Agreed

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."

                            -Dolly Parton

It's pouring rain and I have two tests to study for..yet it's another one of those days.

Leaving On a Jet Plane



Plane ride 2010
The world looks so peaceful from way up high



After having flown back and forth across the country many times and to different parts of the world, I have learned a thing or two about traveling. I spend a good amount of time at airports, whether I am sitting around waiting or sprinting to different terminals. As much as I love to travel, sometimes it can be a hassle.

Here are some things I've learned along the way...

...Luggage

• Carry-on when flying domestic (or whenever possible) - you won't have to wait in long lines at baggage claim
• For international flights, it is worth checking your bag in because usually you are bringing more clothes and have a larger luggage, which is a pain to not only drag around the airport, but to find overhead space on the plane 
• If you're checking in baggage, have an extra set of clothes and toiletries with you in case the airline loses your bag

...What to Wear

• Large scarf or shawl that can be used as a makeshift blanket - airplanes can get cold!
• While I want to be as comfortable as possible on planes, I try to avoid wearing sweatpants...find pair of jeans that will be wearable for many hours
• Clothes that don't show wrinkles or wrinkle in the first place
• Shoes that you can walk fast/run in...for when you're flight runs late and you need to rush to your connecting flight

...Entertainment

• Always have at least 1 book on hand...there's so much time waiting around/being in the air, it's the perfect time to catch up on "fun" reading
• Also, a good time to catch up on magazines!
• If you're going to be using your phone to text friends or browse the internet while you wait, make sure you have your phone charger with you - it's so inconvenient to have a dead phone when you need to make a phone call after landing
• The airport is a prime place for people-watching

...Food

• Chewy bars or fruit are perfect for carry-on snacks...traveling really takes it out of you
• Pick up a water at the Convenient Store after passing through security - flying is super dehydrating

...Random

• Check-in and print your boarding pass the night before your flight, it saves so much time and prevents the frustration of having to wait in lines

Every time I travel I learn something new. I'm constantly trying to figure out the quickest way to get through security, or how to pack the right amount of clothing for a trip. I usually always have at least one struggle moment at the airport, but as long as I don't miss my flight, I'm good to go.

I Feel the Earth Move Under My Feet



Spring 2009



Apparently it's Spring, but the weather is telling me otherwise. In California this past week it was cold and pouring rain. I am thrilled to be moving into a new season and out of winter "wonderland." While I didn't have to deal with the bitter East Coast winter this year, I still had my fair share of chilly days. I will definitely be greeting the sun with open arms.

This Spring I'm looking forward to:

*beaches

*daisies

*Disneyland

*reading out on the grass

*maxi dresses and summer dresses

*sandals

*denim shorts and knit tank tops

*raspberry lemonade

*sun-kissed glow

*braids

*walking to Starbucks

*frozen yogurt and fresh fruit

*packing up boots and winter wear

*bright colors and pastels

*lace

*ice cream

*sunglasses and floppy hats

*lounging by the pool

*turquoise

*being done with sophomore year

*registering for new classes

*exploring Los Angeles

*trying new restaurants

*movie dates with my roommates

*being thismuchcloser to summer

 

Outside my window

Currently Dreaming Of...

Taken in 2009

I have started using all of my own photos for my blog posts. I think it will be a good way to improve my photography skills. Also, one of my new goals is to post daily. Dream big, people.

One Day at a Time



As they say, Rome wasn't built in a day

(I took this picture in 2008...how the time flies)

In my attempt to get more done and utilize my time efficiently, I've adopted a new routine (though still being on a time difference of 2 hours kind of helps). Waking up at 5:30am has been productive and refreshing for the past 2 days, but I don't know how much longer it can last. In order to wake up early, it requires going to bed somewhat early.

Given the amount of work I have...I need more time in my day. It has been a 15 hour day so far...in a couple of hours I'll go to sleep, and then wake up to do it all again. I have so many other things besides homework that I want to do, so I'll just keep workin at it and before I know it things will start coming together.

Heard someone say that there are only 7 more weeks until summer...please and thank you.

My Photo Diary from Peru



For my spring break, I traveled to Peru with a school group and we went around Lima to set up mobile clinics for those with little access to health care. My school joined other colleges around the country. We stayed in a Youth Hostel, ate the local food, and explored Lima together in our free time (which included Karaoke, trips to the Supermarket, horseback riding, white water rafting, ATV-ing, vineyard tours).


During the days we drove an hour out of the city to poorer parts of Lima, and groups of students would set up stations, such as Vitals, Doctor, Dentist, Gynocologist, Pharmacy, and Toothbrushing. Throughout the week, I had a chance to work at each of these stations. I learned a lot about Peru, medicine, the friends I made, and myself. This trip reminded me once again how fortunate and lucky I am, and re-motivated me to be the best that I can.


Groups of students were designated to work on the "stair project," where we mixed cement and poured it into a wooden frame to make stairs. Stairs are crucial for those who live in the areas where we worked because the land is dusty and rocky, so when women, men, or children go down to the main road to get their buckets of water, (which is delivered every so often via truck - there's no running water or infrastructure) they won't fall and hurt themselves. The day before we arrived, a man slipped and died going down the hill. Stairs are not only safe, but they raise the property value of the homes by a couple hundred dollars. At the end of the week we had an inauguration celebration for the stairs and trees were planted.
These are just some of the pictures I took.


To say it was an amazing, worthwhile, eye-opening experience is an understatement.

























 

There have been a lot of lasts in my life, and thinking about it puts me in a sentimental mood.

1. Saying goodbye to a group of friends at summer camp

2. Last day of being [age younger than the next age]

3. Last being able to order off the kids menu

4. Last Saturday night pizza-and-movie at Conn

5. Last summer

Some lasts to look forward to:

1. Last first kiss

2. Last first date

3. Last math test

4. Last time using a dorm shower

Countdown Starts Now

The official countdown begins now, as there are only two more weeks until spring break!

I only have to get through a paper, a midterm, and lots of stress until I get that new stamp in my passport! Just have to take it one day at a time.

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Trying to step up my game in the blog world. Slowly but surely?



Creative Minds Can't Be Tamed

I have midterms coming up. And while with this blog post it may appear that I am not studying, I promise I am...

While I review slides, notes, homeworks, and graphs (Econ, you slay me), ideas for other things keep popping into my mind.

Instead of fearing that I'm A.D.D., I guess I'll just say that creative minds can't be tamed. :)