Sabra, a dancer, an inspiration, won today, the title of America's favorite dancer in the hit show, "So You Think You Can Dance."
She beat over 20,000 hopefuls who auditioned way back in May. The great thing about Sabra is that she dances with her heart first before technique; this is not to say that she doesn't haven't technique... she has potential and she's proven that, also beautiful lines and extensions... she has musicality, flexibility, personality, passion/fire and a cool afro! And she's only been dancing for FOUR years-unbelievable.
All the hard work paid off, and all the times that she fell or dropped by Dominique, she got up and continued dancing. I'm glad she won!
Other news, today is my last day here at Philly, and guess how I spent it? Packing of course- way to wait until the last minute... I have three luggages (one will be mom's pretend one)-- I packed clothes (summer/winter), shoes, work clothes, some stationary set, books, a lamp, extension cords, etc.... I also ran/toned...
my bro and his girlfriend took me out to dinner, we ate at TGIF- I ordered fried green beans with wasabi dip, island grilled mahi-mahi, water and vanilla milkshake- we shared a cinnamon doughnut with cream cheese dip-- got home, finalized packing, and watched "So You Think You Can Dance." Sabra won!
I know next week will be an academic boot camp... and as soon as I get to Logan, UT the first thing I'm going to do is to go to registrar's office and fix my tuition payment plan and then go dorm shopping... it'll be plain crazy...
I'll do my summer recap once I'm settled in Logan... my flight this morning is at 7 am... it's almost 1 am, I'll take a power nap and wake up around 2:30 am to get ready...
to the West...
Today, I resumed my faux summer job of being a tour guide. Karissa and Mike drove from Harrisburg and visited Philly for a day; I was their tour guide. Not only did we walk around, see the sights, ride/chase the "Sphlash" bus, we caught up and chit-chat about the latest news (face to face, personal conversations are ten times better than email because the possibilities of the topics of conversation can trail off in any direction- the different connections/associations between shared stories are dynamic and exciting).
Originally, our itinerary was divided into three sections: Historic Philly, Urban Philly/Shopping, and Artsy Philly. In summary, we covered the historic part pretty well, and we ran out of time exploring the artsy part (we're recent graduates with lots of loans so we didn't do much shopping nonetheless, we saw a lot of free outdoor art).
Mike and Karissa arrived at my house (the one with lots of flowers in the front yard) at 9:30 in the morning. After a bit of rest and cantaloupe, we began our adventure. We took the bus that went through the nice "ghetto" filled with mural art.
Even though we had a plan, we didn't strictly follow it- the plan would just "guide" us (I remember when I was in Europe, our tour guide rushed us and kept our schedule- sure we saw lots of things, but I don't know if I created fond memories with all the things I saw. So learning from this tour guide, I wanted the tour to be somewhat comprehensive and memorable).
The first thing we saw was the Quaker's Meeting House, it was a good simple first stop, a good set-up to contrast later with the flamboyant Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. We passed Betsy Ross's house (SHU will be proud of her entrepreneurial skills), and walked through Elfreth's alley to get to Christ Church, where Betsy, Washington, Forbes, and the rest of the colonial gang practiced their freedom of worship/religion.
On the way to the National Constitution Center (NCC), we passed by Benjamin "Benjie" Franklin's grave (there's a story about the pennies on top of his grave, but I forgot it). Walking wasn't that bad, the weather was excellent- not humid, a bit breezy, and when one was under the shade, it felt like a spring morning.
NCC was fun. We watched "Freedom Rising" on this high tech theater that integrated live narration with sound effects, lights, and video clips. The technical problem episode was hilarious- we were asked to exit the theater to come back 10 minutes later. And people started protesting, wanting to stay... nobody moved so we didn't move either. The show was inspiring and very patriotic. The exhibit on the constitution was saturated with media and interactivity (a good place to bring people/students who are learning about the constitution). The architects had fun designing this museum (cool sculptures, cartoons, and lots of curves and circles).
We were famished after this so we went to the Reading Terminal Market (RTM) for lunch (via the Phlash bus and an all day pass). There was a smorgasbo(a)rd of food to choose from like the classic hamburger to middle eastern dishes. I learned something new today- I always regarded the RTM as a place for lunch and heavy food, I didn't think about it as a place to get desserts. They had a lot of desserts to choose from: Amish dutch apple turnovers, flying monkey pastries, bakclava. We ate hoagies from Famous Carmen (either we ate a late lunch or the hoagies we got were so darn fulfilling because come dinner time (6ish) we didn't feel hungry but we still got authentic philly cheesesteak to go). We witnessed a tourist losing her temper and asking for her money back. Mike and Karissa ordered sharp cheese with their hoagies, I wasn't sure what cheese to get, so I stayed neutral and got the Swiss. For dessert, Mike got coffee, Karissa and I waited for the gelati at Chestnut street (italian for icecream, but low in fat, very flavorful, more delicious than regular ice cream). I tried a Zambione (Marsala wine, coffee, eggnog- flavored gelati), and Karissa also got Zambione with a scoop of Raspberry (cream-based mixed with the water-based, with enough punch and twang).
We sauntered through Chinatown (3rd largest in the nation), took a picture of the friendship gate, and went straight to Independence Hall, then crossed the 2nd Bank of America (we couldn't find the first one), saw the portrait exhibits of American patriots and finally saw the most popular and photographed "crack" in the east coast, the Liberty Bell, and its gap a.k.a "irreparably cracked."
By the time we finished the historical part, the artsy museums were already closed (5 pm). We went inside the Basilica, where we saw people coming out from a wedding... glanced at the first free library, and saw King Tut, well a picture of him anyway. We said hello to Rodin's "the Thinker," and peeked the "Gates of Hell"... we saw Rocky's statue, walked up and down the Rocky steps, and gazed at the Philly skyline.
We chased the phlash bus, and the sadist driver, instead of picking us up on the the spot, told us that she liked to see us run up the hill for the bus... we entertained the other tourists, we saw smiles on their faces when we got on board.
Before taking the bus home, we stopped by JFK plaza/Love park and city hall and the plaza with lots of gigantic sculptures of game pieces (fun, quirky photo shoot). We met other tourists, asked them if they could take a picture of us and vice versa (three of them were going to move to Philly to be part of Teach America). While at the bus stop and in the bus, we talked about grad schools, SHU memories, pets, jobs, future, etc.- it took a while for the right bus to arrive (plans changed)... we finally got back to my house around 8:30-9:00ish at night (passed intended departure time- Mike and Karissa still had at least 1 hour and 45 minutes of driving back to Harrisburg).
"In conclusion" it was a fun day.
P.s. I hope it happens again and all are welcome, just contact me to make sure that I'm free...
now that I'm getting ready to go to UT, I'm finding it difficult to finish last minute things before heading off... lately I've made shuttle and hotel reservations... I'm making a list and checking it twice of what I need to get when I'm there... I'm trying to fix/straighten my financial situation... I still have 4 and 1/2 chapters in Spanish review...I'm trying to hang with friends and family... I started packing... I need to do last minute shopping... I've invested some of my savings in a cd (can't touch the money for 6 months but the interest is higher than the usual annual rate, according to the guy, there wasn't any risk, it was just like a savings account, the difference is that you get penalized for taking out money during the 6 month period), I'm reading humorous essays by Jessica Zafra, and a short story by Henry James, finished reading Thoreau's "Walking" and articles in National Geography about Parks in general... saw the movie "The Ten" at the Ritz Bourse (scandalous and comical)...I've updated my mp3 player, created a professional email address and this weekend, I'll be a tour guide yay! :)
On Friday, I talked to the telephone operators at American Education Services (AES) for an hour... I found out that I had an extra $10,000+ loan... I totally forgot about this one... before leaving SHU, the statement I received only mentioned the Federal loans I borrowed but neglected to mention the private one I have...
I'm in the process of consolidating the federal loans... the private loan can't be consolidated in the same sense as the federal loans... it has to be a variable (changing- depends on the market)...even though I'm going back to school, I'm going to start any way paying little by little...
there's no such thing as joint consolidation for federal and private loans... but I can have a joint bill, handled by AES...
the operator said that they can't send me a bill during the grace period. Nonetheless I can still make payments now via internet and print out a receipt. In the long run, it's cheaper to pay "principle" and "interests" at the same time instead of "targeting" the interests first (Do you agree with this, reader?)... I'll get the first bill in November... Most of the money I received for graduation will go for the first couple of installments...
Tengo suerte porque mis padres van a ayudarme until I'm fully employed.
In other matters, I'm thinking of building up my checking account and maybe putting some of my savings in a CD...
I resumed running... I wonder, is it better to run on pavement or hilly lopsided earthy terrain?
I watched a Japanses film called "The Bird People of China"... I want to find works by the author who wrote the book that inspired the movie...his name is Makoto Shiina, according to the director, he wrote a lot a imaginary travel novels...
I have 5 1/2 more chapters left before I finish my spanish review (I can't believe I'm reviewing 3 years of high school spanish in 10 weeks-- it's very basic, I reviewed lots of vocabulary, and conversational phrases, I learned a bit about the culture, and basic grammar (3 tenses, subjects, direct object etc.), retraining my ear to hear the rhythm of the speech, and vocalizing the words...tomorrow is my last day...
I finished Harry Potter, it was satisfying for me as a fan... it felt weird... it seemed like I grew up with Harry (he's like a real person I knew)... it's a bit sad because it's the last book, but I'm also understanding of its end... Book 7 is like a waving good bye to a friend moving to another country... sure you can keep in touch via email but his/her presence will not be convenient, they're not hanging around... more effort to keep in touch, not close in proximity (not necessarily bad, but still not near them)...
I am not going to finish my two boxes of summer reading...at this moment, I'll be putting aside some books... I have less than three weeks to read the books I'm going to use for teaching...
It's difficult not eating desserts so carefree/freely... I know not to deprive myself but I have to watch it...
there's a saying: all work and no play makes a person dull... the reverse is also true: all play and no work makes a person dull...
vacations are especially dangerous if the people one is spending time with are not on vacation.. why?
because one puts one's self at risk of being a spectator of someone else's life/drama...
in vacations it's important that all/both parties (the vacationeer, the visited, etc.) are in mutual understanding of the purpose of the vacation- which is to catch up, make fond memories, relax and have fun together... when the following criteria are not met, then disasters befall especially the vacationeer... as the case study proved, below is an excerpt:
a girl was visiting her sister in a neighboring county... her sister was the busy type, no time for play all work... of course she welcomed her youngest sibling but deep inside she was resentful... because she didn't have the same freedom and luxury as her....the young girl on the other hand was reserved, in the past she had an inkling of her sister's resentment, but she was trying to be as diplomatic and positive as possible... in the end of their time together, little was done, no fond new memories were formed, just reminders of the sad past surfaced... the young spent her time watching the drama/life of her sister, and she spent her time always adjusting to her whims... she was lucky to be fitted into her regular schedule... the girl's vacation became a time to catch up on her studies instead bonding...
the conclusion the data came to indicates that mutuality of understanding of the purpose of leisure should be important for all parties et. al. (vacationeer, the visited, etc.).
the surface
during my sojourn to Greenwich CT, I learned several things about people in general and myself (not giving in, the limits of compromise, the care of languages, discretion of speaking, the unexplainable attachments of people whether to their older sibling or former lovers, frustrated/supressed anger). I saw economic imbalances (big houses on big lands and small lands, the color of houses changing from divine white to grafitti-washed smog/red bricks, immigrant workers), I experienced New York (Manhattan streets, the traffic, the bustle of people, the tongues of foreign speech, microcosm of the known civilization, I saw people from different walks of life- teenager, mother, disenfranchised young man of late 20s, students, gays, senior citizens, bratz, and many more).
I'll remember... sleeping on top of the bunk bed, falling asleep watching the green stars fade, improvising stories always trying to get the last word, waking up in the morning, eating croissant with jelly for breakfast, drinking milk, accompanying my cousin and uncle (to one of the big mansions they work at, doing thier morning duty of fixing the cushions at the pool for twenty dollars just in case the rich owners decided to chill there and take a swim that day)... playing basketball, training, learning moves (dribbling with eyes close/looking at the opponent, running with the ball, guarding with bent knees, making plays, lay-up, cradles, ball bouncing on the board, Horse, 21)... watching TV (Charm school), White Chicks the movie-never gets old... the breeze, the coolness after the rain... Shelly Jade Porkchop, laughing and talking at 1 in the morning as if in a slumber party (getting yelled at to go to sleep)... doing Spanish homework...American Folk Art Museum, walking in New York with aching feet? Starbucks at NY -rude worker and good revealing conversations, unsuccessfully eavesdropping on Spanish conversations, winning at Yu-gi-oh even if only one out of five...
I'll remember going home, passing through Chinatown N.Y. for "pasalubong" of 'schopaw'... getting stuck in traffic due to closed roads because of cyclers... dead end, passing through Central Park...
I finished Brave New World and The Mother Tongue:English and how it got that way (which was apt to my Spanish/language study)...
-left greenwich CT, walked to the train station in port chester NY to catch ride to Grand Central Station NY for a trip to the American Folk Art Museum
(AFAM)
-got out of grand central... passed by the constellations, out the door started walking... forgot the map (the visual cue)... wanted to start on the right foot so before going farther and lost, asked a passerby which way to 53rd street, later asked another one which way to 5th avenue
-found AFAM, write next to MoMA- $7 entrance fee for students (a lie since the internet said admission was free)... five floors, narrow, start from the top and go down, each floor an exhibit itself... crafty and contemporary (in our 21st century sense)...the folk art revealed exhibition (part of the permanent collection) was really enlightning about the folk art genre and its uses: individuality (stability/assertion identity sometimes defying conventions), community (not just a place), symbolism (associations/subtle/secrets), and utility (practicality/functionality).
-walking towards 33rd street, going to shops on the way, Disney (photo shoot with Goofy and Liberty Minnie), Gap, souvenir shops, more window browsing, 42nd street, passed an Asian (Korean) Avenue...
-Starbucks- Greentea Frap and sausage and egg sandwich, mean worker, who speaks another language beside English - talking, catching up, little confessions, laughs, utilizing the ability to speak another language
-underground and boom above ground, clouds... nice day, breezy, stark... mansions of Greenwich/Stamford CT versus brick apartments of New Jersey... Filipino restaurant...being reminded of the Philippines, not the same, pansit and taho...'emo'-tional, snacks
-didn't bring a camera, be more than just a tourist... walking, chill in front of NY Public Library in fifth Avenue (the one with lions, and was featured in a movie "the Day after tomorrow") sat on the steps, ate snacks, watched people pass by... taxis racing
-st patrick's cathedral, a little prayer, bags check... gothic stye, flying buttreses (roman cathedral in Philly is still better, more grand)...
-walking to 42nd street...caught the train...eavesdropping on people speaking Spanish for educational purposes... home by 10
more basketball training... more playing... while jogging- walking, grand jete-"ing" and cartwheeling... attempting to walk on hands.... laughing camel jokes/lewd jokes
idea...
he is 'whipped' ...he doesn't understand her... he succumbs to her whims, he treats her as if they're equal, he's older and she's younger, he rationalizes with her even though she is not in the same emotional and intellectual level... he watches her maltreated by her eldest sister, who blackmails her and makes her feel stupid, yet in spite of his effort, she get easily frustrated with him and forgets the flowers and times joyfully spent with him... she gets angry with him... he tries to avoid war and tries to maintain peace, he avoids sitting under her favorite tree so not to upset her
nothing changes, two years ago she was like this and she still is
whipped- he keeps her secret, makes time for her to play games, avoids making her look bad, gives her filial tips,
he's greatful for all her help... she makes things more difficult than it truly is
he understands the strong bond between her and her eldest sister... but what he can't understand why his efforts are forgotten because of a little argument...maybe it's her immaturity, her age, her incompatible intellectual and emotional i.q.... maybe he needs t remember his place/ and pull the "i'm-older-and-more-experience" card, in order to get "respect" the same way as the cruel eldest sister....
he just can't understand why he even bothers... her eldest sister doesn't even give squat (in a sense that, she'll put effort whenever she can). On the other hand, he bend backwards just to make sure that she's not neglected... he's just a pushover. he doesn't want to be the "excuse", the decoy, a distraction/plaything How can he stop being pushover?
Audience, what should he do? below are some suggestions, please feel free to add...
he shouldn't treat her like a baby
he should hold her responsible for her actions
he should be firm but not like a jerk
he should stick to his words/goals and not change around to pacify her illogical temper/fancy/whims
Reality....
okay back to reality away from imaginings.... okay I finished "Brave New World" the ending was okay... I was hoping that John, the savage would be stronger in the end... today I watched a spanish version of "access hollywood"...I"m catching on the phrasing and rhythm of the language... but I'm still slow in translating... I'd catch a word or two and get the gist of the sentence and sometimes I'd completely hear the whole sentence. I would be translating word for word and doing so I'd missed the next sentence being said...I'm continuing my spanish review... I just don't want to start with spanish 101. I have enough to pass that level... I want to get to the speaking part (in order for me to do this, I need to have good vocabulary and confidence)...Im pushing myself to finish my spanish textbook, which took me 3 highschool years and now I'm trying to finish 7 more chapters in less than 6 weeks...
Shellie Jade Porkchop is still alive!
song of the day "i'll never get over you getting over me"
the weather is bearable... in the 80s, not as humid, mostly staying indoors, there's a bit of a breeze... cool mornings...
planning to go to the American Folk Art Museum in New York this Friday
greenwich or stamford... big houses, lots of migrant workers, laborers, housemaid... rich caucasian people livng in mansions... at first doesn't seem "diverse"... then once in a market... the diversity is seen (even if for the most part the immigrants are laborers working for higher minimum wage)... in the market, there's an isl e where south american food, mexican, Indian and other food are located... Spanish, portuguese.... $20 for fluffing cushions for the pool... put it in the morning and take it out for the evening
basketball training- dribbling, horse, tricks, push-up, running jogging, waking up in the morning, stretching...
visaya-ville... college talk like high school or maybe missed it because focusing on too much academics... guys with weak morals...secrets reveals of times first...
Ordering 'schopa' (soft bun with pork stuffing), waited for an hour, but it's okay, worth it... so while waiting, walked around...
got the $2.00 pudding tea special... walking ... Chinese tongue... baubbles... tiny turtles, an inch and a half long, from Pasay river... Chinese lady knows how to sell... got a mini turtle, plastic case, and at least three months worth of food all for $10... the turtle's name is Shellie Jade Porkchop...nicknamed Tinky-Winky...
Grass art ranging from $3 maybe up to $20... got a $3 grass art of a blue dragonfly...
getting kick out for having a drink... tourist trinkets... land so foreign yet a couple of blocks from it, it's little Italy...
driving... honk... leading a car full of latinos toward route 95... beep, Gracias!
pokemon, yu-gi-oh, magic- are card games... not just the regular "go fish" type of game, much more complicated- makes you think, forces you to strategize in order to survive...
my first exposure to this type of card games was pokemon, rule destroy all the monster of the opponent... you have a monster or several, face down until you get energy cards to the monster, one energy down the playing field per turn, can attack using specified moves (as long as energy is there), cards like potion to substract from the damage, effects like poison, paralyzed, etc.
yu-gi-oh- level four monsters are easy to summon, anything higher would require a sacrifice of monsters... it works with a point system like say each player have 8000 points (which is nothing because the damage can be around the thousands)- of course no matter whether monster is in a defensive or offensive... unless stated, there's the trample, after the difference is subtracted... there are trap cards and magic/spell cards... in order to for the trap to work one has to put it in the playing field... the danger in this is it can be destroyed, but keeping it in one's hand can also be dangerous (there's a magic card that can destory cards in the hands), but sometimes one is forced to put cards in the playing field because one is only allowed to have six cards at a time, in each turn, you draw a card...
the magic is the most complicated... the drawing on the cards are not so cartoony, it has good quotes (reminds me of lord of the rings verbage)... it's complicated because there the turning of the cards... effects.... monster card, land cards to summon, magic cards to equip, trample... this is like the yu-gi-oh, but more intricate and complicated...
it's not enough to know the rules, after the basics, then strategizing is next, overall the card games are fun to play
-left Philly's summer wave, took train ride- (going a different direction not the usual one that goes to Greensburg...bridge over 'schukyle' river ), waiting - phone call... waiting using the computer... listening to conversation, "real world" job, talking about blonde moments, mental exhaustion, harbour, sea/ocean/ breeze... more trees... rain...
-picking up babysitter, driving by big houses some land smaller than the house, make it look crowded so near the road... sometimes big house on bigger land... interesting houses, Victorian, turrets, castle, box, German cottage-mansion...
-doors left open, breeze passing from the open kitchen door all the way to the living room door... attic room, hot, air conditioner cools it unbelievably so... playing board games, working on strategy, card skills... sleeping, waking, gazing at artificial green stars on top of bunk beds, waking, an apparition drinks water... longing/nostalgic of 'cameraderie'/brotherhood... waking
-woke up, it's time to play sport, like a spring morning, cool, soft light... running, warming up, walking, cool, chocolate dog and master... catch football, horse, basketall, sprinting... bunny... cottontail rabbit... bottles, recycle... walking, catching a ride on a yellow, towards Donuts, nearby, not so "far"... annoying shoulder... chicken... dancing in the tele...
-Spanish homework, reading, sleeping cold, waking up... dropping in Riverdale... Hudson, trees, mansion, tiles, cold people? plastic, smiles, Sisters of Charity, lovers reunited? silence avoids or faces the question, questions question, drifting... reminds... catch, football teach how to throw, copy tricks, drifting... open cards, going to movies... clothes next time tomorrow... secrets... perfect crime elementary level (hoping).... amusing for now... wondering how far the games will go... washing dishes, reading
-laughing, joking on the edge... fruits-blackberry, grapes... milk, vitamins... games, gaudy versus confident, games...night showers... working... cell phones... charm school... cursing...making a deck... playing catch... football- lost in the bush,... driving, talk of uncle (bored, ignorant of priveleges or maybe longing for what's gone) not calling- card tournaments...
--- dying- cancer- swimming, talking, chatting, dog running back and forth, dust, can't pass the gate... comics to politics... dogs, cats, magic, sexuality...pregnancy
yesterday (sunday July 8) was a great day to go swimming, it was around 93 degrees... a friend of the family decided to have a little get together in her place... bar-b-que chicken, spaghetti, and scuba diving in a 7 feet pool...
her place was awesome... trees were tall enough to provide substantial shade while letting in enough sunlight... the water was just the right temperature, not freezing cold but alluringly just right...
another friend of the family came also, he brought his scuba gear, wife and three children... he was very enthusiastic to share his scuba gear with those interested. At first I was iffy, then my dad tried it so I decided to try it also- well at least I took the first step in trying anyway.
my instructor doesn't believe in "steps" it's all or nothing... however for me, I fear things I don't understand so of course I asked a lot of questions... the instructor sort of got annoyed because I asked too much questions...
I put on the water boots followed by the flippers, then I slipped on the vest with the oxygen tank and wrapped the belt with weights around my waist... he showed me the buttons that'll automatically bring me down and bring me up... I put on the mask and praticed breathing... I was doing okay, but my instructor wanted to rush everything which is a bad thing for me because I'm slow... I have to understand and be at least comfortable before going to the next step...
the breathing part with the mask wasn't that bad... the physical was okay, it was the mental that made me panic... my mind is trying to adjust and maybe overthink things... at times wearing the mask made me feel claustrophobic... of course I'm wearing those googles and I can see pretty clearly... seeing the bubbles come out from the mouth piece... seeing it so close to your eyes, then I get reminded of the fact that I'm underwater and yet I'm breathing as if I don't have a mask... just a natural thing I normally do above water... it seems illogical/magical/mind boggling... then I felt as if my mouthpiece would slip out of my mouth... so it's like a puzzle... to add to the challenge, the oxygen tank have a tendency to float up and make me horizontal and while I'm trying to keep upright (because I'm just practicing), the flippers are trying to flip me out of my standing position... all of these things are happening while my mind decides to make up a scary story of a heavy oxygen tank dragging me to the bottom of the pool...
the oxygen or maybe lack of oxygen started making me laugh at the absurdities of the things happening so I surfaced ... my instructor losing his patience told me to put the mask (I did) and then he started pulling me towards the deeper end of the pool (he doesn't believe in steps- it's all or nothing), I couldn't control my mind, i didn't breath in a normal pace... I started inhaling and exhaling in a shorter period so I surfaced again...
another person wanted to try it so i was more than willing to hand over the equipment... to my instructor my attempt was fruitless BUT I disagree... I learned a little bit about the equipments and their functions, I got exposed to breathing using the mask and oxygen tank, maybe next time I'll practice using the flippers and someday I'll put it all together...
the instructor's kids were adorable... one was only around 9 months, the other 21 months and the eldest one may be 2 to 3 years old... the eldests were just doing their thing... with parents watching over them, they'd sit next to the pool, wet their feet, splashing and kicking water everywhere... sometimes grown ups are sadists, they'd scare the little kids by picking them up and half dunking them on the water (up to their waist)... the little kids would cry and once they're safely on ground again, they return to their happy selves, act as if nothing happened, sometimes they would leave the crime scene of traumatic experience and wander somewhere else.... good qualities of kids... sometimes they're not so self-conscious, instead of self-editing themselves, they go ahead and express themselves the best way they can (even if sometimes they seem babbling or incoherent to adults)... they are not super conscious, but they know what happen and they're expressing the moment... it's amusing to watch children while they're playing pretend or using their imagination...it makes one wonder about the ongoings of their minds: what's going on inside their heads? how are they seeing/perceiving this world?...
amazing! :)
I tried the iced caramel machiatto and drank it around 6:45 pm, and I didn't fall asleep until 3 a.m.- talk about caffeine power... found a great bargain at Burlington Coat Factory, five dress pants (black, charcoal, bisque, dark walnut, and navy) for only $105 and they're good quality too... I also ran/jogged on the famous Kelly Drive in Fairmount Park (9x bigger than NY's Central Park)... it's been a while too since I ran, (I can tell because by the end , my lower back was a bit in pain, and my ribs were a bit sensitive/burning)...
I tried the orange white mocha latte, it's white mocha latte with a shot of orange syrup that tastes like marmalade (an inversion of the orange mocha I drank last time--> it's really good, it's the sweet version) while the orange mocha is pungent, this one is really sweet sometimes dangerously so-- the right one will be hanging in the balance, one more ounce will tip the balance...
I drove on the highway today... I didn't do that bad; I'm still alive to type this blog... I have to learn to find the balance of trusting my side and rear mirrors... I was driving fast (at least past 60) but according to some, it wasn't fast enough. My dad told me that the guy behind me kept flashing his blinkers; I didn't even notice because I was focusing on the vehicles in front of me and making sure that I didn't miss my exit...
once I got to the city, the pace was different...narrow streets and parked cars, lots of pedestrian and cyclists...
to start my summer curriculum of FUN today, I watched this awesome French movie with my friend at the Ritz- a film made up of shorts from various directors, it's called Paris, Je t'aime (I'll talk more about this later...). so far this summer, i noticed the influx of French and Paris-inspired movies at the Ritz...
I did some window-shopping-- looking for 'teaching' clothes- having some sort of uniform will tremendously help me psychologically when I student-teach...
then I went to Dave and Busters- ate dinner there and got the power-card combo cheese steak and $10 worth of game points for the arcade, I played the trivia game, the air hockey, the skeeball, basketball, the classic arcade games such as pac-man, 'galaxy,' won an Eagle's bear at the machine, and got a shot glass for my friend...
then i went to Philly's First Friday celebration (held every first-Friday), held around Olde City and its many small independent art galleries...it wasn't as posh as I thought it was going to be, but it was still a great experience, they had alcohol (my friend drank a cup) but they didn't have wine and or cheese. It was an art festival of some sort. I got to see the many galleries I never knew existed which were cool. Percussions, fire-breathing display, hula demonstrations, guitar music, anti-political bumper stickers, t-shirts, kisch art, you name it, they have it.
The trends I noticed at the streets are graffiti art and irregular geometric/weird-shaped anime-esque cartoons and in the galleries- exploration of space and location (setting as character)- I saw this in the pottery and the oil paintings...
this event inspired me to make art for the sake of selling them ( I know this sounds so capitalistic but I feel like I don't have enough room in my house, I'd like to share my art to others, at least those who will be willing to pay for it, will give my art a home, sometimes I like to make art to give to people and right now there's no occasion, if i start making art now, maybe by the time the second first Friday of the summer hits I'll have several to sell (I already have ideas on how to save money for getting materials)...
the great thing about being an artist, if I like an idea and I know I can do a satifying version of that idea then I don't have to buy it and I can make it for myself (of course I'm not going to claim it and sell it as if it's my original vision but I'll keep it for inspiration)... the only time that I'd buy art is if I liked the artist's vision (me copying it will lose the original artist's interpretation- why I Iiked it in the first place) with this said, I'm thinking of buying the most expensive hat I would ever purchase to date- the modifications I'd suggest are the color scheme, less psychedelic and more cool monochromatic colors and maybe add moon and eye icons- very trivial and if it's not possible it's not the end of the world...
day one of my summer curriculum of FUN is successful and motivating...
it's sort of weird finishing my undergraduate studies already...I'm glad I'm going to grad school because atleast I have a plan...the dreaded six months after graduation is not so dreadful for me, I have something to look forward to...
of course i still have the classroom mentality so I'm going to modify it and use it to my advantage (hopefully), the world will be my classroom, the people of the world will be my new classmates, breaking into the publishing world and making the most out of my life will be my new homework and research project, I'll always strive for that metaphoric "A", do extra credits, do it genuinely no 'bs'
never fret, I'm not that naive, I know there'll be bullies and people who'll think your stuff is crap, who'll be nit-picky, who'll make your life a living hell, BUT with the bad, there are also the good people, who'll tutor you, have (office) hours for consultation or talking, who'll work with you (team work)...
the possibilities are endless, they are not far-fetched, they're attainable (just keep working, work hard)...
this time it wasn't that bad walking twenty-two blocks, I only had two small backpacks- one on my back full of assignments and one in the front full of snack et al. I didn't mind the walk, after 7 hours of sitting, I needed to stretch my legs and exercise.
it's always very cinematic, I rose from the tunnel using the escalator, I 'd be looking up to high ceilings of 30th station, very warm feeling- sandy stone, lights, gilded gold trimmings- people lining up, announcements over the 'pa.' I passed the bronze statue of "the angel lifting up a man," I happen to pick the doors that automatically opened.
Outside, the pillars framed the way for me, taxis lined up. There's a paradox in the way I moved. My steps were confident, I knew where I was going. My head was tilting in every direction: watching a crane lift metal, the dormant skeletal frames of a skyscraper that is supposed to be the highest one here in Philly history. the 'schukly' river is churning below, which looked like melted bronze with flecks of gold. Wind blowing combing my hair and massaging my head; it was just a nice feeling. for the most part, the pace of my amble was in sync with the downtown's stop lights- I rarely stopped and waited for the light to turn green (it was pass go).
I passed Love park, city hall, walked in the middle island of the Avenue of the Arts, and made a left on Chestnut street...
first drama- there was a crowd, people's head were directed to the opposite street. I hear people whispering "what's happening?", I too wondered. As I got closer to the scene, I see two black guys hand cuffed and sitting on the ledges in front of a store. Two white cops were standing to their left, and three bicycle cops were on their right. One of the arrested males was arguing with someone. I heard the word "deal," phrases "I wouldn't do that" "it's my grandchild's birthday" etc. I kept walking, I did turn around once but still kept walking (an aspect of Philly).
my eyes caught the display of macy, the fashion statement this season was "naturals"- earthy pastel colors- lots of tans, browns, green, pale yellow, khaki, etc. There was something military-esque and uniform about it. there's precision in the cuts, folds, and collars...
I reached my destination: Starbucks (what a surprise), I called my friend to start my spring break but she was busy. It was an awesome march day- a little windy and crispy air- towards evening the wind started picking up- I didn't want to leave the city so early. Black trash bags were bobbing up and down like jelly fish trapped in metal barrels... it was 4 pm so I ate an early dinner (sandwich and drank white raspberry mocha).
second drama- sitting to my left, there's an interracial couple, I didn't eavesdrop, the tone of their voice revealed it all. The woman's voice would rise and fall, and the man's voice was very calm, and steady. The woman looked like she's ready to go, while the man leaned forward, his hands appearing clasped together. When whatever they were discussing was over, the girl walked out but in peaceful/resolved terms.
straight ahead of my view in Jeweler's row, a pug just finished doing his business. he was brushing his hind paws onto the concrete as if he's revving up for a race...
third drama- a white couple was sitting behind me, when they first arrived they were in good terms and when they left they weren't. I heard the phrases "coping differently" then "taking the train" "driving in this traffic." The lady was saying that she'll take public transportation, the guy was trying to persuade her with traffic. The guy got up, put on his trench coat, his messenger bag slung to one side, the lady followed. they weren't holding hands, the lady got ahead of the guy, walking really fast with arms crossed, "smoke in my eyes" was sang by ella in the background.
after a couple more songs, I left and caught the 38 septa bus. The bus was rolling through Logan square (even though it's a circle) and stopped in between the Franklin institute and swann fountain park, by chance I saw the moon, which was pretty amazing. It wasn't even dark yet, the outline of the moon was perfectly visible in the blue sky of a setting sun. the moon was like white tissue paper pasted to the sky. the bus turned left to Benjamin Franklin parkway passing the philadelphia public library.
In front of the Rodin museum, an old man with a green bowler's hat was studying the "Thinker" from different view points. Joggers/rollerbladers. The bus went behind the philadelphia art museum, more murals on the bridge's wall.
Near Mantua, trash popped out on grasses and pavements. Neglected homes (boarded up), people chilling on porches, worker boarding doors- renovating houses...
I glanced upon the moon for the second time- it was brighter and shinier like a new dime fresh from the mint- polished silver platter superimposed on muted dusky blue.
homecoming...
today for the first time, I reserved business class instead coach for amtrak, I figure I might as well treat myself, and for an extra $20 I upgraded from coach to business...
was the $20 worth it? sort of,
the perks:
definitely spacier
free drinks
and nicer customer service
in general, the amtrak experience is pretty spacey (not like greyhound) but in the business class, it's super spacey. I'm fortunate, usually the station that I depart from (greensburg/philadelphia) is always the stop that is near the beginning of the journey (which means that the train is not crowded yet- I don't have to rush to get a seat)-- less people make it appear extra, extra spacey. the chair is not worn-out fabric- smoother leather-esque
of course, the free drinks are awesome (non-alcoholic of course)- some of these drinks and coffee begin as low as $2 a pop so if you're a drinker, this works well for you, more drink also mean going to the bathroom a lot. I didn't get as much drinks because I was so consumer/environmentally-conscious, I was thinking about all the plastics: cups, bottles, plastic bag used to package the blanket (amtrak if you ever read this, I hope you recycle, someday I'll research more about your company's recycling plan if you have one or not), the little thing that I did was refuse the plastic cups given to me everytime I asked for a bottle of water. I just drank straight from the bottle, I took the two small bottles with me because I know my family recycles...
i usually take the coach instead of business, and the first thing I noticed is that the conductors are more accomodating in business class (I'm not saying that they're rude when handling coach passengers- it just seem that they're just putting time/obligation. in business class, they tend to put extra effort in socializing and being jolly). They ask if you want drinks, they joke with you, they chit chat as if it's a Gala. it has a curtain to close off the cafe part, it's like a whole new world, you take a special exit reserved for you- escorted out, you get a complimentary newspaper- and the temperature seems to be always right
convenience- near the cafe and near two bathrooms and near the exit- everything seems to be brighter,- this is the incentive
being nice and jolly is not difficult to do, everybody in this trip has a common goal- travelling to their destination to go home, do their job etc. (working together to get home and make a living- to live). why does it have to take an extra $20 to be more welcoming to certain passengers? people in general are more receptive and open to other nice people...
crazy week- so back to rigid form
saturday and sunday- spent it making study guides, started studying, practiced dance for jazz two hours of choreographing
monday- continued studying- couldn't focus so spent almost half the day in the art studio, watercoloring- things are going along- I definitely feel more confident in watercolors I went to the extreme, my first rendition was light and serene, the second time, the picture was definitely darker but it was too busy. My prof suggested a balance between the two and to use shapes more instead of lines. I also need to not use too much water, and be more bold in my colors (instead of 30% diluted) at night I continued studying, and watch "Heroes" in this episode, it was more dramatic, the action was subdued, a different pacing slower one but still an awesome episode...
the ball started rolling on Tuesday- workstudy,one of the prof in grad school was impressed with my file, classes, canceled class meeting, met an old friend who's student teaching this semester, first time I saw her this semester, talked and chit chat before Networking dinner, she said that she feels unprepared, she's worried about finding work (traveling where the job is), SITA movie night "A Scanner Darkly" cool effects but distracting, slow pace, great for hallucination scene, studied a bit
wednesday- work, took pictures of jail/bail, class (prof on the the verge of quiting), work(chocolate), unproductivity, reading to death, verging on the nicotine patch (quit smoking), Setonian production, talked about class gift (plaque- people complain, it's easy to complain but organizing and fundraising take a lot of work), picked up snacks finalized studying for midterm test one (Lit. for YA)--> I was prepared for it, reminded me of Art History test, Eye Contact judging was a success most of the people I invited came, and there were a couple of surprse appearances by unexpected people (the more the merrier), 10 to 11:30 finalized choreography, 1130 to 1230 worked on poster...
thursday-- woke up, breakfast, took pictures for OPI Panels of soliders/navy etc. pretty interesting, I probably would have stayed but I needed to resume studying, poster presentation on batteries, (Senior sem class is enlightening but depressing, talking about serious issues and global complexity etc. etc. comforting thought individual action may appear small but it'll inspire others to change because forcing people to change will only continue the viscious cycle...) jazz midterm and dance- learn body coordination, then Media aesthetic midterm-- okay but I didn't finish the second half of the essay, facebook thanks, Setonian production- cropped speak out photos, changed contrast not too dark but not blindingly white, dinner,blogging, got kicked out of computer by rude girl who left her station without indicating that she'll come back, returned fifteen minutes later, kicked me out instead of using the other three computer stations that were open (at the time, I wasn't thinking of retorting and mentioning the other stations which were open, I was thinking of not being rude to this very rude girl who just checked something really quick and left 2 minutes later after I logged out--> I don't get why people can be rude like that, she saw that the other computers were open, she's so possessive she acts as if it's her territory, when it's public virtual comp. lounge, if I weren't so mentally drained maybe I could have suggested the other computers-- c'est la vie), packing, light reading, return books, visit friends wish them an awesome break..
friday, train leaves for Philly 8:01 am
I have a question and everybody please answer it or give me feedback! Thanks, gracias, merci, etc.
Do you think it's okay to quit?
so Monday was a bit frustrating with watercolors, I got to the point where enough is enough, no more reading about watercolor, just do it, and I got feed back from my prof, some stuff that I'll be working on this weekend
finished phonathon!- on tuesday I change the tone of my voice, and I received a better more receptive audience/listener
wednesday- write aid-- it wasn't as jam pack as last semester
just getting ready for mid term week, lots of study guides to do and studying to do
thursday ER was a bit slow (according to my friend, ER being juxtaposed with Grey's Anatomy is not a good combination, ER is being overshadowed--- walking outside, wind blowing, snow being blwn across white surface, like fog crawling in
today friday- went to Greensburg Room to sell chances, I got a better response, they say at 12 is the busy hours, so later I'll go to "Everyman" watch the show and sell,
tomorrow watercolor and dance.... and study guides and studying!!! :)
"Nobody needs seniors anymore because they're graduating in May so why even bother training them or dealing with them, their time is over..."
~Anonymous
this week was somewhat exciting
on monday, meeting,
on tuesday class got cancelled at noon,
and wednesday no classes all day and no work,-- it was nice to have a day off, at first I didn't know what to do, my regular schedule had been wiped out by the snow, I didn't want to not do something- so I read ahead...
thursday the newspaper came out (after all the travails), photo-shoot of everyman, i did phonathon (new thing I learned is the challenge proposed by the mellon foundation, then there's multi-year pledge,
friday went to voice and dance-, spent 10 dollars in book sale hosted by education club, deadline of eye contact
saturady - no casino royale movie,
this sunday i finally finish my first water color sketch for my project- it's not the bestest, but it's done, after I get the critique, I'll most likely redo it like seven more times, it's just nice, it's like having your first draft done-- it was a funny process, there were times when I made the wrong shape, rather than starting all over again I just pushed through, when I got frustrated I'll draw a zigzag here and a dash there and somehow, these expressive marks fix the error somehow (or maybe I'm trying to convince myself too much)--- i'll be adding details with my pen later...
I was going to do something different this week, but I just ran out of time.
The daily to daily account was somewhat rigid, and last week I was going to try just blogging daily instead of waiting until the end of the week. This didn't happen because when I had free time, I wanted to go to my room (no internet) and just chill.
Lots of things happened last week (can't remember them). The thing I remember is liking watercoloring a lot. It's frustrating but it's an awesome medium.
You have to do things really quickly before the water evaporates. At the same time, you have to be precise because you can easily make mistakes, which are sometimes beautiful (planned accidents/ serendipity) or mucky.
The advises I got were- save the whites for your highlights, loosen up your brush work (don't get too heavy).
The color follows the path of water your brush made, it swirls, and spread (capilary action), it settles on the edge of the invisible brush marks, or sinks to the paper (gets absorbed). When you try to mix colors together, they meet each other, sometimes mixing or just exchanging and invading each other's space, when you drop a color on a freshly glazed paper, it explodes like fireworks, it blooms like flowers...it's really pretty-- sometimes it shows if your at peace or not (patient or disturbed)... the color on the paper reveals it like a crystal ball, like a litmus test...
This is the first full week of school (even though it's the second week). I considered it full because this week, I began my work study hours. Everyday this week felt like the "next day." (to clarify, when it was Tuesday, I thought it was Wednesday. Whenver I did this, I'd had a little panic thinking that I missed a class and fearing not remembering what I did). On Thursday I thought it was Friday, and I saw Karissa carrying her art portfolio and I asked her if Phil had studio class on Friday, she said no, then I realized that it was Thursday...
Sunday- Made posters and hung one in Maura Solarium, did interviews while watching "You're the One that I Want"
Monday- First day of Eye Contact basket, and Watercolor class. The basket is slowly getting attention. In Watercolor, I like the effects and results, but being consistent is difficult. Water is wild...
Tuesday- went to st Mary's and worked in OPI, 9 to 10:30 (sorting clips), finished Inconvenient Truth in Senior Seminar, more moves in Jazz, comics in Media Aesthetics, then work at Writing Center 3:30 to 4:30 (5) found out that my hours have been reduced by an hour, read more Little Women, Women's basketball game cancelled...went with Jay to Tennis Practice to take pics of Men's tennis (2 hours)...
Wednesday- Went to work, started editing potential Forward, wrote response to Little Women, attended Honors (became official time keeper), met with SHU president along with class officers of 2007, found out that our commencement speaker will be Rick Sebak, went to work from 2 to 4, Literature for YA (finished all of Little Women instead of half- different book version)...SITA movie night about war and music, interviewed Laura...
Thursday- Woke up wrote response to Media and Global Warming, went to classes, more dancing, attended Student Interest Committee dinner (talked about my college career), did cartoon project, watched ER with friends (a little late because of Hockey)
Friday- Basket in Lowe, Maura solarium, broke even, profits rising a bit, got filmed...took photos of men's and women's track and field...
Saturday- finished graphic novel textbook, read "Storm," tried basket for ADP students, took pictures of Baseball camp, did watercolor exercises, missed dinner (thank goodness for left-overs), transcribed from digital recorder, watched Little Miss Sunshine (cute and funny), finished Setonian article at 2
Sunday- Brunch, finished last "academic objectives" (for now anyway), emailed photos and article, really cold outside, just made it to dinner with friends....(Punctuality is the key)
I got to SHU on Sunday night, my room was spotless. Edel and Weiss, the bamboo plants, were still alive (only a quarter of the jar was filled with water). I took down my 2006 calendar. I unpacked and got ready for Monday. I made a list. I watched "You're the One that I Want" on NBC and "The Apprentice LA"...
1/21/07 to 1/28/07
Monday- I bought my books, cashed a check, mailed letters, went to financial aid, added an Independent study, did laundry, cleared my shelf, arranged new books, fixed subject-binder, chit-chatted at lunch and dinner (tried to catch up), attended opening reception of Student Exhibit in Harlan Gallery (juried show- all my works from graphic design I class got accepted [surprised]- Abstract: Wave Over Pier, Seaweed Latte, Gone with the Wind, Legend of Maria Makiling), and watched "Heroes" at 9pm...
Tuesday- first class Senior Sem (discussed portfolio, future, happiness- have classes with people I haven't had classes with [different majors], and long-time-no-see-since-freshman friends), Jazz (defined terms, lots of people), Media Aesthetics (Comic history), went to library; took out biographies...
Wednesday- brunch with shadow #1 (for Eye Contact), Independent Study Meeting (Watercolors- no show), Senior Honors Presentation (time keeper, public speaking), Setonian Meeting 3-5pm (article- study abroad, photo assignments), dinner, Lit. for YA (fairytales- Cinderella from Around the World), finished reading first half of Understanding Comics...
Thursday- Missed 'brunch' had english muffin and cream cheese, cereal (Lucky Charms) with milk, and packed bagel with jelly, Senior Sem (talked a bit about issues- poverty, politics, environment, war and more, watched video "Inconvenient Truth"), finished typing, late for Jazz (legs and shoulders sore), waterless for Media Aesthetic, 3:30 meeting for Student Interest Committee (once per semester only), Writing Center meeting (4-5) [financial issues,hours, Write Aid, and more], DINNER finally, started Little Women, ER-less night but still watched tv with friends...
Friday- Voice at 10 am (Bare Necessities), lunch with Shadow #2 (collecting patron exercise), art supply shopping (got all on the list, donation for basket, UFO, bottles, light bulbs, comics, DV8- [Amoretto and Apple Crumbs and Caramel]) light flurries first then stopped, got a ride back up the hill, finalized basket, dinner with friends, blizzard bucks game show (didn't win)...
Tentative Weekend
Saturday- Reading, catching up with homework, on-line application, Saw III
Sunday- Poster-making day and brainstorming with shadows and helper, interviews...
Biggest Challenge: Catching up with friends and family, everybody have different schedules. Nonetheless, scheduled noon lunch time, 5 pm dinner time, and t.v. Thursdays, also seeing friends in workplace, same clubs/activities, hallways, random places helps. This semester I will do my bestest balancing the academics with the social. I need help; I need everyone's patience.
the bad side about being bi-cultural is like a child with divorced parents. It's not easy to pick one side. Are you loyal to your nurturing mother or to your providing father?
There's this lingering suspicion from both side. They ask why you haven't chosen a side.
The advantage is adaptability and insights to both culture.
sharing expereinces is hard to do:
a.) there's the notion of bragging
b.) there's the so-what factor
c.) there's a sense of change but that only happens to the one who has the experience
d.) things are still the same to those unaffected by the experience
Why do people use age as a benchmark for what you can't do?
In asking this question I considered that yes when you're older, physically your bones don't regenerate as fast as a kid ( so I can see why adults shouldn't be careless with activities such as sky diving (as an extreme example).
I also get that maturity plays a role too. When it comes to picking up hobbies, most would insist that you should have started at an earlier age (the rational is that as a kid you'd absorb more info, you're still a clean slate ready to be programmed).
Didn't people or society ever factor in the element of the "human will"? You know, the saying "if there's a will there's a way."
My friend who's trying to catch up with the what ifs of her life is finding out how true the adage mentioned above. She always wanted to learn how to play the piano but her parents said she was old already (she asked when she was 11 years old--- according to her parents she should have started at the age of 5). In high school when she was 17 years old and about to graduate she signed up for free piano lessons, in less than three months, she was able to read the notes and play the piano with both her hands.
In college, she decided to take Ballet lessons because she loved to dance. Although she wasn't as flexible as the others, her feet 'turnout" and her balance were pretty good. She also did ice skating lessons. In three days she was able to pass the pre-alpha level 1 (learning how to do swiggles, gliding, and backward skating). Her coach noted that her courage and enthusiasm to learn helped her to achieve her goals.
She is realistic, she's not just going to drop everything to be the next Mozart or the next Michelle Kwan. Her wonderings and musings of the what ifs have been assauged. Now she's just figuring out what she wants to dedicate her time and energy in because if she has the will she can do almost anything.
I feel like a rock star or some sort of celebrity. Today my last day in Philadelphia before the trip, my schedule was booked. I had places to go and people to meet.
I had my retainers check at my orthodontis (making sure the 'smile' is gleaming). I had brunch in Starbucks, got this chicken salad sandwich (tres good) and blueberry Green Tea Frapcucino. My friend gave me tons of great literature to read. Her mom gave an extra $100 spending cash. After this, I met up with my grade school friend, talked about MP3 players and a quick review of summer movies and show. My bro got home from work and he took me to best buy, originally I was going to buy an "ipod shuffle", but I got the "iriver" (for only $100 including 2 year warranty). Then I met up with my Fil-friends, they gave me a list of things to get (they gave me money to pay for it of course).
I'm just receiving gifts left and right (I'm not complaining either- way too giddyingly happy). I got $300 spending cash from friends and family. I've got gadgets "donated" to me compliments of my bro and Canon Digital Camera and Camcorder and Optimus Digital voice recorder.
Relatives from California are calling. People are excited (which makes me excited). They wish me a happy trip and I'm grateful! :)
I've been planning this Phil. trip at least two years but I haven't been thinking about it because
a). I would be very very very very very very verrrrrrrry distracted
b). I wouldn't be able to concentrate because I'm distracted
c). I wouldn't function because I couldn't concentrate due to the distraction
d). All of the above
This morning I was in Greensburg and all throughout this week, I've been packing. I got home I helped my parents unload the car. I brought all my stuff in my room and organized so when I get back I would know where to find things. And just as I'm unpacking some of my school clothes, I'm packing things to bring to the Phil. islands.
I have lots of technology to bring. Last week I talked to SHU professors and staff about digital cameras and camcorders. I sought their advice. My bro got all these last week (this was his Christmas, and birthday gift for five years, and also my early graduation gift). The digital camera is strictly mine but the camcorder is for the whole family. I also took the advice of Prof. Jerz and got a digital voice recorder. With all these techs, I'm tempted to buy some type of MP3 player for music (my money- the one I've been saving up).
I'm a bit intimidated by these high tech gadgets. They feel so James Bondish/Alias. I feel like I'm going to break them. The camcorder is the size of my palm and the digital cam. is just a tad bit smaller than the camcorder. The digital voice recorder has 33 hours, it's smaller than the digital camera, and it has a clip-- like a pen-- so I can put it in my shirt pocket. All of them (excluding the battery and tape accesories for the camcorder) can fit in this little hand bag that is smaller than my old and heavy camcorder.
I'm happy with all of them. The digital camera has so much option, I hope I don't miss kodak moments because I couldn't decide the mode.
Because I've numbed myself for years (not to feel excited about this trip), I'm experiencing the backlash. I'm realizing that things are happening really quickly. Today, Monday- I'm shopping for some essentials and then I'm taking out some cash from my savings account. I have to finish packing, make sure I don't forget anything. I have an orthodontis appointment to adjust my retainers (will only last for 15 minutes). I'm meeting my HS friend in ardmore, then after this I'm going to try to meet my gradeschool friend, and then go to Best Buy with my bro and buy a cheap version of ipod. Get home, download the music and finalize packing.
tentative Schedule
May 16- Leave Phila.
May 17- Arrive in the Phil. Manila Shopping
May 20- Lola During's b-day, Taal Lake excursion
May 22- Manila: Intramuros Mindanoa Arts Festival, National Library, Manila Bay Sunset, Phil Cultural Center, 'Nayong Pilipino'
May 28- Blessing of school, A Hundred Island excursion (Tito Ray's family)
June 6- one week stay at cousin's university in Los Banos
June 14ish- 'Banauie' Rice Terrece excursion and Baguio City (buy hat)
Junish- Boracay Island
July 9- Cousin's Debut
July 14ish- Stay at kindergarden try to do mural
July-ish- Hiking at Mt. Pico de Loro
Rest of July until departure in mid-August- organize, get head straight, assimilate, document, spend hard earn money, spend more time with family, go food shopping, buy 'americana and barong'
But for now, I have to sleep, long day today!
Today at Commencement, mention the current taboo "war," and you get people on all side hollering their protest or support for the war. U.S. Rep John P. Murtha brought up the current issue during his commencement speech.
One angry parent called out saying that this was graduation. He felt that Murtha was bringing up his "agenda." Supporter of the war and the soldiers fighting for freedom, responded that what Murtha was saying was the "truth."
The rest of the audience, family and friends of the graduates understood that Murtha was biased, but they focused instead on honoring the graduating seniors. They applauded to quiet the warmongers.
Murtha redeemed himself by generalizing that patriotism didn't necessarily mean supporting the war. It could be sublte acts and sharing reverence for freedom and democracy.
The banners of the past hanged around the parameters of the Sylvatti gym. Doctoral Honoree Mary Lou McLaughlin advised the graduates and the crowd. She said, "Passion compensates for lack of expertise."
Sure a fiery few showed their political views, however the passion of the graduates who strived to follow their dreams and vocation were not overlooked. 2006 Class President Justin Norris challenged his class to be examples, to experiment and to cherish life.
So this semester is over, today at 11 a.m. I'm going to see some of my senior friends graduate and move on with their lives. Some are going to Grad school, others straight to the work force (or don't know)- either way they have some sort of plan...
I'll be a fourth year student, the thought of Grad school is around the corner, right now, it's not early at all for me to think about Grad school ( along time ago [two years ago]), I didn't want to think about the possibility of going back to school for another two years, but I'm reading about the subjects and classes offered in Graduate programs, and I find them exciting-- more in tune with my interest
ideally I would like to get some experience in the working field but if nobody would hire because of lack of "specification" I'm hoping that a MA in folklore would provide me with some experience and specialization...
I've been reading on some of bios of students in the folklore field,--they're very interesting and they matched my general interest in art, literature and culture-- most of them even incorporate gender, identity studies, news media. I really like the individual aspect (almost like a self-design MA program)-- I've said it a thousand times that I wanted to do something in art and children's literature and storytelling incorporate identity, perception, understanding, interpretation of the world around them grasping role (transition)---focusing on island life/culture relationship with land and nature (its effects on superstition) this is a vague thing I want to explore (I think I like the identity formation and imitation stage of life, metamorphosis, change).
my vague idea in some sense differs from most of the bios I read (this can be a good thing or a bad thing-- good because it's unique, bad because the higher ups might not think it's strong or relevant)
As of right now, --my number 1 choice --UPenn's Folklore and Folklife program is currently suspended indefinitely. I emailed the guy in the website and surprisingly he emailed me back. He was sorry that he didn't know much about the current status, he gave me some names who most definitely would know about the status of the program.
My second choice looks promising (it's in University of Oregon). I looked at the faculty and some of them attended UPenn, so if I couldn't go to UPenn, in some way I would still get some influence because of the faculty's background.
My third choice UC Berkeley is more competitive (they focus on Oral literature)-- they only accept four students in the program every year. My fourth choice is Ohio State (I din't get a chance to read their info as much)...
Finding information on these universtiies and the program and learning about the application process (GRE's and all that jazz) prove the mantra true-- applying to a grad school is the hardest part-- the application process tends to be longer and complicated...
for example for the University of Oregon
I have to
-complete a Graduate Admission Application ( I have to request this from the folklore department - each department is different)
-mail my SHU transcript to the right department
-get three letters of recommendation
-write a statement of academic objectives not to exceed five double-spaced printed pages
-fill application checklist form indicating three areas of study and names and departments of chair and committee members
-write a tentative program of study (52 credits in all)
-write a current resume
this will all help me focus and really reflect on what I hope to accomplish. I'm not as worried I just have to begin, schedule my GRE test, study for it, find professors for the recommendation, think about the objectives,design what i'm going to study (my favorite part), find the right department and mentors. This is sort of like writing an essay or research paper, just start writing and brainstorming and doing the necessary research...
If all else fails there's a possibility of trying to get a summer internship at Scholastic Inc.!
Karel Appel was asked "How do your ideas come to you? How do you find them?
He said, "Do I really "find" them? What I try to do is just remain open so as to register the perpetual meamorphosis of the world. The eye remains on the alert, like a radar."
"It's difficult for us to get off the rails of routine. We stop seeing the world. Our gaze becomes fixed, the world grinds to a halt. It's death closing in."
"In every artist there's an eternal nomad. By that I mean he can't settle dowm, make himself a niche in things as they are, what's established in any society..."
"Matter was not to be possesed , but to be transformed."
"Van Gogh made me see that will power is maybe more important and fertile than talent."
"The obstinate ursuit of rational investigation means the end of a contemplative approach to the world. A preconceived rationality often means nothing more than cultural superstition."
"It was in Peru that I came to udnerstand better the meaning of my own "kinetic" experience, as I watched the people living."
"There's no single 'key' to explain things."
"I refuse viscerally any conception of society that tends to turn us into prisoners. Prisoners of othe rpoeple or of ourselves!"
meeting up with friends and family is inspiring
from thursday to sunday- family time
thursday afternoon, met up with high school friend, recalled the unbelievability of time passing
friday evening, met with family friend, celebrated an early birthday
saturday afternoon, met up with college friend, walked in Philadelphia downtown looking at free public art around city hall, market street, JKF Park, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Moore College, Calder's collection, Rodin's Musem, the Rocky steps of the Art Museum, the skyline
saturday evening, met with grade school friend, talked about various things from the most politically incorrect subjects (mestizo, identity, citizenship etc.) to anime with eastern philosophy of yin and yang (balance, dark side and light), suffering characters
sunday morning- parents brought me to train station, parents revealed their pragmaticism to the point of irrationality (but completely understandable). According to them no convertibles for me because somebody will throw a bomb at the car while i'm driving, my rationalization, if whoever is going to throw a bomb, it doesn't matter what I drive (a car is a car and no matter what the car's going to get damaged)... moved the conversation to a more pleasant topic of Grad School...
sunday afternoon- train ride to SHU, digging and loving Melissa Ethridge's new cd "Lucky," did some work...
so what an adventure, the train actually arrived on time, and it was just a beautiful day, leaving Greensburg 8:01 am, the atmosphere reminded me of Frederick's painting (this German Romantic artist), especially since there were some fog, the light was diffused, soft lilac in the sky, it literally looked like egg yolks breaking (the yellow part),
I got to do some work although didn't finish them, I got to Philly and I rushed to get home so I could catch my 4:20 pm ortho. app., drove my emerald toyota through montgomary ave., oh how I missed driving, I drove fast but carefully and I made it on time, spent $250 for new retainers,
then met my friend, there were many confusions which ended up in not getting a dessert on the one hand, caramel frap was good, ranted about being rejected by Grad school,
At 9 pm,I finally met my mom and dad and bro (everything's swell with them), surprisingly my room was clean, and Sammy the flowering plant had bloomed one flower for me (a welcome home blossom)
Losing your voice sucks. I'm not talking about freedom of speech (that would suck too), I'm talking about pre-laryngitis literally.
It all began when I spent two days Friday and Saturday, when I pushed myself to exhaustion trying to finish two short-story manuscripts...
Friday night, what was I doing while people are dancing and having their 'fun,' I was down in the 24-hour lounge, finishing my short story "Abduction" for Writing of Fiction minimum 2000 words. The following day Saturday, I finished my first draft for Publication Workshop entitled "A Wake" (minimum six pages, but I actually surpassed it and went to eight pages 2080 words).
I did this 'writing festival' back to back during the weekend with the crazy weather- you know, the type that was nice and warm on Friday, then temperature would drop the next day, the sun would shine, the sky was clear, then it would flurry, then not, then more flurry like a snow globe shaken by the weather god, then Sunday pretty stable like nothing happened.
Of course the pollen took advantage of this and attacked as soon as possible (allergy attack), mucus building up, blowing noses, coughing, now mixed that with verbosity and exhaustion, systems down, larnyx made vulnerable, constant chatting, what do you get? very croaky, hoarse person pushing the limit- the following Friday, I lost my voice, even whispering was detrimental.
Every once in a while your body will tell you "hey buddy, pay attention, I'm not working well...fine don't listen to me I quit," and they will quit on you. Harmony has to be established between you and your body or else. You can't be a dictator to your own body because they won't listen, and they'll just stop functioning.
I should know this by now, I remember during the winter break, I was exhausted that I fainted (I could have slammed my head somewhere sharp). Then one time long before college began, my contact lenses dried in my eyes. Most recently I was so close to getting laryngitis, the nurse said that it took four days to officialize if indeed I had laryngitis. I never had laryngitis before so it was pretty nerve-racking.
I didn't know that whispering was straining my voice. I'd whisper and people thought I was weird. People didn't communicate to me the same way. Some of my friends went on "mother" mode, very caring. Some thought that I was completely handicapped, they limited their output. They forgot that I could still hear and I can still respond by writing.
For the most part, I carried a paper, in it written was "I lost my voice, I can mime or whisper" then later this changed to "I lost my voice, I can whisper" then "I lost my voice, whispering is detrimental." People who didn't know continued to talk to me, I'd point to my throat, some at first thought I was playing charade, some just think I'm odd as usual. Sometimes I forced myself to explain, but it was hopeless.
I took out a sign language book, maybe I can learn signing. I learned how to say "I can't speak" and I reviewed the sign language alphabet. As I was perusing through the book, I learned a bit about grammar in sign language, and learning about how some signs were being formed. I had a little understanding of how it might work.
What was most torturous was thinking about the last thing I did before losing voice. I was singing a lot. Sure I don't have the tantalizing honey-voiced of a tenor or the boyish baritone, sure once in a while I can pull off the vibrato of Snow-White or psuedo soprano also known as a falsetto. I can hit the note, all I have to do is hear it and replicate...
One thing though, this experience helped me to listen, not only to my body but people. I'd communicate with them either by miming or just writing it on a piece of paper (while doing this, I practiced my short-hand, because I want to get my message across as fast as possible)...
As of right now, I don't have laryngitis, but I still feel some of its pre-effects. My throat is still sometimes scratchy, my voice is audible (not in whisper mode), but not yet to the level of singing/belting out chipmunk style. I am grateful for the chances...
I went to the nurse on Thursday, her diagnosis was not grim but vague. She said that it would take four days to figure out if I had Laryngitis. By Friday morning, I had completely lost my voice. I was heading to New York, the city that never slept except on Sunday mornings, the city blaring with music from Broadway to local and international acts, a very active city...
I'd whisper, and my friend told me that I was straining my voice more, they said that I should use my natural voice even if it was croaky, on the way to NY I'd forget and I 'd whisper, eventually I'd use my 'natural' voice, most of the times I sounded like an out-of-tune flute...
Highlights...
Friday, March 31
stayed in the Pennsylvania Hotel, it was an okay hotel, it wasn't as posh, but the location was terrific, really close to a lot of things (across from Madison Garden, a couple of blocks from the Empire)- lows: fridge that 's not cold, air conditioner that keeps the room warm rather than cold...
starbucks, one in every corner, got a caramel frap under the pseudonym Mark, got a cinnamon dolce lattel under the pseudoym Matea- both extremely delicious
stopped by St. Patrick Cathedral, Rockefeller skating rink, Librarie De France (failed to convince going to MoMA), Went to the NBC store, bought ER pens which looked like needles
super expensive TGIF- compared to Greensburg price, the NY price doubled, we didn't get free refills on our strawberry lemonade slushies, and we couldn't substitue rice for mash potatoe
finding the Ambassador theater, walking around Times Square, stopping by at every souvenir shop trying to find the best deal, crossing streets with tons of people, some carrying a box of grass, some wearinng white chalky lace dress with matching white powdered faces...later finding out that she's a street mime, she did ballet poses (she wasn't like the European type mime that could stay still for a very long time), saw the famous Winter Garden theater (right now playing Mamma Mia)
Watched the musical "Chicago" with theguy from dancing with the stars, one of the cosby girls (rubens), a woman -Lilian/Lillias (who appeared in Sesame street, worked with Oprah, was one of the muse in Disney's Hercules), it was great, our seats weren't that far, the dancing was spectacular (now I understood more about Bob Fosse's style)
Saturday, April 1
Throughout this day, I found it diffifuclt to stay quiet, I was coughing, blowing my nose, drinking water to keep my throat moist, eating halls, took tynenol, dayquil, allegra d, ate fruits..
we woke up early so we could take the subway to south ferry to get to Battery park, we found out that the suoth ferry route was close, we had to take another one that dropped us off Chamber Street, from there, we transfered to a shuttle bus, it was loaded with british kids and parents "little kids, used the word "ancient", we were in-line to go to Liberty Island, on the way we met another mime dressed as Lady Liberty, they were loud ones, they'd call with their megaphone, enticing you to take their pictures, black men with african accents walked around lugging boxes and briefcase yelling "purse, watches, sunglasses".. the wait on the line was like a musical bazaar, first an old spanish dude sang ballad, then a guy with a giant fro covered by green knitted hand played a percussion bowl that sounded like a xylophone/'calypso', a British a-cappela group, who were tourists themselves serenaded the crowd, little Williiam chasing pigeons away...boat ride was okay, wind rearranged people's hairstyle, imapasto/ thick waves stirred, rising and falling green atlantic hazy sky, Lady Liberty fresh mint green brighter than before, segulls floated like kites...Italian couple asking me to take their pictures because "I looked like a photographer"
Ellis Island, they tried to find their ancestors that migrated here on the US a while ago, I just got here in the U.S., so I new there was no way that my name will be on the wall, the closest spelling to my name was 'Diezel.' They traced their roots literally, they had paper and pencil and shaded in relatives that shared their name, ti started to rain. there was an abrupt stopwhen we were in the boat,..back to Battery Park, the shuttle bus took forever so we walked
we saw the sides of many court houses, we saw a house that maybe dedicated to Elizabeth Ann Seton, we might have seen City Hall, we saw the Bronze bull, an african statue of a gian black marbel antelope headdress.. we walked towards Ground Zero, walking through, I heard stories of what others' were doing when it happened,
walked to Chinatown, explored the stores, went through seafood market place, ginger roots laide in basket like barnicles, roasted ducks rotating next to gut, some fish flapped hopelessly, tanks of lobster, people yelling "purses, only 20 dollars"
Had lunch/dinner in Little Italy, lots of outdoor cafes, tomato sauce lingered, 'baisley' baked oven pizza with rosae grande pepperoni, vanilla gelati, manager of restaurant in Italian style with point white shoes and swhite striped blue suit
Subway to 110 street North Central Park, saw Duke Ellington Memorial statue, already night time, didn't ambled to far in the dark park...
then went to the observatory deck in Rockefeller plaza, "top of the rock", not as high as Empire but beautiful, without the obstrusive barsilver bars, instead, large glass, a smiling crescent in the sky, clouds popped out from the dark starless sky, lights dots inverse of the sky
Went to Grand Central Station (constellation on the dome), took pictures, more "times square shopping", hard rock cafe store...walking
Sunday, April 2 (Last Day)
At 8am, went to the Empire State Building, wait not that long, up there, it was a great day look, forecast was clear, see the lands , trees , Staten Island clearly, windy, white water, pigeon bird food, french, Chinese tour groups (influx)
$8.13 Strawberry cheesecake- melts in your mouth, McDonald's, Burger King, Starbucks
Departure between 12 and 1 pm
Minimum spending of cash and credit card total: $200
Memory priceless....
Being in the middle class, I don't like the notion of anti-bourgeosie.
I understand why some are "haters" to a class driven by "money" and materialism or conformity, but not all bourgeoisie are like this.
I think it's more than money but power. The Upper class (high society) fear them because they might be replaced by them. The Lower class hates them because they're richer than them. Even the people who belong in the Bourgeoisie hate their class because they either want to be a part of the upper class or they think the Bourgeoisie class is too materialistic.
It seems like everyone is just hating on the bourgeoisie.
Yesterday I watched the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. It was great and it was reminiscent of those medieval stories where kingdoms compete with each other and have elaborate ceremonies to welcome the participants and to show off the host's kingdom.
It was nice to see people from different countries walk in and mingle peacefully with each other. The commentators were great. They gave cultural background about Italy and mini-blurbs about some events happening with different countries.
Snow boarding, skiing and other winter sports are awesome. However the main thing I'm 'rooting' for (excited about) is figure skating- especially women's figure skating.
Commentators have been talking about that this will most likely be Michelle Kwan's last olympic. At the age of 25), she is considered a veteran already. In spite of this I don't sense regret in her. This is going to be her third olympic and her last chance perhaps to capture the gold. She has a silver and a bronze (which are achievements too).
This is one of the most competitive season for women's figure skating because there's so many great women figure skaters. Russia's Irina Slutskaya is a tough competitor and she continues the legacy of Russian Champions. For a very long time Russia have been dominating these sport in all its aspect: men's and women's singles, pairs, ice dance, etc. Technically she's consistent. She can do triples and double with her eyes close. She's also great at combinations, spins, and foot work. She knows how the new scoring system works, and she can easily adapt to situations/problems that may occur in her program. She knows how to get extra bonus points by upgrading her skill level after the halfway point of her program. She has great stamina.
In the artistic side, she's not bad but not great. She's somewhere between good and great. She's in this range because her lines or extensions are not as straight or graceful as Sasha Cohen or Michelle Kwan. But what adds to her artistry is the joy she emits when she's skating. Her posture is good and she has her nerves under control. When the audience see the confidence shining through the skater, an emotional connection of some sort is felt which makes the program more entertaining.
The Japanese and American women figure skaters are waiting to dethrone Russia's traditions of ice queens. Shizuka Arakawa, Miki Ando, and Fumie Suguri are up and coming. They have the technical skills and they've greatly improved on their artistry. The one that comes to mind who can be considered their leader (the well rounded skater) is 2004 World Champion Shizuka Arakawa. She definitely have the artistry and 'soft' knees which make her landings look natural, smooth, and effortless. However she's not as consistent as Slutskaya. If she's not "on," she let her nerves get the best of her. She starts popping jumps, and downgrading her level by turning triple jumps to doubles. She ends up not "selling" her program. As Dick Button would say the illusion (facade) of the performance is destroyed.
The American women are making a name for themselves. If Sasha Cohen can master consistency then she'll be the power house. She has the technical skills of Slutskaya and more (because she's more flexible), and an artistry that can equal Kwan if she were to skate with her heart instead of anxiety. All's left for her to master is her ownself- her nerves. Young skaters, Kimmmie Meissner and Emily Hughes are learning from Kwan and Cohen and continuing to build American women's reputation.
Lastly but not least (save the best for last), there's Michelle Kwan. In this Olympic, she's considered the underdog. She's coming off from a recent injury. In fact she didn't have a chance to defend her U.S. title last year because she suffered from a groin injury. Nonetheless the officials gave her a spot in the U.S. olympic team. Also she's not as familiar with the new scoring system as Slutskaya (this new scoring is in her advantage because there's a chance to earn bonus points which in effect will give her a chance to right the mistakes she made early in the program). She should take into perspective that this might be her last olympic. With that said, she should lighten up (not let her nerves get to her), trust her skills (her experience: 3rd olympic, 9 or 10 U.S. titles, World Champions), review her program and see how it figures in the new judging system, and enjoy skating (allow her heart to win the gold).
I'm rooting for all of them for different reasons. If Slutskaya wins, she'll get money to help pay for her mother's medicine bill. Also this season, she has been the one who's consistent (it will be an awesome prize for season of hard work). If Akawara wins, she will inspire more women of non-western background to try and reach for their own dreams. If Cohen wins, it will be a great victory in defeating her own self (you know what they say "you're your own worst enemy). If Kwan wins, it will be about time, third's a charm, she's been beaten twice by two teenagers Lipinski and Hughes (who are both retired now from the competitive world of figure skating). There's a possibility that this can happen a third time with Kimmie Meissner. There's many more figure skaters but these are the ones in the current spotlight.
Journey to gold will be difficult for Kwan for various reasons:
1. New Scoring system (she hasn't been competing a lot in the Grand Prix season so she hasn't time to get use to it)
2. Post-injury (she's not as fit as Slutskaya)
3. Tons of Competitive skaters (Slutskaya, Cohen, Arakawa, Meissner and more)
4. Self-doubt (speculation- this is my third time "I'm too old")
This will be an exciting winter olympic, let the games begin (schedule)!
it was a fun and enlightening break
I had time to do mini-independent projects like read tons of poetry books, tons of writing samples from the greatest Jorge Luis Borges and watched old and new movies (these are just some of the few)
I went to a job fair, which was very business like and cold
I sat around in starbucks, splurged on expensive coffees for two hours minimum, and just sat there
I met up with friends and chilled with them
I hanged out with my family
of course "life" continued to cruise down- death, disappointments, hope, birth...
After being deprived of not having writing classes specifically for writing creatively (fiction etc. not essay or literary criticism [not that these are bad]), this semester I have two classes which are focused on creative writing (mostly on the artistic and applicable side). I'm taking Publication Workshop and Writing for Fiction. I was looking at the 'sylabii,' and I have tons of creative writing, exercises, critiquing, and journal entries to do.
I see them working together (hand in hand), but it would have been nice to have them spread out. Last semester I did a lot of reading in my four literature-heavy English classes. These semester I'm going to do a lot of writing and different types for different subjects.
In my 20th Century Art History class, our exams will be in essay format, and we have a research paper and presentation to do. In my History of Jazz class, we are required to write a Jazz performance review, and a research paper on a Jazz figure. In my Musical Dance class we have to analyze the structure of a musical of our choice and do a mini dance presentation on it incorporating the dance style of the musical.
I don't know what's in store for me for tomorrow night's American Literature class, but I know that there will be a research paper.
This semester will be the most challenging ever. In a twist perverted way I sort of like the higher classes because the people who are there, want to be there. I guess this is how I've always envisioned college life and academia- a balance between overt application and book knowledge.
Preface
Everytime I go to New York (NY), I feel like I've travelled around the world without leaving the country.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Gateway to the World
On Friday January 6, I went to NY for my first self-planned and self-financed trip. I did the planning, the research, and I didn't rely on my parents or older relatives for transportation (to get around Manhattan). I was pretty much on my own (of course I was accompanied by my cousin/friend because I'm not that insane to go by myself).
Part I: Getting to NY (I want to be a part of it, New York, New York...)
Ch 1: Planning and the Budget
Ch 2: Putting together the Itinerary
Ch 3: Guidebook and Mastering the MTA New York City Subway
Ch 4: Asking Around/Talking to Friendly Strangers
Part 2: the NY Adventure (it's not possible to see everything ... in one trip)
Ch 5: Chinatown
Ch 6: The Empire State Building
Ch 7: The Metropolitan Art Museum
Ch 8: Lounging in Times Square and Pictures
Conclusion: Microcosm of the World
I've been to New York before, and if you were to go without a plan you'd be overwhelmed when you see the enormity of the city. They (the so-called experts) said that part of the experience and "fun" was getting lost: you're really having fun when you get lost in Manhattan. This is true to an extent. Sure the chance encounters in NY would be memories all to itself, but you'll get more out of your experience if you were to accomplish something. The serendipitous moments would be extra treats/bonus instead.
***My goal was to see the Empire State building and to see the Asian Art collection in the Metropolitan Art Museum.
I had to limit myself to these two so I had a focus. This was my third attempt to go to the Empire. In the past I was daunted and hindered by its block-long line. This was my third trip to the Met also. The Met is huge. The first time I went there, I arrived 30 minutes before they closed. I had only time to glanced through the two-story gift shop in the main lobby and passed by the Egyptian exhibit while trying to look for the rest room. The second time I went, I had an hour and a half. I focused in on the Greek and Roman antiquities and a bit on the Egyptian. While looking for the cafe with my friends we passed by really quickly some European paintings.
To help me with the schedules of bus ride and museum/site hours, map and getting around NY, I borrowed a book in the library called The Rough Guide to New York City. I found this really helpful and informative. It also gave me confidence to go out there.
Budget
I had $100 to spend. This was possible for a day trip (not staying over night of course). This even included a round trip bus fare to NY from Philadelphia. In this budget, I didn't include super expensive unnecessary souvenirs. Pictures and memory of the trip would suffice as souvenirs.
Transportation:
Chinatown Bus- $20.00 roundtrip (my photography teacher told me about this)
Unlimited Ride MetroCard (1 Day Fun Pass) $7.00
Sites:
Empire State Building (86th floor observatory and skyride) $34.00
The Metropolitan Art Museum (The Asian Art Section) $7.00
Miscellaneous:
Food $12.00
Souvenirs $20.00
At first I found this difficult because I wanted to do so much (but I knew I couldn't do everything in one day). I had to be selective (but I took comfort in the fact that I could come back).
The first thing I wanted to do was reserve tickets for a broadway musical. Unfortunately I wasn't able to do this because the showtimes I was hoping to get weren't available. I was trying to find 2 p.m. shows (this time slot was only available on Wednesday and Sunday afternoon, some Saturdays). Janice and I went on Friday impulsively. We planned our trip to coincide with a fair weather (it indicated to us when to go). I settled for the Empire and more time at the Met (It turned out to be a good decision).
In planning the itinerary, I sequestered enough time for each site and traveling and wait time in between. The bus trip from Philly to NY and back was four hours total (2 hours each way). I even considered the wait time for the Empire State Building. We woke up early to catch the 7 a.m. bus to NY.
Itinerary
6:00 a.m.- Leave Home, catch Septa Bus 38 to go to city
6:35 a.m.- Meet at Chinatown Bus station 11th and Filbert St.
7:00 a.m.- Bus departs from Phila.
9:00 a.m.- Bus arrives in NY Chinatown
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.- Empire State Building
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.- The Met
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.- Dinner at Chinatown
8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.- Shopping at Chinatown
10:00 p.m.- Bus departs from NY Chinatown
12:00 a.m.- Bus arrives in Phila
12:30 a.m.- Home sleeping
The only thing that changed was the second half of the plan. We didn't wait as long as expected at the Empire State Building. We decided to eat in Time Square instead for conveniency and to socialize. I also arrived in Phila. an hour earlier than expected.
***Flexibility is important
"The good thing about plans is that you can change them and adapt them to the situation."
I know it's so "touristic" to read a guidebook, but you know what YOU ARE A TOURIST, I AM a TOURIST! I'm not ashamed of it and you shouldn't be either (no one should). What you do with your time is your business.
What I liked about the Rough Guide to New York City was that it was informative and easy to use. Initially all I wanted from this book was a map of the NY Subway system, the map of Manhattan Island (based on past experience I found it helpful to have a visual so I could pinpoint myself and a map to locate the Metro stations. The tall buildings in NY -kingdom of skyscrapers- could make you feel claustraphobic.
The bonus thing in this book was the summary of New York history and its sites (The Empire, Met, Chinatown etc.). I learned a little something about the historical context of New York's formation and Modern Art in America.
Beside traveling on your feet, the next best transportation to get around NY City is the subway system. It's quite reliable and consistent (rare traffic, in the summer pretty cool and in the winter pretty warm). Aside from seeing the sights, one of the things I wanted to accomplish in this trip was proficiency in using the subway system.
We bought a fun day pass and we wanted to use the most of it. Originally we bought one and we were going to share it. I'll go through it and then hand it over to Janice and she'll go through it (I did this because in the pass, my friend showed me that this was possible). However the NY subway authorities changed the policy. They reprogramed the machine to accept only one swipe from the unlimited day pass every 18 minutes.
Before we found this out, Janice was aimlessly swiping the card for minutes. This New Yorker then informed us the new policy (In my mind I was thinking 18 minutes wasn't bad, I could read a book while I waited for Janice- but I could also see how this 18 minutes wait could be inconvenient for travellers who were pressed for time [like we were]).
I'm just proud of myself for finally comprehending the subway system (I've graduated and got my certification in Subway Map reading/application). This was my sixth trip to Manhattan Island (NY). The first time I didn't use it. The second time my uncle dropped us. The third time I used it as a passive follower- my friend's mom led us. The fourth time we followed directions given to us. The fifth time we walked instead to take advantage of the weather.
