Climbing El Misti: One Step at a Time

Yesterday, I completed one of the most arduous tasks of my life: climbing to the summit of El Misti Volcano in Arequipa, Peru. El Misti is 5,822 meters (19,101 ft) above sea level and takes two days to ascend (for reference, Machu Picchu is 2,430 m or almost 8,000 ft). 

El Misti Volcano

On Sunday April 10th, five of us, Joel, Edgar, Nicolas, Lina and I, started at the bottom of the volcano (3,300 meters), and then hiked for 4 1/2 hours to base camp (4,500 meters). We had a delicious minestrone soup and pasta dinner made by Joel, our guide, attempted to sleep a few hours before ascending to the top at 2 am for 6 hours. It was pitch black at that time so we trekked with headlamps and snow gear on. All we could see was black sand, rocks and one shoe in front of the other.

Base of El Misti - starting the trek

Selfie at Base Camp

Sunset overlooking Arequipa

My family has a history of altitude sickness, and even after taking all the preventative measures to decrease the symptoms (soroche pills, coca tea, chocolate, etc.), I still felt the altitude two hours into the ascent. Even though this was physically a tough trek, I knew it would ultimately be a mental battle. I almost gave up because the pain in my head worsened with every step, and I had to stop every 30-40 steps to catch my breath. The rest of my group wasn't affected by the altitude so I felt like I was dragging down my team with my slow, haggard pace. I told them they should continue without me and I would make it up to the top eventually at my own pace. Joel even offered for me to return to base camp at that point. It would have been so easy to turn around, head back to base camp and sleep in my warm sleeping bag free of suffering, but I was determined to make it to the summit even if it killed me. I had to prove to myself that I could do this. 

For the next 4 hours, I just kept telling myself, "10 more steps, 10 more steps... Slow and steady wins the race. I listened to my iPod to keep from psyching myself out in my head. Around 4 am it started snowing and we had to bundle up even tighter. The water in my water bottle also froze. The climb itself was pretty steep, and I did my best not to look down the mountain because one misstep would send one tumbling down the entire rocky mountainside. Edgar encouragingly waited a few feet ahead of me each time I had to catch my breath and steady my spinning head.

Around 6 am, we saw the first rays of sunlight creep up from the black horizon. I cringed inside out of frustration because I wanted my friends to see sunrise from the summit but they were too kind waiting for me. I cursed my altitude sickness and wished I could be like them, chugging along at a good pace without as much pain. I'm used to being fit and fast, holding my own well in a group if not leading, so this experience was extremely humbling.

View from Volcano Crater 

Volcano Crater

We made it to the volcano crater at 7 am, but then had one last hour to the peak. This last hour was the most grueling. My head felt like it was exploding, and I had to step every 10-30 steps to catch my breath and clutch my dizzying head. "You're almost there, almost there. You can't stop now!" I told myself. I could see the huge cross at the top of El Misti where my new friends had just arrived. Nicolas and Lina came down to cheer me on 50 meters from the top right when I started crying because the pain was too much. It hurt like hell, like my brain was expanding but my head was shrinking. The strong wind lashed snow at my face as I numbly moved one foot in front of the other until we finally reached the top. "Touch the cross," they told me. I placed my gloved hand on the hard silver metal with disbelief. WE made it.

The guides said that usually only 75% of people in the groups make it to the top but 100% of us made the ascent! Joel and Edgar said I was really strong (muy fuerte!) because most people would have turned back long before. I didn't feel strong, just grateful that I achieved what I had set out to do. I truly couldn't have done it without the support and encouragement of my amazing guides/friends. I'm also grateful for my Chinese middle name, 毅 (yì), which fittingly means "Persistence" and kept me on task. I now know that if you are determined you WILL succeed even when others or your genes tell you you can't do something. Just remember, one step at a time, and eventually you'll make it to the top!

El Misti Summit!

Magical Night in Tayrona

As many of you know, I've been traveling the world since October, 2015. I decided not to blog, despite many of your requests, because I was posting photos each day to document my journey and wanted to write about my journey unfiltered by writing for an audience. But last week in Tayrona was too beautiful to not share, so here I am breaking my decision to not blog about my trip :). Hope you enjoy! 

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Don Pedro in the Day

What a magical night! I'm currently in Tayrona Park at the elusive Don Pedro campsite. It's 8:50 pm and I just walked around the grounds, mesmerized by the stars and the quarter moon beneath the wax palm trees. 

Imagine—walking softly, you feel the crunch of dirt and leaves beneath your feet. It’s early, yet the space is extremely peaceful. You raise your eyes to the sky as puffy white clouds glide smoothly over the moon like a loving mother cloaking her baby. You crane your neck up to admire the 30 towering wax palms peppering the campsite. These trees majestically arch up to the heavens framed by speckled stars. You recognize Orion's Belt, the Big Dipper and other constellations. It's rare to see such a clear sky— no light pollution at all. The stars are so bright, the night air crisp and clear. And the moon, oh the moon! 

You feel a pang of regret that your camera can’t capture this extraordinary moment, can’t capture the stars hanging in the sky or the moon peeking out behind the trees. You attempt to take a picture anyways and all that appears on your screen is blackness. You tuck your camera away in your pocket with a sigh, returning your gaze to the sky. You open your eyes as wide as possible as if this would better imprint this moment to memory forever. In a way, it’s a blessing that you can’t even begin to capture this vision in a snapshot as it makes you appreciate it, savor each second even more. 

You look around you, enveloped by nature, and a huge wave of gratitude courses through your body as you are again reminded of the beauty in the world and how insignificantly small you are! You feel one with the earth, one with the ground, the sky, the moon, the stars, the universe. You feel a tingling in your fingertips that spreads to every cell of your body, filling you with wonder, joy, excitement and love.

"You Are More Beautiful Than You Think"

My heart goes out to all the people who were affected by the Boston Marathon bombing today. I hope you and all of your loved ones are safe. Events like these put our lives back into perspective. We get so caught up in the little, superficial things (e.g. I'm supposed to be doing homework right now, but this and you are much more important). Only at a crisis moment do we remember what truly matters in life, our loved ones. So I wanted to say how much I truly appreciate you and how grateful I am that you are in my life. 

I just saw this beautiful video, Dove's "Real Beauty Sketches" that actually made me cry. There is so much capacity in the world for love and compassion (just look at this "I have a place to offer" form), and yet ironically we are still so critical of ourselves. It gives me hope that others can see the best in us even when we can't yet. We shouldn't be bashing ourselves but should love ourselves like we love others. Our beliefs shape our reality, so if we can change our own beliefs, then we can truly create a more loving, compassionate world.

I just wanted to let you know that you are all more beautiful than you think.

Love,

Karina

"Yes, Let's!" Moments

It's nice to finally reflect again. It's been a few weeks. Three weekends ago, I participated in a flash mob in Boston at Fanieul Hall for Obama! Initially, I wasn't sure if I could do it since I'd have to go to rehearsals away from campus. I was dragging my feet but then realized that Ye-ye would have wanted me to grow by trying new things. If you step outside of your comfort zone, that becomes your new comfort zone! I've discovered that if there's something that I resist doing because it seems like too much work, it's probably the best things for me.

National Dance for Obama Flashmob in Boston!

I made some new friends in the process

So October 13, 2012 at 3 pm people in 20 cities across the country simultaneously started dancing to "Forward," a mash up of different Obama speeches featuring Bellringer. I knew that I would probably never participate in another flash mob, so here was my chance. I'm really glad that I decided to take the leap and participate.

That same weekend, Pam and I went on a fantastic walk/run to her favorite park! I usually don’t run but this was really nice. I’m glad I got to spend time with you, Pam! Thank you for showing me your special place. It meant a lot to me :).

Then two weeks ago, I went with a bunch of my friends to Cape Cod to celebrate Steve’s 23rd birthday! Again, initially I wanted to just stay in Boston, because it's easier to say no, and do what you usually do: work, sleep, party, etc. But I knew that I should get outside of the Harvard bubble, and say "yes, let's!" to new opportunities. These experiences are the ones that we're going to remember in the future, not another weekend doing the same thing. 

Cape Cod Beach with Josh, Weishen and Steve!

With Brittney and Cassie!

We had an incredible weekend on the Cape Cod visiting the beach, Provincetown, and just relaxing. I’m so glad that Steve invited us. I actually got more work done away than I usually do on campus! This just showed me that balancing work and fun is the best situation. And being in a relaxing environment is really therapeutic. Harvard is a crazy stress bubble so it’s really refreshing to get out into the real world again.

Steve’s mom, Meg, was a fantastic host. She baked us chocolate chip and currant scones Saturday morning for breakfast, with fresh fruit, greek yogurt and homemade granola! Then we made our own pizzas for lunch. For dinner, she made bbq ribs, carrot slaw, asparagus, mushroom rice, etc. For dessert, Meg made chocolate whipcream pie! Everything was soooo delicious. I absolutely loved their house because it reminded me a lot of my own—same warm, home-y feeling, similar building materials, lots of light, etc. It reminded me how wonderful it is to have a nice kitchen-- I can’t wait to use my kitchen again when I’m home for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Making pizzas in the kitchen! 

And this past weekend, I ran river run! I was going to just walk/jog it to support Kirkland in the House Intramurals. But everyone was so pumped about it on Sunday that I was inspired to run too. The guys' run was 3-3:30, girls' from 3:30-4. We definitely beat everyone else in size-- there were probably about 75 of us. It was drizzling slightly, but otherwise was the perfect climate to run. I haven't run since middle school (jogged sporadically) but never timed since middle school when we had to run the mile which I'd avoid like the plague... Back in middle school, my mile time was 9:25 min. This time I ran 1.7 miles in 12:37 min, which is less than a 7 minute mile!! I was one of the top girls in Kirkland which was nice. I was dying at the end a bit, but glad that Weishen came to pace me at the end to rally me on. I had a burst of energy on the last downhill stretch and was sooo glad to cross the finish line! I'm really glad I said, "yes, let's!" to running this because now I know I can run much faster than I used to. 2 1/2 minutes faster at least :).

When you have an opportunity and are deciding whether to take it or not, remember, "yes, let's!" You can expand your comfort zone and have more memorable moments. I'd love to hear how seizing those opportunities changes your life like is has changed mine!

What Really Matters

This has been a really rough but educational week for me. I flew back on a red-eye Wednesday night after my grandfather's burial. It was a beautiful ceremony with just the family. I knew Ye-Ye was overjoyed because he was finally with Nai-Nai again, and I was really glad for him. However, even that happiness couldn't help me from feeling that a part of me was missing.

As I walked back to Kirkland in the rain Thursday morning at 8 am, I felt extremely lonely and isolated even though I have so many loving and supportive friends and family. I fell into a fitful sleep for most of the day after sleeping just 2 hours on the plane. It's been difficult sleeping, and not just because of the time change. I keep thinking about Ye-Ye, my future, and what really matters. It's difficult being back here. I'm usually really bubbly and smiley all the time. However, I've been really depressed this week. It's hardest when people ask, "how are you doing?" and expect an "I'm fine." Do I just say the normal response or answer truthfully and risk dampening their spirits? I let the people close to me know how deeply saddened I am, but to everyone else, my face is a mask of "I'm fine". I'm used to always saying what I feel and being honest, so I am not used to this. When I tell people that it's been a really tough week. Most people assume I mean work, "Yea I know what you mean, I have a ton of papers/mid-terms/etc right now." But no, my trouble has not been work this week...

It's tough here because everyone is in their own little Harvard bubble: focused on their work, their own agenda for getting ahead in life. I understand that mentality because I've had it too. Now I'm trying to move forward because I don't want to get stuck in the past. But it's difficult to focus on work when this past week has shown me that there are much more important things in life such as family and friends. You never know how long you're going to have with them. Every moment is precious.

Thus, my grandfather is teaching me even when he's not physically present. I am even more motivated after this week to do something every day to improve others' lives and make a difference. I'm really glad that I did a Habitat for Humanity build with 9 of my OAASIS sisters today, like I did with my sisters two years ago. It was a great reminder of how rewarding it is to work with your hands to build something for someone else. It's also nice to be focused entirely on the present, unable to think about the past or future, which is my problem-- my brain is always going at 100 miles an hour (the reason for my insomnia...).

I've been thinking really long and hard about what I want to do in the future. I've had an internal battle for the past few weeks about whether or not to recruit this semester. I felt a pressure within me to recruit that I couldn't tell whether from an internal or external force. That's rare for me since I like to be unique, and usually follow my own path and passion, fighting the norm. I had thought consulting would be suitable for me because several consultants have told me that I would be really good at it with my people skills, problem solving abilities, love for travel, etc. I also didn't want to close any doors prematurely before really understanding the field first. However, at the same time, I'd been dragging my feet about practicing case studies while feeling the building pressure of interviews within the next few weeks.

I'm really grateful that I decided to go to the "Banking & Consulting: Myths vs. Reality" panel at OCS, even though it was the last thing I wanted to do Thursday after getting back. I thought I should give consulting one last shot. After the panel, consulting still seemed appealing, however, I let my thought simmer for a few hours. Then, around 11 pm Thursday, I had the epiphany that consulting is probably not for me! This past week traveling to and from California made me realize that while I love traveling, I do not enjoy the actual process of getting to my destination. My flight to California last Friday was cancelled and my second flight was delayed, ending up in a 10 hour ordeal, not even counting the 6 hour plane ride (I do not enjoy days in limbo that are out of my control). So the reality of consulting, traveling on Monday and Thursday to and from my destination truly hit me, and I realized that consulting was not as glamorous as I had first thought. This epiphany felt like a breath of fresh air,  a huge weight off of my shoulders. I hadn't realized how stressed I had felt about recruiting until that moment. I could still recruit in the future should I ever want to, but this was the right decision for me, at least right now. I have finally made peace with myself and my decision. I am so glad that I don't have to practice case studies which I'd been dreading--another good indicator that consulting isn't right for me since those case studies simulate cases you'd have while actually working for the firm (duh, Karina...).

Even though I had my consulting epiphany two days ago, I had still debated whether I should apply to Bridgespan because I really want to help non-profits. But I finally realized tonight that my passion is truly in poverty-alleviation, health and nutrition. Thus, I want to focus my attention in those areas, which I would not be able to do even at Bridgespan because they have cases in many other sectors as well. Phew, so now consulting is really out of the picture! YAY! I can now focus on my true passions.

So I've learned and grown a lot within the past few days. I'm a week behind in work, but that's ok. I now know what really matters to me and have found my path again. Thank you Ye-ye, you have taught me more in one week about what is truly important than a month at Harvard.

Now that's an education.

Sunset at home representing the short term (tennis court) & long term view in life

Ye-Ye, My Hero

So much can happen in a day. This time yesterday, Ye-Ye, my grandfather was still here, barely here, but in this world. Now, he is happily dancing with Nai-Nai, my grandmother, under the full Harvest moon. It's ironic that the place of my birth twenty-one years ago was the same place of my grandfather's passing. Everything comes in full circle. 

Ye-Ye was my hero. As his only grand daughter, I did everything I could to make him proud. And hopefully, I did. He was always so loving and affectionate. Every time I saw him, his face would light up. "Ka-riiii-naaaa!!" he'd sing. He'd kiss me on the cheek, and we'd nuzzle noses. “Did you know, you look just like Zaza!" Zaza was my grandmother, his late wife. He loved her with all of his heart, and I always felt so blessed that I looked like her and had her personality. "How’s Harvard?" He'd ask. "What year are you now? A Sophomore? Wha?! A Senior?! You know your father went to Harvard too!" When I was younger, he would come up to me and say, "look Karina, there's a little mouse in there," moving his biceps up and down. He was always so cheerful and smiley. A few weeks ago, he asked me for the first time, "Do you have a boyfriend? No?! What? Oh, you must have several!"

Ye-Ye was so principled. He always put his family first, sacrificing everything for them. He did what he thought was morally correct and never shied away from hard work. Leaving his comfortable life in Hong Kong, he came to America to give his three sons a better future. Ye-Ye walked to work instead of taking the bus to save the ten-cents each way, and eventually saved enough to send all three of his sons to Harvard, Princeton and Yale! He always advised my father, "first put in the big rocks, then the small ones, then pebbles, then sand. Have your priorities straight and you’ll finish what you need to get done."

This week Ye-Ye reminded me of my own priorities. I had been stressing a bit on Thursday. From classes, to papers, and meetings for jobs and fellowships, my day was packed until 8 pm. By 8:30, I was so exhausted that I took a quick nap. Half an hour later, I found out from my parents that Ye-Ye had a second heart attack and was unconscious in the ICU. I had been so caught up in the future with work, job interviews, etc. that Ye-Ye and his situation jolted me back to the present, this precious moment. 

The very next day, I flew back home to California with Mason, a 16 hour ordeal rather than the usual 6. But fortunately, we finally arrived home at midnight. I am truly grateful that we got to be by Ye-Ye's side Saturday. While standing next to his bed, I recounted my past memories with him:

• Going over to his and Nai-Nai’s house when I was younger, staying over that one night. I slept on the scratchy cot and it was extremely hot but it was worth it. They were so delighted-- it made them young again.
• Ye-Ye cooking us breakfast on the weekends: bratwurst sausages and sunny side up eggs in the morning with milk tea in tall Chinese mugs. 
• Listening to musicals on their record player: Man of La Mancha, My Fair Lady, South Pacific.
• Playing with the little toys which went "ee-ee-ee, ee-ee-ee". I seriously don’t know how we didn’t drive them crazy!
• Playing Indian Poker with him, Nai Nai, mom, dad, and Mason. Nai Nai would put her card on her forehead laughing since she didn’t know what she was. Him teasing people, "Bus Stop".
• Sitting in his huge blue car. Helping him clean his garage.
• Eating banquets at the Mayflower, then walking around the Great Mall. 
• Going to Red Robbins for dinner because they knew we loved it there, getting corn dogs or spaghetti, ice cream.
• Eating Dim Sum on weekends-- he sure loved his chicken feet!
• Playing scrabble with Ye-Ye on summer nights with dad and Liza. Even though it pained me to hear Ye-Ye's wheezing while playing, I’m so grateful that I got to spent most summer evenings with him. "Who's turn is it?" He'd ask. "Mine?! Oh ok." He'd put down a creative word such as "USA" or "TV". We'd high five and he'd laugh his full, hearty laugh.

Thank you for waiting for us to see you, Ye-ye. You were always so considerate-- you even waited for all of us to be at the hospital at 6:45 before passing 10 minutes later. As a master planner, you planned your passing perfectly. Last night just happened to be the full moon of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon festival. Thus, you brought us all together, as this celebration is wont to do. Right before you left, my mother and I both felt your presence by the window. I saw you as a young man, smiling at me, singing "Kaaa-riiiii-naaaa" like you always do. You were so content and healthy, and ecstatic that you were going to see Nai Nai again. 
 

Ye-ye, I am eternally grateful that I knew you for my whole life and that you got to see me become an adult. You have taught me so much about giving unconditional love, keeping my priorities straight, being in the moment, and living my life to the fullest. You had a long, fruitful life, reaching 90 last month! You fulfilled everything you wanted to in your life, and passed away blissfully, knowing that all of your family is well taken care of, loved, and content. But still, I can't believe you're gone. I miss your huge, loving, beaming smile, your full-bellied laugh, your shuffling steps. Every time I pass our pool house, I keep thinking your light will be on, and that you are working quietly at your computer. But I am trying not to be sad. I know you are joyfully catching up with Nai Nai and dancing in the moonlight. Please give her a kiss for me. I love you both, always and forever. 

Reading Period

I just had the best time during reading period with my amazing mom!! We had so much fun in Boston, eating at delicious restaurants and learning about ourselves. 

I had so much fun taking you to Zumba class with me, Mom! Thanks for giving it a try :)

Dessert with Mom and Paschal at Omni Paker Hotel

Thank you so much mom for teaching me about Ishmael. I learned so much about myself this trip and don't know what I would have done without you.

Love,
Karina

Going back for thanksgiving (wrote this 11/23/10 on the airplane home)

     I am sooo happy to be going home. I don’t think I’ve needed to go home this badly before. This semester has just been so much harder than I expected. But that’s my fault. I definitely took on wayyy too much. 5 extracurriculars! Well technically 7 since I’m doing 3 AADT dances (Asian American Dance Troupe), AAA Outreach Co-chair, WIB fundraising associate director, OAASIS and Culinary Society (teaching cooking classes). I really like most of the activities I’m doing, but they add up and take a toll. At times this semester, I couldn’t even do work until Sunday 10 pm cuz of my extracurriculars. They were just adding so much stress this semester. I really need to cut back next semester so that I can explore and actually have free time. I realized that I’m really jealous of people who have time to watch glee weekly or can go outside and throw a Frisbee around on weekends. I realized I couldn’t think of a weekend where I really had free time! That’s not healthy . I’m always go go go!
     This past Wednesday I had a break down because of all the stress from classes and extra curriculars. I knew this semester was extremely hard and stressful for me, but I didn’t realize that I was sophomore slumping until I Wednesday. I was fine. I’d thought I was ok until after our last AAA board meeting at 9-10 pm. I’d thought before this meeting that I should run for AAA board again for outreach with Robi Cai. But before this meeting Laura had asked me if I was running for AAA again. I said yes. She asked what position? I told her Outreach. Again? Yes…? But her question made me question my decision. I realized that I was feeling too stressed from my extracurriculars and needed to dial things down next semester. AAA is my biggest commitment. I felt sad at the meeting because I realized this year was ending. But after that meeting I also realized that my growth in my position would be really slow next year. I’ve already learned so much this year. I need to try something new next year and grow in different ways. I realized that I felt obligated to run again because I knew I could help AAA so much. I’m great at Outreach because we are now experienced, have connections with Jeanie and HAAA, kicked off the Mentorship Program. But I could pass these things onto the next co-chair. I should give someone else the opportunity to grow as much as I did. I’m going to miss board so much because I love everyone so much. I feel like I’m going to miss out on core board next year. They’ll get closer without me, but I know that this is the right decision. I wouldn’t be running for the right reasons. I’d be running b/c I can’t think of someone else who’d be good at running for the position, not because I’m really enthusiastic about it again. I realized I could participate in AAA and help them out ,but not be expected to attend weekly meetings, sell tickets, help out at events. It adds up .We did so much this semester. It’s surprising how burnt out you get. If I were to run again, I’d want to give board 110% of my time and effort but knew that I couldn’t do that spring semester. I need to have some time for me. I want to innovate with cooking/baking (maybe start up the Kirkland Grille like Alexios had suggested a few days a week or something), maybe join breakers or dance more, or learn some new experiences. And just RELAX! It’s just nice to know that I have possibilities and don’t have to be obligated as much. Next semester I’m staying with AADT, maybe culinary society and OAASIS. Dropping AAA and WIB. I was really relieved when I made my decision not to do AAA again. It was the same relief that I felt when I realized that I didn’t want to be an economics major last Easter. So I knew I was making the right decision. I had been trying to persuade myself that I was doing the right thing and helping AAA out. It’s like when I was trying to tell myself that Economics was practical so I should do it. I’m glad I’m finally listening to my gut again. I had hesitated a few weeks ago, but then when Robi Cai was hesitating about running again, that challenged me to get him on board. But that wasn’t the right reason. We can still hang out even if we’re not all on board.
     That Monday, I felt so much pressure about everything I needed to get done that after my classes were done, I had to actually tell myself out loud, “Breathe, Karina, Breathe!” I can’t believe I had to remind myself. It’s just not healthy. Wednesday, I also messed up my knee. I’d just finished my Chinese Philosophy class in Sanders. I got up and went down the stairs, but my right foot was asleep so I rolled my ankle and heard 2 pops. It hurt, but I thought it’d be ok. Later, during Cognitive Psych, when I got up, my knee was stiff. So I had to ice it at dinner and the next day. I was really bummed because I couldn’t do anything. I felt like such a fatty cuz I’d eat so much because of all the stress (I hate that I stress eat! But I’m sooo lucky that I exercise and have dad’s metabolism!) I need to figure out how not to stress eat...
     I stress ate soooo much on Friday. I just couldn’t stop myself. I was hungry all the time, and would eat to procrastinate. At least I eat healthier more than most people. It’s just extremely frustrating when I can’t have control over my body. I felt so gross because I couldn’t exercise because of my knee, and couldn’t stop eating because of the stress. A terrible combination! But I know things will get better and I’ll be back to normal soon when I can exercise again and eat normally again, once I get enough sleep and am more relaxed. This break is really necessary for me.
     I wrote 3 papers on Friday night! The 2nd draft of my Sophomore Psych Tutorial Paper on Comfort Foods was due at 5 pm (10-12 pgs), then my 3^rd lab report was due at 9 pm for Cognitive Psych. I tried to go to bed at 11:30 since it was Harvard Yale Weekend, but I couldn’t sleep until close to 6 am! So at 3:45, I gave up, got my computer and banged out a first draft of my Chinese essay on music as a type of art. Finished at 5:30, still couldn’t sleep till 6. Too much on my mind. Everything I need to get done. My brain won’t stop thinking! I was thinking about work I had to get done the week after thanksgiving, how I’m going to do Secret Santa, what I to do at home, etc.
     Then Saturday-Sunday, I worked on my Chinese philosophy paper. I was writing a creative piece: a diary entry by the emperor’s concubine on how to get her son in power (using Han Feizian methods of persuasion to convince her Emperor that he should embrace Xunzian philosophy. This paper was realllyyy hard for me. I spent so much time on this because I wanted to get as good as a grade as I possibly could. I’d gotten a B+ on my last essay because Lindsey, my TF, thought I could push myself more. She thinks I’m a good writer. So I really wanted to demonstrate that I deserve an A on this paper. I wrote from 10pm – midnight, then had to go out since my brain was too fried. I went with Rachelle’s friend, Chelsea, from Yale to Kirkland D-32 for an IRC party, Mather party in 409 (Too Much Birthday Party), but that got shut down at 1 am. Then went to the spee. It was fun! Glad I got to go out and dance!! It was really needed.
     It’s nice right now on the airplane (12:47 pm). I land in 2 hours! I’m glad I get some time to reflect because I feel like most of the time I have no time for me. Hope this week is fun!

Finally blogging again!

So, it's been a little over 4 months since I last blogged! Life kind of got in the way, with school and all, but now that it's summer, I hope to blog again. Summer's been pretty fun so far. During the week I intern at Butter Cream Bakery in Albany and work at CPS in the alumni office, then on the weekends chill with friends.

It's really nice when my friends visit me! Florence and Elaine drove up all the way from San Jose to visit me a few weeks ago, and Kerri, Jon, Robbie and Stephanie came this week. It's really fun working there.

 Florence and Me at Butter Cream!

So far i've made... sourcream coffee cakes, apple cakes, blueberry and apple muffins, spinach and ham quiches, sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, decorating cup cakes and pastries, lemon bars, croissant dough, sugar cookies, etc.

This week I used the cash register for the first time and waited on people! It's really exciting. The best part is that everything I'm learning is helping me fine-tune my plans to open a One World Bakery or Cafe after college! I hope to bring people together and bridge cultures through my business and everyday I get even more excited!

Last weekend, Jon, Robbie, Kerri and I went to Stinson beach! First time going to the beach since last year (loooong time ago). 

 (robbie suddenly picked me up for this one...)

In addition to baking up a storm (or rolling in dough as some of my friends have said... ha ha), I've been cooking a lot, too, recently! On Mondays, Trudy, our chef teaches me how to cook dishes, and on the weekends, Lao-Lao teaches me how to make Chinese dishes when we go to down to visit her. So far, she's taught me how to make my favorite dishes: Tomato and eggs, zucchini, eggplant, etc. I also made an asian tilapia dish which I thought of in my head. 

Lunch last weekend with Lao-Lao, Lao-Ye and Mom

I made an Italian Cabbage Casserole (which I've never seen/made/or had before) on Monday from a recipe I found, which Jos, Mom and I had for dinner! Jos came up to visit us on her road trip from LA :). I'm glad dinner was such a hit. By the end of dinner, there was only 1/3 left. I also made an avocado & Mandarin Orange Salad, and fruit salad. We also had Do-Fu Hua for dessert too.

 My Italian Cabbage Casserole!

Jos came to visit me on Monday!

More updates soon :)

Tomodachi's!

Friday night, my family and I to Tomodachi's for dinner to celebrate Mason's completion of finals, and my last day at home! It was bittersweet. Mom and dad got me the book "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin. I can't wait to read it!

Well, this was the first time I've had Japanese in a while. It was so yummy. We had edamame, tea, miso soup, a white roll (?)-- I think it was shrimp tempura with avocado and crab meat wrapped in seaweed.

 Hamachi don

Mom and I each got a hamachi don, mason got a salmon one, and dad got the cherashi don (variety). 

 Mason!

Dad :)

Mom!

Then for dessert, we shared a banana dessert with chocolate ice cream-- dad's favorite!

This was a delicious meal. Thanks family!

California

The day before I had to leave for Boston, I was working out at the gym, and saw the most stunning sunset over the bay area. It made me so appreciative of Oakland, and made me miss home even more, even though I hadn't even left it yet! I love living in California. Going to school in Cambridge, just reinforces the fact that I want to come back to California after college--it's my home.

Khana Peena Dinner with Robbie and Jon

Thursday night, I met up with Robbie and Jon for dinner at Khana Peena :). I was very impressed that Robbie remembered that I love that place. He offered to treat me to dinner, but I brought a coupon, I got online which gave us one free entree when you purchase one, so my meal was free!

Robbie with his organic mango chicken kabob

Jon with his mango chicken kabob & steam

My vegetable masala dish :)

Thanks guys for taking me out to dinner! I'm really glad we got to hang out before I left. Can't wait to see you guys over spring break!

Lunch out with Taylor

So, last Thursday, Taylor and I finally saw each other after a year and a half! It was amazing seeing him again since it's been soooo long! Even though it'd been forever, we started chatting as if we'd just seen each other the day before. I picked him up at bart and we decided to go to Bacheeso's for the buffet. I know i'd just had it earlier that week, but it's so yummy, I was really excited to go again.

 Taylor!

Taylor and Me

I think I ate more than him, not that that's really surprising cuz I eat more than most people ;). I had 2 1/2 plates and 2 bowls of french onion soup. And, so somehow, we managed to go to Fenton's after! Taylor had never been there before, so even though we were stuffed, we went to the Famous Fenton's Ice Creamery! Fenton's has the most incredible ice cream and desserts. Their ice cream is creamy, fluffy, not toooo sweet, and sinfully delicious. Their brownie was amazing too. I love brownies. It's a weakness... I told Taylor I'd only have one bite of whatever he got, since I was so stuffed, but in the end, somehow I ended up eating half (or more!) of his saddleback brownie w/ vanilla ice cream!! Taylor was really kind. Thanks so much for sharing with me Taylor! And for treating me to lunch!! You really shouldn't have--you are too much of a gentleman :).

Taylor's huge and delicious saddleback brownie w/ vanilla ice cream!

Taylor even got me flowers!

Thanks Taylor for spending the afternoon with me. I had so much fun, and I'm so glad we got to catch up. We definitely need to hang out again soon mmk??

Puzzle

Mom and I finished another puzzle on Wednesday! Thanks Jon and Jordan for your help Sunday :). It was fun watching glee with all of you!

Bakesale Betty's!

Mason wanted to go to Bakesale Betty's after his US History final on Wednesday, so we went there. There was a sudden flash-flood right before we got there, and there was thunder and lightning. It's great that we were holding umbrellas... hah. Mas and I got soaked, and there was a line going into Bakesale Betty's, but I think it was worth it for Mason. I'd just had lunch so I didn't get anything, but he got a beef brisket sandwich which he really liked. The employees were really nice and gave us complimentary tea while we were waiting in line.

Happy Mason!

Bacheeso's

Mom & I went to Bacheeso's right across from Fairyland, on Tuesday for lunch :). It's tagline is "Where the Mediterranean meets Oakland/Berkeley". It's really tasty, healthy, locally-grown food-- mostly delicious vegetable dishes, salads, but also some nice chicken dishes and curries. They have a different kind of special pizza every time and a nice soup. Such a nice buffet for $7.90+tax during the week (11am-4pm) & $8.90 on weekends!

Mom's favorite was the sweet potato puree with coconut and pecan shavings on top. It's light, creamy and smooth-- not too sweet. 

My first plate! (I had 2 1/2 plates and a bowl of soup!)

I tried their mint tea. It has a nice hint of sweetness. I liked the second cup better though because it had even sweetness to it so you could appreciate the minty-ness more. I had a cup of french onion soup, apple/lettuce/mango salad, tomato/greens salad, greek salad, okra masala-like dish, eggplant/tomato, stuffed yellow pepper, asparagus, vegetable moussaka, a little mashed potatoes, cauliflower in italian sauce, chicken pasala (?)--probably my favorite- chicken & penne pasta. I always eat so much, especially at buffets haha. Delicious meal thanks mom!

Brunch with Dad's Chinese Harvard Friends

My Vegetable Egg Bake

Dad's delicious fruit salad!

 

Mason & Kristina

Delectable Strawberry Spongecake!