A few months ago, actually several months ago, I went through a sort of emo phase, which induced me to go through my things and basically do some major cleaning up. Sort of like a Spring cleaning. You know. Throwing away useless and meaningless mermorabilia, letters, presents, etc.
This impulse extended on to my online persona as well, leading me to clean up my facebook account. And when I say clean-up, I mean going through all my photo albums and pretty much deleting all the pictures I had uploaded during the past few years. This cleanup resulted partly from a desire to reorganize and restructure my online life, but also partly from my wish to limit or censor what I shared with others.
During the process, I think I became alittle too trigger-happy and ended up deleting pretty much all of my photo albums stemming all the way back to Freshman year in college. And I've also realized it's kind of a selfish thing to have done considering that most of the photos weren't just of me. They included family as well as friends.
So after much thought, I've dedicated a portion of my time each night to re-uploading the missing photos, hence the title for my entry.."old photos new memories." It's going to take a while. Slowly but surely, most of em will make it back up. :)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
That was quick
Back in Boston again.
Can't believe how quickly the two weeks in St. Charles went by. To be honest, I didn't think training would be that much fun, but once again, I'm proven wrong. CAS was friggin awesome.
Now that that's over, it's back to the real world again. Task number one for this week..err month. To get staffed. *crosses fingers*
Task two: vote.
It's 9:26. I'm tired as hell. Gonna head to bed.
From the desks of :)
Can't believe how quickly the two weeks in St. Charles went by. To be honest, I didn't think training would be that much fun, but once again, I'm proven wrong. CAS was friggin awesome.
Now that that's over, it's back to the real world again. Task number one for this week..err month. To get staffed. *crosses fingers*
Task two: vote.
It's 9:26. I'm tired as hell. Gonna head to bed.
From the desks of :)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Injury # 200039484934
People who know me well will probably describe me as being accident-prone. My injuries, mostly self-inflicted never seem to end. Whether it's bumping into things, tripping over objects or cutting myself while cooking, I somehow always seem to find ways to add on more bruises and cuts to my already battered body.
Today was no exception. During work, a coworker accidentally kicked a board underneath the table which came undone and just so happened to hit me straight in the leg. That's gonna bruise. *sigh*
Let's just hope I don't kill myself when I'm in Chicago.
Today was no exception. During work, a coworker accidentally kicked a board underneath the table which came undone and just so happened to hit me straight in the leg. That's gonna bruise. *sigh*
Let's just hope I don't kill myself when I'm in Chicago.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Grown up stuff
I'm doing big girl stuff now. You know, things like paying the bills, cooking for myself, making sure my checks don't bounce, and oh yeah, working a full-time job. Didn't think I'd make it this far, but I'm still here after my first week of training. Not sure what is exactly in store for me this upcoming week, but as of next weekend, I'll be jetting off to Chicago to go through 2 weeks of intense training at the company's analyst school.
From what I've heard, it's supposed to be both challenging and fun. We'll see how it goes. :)
From what I've heard, it's supposed to be both challenging and fun. We'll see how it goes. :)
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Last night of freedom
Less than 24 hours to go before I officially end my career as a bum and enter the professional workforce. Woot. Downside is, I'm coming down with a bad cold. I've been sneezing, coughing, and oozing snot for the past few days. What a great way to start my career as an analyst. I hope I don't sneeze on anyone tomorrow.
I'm excited about the transition though. After spending the past three months lounging around the house in my PJs, I think it's about time I gain some structure in my life with the help of a 9 to 5 job.
I'm excited about the transition though. After spending the past three months lounging around the house in my PJs, I think it's about time I gain some structure in my life with the help of a 9 to 5 job.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
The summer is almost gone..now what?
Oh no. My worse fears have finally come true. I've neglected my online blog for some time. Sure I've made some short posts here and there, but I haven't been writing full-length entries for a really long time. If this laziness on my part continues, then my blog will end up like all my other previous online journals. That shall not happen with you...I will keep you alive.
The end of the summer is nigh, and I feel an empty void.
After spending pretty much the entire summer studying for an evil test, which has, for the past 2 months, been the bane of my existence, I'm dead exhausted. I've sworn off parties, booze (except a good pint of guinness once in a while), and boys as a way of keeping myself focused on the prize, but now I'm thinking my efforts might all be in vain. We'll see how things go once November rolls around.
Long story short. My summer productivity level: 0. Future prospects: 0. Outlook on life as of right now.. :x
The end of the summer is nigh, and I feel an empty void.
After spending pretty much the entire summer studying for an evil test, which has, for the past 2 months, been the bane of my existence, I'm dead exhausted. I've sworn off parties, booze (except a good pint of guinness once in a while), and boys as a way of keeping myself focused on the prize, but now I'm thinking my efforts might all be in vain. We'll see how things go once November rolls around.
Long story short. My summer productivity level: 0. Future prospects: 0. Outlook on life as of right now.. :x
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
4:45 am
It's almost 5 in the morning here in Boston, and I can't sleep.
So I decided to bust out my laptop when out of the corner of my eye, I saw something move on my bed.
I thought it was my overactive imagination made hypersensitive by the lack of any sort of light except for the soft glow emitted from my Mac. Before freaking out, I decided to get a better look. Upon closer inspection, however, my worst fears were confirmed; the moving object appeared to be one of those long creepy-crawlers....the ones with thousands of legs. Yuck! I killed it but now I'm afraid to fall asleep. What if there are more. What if one crawls into my mouth? EWWWWW Those things are CREEEPY.
Now I wish I hadn't killed that spider last week. :[
So I decided to bust out my laptop when out of the corner of my eye, I saw something move on my bed.
I thought it was my overactive imagination made hypersensitive by the lack of any sort of light except for the soft glow emitted from my Mac. Before freaking out, I decided to get a better look. Upon closer inspection, however, my worst fears were confirmed; the moving object appeared to be one of those long creepy-crawlers....the ones with thousands of legs. Yuck! I killed it but now I'm afraid to fall asleep. What if there are more. What if one crawls into my mouth? EWWWWW Those things are CREEEPY.
Now I wish I hadn't killed that spider last week. :[
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Made in Korea
Why did I decide to get Motorola? I don't know - but I'm learning that when it comes to phones, always opt for the ones made in Korea. Always!!!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Once a New Englander, always a New Englander.
Alas. My 4 day vacation in SoCal has come to an end, and I find myself back in B-town where the chowder is good, locals are cold, and ubiquitous one-way streets are a normal part of daily life.
I didn't miss much of home due to the fact that the weather in Boston has been like the mood swings of a PMSing woman: unpredictable and miserable. So I didn't think much when I packed my suitcase and kissed Boston goodbye. At least for a few days.
Besides the weather factor, I also noticed that Californians tend to be "warmer," more social people. Let me explain. Here in Massachusetts, people tend to go about their daily lives with as little interaction as possible, especially with strangers or random passer-bys. Rarely do you ever have spontaneous conversations with the passenger sitting next to you on the bus or with the person seated in front of you at a local cafe.
In California, particularly around the vicinity of L.A., I noticed that people were either really nosy or in want of some sort of conversation. Case in point, within the span of 10 minutes of arriving in LA, I was stopped by two random guys asking me what I was up to and whether I needed help getting to my destination. I don't think I stood out in anyway (other than the fact that I was lugging around my bag). I'm sure they were trying to be nice in offering their help, but as someone who barely speaks even to casual acquaintances, I found this attention confusing and annoying. One dude even asked if I was pregnant. Granted, I was wearing a baggy tank top...but still. WTF.
Maybe I'm just used to people's minding their own business and not giving a damn about whoever is around them. It just seemed weird for random people to ask passer-bys if they needed help. That would most likely NEVER happen in Boston.
The people factor aside, I can totally see myself moving to California within the next two years. It would be a nice change from the hectic and at times, overwhelming, way of life on the east coast. Granted, I don't think I could ever live in CA for more than 2 or 3 years. I'd go crazy over the gorgeous, but monotonous weather and laid-back lifestyle.
Still, after living in the same place for more than a decade, I am in need of a change. Maybe I'll end up going to grad school there, that is, if I get in. ;)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
This has got to be a joke.
I found this flyer on the pole in front of my apartment. What is the world coming to?
Are these people joking or what? A stolen rooster? You've got to be kidding me.
Friday, June 20, 2008
No more swearing
Yes. I am prone to swearing. It seems that it gets worse during times of stress such as during and after midterms, recruiting season, or dealing with jerks. I've realized, however, that my swearing may have gotten out of hand during these past few months. And though I don't swear much in person, I do swear a lot in writing, which isn't that much of an improvement.
In previous years, I've always made it a point to include "stop swearing" as one of my new years resolutions. Not only is it a great way to ring in the New Year, but it also gives me something to ponder over during those champagne-induced, late night parties that go down during the last few days in December.
But I realize it's time for some midyear intervention. Seeing how my swearing has gotten out of hand, I really need to put a plug on this or else I'm going to risk picking up a life-long habit of looking like a complete idiotic arse hole.
A few months ago, my friend and I came up with a system in which whenever I swore, she'd whack me. *ouch* But since she's not around 24-7 to monitor my use of profanities, I need to rely on a system that doesn't involve a second party.
So here goes. Whenever I swear, I'll "donate" .25 cents in my piggy bank. I really have no use for these quarters now that I don't use coin-operated machines, but I'm sure the money will come in handy particularly after I go broke by the end of the summer.
Oh, and I will only swear when a situation really really really calls for it. Hopefully, there won't be that many. *crosses fingers*
In previous years, I've always made it a point to include "stop swearing" as one of my new years resolutions. Not only is it a great way to ring in the New Year, but it also gives me something to ponder over during those champagne-induced, late night parties that go down during the last few days in December.
But I realize it's time for some midyear intervention. Seeing how my swearing has gotten out of hand, I really need to put a plug on this or else I'm going to risk picking up a life-long habit of looking like a complete idiotic arse hole.
A few months ago, my friend and I came up with a system in which whenever I swore, she'd whack me. *ouch* But since she's not around 24-7 to monitor my use of profanities, I need to rely on a system that doesn't involve a second party.
So here goes. Whenever I swear, I'll "donate" .25 cents in my piggy bank. I really have no use for these quarters now that I don't use coin-operated machines, but I'm sure the money will come in handy particularly after I go broke by the end of the summer.
Oh, and I will only swear when a situation really really really calls for it. Hopefully, there won't be that many. *crosses fingers*
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Facebook.
A friend once told me that you could basically piece together the past two weeks of a person's life based solely on his or her facebook account. Thanks to, among other things, the photo application, the status updates, and the great, and at times, infamous wall, it's almost impossible not to know what your closest, and not-so-close friends are doing at any given moment.
As much as I love keeping my friends up-to-date with my mundane life, it bugs me greatly that random people, not to mention my future employers, can have full-range access to everything that I ever posted on the facebook. That photo of me in a pink wig during one of our school parties? No one needs to see that.
So, I did what I should have done a long time ago. I went through my profile, and did some long-needed house cleaning. Not that there was much to sanitize. If you haven't noticed, I live a pretty boring life. I went through all of my photo albums, deleting photos that dated back to god knows when! I still managed to leave a few photos that I thought were either most sentimental or most meaningful or both.
Maybe I should set an expiration date for my photos. Post them up for a week and then take em all down. But then again. That'd require too much effort and thought on my part. Oh well. At least I feel like I've emptied out and sorted through a closet full of old clothes I never wear. ;p
As much as I love keeping my friends up-to-date with my mundane life, it bugs me greatly that random people, not to mention my future employers, can have full-range access to everything that I ever posted on the facebook. That photo of me in a pink wig during one of our school parties? No one needs to see that.
So, I did what I should have done a long time ago. I went through my profile, and did some long-needed house cleaning. Not that there was much to sanitize. If you haven't noticed, I live a pretty boring life. I went through all of my photo albums, deleting photos that dated back to god knows when! I still managed to leave a few photos that I thought were either most sentimental or most meaningful or both.
Maybe I should set an expiration date for my photos. Post them up for a week and then take em all down. But then again. That'd require too much effort and thought on my part. Oh well. At least I feel like I've emptied out and sorted through a closet full of old clothes I never wear. ;p
Monday, June 16, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
:)
Working reunion really puts things into perspective.
Over this past weekend, Wellesley was bombarded by alumns ranging from the class of '03 to one of the oldest alumns from the class of '28. I happened to work with the class of '98, which wasn't hard at all. Their being one of the younger groups meant that most of the alums were pretty self-sufficient so my job as resident hostess was basically centered around the bells desk, checking the alumns in, doing room swaps, and making sure the "alcohol" closet stayed locked and secured at all times. ;p
While many of the former W's showed up with either a spouse or a family member, quite a few decided to attend their 10th reunion alone. And of the alums who were accompanied by their companions, about half were already mothers or mothers-to-be.
This is not a bad thing, by any means. After all, success is whatever she defines it to be: whether it's being a career woman at the top of her professional game or finding happiness by starting a family with a college sweetheart, it's all in the eye-of-the-beholder. It was just disheartening to see many of these women give up their professions to be stay-at-home moms. But then again, this was just one class. One cohort out of the myriads of Wellesley graduates. I shouldn't generalize or make assumptions that that's what happens to most of us once we graduate.
I'm not sure if I'm going to attend my 10th reunion, let alone my first one which will be five years from now. Hell, I'm not even sure what I'll be doing in the next year. But as they say, the best things in life come as surprises, so I shouldn't be too worried. Allow room for spontaneity and unexpected twists and turns because that's what life is all about.
And god forbid, in 10 years, as long as I'm not barefoot and pregnant in some man's kitchen, all will be good.
Over this past weekend, Wellesley was bombarded by alumns ranging from the class of '03 to one of the oldest alumns from the class of '28. I happened to work with the class of '98, which wasn't hard at all. Their being one of the younger groups meant that most of the alums were pretty self-sufficient so my job as resident hostess was basically centered around the bells desk, checking the alumns in, doing room swaps, and making sure the "alcohol" closet stayed locked and secured at all times. ;p
While many of the former W's showed up with either a spouse or a family member, quite a few decided to attend their 10th reunion alone. And of the alums who were accompanied by their companions, about half were already mothers or mothers-to-be.
This is not a bad thing, by any means. After all, success is whatever she defines it to be: whether it's being a career woman at the top of her professional game or finding happiness by starting a family with a college sweetheart, it's all in the eye-of-the-beholder. It was just disheartening to see many of these women give up their professions to be stay-at-home moms. But then again, this was just one class. One cohort out of the myriads of Wellesley graduates. I shouldn't generalize or make assumptions that that's what happens to most of us once we graduate.
I'm not sure if I'm going to attend my 10th reunion, let alone my first one which will be five years from now. Hell, I'm not even sure what I'll be doing in the next year. But as they say, the best things in life come as surprises, so I shouldn't be too worried. Allow room for spontaneity and unexpected twists and turns because that's what life is all about.
And god forbid, in 10 years, as long as I'm not barefoot and pregnant in some man's kitchen, all will be good.
Monday, June 9, 2008
:)
Words that thou shalt live by.
"I'm craving a civility in romantic life. I'm not in the mood for one-night stands, even though it's summer and I should be." - Sienna Miller
"I'm craving a civility in romantic life. I'm not in the mood for one-night stands, even though it's summer and I should be." - Sienna Miller
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Turn Back Time
Orange and me during the carefree days when life was a little less complicated.Someone needs to build a time machine.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
^^
CJ: ladder theory
JK: lol
yes
CJ: yeah!
lol
i think girls do it too
JK: i guess so...
it's just that I don't think I've ever done it
CJ: if a girl is unbearably unattractive i'll put her on the friends ladder but honestly
JK: or..if i do..most of the guys go on the friendship ladder
CJ: i think i'm pretty forgiving
JK: LOL
CJ: i give her a chance to talk
JK: yeah sure ;p
CJ: yeah well
i guess you have uber high standards
; )
i think you haven't met the right kind of guy yet - trust me, you'll know if you find someone that attractive on many levels
JK: no not really
i guess
*sigh*
CJ: for me, it took several hours
JK: lol
yes
CJ: yeah!
lol
i think girls do it too
JK: i guess so...
it's just that I don't think I've ever done it
CJ: if a girl is unbearably unattractive i'll put her on the friends ladder but honestly
JK: or..if i do..most of the guys go on the friendship ladder
CJ: i think i'm pretty forgiving
JK: LOL
CJ: i give her a chance to talk
JK: yeah sure ;p
CJ: yeah well
i guess you have uber high standards
; )
i think you haven't met the right kind of guy yet - trust me, you'll know if you find someone that attractive on many levels
JK: no not really
i guess
*sigh*
CJ: for me, it took several hours
Pieces of a puzzle
My room looks rather "boyish" or at least that's what Debbie thinks. :(
Should I decorate the walls with pink ribbons? How can I make my room more girly?
I think I need more pictures of House and Wilson...Yup. That should do it ;p
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Tentative plans
End of May:
-Graduate
-Furnish Apt
June:
-Continue unpacking
-Furnish apt :)
-Cali Jun 27-Jul 1
July:
-4th of July with high school buddies!
-build up work wardrobe. Grungy student in jeans and sweatpants to...'I meet with clients everyday' professional look. I <3 Ann Taylor
Aug:
-too far ahead to plan..haha
-Graduate
-Furnish Apt
June:
-Continue unpacking
-Furnish apt :)
-Cali Jun 27-Jul 1
July:
-4th of July with high school buddies!
-build up work wardrobe. Grungy student in jeans and sweatpants to...'I meet with clients everyday' professional look. I <3 Ann Taylor
Aug:
-too far ahead to plan..haha
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Cross country roadtrip
My plans to do a cross country road trip have been in the making since I graduated from high school. I just never had the means or the time to do it, but I've finally decided to go ahead with it this August, 2008. (or at least that's the plan)
Laundry list:
Boston, MA to San Francisco, CA : 3,100 mi
Duration: According to google map..driving non-stop, and I mean non-stop, I would get there in a day and 21 hours. Scratch that. It'll take me 10 days. The plan is to reach Los Angeles, then drive up I-5N to San Francisco.
Pit stops: Not really planning on exact locations other than a few areas I really want to see, like Yosemite, Las Vegas, Austin, Texas, Memphis, Tennessee, etc I'll just go where the road takes me.
Vehicle: Either it'll be a rent-a-car or a U-haul truck depending on whether I end up going with a friend who's moving to the West Coast for grad school :) Yay.
Laundry list:
Boston, MA to San Francisco, CA : 3,100 mi
Duration: According to google map..driving non-stop, and I mean non-stop, I would get there in a day and 21 hours. Scratch that. It'll take me 10 days. The plan is to reach Los Angeles, then drive up I-5N to San Francisco.
Pit stops: Not really planning on exact locations other than a few areas I really want to see, like Yosemite, Las Vegas, Austin, Texas, Memphis, Tennessee, etc I'll just go where the road takes me.
Vehicle: Either it'll be a rent-a-car or a U-haul truck depending on whether I end up going with a friend who's moving to the West Coast for grad school :) Yay.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Taken from Marie's wallpost
problems with sexual reproduction:
-time and energy in finding a mate
-males are unnecessary and a waste of ecological space.
-Bdelloid rotifers-gave up on sex
-Eventually males can die out of a species
-360 species all descended from a single female
-No evidence of sex in 50-100 million years
-time and energy in finding a mate
-males are unnecessary and a waste of ecological space.
-Bdelloid rotifers-gave up on sex
-Eventually males can die out of a species
-360 species all descended from a single female
-No evidence of sex in 50-100 million years
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Davis Square
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davis_Square-courtesy of Chris :)
great night life, bars, pubs, restaurants, gayest part of Boston. A new place to call home.
No joke.
..............Gotta get my mind off this. Time is your best friend.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Tues
오랜만에 수호 선배하고 같이 저녁먹었다.
To celebrate our last day of classes at MIT, he and I went and saw 'What happened in Vegas' and ended up drinking at the Miracle of Science Bar near MIT.
술주량이 줄어서 그런지 롱아일랜드 마시고 정신이 비몽사몽~
catching up
I absolutely <3 the view-again option online.This will be my new procrastination method for the next few days.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Sooo cool!!!
The most bizarre (but cool) thing just happened.
Christin ran into my room late this evening and demanded that I take a certain quiz. So I did, and it's SCARY how accurate this was.
So here's what you need. A pen and a blank sheet of paper.
1) Draw a large circle
2) Draw an equilateral triangle
3) Draw a right triangle
4) Draw a smaller circle
5) Draw an 'x'
Now, go back and draw a separate image using each object. Now write down a descriptive word/exclamation (i.e. explosive, fast,) that describes what you drew.
Here is the scary part. This is what the images mean:
The word that you used to describe the object is how you feel about:
1) large circle - yourself
2) equilateral triangle - your future
3) right triangle - present work
4) smaller circle - sex..my response was bald, if that makes any sense. (Bald = gross...and sex = gross??)
5) 'x' - lover/significant other
With a few exceptions, the results are pretty damn accurate...scarrrry...........
Thursday, May 8, 2008
All good things
eventually come to an end.
Yesterday, with the end of my last Art History seminar, came the end of my career as a Wellesley student. Well, there's still graduation, so let's not be too pessimistic. As I walked back to Stone-Davis I came across the a large group of students. Apparently, they had just come back from step-singing and were celebrating with a few members of the school's faculty, including Kris and John, the best dean a student could ever ask for. I'm going to miss him dearly.
After celebrating the last day of class with a few friends and toasting to our final days at Wellesley with rose champagne, I headed over to the science center with Christin to look for a little piece of the Wellesley bubble that was left all over campus. As part of Wellesley's tradition, each year the Senior Class Council leaves behind a trinket for the seniors to find. This year, they decided to use little bottles containing bubble mixture - the idea behind the bottle was that each graduating senior would take a piece of the Wellesley bubble with her. Awwwwww.
Well, each bottle contains the name of one of the members of the Senior class, and it is up to the student to find her name. Anyway, we spent about 20 minutes searching the entire building from top to bottom, and I was about to give up when Christin walked towards me with a huge grin on her face while she held up my bottle. ;p She ended up finding mine in one of the stairways that we had missed.
Then we walked over to Founders to find hers, which was conveniently located on the fourth floor of the building. Thus came the end of our senior hunt...Just one more thing to cross off from my 'things to do at Wellesley' list
Yesterday, with the end of my last Art History seminar, came the end of my career as a Wellesley student. Well, there's still graduation, so let's not be too pessimistic. As I walked back to Stone-Davis I came across the a large group of students. Apparently, they had just come back from step-singing and were celebrating with a few members of the school's faculty, including Kris and John, the best dean a student could ever ask for. I'm going to miss him dearly.
After celebrating the last day of class with a few friends and toasting to our final days at Wellesley with rose champagne, I headed over to the science center with Christin to look for a little piece of the Wellesley bubble that was left all over campus. As part of Wellesley's tradition, each year the Senior Class Council leaves behind a trinket for the seniors to find. This year, they decided to use little bottles containing bubble mixture - the idea behind the bottle was that each graduating senior would take a piece of the Wellesley bubble with her. Awwwwww.
Well, each bottle contains the name of one of the members of the Senior class, and it is up to the student to find her name. Anyway, we spent about 20 minutes searching the entire building from top to bottom, and I was about to give up when Christin walked towards me with a huge grin on her face while she held up my bottle. ;p She ended up finding mine in one of the stairways that we had missed.
Then we walked over to Founders to find hers, which was conveniently located on the fourth floor of the building. Thus came the end of our senior hunt...Just one more thing to cross off from my 'things to do at Wellesley' list
Monday, May 5, 2008
:(
Sometimes I wish things were much simpler than they are now.
It's been pretty rough these past few weeks, in fact, this past month was probably the roughest four weeks of my entire life. Words can't describe the highs and lows (extreme lows) that I've had to go through. I couldn't have pulled through without the support of a few close friends.
Thanks Christin, Chris, and Christina (the three C's ;0) for lending me your shoulders to lean on. I'm so blessed to have you guys as my friends!
It's been pretty rough these past few weeks, in fact, this past month was probably the roughest four weeks of my entire life. Words can't describe the highs and lows (extreme lows) that I've had to go through. I couldn't have pulled through without the support of a few close friends.
Thanks Christin, Chris, and Christina (the three C's ;0) for lending me your shoulders to lean on. I'm so blessed to have you guys as my friends!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
And the clock keeps ticking
30 days till graduation
7 more days till last day of class
leaving the Wellesley bubble...priceless
7 more days till last day of class
leaving the Wellesley bubble...priceless
Friday, April 25, 2008
What it feels like to be a grown-up
Another weekend has arrived and I find myself yet again, swamped with so much work. :[
This weekend's To Do List
1) Finish 2 papers (really..finish it. If it means I have to drink 5 cans of Red Bull and pull all nighters, so be it)
2) Go apartment hunting with Ellie. Hopefully we'll find something, and I'll have a place to stay at and not have to resort to living in a box in Boston Common with the homeless folks.
3) Sunday all day. Finish marketing project with the gang. Go Project Pet Rock!
This weekend's To Do List
1) Finish 2 papers (really..finish it. If it means I have to drink 5 cans of Red Bull and pull all nighters, so be it)
2) Go apartment hunting with Ellie. Hopefully we'll find something, and I'll have a place to stay at and not have to resort to living in a box in Boston Common with the homeless folks.
3) Sunday all day. Finish marketing project with the gang. Go Project Pet Rock!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Article draft
Imagine starting your weekend with a breathtaking aerial tour of Cambridge in a multi-million dollar helicopter. And not just any helicopter, but a military Black Hawk. To most of us, this scenario seems far-fetched, like something out of a Hollywood war movie. But to a select few men and women who are part of the US Army-ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps), this is just another day out in the training field. In fact, while most college students got ready to enjoy the long weekend, dozens of student cadets from colleges such as Harvard, MIT, and Wellesley clad in military uniform prepared to board two UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters in the Harvard Athletic Field preparation for a grueling two-day training period as part of their annual Field Training Exercise.
When a chance to shadow the cadets during their two-day training period arose, I immediately signed myself up for the opportunity to fly out to Fort Denvens, a military training base, where they would train in basic soldiering skills, including rifle marksmanship, outdoor survival, and patrol base operations from April 18-20th. The training also included a 4-mile march and tactical operations alongside Boston University’s ROTC program.
One interesting thing to note was the training event came in lieu of an increasing presence of ROTC recruiters on campus. Although the campus does not have its own ROTC unit, surprisingly, quite a number of Wellesley students have been active participants in the ROTC program over the years. Currently there are two Wellesley army cadets, Courtney Wilson, WC ’08 and Andrea Herbin, WC ’10 who are a part of the MIT ROTC unit. While on assignment, I was privileged with the opportunity to interview the two cadets to better understand their reasons for joining the ROTC and also to find out what the ROTC is all about.
For the military un-savvy, the ROTC allows college students to train to become military officers while still pursuing their undergraduate degrees. Then upon graduation, after having successfully completed their training, the cadets are commissioned as full-time army officers for a minimum of three years.
Wilson, a Senior cadet, has been with the ROTC since her firstyear and has thrived on the various intense and adrenaline-inducing training programs, one of which was the Ranger Challenge. Held in Fort Devens, the competition involves neighboring ROTC units who team up to compete using basic infantry skills, including throwing grenades, disassembling weapons, and marching a 10-kilometer road.
This year, however, Wilson was back in the field, not as a cadet in training, but as a senior cadet whose active duty was to evaluate the third year cadets, also known as M3s. The M3s will then take the feedback to improve or sustain their performance in preparation for their summer evaluations that will determine whether they get commissioned or not.
The weekend began with the cadets being dropped off in the landing field at Fort Devens, after which they marched back to the base camp where MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), aka vacuum packed and sealed food that would probably survive exposure to chemical warfare or radiation, were provided. Later on that night, cadets received weapons and blank ammunitions, and were given basic instructions on the weekend’s training plan. By 10pm, the cadets set up their military sleeping bags in the outdoor training area amidst the woods where they would rest until 4am the next morning, when the real weekend training would begin.
The next day began sharply at 0400 military time. After feasting on a catered, hot-meal for breakfast, the units assembled and divide up into individual squads roughly composed of about a dozen cadets, out of which three or four members were M3s whose performance would be evaluated. That day’s training was called Strategic Tactics Exercise, which simulated real-life battle situations. The squad would be presented with multiple lanes, each of which posed a different threat or situation. The squad leader, typically an M3, would plan out a mission and lead his or her team to execute and successfully to complete the task.
These exercises are meant to imitate real-life combats that parallel the kind of situations that the cadets would face in warring zones such as Iraq. An example of one of the lanes was one involving infiltration of an enemy stake-out. Before taking action, the team leader set out the plan, then briefed the team on the appropriate course of action using code names such as bravo, fox-trot, Charlie three, etc before heading out into enemy territory. During the whole process, although no actual ammos were fired, my fellow Counterpoint member, Caroline and I were literally on our toes. As a journalist, and not as an active participant on the scene, I could clearly sense the strenuousness of the day’s exercise. After all, unlike us civilians, who hiked around in our regular attire, the cadets were clad in layered military uniform from head-to-toe even amidst the 70-degree weather. To top that, each cadet, would carry around a xxxxxx, that averaged around 60 pounds, depending on his or her height and weight. Supervising lieutenants and officers in charge of the exercises would constantly remind the cadets to hydrate to prevent heatstroke.
At the end of each lane exercise, one or two lieutenants or officers would provide feedback to the entire group and also evaluate the cadet in charge of that particular mission. The cadet would be judged on basic military values such as loyalty, duty, self-less service, respect, and honor. Moreover, a cadet would not only be judged as a leader, but also as a follower. As lieutenant Karwowski who has been with the military for 19 years puts it, “You can’t be a good leader, if you’re not a good follower.” As a result, the M3s under evaluation are closely observed even when they are not leading the team to determine whether they follow orders that are given by others and to see whether they are good team players. Evaluators tend to look out for what is termed, the “spotlight ranger.” A spotlight ranger is one who does a great job at leading others when need be, however, only does so for his or her own benefit. Moreover, when it comes time to follow orders or help out fellow soldiers, these spotlight rangers tend to fade out, proving unreliable. As a result, cadets need to literally put forth their best foot regardless of what role they are assigned.
Although I was only assigned at the training facility for a short period, the chance to be fully immersed in a military environment helped open my eyes to what it takes to be a member of the ROTC. It is heartening to know that even amidst the negativities associated with the unpopular war in Iraq and the Bush administration, there are still young men and women who whole-heartedly believe in giving back to their country by serving in the military. They are, after all, our leaders and future army officers of the US military.
So that's my long rant/post/article. Now I'm off to make love to econ...bleh
When a chance to shadow the cadets during their two-day training period arose, I immediately signed myself up for the opportunity to fly out to Fort Denvens, a military training base, where they would train in basic soldiering skills, including rifle marksmanship, outdoor survival, and patrol base operations from April 18-20th. The training also included a 4-mile march and tactical operations alongside Boston University’s ROTC program.
One interesting thing to note was the training event came in lieu of an increasing presence of ROTC recruiters on campus. Although the campus does not have its own ROTC unit, surprisingly, quite a number of Wellesley students have been active participants in the ROTC program over the years. Currently there are two Wellesley army cadets, Courtney Wilson, WC ’08 and Andrea Herbin, WC ’10 who are a part of the MIT ROTC unit. While on assignment, I was privileged with the opportunity to interview the two cadets to better understand their reasons for joining the ROTC and also to find out what the ROTC is all about.
For the military un-savvy, the ROTC allows college students to train to become military officers while still pursuing their undergraduate degrees. Then upon graduation, after having successfully completed their training, the cadets are commissioned as full-time army officers for a minimum of three years.
Wilson, a Senior cadet, has been with the ROTC since her firstyear and has thrived on the various intense and adrenaline-inducing training programs, one of which was the Ranger Challenge. Held in Fort Devens, the competition involves neighboring ROTC units who team up to compete using basic infantry skills, including throwing grenades, disassembling weapons, and marching a 10-kilometer road.
This year, however, Wilson was back in the field, not as a cadet in training, but as a senior cadet whose active duty was to evaluate the third year cadets, also known as M3s. The M3s will then take the feedback to improve or sustain their performance in preparation for their summer evaluations that will determine whether they get commissioned or not.
The weekend began with the cadets being dropped off in the landing field at Fort Devens, after which they marched back to the base camp where MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), aka vacuum packed and sealed food that would probably survive exposure to chemical warfare or radiation, were provided. Later on that night, cadets received weapons and blank ammunitions, and were given basic instructions on the weekend’s training plan. By 10pm, the cadets set up their military sleeping bags in the outdoor training area amidst the woods where they would rest until 4am the next morning, when the real weekend training would begin.
The next day began sharply at 0400 military time. After feasting on a catered, hot-meal for breakfast, the units assembled and divide up into individual squads roughly composed of about a dozen cadets, out of which three or four members were M3s whose performance would be evaluated. That day’s training was called Strategic Tactics Exercise, which simulated real-life battle situations. The squad would be presented with multiple lanes, each of which posed a different threat or situation. The squad leader, typically an M3, would plan out a mission and lead his or her team to execute and successfully to complete the task.
These exercises are meant to imitate real-life combats that parallel the kind of situations that the cadets would face in warring zones such as Iraq. An example of one of the lanes was one involving infiltration of an enemy stake-out. Before taking action, the team leader set out the plan, then briefed the team on the appropriate course of action using code names such as bravo, fox-trot, Charlie three, etc before heading out into enemy territory. During the whole process, although no actual ammos were fired, my fellow Counterpoint member, Caroline and I were literally on our toes. As a journalist, and not as an active participant on the scene, I could clearly sense the strenuousness of the day’s exercise. After all, unlike us civilians, who hiked around in our regular attire, the cadets were clad in layered military uniform from head-to-toe even amidst the 70-degree weather. To top that, each cadet, would carry around a xxxxxx, that averaged around 60 pounds, depending on his or her height and weight. Supervising lieutenants and officers in charge of the exercises would constantly remind the cadets to hydrate to prevent heatstroke.
At the end of each lane exercise, one or two lieutenants or officers would provide feedback to the entire group and also evaluate the cadet in charge of that particular mission. The cadet would be judged on basic military values such as loyalty, duty, self-less service, respect, and honor. Moreover, a cadet would not only be judged as a leader, but also as a follower. As lieutenant Karwowski who has been with the military for 19 years puts it, “You can’t be a good leader, if you’re not a good follower.” As a result, the M3s under evaluation are closely observed even when they are not leading the team to determine whether they follow orders that are given by others and to see whether they are good team players. Evaluators tend to look out for what is termed, the “spotlight ranger.” A spotlight ranger is one who does a great job at leading others when need be, however, only does so for his or her own benefit. Moreover, when it comes time to follow orders or help out fellow soldiers, these spotlight rangers tend to fade out, proving unreliable. As a result, cadets need to literally put forth their best foot regardless of what role they are assigned.
Although I was only assigned at the training facility for a short period, the chance to be fully immersed in a military environment helped open my eyes to what it takes to be a member of the ROTC. It is heartening to know that even amidst the negativities associated with the unpopular war in Iraq and the Bush administration, there are still young men and women who whole-heartedly believe in giving back to their country by serving in the military. They are, after all, our leaders and future army officers of the US military.
So that's my long rant/post/article. Now I'm off to make love to econ...bleh
Friday, April 18, 2008
What is up with my weekends?
Seriously. The past two weekends have been anything but relaxing.
So this weekend's supposed to be a long one since we get Monday off. What will I be doing?
Flying off to a military fort to cover the annual ROTC training. That's if I manage to survive the trip and overcome my fear of heights. Oh boy.
Sunday - Washington D.C. Get up at 6!!!
So this weekend's supposed to be a long one since we get Monday off. What will I be doing?
Flying off to a military fort to cover the annual ROTC training. That's if I manage to survive the trip and overcome my fear of heights. Oh boy.
Sunday - Washington D.C. Get up at 6!!!
Monday, April 14, 2008
all ears
Angela Ammons - When it Doesn't matter
Justin Timberlake- Losing My Way
Sleepthief- Just Say It
Justin Timberlake- Losing My Way
Sleepthief- Just Say It
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Laundry list
MIT Marketing class final projects...
- ideas so far:
1) babysitting site
2) itutor.com
3) iwait.com
Environmental Econ
1) midterm
2) Final project
Am. Pilgrimage sites
1) 1 final paper
2) trip to DC
Northern Song paintings Art hist
1) 1 final paper
=figuring out when to stop procrastinating..priceless
- ideas so far:
1) babysitting site
2) itutor.com
3) iwait.com
Environmental Econ
1) midterm
2) Final project
Am. Pilgrimage sites
1) 1 final paper
2) trip to DC
Northern Song paintings Art hist
1) 1 final paper
=figuring out when to stop procrastinating..priceless
50 Things to do before graduating Wellesley
50 Things to Do at Wellesley before you graduate (red = done)
1. Run naked across Severance Green
2. Get 12 hours of sleep in one night
3. Go Step Singing
4. See the campus from the top of Galenstone Tower
5. Walk around Lake Waban with a friend
6. Have a party in your room for no reason and invite everyone you know
7. Skinny dip in Lake Waban
8. Read a book that isn't required and that doesn't have anything to do with your major
9. Pull a non-academic all-nighter
10. Go traying on Severance Green
11. Write a letter to the Editor
12. Attend one sporting event for each Wellesley athletic team
13. Admit you don't know everything
14. Have a little too much to drink at a department party and start a singalong with your favorite professor
15. Eat nachos at the Hoop
16. Get a Little Sister
17. Eat in all the dining halls in one day. (gonna do this soon)
18. Send an e-mail to someone who is sitting in the same room
19. Buy candy in El Table to eat during class
20. Let a prospective sleep on your floor
21. Become the ultimate fan of at least one Wellesley sports team
22. Stay for Wintersession
23. Be the subject of a psychology experiment
24. Nominate a professor for the Pinanski Prize
25. Swing next to the Chapel (the swing is not there anymore)
26. Attend Senate. Say something.
27. Go tunneling
28. Try dorm or class crew on the lake
29. Visit the observatory
30. Become a regular at CVS
31. Go to a Shakespeare Society production
32. Go ice skating on Paramecium Pond
33. Declare your own personal Lake Day
34. Go trick or treating at President Walsh's house
35. Nap in the library
36. Start a dorm war
37. Stage a protest
38. Join an organization
39. Go to a frat party
40. Write a paper in 13-point New York
41. Learn to fake a Boston accent
42. Attend an on-campus party
43. Voluntarily attend a lecture
44. Take a day off and be a tourist in Boston
45. Primal scream
46. Cheer at the Boston Marathon. See if you can get a runner to kiss you
47. Go to a commencement other than your own
48. See at least one a capella concert
49. Listen to WZLY
50. Ride in a Campus Po Car. Lights and siren are a bonus.
1. Run naked across Severance Green
2. Get 12 hours of sleep in one night
3. Go Step Singing
4. See the campus from the top of Galenstone Tower
5. Walk around Lake Waban with a friend
6. Have a party in your room for no reason and invite everyone you know
7. Skinny dip in Lake Waban
8. Read a book that isn't required and that doesn't have anything to do with your major
9. Pull a non-academic all-nighter
10. Go traying on Severance Green
11. Write a letter to the Editor
12. Attend one sporting event for each Wellesley athletic team
13. Admit you don't know everything
14. Have a little too much to drink at a department party and start a singalong with your favorite professor
15. Eat nachos at the Hoop
16. Get a Little Sister
17. Eat in all the dining halls in one day. (gonna do this soon)
18. Send an e-mail to someone who is sitting in the same room
19. Buy candy in El Table to eat during class
20. Let a prospective sleep on your floor
21. Become the ultimate fan of at least one Wellesley sports team
22. Stay for Wintersession
23. Be the subject of a psychology experiment
24. Nominate a professor for the Pinanski Prize
25. Swing next to the Chapel (the swing is not there anymore)
26. Attend Senate. Say something.
27. Go tunneling
28. Try dorm or class crew on the lake
29. Visit the observatory
30. Become a regular at CVS
31. Go to a Shakespeare Society production
32. Go ice skating on Paramecium Pond
33. Declare your own personal Lake Day
34. Go trick or treating at President Walsh's house
35. Nap in the library
36. Start a dorm war
37. Stage a protest
38. Join an organization
39. Go to a frat party
40. Write a paper in 13-point New York
41. Learn to fake a Boston accent
42. Attend an on-campus party
43. Voluntarily attend a lecture
44. Take a day off and be a tourist in Boston
45. Primal scream
46. Cheer at the Boston Marathon. See if you can get a runner to kiss you
47. Go to a commencement other than your own
48. See at least one a capella concert
49. Listen to WZLY
50. Ride in a Campus Po Car. Lights and siren are a bonus.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Angela Ammons - Always getting over you
Was I not enough stimulation
Hit by a brake the other day
Just when I thought that I'm okay
You didn't like my conversation
I can't come up with something new
It doesn't really matter what I do
So here's my observation
You could never see it through my eyes
And I'm too tired to try
So don't call and say your coming back for me
Don't mean nothing
I'm always getting over you
And don't lie and say your over me
Don't mean nothing
I'm always getting over you
Do do do do
Do do do do do
Was it too much aggrevation
Your telling me the way that I won't see
And then I change my mind you disagree
I used to be our inspiration
You chase your mind you disappear
And I know it's never over
So don't call and say your coming back for me
Don't mean nothing
I'm always getting over you
And don't lie and say your over me
Don't mean nothing
I'm always getting over you
Do do do do
Do do do do do
Do do do do do
Do do do do
Do do do do do
Was I not enough stimulation
Hit by a brake the other day
Just when I thought that I'm okay
You didn't like my conversation
And I can't come up with something new
It doesn't really matter what I do
So don't call and say your coming back for me
Don't mean nothing
I'm always getting over you
And don't lie and say your over me
Don't mean nothing
I'm always getting over you
Do do do do do
Do do do do
Do do do do do
So don't call and say your coming back for me
Don't mean nothing
I'm always getting over you
And don't lie and say your over me
Don't mean nothing
I'm always getting over you
So don't call and say your coming back for me
I'm always getting over you
Hit by a brake the other day
Just when I thought that I'm okay
You didn't like my conversation
I can't come up with something new
It doesn't really matter what I do
So here's my observation
You could never see it through my eyes
And I'm too tired to try
So don't call and say your coming back for me
Don't mean nothing
I'm always getting over you
And don't lie and say your over me
Don't mean nothing
I'm always getting over you
Do do do do
Do do do do do
Was it too much aggrevation
Your telling me the way that I won't see
And then I change my mind you disagree
I used to be our inspiration
You chase your mind you disappear
And I know it's never over
So don't call and say your coming back for me
Don't mean nothing
I'm always getting over you
And don't lie and say your over me
Don't mean nothing
I'm always getting over you
Do do do do
Do do do do do
Do do do do do
Do do do do
Do do do do do
Was I not enough stimulation
Hit by a brake the other day
Just when I thought that I'm okay
You didn't like my conversation
And I can't come up with something new
It doesn't really matter what I do
So don't call and say your coming back for me
Don't mean nothing
I'm always getting over you
And don't lie and say your over me
Don't mean nothing
I'm always getting over you
Do do do do do
Do do do do
Do do do do do
So don't call and say your coming back for me
Don't mean nothing
I'm always getting over you
And don't lie and say your over me
Don't mean nothing
I'm always getting over you
So don't call and say your coming back for me
I'm always getting over you
Friday, March 14, 2008
Shit to get done
1. Marketing paper.. get it done by Wednesday..like that's gonna happen.
2. Yosemite Art history paper...almost done.
3. 'Imperial portrait painting in Northern Song' paper...2 pages out of 5 done. How pathetic
4. Econ Project Phase I - oh shoot..haven't started that.
All this to do before Thursday. *sigh*
2. Yosemite Art history paper...almost done.
3. 'Imperial portrait painting in Northern Song' paper...2 pages out of 5 done. How pathetic
4. Econ Project Phase I - oh shoot..haven't started that.
All this to do before Thursday. *sigh*
Monday, March 3, 2008
Crunch time
Now that practice for CSA is finally over, I can dedicate my nights to studying once again.
Things to get done before bedtime aka 23:00
-take nap
-do chinese art hist reading
-work out
-start studying for econ midterm
-figure out what i'm doing with my life
Peace.
Things to get done before bedtime aka 23:00
-take nap
-do chinese art hist reading
-work out
-start studying for econ midterm
-figure out what i'm doing with my life
Peace.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
First post
In my effort to simultaneously organize my thoughts and attempt to keep an online journal, I've decided to make my first post to ring in the new year.
My previous online bloggings have not lasted that long except for LiveJournal which I used religiously throughout high school.
Let's see how long this one lasts. :)
My previous online bloggings have not lasted that long except for LiveJournal which I used religiously throughout high school.
Let's see how long this one lasts. :)
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