Christmas break has been absolutely splendid, so far, thanks for asking.
I haven't been updating lately (obviously) for reasons both on purpose and by accident.
By Accident- Yes, I've forgotten a bit.
On Purpose- This blog was meant to be more about my life while I'm at college.... and I'm not at college right now!!!
That being said, I will make this post my write-up about the new year, but won't start blogging again regularly until I get back to school on the eleventh.
I made some New Year's resolutions, as I always do, but this year they're much less ambitious than normal. The list includes practicing more (both acting and singing), taking a challenge sometime in the year to do something new every day for a month, trying (at least for two weeks) to go for what I'm calling a prayer walk (going for a walk for the purpose of using that time to do nothing but pray...and walk), get a real job (although, it's a bit awkward when that happens before the New Year starts... guess what happened today? :)), and getting caught up with my scrapbooks (finally)
Something I tried last year that worked a lot better than normal resolutions was to give myself an overarching goal for the year. For 2013, this goal was to Grow- mentally, emotionally, spiritually, you name it, that was the goal.
Looking back... I don't think I accomplished it. In some ways, I definitely grew up; I moved out to LA for college and lived on my own for a few months, I transitioned out of high school and out of what was considered normal back home, I learned a lot, and I became more mature an adultlike, I guess, but even in all of this, I still feel like a six year old in the body of an eighteen year old whenever someone mentions Disney. This is just one example of the times when I think I'm really not that mature at all. I guess I have my moments. I guess, in general, it's really hard to judge if I've grown or not, in any category of growth. Maybe because it's something that's meant to be observational, or maybe because I just haven't grown much if at all. Or, maybe it's just meant to be a process this slow.
Nevertheless, I'm setting a new overarching goal for 2014- work. By Work, I don't just mean literally working, but also working hard, not being lazy, being proactive, and really making some steps toward accomplishments in the next year. I'm hoping to audition for Disneyland again, audition more in general (maybe for more than just productions on campus!), read a whole lot more (especially plays), and just work towards becoming the type of person I want to be. I want to make every moment, even those where I'm relaxing or having fun, be productive somehow or someway. We'll see.
What are your resolutions?
No matter what they are, I genuinely hope that you, whoever you are that's reading this, have a very, very happy New Year.
Fight on, and see you in 2014 my friends!!!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Sunday, December 22, 2013
I Have Survived!!- December 17-22, 2013
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.
And the rest of you.
I am proud to announce that I have officially completed my first semester of college. I am alive and I have survived!!!
Tuesday felt a bit stressful. I was pretty nervous that I hadn't studied enough for my Text Studies final- There was a lot that was going to be on it, and there were some plays we read that I had a really hard time understanding... (Death and the King's Horseman by Wole Soyinka and The America Play by Suzan Lori-Parks, for example). However, our professor led a totally chill final, plus, I found out by the final's contents that I had studied enough. Exactly enough, actually. I think I did well!!
I didn't have a whole lot of time to study for my Intro to Production final... I didn't think I needed to be too worried, since the final was short. I was right. Everyone was super relaxed about the test, including me. There were a few questions on our 20 question multiple-choice/short answer test that made me really worried though.... It took me a good 5 minutes of staring at the test to remember what one of the terms meant....
I made myself study for my Spanish final that evening, even though it was the last thing I wanted to do. The hard work paid off, however, because that night I got to hang out with Jessie, Jinny, Sneha, Kate, and two new friends- Joyce and Sarah. We stayed up late and had a blast! I went to bed much earlier than they did though. They went to get food at around 1am, but I went to bed. When I first woke up Wednesday morning, I noticed Jinny finally coming back to the room. They stayed up until 7am!!
Wednesday was pretty torturous, to be honest. Everybody was leaving, and I was watching everybody leave. I finished my own packing, and cleaned up the room from top to bottom after Jinny left to go to Palm Springs with her family. I then tried to do more studying for my Spanish final.... but I could see everyone going away... bit by bit.... It took a lot of willpower to have patience enough to study.
On the bright side, I met up with Thomas before my final! We got to hang out for a short while just to say bye and Merry Christmas. I also met up with a newer friend, Brenan. I think that's how he spells his name...
Speaking of friends, my friend Tyler was taking the Spanish final with me!!! It was the biggest final I've had out of all of them... and by biggest, I mean by how many people were in the room. Half of all the students at USC taking Spanish 3 were in the room, which clarifies why Tyler was there with me. Nevertheless, it was fairly easy, and I finished just fine. And I practically ran back to my dorm room with joy.
Free!!! Free at last!!!! Able to go home and all of a sudden done with my first semester!!!!
I want to say that the time flew by... In some ways, it did. In others, it certainly didn't. It feels like it's been a while and that so much has happened. But at the same time, my lack of specific stories and the weather in LA hardly ever changing makes it seem like it hasn't been quite as long as it has. I don't know what to make of it...
What I do know now that I didn't at the beginning of the semester is what I'm up against with this whole college thing. I know the type of person I am better, and I know the type of person I want to be even better than that. I guess I've got more specific goals now, and much more clarity on how to get to them. Not crystal clear still... but a better idea. It's like I've been traveling at night. I knew before what my destination was, but wasn't sure what road I was on or if it was the right one or where to turn. Now, I'm making the same journey in the daytime... but in a horrible fog. I've got a better idea of where I'm going, but I'm still not certain. You know?
Anyways, I practically flew to the airport, and I wish I literally had because my taxi driver almost made me throw up. Yay for LA drivers... blech.
For once, I had a nice amount of time to hang out in the airport before my flight! Plus, a couple things happened there:
1. I saw my friend Brenan! It was quite a surprise, especially because I saw him earlier at school. We had a pretty short conversation, but it was still quite a fun coincidence!
2. I made a friend with the guy that worked at the Lemonade restaurant. On my way to the gate, I was passing through to get a better look at the food (and see if it was the same as the Lemonade on campus). I met a worker there because I almost ran into him, and then we had a short conversation on the "No alcohol past this point" sign. I was confused because there was a bar less than 20 feet away, on the other side of the main walkway where people go to their gates. Also, normal Lemonades sell alcohol?!? Apparently they do... And apparently there's no alcohol allowed on that walkway. So there ya go. Anyways, I went back to the same store after I found my gate to get food from there, and had another chat with the worker. The gist of it was, "So you came back!!!" and me telling him that I have a Lemonade on my college campus. He asked which campus, seeming surprised, and I told him USC. He proceeded to mutter the acronym "USC" to himself for a few minutes afterwards. But yeah. Made a friend.
I finally got to read more of Pride and Prejudice on my flight. Yay :)
And then I was home. Just like that. It was wonderful and something I've been looking forward to for ages.
Since then, I've been pretty busy!!! Got to see most of my friends at an Alumni Lunch at TKA, then went to see Frozen (FINALLY) with some of those friends right after!!!
Analysis of Frozen: (No spoilers)
First and foremost, I loved it. I felt like the general gist of both the movie and the short film that came before it was an attempt to transplant classic Disney (the type in The Little Mermaid or Beauty and the Beast etc.) into the modern era. That said, Frozen is very modern in style and themes. VERY modern. However, it's still a classic fairy tale, and you still get that out of it. It's like... animation steampunk or something. Overall, a graceful blend of classic Disney and the values of our modern era.
It makes me think deeper about our modern values though... Especially feminism and what we value in women nowadays.
As far as the story- Loved it. Characters- Amazing. Soundtrack- Fantastic. Animation- Stunning. Especially all the snowflakes.
Conclusion: Go see it!!!!!!
Thursday and Friday were full of shopping for me, after the movie Thursday. I got a lot of my Christmas presents through clothes with my mom and my aunt. I love my new clothes though!!! My favorite item at the moment is an army-green jacket with red and grey sweater sleeves.
Friday afternoon I went to my beautiful friend Abbey's house. We went to a nail salon and met up with Annie, Rae, and Kristina, and got our nails done! I got a pedicure, they got manicures, but that's ok. My feet needed the pampering more than my hands after all those gross dorm room floors. Merry Christmas to me!
We all slept over at Abbey's that night. I've missed my girls so incredibly much so getting to spend a night with them was a huge blessing. I love them so much!!!!!!!! <3 <3 <3
Saturday I paid for my lack of sleep. I got back home around 12:30pm, but had an appointment with the eye doctor at 2. I've decided that eye appointments are my least favorite type of appointment. Dentists are fine as long as they aren't numbing or drilling something. Doctors? No problem. I can handle shots. Eye doctor?.... Nope. I hate the bright lights and the puffs of air they put in your eyes and trying to discern which letters are clearer when they look practically the same and the office that lost your record of appointments when they renovated the area.... At least my doctor was nice.
I got home and packed... eventually... Had to get some help on the clothes from my grandmother and a shot of coffee. Grandma and Grandpa were over for dinner though, which was lovely!
We finished packing, I painted my nails, and then my family had an early Christmas where we exchanged our gifts with each other. :) I loved it. I love everything I was given and I love that my family loves what I gave them. (at least, I hope they do. If they don't they faked it well).
This morning we got up at 4am to fly to Montana. I finished Pride and Prejudice on the plane!!!! I finally understand why people love Mr. Darcy... I'm totally ashamed of myself for saying it, but I might love him a bit too. Also, I really want to play Elizabeth or Jane on an onstage version of Pride and Prejudice.
Once we got here, we spent the day playing in the snow and learning about my family history from my grandma. And, of course, eating too much and spending great time with family.
So that's where I write to you from now- warm and safe, in Montana.
I'm on vacation, I'm relaxed, and I'm free for a few weeks. It feels really nice... almost a return to normalcy.
Though... what is normal anymore? Normal is very slowly becoming how life is at college.... but being back and being back in Montana feels normal as well... It's a different kind of normal, maybe, but one that I gladly accept.
Before the break is over, I've got a lot of goals to complete. I want to set myself up to go back to school in January prepared and well set-up for a kick-butt second semester. How ironic that winter vacation is my opportunity to be even more proactive!!!
But, at least until we get home after Christmas... I'm going to relax and have fun.
Goodnight, and Fight on.
And the rest of you.
I am proud to announce that I have officially completed my first semester of college. I am alive and I have survived!!!
Tuesday felt a bit stressful. I was pretty nervous that I hadn't studied enough for my Text Studies final- There was a lot that was going to be on it, and there were some plays we read that I had a really hard time understanding... (Death and the King's Horseman by Wole Soyinka and The America Play by Suzan Lori-Parks, for example). However, our professor led a totally chill final, plus, I found out by the final's contents that I had studied enough. Exactly enough, actually. I think I did well!!
I didn't have a whole lot of time to study for my Intro to Production final... I didn't think I needed to be too worried, since the final was short. I was right. Everyone was super relaxed about the test, including me. There were a few questions on our 20 question multiple-choice/short answer test that made me really worried though.... It took me a good 5 minutes of staring at the test to remember what one of the terms meant....
I made myself study for my Spanish final that evening, even though it was the last thing I wanted to do. The hard work paid off, however, because that night I got to hang out with Jessie, Jinny, Sneha, Kate, and two new friends- Joyce and Sarah. We stayed up late and had a blast! I went to bed much earlier than they did though. They went to get food at around 1am, but I went to bed. When I first woke up Wednesday morning, I noticed Jinny finally coming back to the room. They stayed up until 7am!!
Wednesday was pretty torturous, to be honest. Everybody was leaving, and I was watching everybody leave. I finished my own packing, and cleaned up the room from top to bottom after Jinny left to go to Palm Springs with her family. I then tried to do more studying for my Spanish final.... but I could see everyone going away... bit by bit.... It took a lot of willpower to have patience enough to study.
On the bright side, I met up with Thomas before my final! We got to hang out for a short while just to say bye and Merry Christmas. I also met up with a newer friend, Brenan. I think that's how he spells his name...
Speaking of friends, my friend Tyler was taking the Spanish final with me!!! It was the biggest final I've had out of all of them... and by biggest, I mean by how many people were in the room. Half of all the students at USC taking Spanish 3 were in the room, which clarifies why Tyler was there with me. Nevertheless, it was fairly easy, and I finished just fine. And I practically ran back to my dorm room with joy.
Free!!! Free at last!!!! Able to go home and all of a sudden done with my first semester!!!!
I want to say that the time flew by... In some ways, it did. In others, it certainly didn't. It feels like it's been a while and that so much has happened. But at the same time, my lack of specific stories and the weather in LA hardly ever changing makes it seem like it hasn't been quite as long as it has. I don't know what to make of it...
What I do know now that I didn't at the beginning of the semester is what I'm up against with this whole college thing. I know the type of person I am better, and I know the type of person I want to be even better than that. I guess I've got more specific goals now, and much more clarity on how to get to them. Not crystal clear still... but a better idea. It's like I've been traveling at night. I knew before what my destination was, but wasn't sure what road I was on or if it was the right one or where to turn. Now, I'm making the same journey in the daytime... but in a horrible fog. I've got a better idea of where I'm going, but I'm still not certain. You know?
Anyways, I practically flew to the airport, and I wish I literally had because my taxi driver almost made me throw up. Yay for LA drivers... blech.
For once, I had a nice amount of time to hang out in the airport before my flight! Plus, a couple things happened there:
1. I saw my friend Brenan! It was quite a surprise, especially because I saw him earlier at school. We had a pretty short conversation, but it was still quite a fun coincidence!
2. I made a friend with the guy that worked at the Lemonade restaurant. On my way to the gate, I was passing through to get a better look at the food (and see if it was the same as the Lemonade on campus). I met a worker there because I almost ran into him, and then we had a short conversation on the "No alcohol past this point" sign. I was confused because there was a bar less than 20 feet away, on the other side of the main walkway where people go to their gates. Also, normal Lemonades sell alcohol?!? Apparently they do... And apparently there's no alcohol allowed on that walkway. So there ya go. Anyways, I went back to the same store after I found my gate to get food from there, and had another chat with the worker. The gist of it was, "So you came back!!!" and me telling him that I have a Lemonade on my college campus. He asked which campus, seeming surprised, and I told him USC. He proceeded to mutter the acronym "USC" to himself for a few minutes afterwards. But yeah. Made a friend.
I finally got to read more of Pride and Prejudice on my flight. Yay :)
And then I was home. Just like that. It was wonderful and something I've been looking forward to for ages.
Since then, I've been pretty busy!!! Got to see most of my friends at an Alumni Lunch at TKA, then went to see Frozen (FINALLY) with some of those friends right after!!!
Analysis of Frozen: (No spoilers)
First and foremost, I loved it. I felt like the general gist of both the movie and the short film that came before it was an attempt to transplant classic Disney (the type in The Little Mermaid or Beauty and the Beast etc.) into the modern era. That said, Frozen is very modern in style and themes. VERY modern. However, it's still a classic fairy tale, and you still get that out of it. It's like... animation steampunk or something. Overall, a graceful blend of classic Disney and the values of our modern era.
It makes me think deeper about our modern values though... Especially feminism and what we value in women nowadays.
As far as the story- Loved it. Characters- Amazing. Soundtrack- Fantastic. Animation- Stunning. Especially all the snowflakes.
Conclusion: Go see it!!!!!!
Thursday and Friday were full of shopping for me, after the movie Thursday. I got a lot of my Christmas presents through clothes with my mom and my aunt. I love my new clothes though!!! My favorite item at the moment is an army-green jacket with red and grey sweater sleeves.
Friday afternoon I went to my beautiful friend Abbey's house. We went to a nail salon and met up with Annie, Rae, and Kristina, and got our nails done! I got a pedicure, they got manicures, but that's ok. My feet needed the pampering more than my hands after all those gross dorm room floors. Merry Christmas to me!
We all slept over at Abbey's that night. I've missed my girls so incredibly much so getting to spend a night with them was a huge blessing. I love them so much!!!!!!!! <3 <3 <3
Saturday I paid for my lack of sleep. I got back home around 12:30pm, but had an appointment with the eye doctor at 2. I've decided that eye appointments are my least favorite type of appointment. Dentists are fine as long as they aren't numbing or drilling something. Doctors? No problem. I can handle shots. Eye doctor?.... Nope. I hate the bright lights and the puffs of air they put in your eyes and trying to discern which letters are clearer when they look practically the same and the office that lost your record of appointments when they renovated the area.... At least my doctor was nice.
I got home and packed... eventually... Had to get some help on the clothes from my grandmother and a shot of coffee. Grandma and Grandpa were over for dinner though, which was lovely!
We finished packing, I painted my nails, and then my family had an early Christmas where we exchanged our gifts with each other. :) I loved it. I love everything I was given and I love that my family loves what I gave them. (at least, I hope they do. If they don't they faked it well).
This morning we got up at 4am to fly to Montana. I finished Pride and Prejudice on the plane!!!! I finally understand why people love Mr. Darcy... I'm totally ashamed of myself for saying it, but I might love him a bit too. Also, I really want to play Elizabeth or Jane on an onstage version of Pride and Prejudice.
Once we got here, we spent the day playing in the snow and learning about my family history from my grandma. And, of course, eating too much and spending great time with family.
So that's where I write to you from now- warm and safe, in Montana.
I'm on vacation, I'm relaxed, and I'm free for a few weeks. It feels really nice... almost a return to normalcy.
Though... what is normal anymore? Normal is very slowly becoming how life is at college.... but being back and being back in Montana feels normal as well... It's a different kind of normal, maybe, but one that I gladly accept.
Before the break is over, I've got a lot of goals to complete. I want to set myself up to go back to school in January prepared and well set-up for a kick-butt second semester. How ironic that winter vacation is my opportunity to be even more proactive!!!
But, at least until we get home after Christmas... I'm going to relax and have fun.
Goodnight, and Fight on.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Two down...- December 15-16, 2013
Two down... Three to go...
I'm finally in that home stretch, now that finals have started. In exactly 48 hours, I will be home for Christmas break. I'm so excited...
But I'm also grateful that my days are fuller now. For instance, Sunday I spent almost the entire day studying for Philosophy. The few breaks I took were to hang out with Thomas for an hour or so in the early afternoon, to get lunch, doing laundry, and then finally to hang out with Thomas again in the evening. Even in the evening though, both of us were studying for Philosophy. Study study study study.... Nevertheless, it's always fun to hang out with Thomas, so at least that time was enjoyable!!! :)
Plus, he gave me a very sweet gift- a beautiful copy of The Count of Monte Cristo. I've been wanting to read the unabridged version since my freshman year of high school, so I'm very excited to read it!!! Thanks, Thomas!
Today has been also full of studying. I had a slow start... let myself have some computer time in the morning, did some last-minute studying for Philosophy, got lunch, and then took the Philosophy final.
I was more nervous walking into the final than I expected... I don't like that I was nervous for it, but despite my efforts to make myself not stress out, I couldn't help but feel a bit stressed! Maybe because it was Philosophy... or maybe because it was a final in general. Maybe the latter, because I'm nervous for my finals tomorrow too...
When the final was passed out, I first felt relieved- I knew all the topics being talked about on the final, so I was satisfied with my level of studying. However, as I went through the test, I began to realize that even though I understood the concepts, the test itself was difficult. There were a few parts of the questions that I know I didn't do too well on. Oh well. It's done!!!
I went to the gym to celebrate, and then went to dinner with Jinny and Sneha. I also got myself cookies from Starbucks... :) They made me really happy, even though I should probably cut down on sugar. I'll be eating a lot over Christmas break, I can sense that already. Better to have a moderate amount of sugar than too much, right?
...meh. I'll start that habit tomorrow.
Since I got back from dinner, I've been attempting to study for my Text Studies (Theater 125) final. I took some time to pack for Christmas... but studying is my main priority. It's been hard to concentrate... I'm stopping now because I'm too tired to get anything else in my brain.
Lucky Jinny finished finals today!! She went to bed at 9:10. 9!!! Looks like the tables have turned- last week, I wasn't doing much and she was working hard. Now, she can relax while it's my turn to work really hard... I think I prefer working hard and then relaxing, but it is what it is.
t-48 hours..... Two more days.... I'm so excited for Christmas. Finals are no fun.
Fight on, friends
I'm finally in that home stretch, now that finals have started. In exactly 48 hours, I will be home for Christmas break. I'm so excited...
But I'm also grateful that my days are fuller now. For instance, Sunday I spent almost the entire day studying for Philosophy. The few breaks I took were to hang out with Thomas for an hour or so in the early afternoon, to get lunch, doing laundry, and then finally to hang out with Thomas again in the evening. Even in the evening though, both of us were studying for Philosophy. Study study study study.... Nevertheless, it's always fun to hang out with Thomas, so at least that time was enjoyable!!! :)
Plus, he gave me a very sweet gift- a beautiful copy of The Count of Monte Cristo. I've been wanting to read the unabridged version since my freshman year of high school, so I'm very excited to read it!!! Thanks, Thomas!
Today has been also full of studying. I had a slow start... let myself have some computer time in the morning, did some last-minute studying for Philosophy, got lunch, and then took the Philosophy final.
I was more nervous walking into the final than I expected... I don't like that I was nervous for it, but despite my efforts to make myself not stress out, I couldn't help but feel a bit stressed! Maybe because it was Philosophy... or maybe because it was a final in general. Maybe the latter, because I'm nervous for my finals tomorrow too...
When the final was passed out, I first felt relieved- I knew all the topics being talked about on the final, so I was satisfied with my level of studying. However, as I went through the test, I began to realize that even though I understood the concepts, the test itself was difficult. There were a few parts of the questions that I know I didn't do too well on. Oh well. It's done!!!
I went to the gym to celebrate, and then went to dinner with Jinny and Sneha. I also got myself cookies from Starbucks... :) They made me really happy, even though I should probably cut down on sugar. I'll be eating a lot over Christmas break, I can sense that already. Better to have a moderate amount of sugar than too much, right?
...meh. I'll start that habit tomorrow.
Since I got back from dinner, I've been attempting to study for my Text Studies (Theater 125) final. I took some time to pack for Christmas... but studying is my main priority. It's been hard to concentrate... I'm stopping now because I'm too tired to get anything else in my brain.
Lucky Jinny finished finals today!! She went to bed at 9:10. 9!!! Looks like the tables have turned- last week, I wasn't doing much and she was working hard. Now, she can relax while it's my turn to work really hard... I think I prefer working hard and then relaxing, but it is what it is.
t-48 hours..... Two more days.... I'm so excited for Christmas. Finals are no fun.
Fight on, friends
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Hurry UP, Finals!!!- December 14, 2013
Is it Christmas break yet?!?!
I'm actually getting excited to take my finals!!! As soon as I can get them done with, it can be Christmas and I can go home!!! So not fair that all my finals are at the end of Finals week.... :(
But anyways. Today was nice! Went to the gym this morning, and started studying after I got food. I picked a nice spot outside, but before I even started studying, I saw Paulina again and met her friend (who is now my new friend) Mindy! Chatting with them was a pleasant start to studying adventures :)
Except that after studying for a while... I got distracted and moved into the lounge in Pardee. I could concentrate there for a while... but then got distracted by the piano. I need to learn how to play some more songs on piano...
Then I attempted to go back into my room to study more. Being at my desk has had both good and bad effects. All evening, I've been in going in and out of states of studying...
I think I'll call it quits for tonight. Without the pressure of finals being tomorrow or something, I can't get myself to focus. Plus, I did enough to give me a good headstart when the tests get much nearer. Tomorrow, for instance, I'll be much more motivated to study for my Philosophy final on Monday.
It's just something I learned about myself this year. I work better under pressure. Not stress though... There's a difference between stress and pressure. Hopefully, I won't be stressed when next week comes... I mean, I don't have any reason to be unless I start not using my time well and I run out of it. I don't think that will happen except for maybe Tuesday, when I have two finals. All that there is for me to do this next week is study for finals and pack for home...
I'm so excited for break and so jealous of people on break already. Hurry up, finals!!! First semester has been long enough!!!
As for tonight... I'm going to play with my coloring book or make a packing list or something. I've had my fill of studying for one day.
*sigh*... Fight on, friends.
I'm actually getting excited to take my finals!!! As soon as I can get them done with, it can be Christmas and I can go home!!! So not fair that all my finals are at the end of Finals week.... :(
But anyways. Today was nice! Went to the gym this morning, and started studying after I got food. I picked a nice spot outside, but before I even started studying, I saw Paulina again and met her friend (who is now my new friend) Mindy! Chatting with them was a pleasant start to studying adventures :)
Except that after studying for a while... I got distracted and moved into the lounge in Pardee. I could concentrate there for a while... but then got distracted by the piano. I need to learn how to play some more songs on piano...
Then I attempted to go back into my room to study more. Being at my desk has had both good and bad effects. All evening, I've been in going in and out of states of studying...
I think I'll call it quits for tonight. Without the pressure of finals being tomorrow or something, I can't get myself to focus. Plus, I did enough to give me a good headstart when the tests get much nearer. Tomorrow, for instance, I'll be much more motivated to study for my Philosophy final on Monday.
It's just something I learned about myself this year. I work better under pressure. Not stress though... There's a difference between stress and pressure. Hopefully, I won't be stressed when next week comes... I mean, I don't have any reason to be unless I start not using my time well and I run out of it. I don't think that will happen except for maybe Tuesday, when I have two finals. All that there is for me to do this next week is study for finals and pack for home...
I'm so excited for break and so jealous of people on break already. Hurry up, finals!!! First semester has been long enough!!!
As for tonight... I'm going to play with my coloring book or make a packing list or something. I've had my fill of studying for one day.
*sigh*... Fight on, friends.
Friday, December 13, 2013
PTX and Christmas Gifts- December 13, 2013
You know how yesterday was productive, but not interesting?
Today was the exact opposite: interesting, but not as productive as it could've been.
First of all, I had a voice lesson again today! Despite not going in in a while, I'm really proud of how much I've improved since the beginning of the year. The song I'm working on is coming along really nicely, and the warm ups that I do with my teacher are getting easier to do. It's also getting easier to realize when I'm not doing something quite right. Yay!
After that, I met up with the lovely Paulina to hang out and for lunch! We hung out in the Campus Center for food and talking, and I followed her to her classroom for a little bit so she could turn in a final paper. Then, we went back to the Campus Center and played with dogs!!!
Dogs must be really big stress relievers. USC keeps bringing them on campus to help everybody out!!! Also, they were HUGE dogs.
I feel kind of bad for not being super stressed about finals right now... I know I will be next week, and especially after this weekend... but I have so many empty days until my finals hit! I'm really wishing I could've had them more evenly spread out... or at least have gotten to get them over with sooner during the finals weeks... I'm just getting anxious for both finals and Christmas break waiting around like this, trying to study!!!
Anyways, after I hung out with Paulina, I came back to my dorm room to study... Well... That didn't really happen.
Jinny took a nap, since she didn't get much sleep last night... and the entire time she was sleeping, I watched performances of Pentatonix. Particularly, their journey through "The Sing Off." So... I watched Pentatonix for a good 2-3 hours... I couldn't help it!!! They're so amazing!!!
This performance in particular gave me a physical reaction... Like... I can't even handle the beauty. AAAHH.
Gorgeous. I can't get over it. I love it. Seriously. They're 5 absolutely incredible individuals. I adore all of their voices and I love their overall sound and their personalities seem so sweet!!! And this is acapella, folks. No music. Wow.
ANYways. Jinny woke up, then kicked me out of the room for a bit so she could wrap Christmas presents. Then Jinny, Kate, Kieryn, Sneha, and I had our gift exchange, since Kieryn is leaving tomorrow!!!
I have such kind and generous friends. Among my gifts were loose-leaf tea and a strainer, a really nice pomegranate lotion set, a coloring book, one of the books that Kieryn wrote, and a leaf brooch from Lord of the Rings!!! Isn't that so sweet?? I love all of it!! :)
I went to dinner with Jinny and Kieryn afterwards at Parkside, which was lovely, then got to Facetime my sister Melissa for a while!!! Then, Jinny and I gave our RA Hannah her Christmas gifts, and talked to her for a while. We also convinced her to watch The Avengers tonight, since she doesn't have any more finals or projects until Monday, and has all weekend to work on them. That girl works so hard!! She needs a break!
And now... here I am again. Listening to Pentatonix, realizing how late at night it is right now, and trying to figure out how I'll be more productive tomorrow.
Today's been a good day. Maybe less Pentatonix tomorrow though. As amazing as they are, I probably should've been studying during that time... but it was time enjoyed. They make me happy. :)
Fight on, friends.
Today was the exact opposite: interesting, but not as productive as it could've been.
First of all, I had a voice lesson again today! Despite not going in in a while, I'm really proud of how much I've improved since the beginning of the year. The song I'm working on is coming along really nicely, and the warm ups that I do with my teacher are getting easier to do. It's also getting easier to realize when I'm not doing something quite right. Yay!
After that, I met up with the lovely Paulina to hang out and for lunch! We hung out in the Campus Center for food and talking, and I followed her to her classroom for a little bit so she could turn in a final paper. Then, we went back to the Campus Center and played with dogs!!!
Dogs must be really big stress relievers. USC keeps bringing them on campus to help everybody out!!! Also, they were HUGE dogs.
 |
| They're GIANT. Like.. bear dogs!! But really soft :) |
I feel kind of bad for not being super stressed about finals right now... I know I will be next week, and especially after this weekend... but I have so many empty days until my finals hit! I'm really wishing I could've had them more evenly spread out... or at least have gotten to get them over with sooner during the finals weeks... I'm just getting anxious for both finals and Christmas break waiting around like this, trying to study!!!
Anyways, after I hung out with Paulina, I came back to my dorm room to study... Well... That didn't really happen.
Jinny took a nap, since she didn't get much sleep last night... and the entire time she was sleeping, I watched performances of Pentatonix. Particularly, their journey through "The Sing Off." So... I watched Pentatonix for a good 2-3 hours... I couldn't help it!!! They're so amazing!!!
This performance in particular gave me a physical reaction... Like... I can't even handle the beauty. AAAHH.
Gorgeous. I can't get over it. I love it. Seriously. They're 5 absolutely incredible individuals. I adore all of their voices and I love their overall sound and their personalities seem so sweet!!! And this is acapella, folks. No music. Wow.
ANYways. Jinny woke up, then kicked me out of the room for a bit so she could wrap Christmas presents. Then Jinny, Kate, Kieryn, Sneha, and I had our gift exchange, since Kieryn is leaving tomorrow!!!
I have such kind and generous friends. Among my gifts were loose-leaf tea and a strainer, a really nice pomegranate lotion set, a coloring book, one of the books that Kieryn wrote, and a leaf brooch from Lord of the Rings!!! Isn't that so sweet?? I love all of it!! :)
I went to dinner with Jinny and Kieryn afterwards at Parkside, which was lovely, then got to Facetime my sister Melissa for a while!!! Then, Jinny and I gave our RA Hannah her Christmas gifts, and talked to her for a while. We also convinced her to watch The Avengers tonight, since she doesn't have any more finals or projects until Monday, and has all weekend to work on them. That girl works so hard!! She needs a break!
And now... here I am again. Listening to Pentatonix, realizing how late at night it is right now, and trying to figure out how I'll be more productive tomorrow.
Today's been a good day. Maybe less Pentatonix tomorrow though. As amazing as they are, I probably should've been studying during that time... but it was time enjoyed. They make me happy. :)
Fight on, friends.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
My Favorite Carols- December 12, 2013
Well, I can't actually say that today was particularly interesting, but it was productive!
Oh well. That's still a good way for a day to go.
Here's everything that happened: I got up late, got breakfast, studied for Philosophy, brought my availability to that little coffee place I mentioned yesterday, came back, went to the gym, went to my Philosophy TA's office hours to get a question answered, studied for my Text Studies final, got dinner, continued studying but got bored so painted my nails and soon lost interest, and now here I am. And in other news, the quad smells awful because the school had fertilizer added to it a few days ago. Quite a day, huh?
So, since there isn't much to talk about, I'm going to share my top 6 favorite Christmas carols instead!!!
I've been listening to Christmas music a lot lately, so thought it would be appropriate to share the songs that mean "Christmas" the most to me.
6.
Silent Night
Oh well. That's still a good way for a day to go.
Here's everything that happened: I got up late, got breakfast, studied for Philosophy, brought my availability to that little coffee place I mentioned yesterday, came back, went to the gym, went to my Philosophy TA's office hours to get a question answered, studied for my Text Studies final, got dinner, continued studying but got bored so painted my nails and soon lost interest, and now here I am. And in other news, the quad smells awful because the school had fertilizer added to it a few days ago. Quite a day, huh?
So, since there isn't much to talk about, I'm going to share my top 6 favorite Christmas carols instead!!!
I've been listening to Christmas music a lot lately, so thought it would be appropriate to share the songs that mean "Christmas" the most to me.
6.
Silent Night
To be honest, this song is pretty boring to me most of the time. Maybe because it's boring to sing. But the words are absolutely beautiful. It perfectly paints a picture of peace and love the night Christ was born, and the tune is simple and beautiful. It paints a picture of the Nativity. I love it.
There isn't a particular cover that I like most, but I chose this one because it was the most traditional. I wish they had sung all three verses.
5.
Winter Wonderland
I love music that makes me happy, or that has a happy, light-hearted tone to it. If this isn't a happy song, I don't know what is. The tune just makes you want to swing dance, or hold someone close, or smile, or be happy... all of it!! Plus, Christmas turns the world into a Winter Wonderland. Why not enjoy it?
I have Michael Buble here because I love him. I also love the traditional covers.
4.
Sleigh Ride
Again, it's a happy song! I have fun memories singing part of this song with Dicken's Carolers too. But yeah... I like this one for most of the same reason I love Winter Wonderland. This one, in particular, catches the part of Christmas that's spent with family and loved ones. I always imagine the scenes described in the songs as though I were experiencing them with my family. My favorite part is the part of the lyrics that describe "There's a happy feeling that nothing in this world can buy when they pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pie...." Then a few lines later, "These wonderful things are the things we remember all through our lives." How true. Let's celebrate!
No reason I chose this particular version. But it sounds nice. :)
3.
Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
When I was young, I inherited a decorative plate from my great grandmother. It's a Christmas plate, and has the first few lines of music from this song around the edge. The plate is really special to me, and so the song has become really special to me because of it. It's a beautiful song in every respect.
I did choose this version for a reason, but just because it's my favorite one.
2.
Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas
Gosh, I adore this song. Honestly, I don't think I even have a good reason why. It's another one of those happy songs, obviously, but it's also just so fun!!! It always makes me happy, and brings back fun memories of being with friends (and watching the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer movie when I was younger). I think it's also a much more fun way of saying "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."
I included both the original and Michael Buble, because I adore both versions and can't decide between them.
1.
Little Drummer Boy
This year, this song has taken the number one spot as my favorite Christmas song. I think it embodies so much more than the message of Christmas. It encompasses how we should live our lives every day, and certainly how I want to live my life. I know that for me, in my life, I don't have a gift fit to give a king like Jesus, but I do have little things I can do that bring him glory. I want to do my best at what I've been given to make him happy. Because what more beautiful thing is there than to have Jesus smile at me? This song has the reason we celebrate Christmas in it- to bring glory to Jesus, out of gratitude for him coming to Earth for us.
So... the song speaks to my heart I guess.
Also, this version by Pentatonix is absolutely gorgeous. I think it's the best one out there.
What are your favorite Christmas carols? I'd love to listen to them!! :)
Fight on, friends.
Ends and Beginnings- December 11, 2013
My favorite class of my first semester of my freshman year of college is now over.
It was a bittersweet ending.
Today, I got up for an 8am class for the very last time this semester. I'll have to do it again next semester, but not nearly as often. I'm proud to say that I have officially made all my 8ams so far, and have not been late to any either. Today, for my acting final, many of us were very early!
We decided on an order in which to present our scenes, and then circled up to do the five-act play exercise one last time together. We've all missed it!!! We do it a lot better now than we did at the beginning of the semester though, which was really neat to see.
The other thing that was amazing to watch was how much each of the one-act scenes had drastically improved over these past few weeks. After seeing how each scene was when we all started working on them, seeing them at the very end of the semester showed me, and everybody, just how much we've improved and learned this semester. There wasn't a single scene that I wasn't invested in at some point- regardless of the fact that I'd seen every one of them before and already knew what was going to happen. Even my own scene! Only a few times did I have to actively remember the specific actions I had decided to do. Most of the time... it felt totally natural. I just slipped into my character...and away we went! It was enjoyable from start to finish.
Not only did each scene improve drastically these past few weeks, but all the amazing actors and actresses I had the privilege of working with this semester improved majorly from the beginning of the year!! What a talented group of kids. Really, I admire each and every one of them and seriously feel so honored that I got to learn alongside of them all.
Of course, we owe all of this to our incredible professor, Mary Joan Negro. She pushed us and challenged us unbelievably, but we were all changed for the better because of it. Her wisdom is priceless. People have been telling me this year how lucky I was to be getting her for my 101 class, and I know I am. I am oh, so incredibly lucky to have gotten to work with her. If she ever reads this, THANK YOU AGAIN MARY JOAN!!! You will be thanked in my acceptance speech if I ever happen to get any sort of big award in this business.
Honestly, I'm so glad somebody caught me and taught me how to really act like this at the beginning of my USC career. I've learned more than I ever imagined I would in just one semester, about acting, of course, but also about myself. I still have so much to learn and lots of work to do! If this was the impact that this one class could have on me this semester... I can't wait for all the classes I'll be taking in the future.
It was hard to leave afterwards, but I went to get some breakfast, and then headed back to my dorm. There, I got to Skype my lovely Annie, as well as call my wonderful sister, Melissa.
Today is Melissa's 20th birthday. Twenty years old!!! That is so weird to me, but so cool at the same time!!! I really wish I could've celebrated with my sister and family today. Calling her just didn't feel like enough. Happy Birthday, Melissa!!! You've blessed my life so much, and I'm proud to call you my favorite older sister as well as one of my best friends. <3
After that, I got pretty productive- I went job searching for next semester! Earlier this week, I applied online to a few places around campus and on-campus. One of these places was Starbucks, so I walked over to follow through and talk to the manager. Starbucks is a pretty big company, so there were quite a few issues she seemed to have with the idea of hiring a college student. But I got her to take my resume so hopefully she's at least still considering. Then it was to Yogurtland to drop off an application, and then another coffee shop that I actually need to go back to tomorrow to give them my availability. I even got an application for the USC bookstore! Out of all those places... there's got to be somebody who wants me to work for them... right? Let's hope so...
I attempted studying for an hour, but it was much more fun to go to lunch with Thomas! It was quite fun to hang out with him again!!! We did for quite a while- I didn't get back to my dorm room until about 4!
Also, we talked a lot about Disneyland during the course of our conversation. This conversation is the reason that ever since lunch, I have been in a perfect mood for either going on the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland, or watching an Indiana Jones movie. Unfortunately, I cannot do either. :(
The rest of my day has been pretty consumed with studying. I devoted today to studying for my Philosophy final next Monday. I haven't finished as much as I wanted to in the course of today... so I might use some of tomorrow to reach that point before I start studies for another class.
There's a lot to be grateful for today. The future's looking bright, folks.
Fight on.
It was a bittersweet ending.
Today, I got up for an 8am class for the very last time this semester. I'll have to do it again next semester, but not nearly as often. I'm proud to say that I have officially made all my 8ams so far, and have not been late to any either. Today, for my acting final, many of us were very early!
We decided on an order in which to present our scenes, and then circled up to do the five-act play exercise one last time together. We've all missed it!!! We do it a lot better now than we did at the beginning of the semester though, which was really neat to see.
The other thing that was amazing to watch was how much each of the one-act scenes had drastically improved over these past few weeks. After seeing how each scene was when we all started working on them, seeing them at the very end of the semester showed me, and everybody, just how much we've improved and learned this semester. There wasn't a single scene that I wasn't invested in at some point- regardless of the fact that I'd seen every one of them before and already knew what was going to happen. Even my own scene! Only a few times did I have to actively remember the specific actions I had decided to do. Most of the time... it felt totally natural. I just slipped into my character...and away we went! It was enjoyable from start to finish.
Not only did each scene improve drastically these past few weeks, but all the amazing actors and actresses I had the privilege of working with this semester improved majorly from the beginning of the year!! What a talented group of kids. Really, I admire each and every one of them and seriously feel so honored that I got to learn alongside of them all.
Of course, we owe all of this to our incredible professor, Mary Joan Negro. She pushed us and challenged us unbelievably, but we were all changed for the better because of it. Her wisdom is priceless. People have been telling me this year how lucky I was to be getting her for my 101 class, and I know I am. I am oh, so incredibly lucky to have gotten to work with her. If she ever reads this, THANK YOU AGAIN MARY JOAN!!! You will be thanked in my acceptance speech if I ever happen to get any sort of big award in this business.
Honestly, I'm so glad somebody caught me and taught me how to really act like this at the beginning of my USC career. I've learned more than I ever imagined I would in just one semester, about acting, of course, but also about myself. I still have so much to learn and lots of work to do! If this was the impact that this one class could have on me this semester... I can't wait for all the classes I'll be taking in the future.
It was hard to leave afterwards, but I went to get some breakfast, and then headed back to my dorm. There, I got to Skype my lovely Annie, as well as call my wonderful sister, Melissa.
Today is Melissa's 20th birthday. Twenty years old!!! That is so weird to me, but so cool at the same time!!! I really wish I could've celebrated with my sister and family today. Calling her just didn't feel like enough. Happy Birthday, Melissa!!! You've blessed my life so much, and I'm proud to call you my favorite older sister as well as one of my best friends. <3
After that, I got pretty productive- I went job searching for next semester! Earlier this week, I applied online to a few places around campus and on-campus. One of these places was Starbucks, so I walked over to follow through and talk to the manager. Starbucks is a pretty big company, so there were quite a few issues she seemed to have with the idea of hiring a college student. But I got her to take my resume so hopefully she's at least still considering. Then it was to Yogurtland to drop off an application, and then another coffee shop that I actually need to go back to tomorrow to give them my availability. I even got an application for the USC bookstore! Out of all those places... there's got to be somebody who wants me to work for them... right? Let's hope so...
I attempted studying for an hour, but it was much more fun to go to lunch with Thomas! It was quite fun to hang out with him again!!! We did for quite a while- I didn't get back to my dorm room until about 4!
Also, we talked a lot about Disneyland during the course of our conversation. This conversation is the reason that ever since lunch, I have been in a perfect mood for either going on the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland, or watching an Indiana Jones movie. Unfortunately, I cannot do either. :(
The rest of my day has been pretty consumed with studying. I devoted today to studying for my Philosophy final next Monday. I haven't finished as much as I wanted to in the course of today... so I might use some of tomorrow to reach that point before I start studies for another class.
There's a lot to be grateful for today. The future's looking bright, folks.
Fight on.
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