| Michelle's 25 things |
[Oct. 5th, 2009|11:56 pm] |
Do you remember the Facebook fad last year where people posted 25 facts about themselves. I actually never did. I just simply missed the boat. But apparently, at one point in time, I wrote down potentials, what I would write down if I were to ever post it but never got around to it. Recently, I found the notebook, some old red spiral, just sitting on my bookshelf. So I figured why not? I'll post my 25 (+) facts about me. :)
( Michelle's 25 things )
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| "Its not nirvana but it's on the way" |
[Aug. 14th, 2009|07:07 pm] |
Since I have been back from Europe, I have not been able to find a job. Believe me. I have been TRYING. My resumes have gone out to numerous job opportunities. and good ones that would've fit me too! After I had no responses, I switched to paid internships. After no responses, I unleashed on unpaid internships. and I was one step away from just volunteering when...
I had a phone interview with GeoPage, a one-stop CityGuide website to help people find local places following advice from blogs. After the phone interview, I had to write two blogs
Cupcakes Siege Seattle & Como se dice empanadillas
You are now looking at the newest GeoPage Internet Marketing and Social Media Intern. For the first month, I'll be writing about 4 creative blogs a week about where I'm eating, have eaten, etc and my experience. Then, I post them and hopefully, people read them. I'm receiving the contract soonish, which will have more details.
Although this is unpaid (and I NEED money right now... paying for UW and books and all.. aWUH??), I'm really happy to have this opportunity. It's finally a way to start working with social media, it's a young company, there will be more networking functions than at Teatro Zinzanni, the CEO will write a letter of recommendation and just seems like good experience to have on a resume. I want to work on my creative writing skills and so, this is great practice. Also, it's not a strenuous time commitment and still leaves me time to do schoolwork and have an actual job on the side. Speaking of which, I have an interview next Monday to work as a barista at Qwest Field home games. It's temporary and sporadic BUT it would be nice to have some extra pocket change. PLUS, it would possibly leave me extra time to have a job during the weekdays, perhaps on-campus or something.
Wish me luck on that! I'm just trying to ride out this economic downturn.
Downside: I feel SLIGHTLY guilty for studying abroad and going to Europe.
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| (no subject) |
[Apr. 24th, 2009|10:44 pm] |
This could be a twitter update but instead, I will put it in here.
I just spent an unprecendented amount of hours watching the latest Office and then going back and watching fan videos of John Kransinski while waiting for old episodes of Jim and Pam's romance episodes to load up and now.. I'm seriously blushing like a little school girl. I may not be a teenager anymore but god, I am still immature and have my crushes on my celebrities. Like seriously. Jim = perfection.
yah, I'm a loser. Whuut? hahh you'd blush too! |
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| (no subject) |
[Mar. 26th, 2009|12:54 am] |
In... 7 hours, I am waking up to get dressed and stuff last minute things in my bag for my epic study abroad trip. Here's my itinerary so you all in LJ land will get the jist. I'm stoked, nervous, and know I'll be tired by the time that I actually do fall asleep in my hostel. SO!
8:00am: wake up, stuff last minute things in my bag, shower, etc.
9:15am: Drive to Airport... gotta be there 2 hours early (who actually does this? pssh but international, gotta roll wit 'em, yo!)
11:55am: Zoom zoom TO ...oh god.. O'hare: The notoriously delayed airport
5:55pm: Land in O'Hare and... chill. read a book, pray my flight isn't delayed
8:35pm: Red eye to FRANKFURT
March 27th, 11:05am: Oh my geez, DEUTSCHLAND.....and then I nap in the Frankfurt airport b/c that is the only socially acceptable place to fall asleep on a bench with bags draped around you. Oh and at some point, I'll take a train into Frankfurt to grab some food and get ready for my train ride aaat...
8:00pm: Train Ride: Frankfurt to Vienna West Bahnhof (Near zee hostel
March 28th, 6AM: Arrive in BEAUTIFUL Vienna... exhausted.. sleep deprived
...and I can't check into my hostel until like...2pm. So my plan: Stop by, ask to drop off my bags, beg, plead, etc. Just get rid of my bags and then go sit in a coffee house and konk out.. or something of that sort. Whatever. I'll figure it out.
For those that don't know, I am studying abroad for Spring quarter in Vienna. The program goes from March 29th - June 26th and consists of intensive german courses and some culture classes as well. Then, I'm shipping a bag home and backpacking around Europe until July 22nd. Already, I plan on meeting up with Kate from BU and some other people who happen to be in Europe. I'm scared, I'm stoked, I'm nervous. My heart is beating like a hammer. Doesn't really matter. Tomorrow, I'm on a plane, east, to the parts of Europe that I have yet to explore. :) I'll keep ya posted. Or try.
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| Collective Camping |
[Feb. 17th, 2009|11:01 pm] |
President's weekend was a blast for moi. I had a hectic week beforehand, with two midterms, a test and a presentation, which culminated into a 94% on my finance midterm (curve was 90 though :(), a good job on my presentation, a 85 on my german test and a yet-to-be-released score on my Marketing midterm. Overall, pretty good but I just gotta keep going strong. In celebration, I had the most amazing veg session on Friday, watching SATC, Entourage, The Wedding Singer, etc. It was fabulous and needed as I rebuilt up my energy for the weekend.
Valentine's Day, I worked, went to an improv dinner which was fun, and then went to Brittney Griffen's 21st b-day party. SO awesome to see high school friends. yadda yadda yadda/
On Sunday, I went camping up at Kitsap Memorial Park with the majority of the members from my improv group. Sunday afternoon, we met at the UW and divided ourselves up into 3 separate cars. I was in the 2-door SUV with the driver who kept on making all the wrong turns. It was fantastically hilarious. By the time we got to the ferry line, I was absolutely starving and begged to get out so I could snag some grub. After much playful fun, the people I was in the car with released me and I rushed to the nearby hotdog stand. While ordering my food, I hear Margaret screaming my name and the sound of engines revving. THE FERRY WAS LOADING! and the cars WERE moving. I just stood there and got my hotdog and kinda watched it all happen, waiting for the cars to load so I could at least attempt to walk on the ferry. The people in the car were freaking out/laughing at this predicament that could ONLY happen with a group of 12 people. Let me tell you... I have been on A LOT of ferries and have NEVER had this happen to me.
So I walked through the pedestrian walkway and up to the ticket guys. Kinda bummed b/c I had already paid for my ferry ticket but via car travel, not pedestrian travel. This is how our conversation went:
Me: "heeey, do you guys offer discounts?"
Them: "What kind of discounts?"
Me: "A discount for maybe a Husky Card?" (it works on the Sounder and a LOT of transportation.. it may have worked?)
Them: Nope, sorry :)
Me: "Ooh... well, do you offer discounts for people who were previously in a car but then went to go buy a hotdog and her friends loaded on the ferry without her??" *holds up hotdog*
Them: LAaaaughing.. "hahaha maaybe. Go right on ahead"
and I dashed up the runway to see my friends waiting at the pedestrian load on part, describing me to the employees. They were saying, "She's holding a hot dog." which hey, I was!
Then, the car I was in... its car alarm started going off. Basically it was just mishap after mishap. Anyway, we stayed in cabins, roasted bread, hot dogs, marshmallows, pizza rolls, etc etc. We played Gestapo (Freaky GAME!), did various forms of improv and just... it was a kick!
But yeah, I wanted to highlight that little misadventure b/c it cracks me up :)
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| (no subject) |
[Jan. 12th, 2009|12:55 am] |
There were two Collective improv shows over the weekend. I performed in Friday's and was an audience member on Saturday. The first two since coming back from break after one rehearsal and I could definitely feel and see the rustiness. I, personally, am still disappointed in myself because I have yet to find my stride within the group. For some reason, I am unable to raise the stakes and my offers just aren't bold enough. Plus I cannot find the audience's humor. But I'm going to keep on trying and I think hanging out with the improv members is helping. After both shows, I hung out with them. Played Mafia w/ them on Friday and then on Saturday, we went to a drama party. which was a blast. I had forgotten how insane and friendly and goofy drama kids are. So much fun.
But REALLY what I wanted to post about was a funny story. Although I'm not sure how much it'll translate b/c it might be a "You had to be there" type of deal.
So I'm about to leave my house Saturday evening to catch the bus and head on over to the U District to see the show when Morgan, one of the members, calls and asks frantically, "DO you have an extra shirt for Katrina?!" I rush down to the dryer, tug it out and thankfully, its dry enough. So I yell, "yup!" and charge up the stairs in order to catch the first bus to Downtown Ballard for my transfer to the U. So I'm waiting....and I'm waiting...aaand waiting. The 15 bus never comes. Just plain NEVER comes. and it's not like I missed it b/c I was late b/c I had about ... 2 minutes and it couldn't have been early. So, rain is coming down and I'm frantically looking at my watch, sending texts to Morgan and Katrina saying, "I'm not sure if I'll be there in time.. you can blame the King County Metro.. I ...am so sorry! It's gonna be REAL close." I even contemplated hailing a cab but unfortunately, NONE.. and I mean NONE were coming. So I headed down my giant hill for the 15 minute walk in the rain to the 44 stop to just work with what I've got. Standing wasn't getting me anywhere. Fortunately, I get down there and I barely catch the 44 to the UW... but woohoo I do! Unfortunately, it was 10:20...the show starts at 10:40...20 minutes to the UW would be a miracle. It became a race. HOw fast could the bus driver go?
The entire time I was on sitting on the bus, my fingers were trembling with anticipation. Would they delay the show so Katrina would have her shirt? and by how much? Could I just throw it at her and she could toss it on? WHAT WOULD HAPPEN? Before I knew it, I was in the U District at my stop. I jumped off and I RAN, rain water hitting my face, my heart pounding. I rush to the theater, zip around the corner, burst through the door, say hi to the techie, charge backstage, push the door open, throw the shirt at Katrina and proceed to slip and fall on my ass as my feet fly OUT from under me. I'm talking banana peel WOOOSH and POW! I'm on the ground. Thankfully, I was perfectly fine :) and all the Collective members agreed it was a great, funny, pre-show way to start it. :)
What I've learned: I've got the Collective's back, even if it means falling on my own :) |
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| (no subject) |
[Dec. 17th, 2008|01:07 pm] |
I got my grades back from the UW. Strangely enough, I did the best in German, which is fabulous because I was considering taking that as a pass/fail class. This quarter lowered by GPA overall but not by much. Pulling off a 3.45, which, hey, I'm okay with that. Plus, I'm perfectly okay with being done with my finals by December 8th. Quarter systems are such a rush. It's a constant sprint with little to no time to breathe. Anyway, this was a tough quarter and I look forward to Winter quarter. and REALLY looking forward to Spring Quarter because that is when I will be in Vienna. WOOO! Since I'm flying east-ward, I'm contemplating breaking the flight up in parts and stopping in Boston to say hi... but I'm scared it'll be a repeat of what happened last March. So, I'm just not sure... and I'm torn because there are people that I want to see and I miss Boston. Just a very torn feeling.
Because I finished finals so early (Dec 8th), I zipped up to Calgary for a bit of a vacation and seeing Tyler. I'd like to call this "Post-Finals, Michelle is a klutzy joke" visit. I got in late Monday and nothing bad happened. But then Tuesday, after much persuasive talk, Tyler forced me to play dodgeball with his buddies. Turns out it was the last playoff game of the season and technically, I shouldn't have played b/c only people who have played two games with the team may play in playoff games. I also shouldn't have played because I haven't played dodgeball since I was 10... so.. 10 years ago! But hey, I tried. Through dodgeball, I met Tyler's older bro, Todd, and one of Tyler's friend. His best friend, Matt, shattered his hand playing dodgeball in a higher league the week before. That.. frightened me. But Matt was a pretty cool dude and figured out who I was after I stupidly started talking about playing ultimate down in Seattle. During the game, I mainly played towards the back, throwing like a little, wussy girl which my teammates excused. Plus, I caught a ball once! which was AWESOME. But then, I got stuck in a situation where it was a tied game and the only people who weren't out were me and Todd. So, we were kinda waiting for the clock to run out so the teams could tie for 3rd and so the opposing team was kinda coming after me. and in the last 2 seconds, I got hit aaaand lost the game for my team. But hey, what do you expect when you have a newbie playing in the last playoff game? Then we went out for drinks and I got teased for it. I was a bit uncomfortable because I really only knew Tyler. Oh well c'est la vie.
Wednesday, we went up to Banff and stayed in Canmore. On Thursday, we got ready to ski up at Sunshine and the conditions were INCREDIBLE. It was sunny, the cold front hadn't arrived and there was lots of good powder on the ground. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of putting a dirty contact in my eye w/o having the proper saline solution and instead using visine. Note: REAders: Never use Visine as a contact solution. My eye became increasingly irritated to the point where every blink caused enormous amounts of pain. By 2:00pm of skiing and staying wary of the good routes, I had to admit that I had to call it a day because I simply could not see and didn't want to risk injury. Needless to say, Tyler was a bit pissed because of how much we spent on the lift ticket and on rentals. I would have been happy just sitting in the lodge, chilling, while he got his money's worth but eh. So we left a bit early and bought some saline solution to possibly rinse out my eye. When that didn't work, I enlisted the assistance of my PAPA... who has shared a similar experience. The prescription: AN EYE PATCh, arr! I looked mighty ridiculous but it made my eye feel a lot better and its incredible how fast an eyeball will heal!
Starting Friday, it got bitterly cold. Thank god I went to Boston and experienced -7 F, otherwise I would have never been able to deal with the cold front that Calgary received. It was -26 C aka -15 F w/o the wind chill; the coldest temperatures so far that season. Thank god I had my gear. Friday, it snowed so people were sliding all over the place. On Saturday, we walked to the hockey stadium to see the Calgary Hitmen. It was an 8 minute walk... it is unbelievable how cold your body will get after 5 minutes of walking through some WINDY cold. I was proud of myself!
On Sunday, I went home to Seattle and was shocked to find SNOW on the ground. The week that I was gone, it really snowed all over the country. Northeast, Seattle, Alberta, HOUSTON. I could not believe it. Currently, Seattle's cold front is getting to me. After it gets below freezing, it doesn't matter if its -20 or 22..it's still freaking cold as I learned yesterday while venturing out to a dress up dinner for my friend. But I have to say - I do somewhat enjoy the cold. Everyone knows i LOVE hats but I also enjoy fleece and bundling up and the sound of boots crunching on the snow. :). and sitting inside your house while you watch the wind blowing branches from side to side. Or that initial feeling of walking inside a restaurant to get Pho or...warm soup for that matter.. after trampling around outside. It's nice and I like the change.
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| WIND IT UP! |
[Nov. 26th, 2008|05:22 pm] |
I'm bringing it from the East Coast friends to the West Coast...maybe. OR I've just got some time to kill before improv.
1. Put your iTunes on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy doing this as well as the person you got the note from.
( Questions )
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| Passionate about Certain things in News and what People have been saying |
[Nov. 17th, 2008|07:11 pm] |
I'm feeling very passionate about certain things. All news related. Some of the passion is positive and some of it is just SO much frustration at what people are saying... and the fact that they are SO off in the deep-end wrong... but also considering the possibility that.... what if they're right?
First off, here is a link to Keith Olbermann who delivered an AWESOME, KICK ASS talk arguing against Proposition 8... and it just... he's great. I know its biased and one-sided but for those supporters, gotta watch it. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GplfilGESrA
So that got me all passionate and fired up. It's similar to all the points that have been stated earlier by gay marriage supporters. But I just thought he did a really awesome job.
( Second thing that fired me up )
PLease... SOMEONE respond and tell me I'm not crazy in believing in our system. and liking Obama. and not thinking he's a commie nazi. and still believing in the NY Times. I'm having a mental crisis |
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| Winter Quarter Registration.. I gots no decisiveness yo |
[Nov. 9th, 2008|10:10 pm] |
Tomorrow at 6am its Registration time. and I've got the common ailment of indecision... Indecision Nov 2008.
I am not sure what to sign up for Winter Registration. There are so many options and I feel pulled so many different ways. I am still so undecided on whether I want to graduate on time or add on a few more quarters for the hell of it/necessity because of traveling abroad and possibly volunteering at the Olympics. Then, how do I want to graduate? Do I want a sole degree in Business, a concentration in Marketing, a mixture of international business with marketing, a minor in European studies, or a simple enrichment of international studies with nothing to show for it except for the knowledge and enjoyment.
Next quarter they’re offering this class called Israel and the Global Context. It sounds interesting and its taught by Professor Migdal, who I’ve heard past students absolutely rave about. They love him. I could take that class and therefore, be taking a class simply for the interest. It would be personal enrichment. But the negatives: I’m already SWIMMING in credits, it wouldn’t contribute to either of my possible goals (Business or a minor in European Studies) and may actually mess me up more so I couldn’t possibly get that second option, whatever it would mean.
I feel like the purpose of college is to take classes that you are interested in. While most international studies courses that I’m interested in go towards Euro minor, this one doesn’t unfortunately. I feel like the only reason I should be studying German is for the reward of the minor. That’s the intention when I first entered into it and I kinda want to see it through. But what about all those other interesting classes? Like Anthropology, Geography, History, DIALECTS, history of Dance, etc? Am I cheating my undergraduate experience by not taking these sort of classes? The College in the High School credit is both a blessing and a curse. It has allowed me to stay on track, be considered a junior, not have to start over in language, get my natural sciences out of the way, and not have to take calculus at the college level (HURRAY!) but it has also hampered my ability to take those interesting classes that fascinate me. Also, why does the University of Washington have to have such an amazing offering of classes? So many to choose from and they’re so interesting… or maybe I’m just being deceived by the titles. But how could something like “Sex in Scandinavian Folklore (recommended class apparently” and “Murder” NOT be interesting?
This may be a dumb question but there are opportunities besides right now to take these sort of classes… right? I always see old ladies in my large lecture halls going back for a little bit of enrichment. Non-matriculated.. right? Is that still possible? Because I pretty much want to be those old ladies. Learning keeps the memory going, doncha know? Now where’s my piroshky? |
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| Weathering storms but hey, good things came from it! Foster! |
[Nov. 9th, 2008|03:34 pm] |
| [ | Music |
| | 94.9 Sunday Edition? | ] |
Happy first week of November!
aka. 4 more weeks left of Autumn Quarter left. I cannot wait.
The biggest news I have is I got into my major, business. For those who don't know, students must apply to their majors at UW and business is one of the more competitive ones to get into. I'm mighty stoked about it. However, I had already formed an appropriate healthy outlook if I hadn't made it in. Basically, I understood my life wouldn't have been over. But yeah, yaaay business. haha I'm finally in a school and not a "major" floater! hurray! I am a future business graduate of the Foster School of Business.
Not sure if I made a post about this but I am also a member of the UW improv group, the Collective. In improv, you have to be really close and initially, I was shy... I know.. ME shy! But I was. There were a lot of strong personalities begging for attention, so in cases like that, I stay back and let me take the limelight. It was also initially awkward because I'm the girl that lives way far out in booniesland in Ballard (its really only 20 mins away from the school). Also, a lot of people thought I was a freshman and they were surprised to find I was a junior... hahaha yuup. oy, I look so young for my age.
Shows have been going well but I've been having difficulty getting into my improv groove. It could be because its been a while since I've DONE improv, my characters might have been one-dimensional, my brain isn't thinking fast enough, I'm being overworked, and I'm still working on feeling comfortable within the group. But I think its getting better as all those factors improve.
Third thing going on in my life: school.... its kicking my ass. Specifically german. I hate.. no.. DETEST my german teacher. I have her everyday 9:30-10:30am and let me tell you. It's absolutely fantastic to start my day off with a little bit of self-esteeming butchering. I consistently do my work and participate in class... However, my spoken german is horrible (as well as vocab) and I'm really trying to work on it. My written german is great though! yay. Anyway, when I say something...even when its right, her body language gets all funky and she gives me a look like I don't know what I'm talking about. I go, "oh.. Nein??" and she just passes over me. She thinks I'm a slacker like other kids and I'm NOT. Its bothering me because participation is 20% of our grade. Anyway, she has made me just want to quit learning this stupid language. Definitely does not support kids in their language learning. and oh god, if you ever make a mistake .. ooh shiit.. WHy are you even IN class? Just an awful atmosphere and I am fearful of even speaking up. Buut I'm hoping to possibly study abroad in Vienna over Spring quarter and so I might keep it up. Plus the German 202 teacher has great reviews. Oy vay.
Right now I'm contemplating whether I should get a minor in European Studies. I could but then I wouldn't be able to take fun, interesting classes like, "Israel in a Global Context," taught by this AWESOME international studies prof.
Anyway, life has been good. Just totally swamped, it seems like, every week. Its like, "Weather this storm, breathe breathe, WEATHER.. breeaathe. OH GOSH!" I have an 2nd acctg midterm on Thursday and oh my gosh, its actually something that I've been understanding intuitively. It'll be nice once I'm done with that and then I'm swamped swamped swamped yet again. :) |
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| Interesting Story to me... especially since the main character is from Boston University |
[Oct. 5th, 2008|11:37 am] |
Here is a interesting article. Front page of the Seattle Times actually. I felt it was especially interesting because the main character, Tyson Hunter, attended Boston University and is facing a similar situation that I would have faced if I had continued to attend BU. He actually went back to BU which I can understand but his situation is completely terrifying. I just really related to it and it's what my future could have been.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008228780_loansmain05m1.html
Graduates drowning in debt from high cost of college
By Nick Perry
Seattle Times higher education reporter
Tyson Hunter dresses sharply, works out most every day and can't wait to make his mark on the business world.
Hunter, 23, also happens to owe $152,000 in student loans, accumulated in four years at Boston University. He graduated last year with a bachelor's degree in business administration, and now earns $40,000 a year at a market-research company.
His loan payments soon will top $1,000 a month — the amount of a small mortgage, and about a third of his salary. If he makes the minimum payments, he will retire his student debt when he is 53 years old, having handed lenders some $300,000.
(Continued in Link to Article) |
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| Michelle's SUMMER has BEGUN! |
[Aug. 24th, 2008|10:20 pm] |
I finally have a day off!!! Hurraaah. Four days of freedom each week FOR A MONTH until I start up Autumn Quarter. Who's stoked? I am. I have so much I need to get accomplished.
1. Put my room back together. A week and a half ago after I got back from statistics, my mom and I painted my walls: two blue, two yellow. EHS Alum.. I know what you're thinking. HS school colors. It actually didn't completely hit me until I was cleaning the splattered paint off my legs and was like, "oh my gosh... I look like an overly zealous Spirit Seagull!" Buuuut.. in my defense, its a different SHADe of yellow and a much different type of blue. It looks good. I'll post pictures once my room is all put together.. maybe.. if someone really wants to see them. All I have left to do is put my room back together. I simply haven't had time because of finals week. So tomorrow, doing that. Might try a different layout. My room is especially important to me. How it looks reflects my state of mind.. i.e. messy, colorful, etc. I view it as my sanctuary, a place to escape into something I created. So I'm in the process of molding it and I can't wait until it looks a bit more livable.
2. With my free time this month, I have planned a trip! lolol I saved up a lot of money preparing for my BU debt and now that I'm not facing it, I can go on frivolous trips to exotic places. So, I bought an all-inclusive package with my travel buddy, Tyler, and from Sept. 8-18th, I will be on vacation in the Dominican Republic. Hell, WHY NOT? It's 8 days/nights (the other two days are fun filled layovers!!)... I plan on snorkeling, hiking, swimming, exploring and mainly resting in the sun. Because I have had very few opportunities to enjoy this fantastic summer in Seattle. And I'm crossing my fingers and hoping a wannabe Katrina doesn't pass through. If it does, it's just rain, wind and possible destruction. Nothing that I couldn't handle. I know a lot of good card games. Anyway, I'm excited for the adventure and especially the feeling AFTER a trip; the gaining of a new perspective after going someplace new, especially a new culture. That's exactly why I travel. Every major adventure impacts my life and I wish that more people my age did travel. I see that when they do, they appreciate it and love it. Yay for exotic places!
3.With the time that I have leading up to the trip, I plan on seeing friends, hanging out, going on hikes (hiking Mt.Rainier on Tuesday) and running. Ultimate frisbee Summer hat league got me in much better shape than I was in before. And our team made it to the finals and won Spirit frisbees....lost the final game BUT I scored one of our touchdown points in the final game! I must say... entering in, I was one of the worse off players. It was my first season in this highly organized version of frisbee. LOTs of fun though.
ANYWAY, I knew I was fit because I ran 2/3rds around Green Lake. Anyway, it was a bit after dusk and the run had been great. Good running mix, good pace, keeping good pace with some runners in front of me and man, everyone was walking around Green Lake at that hour. I even saw shadows of birds running along the side. About a mile or so in, I switched to a brisk pace to look for a place to stop, sit in the grass and do some crunches. work zee coore. So I sat down, started doing some random sets. Going till I couldn't go anymore and then doing a few more. And as I'm doing the extra push-crunches, my eyes looking across the lake, the Needle reflected on the waters surface, I see the shadows of the birds running. But I get a closer look and I realize those aren't birds. THOSE ARE RATS! as two scuttle about 4 ft in front of me. I JUMPED! and bolted. A girl kept my pace nice and quick and my adrenaline started pumping every time I saw a tiny shadow SCURRYING! It's not INFESTED. There are just..some rats. So Heads up: If you're looking for the perfect place to bring your significant other after dark to sit in the grass and watch the moon rise over a body of water, I would not recommend Green Lake. unless you enjoy the site of scurrying shadow vermin.
That's what I'll be up to for the next month. Still have to mail a letter to BU telling that I'm officially withdrawing... as in no shissa buut have to make it officially. It is going to feel so strange not flying back east for school. That's why I have to distract myself with the trip. and staying active. Otherwise, I'd just hole myself up in my room, eat paste, bawl and cut myself some emo bangs. UW's great but it is definitely a strange feeling. No denying that. I wish I could say more but I can't. |
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| (no subject) |
[Aug. 9th, 2008|09:59 am] |
| [ | Music |
| | Duffy - Breaking My Own Heart | ] |
Much has been happening in my life. Last Tuesday, my 15 yr old cat, Rosey, passed away. She had been slowly dying for about 6-8 months and I strongly believed that she was only holding on because we switched her usual Meow Meow Mix to Salmon Friskies. It was a shocking sight finding her dead though. I woke up for my 8:30 accounting class, walked into the kitchen and she was lying on the tile, not breathing. I ran into my mom and sister's bedrooms, saying, "Guys! I think the cat is dead!".... my mom's response: "Thank god" (and her head hit the pillow). But really, our family is sad to see her gone. My dad and I held her funeral that day when I got home from school, talked about the memories and buried her in the yard. She's actually right under my window..... she won't haunt me...right?
Coincidentally, my grandmother's ashes arrived from the crematory the same day. And I've reasoned that my family possesses an inability to deal with death..... We crack jokes. What the hell is wrong with us? NO RESPECT. Or we just don't hold the same ideas that society holds about death. Yes its sad... but its no tragedy if they're old. I don't know. I cannot define it right now.
But ya, two deaths in the span of 2 weeks. Well.. except my cat's death is nowhere close to my grandmothers in importance. Anyway, I told my Alfonso, the old italian man at Robertino's, because he asked about my grandmother and I said she passed away two weeks ago... and my cat had died recently. His response: "Well two down. Who is going to be the third?" I looked at him SHOCKED. and he says, "Well, bad things come in threes." ..... uhm... I know that I don't appear affected by death but that doesn't mean that I want to hear about the possibility of someone else dying. The WORST thing he could say... and being an old cranky Italian does not let him off. god.
No talks about getting another pet. We are petless at the moment...and apparently, that means I can't even show my mom the cute, poor dogs at the Seattle Animal Shelter. I think they're cute. Doesn't necessarily mean I want to geeet one.
Other than that, school's good. Two more weeks and then finals for summer quarter. Then, I get a month off! So I'm planning a trip possibly down to the Dominican Republic for about a week. It'd be sweet if it works out. Plus I found out about this opportunity at Wells Fargo. They hire students and its $10/ hr + benefits, etc.... and highlight: They give you $5000/yr for tuition. Pretty great considering UW is only a bit over $6000. But I'm not sure if I could quit Robertino's. Although I do get peeved with what Alfonso says. (He says I can't sit behind the counter when Lori, my BOSS, has explicitly said that I can totally sit as much as I want... as long as I'm serving the customers. His logic: Me sitting makes it look like the cafe isn't busy.... I think the lack of customers makes the cafe not look busy, MISTER.... i don't even sit that much. Maybe like one minute every hour...and out of BOREDOM of no one coming in for a WHILE. oy vay) |
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| (no subject) |
[Jun. 20th, 2008|12:12 am] |
I cannot put what is racing through my head into words right now but I felt an urge to post in livejournal. The past week has been grand.. as it always is when I spend my time with that wonderful boy. and this excessive happiness always lasts for a good week or two. It's fantastic. :) I don't feel like going too in depth in my trip right now buut I have a few things to say
1. I wish that facebook was up and running... because I want to leave comments on walls and what not. aand I want to be Stalker Shelly and read the newsfeed and see what everyone's been up to!
2. Canada and the price of living is way too expensive. Seriously... $5 for a gallon of milk. I don't understand how Canadians afford it. With the high taxes and the expensive food... How do they have money for investment?! Its outrageous! Love the country but I hate the high prices.
3. I feel fantastic
4. I miss ALL.. yes.. ALL of you and want to talk/see/hear what everyone's been up to. So Keep in touch, PEOPLE.. Yes, i am talking to yoU! and I will keep in touch with you. I am done w/ finals so if i've been a booger and haven't been responding, I will! :) |
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| (no subject) |
[Apr. 23rd, 2008|07:20 pm] |
I haven't posted in a long time and it's long overdue. I needed time to adjust to changes, cool off from reactions so as not to say something I would later regret and also, because I've been busy and wasn't sure where to start. Now that I have some time and have relaxed, here's the update:
After coming back from Eastern Europe, I prepared myself to go to the University of Washington and now, it's pretty much official: I have transferred from Boston University to University of Washington. I'm not a visiting student and do not plan on going back to Boston this autumn. I've matriculated at UW and I am a full-time student.
After spending four weeks at UW (almost halfway through the quarter and with mid-terms QUICKLY approaching..eeK!), I can say that I am happy with my decision. But it wasn't easy. I agonized over the decision, for almost six months, analyzed the decision from every point of view and asked about every one I knew about their thoughts and compiled the wisdom I received. Ultimately it came down to Financial Freedom vs. social life. Going to UW, especially with my indecisive mind, allows me the freedom to add on another year if I so choose to, since it's only a little over $6,000 for an entire year. That is INCREDIBLY cheap, comparatively. So, the money that I stored away to pay for BU can now easily pay for UW and affords me more opportunities to travel and see the world. For example, I'm hoping to visit Germany this September (EMILY, GET YOUR PASSPORT!! :)) I would have never had that financial freedom if I had gone to BU, simply because the enormous debt I would accrue would have greatly restricted me. I have a lot of individual academic freedom, as well, simply because I'm floating in credits, due to BU and College in the High School, and so THAT stress has been relieved quite a bit. The environment is slightly more relaxed (but c'mon, it's a top COLLEGE. How relaxing can it be?), and I actually feel a bit comparable instead of feeling increasingly insecure and lacking at BU. That's all my own personal psyche but it makes a difference. I'm still unsure of what my FINAL major will be, but I'm going on the Business track and depending on how well I fulfill some Business requirements this summer, that will be my major (also depending if Foster lets me in). So, while my future is STILL unclear, it seems a bit more...workable.
Speaking of work, it's all going well. I'm becoming more situated in my job as a barista, learning the ins-and-outs of Ballard, as well as the Ballardites' opinions on the increase of condo development in the downtown sector. Plus, some people complimented the coffee I gave them. So, I'm good at making coffee from time to time! Interning has also gone well. TZ is like a typical internship but I feel like I'm making a difference b/c my contributions allow the P-1 visas to be sent and processed in time, instead of in a hurried fashion, and we ALL like seeing the performers we hire on stage! Really great exposure that I probably wouldn't have otherwise received and plus, its a homegrown leading production company, which is great! I intend to interview Norm, the CEO, at some point, which would be fairly easy since where my desk is... 20 ft from his office. My classes are also going great. I'm taking a COM class called Perspectives on Language. It gives an overview of language and linguistics, which I find especially interesting b/c I love hearing about beginnings and all that jazz. Incredibly prof too. Then, I'm taking International Studies - Making of the 21st Century, which is teaching me EVERYTHING I need to know about the 20th century on a global perspective but never really learned. Finally, I'm taking Macro Econ, VERY relatable to IS and what's going on NOW, and the professor is hilarious. She's this cute Iranian lady who gets ECSTATIC about economics.
With all of that going on, I have little time to do homework and hardly any time to have a social life. Because I haven't been able to get involved in UW culture, my UW friends are practically obsolete.... although I have met students in all of my classes and we're all friendly. Plus my EHS UW friends, who are great. And that's where the BIG downside to UW emerges. I had great friends at BU and had established a good 2nd home in Boston... and I miss them a lot. There really isn't much to say about that. I just really miss the friends I made at BU and I felt like I was making the whole East Coast life work and made an excellent transition... and then I was uprooted when I was starting to get things established. So, hey guys, I miss ya. I know I'm out of sight but I hope I'm not out of mind. :)
A part of does feel like I am a failure because I transferred schools. I made a mistake, an error in judgement and monetary funds, and went against my plan to go to BU and instead went to UW. I could have saved myself SO much money and wouldn't be enduring this issue of making friends. It's still strange when I'm at UW and some kid from EHS recognizes me and goes, "Shouldn't you be in Boston? What are you doing here?" "Oh I transferred." *taken aback "Oh. okay." It's like my identity, how everyone knows me and perceives me, has deconstructed itself and I have to rediscover who I am and what I want out of life. I was that girl that went to BU.. and now who am I? It's not a complete failure though b/c I'm so glad I had the opportunity to go to school in Boston, meet all the amazing, incredible people, and experience life in good 'ole Beantown. I would love to continue those friendships but we'll see what the future holds.
So those are just some of my inner thoughts. They're all over the place and that's why I've been reluctant to post. I'm battling a lot of demons within myself, about my choice and was it right in the end.... and I feel like I've fallen but "Scars and stitches always fade and only strengthen me." |
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| Azure Ray |
[Mar. 23rd, 2008|12:27 am] |
Am i making something worthwhile out of this place
Am i making something worthwhile out of this chase
I am displaced
I am displaced
And she's my friend of all friends
She's still here when everyone's gone
She doesn't have to say a thing
We'll just keep laughing all night long
All night long
Am i making something worthwhile out of this place
Am i making something worthwhile out of this chase
I am displaced
I am displaced |
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| I'm not dead. I'm just on vacation. |
[Mar. 4th, 2008|05:30 pm] |
Hey! So I am going to be MIA until March 20th. I'll be enjoying my Spring Break over in Europe, visiting Budapest, various parts of Hungary and Slovenia. So here is the plan:
March 4th: I'm shipping up to BOSTON, landing around 6am
March 5th-6th: Visit friends in Boston
March 6th: Fly to Europe
March 7th: Layover in MILAN 8am-8pm and then 8pm-10pm, fly to Budapest
March 8th-March 17th: Explore Europe
March 17th-March 19th: Back to Massachuseeetts (visiting more friends)
March 19th evening: Back in Seattle
Alright, so that's where I will be. No cell phone. No internet. See you when I get back! |
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| Crew Mutts: J.Crew's Answer to Fido Fashion |
[Feb. 19th, 2008|04:56 pm] |
| [ | Music |
| | Das Gebirge 103.7 | ] |
Remember that opening scene in 101 Dalmatians where they observe how dog owners resemble their dogs. Well, it's becoming more of a realistic possibility. I've recently stumbled upon
CREW MUTTS: J.Crew's Answer to Fido Fashion
Now pet owners can coordinate their outfits with their walking pals. It's the matching outfits that like.. we like always want with, like, a best friend! Except now it's with man's best friend. Wear your matching red J.Crew polo as Buddy prances along the asphalt in his $45.00 red 1-button collared shirt that makes him look fit for a country club. That is... until he discovers the rotting salmon dinner that fell out of your neighbor's trash can and feels the instinctual urge to ROLL in it, smearing fish guts across the brick red cotton, turning the polo into a reek-o.
I do agree: Dogs look absolutely ADORABLE in these wool sweaters. Bow WOW!! But let's be realistic, pet owners. That four-legged child of yours... is a DOG. An animal. With fur. Therefore defeating the purpose of dressing up like a mini J.Crew model. And that includes you, miniature, shaky dogs. Reverse your neutering surgery and grow some BALLS. And quick! Because with J.Crew prices of $60.00 for a dog sweater that must be DRY-CLEANED, Fido will put you in debt faster than his escape out an opened back gate.
There is nothing wrong with people becoming attached to their dogs and treating them as part of the family. But Crew mutts encroaches on their animal instinct at an ridiculously high price. What ever happened to letting your pooch feel freedom? Freely frolicking across meadows, carelessly chasing after wildlife and connecting with its canine predecessors. The sweaters are a bit inhibitive. I say to you dogs: Rip off your hoodies, coats, booties and knitted hats and feel the wind touch every bit of fur on your body. Feel your overfed belly jiggle! BE FREE! And if that doesn't work, you can always keep rolling in that decaying piece of fish. A dog's life is so RUFF. |
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