The good, the bad and the beautiful

the Good: I got 2 freakin' co-op job offers from BIG BIG companies!! And maybe more to come? (although I don't think it wise to disclose their names... well, hell... maybe someday when I'm comfortable with the whole internet-spy-thing... and I don't want ppl from work googling the name of the company and finding this blog and find me bitching about them lol just kiddin')

the Bad: Exams... like I said to a friend earlier, I'm a part of the biggest congregation of the best last-minute bullshitters in the world. Sigh.

the Beautiful: My new Creative Zen M mp3 player :D beautiful, people... its b-e-a-uuutiful... Happy sigh.

Bearcats Knock No. 7 Rutgers From the Unbeaten Ranks, 30-11

LOL we storm our field after we beat Rutgers, the No.7 in the nation from its unbeatable ranks. GO BEARCATS! I was only there until half-time, but it never struck me we could defeat 'em! But I guess we did :D

Dress to Impress

So how far would you go to dress to literally impress? I'd say a lot, considering you're applying for a job in big shot companies. Today I bought the most expensive suit EVER in my life... a $90 (after discount even) business suit. 90 freaking dollars!!! For ONE suit!!! In which, I have to admit, I looked quite nice and all CEO material, haha. The career fair's coming up, my resumes are sent out tomorrow and interviews should start around the end of next week and go up to November. That means a busier life than usual. I'll keep this place posted on how I did on particular interviews and the hilarity that shouldn't (under normal circumstances) be associated with it. Starting January, I hope to get a co-op to my liking. So starts the lengthy preparation to it. And I still have to buy shoes and a skirt! Its fun and lovely to dress up and stuff... I'm liking it so far. Except the $$ part.

I'm so 19

Did I have a birthday post last year? I think I did... damn, I was hoping this would be a first. I personally do not put up posts about my birthday, but I think this one had to be done -- this being my last teen birthday and all!

So I'm 19. And proud of it? It means freedom to me. Freedom to do what I want, freedom to choose and freedom to be free (?). Its the year of my Zahir. The year when I'm totally consumed by turning older, better (as a person) and being someone who I always wanted to be. I guess I always was the person I wanted to be... but only on the inside. Now, I see it being reflected in who I am to the world. No longer is my inner voice and thought my "message". I am my message. I can be who I want to be. I can change how I want.

That's the freedom that is my Zahir. I revel in it. I encourage it in others and make them see it and realize how important it is. Few have seen it, few choose to ignore it. But I think thats what makes the world around us interesting and prevents our lives from being mundane. (What's Zahir? I've been reading the book by Coelho... so it might seem as though its goen to my head haha).

Anyway, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to give me a semi-surprise party on the first day of my 3-day long weekend birthday. And also to my friends who gave me the pleasure of having their lovely company the second day and friends from India, Canada and the UK, who called and spent their SIM cards for me, hehe. Thank you! ALSO, a thankkk you to the ppl who kept checking on my blog :-)

Flattered

"You're now in my top 3 fav photographers..."

-SM, a message left on my photoblog

Thank you for making my day/night! I'm truely humbled.

Dog Days

Summer's finally here people.

My break started with the fortunate onset of the FIFA World Cup and most football fans can imagine the life I've had since then. With no concrete plans, I don't know how my supposedly last non-academic summer break is going to go. But I do know for sure this will not be anything like the past one (where I was home-alone for a bloody long time) or the one before that (where I was flying from one city to another getting paperowork done for a new school and a new life... all over again). I want stability, I want to experience what it feels when people say these are the dog days. Though the possibility of is bleak, I'll keep y'all updated of my mucho interesting life in the da Nati and hopefully, somewhere else too through my new blog Dog Days, which is dedicated for the summer only. I didn't feel like changing the template of Eeperz to a more summer-y theme, so I got another blog to do that. Talk about convinience haha. I haven't blogged on it yet... my blogging-slack doesn't seem to cease o.O So I'll be around and have a greeeat summer !

Until then.

Summer Plans

So what's everyone up to this summer?

(upcoming post : Reasons Why One-Liner Blogposts Should Be Brought Back Into Fashion)

Music Hosting

A couple of friends caught on with a music hosting website (Castpost) I use for "podcasting", i.e. just embed music into your blog for others to listen. Miles had a few technical issues with it the other day as the player caught up a lot and prevented him from listening to the Holy Pussycat Dolls.

...

A lot of other people have been having similar problems. Well, there isn't any specific solution, but I'd recommend you Refresh the page, or hit Pause and let the music file stream (this solves the problem for people living far apart).

I've tried a lot of hosting sites earlier. This one's proven to be the latest and the best so far. The thing is, Blogger isn't really built to embed music, create podcasts, etc. Wordpress, myspace and other blogging sites are more for that kind of thing. They have options of converting your blogs into podcasts or directly upload music. And of course, we won't give up on Blogger so soon eh. So if the tips above don't work, you can switch to another host. Filelodge was one of my first host sites (it's free). The admins keep upgrading it a lot... so there's a lot of "down-time". I'd recommended a podcast fanatic friend to use Bolt (the link takes you specifically to the audio webhosting site). It's free too. It allows mic options too, which is kinda cool. His podcast is "flourishing", so I can say Bolt could be better than Podcast! And if nothing works out... there's always YouTube (I think it uploads music too).

Click on the links below to listen to sound quality/upload speed for tracks I've put up. Have fun browsing! I'll update if something else comes along.

Long White Cross - Pluto (using Bolt - you don't have to embed it, click on the link instead)




(using Filelodge - this isn't really a music file but its hilarious)

Bush + Rice conversation
My December - Linkin Park

early morning blues

I guess everyone has one of those mornings when you feel p***ed off for no apparent reason. Well, there are a couple of reasons but they hardly have a connection and sound trivial after a day or two.

Right now, THIS INSTANT I'm irritated with the whole blogging scenario. Rewinding a few years, I remember creating this blog to post jokes, forwards and the other trivial stuff that takes up more space in the blogosphere. Then there are days when I write long ass entries and start having second thoughts about posting them on here because I think its way too personal and just makes me sound opinionated. Its like I want to post it, but something holds me back and I just kick a wall and save it as a draft. Anyway, moving on...

I don't understand why people have to be such stuck-ups and be all expressionless and shyt when you're with them, trying to joke and have a good time. It does your head in, spoils your mood and makes you wonder wtf are you even bothering to be with such a person, trying to lift their mood when its not worth it in the end. I mean seriously. It was going great with one person, then the SU (stuck-up) person comes along and you think, "Okay well, maybe I could use a change in company." Nah-uh! Baaaad decision. Two minutes into the conversation and you want to sock the person and tell them to take a break and act like they're trying to have a good time if it isn't too much trouble.

Are there statements people make, that you just can't tolerate? I can name a few right off my head because thats what I've been hearing this week. "I don't care." "It doesn't matter." "Whatever." wtf? You ask them nicely where they want to go, eat, hang out, grab a pop, anything!

And then the select friends on your list, whether it be Facebook, Hi5, that sit in the same room as you do and don't even bother to say Hi. Now this one really irritates the hell out of me. Earlier I used to say a Hi or whatever when they didn't but now I don't even make the effort. This "friend" came and sat next to me for a full 15-20 minutes while I was working on a project and didn't even bother to say anything. I didn't notice until she got up and left and I was like, "hey! that was so-and-so!" I'm very much tempted to strike her name and many others' off my friend list online, but that would just be childish huh.

And I won't even want to go into the way people you know behave on-campus when they see you. A "Hey! How are you?" and the person walks away even before you have a chance to open your mouth. I know you're in a hurry, but ffs. I found it really rude at first, but now I'm used to it. Now I just smile and walk-on by, and leave them hanging if they're waiting for an answer. Not with everyone of course. Just people like I mentioned above. A friend told me once we live in a critical, cold, selfish world and I refused to believe him. I always looked for the good in people. Its a shame I have to alter my ways towards certain people. It really is. Can't the world just be friendly and nice and easy to get along with? Can't people see the good in others too and understand people's feelings? I guess thats too much to ask.

With just a week left for the quarter to end, I'm down with a terrible cold that doesn't seem to go away and leads to feverish nights. I hate it. It prevents me from doing well on last-minute projects, quizzes, exams and ... its just terrible. Maybe thats the reason I'm having a bad start. I woke up late today and in the hurry to do a lot of things with 2 hands in 5 minutes, I forgot to take my medicine and a library book thats due soon. Now I'm sniffling all over the place like a maniac and hoping the due date magically gets extended.

Hmm, I actually feel better now. I think I'll make it through Physics without sleeping, then I'll treat myself to my favorite Skeller cheese sticks, get my project done, enjoy my 3-day weekend and have fun. Yeah... that sounds nice. I like blogging. This is good... real good.

or maybe not. Vote for Taylor Hicks!

Vote for Catherine McPhee ! 'cuz I'm too lazy.

here's to good friends...

Thank you.

It is rare indeed to have friends who care and stand by even after knowing all the shades of greys and blacks in you. I consider myself lucky to have such friends - even if they're few, miles apart and I get to see/talk with them once in a few months. I love you guys and you know who y'all are... All I can come up with are these 2 simple words at this moment. I'd dedicate a million songs to you, but who needs songs and poems when all that I feel is right there for you to see. And who would understand better :)

God... I miss talking to my friends online. Its been so long since I've logged onto MSN and "chilled", "been random" and replied to a "Hey! sup?" with a "Heeey back :-) nm, u?" Of course we all love the chat lingo now eh.


PEACE. haha... or rather lmfao

This was actually fun...

Tagged by a friend who doesn't wanna be named on here because "he's too cool for this". Who cares... I got tagged - twice, in a week. w00t? Atleast you don't get to hear about my same ol' shyt. Meme's are way more... entertaining.

Seven things I plan to do before I die:
1. Own a jetplane
2. Fly it
3. Pick up my hawt ex from his rooftop Angelina Jolie style
4. Flip bottles 'n glasses like a bartender
5. Bungee jump
6. Forget to hand my ex his parachute
7. Never stop doing whatever I wanna do (?)

Seven things I can do:
1. Cover my feelings prettttty well
2. Play rugby
3. Forget and forgive, not necessarily together
4. Slack endlessly
5. Take risks for "fun"
6. Never do it alone
7. Lie impulsively

Seven things I cannot do:
1. Say "no" to a person in need
2. Stay angry with someone for more than 5 minutes
3. Get along with people who "don't give a shyt" about others
4. Work with any calculator
5. Sing
6. Leave my house without my cellphone
7. NOT wear my heart on my sleeve

Seven things that I find really attractive about the opposite sex:
1. Laugh/Smile
2. Hands
3. Jealousy AND accepting it
4. No bling
5. Takes out time for people he cares about
6. Striped shirts, loosened ties and shirts unbutto... uhm, you know...
7. A little shyness is appreciated

Seven things that I find really attractive about the same sex:
1. Doesn't tell you she has "guy-friends" for God's sake...
2. Sarcasm
3. Does not talk about "others" when we're hanging out
4. Knows how to have fun and yet stay sober
5. Sings at the kareoke
6. Dignity
7. Is nothing like me

Seven things I say the most:
1. "Oh shyt!"
2. "Really?"
3. "Duuuude..."
4. "I don't know"
5. "Excuse me?"
6. "HAHAHAHAH"
7. more "HAHAHAHAHA"

Seven books I love:
1. The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho
(my favorite read when I was in boarding school)
2. The Phantom of Manhattan by Frederick Forsyth
(the first book where I couldn't get enough of the last chapter)
3. Learning Italian for Dummies
(because I like learning new languages)
4. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
(I like the entire series actually, but this one was exceptionally well-written)
5. Princess Di's Biography by some man...
(because I like to know more about people I admire)
6. Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks
(I had to give this book some credit for making me tear up... a LOT)
7. The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
(because her book made me think architecture was my dream career for a good 5 years)

Seven people I would like to see take this quiz:
1. You
2. RISHABH! heh
3. My neighbor
4. Prez Bush YEAH!
5. Engineers
6. Jolie
7. Myself, after a year

whatever tag

Tagged by Rishabh... and here I was, thinking meme's and all this was a thing of the past. I wouldn't do it, but he actually mentioned me first haha, so yeah. I'm bored. After so long. I need this (shyt).

1.Grab the book nearest to you, turn on page 18 and find line
"Several methods are available for identifying objects, but no single one is always the best approach" (Data Abstraction and Problem Solving with C++). Aye, I'm the nerd you envy.

2. Stretch your left arm out as far as you can
Have a cast :-( don't ask...

3. What is the last thing you watched on TV?
That Red Eye movie, on Monday I think.

4. Without looking, guess what time it is?
11pm

5. Now look at the clock, what is the actual time?
10.51pm

6. With the exception of the computer, what can you
hear?
Ridin' Dirty by Chamillionaire *grins*

7. When did you last step outside? What were you doing ?
This morn for university.

8. Before you started this survey, what did you look at?
Porn. Free, if I may add.

9. What are you wearing?
Whatever it is, it's not doing a good job at blocking the chill.

10. Did you dream last night?
Running away from a train while my lab partner calculated the Doppler effect shyt or something.

11. When did you last laugh?
My physics exam was terrible... so I guess at 12:59pm when the-guy-who's-name-I-always-forget tried to joke about something-I-don't-remember before an exam I-don't-give-a-shyt-about-no-more.

12. What is on the walls of the room you are in?
Uncle Sam pointing at ya and saying, "I WANT YOU! TO SPEAK ENGLISH".

13. Seen anything weird lately?
yeaaaaah... I can lick my elbow.

14. What do you think of this quiz?
"Same old shyt" - Rishabh

15. What is the last film you saw?
Red Eye

16. If you became a multimillionaire overnight, what would you buy?
The US porn database.

17. Tell me something about you that I dunno.
I'm obsessed with myself. I don't give a shyt about pr0n.

18. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?
Regardless of politics and guilt? Dude... I'm going to say free college education for all of us.

19. Do you like to dance?
Yup. But now I entertain private groups and get money offa it.

20. George Bush.
Who? What?

21. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?
L-C-T-ara

22. Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?
Ruben...

23. Would you ever consider living abroad?
Uh huh. I can't stick to one place/country for long anyway.

24. What do you want GOD to say to you when you reach the pearly gates?
"For Christ's sake... we don't take hell rejects."

25. 5 people who must also do this in their blog.
1. Rishabh (kidding)
2. Him
3. Her
4. Them
5. You

in a state of shock

I literally was in a state of shock, when I accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake as I was parking and ran over the crosswalk and into the bricks near my neighbor's house... trying to still my shaky self, I somehow gathered myself to get out of the car and see the damage to my car. Thankfully (!) there wasn't any damage except a few displaced bricks which I couldn't put back in place because they were heavy and my shaking hands didn't help either :-\ Thankfully (as my mom pointed out), this wasn't any traffic light and there was no car infront of me... shyt.

Having said that and revealing the consequences of my (sometimes) "wandering" mind, drive safe this weekend everyone. It definitely feels much better to turn off the ignition and smile in relief at the thought of being home - safe and sound.

A song to calm your nerves - Fast Car by Tracy Chapman and The One You Love by Rufus Wainwright (listen to the songs on the right)

On Jolie

Yup, I'm talking of none other than Angelina Jolie. Most of us know her as the hot, sultry woman in Tomb Raider, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, smoking up the screen with... everything she's got. I'll even admit she was one of the few actresses I looked at and had to do a double take just to get another look haha, I guess there's something about her. Something sensual? Exotic? Enchanting? Probably. I like to call it a strenght within that just radiates out of her. A confidence, a feeling that you could trust her and a mystery that doesn't send out sexual innuendos, no. But a mystery that makes her more human - like there is a reality in all that glamour. That isn't the point of this entry though. It's more of a growing admiration for a woman who is giving her all to people who need everything they can get. Currently, she's in Namibia, pregnant with Brad Pitt's child and doing what she loves in a place she loves, taking care of others, when she is the one who needs to be taken care of at the moment. I watched her latest interview with a reporter about her work there, her to-be-born child and her mission. Hearing her speak itself is amazing. She's passionate about what she's doing, modest and as down-to-earth about it as possible. I guess I relate more to what she's saying because I myself love doing what she's doing. And sort of watching her juggling her personal and professional life at the same time gives me hope that I too, will be able to do all that I want to do. My spring break in New Orleans was a breather from the regular, fast-paced life of an average college student and I hope I'll be able to keep doing similar things... really hope, as my major has nothing to do with helping people. Sure, probably create the next smallest nanochip or whatever, but polluting the environs in the process is some way or the other. Ironic huh. Jolie's an actress. Still is. She's still doing it all. It no doubt, makes you want to know more about her - to look past fan sites that portray her as every other "HOT HOLLYWOOD STAR!!!" and to recognize her efforts. In educating people. In helping out children, refugees. And you know what the sad part is... most people would still view her as Lara Croft, "can't get enough" of her pictures in leather and lace. Maybe appreciate her for one second, but forget about it all the next. Like a lot of people out there get motivated to do something for that second and snap! back to their own lives. Who wants to do all that when there's so much to do at home itself? Who wants to do all that when our bosses are constantly harping or making our lives a living hell? And who wants to do it when exams and quizzes won't give us a break? Truthfully speaking, no one should in that case... it's more spiritual or a matter of the heart, if you may call it, when you do such things. A peace, a happiness that consumes oneself after doing all that. It is true. There does exist such a thing. Opening our minds, educating ourselves if not others, is important. There is really so much to learn, so much to see, that we would need a lot more lifetimes to do it all. Being in New Orleans made me, made all of us down there feel so small. So helpless. It disheartened us at the thought of all the work that needed to be done. But only for a second. We thought, If not now, then when? If people kept getting discouraged, would all the dreams of all these people ever come true? Would we ever get a "peaceful" world? And by peaceful I don't mean a world with no wars or whatever non-violence leaders define it as. It's the peacefulness of the minds of other people. And it'll only come about when we realize it's about giving more than what you get. I'm not saying everyone should go to Africa, New Orleans or any other place that needs us, but we need to start thinking about it. Yes, hardly do we get time to think about anything other than our work, social outings, parties or getting that personal high to satisfy us for that one moment. And not thinking comes so easy to a few people it truely is incredible. Something that doesn't suit them, or doesn't comply with their regular lives is not to be given a thought eh. Neverthless we all have grey cells. Hightime we put it to use when our bodies are able and fit enough to do something. Think about it. Even if it is for a few minutes. Not everyone can become an activist or a social worker. But acting on your thoughts... take college students for example. Summer breaks, spring breaks - they are such good opportunities to travel, even if it is to Louisiana, Mexico, Chile, or some other city/country which isn't as developed or is struck by a natural disaster, and volunteer and help others. Even if it is only once. Money shouldn't be an issue as I've seen a lot of people out there ready to fund a good cause. And by a lot I really do mean a lot. People who work, have money, should fund a child's education, or make a child's dream come true (like Make A Wish foundation tries to do). It's great how certain scholarships require certain number of community hours to be renewed every year. All the hours make you feel differently - about your life, your friends, people who you interact with on a daily basis, your coursework. And definitely sets priorities straight - atleast for me it did... It made me realize a lot about my life in general, about my "friends", people who mattered to me and people who didn't really need all the attention I was giving to them and yeah, a craving to do more. In all, it defines you as a better human being if nothing else...

That being said, I guess I rambled off a little there. If given a chance I'd bore you with more of my thoughts, but this is it I guess for the night. Do take the time and watch Jolie's video. You'll love listening to her :) I especially liked all of her videos where she spoke of her work. If a person is passionate about something, it definitely sounds a whole lot better when they're doing the talking heh. And I know you will agree with her belief that there is a potential is everyone to do something. I'd love to create an aud blog right here, right now instead of having said all that... but inconviniences hold me back. Typing fatigue for one. Ohhh, do visit our Orleans website too. It was my idea basically... so I need to atleast advertize it somewhere. Ah, Angelina Jolie. Jolie... I guess this is how it feels when you have someone to look up to for the first time in your life. Almost like a role-model eh.

whusinaname

HAHA the funniest thing ever... so I'm taking English Research Composition classes right, and I submitted two papers in the last week with the professor's name as Katie Holmes-Timberlake. So my sister peers over another outline I was making for class tomorrow and laughs at the name. You know, Katie Holmes and all and I start laughing too... only to realize, "OH SHYT!!! I HOPE that's her name... lemme check..." I'm sure that was her name, I'd been writing that all along hadn't I? And how could I be so stupid and think up such a name. Sooo... I look it up and it's Kristen LOL and the Timberlake-Holmes switched. It was hilarious - my sister was laughing so hard and I was all "ughh... I'm doomed". Now I can only wait and see what remarks she has to put on those two papers...

F*ck.

note to self

Nothing lasts forever.

SCORE!

I got my first departmental warning tonight! And why it sucks and yet, kicks ass:

• It was sent over the e-mail
• I was the only freshman (I think) who received it, along with a lot of sophomores and juniors
• Dad laughed and laughed when he heard what we all did
• Mom - no reaction lol
• I discovered that I get my own e-mail back when I send one through the undergrad listserv
• Us engineers rock
• I'll post up the details soon. Stay tuned.

Breaking News!

Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, popularly known as TomKat (how cute), just had a baby girl (God bless the radio in cars) and named her Suri.

Suri.

Imagine that. I wonder what it means. After my mom heard me telling it to my sister (who happened to go into the normal teen depression after hearing it haha), she commented it meant something rather offensive in Punjabi. Yeah, my mom knows a helluva lot of languages. She takes after me *grins*. So basically it means a pig. A female pig even. This has got to be the bitchiest post I've ever written. No purpose. No respect for other people. I frankly love the name. It's soft and pleasant to the ears (see the purple pink-ish colour I have going on here to celebrate?). We even call one my uncles Suri... but really. I would have lived without learning about the meaning, but in a way I guess I can't stop at such exotic names without finding out what they mean. Also, Moi, Dreamer (who hardly updates) and Nina (who never updates)missed me so much on here... I just had to blog something. I promise to come up with something better by tonight or by the end of the week. My life's been pretty uneventful; I had the time of my life all weekend and am currently suffering from a high known as narcissism, so I'm pampering meself at me home. The endless quizes today should have given me a knockout reality check, but instead put me back in slacker mode once again, so another post will be coming up soon. Don't get too excited *winks* Hasta.


A really good song to listen to: The Closest Thing by The Julianna Theory. I would have uploaded it on the right, but like I said... I'm in the mood for some serious slacking.

"... raindrops on my window"

One of the things I like - no, love - is falling asleep when it's raining outside. My bed's right under the window (and it's not your typical bed either; more like a mattress on the floor. I like it that way 'cuz I can roll out of bed and not hit the floor... or never having to fear dustbunnies under your bed). The inexplainable feeling of lying down and watching the dark clouds go by, with the tree swaying lightly in the wind is amazing. Most people can't go to sleep when it's raining and I'll agree with them to an extent. We've had major thunderstorms these past few days. The days are bright and warm. Come night, and it looks like your city might be swallowed by the rain. Last night I slept with the window open because it was so frigging hot in the house, but not hot enough for us to switch on the air conditioning. Around midnight I woke up as thunder seared across the Nati sky. Scary. Really really scary. Tonight's the same, but I'm awake, listening to Cat Power and Donavon Frankenreiter, a couple of new artists I happened to listen a while ago. Soaking up the nig't.

It's warm, yet pleasant. Tense out, yet relaxing inside. A Friday night, yet lazy. A night perfect for us die-hard romantics. I'm not good with words or phrases heh, but you get the picture. With that said, time for me to go and revel what's left of the night and get some sleep. Have a goooood weekend :-)

stop all the world now

Looks like I've been blogging every other day now. It's just that... when everything seems to be whirling by - assignments, weekends, exams, pointless conversations, slacking, months, weeks, days, blogging, reading other people's blogs and laughing at what someone's said from half-way across the world... slows down the world. For that one fraction of the day. One moment. And I guess that is all we need to smile and help us make it through the day. Kinda like what music, photography and driving does to me. Unwind.

Today was "PD" (Panic Day). You know, Mondays, when you realize, "Shyt! Something-something is due tomorrow!" Yeah, tell me about it. I knew it was due tomorrow, but when "I'll-do-it-tomorrow" kicks in, it's hard to ignore the fabricated social life you have. So after a day in front of the computer and books, I was driving back home in the wun'erful 70 degree day when someone pulled up next to me and was playing a song I hadn't listened to in a long time. I laughed (sorta). It was Collide by Howie Day. You know how some songs remind you of someone. And it was nice thinking about shtuff after such a looong time. Driving in the heat, with your windows rolled down. Not caring in the world you were stuck in the traffic for a good extra 15 minutes. Smiling when the world was filled with chaos :-)

Me? Publicity Chair? Yeah right.

I won't lie to you, when I received an e-mail from Rachel telling me someone nominated me for the Publicity Chair for SWE, it felt good. Really really good. For about 5 minutes. Then all the assignments, my grades and general coursework stress dawned on me.

I couldn't take on such a big responsibility. No. Not in my sophomore year. Or can I? I mean, I would be co-oping 2 quarters anyway. My gpa isn't that bad as of now either... well, I need to boost it to keep a scholarship, but I can do it, right? How hard can it be?

Maybe I should just run for the position of a Historian (the person who is in charge of taking pictures of all the events and compiling them by the end of the year into a book and even work with the Web-designer to upload them on the SWE website). Photography is after all, something I like to do and my camera takes pretty decent pictures too.

I don't even know who nominated me haha. I'd made it a point to leave the meeting last week early to avoid being told by anyone to run for any position. I don't even know if I'll get the position. I definitely won't if I decline the offer. Which seems to be the most rational decision at the moment.

Tucking Fornados

Ever walked out to find the campus entirely deserted and the tornado siren going off? And when you try to open the door you just came through... locked? It wasn't locked and neither did I reach for the door. Test sirens go off every now and then at our university (somewhat reminds me of the fire drills we used to have every week in high school). So I wasn't pretty much concerned, assuming I'd missed the announcement that it was a test, as I was busy watching Glory Road a few minutes ago.

My sister calls me in a matter of a few seconds as I stepped out of TUC and the first thing she says is, "MOM! Mia picked up the phone! Talk to her!" haha I actually started laughing and when mom came over the line I acted all panicked, "OMG moooooom! We're being blown away!" It was hilarious then; but I soon realized it was actually a real tornado warning. We had had one last Friday too, so I hope this one isn't much of a big deal.

Cincinnati's never had tornados before, at least not two in one week. Hail storms? And today was predicted to be a 70 degree day, sunny and bright, with the unexpected sirens going off in a distance. We've had a freaky weather this year. It seems as though the spring quarter's started, but winter just doesn't seem to end. It IS a pretty big deal. And it's not just our city. It's all over the world - tiny weather changes, which we shrug off. Which we shouldn't. I guess I get all environmental-nazi on such issues.

Maybe I'll lecture you all about my concerns if I make it through the tornado while driving back home. 15 exits away. Being pelted with hail all along. Just kiddin'. Heh, but it kinda makes me wonder... would anyone care?

Unnaturally Awake

10:15 pm
Nod off to sleep after pulling off a 12-er (12 hr day)

1:30 am
Wake up. Wide awake.

3:50-ish am
Wake up a second time with the song Iris stuck in my head. Again, wide awake. Get irritated. Fall back to sleep.

5:15 am
Wake up for the third time. Get worried because I'm wide awake at 5. Shrug it off and hit the snooze button in my head.

6:34 am
Wake up AGAIN. Don't remember falling asleep this time 'round.

7:00 am
Wake up for university. Wiiiide awake.

... wtf? Though I wish all nights were like this haha. I haven't felt so awake/alert like this in the morning in ages.

Tonight I...

I wish I could have him back.
I wish I could quit him.
I feel ashamed of feeling this way.
I hate feeling ashamed.
I know he would never come back to me.
I hate to think I'm right.

I am only human.

N*gger Wetb*ck Ch*nk

On Friday we were literally pushed into Mainstreet Cinema (my regular fortnight place to go watch a movie as a proud singleton w00t) in TUC to watch a preview of NWC aka N*gger Wetb*ck Ch*nk, three guys from UCLA, California, uniting people from all over by adding humor to racist issues, stereotypes, etc. ShayShay, MA and I were pretty much free 'til 1pm (except me, who had a physics lecture at 1, but I didn't mind missing 10 mins of it) and decided to watch them. We ended up buying tickets for their show the same night in Downtown Cincy, so you can pretty much imagine how awesome they were. We got pics taken w/ them after their preview *grins* and it looks so cute! You can read more about them here and here 'cuz I'm gonna get some me-time and watch a moo-veh ("Cowboys, Horses and Pr0n"). And yes, lazy too. But I highly recommend you all watching them if they visit your city or catch a few video clips of theirs on TV. It would be great if they made a movie of their entire show.

Overall, last night was great. We walked in the rain and got drenched 'cuz we were all too badass to carry umbrellas; I almost ended up eating chicken and shrimp spring rolls (ick...) and also got classy pics of each other infront of hot cars that were standing outside the Aranoff Center (they were having some bigass painter inaugarating his bigass painting show). Which was fun. Hm, what else...

Ohh, DO listen to Soul Meets Body by Death Cab for Cutie. I'd heard a few songs of theirs a while back, but this one's the best so far. And very different too - my type.

And hope y'all had a good story or two to tell to your grandkids about this April Fool's Day. As for moi... let's just say I prefer the Charlie's Angels over "Cowboys, Horses and Pr0n". Hasta people :P

Dishes

Whoever likes doing the dishes, please stand up.
Thank you.
Would you like to do them for me tonight...?

Today was officially the worst-best day of this week. Worst because I had to do the dishes twice today and by the time I was done with them, I couldn't keep my eyes open for a minute longer (but managed to come on here and blog about it...but whatever right?). Also I ignored to be there for somebody today. I try to be there for all the people I know (and end up caring for them) and help them to the extent I end up sacrificing a lot of my time... which is never good, but meh. I can't help it... if I don't then I feel this "uggghh" pang of selfishness, a greed to break out from the world and give give and give more to people. My recent trip to New Orleans was the perfect example. And it's not even a week since my return that I feel it again. Anyhow, a friend just wanted me to be there and chill out, but I was dead beat and ended up watching TV and playing some dirt-bike game. Even now, when I'm too tired to even think straight... I'm feeling bad. Hopefully sleeping over it will help.

Alsooo, it was 70 degrees outside today! Spring was in the air, classes went by quickly and I got my resume for a campus job in on time! I shopped with my little sister, spent half of my savings doing so and drove my car after such a long frigging time! A new friend taught me how to play pool today haha, and he assured me I would be a pro in 3 days. 3 days! I guess I have a potential I don't realize yet *grins* So now that I'm smiling at the thought and not really frustrated at wasting all my evening enjoying with family friends and later doing the dishes and finally making up my mind to simply call and go for a movie or something with my neglected friend... I'm off to bed. Have a gooood weekend y'all :-)

A bloody long meme

Mia wants all of you to fill out this meme and post it on here (if you're b0r3d) or simply put it up on your site and take up as much space as possible on the blogosphere.

10 FAVORITES

Favorite Color: Reh-d
Favorite Food: Food? I don't have time for food. I survive on rice krispie bars
Favorite Month: September for obvious reasons (my birthday)
Favorite Song: Everlong by Foo Fighters
Favorite Movie(s): I like animation, war, legend, funny and to an extent drama movies. In other words... I've got a bunch of favorites. If I started listing them on here it'd take ages and make this meme a REALLY long ass meme.
Favorite Sport: Tennis
Favorite Season: Winter (not in Ohio)
Favorite Day of the week: Friday
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Oreo chocolate-chip cookie dough ice-cream
Favorite Time of Day: Da night

9 CURRENTS

Current Mood: Relaxed and hungry
Current Taste: I'm chewing gum...
Current Clothes: Jeans and my 'Love an Engineer' T-shirt. And a jacket that reminds me of my ex.
Current Desktop: University flat-panel Planar computer. I love the soft-buttoned keyboard on this thing.
Current Toenail Color: Umm, el naturale?
Current Time: 1:02 pm
Current Surroundings: An abandoned Geo-physics library. I remember coming here to use the restroom but I couldn't help checking my e-mail.
Current Thoughts: I'm so glad physics recitation classes don't start until next week and English class is gonna suck this quarter.

8 FIRSTS

First Best Friend: Keertika? Don't remember. We didn't have e-mail back then and lost touch.
First Kiss: I remember it was with a guy who was younger to me and I don't think I want to remember any more of it. Neither do you, aye?
First Screen Name: Tiara
First Pet: Ronny, a tiny brown daschund (however you spell it)
First Piercing: My ears
First Crush: Aw jeez. I hit puberty when I was 7 and thats a bloody long time ago. I couldn't remember even if I tried.
First CD: Some Cambodian CD dad got me on one of his tours.

7 LASTS

Last Cigarette: Never smoked one.
Last Drink: 3 sips of Bud Light last Thursday. I didn't get drunk like a lot of people would have wanted *cough*
Last Car Ride: 8am today.
Last Kiss: I don't leave for uni without kissing my little sister goodbye in her sleep every morn.
Last Movie Seen: Tombstone
Last Phone Call: Zach called earlier this morning with "news".
Last CD Played: I was listening to the Modern Rock Album while coming to uni today.

6 HAVE YOU EVERS

Have You Ever Dated One Of Your Best Guy/Girl Friends: No.
Have You Ever Broken the Law: Yup. Hasn't everyone?
Have You Ever Been Arrested: No.
Have You Ever Skinny Dipped: No.
Have You Ever Been on TV: A couple of times on news channels for my world-saving feats.
Have You Ever Kissed Someone You Didn't Know: Uhm no free kisses, sorry.

5 THINGS

Thing You're Wearing: My Livestrong and Donate Life bracelets.
Thing You've Done Today: Made it through two classes.
Thing You Can Hear Right Now: Some girl screeching/chatting with the librarian.
Thing You Can't Live Without: My ability to run faster than the neighbor's dog.
Thing You Do When You're Bored: Grab my camera and head out.

4 PLACES YOU'VE BEEN TODAY

1. Home
2. Baldwin
3. McMicken
4. Braunstein

3 PEOPLE YOU CAN TELL ANYTHING TO

1. My sub-level ego
2. Miles (to an extent *grins*)
3. Um, my blog I guess. I haven't found anyone I can tell EVERYthing to. I thought I did once, but so much for that.

2 CHOICES

1. Black or White: Black
2. Hot or Cold: Cold. I know you love us cold-hearted bit... women.

1 THING YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE

Get rid of all the jerks in the world by dating them. One at a time.

Noo Orleans

On a Mission Trip to New Orleans.

This Spring Break.

One Week.

Keep the Peace.

Sunday Song

Oh my god, did madonna just say what I think she said in her new song Sorry? She spoke a line of hindi haha. Also you've got to listen to Strange Condition by Pete Yorn (click on it and listen/download it. Its no virus, promise). I'll give Shayne credit for sending it over the other day. I like guys w/ that kind of voice singing those kind of songs, so its one of my favorites now.

I'll throw out a question here for people to comment on- what was the last song you were listening to? What kind of a mood did it put you in? I was listening to Strange Condition obviously heh. And it makes me wanna feel all funny inside, but meh. I like it :-) Its been a while since a song's made me feel thata way.

Anyway, back to books now. My 15 min break ended up as a 2 hr break O_o as usual haha. Have a great Sunday y'all.

Slow Dance

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask "How are you?"
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say "Hi"?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Updating all of youz

Iknow it hasn't been that long since I've posted, but hey, an update is always welcome eh. Plus, I have absolutely nothing to do for the next 15 mins.

The past few days have been... good. More than good actually. I've been getting my 6 whole hours of sleep, a good breakfast (sitting at a table, compared to the running in the hallways earlier) and most importantly, a whole lot of something *cough* that is mmmm. And no, its not "it", jeez. Life would be perfect then though. And I would be TYPING LIKE THIIIIIS TO TELL YOU ALL HOW SEXCELLENT LIFE WAS.Talking of getting "it", did I tell you abt my one-night stand which started as a "sweet dinner at a crappy burger joint" and ended with "a breakfast in bed"? I thought not; maybe I'll save it for a sunny day (or be really nice and leave a comment and I'll tell you asap). Hmm. What else. I absolutely REFUSE to whine about my assignments and recommed you to watch THIS if you feel like doing it. Besides, it will be sorta weird because I haven't whined in such a long time... kudos to the major perspective change back in October.

My Computer Science professor just told us there would be an oral quiz in his office this week, and no exam. Wooohooo! I just took it today and it was great! Why wouldn't it be... all he asked me how I was doing in my assignments and some feedback on the class. I have a few assignments (like 6?) due this week for his class, but DAMN no exam! I rested up waaaay too much over the weekend and it did my eyes some good. I'd been spending practically 5-6 hours a day infront of the computer every day of last week... and when my sis told me she saw a slight squint in my eye (aaack!) I freaked out. Literally. I had to call off my crazy schedule for a bit. Later on I found out my sis was "only kidding around" and while I could have smacked her for it, I felt good for laying off the goddamn computer for a bit. All the programming was giving me horrible numeric dreams anyway.

And then there's the New Orleans trip coming up after exams. I can hardly wait to get my hands dirty! We'll be gone for a week or so and clearing up the debris etc with this big international company who's name I can't remember... but I'm all geared up for all it has to offer. You could probably check out pics on my photoblog by the end of this month for proof's sake. You might also wanna look at this group down there, doing exactly what we will be a week after they conclude their work. On the downside, I have a LOT of exams to give to get college credit. Its the particular program I am in that requires it. That way, I can clear up my summer and go visit Europe (allll alone if I get lucky), or even better, head to the east coast OR Cali and sunbathe with my boyfriend.

Now, that would be an issue. First, I would need a boyfriend. Second, I need some monies to buy suntan lotion. Third, I wanted to go to Brazil and Singapore too. Fourth, I NEED TO GET BACK ON EARTH AND SMELL THE FRESH GRASS. What a life it would be to be the wife of a billonaire... haha or BE the billionaire. Anyway, now that I've bs'ed most of my plans around and day-dreamed high, its time to get a reality check and scoot for Physics lecture.

Did I ever tell you I should get a Physics or a Computer Science guy? You know, just to pass the class. A Computer Science boyfriend is more like it... atleast he would understand that 20 hours/day on the computer is normal *winks* Hasta people and enjoy spring! Even though it'll be rainy and snowy here... freaky weather we've got this time 'round.


A good new band to listen to : Arctic Monkeys

Revolutionizing

I can't seem to get enough of... things. Life in general. I wanna do everything with the snap of my fingers. I wanna do that and say, "Been there, done that. It was awesome." I wanna see every stand-up comedy, every art gallery, every music club, every concert, every breath-taking park, every city, every country. Everything. This year.

Then the thought crosses my mind: "Is it possible?" And people tell me: "There's an age for everything" or "You've got your entire life for it." And I feel like telling them that I want to do it NOW and keep doing it THEN. The reason's simple. It slows down time for me, helps me forget who I am for a while, who you are. Forget the world. Sigh in content and revel in that moment.

*gets out of her reverie*



Uhm. Anyway, back to daily mundane blogging. I did something really stupid this morn. No, I didn't run on the highway after a heavy night of drinking. But hey, that isn't a bad idea... the fastest ticket to getting the comfy bed behind the bars. So I drove without my driver's liscence, insurance and glasses. After like ages. Just to get some *scenic* pictures outside my neighborhood. T'was fun.

I don't even know why I just said that. But there's my second (?) post for this week. The next one would probably be on my exciting spring break. I know, you can hardly wait, can you? I got into EA for all those who care and am FINALLY self-learning Italian. Its not as much fun as Spanish was... but it sounds a helluva lot sweeter to the ear. Especially teh 'I love you' part haha. Got this book called This Book Will Change Your Life Again (365 More Daily Instructions for Hysterical Living) and I know my life will never be the same. What else... I've got exams coming up soon and a messy business needs cleaning up ASAP. Once that's done, peace shall prevail once again.

Aah, I can imagine it now. Aloha March~

Shut Up and Give the Interview

Do you suffer from heterophobia? O wait... I meant interviewphobia. So do you suffer from interviewphobia? Never heard of it? C'mon it isn't THAT uncommon :P

I just had the third interview in moi life; and sadly it was embarassing like the last two. The first was in October when GM came over looking for possible sophomore and junior interns from our college. Pay attention - SOPHOmore and JUNior. At first I had thought the e-mail listserv had screwed up and I'd received teh interview request by accident. So I politely e-mailed the person back and reminded them that I was a freshman.

Bullshyt... GM WANTED TO INTERVIEW ME! As IF I'd do anything that stupid. Heh. Turned out I had two quizes the very same day and a lab right before the interview. By the time I reached there, I realized I was dressed in jeans *ahem* , a semi-formal jacket and wrinkles on my forehead I could feel. That helped. The guy was really nice in reminding me I was the first freshman he was interviewing a.ka. you SHOULD be good otherwise why would anyone recommend youz?

...

Hell I was good, my arse. It felt like I was interviewing the guy. "What more do you want to know about our company?" "Do you have any other questions?" Of course, I'm a pro at asking the questions and he probably got tired of me in the next 20 minutes. He encouraged me to think about it (you bet I will) as the interview ended and told me I didn't do so bad on my first interview. I was beaming! Literally. It just broke my heart to tell him a few days later that I wouldn't be able to take it up over the summer because of the circumstances that cropped up from nowhere.

I cursed all night, but it still felt good.

The second was for an on-campus job, which I turned down because the building I was s'posed to work in stinked real bad (I never liked medical buildings). Naaa, I told the guy he would need someone with more technical expertise. A junior maybe. Again, I ended up advising the person interviewing me.

The third one was this evening and BOY did I mess it up. It was for an organization called Engineering Ambassadors, who promote Engineering amongst ppl, build bonds with the faculty, students, alumni etc. I'd filled out their application in September when I was all psyched about joining ALL the student groups I could find. Freshman fever, you know. Almost two quarters a later, I'm called for an interview. Now I was looking forward to it... until I found out that sophomores/juniors would me interviewing me. Trust me, THIS was worse. You can act all nice and outworldly when an older person interviews you - like there's NO one better for that position other than you. But when its your peers... eh.

Anyway, the interview began nicely. I started to think it wasn't so bad. I was even reciting words like, "Overall personality development", "Harmony", "Mutual interaction", "Diversity", which I know sounded sooo fake, but hell... I was flushed up so bad and all of a sudden I was feeling claustrophobic (I'm not calustrophobic). I dunno why but I was having these flashes... it had NEVER happened to me. Not even when I was on stage a couple of times. I think it was my empty stomach since morn and the fluorescent lights. Wait, there were no fluorescent lights.

Just kiddin', I wasn't having any flashes. But yes, I do remember fluorescent lights but never seeing them. *blinks*

"They'd said two ppl would interview me... there are FOUR in here! ... damn, this room HAD to be THIS frigging small!? ... where's a clock? I need a clock! I need to see the time! ... Stop smiling so much, STOP nodding idiot - THEY'RE supposed to agree and nod, not YOU!" blah blah

You get the picture. The funniest (I thought it was funny as I walked out) was when one of two girls asked me, "Are you comfortable in giving presentations in front of a large group?" To which I reply, "Um... not really..." FOOL! "... but sure I'd be comfortable if I know what I'm talking about and well prepared." Weak; but what a SAVE!

Overall, it was alright. The thought of becoming an EA is enticing. I'll admit it - I wanna be one. But it doesn't matter if I don't get the position. I'm pretty well-grounded in what I am in and ... its okay.

I think.

Okay, so much for going off on a rant as usual. I've becoming an avid (?) blogger. Sad, but true. I've turned by personal journal online, like a lot of other things.

Song of the week: Ordinary People - John Legend

per·cep·tion (pər-sĕp'shən)

1. The process, act, or faculty of perceiving.
2. The effect or product of perceiving.
3. Psychology.
a. Recognition and interpretation of sensory stimuli based chiefly on memory.
b. The neurological processes by which such recognition and interpretation are effected.
c. Insight, intuition, or knowledge gained by perceiving.
d. The capacity for such insight.

It is how different people look at things differently. Sadly, I read a "friend's" blog entry today and it dawned on me how people perceive things just to ridicule people. This person was specifically talking about a person at their workplace, who they thought was gay; because he looked like one and behaved like one (oh yeah, behaved... we're the next generation, out to create a world devoid of stereotypes). So one day they find out that he in fact, had a rather young girlfriend, who was pregnant with his kid.

Apologetic realization? Quit laughing behind his back? Yeah right.

They laugh some more over a couple of beers. Mock more the next day. Sneer whenever they pass him by etc etc. We've all met such people. Who, I have no idea what, get whatever trivial pleasure out of all this. I'd go as far calling it almost... racist. No offense, but thats just me.

I don't get why people hide behind f'ing lame excuses like "Oh, its just how I perceive things", "Get off my back, wtf is your problem?", "We just think differently". And you blog about it and show what sort of an ignorant fool you are. If that person's reading this - f u dude! I DON'T get people like you - you go to lengths in drawing conclusions based on someone's appearance, the way someone talks and just the way someone is. And you say, "Everyone's different". This is how you accept them, huh. What happens when the world turns the tables on you and makes equally outrageous statements? Then you just get depressed some more and blog why ohh whyyyy aren't people more understanding and why the world thinks you're an arse. Well, I'm not going to lie to you... they ain't wrong. Such people must be lacking ANY dignity if they come looking for sympathy from others. And God help the people who set up to help them. I know it is just plain rude to say that, but I'm sure the person is well-accustomed with this. Doesn't rudeness start with you and end in you? No? Alright then, call me rude. And now that I am, I just want to let them know how callous, heartless, pitiful and retarded their thinking is, and the key to creating a better world is WITH THEM! Stop "breeding" people like yourself! If I'm not mistaken, isn't that how you had reacted to the guy at your workplace having a kid?

I'm sure such people have their good qualities, but there's a bloody limit to everything. Maybe I'm over-reacting because when people turn so freaking blind towards a person who they think is gay, I just lose it. I've been brought up in a whole bunch of places and met people who are gay or bi. It was sort of uncomfortable when I was 9 years old. But now its almost normal to me and thats why I have pretty large group of friends who are the way they are. I love my friends and at times come out too strong when people like this person act their macho bullshit and snicker and talk rotten behind their backs. They don't have the guts to come right out and say it to the person (of course, unless the victim is all alone and "my boys are there to back me up"). Its truely pitiful.

I find it hilarious that I actually sympathized with this person when they were going through a rough time. Its just too bad you just proved a lot of people who you really are, eh?

Call me shallow and fickle for changing my mind so fast.

But its just the way how I perceive things.

No Signs, No Courtesies, tyvm

(5 year-old sis walks in while I'm watching a movie)

Sister: what are you watchin'??
Me: A movie; done with your work?
Sister: Yaa, you know how many time I have gotten bumped by ppl at school?
Me: Hmm... how many?
Sister: Five hun'red an' fifty million times!

(she flays her arms around as if adding effect to her statement)

Me: wow! Thats a lot.
Sister: (nodding) and I don't even cry!

(she gives me her biiiiiiiiig smile, as I try not to laugh)

Me: Thats very brave. What do you tell the ppl who you bump into?
Sister: Nuthin' (a nonchalant shrug). We jus' go away.
Me: (I give her the quick raised eyebrow look) Well, you should say "I'm sorry" or "Excuse me" and ask them whether you hurt them or not...

(by now she's looking at me as if I had lost my frigging brains)

Me: ... right?
Sister: But there are no signs saying you SHOULD! Tha's why no one says it.

(she bounces back to her room after giving me a look that said, "Dood. You need some serious lessons in life")



Uhm. Kids. Go figure.

The Story of Happy Singletons

Valentine's Day scene.

Scene I

(On-campus)

Random ppl hand out flowers to raise money for funding purposes. FLOWERS! Singletons love flowers. They buy a $2 pink rose. Singleton's happy. Fund-raising ppl happy.

Scene II

(At the malls)

Pink. Pink. Oh that pink. On such occasions, singletons should be given the right to buy free glasses that turn them colour-blind.

Scene III

(Inside the stores)

Small hearts. Medium hearts. Large hearts. XXXL hearts. Small stuffed bears. Large bears. Sexy-growling bears. "I Love You" squeaking bears. Cards that profess such everlasting lurve. All so sweet. Ew.

Scene IV

(On the streets)

Do they even go onto the streets this day? Or... this entire month? Can't blame them. People suddenly realize they have a valentine and snog 'em like there's no tomorrow. Genuine peck on the cheek? Ha! How exactly do you define genuine gestures of affection...

Scene V

(Their friends in a relationship)

Think JLo and Affleck. Maybe worse.

Scene VI

(Their "don't-give-a-shit" single friends)

Ahh, singletons love 'em on this day. There's something about giving couples who all of a sudden hold each other when someone passes by, THE look. A few fun options on this day are: speed-dating, spa, bungee-jumping off a plane, prank calls, action/thriller flicks and sceneted candles + italian food + a toast to their carefree status = makes the day priceless. A few bad baaaaaad options: romantic/comedy flicks, indulging in gifts for yourself, getting smashed, sipping coffee at Starbucks, listening to the i-pod the entire day, turning the radio on, reading this, etc.

Here's to all the singletons out there. On this grand day, blow a kiss to your gorgeous self in the mirror :P It's YOUR day people.

Harry Potter's "After the End"

You must be wondering what I'm talking about. I'm talking about... Harry Potter's... e-book called "After the End". Long story short...

After class, MA and I decided to grab lunch at MarketPointe and act cool by busting some big-time monies. As if we'd do that; MA's honor society had a free pizza lunch at their building. Plus a Harry Potter book series discussion. I was all, "HELL yeah! Let's go! (I don't give a shyt if I'm no Honors student)". So off we go, to the honorer la réunion de société.

So I'm here happily enjoying my pizza, right? Suddenly everyone around me starts talking about Celtic words. French, Russian, German words (which NO ONE uses these days) fly over my head, and I look at all the people around the conference table and wonder, "Who are these people??" I bet they must be thinking the same about me when I gave them a look to match my thoughts but *ahem* I enjoy a book... I don't deconstruct, analyze and again construct texts, unless its absolutely necessary for my final English portfolio paper or something. I mean seriously. I guess now I know which groups literary critics join at college lol. I was there to eat pizza, sip moi Coke and enjoy lazy banter over Harry Potter. For the first 10 minutes, I just gazed from one face to another, asking myself if the free food was worth it (YEAH! No one stands a chance of stoppin' me from eatin' free pizza. Not even a bunch of babiller critiques). But then... know what, it actually got interesting. They were talking of numerology and mythology, which I connect to to some level. Then came the talk of Harry Potter fanatics. My favorite. So there are these two girls, Arabella and Zsenya, who sat down to write in 2000 (and must have kept sitting 'til 2003) after the third book . People who want to read what would have happened if Sirius had lived (and someone else had died) and who have afternoons generally free, are welcome to read it. I should warn you... people have been reported of getting hooked - seriously hooked (and I really don't want hate mails saying, "ARGHH!!! Because of YOU and your BLOG I can't look away from my computer!!!!). It's apporximately 400 (?) pages long. I plan on reading it at night, when I get assignment-invoked panic attacks and feel like doing ANYTHING but that bloody assignment. I need to get over my photography mania and this will be a breather ehh... so now you know my night agenda for the next couple of weeks.

Here's a GOOD site for Harry Potter fans - Sugar Quill.
And here's a rather censored Harry Potter site - Naked Quidditch Match.
Annnnnnnnnnnd... your new addiction - After the End.

Maya Angelou @ Fifth-Third Arena

She was amazing. I could blog about EVERYTHING she said and how it was all so right, but you can find out more about her here (and help conserve blog space). I had a friend's camera phone, and got few really bad pics... so good luck in spotting her on stage :\ I'll post up a poem of hers soon. It really affected me and I'm tryin' to find a version of it online (which should be up on our uni website soon, 'cuz she wanted that particular poem to be posted on there).

As for my day, I caught up with my so-called social life (which seems to be disappearing gradually thanks to my coarses) with some pool, goofy camera moments, Wendy's (twice!... "bustin' yo monies" mode) and then Mrs. Angelou's enlightening presence. Now I iz back, in absolutely no mood to study... but a pile of lab reports and programming assignments (and most probably a quiz tomorrow, which I approach with my "Don't know. Don't care" attitude heh).

Links to poems I liked: (allll hail Google)

Phenomenal Woman

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

The Rock Cries Out to Us Today

4:14

Be Without You - Mary J. Blinge


shyt. lol

...okay, I'm done whining. Peace.

SuperBowl Commercials

Thats right. We all love the SuperBowl ads- especially the beer ones. Don't know why, but they're so freaking entertaining (last year's ads were somewhat 'tamer' and 'lamer'... but I can't wait to see this year's Pepsi and BudLight 30 sec ads. Yep, I'm psyched alright). I just wish I had stayed on since November 'til now in Detroit to watch the game.

The amount of $$$ that goes into those 30-second breaks is incredible. Makes us love 'em more.

We know we'll be cheering for the commercials in the club this Sunday. As well as for the Steelers and SeaHawks.

So lets kick-off this weekend ppl.


(Norman does us proud)

song of the nite: Shake That - Eminem feat. Nate Dogg

My ol' ol' Blog... FOUND!

But not by me.

It was SO weird... I had an hour's break after Chem yesterday and decided to go check my Yahoo! mail, which I seldom opened. And there was this e-mail from Blogger, telling me to follow a particular link and change my password to a blog I supposedly had.

And I was like, "What the..." O_o

I didn't have a Blogger account with THIS e-mail address. So I follow the link, change the password and stumble upon one of my earliest blogs. How's THAT for the biggest surprise ever! haha It must mean nothing to a few ppl, but this blog was sooo old that I had to get a template for it because the template it was on was outdated or something. You know, those earlier blogger templates with a huge BLOGGER banner on top. It sucks I won't be able to show it to you guys how it originally looked 'cuz I changed it. Its called A Dark Coffee Brew (with a REALLY weird description and a weirder entry that made me wonder wtf I had in mind).

Its hilarious. I don't even remember having one back in 2002! I actually sat back to think of those days, what I had planned to blog, but never gotten past ONE post. Heh. That makes that blog my first blog. Wow... it seems like only yesterday... I must have been 13 or 14 then. Damn, that was young.

Looks like I haven't changed one bit over the past 6 years. Still the blogger at heart, eh?

Anyway, heh. Tiny things delight me and this post was quite unnecessary, but hell! I just dug up my oldest blog! Now I should get back to programming oreven better... HEAD HOME! Heh.


quick update - i've come to realize that me shareth a love-hate relationship w/ c++ programming. i just got offered my first on-campus job! haha i would have been last quarter too if i'd tried half as much as i did this time round... hm, and parties are a waste of time. AND stoopid. i've learnt that working 24/7 keeps my mind off you know... shtuff. like dope. booze. moms. co[k]e. 20-yr-old professors.
O_O Have a good week y'all.

song to ease my bubble sorted brain: Fields of Gold - Sting

My Volvo and Me

Thats right. You're about to know more about my baby. My Volvo. My car. My ol', used Volvo. With weathered out brakes. Only the speakers on my side function properly (and I like it thata way). But I still love it. With its smell. With the way it doesn't accelerate suddenly, which always gives me a start. It has a sweet seat warming thing. Its spacious and being my first car, I couldn't love it more than I already do. The best part was that we didn't really buy buy it. Back in October, a friend told us about giving his car back to the company. For NOTHING! I'd just turned 18 and dad was wary about me driving his car around. I think that's pretty common with most men. Their car is theirs and NO ONE but them can drive it. If you do, be prepared to watch 'em grumble and tell you to do something THIS way not THAT way. So I jumped at the opportunity and wondered if I could borrow (OWN! mwuaha!) his car.

"Hey, sure! I never thought if that. It'll save me all the paperwork too."

WOOT!

And thereon, started my romance with my baby :) Sorta. You see, I have a temporary license. That means I can sure as hell drive around, but with someone who has a permanent license next to me. No big deal. Dad got busy with his work and I latched onto mom to sit next to me while I drive around.

I love it. The drive gives me a break from everything - college, coarsework, household chores. It helps me unwind and relax for a bit. It IS very important to me 'cuz it makes me feel responsible (not like the older sibling 'responsible') and well, feel like its a stepping stone to the life I want. Weird huh. Today I gave my car (ah, that sounds so good hehe) a wash and then mom and me headed out to drive around the city. Now the funny part is, my dad doesn't know we drive out of our local community. He doesn't want me to go out there without him taking me there first. Yeah... but as if I could wait! I took my mom "out into da world" a couple of months back and revelled in our tiny secret. It isn't tiny, because one screw-up can get my temp license cancelled AND the possibility of getting a permanent one, real bleak.

It had been quite a while since I'd driven . Maybe a month or so because over the winter break we had road-tripped to Florida (and there were enough permanent licensed-drivers *sigh* to take us there) and the day after we came back, I was running between classes.

My mom was doubtful about taking me out but somehow I convinced her that I was confident. Truthfully... I wasn't. And my mom's continuous, "There's a STOP sign coming up", "You're going too fast! The speed limit's only 35 here", "STICK to YOUR side", "Turn left.... TURN TURN, hurry!" weren't helping haha. And it bugged her when I laughed whenever she said something like that. I knew a STOP sign was coming up. I knew I was over the speed limit by a couple of mph. I knew how to make the turn, 'cuz I was the one in the driver's seat, right? In the end she realized I wasn't breaking any rules and driving quite carefully. I like it that way. When my mom relaxes next to me and in a way trusts me with the driving. Its a completely different case with my dad. He doesn't stop telling me what to do, and if I smile at it (and God help me if I laugh), he thinks I've probably lost it and tells me to CONCENTRATE ON THE FUCKING ROAD lol. No music. Nothing. Now... if there's no music playing, I start getting jittery. Anxious. And start losing focus. Instead of relaxing, its the opposite. Funny how that works. It is pretty sad that unlike my mom, he doesn't compliment me, even if I drive well (and don't crash into a fire hydrant). I like sincere compliments. Who doesn't? He doesn't take me to drive in the first place (its the "we'll go tomorrow" or "next weekend" scenario) and when he DOES, not a word. No, "That was a good turn", "Good driving today" or even a, "You're getting better". Men of a few words...

Oh well.

He might take me tomorrow onto the road for the first time *grins* and I'm hoping he realizes I'm good enough to give the driving test. High time I did!

Song of the night: I Can't Tell You Why - Eagles

Jazz Me

iabsolutelyLOVEjazzdance! so much in fact, i want my next blog entry to say "iabsolutelyLOVEjazzdancing!" hehe though i'm not a big fan of jazz music, the very dance... the form... the flexibility, the expression, the mobility and flow is what fascinates me. it has a sophistication in its vigor. (that sounded so good, dinnit?) i really don't know how i developed an interest for it, but it must be the 'dance genes' in me that must be spurring to life O.o you get the picture. with a few classes offered at our new Rec Center on campus, who knows... i might be the next jazz star hitting all shows in noo york. lol or maybe not. its just one of those personal passions that few ppl know abt, but the entire blogosphere just happens to figure out somehow.

hmm, i think the proper word to describe the dance would be energy. its filled with energy. with life. its even more fun if you do it together in groups (and most likely end up laughing at yerself).

plus, the attitude is what counts in this dance form. so, you got some of dat?

Pictures courtesy : Harris Theatre, Metro Arts, London Dance, 56Dance, Nat Horne, BroyHillCenter, Dance Network

"Who AM I??"

Thats a pretty deep question. And for those who know me... I avoid such questions. But there have been moments when people have told me about this dilemma of theirs.

"Who am I?"
"What IS my religion? My dad follows this... my mom practices that..."
"Is there something wrong with being an atheist?"
"What do my parents want me to follow?"
"What do I want to follow?"
"How do I see what is right for me?"
"When do I see the *light*?"
"I've never been an overly spiritual person. Is it too late to start being one?"

And the questions go on and on. I couldn't answer those Q's (I never will)... but today morning, when I woke up, I couldn't help laughing at what I saw.

Last night, after a long day of Chem, I decided to read one of Vonnegut's books. Instead, I found this book - Light For My Path: Illuminating Selections from the Bible - which I had bought last year when I was going around the bookstore grabbing like a maniac at books on Christianity and Buddhism. Don't ask...

I'd read the Bible in the 7th or 8th grade, when I was in a catholic school for a couple of years. So I started reading the excerpts and it was like vising the old days of sitting in the Chapel and staring at the Cross for hours. So anyway, this morning I woke up, had a quick shower and when I came back to my room, I saw the Bhagavat Gita (thats the Holy book for the Hindus) kept ontop of the Light For My Path.

That's when I laughed. I actually laughed! My first assumption was, "Aw jeez... either mom or dad want me to read the Gita instead of the Bible." (one of those silent parent commands) I went out and casually asked who had placed the book on my table. Turned out to be my dad O_o Though his intentions were good. When I asked him why, he said something like, "Well, I wanted you to read both the books and see the similarities between the two."

No idea, but that made me feel grateful. Really really grateful.

Probably because I was dreading I would hear, "You should be reading this instead of that." Really, what greater fear than your parents (indirectly) wanting you to follow a particular religion. We've all seen it in documetaries and read it in books. It IS a terrible feeling.

I guess I'm neither here or there. And its better that way. I get to pick the things that ring true to me and fit 'em into my life. Not being a very religious person, being told to be who I want to be and having the liberty to choose to do what I want when it came to such matters... is indeed a blessing.



Picture courtesy : La confusion de l'arbre