going on.
Yes I know doctors are only human and are able to make mistakes. It was just the way things were handled were not professional and I'm not impressed. Either way, my review still stands. I took the first review down, but I'll make sure to put up a briefer account. Horses over zebras, jerk.
Monday, August 18, 2008
The List Revisited
1) Learn how to swim
2) Knit a whole scarf
3) Learn how to French braid properly
4) Bake bread perfectly (baguettes preferably)
5) Skateboard somewhat properly
6) Rollerblade/ice skate sufficiently
7) Maybe get another piercing (ears)
8) Ride in a hot air balloon
9) Learn how to twirl a pen/writing utensil between my fingers
10) Make a souflee/pear almond tarte
11) Double dutch jump rope
12) Learn a new instrument
13) Get a new pet (for college)
14) Build up CD collection
15) Drive the freeway (seriously, man)
16) Organize pictures and print them out
17) Scrapbook or at least finish filling up an album
In all of the summer, I haven't even accomplished one. I did work on the scarf, I just haven't finished it yet. Should get back to working on it at school while I study. I should just set smaller goals.
2) Knit a whole scarf
3) Learn how to French braid properly
4) Bake bread perfectly (baguettes preferably)
5) Skateboard somewhat properly
6) Rollerblade/ice skate sufficiently
7) Maybe get another piercing (ears)
8) Ride in a hot air balloon
9) Learn how to twirl a pen/writing utensil between my fingers
10) Make a souflee/pear almond tarte
11) Double dutch jump rope
12) Learn a new instrument
13) Get a new pet (for college)
14) Build up CD collection
15) Drive the freeway (seriously, man)
16) Organize pictures and print them out
17) Scrapbook or at least finish filling up an album
In all of the summer, I haven't even accomplished one. I did work on the scarf, I just haven't finished it yet. Should get back to working on it at school while I study. I should just set smaller goals.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Some Drivers Are Assholes
Today was a rare day for me to run any errands for my parents, mostly because it required the car and they didn't want to get out of bed. However I was woken up at 7:30 this morning by my dad. Fat chance on the freeway driving, I just got the opportunity to drive by myself. Baby steps, man, baby steps. So before I dive into what happened when I was driving, I have to recall two weird dreams I had.
First off, I realize the first familiar character I dream about in any dream is prone to change into another familiar character, even if those characters haven't met. So for the first dream I dreamt I was at an elementary school friend's house. She kept changing to my other elementary school friends but still still kept in character. I brought over some gift my mom picked out. That was weird.
The other dream proved that people who are consistent in my life are consistent in character if I dream about them (i.e. parents stay my parents). Just dreamt that Lewis was living in my house and got my old room, lucky duck. My mom seemed to like him better and thought I was a burden to raise. No idea where that came from, but it was nightmarish.
So that's that. My errand was at first a coffee run to Peet's. Slight change of plans and everyone wanted bagels instead, so Noah's it was. I went to Noah's still on the phone and was ordering while I was on the phone. I felt extremely rude to the person that worked there, it's a pet peeve of mine for people to be on the phone and tries to multi-task in a public place in a similar environment. I felt bad afterwards. I was glad that they didn't mix up the order though.
I went straight there and back. On my way back, I probably checked the bagel box twice to make sure I got everything. Yeah, I'm paranoid. I'm on an intersection and there's a pedestrian trying to pass the car in front of me. This car had the nerve to stop, letting the person cross, then block their way, and sped off just barely missing his toes. Thank God the guy was okay, but whoever was driving in front of me was a complete asshole. I don't know who else was paying attention to this, but I was furious. There are a lot of drivers out there that are jerks because they're impatient. I was surprised when I passed this car, there was a kid in the passenger seat, too. Would it kill you to stop properly and let some person pass you? You have a kid in the car for God's sake and you were going to risk killing someone in front of your kid if you got into an accident? Unbelievable.
First off, I realize the first familiar character I dream about in any dream is prone to change into another familiar character, even if those characters haven't met. So for the first dream I dreamt I was at an elementary school friend's house. She kept changing to my other elementary school friends but still still kept in character. I brought over some gift my mom picked out. That was weird.
The other dream proved that people who are consistent in my life are consistent in character if I dream about them (i.e. parents stay my parents). Just dreamt that Lewis was living in my house and got my old room, lucky duck. My mom seemed to like him better and thought I was a burden to raise. No idea where that came from, but it was nightmarish.
So that's that. My errand was at first a coffee run to Peet's. Slight change of plans and everyone wanted bagels instead, so Noah's it was. I went to Noah's still on the phone and was ordering while I was on the phone. I felt extremely rude to the person that worked there, it's a pet peeve of mine for people to be on the phone and tries to multi-task in a public place in a similar environment. I felt bad afterwards. I was glad that they didn't mix up the order though.
I went straight there and back. On my way back, I probably checked the bagel box twice to make sure I got everything. Yeah, I'm paranoid. I'm on an intersection and there's a pedestrian trying to pass the car in front of me. This car had the nerve to stop, letting the person cross, then block their way, and sped off just barely missing his toes. Thank God the guy was okay, but whoever was driving in front of me was a complete asshole. I don't know who else was paying attention to this, but I was furious. There are a lot of drivers out there that are jerks because they're impatient. I was surprised when I passed this car, there was a kid in the passenger seat, too. Would it kill you to stop properly and let some person pass you? You have a kid in the car for God's sake and you were going to risk killing someone in front of your kid if you got into an accident? Unbelievable.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Relieved
Look at my sunflowers! My little sproutlings are growing strong. At least the pot on the left is catching up. Still considering to take them to school with me, but I know they'll be too tall. Poo.
On an even greater note, Honnie's okay! She was walking funny a few days ago and we didn't know what was wrong. Her hind leg was clearly in pain for her because she wouldn't walk on it. And now she can! She had a thorn stuck in her leg and they took it out for her. She's back to her normal self. It was so sad to see her sitting in one place and refusing food and toys.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Particularly Bleh
Yeah I know that was an awful title for any post. Didn't feel like being so witty about it. I think today will mostly be about a stupid rant about a series of things, none of which that are necessarily related to each other. Luckily for my readers, I'm not going to go on about it. I'll just list out my new or some of my already existing pet peeves.
- Newpark Mall is the new watered down version of utter misery, especially if you're stuck at Sears and JcPenny's after you made the longest trip to Walmart. Plans or no plans, just get your stuff and get outta there!
- Whiny, bratty kids. Not really necessarily little kids, but the big kids, too. Shut your pie hole and show some respect.
- Whiny, bratty kids that end up in fits over minor events. Should have been locked in the car with some of the windows down for some more hot air. How do you like that, huh?
- Whiny, bratty kids that end up in fits and may just end up with a bribe to be shut up. Lame solution, I suggest the 3rd peeve's solution.
- Lagging, extreme lagging in any situation especially when everyone else is already in a foul mood and it's hot as balls outside.
- Crappy customer service is definitely a new pet peeve. Before it never really occurred as much, but after the past few weeks with a certain leasing office, my roommates and I are ready to take the gloves off.
- So from #6 you get inconsistent information which leads to false information that is confirmed which is later on unorganized chaos altogether. Thumbs down on those points.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sunflowers
I should keep a plant journal. My sunflowers are sprouting already! It's only been a week and they're growing strong :). I wonder plants I'll buy when I get back to school.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Sleep
I slept in till 10 today! That's the first time I did that all summer and you know what? It felt amazing. I did dream about a pink van though. A hot pink van and some aluminum balloons with giant teddy bears with a kid with a orange Jew fro. Along with the boyfriend with the grin that wouldn't wipe off because he saw my reaction. I had a deja vu while I was dreaming and got to see the same version of the same dream except there were more people.
I woke up thinking we were taking my grandparents to the botanical gardens in San Jose today, but realized I haven't seen them in weeks. Too bad, they would have enjoyed the trip.
I woke up thinking we were taking my grandparents to the botanical gardens in San Jose today, but realized I haven't seen them in weeks. Too bad, they would have enjoyed the trip.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Yelp
My new addiction site since Twitter. I knew this was going to be a problem once I joined. It's becoming a pastime, a need to contribute to the existing pool of reviews that has rated a restaurant, shopping place, museum, parks, and the list continues. I have over 86 reviews and I know that they'll be coming. So far I've kept to mostly restaurants and other places I went to for fun (i.e. parks, museums, etc.). I refuse to review franchises unless I've received super bad service there. Mmm...Yelp.
Beijing Olympics of 2008
Finally catching up to a bit of the Opening Ceremony. I'm impressed with the choreography and symbolism of the performances. Just amazing. I found out something pretty interesting, Vietnam is actually competing in the Olympics! I feel kind of bad that I underestimate the motherland. My dad even said that our country never competed. I just saw team Vietnam walk across the stadium! I read that Vietnam is competing in 8 sports: badminton, gymnastics, shooting, swimming, table tennis, Taekwondo, and weightlifting. That's awesome, I think I'll definitely keep up with the Olympics more. Lewis and I were watching football (soccer) with Argentina and Cote D'Ivoire today. We got riled up for the underdogs. Watch the coverage online with NBC. Too bad they won't do a live coverage, jerks.
My parents did a recording of the Opening Ceremony, so Jennifer, we can make a copy for you!
My parents did a recording of the Opening Ceremony, so Jennifer, we can make a copy for you!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
3 Weeks Left
Until school of course.
Summer always ends up like this, when I get used to being home for so long and going out more. I take home for granted sometimes, I couldn't stand being home the first few weeks. Got over it once I started working at Cedar Crest and pretty soon I have to stop working there, too. Next week should be my last week 'cause one of my co-workers is taking over full-time. My boss wants to hog me for a little longer, which is fine because she's a really sweet person to work with. I found out that they have another facility in Fremont! The location I work at is fine, it's just a little far. The residents there are amusing, really, for adults past 75, they still got some spunk in them. I really admire that.
Aside from work, there's family. I will definitely miss them when I go back to school, but I don't think I'll be as homesick until winter quarter kicks in. Not planning to jinx that statement or anything, winter quarter is just really long compared to the others. I'm getting to spend lots of time with my sisters more than I think I can remember. We're all getting older and starting to relate to the same things: high school, boyfriends, shopping, you know, the girly talks. I hope going back to school doesn't take away from that. Especially since I gave one of them a "freedom pass" and she's turned into an addict already. 2 weeks and counting. Don't worry, it's not drugs. My parents are the same as usual, we're starting to see more eye-to-eye now that they've slightly accepted that I'm getting older.
I really hope I see the girls soon, everyone's been so busy traveling, working, and going to school. Such busy bees. I have been seeing a lot of Lewis and it's always a treat to be around him. At least we're not confined to my house all the time like last summer. I've been addicted to bringing my camera, but not being super Asian about it. Trying to get some good shots in, too.
Don't really have anything else to say except for I've caught ABBA fever and I love the Mamma Mia movie soundtrack...a lot.
Summer always ends up like this, when I get used to being home for so long and going out more. I take home for granted sometimes, I couldn't stand being home the first few weeks. Got over it once I started working at Cedar Crest and pretty soon I have to stop working there, too. Next week should be my last week 'cause one of my co-workers is taking over full-time. My boss wants to hog me for a little longer, which is fine because she's a really sweet person to work with. I found out that they have another facility in Fremont! The location I work at is fine, it's just a little far. The residents there are amusing, really, for adults past 75, they still got some spunk in them. I really admire that.
Aside from work, there's family. I will definitely miss them when I go back to school, but I don't think I'll be as homesick until winter quarter kicks in. Not planning to jinx that statement or anything, winter quarter is just really long compared to the others. I'm getting to spend lots of time with my sisters more than I think I can remember. We're all getting older and starting to relate to the same things: high school, boyfriends, shopping, you know, the girly talks. I hope going back to school doesn't take away from that. Especially since I gave one of them a "freedom pass" and she's turned into an addict already. 2 weeks and counting. Don't worry, it's not drugs. My parents are the same as usual, we're starting to see more eye-to-eye now that they've slightly accepted that I'm getting older.
I really hope I see the girls soon, everyone's been so busy traveling, working, and going to school. Such busy bees. I have been seeing a lot of Lewis and it's always a treat to be around him. At least we're not confined to my house all the time like last summer. I've been addicted to bringing my camera, but not being super Asian about it. Trying to get some good shots in, too.
Don't really have anything else to say except for I've caught ABBA fever and I love the Mamma Mia movie soundtrack...a lot.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Disney Photos
I didn't realize there was a blog for the Annie Leibovitz photos that she did for Disney's Million Dreams. Go visit it! Come to think of it, this post belongs to my Twitter page...oh well.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
B.F.G. ?
If you haven't read Roald Dahl's book "The Big Friendly Giant", you're missing out.
I had a dream about a giant. Well, a giant that greatly resembled fists of the Hulk. I never saw its face. It was chasing me. My sisters and I took its dog. No idea why we'd steal a dog when we already had one. I think we were rescuing it. The giant followed us home and lurked on the roof. Lucikly it didn't fall through our roof. My dad stepped outside to see if things were safe and the giant took him in its great fists. We gave back the dog but the giant wasn't satisfied.
I don't remember how the dream ended, but all I remember was the packing and hiding for dear life. Woke up thinking about the scary giants in "The B.F.G.", they lived on bitter melon which was hilarious.
Well I'm finally up now and Lewis should be, too! We're going to see "The Dark Knight" today! :)
I had a dream about a giant. Well, a giant that greatly resembled fists of the Hulk. I never saw its face. It was chasing me. My sisters and I took its dog. No idea why we'd steal a dog when we already had one. I think we were rescuing it. The giant followed us home and lurked on the roof. Lucikly it didn't fall through our roof. My dad stepped outside to see if things were safe and the giant took him in its great fists. We gave back the dog but the giant wasn't satisfied.
I don't remember how the dream ended, but all I remember was the packing and hiding for dear life. Woke up thinking about the scary giants in "The B.F.G.", they lived on bitter melon which was hilarious.
Well I'm finally up now and Lewis should be, too! We're going to see "The Dark Knight" today! :)
Monday, July 21, 2008
Don't Be Nosy
Especially if you're a complete stranger. I met this woman at work that really bothered me. She walked into the office and right away demanded who I was. Here I am thinking, "I'm wearing a name tag, it says who I am and what I do in this facility. I have to get back to work." I politely answer her with brief answers; I'm working and needed to get stuff done. I thought she'd leave. She still wouldn't let the conversation drop and continues to ask where I worked before, who referred me, what I do besides working here, etc.
Back the hell up and ask my supervisor if you really want to know so bad. You're not even part of the main staff. f you were, I would have seen you around. Of course I didn't say that, but I let her talk until she was done. It wasn't the questions that irked me, it was her attitude. If she approached me like any other normal human being, I would have started a decent conversation. Too bad she acted otherwise.
Her last reaction pissed me off. She asked what I was majoring in and my answer made her frown a little, nod in fake respect, then walk away laughing. What is so funny about majoring in psychology? She starts up a conversation to one of my co-workers that came back to the room I was in. Both women were chattering away in Tagalog, obviously aware that I couldn't understand them. I realized the woman mentioned me and later my studies at school in English and they both laughed hilariously over it. I got really annoyed. It was extremely rude. Who the hell mocks you in front of your face like that? Definitely didn't make my day go any better or faster.
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On a lighter note, I'm currently hunting for new restaurants or food to try. Let's keep it to anywhere near Fremont. Any suggestions?
Back the hell up and ask my supervisor if you really want to know so bad. You're not even part of the main staff. f you were, I would have seen you around. Of course I didn't say that, but I let her talk until she was done. It wasn't the questions that irked me, it was her attitude. If she approached me like any other normal human being, I would have started a decent conversation. Too bad she acted otherwise.
Her last reaction pissed me off. She asked what I was majoring in and my answer made her frown a little, nod in fake respect, then walk away laughing. What is so funny about majoring in psychology? She starts up a conversation to one of my co-workers that came back to the room I was in. Both women were chattering away in Tagalog, obviously aware that I couldn't understand them. I realized the woman mentioned me and later my studies at school in English and they both laughed hilariously over it. I got really annoyed. It was extremely rude. Who the hell mocks you in front of your face like that? Definitely didn't make my day go any better or faster.
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On a lighter note, I'm currently hunting for new restaurants or food to try. Let's keep it to anywhere near Fremont. Any suggestions?
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Highlight At Work
Chit-chat in the break room during lunch is hilarious sometimes.
Nurse #1: We need to watch out for these rooms, Mr. A and Mrs. B have a new habit now...
Nurse #2: What's that?
Nurse #1: Well the other day I was taking Mr. C and his family for a walk in our garden and I look over to Mr. A's room, and you know how he's a really big man. He was completely in the nude. Au naturale, no clothes, nothing.
Nurse #3: That's exactly like Mrs. B. Miss I-don't-care-if-my-boobies-are-hanging-all-over-the- place. She just sits there on her bed waiting for the nurses to come in and she's all ready to get loose. And her room is like a few rooms down from Mr. A's! Our guests need to be warned or else they're all going to get free shows.
Nurse #2: You know it's funny cause those two hang out sometimes...you don't think...
(Everyone bursts out laughing)
Nurse #1: We need to watch out for these rooms, Mr. A and Mrs. B have a new habit now...
Nurse #2: What's that?
Nurse #1: Well the other day I was taking Mr. C and his family for a walk in our garden and I look over to Mr. A's room, and you know how he's a really big man. He was completely in the nude. Au naturale, no clothes, nothing.
Nurse #3: That's exactly like Mrs. B. Miss I-don't-care-if-my-boobies-are-hanging-all-over-the- place. She just sits there on her bed waiting for the nurses to come in and she's all ready to get loose. And her room is like a few rooms down from Mr. A's! Our guests need to be warned or else they're all going to get free shows.
Nurse #2: You know it's funny cause those two hang out sometimes...you don't think...
(Everyone bursts out laughing)
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
It's Too Darn Hot
Outside. It's burning nearly 100 degrees outside and it makes me miss fall and winter. I realize I haven't been posting as much, I've kept busy. Here the things I did in a nutshell:
JUNE
16- Sister's graduation (from 8th grade)
19- Spent the day with Lewis in SF and dinner later with Gabe, Kitty, & Allyson (we dressed up!)
22- Brunch with Lewis, Kitty, & Allyson, Ingrid Michaelson concert @ Golden Gate Park, met up with Gabe; ended up seeing Lifehouse instead, ran into Jennifer & (her) Gabe
23- Started working at the nursing and rehab center
26- Played with computers and Honnie with Lewis
JULY
1- Explored Lake Chabot with Lewis
3- Hung out with Anum and Jennifer
8- Watched "Wall-E" with Lewis
I'm working in between those days that I do go and have a social life. It's not so bad, I know that I officially handle billing and medical records though. Well, I help process paperwork. Tedious, but it feeds the minor OCD. The residents are nice, some crazy, few scary. I'm getting to know most of the staff around the place, everyone's super nice so it's one up from my job at school. I just wish our office had a window or something, I work in a closet. And it tends to have odd smells throughout the day.
Finally got to watch "Wall-E" today! I have to admit, Pixar didn't make it so cutesy, it was the type of humor that I think the older crowd would understand. The plot made you fear for America, let's just put it at that. The "Green and Healthy" movement should have started years ago. I'll op for fruits and veggies. Mmm, anyone up for Sweet Tomatoes?
So for those who have asked me how my summer's been going, I'll say it's been, well there isn't one word for it. It's been busy for one, slightly hectic, fun, but also stressful. I miss school for the freedom, but I love home for the people I get to be around, the ones that don't drive me bonkers and up the wall of course. I do hope I get to see the rest of my family and accomplish some other places I'd like to visit with friends. All in all, so far, summer has been starting off like it should be. My plan was to keep busy and I am. Although if winter and summer break were to ever switch their lengths in vacation time, I'd vote for it.
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P.S. I can only fit a 24 for bikes. Not even adult size.
JUNE
16- Sister's graduation (from 8th grade)
19- Spent the day with Lewis in SF and dinner later with Gabe, Kitty, & Allyson (we dressed up!)
22- Brunch with Lewis, Kitty, & Allyson, Ingrid Michaelson concert @ Golden Gate Park, met up with Gabe; ended up seeing Lifehouse instead, ran into Jennifer & (her) Gabe
23- Started working at the nursing and rehab center
26- Played with computers and Honnie with Lewis
JULY
1- Explored Lake Chabot with Lewis
3- Hung out with Anum and Jennifer
8- Watched "Wall-E" with Lewis
I'm working in between those days that I do go and have a social life. It's not so bad, I know that I officially handle billing and medical records though. Well, I help process paperwork. Tedious, but it feeds the minor OCD. The residents are nice, some crazy, few scary. I'm getting to know most of the staff around the place, everyone's super nice so it's one up from my job at school. I just wish our office had a window or something, I work in a closet. And it tends to have odd smells throughout the day.
Finally got to watch "Wall-E" today! I have to admit, Pixar didn't make it so cutesy, it was the type of humor that I think the older crowd would understand. The plot made you fear for America, let's just put it at that. The "Green and Healthy" movement should have started years ago. I'll op for fruits and veggies. Mmm, anyone up for Sweet Tomatoes?
So for those who have asked me how my summer's been going, I'll say it's been, well there isn't one word for it. It's been busy for one, slightly hectic, fun, but also stressful. I miss school for the freedom, but I love home for the people I get to be around, the ones that don't drive me bonkers and up the wall of course. I do hope I get to see the rest of my family and accomplish some other places I'd like to visit with friends. All in all, so far, summer has been starting off like it should be. My plan was to keep busy and I am. Although if winter and summer break were to ever switch their lengths in vacation time, I'd vote for it.
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P.S. I can only fit a 24 for bikes. Not even adult size.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Nursing and Rehab Center
I'm at the bottom of the food chain in this place. It's either a retired nurse's job or a job for a fresh face still in school. Hello, meet the new MDS Input Consultant. Me, I'm the clerk that gets to work in the "closet sized" office. That's okay, I get to be around a lot of old people who seem pretty charming if you get to know them.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Light Graffiti
I want to borrow my mom's camera for this project, it'd be so much fun to do! Can't manually adjust the ISO and shutter speed on my Nikon CoolPix L12. Cheesy tutorial and the examples aren't as cool as the ones on this link, but it seems simple enough.
Light Graffiti Tutorial - Click here for the funniest movie of the week
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
School's Over
And summer is here.
In the middle of job hunting.
Hoping to see some old faces.
Planning to get lots of sleep.
Anticipating being a year older in a few months.
In the middle of job hunting.
Hoping to see some old faces.
Planning to get lots of sleep.
Anticipating being a year older in a few months.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Flaming Baked Alaska
http://www.flickr.com/photos/twwilliams/79689184/
My goal for this summer break is a new dessert. This is called the Flaming Baked Alaska. I've seen the non-flaming recipe a while back, but never actually had the guts to make it. Basically an ice cream cake with meringue, baked slightly and then alcohol poured on top, flame it and then voila! Baking ice cream is going to be hard. Mmm...new challenge.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Bridging
I don't really like having 3 blogs, but I don't want to delete them either. Wish there was a way to combine my contacts into one so people are automatically linked to my recent blog. Sad thing is, I have to keep linking them over. Meh, I'll pass.
Last day of most of my classes and work today! Hooray!
Last day of most of my classes and work today! Hooray!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Lean Back, Lean Back
I would think that a strong, healthy plant such as this one would continue to grow upwards. It's original state was kind of swirly, but not it's just growing and leaning towards one side lazily. I don't know if my plant is dying or not! Its body seems kind of flimsy, I don't know if I should be worried or not. I bought 'him' from the cactus man at the Ring Road bazaar. Oh dear, poor Emile/Fu Man Chu/Manchu/Eugene. I still haven't picked a proper name. What do I do, should I stick a toothpick in to help it grow straighter? I don't want to ruin the roots.
My orchid by the way, is fine, it just doesn't have flowers, I get to wait till next year when they're in full bloom again. I should look into either more plants or fish next year.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
People of Color
I find the argument of whether or not Asian Americans are people of color is simply amusing. I understand that today's debate meant that one side had to be against the argument, but I know there are people out there that would actually agree that they are not of color.
From what I understand, the popular argument would be that as a model minority, Asian Americans are nearly white, making them 'Honorary Whites'. That's secondary to the social White groups, not equal to. If you still have to compare Asian Americans to a racial standard, especially by a non-color group, then that would still make them non-white. And the racial term of 'White' has been changing like it's counterpart of being 'Black'. Immigrants of European descent were not considered white, they were called the "White Negroes" and were equally discriminated against as well as other minorities.
Back to the whole 'model minority' argument, that term was used for Chinese and Japanese immigrants against Blacks. Not necessarily priding them because they've finally assimilated into White American culture, but because they just worked for cheaper and better than former slaves. Though it is believed that Asians are able to surpass other racial groups in the workforce, no one really explains why they haven't destroyed the 'glass ceiling effect'. The term isn't limited to minority groups, but also of the "weaker sex", women. It's against the law to discriminate against someone based on race or gender, but there are ways to go around that with your fingers twisted behind your back. The 'glass ceiling effect' describes the idea someone that is trying to succeed to a higher paying position, but cannot because that is controlled by the already existing bosses.
The further points of this group's position were that Asians are now either equal or of higher status than White Americans. Some may see this as racial clumping, but they stated that it was a panethnic identity. A panethnic identity doesn't mean that one may generalize for the group, nothing is completely equal. We addressed the term 'panethnicity' when the Yellow Power Movement started, branching from the Black Power Movement. People of similar ethnic backgrounds formed a new type of community based on similar issues of racial oppression and marginality, not through celebration of being the stronger race than another.
Another argument that kind of irked me was about 2nd and 3rd generation Asian Americans. This group stated that even later generations are now proving to be "more White" rather than "non-White" mostly based on the statistics of how many languages the sample of people spoke. They said that it's becoming more apparent that 2nd and 3rd generation Asians are losing their sense of culture and language, therefore becoming more assimilated into American culture. No culture = increasing chance of being White? No, it just means that their parents would probably have to try harder to force their ethnic background back on them. I'm kidding. Their argument just made it seem that if one needs to be eligible to be "White", then they need to abandon all types of ethnic cultures. I asked them about the 2nd and 3rd generations that still are rich in their heritage and American culture. No answer, they just talked around the bush.
I'm not saying this stance was completely invalid, because I may be able to agree with some, but there were a lot that I did not. This was not really a rant either, I guess it was practice for my final next Tuesday for AAS 60C.
From what I understand, the popular argument would be that as a model minority, Asian Americans are nearly white, making them 'Honorary Whites'. That's secondary to the social White groups, not equal to. If you still have to compare Asian Americans to a racial standard, especially by a non-color group, then that would still make them non-white. And the racial term of 'White' has been changing like it's counterpart of being 'Black'. Immigrants of European descent were not considered white, they were called the "White Negroes" and were equally discriminated against as well as other minorities.
Back to the whole 'model minority' argument, that term was used for Chinese and Japanese immigrants against Blacks. Not necessarily priding them because they've finally assimilated into White American culture, but because they just worked for cheaper and better than former slaves. Though it is believed that Asians are able to surpass other racial groups in the workforce, no one really explains why they haven't destroyed the 'glass ceiling effect'. The term isn't limited to minority groups, but also of the "weaker sex", women. It's against the law to discriminate against someone based on race or gender, but there are ways to go around that with your fingers twisted behind your back. The 'glass ceiling effect' describes the idea someone that is trying to succeed to a higher paying position, but cannot because that is controlled by the already existing bosses.
The further points of this group's position were that Asians are now either equal or of higher status than White Americans. Some may see this as racial clumping, but they stated that it was a panethnic identity. A panethnic identity doesn't mean that one may generalize for the group, nothing is completely equal. We addressed the term 'panethnicity' when the Yellow Power Movement started, branching from the Black Power Movement. People of similar ethnic backgrounds formed a new type of community based on similar issues of racial oppression and marginality, not through celebration of being the stronger race than another.
Another argument that kind of irked me was about 2nd and 3rd generation Asian Americans. This group stated that even later generations are now proving to be "more White" rather than "non-White" mostly based on the statistics of how many languages the sample of people spoke. They said that it's becoming more apparent that 2nd and 3rd generation Asians are losing their sense of culture and language, therefore becoming more assimilated into American culture. No culture = increasing chance of being White? No, it just means that their parents would probably have to try harder to force their ethnic background back on them. I'm kidding. Their argument just made it seem that if one needs to be eligible to be "White", then they need to abandon all types of ethnic cultures. I asked them about the 2nd and 3rd generations that still are rich in their heritage and American culture. No answer, they just talked around the bush.
I'm not saying this stance was completely invalid, because I may be able to agree with some, but there were a lot that I did not. This was not really a rant either, I guess it was practice for my final next Tuesday for AAS 60C.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Aomatsu
Mmm, sushi. Lewis and I decided to try out the new sushi place near Albertsons and I must say, the food was quite delicious. Next time, we should just stick with sashmi all the way. The green tea ice cream there was addicting. We ordered the "Love Boat" and had a whole bunch of stuff, including a shot of sake with some oranges. That stuff was pretty good, more please? Only 2 more years, I guess. Some pictures are from Lewis's phone.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
On the Hunt
I need to find a niche. I just feel like I'm going through everything because it's required or expected of. Not so sure what I'm really accomplishing here, I just hope it's worth it in the long run. It's a robotic process, do this, do that, no don't do it so differently. Job hunting for the summer makes me fear for what's in store after college is over. I'm really scared. Terrified even, because as of now I'm not sure how secure I really am about what I want after college anymore.
Full of anxiety as usual. I should consider going to see the school's psychologist.
Full of anxiety as usual. I should consider going to see the school's psychologist.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Memorial Weekend
FRIDAY:
Lewis and I went to watch "The Fall" at the Edwards Theater, a really good movie I must say. In the interview with Lee Pace, he said the movie was filmed in 26 countries. He's my new celebrity crush right now, alongside with James Marsden and James Macavoy. I kicked Milo Ventimiglia to the curb, man. The child actress in the movie was adorable, purely naive and extremely sweet. Anyways, Lewis and I had dinner at Gen and we ran into Jasmine and her brother. We laughed for what seemed like a hour. Good times.
Heading over to the theater, there was a huge commotion buzzing near the bookstore and Golden Spoon. People were crowding to get in somewhere and there were guys that looked like the Secret Service hanging around. The pathways were gated so we had to walk around. Some girl just wanted frozen yogurt and demanded she walk through. The guys guarding the place were like, "Just walk around." The celebrity? Laura Bush and her daughter. Apparently they wrote a children's book and were doing a book signing. Another guy near us asked the security guards "Who's that?" Genuinely not knowing who that was, Lewis told him it was the First Lady. The guy just made a face and shrugged the new information as if it wasn't important. We basically cracked up at that point, that says a lot, if the average person doesn't know who the First Lady is.
SATURDAY:
We were going to watch "Indiana Jones" with Nancy, James, and her cousin, Shirley, but be never did. Went to Costco and pigged out on pizza. Later drove over to Michael's and went craft store shopping. Nancy's friends came to visit so we chilled for a bit. We let the guys party or whatever and the rest of us headed over to my place to watch "27 Dresses". Still a really cute movie. Katherine Heigl is charismatic. Didn't sleep until 2.
SUNDAY:
Spent most of the morning doing nothing. I think we were going to hang out with Nancy, but we never did. I cleaned...A LOT. I know it's not going to last long, but at least my conscience will be, knowing that I cleaned most of the dirt and gunk away from the counter tops and floors. Lewis and I made herb roasted chicken and homemade chive mashed potatoes again :). Good stuff. Watching lots of Hulu and later "Shaun of the Dead" was horrifying. That movie was so gross, it was the same director of "Hot Fuzz" though. Stayed up to watch MadTV. Didn't sleep until 2.
MONDAY:
Woke up at 9:30! I didn't want to sleep in till noon again. Did some homework. Went to Del Taco, which shall be the last time. The food there is so bad for you. Headed over to Albertsons. Dropped Nancy's DVD off at Blockbusters. Moped for a bit when we got back. Stayed at Lewis's. I picked classes for next quarter for over 2 hours. We both did some more homework. Nancy calls and the plan was to watch "Made of Honor" at 9:55 pm. Lewis and I are acting our age now, yay! We stayed out for a bit and slept late.
TODAY:
Back to the same old classes and work.
Lewis and I went to watch "The Fall" at the Edwards Theater, a really good movie I must say. In the interview with Lee Pace, he said the movie was filmed in 26 countries. He's my new celebrity crush right now, alongside with James Marsden and James Macavoy. I kicked Milo Ventimiglia to the curb, man. The child actress in the movie was adorable, purely naive and extremely sweet. Anyways, Lewis and I had dinner at Gen and we ran into Jasmine and her brother. We laughed for what seemed like a hour. Good times.
Heading over to the theater, there was a huge commotion buzzing near the bookstore and Golden Spoon. People were crowding to get in somewhere and there were guys that looked like the Secret Service hanging around. The pathways were gated so we had to walk around. Some girl just wanted frozen yogurt and demanded she walk through. The guys guarding the place were like, "Just walk around." The celebrity? Laura Bush and her daughter. Apparently they wrote a children's book and were doing a book signing. Another guy near us asked the security guards "Who's that?" Genuinely not knowing who that was, Lewis told him it was the First Lady. The guy just made a face and shrugged the new information as if it wasn't important. We basically cracked up at that point, that says a lot, if the average person doesn't know who the First Lady is.
SATURDAY:
We were going to watch "Indiana Jones" with Nancy, James, and her cousin, Shirley, but be never did. Went to Costco and pigged out on pizza. Later drove over to Michael's and went craft store shopping. Nancy's friends came to visit so we chilled for a bit. We let the guys party or whatever and the rest of us headed over to my place to watch "27 Dresses". Still a really cute movie. Katherine Heigl is charismatic. Didn't sleep until 2.
SUNDAY:
Spent most of the morning doing nothing. I think we were going to hang out with Nancy, but we never did. I cleaned...A LOT. I know it's not going to last long, but at least my conscience will be, knowing that I cleaned most of the dirt and gunk away from the counter tops and floors. Lewis and I made herb roasted chicken and homemade chive mashed potatoes again :). Good stuff. Watching lots of Hulu and later "Shaun of the Dead" was horrifying. That movie was so gross, it was the same director of "Hot Fuzz" though. Stayed up to watch MadTV. Didn't sleep until 2.
MONDAY:
Woke up at 9:30! I didn't want to sleep in till noon again. Did some homework. Went to Del Taco, which shall be the last time. The food there is so bad for you. Headed over to Albertsons. Dropped Nancy's DVD off at Blockbusters. Moped for a bit when we got back. Stayed at Lewis's. I picked classes for next quarter for over 2 hours. We both did some more homework. Nancy calls and the plan was to watch "Made of Honor" at 9:55 pm. Lewis and I are acting our age now, yay! We stayed out for a bit and slept late.
TODAY:
Back to the same old classes and work.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Nerdiest Poem to the Max
Plus Lewis and I enjoyed that portion of the movie. Go watch it for yourselves, Harold and Kumar 2: Escape from Guantanamo Bay I mean. I found this on a friend's blog post:
I’m sure that I will always be
A lonely number like root three
The three is all that’s good and right,
Why must my three keep out of sight
Beneath the vicious square root sign,
I wish instead I were a nine
For nine could thwart this evil trick,
with just some quick arithmetic
I know I’ll never see the sun,
as 1.7321
Such is my reality,
a sad irrationality
When hark! What is this I see,
Another square root of a three
As quietly co-waltzing by,
Together now we multiply
To form a number we prefer,
Rejoicing as an integer
We break free from our mortal bonds
With the wave of magic wands
Our square root signs become unglued
Your love for me has been renewed.
I’m sure that I will always be
A lonely number like root three
The three is all that’s good and right,
Why must my three keep out of sight
Beneath the vicious square root sign,
I wish instead I were a nine
For nine could thwart this evil trick,
with just some quick arithmetic
I know I’ll never see the sun,
as 1.7321
Such is my reality,
a sad irrationality
When hark! What is this I see,
Another square root of a three
As quietly co-waltzing by,
Together now we multiply
To form a number we prefer,
Rejoicing as an integer
We break free from our mortal bonds
With the wave of magic wands
Our square root signs become unglued
Your love for me has been renewed.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Food
I have such an appetite today,
I don't know if that's healthy or not.
All I could think about was bread and veggies.
If not pasta or fish.
I'm probably just hungry.
Didn't have dinner yesterday or brunch this morning, fail.
Tsk, I did end up getting bread, I'm content.
I don't know if that's healthy or not.
All I could think about was bread and veggies.
If not pasta or fish.
I'm probably just hungry.
Didn't have dinner yesterday or brunch this morning, fail.
Tsk, I did end up getting bread, I'm content.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Optimism/Pessimism
I can't choose between either end, so I'm sticking with being realistic, hopefully. I just want her to be okay. The last thing I want to hear is coming home and finding out that something's wrong. Right now being angry at someone you love is not going to help with anything, especially in this situation. A lot of fingers could be pointed at for the cause, but that should be dealt with after everything is stable. I'm not asking for everyone to put aside their differences and forget about the past because I can't even do that, not with this much going on, but at least keep peace when she needs it most. I just need to talk to whoever is taking care of her because I'm not satisfied with trying to figure out what the whole story really is.
Please let her be okay, I love her too much to let something worse happen to her.
Please let her be okay, I love her too much to let something worse happen to her.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
P.S. I Love You
http://thecia.com.au/reviews/p/images/p-s-i-love-you-poster-0.jpg
I don't think I've cried that much (considering how I don't usually cry that often anyway) watching a movie and I started to when it was just first starting out! The scene where Hilary Swank's character started to break down just had me down to tears with Lewis holding me while I was sniffling into a tissue. Rather tragic, but hilarious scene of us watching the movie though.
As cute as the movie was, it was really sad to me at the same time. I don't know what I would do if someone I loved that much suddenly had to go the way Gerard Butler's character did. I love the concept of receiving mail like that though, very intimate. I think this would fall into one of my list of semi-favorite movies (3.75/5 stars).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And Jasmine was right, if you meet one person from Lorien, you'd end up seeing a number of other Lorien people, too. I saw Brennon earlier yesterday, Sam from far away, Jasmine, Sarah, and Nadav. We need a Loreunion soon! I miss my old hallmates. Lewis and I had lunch with Jasmine and Sarah B at Pho Factory. The place wasn't too bad. We chilled at Barnes & Nobles for a bit and then headed back to our apartments while Jasmine went to class. This is when Lewis and I started to watch "P.S. I Love You". We went to Albertsons later that night, got some groceries (and ice cream!). The corn we had was really good, let's get more :). I was going to bake some tasty bread today, but I never did, too lazy.
Anti-Negativity
The more I hear about issues outside of the U.S., the more I don't understand why there isn't a movement of some sort to change things or interference of other countries to settle conflicts. I sound rather naive to make such a statement because I know I'll be responded with, "People don't really give a crap unless it affects them".
Is it national pride? Are things really out of hands to the point where political leaders have to look the other way to confirm their denial and continue with their reckless decisions? It affects more than the targeted enemy you want to capture or conquer, think about your country's people, their citizens, their families. It's just sad to see documented footage of a country falling apart due to violence. I'm not just talking about our country, but places like Uganda with children from ages 8-14 are abducted from their homes to become soldiers, or the 50-70,000 Russian neo-Nazi skinheads attacking immigrants. It's not new news because it's old, yet it still continues on.
I think this post is more of a reflection of how much I've grown since I've gotten to college. Yeah, I know, sappy. My classes this quarter especially has made me a lot more aware of how much younger community back then has done so much to change things. Not just the younger community, but everyone altogether. This kind of goes back to my post about ethnic studies, how the 3rd World movement magnetized a huge amount of participation to fight for a cause. I wasn't even born back in the '60s/'70s and it was exhilarating to watch so many people on the streets, marching, yelling, singing for a cause that meant the world to them. Why can't we make that big of an impact on history again?
My Sociology, Asian American Studies, and now my Linguistics class has in a sense woken me up. The rich history of anti-war and racial movements really fascinates me, all those documentaries we've watched in class and the material we've read about how strongly a belief can influence thousands of people. It makes me feel ashamed for the present time. We're stuck in a reality where we tend to take things for granted and assume that it doesn't need to change for the better because it's "okay" right now. I just question the validity of international allies and how corrupted our world really is. You would think that one nation's misery would be a model of what other countries should avoid and help to prevent. It just makes me mad that there are so many people out there that are worse off than our country and there isn't enough aid to help those out of their hardships. I feel kind of bitter and am harboring a semi-Yuri Kochiyama spirit about change, 'cept I don't think I can ever be a radical like her.
Again, this post, like my ethnic studies post, is probably incoherent.
Is it national pride? Are things really out of hands to the point where political leaders have to look the other way to confirm their denial and continue with their reckless decisions? It affects more than the targeted enemy you want to capture or conquer, think about your country's people, their citizens, their families. It's just sad to see documented footage of a country falling apart due to violence. I'm not just talking about our country, but places like Uganda with children from ages 8-14 are abducted from their homes to become soldiers, or the 50-70,000 Russian neo-Nazi skinheads attacking immigrants. It's not new news because it's old, yet it still continues on.
I think this post is more of a reflection of how much I've grown since I've gotten to college. Yeah, I know, sappy. My classes this quarter especially has made me a lot more aware of how much younger community back then has done so much to change things. Not just the younger community, but everyone altogether. This kind of goes back to my post about ethnic studies, how the 3rd World movement magnetized a huge amount of participation to fight for a cause. I wasn't even born back in the '60s/'70s and it was exhilarating to watch so many people on the streets, marching, yelling, singing for a cause that meant the world to them. Why can't we make that big of an impact on history again?
My Sociology, Asian American Studies, and now my Linguistics class has in a sense woken me up. The rich history of anti-war and racial movements really fascinates me, all those documentaries we've watched in class and the material we've read about how strongly a belief can influence thousands of people. It makes me feel ashamed for the present time. We're stuck in a reality where we tend to take things for granted and assume that it doesn't need to change for the better because it's "okay" right now. I just question the validity of international allies and how corrupted our world really is. You would think that one nation's misery would be a model of what other countries should avoid and help to prevent. It just makes me mad that there are so many people out there that are worse off than our country and there isn't enough aid to help those out of their hardships. I feel kind of bitter and am harboring a semi-Yuri Kochiyama spirit about change, 'cept I don't think I can ever be a radical like her.
Again, this post, like my ethnic studies post, is probably incoherent.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Voicemail
"Hey Anne, it's Lewis. So I'm at Albertsons right now and I saw that they had chocolate dipped strawberries so I thought of you. If you were here, I'd totally get them for you, but since you're not suck it up, fool!"
That totally made my day, my boyfriend is hi-lari-ous.
That totally made my day, my boyfriend is hi-lari-ous.
"Olivia"
Lewis is right, I am definitely in my odd mind to be naming "inanimate objects". Plants do not move (as fast), but they are still living. I named a new plant that I gave my mother for Mother's Day. My mom absolutely loves orchids so I thought another addition to her collection at home wouldn't be so bad.
Meet Olivia :).
Meet Olivia :).
Friday, May 9, 2008
It's Good To Be Home
So my Dad and I planned a surprise visit for me to come home the weekend of Mother's Day for my Mom. Considering how I've missed out on the important holidays (birthdays, New Year's, etc.), I figured this was the best way to show her how much she meant to me. We're so glad she loved the idea of having me home, too :P.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Another Day At Work
I've been trying to go barefoot at the office today. That's pretty odd, but you can't blame me. These flats are killing me. So today I've actually had some projects to do: dissertations (yay for ProQuest!), some filing (boo), photocopying (long), and paging (meh), all of which I finished in 3 hours. Now I must study.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
New Plant
No I'm not replacing my orchids, I just bought it a new friend. Meet Emil/Stanley/Arnold/Fu Man Chu/Manchu/Eugene. Yeah, Lewis and I can't think of a proper name yet, but this plant is cool! I got it at the bazaar on Ring Road. I thought it was an aloe plant, but apparently it's not.
If anyone knows what plant this is, please let me know.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Plants
I realized I never took pictures of Lorelei. No, not the character from Gilmore Girls, I meant my purple orchids, which look like this. They were so pretty when I bought them months ago, too. After much struggle with trying to get enough indirect sunlight (what does that mean?), the flowers eventually wilted and all that's left of the plant are the green, leaf and stem parts of it. Lewis is right, I should re-pot them and get some fertilizer.
I wanted to get another orchid and name it Phoebe, like from the show Friends, but I think Phoebe would have to be something like a daisy of the sort. I saw some cacti at the Baazar on Ring Road, they look pretty cool. Only for $5 I think?
I wanted to get another orchid and name it Phoebe, like from the show Friends, but I think Phoebe would have to be something like a daisy of the sort. I saw some cacti at the Baazar on Ring Road, they look pretty cool. Only for $5 I think?
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Ethnic Studies
So today in Asian American Studies we watched a film called "On Strike!" It mainly focused the student strikes in California about keeping ethnic studies within the universities, dated back to 1999, not so long ago when you think about it. There were conflicts about whether or not the department of ethnic studies was practical enough to be kept as a continuing part of the schools. Administration simply could not increase funding for its classes and kept cutting back every year. It was finally cut back so much it was decided it should be eliminated altogether. Simple enough, no?
Many students felt strongly about keeping it. What would happen if the diversity of such studies were taken away? There were arguments about how classes such as ethnic studies promoted a higher knowledge because it isn't information given to you that you're expected to believe because it is based on a equation. It promoted diversity, it better represented students of many backgrounds, it wasn't insignificant.
Students at UC Berkeley in 1999 had peacefully protested while police forces were ordered by the current chancellor to remove the students from the area. After sit ins and student rallies, they decided a hunger strike would probably get the most attention. After a week of hunger strikes, again the police force was ordered to come in and remove the students at all costs. All costs. Students were cornered around their camp, demanded they leave because they're on private property, maced, beaten, some were almost run over by the bus. Thankfully no one was injured, but the attention these protesters got brought in a lot more supporters, not only from the school's faculty and student body, but also the the community outside of campus. About half of the students were arrested, but later released the next day.
Everyone that supported this cause spread from other campuses. They believed that the current recession affected minorities and having ethnic studies helped fight the misrepresentation of these groups. Moving away from ethnic backgrounds, it was for the betterment of education overall as well, to prevent the ignorance of history, how it wasn't just the perspective of white Europeans. There are other point of views, many of which will tell you that history was written by the winners in the larger output of textbooks given to our schools. The cause was to promote diversity among such studies and to continue its existence in the future.
The chancellor and his administration agreed to meet with the student protesters. I think the involvement of the faculty shook the chancellor up. The school belonged to the students, without them, there would be no school. Arresting the students only prolonged the problem so it came down to negotiation to end this violence and the protesting. Every thing was met in regards to keeping ethnic studies, the only thing the administration would not agree with was amnesty for the students that were arrested the last night of the hunger strike. Overall, the fight was won.
I found it a little more down hearted when a few students also said that if ethnic studies were taken away today, they would most likely be indifferent about it. Words of the engineering majors I may add. Shouldn't something like this bring a community together, even if it's UCI? I'll admit our school has a lack of school spirit and unity. I envy campuses like Berkeley, UCLA, etc. for being such a community together. It's what makes a school worth mentioning about, not just the academics and whatever merits it's known for. But back to the students that said they wouldn't care of ethnic studies were taken away, I think they'd only do anything about it if the rest of the school was doing it. Damn conformists, can't make up your own opinions and have to rely on others.
Unlike the math and sciences, ethnic studies was considered unimportant because it falls under the wings of humanities and social sciences, this was discussed in class, not the film. The administration, as students in my class have argued, believed that ethnic studies was probably not as profitable towards the schools, because it wasn't practical enough for occupations in the long run. If you look at the construction going on at UCI, as one student put it, you can probably see where the bias is. SSLH (social science) was supposed to have had extensions of buildings back in the 60s, when the school was just opening, they're finally doing the construction right now. Department of Sciences and supposedly the new Law school that's supposed to be opening, have had donations and more funding than any other department on campus. If you compare the age of these buildings, you'd find that the science buildings are a lot newer and better maintained than those that belong to humanities or social science. Only now is the rest of the school catching up with that.
I don't know how coherent I actually am in this post because I am slightly ranting after all. With humanities and social science, it's not all about personal gain, it's about what you can contribute to the community. It's what the whole group can give back to itself. As a non-science, math, business, political science major or any other major that would seem remotely practical and guarantee a successful job in the future (as most Asian parents would put it, if not mine especially), discussion about ethnic studies really reinforced the confidence of my choice to stick with psychology and Asian American Studies.
Many students felt strongly about keeping it. What would happen if the diversity of such studies were taken away? There were arguments about how classes such as ethnic studies promoted a higher knowledge because it isn't information given to you that you're expected to believe because it is based on a equation. It promoted diversity, it better represented students of many backgrounds, it wasn't insignificant.
Students at UC Berkeley in 1999 had peacefully protested while police forces were ordered by the current chancellor to remove the students from the area. After sit ins and student rallies, they decided a hunger strike would probably get the most attention. After a week of hunger strikes, again the police force was ordered to come in and remove the students at all costs. All costs. Students were cornered around their camp, demanded they leave because they're on private property, maced, beaten, some were almost run over by the bus. Thankfully no one was injured, but the attention these protesters got brought in a lot more supporters, not only from the school's faculty and student body, but also the the community outside of campus. About half of the students were arrested, but later released the next day.
Everyone that supported this cause spread from other campuses. They believed that the current recession affected minorities and having ethnic studies helped fight the misrepresentation of these groups. Moving away from ethnic backgrounds, it was for the betterment of education overall as well, to prevent the ignorance of history, how it wasn't just the perspective of white Europeans. There are other point of views, many of which will tell you that history was written by the winners in the larger output of textbooks given to our schools. The cause was to promote diversity among such studies and to continue its existence in the future.
The chancellor and his administration agreed to meet with the student protesters. I think the involvement of the faculty shook the chancellor up. The school belonged to the students, without them, there would be no school. Arresting the students only prolonged the problem so it came down to negotiation to end this violence and the protesting. Every thing was met in regards to keeping ethnic studies, the only thing the administration would not agree with was amnesty for the students that were arrested the last night of the hunger strike. Overall, the fight was won.
I found it a little more down hearted when a few students also said that if ethnic studies were taken away today, they would most likely be indifferent about it. Words of the engineering majors I may add. Shouldn't something like this bring a community together, even if it's UCI? I'll admit our school has a lack of school spirit and unity. I envy campuses like Berkeley, UCLA, etc. for being such a community together. It's what makes a school worth mentioning about, not just the academics and whatever merits it's known for. But back to the students that said they wouldn't care of ethnic studies were taken away, I think they'd only do anything about it if the rest of the school was doing it. Damn conformists, can't make up your own opinions and have to rely on others.
Unlike the math and sciences, ethnic studies was considered unimportant because it falls under the wings of humanities and social sciences, this was discussed in class, not the film. The administration, as students in my class have argued, believed that ethnic studies was probably not as profitable towards the schools, because it wasn't practical enough for occupations in the long run. If you look at the construction going on at UCI, as one student put it, you can probably see where the bias is. SSLH (social science) was supposed to have had extensions of buildings back in the 60s, when the school was just opening, they're finally doing the construction right now. Department of Sciences and supposedly the new Law school that's supposed to be opening, have had donations and more funding than any other department on campus. If you compare the age of these buildings, you'd find that the science buildings are a lot newer and better maintained than those that belong to humanities or social science. Only now is the rest of the school catching up with that.
I don't know how coherent I actually am in this post because I am slightly ranting after all. With humanities and social science, it's not all about personal gain, it's about what you can contribute to the community. It's what the whole group can give back to itself. As a non-science, math, business, political science major or any other major that would seem remotely practical and guarantee a successful job in the future (as most Asian parents would put it, if not mine especially), discussion about ethnic studies really reinforced the confidence of my choice to stick with psychology and Asian American Studies.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Quotes
I was playing around with my profile for Trillian and accidentally erased some quotes. They will be put here from what I can remember for safe keeping. Any others will be added here too I suppose.
L: Who is this?
A: Destiny's Child.
L: Seasame Child? What the heck is that, something from Sesame Street...??
A: lol No...DESTINY's Child.
"That's a katamari ball of hurt right there."
"You know you have this really cute look when you get hungry?"
A: You look like a frog today.
L: Wanna turn me into a prince?
"You don't have to be timid around me. I've seen you around your friends. Holy shit that's when you're really Vietnamese."
L: Who is this?
A: Destiny's Child.
L: Seasame Child? What the heck is that, something from Sesame Street...??
A: lol No...DESTINY's Child.
"That's a katamari ball of hurt right there."
"You know you have this really cute look when you get hungry?"
A: You look like a frog today.
L: Wanna turn me into a prince?
"You don't have to be timid around me. I've seen you around your friends. Holy shit that's when you're really Vietnamese."
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Instead of Studying
I'd rather sit and watch Friends all day while laughing about life, go to the park, beach, anywhere else but here and take pictures, fly a kite and have a picnic, visit a pet shop where puppies are waiting to be taken home, splurge a little and shop at an actual store, listen to music and just lie on a blanket under the stars, sit in a corner at Borders/Barnes & Nobels and read, bake cookies just to get the smell of cookies to stick around the apartment, go to a garden and just take in how serene nature really is, get a manicure and pedicure because it's a girly thing to do, eating ice cream without a care in the world, or just lay in bed all afternoon with you just because.
Too bad I can't do anything of that 'cause I need to study. I'm just relieved that my midterms are more spread out. Maybe after all this chaos.
Too bad I can't do anything of that 'cause I need to study. I'm just relieved that my midterms are more spread out. Maybe after all this chaos.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Car Chases and Gun Fights
Hot Fuzz is by far the funniest police movie I've seen. Probably one of the few police movies I've seen at all in my lifetime. Lewis told me it was a spoof on all police movies, a very true statement indeed. Simon Pegg is a great actor. The rest of the cast was very convincing with the whole plot. I love old people trying to be all badass.
http://www.totalfilm.com/__data/assets/thumbnail/672839/hot-fuzz-poster.jpg
Just a synopsis: A police officer was moved from the city to the countryside. Simple enough. He is forced to patrol a village that is entirely wiped clean of crime, at least that's what the people think. It starts out with minor crimes being caught by Sargent Angel (Pegg) while the rest of the police force sits back and relaxes. The movie turns into a mystery when someone is murdered and considered an "accident".
The plot thickens and that's when you all can go watch the movie for yourself :). Best fight scenes ever.
http://www.totalfilm.com/__data/assets/thumbnail/672839/hot-fuzz-poster.jpg
Just a synopsis: A police officer was moved from the city to the countryside. Simple enough. He is forced to patrol a village that is entirely wiped clean of crime, at least that's what the people think. It starts out with minor crimes being caught by Sargent Angel (Pegg) while the rest of the police force sits back and relaxes. The movie turns into a mystery when someone is murdered and considered an "accident".
The plot thickens and that's when you all can go watch the movie for yourself :). Best fight scenes ever.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Caffeine Setback
It's not as great when you crash. Okay well not crash, I think I took it gradually. I just couldn't sleep until 2:30 this morning! I think coffee or tea only works out for me when I have it before noon, otherwise I'll be sleep deprived.
Grey's Anatomy comes back today and I think LOST does, too! :)
Grey's Anatomy comes back today and I think LOST does, too! :)
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Good Day
I don't know if it's the effect of the caffeine or that I'm actually having an excellent day today. This will be like the extension of my Twitter post. Slightly incoherent.
Got back at the apartment this morning around 7:40.
Showered.
Read.
Fell asleep for a half hour and woke up for class.
Went to sociology discussion, nothing new.
Had an hour break and went to Starbucks.
The honey latte tastes way better hot than cold.
I caught up with my Dad on the phone for a bit.
Updated him about housing and what not.
Still need decent 4th roommate!
Instead of sitting outside, I stayed indoors outside next class.
Read some more of AAS.
Kevin came early to class, we chatted.
Disney movies and plans to hang out later.
Class starts, no one talked.
Good thing I did the reading so I talked...a lot.
Felt refreshed and prepared.
Excited to write up resume for summer job.
Must find references!
Looking forward to next break.
Went to Trader Joes for groceries.
Flowers were either wilted or for indoors, non-buy.
Got the crazy cashier, almost forgot cashback.
Waited for VDCN bus.
Bus driver fell asleep.
Later recklessly drove us to designated stops.
Didn't want to go to mail room today.
Super warm because I wore a wool sweater most of the day.
Yeah I'm stupid.
Waiting to leave for workshop for grad school.
Will go to the ARC with Lauren later.
Probably hyper at this point.
And I feel girly today.
Got back at the apartment this morning around 7:40.
Showered.
Read.
Fell asleep for a half hour and woke up for class.
Went to sociology discussion, nothing new.
Had an hour break and went to Starbucks.
The honey latte tastes way better hot than cold.
I caught up with my Dad on the phone for a bit.
Updated him about housing and what not.
Still need decent 4th roommate!
Instead of sitting outside, I stayed indoors outside next class.
Read some more of AAS.
Kevin came early to class, we chatted.
Disney movies and plans to hang out later.
Class starts, no one talked.
Good thing I did the reading so I talked...a lot.
Felt refreshed and prepared.
Excited to write up resume for summer job.
Must find references!
Looking forward to next break.
Went to Trader Joes for groceries.
Flowers were either wilted or for indoors, non-buy.
Got the crazy cashier, almost forgot cashback.
Waited for VDCN bus.
Bus driver fell asleep.
Later recklessly drove us to designated stops.
Didn't want to go to mail room today.
Super warm because I wore a wool sweater most of the day.
Yeah I'm stupid.
Waiting to leave for workshop for grad school.
Will go to the ARC with Lauren later.
Probably hyper at this point.
And I feel girly today.
Micro Blogging
"It's the sensation that's sweeping the nation!" This was a quote from a news report I dreamt about last night. It's only been 2 days and I think I have become a little obsessed about Twitter. Thanks, Lewis. No that wasn't sarcasm, I was being sincere.
So the dream I had last night was pretty bizarre. I remember it being an ordinary day and of course, I was Twittering. There was nothing else to do so I caught up with what my friends were Twittering about, too. I turned on the TV and I hear "Micro blogging? What's that? Well America, it's a new sensation that's sweeping the nation!" I have to agree with Lewis, it's like the Rick Roll phenomenon. Except I have a feeling Twitter is going to last longer. The news report had gossip of movie celebrities using Twitter and you can follow them as long as their managers okay you as a non-stalker. I think I was conscious enough to think, "Man, I think I got addicted quick."
I usually don't have that much to say when I blog, but when you can just write blurbs, it's more fun to do so. I don't want the hassle of logging in and then making a new post in my blog here, just to say "At work, bored as hell. Will be out soon." It defeats the purpose of an actual blog because you should have more to say than two half assed sentences. I guess that's why I stopped journaling old school. I used to have time to write out pages and pages of things, but now even if I wanted to, I don't have time to. Blurbs of writing even seemed kind of pointless. It's a lot easier to do online. And micro blogging is perfect for my daily blurbs!
But now that I think of it, I only have my life recorded on paper from 6-12th grade. And maybe bits of college starting out. I should probably try and write again in my journal.
Right. As for Twitter, I have managed to hook Adrienne and Valerie into it. V joined, too, but I think she'll only Twitter once in a while. On my part, Lewis has created a monster...sort of :).
So the dream I had last night was pretty bizarre. I remember it being an ordinary day and of course, I was Twittering. There was nothing else to do so I caught up with what my friends were Twittering about, too. I turned on the TV and I hear "Micro blogging? What's that? Well America, it's a new sensation that's sweeping the nation!" I have to agree with Lewis, it's like the Rick Roll phenomenon. Except I have a feeling Twitter is going to last longer. The news report had gossip of movie celebrities using Twitter and you can follow them as long as their managers okay you as a non-stalker. I think I was conscious enough to think, "Man, I think I got addicted quick."
I usually don't have that much to say when I blog, but when you can just write blurbs, it's more fun to do so. I don't want the hassle of logging in and then making a new post in my blog here, just to say "At work, bored as hell. Will be out soon." It defeats the purpose of an actual blog because you should have more to say than two half assed sentences. I guess that's why I stopped journaling old school. I used to have time to write out pages and pages of things, but now even if I wanted to, I don't have time to. Blurbs of writing even seemed kind of pointless. It's a lot easier to do online. And micro blogging is perfect for my daily blurbs!
But now that I think of it, I only have my life recorded on paper from 6-12th grade. And maybe bits of college starting out. I should probably try and write again in my journal.
Right. As for Twitter, I have managed to hook Adrienne and Valerie into it. V joined, too, but I think she'll only Twitter once in a while. On my part, Lewis has created a monster...sort of :).
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