Just found out I passed a test I took about a month ago. It's a great relief coz now I don't have to take an extra class. You know that feeling of waiting for news? Like when you've just taken a major standardized test that will affect your future or you've just bared your innermost thoughts and feelings to somebody and you're not sure how they'll take it.... I hate not knowing because I tend to overanalyze things. Sometimes, I just block out everything to lessen my anxiety. Right now I'm studying for the GRE. I hear they'll be changing the format by September--the advice is to take it before the new version is out. Anybody out there with any tips on studying or taking it?
This month is practically over, and here's a quick look back at some highlights:
1) I saw Barack Obama! He's been criscrossing the country and visited my city. The crowds were enormous. I wished I was as tall as a basketball player coz there were so many people there. Spent most of the time trying to find a spot with a view of the podium. One thing I avoid is being right in the middle of a big crowd. If the crowd starts to stampede, the worst thing it to get trapped inside. Anyway, I'm positively starstruck and thoroughly impressed. I didn't hear the whole speech, but Obama is very articulate and good-looking.
2)Yeah, I'm a Pisces so I did have a birthday. I honestly didn't care about it or feel a need to celebrate anything: I know I should be grateful for a lot of things but I just wasn't feeling it. I got my wish: a very private celebration with champagne. My dear sibling made it special. I am glad to be older, although I don't look it. Yes, I'm used to the constant carding. But getting hit on by teenage boys who think I'm their agemate can be a bit much. A lot of these kids look and try to act older than their age but the talk gives them away. Anyway, they're usually polite so no harm done. Perhaps I should be a specimen for studying youth, maybe it's in my genes or is it my lifestyle?
3)I've stuck to my decision to eliminate meat and chicken from my diet for the past 6 weeks. Don't know if it will be permanent. I'm a lacto-ovo vegetarian who eats fish and seafood. It's not an attempt to be pretentious=) I'm not fanatical about food but I'm health conscious. Growing up, we always ate lots of vegez and fruits at home. And drank bitter herbal concotions. And made our own juice with fruits from the garden (no sugar added). Felt sorry for some visitors who came to our house, got served a big glass of juice and had no choice but to be polite and gulp it down. Very few asked for a second glass! This was an inside joke between my siblings and I. Used to hate it myself, but now I actually choose to consume certain things that used to be forced on us. A weird thing happened when I got back from home. I ate chicken and some delicious tender lamb. Then I ate chicken again and it just didn't taste as good and then, "roho ilikataa." So, just decided to be vege (I've done it temporarily in the past but not by choice). Fish has Omega 4s so I'll keep it. Been eating lots of tofu and drinking green tea. I had a strange breakfast the other day: green tea and ice cream. Cutting back on sugar would be healthy but everyone has to indulge in something, ama?
Currently reading: Black Skin White Masks by Frantz Fanon and Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Sleep, The Undead, and The Dead
What's the longest you've gone without sleep? The Guinness world record holder is Randy Gardner who stayed awake for 11 days without any stimulants. It's unbelievable, no coffee? no drugs? for over a week? Amazing what the human body can survive. I value my sleep so when I don't get enough I have to make it up. On my days off one of my ideal activities is sleeping. For at least 8 hrs +. When I have to stay awake too long I start to feel like a zombie. And can't think straight.
Talking of zombies, I'm watching SouthPark all the way from season 1. Just saw the episode on "Pink-eye" when it's Halloween and there's the pink-eye epidemic---everyone who catches it goes around biting and attacking people (sounds like rabies) and Chef says they're the undead so they go to the morgue to find out the answers. I'm mildly curious about the 'undead'. I read "Dracula" a while back but haven't watched the movie. Don't care to either.
Last week we had a guest speaker in one of my classes who's a retired General from the Marines. He was one of the top guys during the Gulf War of 1990/91 and successfully led his division in defeating the Iraqi army and taking control of Kuwait. He was talking about casualties and said that before they set out, he was issed 8,000 body bags for his division of 20,000 marines (I don't recall the exact numbers). He talked about a lot of other things including the current war/occupation but the body bags issue just stayed on my mind. Bloody, brutal images were flashing through my mind and I felt a great sense of tragedy. To think of the soldiers who know they could be returning home in those body bags is a sad, empty feeling. What's going on in their minds? And while death is so final, surviving can be a harrowing experience according to the revelations from Walter Reed and personal accounts. The Buddhist teaching sums everything by stating: "Life is suffering."
Talking of zombies, I'm watching SouthPark all the way from season 1. Just saw the episode on "Pink-eye" when it's Halloween and there's the pink-eye epidemic---everyone who catches it goes around biting and attacking people (sounds like rabies) and Chef says they're the undead so they go to the morgue to find out the answers. I'm mildly curious about the 'undead'. I read "Dracula" a while back but haven't watched the movie. Don't care to either.
Last week we had a guest speaker in one of my classes who's a retired General from the Marines. He was one of the top guys during the Gulf War of 1990/91 and successfully led his division in defeating the Iraqi army and taking control of Kuwait. He was talking about casualties and said that before they set out, he was issed 8,000 body bags for his division of 20,000 marines (I don't recall the exact numbers). He talked about a lot of other things including the current war/occupation but the body bags issue just stayed on my mind. Bloody, brutal images were flashing through my mind and I felt a great sense of tragedy. To think of the soldiers who know they could be returning home in those body bags is a sad, empty feeling. What's going on in their minds? And while death is so final, surviving can be a harrowing experience according to the revelations from Walter Reed and personal accounts. The Buddhist teaching sums everything by stating: "Life is suffering."
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
What Women Want
A week or two ago, I was chatting with a random guy (30-40something yrs old)and I figured that he'd had a couple of drinks sometime that evening. He was rather talkative. He went off on a tangent about marriage then posed the question, "Isn't that what all women want? To get married?" Wow, since when did I become an expert on what all women want? I can't even figure out what I want half the time....what would make me qualified to answer on behalf of others? I took the diplomatic route and told the guy that there are some women who are eager to get married, but others who aren't. "But why not?" he persisted.
"They may have other priorities or goals they want to accomplish first" I answered. Or they haven't met anyone they want to marry, I thought to myself.
He didn't seem to believe me. "A guy like me, I'm rich and I would make a good husband." He was better looking than average and well dressed. But there's so much more that can't be revealed in one glance.
I was on my way home and didn't want to get drawn into an endless discussion so I took the easy route and complimented him, "I'm sure you will make some girl very happy" then I walked away.
So, what do women want? This question has been asked over and over again. (The Mel Gibson movie is kinda funny. I have issues with him about his latest movie on the Mayans, but that's a different topic.) I am a little curious about women out there would say to complete the following phrase:
A man must_________________________.
One of my buddies said that a man must have a car. I don't hold the same view. I say a man must have intelligence and a sense of humor and use each one appropriately.
This post isn't totally about marriage. It's also about the assumptions people make about what others think or want. These may be true or perhaps not at all. For example, if you've been on a long trip or walking outside in the heat and you arrive at somebody's house, it would be safe for them to assume that you are hungry and thirsty and offer some refreshments. However, when it comes to our thoughts, belief systems, wants, and desires, it gets tricky. People don't always reveal their deepest desires or thoughts to others. If you ask someone, "what's on your mind?" They may actually tell you what they're thinking about. However, if they think that it's too personal, or you can't handle it, they will give you a bullshit answer. There times I've asked that question. People can be surprisingly honest about what they're thinking. At times, I answer the question very candidly and can tell when a person becomes uncomfortable because they didn't actually expect me to be so straight up. Where am I going with this? Nowhere, just sharing what's on my mind right now.
"They may have other priorities or goals they want to accomplish first" I answered. Or they haven't met anyone they want to marry, I thought to myself.
He didn't seem to believe me. "A guy like me, I'm rich and I would make a good husband." He was better looking than average and well dressed. But there's so much more that can't be revealed in one glance.
I was on my way home and didn't want to get drawn into an endless discussion so I took the easy route and complimented him, "I'm sure you will make some girl very happy" then I walked away.
So, what do women want? This question has been asked over and over again. (The Mel Gibson movie is kinda funny. I have issues with him about his latest movie on the Mayans, but that's a different topic.) I am a little curious about women out there would say to complete the following phrase:
A man must_________________________.
One of my buddies said that a man must have a car. I don't hold the same view. I say a man must have intelligence and a sense of humor and use each one appropriately.
This post isn't totally about marriage. It's also about the assumptions people make about what others think or want. These may be true or perhaps not at all. For example, if you've been on a long trip or walking outside in the heat and you arrive at somebody's house, it would be safe for them to assume that you are hungry and thirsty and offer some refreshments. However, when it comes to our thoughts, belief systems, wants, and desires, it gets tricky. People don't always reveal their deepest desires or thoughts to others. If you ask someone, "what's on your mind?" They may actually tell you what they're thinking about. However, if they think that it's too personal, or you can't handle it, they will give you a bullshit answer. There times I've asked that question. People can be surprisingly honest about what they're thinking. At times, I answer the question very candidly and can tell when a person becomes uncomfortable because they didn't actually expect me to be so straight up. Where am I going with this? Nowhere, just sharing what's on my mind right now.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Evolution
I haven't posted a new entry in almost 10 days. Some days, I can't put thoughts together coherently. Or I write stuff I don't want anybody to read. Did I lose my mojo? Hope not! It's not because I haven't had any thoughts or views to air. Or that I'm that that boring. (What an insulting description.) In fact some people seem to think I'm rather entertaining. (Eyes roll...) How else would you interpret the statement, "I'm so bored so I decided to call you"? What am I, a TV channel? I know, it may have been meant as a compliment but it can be mildly irritating to say the least. I lead a rather ordinary existence. Been working night shifts while having classes during the day so my body is just off.
Thankfully, I have a relatively drama-free life. But you know how we all love to hear storoz about other people's drama...for example, The Acolyte's popular drama posts have kept many of us on edge, impatiently waiting for the next one. I recently heard about a situation involving a chic fresh from Kenya, a young man she met at church, and her distant relative by marriage. I'm not at liberty to discuss details coz I don't know the whole story, plus I wouldn't feel comfortable discussing the issues online no matter how distant our relationship. Anyway,many of us know of incidents like these (although circumstances vary). With modern communication, beef that happens next door is being discussed by relaz at home the next day. Phone calls are made, emails are sent, and battle lines are drawn. I want to avoid taking sides, especially if I hear only one side of the story. Parents and older relaz will often jump to one's defense by stating, "But she's such a good girl! She would always cook and help out in the house...." So what? Newfound freedom can ignite new fires and allow people to express suppressed thoughts and desires. Leaving the sheltered cocoon of home often causes people to harden and take risks they wouldn't have imagined.It doesn't automatically make one 'bad'. Change is inevitable, be it drastic or subtle. That's life. Evolution.
Thankfully, I have a relatively drama-free life. But you know how we all love to hear storoz about other people's drama...for example, The Acolyte's popular drama posts have kept many of us on edge, impatiently waiting for the next one. I recently heard about a situation involving a chic fresh from Kenya, a young man she met at church, and her distant relative by marriage. I'm not at liberty to discuss details coz I don't know the whole story, plus I wouldn't feel comfortable discussing the issues online no matter how distant our relationship. Anyway,many of us know of incidents like these (although circumstances vary). With modern communication, beef that happens next door is being discussed by relaz at home the next day. Phone calls are made, emails are sent, and battle lines are drawn. I want to avoid taking sides, especially if I hear only one side of the story. Parents and older relaz will often jump to one's defense by stating, "But she's such a good girl! She would always cook and help out in the house...." So what? Newfound freedom can ignite new fires and allow people to express suppressed thoughts and desires. Leaving the sheltered cocoon of home often causes people to harden and take risks they wouldn't have imagined.It doesn't automatically make one 'bad'. Change is inevitable, be it drastic or subtle. That's life. Evolution.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Dognapped! and HPV
Some pure-bred Yorkshire terriers were dognapped at gunpoint from their home in L.A. Now, all except one have been returned. What is this world coming to? The puppies are really adorable.
There's a debate on whether the HPV vaccine should be compulsory for girls in 6th grade onwards. First of all, I hate that issues concerning women's reproductive health are always politicized. I don't hear any debates about Viagra. This should be a personal choice. I believe in the benefits of the vaccine although the idea of making it compulsory isn't appealing. A lot of conservative parents are opposed to the idea and they have a right to be. But should a parent's conservative beliefs be enforced if they're detrimental to the child? For example, Jehovah's witnesses refuse blood transfusions. What happens when a child is in dire need of one but the peroz refuse based on their religious beliefs? Technically, it can't be done without their consent unless perhaps in an emergency (even that is a gray area). Anyway, the debate is on.
There's a debate on whether the HPV vaccine should be compulsory for girls in 6th grade onwards. First of all, I hate that issues concerning women's reproductive health are always politicized. I don't hear any debates about Viagra. This should be a personal choice. I believe in the benefits of the vaccine although the idea of making it compulsory isn't appealing. A lot of conservative parents are opposed to the idea and they have a right to be. But should a parent's conservative beliefs be enforced if they're detrimental to the child? For example, Jehovah's witnesses refuse blood transfusions. What happens when a child is in dire need of one but the peroz refuse based on their religious beliefs? Technically, it can't be done without their consent unless perhaps in an emergency (even that is a gray area). Anyway, the debate is on.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
On Misery
I give up.
On learning how to swim.
And other things.
I'm reading an anthology for a humanities class and the statement below stuck in my mind:
"You're both in the throes of misery, so you're blind to each other's misery"
--by Michio Hisauchi in Japan's Junglest Day
On learning how to swim.
And other things.
I'm reading an anthology for a humanities class and the statement below stuck in my mind:
"You're both in the throes of misery, so you're blind to each other's misery"
--by Michio Hisauchi in Japan's Junglest Day
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