| to Hong Kong |
[Feb. 22nd, 2006|04:20 pm] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| |  energetic | ] |
I found an old poem book of mine. I used to collect my favorite poems: write them in a journal and then draw or find illustrations for them. I love the trips down memory lane.
I THINK that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
- Joyce Kilmer |
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| while you were gone |
[Jan. 16th, 2006|04:36 pm] |
Thurs 12:
Went to Tino’s today and asked for a few hours. I used to work at Tino’s when I was in high school. It was a fun after school job – talked, ate, made pizzas, waitressed - even had my first “relationship” there with the pizza delivery guy.
I start again next Wed. lol – its been a random post grad experience!
Sat 14:
Booked my ticket to Europe! I’m leaving March 15 and returning April 12.
Its been a fiasco trying to plan the Eurotrip with Afia due to various visa complications, economic restraints, and basic schedule conflicts.
Went and made feminist buttons with the Vagina crew. I want a button maker! It felt good to hang out and talk about birth control.
Saw Yambique – a local Afro-Cuban Jazz band – at the Wild Buffalo. It was a great show. I loved seeing everyone dancing – especially the older people on dates. It was so cute! They even had salsa dance lesson between sets.
lol – so much happens in life. YAY I’m going to Europe!!!
Sun 15:
Went to the Picasso exhibit @ the Vancouver Art Gallery. I love the way its laid out - each floor is its own separate exhibit. The last exhibit I went to was “The Divine Comedy: Francisco Goya, Buster Keaton, William Kentridge.”
The Picasso exhibit was interesting, creating the question – how many works of art or sketches can one artist create before s/he is an art machine creating products with little to no difference from each other?
Was a bit sad that the modern art installation exhibit “Classified Materials: Accumulations, Archives, Artists” had just been taken down.
Mon 16:
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Was flipping through the channels and caught an interesting discussion on CSPAN. One of the panelist was talking about the stereotype of the black male and creating role-model programs.
It made me question the term “white-washed” especially in relation to black americans who have been so historically severed from their mother culture. What is black american culture? How much of culture is a stereotype? Must culture be defined internally or can it be defined externally? |
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| errands, microsoft, and catering |
[Jan. 11th, 2006|09:33 pm] |
Mon 9:
Ran various errands today. It always amazes me how much time errands can take.
Tues 10:
Got another call from my OPS professor. Microsoft is interested in me for an internship position. My informational interview is Fri 20. I had just e-mailed back the previous contact about the Program Manager position and had decided to postpone applying until after my mom’s chemo – especially since that is why I had graduated early. I would love a summer internship though! As I always say – not to get my hopes up.
Q came and visited me again. I love it when he comes and visits me here! lol – its like going out on a date. It’s a few hours of “us” time we get now that neither of us has a place of our own.
Wed 11:
Started my quest to find a temporary night job – specifically in catering. While I’m spending time with my family during chemo, I want to explore catering – event planning and make a few extra bucks. Applied at Emerald Bay Catering, the largest catering company in Bellingham. This is the off season for catering so may have keep investigating other event planning options.
Visited Q in the lab. He will be leaving for Boston tomorrow and do a mini tour of the east coast. Bon Voyage! |
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| Clinton Fearon and Kelly's birthday |
[Jan. 8th, 2006|12:45 am] |
Fri 6:
Ate dinner with Q, Sterling, Jocelyn, Chase, and Shannon at Guiseppe – an Italian restaurant built into an old remodeled building downtown. It’s a cute place – especially with the fountain and piano player in the lobby though I still like Mannino’s in Fairhaven better.
Went to the Wild Buffalo for the Clinton Fearon show. It was a good size crowd packed with people from my past like Ben Volker! It was so random to run into the very first guy I ever dated, that is now living in Korea, and who is only on vacation in the states! So Random!
Sat 7:
Q and I drove down to Seattle for Kelly’s birthday. Went to Belltown for the first time. Ate at an expensive yet stylish Portuguese restaurant. Everyone was there – even the double A twins! Was so excited to see them though didn’t get the chance to talk with them much.
After dinner went karaoke. I love karaoke though could tell Q was about to kill himself so we left early which really made me sad. I sometimes feel self-conscious around Q – like the things I do aren’t cool enough. We talked about it though.
We also had a very interesting conversation / “argument” about yuppies and what defines a yuppie. I occasionally wonder if he thinks my friends are yuppies and therefore “stupid” in his book. He loves meeting new people though and is kind to everyone. I just have no idea how judgmental he really is or if he even is at all. |
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| moving and organizing |
[Jan. 5th, 2006|11:49 pm] |
Mon 2:
Helped Q move the rest of his stuff to the van and cleaned the room. After Q left for Seattle went to my apartment and started packing – moving. Bryce was sweet enough to come over and help. Loaded up both cars and drove out to Sudden Valley.
It felt good to move out of the apartment and now have one central location. The past couple of weeks have been a transition to moving back home. I’ve been able to live my own life while still supporting my mom – family through chemo.
Tues 3:
Started organizing my room. While I was looking at my belongings, I felt this want to consume more yet at the same time felt overwhelmed by the stuff I already had. lol – it started stressing me out. I also started my cycle today though I never know how much to attribute to hormones.
Thurs 5:
Still organizing my room. I hate having piles of stuff on the floor and I also hate having excess anything. The way my personal space is organized is very important to me. It all has to do with needing my own space – sanctuary.
Q came and visited. We hung out in my room and just sat and talked. I wish he could spend the night with me here though it would also feel off. It will be nice to have my own apartment! |
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| Happy New Year! |
[Jan. 1st, 2006|08:55 pm] |
Sat 31:
Went down to Seattle for New Year’s Eve. Went over to Liang’s for Hot Pot. It was fun seeing all the old CSA people and hearing how their lives have been. Have entered the dinner party - young professional phase… Started playing mahjong and thirteen and then I had to leave for Heather and Jesse’s. Was so nervous about drunk drivers!
I made it to their place in time for the count down. Had an interesting conversation with both of them about my initial shock of seeing them in their house. Spent the rest of the night drinking champagne, talking, and dancing.
Sun 1:
Almost everyone spent the night and we had a farewell breakfast in the morning. I left shortly after and returned to Bellingham.
Izzy was planning on making potato pancakes for the last day of Hanukkah. Everything got moved to Andrew’s friend’s cabin up in Mt. Baker except the place was already full when we got there. So we just soaked in the hot tub for a bit then drove back. Was sad that Izzy didn’t get to make his potato pancakes.
It is officially 2006. I need to start planning – setting up for the new year. I’ve been in holiday mode and now its time for kick ass mode.
To Do:
- move back home
- reply back to Microsoft
- apply for part time catering
- plan a trip to Europe
- create a financial aid payment plan
- research event planning |
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| Wish List |
[Jan. 1st, 2006|12:08 am] |
- used ipod (regular or mini)
- tango lessons
- french lessons
- YMCA membership
- perfume
- In the Mood for Love DVD
- Gattaca VCD
- Casablanca DVD
- Middle Sex novel
- vintage radio murder mysteries on cd
- non teflon wok (small to medium)
- belgium waffle maker
- bamboo plant in simple square glass or red porcelain base
- simple small hookah (gold or silver)
- polaroid camera
- yoga matt
- Honda Civic DX (black or yellow)
- trip to New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Jamaica, Quebec, Italy, Spain, England, France, Germany, Holland, or Korea |
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| veggie day |
[Dec. 30th, 2005|09:29 pm] |
Spent the day with my mom, taking naps and watching Young and the Restless. Even though I haven’t seen that show in years it only took fifteen minutes to be completely caught up.
Watched a few episode of the old school Star Trek. It was amazing to see how sexist they were and how far we have come from those days. Not only are all the female employees wearing ultrashort skirts, but the male employees openly make comments like “oh wow! she’s all woman if you know what I mean” and then stare at them as they walk away. Could you imagine that flying in today’s work environment!
It was a good sleepy day. Feeling like I've been doing a lot of running around though its been good for me. I have a fear of mental paralysis. |
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| (no subject) |
[Dec. 30th, 2005|02:56 am] |
Wed 28:
Watched Seven Samurai. It was a very well done black and white movie – something that would even pass today. It had the main story with related sub-stories (character development) and vague moralistic ending to ponder over. Though it was long at times, I hope to add it to my collection of movies.
Thurs 29:
Spent the day with Q (or at least the majority ) which is a rarity for us. We had brunch at the Little Cheerful.
After brunch I had a phone interview with Microsoft. I thought it would mostly be an informational conversation about the program manager position. Was in semi-shock afterwards though I think it went well.
I really want to work for Microsoft some time, it just doesn’t feel like the right time now. I’m still in shock so will need time to think it over though it was only the preliminary to a three level interview process.
Stopped by the Newsstand and went back to his place to help him pack up. We cleaned out the hippie van then took a nap. Amazingly those three things took up most of the day though daylight is still winter short.
Went and saw Memoir of a Geisha with Aaron. It was an okay movie. The part I liked most about the book as the cultural information that was not greatly displayed in the movie though it was there. The next part I liked in the book was the historical – cultural clash which once again was not greatly displayed in the movie though it was there. The third disappointment was the lack of cinematography especially given such a beautiful and exotic topic. The movie basically showed the storyline which was my least favorite part of the book. |
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| chemo |
[Dec. 27th, 2005|09:25 am] |
Drove back to Bellingham this morning to pick up my dad from the auto dealer while something on his Sears van was being replaced. We then went back into town for my mom’s chemo.
I’ve never been to chemotherapy or the “infusion center.” It was warmer and more comfortable then I had ever imagined.
It was a large space with wooden floors, low ceilings, and moss green walls. Each person had their own recliner, bookshelf to place items, and counter behind them for the nurses. Even though it was all open each person’s area felt like a private space for peace.
The chemo itself was a series of drip bags, one hanging at a time from a simple metal rod on wheels so you can wheel it with you to the bathroom. They made everything as simple as possible while maintaining a warm and comfortable feeling versus cold and sterile.
The place was full. |
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| Merry Christmas |
[Dec. 27th, 2005|01:00 am] |
Sat 24:
Today was Christmas eve – Christmas for my family. We finished putting up all the Christmas decorations, cleaned, and had lemon halibut with baked potato, sautéed sweet peppers, tomato-mushroom-avacado salad, and hot drink for dinner. After dinner read the Night Before Christmas and ate cookies. We then watched an old black and white movie which I feel asleep during. It was a good quite Christmas eve.
Sun 25:
Aunt Penny arrived today and kept mum company. I wrapped the rest of my gifts and prepped the lasagna. Shannon baked chocolate chip cookies. The lasagna was one of my better ones though still not as cheesy as I would like. It also needed more sauce on the side.
After dinner we opened gifts. The gift giving was very simple. It is somewhat anti-climatic when you know you are getting only cash though that is what I asked for. Debated if I should drive down to Seattle that night or in the morning. It was nice to have Aunt Penny with us for Christmas.
“Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!”
Mon 26:
Woke up early and drove down to Seattle for Christmas with Q’s family. Its his first Christmas in the US since he can’t go back to Paris this year. Met at his cousin's Kevin who buys new shirts b/c he doesn’t like to iron, so he gave Q a lot of his “old” clothes.
The Christmas party was really fun. Q's is the baby out of all the cousins and was funny to see him in that perspective. His cousins children were really cute too. Everyone was very social and I think it helped that there were other “outsiders” and that everyone was fairly young. I even got a few gifts myself. We had make it yourself spring rolls. So delicious! I want to learn how to make it.
It was like a family movie Christmas. I was so tired afterwards. |
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| doctors, christmas shopping, and night out |
[Dec. 24th, 2005|11:48 pm] |
Thurs 22:
Today was a medical day. Took Afia in for her surgery and then drove out to Sudden Valley to pick up my mom for her blood checkup. Learned about the blood thinning treatment she will be receiving and the various things to look out for. Could tell my mom was getting overwhelmed.
While we were with the doctor/rn, I had my phone on for Afia’s appointment. Instead I got a call from Microsoft via my OPS professor. They want me to submit a resume for a program manager position. As exciting as it is – I’m avoiding overconfidence. I just have to take it one step at a time.
After my mom’s appointment, picked up Afia from her surgery, and drove both of them back to Sudden Valley for some good R’n’R. Baked some more Christmas cookies and drove Afia back into town.
Went over to Q’s and hung out – talked. We made a midnight run to Jack In The Box and smoked out of the hooka. I love smoking flavored tobacco out of the hookah!
Fri 23:
My brother and I went into town for some Christmas shopping. Picked up Afia and Chase on the way to the mall. After surviving the mall, we all went out to eat at Phad Thai. I wasn’t very impressed with their food or service. It was a fun dinner though.
Afterwards we met up with Q, Izzy, Sheri for late night bowling and then watched Megatron – a local jazz funk band - at Chiriban. Chiriban is an interesting venue as in it is very small and more about intimately enjoying music with a nice atmosphere and good food. |
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| hospital, cocktail party, kung fu pizza, and christmas tree |
[Dec. 22nd, 2005|11:40 pm] |
Mon 19:
My mom is in the hospital again due to blood in her lungs decreasing her ability to breath. The hospital is monitoring it. There have been so many complications…
Went to Q’s for curry. His friend Kyle married Christa (Sterling’s sister) and were visiting from Tanzania with their new born baby. I had to leave before it was finished. It smelled delicious though.
Went out to Birch Bay for Andrea and Ryan’s cocktail party. lol – it was fun and cute. Felt like a 50’s dinner party where the hostess advances her husband’s career by inviting the boss.
Tues 20:
The hospital released my mom today. Her blood is being thinned – monitored. Our bodies are like machines.
Went to Q’s for kung fu pizza. Picked up Afia, bought some ingredients, and rented Seven Samurai. We didn’t watch it but instead watched really cheesy old school kung fu movies.
That’s what college is all about: friends, pizza, and old kung fu movies.
Wed 21:
Q came over and helped put up the tree. My dad and Q worked on the tree while my brother and I baked Christmas cookies. It started to feel like Christmas. Was surprised yet at how quite – shy he was. My parents liked him though.
We went into town and ate at the new Caribbean restaurant downtown w/ Afia and Chris. The food was good though the rice was extremely plain. Will have to go for happy hour sometime. |
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| anniversary, ghanaian party, and moving |
[Dec. 18th, 2005|09:16 am] |
Fri 16:
Had our six month anniversary date today. Q picked me up and gave me some flowers. We then went out to eat and after dinner debated what to do. We decided to go back to his place and play scrabble. I could tell he was extremely board so let him invite his friends over. Stood around a bon fire and went home.
Sat 17:
Afia and I went down to Seattle. We went Christmas shopping for hours. I don’t really mind the crowds just the parking. Sean met us and we all went over to Afia’s uncles to get ready for the Ghanaian party. Her aunt was cooking goat soup.
The Ghanaian party was a blast. I loved watching the older and younger people dance. It was like an old 50’s dance clip. The food was good – lots of rice stews and salad. As the night went on the dancing got more modern. The DJs made a tribute to their brothers on the island with some dance hall which reminded me of Q. It was amazing to see people stand in a circle and clap for people shaking and jiggling their asses.
After the Ghanaian party I drove to Freemont and picked up Q. We spent the night at his uncle’s empty house in Bellevue. It was funny hearing Q talk about the bed that had sucked away two years of his life like it was his arch nemesis.
Sun 18:
Had lunch with Sammy, Ivan, Bryant, Josephine, and Kay Yee. Picked Afia up at Sean’s and got lost in the Bellvue suburbs. I’m still fascinated by communities where wealth and privilege are the “norm.”
After lunch we picked up Emily in the International Distract and drove to Heather and Jesse’s. It was amazing how moved in they already were. Their house warped my perception of them. lol – Jesse says I have “growing pains.” I’m looking forward to their New Year’s Eve party. |
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| friends |
[Dec. 16th, 2005|09:13 am] |
Wed 14:
Today was Sammy's 21st ( Happy Birthday Sammy! ). Ivan took Sammy, Kay Yee, and me to the Oyster Bar for dinner which was very sweet of him.
Learned that oyster’s are an aphrodisiac. lol – I just can’t see it though I don’t really believe in the mystical powers of aphrodisiacs. I think eye contact, slow motions, soft touches, and wit are the best tools for seduction.
Went to Poppy’s then Downtown Johnnies for Sammy’s 21-Run. Q met us there as well as Ivan’s friend Eric. I was so surprised how cracking Downtown Johnnies was. Even Courtney was there. We ended the night with Ivan force feeding Sammy fries at the Horseshoe and me holding her head up while she puked them right back up. She actually held most of it in well.
Thurs 15:
Took Afia and Shannon to the Rogue where Q was DJ-ing. Rei came over earlier to cook the boys (Q) Japanese rice balls. We then watched The Secretary and a bad Japanese horror movie about spirals.
Being at the bar again after last night was funny. The CS dudes and girls were there. There is one girl in the CS dept that has a somewhat amazing body which is so shocking.
I love hearing Q’s dubs. I find it interesting when people have critiques or the ability to critique. I want to be able to assert my opinions though I feel this need to reach a certain knowledge level. I hate being silent. How much is enough knowledge to have the confidence to speak? It should be okay to express myself at whatever level b/c its all a learning process.
I hate being silent. |
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| the talk |
[Dec. 13th, 2005|09:11 am] |
Sun 11:
I went to Fairhaven w/Afia. Ate at Manninos and bought Cunt @ Village Books. Went to the Colophon work party. Alex was there and mentioned something that cut like a knife. It felt good to cry that night though.
Mon 12:
I had "the talk" w/Q. It went fairly well though I still have much to think through. Forgiveness can be difficult. |
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| Graduation 05 |
[Dec. 11th, 2005|11:21 am] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| |  reflective | ] |
| [ | Current Music |
| | Amelie | ] |
Yesterday I graduated. I've been having mixed emotions of excited to start a new life and fear of doing nothing. I have an extreme fear of becoming isolated and mindless. I want to live and see the world!
Travel and enjoy time with friends, keep learning new things and analyzing the meaning of life, enjoy the moments and attend various events (and hopefully organize events), continue creating and feeling optimistic.
I just have to keep reminding myself of those things opposed to being consumed by my fear. Also taking things one step at a time and not being overwhelmed by the grand picture.
Yesterday Afia, Katie, Emily, Brenda, Q, Bryant, Leticia, 200 other people, and I graduated!!! My mum wasn't able to make it to the ceremony though she was able to watch it on the local tv. channel. My brother and dad were there which was so sweet of them.
I love celebrating, different groups of people you care about being merry and socializing with each other. Luckily Heather and Jesse came. I wish more of my friends and family could have been there to celebrate with me though there are always future events to celebrate together. Celebrating together is very important to me. Honestly its one of the most important things to me.
It was a good graduation though. The ceremony speech was bad. So bad that I felt bad for the speaker. Sat next to Emily which was fun and otherwise the ceremony went by fairly fast. They totally butchered Afia's name, like first, middle, and last!
Heather, Jesse, Afia, Sean, and I had lunch at pho. It was so packed in there! I always worry for small businesses so I love seeing them be successful. Went and celebrated with my family at home. I love my family so much. They are very quite but they really try to make things special in their own quite way.
Ate dinner at Miyoshi with Heather, Jesse, Afia, and Sean. Visited with Yachiyo's mom and got to eat in a tatami room. Heather and Jesse had to leave to feed their cats and Afia and Sean went to see The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe so I went to Poppies to met up with the boys and girls. We went downtown and eventually ended up on the boy's couch.
Though it was small, its more important to me to appreciate what I have and not take away from that.
I hope to have some fun with friends over break - holidays and spend time with my family. I really want to hit up Mt. Baker! |
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| my college life |
[Dec. 8th, 2005|10:21 pm] |
| [ | Current Music |
| | Sympathique | ] |
Facebook now allows users to upload pictures / create albums. I created one of my college life. These are pictures of my life the past two years since that's how long I've had my camera.
I've had this blog since the first month of college. Four years later I'll be graduating and starting a new. I wonder where life will take me...
It's exciting though I'm sometimes filled with dread. People ask "How do you feel?!" and honestly I haven't had a lot of time to think about it. I still have one more final to go.
Life is filled with errands though I hope to spend time this holiday reflecting and planning.
I really want to rent a cabin up in Mt. Baker with some friends though they are beyond difficult to coordinate. Found some awesome sites on the web. Cabins with hot tubs, pool tables, and entertainment sets!
It doesn't quite feel like the holidays yet though it's starting too. Will have to start shopping for gifts for friends and family.
One more final... |
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| In the Mood for Love |
[Dec. 6th, 2005|10:20 pm] |
| [ | Current Music |
| | Shigeru Umebayashi - Yumeji theme | ] |
Watched In the Mood for Love a Wong Kar-wai film. Every shot was extremely well thought out as well as the soundtrack and dialog (or lack of). It was like watching a chef prepare a meal.
Need to develop a guest list for my graduation dinner. Also a wish list for Christmas. New Year's is coming up. Another year gone, another year to start. I want to enjoy moments, knowing it represents past, present, and future. I will only be here once. |
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