I hate the way you talk to me

and the way you cut your hair.

I hate the way you drive my car,

I hate it when you stare

I hate your big dumb combat boots

and the way you read my mind.

I hate you so much it makes me sick,

it even makes me rhyme.

I hate the way you're always right,

I hate the way you lie.

I hate it when you make me laugh,

even worse when you make me cry.

I hate it when you're not around,

and the fact that you didn't call.

But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you,

not even close,

not even a little bit,

not even at all.

Baby, I just wanna dance ~~~

What my school does on a last Thursday of the semster
dance party in the quad at 1pm

I was too busy the past 2 weeks trying to finish papers and study for exams and before I realized it, the last week of school was already over, and nothing about it felt really special. Just another week, and another spontaneous adventure. Although I got to thanks Spencer and Nadia for feeding me all week with delicious food since I was *cough* a little bit busy to eat *cough*

Strawberry cheesecake with oreo crust <3

After surviving on 2 hours of sleep for 3 days, the moment I finished my exam on Wednesday, I decided to … bake, of course. It took Spencer and I approximately 2 hours and a bottle of wine to successfully create a delicious strawberry cheesecake with oreo crust. I know, I always make cheesecakes, but the entire 4 months I've been here, I've always done some weird modification of cheesecake and never baked a real one. So this is my first traditional, conventional, regular, nothing-special cheesecake. Note-to-self: learn how to cut strawberries in equally thin slices - it makes the decoration that much easier. I also realize that I never put whipped cream on any of my cheesecake product, got to try that sometimes. It was a lovely night spent sitting on the kitchen floor waiting for the delicious dessert in the oven, hanging out with Nadia, Spencer, Wes and Susan. Although we did migrate to Nadia's flat at one point so Spencer can, and quote, "feed me real food" aka pasta. Spencer and I ended the night with "Knight and Day". 

Thursday, we decided to go gift shopping. It's that time of the year already. I love going gift shopping, trying to figure out what would make a perfect gift for this person, and running into something that reminds me of someone and just have to bring it home. It is the best feeling. Although there are certainly frustrating moments when I can NOT think of anything to get for a certain one, or I have an idea what I want to get but can NOT find it anywhere. Regardless, Spencer and I roamed Green Market Square and Long Street for 4 hours. Turned out that all those years of training in bargaining in Vietnam came into good use. These people were half as vicious as people at home, and that made my life so much easier, and less scarier trying to bring the price down to 1/3 of what they told us. Got half of my gift list done and an adorable croquet crop top. Mission accomplished.

Also, I ran into this girl that made my day, actually no, she made my week/month. I have been looking for these particular earrings ever since I first came to SA, and no matter how hard I tried to look for them, I could not find them ANYWHERE. So when I saw her wearing those, of course, I ran over and asked. Turned out, she hand-made it. Duh, why haven't I thought of it before? Used to do that all the time. But, she offered to make me a pair and all I have to do is stop by her shop next week and pick them up. I love nice, friendly, artistic strangers. They are the best. That or I have the best disappointing look because so far this is the second person offer to make me something because I couldn't find something I was looking for.

Friday is IES final dinner. Not gonna lie, I have been waiting for this event for two weeks. Reason: I just want to dress up. Definitely something I miss about being a Sigma: mixer/event every other week or so. I remember I used to be too tired to put on nice clothes and heels and show up at parties in jeans and flip flops. Now I was just dying to wear my dress (that I haven't taken the tag off yet) and my blue leopard heels (which were in the same condition). Plus, if people know me, I always go hardcore party after hell weeks are over. The more tough time I had to go through, the more all nighters I pulled, the more tired I am, the more I want to hyper I am go to party and have fun. Yeah, I'm weird, I know.

Beautiful photos credited to Monica <3 

Anyways, back to the final dinner. Spencer, Nadia and I finished getting ready fairly early, so we headed to Alma house to wait for the transportation, and used that chance to finish champagne, shots and take pictures, of course. It felt like prom all over again, having people outside of the houses, the girls in their dresses and the guys in suits, posing for pictures. I also picked the perfect day to forget to bring my camera. Epic fail, but that's okay. I love seeing guys in suits, looking sharp and finneee. I have always had a thing for dress shirts and ties, if I have my way I would wear them myself. But again, I'm not willing to give up my heels and bags, and many other female privileges. 

After many many many "Oh my god you look so nice", "I love your shoes/dress/make-up/hair", etc. have been exchanged, we all got in two minibuses (classy, right? Gotta do it the African way) and headed out to the hotel, where our presentation and dinner took place. The committee started out giving "paper plate awards" for all of us, which were incredibly funny and amazingly suitable to our personalities. Guess what mine was? "Most likely to see the world in purple-tinted glass", go figure! Only after I sat through great speeches by my fellow IES-ers, and a heart-touching pictures slideshow that it suddenly dawned on me how bittersweet this moment was. Looking back on everything that we did, verbally and visually, walking down the memory lane, I could not believe that my time here was almost over. I guess we all felt the same way, so we tried to make the best of what we had. Dinner was full of delicious food and tons of dessert (imagine how many "Thanh, this is your section" comment I got), lots of laughters and, for god's sake, an uncountable number of pictures. I can't wait to see these photos on facebook. They will be the best memories I have looking back later. I had all these nostalgic feeling, like I was living Governor's School all over again. Hopefully I will tone down or turn off the public emotion this time. After all, it's been 5 years, I should be used to this by now (or I told myself so).

We went back and hung out in Nadia's room for a little bit, before I realized I was too tired to do anything else. This is my worst habit. I would be all hyper and excited to go out or do things, but if you let me sit and do nothing for 20 mins or so, I would be out of my mood already. Yeah, I'm the if-you're-gonna-do-it-let's-get-out-of-the-door-and-do-it-now type of girl. That, or I just have ridiculous mood swing. Either way, I went to bed early on Friday night, exciting for a day full of shopping awaiting for me when I woke up.

Cocktail before breakfast, I'm telling ya.
 Gotta try it at some point.

Saturday morning, Spencer, Susan, Monica and I headed out to the good Old Biscuit Mill for some delicious breakfast. For some reason, I was already in my crazy party mood at 9 in the morning, so I ordered cocktail with my breakfast pancakes. Best-blueberries-and-ricotta-pancakes-ever! Apparently I was also in a sugar mood, so I had a tons more of the cute mini pancakes and some samosas. We also ran into Wilson and his parents. Yeah, I hate my asian glow. They probably thought I was this weird Asian chick who was wasted at 10am before I even finished eating breakfast. Oops. I wish I could do something about this stupid thing, because most of the time, I wasn't even anywhere close to being drunk and people already insist on taking me home ….. Tough life, I'm telling ya. 

Best meringue EVER!

Spencer and I headed out to the Waterfront afterwards, and exhausted all the stores and resources there within the next 5 hours. I found gifts for everyone I planned on getting gifts for, except for my younger sister and my mom, the two pickiest people I know on earth. Although I was mesmerized by these pieces of jewelry that were made out of chunks, I meant giant chunks, of gemstones that were so beautiful. I stood there for a long enough time Spencer had to peel me off the glass and dragged me somewhere else. Oh, and for those who knows me, know how hyper and excited when I go shopping? Now imagine that + alcohol and lots of sugar. Yeah. Plus, Spencer and I stopped at a patisserie for afternoon tea, and more desserts, including macaroons, meringue and fruit tarts. We were in such a good mood that we kept going to Cavendish mall after Waterfront, and even then decided that we weren't going to stay in and just had to go out for dinner. Thus,, 730pm, Spencer, Susan, Luke and I got a cab and headed to Obs for delicious Asian food. Hmmmm, first Korean food for me after 6 months. It was the best day I've had so far. Wait, that's a lie. I have had many good days they can't be compared. 

Korean food ~~~~~

It just has been such a good weekend (my weekend started on Wednesday) I am still in denial and really do not want to study for exams at all. We have a symposium to present our research paper on Tuesday, something I need to work on, and I'm going to have to study my ass of for the 3 finals that I am having on the 2nd and 9th of November. Then it'll be time to go home. It makes my heart ache a little bit thinking about that. But for now, I still have a month to make the best out of it.

If I'm going to do this, I'm going to do this right. I think it's high time bringing that crazy side of me out. Time to party it up, ladies and gentlemen.  

Today I'm gonna write a sad song

"I wonder what my mom and dad would say

If I told them that I cry each day

It's hard enough to live so far away

I wish I wasn't always cold

I wish I wasn't always alone

When the party is over how will I get home?

And all you need to know is I'm so sorry"

Who moved my cheese?

39 pages. 4 characters. 1 simple story line. Countless motivational messages. Such a cute book and animation <3

• Change Happens. They Keep Moving The Cheese.

• Anticipate Change. Get Ready For The Cheese To Move.

• Monitor Change. Smell The Cheese Often So You Know When It Is Getting Old.

• Adapt To Change Quickly. The Quicker You Let Go Of Old Cheese, The Sooner You Can Enjoy New Cheese.

• Change. Move With The Cheese.

• Enjoy Change! Savor The Adventure And Enjoy The Taste of New Cheese!

• Be Ready to Change Quickly And Enjoy It Again and Again. They Keep Moving the Cheese.

 [az]

Tis the season for the sundresses,
the novel, the music and the good wine.

3,563ft above

The weather has been exceptionally nice almost every day this week. It seems like a wave of demotivation from school is hitting all of us IES students. All we can think and talk about is exploring, exploring and more exploring. Personally, my school work has eased out a little bit compared to the past few weeks. I have two weeks free of no major assignment or homework due. Thus, while spreading things out and getting work done little by little, I managed to squeeze in time for adventures.

Love this little guy, so cute
just need a little more tan

After class on Tuesday, Monica and I caught the bus to downtown and made a trip to the piercing place on Long Street. We walked out with me incredibly happy about my belly button pierce and Monica was satisfied with the new ring for her trigus. We checked out various boutiques on Long Street, including a bead store and several antiques. There was this antique shops with various jewelry that I thought would make perfect gift for my mom, thus the mental note to come back here before I leave. Since both of us were in good mood, we stopped at Mexican Kitchen for dinner. Margaritas and nachos at 4pm was the perfect ending for our relaxing afternoon. I caught the bus back just in time for my trip to the SHAWCO mobile clinic. Susan and I actually were given the job to screen all the patients by ourselves this time. Although it was nothing close to diagnosis or giving treatment, it was one of a life time hand-on experience. We spent a good 6 hours at the clinic and did not get home until midnight. I was in good mood regardless. 

When Wes told me, three day prior, that it would hit 90 degree on Thursday, I had already made up my mind then that school was not going to happen. The original plan was to hit the beach with him, but I ended up deserted that plan for a hike up to Table Mountain with Susan and Monica. Even earlier than we would wake up for class, we all met at my place to prepare peanut butter and jelly sandwich for the trip before setting out. We started at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, and took a route called "Skeleton Gorge". According to the sign, it was supposed to be a "moderate" hike that took about 4 hours. The trail turned out to be quite steep, with lots of stairs and highly elevated steps that clearly weren't taking into consideration short people with not-so-long legs like me. Since the path went through a forest area, we were in the shade the entire time, which was not bad at all. Considering how hot it was outside, we definitely needed the cooler temperature while working out our legs. After many hills, uncountable number of steps, several ladders, numerous rock-climbing episodes, and multiple moments of false excitement, we finally came out of the forest to a beautiful view of downtown Cape Town. Only then that we had a fairly idea of where we were on the mountain. 

And it kept going up and up and up

The fact that we could see the top now did not mean that we were anywhere close to reach it. We now followed a stone path lined with various types of flowers. The path was generally less steep than before, but it still kept going up, up and up. By this time, we stopped convincing ourselves that we were "almost there" and told each other that "we have a long way to go" instead. After an hour and a half along the winding path, with occasional stops for snacks and picture-taking, we noticed the sign of "Skeleton Gorge" and found ourselves at our originally planned destination. However, considering that we were already up this high, we decided to keep going to the top of the mountain, thinking it "couldn't get anymore top than this". False. The path got even rockier and there were points that we had to climb between rocks to get over rocks =.= Despite the hot sun on our backs, the nice breeze and gorgeous view surrounding us were a good motivation for us to keep going. After an hour or so following various arrows drawn on the rock and managed to keep ourselves on the route called "Maclear's Beacon", we could finally say that we made it. When I saw the map and the compass to confirm that this was, indeed, the right "top of the mountain", I was jumping up and down for joy, as much as my legs were protesting against such hyperactivity at that moment. Surrounding us was a magnificent and breath-taking view of the entire Cape Town, from the side of Camps Bay all the way to Waterfront and Robben Island. The sky was so blue, it seemed like it merged into one with the glittering ocean. The view was infinite, as if there was no definition of the end of space. I kept having this desire of jumping into the sky and let myself fall into the ocean. If only I would be able to survive such a fall, I would totally have done it. Now looking back at the pictures I took, I fell like the camera failed to do justice. What I got to see with my own eyes was beyond the capability of the camera to capture. I could not be happier to trade all that pains in my muscles for such an opportunity. It was worth every single bit of the pain.

View of Cape Town from above

After a short lunch break and lots of pictures, we followed the path around the top of the mountain to get to the cable car area. No wonder why this place is called Table Mountain, even though we were 3573 ft above, the surface is so flat I kept thinking I was in the middle of a prairie, not at the summit of a mountain. It actually took us around 45 minutes along the wooden path to get to the other side of the Table. Oh quick fact, during cloudy days, this part of the Table is usually shrouded by layers of cloud, so-called the "table cloth". I wish I could hike on a cloudy day just to have the feeling of touching the clouds. That'd be like a scene in "Up"!

These two seemed to be doing much better
than me at going down

Instead of taking the cable car down, we decided that we should hike down instead. Bad decision. The hike down was incredibly steep and the rocks were quite slipper. Considering that the day before, I managed to give myself a swollen ankle and several cuts while walking 30 steps on a flat surface to the Alma house from Dunveygan, I was waiting for the moment that I would slip and stumble my way down the mountain. Luckily, I survived and made through the 3 hour hike down without killing myself. I actually thought that the way down was so much harder than the way up, or maybe it was only because I have no inhibition system whatsoever. We finally made it down to the bottom precisely at 6pm, ending our 9 hour long hike with much fatigue but an incredible feeling of accomplishment. We were the first to conquer the 3573ft mountain - up, about and down, back to front. I did not realize that the adrenaline and other excitatory hormones were doing their job the entire day, since the moment I got back to my room and into the shower, my entire body broke down and went on strike. Two days have passed and my legs are still sore and my swollen ankle is still very upset with me. 

I am actually incredibly surprised of how in shape I am, considering all the food and dessert I have been consumed. Generally, I thought it was a long but fairly easy hike and was definitely a great work out.  I have the urge to check out Devil's Peak, known as the most intense and the hardest route of all. Although, I am not sure how lucky I will be to avoid tripping, falling, and stumbling …

Every time I look at the grand Table Mountain, I have this satisfying feeling of knowing that I have been there - on top of the world. It was a priceless moment. I am considered myself to be extremely lucky to get to be living under this blue sky and enjoying a one-of-a-lifetime experience.

Mission accomplished ~~~

It is October already. I still can't believe in my eyes every time I look at the calendar. Time is running out. I got into quite an emo mood this weekend. I am addicted to the feeling of being abroad, of meeting new people,  of learning about other cultures and of experiencing exciting things. However, any party has to come to an end. I have gone through enough to anticipate the moment  I have to part from the friends I have made and the places I have fallen in love with.  Especially when I am fully aware that the chances of me meeting them again is close to nothing.  I can't help but wonder - Why must I always do this to myself?

"Seems like it has only just begun, when we realize that our time has done … Who would ever thought that it would come to this I'll miss you when you're gone so I'll leave you with a kiss. The memories we make will last. And it'll hurt to leave so just do it fast. A part of me will always be with you, but leaving is just something we'll have to do." - lyrics from our song

[I would never forget that day when I cried, in public, for hours, in soothing arms and  on reliable shoulders of those guys. Even though we still look back on those good memories, we move on with our lives. I thought I would be used to that feeling by now … ]

[az]

Things I forget to tell you.

1. My career comes first. I will do everything to get into med school. Even if it means giving you up.
2. But then again, I don't want to lose you, at this moment.
3. I want you to be happy. Comfortable with me. Honest with me. Tell me everything that bugs you, even if it is about me.
4. I much rather have a Jim Sturgess, Michael Gurfi, or Georgy Clooney. But you’re not too bad yourself :)

5. I'm scared to death with commitment. I will never cheat on you and stuff like that. But deep down inside, I'm still a crazy singleton.

6. The only time I ever lied to you these past 3 months was when I said first thing I would do when I get to NYC is to hang out with my friends. Actually, if I arrive in the US, the first person I want to see is you and the first thing I want to do is to spend some quality time with you.

7. Please, tell me when I start talking or rambling too much. That’s only because I want to tell you everything that goes on with me.

8. You are the first guy I'm this involved with.

9. I rejected dozens of invites to watch that movie, because I only like to watch it with you.

10. I hate hate hate awkwardness.

11. I'm supposed to be doing my homework right now. Not writing this note for you.

12. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, even if I say “I will kick you” all the time.

13. I want you to do what you want to do, not for me. For yourself. Just like I'd do the same.

14. This relationship isn't going to be as smoothly as you think. I'm the worst girlfriend anyone can have, but I'll learn.

15. I may want to date other guys, eventually. But let’s not talk about this for now.

16. If you ever think something is wrong with me, and don't feel comfortable asking me, just get me drunk, actually, tipsy. Don’t get me drunk, it will get physical, lol.

17. I can't do long-distance relationships. It’s killing me. But there is always a thing called trying.

18. When I'm angry, it is school, stress or alcohol talking. Don’t make me upset you, or don’t upset me. Just don’t give up ;)

19. I’m tired of phone calls, text messages, gchat, facebook, stuff like that. I just don't like seeing your face and hearing your voice on the other side of the screen / phone. I’d rather be next to you.

20. I don't do anniversaries. I will remember the date, but I won’t do anything about it.

21. I have a surprise for you. You’ll have to wait until your birthday to find out

22. My favorite thing about you is your goofy smile when you dance.

23. I don’t like PDA because it's sexier when no one is watching us.

24. I don't mind friends knowing about us.
25. Remember our priorities. Everyone and everything else first. Then us.
26. I will write things like this and post them on my blog, whether you like it or not. It’s my blog, I will do whatever the hell I want with it.
27. If I'm angry at you, don't worry. I WILL tell you. The good thing is that I can never be angry with you that often.
28. We can compromise. I'm not expecting much from this relationship, but you have to be honest with me.
29. I don't know how long this relationship will last.
 
30. I'm scared to hell right now because ...

Be like the flower, turn your face to the sun

I love being where the sun is at. When the weather is nice out, it just makes people feel so much happier, and brighter. Another week full of adventures has gone by. Although I do have slightly more work to finish this week, I've learned how to be productive, using the ultimate motivation: study now so I can go play without worries later.

The weather remained nice pretty much all week. Tuesday, after class, Monica and I decided to make a spontaneous hike up the mountain and to the top of our campus. Well, it wasn't exactly a hike, more like a 15 minute walk uphill. Sitting on top of the same mountain that UCT lies on is a national landmark called Rhodes Memorial. We call it the "Pathenon", because it looks like one. The building actually lies within the Table Mountain National Park (say what, technically our school is in a National Park, no wonder why there are so many weird birds around). The views from up here was phenomenal: not only you can see the entire Cape Town, but also to the beaches of the island, and even the faraway mountain ranges. Monica and I fooled around and took tons of tourist-y pictures just because we had nothing to do and the scenery was pretty. There was a little restaurant/café that sits right on the edge of the mountain and offers the same gorgeous view. We had a quick lunch there, talked about random things and went back home. On the way home, we took a detour and explored some roads that we had no idea existed before. It was our successful mini-adventure, bonding with nature, with the risk of being shot down for trespassing private property. We ended the great day with a night baking chocolate chip cookies, drinking wine and, you know, did the girls' talk. 

Rocking my South Africa flag bandana

Wednesday was even a better day. I was on my way walking to class when I realized that I was in no mood for class on such a beautiful day. After sitting through a 45 minute lecture, I was determined to go to the beach, and dragged Monica with me. Coincidentally, the power went out on the entire campus right then, so she had even more excuse to leave school and did more adventures with me. We got on the train and went to Muizenberg, where one of the warm beaches is and where all the colorful houses are. It was an extremely relaxing afternoon of lying in the sun and getting some much-needed sun-kissed skin, reading books and listening to music. There were tourists, students, locals, surfers, and everyone who was an opportunistic like us. I did remember to pack peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, so we had a little picnic on the grass by the water, just soaking up the sun and worrying about nothing else. I did make it back in time for my SHAWCO trip to the mobile clinic though. It was a very interesting night with lots of different cases that I haven't seen before. I started to ease into the process too, so I could asking patients questions and doing basic examinations by now. It was definitely a long day. I was dead tired by the time I got home around midnight. However, it was an extremely good tiring feeling.

I spent Thursday focusing on school and got lots of work done - yay for productivity. Friday was actually the day I looked forward to the most the entire week. There was a Vintage Fashion Night Market and Food Festival that I was told about by some of the local sellers at the market last week, and I was determined to make it there even if I had to kill people on my way. It turned out to be a once-of-a-life-time experience. Besides tons of cool vintage clothing and accessories, there was also a mini-gourmet market with amazing red velvet cupcakes, sandwiches, croissants, and samosas. Alcohol was also being served during the event and I got to try the best mojitos EVER. They were also made in seven different colors. Everyone was drinking and having fun, even the people who were selling. I was browsing the clothes when I started an interesting conversation with the owner and his girlfriend, and they ended up buying me a shot, Precious moment. I also ran into the girls that I met last week, and I was very into one of their dresses. She actually remembered me and since the dress that I liked was sold out, she felt bad (maybe I looked extremely sad or something?) and offered to make the dress for me as well as a 50% off on another one. Score ~~~ It seemed like the entire "vintage population" in town was there that night. Everyone was so well-dressed I felt super out of place, although I was slightly overdressed for school that day. Even the guys showed up in beautiful clothes with amazing style. I've always felt like whomever can pull of vintage all the time is pretty amazing, because they are hard to play around and be creative with. I got a couple of dresses for my sisters and other goodies, and was chilling around when I ran into one of my friends from class. He introduced me to a bunch of his friends, and we started talking to a bunch of strangers about fashion and style. We ended up hitting the bar together after the market is over, resulting me did not get home until 3am, the lastest I have stayed out every since I've been here. I can't stress enough how much I love the fact that strangers can become your friends after a few conversations here. It is true that I do have to watch out for my risk-related behavior, but so far I have not had any bad experience yet, and I hope it would stay that way.

Saturday, early sunshine in the morning, our IES Health class group headed out of the first legit day of our class project. Technically, we were given an informal settlement community and were assigned to "do something to make a difference". It was tough at first, since we were overwhelmed with the minimal amount of resource, both in finance and in labor. However, the more we got to know the community, the more confident we felt about what we could do to make a change. Thus, we spent the entire day repainted their community center and did a little renovation. I am planning on doing an entire blog entry on our project once we finish with it, so I will save all the details for later. On a general note though, I did lots of painting and that was the most fun and meaningful paintwork I've ever done in my life. I can't wait to be back and decorate the walls with murals and such to make it even prettier.

Saturday ended up being the day that I got to do two of my most favorite things: painting and baking. Spencer and I went grocery shopping and made cheesecake stuffed strawberries, covered with dark chocolate. My CSA little showed me a picture and I really wanted to try making them so I impromptu-ed on the recipe based on what they looked like in the picture. They turned out to be delicious and were such a hit I am going to need to add those on my favorite dessert to make from now on. Susan and I pulled another all-nighter tonight so that she could watch her game while I worked on my paper.

Sunday morning I had plans with my friends to have brunch, then was determined to stay home and get some work done. THEN, I realize such a beautiful day it was and I couldnt bear sitting inside typing away from my computer on a paper then should have taken me only 2 hours max to finish (and it did only take me 2 hours). So, as spontaneous as always, and luckily I always have friends to accompany me on my adventures, this time it's Monica and Spencer. We decided to head to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, which is said to be one of the best botanical in the world. I mean, there must be a reason why it's chosen as a UNESCO site, right? Also, it is spring time in South Africa, so there could not be a better time to visit a botanical garden than now. The flowers are at its full bloom and are gorgeous. We walked around for the afternoon, being silly as always, taking lots of pictures. Monica was in love with her newly-bought Holga film camera it was adorable. I do miss the old times with the good old film cameras and the joy of develop pictures. We got back around 4pm when Spencer and I decided that we were craving for pizzas really badly. So we ordered a large pizza, finished all of it between the two of us. Amazing how much I can eat sometimes =.=  The rest of the night, between studying time, we squeezed in time to help Toni make a birthday cake for Sarah. Toni is my new favorite baking partner now, she is sooo freaking creative and is always up for the fun of baking. I hope we'll able to do something fun together when we get back to UR.More studying time with Spencer before I distracted her with J-rock, Jpop and Jdrama, mwahahahah. It's been a while since the last time I listened to L'Arc~en~Ciel and watched my love Yamapi <3 It was a great way to end the week.

Of course there were certain things that bothered me during the week too, and I did have a few angry and stressed out moments. But you know, it's spring, "be like the flower, turn your face to the sun". I just learn to look at things in a positive way. After all, it can't be that bad, especially when there's sunshine, blue sky, cool waves and great people to share those things with.

[az]