Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Another Monday - another day at the office.
A view from one of the many spots on campus:
A view from one of the many spots on campus:
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Saturday, June 27. 2009
On Thursday, Michael Jackson passed away at 2:26pm (5:26pm ET), at the age of 50. Even though I was never a huge Michael Jackson fan, I couldn't help but feel this enormous pain, after the initial shock. Despite the fact that I was never a die-hard fan, it didn't mean that I never heard his music. In fact, I heard it all the time, whether intentional or not - because his music was everywhere. He was a living legend, with songs that were unique, performances that were unforgettable and a character that was eccentric but accepted.
Over the past two days, you could feel the impact that his death has made, not only in the U.S., but throughout the world. Reading the news, it was evident that everyone was mourning, whether you were in Canada, France or China - whether you were 20, 40 or 80. Celebrities and common citizens, respected politicians to civil-rights leaders such as Rev. Jesse Jackson - everyone had something to say in remembrance of Michael Jackson.
When I think about his life, I am so saddened. There were many scandals that surrounded his life, but having become famous at such a young age and living a life in the spotlight for the majority of his life obviously shaped his life, and I can't help but feeling sorry. At the same time, he was an extraordinary person who took it in stride, and did great things with his talent.
Today, we are facing a time that is uncertain and almost scary. Our economy has tanked and is still tanking. Unemployment is about to go into double digits, and I see the direct effect personally, as friends are struggling to get jobs. There is a revolution in Iran, instigated by a possibly-rigged-election, and now innocent civilians are being arrested, beaten and even killed because they are expressing their opinion. Pakistan is in a state of confusion with the Taliban running amuck; Afghanistan - who knows? We still have troops in Iraq, and after Obama made an annoucement that troops will be withdrawn, civilian bombs started going off again.
Despite all of this, the world paused with the death of Michael Jackson. Seeing pictures of people coming together from all corners of the world to celebrate his life and pay tribute, is touching. As people, we are always struggling with differences of others. We want people to be like us, and it takes something extraordinary to forget about the differences and remember that in the end, people are all alike. Michael Jackson proved to be this one similarity - one common interest, in this particular case. Forgetting the languauge barriers, the cultural differences and the political and social turmoil, people stopped to celebrate this amazing life, talent and person.
It's hard to put in words, but I guess my point is that, this person was able to touch millions and millions of lives, all over the world. And it's not just those die-hard fans. It's everyone, everywhere. He was a pioneer in music and was innovative. He was a breath of fresh air and light in a world that may be bleek and dark at times.
I think what gets to me the most is that, as a person who wasn't a huge fan, I still knew his songs. .. and so did millions of others, even those who didn't know English. and If they did, it was because they knew his songs.
He was able to reach out and impact lives of not just those who liked music, pop, or dancing - it was everyone, from prisoners in the Phillipines who were inspired by Thriller to come together and do the dance, to musicians and artists whose success in the industry can be attributed to Michael Jackson.
He was able to bring people together and make a community through his music.
What makes me sad about his death is that he was about to have a come back tour. He was practicing, and the tickets that were already on sale were all sold out. The tour had to be extended, with more dates and venues added. I hope he knew how great he was, and that he will not be forgotten.
His music will live on forever, and so will his spirit, through those who are inspired by him and his work.
May you rest in peace, King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1907366_1903247,00.html
Over the past two days, you could feel the impact that his death has made, not only in the U.S., but throughout the world. Reading the news, it was evident that everyone was mourning, whether you were in Canada, France or China - whether you were 20, 40 or 80. Celebrities and common citizens, respected politicians to civil-rights leaders such as Rev. Jesse Jackson - everyone had something to say in remembrance of Michael Jackson.
When I think about his life, I am so saddened. There were many scandals that surrounded his life, but having become famous at such a young age and living a life in the spotlight for the majority of his life obviously shaped his life, and I can't help but feeling sorry. At the same time, he was an extraordinary person who took it in stride, and did great things with his talent.
Today, we are facing a time that is uncertain and almost scary. Our economy has tanked and is still tanking. Unemployment is about to go into double digits, and I see the direct effect personally, as friends are struggling to get jobs. There is a revolution in Iran, instigated by a possibly-rigged-election, and now innocent civilians are being arrested, beaten and even killed because they are expressing their opinion. Pakistan is in a state of confusion with the Taliban running amuck; Afghanistan - who knows? We still have troops in Iraq, and after Obama made an annoucement that troops will be withdrawn, civilian bombs started going off again.
Despite all of this, the world paused with the death of Michael Jackson. Seeing pictures of people coming together from all corners of the world to celebrate his life and pay tribute, is touching. As people, we are always struggling with differences of others. We want people to be like us, and it takes something extraordinary to forget about the differences and remember that in the end, people are all alike. Michael Jackson proved to be this one similarity - one common interest, in this particular case. Forgetting the languauge barriers, the cultural differences and the political and social turmoil, people stopped to celebrate this amazing life, talent and person.
It's hard to put in words, but I guess my point is that, this person was able to touch millions and millions of lives, all over the world. And it's not just those die-hard fans. It's everyone, everywhere. He was a pioneer in music and was innovative. He was a breath of fresh air and light in a world that may be bleek and dark at times.
I think what gets to me the most is that, as a person who wasn't a huge fan, I still knew his songs. .. and so did millions of others, even those who didn't know English. and If they did, it was because they knew his songs.
He was able to reach out and impact lives of not just those who liked music, pop, or dancing - it was everyone, from prisoners in the Phillipines who were inspired by Thriller to come together and do the dance, to musicians and artists whose success in the industry can be attributed to Michael Jackson.
He was able to bring people together and make a community through his music.
What makes me sad about his death is that he was about to have a come back tour. He was practicing, and the tickets that were already on sale were all sold out. The tour had to be extended, with more dates and venues added. I hope he knew how great he was, and that he will not be forgotten.
His music will live on forever, and so will his spirit, through those who are inspired by him and his work.
May you rest in peace, King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1907366_1903247,00.html
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Went into DC again today and spent time with my Sigma fams. Twas a good time! We went to the Post Secrets exhibit at the Hillyer Art Space Gallery.
The theme was Confessions on Life, Death and God. Some of the secrets were shocking, others a bit sad, but overall, it was weird to realize that I could relate to so many of them.
It was an inspirational as well as a thought-provoking exhibit, and very fitting for me personally, at this time in life.
After the exhibit, we ate and sat out in DuPont circle again. Then met up with another friend and went to a cafe where there were performances, poetry and music, raising awareness for combatting sex-trafficking.
It was a good day
The theme was Confessions on Life, Death and God. Some of the secrets were shocking, others a bit sad, but overall, it was weird to realize that I could relate to so many of them.
It was an inspirational as well as a thought-provoking exhibit, and very fitting for me personally, at this time in life.
After the exhibit, we ate and sat out in DuPont circle again. Then met up with another friend and went to a cafe where there were performances, poetry and music, raising awareness for combatting sex-trafficking.
It was a good day
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Went into D.C. again today ... I gotta say, I'm liking these frequent visits into the city. I always said that I had to take advantage of being so close to DC, and I finally feel like I'm somewhat, making it happen this time.
Went with a close friend, and talked of the bleak economy, lost paths, this awkward transition period of student-to-real-world... must say, it got me thinking and stressing ...
But at the end of the day, I felt this sense of calmness and peace. We sat by DuPont circle, listened to live music, and watched the sunset. It was perfect.
Went with a close friend, and talked of the bleak economy, lost paths, this awkward transition period of student-to-real-world... must say, it got me thinking and stressing ...
But at the end of the day, I felt this sense of calmness and peace. We sat by DuPont circle, listened to live music, and watched the sunset. It was perfect.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Word of advice: don't try driving and taking pictures at the same time. very dangerous.
With that, here is a picture I took while I was driving to buy a new book :)
I've also come to realize that I love taking pictures of the sky. I think that's my thing.
With that, here is a picture I took while I was driving to buy a new book :)
I've also come to realize that I love taking pictures of the sky. I think that's my thing.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day to all those dads out there!
Still feeling bitter about mine, even though it's about time I get over it.. right?
Spent the day at the beach with a friend. Got there, greeted by the cloudy skies, high winds, whipping sand and rain showers. Ate lots of junk food and decided to leave when we couldn't take it anymore. of course, as we left, the sun came out. Still a beautiful drive home.
I love the sun! Not so much during the day, making it unbearable to be outside - but during sunset. It makes everything so breathtakingly beautiful!
Still feeling bitter about mine, even though it's about time I get over it.. right?
Spent the day at the beach with a friend. Got there, greeted by the cloudy skies, high winds, whipping sand and rain showers. Ate lots of junk food and decided to leave when we couldn't take it anymore. of course, as we left, the sun came out. Still a beautiful drive home.
I love the sun! Not so much during the day, making it unbearable to be outside - but during sunset. It makes everything so breathtakingly beautiful!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Spent the majority of the day reading... again. What else is new? I love reading and learning... not in the dorky way, but in the cool way. Cuz that exists. right?
Spent the evening with one of my favorite people.
Beautiful sky on my way to meet this particular favorite person :)
Spent the evening with one of my favorite people.
Beautiful sky on my way to meet this particular favorite person :)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Went to see Hangover today... I usually don't like these kinds of movies - the stupid kind that really isn't that funny, but people laugh anyway. But I gotta say, this movie was freaking hilarious. I literally laughed the entire way through, and it was fun(ny) because the whole theatre was laughing... so it wasn't that weird only-one-person-laughing deal. The whole theatre was cracking up.
Good night to an ok day.
Good night to an ok day.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Should have gone into work today, but alas - stayed home and read The Girls of Riyadh" - an extremely interesting book.
It gave a look into the lives of four upper class girls in Saudi Arabia - and their search for love in the midst of strict traditions, cultural regulations and religious restrictions. It was interesting to see how certain girls were more "liberal" and questioned the traditions of Muslims, and others were defensive of their way of life.
Reading this book made me realize how similar we all are, and yet how different our lives can be due to certain circumstances - such as the religion we are born into, the country we live in, or how strong an impression a different culture can make on us.
A good, quick read!
Warning: bad picture :/
It gave a look into the lives of four upper class girls in Saudi Arabia - and their search for love in the midst of strict traditions, cultural regulations and religious restrictions. It was interesting to see how certain girls were more "liberal" and questioned the traditions of Muslims, and others were defensive of their way of life.
Reading this book made me realize how similar we all are, and yet how different our lives can be due to certain circumstances - such as the religion we are born into, the country we live in, or how strong an impression a different culture can make on us.
A good, quick read!
Warning: bad picture :/
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
My last day in Idaho - and I leave with a full stomach, grateful heart and a happy soul :)
I had such an amazing time, with the perfect mix of adventure, family love and straight up chillin'.
Unfortunately, I must leave and go back to real life. It was great to have a break though... A few days of waking up not-at-5am was wonderful, as was home cooking, site-seeing and amazing company.
Flight home... looks almost unreal.
I had such an amazing time, with the perfect mix of adventure, family love and straight up chillin'.
Unfortunately, I must leave and go back to real life. It was great to have a break though... A few days of waking up not-at-5am was wonderful, as was home cooking, site-seeing and amazing company.
Flight home... looks almost unreal.
Monday, June 15, 2009
My last full day in Idaho! I had such an awesome time - and it just confirmed something about myself: I absolutely love traveling!
A lot of people thought that I would think Boise was boring, especially after hearing that I'm from D.C. But it was just the opposite! I loved the new city, the nature and all the quaintness that comes from a smaller city.
I love big cities, small cities, no cities, the mountains, rivers, trees, blue skies, clouds... all of it!
Ate at a Basque restaurant too... first time since being in the Basque country! Wasn't the same, but still delicious!
A lot of people thought that I would think Boise was boring, especially after hearing that I'm from D.C. But it was just the opposite! I loved the new city, the nature and all the quaintness that comes from a smaller city.
I love big cities, small cities, no cities, the mountains, rivers, trees, blue skies, clouds... all of it!
Ate at a Basque restaurant too... first time since being in the Basque country! Wasn't the same, but still delicious!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Did a whole bunch of nothing today. It was great! My friend and I literally woke up, ate, did a little bit of work, went back to sleep... I love lazy Sundays.
We ended a relaxing day with an outdoor play. We went to see The Seagull by Chekhov. No lie... it was a bit depressing, but still a nice evening.
Afterwards, we went on a drive to one of the many mountains surrounding Boise and tried to get to the highest point... we have a knack for that. When we were in Spain together, we would try to walk up to the highest point of whatever city we were in.
View from the top.
We ended a relaxing day with an outdoor play. We went to see The Seagull by Chekhov. No lie... it was a bit depressing, but still a nice evening.
Afterwards, we went on a drive to one of the many mountains surrounding Boise and tried to get to the highest point... we have a knack for that. When we were in Spain together, we would try to walk up to the highest point of whatever city we were in.
View from the top.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
More new firsts for me today! Went to see sand dunes, waterfalls and a night out. Well - not everything was a first, but the sand dunes and waterfalls was!
After seeing so many beautiful things, it's hard to choose just one picture... and again I find myself being frustrated with my camera - not just my camera, but cameras in general. It's so hard to really capture the beauty and magnificence of nature in a picture... but I guess it's also difficult since the actual presence in nature is a large part of the experience. Alas, I try and this is the picture that I have chosen.
After seeing so many beautiful things, it's hard to choose just one picture... and again I find myself being frustrated with my camera - not just my camera, but cameras in general. It's so hard to really capture the beauty and magnificence of nature in a picture... but I guess it's also difficult since the actual presence in nature is a large part of the experience. Alas, I try and this is the picture that I have chosen.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
In Idaho! It is so beautiful! The rolling hills, mountains, the nature, fresh air, no humidity! I didn't know what to expect - but I was definitely surprised, and loved every second of it. Of course, it didn't hurt that I was visiting my closest friend that I made while in Spain... it was weird - there were times when it felt like we were in Spain, since that was the only place we spent time together.
There were so many beautiful things, and took a bunch of pictures. Had a lot of firsts too! First time hiking, first time in a hot spring, first time peeing in the woods too! Good times, and good memories. Visited the Anne Frank Memorial as well, which had a lot of awesome quotes that were both inspiring and touching.
My favorite: "Everything I do is about equal opportunity. Race, gender, orientation. Let's get over it. Let's celecbrate our differences." - Billie Jean King
Also walked around the city, and visited the local museum. There was a cool Darfur exhibit, with touching pictures.
The picture I chose doesn't really show the Idaho scenery, or any of the really cool stuff I did - but I love the quality and how it almost looks like it was taken with an SLR camera.
And I love taking pictures of flowers :)
There were so many beautiful things, and took a bunch of pictures. Had a lot of firsts too! First time hiking, first time in a hot spring, first time peeing in the woods too! Good times, and good memories. Visited the Anne Frank Memorial as well, which had a lot of awesome quotes that were both inspiring and touching.
My favorite: "Everything I do is about equal opportunity. Race, gender, orientation. Let's get over it. Let's celecbrate our differences." - Billie Jean King
Also walked around the city, and visited the local museum. There was a cool Darfur exhibit, with touching pictures.
The picture I chose doesn't really show the Idaho scenery, or any of the really cool stuff I did - but I love the quality and how it almost looks like it was taken with an SLR camera.
And I love taking pictures of flowers :)
Thursday, June 11, 2009
On my way to Idaho. I absolutely love clouds, and the sky. The awesome view from my window seat. Looks so unreal and refreshing. The blue with the white - and it looks like theres just a single line separating the two. Love it.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Thought that I gave up already? I was actually away for the past week, so I haven't been able to update.
Like I said, I am going to try to take a picture everyday, even if its something as lame as my bedroom. Today was actually quite eventful. Went for a run with my sister while it began to thunderstorm... pretty soon - it was literally pouring. No joke - we were soaked to the bone and it was actually pretty scary. There was thunder, lightning, puddles and lots of sprays from cars.
Unfortunately, I didn't get to take my camera on my run - which is a shame because I see some of the most beautiful stuff on my run... which was cool when I watched "Yes Man" - they featured an idea of jogging and taking pictures. I would so do that!
Anyway - random, boring picture for the day!
Like I said, I am going to try to take a picture everyday, even if its something as lame as my bedroom. Today was actually quite eventful. Went for a run with my sister while it began to thunderstorm... pretty soon - it was literally pouring. No joke - we were soaked to the bone and it was actually pretty scary. There was thunder, lightning, puddles and lots of sprays from cars.
Unfortunately, I didn't get to take my camera on my run - which is a shame because I see some of the most beautiful stuff on my run... which was cool when I watched "Yes Man" - they featured an idea of jogging and taking pictures. I would so do that!
Anyway - random, boring picture for the day!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
I was awake for two really big thunderstorms today. I don't think that's ever happened... it was really eiry, especially in the morning - the whole sky was yellow, and the next thing it turned dark and started to storm.
Then, later on in the afternoon, it started to storm again - crazy lightning and loud thunders. I love thunderstorms, there's something cleansing about them... but I love the sky afterward. So beautiful.
Then, later on in the afternoon, it started to storm again - crazy lightning and loud thunders. I love thunderstorms, there's something cleansing about them... but I love the sky afterward. So beautiful.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Went to the National Portrait Gallery again, this time with my mother. It was fun to spend time with her and get her out of the house.
I gotta say, after going to some incredible museums in Spain, the national portrait gallery was boring. The building itself if magnificent and has great architecture, but the space is too open, and it makes the musuem feel extremely empty. I remember El Museo del Prado in Madrid was just as big, if not bigger, and every room and wall was filled with extraordinary art.
Of course the U.S. is much younger, with less history, but I just had a hard time being engaged and interested.
My favorite parts were the photography, and the modern and contemporary art sections of the museum.
I gotta say, after going to some incredible museums in Spain, the national portrait gallery was boring. The building itself if magnificent and has great architecture, but the space is too open, and it makes the musuem feel extremely empty. I remember El Museo del Prado in Madrid was just as big, if not bigger, and every room and wall was filled with extraordinary art.
Of course the U.S. is much younger, with less history, but I just had a hard time being engaged and interested.
My favorite parts were the photography, and the modern and contemporary art sections of the museum.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
One of my goals for this year is to read 30 books. It used to be 40, but I realized its already June and I've read about 8 so far... so this summer will be filled with reading and museums!
I spent the day saturday finishing Georgiana: the duchess of devonshire. I am so glad I finally got around to reading this, for many reasons. First, I never thought non-fiction would interest me, but after reading this, it made me realize that non-fiction is not only completely fascinating because it's about real people, real life and history, but its almost better than the majority of fiction novels I've read so far in my life.
Second, Georgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire, was an abosolutely fascinating woman, who was ahead of her time, exemplified extraordinary leadership skills, and really was a contradiction. She was a political leader and paved the road for so many campaigns, yet during the 18th century, women could not vote. She was considered charming and a fascination to society, and had numerous pursuers, yet she was unable to fully gain the love and attention from her husband. It seemed like her life was full of happiness and had the perfect life, yet behind closed doors, she was depressed, constantly trying to please others and gain love. Finally, she was married into one of the richest families, yet she was constantly struggling with enormous amounts of debt.
I was intrigued to read about how, two - three hundred years ago, people dealt with similar problems that we face today: gambling, addiction, depression, image-related issues, fidelity, love, etc.
I can't wait to read more non-fiction. I tried to capture the picture of the book with the sunlight shining on it, but I couldn't get it just right. This is the best one I could get.
I spent the day saturday finishing Georgiana: the duchess of devonshire. I am so glad I finally got around to reading this, for many reasons. First, I never thought non-fiction would interest me, but after reading this, it made me realize that non-fiction is not only completely fascinating because it's about real people, real life and history, but its almost better than the majority of fiction novels I've read so far in my life.
Second, Georgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire, was an abosolutely fascinating woman, who was ahead of her time, exemplified extraordinary leadership skills, and really was a contradiction. She was a political leader and paved the road for so many campaigns, yet during the 18th century, women could not vote. She was considered charming and a fascination to society, and had numerous pursuers, yet she was unable to fully gain the love and attention from her husband. It seemed like her life was full of happiness and had the perfect life, yet behind closed doors, she was depressed, constantly trying to please others and gain love. Finally, she was married into one of the richest families, yet she was constantly struggling with enormous amounts of debt.
I was intrigued to read about how, two - three hundred years ago, people dealt with similar problems that we face today: gambling, addiction, depression, image-related issues, fidelity, love, etc.
I can't wait to read more non-fiction. I tried to capture the picture of the book with the sunlight shining on it, but I couldn't get it just right. This is the best one I could get.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Had a list of things to do, did not accomplish a thing. Rainy days make me the most unproductive person... ever.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Went into DC again for happy hour. We sat outside, watching the storm clouds gather over head. We tried to brave it out, but it ended up being a full-on storm. Fun times :)
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Monday, June 1. 2009
There are days when I don't take enough pictures so there's really not much to choose from. Other days, I take a lot of awesome ones, and its hard to choose. Today - its the latter.
Not that the pictures were even all that great, but there are a few that I want to include, but alas - only one picture per day.
Went to DC and stopped by the National Portrait Gallery.
Not that the pictures were even all that great, but there are a few that I want to include, but alas - only one picture per day.
Went to DC and stopped by the National Portrait Gallery.
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