So the date is set. 01.01.09, it is! We're going to be on-air (still keeping my fingers crossed though). Hoping it to be a LIVE program as well.
As much as I've never thought I would end up working in financial broadcasting field, this job is becoming more and more fascinating. Especially these last couples of months has been so historical in terms of economic that I feel honored and thankful to follow and knows about pretty much all the latest news that are out. Working in a television company plus editing and reporting a lot of global stock market news made me feel how fast, significant information should be reached, understood and analyzed accordingly.
4 months here only but it seems like a whole lot of changes that have happened. Many new applicants have been accepted, worked, stayed or either left. Surprisingly I am still sticking with job while in fact, I was the first to thought after 2 week working that "i am so leaving".
Anyway, but I think I am working with a great team. I realize you don't have to be so smart, you can just be alright with a positive working attitude but as long as you have a wonderful team, everything can run a lot more smoothly and effectively rather than doing something on your own. Kinda like a cliche which a Monster.com article can give you, right, but hey, now it is a piece of advice copyrighted to me.
Anyway, thats about me for a week!
Again, promising to post more interesting stuff soon!
12.20.2008
12.13.2008
saturday night
I've been quite neglected with updating this blog... for some reasons, I dont feel like writing anymore. Although I come to work everyday and write a lot about world news, I feel so hard to sit down and write something about myself lately.
Work is getting more interesting and ... bearable, I guess. It has come to the point that we all know everyone working here, so things are moving a lot more smoothly. Plus, we also get used to the constant non-sense commenting/yelling/criticizing of mr.boss that it no longer bothers us... haha
Good weekend everyone!
Work is getting more interesting and ... bearable, I guess. It has come to the point that we all know everyone working here, so things are moving a lot more smoothly. Plus, we also get used to the constant non-sense commenting/yelling/criticizing of mr.boss that it no longer bothers us... haha
Good weekend everyone!
11.18.2008
feeling sufficient?
Pic: Me on the way to "Carrying Tray" for a wedding. I'll explain more about this custom later.
Pics not so much related to post.
Pics not so much related to post.
As Xmas is getting near and my friends are coming home (1 already did), usually this is the time when I try to buy a lot of stuff to come home with. And not to mention, the thought of "shit I can never go shopping in the US" almost killed me a bit when I decided to come home. Kinda shallow, but it was true up until...
Yesterday when I was trying to create a list of things I want my friend to bring home to me. I realized... it was NONE! I cant think of a single thing, but before I was always worried whether to get my body shop face wash, my Frutis Hair Wax, my colonge, my cosmetics... now all those materialistic things seem to matter no more.... Hah! Somehow I feel relieved. like something so heavy just blown off from my shoulders.
In Hanoi, I can feel sufficient. No more "materialistic" feeling about being here and not in the US anymore.
Side notes: Yey, Im so excited, Tea is already here. Ngoc Be'o, Nga, My and Nhung Vi.t are coming home!!! I miss them so much!!
11.10.2008
Pictures from wedding
Left to right: Nguyet, Trang, Me, Trang and Diep
Us posing again after the party!
With the groom!
11.02.2008
Vietnamese wedding
I went to the first Vietnamese wedding in my life today as one who used to work with and know the groom. I need to stress out the fact that I know the groom because in Vietnam, people sometimes just go to a wedding without knowing much about the couple getting married. Like I went to one with my mom before and it kinda sucked.
Basically there are a lot of processes to go through to get married. Let just say this couple want to spend the rest of their lives together. The guy's parents after agreeing on his choice will go to the bride's house to ask for her parents permission to have a wedding. They have to bring in trays with lots of different items on them such as betel leaves, nuts, wine and so on. If the bride's parent agree, then they went on and talk about good date. But thats in the old time, I think now the abovementioned process is just only a superficial custom, both sides already know they have permission to get married and they actually decide the date before that process.
Then after that comes a wedding day. On this day, the groom's parents and relatives will go to the bride's house to literally "take her out of the house" as that symbolize the fact that the bride is now with her husband and they have taken the vows to live with each other to the rest of their lives. Then it comes celebration dinner which I joined today with my colleagues to toast to the couple's happiness.
Usually celebration dinner is the most superficial thing but inevitable on a wedding day. Guests from both sides of the couples and the couples'PARENTs are invited. So basically its a huge sitting-style dinner, and not a lot of people know each other. Imagine we as co-workers with the groom sitting and eating in the same table with guests of the groom or the bride's parents. God knows what we can share and talk about. Also at the wedding celebration, the bride, groom and their parents will be standing at the gate to greet the guests. The guests are supposed to come in, and greet and of course put a little "evelop" into a heart-shaped box located at the entrance. I really prefer the western ideas of guests bring in some well-wrapped gifts for the couple rather than money. This is something that kinda bugs me. Afterwards, guests are directed to their tables and when pretty much all the guests are present, the party begins. There was an MC at the wedding today so he introduced briefly about the couple and the parents. The coupl then cut their wedding cake then poured out some champane. As much as they needed to sit down and enjoy since it was their wedding (not others), they had to stand up and went give toasts to .. um im guessing they are only familiar with 25-30% of the guests their. Keep smiling, they moved from table to table. The funny thing is as soon as they were done with the last toast, the table which got the first toast finished eating and started to leave. Needless to say, the groom and the bride went to the gate again to say goodbye and thanks to the guests.
We were lucky to get some pictures with the groom, but he seemed so busy. Poor guy.
Of course we all couldnt avoid feeling "we want to get married, too"... but this whole process kinda frustrated me. Vietnam really needs a professional wedding planner service!
Basically there are a lot of processes to go through to get married. Let just say this couple want to spend the rest of their lives together. The guy's parents after agreeing on his choice will go to the bride's house to ask for her parents permission to have a wedding. They have to bring in trays with lots of different items on them such as betel leaves, nuts, wine and so on. If the bride's parent agree, then they went on and talk about good date. But thats in the old time, I think now the abovementioned process is just only a superficial custom, both sides already know they have permission to get married and they actually decide the date before that process.
Then after that comes a wedding day. On this day, the groom's parents and relatives will go to the bride's house to literally "take her out of the house" as that symbolize the fact that the bride is now with her husband and they have taken the vows to live with each other to the rest of their lives. Then it comes celebration dinner which I joined today with my colleagues to toast to the couple's happiness.
Usually celebration dinner is the most superficial thing but inevitable on a wedding day. Guests from both sides of the couples and the couples'PARENTs are invited. So basically its a huge sitting-style dinner, and not a lot of people know each other. Imagine we as co-workers with the groom sitting and eating in the same table with guests of the groom or the bride's parents. God knows what we can share and talk about. Also at the wedding celebration, the bride, groom and their parents will be standing at the gate to greet the guests. The guests are supposed to come in, and greet and of course put a little "evelop" into a heart-shaped box located at the entrance. I really prefer the western ideas of guests bring in some well-wrapped gifts for the couple rather than money. This is something that kinda bugs me. Afterwards, guests are directed to their tables and when pretty much all the guests are present, the party begins. There was an MC at the wedding today so he introduced briefly about the couple and the parents. The coupl then cut their wedding cake then poured out some champane. As much as they needed to sit down and enjoy since it was their wedding (not others), they had to stand up and went give toasts to .. um im guessing they are only familiar with 25-30% of the guests their. Keep smiling, they moved from table to table. The funny thing is as soon as they were done with the last toast, the table which got the first toast finished eating and started to leave. Needless to say, the groom and the bride went to the gate again to say goodbye and thanks to the guests.
We were lucky to get some pictures with the groom, but he seemed so busy. Poor guy.
Of course we all couldnt avoid feeling "we want to get married, too"... but this whole process kinda frustrated me. Vietnam really needs a professional wedding planner service!
10.31.2008
Being a vegetarian...
So I have been a vegetarian for about 4days and a half now. I decided to stop and reflect on what I actually achieved by doing so.
I feel a lot healthier. Sometimes it drove me nuts seeing people eating meat or just smelling it around, but somehow I could restrain myself from biting into one.
There are a couple of good things about being a vegetarian. First it makes you feel and eat healthier, but I guess that also depends on how you choose and diversify your menu. For example, I can be a vegetarian by just eating bread and still feel sick and overweight. On the other hand, I can be a healthy vegetarian by choosing to eat more veggies, salad, fruit, tofu, rice and watever that is non-meat. My 4days and a half focuses on diversifying my eating items. It was quite difficult, but not impossible. I used to even say I would die if I can't have meat in a day... now that statement seems pathetic :)
2nd thing, people says being a vegetarian can help you become less bad-tempered, which is a character I possess. The nutritions and vitamin in fruits and veggies plays an important part in balancing your mineral intakes and increase your blood flow. (excuse my non-scientific language). Other theory which I just heard today was that, meat are produced by slaughtering animals during which time they were under so much pain and distress. Therefore, the meat output from there pertains that pain and distress of the animal while being killed... As a result, if you eat meat, you take in yourself that pain and distress, and you will have a bad-tempered. It is not scientifically, but it makes sense to me. Sometimes I take those explanations pretty seriously.
3rd thing, I can contribute more for a cleaner enviroment by eating no meat. Cattles have been raised just to get killed and be served as food for us. That process exhausts the land, the cycle of biological world and the environment.
I actually became more environmental conscious after watching "An Inconvenient Truth", a documentary film on Global Warming by Al Gore. I highly recommend this!!!!!
Anyway, I think I will do this on a regular basis, maybe a week per month! :)
I feel a lot healthier. Sometimes it drove me nuts seeing people eating meat or just smelling it around, but somehow I could restrain myself from biting into one.
There are a couple of good things about being a vegetarian. First it makes you feel and eat healthier, but I guess that also depends on how you choose and diversify your menu. For example, I can be a vegetarian by just eating bread and still feel sick and overweight. On the other hand, I can be a healthy vegetarian by choosing to eat more veggies, salad, fruit, tofu, rice and watever that is non-meat. My 4days and a half focuses on diversifying my eating items. It was quite difficult, but not impossible. I used to even say I would die if I can't have meat in a day... now that statement seems pathetic :)
2nd thing, people says being a vegetarian can help you become less bad-tempered, which is a character I possess. The nutritions and vitamin in fruits and veggies plays an important part in balancing your mineral intakes and increase your blood flow. (excuse my non-scientific language). Other theory which I just heard today was that, meat are produced by slaughtering animals during which time they were under so much pain and distress. Therefore, the meat output from there pertains that pain and distress of the animal while being killed... As a result, if you eat meat, you take in yourself that pain and distress, and you will have a bad-tempered. It is not scientifically, but it makes sense to me. Sometimes I take those explanations pretty seriously.
3rd thing, I can contribute more for a cleaner enviroment by eating no meat. Cattles have been raised just to get killed and be served as food for us. That process exhausts the land, the cycle of biological world and the environment.
I actually became more environmental conscious after watching "An Inconvenient Truth", a documentary film on Global Warming by Al Gore. I highly recommend this!!!!!
Anyway, I think I will do this on a regular basis, maybe a week per month! :)
10.16.2008
turbulent time for Wall str, turbulent time for us
as our team leader left for not just for a better opportunity out there but also because it is way beyond his limit to stand all the company craps including unskilledfull manager, mean colleagues, and quite a stubborn-but-always-think-he-knows-stuff CEO/boss.
Anyway, enough of that. It caused me thinking if what I'm doing is right or I am wasting my time on a career I don't see much future with. Actually it got some potential, but I never thought I would turn my steering wheel to the media industry. I'm too much of a Democrat to be able to work in this oppressed and undemocratic enviroment. I'm good at being blunt, and thats what I want to be. I'm gonna see how things are turning out in a fe month. One good news though, we might be on air sometimes in December. I would love to see that happens.
10.09.2008
Frustrations over people...
I really need to put this message out:
2 Nga: GROW UP! I'm sick of you acting stubborn and irresponsible. You told me to tell to your face that you made a mistake. Yeah, I can do that, but I won't. Have some respect for yourself and start taking things seriously, okay!
Thats harsh, but I really need to tell you since I'm still your friend.
And another frustrating thing at work happened. I'm sick of people not taking responsibility, sick of people who can't care enough about our team's work, but always try to get in the way and make things harder for us, sick of people who think they have a lot of experience in this broadcasting industry but never intend to teach us anything, sick of some people of other teams never doing works and the only thing they're good at is to distract us with all their noises and laughing.... Argg.. Maybe I'm a bit exargerating, I'm just really mad.
It also troubles me that how much people believe in the news without double checking the source or ask questions about it. If you don't know about the scandal and you read it just from a blog or a personal site, how much of that scandal is relevant, why don't you try asking more questions and make some objective judgement about it. Think it once, think it twice. Infomation is everywhere, it can't question, but you can. Be critical!
----
oh yeah, 1 side note: I think I got food poison last night. I work up in the middle of the night with a terrible stomachache. I tried to puke but nothing came out. I was squirming and sweating for like 15 minutes. Finally some bad stuff went out of my system, and I was feeling a bit better. Man, I almost thought I had to be hospitalized. It was so painful.
2 Nga: GROW UP! I'm sick of you acting stubborn and irresponsible. You told me to tell to your face that you made a mistake. Yeah, I can do that, but I won't. Have some respect for yourself and start taking things seriously, okay!
Thats harsh, but I really need to tell you since I'm still your friend.
And another frustrating thing at work happened. I'm sick of people not taking responsibility, sick of people who can't care enough about our team's work, but always try to get in the way and make things harder for us, sick of people who think they have a lot of experience in this broadcasting industry but never intend to teach us anything, sick of some people of other teams never doing works and the only thing they're good at is to distract us with all their noises and laughing.... Argg.. Maybe I'm a bit exargerating, I'm just really mad.
It also troubles me that how much people believe in the news without double checking the source or ask questions about it. If you don't know about the scandal and you read it just from a blog or a personal site, how much of that scandal is relevant, why don't you try asking more questions and make some objective judgement about it. Think it once, think it twice. Infomation is everywhere, it can't question, but you can. Be critical!
----
oh yeah, 1 side note: I think I got food poison last night. I work up in the middle of the night with a terrible stomachache. I tried to puke but nothing came out. I was squirming and sweating for like 15 minutes. Finally some bad stuff went out of my system, and I was feeling a bit better. Man, I almost thought I had to be hospitalized. It was so painful.
9.29.2008
Another week has begun...
Time flies by so fast when you work (... not when you enjoy it)
I can feel my team growing and bonding, now that all the misunderstandings have resolved and I learned how to control myself. I can't ask for better team members. For the first time, I really feel the excitement and the effective collaboration to come to a finished and well-done project/product, however you want to call it.
You can call me a nerd but lately I think I've become a CNBC addict. I even "sacrificed" FRIENDS for CNBC's Squawk Box today. Maybe its because I've been listening to CNBC news in the morning too much that I developed a skill of processing all the info/discussions being broadcast. It gets exciting to hear the question and then anticipate an answer from an expert on CNBC. I've learnt a lot more about the US Economy (esp. the stock market) over the last 1 and a half month more than what I did in college (or maybe I didnt study hard and seriously enough back in college).
----
Marissa, Augsburg's Int'l Admission Counselor, is coming here in about 3 days. I'm so excited to see her. I'm going to take her to my high school and have her talk to some of the kids here about Augsburg College. It made me feel the Auggie Spirit again.
Missing Augsburg so much!
9.19.2008
Friday night and...
normally I would be asleep by now since I have to wake up at 4:45am every Mon to Fri. But tomorrow I only need to be at the office by 8:00 (yeah, still have to be at the office on weekend!! arg..) so I'm indulging my staying-up-late habits, just to feel less like some one in the working class. hehe
anywho... last weekend, I got my first official salary (not a paycheck, we're not that advanced yet). Mom asked me as I was holding the money in my hands pondering "what're you gonna do with it?" Somehow the first thought that came right across my mind was "investing in the stock market" (although VNIndex is going downgrade like dropping the ball on NYEve), and the second thought was "putting it in the banks and enjoy some gains from interest rates (most VNese banks' interest rates now are almost close to 20% per year *faint*). That being said because I have no idea with that much of salary I receive every month, when am I gonna be able to afford 1 house, or even just an apartment.
Mathematically, I earned about 5 million Dong monthly (dont be misled by the "million", watch the foreign exchange US$1 = 16,500 Dong), and 1 middle-class apartment at the moment is about 3 to 4 billions each. Lets say I spent only about 2 millions monthly (which is quite a generous number, since VNinflation could reach 23%, I should be spending a lot more)... anyway, then I can save 3 millions a month. So a 3-billion apartment can be bought by me after 3,000,000,000 divided by 3,000,000 = 1,000 months = app. 83 years.
Wow, I need to work about 83 years more with this job to get an apartment.
Haha, of course I didnt take into account of rising inflations and the fact that I might get promoted and earn somemore, but those numbers I just calculated does make sense and help explaining why we are still so poor, and why some of us want to takes so many risks with the financial markets.
------------
Anyway, lets talk about something else.
I finally watched Mamma Mia the other day with my buddies after a week desperately trying to get some1 to go with. The trailer seemed so well-done and it prompted to watch it, and it certainly didnt disappointed. I used to listen to a lot of ABBA songs, I can still recall some of the lines, and it was so exciting watching Mamma Mia because its the movie in which you can sing a long even its the first time you see it. The music, the songs, they're all being put rightly to each scence. Love the cast too, Streep is awesome esp her voice, Pierce is still looking sharp, poor handsome Colin Firth, he turned out to be gay in the end, Amanda acted well too. Its a musical so most of the scenes appears quite dramatic, but I love it.
This is probably the best movie for this summer.
Looking forward to it when it comes out on DVD :)
anywho... last weekend, I got my first official salary (not a paycheck, we're not that advanced yet). Mom asked me as I was holding the money in my hands pondering "what're you gonna do with it?" Somehow the first thought that came right across my mind was "investing in the stock market" (although VNIndex is going downgrade like dropping the ball on NYEve), and the second thought was "putting it in the banks and enjoy some gains from interest rates (most VNese banks' interest rates now are almost close to 20% per year *faint*). That being said because I have no idea with that much of salary I receive every month, when am I gonna be able to afford 1 house, or even just an apartment.
Mathematically, I earned about 5 million Dong monthly (dont be misled by the "million", watch the foreign exchange US$1 = 16,500 Dong), and 1 middle-class apartment at the moment is about 3 to 4 billions each. Lets say I spent only about 2 millions monthly (which is quite a generous number, since VNinflation could reach 23%, I should be spending a lot more)... anyway, then I can save 3 millions a month. So a 3-billion apartment can be bought by me after 3,000,000,000 divided by 3,000,000 = 1,000 months = app. 83 years.
Wow, I need to work about 83 years more with this job to get an apartment.
Haha, of course I didnt take into account of rising inflations and the fact that I might get promoted and earn somemore, but those numbers I just calculated does make sense and help explaining why we are still so poor, and why some of us want to takes so many risks with the financial markets.
------------
Anyway, lets talk about something else.
I finally watched Mamma Mia the other day with my buddies after a week desperately trying to get some1 to go with. The trailer seemed so well-done and it prompted to watch it, and it certainly didnt disappointed. I used to listen to a lot of ABBA songs, I can still recall some of the lines, and it was so exciting watching Mamma Mia because its the movie in which you can sing a long even its the first time you see it. The music, the songs, they're all being put rightly to each scence. Love the cast too, Streep is awesome esp her voice, Pierce is still looking sharp, poor handsome Colin Firth, he turned out to be gay in the end, Amanda acted well too. Its a musical so most of the scenes appears quite dramatic, but I love it.
This is probably the best movie for this summer.
Looking forward to it when it comes out on DVD :)
9.02.2008
Jobs updated...
So I guess I kinda have a job. Im not saying it officially yet because only the hiring decision was made but I havent signed any contract yet.
This job can be called translator/interpreter. It might sound easy and simple, but when I actually started doing it, it reveals a lot of interesting dynamics, thats y I decided to keep working here when the economy (everywhere) is still slumping.
What I do is that I basically have a team of 5 (up until now), we have to listen to CNBC news, which airs at 5:00am (In the FREAKING morning), and then translate that news right away, and then our company will rebroadcast CNBC news with Vietnamese voice-over-by-us for our local audiences. Theres very much pressure to it because we basically have to translate a 10 minutes news within 20-25 minutes to make sure we air ontime. However, our company, which is a media company, has not started to broadcast anything yet, so everything we do now is basically practice until NOVEMBER. And its gonna be worst in november, because by then I need to be at the office at 4:30AM .... Luckily the office is quite close to my home. Anyway, there're a couple of pros for this job that I really enjoy:
- Dress code: None (well, of course not too much revealing, but seriously though, I can dress in leggings, a baby doll tee and no one would complain. How sweet is that!!!!)
- Half-day work: I get paid as much as my friends do but I only work half-day. Well, now I work from 5:30 to 12, but once it airs, I can work from 4:30 to 10:00AM and then Im off... Not bad, huh
- Great team: My team consists of 3 girls and 1 guy. They're all young except for the guy (see the pictures for reference, although 1 of them does not belong to my team)... so we all get along so well and have so much in common, like the Japanese obsession, the Japanese style, manga, and a lot more to discover
- No traffic for me: yep, at 5:30AM, I basically have the whole road for my self. Rush-hour in Hanoi is getting crazier day by day... I am so glad I got that off my chest.
- English Practice: Since CNBC broadcasts economics news all around the world, I have actually been learning tremendously about the global economy, the stock market and also listening-to-english-news skill.... I feel a bit ashamed cuz sometimes the team members can hear a lot better than I do... hehe
- Pressure: Working under pressure is probably the best way to be productive for me. Once I stepped in the office, the work begins. I have no time for Yahoo Instant Messaging, Facebook, Forums whatsoevers... I really rather have a part-time job which I can be busy and efficent than a full-time job which I always have spair time to net-surf and not produce anything.
Anyway, thats so update about my job for now. Thanks anyone whos still stopping by :D
8.09.2008
You will never know enough about a person!
Yes, thats what I've been learning a lot. About human and how imperfect they are. I can pretty much stand any ugly characteristics such as laziness, or impatience, or greed, or inefficiency, or similar things like that but for sure I can never live with dishonest.
Human have sins. All my friends have flaws. I need to learn how to deal with them. But this friend of mine whom I just met a year ago lied to me about her life, her exes that she dated and made it seem like they were all bastards, when in fact she was the one that cheated on them and lied to them about her past. There is this one thing, but I should not say it out loud, just cos its little private for her. But its unbelievable that she even lied about it, so everyone can look at her like an innocent girl.
I actually realized we did not get along and stopped hanging out with her. Now more of the truth is being revealed... I guess its time I ended things.
I sound kinda mean, but I really dont believe much in changing people...
Now I know why my sister was right. Eventually the friends back in those days of junior high or high school will be the one will understand, love and be honest to us no matter what happens, or whoever we have become.
Human have sins. All my friends have flaws. I need to learn how to deal with them. But this friend of mine whom I just met a year ago lied to me about her life, her exes that she dated and made it seem like they were all bastards, when in fact she was the one that cheated on them and lied to them about her past. There is this one thing, but I should not say it out loud, just cos its little private for her. But its unbelievable that she even lied about it, so everyone can look at her like an innocent girl.
I actually realized we did not get along and stopped hanging out with her. Now more of the truth is being revealed... I guess its time I ended things.
I sound kinda mean, but I really dont believe much in changing people...
Now I know why my sister was right. Eventually the friends back in those days of junior high or high school will be the one will understand, love and be honest to us no matter what happens, or whoever we have become.
8.08.2008
A little bit about health care in Vietnam
The intention of this article is not generalization!
----
So, as I was preparing documents to apply for jobs in Vietnam, it is required that I had to go to see a doctor for a general health examination. There's a form of list of things that a doctor needs to check with me to make sure I'm fit enough to work for the company.
To make things faster, I decided to go to this private clinic which I always spotted on the way for my designing class. I went in to talk to the receptionist about my work situation and the form I need to be filled. They understood immediately and asked me for 50,000 VND (about US$3). I was stunt so I just gave them the money, then got directed to go upstair for a doctor.
There I was upstair, greeted by another receptionist. He took my form and told me to sit and wait outside. Exactly 5 minutes later, a nurse came out and gave me my form. It was nicely filled with the doctor's handwriting, saying I was normal. Wow, he did not even see me for 1 second and he could totally write about my physical conditions. Anyway, I couldn't be more bothered with a 3-buck examination. He made my business go easier, what more could I ask?
I walked out of the clinic, wondering if thats what service or treatment other patients are receiving.
----
So, as I was preparing documents to apply for jobs in Vietnam, it is required that I had to go to see a doctor for a general health examination. There's a form of list of things that a doctor needs to check with me to make sure I'm fit enough to work for the company.
To make things faster, I decided to go to this private clinic which I always spotted on the way for my designing class. I went in to talk to the receptionist about my work situation and the form I need to be filled. They understood immediately and asked me for 50,000 VND (about US$3). I was stunt so I just gave them the money, then got directed to go upstair for a doctor.
There I was upstair, greeted by another receptionist. He took my form and told me to sit and wait outside. Exactly 5 minutes later, a nurse came out and gave me my form. It was nicely filled with the doctor's handwriting, saying I was normal. Wow, he did not even see me for 1 second and he could totally write about my physical conditions. Anyway, I couldn't be more bothered with a 3-buck examination. He made my business go easier, what more could I ask?
I walked out of the clinic, wondering if thats what service or treatment other patients are receiving.
8.06.2008
My Bday - Aug 1, 08
It was the second time I was surprised at my Bday.Luckily Waka came over to visit so I got to party with her until 4am, which never happens when Im home, LOL. It was so much fun!!!
Happy 22!!!!
7.16.2008
Ernst & Young in Vietnam --- not so professional
Ok, so I guess I got turned down from E&Y VN.
I think I was a bit cocky and too confident to take the aptitude test... well I did alright for a couple of few pages on accounting, but then gradually I sucked at audit, tax, business knowledge, and most of all, I hated myself for failing so many questions on the logic tests, aka IQ. Damn it, my brain is becoming slower and dumber everyday. I wrote some stupid answers and when I asked my sis for confirmation, she proved me wrong... how nice! I really need to work harder on math and need to read more books to prevent my brain from retarding!
Anyway, my point is... it has been a month since I took a test, and I have heard from my friends that they called a few candidates for an interview. Since I applied for the tax position, they said I might get called later. So I waited, waited, and shit, I called them to double check and all they said was "yeah, we're kinda done with recruiting for this season", I was like "why havent you guys send out any emails for the unselected candidates?", you know, cuz thats all the other 3 of the big 4 in Vietnam did.. they simply returned "oh, well, because this time there are too many"... Jeez, too many my ass. this is so unprofessional. They should try to inform the candidates as much as they can. Its not that they're freaking FOREIGN company then it gives them a chance to make us wait... damn it... yeah well, i was kinda upset with the decision too, so I maybe overreacted.
I guess now I dont want to work for E&Y VN any more... :P I thought a foreign company in VN would be different, but I was wrong.
I think I was a bit cocky and too confident to take the aptitude test... well I did alright for a couple of few pages on accounting, but then gradually I sucked at audit, tax, business knowledge, and most of all, I hated myself for failing so many questions on the logic tests, aka IQ. Damn it, my brain is becoming slower and dumber everyday. I wrote some stupid answers and when I asked my sis for confirmation, she proved me wrong... how nice! I really need to work harder on math and need to read more books to prevent my brain from retarding!
Anyway, my point is... it has been a month since I took a test, and I have heard from my friends that they called a few candidates for an interview. Since I applied for the tax position, they said I might get called later. So I waited, waited, and shit, I called them to double check and all they said was "yeah, we're kinda done with recruiting for this season", I was like "why havent you guys send out any emails for the unselected candidates?", you know, cuz thats all the other 3 of the big 4 in Vietnam did.. they simply returned "oh, well, because this time there are too many"... Jeez, too many my ass. this is so unprofessional. They should try to inform the candidates as much as they can. Its not that they're freaking FOREIGN company then it gives them a chance to make us wait... damn it... yeah well, i was kinda upset with the decision too, so I maybe overreacted.
I guess now I dont want to work for E&Y VN any more... :P I thought a foreign company in VN would be different, but I was wrong.
7.07.2008
Friendship
Lately I've been thinking a lot about friendship.
When I was little, friendship was such a simple thing. We just kinda went to school, studied together, play some games when there was break time... It was sweet, fun and simple. No one really upset any one, cuz life was quite simple as well, every body pretty much had the same values and ways of living.
I also used to have a best friend. Used to be very sure that we could have been best friends forever, like other best friends we saw on TV. Then comes high school we parted. Then comes studying abroad and college we parted again. And each time I came home for a visit, I realized a gap has already been built between us. The gap was named "awkwardness", "misunderstanding", "not-so-sharing", .... so we became casual friends, or acquaintances or ex-bestfriends.
I moved on and found a couple of new friends. It was so hard at this age to have a best friend, really, because now every one is one grow up individual with complex needs and wants. Therefore, each one will have different friends to meet their own needs and wants. Like I would have my tennis/sport friends, but then I dont go out drinking partying with them, instead I would have party buddies,... or sometimes, I would have studying partners. In the end, i guess I am myself's best friend.
Anyway, since friendship is just like one kind of relationships, and relationship is quite drama and hard to break up... How would you break up with a friend?
You met this really cool girl (well, first impression), then you started hanging out a lot. After a while you realize you can't really be friend with her, especially for the long term... Although she is totally nice, she makes you feel so uncomfortable sometimes and it hurts your self-esteem to be around her... what would you do? How would you "break up" with her?
I am a person of principles. Only just a little thing that upset me, I usually would think that that little thing was a thin-slice of a big picture (not generalizing). Therefore, maybe thats why I don't really have a lot of friends, because I take a long time to get to know them, I dont want to call them friends right away to establish the casual friendship. Instead I go slowly in getting to know their true self, so that if something happens, and if they violates my "principles", I can "break up" with them and say... yeah I dont hang out with her/him anymore without being too awkward...
Anyway, this is a pretty shitty entry... Im just having a lot in my mind that I need somewhere to throw it out. So sorry I have not been updating. More productive posts will be coming soon.
When I was little, friendship was such a simple thing. We just kinda went to school, studied together, play some games when there was break time... It was sweet, fun and simple. No one really upset any one, cuz life was quite simple as well, every body pretty much had the same values and ways of living.
I also used to have a best friend. Used to be very sure that we could have been best friends forever, like other best friends we saw on TV. Then comes high school we parted. Then comes studying abroad and college we parted again. And each time I came home for a visit, I realized a gap has already been built between us. The gap was named "awkwardness", "misunderstanding", "not-so-sharing", .... so we became casual friends, or acquaintances or ex-bestfriends.
I moved on and found a couple of new friends. It was so hard at this age to have a best friend, really, because now every one is one grow up individual with complex needs and wants. Therefore, each one will have different friends to meet their own needs and wants. Like I would have my tennis/sport friends, but then I dont go out drinking partying with them, instead I would have party buddies,... or sometimes, I would have studying partners. In the end, i guess I am myself's best friend.
Anyway, since friendship is just like one kind of relationships, and relationship is quite drama and hard to break up... How would you break up with a friend?
You met this really cool girl (well, first impression), then you started hanging out a lot. After a while you realize you can't really be friend with her, especially for the long term... Although she is totally nice, she makes you feel so uncomfortable sometimes and it hurts your self-esteem to be around her... what would you do? How would you "break up" with her?
I am a person of principles. Only just a little thing that upset me, I usually would think that that little thing was a thin-slice of a big picture (not generalizing). Therefore, maybe thats why I don't really have a lot of friends, because I take a long time to get to know them, I dont want to call them friends right away to establish the casual friendship. Instead I go slowly in getting to know their true self, so that if something happens, and if they violates my "principles", I can "break up" with them and say... yeah I dont hang out with her/him anymore without being too awkward...
Anyway, this is a pretty shitty entry... Im just having a lot in my mind that I need somewhere to throw it out. So sorry I have not been updating. More productive posts will be coming soon.
6.08.2008
Vietnam North-South Travel :D (updated in Hoi An)
Finally my dream of travelling along the coast of Vietnam from North to South is becoming true.
I've found a perfect partner, and we have been having so much fun on the way.
So far we have stopped by Hue City, Da Nang City and now Hoi An City. I'm in Hoi An City right now, which is a very old town with a lot of ancient houses from about a hundred year ago. I enjoy it very much.
The street is so peaceful with children biking around, sometimes a couple of motorbikes rambling by, but overall the atmosphere in the town seems so quite, which is exactly what I'm looking for. Walking down these street brough me back to history of old times when we still used the Chinese characters for communication, houses were built entirely by wood, roofs were red and very steepy like the old chinese roofing style. Our hotel is located near by the river, so everytime we walk by the hallway, a very cool breeze would run through us, again, its just so incredibly peaceful :) How I love this place.
Tomorrow, we're heading to the suburbs of Hoi An, which is My Son, where remaines some of the Champa Group's heritage. In the afternoon, we will be heading to Nha Trang and visit VinPearl, the very big resort on a island which has the longest cable car in the world running from the main land to the island.
Half way through... but still a little bit sick and have a sore throat, but that wont stop me from enjoying traveling!!!
I've found a perfect partner, and we have been having so much fun on the way.
So far we have stopped by Hue City, Da Nang City and now Hoi An City. I'm in Hoi An City right now, which is a very old town with a lot of ancient houses from about a hundred year ago. I enjoy it very much.
The street is so peaceful with children biking around, sometimes a couple of motorbikes rambling by, but overall the atmosphere in the town seems so quite, which is exactly what I'm looking for. Walking down these street brough me back to history of old times when we still used the Chinese characters for communication, houses were built entirely by wood, roofs were red and very steepy like the old chinese roofing style. Our hotel is located near by the river, so everytime we walk by the hallway, a very cool breeze would run through us, again, its just so incredibly peaceful :) How I love this place.
Tomorrow, we're heading to the suburbs of Hoi An, which is My Son, where remaines some of the Champa Group's heritage. In the afternoon, we will be heading to Nha Trang and visit VinPearl, the very big resort on a island which has the longest cable car in the world running from the main land to the island.
Half way through... but still a little bit sick and have a sore throat, but that wont stop me from enjoying traveling!!!
5.28.2008
disappointed...
My plan for traveling from North via South Vietnam has postponed again!
I was so excited about this trip. I've got a great partner. We've made an awesome plan. Time is just about right for travel season. And bang, she backed out. I dont blame her, because we're not in the US now, it's not like we can decide whatever we do at the moment.
That's the thing I hate about family and being home. I feel restrained, restricted, limited on things I can and can not do. When I'm away, I make my own decisions and hold responsible for what happens. Here I always need to ask permission from my mom if I want to travel somewhere. Yes, Im still dependent on her about $, but if its the case that we do not have $,then I wouldnt ask. We do have some, so why cant I spend on traveling... again, back to the argument about $ and jobs. People who work do not know or have time to spend their money. People who spend money doesnt work. I think it's kinda true. Dont ya?
Anyway, lets not bring this F thing up again (F= family, not that )
I guess I need to look for a new partner again. Who?
It must be someone I know, must be a girl, who is willing to be a back-pack traveler, who enjoys bus-hopping, who .... oh well, sure I do have a lot of friends, but I guess when it comes to travel buddies, I'm screwed...
Currently feeling very disappointed!
I was so excited about this trip. I've got a great partner. We've made an awesome plan. Time is just about right for travel season. And bang, she backed out. I dont blame her, because we're not in the US now, it's not like we can decide whatever we do at the moment.
That's the thing I hate about family and being home. I feel restrained, restricted, limited on things I can and can not do. When I'm away, I make my own decisions and hold responsible for what happens. Here I always need to ask permission from my mom if I want to travel somewhere. Yes, Im still dependent on her about $, but if its the case that we do not have $,then I wouldnt ask. We do have some, so why cant I spend on traveling... again, back to the argument about $ and jobs. People who work do not know or have time to spend their money. People who spend money doesnt work. I think it's kinda true. Dont ya?
Anyway, lets not bring this F thing up again (F= family, not that )
I guess I need to look for a new partner again. Who?
It must be someone I know, must be a girl, who is willing to be a back-pack traveler, who enjoys bus-hopping, who .... oh well, sure I do have a lot of friends, but I guess when it comes to travel buddies, I'm screwed...
Currently feeling very disappointed!
5.23.2008
1 week at home
I guess I was kinda overreacting at the Wi-Fi issue. But the good news is he actually took what I said and sent in 2 guys right the day after to set up Wi-Fi at home, so now I can access Internet wirelessly :D (in fact, thats exactly what Im doing right now hehe)
I have not been doing anything productive since I got home. Basically just chilling with my friends, hanging out with my sis, argueing with parents and exercising a bit.
I dont feel like getting a job yet, not because Im being lazy, but just cuz i want to look deeply in the jobs I want to do, not the jobs my parents want me to do or other people are doing.
... to be continued...
I have not been doing anything productive since I got home. Basically just chilling with my friends, hanging out with my sis, argueing with parents and exercising a bit.
I dont feel like getting a job yet, not because Im being lazy, but just cuz i want to look deeply in the jobs I want to do, not the jobs my parents want me to do or other people are doing.
... to be continued...
5.19.2008
dealing with the most ridiculous shit LOL...
RATED R: Explicit content.
Fucking just only 3 days... what the fuck. Already got into a huge shitty non-sense argument with the one yet I have never cared to pay enough respect (excuse me, but its true)
This kind of argument, no its not even a Fucking argument. It is stuck in his mind that whatever he said is true. No one can argue with him, and of course his daughter still seems like a small immature never-know-enough for him (whatever). I was trying to make a point how having Wi-Fi will make it easier to access Internet without sharing 1 computer in a house. I sleep in a house next to the one which has the comp so it was inconvenient at some point. It is about $48-$61... yeah, freaking comparing that to how much cell phones he has given away to strangers. Now he is being stingy and unreasonable. Cant fight back my argument, he just yelled and freaking kept insisting infuriately that Wi-Fi is not proven to work effectively yet in Vietnam due to dampen weather.... what the heck does that have to do with weather? Internet Cafe is emerging everywhere, Wi-Fi connection is the comparative advantage for each one of those cafes to attract customers! Doesnt even he go freaking outside to see how the freaking world is changing?
I am sorry but I am fucking mad right now!
My fam is better with JUST me, my sis and my mom. Thats all I've gotta say. No that's what I said, I still do and I still will.
Fucking just only 3 days... what the fuck. Already got into a huge shitty non-sense argument with the one yet I have never cared to pay enough respect (excuse me, but its true)
This kind of argument, no its not even a Fucking argument. It is stuck in his mind that whatever he said is true. No one can argue with him, and of course his daughter still seems like a small immature never-know-enough for him (whatever). I was trying to make a point how having Wi-Fi will make it easier to access Internet without sharing 1 computer in a house. I sleep in a house next to the one which has the comp so it was inconvenient at some point. It is about $48-$61... yeah, freaking comparing that to how much cell phones he has given away to strangers. Now he is being stingy and unreasonable. Cant fight back my argument, he just yelled and freaking kept insisting infuriately that Wi-Fi is not proven to work effectively yet in Vietnam due to dampen weather.... what the heck does that have to do with weather? Internet Cafe is emerging everywhere, Wi-Fi connection is the comparative advantage for each one of those cafes to attract customers! Doesnt even he go freaking outside to see how the freaking world is changing?
I am sorry but I am fucking mad right now!
My fam is better with JUST me, my sis and my mom. Thats all I've gotta say. No that's what I said, I still do and I still will.
5.07.2008
I GRADUATED!!!
OMG! I actually did!
After 4 years of college, I finally GRADUATED!!!
... (to be continued...)
4.27.2008
does it make sense...
if I say I'm over you, but I still miss you sometimes...
For whatever that went wrong
we have not talked for so long
And sometimes the feeling came back
when that light rail
slowly moves from that station...
there
there were so much memories...
I learnt my first kiss,
or decent ones :)
But now it is all gone
The station is still there...
Same old people, same old scene
But you are not present
And I am not excited to get off there no more
Funny
I shrugged
and the door closed
smiled, here I go again
For whatever that went wrong
we have not talked for so long
And sometimes the feeling came back
when that light rail
slowly moves from that station...
there
there were so much memories...
I learnt my first kiss,
or decent ones :)
But now it is all gone
The station is still there...
Same old people, same old scene
But you are not present
And I am not excited to get off there no more
Funny
I shrugged
and the door closed
smiled, here I go again
4.26.2008
haizzz... parents
Just got off the phone with mom... so frustrated. The more I talk to my parents, the more I feel like I have made a right decision to leave them and came here.
Why cant she just be nice and ask about my feelings, about my graduation, about my friends, rather than just calling to check if I have paid off my bill, my balance, or whether I will REALLY get a HARD COPY of the diploma, since its very important to show employers the diploma when you're looking for a job!
Asian parents sure DO NOT know how to take care of their kids emotionally! They think that as long as they're giving their kids enough financial support, they can tell us to do whatever they want (maybe Im being too extreme, but that is seriously the case of my parents).
Dad called in the other day when he was in LasVegas. Awkward. He told me he got to VeGas, and that was it. It was silent. Then he went on telling me to finish my exam well, and we hung up.
Sometimes I am so jealous with the American kids. Their parents are like their good friends. Whatever problems the kids have, they talk to their parents. I'm jealous when the kids her talk so proudly about their parents, about how they hang out together once in a while. Their parents picked them up to go eat out. Their parents send them "care package" at the beginning of the semester. Their parents paid their car-insurance. Their parents watch TV with them and discuss about political debate. Their parents do all the moving-in works for them into the dorms... their parents...
Maybe because Asian parents don't do such things so the Asian kids always try to be the brave one, the one that can handles everything on their own, or the independent one. That's kind of good in a way because I really like how I have become.
But sometimes, it just hurt, you know, that I couldn't talk to my parents as one of my friends.
Why cant she just be nice and ask about my feelings, about my graduation, about my friends, rather than just calling to check if I have paid off my bill, my balance, or whether I will REALLY get a HARD COPY of the diploma, since its very important to show employers the diploma when you're looking for a job!
Asian parents sure DO NOT know how to take care of their kids emotionally! They think that as long as they're giving their kids enough financial support, they can tell us to do whatever they want (maybe Im being too extreme, but that is seriously the case of my parents).
Dad called in the other day when he was in LasVegas. Awkward. He told me he got to VeGas, and that was it. It was silent. Then he went on telling me to finish my exam well, and we hung up.
Sometimes I am so jealous with the American kids. Their parents are like their good friends. Whatever problems the kids have, they talk to their parents. I'm jealous when the kids her talk so proudly about their parents, about how they hang out together once in a while. Their parents picked them up to go eat out. Their parents send them "care package" at the beginning of the semester. Their parents paid their car-insurance. Their parents watch TV with them and discuss about political debate. Their parents do all the moving-in works for them into the dorms... their parents...
Maybe because Asian parents don't do such things so the Asian kids always try to be the brave one, the one that can handles everything on their own, or the independent one. That's kind of good in a way because I really like how I have become.
But sometimes, it just hurt, you know, that I couldn't talk to my parents as one of my friends.
4.23.2008
graduation... um... so what?
Yeah, graduation, so what?
It didn't really hit me yet I guess. Every one asked me how it feels like to be graduating, and I do the same thing. But strangely enough, I just kinda blanked out most of times, not knowing what to say. Not that I don't have any feeling, but I guess I don't think of this too big as a change for me.
A lot of changes took place last year in my life. I was in Vietnam for the whole summer struggling for jobs. I ended my first relationship. I went study abroad in Japan and lived with a host family. I came back to Vietnam for Xmas break. Then I was back in the States being a college student ago.
... Things keep moving on. Things keep changing. and I... I also changed.
Graduation is just going to be a little bit bigger of a change than other ones that I've faced. I'm very excited to accept it.
I'm happy for a change.
In fact. I am a change.
It didn't really hit me yet I guess. Every one asked me how it feels like to be graduating, and I do the same thing. But strangely enough, I just kinda blanked out most of times, not knowing what to say. Not that I don't have any feeling, but I guess I don't think of this too big as a change for me.
A lot of changes took place last year in my life. I was in Vietnam for the whole summer struggling for jobs. I ended my first relationship. I went study abroad in Japan and lived with a host family. I came back to Vietnam for Xmas break. Then I was back in the States being a college student ago.
... Things keep moving on. Things keep changing. and I... I also changed.
Graduation is just going to be a little bit bigger of a change than other ones that I've faced. I'm very excited to accept it.
I'm happy for a change.
In fact. I am a change.
4.20.2008
haircut
Dont get me wrong. I loved my hair. I think its so cute and its the best haircut that suits my face, no wonder I have it for like 4 years in college now. But thinking of 90% of all Vietnamese have this exact same hair style makes me feel "uncute" in a way. So I decided to be back to the tomboyish hair that I used to have during summer.
Pictures will be posted later.
P.S.: Although I save a lot of money on water, shampoo and conditioners for short hair, I realized I have to spend also more $$$ on wax and time on stylizing it. LOL!
Pictures will be posted later.
P.S.: Although I save a lot of money on water, shampoo and conditioners for short hair, I realized I have to spend also more $$$ on wax and time on stylizing it. LOL!
4.15.2008
Falling for you...
Yes I am.
For so long, this is all I have been waiting for.
Although we just met to day but I already felt it. We've made for each other, baby.
Remember today at the mall, I was still trying to get to know you. You were quite shy, but tender and sweet.
Your smell is still wandering all over my wrists. I keep sniffing it the whole day, and the only thing came to my mind is that I need you. I want you. like right now!
You're just so special. I don't care about my CHANEL anymore, although a lot of people have complimented me on it. But I think you're more perfect for me. And you're like only $40. I think I'm gonna getcha, one way or another!!!
So madly obsessed with you now, Escada Moon Sparkle!!
For so long, this is all I have been waiting for.
Although we just met to day but I already felt it. We've made for each other, baby.
Remember today at the mall, I was still trying to get to know you. You were quite shy, but tender and sweet.
Your smell is still wandering all over my wrists. I keep sniffing it the whole day, and the only thing came to my mind is that I need you. I want you. like right now!
You're just so special. I don't care about my CHANEL anymore, although a lot of people have complimented me on it. But I think you're more perfect for me. And you're like only $40. I think I'm gonna getcha, one way or another!!!
So madly obsessed with you now, Escada Moon Sparkle!!
4.08.2008
I want a new haircut!
Well, I'm being so productive. This is my third entry of the day for this blog!!
Anyway, I really a new haircut, so badly. I'm tired of this stupid not-long-or-short-enough hairstyle. So Im gonna cut it short before my mom can yells at me, hehe :D
Here is what I'm thinking of:
Anyway, I really a new haircut, so badly. I'm tired of this stupid not-long-or-short-enough hairstyle. So Im gonna cut it short before my mom can yells at me, hehe :D
Here is what I'm thinking of:
why do I smoke?
So I was asked to stay upstair in the library today to work. Pretty what I do upstair is to sit there and look fabulous (lol)... and writing blogs about "smoking", which I WAS pretty much against last year.
Anyway, enough introduction, I'm gonna cut to the chase with the argument:
There are 2 reasons I smoke:
1. Flavor (the vanilla cigarettes taste awesome and the smoke come out smell just like vanilla, and it's not disgusting at all)
2. An excuse to go outside get some fresh air. People will think you're crazy just going outside standing by yourself getting fresh air, right. So smoking makes it a perfect reason. Plus, you get to ask people to go out with you for a little chit-chat catching up on things. So I don't see anything wrong with that.
Some people might argue that smoking causes cancer. Well, eventhough it's true, I must say I don't plan to live a long life. I don't want to be a burden for my kids and of course I want to live till I'm old enough to still be able to have all my senses function (listening, talking, smelling, seeing, tasting, and so forth).
Anyway, in case you were wondering what the causes for death are. Here is a reference table of causes of death that have been studied and published in 2002.
http://www.benbest.com/lifeext/causes.html
So it is likely that you will die because of one of these. Now pick your favorite as I have picked mine. (2)
Anyway, enough introduction, I'm gonna cut to the chase with the argument:
There are 2 reasons I smoke:
1. Flavor (the vanilla cigarettes taste awesome and the smoke come out smell just like vanilla, and it's not disgusting at all)
2. An excuse to go outside get some fresh air. People will think you're crazy just going outside standing by yourself getting fresh air, right. So smoking makes it a perfect reason. Plus, you get to ask people to go out with you for a little chit-chat catching up on things. So I don't see anything wrong with that.
Some people might argue that smoking causes cancer. Well, eventhough it's true, I must say I don't plan to live a long life. I don't want to be a burden for my kids and of course I want to live till I'm old enough to still be able to have all my senses function (listening, talking, smelling, seeing, tasting, and so forth).
Anyway, in case you were wondering what the causes for death are. Here is a reference table of causes of death that have been studied and published in 2002.
FORMAL NAME | INFORMAL NAME | % ALL DEATHS |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Diseases of the heart | heart attack (mainly) | 28.5% |
| (2) Malignant neoplasms | cancer | 22.8% |
| (3) Cerebrovascular disease | stroke | 6.7% |
| (4) Chronic lower respiratory disease | emphysema, chronic bronchitis | 5.1% |
| (5) Unintentional injuries | accidents | 4.4% |
| (6) Diabetes mellitus | diabetes | 3.0% |
| (7) Influenza and pneumonia | flu & pneumonia | 2.7% |
| (8) Alzheimer's Disease | Alzheimer's senility | 2.4% |
| (9) Nephritis and Nephrosis | kidney disease | 1.7% |
| (10) Septicemia | systemic infection | 1.4% |
| (11) Intentional self-harm | suicide | 1.3% |
| (12) Chronic Liver/Cirrhosis | liver disease | 1.1% |
| (13) Essential Hypertension | high blood pressure | 0.8% |
| (14) Assault | homicide | 0.7% |
| (15) All other causes | other | 17.4% |
So it is likely that you will die because of one of these. Now pick your favorite as I have picked mine. (2)
personalities vs accomplishment
Its hard to acknowledge someone's accomplishments when you know pretty much a lot about their pasts or their personalities.
Say someone has done smth quite horrible to you, and later in their life, they accomplish something. Do you think you can believe it, or you're still thinking that is another trick they again are able to pull off.
Or maybe it is just a matter of forgiving. But someone I couldn't help but hanging out to the idea that a person can NOT change, unless something EXTREMELY SIGNIFICANT happens.
04/08/08
Say someone has done smth quite horrible to you, and later in their life, they accomplish something. Do you think you can believe it, or you're still thinking that is another trick they again are able to pull off.
Or maybe it is just a matter of forgiving. But someone I couldn't help but hanging out to the idea that a person can NOT change, unless something EXTREMELY SIGNIFICANT happens.
04/08/08
3.29.2008
just had the worst lunchmare...
or somehow I would like to call it nightmare during lunch nap, which I just woke up from 5 minutes ago. I decide to write about it because this could be a total potential idea for future scary movie film makers, lol (trying to be funny to feel less scared, u know)
Anywho... my "lunchmare" setting was in an office which looks very much like a library (maybe because I have been working too much in the library lately). Me and a couple of "friends" (supposedly I just know they were my friends in the dream, I actually knew one of them in real life, lets called her A). I was just chatting with them while they were doing the "evil" works of hightlighting people's name on the black book. Why I called is evil is because if someone's name on the book get highlighted, they will be killed within 24 hours by being cut like a letter X on their necks. A so-called friend was sitting next to me, doing the works, then calmly showed me my name has been highlighted. I was shocked. I was like "no f*cking way, while she was just shrugging her shoulders like it was not a big deal.
I sat there, devastated. Apparently, another friend, who I addressed as friend A before, was in the conversation. I told her I do not want to die and there must be some way to let me out of this, since we are all working for this black book thing, but we never know who was behind it.Friend A smiled at me, reassuring me that "Don't worry, I actually know a way to get out of it. I will tell you later."Upon hearing that, I felt a little more secure. I waited for this friend A to be done with work so that she can show me the technique to get out of this killing circle. She motioned me to wait while she picked up a newspaper or some short of magazine, which I suppose will has something to do with me not being dead today. I notice we made a lot of assumptions when we dream, which I havent quite figure out why, or is it just still me being an econ major in my dream.
Anyway, after then she led me to a private room, again it looks like a private room in the library where I used to have interview for the library job like a month ago.
There...Right there.... was the moment.
She smiled at me. Evilly.
She pulled out a knife.
And by then I knew right away I was going to die. Shit.
She drew the knife on my neck, making it like a letter "X" shape.
Blood was spattering everywhere.
As I was slowly becoming suffocating, there was a tiny second of moment that made me recognize this was a dream and the only way to escape this "ring" of nonesense murder was to WAKE UP. Somehow I managed to woke up.
Yet, it didnt seem to end. My phone started ringing. (after I woke up, not that the phone woke me up!)Thank god, it was a friend of mine on the phone asking me to go out tonight.
Anyway, that is my story for today. The coincidental thing is I have always been a good friend with this friend A, and I always made fun of her evil laugh like a joke. I did it so much that she even dressed up like a litte devil during last year Halloween. Weird!!!!
P.S.: I was googling a pic for my nightmare blog entry. Sh*t, it freaked me out too, so I decided to leave this the way it is.
Copyrighted by Hang Pham.
Anywho... my "lunchmare" setting was in an office which looks very much like a library (maybe because I have been working too much in the library lately). Me and a couple of "friends" (supposedly I just know they were my friends in the dream, I actually knew one of them in real life, lets called her A). I was just chatting with them while they were doing the "evil" works of hightlighting people's name on the black book. Why I called is evil is because if someone's name on the book get highlighted, they will be killed within 24 hours by being cut like a letter X on their necks. A so-called friend was sitting next to me, doing the works, then calmly showed me my name has been highlighted. I was shocked. I was like "no f*cking way, while she was just shrugging her shoulders like it was not a big deal.
I sat there, devastated. Apparently, another friend, who I addressed as friend A before, was in the conversation. I told her I do not want to die and there must be some way to let me out of this, since we are all working for this black book thing, but we never know who was behind it.Friend A smiled at me, reassuring me that "Don't worry, I actually know a way to get out of it. I will tell you later."Upon hearing that, I felt a little more secure. I waited for this friend A to be done with work so that she can show me the technique to get out of this killing circle. She motioned me to wait while she picked up a newspaper or some short of magazine, which I suppose will has something to do with me not being dead today. I notice we made a lot of assumptions when we dream, which I havent quite figure out why, or is it just still me being an econ major in my dream.
Anyway, after then she led me to a private room, again it looks like a private room in the library where I used to have interview for the library job like a month ago.
There...Right there.... was the moment.
She smiled at me. Evilly.
She pulled out a knife.
And by then I knew right away I was going to die. Shit.
She drew the knife on my neck, making it like a letter "X" shape.
Blood was spattering everywhere.
As I was slowly becoming suffocating, there was a tiny second of moment that made me recognize this was a dream and the only way to escape this "ring" of nonesense murder was to WAKE UP. Somehow I managed to woke up.
Yet, it didnt seem to end. My phone started ringing. (after I woke up, not that the phone woke me up!)Thank god, it was a friend of mine on the phone asking me to go out tonight.
Anyway, that is my story for today. The coincidental thing is I have always been a good friend with this friend A, and I always made fun of her evil laugh like a joke. I did it so much that she even dressed up like a litte devil during last year Halloween. Weird!!!!
P.S.: I was googling a pic for my nightmare blog entry. Sh*t, it freaked me out too, so I decided to leave this the way it is.
Copyrighted by Hang Pham.
how do you know...
if you're really over someone,...
god damn it, I cant believe I'm writing another entry about this again.
So how do you know?
- do you have to be in a new relationship?
- do you just have to completely have nothing related to that person?
- do you have to just cut off the relationship with your mutual friends?
- or is it when you feel attracted to someone else?
- or is it by putting on a new and sexy outfit?
I don't know... the only thing I know is that for all this time I thought I was over it... and then I saw this stupid status note on facebook, and it hit me. Maybe it's just a contemporary emotional feeling.
god damn it, I cant believe I'm writing another entry about this again.
So how do you know?
- do you have to be in a new relationship?
- do you just have to completely have nothing related to that person?
- do you have to just cut off the relationship with your mutual friends?
- or is it when you feel attracted to someone else?
- or is it by putting on a new and sexy outfit?
I don't know... the only thing I know is that for all this time I thought I was over it... and then I saw this stupid status note on facebook, and it hit me. Maybe it's just a contemporary emotional feeling.
3.27.2008
Spring Break 08 update
Spring Break is finally over. It was pretty boring for me for the first couple of days. But I ended the break by going winter camping with Tsering and Matie, which turned out to be a lot of fun, although there wasnt that much to see in Duluth.
So we all really sat down and planned this whole thing like a night before we left, therefore, you can kinda guess how it should turn out. We got to Duluth at around noon on Thursday, shocked to find out that the camp site we intended to stay over was closed. Luckily, there was another camp site, namely "Jay Cooke State Park Camp Ground" near by, so we camped there instead. Later on, we didnt realize they were charging us $16 per night for each camp site. "how ridiculous! this is STATE park, shouldnt it be free" we thought; therefore, we only ended up staying there once.
For two days, we visited downtown Duluth, went to Jitter, a local cafe, got rejected to enter YMCA (haha we thought we could get a visitor pass to enjoy saunna there, but we were wrong), Ve Bene, a local Italian restaurant overlooking canal park, Duluth lift bridge and Lake Superior, and got to enjoy the whole Minnesoooota winter camping experiences including:
- sh*ting and p**ing in the park, or we like to call it "emerging in mother nature"
- sleeping in a tent on a snow, freezing our a$$ off
- cooking (or burning) our food in aluminium foil wrap
- putting up fire for heat (we kinda abused the lighter fluid, what a great invention)
- dancing around the fire like tribal or nomadic people
- not being able to open our eyes because of too much smoke
- almost hitting a deer on the road
- no showering for 2 days (LOL)
- using Subway's restroom for cleaning and changing
- overeating all kind of junk food in the car
- boldly asking for free ketch up and mayo at McDonalds because they didnt put them out at the dining area
- and so on
It was such a great time and Im looking forward to do it again in the summer, since we'll have a lot more activities to do, such as canoeing, hiking and so on.
Cant wait for this winter to be over! :)
So we all really sat down and planned this whole thing like a night before we left, therefore, you can kinda guess how it should turn out. We got to Duluth at around noon on Thursday, shocked to find out that the camp site we intended to stay over was closed. Luckily, there was another camp site, namely "Jay Cooke State Park Camp Ground" near by, so we camped there instead. Later on, we didnt realize they were charging us $16 per night for each camp site. "how ridiculous! this is STATE park, shouldnt it be free" we thought; therefore, we only ended up staying there once.
For two days, we visited downtown Duluth, went to Jitter, a local cafe, got rejected to enter YMCA (haha we thought we could get a visitor pass to enjoy saunna there, but we were wrong), Ve Bene, a local Italian restaurant overlooking canal park, Duluth lift bridge and Lake Superior, and got to enjoy the whole Minnesoooota winter camping experiences including:
- sh*ting and p**ing in the park, or we like to call it "emerging in mother nature"
- sleeping in a tent on a snow, freezing our a$$ off
- cooking (or burning) our food in aluminium foil wrap
- putting up fire for heat (we kinda abused the lighter fluid, what a great invention)
- dancing around the fire like tribal or nomadic people
- not being able to open our eyes because of too much smoke
- almost hitting a deer on the road
- no showering for 2 days (LOL)
- using Subway's restroom for cleaning and changing
- overeating all kind of junk food in the car
- boldly asking for free ketch up and mayo at McDonalds because they didnt put them out at the dining area
- and so on
It was such a great time and Im looking forward to do it again in the summer, since we'll have a lot more activities to do, such as canoeing, hiking and so on.
Cant wait for this winter to be over! :)
3.17.2008
okay, so its Spring Break
I finally decided to stay here in Minnesota during my last spring break of my college life. Not so lame. I also want to apologize to "em Nga iu" for ditching her and staying here. Hope you will have fun in New York and forgive me.
So I have not been doing much except for lazying around and coming to work. I just got the job at the library in addition to my job at CGE, so I'm basically working for about 16 hours a week now. My paycheck on April is gonna be sweet, hehe.
For a long break like this, I, and some of my friends, decided that we all are going to keep a dietary journal, meaning we are going to keep track of what we eat and drink. It's kinda like a weightwatcher program, except that it is free and its only between us. I have been noticing that I gain a lot of calories during the day due to snacking (e.g. chocolates, cheetos and so on). I tend to eat small meals which is good at some point if I can keep like 4 small meals a day; but instead I eat like 5 to 6 small meals, and that added up to my "muffin tops" and "love handles" hanging around my hip and waist now. My jeans are not fitting me, and my shirt size has risen to M, instead of S. I guess those are signs telling me I need to get in shape.
Speaking of getting in shape, I really like my basketball class, although I'm like the worst in the class for the fact that I never had any back ground in basketball before. However, I get to play in team and that helps my skill progress gradually. I'm not afraid to make a fool of myself in this class any more just cuz this is my last semester, what else have I got to lose, right?
Anyway, I'm gonna get back to "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man".
So I have not been doing much except for lazying around and coming to work. I just got the job at the library in addition to my job at CGE, so I'm basically working for about 16 hours a week now. My paycheck on April is gonna be sweet, hehe.
For a long break like this, I, and some of my friends, decided that we all are going to keep a dietary journal, meaning we are going to keep track of what we eat and drink. It's kinda like a weightwatcher program, except that it is free and its only between us. I have been noticing that I gain a lot of calories during the day due to snacking (e.g. chocolates, cheetos and so on). I tend to eat small meals which is good at some point if I can keep like 4 small meals a day; but instead I eat like 5 to 6 small meals, and that added up to my "muffin tops" and "love handles" hanging around my hip and waist now. My jeans are not fitting me, and my shirt size has risen to M, instead of S. I guess those are signs telling me I need to get in shape.
Speaking of getting in shape, I really like my basketball class, although I'm like the worst in the class for the fact that I never had any back ground in basketball before. However, I get to play in team and that helps my skill progress gradually. I'm not afraid to make a fool of myself in this class any more just cuz this is my last semester, what else have I got to lose, right?
Anyway, I'm gonna get back to "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man".
3.11.2008
Spring Break.... arggg
So Spring Break is like 3 more days away and I havent got no plan for it yet.
DC? well, not so psyched about it, for the facts that I have been there like 3 times already (2 on spring break and 1 on xmas), I really just had enough of DC. But 1 week staying here can be very depressing... except that... um.. I'm tempted to join these girls who are very good friends of mine to go to Duluth camping. It will be great chance to just chill in Minnesota for the last time, chill with these friends and get some nice photos of the nature ( btw, I am falling head-over-heel for my d40, its like a new and ultimate boyfriend, LOL)!
On top of all frustrations of planning, I am very broke. I cant afford a 400$ airfares, or even if I can, the paychecks from 2 months I have been working my ass off will blow off like a snapping fingers. I have not used my mom's credit card and living more independent than other semesters, so I don't want to break that habits just for spring break.
So we'll see.
I have not got a chance to finish "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man", and thats making me a bit mad. Too much work and litte errands for the day just tired me out and by the end of the day, I just want to throw myself on the bed right away... Come on, I need some more free time :)
DC? well, not so psyched about it, for the facts that I have been there like 3 times already (2 on spring break and 1 on xmas), I really just had enough of DC. But 1 week staying here can be very depressing... except that... um.. I'm tempted to join these girls who are very good friends of mine to go to Duluth camping. It will be great chance to just chill in Minnesota for the last time, chill with these friends and get some nice photos of the nature ( btw, I am falling head-over-heel for my d40, its like a new and ultimate boyfriend, LOL)!
On top of all frustrations of planning, I am very broke. I cant afford a 400$ airfares, or even if I can, the paychecks from 2 months I have been working my ass off will blow off like a snapping fingers. I have not used my mom's credit card and living more independent than other semesters, so I don't want to break that habits just for spring break.
So we'll see.
I have not got a chance to finish "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man", and thats making me a bit mad. Too much work and litte errands for the day just tired me out and by the end of the day, I just want to throw myself on the bed right away... Come on, I need some more free time :)
3.06.2008
busy week
Don't you hate it so much when you need to print something out, the printer decides to go strike on you. It happens every freaking time whenever I am in a hurry, like 5 minutes before class starts. So annoying!!!
So I have been pretty busy since the beginning of the week. Tests after tests and events after events... there are just a lot of little things you need to make sure that you get done and I am very forgetful... so I leave them once in a while then I have to come back to it, and then realize oops, its the end of the day already.
My Nikon D40 is finally here today!!! I am so excited to go shoot some nice photos with it! However, the memory card hasnt arrived yet, so I am currently using the temporary memory system which only allows you to shoot like 1 picture then it automatically deletes it after a few second. um... anyhows!!!
Regarding the last post, I actually posted that one on Yahoo 360 since I have more "acquaintances" of expertise over there. They're been giving me some feed back on my reflections from the book "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man". To be frank, I was very sensitive about some criticism, but now I think of it more like a challenge, in which I could develop more about my self on how to talk big on such big issues. I just realize how much I have become a fan of reading and writing. Thanks to that book, it was very inspirational!!!!
So I have been pretty busy since the beginning of the week. Tests after tests and events after events... there are just a lot of little things you need to make sure that you get done and I am very forgetful... so I leave them once in a while then I have to come back to it, and then realize oops, its the end of the day already.
My Nikon D40 is finally here today!!! I am so excited to go shoot some nice photos with it! However, the memory card hasnt arrived yet, so I am currently using the temporary memory system which only allows you to shoot like 1 picture then it automatically deletes it after a few second. um... anyhows!!!
Regarding the last post, I actually posted that one on Yahoo 360 since I have more "acquaintances" of expertise over there. They're been giving me some feed back on my reflections from the book "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man". To be frank, I was very sensitive about some criticism, but now I think of it more like a challenge, in which I could develop more about my self on how to talk big on such big issues. I just realize how much I have become a fan of reading and writing. Thanks to that book, it was very inspirational!!!!
3.03.2008
There's no such thing as a free lunch
"There's no such thing as a free lunch"
That is probably the first thing I have ever learnt in my first economics class in college, and probably the most important thing I should always remember when I get out of college. Why is that? The answer is simple. No one wants to give out something free for you. If they are giving you a "free lunch", they are expecting you to pay back at some points. Just think about whenever you bump into some ads online that said "congratulations, you have been selected to win a free iPhone!", sorry but life aint that simple. You, very excited, clicked on the link to fill in some info so that they can send you an iPhone. In contrary, what appears were list of non-stop and non-related questions or surveys that you are required to answer. The next thing you know, you're too tired and gave up, "Fck this, I dont want an iPhone anymore!". See, nothing is ever free for you.
Anyway, such a long introduction brough to this main point I want to say. I have been having a lot of questions regarding the World Bank, the IMF or similar international organizations which are very willing to give out loans for developing or under-developed countries in order to help those countries alleviate poverty, boost the economic condition, build up necessary infrastructure and so forth. I have always wondered "why are they doing that?", "what's in it for them".... until recently I got a chance to pore over "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man". The book was an autobiography of a man who claimed himself an economic hit man, aka EHM. They are actually groups of people who cheat on small, less developed countries making them believing in great prosperity if those countries were to take the US loans and invest in their countries; however, those countries will never be able to develop as much and foster as predicted, so they ended up being shackled with debts with the U.S. and then become dependant on the U.S. These EHMs are very cunning in their works. They dressed up and talked about how concerned they are with your economies (LDCs), but they in fact were luring your countries into deals which you will never ever be able to get out. The closer the people who worked with them to fool the public, the more those people with benefits greater money, leaving others people in poverty and even in deeper poverty.
For example, the U.S. spotted the economic potential of Indonesia in productin oil. Of course, Indonesia was still one of the very under-developed countries in the world. The U.S. wanted the oil (obviously). However, invading Indonesia to occupy those oil pipe lines will just make them look bad and of course that takes a lot of resources such as troops, building camps and military base and so forth. There came the job of EHMs. They were ones who worked for big government and international organization. So eloquent and charismatic that the Indonesian officials can thought that they were trick into this no-turning-back kind of deal. An EHM would propose the U.S. building an electrification infrastructure in Indonesia, helping to bring electricity to Indonesia. So the question is how would they cheat, you may ask. What this EHM did was that he made wrong forecast about this eletricity plantation plan. Based on the current conditions, Indonesia would take about 10 years or more to build a good infrastructure; however, the crafty EHM will ignore the current country's condition, making forecast that the country can build and have electricity served in 5 years. Of course the Indonesia would say yes to such plan. However, such a perfect plan could NEVER turn out that way. Therefore, after 5 years, Indonesia still had not finished building the plant, and even ending up in more debt. The only way they can pay back to the US was to dig and sell oil to the US for the rest of their lives. Do you see how this thing work?
I was floored. I was disturbed. How could I've never thought about it before? This is such a brutal truth that I found out, very shocking but I'm glad I had known about this. There are just a lot more to read from this book, and I strongly recommend it. I will post some more comments and reflections as I finish. Here is some info on the book: "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" - John Perkins (2004)
That is probably the first thing I have ever learnt in my first economics class in college, and probably the most important thing I should always remember when I get out of college. Why is that? The answer is simple. No one wants to give out something free for you. If they are giving you a "free lunch", they are expecting you to pay back at some points. Just think about whenever you bump into some ads online that said "congratulations, you have been selected to win a free iPhone!", sorry but life aint that simple. You, very excited, clicked on the link to fill in some info so that they can send you an iPhone. In contrary, what appears were list of non-stop and non-related questions or surveys that you are required to answer. The next thing you know, you're too tired and gave up, "Fck this, I dont want an iPhone anymore!". See, nothing is ever free for you.
Anyway, such a long introduction brough to this main point I want to say. I have been having a lot of questions regarding the World Bank, the IMF or similar international organizations which are very willing to give out loans for developing or under-developed countries in order to help those countries alleviate poverty, boost the economic condition, build up necessary infrastructure and so forth. I have always wondered "why are they doing that?", "what's in it for them".... until recently I got a chance to pore over "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man". The book was an autobiography of a man who claimed himself an economic hit man, aka EHM. They are actually groups of people who cheat on small, less developed countries making them believing in great prosperity if those countries were to take the US loans and invest in their countries; however, those countries will never be able to develop as much and foster as predicted, so they ended up being shackled with debts with the U.S. and then become dependant on the U.S. These EHMs are very cunning in their works. They dressed up and talked about how concerned they are with your economies (LDCs), but they in fact were luring your countries into deals which you will never ever be able to get out. The closer the people who worked with them to fool the public, the more those people with benefits greater money, leaving others people in poverty and even in deeper poverty.
For example, the U.S. spotted the economic potential of Indonesia in productin oil. Of course, Indonesia was still one of the very under-developed countries in the world. The U.S. wanted the oil (obviously). However, invading Indonesia to occupy those oil pipe lines will just make them look bad and of course that takes a lot of resources such as troops, building camps and military base and so forth. There came the job of EHMs. They were ones who worked for big government and international organization. So eloquent and charismatic that the Indonesian officials can thought that they were trick into this no-turning-back kind of deal. An EHM would propose the U.S. building an electrification infrastructure in Indonesia, helping to bring electricity to Indonesia. So the question is how would they cheat, you may ask. What this EHM did was that he made wrong forecast about this eletricity plantation plan. Based on the current conditions, Indonesia would take about 10 years or more to build a good infrastructure; however, the crafty EHM will ignore the current country's condition, making forecast that the country can build and have electricity served in 5 years. Of course the Indonesia would say yes to such plan. However, such a perfect plan could NEVER turn out that way. Therefore, after 5 years, Indonesia still had not finished building the plant, and even ending up in more debt. The only way they can pay back to the US was to dig and sell oil to the US for the rest of their lives. Do you see how this thing work?
I was floored. I was disturbed. How could I've never thought about it before? This is such a brutal truth that I found out, very shocking but I'm glad I had known about this. There are just a lot more to read from this book, and I strongly recommend it. I will post some more comments and reflections as I finish. Here is some info on the book: "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" - John Perkins (2004)
2.27.2008
distracted....
okay, instead of doing my music and business homework, i'm sitting with my laptop researching on Nikon D40x and D40. Buying a camera is so hard. There are just so many models, too many functions limited in one, and you just have to read too much to decide to buy something. I guess this is one downside of capitalism. It gave us too many choices that just confuse and discourage the buyer.
I know I should put something more meaningful since I havent been writing as much on this blog... but i got really distracted. I want a SLR camera so bad. My sony camera has been a bitch since last year, and I really wish I had had one SLR when I was in Japan to capture all the beautiful moments and sceneries back then. This is it. This might be the best investment I've ever made.
More will be updated later.
I know I should put something more meaningful since I havent been writing as much on this blog... but i got really distracted. I want a SLR camera so bad. My sony camera has been a bitch since last year, and I really wish I had had one SLR when I was in Japan to capture all the beautiful moments and sceneries back then. This is it. This might be the best investment I've ever made.
More will be updated later.
2.19.2008
weird dream
I had a really weird dream last night.
I woke up... thinking "damn, it was just a dream!"
I dreamt that my ex came over to see me. He told me how much he regretted that we broke up, and he wanted us to get back together. I gave him a hug and started asking why. "Why did you think so?" As much as I always likeD to question his (beloved) love for me. And then I was woken up all of the sudden just like other nightmares or sweet dreams.
Does it just suck when you always have to think about it? What went wrong and what happened? Or why things can never be the same gain?
Once you had something and you lost it. You usually tend to try to find it, or at least find something similar to it.
The time I was single, I was totally fine with being single and all that. And then I got into a relationship. And then I realized how good it felt just to always have someone besides. Then I was back in being single. Now it doesn't really feel like "fine" as before. But again, I dont want to just "have someone", just to "have someone", I have learnt my lessons. Whatever comes comes. I'm just 22, no need to rush, right? hehe
I woke up... thinking "damn, it was just a dream!"
I dreamt that my ex came over to see me. He told me how much he regretted that we broke up, and he wanted us to get back together. I gave him a hug and started asking why. "Why did you think so?" As much as I always likeD to question his (beloved) love for me. And then I was woken up all of the sudden just like other nightmares or sweet dreams.
Does it just suck when you always have to think about it? What went wrong and what happened? Or why things can never be the same gain?
Once you had something and you lost it. You usually tend to try to find it, or at least find something similar to it.
The time I was single, I was totally fine with being single and all that. And then I got into a relationship. And then I realized how good it felt just to always have someone besides. Then I was back in being single. Now it doesn't really feel like "fine" as before. But again, I dont want to just "have someone", just to "have someone", I have learnt my lessons. Whatever comes comes. I'm just 22, no need to rush, right? hehe
megabus
besides the fact that megabus's price is so cheap (about 55$ for a round-trip ticket from Minneapolis to Chicago), these are the downsides of it:
- ALWAYS late! Its true. I took this bus before and it was an hour late. This time, no difference. It was late for an hour before picking us up in Minneapolis. I thought it would be ontime in Chicago since it didnt have to stop anywhere before Chicago, but I was wrong. It was late for another half an hour.
- Some drivers can be very "bitchy". I quoted the word because I didnt use it. Another passenger was pissed at the megabus and even called it the "megabitch" instead of "megabus" which I thought was quite funny. But it was just stupid how we had to wait in the call for her to load the luggages. She could have checked us in the bus first and we'll take care of our luggage on our own.
- The address of the bus stop online was so confusing. They could have indicated the bus stop as 1926 University Ave, and that would be so much simpler than north 3rd and 4th Str Parking, which we have no idea, and its hard to tell the taxi too.
- Okay, I hate it when everytime I tried to sit by myself on the bus, someone who is HUGE is going to sit right next to me, and I have absolutely no more private space. There is no more gap between me and the other person. There WERE other free seats! Why me?
Yeah so that's it for my exhausted experience from the megabus. I was so darn tired coming back to campus on Monday morning. It was such a last-minute plan that I couldnt get any earlier tickets. Anyhows, chicago was alright-fun :D
- ALWAYS late! Its true. I took this bus before and it was an hour late. This time, no difference. It was late for an hour before picking us up in Minneapolis. I thought it would be ontime in Chicago since it didnt have to stop anywhere before Chicago, but I was wrong. It was late for another half an hour.
- Some drivers can be very "bitchy". I quoted the word because I didnt use it. Another passenger was pissed at the megabus and even called it the "megabitch" instead of "megabus" which I thought was quite funny. But it was just stupid how we had to wait in the call for her to load the luggages. She could have checked us in the bus first and we'll take care of our luggage on our own.
- The address of the bus stop online was so confusing. They could have indicated the bus stop as 1926 University Ave, and that would be so much simpler than north 3rd and 4th Str Parking, which we have no idea, and its hard to tell the taxi too.
- Okay, I hate it when everytime I tried to sit by myself on the bus, someone who is HUGE is going to sit right next to me, and I have absolutely no more private space. There is no more gap between me and the other person. There WERE other free seats! Why me?
Yeah so that's it for my exhausted experience from the megabus. I was so darn tired coming back to campus on Monday morning. It was such a last-minute plan that I couldnt get any earlier tickets. Anyhows, chicago was alright-fun :D
2.12.2008
if not for the money, what (job) would you be doing?
That was one of the questions Sarju had to answer for her Senior Key Stone class.
She told me about it, and I was just stroke by it, not because I don't know the answer, but just because how significant it is, and no body ever asked such.
I told her, "You wouldn't be an accountant, would you?" And she kinda agreed with me.
Seriously, what would you become if its not for the money? Will you be doing the same thing as you are right now? Are you happy with your career choice? Would you take a secure job and live it off for the rest of your life, or would you rather do something you like, come in to work with a passion but you don't get paid enough to buy brand name stuff? Would you...
She told me about it, and I was just stroke by it, not because I don't know the answer, but just because how significant it is, and no body ever asked such.
I told her, "You wouldn't be an accountant, would you?" And she kinda agreed with me.
Seriously, what would you become if its not for the money? Will you be doing the same thing as you are right now? Are you happy with your career choice? Would you take a secure job and live it off for the rest of your life, or would you rather do something you like, come in to work with a passion but you don't get paid enough to buy brand name stuff? Would you...
2.10.2008
my eating disorder
... doesnt necessarily mean anorexia but more like bulimia (which refers to excessive eating as opposed to voluntary stavation in anorexia)
Its not official a disorder yet, but I feel like Im coming closer to it.
When I was in Japan or Vietnam, I eat for the pleasure, for the taste, for the art of the food, for the companies of good friends and such.
When I am in America, I eat more for the untraceable crave, the spontanous hobby for junk food, the habit of just spending money for food, the fact that I have nothing else to do than eating (yes, pathetic!), ...
That is quite dangerous now that I start thinking more about it. Anyhows!
----
Just yesterday I said to a friend of mine, "I don't believe in healthy food." I believe in "eating in moderation." In my opinion, there is no such thing as "unhealthy food", there is only "unhealthy choice that people make", and then blame it on the food or the restaurant. Seriously, people in America are exposed to many choices, and of course when it comes to food, they usually tend to choose something in large portions but cost less. However, they do not think about "the cost of getting too much calories when they eat it everyday". So whatever comes comes, which is when they realize they're a bit overweight. And then they start complaining that America doesnt have healthy food. Sorry but it just sounds really ridiculous to me!
So next time, if you look at me and decide to ask me if something is healthy (just cuz I look Asian and I must be a Health Police), ask yourself about the portion of it, and how much times you are eating it, because everything in moderation is always healthy.
Its not official a disorder yet, but I feel like Im coming closer to it.
When I was in Japan or Vietnam, I eat for the pleasure, for the taste, for the art of the food, for the companies of good friends and such.
When I am in America, I eat more for the untraceable crave, the spontanous hobby for junk food, the habit of just spending money for food, the fact that I have nothing else to do than eating (yes, pathetic!), ...
That is quite dangerous now that I start thinking more about it. Anyhows!
----
Just yesterday I said to a friend of mine, "I don't believe in healthy food." I believe in "eating in moderation." In my opinion, there is no such thing as "unhealthy food", there is only "unhealthy choice that people make", and then blame it on the food or the restaurant. Seriously, people in America are exposed to many choices, and of course when it comes to food, they usually tend to choose something in large portions but cost less. However, they do not think about "the cost of getting too much calories when they eat it everyday". So whatever comes comes, which is when they realize they're a bit overweight. And then they start complaining that America doesnt have healthy food. Sorry but it just sounds really ridiculous to me!
So next time, if you look at me and decide to ask me if something is healthy (just cuz I look Asian and I must be a Health Police), ask yourself about the portion of it, and how much times you are eating it, because everything in moderation is always healthy.
2.08.2008
what does it take to "go home"?
Before you read this, let me warn you first that this entry might be one of the most truthful entries of mine. So if you feel annoyed or disturbed and you feel like you haven't really known me, feel free to leave. If you agree, read on and decide yourself about the answer for the question I posted?
Yes, seriously what does it take to "go home"?
What do I mean buy "go home" in this context? The term applies to international students who are going to graduate sooner or later and their student visas will expire; therefore, going home for them basically refers to going back to their motherlands after years of studying abroad in a totally different but rich and well-developed country as compared to their owns.
Its funny cuz I ask what it takes those students to go back, of course "free" since its their countries (well excluding the airplain tickets, obviously) I myself have never thought something "free" could be so hard to do or accomplish.
Lets think about it. Being here for most of your college life (which is by the way can be the most critical time of your life, I believe), you are getting so used to this life-style (this pure capitalist life-style) that you never going to see it again in your country. You have friends here. You have your jobs here. You know your way around. You used to the weather. How does it feel to give up all you have developed for the past years and go back to your home, which is 2nd or 3rd world country.
Here are more of the break-dowm opportunities cost (Im an econ major, i cant help):
- Your drinking and college party
- Your freedom of speech
- Your fun time at the mall, swiping whatever that is one your credit card, because you need to get this cute dress or cute jacket right away, so you can maintain your "you're asian, you're stylish" attitude.
- Your eating out habits, or your ordering pizza on the phone...
- Time/people to speak American English
- Time to speak in class, or anywhere freely if you're pissed about anything
- Your fast and never-break-down internet
- Shame: because how come every one else studied abroad like you and they got the job in the state and you did not.
- All the smily faces around campus
- Laundry (they dont use dryers in your country, sorry!)
- No curfew watsoever!
- Junkie food (well, sometimes it could be sad not to have them, to be totally honest)
- Going to meetings and seriously planning events of your ideas or interests
- Having assets that when you brought back to vietnam, you were thought to be cool and sophisticated to have them
- Think and speak critically
- and a lot more
Although I have used the word "you" a lot above, I personally meant myself, Hang Pham. Only by writing them down, I realize the sacrifice I have to make if I "go home". Isnt it ridiculous in the last 3 years, I always get excited to go home. Now the concept is so much more intimidating because "go home" this time literally means to go back and live there (where I have not lived for 3 years). Sometimes I feel ashamed of myself because I couldnt pass those materialistic things to have the courage to go home, I even faked it by saying "well i dont want to go home yet because I want to work here for a little bit". It is 50% true, however, 50% is more because I was not ready to picture my future life living in Vietnam for the next couple of years.
But... (yes, there is always "but") after I wrote them down and reread it over and over, it was like lightening hit the ground, all of the sudden, I figured "well, they aren't actually that much of of cost, aint they". Why not, because when I think about the benefits of going back, those costs just start disappearing as the benefits I could think of keep increasing.
And here they are:
- Good and delicious food every day.
- Having my own scooter to go pretty much every where (although I hate the helmet)
- Good friends and just great reunions coming
- My own room in the new house (i cant wait to decorate it myself)
- No more worries about family problem since I am now closer to them. At least I can do someting if anything ever happens (heaven forbids)
- Getting my car driver license
- Start working and looking for jobs without skipping those jobs that said "start immediately"
- Volunteering
- Eat dog meat anytime (this is the best!)
- Coffee and cigarettes = the ultimate breakfast dessert
- A chance to learn all the street name in downtown (its actually quite fun)
- House parties are quite possible
- Travel Vietnam as I never made it before.
- Taking great pictures of Hanoi, its just the best city in my heart!
- Open my own business
- Hang out with my wife and celebrate next year's Tet also the same day as her bday
- Attending moon festivals with my girls
- Feel the autumn and spring of Hanoi
- Hang out with the japanese kids from kanda who will be studying abroad there too
- Spending time studying GRE for grad school
- ...
wow, so much to get me excited already. so what do I say, it only takes you to undertake your own fear to "go home", and that is it!
All of the sudden, I just havent felt the pressure for getting a job here at all. And you know something funny, its also when suddenly so many opportunities come knock on my door.
Life is just wonderful!
Yes, seriously what does it take to "go home"?
What do I mean buy "go home" in this context? The term applies to international students who are going to graduate sooner or later and their student visas will expire; therefore, going home for them basically refers to going back to their motherlands after years of studying abroad in a totally different but rich and well-developed country as compared to their owns.
Its funny cuz I ask what it takes those students to go back, of course "free" since its their countries (well excluding the airplain tickets, obviously) I myself have never thought something "free" could be so hard to do or accomplish.
Lets think about it. Being here for most of your college life (which is by the way can be the most critical time of your life, I believe), you are getting so used to this life-style (this pure capitalist life-style) that you never going to see it again in your country. You have friends here. You have your jobs here. You know your way around. You used to the weather. How does it feel to give up all you have developed for the past years and go back to your home, which is 2nd or 3rd world country.
Here are more of the break-dowm opportunities cost (Im an econ major, i cant help):
- Your drinking and college party
- Your freedom of speech
- Your fun time at the mall, swiping whatever that is one your credit card, because you need to get this cute dress or cute jacket right away, so you can maintain your "you're asian, you're stylish" attitude.
- Your eating out habits, or your ordering pizza on the phone...
- Time/people to speak American English
- Time to speak in class, or anywhere freely if you're pissed about anything
- Your fast and never-break-down internet
- Shame: because how come every one else studied abroad like you and they got the job in the state and you did not.
- All the smily faces around campus
- Laundry (they dont use dryers in your country, sorry!)
- No curfew watsoever!
- Junkie food (well, sometimes it could be sad not to have them, to be totally honest)
- Going to meetings and seriously planning events of your ideas or interests
- Having assets that when you brought back to vietnam, you were thought to be cool and sophisticated to have them
- Think and speak critically
- and a lot more
Although I have used the word "you" a lot above, I personally meant myself, Hang Pham. Only by writing them down, I realize the sacrifice I have to make if I "go home". Isnt it ridiculous in the last 3 years, I always get excited to go home. Now the concept is so much more intimidating because "go home" this time literally means to go back and live there (where I have not lived for 3 years). Sometimes I feel ashamed of myself because I couldnt pass those materialistic things to have the courage to go home, I even faked it by saying "well i dont want to go home yet because I want to work here for a little bit". It is 50% true, however, 50% is more because I was not ready to picture my future life living in Vietnam for the next couple of years.
But... (yes, there is always "but") after I wrote them down and reread it over and over, it was like lightening hit the ground, all of the sudden, I figured "well, they aren't actually that much of of cost, aint they". Why not, because when I think about the benefits of going back, those costs just start disappearing as the benefits I could think of keep increasing.
And here they are:
- Good and delicious food every day.
- Having my own scooter to go pretty much every where (although I hate the helmet)
- Good friends and just great reunions coming
- My own room in the new house (i cant wait to decorate it myself)
- No more worries about family problem since I am now closer to them. At least I can do someting if anything ever happens (heaven forbids)
- Getting my car driver license
- Start working and looking for jobs without skipping those jobs that said "start immediately"
- Volunteering
- Eat dog meat anytime (this is the best!)
- Coffee and cigarettes = the ultimate breakfast dessert
- A chance to learn all the street name in downtown (its actually quite fun)
- House parties are quite possible
- Travel Vietnam as I never made it before.
- Taking great pictures of Hanoi, its just the best city in my heart!
- Open my own business
- Hang out with my wife and celebrate next year's Tet also the same day as her bday
- Attending moon festivals with my girls
- Feel the autumn and spring of Hanoi
- Hang out with the japanese kids from kanda who will be studying abroad there too
- Spending time studying GRE for grad school
- ...
wow, so much to get me excited already. so what do I say, it only takes you to undertake your own fear to "go home", and that is it!
All of the sudden, I just havent felt the pressure for getting a job here at all. And you know something funny, its also when suddenly so many opportunities come knock on my door.
Life is just wonderful!
2.07.2008
a question on second-hand smokers?
So yesterday at Entrepreneurship class, my professor brought in this speaker to talk about opening a business, how to start, how to manage your business, what kind of thing you will be facing, what you have to prepare and whatnot.
Anyhows, he was quite a successful man in a cigar business in Minnesota. The whole talk was amazing and very persuasive until he started talking about second-hand smokers, which stroke me the most. Basically, he was saying that there is not enough evidence to prove that second-hand smokers actually suffer more from the smoke than first-hand smokers. Claiming that he had read enough research and the theory was not legitimate enough, he got questioned by a lot of us but firmly responded back by saying "don't even go there", so none of us questioned him again. However, that starled me and caused me to want to look more into this type of research... and I havent, but really, its a question of do you trust a cigar business man talking about second-hand smokers or do you take for granted whatever the American Lung Associations say?
Again, he had made his reputation during 1 hour talk, and we so believed in whatever he said that even we questioned a fact that every body were just kinda born to know?
How powerful people with money or articulate intelligence can mislead you, huh?
------ Manipulative statistically : I like that word!
Anyhows, he was quite a successful man in a cigar business in Minnesota. The whole talk was amazing and very persuasive until he started talking about second-hand smokers, which stroke me the most. Basically, he was saying that there is not enough evidence to prove that second-hand smokers actually suffer more from the smoke than first-hand smokers. Claiming that he had read enough research and the theory was not legitimate enough, he got questioned by a lot of us but firmly responded back by saying "don't even go there", so none of us questioned him again. However, that starled me and caused me to want to look more into this type of research... and I havent, but really, its a question of do you trust a cigar business man talking about second-hand smokers or do you take for granted whatever the American Lung Associations say?
Again, he had made his reputation during 1 hour talk, and we so believed in whatever he said that even we questioned a fact that every body were just kinda born to know?
How powerful people with money or articulate intelligence can mislead you, huh?
------ Manipulative statistically : I like that word!
2.06.2008
First Entry
Hi! Welcome to my blog!
As of this moment, I have 2 blogs, one on Yahoo 360, and one is this one on blogspot.
Yahoo sucks really bad lately. There have been a lot of problems for people to comment on my blogs or private-messaging me. I tried to email them and asked them to fix it. Guess what? They told me to live with it (well, they didnt literally say that, but thats basically it), and the reason was because they are too busy working on another blog project. Ok! Screw that, you don't even know how to fix this Yahoo 360 thingy, then how do you expect to work on another project. I hope it will never work for u guys! :P a**h***.
Anyhow, the second reason for me to start a new blog is the fact that lately I've been inspired by a lot of people writing their blogs about issues around themselves. It struck me suddenly but quite expectly, since I think I have not been thinking seriously about pretty much anything around me. I probably did at some points, but I never talked or gave my opinions on it. All I have been writing in Yahoo 360 was mostly about my own life, how much fun I had on weekend, I meant its good to a certain extent, but I feel like there are a lot more I can write about. Being in Yahoo 360 and friends with (maybe a lot of) strangers who I never really talked to in real life ocassionally makes me hesitate to write something down on Yahoo 360. The thing with blogspot is you don't need "friends" connected to you. It's not a network thing. It's the personal space thing, but every one can still read your thoughts. Whereas, yahoo 360 is more like a networking site, and the point to update your blog is sometimes just to show off to some body else your stuff, rather than trying to address issues and thinking about it critically.
So with this blog, which is very much more of my personal space, I am going to try to write as much as I can about my own opion, so if you like it, read on. If you dont, excuse you! :P
As of this moment, I have 2 blogs, one on Yahoo 360, and one is this one on blogspot.
Yahoo sucks really bad lately. There have been a lot of problems for people to comment on my blogs or private-messaging me. I tried to email them and asked them to fix it. Guess what? They told me to live with it (well, they didnt literally say that, but thats basically it), and the reason was because they are too busy working on another blog project. Ok! Screw that, you don't even know how to fix this Yahoo 360 thingy, then how do you expect to work on another project. I hope it will never work for u guys! :P a**h***.
Anyhow, the second reason for me to start a new blog is the fact that lately I've been inspired by a lot of people writing their blogs about issues around themselves. It struck me suddenly but quite expectly, since I think I have not been thinking seriously about pretty much anything around me. I probably did at some points, but I never talked or gave my opinions on it. All I have been writing in Yahoo 360 was mostly about my own life, how much fun I had on weekend, I meant its good to a certain extent, but I feel like there are a lot more I can write about. Being in Yahoo 360 and friends with (maybe a lot of) strangers who I never really talked to in real life ocassionally makes me hesitate to write something down on Yahoo 360. The thing with blogspot is you don't need "friends" connected to you. It's not a network thing. It's the personal space thing, but every one can still read your thoughts. Whereas, yahoo 360 is more like a networking site, and the point to update your blog is sometimes just to show off to some body else your stuff, rather than trying to address issues and thinking about it critically.
So with this blog, which is very much more of my personal space, I am going to try to write as much as I can about my own opion, so if you like it, read on. If you dont, excuse you! :P
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