Since it is summertime right now, the conversation goes something like this:
"You must be happy that school's out right now."
"Um, I graduated."
"Oh, where are you going to college?"
"I already graduated from college."
"Wow, you look so young! What school did you go to?"
"Ummm...Stanford..." (with a rising inflection...)
"Oh you must be really smart"
"I guess..."
It always makes me incredibly uncomfortable. First of all, I'm mistaken as a high school student. I'm usually offended enough that I can't just nod, smile, and pretend I am in high school. Unfortunately, this always leads to college somehow. Then, there is all the assumptions that are made just by the name of my college, let alone if I describe my major...
I think the whole situation has been exacerbated by being around friends of my relatives. My mom and dad are really low key about it, they don't really talk about it at all with people, which is nice. However, my relatives on the other hand are terrible about name dropping, especially my grandparents. I would be fine with this if I never had to be around when it happened - but that would involve never being with my grandparents except when they are alone in their home. They will tell the cashier at asian supermarkets. It is always, " *lots of chinese* STAN-FURD *more chinese* MAS-TURS" really loudly and really accented. I basically have to stand there being embarrassed, smiling. And it's my grandparents, so I should accept it, since they are just so proud of me. But then there is my uncles, aunts, and even my piano teacher from high school. And to random strangers... it gets to be a little much. And then on top of that, it seems to be the conversation opener when I meet anyone who is in their 30s or older.
It's not to say that I am not proud of the fact that I went to Stanford. I truly loved going to school there (or else I wouldn't have extended my stay for quite so long). I am happy to be from there when I'm surrounded by other Stanford students (and I truly am at the company I'm at right now) or when I'm with my friends from high school. With them, going to Stanford just doesn't seem out of the ordinary. The real world is an entirely different story.
I also still volunteer at PFC. The best is when the the person I'm interviewing mentions she has a son my age...
It is unreal. Pardon the cliche, but it seems like just yesterday that I got dropped off at Wilbur Hall with my new printer and laptop in tow. The layout seemed so confusing, so I entered Rinconada, what would be my home for the year, through the back entrance. When I finally made my way to the main entrance, I hear "WELCOME PELING!". It freaked me out to no end, I nervously glanced around on my shirt wondering if I had a nametag on (why else would complete strangers be yelling my name).
Since that first day, I have done so much at Stanford, my home away from home (which isn't really that far away from home). I have had my ups and downs: moments of severe doubt when I wondered what the hell am I doing here and moments of intense pleasure when I realized I belonged. I've met so many amazing people, had so many amazing experiences, enjoyed so many amazing opportunities - really, everything was amazing. I did things I would have never dreamed of when I began my freshman year. It is incredible how much my six years at Stanford has defined me as a person. It's weird, because I don't believe I have changed all that much from who I was when I began. I feel as if I just grew into myself more, like I became more me (if that makes ANY sense at all). In all, I am just extremely thankful for everything. Sometimes it felt like the end of the world - I definitely did not enjoy every minute of it, but I know I am going to miss that feeling desperately.
I currently just started my internship at Intuitive Surgical. I might blog my experiences later (then again I might not...). All I have to say is so far, I love it.
I'll end with: So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye. Goodbye Stanford.
Since that first day, I have done so much at Stanford, my home away from home (which isn't really that far away from home). I have had my ups and downs: moments of severe doubt when I wondered what the hell am I doing here and moments of intense pleasure when I realized I belonged. I've met so many amazing people, had so many amazing experiences, enjoyed so many amazing opportunities - really, everything was amazing. I did things I would have never dreamed of when I began my freshman year. It is incredible how much my six years at Stanford has defined me as a person. It's weird, because I don't believe I have changed all that much from who I was when I began. I feel as if I just grew into myself more, like I became more me (if that makes ANY sense at all). In all, I am just extremely thankful for everything. Sometimes it felt like the end of the world - I definitely did not enjoy every minute of it, but I know I am going to miss that feeling desperately.
I currently just started my internship at Intuitive Surgical. I might blog my experiences later (then again I might not...). All I have to say is so far, I love it.
I'll end with: So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye. Goodbye Stanford.
At the PRL - Product Realization Laboratory (aka the machine shop), we have computers for running certain computer controlled machines or for designing in solidworks. People can log into the computers with their SUNet IDs like they can at the library. Once logged in, you can mount your AFS space without entering your password again. This has led to an amusing game hijacking each other's Stanford webspace among the teaching assistants.
Since we all spend a ridiculous amount of time at the PRL, we often log into the computers to check our email, print out machine reservation lists, etc. Sometimes, we forget to log out. When one forgets to log out, other TAs will put something ridiculous up on his/her Stanford webspace.
Here are the latest examples:
Dave Evan's
Mike Wittenberg's
Ted Sweet's
I <3 the PRL TAs
Since we all spend a ridiculous amount of time at the PRL, we often log into the computers to check our email, print out machine reservation lists, etc. Sometimes, we forget to log out. When one forgets to log out, other TAs will put something ridiculous up on his/her Stanford webspace.
Here are the latest examples:
Dave Evan's
Mike Wittenberg's
Ted Sweet's
I <3 the PRL TAs
I like this interactive feature the New York Times created which features all the presidential inaugural addresses. I will have to read all of them (besides Obama's) at some point.
It is difficult to believe that the man primarily responsible fro the inauguration speech is only 27 years old. Jon Favreau, not to be confused with the actor from the movie Swingers, was discovered by Obama when he was working on Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign just after graduating college. It is unbelievable that was 23 years old at the time (aka...holy crap, I'm 23 years old RIGHT NOW). And at the age of 27, he has become President Obama's chief speechwriter. I'm astounded.
It is difficult to believe that the man primarily responsible fro the inauguration speech is only 27 years old. Jon Favreau, not to be confused with the actor from the movie Swingers, was discovered by Obama when he was working on Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign just after graduating college. It is unbelievable that was 23 years old at the time (aka...holy crap, I'm 23 years old RIGHT NOW). And at the age of 27, he has become President Obama's chief speechwriter. I'm astounded.
Friday night Andrew convinced me to go up to the city with Waynn and Shayan (two of Andrew's high school friends). I was already in my PJs and unwilling to go out (despite the fact it was only 8:30pm...on a Friday night...I accept the fact I am slightly lame at times). Anyway, I was only convinced to go, because Waynn wanted to try out the Alembic Bar, which was mentioned in the New York Times article "In San Francisco, a Cocktail Is Not Just a Drink". I decided to go since I like trying new places, and I can be a pretentious food snob. So we left from Waynn's apartment and drove to Haight & Ashbury.
There weren't any open seating when we got there, so one of the servers put Waynn's name down and said she would call once a table opened up. We headed over to Escape from New York - a New York pizza place that was a couple stores down from the bar. We bought some slices and pizza and ate there while we waited for space to open up at Alembic. About 40 minutes later, we got a call and headed over.
We were seated at a table at the back of the bar (it was two smaller tables pushed together). They had a menu of "Nibbles" and "Local Love" for small appetizers a menu of "cocktails" and "drinks". We each ordered a cocktail, since that was what Alembic was known for. I ordered the Jack Rose, which is a mixture of Applejack, grenadine, and lemon juice. It was pretty good, fruity and not to bitter. Andrew ended up drinking it since he really didn't like his. Andrew ordered the Gilded Lily, which is a mixture of plymouth gin, yellow chartreuse, orange flower water, and sparkling demi-sec (a sweet wine), and a little flake of gold leaf. I liked it, despite it being made from gin. It has somewhat of a bite to it, but the flavors mixed really well together, and I the orange flower water was a nice touch. Shayan ordered The Poopdeck Cocktail, which was a mixture of cognac, port win, and blackberry brandy. It tasted delicious, probably because of the blackberry brandy. Waynn ordered the Bourbon Old-Fashioned, which is a classic cocktail made from whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of lemon peel. It tasted terrible, I think I really don't like bourbon - I totally gagged when I tried it. Later Waynn ordered the Vice Grip, which was a mixture of araku coffee rum liqueur, brachetto d'aqui (a wine), and porter foam (beer). It sounds weird and strange, but tasted so delicious. It was my favorite drink by far.
We also tried some of their nibbles and local loves. I ordered the goat cheese croquettes with romesco. they were these fried goat cheese balls, that was served on the romesco in an escargot plate. I also ordered crispy pork belly, which was extremely fattening but also delicious. It was served with black trumpet mushrooms (my favorite part of the dish), brussels sprouts, and hot mustard. We also ordered the togarashi popcorn (spiced popcorn), za'atar potato chips (baked potato chips served with a herbed yogurt sauce, marinated olives with roasted nuts, and little fried fish (wasabi-ikura aioli covered fish served with lemon and tartar sauce). I enjoyed the fried fish a lot, the others were okay (since I'm not a big fan of popcorn, chips, or olives).
All in all, it was a pretty cool place. Reasonably priced for what they are. Unfortunately I didn't try their dessert menu, which I found out about later, as well as their daytime cocktails. I really want to try a mint julep sometime, ever since we read the The Great Gatsby in English AP senior year. (My friends and I acted out that scene where Daisy makes Tom a mint julep - somewhere around chapter 7).
There weren't any open seating when we got there, so one of the servers put Waynn's name down and said she would call once a table opened up. We headed over to Escape from New York - a New York pizza place that was a couple stores down from the bar. We bought some slices and pizza and ate there while we waited for space to open up at Alembic. About 40 minutes later, we got a call and headed over.
We were seated at a table at the back of the bar (it was two smaller tables pushed together). They had a menu of "Nibbles" and "Local Love" for small appetizers a menu of "cocktails" and "drinks". We each ordered a cocktail, since that was what Alembic was known for. I ordered the Jack Rose, which is a mixture of Applejack, grenadine, and lemon juice. It was pretty good, fruity and not to bitter. Andrew ended up drinking it since he really didn't like his. Andrew ordered the Gilded Lily, which is a mixture of plymouth gin, yellow chartreuse, orange flower water, and sparkling demi-sec (a sweet wine), and a little flake of gold leaf. I liked it, despite it being made from gin. It has somewhat of a bite to it, but the flavors mixed really well together, and I the orange flower water was a nice touch. Shayan ordered The Poopdeck Cocktail, which was a mixture of cognac, port win, and blackberry brandy. It tasted delicious, probably because of the blackberry brandy. Waynn ordered the Bourbon Old-Fashioned, which is a classic cocktail made from whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of lemon peel. It tasted terrible, I think I really don't like bourbon - I totally gagged when I tried it. Later Waynn ordered the Vice Grip, which was a mixture of araku coffee rum liqueur, brachetto d'aqui (a wine), and porter foam (beer). It sounds weird and strange, but tasted so delicious. It was my favorite drink by far.
We also tried some of their nibbles and local loves. I ordered the goat cheese croquettes with romesco. they were these fried goat cheese balls, that was served on the romesco in an escargot plate. I also ordered crispy pork belly, which was extremely fattening but also delicious. It was served with black trumpet mushrooms (my favorite part of the dish), brussels sprouts, and hot mustard. We also ordered the togarashi popcorn (spiced popcorn), za'atar potato chips (baked potato chips served with a herbed yogurt sauce, marinated olives with roasted nuts, and little fried fish (wasabi-ikura aioli covered fish served with lemon and tartar sauce). I enjoyed the fried fish a lot, the others were okay (since I'm not a big fan of popcorn, chips, or olives).
All in all, it was a pretty cool place. Reasonably priced for what they are. Unfortunately I didn't try their dessert menu, which I found out about later, as well as their daytime cocktails. I really want to try a mint julep sometime, ever since we read the The Great Gatsby in English AP senior year. (My friends and I acted out that scene where Daisy makes Tom a mint julep - somewhere around chapter 7).
Twin and I were discussing Anastasia today, so I decided to watch the movie (instead of doing work).
Fabulous Bartok Quotes:
"Oh sure, blame the bat. What the heck? We're easy targets."
"Just wishing I could do the job for you, sir. I'd give her a HAH! And a HI-YA! And then a OUU-WA! And I'd kick her, sir."
Fabulous Bartok Quotes:
"Oh sure, blame the bat. What the heck? We're easy targets."
"Just wishing I could do the job for you, sir. I'd give her a HAH! And a HI-YA! And then a OUU-WA! And I'd kick her, sir."
"Fairy tales, then, are not responsible for producing in children fear, or any of the other shapes of fear; fairy tales do not give the child the idea of te evil or the ugly; that is in the child already, because it is in the world already. Fairy tales do not give a child his first idea of bogey. What fairy tales give the child is his first clear idea of the possible defeat of bogey. The baby has known the dragon intimately ever since he had an imagination. What the fairy tale provides for him is a St. George to kill the dragon."
- G.K. Chesterton (from the essay "The Red Angel" in his series of reflections on everyday life Tremendous Trifles)
"The Red Angel" is an essay by G.K. Chesterton in response to a those who believe fairy tales are bad for children. He states in the essay that a lady had written him a letter saying "it is cruel to tell children fairy tales, because it frightens them." It is the origin of the quote:
"Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed."
Or other variants of the quote that are attributed to G.K. Chesterton.
I truly enjoyed "The Red Angel", not only because it advocates fairy tales, but because also because of Chesterton's insights on the human condition. Chesterton states that "one small child can imagine monsters too big and black to get into any picture." Children are well aware of the evil that exists in the world and that "the fear does not come from fairy tales; the fear comes from the universe of the soul." Fairy tales teach children that they can overcome their fear. Through fairy tales, children are armed with hope rather being left to face their fears alone. "The Red Angel" was an interesting essay, I only read it because it was on the topic of fairy tales (which I love and have always loved). I am going to read more of Tremendous Trifles.
- G.K. Chesterton (from the essay "The Red Angel" in his series of reflections on everyday life Tremendous Trifles)
"The Red Angel" is an essay by G.K. Chesterton in response to a those who believe fairy tales are bad for children. He states in the essay that a lady had written him a letter saying "it is cruel to tell children fairy tales, because it frightens them." It is the origin of the quote:
"Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed."
Or other variants of the quote that are attributed to G.K. Chesterton.
I truly enjoyed "The Red Angel", not only because it advocates fairy tales, but because also because of Chesterton's insights on the human condition. Chesterton states that "one small child can imagine monsters too big and black to get into any picture." Children are well aware of the evil that exists in the world and that "the fear does not come from fairy tales; the fear comes from the universe of the soul." Fairy tales teach children that they can overcome their fear. Through fairy tales, children are armed with hope rather being left to face their fears alone. "The Red Angel" was an interesting essay, I only read it because it was on the topic of fairy tales (which I love and have always loved). I am going to read more of Tremendous Trifles.
by e.e. cummings
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
This poem can be found here at the Poetry Foundation website.
e.e. cummings is one of my favorite poets. I love how he experiments with syntax and style in his poetry. Anyway, this poem is read by Cameron Diaz's character at the end of In Her Shoes. I was reminded of it when I watched the movie again over this Winter Break. I think Cameron Diaz did a beautiful reading of the poem, and I loved the use of the poem in the movie. I hope it gave people more of an appreciation of poetry.
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
This poem can be found here at the Poetry Foundation website.
e.e. cummings is one of my favorite poets. I love how he experiments with syntax and style in his poetry. Anyway, this poem is read by Cameron Diaz's character at the end of In Her Shoes. I was reminded of it when I watched the movie again over this Winter Break. I think Cameron Diaz did a beautiful reading of the poem, and I loved the use of the poem in the movie. I hope it gave people more of an appreciation of poetry.
One of my closest friends, Christine, flew in New Year's Eve to visit those of us who are living in the Bay Area (aka, those of us who never left Stanford). For those of you who don't know, Christine and I lived in the same freshman dorm and have been close friends ever since. During undergrad, we never got a chance to live together, because I ended up being an RA (residential assistant) in the dorms for two years. Fortunately, she stayed at Stanford for an additional year to get her master's degree in Biology, and we were able to be roommates then. Anyway, back to the story...
I picked Christine up at 7pm and went back to Stanford. We were originally hoping to go to Afternoon Tea (her flight was originally supposed to arrive in at 3pm), but instead we went to dinner, as Afternoon Tea is obviously closed by 7:30pm. I had found this restaurant called Shokolaat on University Ave. It is supposed to be a modern bistro where you can sit for coffee or tea and pastries and chocolates. They describe the concept on their site as a "neighborhood Restaurant, Patisserie, Chocolatier, and Lounge serving lunch and dinner with take out pastries." It is located on University Ave right after Cowper if you are heading towards 101.
The restaurant is a fairly small restaurant with an outdoor seating area behind these canvas curtains. Inside, they had two glass cases, one for chocolates and another for desserts/pastries. The chefs cook behind the counter much like Il Fornaio. The decor was very modern yet elegant, and the restaurant was dimly lit for an "romantic atmosphere". Christine said it reminded her of the scene in the Sex and the City Movie where Miranda and Carrie go to a romantic restaurant for Valentine's Day.
They had a special New Year's Eve tasting menu which consisted of an Amuse Bouche (a single bite-sized appetizer) of Wild Mushroom and Mint Soup which was served in a small shotglass which fluted outwards.
For the Appetizer Course, we had a choice between a Heart of Romaine, Herb Vinaigrette, White Anchovy, Shaved Parmegiano-Reggiano salad or the Ahi Tuna Tartare, Grated Black Truffle, Toasted Brioche, Citrus-Vanilla Vinaigrette. Christine and I both got the Ahi Tuna Tartare, which was beautifully served on a rectangular dish with the Tartare molded in a tuna-can shape with three rectangular pieces of the Toasted Brioche artfully stacked on the other side.
For the Entree, we had a choice between the Filet Mignion, Puree of Potatoes, Confit of Shallot, Toy Box Carrots, Black Truffle Sauce or the Cinnamon Brioche Crusted Halibut, Roasted Sweet Potato and Cauliflower, Caramelized Hazelnut or the Roasted Pumpkin Risotto, Fromager D'Affinois, White Truffle Oil. I had the Filet Mignion (medium rare) and Christine had the Halibut. Both were delicious. The Filet Mignion was cooked perfectly and the black truffle sauce was absolutely delicious. I don't really think I have a good enough palette to describe the taste. Christine's Halibut was also extremely delicious with the cinnamon providing just a hint of spice that wasn't overpowering.
For Dessert, we had a choice between the Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Bar, Raspberry Sorbet, Creme Anglaise or the Grand Marnier Souffle. Christine had the Crunch Bar and I had the Souffle. The souffle was served freshly made (Christine and I heard them beating the eggs in the background while we were eating our Entree). The waiter served the dish and opened the souffle for me and poured in half the Creme Anglaise for me. The souffle was absolutely delicious, light and airy. The Grand Marnier provided a nice touch. Christine's crunch bar tastes somewhat like a Ferrero Rocher candy. The "crunch" was a praline, and there was a hazelnut chocolate mousse-like part on top. It was served cut in two pieces and placed at one corner of a square plate. At the other corner was a scoop of raspberry sorbet.
For the Mignardise (for the table), we were served a selection of petit fours. Christine and I were so full by this point that we ended up taking them home instead. I don't even recall what we got... Overall, it was a fabulously delicious meal. Next time, I really need to take pictures.
I picked Christine up at 7pm and went back to Stanford. We were originally hoping to go to Afternoon Tea (her flight was originally supposed to arrive in at 3pm), but instead we went to dinner, as Afternoon Tea is obviously closed by 7:30pm. I had found this restaurant called Shokolaat on University Ave. It is supposed to be a modern bistro where you can sit for coffee or tea and pastries and chocolates. They describe the concept on their site as a "neighborhood Restaurant, Patisserie, Chocolatier, and Lounge serving lunch and dinner with take out pastries." It is located on University Ave right after Cowper if you are heading towards 101.
The restaurant is a fairly small restaurant with an outdoor seating area behind these canvas curtains. Inside, they had two glass cases, one for chocolates and another for desserts/pastries. The chefs cook behind the counter much like Il Fornaio. The decor was very modern yet elegant, and the restaurant was dimly lit for an "romantic atmosphere". Christine said it reminded her of the scene in the Sex and the City Movie where Miranda and Carrie go to a romantic restaurant for Valentine's Day.
They had a special New Year's Eve tasting menu which consisted of an Amuse Bouche (a single bite-sized appetizer) of Wild Mushroom and Mint Soup which was served in a small shotglass which fluted outwards.
For the Appetizer Course, we had a choice between a Heart of Romaine, Herb Vinaigrette, White Anchovy, Shaved Parmegiano-Reggiano salad or the Ahi Tuna Tartare, Grated Black Truffle, Toasted Brioche, Citrus-Vanilla Vinaigrette. Christine and I both got the Ahi Tuna Tartare, which was beautifully served on a rectangular dish with the Tartare molded in a tuna-can shape with three rectangular pieces of the Toasted Brioche artfully stacked on the other side.
For the Entree, we had a choice between the Filet Mignion, Puree of Potatoes, Confit of Shallot, Toy Box Carrots, Black Truffle Sauce or the Cinnamon Brioche Crusted Halibut, Roasted Sweet Potato and Cauliflower, Caramelized Hazelnut or the Roasted Pumpkin Risotto, Fromager D'Affinois, White Truffle Oil. I had the Filet Mignion (medium rare) and Christine had the Halibut. Both were delicious. The Filet Mignion was cooked perfectly and the black truffle sauce was absolutely delicious. I don't really think I have a good enough palette to describe the taste. Christine's Halibut was also extremely delicious with the cinnamon providing just a hint of spice that wasn't overpowering.
For Dessert, we had a choice between the Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Bar, Raspberry Sorbet, Creme Anglaise or the Grand Marnier Souffle. Christine had the Crunch Bar and I had the Souffle. The souffle was served freshly made (Christine and I heard them beating the eggs in the background while we were eating our Entree). The waiter served the dish and opened the souffle for me and poured in half the Creme Anglaise for me. The souffle was absolutely delicious, light and airy. The Grand Marnier provided a nice touch. Christine's crunch bar tastes somewhat like a Ferrero Rocher candy. The "crunch" was a praline, and there was a hazelnut chocolate mousse-like part on top. It was served cut in two pieces and placed at one corner of a square plate. At the other corner was a scoop of raspberry sorbet.
For the Mignardise (for the table), we were served a selection of petit fours. Christine and I were so full by this point that we ended up taking them home instead. I don't even recall what we got... Overall, it was a fabulously delicious meal. Next time, I really need to take pictures.
To go to Lvov. Which station
for Lvov, if not in a dream, at dawn, when dew
gleams on a suitcase, when express
trains and bullet trains are being born...
This poem is by a Polish poet Adam Zagajewski. The rest of it can be found here at the Poetry Foundation's website.
I think this poem epitomizes what I love most about poetry. I adore the feelings evoked by reading a really amazing poem, one that really strikes a chord with you (as the reader). As much as I love prose and reading novels, most writers simply focus on the story itself, whereas in poetry language is an art form. For me, great books are defined by story that it is trying to tell - how real the characters are to me, how detailed is the imagery it conjures, how engrossing is the plot, what is the point... Great poems makes language into an art form where every word is carefully chosen for its aesthetic value as well as meaning. The meaning isn't spelled out for you. For me (since I love food), it is like the difference between a full course meal (which on the whole is amazing, but things can be changed here and there) or an fabulous dessert (small but packed with deliciousness).
Anyway, To go to Lvov is one of my favorite poems. I clearly remember the day when Mr. Larvey read it aloud in English class in middle school. The class was completely silent, swept away by the utter beauty of the poem (or at least I was). I loved how the author describes his childhood home, at least how he remembers it, and how it has been lost. It appeals to the reader as this imaginary place is lost in reality (it may have never been there except in the mind of the child) but lives within one's memories. I remember for our poetry unit, I wrote a poem in the same style about my middle school... I should look for it sometime.
Come to think of it, I think I wrote about To go to Lvov or the poem I wrote before in some random blog I may (or may not) have started years ago. That's me, a chronic restarter of blogging.
for Lvov, if not in a dream, at dawn, when dew
gleams on a suitcase, when express
trains and bullet trains are being born...
This poem is by a Polish poet Adam Zagajewski. The rest of it can be found here at the Poetry Foundation's website.
I think this poem epitomizes what I love most about poetry. I adore the feelings evoked by reading a really amazing poem, one that really strikes a chord with you (as the reader). As much as I love prose and reading novels, most writers simply focus on the story itself, whereas in poetry language is an art form. For me, great books are defined by story that it is trying to tell - how real the characters are to me, how detailed is the imagery it conjures, how engrossing is the plot, what is the point... Great poems makes language into an art form where every word is carefully chosen for its aesthetic value as well as meaning. The meaning isn't spelled out for you. For me (since I love food), it is like the difference between a full course meal (which on the whole is amazing, but things can be changed here and there) or an fabulous dessert (small but packed with deliciousness).
Anyway, To go to Lvov is one of my favorite poems. I clearly remember the day when Mr. Larvey read it aloud in English class in middle school. The class was completely silent, swept away by the utter beauty of the poem (or at least I was). I loved how the author describes his childhood home, at least how he remembers it, and how it has been lost. It appeals to the reader as this imaginary place is lost in reality (it may have never been there except in the mind of the child) but lives within one's memories. I remember for our poetry unit, I wrote a poem in the same style about my middle school... I should look for it sometime.
Come to think of it, I think I wrote about To go to Lvov or the poem I wrote before in some random blog I may (or may not) have started years ago. That's me, a chronic restarter of blogging.
I fell asleep fairly early yesterday, probably around 11pm. Around 3:30am, I woke up with a start and couldn't fall back asleep for awhile. While I was up, as a perused the internet, I found this article on Sustainable Sushi (don't ask me how I ended up getting there...it was late, I was browsing).
I was appalled to find that many of the fishes I eat for sushi are becoming increasingly endangered due to overfishing. I never even gave a second thought to fish, the ocean is big, there should be a lot of fish in the sea. Fish has always been promoted as being a healthy choice of protein with its omega-3 oils and whatnot (with exception of the mercury problem). Overfishing has become an increasingly apparent problem due to globalization. I guess I have always known about Chilean Seabass nearly becoming extinct and Sturgeon caught in the wild (known for it's expensive eggs - caviar), but for some reason, I never thought of applying it to sushi.
Apparently, the bluefin tuna which has the prized fatty belly meat required for toro has declined by 90% over the last three decades. All because of sushi fad spreading around the world! The method of catching bluefin tuna using longline fishing gear can easily get entangled with sea turtles, sharks, and seabirds. And since bluefin tuna is slow to mature, most are caught before they are able to reproduce.
Another extremely common (and delicious) sushi dish that should be avoided is unagi (which is one of my absolute favorite sushi dishes). Freshwater eel has a unique life cycle where adults actually spawn in salt water thousands of miles away from their freshwater habitat. They only spawn once, and late in their lives. Eel processing farms catch the adolescents on their way back from the ocean to a freshwater habitat and raise them until they are large enough to eat. This method of farming prevents eels from ever spawning, and the farming plants produce a large amount of waste. Eels raised in the farm are more likely to contract disease and/or parasites, and if they escape (which is highly likely) they can transmit these diseases and parasites to wild eels and other oceanic life.
Other sushi to avoid are octopus (tako), yellowtail (hamachi), imported shrimp, farmed salmon, and many others. There are actually plenty of fish that can be ethically consumed and have sustainable populations (however, most are not traditional sushi dishes).
Monterey Bay Aquarium recently published a guide to sustainable fishes targeted at sushi found here.
Also, a new restaurant that opened in San Francisco may be the only sustainable sushi restaurant in the entire U.S. Tataki Sushi & Saki Bar only serves sustainable fish, so they don't even serve salmon. Instead, they replace salmon with Arctic Char. I hope to try it sometime. I don't know what I'm going to do about sushi overall on the whole - most likely lower my consumption of non-sustainable fishes (I don't know if I can cut it out completely >,<). //Sigh, just more evidence that the human race is ravaging the world.
I was appalled to find that many of the fishes I eat for sushi are becoming increasingly endangered due to overfishing. I never even gave a second thought to fish, the ocean is big, there should be a lot of fish in the sea. Fish has always been promoted as being a healthy choice of protein with its omega-3 oils and whatnot (with exception of the mercury problem). Overfishing has become an increasingly apparent problem due to globalization. I guess I have always known about Chilean Seabass nearly becoming extinct and Sturgeon caught in the wild (known for it's expensive eggs - caviar), but for some reason, I never thought of applying it to sushi.
Apparently, the bluefin tuna which has the prized fatty belly meat required for toro has declined by 90% over the last three decades. All because of sushi fad spreading around the world! The method of catching bluefin tuna using longline fishing gear can easily get entangled with sea turtles, sharks, and seabirds. And since bluefin tuna is slow to mature, most are caught before they are able to reproduce.
Another extremely common (and delicious) sushi dish that should be avoided is unagi (which is one of my absolute favorite sushi dishes). Freshwater eel has a unique life cycle where adults actually spawn in salt water thousands of miles away from their freshwater habitat. They only spawn once, and late in their lives. Eel processing farms catch the adolescents on their way back from the ocean to a freshwater habitat and raise them until they are large enough to eat. This method of farming prevents eels from ever spawning, and the farming plants produce a large amount of waste. Eels raised in the farm are more likely to contract disease and/or parasites, and if they escape (which is highly likely) they can transmit these diseases and parasites to wild eels and other oceanic life.
Other sushi to avoid are octopus (tako), yellowtail (hamachi), imported shrimp, farmed salmon, and many others. There are actually plenty of fish that can be ethically consumed and have sustainable populations (however, most are not traditional sushi dishes).
Monterey Bay Aquarium recently published a guide to sustainable fishes targeted at sushi found here.
Also, a new restaurant that opened in San Francisco may be the only sustainable sushi restaurant in the entire U.S. Tataki Sushi & Saki Bar only serves sustainable fish, so they don't even serve salmon. Instead, they replace salmon with Arctic Char. I hope to try it sometime. I don't know what I'm going to do about sushi overall on the whole - most likely lower my consumption of non-sustainable fishes (I don't know if I can cut it out completely >,<). //Sigh, just more evidence that the human race is ravaging the world.
Last night, I went out to dinner with two of my friends from college. Albert was back in Palo Alto for Winter Break, and Kat and I were apparently the only ones still around the area (most of them work in the area, but pretty much everyone was home for the holidays). After dinner, we went over to Kat's house and played Rock Band and watched Tropic Thunder (not at the same time, although we thought about it, as Kat has both a project and a TV).
Side note: Tropic Thunder is an amazingly hilarious movie. It is just a constant barrage of extremely funny moments one after another. There are just so many great quotes in the movie. The first five minutes of the movie already blew me away. I couldn't believe Robert Downey Jr. was playing the part he was playing. Of course I couldn't believe who the executive producer in the movie was (although apparently if I bothered to read anything about the movie after it came out, I would know...). Anyway, moving on to the point of this post.
After Albert and I left Kat's house (I was driving Albert home). It was around 12:30am, we were at this intersection on El Camino. I was the first car in the left turn lane (that turns onto Alma) waiting for the light to turn green. There was a car coming from Sand Hill making a left turn onto El Camino, and this crazy guy just walks right in front of the car, even as the car was coming right at him. So the car has to wait until the pedestrian finished crossing before he could exit the intersection. At this point, my protected left turn light turned green, but of course I couldn't go because the other car was in my way.
After the car got out of the way, I start making my left turn, but the same guy starts crossing the street in front of me - meaning I had to stop before I ran him over. However, there was a car behind me, who just started honking repeatedly when I stopped, AND the pedestrian STOPPED right in the middle of the crosswalk, ensuring I could not pass him. (That turn goes into a lane that is just big enough for one car). So here I am, with the car honking behind me, the pedestrian stopped in front me of looking at me, and I did not what to do at all. The pedestrian, was this guy who seemed to be in his late twenties, early thirties, wearing a navy peacoat. He didn't look at all like a homeless and/or drunk bum. Anyway, he started yelling, first at me (because I may have honked at him once - it was my right of way anyway...he should not have entered the crosswalk at that time). But then he started walking towards the car behind me yelling, so I finally could pass.
It was the strangest experience I have had in awhile. I really wish that cars could transmit messages to the car behind you. The car just kept honking, as if I was an idiot for stopping. Seriously, after he/she honked once or twice, I would have gotten the picture. There is obviously something preventing me from continuing. All I wanted was a loud speaker so I could tell the car behind me "Please stop honking. There is a pedestrian who is crossing the street in front of me, and I would prefer not to run someone over today just so you could continue driving on your merry way. Running over someone, especially if he or she dies, is apparently more illegal than jay walking." Seriously...crazy people are out at night.
I really dislike mean drivers. And again today, I was in the middle lane on El Camino and I was trying to change into the right lane, so I managed to edge my nose in (as it was incredibly trafficky) and the guy I was edging the nose of my car in front of just swerves into the bike lane next to me, while the bus originally behind me drove past in the middle lane. It was so scary, as I was sandwiched on both sides. And the stupid driver continued driving in the bike lane for the block (about 300 ft). Arg. Mean drivers suck. That's my story.
Side note: Tropic Thunder is an amazingly hilarious movie. It is just a constant barrage of extremely funny moments one after another. There are just so many great quotes in the movie. The first five minutes of the movie already blew me away. I couldn't believe Robert Downey Jr. was playing the part he was playing. Of course I couldn't believe who the executive producer in the movie was (although apparently if I bothered to read anything about the movie after it came out, I would know...). Anyway, moving on to the point of this post.
After Albert and I left Kat's house (I was driving Albert home). It was around 12:30am, we were at this intersection on El Camino. I was the first car in the left turn lane (that turns onto Alma) waiting for the light to turn green. There was a car coming from Sand Hill making a left turn onto El Camino, and this crazy guy just walks right in front of the car, even as the car was coming right at him. So the car has to wait until the pedestrian finished crossing before he could exit the intersection. At this point, my protected left turn light turned green, but of course I couldn't go because the other car was in my way.
After the car got out of the way, I start making my left turn, but the same guy starts crossing the street in front of me - meaning I had to stop before I ran him over. However, there was a car behind me, who just started honking repeatedly when I stopped, AND the pedestrian STOPPED right in the middle of the crosswalk, ensuring I could not pass him. (That turn goes into a lane that is just big enough for one car). So here I am, with the car honking behind me, the pedestrian stopped in front me of looking at me, and I did not what to do at all. The pedestrian, was this guy who seemed to be in his late twenties, early thirties, wearing a navy peacoat. He didn't look at all like a homeless and/or drunk bum. Anyway, he started yelling, first at me (because I may have honked at him once - it was my right of way anyway...he should not have entered the crosswalk at that time). But then he started walking towards the car behind me yelling, so I finally could pass.
It was the strangest experience I have had in awhile. I really wish that cars could transmit messages to the car behind you. The car just kept honking, as if I was an idiot for stopping. Seriously, after he/she honked once or twice, I would have gotten the picture. There is obviously something preventing me from continuing. All I wanted was a loud speaker so I could tell the car behind me "Please stop honking. There is a pedestrian who is crossing the street in front of me, and I would prefer not to run someone over today just so you could continue driving on your merry way. Running over someone, especially if he or she dies, is apparently more illegal than jay walking." Seriously...crazy people are out at night.
I really dislike mean drivers. And again today, I was in the middle lane on El Camino and I was trying to change into the right lane, so I managed to edge my nose in (as it was incredibly trafficky) and the guy I was edging the nose of my car in front of just swerves into the bike lane next to me, while the bus originally behind me drove past in the middle lane. It was so scary, as I was sandwiched on both sides. And the stupid driver continued driving in the bike lane for the block (about 300 ft). Arg. Mean drivers suck. That's my story.
and that time of month. (>_<)
About once a month (give a take a few days), I get my period. It sucks. Sometimes I can feel as if I'm about to have it, sometimes I have to rely on my calendar. I usually feel really tired and lethargic, where walking around counts as "strenuous activity". On the first day, and sometimes the second day, I don't feel like eating - I only eat because I know I should. I don't think I get cranky or irritable or "PMS", but this could just be because no one has ever told me so.
The part I hate the most is that how it feels each time isn't consistent. Some months it is so debilitating that I usually spend hours lying in bed in the fetal position just whimpering and trying to will the pain to go away. I usually start popping Advil, but it takes awhile for it to kick in (and usually requires much more than the recommended dosage of 1 tablet every 4-6 hours). On these months, the pain usually only lasts one day. Other months, it can be pain that comes and goes for days. The pain is usually more bearable (meaning I can actually sit through class after taking 1-2 tablets of Advil), but I never know when the pain will start again. Then are the months where I don't get any cramps or feel any pain. These pain-free periods are incredibly rare for me, only once or twice a year.
This month it is the constant pain that comes and goes...sometimes it is unbearable...sometimes I feel like I can actually get up out of bed. I'm now waiting for the2 4 tablest of Advil that I took 45 minutes ago to fully kick in. Like I said, it sucks.
About once a month (give a take a few days), I get my period. It sucks. Sometimes I can feel as if I'm about to have it, sometimes I have to rely on my calendar. I usually feel really tired and lethargic, where walking around counts as "strenuous activity". On the first day, and sometimes the second day, I don't feel like eating - I only eat because I know I should. I don't think I get cranky or irritable or "PMS", but this could just be because no one has ever told me so.
The part I hate the most is that how it feels each time isn't consistent. Some months it is so debilitating that I usually spend hours lying in bed in the fetal position just whimpering and trying to will the pain to go away. I usually start popping Advil, but it takes awhile for it to kick in (and usually requires much more than the recommended dosage of 1 tablet every 4-6 hours). On these months, the pain usually only lasts one day. Other months, it can be pain that comes and goes for days. The pain is usually more bearable (meaning I can actually sit through class after taking 1-2 tablets of Advil), but I never know when the pain will start again. Then are the months where I don't get any cramps or feel any pain. These pain-free periods are incredibly rare for me, only once or twice a year.
This month it is the constant pain that comes and goes...sometimes it is unbearable...sometimes I feel like I can actually get up out of bed. I'm now waiting for the
I love the holidays. As a child, Thanksgiving weekend signaled the onset of school holidays that would take us through the winter season (Thanksgiving, Winter Break, MLK Jr. Day, President's Day). It meant school ice skating parties, graham cracker houses with M&M roofs, cutting out paper snow flakes, and all around merriment. It is a time of celebration, a time when peace is encouraged, even on opposing sides. I felt like there was an unsaid agreement between everyone to just give everyone a break during the holidays.
Even now, I still love the holidays. I love the decorations in store windows and the lights on people's houses. I love the delicious food from my grandmother's sticky rice stuffed turkey to gingerbread cookies to wassail. I love planning what to get people and the massive amounts of baking. I love being able to see all my friends without worrying about work or school. I love spending time with my family watching movies and playing games. It is just such a joyful time of year.
However, as I have grown older, I am more aware of the unsavory aspects to the holidays.
Those glittered brightly colored decorations I see in the store will inevitably end up in the garbage along with all the wrapping paper and boxes used for shipping. Those twinkling Christmas lights just use more energy.
Furthermore, the culture of consumerism during the holidays further amplifies the divide between the poor and the wealthy. Especially during a recession such as this one, more and more people are unable to provide for their families let alone all the bells and whistles expected with the holiday season. There is an increasing demand for help from food banks. A decline in donations goes hand-in-hand with a recession, and InnVision, an urban ministry which provides for the homeless in the Bay Area, may have to close down programs.
A couple of days ago, the desire for a bargain has led to a temporary Walmart employee to be trampled to death on Black Friday. I can't even begin to fathom how people would be willing to run over another person just for a TV or the latest toy. It is revolting, and effectively ruined this holiday season and probably many more for his family.
This always makes me realize how extremely blessed I am to be able to live as comfortably as I do. I can enjoy delicious meals at fancy restaurants and buy new clothes and toys. And I can spend my holidays with my friends and family. Now, the holidays are a time where I am more aware of others in need (seeing how I spend most of my time in the blissful bubble of Stanford).
I now see it as a duty to help, in whatever way I can, those who are less fortunate than I am. I think throughout life one should always try to become a better person, and helping those in need around you is a great way to start.
Even now, I still love the holidays. I love the decorations in store windows and the lights on people's houses. I love the delicious food from my grandmother's sticky rice stuffed turkey to gingerbread cookies to wassail. I love planning what to get people and the massive amounts of baking. I love being able to see all my friends without worrying about work or school. I love spending time with my family watching movies and playing games. It is just such a joyful time of year.
However, as I have grown older, I am more aware of the unsavory aspects to the holidays.
Those glittered brightly colored decorations I see in the store will inevitably end up in the garbage along with all the wrapping paper and boxes used for shipping. Those twinkling Christmas lights just use more energy.
Furthermore, the culture of consumerism during the holidays further amplifies the divide between the poor and the wealthy. Especially during a recession such as this one, more and more people are unable to provide for their families let alone all the bells and whistles expected with the holiday season. There is an increasing demand for help from food banks. A decline in donations goes hand-in-hand with a recession, and InnVision, an urban ministry which provides for the homeless in the Bay Area, may have to close down programs.
A couple of days ago, the desire for a bargain has led to a temporary Walmart employee to be trampled to death on Black Friday. I can't even begin to fathom how people would be willing to run over another person just for a TV or the latest toy. It is revolting, and effectively ruined this holiday season and probably many more for his family.
This always makes me realize how extremely blessed I am to be able to live as comfortably as I do. I can enjoy delicious meals at fancy restaurants and buy new clothes and toys. And I can spend my holidays with my friends and family. Now, the holidays are a time where I am more aware of others in need (seeing how I spend most of my time in the blissful bubble of Stanford).
I now see it as a duty to help, in whatever way I can, those who are less fortunate than I am. I think throughout life one should always try to become a better person, and helping those in need around you is a great way to start.
I should be doing either of those things seeing how it is 3am right now. Instead, I'm writing in my blog (which I never update). Apparently caffeine keeps me up - I had an almond milk tea (sans pearls) at 10:30pm. I guess I haven't drank enough tea/coffee in the past month.
At least I was somewhat productive as my room is now 85% clean (I still need to organize the things I just stuffed in drawers & set up my books/binders). It is glorious to finally be able to walk around my room without tripping over things! Now I won't feel so self conscious about keeping my door open.
I guess I'm going to try to fall asleep now...so I can actually do all the work I was supposed to accomplish over Thanksgiving Break.
At least I was somewhat productive as my room is now 85% clean (I still need to organize the things I just stuffed in drawers & set up my books/binders). It is glorious to finally be able to walk around my room without tripping over things! Now I won't feel so self conscious about keeping my door open.
I guess I'm going to try to fall asleep now...so I can actually do all the work I was supposed to accomplish over Thanksgiving Break.
Dessert party #2 was a success. There was so much dessert - I got to do this again sometime (when I'm not ridiculously busy...which is just about never). Here is the menu for anyone who cares:
Peling/Melody:
Pear Charlotte - Poached pears on top pear bavarian cream in a biscuit roulade shell (jelly roll cake)
Mango Mousse Cake - Mango mouse layered with sponge cake with a mango jelly topping
Hawaiian Pie - Crushed pineapples mixed with whipped cream and condensed milk in a graham cracker crust
Fruit Tarts - Glazed fresh fruit on pastry creme filled sweet cookie tartlets
Tiramisu - Lady fingers soaked in an espresso rum mixture layered with a sweetened whipped mascarpone cheese and zabaglione
Chocolate covered strawberries - Both dark and milk chocolate
Vicky:
Key Lime Tarts - Key lime filling in phyllo tarts
Caramel Croissant Pudding
Tiger Cake - Marbled bundt cake
Hana:
Apple Walnut Pie
Chocolate Brownie Cookies
Joyce:
Chocolate Mousse
Berry Popsicles
Felix:
Creme Brulee
Kay:
Mochi Cakes - Cupcakes filled with sweet azuki bean paste with a delightful mochi texture
Ruo:
Peach pudding - Peach flavored pudding with peaches and pound cake
It turned out amazingly well despite me being incredibly stressed out and freaking out that we wouldn't have enough desserts (especially on the day of the party - Melody, Vicky, Christine, and Twin probably bore the brunt of my freakingout-ness).
I'm so happy that so many people came. I just love the feeling of having people together for dessert - it is totally different from a dinner party or a "normal" party. It isn't quite as formal and there isn't any pressure. It is my version of a bbq. Desserts just make people happy - there is something so alluring about being able to provide desserts to people. I think there is this difference between desserts and all other types of food - the response towards desserts is somehow more intense.
Sadly, I don't think the things I made didn't turn out as well as they have done in the past. Amazingly enough, even though I was terribly ill with a fever leading up to the first Dessert Party (January 26, 2008) - the Pear Charlotte turned out beautifully. This time, the Pear Charlotte fell apart (the bavarian cream did not solidify enough - it was quite sad). The mangos weren't really ripe - lending a slightly tart taste in the Mango Mousse cake. I totally cheated with pre-made graham cracker crusts and pre-made lady fingers for the Tiramisu. And, I also messed up a TON of times - the first batch of pastry creme. //Sigh, next time...
Peling/Melody:
Pear Charlotte - Poached pears on top pear bavarian cream in a biscuit roulade shell (jelly roll cake)
Mango Mousse Cake - Mango mouse layered with sponge cake with a mango jelly topping
Hawaiian Pie - Crushed pineapples mixed with whipped cream and condensed milk in a graham cracker crust
Fruit Tarts - Glazed fresh fruit on pastry creme filled sweet cookie tartlets
Tiramisu - Lady fingers soaked in an espresso rum mixture layered with a sweetened whipped mascarpone cheese and zabaglione
Chocolate covered strawberries - Both dark and milk chocolate
Vicky:
Key Lime Tarts - Key lime filling in phyllo tarts
Caramel Croissant Pudding
Tiger Cake - Marbled bundt cake
Hana:
Apple Walnut Pie
Chocolate Brownie Cookies
Joyce:
Chocolate Mousse
Berry Popsicles
Felix:
Creme Brulee
Kay:
Mochi Cakes - Cupcakes filled with sweet azuki bean paste with a delightful mochi texture
Ruo:
Peach pudding - Peach flavored pudding with peaches and pound cake
It turned out amazingly well despite me being incredibly stressed out and freaking out that we wouldn't have enough desserts (especially on the day of the party - Melody, Vicky, Christine, and Twin probably bore the brunt of my freakingout-ness).
I'm so happy that so many people came. I just love the feeling of having people together for dessert - it is totally different from a dinner party or a "normal" party. It isn't quite as formal and there isn't any pressure. It is my version of a bbq. Desserts just make people happy - there is something so alluring about being able to provide desserts to people. I think there is this difference between desserts and all other types of food - the response towards desserts is somehow more intense.
Sadly, I don't think the things I made didn't turn out as well as they have done in the past. Amazingly enough, even though I was terribly ill with a fever leading up to the first Dessert Party (January 26, 2008) - the Pear Charlotte turned out beautifully. This time, the Pear Charlotte fell apart (the bavarian cream did not solidify enough - it was quite sad). The mangos weren't really ripe - lending a slightly tart taste in the Mango Mousse cake. I totally cheated with pre-made graham cracker crusts and pre-made lady fingers for the Tiramisu. And, I also messed up a TON of times - the first batch of pastry creme. //Sigh, next time...
As many of you know, once every year or two, I'll begin keeping a blog. It starts off with me blogging once or twice a week, then once or twice a month, and then eventually none at all. (Although I'm an amazingly productive blogger during exam times - those who know my livejournal are well aware of this). Well, I have decided (once again) to keep a public blog - as my livejournal is limited to only my friends from high school, and is poorly maintained.
Hopefully I will do a half-way decent job of keeping everyone with the non-mundane details of my life and the silly thoughts that plague my mind. As always, I make no guarantees or promises. (^_^)
Hopefully I will do a half-way decent job of keeping everyone with the non-mundane details of my life and the silly thoughts that plague my mind. As always, I make no guarantees or promises. (^_^)
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