When I was little, I would pull the sick card with my parents so that I wouldn't have to go to school. See, it's not that I didn't like school, I really enjoyed it. I just didn't want to wake up in the morning. I was a typical kid. I've learned over the years that staying home actually makes you feel worse; you miss all the work you have to do and are subsequently more stressed out. So I've taken to trying to power through my colds and other sicknesses with a ton of tea and tissues. I don't know how my body did it, but it has figured out how to make it so that I only get sick over vacations. It's spring break and I have a cold. It's awful. But, as awful as it is, I'm just happy it didn't happen last week when I had all that work to do, classes to go to, and midterms to take.
I guess I could've seen this coming. I've really been pushing myself lately, staying up late to study for my exams and surviving my 5 hours of sleep with a lot of caffeine and yoga. Even with this, it's understandable that my body would be run down. I think all my reserve energy finally gave out. But I can't say it wasn't worth it. I got my Astronomy midterm grade back and I got a 97.5! That's a lot better than my first exam in that class, which means I can drop this grade. I also got an A on my Existentialism paper comparing Nietzsche and Kierkegaard's philosophies, and I think I did really well on my English and Mythology midterms as well.
One thing I can recommend to you if you're sick (as I think a lot of people might be this time of year, with allergies and sinuses acting up) is Sleepytime Sinus Soother tea. I've had about 3 cups of this tea with honey every day this break to combat my coughing, sore throat, and sniffles. In addition to this, Panera's chicken noodle soup and vaseline have helped me through these rough times. I can only wait it out in my sweats and watch some TV. Or maybe get started on all the work I have to do (probably not, I deserve somewhat of a break).
I've been thinking about what I'll be doing this summer. Most of my friends from Macaulay are going to Taiwan for their Flagship program. I was contemplating coming home and getting a job for the summer, but I'll probably take some summer classes at Hunter. Macaulay pays for up to 2 classes over the summer, which is great. Even though I have to pay for dorming, I get to take some summer classes and spend my summer in a beautiful city, for a minimal dorming fee. Plus, my friends can come visit me and stay with my over the summer when they're free. I'm double majoring in English and Philosophy, so I was thinking of getting some of those requirements out of the way. I might alternatively start taking Italian, since I might study abroad in Italy, or just take an interesting class or two. Who knows. I'm still weighing my options, but it seems likely I'll be doing this, which is really exciting! My future seems even more definitive now that I've figured out that I'll be double majoring. I was even thinking of applying to the Thomas Hunter honors program. I'm contemplating study abroad, internships, and already I've started thinking about graduate school, since I'm aiming to go for a masters and Ph.D in my field. Everything takes a lot of pain and planning, but it's my future so it'll be worth it.
Erica
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Washington D.C. Adventures
So today's my first day home from Washington D.C.! I spent last night in the dorms, since I got home around 11 PM. Some of us grabbed smoothies in Penn Station (It was REALLY expensive - I don't recommend eating there unless you have no other options.)
My trip to D.C. didn't go exactly as planned, I'm sad to say.
When we got to the Supreme Court around one - people had been lined up for our case since Thursday. Yikes, right? I guess we should have seen that coming, since these cases were such a media-fest.
We decided to make the best of a bad situation. We gave up on trying to get into the Court and decided instead on sightseeing Washington. Our hotel was only two blocks from the National Mall, so it was really convenient.
Monday we went over to the Air and Space Smithsonian, which was amazing. One of the guys on the trip, David, wants to fly planes for the Marines. He kept explaining the mechanism for the planes and various things about the history of aviation. After that we went to the hotel for a little while, and I learned a card game called Mao. I can't explain this game to you, you'll just have to play it. (there's a penalty for explaining the rules, so I actually cannot tell you.) We then went out to dinner and got tapas. Tapas is a style of Spanish cuisine where the entire table orders many small dishes, and everyone eats family-style. My favourite part was the empanadas! I love empanadas! After dinner we walked back to the hotel and went to sleep; everyone was beat.
The next day started early - around 9 we all checked out of the hotel and set out for breakfast. We went to a chain called Cosi; and they had jalepeño cheddar bagels that were really really good. I want to find one in NYC and see if it's worth it there. On our way there, we saw a parade in the National Mall - it was the length of the entire mall! There were people with fifes and bagpipes and drums, there were banners and signs and flags of several different nations. When we got close enough, we realized that all the signs were in favour of maintaining Proposition 8. Regardless of your political views, this sight was awe inspiring. The fact that people are so passionate never ceases to amaze me.
We split up after breakfast. Most of the group went to walk down the National Mall to see all the memorials - WWII, Vietnam, the Lincoln and Washington Memorials. I chose to go with the group and see the Smithsonian museum of American History, which was amazing. They had an exhibit on the history of food in America and how it changes depending on immigration and social movements and different important chefs who changed American cuisine. They had two whole rooms devoted to Julia Child - did you know that she wasn't only a great chef, but she worked with the OSS, which was the precursor of the CIA? Yeah, she was a badass intelligence agent. Needless to say I was in heaven; my two great loves, food and history, were combined in one AMAZING EXPERIENCE.
We also walked through exhibits devoted to the maritime history of America, a collection of things that were made in America, and the big one - the military history of America. They had uniforms, paperwork, weapons, supplies, and interactive media for several major wars. Conspicuously absent were both the War of 1812 (not exactly surprising, since its' nickname is "America's Forgotten War") and the Korean War. I was surprised they chose to leave out the Korean War, but include the Vietnam War. The War on Terror was also not mentioned much, they glossed from Vietnam to the idea of the future of the military. Both of my parents are in the military, so this exhibit is really interesting to me.
Around one o'clock we decided to head towards the Supreme court and see what was going on. The same protestors that we had seen before had set up in the National Mall and were having a rally with speakers and videos and all sorts of hoopla.
To be perfectly honest with you all, I am a stauch supporter of equal marriage rights. I don't think you can discriminate against a person who wants to get married just because of their sex or the sex of the person they wish to marry. Listening to some of the arguments going on in the streets was difficult, both when I agreed and disagreed with the people. But it was really interesting to hear all the different justifications behind people's decisions, and comparing it to the arguments being used in the courts.
After that we walked up past the Capitol Building and spent a few minutes sitting there soaking in the majesty. When we got to the far side, we saw all the protestors who wanted Proposition 8 repealed. I have never seen so many rainbow flags and clever signs. There were so many media members taking photos and videos, people talking, already in line for the DOMA arguments that were today.
We found out that even though there were arguments on Tuesday, we could go in and take a little tour. There was a hallway with plenty of busts and historical paintings, and after we walked through there we got to sit inside the Supreme Court room. It was absolutely magical. Did you know that there is no technology allowed to be brought into the Court? The only recording devices are the ones that do the official court reporting. The journalists have to write, by hand, on paper. The only way images are created is when a sketch artist does a drawing while he sits there.
After that we decided to mosey our way back to the hotel, and pick up all the luggage we left behind. From there we caught cabs to Union Station, which is really beautiful as well. Its about 4 times the size of Grand Central and, in my opinion, more beautiful by far. After we ate dinner we hopped on the bus at 6 and were back in the City by 11.
I am so glad that I go the opportunity to go on this trip. I had an amazing time, made a few new friends, and watched part of history unfold. College is entirely what you make it into, and I think this is one of the best things I've made so far. When I have a bit more time on my hands, I'll go through al the images and show you guys what I saw!
My trip to D.C. didn't go exactly as planned, I'm sad to say.
When we got to the Supreme Court around one - people had been lined up for our case since Thursday. Yikes, right? I guess we should have seen that coming, since these cases were such a media-fest.
We decided to make the best of a bad situation. We gave up on trying to get into the Court and decided instead on sightseeing Washington. Our hotel was only two blocks from the National Mall, so it was really convenient.
Monday we went over to the Air and Space Smithsonian, which was amazing. One of the guys on the trip, David, wants to fly planes for the Marines. He kept explaining the mechanism for the planes and various things about the history of aviation. After that we went to the hotel for a little while, and I learned a card game called Mao. I can't explain this game to you, you'll just have to play it. (there's a penalty for explaining the rules, so I actually cannot tell you.) We then went out to dinner and got tapas. Tapas is a style of Spanish cuisine where the entire table orders many small dishes, and everyone eats family-style. My favourite part was the empanadas! I love empanadas! After dinner we walked back to the hotel and went to sleep; everyone was beat.
The next day started early - around 9 we all checked out of the hotel and set out for breakfast. We went to a chain called Cosi; and they had jalepeño cheddar bagels that were really really good. I want to find one in NYC and see if it's worth it there. On our way there, we saw a parade in the National Mall - it was the length of the entire mall! There were people with fifes and bagpipes and drums, there were banners and signs and flags of several different nations. When we got close enough, we realized that all the signs were in favour of maintaining Proposition 8. Regardless of your political views, this sight was awe inspiring. The fact that people are so passionate never ceases to amaze me.
We split up after breakfast. Most of the group went to walk down the National Mall to see all the memorials - WWII, Vietnam, the Lincoln and Washington Memorials. I chose to go with the group and see the Smithsonian museum of American History, which was amazing. They had an exhibit on the history of food in America and how it changes depending on immigration and social movements and different important chefs who changed American cuisine. They had two whole rooms devoted to Julia Child - did you know that she wasn't only a great chef, but she worked with the OSS, which was the precursor of the CIA? Yeah, she was a badass intelligence agent. Needless to say I was in heaven; my two great loves, food and history, were combined in one AMAZING EXPERIENCE.
We also walked through exhibits devoted to the maritime history of America, a collection of things that were made in America, and the big one - the military history of America. They had uniforms, paperwork, weapons, supplies, and interactive media for several major wars. Conspicuously absent were both the War of 1812 (not exactly surprising, since its' nickname is "America's Forgotten War") and the Korean War. I was surprised they chose to leave out the Korean War, but include the Vietnam War. The War on Terror was also not mentioned much, they glossed from Vietnam to the idea of the future of the military. Both of my parents are in the military, so this exhibit is really interesting to me.
Around one o'clock we decided to head towards the Supreme court and see what was going on. The same protestors that we had seen before had set up in the National Mall and were having a rally with speakers and videos and all sorts of hoopla.
To be perfectly honest with you all, I am a stauch supporter of equal marriage rights. I don't think you can discriminate against a person who wants to get married just because of their sex or the sex of the person they wish to marry. Listening to some of the arguments going on in the streets was difficult, both when I agreed and disagreed with the people. But it was really interesting to hear all the different justifications behind people's decisions, and comparing it to the arguments being used in the courts.
After that we walked up past the Capitol Building and spent a few minutes sitting there soaking in the majesty. When we got to the far side, we saw all the protestors who wanted Proposition 8 repealed. I have never seen so many rainbow flags and clever signs. There were so many media members taking photos and videos, people talking, already in line for the DOMA arguments that were today.
We found out that even though there were arguments on Tuesday, we could go in and take a little tour. There was a hallway with plenty of busts and historical paintings, and after we walked through there we got to sit inside the Supreme Court room. It was absolutely magical. Did you know that there is no technology allowed to be brought into the Court? The only recording devices are the ones that do the official court reporting. The journalists have to write, by hand, on paper. The only way images are created is when a sketch artist does a drawing while he sits there.
After that we decided to mosey our way back to the hotel, and pick up all the luggage we left behind. From there we caught cabs to Union Station, which is really beautiful as well. Its about 4 times the size of Grand Central and, in my opinion, more beautiful by far. After we ate dinner we hopped on the bus at 6 and were back in the City by 11.
I am so glad that I go the opportunity to go on this trip. I had an amazing time, made a few new friends, and watched part of history unfold. College is entirely what you make it into, and I think this is one of the best things I've made so far. When I have a bit more time on my hands, I'll go through al the images and show you guys what I saw!
Monday, March 25, 2013
Hibernation, Work/Play, Emotional Creature
Hey, everyone!!
It's a rainy Monday in the city and I'm wondering, "Where is spring?!?!"
I want flowers and sunshine and warmth. I always feel a bit more "alive" when spring begins. I feel a sort of renewal in energy and hope. And I never want to seem to do any work once spring comes around. I just feel like sitting on the grass in Central Park and staring at all of the pretty flowers and letting the sun do its magic. haha. Random thought: I always wonder what it's like for a bear to wake up from its winter-long hibernation. It must be so nice to not have to deal with the cold weather and to just wake up with all of nature green and fresh again. Don't get me wrong though. There are some great things about winter: the snow, the holidays, and awesome fashion. But there's something about the warmth of the sun that makes everything seem like it's going to be all right.
Thursday, I made some time to hang out with one of my friends who I haven't seen in weeks. It's amazing how you can go to the same school as someone and never see him/her. We're all on different schedules trying to be the perfect students, and I think that sometimes we let the people in our lives become second to everything else. It was so weird because even when I was with my friend, I was feeling guilty because I wasn't studying for orgo. It sounds insane, but I've been feeling like this more often recently. Sometimes it's hard to separate "play" from "homework/studying/school stuff". When I went to a general interest meeting hosted by a dean from Cornell Med. School, she said something that really stuck with me. She said something like, "When you're working, work hard. And when you're having fun, just have fun. Don't feel guilty about it." This means minimize daydreaming, Facebook/Tumblr/Twitter use, and listening to loud music while writing that essay or studying for that exam. I break this rule all of the time. I find myself listening to pop music while studying for stuff and I'm just like "I need to stop doing this." I've gotten into the habit of either having no music at all or just having classical or instrumental stuff playing. I find my brain focuses a bit better when I'm not listening to Lady Gaga (even though she is really awesome). It's weird because even when I have no visible distractions around me, my brain will create its own distractions. I'll start thinking about food, worrying about how I'm going to do on my next exam, something that made me sad/angry/happy that day, just ANYTHING. I try to just push it all out and focus on the page in front me and take it all in. And then, after I've done some work, I'll go clean for a bit (cleaning has an odd relaxing effect on me) and blast some music. It's important to tell yourself that your hard work is worth it. Knowledge is the most powerful thing in the world. And the only way to get it is to spend many hours struggling and reading and focusing and eventually having "aha!" moments (aren't those amazing??).
The second part of what the dean said is something I struggle with as well. I have to tell myself it's ok to watch Gordon Ramsay cursing at those chefs on Hell's Kitchen (because he is so funny) or watching Nicki Minaj acting really weird on American Idol or singing along to Bruno Mars' awesome songs or daydreaming or watching an awesome movie or doing things with your friends and family. It's ok to do all of those things. But it's not ok to do those things all of the time. Have fun, but know when to stop. It's so tough to figure that out, and maybe none of us ever will. The point is we have to be balanced people. I have no intention of turning into one of those neurotic adults who work all of the time or into one of those people who watch too much TV and spend way too much time with social media and have no real goals and no "real" life. I want to be a full person with a minimal amount of craziness in my life. And I think it's possible. At least I hope it is.
Instead of a song, this week I'm highlighting a poem. It is by the amazing Eve Ensler who's written some fantastic things about the lives of girls around the world.
Here are excerpts from "I Am an Emotional Creature":
I love being a girl.
I can feel what you're feeling
as you're feeling it inside
the feeling
before.
I am an emotional creature.
Things do not come to me
as intellectual theories or hard-shaped ideas.
They pulse through my organs and legs
and burn up my ears.
...
I am an emotional creature.
I love that I do not take things lightly.
Everything is intense to me.
The way I walk in the street.
The way my mother wakes me up.
The way I hear bad news.
The way it's unbearable when I lose.
...
I love that I can feel the inside
of the feelings in you,
even if it stops my life
even if it hurts too much
or takes me off track
even if it breaks my heart.
It makes me responsible.
I am an emotional
I am an emotional, devotional,
incandotional, creature.
And I love, hear me,
love love love
being a girl.
It's a rainy Monday in the city and I'm wondering, "Where is spring?!?!"
I want flowers and sunshine and warmth. I always feel a bit more "alive" when spring begins. I feel a sort of renewal in energy and hope. And I never want to seem to do any work once spring comes around. I just feel like sitting on the grass in Central Park and staring at all of the pretty flowers and letting the sun do its magic. haha. Random thought: I always wonder what it's like for a bear to wake up from its winter-long hibernation. It must be so nice to not have to deal with the cold weather and to just wake up with all of nature green and fresh again. Don't get me wrong though. There are some great things about winter: the snow, the holidays, and awesome fashion. But there's something about the warmth of the sun that makes everything seem like it's going to be all right.
Thursday, I made some time to hang out with one of my friends who I haven't seen in weeks. It's amazing how you can go to the same school as someone and never see him/her. We're all on different schedules trying to be the perfect students, and I think that sometimes we let the people in our lives become second to everything else. It was so weird because even when I was with my friend, I was feeling guilty because I wasn't studying for orgo. It sounds insane, but I've been feeling like this more often recently. Sometimes it's hard to separate "play" from "homework/studying/school stuff". When I went to a general interest meeting hosted by a dean from Cornell Med. School, she said something that really stuck with me. She said something like, "When you're working, work hard. And when you're having fun, just have fun. Don't feel guilty about it." This means minimize daydreaming, Facebook/Tumblr/Twitter use, and listening to loud music while writing that essay or studying for that exam. I break this rule all of the time. I find myself listening to pop music while studying for stuff and I'm just like "I need to stop doing this." I've gotten into the habit of either having no music at all or just having classical or instrumental stuff playing. I find my brain focuses a bit better when I'm not listening to Lady Gaga (even though she is really awesome). It's weird because even when I have no visible distractions around me, my brain will create its own distractions. I'll start thinking about food, worrying about how I'm going to do on my next exam, something that made me sad/angry/happy that day, just ANYTHING. I try to just push it all out and focus on the page in front me and take it all in. And then, after I've done some work, I'll go clean for a bit (cleaning has an odd relaxing effect on me) and blast some music. It's important to tell yourself that your hard work is worth it. Knowledge is the most powerful thing in the world. And the only way to get it is to spend many hours struggling and reading and focusing and eventually having "aha!" moments (aren't those amazing??).
The second part of what the dean said is something I struggle with as well. I have to tell myself it's ok to watch Gordon Ramsay cursing at those chefs on Hell's Kitchen (because he is so funny) or watching Nicki Minaj acting really weird on American Idol or singing along to Bruno Mars' awesome songs or daydreaming or watching an awesome movie or doing things with your friends and family. It's ok to do all of those things. But it's not ok to do those things all of the time. Have fun, but know when to stop. It's so tough to figure that out, and maybe none of us ever will. The point is we have to be balanced people. I have no intention of turning into one of those neurotic adults who work all of the time or into one of those people who watch too much TV and spend way too much time with social media and have no real goals and no "real" life. I want to be a full person with a minimal amount of craziness in my life. And I think it's possible. At least I hope it is.
Instead of a song, this week I'm highlighting a poem. It is by the amazing Eve Ensler who's written some fantastic things about the lives of girls around the world.
Here are excerpts from "I Am an Emotional Creature":
I love being a girl.
I can feel what you're feeling
as you're feeling it inside
the feeling
before.
I am an emotional creature.
Things do not come to me
as intellectual theories or hard-shaped ideas.
They pulse through my organs and legs
and burn up my ears.
...
I am an emotional creature.
I love that I do not take things lightly.
Everything is intense to me.
The way I walk in the street.
The way my mother wakes me up.
The way I hear bad news.
The way it's unbearable when I lose.
...
I love that I can feel the inside
of the feelings in you,
even if it stops my life
even if it hurts too much
or takes me off track
even if it breaks my heart.
It makes me responsible.
I am an emotional
I am an emotional, devotional,
incandotional, creature.
And I love, hear me,
love love love
being a girl.
To read the entire poem click here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eve-ensler/i-am-an-emotional-creatur_b_468801.html
Friday, March 22, 2013
How to celebrate Spring Break:
1. Finish all your papers and mid terms.
2. Help your friend bleach and dye his hair teal.
3. Dye a strip of your own hair while you're at it.
4. Order $20.00 worth of McDonalds and split it with 5 people. ( the ordering is important because we got it delivered when McDonalds is literally 3 blocks away)
5. Have a Spongebob Squarepants marathon with your friends.
The next morning you can get all your things together and head home. But tonight is devoted to inane television and making an effort to NOT use my brain at all.
2. Help your friend bleach and dye his hair teal.
3. Dye a strip of your own hair while you're at it.
4. Order $20.00 worth of McDonalds and split it with 5 people. ( the ordering is important because we got it delivered when McDonalds is literally 3 blocks away)
5. Have a Spongebob Squarepants marathon with your friends.
The next morning you can get all your things together and head home. But tonight is devoted to inane television and making an effort to NOT use my brain at all.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
What To Do When You Aren't Feeling 100%?
So, this past weekend I somehow fell under the weather. It's obviously not great timing on my part as this week is Midterms Week and I have a lot of things that I have to do; in addition, when you do get sick and you're away from your parents, it's definitely more stressful. I'm pretty sure I only have a cold, exacerbated by the fact that I have asthma and if I get sick it often goes to my lungs. But there are things that you can do to feel a little bit better, even when you're sick. Obviously sleep helps a lot, so I have been taking frequent naps and resting a lot. I've been drinking a lot of fluids: warm, lemon-honey water or lemon tea with honey in it are great! Tap water is just as good too. Because this is a work-heavy week, I do have to think about what things I have the energy for and what I don't. I had two midterms yesterday, so I attended the classes for those because my professors would not have allowed me to take them on another day, but I chose to rest during my other class because I knew I would not get anything out of going to it. Of course you should not be skipping classes, and I don't unless I'm not feeling well. Living in the dorms, food is something you have to think about. Luckily I have some great friends who have cooked dinner for me since I'm not really up to standing around in a hot kitchen, and I did see my parents on Monday who bought me lunch. Chicken noodle soup does do a world of difference!
Now, I'm just hoping that I get better before this weekend because I'm going to Disney for spring break! I also need to be able to focus to finish my Political Science paper, and focusing while I'm sick is really difficult for me. So I wish everyone the best of luck for their midterms and papers, and hope that nobody else is sick. (And if you are, eat some chicken noodle soup!!)
Monday, March 18, 2013
How do I live without caffeine? Seriously. How.
Hey everyone.
Today feels like just one of those days. One of those days when I seriously just need caffeine to get through. It's been pretty cold and miserable out lately. Seriously where is this "spring weather" they speak of? Spring break is actually in less than a week and it's snowing! Unbelievable. I was hoping to bring home all my heavy sweaters over the break, but it kind of looks like I might be needing them, which is a bummer. I just want a chance to wear my skirts and flats and not boots all the time. I have so many cute shoes that haven't seen the light of day since summer! But anyway, I have been suffering from caffeine-less headaches and sleep deprivation lately. I've actually been trying hard not to fall asleep in class, which is new for me since I really love my schedule this semester. It's just so difficult to stay awake when you've gotten less than 5 hours of sleep under your belt. And when you're not supposed to be having too much caffeine. I recently gave up drinking soda, and I don't drink coffee, so I've been relying on tea to give me my caffeine. But today I forgot my tea. It was awful. I was half asleep all day and just wanted to cry. I broke my rule and bought soda and it got me through the day, but I hated myself a little bit afterwards. As a college student, I don't think it's possible to live without caffeine.
Hopefully I can rejuvenate over the break and come back ready to kick some butt and finish the other half of the semester with a bang. I think it's just that midterms are weighing me down, multiplied by the fact that teachers want to get as much as possible in before the break. I have two midterms on the same day this week, one class after the other. I'm gonna collapse into a ball of stress, but all I can do is study and push through it on some type caffeine-induced work ethic/motivation. I just wanna watch Avatar and eat chocolate in bed. Is that too much for a girl to ask? Warm weather and some sleep will definitely make me feel better, but for now I'll just drink my fourth cup of tea and bang out this paper on The Odyssey. It's just one more week, anyway (3 days for me).
Last, but not least, I have something quite funny to share. I can never have a post without a food recommendation. I'm Jewish; though I'm not very observant, I'll still be going home this break for Passover seder at my house. I've made a lot of Jewish friends here in the city, but one or two of my friends aren't. One of my friends just recently discovered the joy that is hamantaschen. If you don't know what these are, you're depriving yourself of a fabulous joy in life. Hamantaschen (hamantash in the singular) are jelly-filled, triangle-shaped cookies.
They're meant to represent the hat of Haman, the villain in the Purim story that they tell children at Purim carnival. As a kid, I went to Hebrew school and made a noisemaker (groggers) and we would all shake ours during the story when they said his name. That sound actually haunted my nightmares for months after Purim every year. But I loved the cookies. And she has just recently discovered them. I hadn't had one in awhile either. Eating one just made me flash back to that time of my life. It was quite weird, actually. If you have never had one, just go. Go buy them. They're at pretty much any store that has a bakery section. They come in a variety of delicious flavors, from peach to raspberry. They're a personal favorite of mine and they kind of remind me of my childhood. And I kind of need that right now in the midst of all this college stuff and work. I feel too adult all of a sudden.
Erica
Thoughts on Growing Up
Hey everyone!
It's a Monday morning in a very chilly NYC. I'm sitting on the 3rd floor bridge doing a little people-watching and staring down Lexington Avenue. From up here, the taxis look like giant toy cars. Everyone's going about their day: rushing, worrying, shivering (haha).
This past weekend, one of my friends from high school asked me if I wanted to come visit our old school with him on Friday. I would have loved to go, but I have class all day Friday. I went back three times last year, and it was so nice to see everyone. People always say that high school is the best four years of your life. I don't know how true that is, but it definitely was a place for me to grow and challenge myself.
High school is so different from college though. I remember how there was a lot of pressure to do well. But the pressure in college is about 10x greater. In high school, my future goals and career seemed so far away. The one big worry that I had in high school was getting the best grades so I could get into a good college. Getting into a good college seemed like the most important thing at the time. Now that I've actually been in college for almost two years, I've realized that getting here is only the first step in the beginning of a long process. The most important thing is to do something substantial here. Not to just pass the time, but to push myself, to grow, and to hopefully succeed. In high school, I felt like I was just waiting for my life to start. I think that's a common feeling, but it's not a very positive one. I felt like I had all the time in the world, and I would get to do everything once I was finally an "adult". But the truth is, your life begins the moment you take your first breath. You have to live the fullest life you can at all times in your life. Everything that I've ever wanted to be, to see, and to do is right near my grasp, and that honestly scares me. I have the immense responsibility of making the right choices to get to my goals, and that thrills me and freaks me out.
I remember graduating from elementary school and seeing in the yearbook, "You're about to enter the real world." I remember not really understanding what that meant. What real world? Wasn't I already living in the "real world"? But over the last decade or so, I've begun to get an idea of what that phrase means. It's about learning that life isn't fair, it's about responsibility, it's about choices, and it's about facing your own greatest fears and desires. When I first entered college, I remember being on the train and looking at everyone and realizing that I was one of the youngest people there. It was a weird feeling. They all looked so tired. They were clinging to coffee cups, and they seemed completely absorbed in their phones. I remember thinking that I never wanted to be like that. So worn out . I wanted to always smile and see the best in people and in myself. It's funny because now, when I look around on the train, I realize that in some ways I've become one of those bleary-eyed "adults". Some days, none of this seems real. Like I'll just wake up and be back in a high school classroom. In many ways, high school was comforting because you could put off facing your future. It was also frustrating because of the lack of freedom. In college, it seems like I have all of the freedom in the world, but the future is no longer a dream. It's now become something tangible.
Wow. That was a long post. It's too early in the morning for so much introspection. haha.
Enjoy your spring break, everyone!! Study, sleep, laugh, and be well. The time we have is precious.
I heard this week's song relatively recently. It's got great lyrics.
S.
Song of the Week
You let all the girls go
Makes you feel good, don't it?
Behind your Broadway show
I heard a boy say, "Please don't hurt me."
You've carried on so long.
You couldn't stop if you tried it.
You've built your wall so high
That no one could climb it.
But I'm gonna try.
"Beneath Your Beautiful" by Labrinth featuring Emeli Sandé
It's a Monday morning in a very chilly NYC. I'm sitting on the 3rd floor bridge doing a little people-watching and staring down Lexington Avenue. From up here, the taxis look like giant toy cars. Everyone's going about their day: rushing, worrying, shivering (haha).
This past weekend, one of my friends from high school asked me if I wanted to come visit our old school with him on Friday. I would have loved to go, but I have class all day Friday. I went back three times last year, and it was so nice to see everyone. People always say that high school is the best four years of your life. I don't know how true that is, but it definitely was a place for me to grow and challenge myself.
High school is so different from college though. I remember how there was a lot of pressure to do well. But the pressure in college is about 10x greater. In high school, my future goals and career seemed so far away. The one big worry that I had in high school was getting the best grades so I could get into a good college. Getting into a good college seemed like the most important thing at the time. Now that I've actually been in college for almost two years, I've realized that getting here is only the first step in the beginning of a long process. The most important thing is to do something substantial here. Not to just pass the time, but to push myself, to grow, and to hopefully succeed. In high school, I felt like I was just waiting for my life to start. I think that's a common feeling, but it's not a very positive one. I felt like I had all the time in the world, and I would get to do everything once I was finally an "adult". But the truth is, your life begins the moment you take your first breath. You have to live the fullest life you can at all times in your life. Everything that I've ever wanted to be, to see, and to do is right near my grasp, and that honestly scares me. I have the immense responsibility of making the right choices to get to my goals, and that thrills me and freaks me out.
I remember graduating from elementary school and seeing in the yearbook, "You're about to enter the real world." I remember not really understanding what that meant. What real world? Wasn't I already living in the "real world"? But over the last decade or so, I've begun to get an idea of what that phrase means. It's about learning that life isn't fair, it's about responsibility, it's about choices, and it's about facing your own greatest fears and desires. When I first entered college, I remember being on the train and looking at everyone and realizing that I was one of the youngest people there. It was a weird feeling. They all looked so tired. They were clinging to coffee cups, and they seemed completely absorbed in their phones. I remember thinking that I never wanted to be like that. So worn out . I wanted to always smile and see the best in people and in myself. It's funny because now, when I look around on the train, I realize that in some ways I've become one of those bleary-eyed "adults". Some days, none of this seems real. Like I'll just wake up and be back in a high school classroom. In many ways, high school was comforting because you could put off facing your future. It was also frustrating because of the lack of freedom. In college, it seems like I have all of the freedom in the world, but the future is no longer a dream. It's now become something tangible.
Wow. That was a long post. It's too early in the morning for so much introspection. haha.
Enjoy your spring break, everyone!! Study, sleep, laugh, and be well. The time we have is precious.
I heard this week's song relatively recently. It's got great lyrics.
S.
Song of the Week
You let all the girls go
Makes you feel good, don't it?
Behind your Broadway show
I heard a boy say, "Please don't hurt me."
You've carried on so long.
You couldn't stop if you tried it.
You've built your wall so high
That no one could climb it.
But I'm gonna try.
"Beneath Your Beautiful" by Labrinth featuring Emeli Sandé
Friday, March 15, 2013
I heard a rumor that the decisions went out today....
Through both the internet and some friends, I found out that the admissions decisions for Macaulay at Hunter Class of 2017 went out today!
So, I'd like to take a few seconds to congratulate all those who got in!
You've done the work, and you've been accepted to the MOST AMAZING SCHOOL EVER. (There's no bias there, honest.)
I encourage you all to relax a bit now, though I know that waiting for any other college admissions may be stressful.
Later on this semester I think I'll post the (rather embarrassing) list of questions I had for the first few days of my schooling - mostly practical things. Hopefully I'll be able to have some answers.
The hardest part is over now. The waiting, the tension, the anticipation is over.
Now all you have to do is start planning out your dorm room! :)
So, I'd like to take a few seconds to congratulate all those who got in!
You've done the work, and you've been accepted to the MOST AMAZING SCHOOL EVER. (There's no bias there, honest.)
I encourage you all to relax a bit now, though I know that waiting for any other college admissions may be stressful.
Later on this semester I think I'll post the (rather embarrassing) list of questions I had for the first few days of my schooling - mostly practical things. Hopefully I'll be able to have some answers.
The hardest part is over now. The waiting, the tension, the anticipation is over.
Now all you have to do is start planning out your dorm room! :)
Hey!
Hey everyone!
My name is Stacey and I’m a freshman here at Macaulay Hunter. I’m in the Chinese flagship program, which happens to be taking over my life. I’ve already signed my soul away to the Chinese major, but I have to find another non-language one soon since the program requires you to double major. Fun.
My name is Stacey and I’m a freshman here at Macaulay Hunter. I’m in the Chinese flagship program, which happens to be taking over my life. I’ve already signed my soul away to the Chinese major, but I have to find another non-language one soon since the program requires you to double major. Fun.
I was born and raised on the north shore of Long Island,
therefore my accent makes it a little difficult to determine whether I’m asking
a question or making a statement. The ends of my sentences always kind of just
go, up.
I’m a graduate of
Jericho High School, and I couldn’t be happier to get out of the ‘burbs and
into the city. I couldn’t imagine going to school anywhere else :) Especially
since I don’t have my driver’s license and won’t for a while. Oops.
I’m a total foodie and have an unfortunate addiction to
cupcakes. I do also enjoy working out and playing sports, such as lacrosse and volleyball. Sometimes running. For example, I will
run vigorously around the city, and somehow always end up at a place like Shake
Shack. Oh well, everything in moderation.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
March Madness!
Hey everyone,
Nope, this post is not going to be about basketball, sorry for the misleading title! It's just about how crazy March has been--not inherently of course (well, the weather definitely has been), but all of the stuff that's going on has made it so.
I recently began an internship with the Development Team at Macaulay Honors College! Going into this semester, I definitely did not expect to get an internship. I decided to start a part-time job or focus on volunteer work instead, in order to fulfill my required 30 hours, to get more involved with the Macaulay community, and to build up some recent experiences. But when the opportunity to have an internship came up, I decided to go for it, and I'm glad I did! I'm really enjoying it so far, and I'm thrilled to begin exploring possible career paths.
I also volunteered this week at the @Macaulay Author Series, featuring Dean Ann Kirschner's new book, Lady at the OK Coral: The True Story of Josephine Marcus Earp. I hadn't been to any of the @Macaulay Author Series events before this semester, but I found them to be really enjoyable. It's pretty cool to meet the author of an interesting book, and to hear, in their own words, how and why they created the story.
I've also been applying for Opportunities Funds, so that I might be able to Study Abroad, and I'll be applying for internships (I should be doing that now!) over the week. This week I'll also be taking the Goethe-Zertifikat, an exam that correlates with an international measure of German proficiency--I'm so nervous! I'm also trying to keep up with my fitness plans, which include yoga class (advice: if you start, don't skip a class! I did, and when I went back, I felt like a beginner all over again =/), and walking more often as the weather gets nicer.
Sorry I don't have more interesting stories this time; I've just been so focused on staying on top of my work until break! Right now, I have to get back to watching Don Giovanni for my Timeless Don Juan class (that I went to the opera for in December!). I honestly forgot how compelling the music is! I don't really enjoy operatic music, but I recommend Don Giovanni for anyone who hasn't seen an opera and/or isn't sure if they'll like opera. I promise you'll enjoy it! And I get to watch it for class =]
In the meantime, enjoy your weekend!
G.
Nope, this post is not going to be about basketball, sorry for the misleading title! It's just about how crazy March has been--not inherently of course (well, the weather definitely has been), but all of the stuff that's going on has made it so.
I recently began an internship with the Development Team at Macaulay Honors College! Going into this semester, I definitely did not expect to get an internship. I decided to start a part-time job or focus on volunteer work instead, in order to fulfill my required 30 hours, to get more involved with the Macaulay community, and to build up some recent experiences. But when the opportunity to have an internship came up, I decided to go for it, and I'm glad I did! I'm really enjoying it so far, and I'm thrilled to begin exploring possible career paths.
I also volunteered this week at the @Macaulay Author Series, featuring Dean Ann Kirschner's new book, Lady at the OK Coral: The True Story of Josephine Marcus Earp. I hadn't been to any of the @Macaulay Author Series events before this semester, but I found them to be really enjoyable. It's pretty cool to meet the author of an interesting book, and to hear, in their own words, how and why they created the story.
I've also been applying for Opportunities Funds, so that I might be able to Study Abroad, and I'll be applying for internships (I should be doing that now!) over the week. This week I'll also be taking the Goethe-Zertifikat, an exam that correlates with an international measure of German proficiency--I'm so nervous! I'm also trying to keep up with my fitness plans, which include yoga class (advice: if you start, don't skip a class! I did, and when I went back, I felt like a beginner all over again =/), and walking more often as the weather gets nicer.
Sorry I don't have more interesting stories this time; I've just been so focused on staying on top of my work until break! Right now, I have to get back to watching Don Giovanni for my Timeless Don Juan class (that I went to the opera for in December!). I honestly forgot how compelling the music is! I don't really enjoy operatic music, but I recommend Don Giovanni for anyone who hasn't seen an opera and/or isn't sure if they'll like opera. I promise you'll enjoy it! And I get to watch it for class =]
In the meantime, enjoy your weekend!
G.
Gearing Up for Midterms and Lots of Papers Due
Next week is "midterms week," which might not mean the same thing as it does in high school. At least, for me it's certainly not the same. In high school we used to get the entire week off and we would only go to school for the midterms that we had. However, here at Hunter, we still must attend the rest of our classes during the week and it's really up to the discretion of the professor if you have a midterm during this week or not. That's not to say you won't have one at all, some professors simply schedule them earlier (or sometimes later) than the week that we call midterms week.
On Tuesday I have both of the two midterms that I have. I have my second Spanish exam which isn't officially a midterm, because the class breaks down the exams to be scheduled once we finish a chapter, however it is during midterms week so I have been referring to it as a midterm. A few hours later, I have my Classical Mythology midterm which I'm a little nervous for, however my professor assured us that it should be fine as long as one has attended class and I have. More pressing are the papers that I have due next week, and into the first few days of Spring Break. I have my first political science paper due, which I must start before this weekend. I also have a response paper to a trip for MHC (to the Tenement Museum) which I'm actually quite excited about, the trip not the paper. Lastly I have a five page oral history report, including a summary and recording of the interview I must conduct, also for MHC due within the first few days of Spring Break.
I didn't come to complain, I actually came to write about the things I'm glad I got to do before all of this becomes a huge stress. A few weeks ago I went to the opening night of previews for the new Broadway musical Matilda. It was the cutest thing ever! I went with my parents, and had a lot of fun. It was very well done and the children were so professional, it was very entertaining to watch. The set was gorgeous as well, in a fun way, as it was covered in what were made to look like books and scrabble tiles/lettered blocks. It was a really fun evening.
The second thing that I wanted to let you guys know about was my adventure in making dumplings! I've always just bought them pre-made, whether already fried or frozen was the only main difference. But last Friday I actually threw together my own filling (with beef) and used wonton skins that I'd bought in Chinatown, and steamed up some dumplings. I was really surprised by how well they turned out, and am looking forward to trying again with pork at some point this week or next. I'll let you know how it turns out. Last time I simply did beef with lemon juice, soy sauce, pepper, and egg, but this time I want to put in some green onion or napa leaves. I'm not sure yet, but I'm excited. And the prospect of being able to make dumplings in the future is definitely helping me keep going through this next week and a half.
Breaking News: Looking hideous may be associated with an increase in running into cute guys!
My desk is currently cluttered with the following items: a small mango, a container of some sad carrots, an empty yogurt container (vanilla with almonds! so good), and some frozen pizza. Clockwork Prince is next to me (the third one is coming out next week. I don't think I can read it. Too much pain and heartbreak). I also have some lab materials for my test today, but let us not talk about that. There are also some empty water bottles, and some pens. And a bag of chocolate chips.
I am listening to pandora (LOTR soundtrack playing right now, in case you were dying of curiosity), and I figured out a vague plan for my sustainability project for MHC class. I also went to Luu's Baguette (a vietnamese sandwich shop) on 26th and 3rd (or lex. might be lex). It was hands down the best food I've had in the city. It's a small place, but we had the tofu banh mi sandwich for about $6 and it was delicious. I'm not normally a raving food reviewer, but I loved the place. My best friend and I ended up staying for about 2 hours and had a...good and greatly-needed conversation. Who knew?
One of the things I've really got to improve this year is my attitude towards jobs. I love jobs. I get them a lot. That sounds funny, but I actually am always finding cool jobs - like Pinkberry, reading the paper to an elderly couple/getting their mail, tutoring, you name it! I'm just so bad at keeping them (as in, I take them, and then don't like having them). I prioritize everything else? Maybe I should really just stick with school and nothing else, but the idea of working a bit and making some money is too enticing.
I went to Dr. Harwood's "Bluegrass & Brownies" event yesterday! I only stayed for a short while, but it was really cute. I think everyone enjoyed the fact that our director plays an awesome mandolin. It was by West 4th, so I'm glad I went because I rarely leave our 23rd street area. I'm trying to explore other places in NYC - West Village, East Village, more of the upper west side, while simultaneously stalking celebs that live there (why does everyone but me run into Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield? Why?)
Side notes of the week: I love the Braveheart and Last of the Mohicans and Schindler's List soundtracks! Other side note of the week: I've noticed that I need to de-bummify. That's not a word, but it needs to happen. I'm not saying I'm a hideous dresser all the time, it's just that I've noticed that I never ever see cute guys except for on the days where my hair resembles a bird's nest/I'm wearing my crooked 7th grade glasses/I'm wearing baggy attire that could fit several small animals underneath. And then I'll end up seeing them for more than .02 seconds and they end up next to me on the subway, in lines, next to me in class. WHY!? The days where I look relatively un-terrible, I never see anyone.
1. Why do cute boys show up at such inopportune times in my life? 2. Why do I allow myself to go out into society looking so bedraggled? 3.The idea that they will fall in love with me anyway because they see my inner personality and find me and my terrible clothing hilarious or cute in a good way is proving to be....completely untrue.
Sob (just kidding. My interactions with cute guys when I look terrible are pretty hilarious and embarrassing, but they're entertaining to me. Why do I get a kick out of these things...). Anyway midterms next week....! But then it's spring break and I will be free to watch so many movies finally!
Good luck everyone!
Amirah
I am listening to pandora (LOTR soundtrack playing right now, in case you were dying of curiosity), and I figured out a vague plan for my sustainability project for MHC class. I also went to Luu's Baguette (a vietnamese sandwich shop) on 26th and 3rd (or lex. might be lex). It was hands down the best food I've had in the city. It's a small place, but we had the tofu banh mi sandwich for about $6 and it was delicious. I'm not normally a raving food reviewer, but I loved the place. My best friend and I ended up staying for about 2 hours and had a...good and greatly-needed conversation. Who knew?
One of the things I've really got to improve this year is my attitude towards jobs. I love jobs. I get them a lot. That sounds funny, but I actually am always finding cool jobs - like Pinkberry, reading the paper to an elderly couple/getting their mail, tutoring, you name it! I'm just so bad at keeping them (as in, I take them, and then don't like having them). I prioritize everything else? Maybe I should really just stick with school and nothing else, but the idea of working a bit and making some money is too enticing.
I went to Dr. Harwood's "Bluegrass & Brownies" event yesterday! I only stayed for a short while, but it was really cute. I think everyone enjoyed the fact that our director plays an awesome mandolin. It was by West 4th, so I'm glad I went because I rarely leave our 23rd street area. I'm trying to explore other places in NYC - West Village, East Village, more of the upper west side, while simultaneously stalking celebs that live there (why does everyone but me run into Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield? Why?)
Side notes of the week: I love the Braveheart and Last of the Mohicans and Schindler's List soundtracks! Other side note of the week: I've noticed that I need to de-bummify. That's not a word, but it needs to happen. I'm not saying I'm a hideous dresser all the time, it's just that I've noticed that I never ever see cute guys except for on the days where my hair resembles a bird's nest/I'm wearing my crooked 7th grade glasses/I'm wearing baggy attire that could fit several small animals underneath. And then I'll end up seeing them for more than .02 seconds and they end up next to me on the subway, in lines, next to me in class. WHY!? The days where I look relatively un-terrible, I never see anyone.
1. Why do cute boys show up at such inopportune times in my life? 2. Why do I allow myself to go out into society looking so bedraggled? 3.The idea that they will fall in love with me anyway because they see my inner personality and find me and my terrible clothing hilarious or cute in a good way is proving to be....completely untrue.
Sob (just kidding. My interactions with cute guys when I look terrible are pretty hilarious and embarrassing, but they're entertaining to me. Why do I get a kick out of these things...). Anyway midterms next week....! But then it's spring break and I will be free to watch so many movies finally!
Good luck everyone!
Amirah
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Yoga, Bluesgrass, and Henry IV
Hi everyone!
So last night I went to this really great yoga class, got all my stress out. One of the poses was particularly good for me, especially since I've been having some stomach issues lately due to stress. It's called the moon salutation, or Chandra Namaskar. If you're familiar with yoga, you'll know about the sun salutation, since it's one of the more common poses. However the moon salutation is a little less common. Most yoga was designed for the male body, however the moon salutation is primarily attuned to the female body. It's the counterbalance to the sun salutation, the more feminine side of our energy to the sun's masculine side. If you're interested in trying it out, here's the diagram on how to do it. Those leg lunges really stretch out the hamstrings and some muscles I didn't know I had. Danielle and I screamed about it all the way home.
Today has been pretty interesting. I had class in the morning, but I have a 3 hour break between my Astronomy lab and my English class. I usually spend this time doing some homework in the library or watching some TV online in one of the lounges. Today, I decided to meet my friend Danielle down in Chinatown for some Chinese food (bok choy and steamed veggie dumplings) and mango ice cream. We walked around a bit and sat at the City Hall park in the sun. It was a pretty nice interlude to my classes, so I might try to get out a little more during this time from now on.
Tonight Danielle, Stacey, and I are going to get dumplings on the 6th floor (each floor at the dorm has their own event) then we're going to this special Macaulay event in the West Village. Our director plays the mandolin and is going to have a little music event. All Macaulay students get in free and we get brownies/dessert, too!
Finally, I'm going to a production of Henry IV that's being performed by the Pearl Theater this Friday. I originally saw previews of this last week when I went to a Shakespeare Society event about the character of Falstaff, right here at the Kaye Playhouse in Hunter. I'm meeting my dad and going out to dinner then to the play. Meeting my dad for dinner is the best, since I get a free dinner out of it! (Oh, and I get to see my dad, who I love. Of course.) So I'm excited for that.
Otherwise, I'm just trying to get through the next week and a half until Spring Break! I have two midterms on the same day, my last day of class, but I'll get through it somehow. I'm rewarding myself for all my hard work with episodes of Shameless US and naps and food. I'm almost done with the second season. I already had one midterm (English in-class essay), so I'm just one step closer to this much-needed break.
Erica
So last night I went to this really great yoga class, got all my stress out. One of the poses was particularly good for me, especially since I've been having some stomach issues lately due to stress. It's called the moon salutation, or Chandra Namaskar. If you're familiar with yoga, you'll know about the sun salutation, since it's one of the more common poses. However the moon salutation is a little less common. Most yoga was designed for the male body, however the moon salutation is primarily attuned to the female body. It's the counterbalance to the sun salutation, the more feminine side of our energy to the sun's masculine side. If you're interested in trying it out, here's the diagram on how to do it. Those leg lunges really stretch out the hamstrings and some muscles I didn't know I had. Danielle and I screamed about it all the way home.
Today has been pretty interesting. I had class in the morning, but I have a 3 hour break between my Astronomy lab and my English class. I usually spend this time doing some homework in the library or watching some TV online in one of the lounges. Today, I decided to meet my friend Danielle down in Chinatown for some Chinese food (bok choy and steamed veggie dumplings) and mango ice cream. We walked around a bit and sat at the City Hall park in the sun. It was a pretty nice interlude to my classes, so I might try to get out a little more during this time from now on.
Tonight Danielle, Stacey, and I are going to get dumplings on the 6th floor (each floor at the dorm has their own event) then we're going to this special Macaulay event in the West Village. Our director plays the mandolin and is going to have a little music event. All Macaulay students get in free and we get brownies/dessert, too!
Finally, I'm going to a production of Henry IV that's being performed by the Pearl Theater this Friday. I originally saw previews of this last week when I went to a Shakespeare Society event about the character of Falstaff, right here at the Kaye Playhouse in Hunter. I'm meeting my dad and going out to dinner then to the play. Meeting my dad for dinner is the best, since I get a free dinner out of it! (Oh, and I get to see my dad, who I love. Of course.) So I'm excited for that.
Otherwise, I'm just trying to get through the next week and a half until Spring Break! I have two midterms on the same day, my last day of class, but I'll get through it somehow. I'm rewarding myself for all my hard work with episodes of Shameless US and naps and food. I'm almost done with the second season. I already had one midterm (English in-class essay), so I'm just one step closer to this much-needed break.
Erica
Monday, March 11, 2013
Blue Skies in Brooklyn, Musings on Barney's, Birds at Trump Tower
Hello, everyone.
This weekend was nice because I got to go shopping with my mom, which doesn't get to happen that often during the semester because almost every weekend seems to be filled with homework. :p This weekend was also nice because of the weather. It was sunny, and there was a blue sky. I love pre-spring weather.
My mom's birthday is this Friday so I went out to get a gift for her today. I stopped by at a couple of stores and found something for her. It's this cool looking bracelet that I think she'll like. I didn't feel like going back to Hunter so I walked to Madison Avenue and eventually ended up at Barney's. I had never been inside before so I decided to walk in and see why celebrities always have Barney's bags hanging on their arms. As expected, everything was expensive and made by all these big designers. But there was something lacking. The entire time that I was there I felt like I was at a museum. The walls are mostly white, and there are mannequins everywhere (one of which I mistook for a real woman haha). I checked out each floor, and they were only a few people on each of them. Maybe it's because it was the middle of the day, but in my experience, most of these designer stores are empty. I saw a few women here or there, but for the most part, it was just sales associates, the mannequins, and little old me. I went to the top floor. To my surprise, there was a large cafe there filled with people. It was the middle of the day and yet all these people had the time to just chill out and eat expensive food. When I told my mom this story, she said that the class differences in this country are astonishingly obvious. I'm not saying these people are "evil" for being rich. It just seemed like a different world to me. The store was definitely a reflection of that world. A world that didn't seem all that appealing to me.
Also, I had been in H&M earlier in the day, and it was so much more fun to be there. At Barney's, the music is kinda weird sounding and not the kind of "high-energy" sounding music that most stores play. Like I said, the walls were bare, there was a lack of people, and in general, the floors felt kinda boring. At H&M, the colors, the music, and the people made it so much more fun to be there.
Barney's and other stores like that have such great reputations, but in reality, they lack what any space needs. Liveliness. The best way to get that is to get people to come. But how can people come if they can't afford all of those expensive clothes?
I also ended up going into Trump Tower for fun. haha. I walked through the first floor all the way to the other side. The doors on that side opened to this mini plaza with tables and chairs filled with people, trees, and cool steel sculptures. It was a really interesting public space. There was something strange about it though. I stopped and listened, and I realized that I was hearing birds!! Hearing the sweet sounds of small birds next to Trump Tower in one of the most expensive areas in the city. Birds. Amazing. :) I don't know if they were placed there on purpose or if they flew in on their own, but they made the area seem like a mini oasis in a desert of Manhattan money. It was great. And this space was filled with people. This is the kind of space that our city needs.
So I had a really interesting day. People always say that the best way to get to know New York is to walk around and see all of the things that go on. That is so incredibly true. We live in one of the coolest cities in the world. It is not without its faults, but its our job to make it better.
I heard this week's song while in a store (not at Barney's!!) :p (by the way, I'm not a designer store hater or anything, but they just make me think about larger social questions).
I love Daughtry. Their songs are emotional, strong, and empowering.
S.
Song of the Week
Ten miles from town and I just broke down
This weekend was nice because I got to go shopping with my mom, which doesn't get to happen that often during the semester because almost every weekend seems to be filled with homework. :p This weekend was also nice because of the weather. It was sunny, and there was a blue sky. I love pre-spring weather.
My mom's birthday is this Friday so I went out to get a gift for her today. I stopped by at a couple of stores and found something for her. It's this cool looking bracelet that I think she'll like. I didn't feel like going back to Hunter so I walked to Madison Avenue and eventually ended up at Barney's. I had never been inside before so I decided to walk in and see why celebrities always have Barney's bags hanging on their arms. As expected, everything was expensive and made by all these big designers. But there was something lacking. The entire time that I was there I felt like I was at a museum. The walls are mostly white, and there are mannequins everywhere (one of which I mistook for a real woman haha). I checked out each floor, and they were only a few people on each of them. Maybe it's because it was the middle of the day, but in my experience, most of these designer stores are empty. I saw a few women here or there, but for the most part, it was just sales associates, the mannequins, and little old me. I went to the top floor. To my surprise, there was a large cafe there filled with people. It was the middle of the day and yet all these people had the time to just chill out and eat expensive food. When I told my mom this story, she said that the class differences in this country are astonishingly obvious. I'm not saying these people are "evil" for being rich. It just seemed like a different world to me. The store was definitely a reflection of that world. A world that didn't seem all that appealing to me.
Also, I had been in H&M earlier in the day, and it was so much more fun to be there. At Barney's, the music is kinda weird sounding and not the kind of "high-energy" sounding music that most stores play. Like I said, the walls were bare, there was a lack of people, and in general, the floors felt kinda boring. At H&M, the colors, the music, and the people made it so much more fun to be there.
Barney's and other stores like that have such great reputations, but in reality, they lack what any space needs. Liveliness. The best way to get that is to get people to come. But how can people come if they can't afford all of those expensive clothes?
I also ended up going into Trump Tower for fun. haha. I walked through the first floor all the way to the other side. The doors on that side opened to this mini plaza with tables and chairs filled with people, trees, and cool steel sculptures. It was a really interesting public space. There was something strange about it though. I stopped and listened, and I realized that I was hearing birds!! Hearing the sweet sounds of small birds next to Trump Tower in one of the most expensive areas in the city. Birds. Amazing. :) I don't know if they were placed there on purpose or if they flew in on their own, but they made the area seem like a mini oasis in a desert of Manhattan money. It was great. And this space was filled with people. This is the kind of space that our city needs.
So I had a really interesting day. People always say that the best way to get to know New York is to walk around and see all of the things that go on. That is so incredibly true. We live in one of the coolest cities in the world. It is not without its faults, but its our job to make it better.
I heard this week's song while in a store (not at Barney's!!) :p (by the way, I'm not a designer store hater or anything, but they just make me think about larger social questions).
I love Daughtry. Their songs are emotional, strong, and empowering.
S.
Song of the Week
Ten miles from town and I just broke down
Spittin' out smoke on the side of the road
I'm out here alone just tryin' to get home
To tell you I was wrong but you already know
Believe me I won't stop at nothin'
To see you so I've started runnin'
All that I'm after is a life full of laughter
As long as I'm laughing with you
I'm thinkin' that all that still matters is love ever after
After the life we've been through
'Cause I know there's no life after you
"Life After You" by Daughtry
Food is Really Hit-Or-Miss In College
Clearly, my life revolves around food.
Sometimes, it's really great food - like when I go out and get soup dumplings with my friends.
Sometimes it's food I used to think was good, and then I had real food (Domino's Pizza is just sad now... dollar pizza is much better, and, y'know, a dollar.)
Sometimes it's food I am really proud of. Last night my friends and I stayed in and made pasta with chicken and spinach in tomato sauce, as well as couscous.
I'm a fairly decent cook, so I made the chicken and spinach and then seasoned the sauce. I used a lot of garlic, plenty of basil, some oregano, some sage, and a little thyme.
Sam (one of my friends) decided he was going to make couscous to go with all of this, and it came out pretty well. I'm not a huge couscous eater, but he did it with lemon, sage, and rosemary so it was rather nice.
So we had this big fancy meal, Sam, Erica and I. It was wonderful. People commented on how good it smelled, on how nice it looked, congratulated us for being able to cook. (The photos, in order, are mine, Erica's, and Sam's - as you can see, he stole one of my plates. That's a common theme in college friendships here in the dorms, you use stuff from whoever's room is closest.)
All that said, I just made cup noodles wrong. They're utterly inedible. I have no idea what I did wrong.
Sometimes, it's really great food - like when I go out and get soup dumplings with my friends.
Sometimes it's food I used to think was good, and then I had real food (Domino's Pizza is just sad now... dollar pizza is much better, and, y'know, a dollar.)
Sometimes it's food I am really proud of. Last night my friends and I stayed in and made pasta with chicken and spinach in tomato sauce, as well as couscous.
I'm a fairly decent cook, so I made the chicken and spinach and then seasoned the sauce. I used a lot of garlic, plenty of basil, some oregano, some sage, and a little thyme.
Sam (one of my friends) decided he was going to make couscous to go with all of this, and it came out pretty well. I'm not a huge couscous eater, but he did it with lemon, sage, and rosemary so it was rather nice.
So we had this big fancy meal, Sam, Erica and I. It was wonderful. People commented on how good it smelled, on how nice it looked, congratulated us for being able to cook. (The photos, in order, are mine, Erica's, and Sam's - as you can see, he stole one of my plates. That's a common theme in college friendships here in the dorms, you use stuff from whoever's room is closest.)
All that said, I just made cup noodles wrong. They're utterly inedible. I have no idea what I did wrong.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
A Walk in the Park
Hi everyone!
I had a really great weekend. Since I finish class at 2:30 on Thursdays and don't have class on Fridays, it leaves me a whole extra night to do work and have fun. My friends, Sam, Danielle, Trevor and I decided to watch some movies (Brokeback Mountain and Donnie Darko) and make it a night in, snacks included. Friday I spent doing homework and relaxing because I was getting ready to go out all weekend.
So Saturday and Sunday have been my big days this weekend. Saturday I went out to lunch with my friends Stacey and Ariel to this Cambodian sandwich shop on 25th and Broadway called Num Pang sandwich shop. I got the Coconut Tiger Shrimp sandwich and it was amazing! They make all their sandwiches with these tasty baguettes and their signature chili mayo.
I'm not really a sandwich person, but it was a perfect lunch. I was amazed I had never been to this place because it's right by the dorms and only a couple blocks from the 6 train. Stop by there if you ever get the chance.
After this, we decided to meet up with some my friends Dan, Maya, and Danielle to go to this event at the Rubin Museum, on 17th between 6th and 7th. If you don't know, the Rubin Museum is a specialized museum for the art of the Himalayas. It's small and modern. The rooms are rather tiny and crowded with a lot of people, but the color scheme is so relaxing; burgundy, navy, and dark grey. There was an event going on there called Samsara Night: Journey to Enlightenment. This was the museum's teen event; admission and snacks were free. (We get in free as Macaulay students with our Cultural Passes anyway. One of the advantages of going to Macaulay is that we get in free to all of these great museums.) There were tour guides showing us around the museum; each floor had a theme based on the Wheel of Life, which divides the world into realms; human, animal, demigod, and god, as well as others.
We went through the Human Realm, the God Realm, and the Hell Realm. Each floor had a 15 minute introduction or story related to a piece of artwork, then a craft activity with a professional artist. I made a sketch of Buddha, attempted learning to knit, and other great activities. At the end we had an Enlightenment party where we learned how to dance, applied henna, and ate vegetable dumplings. Sam is an artist and did this beautiful and intricate henna design on his arm. It'll be there for about a month! He's gonna learn how to do it better and buy his own henna and practice on us.
I had a really great weekend. Since I finish class at 2:30 on Thursdays and don't have class on Fridays, it leaves me a whole extra night to do work and have fun. My friends, Sam, Danielle, Trevor and I decided to watch some movies (Brokeback Mountain and Donnie Darko) and make it a night in, snacks included. Friday I spent doing homework and relaxing because I was getting ready to go out all weekend.
So Saturday and Sunday have been my big days this weekend. Saturday I went out to lunch with my friends Stacey and Ariel to this Cambodian sandwich shop on 25th and Broadway called Num Pang sandwich shop. I got the Coconut Tiger Shrimp sandwich and it was amazing! They make all their sandwiches with these tasty baguettes and their signature chili mayo.
I'm not really a sandwich person, but it was a perfect lunch. I was amazed I had never been to this place because it's right by the dorms and only a couple blocks from the 6 train. Stop by there if you ever get the chance.
After this, we decided to meet up with some my friends Dan, Maya, and Danielle to go to this event at the Rubin Museum, on 17th between 6th and 7th. If you don't know, the Rubin Museum is a specialized museum for the art of the Himalayas. It's small and modern. The rooms are rather tiny and crowded with a lot of people, but the color scheme is so relaxing; burgundy, navy, and dark grey. There was an event going on there called Samsara Night: Journey to Enlightenment. This was the museum's teen event; admission and snacks were free. (We get in free as Macaulay students with our Cultural Passes anyway. One of the advantages of going to Macaulay is that we get in free to all of these great museums.) There were tour guides showing us around the museum; each floor had a theme based on the Wheel of Life, which divides the world into realms; human, animal, demigod, and god, as well as others.
We went through the Human Realm, the God Realm, and the Hell Realm. Each floor had a 15 minute introduction or story related to a piece of artwork, then a craft activity with a professional artist. I made a sketch of Buddha, attempted learning to knit, and other great activities. At the end we had an Enlightenment party where we learned how to dance, applied henna, and ate vegetable dumplings. Sam is an artist and did this beautiful and intricate henna design on his arm. It'll be there for about a month! He's gonna learn how to do it better and buy his own henna and practice on us.
This was only the beginning of our night though. We went to Hunter to see the Vagina Monologues and to support our friend, Anna. I had already seen the other Eve Ensler play, Emotional Creature, a couple months earlier with the original cast. Although this was a student production of her work, it was a really good one! I would definitely recommend seeing both of these fabulous plays. They're very emotional and almost disturbing in some sections, but they really raise the feminist sentiment in everyone. We finished the night with dinner down in Chinatown. We ordered a whole ton of food, from soup dumplings and chicken lo mein to bok choy and rice balls, and split it all. I went to bed a very happy and full girl.
This morning, I woke up and trekked over to the Macaulay building on the Upper West Side with Sam and Stacey for the spring Macaulay Tech Fair. We learned how to make websites and critiqued past ones for our Seminar 2 project for Peopling of New York. Even though my class is making documentaries, a lot of what we went over will be important for future projects. Stacey is a sucker for sweets, so she constantly drags me to different bakeries. Therefore, we got Magnolia Bakery cupcakes on the way there. Sam and Stacey got a Pistachio cupcake and a Hummingbird (banana, pineapple, and pecan) cupcake. Magnolia Bakery has many locations throughout the city; we ended up at the 69th and Columbus location.
(Credit to my friend Sam)
Macaulay had a whole bunch of food after the Tech Fair and we scored free wraps and fruit! We took our lunch over to Central Park and sat on the benches, people-watching and munching. Today was a beautiful day and we took advantage of the nice weather to meander through the park, look at little kids with their families, runners, and people walking their dogs. We finally ended up at the Plaza and got on the 59th street subway back to the dorms. When it gets a bit warmer, I can start spending time between classes eating and sunning in the park. Tonight for dinner, Sam, Danielle, and I are making Chicken in tomato sauce with sautéed spinach over pasta and couscous. Dinner basically works as a communal thing where everyone contributes ingredients. I gave chicken and spices, Danielle brought spinach and tomato sauce, and Sam brought couscous and pasta. It's gonna be super delicious. Maybe we'll grab some Red Mango later tonight.
I'm just so excited that spring seems to be in the air. It's putting me in such a good mood!
Erica
Friday, March 8, 2013
Lunch at School
One of my favourite things about school was lunch time, for obvious reasons. College doesn't have an official "lunch time" but if you've got a gap and an empty stomach, you can have a culinary adventure. Now in high school I was a pretty regular hot-lunch kid.(Meaning I bought my lunch at school) Sometimes I would take the time to make myself something the night before and bring it to school, but since my school didn't have microwaves, you could only bring food you were happy eating cold.
Hunter does have a cafeteria, its in the West Building. To be quite honest with you all - don't waste your money there. The food is dismal, the prices are outrageous, and its just no fun. So then where do you eat??? I like the Roadside Grill. Its a food truck that sits right outside Hunter every day. You get food similar to what you could get in the cafeteria- chicken nuggets, burgers. But you can also get gyros and chicken over rice, they have good shish kabobs, decent falafel, and the prices are standard for cart food. There is a pizza place on 3rd Ave that isn't half bad, and a few doors down from that is a Chipotle. Two blocks south on Lexington Avenue is a deli that makes very good egg bacon and cheese sandwiches in the mornings.
For those of you who choose to bring your lunch with you (I did that today!) Hunter's cafeteria does have a microwave and utensils you can use. You can also get hot water from the cafeteria to make cup noodles or instant mac'n'cheese.
Okay so now you have food, you just need somewhere to eat it. The cafeteria does have tables and chairs, but getting a seat is sometimes tricky. This is a school of 15,000 after all.
Now if the weather is nice out, my recommendation is to eat in Central Park. Its only a few blocks West, its green, its pretty, and its peaceful. And you get to send pictures of you eating lunch in Central Park to all your friends and family.
If you haven't got the time to luxuriate in the park, you can eat on one of the balconies. On the eighth floor of both the West and East buildings, there are balconies that Hunter students can access. They give really impressive views of the Midtown skyline and the area surrounding Hunter.
And, in the event of bad weather, there are bridges over Lexington Avenue that give spectacular views. We actually have the only sky bridges that pass over Lexington Avenue. When the school was built is was a humongous controversy about it, but thankfully they managed to save them. There is one on the seventh floor, and two on the third floor.
Hunter does have a cafeteria, its in the West Building. To be quite honest with you all - don't waste your money there. The food is dismal, the prices are outrageous, and its just no fun. So then where do you eat??? I like the Roadside Grill. Its a food truck that sits right outside Hunter every day. You get food similar to what you could get in the cafeteria- chicken nuggets, burgers. But you can also get gyros and chicken over rice, they have good shish kabobs, decent falafel, and the prices are standard for cart food. There is a pizza place on 3rd Ave that isn't half bad, and a few doors down from that is a Chipotle. Two blocks south on Lexington Avenue is a deli that makes very good egg bacon and cheese sandwiches in the mornings.
For those of you who choose to bring your lunch with you (I did that today!) Hunter's cafeteria does have a microwave and utensils you can use. You can also get hot water from the cafeteria to make cup noodles or instant mac'n'cheese.
Okay so now you have food, you just need somewhere to eat it. The cafeteria does have tables and chairs, but getting a seat is sometimes tricky. This is a school of 15,000 after all.
Now if the weather is nice out, my recommendation is to eat in Central Park. Its only a few blocks West, its green, its pretty, and its peaceful. And you get to send pictures of you eating lunch in Central Park to all your friends and family.
If you haven't got the time to luxuriate in the park, you can eat on one of the balconies. On the eighth floor of both the West and East buildings, there are balconies that Hunter students can access. They give really impressive views of the Midtown skyline and the area surrounding Hunter.
And, in the event of bad weather, there are bridges over Lexington Avenue that give spectacular views. We actually have the only sky bridges that pass over Lexington Avenue. When the school was built is was a humongous controversy about it, but thankfully they managed to save them. There is one on the seventh floor, and two on the third floor.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
I'm going somewhere cool for Spring Break!
So I should really wait for this trip to happen for me to tell you guys about it.
BUT I CANNOT WAIT. I AM FAR TOO EXCITED.
On the 25th and 26th of March, I am going down to Washington D.C.
I am going to Washington D.C. to see the Supreme Court.
The argument for that day is Hollingsworth v. Perry.
That case is more commonly know as the Prop 8 Case - defining the legality of gay marriage in California.
GUYS I AM GOING TO LISTEN TO HISTORY BEING MADE. I AM GOING TO SIT THROUGH THE ARGUMENTS THAT ARE GOING TO BE PRESENTED. I'm obscenely excited.
Hunter's Pre-Law society planned this trip, and I was lucky enough to get a spot on it.
Also, we're going to be in town for the Cherry Blossom Festival - which means that I will have so many pretty pictures for you guys!!!
The only down side is that if we have to, we're going to get on line for the arguments the day before. Apparently, there are two ways to visit the Supreme Court during an argument. You can go visit and see the inside for ten minutes, or you can sit for the entire time to hear it. Obviously, we want to sit the full time and hear the arguments - at least until lunch. But quite frankly, if it's one sleepless night to watch history get made, then I'll take it.
So I'll update you all when I actually go and see history, or maybe before that, if something interesting happens. :)
BUT I CANNOT WAIT. I AM FAR TOO EXCITED.
On the 25th and 26th of March, I am going down to Washington D.C.
I am going to Washington D.C. to see the Supreme Court.
The argument for that day is Hollingsworth v. Perry.
That case is more commonly know as the Prop 8 Case - defining the legality of gay marriage in California.
GUYS I AM GOING TO LISTEN TO HISTORY BEING MADE. I AM GOING TO SIT THROUGH THE ARGUMENTS THAT ARE GOING TO BE PRESENTED. I'm obscenely excited.
Hunter's Pre-Law society planned this trip, and I was lucky enough to get a spot on it.
Also, we're going to be in town for the Cherry Blossom Festival - which means that I will have so many pretty pictures for you guys!!!
The only down side is that if we have to, we're going to get on line for the arguments the day before. Apparently, there are two ways to visit the Supreme Court during an argument. You can go visit and see the inside for ten minutes, or you can sit for the entire time to hear it. Obviously, we want to sit the full time and hear the arguments - at least until lunch. But quite frankly, if it's one sleepless night to watch history get made, then I'll take it.
So I'll update you all when I actually go and see history, or maybe before that, if something interesting happens. :)
Food for Thought
So I just wanted to write a quick post including some instagram (http://instagram.com/maymayxo) photos of meals that I've made since the last time I mentioned cooking. I've actually done many more meals than this, but often I want to eat so badly that I forget to take a picture, but I'll try to remember from now on. Generally I try to include lots of veggies in order to keep my health up, but I also like to have some (okay a lot.. I often overdo it) protein. These pictures show a bit of a range, but I've actually begun to go grocery shopping in Chinatown so there's been even more of a range since and I'm excited to be able to show some of those in the future.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Busy Weeks, Seminar 4, and Motivation
Hey, everyone!
The last week has been kinda nutty with 2 exams and a paper for Seminar. It's only early March, and I'm already exhausted. Sometimes I forget how intense college can be. I can't complain though. Everyone's really busy studying and stressing. One of the things that motivates me when I'm feeling tired and don't feel like doing anything is hearing about other people's accomplishments. I'm a bio major so looking at all of those early scientists who made these groundbreaking discoveries is really inspiring. They dedicated their entire lives to trying to figure out the answer to one specific problem in one specific field. I think that's pretty amazing. It takes a great amount of commitment and discipline to do that. The ITF's who work with Macaulay are also doing the same thing. They're all grad students who work on these interesting and complex dissertations for YEARS. I look at them, and I am just like,"How do you do it?!" I really admire them because pushing your brain to its limit is definitely not a painless process. But it gets a little easier when you welcome the challenge of that 10-page paper instead of fighting it or avoiding it. The days when I'm sitting there wanting to hit my head against the table because I don't want to write another lab report are not fun OR productive. I always get the most out of those days when I face an "intellectual" obstacle head on. So don't fear that big project or exam. Conquer it.
In my Seminar 4 class, we had to present the first part of our final project. Everyone had interesting projects. The first part of my project deals with the history of the NYPL and how it has developed over the 20th century. The second part will be a discussion of future renovation plans and the impact of digital technology and the Internet on how libraries are currently used by the public. What was interesting to me was that the NYPL developed with the goal of giving people from all different backgrounds access to a place where they could take their education into their own hands. At the same time, the library, particularly the main building on Fifth Avenue, was designed to compete with the prestigious libraries of Europe. In order for that to happen, a number of philanthropists have stepped in over the library's history to provide funding for the construction and renovation of buildings and the creation of new programs and services. The result of this is an institution that is both publicly and privately funded and that serves anyone that walks through its doors.
I picked the song below because Gavin DeGraw is one of the most under appreciated singer-songwriters out there. His music and his lyrics are simple, but they make you think.
S.
Song of the Week
Where did all the people go?
They got scared when the lights went low.
I'll get you through it nice and slow,
When the world's spinning out of control.
Afraid of what they might lose
Might get scraped or they might get bruised.
You could beg them, what's the use?
That's why it's called a moment of truth
I'll get it if you need it,
I'll search if you don't see it,
You're thirsty, I'll be rain,
You get hurt, I'll take your pain.
I know you don't believe it,
But I said it and I still mean it,
When you heard what I told you,
When you get worried I'll be your soldier.
"Soldier" by Gavin DeGraw
The last week has been kinda nutty with 2 exams and a paper for Seminar. It's only early March, and I'm already exhausted. Sometimes I forget how intense college can be. I can't complain though. Everyone's really busy studying and stressing. One of the things that motivates me when I'm feeling tired and don't feel like doing anything is hearing about other people's accomplishments. I'm a bio major so looking at all of those early scientists who made these groundbreaking discoveries is really inspiring. They dedicated their entire lives to trying to figure out the answer to one specific problem in one specific field. I think that's pretty amazing. It takes a great amount of commitment and discipline to do that. The ITF's who work with Macaulay are also doing the same thing. They're all grad students who work on these interesting and complex dissertations for YEARS. I look at them, and I am just like,"How do you do it?!" I really admire them because pushing your brain to its limit is definitely not a painless process. But it gets a little easier when you welcome the challenge of that 10-page paper instead of fighting it or avoiding it. The days when I'm sitting there wanting to hit my head against the table because I don't want to write another lab report are not fun OR productive. I always get the most out of those days when I face an "intellectual" obstacle head on. So don't fear that big project or exam. Conquer it.
In my Seminar 4 class, we had to present the first part of our final project. Everyone had interesting projects. The first part of my project deals with the history of the NYPL and how it has developed over the 20th century. The second part will be a discussion of future renovation plans and the impact of digital technology and the Internet on how libraries are currently used by the public. What was interesting to me was that the NYPL developed with the goal of giving people from all different backgrounds access to a place where they could take their education into their own hands. At the same time, the library, particularly the main building on Fifth Avenue, was designed to compete with the prestigious libraries of Europe. In order for that to happen, a number of philanthropists have stepped in over the library's history to provide funding for the construction and renovation of buildings and the creation of new programs and services. The result of this is an institution that is both publicly and privately funded and that serves anyone that walks through its doors.
I picked the song below because Gavin DeGraw is one of the most under appreciated singer-songwriters out there. His music and his lyrics are simple, but they make you think.
S.
Song of the Week
Where did all the people go?
They got scared when the lights went low.
I'll get you through it nice and slow,
When the world's spinning out of control.
Afraid of what they might lose
Might get scraped or they might get bruised.
You could beg them, what's the use?
That's why it's called a moment of truth
I'll get it if you need it,
I'll search if you don't see it,
You're thirsty, I'll be rain,
You get hurt, I'll take your pain.
I know you don't believe it,
But I said it and I still mean it,
When you heard what I told you,
When you get worried I'll be your soldier.
"Soldier" by Gavin DeGraw
Ready, set, Taiwan!
Hi everyone! This will just be a quick update about how my summer plans in Taiwan have been pretty much finalized; well, the me getting to Taiwan part has been sorted. Last week our confirmations to our acceptances to the program were due, which I sent in happily. I also had to have my parents send the money, and I also bought my plane ticket there. However, I only bought a one way ticket because after Taiwan my friends and I plan to go on a little trip around South East Asia. I'm super excited, and I was just telling my friend the other day that even when I'm doing something completely unrelated to Flagship and my Taiwanese study abroad, the summer plans are in the back of my head. I'm meticulous about planning for things, so now that the flight there and my acceptance to the program is sorted, I will probably be setting up lists upon lists for what I want to pack. I'm ridiculous, I know. Anyway, I can't wait to be able to post pictures and stories from what's going on over there this summer, but for now I must get back to work on my Classical Mythology essay (who knew having to compare two real life people to a god and a goddess would be so difficult?).
Weekly Counter: This is Week One! (As in the second week in a row that I've posted!)
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