New Year Resolutions January 1, 2010
Things I resolve to begin to do in the new year:
1. Take risks when they’re worthwhile.
2. Be more brave.
3. Read more.
4. Less time on Facebook. Ha.
5. Drink more water.
Things I resolve to continue to do in the new year.
1. Take it easy.
2. Keep an open mind about all things.
3. Stay optimistic.
4. Show love and appreciation for my friends and family.
5. Exercise and eat healthy.
6. Meet interesting new people.
7. Look forward, never backward.
Things I can’t really resolve to do, because they’re not in my control, but that I nonetheless would like to accomplish:
1. Get into Stanford for grad school. My interest in the particular program I have applied to is such that my desire for it far surpasses anything I have ever wanted for as long as I can remember! I’ve tried not to get my hopes up, in fact, it is better to assume I will be rejected and then be pleasantly surprised if things go my way. VERY few students will be chosen…only about 15 or so. It will be pretty difficult to contain myself until the March result. Where’s that Lady Luck when you need her? 
2. If I don’t get into Stanford, would like to get a new job. One that is enjoyable and fulfilling – challenging, but not as stressful as my current job. One that absorbs my attention, but gives me freedom to pursue my own interests as well.
Wishing all a bright, prosperous 2010 with many blessings.
Conclusions December 27, 2009
Another year is gone, and as I just about reach the close of my 22nd year of life, I reflect on how my life has taken form these past few years. I now have to admit to myself that I am a much more practical person than I was even two years ago. This was never my intention.
I still believe that all things are possible, still believe that I can concoct a goal for myself, and by nontraditional means, still somehow reach my aimed destination. I still don’t believe that traditional modes of success are the only modes of success. I still often find myself on the ‘road not taken’ as it were. I’m still an idealist, but now, I believe that an idealist can be pragmatic. Since joining a corporation, I have become more cognizant of two things primarily: money and human nature. That is, it is in nature of human beings and corporations to seek money, always more money than they have. I have also learned that people who would normally appear to be sane, civil people, can behave in extremely bizarre, unkind and unreasonable ways when affairs of money are concerned. This realization is perhaps somewhat belated.
When I was very young, in the middle school era, my uncle began his quest to convince me that I should go to medical school, as it was, in his view (which I wholly disagree with), the only occupation that could guarantee financial security. He asked, “When you get older, do you want to drive a nice car, or a regular car?” Knowing that the doctor path was not right for me, I quite assertively told him “A regular car!” Today my answer to him would still be the same, but, today I also have an appreciation for the security that money provides, which I did not have at that age. I now make decisions after assessing the risk and future gain.
However, I do not believe in an eternal quest for money. We have now all heard every tid bit of the Tiger Woods scandal. We all know that there is little correlation between having a great deal of money and leading a fulfilled life. But, I do believe that money and independence are closely interlinked, so money is attractive to me only in the sense that it can afford one time and means to do things one truly enjoys doing, rather than is forced to do. The greatest single thing I have learned this year is that one of the best things a person can have in life is control over his or her time – time to do things one enjoys, with people one enjoys. I do not want money to be at the forefront of my life.
No Presents December 17, 2009
Happy Holidays! I think I lost interest in getting gifts after I went to college. I find it somewhat hard to bear the waste that occurs during this season. People who already have too much buy more, and people who have little are left with little because they can’t afford to participate in the consumerism. We should all realize that the things we want most in life cannot be bought. Material things just don’t satisfy human beings for a very long time, so why spend all the money and time and fuss on something that is only momentary in our experience? I believe we can show appreciation for people we care about by showing our gratitude for them throughout the year, rather than reserving the niceties for simply the end of the year.
Longlasting memories are formed n the interactions we have with others, not in the things we buy for one another. Instead of wishing for gifts, we should wish that good opportunities and good people fill our lives.
<3
I am thankful… November 27, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving All!
I am thankful…
1) That the health and personal/economic well being of my friends, family, and myself, is quite good overall.
2) That at the end of a seeming bad day, things are truly not THAT bad. Thankful for a thing called Perspective.
3) That if I look in the right place, love is in abundance everywhere. There are warm smiles, kind eyes, and encouragement in both the known AND the unknown.
4) That there is always room in this life for further enlightenment. I can always discover, grow, and understand more.
5) That my foibles and embarrassments today will fade entirely by tomorrow.
5) That the older I get, the more realistic and self-aware I become, but the more optimistic I become as well.
6) That there are older and wiser individuals in my life who show me as a young person what is important and what is not so important in the grand scheme of things.
6) That I have not yet experienced the peak of my life. The best is yet to come.
7) That I have a heart that can love deeply, a brain that can think clearly, and legs that can carry me steadily through another day.
That I have command over my hopes and dreams
USA September 27, 2009
In the midst of all of this ridiculous chaos that has ensued because of the insane and uninformed Republicans in this country, I suddenly had this thought of the name of our country- “United States of America” is such an exaggeration. Perhaps it was optimism on the part of our nation’s founders that led to this name. But the truth is, few times in history have we ever really been united in any sense that would warrant the term. In fact, at this moment in time, I can think of no other country more disjointed and divided than ours. While the Glenn Becks of this world continue to voice their loud but baseless opinions, already misguided Americans are being further fueled by conservative negativity. I’m 22 but I would have never imagined that in 2009 we would be living this way. Is there a solution to the wide disconnect in this country? Lately I think we are right back where we began, the Confederates and the Union, with no possibility of reconciliation. And quite frankly, the values that right-wingers today are displaying largely mirror those from the pre- Civil-War era. How can we move forward if we are always moving backwards as a country?
Nadal loses to Soderling, no! June 1, 2009
Recently I’ve been too engrossed in the NBA Playoffs to pay too much attention to the French Open. I just always assume that I can just tune in for the final match up, which inevitably would be between Nadal and Federer. But not so this time sadly! Maybe I should give up my sports watching habit? It’s far too addictive and I get too far involved when my favorite players or teams are playing. I’m such a sore loser! 
From French Open Official Blogger at 8:35 Paris time:
“What a day. One that will live long in the memories of all those lucky enough to watch the match. It’s only the second time I’ve seen Nadal lose in eight tournaments (I blogged at Wimbledon 2007 but missed the final) – Bercy last year when he was injured was the only other time. Other than that – the French 2006 – 2008, Wimbledon 2008, Rome 2009… Borg’s record of four consecutive Roland Garroses – equalled by Nadal – remains intact.”
Nadal and Sodorling score
2-7
7-6
4-6
6-7“You need a defeat to give value to your victories,” apparently said Rafael Nadal.
How true. I guess if Nadal has accepted it, I can too. :]
Moscow Rules May 22, 2009
Assume nothing. Never go against your gut. Everyone is potentially under opposition control. Don’t look back; you are never completely alone. Go with the flow, blend in. Vary your pattern and stay within your cover. Lull them into a sense of complacency. Don’t harass the opposition. Pick the time and place for action. Keep your options open.
My realization. May 14, 2009
“There was that law of life, so cruel and so just, which demanded that one must grow or else pay more for remaining the same.”
Norman Mailer,
American Novelist, Journalist, Poet and Playwright
American Novelist, Journalist, Poet and Playwright
My dog. May 14, 2009
Originally posted May 4
Today our dog of 11 years had to be put down due to Cancer having developed in her heart and lungs. Only five months ago she was an active, extremely athletic Golden Retriever with no sign of health problems. Such is life, eh? Sneaks up on you, leaving you confused and bewildered. I left work to go on a lunch break and met my parents at the veterinary clinic to drop our sweet dog off and say goodbye to her. The moment when the nurse was preparing to take her, my dad burst into tears and then I began to cry too. After a few moments, my dad stopped crying, I stopped crying, and we remembered that we had gone through all of this already yesterday. It was time. It is time. Good things do not last forever; the same applies to the people and things in our lives that we love. They do not occupy our lives forever, sadly, and the sooner we come to this realization, the sooner we can learn to appreciate them rather than be in a perpetual state of mourning for them. She was bright, cheerful, playful, and active, both as a puppy and as an adult, and that is how we will always remember her. Still, I just can’t believe she’s gone.
Barcelona Ramblas February 1, 2009
The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.
-Henry Miller
Barcelona (III) Ramblas Originally photographed by Reinante aka Benquerencia
Federer Cries, Nadal Hugs February 2, 2009
“Sorry for that Roger I know you wanted to win your 14th Grand Slam title but I’m sure that it will happen soon” Nadal told Federer. “You are one of the best players and it is always a pleasure playing against you” he said, cheered by the crowd.
April 26, 2009
Muscle mass does not always equal strength. Strength is kindness and sensitivity. Strength is understanding that your power is both physical and emotional. That it comes from the body and the mind. And the heart.
Henry Rollins
