Done!!!
I'm DONE with my undergraduate career!!! And I'm a whole week ahead of schedule! What a weird feeling though...
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Empty Holes
As I looked at my wall today, after I took all the nails out, I took a better look at the holes that the nails left. Then it kind of hit me.
Whenever a person who played a role in your life leaves (and who you cared for, if even for the slightest), they leave a hole in your heart, just like nails do in the wall after you take them out. Just like the wall, from that point on, your heart will never be the same again, no matter how much time has passed. Even if you fill the hole in with plaster, you'll still notice the mark where the hole used to be. And at the end of everyone's life, each heart is filled with little holes, left by anyone who ever was a bit of importance for them.
I guess in the end, all the holes in your heart is what gives your life character and what makes your life yours. It's just a shame because I miss all those who have left and all those who will inevitably leave.
Nothing is permanent.
Whenever a person who played a role in your life leaves (and who you cared for, if even for the slightest), they leave a hole in your heart, just like nails do in the wall after you take them out. Just like the wall, from that point on, your heart will never be the same again, no matter how much time has passed. Even if you fill the hole in with plaster, you'll still notice the mark where the hole used to be. And at the end of everyone's life, each heart is filled with little holes, left by anyone who ever was a bit of importance for them.
I guess in the end, all the holes in your heart is what gives your life character and what makes your life yours. It's just a shame because I miss all those who have left and all those who will inevitably leave.
Nothing is permanent.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Conclusion
In my four years in Bloomington, I think this realization is probably the most important thing that I have learned in college:
That there is no truth in the world that us mere mortals can comprehend, save one - that everday you are alive brings you closer to the day that you will depart from this world.
Sometimes, I wonder if our lives are not just all pawns in some higher being's game.
That there is no truth in the world that us mere mortals can comprehend, save one - that everday you are alive brings you closer to the day that you will depart from this world.
Sometimes, I wonder if our lives are not just all pawns in some higher being's game.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
News
By a funny turn of events, it turns out that I will be officially done
with my college career after Thursday of this week. Looks like my
time as an undergrad is ticking away!
And by the way, my professor was very impressed that I got to meet
Samir Khader. :) :) :)
Monday, April 25, 2005
AIESEC Austin Reception Weekend
Since Jesse chastised me for always writing about my birthday, I am dedicating this entry to another topic: AIESEC Austin's Reception Weekend.
Being how this was the last AIESEC reception weekend I have participated in as a full fledged member, I definately want to congradulate Austin for pulling off such a great weekend. From Dollar Margaritas to the morning we left, everything was a blast. Austin itself also exceeded my expectations and was a very nifty little town. Instead of writing long paragraphs about all that went down this weekend, below is a list of the highlights:
- Meeting Samir Khader. My journalism professors would be proud.
- Meeting all the legendary Nomadlifers (including the nomadlife god, himself)!
- 6th Street fun - minus The Ritz.
- Jesse's Mexican food.
- Kiddie Pool War.
- The Duck.
- Power Hour & the Onion.
- Eric & Jesse as hosts for International Showcase (Animal facts!)
- Mexican Martinis at Trudy's. Apparently, I can feel them after two. I'm still not too sure how I got to Jesse's Apartment afterwards.
- That damned picture with Drake posted on the homepage of Nomadlife for all to see...and not finding out about it until the next morning! All these years of maintaining my good reputation, all in vain!
- The attempted tour of Austin at 5am. Angie's need to use the WC postponed the tour till the next day. An Irish Experience is a damn good tour guide.
- Barton's Creek - "dog orgy!"
- "Waterbody"
- The Pomeranian story.
- The BBQ with 40 pounds of meat. The mashed potatoes & salad were also very good.
- Drake finally remembering my name - and me selling it all out for a jack and coke.
- Being the first victim of Trent & Jesse's cement mixer. Will never fall for it again.
It's true, the virus I got slowed me down considerably this weekend (I think I got it from a group mate), so it's very much a shame I did not feel well enough to throw myself into all the shenaneganz of the weekend. However, it was still great seeing some old faces, meeting new ones, and putting some faces behind the names. And again, I gave it up to Austin for hosting a great weekend - what a weekend to mark the end of my AIESEC career.
For a pictoral glimpse of all that took place this weekend, follow the link:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=elfugkt.6zh8p6lh&x=1&y=-eh081z
Thanks again, Austin!
R.I.P. Fuzzy & Precious
Being how this was the last AIESEC reception weekend I have participated in as a full fledged member, I definately want to congradulate Austin for pulling off such a great weekend. From Dollar Margaritas to the morning we left, everything was a blast. Austin itself also exceeded my expectations and was a very nifty little town. Instead of writing long paragraphs about all that went down this weekend, below is a list of the highlights:
- Meeting Samir Khader. My journalism professors would be proud.
- Meeting all the legendary Nomadlifers (including the nomadlife god, himself)!
- 6th Street fun - minus The Ritz.
- Jesse's Mexican food.
- Kiddie Pool War.
- The Duck.
- Power Hour & the Onion.
- Eric & Jesse as hosts for International Showcase (Animal facts!)
- Mexican Martinis at Trudy's. Apparently, I can feel them after two. I'm still not too sure how I got to Jesse's Apartment afterwards.
- That damned picture with Drake posted on the homepage of Nomadlife for all to see...and not finding out about it until the next morning! All these years of maintaining my good reputation, all in vain!
- The attempted tour of Austin at 5am. Angie's need to use the WC postponed the tour till the next day. An Irish Experience is a damn good tour guide.
- Barton's Creek - "dog orgy!"
- "Waterbody"
- The Pomeranian story.
- The BBQ with 40 pounds of meat. The mashed potatoes & salad were also very good.
- Drake finally remembering my name - and me selling it all out for a jack and coke.
- Being the first victim of Trent & Jesse's cement mixer. Will never fall for it again.
It's true, the virus I got slowed me down considerably this weekend (I think I got it from a group mate), so it's very much a shame I did not feel well enough to throw myself into all the shenaneganz of the weekend. However, it was still great seeing some old faces, meeting new ones, and putting some faces behind the names. And again, I gave it up to Austin for hosting a great weekend - what a weekend to mark the end of my AIESEC career.
For a pictoral glimpse of all that took place this weekend, follow the link:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=elfugkt.6zh8p6lh&x=1&y=-eh081z
Thanks again, Austin!
R.I.P. Fuzzy & Precious
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Another End
After more than two years of AIESEC Indiana GMMs (every Tuesday night, Business School), I attended my last GMM tonight as an official member.
Nothing in life is permanent and everything must end. Thus marks my almost official end to my AIESEC Indiana career.
With my last GMM, I am also reminded that I only 2 weeks left of my undergraduate college career. Right now, I don't know what or how to think. Everything seems so unreal. My life is changing in front of my eyes and I can only try to keep up.
Tuesday nights will never be the same again.
Nothing in life is permanent and everything must end. Thus marks my almost official end to my AIESEC Indiana career.
With my last GMM, I am also reminded that I only 2 weeks left of my undergraduate college career. Right now, I don't know what or how to think. Everything seems so unreal. My life is changing in front of my eyes and I can only try to keep up.
Tuesday nights will never be the same again.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Pictures Pictures Pictures
Here are a few of the pictures (that can face the light of day) from these past few weeks. Pictures include AIESEC Indiana's International Dinner, my birthday, Little 5, and a whole bunch of misc. ones.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=elfugkt.1rpv3wul&x=1&y=-ckru1p
By the way, I'm looking into getting a new digital camera. But I'm pretty clueless when it comes to which camera is a good investment. Anyone has any recommendations or advice? I am looking for a digital camera with both manual and automatic functions and fairly affordable. Advice, anyone?
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=elfugkt.1rpv3wul&x=1&y=-ckru1p
By the way, I'm looking into getting a new digital camera. But I'm pretty clueless when it comes to which camera is a good investment. Anyone has any recommendations or advice? I am looking for a digital camera with both manual and automatic functions and fairly affordable. Advice, anyone?
Little 500 Update
I'm about to shoot myself because I've been doing work in the library for way too long. To keep my sanity, I'm taking a break and will update on all that went down this past Little 5 weekend.
For one, I still don't know who won the race (both men and women). But that's not really the point of Little Five, is it? Plus I feel better because Rich, who was at the race, cannot even tell you who won. Tuesday and Wednesday night was already blogged about (birthday celebration - see previous posts), so onto the highlights of the rest of the week.
One must understand how crowded Bloomington bars get during Little 5 week/end. Everyone and their mother, as well as their cousin 5 times removed are at the bars or some other form of establishment where alcohol is served. Though it's not rare for Bloomington bars to get crowded (we have a booming night life. Ha!), the capacity bars receive during Little 5 week is on another level. Thursday night, I went with Steph, LA, and Stew to Kilroys. The idea was mine and I take all the blame. I have not been somewhere so crowded in Bloomington since the riots Freshman year. And of course, after pushing and squeezing our way semi close to the bar, we happened to stand behind a few guys who seemed like they were about to break out into a fist fight. We gave up our place soon after (and not a minute faster).
Friday's theme was: catching up with old faces. Steph caught up with her old friend from Freshman year while I caught up with Louis!
Saturday, went to a BBQ where they had amazing ribs. Jesse, if you are reading this, the key to to-die-for ribs is first boiling it for about an hour. They were the best ribs I've had in a while. With Steph's Korean friends, I also got to finish up the Korean film we started the day before. At the end, we figured out the general tone of the movie:
"You're ugly. Marry me."
"Don't touch me. Meet me tomorrow."
"Spicey noodles, spicey noodles, hahahahahaha"
After the movie, we went to Bluebird to watch a live cover band with one very sexy lead singer. Unfortunately, Steph picked up the phone too quickly when senior year called and by 12am, she was partied out and releasing her waterfall in the allyway next to the Birds. But whatev, whatev, it's all good.
And that's where it leads me to today. After a week's shenanigans coupled with procrastination, I have now been stuck at the library, on a Sunday, from 10am to 9pm. My life is crazy until Tuesday. Good thing I'm done after Tuesday and off to the South I go!
For one, I still don't know who won the race (both men and women). But that's not really the point of Little Five, is it? Plus I feel better because Rich, who was at the race, cannot even tell you who won. Tuesday and Wednesday night was already blogged about (birthday celebration - see previous posts), so onto the highlights of the rest of the week.
One must understand how crowded Bloomington bars get during Little 5 week/end. Everyone and their mother, as well as their cousin 5 times removed are at the bars or some other form of establishment where alcohol is served. Though it's not rare for Bloomington bars to get crowded (we have a booming night life. Ha!), the capacity bars receive during Little 5 week is on another level. Thursday night, I went with Steph, LA, and Stew to Kilroys. The idea was mine and I take all the blame. I have not been somewhere so crowded in Bloomington since the riots Freshman year. And of course, after pushing and squeezing our way semi close to the bar, we happened to stand behind a few guys who seemed like they were about to break out into a fist fight. We gave up our place soon after (and not a minute faster).
Friday's theme was: catching up with old faces. Steph caught up with her old friend from Freshman year while I caught up with Louis!
Saturday, went to a BBQ where they had amazing ribs. Jesse, if you are reading this, the key to to-die-for ribs is first boiling it for about an hour. They were the best ribs I've had in a while. With Steph's Korean friends, I also got to finish up the Korean film we started the day before. At the end, we figured out the general tone of the movie:
"You're ugly. Marry me."
"Don't touch me. Meet me tomorrow."
"Spicey noodles, spicey noodles, hahahahahaha"
After the movie, we went to Bluebird to watch a live cover band with one very sexy lead singer. Unfortunately, Steph picked up the phone too quickly when senior year called and by 12am, she was partied out and releasing her waterfall in the allyway next to the Birds. But whatev, whatev, it's all good.
And that's where it leads me to today. After a week's shenanigans coupled with procrastination, I have now been stuck at the library, on a Sunday, from 10am to 9pm. My life is crazy until Tuesday. Good thing I'm done after Tuesday and off to the South I go!
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Himalaya Memories
The more I research for my upcoming trip to Tibet, the more I reminisce about my time this past summer in the Indian Himalayas. One of my favorite stories (which I also have a picture to go along with!) is our 10 mile trek in Sangla.
Sangla is a beautiful part of the Indian Himalayas. The area is lush in vegetation, gets abundent rainfall and glacial rivers, and all set against snow covered peaks for a backdrop. We spent 4 nights camping there and exploring the valley (and might I add, I camped for the first time in my life the year before my time in India, so I still consider roughing it for 5 nights in a tent and no shower the whole time a feat for me. Albeit, an enjoyable time, but still a feat nontheless).
One day, we took a 10 mile hike from our camp site to the town of Chitkul, a town that's situated in the Indo-Tibet boarders and whose back yard is No-Man's-Land between India and China. While the trek itself was not hard - in terms of the uphill incline -the length of the trek and the strong rays from the sun still made the trek a bit strenuous. In fact, the rays were so strong that my friend, Kimiko, got burned through her shirt and was peeling for days afterwards.
We weren't in a race to see who can get to Chitkul the fastest, so we took our time with the trek and took many photo and breathing breaks. During one of these breaks, Crystal said, "You know, you guys are in pretty good shape."
"How so?" we asked.
"Well, last year when the group got tired [on the same hike], they would stop on the side of for cigarette breaks."
We gave ourselves a pat on the back after hearing the story. The rest of the trek, by the way, was amazing. The picture on this post was taken that day while trekking to Chitkul. Just to give you an idea of the size, we would've appeared to be about the size of ants on that trail, under the huge boulders.
I also fell in love with trekking while in the Himalayas, with the ultimate trek being the mountain above Nako. I'm thinking of blogging more stories and memories from these past few years, as a way to better remember my college years. I'll save the story of how we got to Nako and the subsequent journey to Tabo for another day.
Sangla is a beautiful part of the Indian Himalayas. The area is lush in vegetation, gets abundent rainfall and glacial rivers, and all set against snow covered peaks for a backdrop. We spent 4 nights camping there and exploring the valley (and might I add, I camped for the first time in my life the year before my time in India, so I still consider roughing it for 5 nights in a tent and no shower the whole time a feat for me. Albeit, an enjoyable time, but still a feat nontheless).
One day, we took a 10 mile hike from our camp site to the town of Chitkul, a town that's situated in the Indo-Tibet boarders and whose back yard is No-Man's-Land between India and China. While the trek itself was not hard - in terms of the uphill incline -the length of the trek and the strong rays from the sun still made the trek a bit strenuous. In fact, the rays were so strong that my friend, Kimiko, got burned through her shirt and was peeling for days afterwards.
We weren't in a race to see who can get to Chitkul the fastest, so we took our time with the trek and took many photo and breathing breaks. During one of these breaks, Crystal said, "You know, you guys are in pretty good shape."
"How so?" we asked.
"Well, last year when the group got tired [on the same hike], they would stop on the side of for cigarette breaks."
We gave ourselves a pat on the back after hearing the story. The rest of the trek, by the way, was amazing. The picture on this post was taken that day while trekking to Chitkul. Just to give you an idea of the size, we would've appeared to be about the size of ants on that trail, under the huge boulders.
I also fell in love with trekking while in the Himalayas, with the ultimate trek being the mountain above Nako. I'm thinking of blogging more stories and memories from these past few years, as a way to better remember my college years. I'll save the story of how we got to Nako and the subsequent journey to Tabo for another day.
Birthday Shenanigans
First of all, thank you to everyone who took the time to wish me a happy birthday. It was very much appreciated. :-)
And now, for a bit of birthday recap...
Starting Tuesday afternoon, I first decided to give myself a little vacation from the humdrum of mundane school work. But being the studious AIESECer that I am, I still made it to our weekly GMM. Afterwards, we headed to AIESEC Indiana's traditional hang-out joint, the Irish Lion. 1.5 yards of beer and a pint later, I was still going strong. (impressive, eh?) I even coerced the waiter to give me a free piece of birthday cake.
Wednesday, the big day, was spent for the most part hanging around the apartment. For dinner, we went to Mother Bears for some pizza & wings (how classy!). Thanks again to all that made it - hope you had fun!
For dessert, we went across the street to Bears for their infamous Hairy Bear. I first had one, felt pretty good and pretty unaffected it by the end of it, and proceeded to help Frank finish up his. I should've known the 1.5 Hairy Bear would've hit me later. And hit me, it did, at Steph & LA's place, after they gave me Butch. The rest of the night involved the taking of some pictures that will never see the light of day again. Ever.
So overall, a very nice way to mark the last birthday I will celebrate in Bloomington.
And now, for a bit of birthday recap...
Starting Tuesday afternoon, I first decided to give myself a little vacation from the humdrum of mundane school work. But being the studious AIESECer that I am, I still made it to our weekly GMM. Afterwards, we headed to AIESEC Indiana's traditional hang-out joint, the Irish Lion. 1.5 yards of beer and a pint later, I was still going strong. (impressive, eh?) I even coerced the waiter to give me a free piece of birthday cake.
Wednesday, the big day, was spent for the most part hanging around the apartment. For dinner, we went to Mother Bears for some pizza & wings (how classy!). Thanks again to all that made it - hope you had fun!
For dessert, we went across the street to Bears for their infamous Hairy Bear. I first had one, felt pretty good and pretty unaffected it by the end of it, and proceeded to help Frank finish up his. I should've known the 1.5 Hairy Bear would've hit me later. And hit me, it did, at Steph & LA's place, after they gave me Butch. The rest of the night involved the taking of some pictures that will never see the light of day again. Ever.
So overall, a very nice way to mark the last birthday I will celebrate in Bloomington.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
The Big 22
Ok, granted this picture is NOT the most flattering picture of my by any means...
But still, thanks a lot to Will for even remembering my birthday and making a shoutout on the web page!!
http://www.indiana.edu/~aiesec/contact.html
22 is a weird age. Well, this whole period is a weird period in my life right now. But more on that later... for now, just cest la' vie and enjoy the moment!
But still, thanks a lot to Will for even remembering my birthday and making a shoutout on the web page!!
http://www.indiana.edu/~aiesec/contact.html
22 is a weird age. Well, this whole period is a weird period in my life right now. But more on that later... for now, just cest la' vie and enjoy the moment!
Monday, April 04, 2005
Casino Night Pictures
For more uncensored pictures from AIESEC's Michigan's Casino Night 2005:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=elfugkt.6b62ljyl&x=1&y=nnb32w
Disclaimer: Some pictures might not be suitable for the PG eyes! :-)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=elfugkt.6b62ljyl&x=1&y=nnb32w
Disclaimer: Some pictures might not be suitable for the PG eyes! :-)
Casino Night 2005
The last time I was in Michigan for Casino Night was exactly two years. Well, a lot has happened since then and I haven't had a chance to revisit Casino Night until this past weekend. A good time too, considering I only have one more month to enjoy AIESEC activities and the company of AIESECers from close and far. Even though my experience at Casino Night this year was far different from my memories of it from 2003, I must say that Casino Night 2005 did not dissapoint. It was great seeing some old faces again and meeting new ones - including helping ol' Naub celebrate his 22nd birthday. I had a great time this weekend and will definately never forget how much Madison can drink. Trent, if you're reading this and interested, I have a good lead on who the bubble gum belonged to. Haha! I was also surprised at some of my own abilities this weekend - like how I was even able to get ready for the night on Saturday and how little I remember from 5pm - 8pm...*blush*. Damn the forties.
Anyways - Thanks, Michigan! Great job!
Now how many of y'all are coming to International Dinner???
Anyways - Thanks, Michigan! Great job!
Now how many of y'all are coming to International Dinner???
Man Love
What AIESEC Michigan does for fun - and what you're missing by not being at Casino Night 2005!
Spooning
I saw more heterosexual man love moments than I ever recall in a 48 hours period. The picture is of AIESEC's best recovering after the first night of revalries.
Birthday Boy
Helping celebrating the big 2-2 with Arnaub. Don't believe him when he said that Michigan beat Indiana time after time in flippy cups. I recall plenty a times when we whopped their asses. :-D
Friday, April 01, 2005
About Me
-
- Name: Sheila Z.
- Location: Beijing, China, CN
Young, impressionable, idealistic, passionate, fresh out of college. ...and living half way across the world.
Links
Previous Posts
- I Went to the Land Down Under
- A New Year, A New Continent
- The Believer
- Orphanage Photos
- Producing a China Star
- The Aging Dragon
- On Being Thankful
- Woe is me, woe is me!
- Brr, It's Cold!
- Understanding Africa
Archives
- October 2004
- November 2004
- December 2004
- January 2005
- February 2005
- March 2005
- April 2005
- May 2005
- June 2005
- July 2005
- August 2005
- September 2005
- October 2005
- November 2005
- December 2005
- January 2006
- February 2006
- March 2006
- April 2006
- May 2006
- June 2006
- July 2006
- August 2006
- September 2006
- October 2006
- November 2006
- December 2006
- January 2007
www.flickr.com
This is a Flickr badge showing public photos from sheilaz413. Make your own badge here.
