Clumsy ♫

Last night was fun. I'd say the birthday celebrations for Josh went well. I felt he was a little skeptical at first about how much he'd enjoy it but just about everybody was there (except Zack, and then today I find out that he was actually in town but never said anything...and he knew he forgot something...just didn't know what...that's OK, there's New Years Eve). Dinner at Steinkellers was yummy. I wasn't that hungry so Declan ate half of my food in addition to his. Hung out at Josh's apt, I attempted to improve my poker skills (I am REALLY bad). There was a good number of people that showed up so it was nice. And I think people enjoyed the cupcakes with the candles. Then BDubs for the rest of the evening essentially. It was a fun evening even tho I was essentially a chauffeur lol. I am very happy right now though.

I broke the phone charm thing Josh's mom put in my stocking by accident...somehow(even tho it was more of a gag gift). 4th phone charm in a year? top that off with a dead phone and two broken cases...phone accessories hate me. I'm getting real clumsy lately...forgetful, tripping, silly little common sense things out the window sometimes. Good thing I'm organized or at least try to be or else I'd be really lost. Thankfully it's really not that bad, but it's noticeable enough for me.

♫You got me trippin'(oh), stumblin'(oh), flippin'(oh), fumblin'(so)
Clumsy 'cause I'm fallin' in love(in love)
You got me slippin'(oh), tumblin'(oh), sinkin'(oh), crumblin'(so)
Clumsy 'cause I'm fallin' in love(in love)
So in love with you ♫--Clumsy by Fergie

Canadian Dream, Ohio Home

So I had this dream that I was sent back to Canada by my parents (they were in a transition of sorts, moving? I don't know) for my last semester of college. This makes no sense at all because it's college, not high school. Anyway, reunited with everybody it was actually really nice. A lot of old memories remembered and shared, a lot of excitement, and the bridge was pretty. But, it felt strange. Some of it felt Harry Potter like only because the class picture I have from the past MOVED. Very strange. I really missed home (Oxford) and wanted to call my mommy to let me go back and that was an adventure in itself. For some reason a bunch of us had to travel from somewhere to get to a somebody's house with a phone? I don't know. Maybe there were no cell phones. Then I woke up because it was such a stressful dream.

Even so, the dream is notable. I remember when I first moved here I just wanted to go back because I really did not like it here. The people were not nearly as fun/friendly to be around at first and I was bored. I had dropped everything and left and had lost touch with many things...not just people, but things I used to do. I was so bored here. Almost went to a different school as a result.

But the past couple of years have been great and have made such an impact on me. It's home and nothing else compares right now. The people mean the world to me and in my dream I wanted to go back to Ohio because I missed people so badly. It's people that make it home :).

Patience is worth it

Went to the mall with my fam and two guests. All the way to Kenwood, yay! Luke fell asleep on the way there and on the way back. He even picked his own toy at the Lego store, haha. He did not want any of the toys that were in his age range at all...what he did choose is of no surprise at all.

It's this little red sports car/convertible from the Lego City collection. The choice is probably influenced by Josh's car. He held on to that box for the whole mall excursion, while he was in his stroller, while carried, and while he walked with my dad holding on to his sweater because Luke held on to the box with two hands and couldn't hold on to dad's hand. He was so good and even let the lady at Stride Rite measure his feet and put new shoes on...he usually doesn't like strangers touching him. Pretty much no fussing yesterday. And he got some safari car toy from a Kiosk. Finally found the kind of shoes mom was looking for and mommy bought me the boots I've been wanting. When I spun the wheel at Steve Madden to determine what percentage of sale I'd get I only got 20, mom spun me a 40% yay! I am so glad I didn't buy those boots already because this just saved me a lot of money as I didn't have to pay for it myself! yay for presents in the form of shopping! I am extremely excited about my new Steve Madden Tyller black suede slouch boots :)! Patience pays off, literally.

I am very happy right now, the music is playing and I just finished my OSU application so 5 schools are done! I decided I am not going to bother with Case Western, they only have a program and not a school of public health and I don't want to live in Cleveland...I'd rather go to Drexel than CWR probably.

Hmmm...today should be a nice day, both productive and relaxing! :-D

P.S. New roomie bringing wii to school for next semester! yay

Lovemylife.

Christmas reflections

Even though we did not get to have a white Christmas this year it has been one of the most pleasant Christmases regardless.

I am very thankful for the people around me and have received many pleasant surprises lately.

1) I either did as expected in my classes in terms of final grades or better
2) got a GPS for Christmas! An especially pleasant surprise because my parents have gotten less Christmas-y as time progresses and how much they have had to spend on me lately due to grad schools and various expenses, lol. *I am very thankful for my parents for continuing to support me in my field of choice and have told me that the Camry will be mine (I knew this) and that they will try to support me financially as much as they can for Grad school.
3) my brother has been so much more well behaved since I've been home this break as compared to previous extended times I've been home...
4) Josh's parents had a stocking for me and scarves! (as well as a bag of delicious apples! heh)

Christmas was very nice and peaceful. Exchanged gifts, food, fed Daphnia/snails/cat, and went over to Josh's parents house for a few hours. Then, I came home and crocheted a baggie for my new garmin gps! Played with Luke...then Josh came over to play with Luke, had dinner with us (dumplings and pan-fried noodles!), chilled, and watched some Monty Python's flying circus.

I am very glad that he loves his gift from me. I love my new portable speakers thing for my ipod. It can be taken anywhere with an internal rechargeable battery! yay. It'll help with the motivation to get stuff done today such as cleaning my room, hopefully applying to schools, and maybe doing some recreational reading or crafting. It has been too long since I've done any of those things...

Break has been very nice so far...

although the only upcoming bump is 1)slight chance Josh won't be home for his own birthday, 2) a lot of people are not in town, 3) many will not be in town for New Years. Although it is nice Josh's birthday is around Christmas and New Years, it is also a very quiet time of the year in Oxford.

Let's hope it is fun anyway :)

I am feeling very loved and very good right now.

P.S.
I have been assigned a new roommate for next semester and we have facebooked and texted. Hoping that this new arrangement is a pleasant experience! I'ma try my best.

December MLIAs

some favs from My Life Is Average:

The other day, I realized that you can select "walking" as a mode of transportation when finding directions on Google Maps. I got walking directions from Detroit to Hawaii, and once I got to California, the directions said "Kayak across the Pacific Ocean for 2273 miles". I love Google.

Today was the first day of my job as a waiter. The uniform was a red and white striped sweater and jeans. I decided to wear my red and white striped hat too to look like Waldo. By the end of the day, I was asked to be in the background of twenty photos, stood next to fifteen people for a picture, and got a raise. MLIA

Today I looked up disney princesses, clicked the website, and then clicked 'characters.' The Jonas Brothers were on the list. They always were my favorite princesses. MLIA

Today, I called my dad by his first name for about the hundredth time to annoy him. He finally yelled, "Shut up! What the hell is wrong with you?" I yelled, "Your genes!" He looked to my mom for help, but she just said, "If you're old enough to use a word like 'hell', then you're old enough to think of a comeback." So he just walked away, muttering. MLIA

Today my mom was looking through my older sister's pictures on her iphone. She got to one and looked very confused then asked, "who's this man?" My sister responded, "It's the man who took our picture today but took it backwards and instead took a picture of his face. It's actually a good picture of the guy, so I kept it." MLIA

Today i was out to dinner and i saw a little boy successfully escape from his stroller, only to be stopped by the leash attached to him and the stroller. His parents are good. MLIA

The other day, my friends and I found a wallet in the hallway at school. We turned it into the office and as expected, they read it in the list of lost and found items during announcements. What we hadn't seen, was the liscence in the front pocket. The wallet belonged to our principle. Ironically his name is Anthony Blackman, and he is black. Over the intercom they said "We have a wallet in the front office belonging to A. Blackman." I have never laughed so hard in my life. MLIA.

Yesterday, our family had over 40 relatives over for Thanksgiving. Almost all of my family has bright red hair, so after awhile, you don't really notice any of us individually. After we finished our dinner, my grandpa stood up to tell everyone how thankful he is for each of us, his "beloved McCartys." Someone then whispered, "wait...McCarty? $!@%," and slipped out the door without causing attention. Turns out, he wasn't my cousin. Some redhead spent his Thanksgiving at the McCarty residence. Hope you liked the turkey. MLIA.

Today, I noticed that on all of my college's directional signs, they abriviated the Winter Fun Terrace building to the WTF building. I know I chose the right college.MLIA

I am a delivery dude for Domino's, and today I had a delivery and asked the customer to please leave the porchlight on because it was an unfamiliar area. When I get there, three little kids are standing outside jumping up and down with flashlights in their hands in 30 degree weather because there was no porchlight. <<< This is probably my favorite, haha.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I love being on winter break for the most part. No class. No studying.

I just don't get enough of my own space bc I'm with my family but I love them anyway.

All I really do that's productive is two more school applications, feed/clean daphnia/snails, and count samples at work sometimes. At least I'm making Some money, right? Oh, and I get to feed a cat for a week.

Other than that...LOTSA SNOW TIME! yay, I hope it snows more! Life can be stressful but life is also awesome.

Nearing finals, amongst other things

Update:

I finished all of my SOPHAS applications on time and will be applying to OSU and Case Western Reserve over winter break. I got an e-mail from Drexel today and they informed me that they will tell me their decision in 3 weeks.

Three weeks.

In three weeks I will know my final grades for this semester probably, it'll be Christmas, it'll mean I only have one semester left til graduation...

Graduation means I will be away and I will have to figure out my way.

I really hope I get accepted to my schools.

I think I am inevitably always stressed but sometimes very calm.

Theres a tendency to bottle things up and I am so glad Kait is finally home. There are things I've been finally able to share and it means so much that she's home.

We've been talking that if we end up in the same city next year for gradschool/job or grad school in her case we'll live together. That'd be fun...and interesting.

Gah...I need to stop feeling so complicated. I keep on having nightmares or weird dreams that just stress me out. At least I have the end of finals week to look forward to, winter break, and Christmas.

I'll be able to make some money over winter break in the lab and I hope to get a lot of peace and quiet. There are things I feel like I need to figure out.

Although a stress reliever for me right now is Christmas shopping online and in person, and before long I'll get to write Christmas cards! yay!!!

I'm not totally sure what I want, because there isn't anything I need...although i suppose gifts aren't just what we need but want...I'm so silly.

Burberry the Beat, Steve Madden Tyller, P.S. I Love You., Computer speakers or portable one for ipod, and maybe a wii. We'll see. Either way, I'll probably get em myself at some point, haha.

Besides, Santa's Mailbox was outside of Shriver and it practically fell down...looks like nobody's getting presents! ;) Although really, I'm pretty thankful as it is. I feel sorta bad asking for things and probably won't because grad school apps? omg....

Short-er hair

I realize again that it has been a while.

The past few weeks have consisted of a lot of learning. I am trying hard to change myself for the better because i know i have faults. I want to do this because I care about those I love. Still working on a lot of things and I just hope for a lot of patience during this process!

Well, I'm still behind on my whole application process thing but it's been getting so busy lately! then again, I should probably be productive more often but sometimes things come up and I just want to jump at the opportunities like spending time with friends, josh, family, shopping...sighhhh.

But, I feel pretty satisfied about my life and am hoping for the best! I want the various aspects of my life to be fulfilling and I want the most out of all of it. School, personal life, future, everything!

Cleaning helps. I have found that sometimes I really enjoy cleaning...and mild changes.

Like my impusive hair-cut. I fully intended on just trimming it but I cut off like 6 inches of it and I have not had it shorter than my shoulders since like middle school! but so far it's grown on me a lot and everybody seems to like it, which helps me like it more. Mmmm....

I like shopping, I hope it does not become very problematic. I need to make sure i control this when I get to grad school and get broke...but I like pretty things! sighhh. Errrmm... Notable things that have happened since my last post?

I got a new phone. Old phone died. Pretty new phone! it's a white/silver motorola rival with red covers! and lotsa new ringtones that I made (for freeee).

I feel so sporadic. Sometimes I feel so emotionally unstable. But, I want to try to keep myself grounded and remind myself that I can get things done and that I have a lot of good things in my life. I am thankful for the important people in my life that are always there for me. I do not know what I would be without them...probably analogous to a dead flower. lifeless.

MUST GET BACK TO WORK.

Good times follow the bad

Today has been good/interesting so far and I'm hoping it continues.

1) witnessed pillow fight flash mob at the seal/hub at 12:40pm
2) got a text that a zoo dept boat sunk, texted janelle, she called me back, i missed it, asked nicole and found out it really was our pontoon boat that sank. Eventually Janelle called me again and I picked up while I was at work. Pranksters probably sunk it last night or yesterday morning because it is the only boat out there at Acton lake and they took off the seats and THEN sunk it. It was at least a foot under water and was held up by the chain. It is full of mud and they spent all day cleaning and draining. The motor for the pontoon boat is from the DNR boat and that died...so we currently dont have a good motor...and not only was sampling not done today but samping needs to be done Wednesday. Good luck, boat!

I like food. I love sunshine. I am hoping for a good rest of the day of yoga, homework, gossip girl, and applications! (note to self: be motivated, stay awake, and get stuff done!)

Drained but hopeful

I'm not totally sure why but the past week or so I've felt a little more tired than usual. I don't feel like I'm particularly busy or particularly stressed...or particularly antsy/restless. If anything, I guess I feel a little stressed and insecure. I keep on having nightmares. Not like super scary monster nightmares, but unpleasant personal situations and it's hard to get them out of my head but I feel like they aren't a big deal yet I can't seem to ignore them. But, they're also my own issues and I don't want to be a bother. It's like whenever I am happy I remember that things don't last forever and I'm not sure if I'm up to the challenge of big changes. I'm also on edge more often and I try not to let my temper get to me because the stupidest things will get on my nerves and then I can't handle it. Maybe other things have been accumulating and using the small details just act as triggers and excuses. That makes sense to me at least.

I am not ready to grow up, I'm not ready to leave, I'm not ready to get ready to leave, and I'm not ready to figure out how to do all of that. But, there's no choice, but I'm sure there are better ways for me to handle it. I feel like I'm flailing and trying to hold on to things when I know I probably shouldn't and need to just take the changes slow.

There are things about myself I'd like to change. I don't exactly like what I see lately. I don't like the insecurity, I don't like feeling dull, and I don't like feeling insignificant.

I just don't feel like I have all that much to say that is of much importance. Makes me just want to be quiet.

Change is necessary...but what?

Possibilities:
1) have more practical expectations...not that I think I'm impractical, but maybe I am because I don't like feeling disappointed
2) get more motivated about my applications because I need to get that done
3) sleep more/sleep less
4) write here more, I seem to be calmer afterward having put my thoughts somewhere, however vague as they may be...but, at least I generally know what I'm talking about.
5) write down my dreams
6) exercise more...although I think I can do that bc of this pass...it's an incentive for me to go to not waste money
7) spend less
8) stop fretting about what I'm doing and what people think
9) stop over analyzing and being skeptical

I'm just tired and don't know what to do. Maybe I should go to sleep. I don't think I'm in the mood to actually work on applications...that just means tomorrow will be busier. Oh Goody.

Half way

Before long first semester will be over. Before long my applications will be done!

Registration went smoothly for the first time EVER, I got everything I needed at the times I wanted! it was really close because for some classes they were filled up right when I finished....so relieved!!!

It's been pretty chill lately. We didn't go camping/backpacking for fall break cus it was Luke's birthday which was relatively fun except he was moody. But, he likes his new toys, and Luke likes seeing Josh and I. Hmm...yeah, it was chill and I got homework done. Went to Pumpkin festival with Josh and his fam, first corn maze (not that great..maybe try a diff one?), and FINALLY saw (500) days of summer which was AWESOME! I love the soundtrack and I have put it on my list of music to get.

So, that jazz cd I ordered for class...got lost in the mail? got a refund and had to use my emergency backup aka Iori's dad's collection. Drove Iori to his house to acquire 2 out of like 3000 jazz CDs. They're really good! I'm excited.

Mmmm...Jessanne has persuaded me to do cafe world on facebook and after some money wasted I am getting the hang of it! hahaha...

Errrm...Oh, my dorm just e-mailed us that the water pipe has a leak downstairs so we are to limit water usage and are to not shower until it is fixed. They have some emergency crew down there workin on it right now. I think it is hilarious and I would like to take a shower in the morning, please and thank you.

I feel so random and am procrastinating...and need to try to find time to pick up my dry cleaning tomorrow (why is that so expensive? I need to NOT buy stuff that needs to be dry cleaned unless the outfit is really expensive because then it'd be worth it...then again, I really like these two outfits a lot so I guess it's not just cost but worth to me.)

OK, back to working on my applications! personal statement...you know.

Epic night

Summing up Tuesday and Wednesday:

Tuesday:

• 8:30pm: Journey to C-Bus for TIESTO! (Jennie, Sin, Bang, Josh and I to see Tiesto and Vicki to see Casper) The back seat was cramped but cozy! and Jennie is music ADD.
  
• We discussed hot guys, the guys joined in on this conversation
  
• Arrive at like...10:30pm? Wait in line for an hour with friends of Sin and Bang which was a ton of fun! this Jake guy fooled us all with an awesome Irish accent.
• BoMA is AWESOME! it's so beautiful inside and it was crazy!
• TIESTO IS AMAZING
• Josh broke up a fight (some guy was tryin to punch this girl....a def no no)
  
• took lotsa pix but mostly a lot of videos!
• TON OF FUN :) :) :)! Highlight of my semester! want to go to moreeee!!!
• Josh was pretty upset that we missed Crystal Method though...but none of us knew he was playing...but we would've gone really early had we known.
• left at 3am, picked up Vicki, stopped at a gas station...I stayed awake the whole way
• back at 5am
• found the door mirror on the floor yet Carrie never woke up to that? amazing
• went to bed at 530am
• did not make it to work on time, sorta got in trouble? sorta...although I'm not the only one I think...we have two students that are like MIA...i was just late, not MIA and was busy while Janelle was gone bc I had to filter and prep sampling so I didn't get to do my own work much
• worked later
• ate food and did homework the rest of the time
• got candy for opening our door from the res hall advisor...then we closed the door...this building is so awkward...
  
• Josh brought me dark chocolate as a present/surprise! yayy <3
• Carrie and I chitchatted a lot...we distracted each other from work, twas fun.
• talked to Justine Precepa and Jessanne on fbchat
• Now I'm going to bed!

I love my life, but I really need to work on my applications...and I haven't studied for Jazz History exam that's thursday evening...so this evening technically...I should do that sometime...

SLEEP!

Good

Life is good.

I feel so chill lately. I haven't been super stressed in some time now! I am very excited. I mean there are a few things I get concerned about occasionally, but I am doing very well! So far school is good, life is good, family and friends are good...just need to try to get this whole grad school thing figured out and done! So far that is the only remotely stressful thing I think. That and maybe money. But, that's not a big deal right now. I just need to get myself motivated to work and save.

Oh, and I signed up for an academic year-long pass for group classes at the rec! pilates/yoga/zumba = much fun :). Although right now my right leg is killin me and it feels like its burning...I guess I can't do much exercise for a while because sometimes I get gimpy...though so far just at night. I hope I am better tomorrow!

This semester has gone by so quickly so far and in a way that is awesome but at the same time that means I'm just getting closer to growing up and being off on my own! But, for now, I'm just going to dwell on how well life is going :). I don't feel like writing more, my leg hurts. I want sleep. night loves.

GRE=Over

The GRE was much less stressful than expected but more physically demanding than expected. That just seems very strange to me. I mean the exam itself went rather well, and it was only a 40-ish minute drive there and back but I guess it must've been an intense ~2 hours in that cubicle because I felt really sore/tense and was slowly developing a headache. But, I believe it all worth it even if it made me feel that way. I guess it means I put effort into the exam, ahaha.

Mmm...watched much of the OSU-Illinois football game with Steph, then went shopping with Josh. That itself was a bit of craziness. The shopping itself was fine, but the traveling was a bit of a mess of confusion. I don't really want to think about it. I am still a little sad that right after I bought facewash from target I left it at Dick's sporting goods or something. ugh. But, I am very pleased with the replacement facewash I bought at Meijers...AND it is less expensive. So, that is of some consolation. After that? felt like a hormonal mess. But, I feel much better today and very normal. Hopefully I am well rested as I did get sleep, and I'm not doing anything all that stressful today. Apart from this homework? I'm goin to take it easy. Then before long I'm going to dive back in to the grad school prep with my application. I really need to get on that.

Goal? to not get overwhelmed. :)

I am so glad the GRE is over. I do not want to take it again...and I do not think I need to.

All to be finished by December 1st!

I've been studying GRE rather rigorously lately after I finish my homework and my brain is so tired! I think I've finally figured out how to get it all done though...like a schedule and whatnot. There is less than a month 'til my exam and I am hoping homework does not get any crazier because I want to do well because the schools I want to get into are demanding. Ugh!

I spent like 3 hours today going through all the public health schools and crossing off the ones that I:
1)have no chance of getting into
2)too far away--my logic is that if I were to go to school that far away I might as well go to a crazy awesome school or something and do peacecorps because that would pay for stuff and I would save money...because if I am that far I probably wouldn't really come home much...at all...like ever.

Before long I'll have chosen 4 schools to immediately send my GRE scores to...and depending on what scores I get...send to more schools...like if I did great, I'll send to more good ones, and if it
s just OK, I'll send scores to lesser-cool ones. I think that makes sense.


GAH!!!! I think I'm going to go crazy. GRE is very ... discouraging at times because GRE=Graduate School=Applications=Figuring out what I want to do with my life==>>>growing up and taking on all of the responsibilities and burdens of that. EEEEH!!!

But apart from all this school-related stuff my life is very good :), very, very good. So, I'm still pretty happy and just telling myself to take it easy when I can. Yep. *stretch* worn out. so worn out.

Beginning of September

Class has gone rather well and life is good.

Kait was home for a bit, that made me so happy.

Babysitting was nice and chill, then Josh came over, then Kait came over. Luke hadn't gone to the bathroom for many hours but he said he didn't want to go...at one point Kait was tickling him on the floor and the rest of us (except Josh) thought he may have hit his head on the floor but apparently he had peed on the floor by accident from all the tickling. Luke was so embarrassed and upset that he was crying...then he went to Josh to get picked up and be comforted. That was just tooo cute. Then Luke started throwing airplanes at Kait again and she would pretend to get injured a lot which made Luke very happy so he felt better about having had an accident. I have the best friends lol.

Went to Jenn,V, and some girls 21st bday party for a bit last night but it was more like making an appearance than anything as it was too crowded. Afterwards we played Apples to Apples and played with Sparta. I've had nice chill evenings even with random visitors in the room randomly and staying over the past couple of weeks, lol.

Interesting first day.

Sunday night: puked my guts out into the morning. Josh took care of me. I was a total mess.

walked back to campus with Josh.

forced myself to take a shower and nearly passed out.

tried to drink more liquids.

threw that up.

barely made it to my seminar class.

Jonesy began to walk me to the health center as well as her friend...then we bumped into Brit. Then Jonesy and Brit carried me for a bit...then Jonesy gave me a piggy back all the way to the health center. I was seriously about to either throw up or pass out as it was.

The doctor was nice and gave me a prescription for nausea. I forget what this is called but it's like stomach-flu. Brit then took me to Kroger to fill the prescription and get me some food that I may be able to eat. I haven't been able to keep anything down but I think today is much better...I've slept all afternoon and night...

I've just e-mailed my professors for today informing them that I may not be in class today. Even if I don't throw up I may pass out from not eating for so long. Gah.

I have the best friends in the world.

Who needs pay-per-view?

Yesterday was a very good day. I didn't get much sleep and woke up rather early to finish packing. Then I went over to Josh's to pick him up to help me move in. He had apparently thought I had already finished moving in...yeah, that wasn't gonna happen. It was a rather slow morning (at least I was very slow) but I am very excited that Iori lives in this building too! Hopefully I'll get to see him relatively frequently as a result. Carrie made quite a first impression on him, sharing how her little brother got swine flu.

We had lunch with Fei and Seth at the Oxford Diner which is actually a cute little place with good food. Fei and Seth didn't eat but they enjoyed themselves anyway...

"Who needs pay-per-view when you can have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Feier and Josh!"

Josh and I just really enjoy eating good food, it cannot be helped :).

Afterwards we had an adventure to the Outlet Mall. "Josh, do I turn right at CVS?" "Sure"...yeah, that wasn't right. we went very far out of the way until I was like..."I don't think we're supposed to be in fairfield" after my confusion of "why are we on dixie highway?" to which I got "Route 4 goes through a lot of different roads"

Josh is good at a lot of things...but navigating on highways/roads for longer distances is not one of them :). It's all good though because it was fun, even though Fei has a bit of a temper on the road with her lack of patience (she is totally aware of this and I must love her for it).

The mall itself was alright, it was as expected because there wasn't anything new from last time. I am very excited that I got a raincoat from Columbia though! for like 26$ or something. It is pretty nice...and green. I don't need to do any major shopping right now anyway because I still have 2 dresses and 1 shirt I have not worn yet. I need to get through those, but when??? they are very pretty though, especially the newest dress <3.

Then we had dinner at Golden Dragon but I wasn't particularly hungry at this point, just exhausted. The others most definitely enjoyed their food to the point that they were overly-full, especially Fei who totally couldn't walk very fast.

Um...then we explored the Dollar store, or whatever it was called next to it and that was an adventure in itself.

To end the night we just chilled at Fei's, watching bits of Planet earth, playing with kitty, and talking.

It was a good day/night.

Then Josh took me back to Bishop and not long afterwards Carrie and her friend Al came. They are rather entertaining. I didn't fall asleep til late though.

Now I've been awake for like an hour and I can't seem to fall back asleep. That's the trouble with sleeping somewhere new...I can't sleep very well for a while.

EEEH, today will probably be a busy day too! I need to get my textbooks, and go to wal-mart...having lunch with Edwina though...and I'll figure the rest out. Hm...I should also put away these books and stuff in my room!

PS
1) i love AC
2) convocation went alright with discussion

yay

One step closer and it has been a good day!

Yayyy!

Lazed around/packed/played with Luke for the first half of the day.

Then I picked up Josh and moved majority of my stuff to my new dorm (3rd floor) where I met my new roomie (Carrie) and her parents :). They're pretty cool as far as I can tell! and we have matching bedding. I'm hoping for a good year with her.

Afterwards, Josh and I went to movie gallery and rented ... I forget what it is called and I am too lazy to go downstairs and get it. I am pooped. Wait, I looked it up online, it's called Musa the Warrior. Good movie. It was REALLY long though and halfway through Luke got antsy and wanted to play. So we had this game goin on (we play this a lot at home) and introduced it to Josh (who enjoyed it). Essentially Luke is upstairs (usually by himself, or with somebody else) and the person at the bottom of the stairs throws up these balls up there and he chucks them back. Tonight was more like war because the boys ganged up on me and they'd scheme ways to pelt me with them. I did get Luke with them a few times, not fully intentionally...I was hoping he'd attempt to catch them. It was entertaining, especially when Josh would sneak up on him and do silly things. Then we finished the movie after persuading Luke that everybody is tired and we should finish it. Luke watched practically the whole movie! and it was like 136 minutes long. All complicated, bloody, detailed, and...awesome.

Took Josh home and now I'm here.

Note: Luke has been good ALL DAY and ALL NIGHT. And he keeps on following me around everywhere because he knows I've been packing and he knows I'll be leaving. Aw, he is the Cutest.

It's been an awesome day and I am very happy :)

I should sleep soon...tomorrow I have a meeting in the morning...and it's freshman move in day so I'd like to TRY and find a parking spot. whoaaa.

Overbearing

Responses to Attention: Overbearing Asian Parents && Attention: Overbearing Asian Parents.

A few key tidbits.

Traditional Asian Parenting Style:
Traditional Asian parenting style dictates that children should be blindly obedient and unflinchingly respectful to their parents. For these parents, any amount of expressed dissent is tantamount to intolerable disrespect. It seems to me that depriving kids of the opportunity to express their feelings in a comfortable environment is a great detriment to their chances of thriving as adults in a competitive world where they need to speak up at times without fear of reprisal.
...
Overwhelming parental pressure to excel academically, combined with a culture that discourages open communication about one's feelings, leads to kids bottling up their pent-up frustrations and resenting their parents.
...

great. I am not going to get into the details of my day in regards to the article. It was not fun and I am now worn out with not as much productivity to show for it as I'd have liked.

It's not always bad, but there are times when I just can't take it anymore. Sigh.

Essentially the day went like this:
~Work was gross (cleaned out the trailer at the ERC which had like dead things in it and mouse poop)...and we inhaled a lot of cleaner as a result. But, then work got better because it was relatively social!
~Sara came with me to Wal-Mart which was somewhat entertaining.
~Then I picked up Allie H. and Laura met us up at the Princess to watch The Time Traveller's Wife (which wasn't particularly good...more confusing than anything else).
~It got a little tense at times in regards to the people dynamics but it is not appropriate to go into it here.
~I am tired and sad that I just don't have the time this week. People probably think I'm deliberately avoiding them but I honestly do not have the time this week and I'm overwhelmed enough as it is with other things preoccupying my mind.

I repeat: I have no interest in going to a Reds game in the near future. I haven't the last couple of times this summer and my decision has not changed nor do I even have the time. As it is I'm already getting nagged about how I'm not being more useful at home as if I just sit around and do nothing because I'm just THAT "lazy." OMG.

Feier is tired of being stressed and pulled around. I need to get stuff done, fine. Now, I'd like room to breathe.

For now though...I've decided I'll take it easy because I can no longer concentrate. I'll get stuff done soon though...I sure hope so...because there is less and less time the more things keep on getting in the way and causing more stress and wasting more time.

Goodnight :)

P.S.
I am very excited about my new flat iron and redken spray stuff. It's pretty quick "casual" curls, not crunchy at all, and a lot of fun :). Looking forward to more hair-fun this school year...I mean, I should with all the random hairstyling equipment I have at this point...geeeez. Playing with my hair is one way I calm myself when I am really stressed out...that and cleaning or being productive (but that is not always a sure pick-me-up).

Cocaine and strippers

So I'm at work and we are discussing the traces of cocaine on money. so...like 90% of US bills have traces of cocaine, and nearly all of the bills in major cities have traces. Also, we discussed how the 5,10,20 dollar bills would be more likely to have traces (given the expensive nature of it)...then Sara pointed out something... "Well, the one dollar bills have been down strippers pants"...

Yeah...

haha.

Content

Work was good...not particularly productive due to the circumstances of everybody in the lab talking a lot as a lot was going on. We have a new grad students so I spent some time to get to know her and she's pretty cool! It'll be nice to have a bit of a change in the room, liven the dynamics up a bit. It's just been a good day so far really.

Highlight:
(text)
Me: I can't handle myself. Hyper.
Josh: Be a little teacup, they have handles.

I must say I was very amused...it might have been due to the caffeine+sugar that super-saturates the Mountain Dew I ingested.

After work I finally returned the library books of the constellations and went to Wal-Mart to do school shopping. yay. I feel so ready! apart from the actually packing part...which I probably won't actually do until I move some stuff Wednesday I'm not even sure how much I want to work Wednesday and Thursday. Hm... Oh well. I've nearly finished my to-do list for tonight so that makes me happy. I love being productive, or at least feeling so.

Countdown: 5 days til official Move-In day and the WEEKEND!

P.S. This is CUUTE:

Zonkey? "Heep-Heep-Hawwww" ???

And Zorse exists too (Zebra+Horse): "Ney-Hey-Eep!"???


hehe(textsfromlastnight.com)

(813): i woke up with someone drivers licenses in my wallet this am...he said i don't have a business card so just take my drivers license

One week 'til Senior Year.

Yep.

Last night was Laura's 22nd Birthday Celebration. Overall? enjoyable, and most definitely interesting. Some parts were not particularly enjoyable but it happens.

Although, nothing surprised me.

I do enjoy dancing though, but this wasn't the most fun dancing experience and it wasn't very full or as lively as usual. But, that is OK.

At least I did get to go out last night because my mom said she'd take my dad and them to the airport this morning. I watched Luke for a bit (we watched Happy Feet). I've had my fill of liveliness for now and I don't really care for more right now. I at least sorta had fun. Now, I don't care to be particularly social today.

Maybe I'm just a little frustrated. Actually, I probably am. Though, I don't feel like I should be.

Sometimes I wonder about people in general, not necessarily specific people...but just in general. The way we portray ourselves and our motivations to do so. I mean there's a way we view ourselves, the way we actually are, and the way we present ourselves...such as a front. Sometimes it is hard to tell how people really feel about one another or whether or not they are trying to send a message somehow. Sometimes I just want to know what's real but at the same time does it even matter? After all, maybe it's how things make us feel that matter as opposed to reality, but even that may just be perceived and what is true reality anyway? Besides, it has been said that ignorance is a bliss. If that's the case, should we try? I still think so.

I sort of wonder why people feel the negative feelings such as envy, frustration, jealousy, anger, etc. Is it because they care or because they don't care enough? I suppose this is subject to circumstances. even then, I feel like my mind just goes in circles.

Hm, I am perfectly aware that this is very vague but there are too many things that could potentially apply to the same concept that I really don't want to bother nor should I. This is for me to think about. Just for me to think about what I'm doing and why.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is playing in the background and I am going to be productive soon. This is a great movie, or at least in my own personal opinion.

I really want to see The Time Traveler's Wife. The Critics didn't say the best things but it still looks like a cute and potentially meaningful movie.

P.S.
At the end of the day life is good. No matter how much I fret and stress...So far anyway. It's too easy to get caught up in the busy nature of life...but maybe it doesn't need to be busy, or at least feel so. I studied for a tiny bit...then had a dance party with Luke...and now teaching him more numbers. I wish life was always this simple. Reminder to self: just breathe. stop worrying. Just live it.

Lots scheduled for the next week or so

Today's just one of those days where I feel blah and bland.

But, now that it's over I'm feeling pretty content even though I felt pretty crappy for a bit. I feel like I didn't get anything done all day thanks to watching Luke and my lack of motivation lately. Josh came over to watch Memphis Belle (which is a good movie) then Luke went nutso and got really annoying. It's just irritating...the fits that he throws and I feel like I'm the only one really disciplining him. That is not my job. But I do it because I don't care enough about his feelings. Not that I don't love my brother, but it gets to a point that I don't care. This family/house needs some changes. I get so tired of feeling like crap so often. I'm tired of being tired. I don't even talk at home anymore and just don't want to say anything. I am looking forward to getting out, even though I'll still be back every week now...sigh. I love Luke but OMG. chill. out.

Having Josh around made me feel a little better, though he shouldn't have to put up with all of this.

This is just a mess. I used to have pretty good relationships with my parents. That is pretty much shot for now. I don't even know where to begin to start explaining the issues. I mean they aren't the kind you find of dysfunctional families on TV and stuff...nothing THAT crazy. But, still...this is just stupid.

Oh goody...I get to go to the airport 3 times in one week. GOODY.

Sunday (recap): dad + 3 to airport...and hopefully something fun at some point.
Monday: work...hopefully pack...(Note to self: WHEN AM I EVER STUDYING?!)
Tuesday: ERC cleaning
Wednesday: Work and hopefully meet Carrie and figure out what needs to be moved
Thursday: Work. Summer Reading meeting. Probably move some stuff in.
Friday: Convocation and Discussion Leading. Get dad and them from airport...then Matt Nathanson Concert.
Saturday: Move in. Airport to get strangers as a favor to my mom's friend. Great. I'm supposedly getting paid for this...at least I get paid for ONE of my airport trips... saturday night=Brit and Jenni's birthday party/camp out thing...
Sunday: school shopping

I want to figure out when I'm getting stuff done that I want to get done. i want motivation. I want to care.

Girls and the new Premium Outlet Mall

I worked for like 2-3 hours this morning (and close enough to my allowed 20 hour work week). Things worked out so well today. First, I forgot my lunch so ... I wouldn't have been able to eat at work anyway. Then, Josh said he wanted to get a hair cut and that reminded me about how I want to get my hair trimmed very badly so I called Attitudes for a noon appointment (at 11:30am, hah) and they said they had an opening. Then I asked for Angeline...and it's funny because she goes, "She's the only one open and I was going to put you with her." yay! I've been going to her for years to cut my hair and it's just great that you can go to someone and they 1) already know what you want, 2) know what your hair is like and what has been done to it, 3) know things about you and can converse with you well. She is very talented.

Alright, after my haircut I grabbed food at Subway and timing was wonderful because then Lauren got into Oxford. Then we began our adventure towards the Premium Outlet Mall in Monroe. We didn't get lost but we did miss an exit. The people we talked to at a gas station had no idea where it was and I called Jocelyn's mother who was very helpful. We definitely did some extra driving, hah.

The Outlet Mall itself is rather nice. Very open, a lot of outdoor walking, and definitely Premium and Upscale. I really liked it even though there wasn't as much in the stores as I had hoped for. I have been to nicer outlet malls but maybe it is because this one is so new (1 week old from today). All the stores smelled very new! I only found two things that I liked enough to buy and I'm very excited about the print shirt. It's pretty fun and it's got zebras on it! Hm...and I've discovered my new favorite scent! Burberry The Beat. I didn't feel like putting down the money for it right now. Maybe as a present I can get it hehe. It really does smell very nice. I think I may like it more than Dolce and Gabana's Light Blue. Maybe. They're both pretty close although I feel that the The Beat is more practical and sophisticated.



Perfumania has awesome deals. The price is comparable with both though. Oh, and at Saks there were these amazing gloves that felt so lovely. And there was a really cute Burberry scarf but I don't need to spend more right now and should not. I will tell myself to be more practical but it's fun to look around! Note to self: get rich and go shopping? haha. Anyway...it was a fun time...certainly plan on going back! Oh, and bumped into one of my former classmates from that Global Health Care Systems class. That was a pleasant surprise. Lauren thought he was cute, lol.

Oh, Greek Stromboli at the mall is amazing. I love Greek food!

We had some minor trouble getting back to Hamilton but nothing like going there. We only drove an extra like 5 minutes so no biggie.

Once we got to Hamilton we went to Showplace 8 to watch Julie and Julia. We both loved the movie. It is so sweet and meaningful. I want to be inspired like that, something to instill that much passion in me to drive me towards doing something I truly enjoy that makes me feel like I have a purpose. We'll see.

It's been a great day spent with Lauren! totally a girls day and night out...totally chill and fun :). I hope to see more of her soon! it was just nice to get away from everything and I was so relaxed today. I'm looking forward to a day off tomorrow...even though I have a decent length of a list of things to do...it'll be nice to get more sleep. Hopefully it will turn out to be a pleasant Friday. So far, it has potential to be just that. If Luke behaves, the day will be wonderful. I think Josh is bringing Memphis Belle to watch with him. That'll be fun.

Life feels good right now and I'm content :).

Meteor shower

It's been a good day. Well, at least Wednesday was.

Work was alright. We went out to Acton to do benthic invertebrate sampling but it didn't seem to work that well so it was a very short trip. Then we played with Anne's kitten (detour) and then we made our way back to the lab. Nothing particularly interesting happened in the lab apart from watching Confessions of a Shopaholic and Homeward Bound as we counted our samples. I worked a full day today, the way I used to work last summer. Last summer I worked 40 hour weeks...now I work 20. Today I worked ~8 hours. Heh. It felt productive even though it fried my brain a bit from all that staring. Afterwards, I made my way uptown and got a strawberry and creme frappucino which was delicious! Then, at Juniper I just chit-chatted with Chelsie and bought a brush set and a present for Laura's birthday. both were very good buys...especially the brush set because Chelsie was kind enough to let me in on how they had mispriced those and were then selling them for like a quarter of the price practically. It is amazing...and useful!

Dinner at Rohan with Josh was very yummy of course...lamb is exciting. Actually, meat is exciting in general. I went food crazy half of Wednesday. Snacks throughout the day as I worked...always hungry...wanting to eat more and more. I tell ya, having had my wisdom teeth taken out made me miss food A LOT. I hope I do not ever get fat. Josh said not to say that I will NEVER be fat. I really highly doubt I will be and I generally have a lot of willpower and care a lot about how I present myself so...I guess it is more appropriate to say that I have a very slim chance of getting fat. Although he made a good point of how even though nobody in my family history is fat (apart from those married in MAYBE) they never lived in the United States. Food here is very different (definitely agree) and I eat a lot. Then again, my daddy eats a lot and he's fine. Although my mommy has gained weight, it's mostly due to the timing of Luke's birth. I think I've got the gene pool on my side for this one....suuuure hooope sooo... It'll be good to continue being active though. This is why I should get a doggie when I am fully independent and older because it will keep me active...or that's what I would think. Maybe if I get a clearance puppy like from Marley and Me I will be running around all over the place.

Hung out, and then went to see the Perseids meteor shower and star gaze at Hueston Woods. There was this really annoying boat that would periodically flash its lights around...that was a little distracting. Otherwise, the meteors were beautiful and we managed to use children constellation books to identify a couple stars and constellations. That was pretty fun. Tonight definitely made up for the total fail of seeing Perseids last summer. That was a Total Fail and the circumstances most certainly ticked me off...but I don't want to get into that right now...I doubt I'll forget.

Apart from occassional moments of feeling sorta quiet, it has been a very good day/night. I should sleep soon...I work for a couple hours and then I'm off to the Outlet mall with Lauren! Should be a fun bonding day <3 as it has been forever <3.

Sigh. Goodnight!

EDIT:
The Perseid meteor shower is so named because meteors appear to fall from a point in the constellation Perseus.

Good to know.

A Little Crazy?

Sometimes I'm convinced I'm a little crazy. This is why when I am, I should not talk to people. haha.

At least I feel pretty good today. Work went alright and I was very excited to have Sara back in the lab. It was a fun work day for the most part (the non-counting aspects). Watched/listened to Spirit (actually a decent recent animated Disney film) and learned about dolphin reproduction and nursing haha. I'm not really sure why but I definitely learned a lot about it.

1) they can mate every day of the year even though they are not always fertile.
2) we learned how they mate
3) how dolphins are born
4) dolphins nurse babies for about 2 years and sometimes up to 7 years
5) we learned how they nurse (which is actually really weird. look it up if you are curious).

Also, lunch was wonderful. I had meat. Right before lunch I realized I literally have not had meat in like 2 weeks (excluding the fish I had over the weekend). It's really strange, but right after I ate my sandwich I felt wonderful. My eating has been so inconsistant for the past two weeks and I've also felt pretty crazy. Then I remembered I hadn't eaten dinner yesterday...it totally slipped my mind and I got so distracted. I really should watch myself. My metabolism is too fast to be able to do that and feel normal.

Thinking about how I've been acting lately, I feel crazy...but distracting myself and keeping myself occupied has helped so far.

I've made plans to hang out with Lauren all of thursday which is exciting. Allie may come along too I think. Hm.

and now...I'm watching He's just not that into you. I love this movie and I find the women to be crazy. Somehow watching this movie usually brings me back to earth and calms me down in a strange way. yay. Seems like a lot of women overanalyze situations and just go loopy.

I hope this good mood lasts throughout the rest of the day and evening.

Hopefully my craziness doesn't affect people too much.

A weekend of fun transitions into bad moods.

hocking hills was wonderful :)that's all there is to it. I'm mildly disappointed that I didn't get to see Kait but I know it won't be too long before I do again. Besides, I talk to her relatively frequently <3.

now I'm just annoyed.

Laura's bday party thing is coming up and I can't even be there for anything fun because I have to wake up the next morning at 6am to take my dad and 3 other people to the airport. GREAT. another birthday party I can't really partake in...within 3 weeks.

beyond that, I am also annoyed for other reasons. Some people are incredibly illogical and even though I am normally very patient and tolerant...i can only take so much. I'm tired.

But, at least I'm productive. I ended up at Acton for work (unexpected) which was OK. Now I've been doing laundry...washed and in process of drying mine and folding the family's laundry. They've been super busy lately and I figure I might as well. Then I need to work on the list of things I've given myself to do for the rest of the evening. Oh Goody.

This will keep my mind off of things that are annoying me I hope.

August

Trophy wife? <<< HAHAHAHAHA. UGH.

Life is good right now.

My mouth feels significantly better than it did when I first got my teeth out...I finally ate mac n cheese today.

I registered for the GRE (for late september)

I remembered that I do have SOME life skills. If necessary, I could be a secretary with my mad typing and organizational skills (and some experience).

The outlet mall in cincy is opening tomorrow and Allie and I plan to go to it in about a week or so (YAY!!!).

Camping trip for the weekend.

My tv worked this morning so it does not totally hate me.

I've accepted the cluttered nature of my room because I'll be going back to school with it soon.

MATT NATHANSON is coming to Miami the friday before school starts, YAY!!!!! I hope he plays some of the favs.

I feel remotely motivated to be productive.

the other things that may be negative? ah, don't wanna think about it right now.

Let's just hope this continues.

Feeling good

I've actually been studying an alright amount lately which makes me happy. Is that strange? I hope not. I don't feel bad about not cleaning my room because in less than a month its gonna be packed up! so there's another good thing. More good things?

Yesterday was awesome! I studied as I half-watched episodes of Bewitched (really good quality on youtube!) and then Josh and I went to the Olive Garden in Colerain (where he inhaled his food really fast and I ate slowly...which is the opposite of the usual arrangement) and then went to downtown cincy to watch Oklahoma!

As far as the musical is concerned...I still think I like the movie better but that may be because of the environment in the movie, where you see the corn fields, the buildings, etc. Even so, the musical was very good! I enjoyed it a lot and the cast was very young and I was impressed with their singing ability. The cowboys were a little awkward but...I can't think it'd be that easy to be a cowboy. There were a lot of details missing but it was still very enjoyable. Neither of us are big into musicals but I've always liked Oklahoma! and he seemed to enjoy it, at least more than he would most musicals. Good music too :). It makes me want to get the movie and watch it. I should make a list of movies I want to get.

Hmm...So I need to do lotsa studying today and then i get to work out at the ponds again this week (sad face)...then Wednesday we're going out for Allie's 21st! well, not the full - out going out part, but a more low-key thing because I may not be able to do much once I get my wisdom teeth out. I want to celebrate! ...yeah, i should study now.

One Month Left.

of summer! and I don't feel ready!

At least I finished reading and pretty much done preparing for the upcoming convocation! finally did that today. I just need to work hard towards the GRE and preparation...that and eventually pack for school. Goody.

Up until then there are a lot of things I want to do, and plenty planned. I feel like summer's pretty booked and I feel like I haven't seen people nearly enough this summer! but I'm over it.

saturday=Oklahoma! at the Aranoff
Sunday=???

then I get my teeth out on Friday...hopefully I'll be able to go to allie's bday dinner...then I'm gonna be sittin at home studying and watching movies for a bit...

then the weekend after that hopefully goin to Mammoth caves!

...weekend after I think is Kings Island with Kait and her friends? and taking my dad and 4 others to the airport...

...then studying and maybe taking the GRE? or at least something like that...packing and then going back to school.

I need to study a lot for the next week or so...but it's so hard to get motivated!!!

gahhhh...

hm, for now, I'm looking forward to Public Enemies tho :)

Handwriting

What my handwriting says about me:

You tend to be logical and practical. You are guarded with your emotions.

You are well-adjusted and adaptable.

You are spontaneous and relaxed and find it easy to express yourself.

You have an open mind and enjoy trying new things.

You are intellectually probing and like to study new things. The higher and pointier the peaks, the more ambitious you are.

Lull

This helps me feel a little better. A lot of things frustrating me right now, esp. the fumes at work and not being able to work much at all. Oh well. That, and the usual annoyances like not getting stuff done, certain people and such as well. But, talking to Joce was really good. Timing was wonderful and a pleasant surprise. There are some things most people I know wouldn't understand, but she gets it, and I am grateful to have her as a friend. She's so down to earth and understanding. I feel like I can tell her everything and we did share a lot today and I'm glad there are things that she knows now and that she's the type of friend that I can talk to for hours yet we can sit in silence and not feel awkward. I guess I'm thinking about it now because I really appreciate certain people at certain times. ...tired of feeling so frustrated and tired all the time. It's been quite an "emotional" day. Frustration, lots of laughter, tears for no specific reason, awkwardness, etc.

It's sorta like a steppingstone in a friendship or relationship when you get to the point that you know you can tell them anything and can tell them things nobody else really knows. I love my friends.

I do hope I feel better soon though, because I don't enjoy feeling like this. I feel like this summer is too productive and I mean there have been some really fun and enjoyable parts but I don't feel like I've gotten a legit break yet. Maybe someday. I really hope hard work pays off or I'm in for a lot of disappointment and exhaustion. But, I suppose if I don't expect much I'll enjoy more? I really hope it does not come to that. I know I am probably overreacting about how things are going in general, but sometimes that's just how it feels. Either way, I don't think I have a problem coping with stress for the most part...sorta used to dealing with my feelings on my own to figure it out. Usually it works out. I'm just tired of a lot of things right now. maybe that's my que to go to sleep.

Here's to hoping for better times.

Harry Potter (and such) craze.

(479): I just accidentally handed the ticket lady a condom instead of the intended ticket. I am now the official whore of Harry Potter.

(423): he wouldnt have sex with me because his guild had a misson on world of warcraft.

(850): Apparently last night I sat at the bar with an upside down sharpie lightning bolt on my forehead, yelling "It's Harry Potter's birthday! Let me be on the qudditch team!" And I kept calling the bartender Dobby. There are videos.

WOW.

Bronco

so I'm generally not a fan of American cars but this is one vehicle that strikes me. maybe it's because of the song "I'd rather be with you"--Joshua Radin.

Anyway, there is one in Oxford and it is sooo neat! The first thing I thought of when I saw it was that all it needs is a surfboard on it and a beach! it looks so out of place in Oxford but I think it'd be a great car out west! I think it is pretty awesome.

smooooth

So it's been a good day overall. really slow, and chill. I finally got myself to stay in and it was well worth it. Semi cleaned my room...but it was more like shifting things around so I had a floor. There is only so much I can do when this will be going back into a dorm in like 2 months. I still haven't studied for the GRE but at least I've made progress! I read a few poems for the summer reading for incoming freshmen (leading a discussion group at convocation) and last week I made an appointment for my wisdom teeth as well as new prescription for contacts...so there's a start!

I kept on getting this call and these texts from this number and after a while they figured out it was the wrong number. Twas entertaining.

And i watched most of Tale of Despereaux with my baby brother, it was fun. He's been so good today! It was a really cute movie! I should've let him watch it from the beginning with me but I don't know if he would've sat the whole time. Actually, I think he nearly fell asleep a couple of times cus he was yawning. At least this time he didn't clamor towards my laptop and press random things. So well behaved today! it's pretty exciting.

it's such a peaceful evening :)

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Just one of those days

really. Thursday night was a BLAST and absolutely insane. No way could Friday have lived up to that. It started out pretty chill, not particularly productive...

dinner with Josh was nice but I've felt Blah most of the day and night. I tried to perk up more but sometimes it just gets to the point...of...whatever. I did not particularly enjoy the fireworks. They were pretty, but I was just grumpy. Things just are not the same anymore maybe. That and I need to clear my head. Stress is not fun. Hah, so I guess I'm just the type that if something important is coming up, it will preoccupy my mind. I really should get a handle on that bc that is like...all the time. I really need to start being productive and it's freaking me out and I can't stop thinking about it and it's taking over my life. It's just getting difficult trying to be everywhere (or at least feel that way) and feel like there is just too much to do. It is no fun being overwhelmed so easily even if it doesn't look like it but any of my friends will know that I am often overwhelmed. No matter what I do I feel like I'm not doing a sufficient job of being there for people. It's becoming too difficult to keep track of things and people and I get so frustrated. I really need to clean my room because it is really bugging me that I don't know where random stuff is. There are people I haven't seen much of and I feel like everything is slipping. I know I put a lot of pressure on myself and I really shouldn't. It makes it difficult to handle any more pressure from the outside and when I am overwhelmed I either freak out or just hold it in to try to stay calm. It's like forcing myself to act normal in the hopes to feel normal. n..yeah, that doesn't seem to work so well for me. UGH. Frustration.

I am on edge lately and it sucks. Sometimes I just want to be alone and to not think about anything. To be perfectly calm and quiet. Like that's ever going to happen. PSH. Life won't stop and I keep on trying to not be left behind but maybe I need to just stay behind and wait for the next train to come by. I love being around people but sometimes I just want to be a hermit.

But no, another aspect of my nature is trying to be accommodating. Maybe I should be less conscious of these things. It's not working out for me anyway, i feel like I'm just frustrating people anyway and that just frustrates me further. And like being overwhelmed, frustration just makes me really quiet and controlled. I am too controlled. I feel like even though I am not outwardly aggressive I feel so ... internally aggressive. I'm just not in a good mood and I really hope it gets better. Really.

Blogs are for ranting I guess.

Sleep bank

So...quick review of the past few days.

Monday=yummy dinner, kite flying, chillin.

Tuesday=work out, awesome sushi by Kenwood, and a lot of fun with the asians (plus Josh). We were going to go uptown to Brickstreet but then we got distracted.
Really, it was a fun night, and totally worth the sleep deprivation that followed.

Wednesday=had to wake up at 630am so I got like 4-5 hours of sleep. Cleaning ponds=tiring. Was supposed to go to an appointment but had to push it a week...so I worked some more. Literally, I came home...popped in a movie and fell asleep halfway through. I fell asleep at like 5pm, was supposed to eat dinner, got woken up for dinner, didn't feel like eating because I was so tired, and continued sleeping. Josh woke me up by accident at like 10:30pm (I didn't wake up to any of the periodic texts) and I promptly fell asleep about 10 minutes after the chitchat. I woke up at 730am, went back to sleep, and woke up 10 minutes ago. AWESOME. I still feel tired...but I should get ready for work now. I tossed a coin with sara yesterday and she has to work at the ERC all day and I'm working with her in the afternoon. This will be a very labor-intensive summer and I am already physically worn out. Just wait, I am going to be in such great shape by the end of all this! that is the perk of field work (not so much the difficulty and smell). I still need to find time to make sure I count the samples for work ... and make more bottles. Goody. My job is so random. I am so sleepy. dangit.

Oreo

This was a wonderful weekend. Athens is so cute and I am so glad to have gotten to spend time with Kait! and we shopped on the way back :)...but, I'm not going to continue into that right now and talk about Oreo.

I really want a black and white Papillon and name him Oreo. We played with this Papillon at Petland in Athens and I want a puppy JUST like him sooo bad. I wanted to keep him and name him Oreo. I'm looking stuff up and I really do think that this would be the perfect doggie for me once I go to grad school for these reasons:

1) They are so darn cute
2) they are little
3) they are really smart and obedient (on the top for the toy dogs category)
4) they only shed moderately
5) hearty health and generally don't have many problems
6) live a good length of time
7) really lively, affectionate, and loves people (so much fun!)
8) really good about just staying indoors and love the outdoors as well (and will enjoy hunting birds, butterflies, mice, etc.) and they are good to have in a city and in the country
9) they don't need a ton of exercise but enjoy it
10) they are pretty good with other dogs
11) and they are really good watch dogs (not guard dogs though)

I mean they have some work that needs to be done but it's about the same with any doggie and i want one! I can totally see myself with one and I think it fits my personality :)

I want my Oreo!

(Oh, and maybe get an apricot colored or brown colored dog and name it Peanut (like peanut butter) because oreo and peanut butter is so good together!)

Aw, how precious, this is what Oreo would grow up to look like!:

Note to self:

Don't think so much. CHILL OUT...and Don't be so Awkward.

weekend

love weekends. This has definitely been one of my more enjoyable weekends. Pretty low key, no drama, and a ton of fun!

Saturday: Well, I temporarily didn't have internet so I went to Lauren Spadz to save the articles I needed for my weekend homework. Then Jennie wanted to go lay out, but then we decided to go to the mall. It was a wonderful excursion! We both bought shoes at amazing prices! I love my new plaid sperry slip ons :-). (amongst other things). Then we had dinner at B-dubs, missed the showing of The proposal we had meant to watch and margaret didn't get the memo so...yeah. It's alright, she had people. Because we missed the original showing some of us went back to Jennie's to laze around outside and wait 2 hours. The movie was decent, I found many parts incredibly entertaining but it was not the best movie I've seen.

Sunday: woke up. Before I even got out of bed I did my homework in 2 hours, then Jennie and I decided to go to the pool, lay out, hang out, etc. for 3 hours. Laura joined as well and it was a ton of fun. Then we played with Luke (who has become quite taken with jennie, yay!). Um...finally got clean...then went to Josh's fam's house for venison steak and such. The highlight was the s'mores with the tortilla (honey), marshmallows, dark dove chocolate...over a fire. It was good stuff! Um...then hung out with Allie H to make brownies for her fam that is comin home tomorrow. Now home.

It has been a full weekend and I am so excited! I feel so productive! Shopping, homework, laying out and enjoying sunshine and pool, hanging out, movies, hang out with family, friends, etc. I'm pretty content right now :)

Loves!

Feeling much better

Even though this heat sucks, I'm in a much better mood today, even though very lethargic. maybe it was the very yummy lunch with the coworkers, or hilarious conversations. Topic? Incest, sex offenders, neighborhoods, and literal music videos. Immensely entertaining. The walk home with Sara was surprisingly more tolerable than expected as well. It wasn't nearly as hot as I thought it would be but it's still pretty hot and muggy. But, I am happily eating popsicles and being lazy. It'll be a chill evening. I don't feel very active right now. Like Andrew said earlier at work, "My brain is fried." It got to the point that plugging the speakers in for the computer was a much slower effort and Sara was getting frustrated I think, lol. Time to give my brain a break. Time to continue doing nothing :).

So I've been thinking

I always felt that I was a pretty secure person for the most part and that I had a pretty good self esteem. But there are times when I feel this is not the case and it makes me wonder why. A few thoughts I've come up with?:

So far, I know I am human and susceptible to vulnerability, but I always try to...I don't know if it's suppression though...Anyway, I put a lot of effort in just handling it myself and telling myself to stay up. I think I've always had a hard time accepting and reacting well to help in general, internally at least. Compliments are generally not well received. Not because I do not appreciate them but I don't really know how to respond and feel that just returning the same compliment back is pretty lame because how is the other supposed to know that you mean it genuinely or out of politeness? Maybe I should not think too deep into things. But, I really do feel like I try to look at things objectively, to rationalize my circumstances, to talk myself into understanding things a certain way--whichever way is most productive and hopefully positive. I feel like my live revolves around moving forward but sometimes I feel that makes myself move backwards. Maybe too much effort is put towards furthering book-smarts and getting a career running to the point that some other aspects of my life lag behind. It is difficult to really understand priorities at times. All these together make me feel as if maybe I'm not nearly as secure as I feel I come off as at all. Sometimes it feels like I am expected to be this way, to be strong, to not be super emotional. Sometimes it's really hard to find a happy medium. I've noticed this especially when somebody says something startling (funny, stupid, etc.) that people don't think I understand. Maybe there is lag time between my understanding and my reaction and sometimes that is interrupted to prevent the reaction to begin with. Strange.

I've always had trouble really expressing myself. Maybe I'm too concerned with what people will say or think especially if I feel they have already come to expect certain responses. I wish I was simpler (especially to myself). Whenever I watch how other people express themselves I get frustrated because I wish I knew how to do the same with as much fluidity. We talked about this sort of thing in class and even though I don't really want to analyze myself in this way (because it'll sound like I'm blaming something/somebody) but it's something to think about. How are children brought up and socialized? this affects how they interact as adults.

My brother and I are brought up similarly yet very different. When I was a child my parents had a pretty rough time. It wasn't particularly easy getting by and they were always really busy. I remember this rather well. They were always really busy and I was always around children much older than me. I started preschool early (and stayed an extra yr for that) because my parents were both working during those times and it was sorta like daycare in the Philippines. Sometimes I stayed after "school" until my parents were free with some sort of temporary guardian. I guess I always sorta felt like a mini adult in a way and yet feel like a child that can't grow up. Everything with my parents is incredibly practical. I do not discuss my emotional distress with them...just about ever. Never really have actually...it does not come naturally. They aren't really like that themselves as well. As I got older they were still pretty busy and I spent more time with peers my age. They were boys. I felt more like a child those days which was a good thing for me. Even then I still felt I could not approach my parents with things that bothered me because I always felt they were either busy or it was something I needed to do and learn myself. This may be why I insisted on learning to ride the bike myself (I snuck out to a parking lot to learn) and started out playing keyboard by myself. I have trouble being taught yet thrive on being surrounded by people (strange). It just bothers me that even though I have thoughts I am not sure as to how to express them in specific detail because I've never really understood them thoroughly myself. Sometimes I wish I was not such a careful person and could just throw it all out into the wind to let it fall where it may. yet, that's risky. And I'm not really risky. I feel sorta messed up right now, hah.

I love my parents and I look up to them. They have given me a lot of life tools and I thank them for making me so rational and practical about life. But, even so, no parent is perfect and maybe its the imperfection that makes it better because maybe that's why I feel more aware of my upbringing. I really do wish I had been more encouraged instead of feeling like I am obligated to do things. Life feels like such a responsibility and I really just want to live more of it and not to dwell on things that affect my life negatively. I am more likely to hear about ways I need to improve as opposed to good things I have already done and accomplished. I am used to having the negative things assumed of me to my face but things are getting better, and hopefully even better as time passes. I know that they feel that this is the way that is best for me but maybe it's because I do not react. My not expressing and not acting upset may just encourage this because it seems OK and appropriate. Maybe if I were to come off as much whimpier and more emotional I would get different treatment. I do not know. I've explored such possibilities and usually there is little improvement. As hard as I try there are times where I just don't feel like I'm living up to what I should be. It's difficult for me to just accept my own insecurities about myself but it does help to think about it, ya know?

Life would be much easier without expectations yet I don't know if I would really be where I am without such expectations existing. I guess this makes life interesting, trying to figure things out on the way, hoping to not slip up and have it all fall to pieces. I really do want things to change for the better, I just don't really know how to start or where to go. maybe I should not step so carefully, maybe I should be noisier. But, then another side of me tells me that am I capable of doing so? should I? have I come far enough to have enough room to allow myself this? or does that even exist? Am I responsible enough? Am I good enough? Questions that may never have answers. We'll see.

Aw

a few favvys from cuteoverload.com




http://cuteoverload.com/2008/11/18/encore-presenta-3/

Quiet

Summer.
Sometimes it's just sorta slow.
I personally have found it to be a good day! Shopping uptown with Allie was fun as was lunch with her and Josh... although I do not think Josh enjoyed himself at all while Allie and I watched Greek...I suppose it would've been good to warn him, lol. There are just some things that should be kept hushed I suppose. He does not need to hear about the silly things us girls watch.

I love Allie's dogs. They are hilarious...not the brightest bunch, but so sweet. I think Herc's my favvy, he's like this big baby. Despite the fact that he 1) licked my face (before or after he drank out the toilet?), 2) knocked me over, 3) sat on my feet a lot, etc...he's awesome.

I'm currently in the process of researching specific programs at each public health school. I haven't made it very far on the list but this is very tedious. Hm...it's just sort of confusing because there is so much out there, not enough time, and I just am generally feeling a little lost. It'll be interesting though because once Undergrad at Miami is over, I'm fully on my own. Oh, goody. I am so not ready for this and I only have less than a year to figure this out practically. Gah. This isn't going to be the most fun summer but I guess one can try to get as much out of it as possible!

Silence

Venting.

Apparently I am 1) a waste, 2) will never find a job, 3) a slacker, 4) lazy, 5) selfish, 6) useless, 7) never do anything right, 8) (insert a whole list of things I don't do that I should do), 9) do not take any sort of initiative, 10) only know how to play, 11) have no skills to find a job, 12) probably won't get into grad school, 13) my brother's welfare is of none of my concern and my participation is of no use, 14) i need to learn how to take care of myself and that what happens to me no longer matters, etc.

I said nothing during all of it. I am apparently the most unproductive person ever and that my saying "I am doing homework while I am in my room" is a lie because I'm not just that type of person that would be doing homework like that. Great. Let's add another thing to my list, that I am a liar.

Then they wonder why I don't want to come home.

Then again, it's not like they go out of their way to help with opportunities as they think. I'm sorta stuck in one place and there's only so much I can do. Gotta love parentals, especially mothers.

Back to silence.

EDIT: feeling much better now. More venting than anything else and I figure people don't mean the unpleasant things all the time. But, I can't help but think that my parents don't think I'll make it into certain schools. Oh well, I can try.

Strawberries

Yesterday was a pretty chill day. Watched as Josh fixed his car and played with the dogs. It's good that Molly's not really scared of me now, yay. Then we went to this Strawberry Festival in Shandon. I felt somewhat out of place but the fresh strawberry shortcake was delicious. There weren't as many strawberries around as I would have expected at a Strawberry festival. Also, there was this weird guy with two sugar gliders (real cute) and some strange miniature train that made non-train-like noises. And of course lewd adolescent country boys. Goody.

The fireflies are out now, not a ton, but it's still a decent number. Oh, and bats.

Hm...So I finally watched Taken last night and loved it. It's sorta scary though, not the movie itself, but the thought of how real human trafficking is. Actually, I'm watching it for the second time right now before I return this movie. That, and doing homework. Liam Neeson is pretty badass really, and the girls are sorta stupid. It is too bad Amanda never made it.

Relaxing after a day of Electroshocking!

Today's been a pretty good day for the most part. Did one sample at work (there were a ton of Daphnia! ahh...) and had some fun chitchat times with Sara and Freya (who came and unintentionally distracted us from our work). Freya's getting this really Cuuute puppy from the Trenton animal shelter, aww, I want a puppy! Actually, on the way home I was discussing this with Sara as she wants a puppy someday as well. Neither of us have ever had dogs but want one. I'm hoping to get one during grad school, but maybe two that get along well and don't need a ton of exercise so they will at least have company while I am gone to class/work and such. Well, I'm trying not to get ahead of myself here. So...

Lunch: Sara, Ann and I got bagel and deli...and it took a Lot longer than expected so when we brought it back we had like 15 minutes to eat it before we had to head out to Acton. It was rushed....but delicious!

Electroshocking: Pretty fun. I mean, I'm not a huge fan of handling fish and such but I think it went well. I had a litle bit of trouble netting the stunned fish out of the water quick enough before they drifted back down but I did learn about some fish! I've gotten better at identifying Bluegill, Crappie, Catfish (duh), Longears, Gizzard shad (!!!), Golden-something..., Saugeye (really cool hybrid of Sauger and Walleye--apparently delicious), Redhorse, etc. I had trouble with any of the fish that had spikes (apart from the bluegill)...Sigh. I'm just not a fish person I suppose. Anyway, it was a really neat experience! I did not smell nearly as much as I thought I would especially as the morning crew had done extra work thinking us afternoon people would get stormed on. Thankfully, we had beautiful (if not perfect) weather for electroshocking. Cloudy (so I can see), perfect temperature, etc. I wish I could've taken pictures (my dad wanted me to) but the work was pretty fast-paced because you had to work fast to 1) be nice to the fish, 2) try to get to them before they are conscious again, 3) net them before they sink, etc. Poor Kelley has a few battle wounds from this one ...Redhorse? I think it had spines...Anyway, it got stuck in the net and she spent like 5 minutes trying to get it out and it got her a few times. Aw. Props to her, I didn't like any spiney fish. They made me nervous. I'm such a girl. Sigh. I need more fish experienced probably.

It makes my day better that I can see well today! for a couple of days I've had dry eyes or something so I've been wearing glasses. I would not have enjoyed electroshocking with glasses at all. I mean I took my contacts out now that I've come home to give them a rest just in case they're not totally recovered but still.

Oh, and I talked with Kelley about the grad school stuff and how her experience of applying went...pretty insightful I think. I'm somewhat comforted and it's now just a matter of getting myself motivated to do things.

Sigh. I feel much more relaxed now. I pampered myself with foodscrubs, shower, face mask, etc. That Acton water made me feel gross, especially with the slimier fish and getting water splashed upon me. I would've felt more gross if Sara had accidentally smacked me with one of the huge nets (that are WAYYY bigger than me). Apparently she nearly smacked me with the pole a few times but I must've barely missed it each time without even noticing.

Now I'm not sure what I should do with myself. I don't feel particularly lively because I've gotten a good deal of exercise and I don't want to spend a lot. There's also a lot for me to think about, but for now I'm going to try to relax.

Have a good weekend, everybody!

from my mom is a fob

What did the Easter egg say to the boiling water?

“Its gonna take a while to get me hard, I just got laid by some chick.”
---
My adorable grandma needed to make dinner for some very important people from the American Embassy and she couldn’t understand the English grocery labels, so she bought some canned meat, served it, and it was a hit.

Later that night, my grandpa looked in the trash and lo and behold…

…the guests had a Purina meal fit for a pup!
---
Scene: School parking lot after class ends. My mom points out a Chinese couple making out near the bathrooms.

Mom: Aiiiiiiiiiii-YAAAAAAAAAA! Can’t they do that behind bushes or suuumting? If you eveeeeeeeeeeer get boyfriend, don’t let me see do something like that!
Me: Don’t worry. I wouldn’t dare to.
Mom: Good. Because if you do, I take picture and send it to grandma. And then when grandma get heart-attack, you pay hospital bills.
---
So my mom has been really getting into Facebook (with her network of 16 friends):

Mom: Oh, look! Jim just nominated me as “The Nicest Person on Facebook”! That’s so nice of him! How do I win? Do I have to ask people to vote for me? There’s so many people on Facebook though…do I get anything if I win? Honey?

Mom: What is this? Someone “poked” me. I POKE them back! Isn’t that kind of rude?
---
Mom: YOU A FISHERMAN IN COLLEGE NOW
Me: Freshman mom.
Mom: FRESHERMAN
---
Me: (after a long day of school) I feel like crap.
Mom: Really? I feel like shrimp.
---
me: so, for my birthday… (starting to tell her plans)
mom: (interrupting) you need to really get married this year…
me: mom, i’m only 26 and i don’t want to get married right now. we’ve talked about this so many times!
mom: yeah, well, you should get married soon. you turning 27, have 3 years to find good man and get married
me: huh?!?! um, why 3 years?
mom: girls no pretty when they pass 30. no guy going to marry you when you expire
---

I had been single for quite sometime so my mom confronted me about my credit card statement.

Mom: I saw your credit card statement and one entry had “Fall Out Boy” for $80.
Me: Yeah, so?
Mom: Are you calling gay sex hotline?
Me: What is wrong with you?!!! They are tickets for a conce
---
So I decided to grow a beard. Mom saw me on Skype…

Mom: You need to shave.
Me: I’m trying to grow them out.
Mom: No, don’t do this to me. Shave them off.
Me: I think it’ll look good.
Mom: You should look like a human.
---
Mom: Hi, I’ll take the uh…the uh…you know…the Big ‘N Nasty!
Cashier: Um…we have a Big N’ Tasty?
---
My mom had just moved to the US and was looking for mattresses at a department store. This is how the conversation went between her and a salesclerk.

Mom: Do you have any sponges?
Salesclerk: No ma’am, we don’t sell sponges here.
Mom: But I see advertisement! You sell sponges!
Salesclerk: Sorry ma’am, I think you’re mistaken.
Mom: Yes, you do! You know, those big sponges you can lay on!
Salesclerk: Oh, you mean mattresses??
---
My mother followed my father along to his doctor’s appointment.

In front of the doc, she told my father, “don’t forget you need to ask for Viagra prescription.”

My father was shocked and asked, “Why?!”

“For your allergies!” she explained.

“ALLEGRA!” dad corrected.
---


(About to go on a long drive.)

Mom: Hey, you want to bring your Playboy?
Me: My what?
Mom: I mean… your boy toy.
Me: ??
Mom: You know, the game that you take with you.
(After a few minutes.)
Me: Oh! Gameboy!
---


My sister and I were playing punch buggie in the backseat of the car which
is when you punch someone when you see a VW bug.

Mom (to Dad): What are they doing? I told them no violence!
Dad: No no, it’s a game they play where you hit if you see a type of car.
Mom: Oooh I see…
[5 secs later]
Mom: Chevrolet! *hits Dad*
Me: Nooooo, mommy you don’t get to pick what kind, it’s a specific car!
Mom: Oooh okay I get it
[5 secs later]
Mom: BMW!? *hits dad*
---
Brother: Not all feminine guys are gay.
Mom: No… They probably just haven’t come out of the cabinet.
---
Mom: hey
Me (Autoreply): drowning myself in the hudson river. Ugh, school.
Mom: Just go to the passaic river. nearer
---


I was showing my mom how to use the DVD player and she took notes. I found
the notecard that she was using for the DVD player instructions some months
later:

DVD PLAY
1. press on
2. press eject key
3. put disk
4. sit down
5. press play key with remote
6. watch
---
My mom was visiting my fiance’s mother, who is caucasian-American, in Arizona and didn’t know the area.

Mom: Where is Shitty Bank?
Fiance’s Mother: [a little perplexed] Well, there are a lot of shitty banks here. Which one are you looking for?
Mom: Shitty Bank? Sheeeettty Bank? Seetty Bank?
Fiance’s Mother: Oh, you mean Citibank?
---
Email from me to parents:

I cut my hair! Here’s a picture just in case you don’t recognize me when
you see me.

Parents’ response:

Marning Hui Hui, We saw your hair cut pictures, did you gain the weight?
See you Saturday !!!

Baba, Mama
---
Me: Hi Mama, can you call me in the morning to make sure i’m awake? Love you.
Mama: Did+u+turn+ur+hw+in+on+time+anak+
Me: Yea. Do you know how to press the space button instead of the plus signs?
Mama: No+bcos+even+though+i+press+space+button+i+still+see+plus+i+dont+kno+how+to+erase+so+you+need+to+erase+the+extra+letters+after+this+txt+msqp0o5rrfsb+ja7h
Me: are you sure you know how to use text mama? press the other button, like if you are pressing pound, use the star, or try 0.
Mama: I know how to text now period i still need to learn d language use in this period
Me: Mom….try pressing 1 for the signs.
Mama: ok,.
---
hi its mom.the door is in . Learned how to jack up a house, drill
cement. Dad is still a buster….I need a new cell phone. Need Peek
email item for xmas. It’s hard to find. Maybe you can get your apple
laptop back from the porn shop. You can keep contacting the police in
PA. It’s fun being home with Dad. This is a test for Seniors.
Maybe Delicious Orchard’s has nickolost?
bye
lov mom
---
(Mom doing gardening outside)
Me: Um. Mom can I see the front of your t-shirt?
(Mom turns around)
Me: Oh my god. That says “10 Reasons Why Beer is Better than Women.” You can’t wear that outside!
Mom: It’s good for getting dirty!
---
Mom: [talking about a friend of hers] Her extra-husband came to her house for Thanksgiving dinner.
Me: Ex-husband?
Mom: No, no, extra-husband, she divorce and remarry so she have extra one.
---
I’m Taiwanese/Chinese and my wife is Caucasian. Our son David was the first grandchild on both sides of the family. Naturally my Taiwanese mother got all hepped up and bought him a million articles of clothing, including a t-shirt with a picture of a rocket and the words “Little Firecracker” on the front. The subsequent conversation went like this:

Mom: Why do they call a child who wears this shirt a firecracker?
Me: I don’t know…probably because firecrackers are small but loud and colorful, just like kids?…
Mom: Hmmm. Makes sense. (Stroking David’s hair lovingly) My little cracker…
Me: (Cracks up)
Mom: What?
Me: Uh, Mom, “cracker” is a derogatory term that non-white people call white people. Not so good, when David is half white.
Mom: Why call a white person “cracker” to insult them?
Me: I don’t know. Maybe someone thought white people are bland and boring like a saltine cracker.
Mom: But crackers are delicious!
Me: Yes, they’re good with soup, but this has nothing to do with David’s shirt.
Mom: I do not understand insulting someone by calling them a tasty food. I eat crackers all the time!
Me: Mom, this conversation has gone on, like, 5 minutes too long.
(Silence)
Mom: Well, I still like crackers.