Saturday was our school Hindu Students' Association's celebration of Holi--the Indian Spring Festival of Colors ( Read more... )

So I figured some things out about my life. Most importantly, that I am introverted by nature and an extrovert by choice. As much as I complain and whine and feel terrified to go out and do new things, I really am much happier when I am interacting with people and feel like I'm making an impact. I'm stubborn and I hate change, but when I actually ( Read more... )

I just got back from a wonderful spring break. It involved a lot of traveling, an interview in Chicago, almost a week in Ohio visiting Ivan's sister, and day trips to Indianapolis, Kentucky, and Cincinnati. It was my first time in the midwest, and I was surprised to find that I didn't hate it. In fact, it was kind of fun. I don't ever think I would ( Read more... )

So ( Read more... )

Oh man...this weekend is tougher than I expected it to be. It's Chinese New Year and I miss Beiing. I keep having flashbacks of happy memories from around New Year's...walking by the Forbidden City at night to see Mao's portrait all lit up, watching the fireworks, going to temples with my host family, and all the yummy food. I missed the New Year's ( Read more... )

I have been making fun of people who wear Uggs (funny-looking, ridiculously expensive Australian sheepskin boots) for basically my entire life. In California, girls wear the pink ones with their miniskirts on overcast, windy days. For those who've never been to the West Coast, Google Image Search provides the following:


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I finally broke down and bought a space heater. Or rather, Ivan bought it for me after walking in the door to find me sitting at my desk in sweatpants, a long sleeved shirt, a sweater, a bathrobe, thick socks, fuzzy slippers, a hat, gloves, and a scarf, calmly studying by the drafty window. Maintenance has tried to fix that stupid window four or ( Read more... )

So several people have asked me to continue this journal even though I am no longer in China. There's not all that much happening in Ithaca, but I'm flattered to think that I was able to entertain at least a few people with my previous stories. Update I shall ( Read more... )

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Though I thought it was inspired, my halloween costume was apparently nothing compared to my father's! Ivan and I dressed up as OJ and Nicole Simpson. I did the blonde hair and preppy clothes and was going to smear fake blood all over myself before I discovered it was raining. He dressed up in the compulsory light shirt and dark overcoat and "wore ( Read more... )