Why isn't there passionfruit soda in the US?

Passionfruit soda is awesome. Enough said.

I'm moving in with a beauty pageant girl for the spring semester... yup you read that right, beauty. pageant. Well she's gorgeous, and I hear she's incredibly nice which I don't doubt... but all I have to say is: there goes my self-esteem. Glad all I ate for the last 5 months in Uganda was starch, starch, and more starch, and we tried to fry just about anything we could get our hands on.

I have no idea how to exist without the other intern anymore. We've been joined at the hip ever since she got here and now this connection will be severed... What will I do?! Wahhhhh!

I am really, really, REALLY going to miss Uganda. I'm going to miss chapati and rolexes like a missing limb. I wish I could get on a plane, go home for 2 or 3 weeks, and then come back here. I love this place. I really do. I even love the unpleasant, not so fun stuff, because it's an adventure. I can always look back on something and laugh or find something fun to make out of it.

I am looking forward to a few things back in the States:

• Constant and dependable electricity and internet
• Nicely paved roads
• Driving my own car once in a while
• Being able to drink water out of the tap
• Flushable toilets
• Running water and showers with great water pressure
• Seletively bred, steroid-fed, antibiotic-injected chicken that have more meat on their bones (free range Ugandan chickens just doesn't taste the same)
• Chinese food
• Pizza
• Beer (more specifically Spotted Cow, Sam Adams, Miller Lite, Leinenkugel)
• Getting a tad tipsy and having fun with friends
• Snow
• Talking to my family on the phone without racking up a giant phone bill
• The male species...

I cannot believe by Friday night, I'll be back in Wisconsin!!! I'll either be unable to sleep due to jet lag or I'll collapse in exhaustion. If it's the former, those friends who read this and live in Milwaukee, call me and let's hang out! xoxo

MASH

What do you do when you are bored at work? We play MASH. I barely remember how to play this silly game and didn’t remember all the categories you have to give, but I can now tell you: I am going to move into a pink mansion in Boston and marry JS when I’m 33. JS will be a professional racecar driver, while I will be an author. We will have 4 dogs and 18 kids. Yes, 18. Then I will die at age 54, probably from the exhaustion of birthing and raising 18 kids. So… that was my Tuesday morning. Fascinating and stimulating, I know. AND the folded fortune thingy I made told me that I’m going to get malaria. Awesome. Good thing these fortunes are total BS because having 18 kids boggles my mind.


Well I feel like this blog has not been as entertaining as it had in the past but I have really nothing entertaining to report. It’s not like: oh so I met this guy last night… cuz there’s no guy to meet. But all I can say is I’m super excited for this weekend because we’re going to Kampala. And I have like two weeks left in Uganda. TWO. THAT’S IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sigh… I’m going to miss this place and my significant other who I live and breathe with.

Give me a P for Pizza!

I dreamed about pizza. I got pizza! Last night was awesome. When my supervisor and the operations officer brought us that pizza, I was ecstatic. Ok, it was no Pizza Hut or Digiorno's. It was actually more foccacia bread-like. And the tomato sauce wasn't exactly tomato sauce, it was more of a pink color. Which is a bit strange, but I don't care. It's pizza!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've officially hit the 3 weeks left mark. I'm so sad!!! What will I do without my pit latrine, my Claire, or my chapati stand?! But watch out, Midwest... here I come!!! Please have some snow for me to play in.

The Magical Fate Fairy

Fate. Some sort of magical power or being managed to send me a roommate that manages to keep me sane and isn’t annoying as all h*ll. We actually make a pretty solid pair and have essentially become an old married couple. We have our routines and roles. Here are some examples of why and how we fit together perfectly:

• Every morning of a work day, I shower first, then she showers. Without fail. No matter who wakes up first.
• When we were staying in the house in Mubende, we always sat on the same side of the table. Every day. Without fail. Then we were there for the 3 meetings, we were in the house for a while with our program manager’s husband. When we sat down at the table, you guessed it. We sat in our designated spots.
• Her favorite Starburst colors are red and pink while mine are yellow and orange, which means we swap the fun-sized candy packages of Starburst for our favorite colors and never have to fight over colors.
• Her favorite Skittles colors are purple and red while mine are green and yellow. WE ARE PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER.
• When we cook, I mostly man the stove and she usually washes the dishes at the end. 
• We both like to read and have similar tastes in books.
• We enjoy movie watching and have pretty similar taste in movies (Step Up, Pearl Harbor, Romeo + Juliet, Love Actually, Stepmom- to name a few) and TV shows (Glee, Gilmore Girls, The Office). And we don’t judge each other for the girly, silly movies.
• We both think Channing Tatum and Josh Hartnett- HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT

 

We exist together 24/7. I have no idea how I’m going to survive without her once I move back to the US. It’ll be like I lost a limb… a piece of my soul… and yes she’s going to read this one day and think I’m even crazier than she thought I was.

 

There has been this random wooden penis sitting on the bookshelf in the office for as long as I can remember. I used to look at it and never really thought about what it was or think anything of it. Then I was looking at the family planning books sitting by this thing and finally realized what it was. Family planning- condoms- fake penis to use in demonstrations… ohhhhh I see now. Yes it’s taken me like 5 months to realize what was sitting on the shelf.

 

I feel old. Back when I was growing up, ALL those years ago, us girls went ga-ga over boy bands. We had 98 degrees, NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, O-Town, LFO, BBMAK, Westlife, right? Now girls are psycho over Justin Bieber (who I think looks like a girl), the Jonas Brothers… there are probably more but I’m totally out of the loop. Why am I thinking about this? Oh they’re just blaring a Westlife remix in town.

This weekend was pretty slow. We didn't have power during the day but then it'd come on at night. So at least we could watch some TV shows and movies in the evening. I've been reading like a crazy person, usually finishing off a book a day. But at the rate I'm going, I'm going to run out of books to read in a week.

Less than a month before I get back!

Indian food makes me want to roll around on the floor like a happy puppy dog

This past weekend was great. I spent way too much money and ate way too much Indian food, but living the occasional life of excess is actually rather fun. Good thing I spend like 20 cents a day, if that, in Sembabule. Thursday night, Indian food at Haandi's. Friday night, Indian food at Nawab. Saturday afternoon, Indian food at Masala Chaat. I may have a serious addiction problem and will need to find good Indian restaurants in the Midwest and New England when I get back to the USA. Garlic naan paired with a delicious Indian dish make me want to run around squealing with happiness. Yes, I mean squealing like a little child on Christmas day.

Shopping in Uganda is not the same as shopping in the States. Obviously. But I have come to enjoy it just as much except for the negotiating prices part. Sometimes it's just nice to have everything at a fixed price and you know exactly how much you need to pay. Arguing with shop owners is not my forte (it's my dad's) and it just gets old after a while. BUT I have managed to finagle some cool stuff to bring back. Including one really sweet silver ring. I probably paid way too much for it, but I love it so that's my justification. Oh and also cuz I'm probably not going to make it to Kenya or on another trip before I leave, SO rather than spending money on hotels, bus tickets, etc... why not just shop?

30 days left in Uganda! Wicked crazy, I know! I'm going to really miss this place. Miss being around the other intern 24/7, attached at the hip. Miss my supervisor who I love and wish I could bring her back to the US with me. And miss everything about Uganda. At the same time, I'm pumped to drive a car by myself on the RIGHT side of the road. Take a hot shower. Not have to worry about frogs jumping out randomly at me, the cow mooing at the crack of dawn, dodging pigs/chickens as I cross the street. I am also rather excited for the male species. I miss the smell of boy, the boy sense of humor, boy everything. Being here has been like being on a man fast again and I have to say it's not exactly the most fun. Though it has helped me find myself and learn more about myself. Blah blah blah cliche I know, but rather true.

I have nothing of real importance to report. So for all you readers in the Midwest who I know personally, see you in a month!!!!!!!!!!!! I want beer, cranberry/vodkas, pizza, Sour Patch Kids, Wheat Thins, and a bread bowl with soup. Thank you very much.

I dream about pizza...

I have cravings like no other. 40 days left in Uganda and all I can think about is what I want when I get back. Don't get me wrong. I love it here. I will miss the chapati and rolexes to an extremely unnatural extent but when I'm in the US, I can have sex and good food. Which right now is all I want...

A sexy tidbit: I haven't shaved my legs in like a month. I also haven't really worn makeup since I got here. Can't wait to get back to the US and feel feminine again...

I am pretty depressed that I am missing fall. It's my second favorite season. My favorite being winter since I love snow. All I want right now is an apple. A fresh, crispy, delicious apple... want want want.

On a more serious note, I've been thinking... isn't it amazing how certain decisions in your life change its direction forever? There are several moments in my life that I marvel at. If I had taken the other option, who knows where I'd be now or who I'd be. I often play the what if game and marvel at how my life has simply fallen together. A series of random decisions, occasional mishaps, and or the game of chance...

All you need to do is feed the need

Mmmm and my need was chips, egg, and Nile Special beer. Ladies and gentlemen, I am enjoying my first buzz since I went to Rwanda and it is delightful. And when paired with an omlette and some chips, I am rather satisfied. Well... obviously not in every way, but hey, I'll take what I can get.

Pop music and a good buzz are also a good combination. Why does Jason Derulo always say his name at the beginning of his songs? I mean, yes it's nice to know who's singing the song but really, it's rather egotistical. Now if you were Usher, I'd forgive you. But you're not that big yet, so calm yourself.

Oh and my feet are rather burnt from running around after kids all Saturday. That's the only part of my body that is a deep, dark brown. I wonder if it's really a tan or my body is now integrating the reddish brown dirt of Uganda into my skin so that I can carry it with me for the rest of my life... Either way, my feet have weird tan lines and are a dark brown color.

46 days left in Uganda... this half of me is depressed. The other half says WOOOOOOOOOOT!!!

(*#$&@#(*$&)@#&#$!*

I love being here. Aside from becoming a slight hypochondriac and probably just becoming crazy, I really have no issues. Except one. I dream regularly about the same thing. And with the Mefloquine, it seems so much more vivid and real. I hate it. It makes me feel like I'm really losing my mind. And I just don't understand why I keep dreaming about this. Is my subconscious trying to tell me something? And if it is, what on earth is it trying to tell me? I really hate it and am thinking about finding a witch doctor to help me out with an exorcism. Or I just need to get amnesia...

Here's the DL

So our office in Mubende is on a hill. Going up and down the hill is a workout in and of itself. And since I'm completely out of shape... oiy... Going down to buy more bread is a chorse. And then other intern had the unfortunate incident of eating it as we walked up the hill while it was raining. Part of me thought: I'm glad it wasn't me. And the other part said: Jess, that WILL be you next time.

Here's the DL on survival in the middle of Uganda:

• Pop music helps any and all situations. And any mood.
• Peanut butter is essential along with granola bars.
• Head lamps always save the day. Carry one with you. Always.
• Crystal Lite masks any weirdly colored or tasting water.
• Running out of airtime on your cellphone is never a smart situation.
• British guys are hot. The accent...
• British med students... even hotter.
• Finding the best coffee shop in Kampala is essential for maintaining sanity.
• Books. You need books. I would die without them. They are as important as oxygen.
• The ability to find your sense of humor and inner small child. Yes, the jumping around my room and playing with the settings on my head lamp are included.
• Finding the most delicious kind of crackers at the grocery store. Very important when you run out of American supplies.
• Addictions are easy to pick up. Mine currently include: Haribo gummies, games of Freecell on my laptop, and not having self-control.

I miss boys. The male gender. Abs. Boy hair. Boy deodorant. Boy sense of humor. sigh... This is why I will never become a lesbian.

A bit of ADD for today's post

I've been here over 3 months now. And I love it here. I look back and yes, it was really, really hard to adjust to being alone all the time and just living in a new place. But I am so happy I came back.

The other intern and I spend essentially 24/7 together, especially we're in Sembabule. We share a room, we work together, we eat together. The only time we really don't see each other is when we're showering or in the pit latrine. I wonder is she's sick of me yet... I'm not sick of her!! Having a fellow American to talk to is so nice. I never realized that before this experience but it is so true.

Food... yes I talk about this a lot but I miss food. Savory, delicious food... I just ate some instant oatmeal and a few crackers for breakfast. Very unsatisfying. I love food... I love being able to go to a grocery store or to a restaurant with a giant menu...

I think I'm just getting weirder the longer I stay here. I find the littlest things amusing: bugs, goats, chickens, throwing my leftover ramen into the garden as compost... Just a warning to those of you I will be seeing in December, I'm going to need a bit of help readjusting. Maybe reverse culture shock session.

My next goal for traveling is to go somewhere in South America. I think that's a pretty good goal for 2011, don't you think? There will also be at least 1 visit to DC during my spring semester, a San Francisco visit in the summer (family reunion)...

Rwanda and My Bum

Rwanda rocked. It was a bit like Spring Break in Rwanda. I would have loved to spend time exploring the city and doing more touristy stuff BUT it was so much fun to hang out with a big group of people and essentially get wasted. Friday night was awesome. We started drinking at home and played King’s Cup/Circle of Death. HILARIOUS! I made a party foul (spilled Ugandan Waragi everywhere) and had to drink Waragi out of a ladle. Oof, a touch painful. And can I say that though this was not one of our smarter moves, I learned that boda riding with a buzz is GREAT fun. I wouldn’t recommend doing it again, but it was a great experience, nonetheless. We went to this bar and had a great time dancing. The only ridiculous time was when a Rwandan came up behind me, grinding, and all I could feel was his hard-on. NOT OKAY. Saturday night was a lot better; no hard-ons. We brought the Limbo to the dance floor that night and it was hilarious to watch. (I did not participate.)


There was a really cute British guy in our group. Can you imagine anything sexier than a British accent when talking about placentas, episiotomies, and childbirth? I can’t. Unfortunately he has a girlfriend. Oh well, I just enjoyed the view while I could.

The trip back… I feel like my bus ran me over this morning. I am in so much pain. Sitting on a bus, not moving for over 12 hours, can do that. I’m surprised I didn’t get a blood clot and die of an embolism. It was brutal. My nerves are a bit shot from the blow outs and our completely insane bus driver. He was such an idiot. Something should intuitively tell you that flying over speed humps and potholes will not be kind to your wheels. So if you already had problems with your wheels today, MAYBE, just maybe, you should be a little more careful in your driving. HAHAHAHA NOPE. He drove like a complete psycho and the whole time all I could think was: please don’t kill me. You cannot begin to imagine how happy I was to get off that bus. Only to get onto another bus… I am so stiff and sore today.

Relationship Questions?

So being a bit bored, I decide to read about “questions couples should ask each other.” There’s really no reason for this except I have nothing better to do and I am always open to new conversation starters, whether or not it’s with a significant other. I’m reading… pretty standard stuff: what’s your favorite color, what’s the worst book you’ve ever read, if your life was to be a movie then what actor would play you… etc. I come across one that has me literally LOL in the office. It says: if I don’t say so, how do you know I want to make love? Uhhhhh really? Am I REALLY supposed to ask this of my significant other when we’ve been in a serious relationship. “Hey honey, when I don’t demand for sex, how do you know I want it?” Is this something you really have to ask your bf/gf?


Here’s another one: How did you learn what it meant to be a man/woman?... HUH???? As opposed to knowing what it meant to be a gorilla or a dog? Or would it be: how did you learn that a woman’s place doesn’t necessarily have to be in a kitchen with an apron, cooking her husband dinner with 3 kids running around the 2 story house with a white picket fence and a pet dog?... just saying…

Forced Friendship reminds me of Freshman Year

I have a new roommate! A real, warm body that speaks to me in American English. Do you know how freakishly cool that is?!?!?! I just hope she likes me or doesn’t think I’m completely insane. I mean, I have been slowly losing sanity (my favorite pastimes are now bug killing, bug watching, and reading). So it’s a little like freshman year of college. You don’t really know who you’ll end up living with but you have to share a small space no matter what. At least overseas, the chance that the person is semi-cool is pretty good. And it turns out, my new roommate is. We get along so far, so success! Yay for forced friendships.


Mmmmm candy. I love candy so much more here than I do in the USA. Probably because it’s just harder to come by. But now I have been snacking on Starbursts, Haribo gummies, and Jolly Ranchers. My teeth are going to rot but my tummy is happy.

My package from a friend included trashy celeb magazines and girly magazines. I’m pretty sure Cosmo is probably illegal in Africa but I now have a copy sitting on my floor. YAY for entertaining reading. Problem is: any sex tips I learn… can’t exactly use them… Oh well. I’ll just have to save them in my memory for when I’m less worried about the prevalence of HIV…

We watched Pretty Woman last night. My thoughts go something like this: “Wow that is an oldie but a goody. Julia Roberts is HOT. See, being a hooker could lead to successful things. I want a rich guy! I want a bubble bath, champagne, strawberries, and unlimited use of a credit card!!!”

Never Have I Ever

Never have I ever gone to a strip club. Why I'm thinking about this in the middle of Uganda? I have no idea. But I haven't. I'd like to... since I've been told, I'd be a good stripper... I think I should check out venues for employment if I'm ever short of change.

Never have I ever screamed so loudly as I did last night when a giant cockroach fell from the window sill. Yea, the loud screaming you could hear all the way from the Midwest, that was me. I'm just sitting, minding my own business, watching an episode of Glee. The plop, scratch, scratch. COCKROACH. After much screaming, I once again employed the use of my spatula to fling it out my door... Hate bugs.

Never did I ever realize that November birthdays essentially mean Valentine's Day conception babies until this morning. Don't ask why I was thinking about this either. But I'm just saying, I did think about that... I wonder if November has an unusually high birth rate as compared to the other months...

These were the 3 interesting things I can report from my weekend. I stayed in Sembabule... no power for a day... nothing really to do... I did manage to finish a really long book, read The Economist (which I bought at Nakumatt) and watch way too many TV shows for my own good.

Whoever reads this, can I just say... I'm hungry... hungry for real food... ramen and chapati just aren't working for me these days...

There was a gecko in my room last night

I'm happy to report that my mood has been a lot better the last few days. I really do enjoy my time here and the good does outweigh the bad. Given the opportunity, I highly recommend you to live in Kampala. Maybe not where I work, kind of out in the middle of nowhere, but Kampala rocks.

I have been eating candy for dinner. Delicious but definitely not nutritious. Haribo gummies make me happy- the European kind, the not American kind.

To all the readers of this blog that have skyped, emailed and/or IMed me, I am very very grateful for your keeping in touch. You help maintain my connection to the outside world and keep me sane. Thank you so much! Love you!

There's sun today, so SMILE!!!

It’s so easy to make a laundry list of complaints about Uganda, but in efforts to feng shui my soul and to find zen, I’m looking at the brighter sides of things (at least I am today).

My hair is growing (thank goodness). Remind me the next time I jet off to a country where running water may not be readily available, NOT to cut my hair, no matter how much easier I think it will be to manage. Remind me of depression and sorrow and the inability hairs like a dog that could be used to sew a new shirt with. I shaved my legs with deep concentration for the first time in a month. Last time I tried to shave, I did it in the dark and let’s just say I did a horrible job. This time, I actually had light and opened a new razor. I’ve been thinking about waxing. I tried getting my eyebrows waxed once. My facial skin was NOT having that one. I’ll never be doing that again. I am a big fan of the Brazilian, but I’ve never tried to get my armpits waxed. Thoughts? I think this would hurt more than the Brazilian!

Mefloquine. I wouldn’t give this drug up even if you tried to convince me to. I love the dreams, I hate the dreams. It’s like a grab bag of really bizarre and really messed up. There was the rape dream (I guess this would be a nightmare), the running a race carrying a watermelon dream, the friend hates me dream (still have no idea why K was screaming at me in my dream), the OMG there’s a giant spider crawling on me dream (didn’t wake up too happy with that one), and the ex dreams (those usually range from pretty normal to extremely messed up).

I’m pretty sure I have some crazy tropical disease or some bug keeps biting me because I keep getting these itchy bumps in random spots. Not mosquito bites, but just weird bumps that itch. I’m just waiting for the day one of these bumps gets itched open and a maggot crawls out (yes this is in reference to the maggot from 2 years ago that was dug out of someone’s shoulder). Either that or I’m getting some mutant form of the chicken pox.

Almost 2 months in Uganda, A Recap

I've been here almost 2 months and I thought it might be time for some reflection so here goes:

First time trying sugar cane
First time seeing and accidentally killing a praying mantis
Trips to Kampala: 3
Times I've gotten lost in Kampala: 2
Times I wish I was somewhere else: let's not keep count

Don't get me wrong, I love Uganda. The people here are incredible, and it's so interesting to learn about someone else's culture and way of life. There are a few things I dislike about this place, including: packing 5 people in the back of a compact car to drive 2 hours, the roads, the traffic, and on occassion, the lack of greasy American food.

I love rain and rain in Uganda is awesome. Last night it poured and I just sat outside my room, in the rain, and enjoyed feeling it on my face, drenching me. It's incredibly refreshing. So HELLO RAINY SEASON!

Lake Bunyonyi

And in typical form, I will provide some commentary for my Lake Bunyonyi Weekend Vacation.

Overnight bus ride:
The bus we were supposed to get on left without us because people gave us poor instructions. We finally managed to get on a bus. Once we sat down, a man started selling something to the entire bus. At first we thought it was medicine, and since he was speaking Luganda, we had no idea. Then the words "for your girlfriend, for your boyfriend" were thrown in and we were able to figure out that he was selling lub. On a bus ride that would last 8 hours. Then the people in front of me bought some. Nothing happened... that I know of. Also the guy sitting across from us on the bus was rather creepy. Staring at my friend and I the entire bus ride. He kept smiling. Since it was dark, the only thing you could see was his white smile. Very strange and a little disconcerting. And finally, I had to pee at one point when our bus was stopped in the middle of nowhere. No bathrooms around, no rest stops available. Instead, I walked into an alleyway and peed. For a while I thought someone would come up behind me in the dark, screaming. Didn't happen though. Still... another disconcerting event.

Daytime on the Island:
We ended up laying out in the sun all Saturday and soaking up the warmth. Problem was that I didn't drink very much water. So by the time we went up for dinner, I wasn't feeling too hot. I thought I needed to throw up, so I walked to the bathroom. I passed my friend and realized I was about to pass out. Woops. Got very woozy, shaky, and had to sit down. Not a great move on my part. Oh and I have the strangest sunburn ever. Which just shows how poorly I put on sunscreen. The entire weekend was also spent cracking "that's what she said" jokes, discussing sex, and drinking. It was definitely a summer vacation with 20-somethings.

All in all though, Lake Bunyonyi was amazing. Well worth the 8 hour trip out there and back.

One of my favorite lines ever...

I was told tonight: You'd be a great hooker.

Excellent... I now have a back-up plan/profession/hope for the future.

Headaches- African Style

I love Uganda. I'd just like to preface this post by saying that. I love it here and it's a great experience. But at the same time-

Culture eats everything else for lunch.

And it can really eat at my nerves sometimes. Getting work done is like moving in slow motion, dragging through molasses. Our Western style of doing things only goes so far. And when you're trying to meet certain objectives by American funders... let's just say it gets hairy.

You are allowed to laugh at my expense

I would just like to share that instead of putting aloe on my chest which is a tad burnt from Saturday, I slathered on Purell this morning. I'm just that awesome.

Inappropriateness

Since I cannot express every incredibly insane thought of mine on the other blog, I figured I'd update this one on any and all things random and inappropriate. All for your reading pleasure.

If God loved women, He would have made it easier for us to go to the bathroom. I mean, seriously. Why do guys have it so easy? Every night when I walk into the pit latrine, I think about this. At night, all the bugs are attracted to the light bulbs in the latrines (when there is power), so going to the bathroom is an episode of listening to bugs buzz incessantly around your head. It'd be so much easier to pee standing up and be done with it. Nope, instead I have to worry about things crawling out of the hole and up my leg; if a mosquito is going to bite me in an inappropriate place... you get what I mean. I KNOW I said I was going to stop blogging about bathrooms, but really, it's just such a fun experience out here that I can't not talk about it.

To go months without sex... I'm just going to say, it's very depressing.

So I'm out in a remote area. I never wear pants while I'm out here. I'm always in a skirt and can I just say, when it's hot, the chaffing that goes on is out of this world. I never have this issue in the USA but here, it seems to happen every once in a while. Grr. But when I'm alone in my room, I strip down to shorts and a sports bra, throw on my iPod (with broken headphones, by the way), and jump around. It's my one way of relieving stress and frustration without having to choke, stab, punch, or murder someone. It's also a way of working out.

The traditional food here is matoke, plantains boiled and then mushed together. Usually it's coupled with beans or a meat. I eat it every day for lunch. Honestly, when I get back to the US, I'm not eating bananas again for at least 6 months. It gets a little... old? But my Africa diet rocks. I'm pretty sure I can lose the weight I gained in Boston (which I did cuz I didn't work out and ate like crap).

Every night, I hide in my mosquito net like a freakshow because I hate mosquitoes and they annoy me. I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night, paranoid there is a mosquito in my net, eating me alive. I know, I'm nuts. It's the mefloquine.
And why oh why was that military guy married?!?!?!?!?! Girls, if I could have taken a picture of him to show you, I would have. Fantaaaaaastic bod, great tattoos... anyway...

My little sister is adorable. I love her. This is the song she wrote for me and sent me in an email, with directions and everything:
WHEN THERE IS A DASH BETWEEN A WORD THEN U SPELL IT OUT!! XAMPLE: c-a-t

I HAVE A J,
A ..........J-E-,
I HAVE A J-E-S-S-I-C-A,
THAT LIVES IN MY F-A-M-I-L-Y
AND I AM VERY S-A-D
THAT SHE IS IN...U-G-A-N-D-A
FOR THE S-U-M-M-E-R!! :(
JESSICA IS IN UGANDA FOR THE SUMMER!!
(IM STILL VERY SAD)
:(

I enjoy Crystal Light

The title of this post has nothing to do with anything else that's written, but it is a new observation I have. Crystal light is yummy.

Getting a tan by the pool (along with several Nile Special beers) at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala was outstanding. But afterwards, I saw the effects of my crappy sunscreen application. Oops! The army guys we met at the pool were really fun and nice to hang out with. One was rather good-looking aka extremely and had awesome tattoos, but I was disappointed to discover later that he is married.

In the US, we're taught that time is money. In Uganda, more people means more money. So taxi rides are inevitably always late and cramped. Plus, it's one thing to stuff average sized people together. When you have individuals who are larger than normal, you'd think people would consider that in the "stuffing people into vehicles" situation. They don't.

I have this fascinating itchy rash/ a bunch of small bumps on the bottom of both of my feet, in the exact same spot. Medical people- help? I've eliminated athlete's foot; definitely isn't that. I'm kind of hoping it will go away on its own since it would be rather difficult to locate a doctor out here and I don't want to make a trip into Kampala to solely find a doctor. FML.

Random UG Thoughts

Going to the pit latrines at night are not as bad as I imagined the experience would be. There’s really nothing scary about it. The latrines are actually lit with light bulbs inside, so you don’t need a head lamp or anything (unless there is no power). Problem is bugs are highly attracted to these lights at night, so while you’re doing your business, all you can hear is the humming of bugs flying around and around. It’s unnerving. One last piece of advice that I tell myself every time I use them: DON’T LOOK DOWN! Ok, I promise to stop writing about pit latrines… soon.


Dust dust and more dust. Sembabule is very dusty whenever it’s not raining, which coats my clothing and skin with a beautiful layer of red African dirt.

But all in all, there is something great about living here, away from the city. It’s peaceful and life is very simple. I enjoy it.

Jessica vs. Bob the Frog (Details)

When I say I did a little screaming/shrieking/talking to Bob, it went something more like this (with a touch of whining):

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY ROOM? Ok… I really would prefer not to crush your guts all over the carpet. So get the F*** out! NONONONO don’t go over there! Where did you go, Bob? WHERE THE F*** DID YOU GO?! Oh crap I lost him. Now what do I do? Ughhh I hate nature! Maybe I should keep him… he probably eats bugs. But what if he jumps onto my bed net in the middle of the night?! Or worse, what if I mess up the net and he jumps on ME? Ew. Ok, BOB, GET OUT! Move move move! Why won’t you move? I don’t want to touch you. AHHHH don’t jump on me! GET THE F*** out! Ugh where’s a stork when you need it to eat frogs. OUT OUT OUT. GET OUT! Ew I’m getting frog-ness all over my spatula. Gross. AHHH GET OUT. DON’T JUMP IN MY PURSE! Ew. Out Out Out. Oh phew… you’re out the door. BYE!”

In other words, if there had been someone standing outside my room or if the guard understood more English, it would have been fairly embarrassing. If it had been a spider or a large bug, at least I would have crushed it. But it was cute Bob… so what else could I do but scream and shoo?

An update on the bathroom situation: I’m getting much better at using pit latrines. By the time I leave, I’ll be a pro.

Ugandan Issues

(Written July 22) Uganda is amazing, and I love it here. My only current issues are: bathroom use and the fact that matoke can only be eaten day after day a certain number of times.


To tackle the first issue, I’m slightly terrified to use the pit latrine for the reason that I’m petrified that I’ll miss the hole. Given, the hole is rather large and it’s not like I’m blind so I can spot myself. BUT still. And here’s the other thing, after you’ve gotten used to the porcelain throne, squatting to do your business is rather difficult. That is the one thing Americans don’t do, but the Ugandans do all the time: squat. Squat to peel plantains, squat to go to the bathroom, squat to bathe, children squat all the time. For me, after squatting for a while, my feet feel achy, my calves start to tingle, it’s not exactly the most comfortable position. But now that it’s Day 2 in Ssembabule, I’m getting a little more accustomed to it. One of my greatest fears in the world: falling into a pit latrine. You know, Slumdog Millionaire style, except that kid jumped. Just the idea gives me the heebeejeebies.

As for issue two, it is what the Ugandans call “green bananas.” As for the bananas we’re used to snacking on, those are called sweet bananas. Green bananas aren’t sweet and they are, obviously, green in color. In other words, they are plantains. One of the staples of the Ugandan diet is boiled/steamed and mushed bananas. Matoke. It really has no flavor and is always paired with meat, vegetables and/or g-nut sauce. To make it, you peel a bunch of green bananas, stick it in a pot, throw in some water, and boil. Tada. Eventually the bananas get soft, turn yellow, and get mushed together. It’s rather dense, so I can only ever eat so much. It’s pretty good. I just don’t exactly love it as a meal everyday.

Children look at me and either smile and wave OR they just stare. The young ones especially stare. Yesterday, I’m pretty sure this little girl was about to cry. The ladies around me were laughing, telling me she has never seen anyone so pale. Since I’m in such a remote area (the words of Ugandans, not me), I am one of not very many foreigners. I hear there’s one Peace Corps volunteer that works here, but I haven’t seen her yet. I haven’t seen any mzungus for 2 days now.

Well, off I go to start a day of work (this was written on my computer early in the morning but posted later). Next time you go to the bathroom, be thankful that your toilet flushes.

Entebbe, more adventures

In order to meet my friends this morning (1 UW student, a Dutch guy, and some others), I had to meet them at the university... how to get there? Ohhhhhhh maybe a boda boda? Today's thought process went something like this:

Dear God, I'm going to do this again. Ok. Slow down. AHHHHHHHHHHHH! Ooooof! Bump! POT HOLE! SLOW DOWN!!! OMG we're going 60 km/hr!!! Dude, if I fly off this bike, it's going to hurt. I wonder what it would look like to have my body smashed all over the road. Maybe if I fall off now, it won't hurt as much. Ow my arm hurts from hanging onto the back of this bike so hard. OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG! CAN'T. WATCH. There is a bee flying around your head, driver. And I can't let go to do anything about it. Please don't sting me. Thank you, we're here.

Boda adventure numero 2: successful.

I am so freaking clean from that pool swim. Soaked all the red dirt out from my skin. AND there was a warm shower with good water pressure to rinse off in afterward. Fantastic! Best $5 I've spent in UG so far. Note to self: do this if you ever need a good shower.

K'la adventures, the other version

In addendum to my other blog's post, I thought I would provide some Jess commentary:

First, I almost burned myself on the boda's exhaust pipe. I felt the heat and jumped really quick. Oops! My thoughts while on the boda went something like this:
AHHHHH!! I'MGOINGTODIE! OMGOMGOMGOMG! OMGSLOWDOWN! We are wayyy to close to that car. Oh crap, you started again too fast. I almost flew off the back. OMG. TRUUUUUUUUUUCK!!! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!! WAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! YIKESSS!! OOOF! OUCH! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! OMG WE'RE GOING TO DIE!! Please drive on the right side of the road (aka the left side)!!! AHHHHHHHHHHH!! OH THANK GOD I'M HERE.

And I survived. YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

My bowel movements are so normal, it's awesome! Sooo unlike last time.

MOSQUITOS SUCK! My 2 bites are so itchy!!!!!!!! I would cut my toe off right now if it would stop itching.

Mmm Mefloquine

So I'm takin mefloquine as malaria prophalyaxis. It's supposed to make you have very vivid dreams. Well my dream last night involved me running this ultimate race in Africa, carrying a watermelon, and herding llamas. How bizarre is that?! I thought it was pretty funny and strange to wake up to.

So it's Friday. I've been in Africa a week. And it's all about bombs now. Rumor has it that they found another bomb that didn't go off yesterday in the new taxi park. Yikes! So we shall see what develops with all the bombs.

3 Americans, a Dutchman, and a Canadian

That's what ended up being at the dinner table tonight. I met up with a UW student and his friends in Kampala. It was great fun to be around people my own age, drinking a Nile Special, eating some protein for once. The steak at Tuhende Safari Lodge on Martin Rd- fantastic!!! It made my boring day 10x better. European men and their accents... fantastic!

Day 4

Senseless death has caused great turmoil for the organization i came to work for in Uganda. So here I sit, waiting for the next move. My heart goes out to the family and his coworkers who are all grieving.

I am learning to squat like the best of them, aka squatting in a tub in order to use a bucket to bathe. It's pretty funny. I can only imagine what I really look like when I do this. My hair has been cut short so it's way easier to wash now. I'm getting more used to having short hair, but I do miss it and thank god hair grows. The house I'm staying at has a flushable toilet, which is pretty awesome, considering I hadn't had one for a while.

Here I sit, just finished the first Charlaine Harris novel that True Blood is based on and  now I'm watching True Blood in Africa. It's kind of bizarre. There is such a split between those with money and those who don't. I guess I should try to appreciate the comforts I have for now since once I move out into the field, it won't be so much like this. Definitely no toilet that flushes.

Making friends in Africa- rather difficult since I'm a little secluded right now. But I did meet a rather cute Scottish med student on at the Ugandan airport. He got picked up by the same driver as I did. We chatted in the matatu and he seemed really cool. We talked about traveling around Uganda together and such... problem was that there is no way for either of us to communicate. No phone, no internet. But can I just say... Scottish accent? Hoooooot.

WELCOME TO AFRICA

Hello bombing and chaos. Things are crazy here. It is such a tragedy and my heart goes out to all those families who lost people in the bombing. I'm a little at a loss of what to do. I'm just sitting in the office, listening to the country director of my org on the phone. Pretty helpless.

I had posts made up in my head for the blog and was going to write once I had internet access... but now I really have nothing to say...

Here's a side note, I cut all my hair off for locks of love. Bye bye hair!!! It's a very bizarre feeling. My hair hasn't been this short since before freshman year!!! If the internet weren't so slow, I'd upload a pic.

I'm so tired...

So I'm off... here I sit in the airport. quick thoughts: I'm tired and it makes me nauseous. I really hate airplane food. I really think airline seats should be bigger, even economy class. I'll see you in Africa

LEAAAVING ON A JET PLANE

TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am freaking out a bit. Lots and lots of packing. Lots and lots of junk to put into very small spaces. It's kinda like that last minute panic of "OMG I'm naked" or "OMG I overslept and missed that exam" or "OMG WHO ARE YOU?!?!" I feel like I'm forgetting something. I know I am. I've also been sucked into the vortex of home while I've been back in Wisconsin, aka being a homebody and hanging out with my family. I've barely seen anyone while I've been in the Midwest. But have no fear. I will return... when there is snow on the ground.

And yes, I will try to keep this updated along with the other "official" one. As always, side commentary and inappropriateness will be reserved for my fun side.

Here's a side note, genuine thoughts I've had all day and yes, you are allowed to make a joke on whichever ones you choose:
No condoms necessary to be packed.
My bag is as big as I am... pictures will be forthcoming.
Why am I doing this again? I kind of like hot showers.
WOOHOO Africa!
Where did I put ________?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Followed up with a: @#)($**&a$mp;^)(*@#!
That doesn't fit... oh shoot...
This thing is WICKED heavy.
Why are things so hard!
How is that going to fit in there?
MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!! (or in Midwest speak: MAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHM!)
What if my flight was today?!
Am I really leaving tomorrow?

I will miss you all! Hot water, clean water, the porcelain god, a/c, clean hair... AND all the people I'm leaving back in the USA.

CHEERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See you on the other side of the Atlantic! (We'll see if I get an entry in while in Amsterdam)

More ideas...

I really need some help, people... So more ideas on naming a new blog?

Learning Luganda
Away I Go
JC Journeys
XOXO from Abroad
Adventures of ____________________
I don't know... my creative juices are dying

Help?

Hey all who read this blog,

I'm planning to start a travel blog but also keeping this one as a personal blog. The travel blog will be maintained as semi-professional, anyone can read it. This one will be my random thoughts, unnecessary comments, and all-out rants (when necessary), which I find funnier and more enjoyable to read. But not necessarily appropriate for oh... say... my parents and professors. So here's the deal. I have to name the travel blog. I have no idea what to call it. So HELP? Any ideas? Just throw some out there. I plan on keeping this blog for all my travels, not just my 6 month adventure interning in Uganda. SO...

Restless At Heart
Small Girl, Big World
Where My Feet Take Me
One, Two, Three, GO

I don't know... the more I think about it, the more ridiculous the names seem to get... so I could really use your help!!

Bye Bye Boston

Well guys, I'm officially not a resident of Boston anymore. For now. I moved home today. 17 hours in a vehicle and bang, I'm back in Wisconsin, laying in my twin bunk bed. I do love this bed. I've had it since I was a very small person. I looked back at my posts about moving out to Boston and realized I have the same philosophy as I did when I moved before: Less is More. Obviously I didn't learn that. And obviously I have way too much junk. It's currently all sitting in the garage. I will have to go through it all tomorrow... aka today... I'm definitely dreading that task.

Sad/frustrating news: a bag of mine got crushed in the packing of the van. A bag that should not be crushed. It now has permanent wrinkles and will never be the same. I'm so sad.

I miss the people who touched my life in Boston already. Sigh.

Uganda... 1 week... Lift off will occur Thursday, July 8th. I have so much to do before I leave!!! I feel like I should make an Africa blog. So many people do it. I might as well follow the trend. I'm thinking: travel blog for anyone interested and keeping this one for random brain ramblings.

Okay, my brain is failing right now so I'm signing off.

Moving again...

As I put my life in boxes again, I would just like to state that I hate packing. I think it's one of the hardest things to do. Along with one of the boringest and most difficult. I have so much stuff!!! I'm moving again after less than a year here on the East Coast. 1st stop: Home in Wisconsin. 2nd stop: AFRICA.

If you live in the Midwest, I'll be around from Wednesday to July 8th. I'd love to see you

Africa's On My Mind

As I move forward with my plans to go to Uganda, I'm both excited and nervous. Having been there before, I thought it would be easier to pack and get ready. Not quite the case. Other than the fact that I didn't have to 90 new immunizations (turns out my international immunization card is fantastic, according to the doc), I have no idea what I'm doing. This time in Africa, I have to dress professionally for work. Which means I can't just run around in t-shirts and tanks. So what to wear? No idea.

The exciting aspect is I'm really pumped to leave the US. Home will always be home, but sometimes I get tired of the materialistic mentality. I'll admit that I fall into the trap: wanting nice stuff, really caring what I look like, etc etc etc. But the thing is when I'm in Uganda, I'll be trying to work for an organization to improve what they're doing for Ugandans. And I think that's really important. It will be rather different from just going to school in Boston and having running water.

The one thing I will miss while I'm gone is my avenues for sanity. AKA my good friends. Especially the ones that help ground me when I freak out or when I need to vent. Hopefully I can stay in touch with people, though my internet options will be spotty at best.

This morning I was laying in bed. Being lazy. And the apartment door opens. A guy goes: "Hello?" It was someone wanting to show our apartment. I had no idea that was happening today. I guess they always call my roommate's phone and she's not exactly IN the US right now, so I didn't know anything about the showing. Thus there's me... not very clothed (since it is my apartment and no one is ever around and I can do whatever I want when alone)... I was like: please hold on one second!!!! I threw some clothes on and then the guy showed the apartment to this girl who was carrying the ugliest rat-dog I've ever seen. But yes, that was my awkward morning. At least I wasn't doing anything inappropriate...

And one last thought. It's really hard not to having feelings.

Klutz, Kids, Etc

Today I managed to walk into a door and a sign hanging on the wall. Not at the same time. Door and doorknob were around noon. Sign was around 4pm. Klutz? Yes. And I have 2 bruises on my right arm to prove it.

Back in Boston... only a few weeks left. It's pretty crazy and intense. I have so much to do. But one thing I can officially cross off the list is buying my plane ticket. Yeeouch, clicking the pay button hurt. But I'm off to the continent of Africa!! I'm really excited, just a little stressed at the level of stuff that needs to get done as a result of me finally making a decision at the very last moment.

By the way, I hate children. A child sat behind me on my flight back to the East Coast. He kept kicking my seat, putting his feet up against the back and pushing. I really wanted to turn around and smack him. I restrained myself... his sister was sitting there wailing, screaming, and crying the entire flight. Awesome children in that family. Remind me never to fly with my own children if I have any, or if I do, I should drug them. 

Sleepy time... will write more again.

Uganda Bound

It's official, guys. I'm off to the continent of Africa for 6 months! I finally made a decision!!!

I will Always be a Midwest Girl at heart

Favorites:

TV Show: Glee. It's amazing.
Song: Need You Now- Lady Antebellum
Food: Watermelon
Thing to Buy: Shoes. Two pairs of heels since I've been home. I have a problem, but I'm okay with it.

Here's a story, friends, about when a guy pursues a girl... it went something like this:
His thoughts: "She's so cute. She's so nice. I want to ask her out. I just got her number. This means she's interested. What should I do? I know I walked her home... so do I lean in for a kiss? Crap, I'm so drunk. I can't think that clearly... Should I give her a good-bye hug? What should I do? Sh*t sh*t sh*t and NOW..."
ACTUAL ACTION: Gives her a High Five and leaves to go home... only to be so drunk he wakes up to find himself passed out on the hardwood floor and his wallet in the fridge.

Dear friend this actually happened to,
This is one of my favorite drunken, guy-pursuing-girl stories ever. Don't worry, I still like you.

I had the honor of seeing a wonderful friend this afternoon. I love her! Anyway, we were in VS. This is where I lost my sunglasses (SOB). But also where one of my favorite memories from the summer happened. It went something like this...
I'm trying on bras. My friend is trying on swimsuits. (PS she has uhhh-mazing abs.) We're talking about what bra I should get. I'm wearing one, we had been talking about my chest and boobs in general... then she proceeds to ask me about how it feels. Unsure of what she's talking about, I respond with: they feel fine, I never get back pain, Why? She goes: um... I was talking about the bra. And we proceed to LOL in the dressing room. It was way funnier had you been there with us... me shirtless, her just staring at me like I'm insane (which sometimes I might be). It kind of brought me back to the memories of us living together... when being shirtless was commonplace. The only thing we were missing today was S. I miss both of them so much; maybe someday we'll live together again! 

I love the Midwest. 

• Driving in a car in the suburbs
• I did get pulled over by a cop last night for being a complete idiot. Good thing I didn't get a ticket!
• My silly cat
• She's so cute! And rather demanding. I may also be slightly allergic... doesn't matter. I will pet her and love her anyway.
• Sleeping in a bunk bed 
• Or as my dad calls it: a bunker bed. The same bed I've been sleeping in for years... or for most of my life.
• Hanging out at the kitchen table in my pajamas
• I do it often when I'm home now. Including right now.
• Suburban malls
• I love them! Such a different feeling here... I have spent way too much money.
• Suburban Target
• I don't think this needs further details... self-explanatory 
• Wisconsin
• I love the Home of Beer and Cheese. Though I strongly dislike cheese. It's so strange and doesn't taste very good to me.  
• I swung by my high school today. Remodeled... it's just not the same. Those blue and yellow panels you used to have? Now that they're gone, I feel betrayed.
• Badgerland...
• LOVE!

 Home Saweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet Home.

Drinks, Flying, Decisions

So there's this drink at a bar called Skip and Go Naked. But I always think it's called STRIP and Go Naked. Which is essentially what I like to do when I'm home alone or by myself in my room. I am currently BACK in Wisconsin (as I mentioned yesterday), blogging from the kitchen table as Dumb-Dumb stares at me lazily from the other chair. And all I want to do is strip and go naked. I probably will soon...

Some thoughts on flying:

• Being overweight is highly unfortunate for travelers.
• Sitting next to someone overweight is very unfortunate for travelers.
• Delayed flights are really no fun.
• Small children screaming and crying on flights make me want to pull the emergency escape and jump out the airplane.
• I have a love/hate relationship with the aisle seat. I like it cuz I get up and go to the bathroom without crawling over someone. I hate it cuz sleeping is slightly more uncomfortable as compared to sitting in a window seat.
• TVs on flights are awesome.
• Rocking chairs in airports make me happy and sleepy

Current fav song: California Girls by Katy Perry

So Here's The Deal:
Uganda

• Serious work experience
• Living in Africa... need I say more?
• Going back to Uganda, I love it there
• Chapati...
• Getting my hands in some serious experience, to see OVC/HIV/FP programs in the real world... to see development at work (if it's working at all)

Philippines

• Southeast Asia experience (seeing things from that perspective rather than an East Asian or African one)
  
• Finish school
• Finding an internship- but hopefully in something I'm interested in
• Traveling in SE Asia (S. Korea is one stop for sure)
• Something different and completely unknown

The problem is and always shall be Money. Finishing school... Yada yada yada... finding a job. Etc etc etc. My brain does not shut up. Can someone just give me a plane ticket and I'll go where it says to go?

My pending return

I will be in the Midwest tomorrow at this time. Hopefully happily blogging from my parents' dining room table and playing with Dumb-Dumb. Here's the thing. I have to pack. And packing is hard. Very hard. I have things everywhere. And I have no idea what I'm doing. What do I need? What should I bring? I always bring too much of what I don't need and not enough of what I need.

Readers of blog who are living in Wisconsin, I want to see you. Please and Thank You.

I will be headed to DC for Memorial Day Weekend. Yes, I am flying to Wisconsin just to turn around and drive 12 hours to DC. Because why? Because my family has a weird love of road-tripping. So for a full 24hrs, I will be jamming out to my iPod as my little sisters watch awesome kid movies and I will ponder how much my butt feels like it's flattening out. BUT I will be back June 1st. So I will want to see as many people as I can. Also because at this rate, I don't know whether or not I'll be around in July. Yes, I'm still debating UG vs PH...

So here I am, packing with pop music.

Decision-making is not my forte right now

I was soooooooooooooooo sure my decision was made. Well, at least 95%. The decision was the Philippines. That's where I would go. And finish my degree. Do school and intern.

Now? Not so sure. I got my proposed scope of work for Uganda (because I hadn't totally told them I wasn't doing that program) and the SOW is fantastic. Exactly what I want experience in. Ughh... what do I do? I cannot seem to make a choice and stick with it. This wishy-washy-ness is becoming a serious problem. I don't like it. So PICK SOMETHING and stick with it!! Or at least that's what i keep telling myself. So I lay here, feeling like a complete crazy person. Perfect.

Uganda vs Philippines...
Work experience vs finishing school/internship...
A place I've been and love vs somewhere brand new...
No running water or electricity vs most of the time, big city living in a developing country...
No money vs no money... oh wait, that's the same thing...

Freedom and Some Favs

Freedom, it's a thing I thoroughly enjoy. I'm currently sitting all by my lonesome in a pretty empty apartment. Roommate is gone, moved out and off to Africa for 5 weeks. I'm jamming out to M.I.A. and cleaning my apartment. How I accumulated so many dirty dishes? Not quite sure.

The thing about freedom (from parents, from relationships... from school) is there is an element of unknown. You can feel free to make any decisions. Good, bad, ugly. You have to live with those decisions but the fun part is finding out what happens as a result of them.

I finished a book called Cutting for Stone. It was awesome. Definitely being put in the Favorite category. ALSO The Book Thief was FANTASTIC. I loved it. It has many stars in the Fav category. Now that I am totally slacking off, not doing school, and just working, I have time to read some things for fun. It's nice.

Usher's OMG... catchy song. Very bar friendly. We went to this bar the other night and one of their special drinks was called Skip and Go Naked. I wonder what it's like... I didn't get it but it sounded fascinating.

Another week begins...

Hurling was the Theme

Yesterday at work someone choked at lunch. They were saved and it was okay. But watching that entire process... not appetizing. Lots of bile.

I was eating breakfast this morning and felt the sudden need to vomit. It was bad. I almost vomited all over a work computer. Woops! Good thing I didn't. I held it in. Ran for the bathroom and then didn't puke. No, I do not have any of the problems that are flashing through your mind right now. It is seriously impossible, unless it's immaculate conception. It's not.

Every time someone talks to me about Tongue-Down-Throat, I feel my stomach scream in protest. If I ever see him again, I may try to puke all over him to make him avoid me.

Having the words Asian Housewife and Cute in one sentence equals one reaction from me- the need to vomit. Sorry, that is not exactly my dream role. I would not like to rub your feet, vacuum your house, birth your children, and cook you dinner tomorrow. Look at my feet, they are not bound. No I will not wear a kimono for you- wrong, COMPLETELY wrong. No, I would not like to give up all my dreams and goals to make your life bliss. Sorry. I never want to be just an Asian housewife.

Two heads are NOT better than one

My experiences from this weekend has led me to lose most of my barely existent hope in the fundamental normalness of the opposite sex...

Dear Shortie aka Hipster aka I've written about you before,
1) Red handkerchief thing makes you look like a cowboy. A hipster cowboy. You look ridiculous
2) Asking me to tell you 3 interesting things about myself is not a pick up line.
3) Nor is "I recently saw a movie that was really deep and meaningful. It was called Toy Story."
4) Sticking your tongue down my throat is completely uncalled for, disgusting, and not a way to win my heart. Ever.
5) Please never speak to me again.

Dear Grabber,
1) Hanging onto my elbow as I take a break from the dance floor is not a good way to get my attention.
2) Not letting go when I deliberately refuse to turn and look at you and start making conversation with my friends is really not okay.
3) The fact that I walked away without ever looking at you and grabbing the first guy friend I see to dance with is an indication that I'm not interested. Stop staring.

There has to be a rule for texting. I'm sure of it. A school people need to be sent to where they learn how to text new friends appropriately. Where they learn what is okay and not okay to say to people they are interested in. If we're friends and we text crazy things, that's one thing. Texting me if you barely know me at all should be kept to appropriate, friendly, neutral, normal things.

And again, may I reiterate, grabbing a girl, sticking your tongue down her throat, and telling her you may never get this chance again when she has not flirted with you is NOT OKAY.

My theme song is Telephone.

PS Saw the singer JoJo on Saturday night. Who knew she was still singing? Not I.
PPS There may have been pole dancing on Friday night- I did not partake in that one. BUT I may have been ridiculous enough to have danced on a runway Saturday night.

Brain Vom (dialed down for your sake)

How do you make a decision? Just pick it? Throw a dart at a wall? How do you know it's the right one? Pro/Con lists suck. They don't help.

What is your destiny? Do you create it? Or is it just something that will happen? Life is like a choose your own adventure book. Except you can't cheat by reading all the different endings.

I'm taking a poll

What should I do? Where should I go?

• Philippines
• China
• Uganda

What do you think?

PS I can count to 10 in 5 languages now... I think that's as far as it goes though. Arabic, Chinese, English, Spanish, Tagalog.

Starstruck

I SAW THE MOST AMAZING FIGURE SKATER EVER TODAY; her initials are MK and she's Asian. Come on, I think you can guess who it is. I was in awe, like one of those stupid fans that just stands there and stares. I didn't realize it was her in the beginning. I was just staring out at the people at work and then was like: "Hmm she looks familiar. Oh wait, is that MK? That IS MK! Wow, she looks amazing in person, all decked out in work out clothes with a yoga mat." It was amazing. I was so excited. I SAW HER. I was tempted to run out of the store and get her autograph, but I restrained myself. Maybe someday I'll be able to get it. Maybe we can be friends? Haha probably not.

Running hurts. My legs hurt. It is difficult. I'm trying to get my body to like to run. Watching the Boston Marathon? PHENOMENAL. People are amazing. They run so fast. They run 26.2 miles faster than I would run a half-marathon. Inspired me to want to love running. Thus far, I hate it. It hurts. Any Advice?

Insomnia, Insomnia

I haven't been able to fall asleep the last few nights and it's starting to bother me a lot. I'm tired during the day, can't sleep at night. All these thoughts fluttering across my brain and ideas across my eyelids when I close my eyes. It's ridiculous! I took a Tylenol PM yesterday, but I don't have any today and I figured I shouldn't start depending on drugs to fall asleep. But here I am. With my thoughts. Laying in bed. In the early AM.

Going abroad:
Applied to go to the Philippines.
In talks about working in an orphanage in Zimbabwe.
China is always an option.
Haven't heard back from Malawi.
Emailed someone about Uganda.
There's even an application to Tajikistan in there somewhere.
Pretty sure I've applied to more things that I should have.
BUT I still don't have a place to go yet.

Work:
I think about work a lot when I'm not there. Why? Cuz I can't leave things when I'm done at the end of my shift.

School:
Learning. Homework. I read a lot.

Panda-ness:
This is what I am calling it from now on, the Asian phase I'm in. Panda-ness. I am a insomniac panda right now. Sometimes I am a study panda. One time I wanted to be a stealth panda. Usually when I'm in the library, I'm a sad panda. Most days, I'm a busy panda. One of these days (hopefully this weekend), I'll be a lazy panda. See? Panda-ness. Complete with Chinese Pop music my mom brought back from China for me. LoOoOoOoVe.

Random Career Change?
Sometimes I wonder why I didn't go into Psychology. Become a Psychologist. Sounds very interesting. To understand or TRY to understand how the mind works. Fascinating. But then I would have to listen to people talk all day. Sometimes I'd be okay with that. Other days, I'd probably want to strangle my patients or send them to a mental hospital, so maybe this is a good sign. A sign that I wasn't supposed to go be a shrink.

Running:
I am trying. Aka once. No, wait. Twice. It's hard. My butt hurts. My feet are messed up. My kneecap hates me (popped it out in high school). I DID get new shoes. They are comfy and blue. I like blue running shoes. They inspire me. Other colors, not so much. Why? Because if I have to do something painful, like run. I better be able to do it with something on my feet that is pretty to look at when it sits in the corner of my room. You think I'm crazy? I don't care. It's my logic. Deal with it. I like pretty colored things.

Another Career:
Sometimes when I work at the store, I think it might have been fun to be a business major. Run a business. Etc etc etc. Maybe not though. What if you fail? Go bankrupt? Yea, that would be rough.

Vampires:
Twilight- dislike. Sorry whoever loves it, I don't. True Blood- wants to watch it. Vampire Diaries- like. Underworld movies with Kate Beckinsale- like. Buffy- Like. I am Legend- um scary. Ok so I think it boils down to me not liking Twilight. I'm sorry. I just don't find the movies as fascinatingly amazing as everyone else. As for my relationship with CW TV shows, you should know how I feel about One Tree Hill, so I'm sorry. But yes, I like Vampire Diaries. It's amusing and the boys are cute. Sue me.

As the hour drags close to... oh 2AM as I finish this word, I guess I should try closing my eyes again. Maybe I'll dream about blue-skinned vampires who are psychologists who are shrinking my head in a candy store in Tajikistan. Now that would be fun.

Dark Cloud Over My Head

Sometimes I hate reality. Real life. Being alive, having feelings, thinking thoughts. And today is one of those days. If I could just stop thinking, forget everything, and just disappear, I'd be really happy for a while.

I really need a destressor. And right now, I don't have one.

Oh it's Tuesday

Sometimes life just isn't fair. If you're attractive and you're as dumb as a box of rocks, that is unbelievably unfortunate. If you're as bright as a light bulb and uglier than fugly, that is also ridiculously unlucky.

I am currently eating yogurt with a spoon- it is rather difficult. I'm losing a lot of yogurt.

I have a giant bruise on my foot where a girl stepped on me Saturday night at a bar. That is also unfortunate.

I have an incredible case of ADHD or something to that effect right now. It is rather absurd.

I want to do an internship abroad, but that is proving to be much harder to figure out and plan than expected. Especially when you're waiting to hear back from other people. I've been googling plane ticket prices recently. Flights to Africa are so so so expensive! Yeeouch! I could break the bank to try and fly there.

So here's a question for you: would you rather be gorgeous yet stupid or ugly yet brilliant? And no, you cannot say "I'd just like to be a happy medium of both." It doesn't work like that. One or the other!

And finally I would like to conclude with something written by the amazing writer Shel Silverstein because it is stuck in my head:

Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too went for a ride in a flying shoe,
"Hooray!"
"What fun!"
"It's time we flew!" said Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too.

Ickle was Captain
Pickle was Crew
Tickle served coffee and mulligan stew
As higher and Higher and HIGHER they flew,
Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too

Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too,
Over the sun and beyond the blue.
"Hold on!"
"Stay in!"
"I hope we do!" cried Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too.

Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too
Never returned to the world they knew
And nobody knows
What Happened to
Dear Ickle Me,
Pickle Me,
Tickle Me too.

Drums, a Guy & a Pair of Shoes

I haven't had anything good to write about in a while, but I do now.

Yesterday I saw an Asian drum show. The one main drummer dude... amazing. He was intensely ripped. Like whoa. He was Asian so I say this in the most platonic, observant way possible. At the end, the guys wore loin clothes and drummed. His a$$ was great. His entire body... whoa... I haven't seen someone that built in real life in a while. Aside from that, the show itself was sweet. Phenomenal. Fantastic. Any more words to describe it? Oh: powerful, intense, passionate, and super meditative. It was WOW! Loved!

Then I went to a club with my Asians. Just a few that I'm better friends with. And I clubbed... well let's just say I was there, had been sick with the stomach flu all week, and consumed nothing but the ambiance, guys' cologne, girls' perfume, sweaty air, and horribly mixed club music. While I was at said club, a guy who is friends with the Asian posse (who is also Asians- your red flags should already be going up) arrived. Greeted me with a little squeeze on the side and a nice hello with the eyes, along with a verbal hello. Mentally, I said oh no. Outwardly I said hi and ran away. (background about him, we'll call him... Shortie, cuz he was shorter than me when I was wearing 5 inch heels: at a friend's bday outing last month, he asked me if I was single as I walked by him. I said yes and kept walking, not thinking much of it. For the rest of the night, he just watched me from afar. Then as he left, he told me how nice I looked. I didn't think much of it but that's the background) Last night, the squeeze and the hello... I ran away. Then the night carried on. I didn't see him. I danced. My friend starting dancing with these other Asian guys we didn't know... I. did. not. The night wore on. All of a sudden, Shortie materialized by my side and was saying good-bye to all my friends. Then my dialogue with him went like this:

• Shortie: I'm leaving now.
• Me: Ok
• Shortie: If you ask me to stay, I'll stay
  
• Me: You should stay if you want to
• Shortie: Give me a reason to stay. I have to leave but I can stay 5 more minutes if you ask me to stay
• Me: You should stay if you want to...
• Shortie: You're breaking my heart
• Me: What? (pretending I didn't hear him over the music and people)
• Him: I'm going to go now
• Me: Okay, BYE!!

Yup. That's how it went. "You're breaking my heart"?!?!?! What does that mean? I mean, boy, I don't know you. We've never had a real conversation. I haven't done anything to you. I DON'T want you to stay but I'm too nice to tell you that. Who are you? I mean overall, I. am. not. interested. @(*@!&#^#&*^

But on a happier note, I got a free pair of Fergalicious by Fergie shoes at the bar. They were giving 15 pairs away at the bar and I got one! They're black gladiator heels, zipper down the middle, very cute! So much fun and FREE!! Then on our way home from the bar, we managed to squeeze 4 people in the back seat and 2 people in the passenger seat of a little Honda. No worries, no drunk driving, just an illegal number of passengers.

Recap of the night:

• Drums are awesome.
• Shortie = that was weird. I don't like you if you're weird. I don't like uncomfortable situations. I run away. Plus, I don't want to date right now, but that's a whole other discussion. And another thought, if you're Asian, I'm sorry but you better be able to knock my socks off, shoot stars out of your behind, and be able to outshine the sun before I consider dating you. AAAAND I will only reconsider if you look like a particular C-pop star I think is hot. Sorry... it's a slight problem I have. Let's just call it baggage and leave it at that. Soooooo the recap kind of went on a tangent. But was only supposed to say: Shortie, my answer is no no.
  
• I got a new pair of shoes for free.

See? Much better Jess post, wouldn't you say? Did you giggle a little? I did as I wrote it.

If you really want to make me happy...

The things I love when I'm cranky, more than anything:

Bookstores. I love the feeling of books under my fingertips. I love being around books. It's an amazing feeling. Learning new things, just reading interesting things... Bookstores. They make me so happy. I love books. I adore books. I highly fancy them. I LOOOOOOVE!

Good Chinese Food. Quality, real Chinese food. It is like soul food for me. Comfort food. I can eat it and feel so happy. Fuzzy. The stuff I love is usually not super greasy. So after eating it, it's not like you feel disgusting. You just feel full and so delightful. Red bean paste. Wonton noodle soup. Egg tarts. Scallion pancakes. Rice noodles. Ohhhhhh my stars, that just makes me feel so fuzzy.

Lazy afternoon naps. They feel so good. So casual. I just don't get them as often as I'd like (like ever).

You want to make me happy? Take me to a bookstore, fill me with Chinese food, and let me take a nap. Then I'm your girl. I have done 1 of the 3 today. Chinese food. Mmmm wonton noodle soup... moon cake... egg tart... I adore Chinatown here. Ai!!!

Have a great weekend! (whoever you are)

Stomach flu

Turns out, my sickness lasted until yesterday. And it wasn't just from being hungover. Nope, I had the stomach flu. Ohhhh yummy gastroenteritis. Most miserable thing I've experienced in a while. I haven't eaten real food in 5 days... I miss it so much. I've eaten toast, saltines, Gatorade, and water. Yes, super healthy diet. Makes me light-headed and slightly crankier than the average me. And my body is exhausted.

Which leads to my next thought. Boys are jerks. Most are at least. I'm sorry if you're reading this and you're male. But sometimes, oftentimes, most of the time, the whole lot of you are jerks and denser than a black hole.

That's all I have for now, give me a break, I'm a recovering sick person

Sunday Morning, Random Nonsense

A few things:

First I work in a food store, no I do not sell cigarettes or lighters. So don't walk in and ask me for them. Secondly, if I HAD cigarettes in the store, I wouldn't sell them anyway. I'm a public health student. Cigarettes = bad for health, bad for public's health, all around bad. Smoking is BAD for your health. Okay? Got it? Good.

Drinking is terrible. My body hates alcohol. Like really really hates it. Can't handle it. Yet, I always try to make it like alcohol more. Then my body always rejects me, laughs in my face and says, "there are consequences to your drinking because I DON'T LIKE ALCOHOL!" Then I'm hungover for a day or two, my body feels like it gets hit by a bus, and I'm horrifyingly unproductive. Note to self, no more tequila shots. (Can I use the label food on this one? Alcohol not really food... but close enough?)

Washing dishes- I don't like doing it. Just like I don't like doing the laundry. Maybe it's the whole concept of washing things that I don't like to do. But I don't mind showers...

And... that's all I can think about writing for now. I have all this partial blog ideas in my head but I always forget them once I sit down and actually start typing. Kind of a problem. Now, if you could just read my mind, I wouldn't have to blog.

Being Zen

There's something to be said about accepting the way things are. Being happy with it. And just relaxing. Letting things flow and taking the zen attitude. So this is me: being zen

Quality Time on My Knees and in My Head

I've spent an interestingly long time on my knees lately. No, don't think dirty. At WORK I kneel and put things away. Restocking and such. I've noticed how much time I spend on my knees and how much that hurts! But it's easier than constantly bending over. The thought was that I wish I had knee pads when I work. Now as for doing other things on my knees... well, I can do that without knee pads.

Spring Break has come and gone. I spent a little time at home and got to enjoy a meal a great friend who I've missed a lot. Also I got to sleep in. Best thing ever. I spent quality time with my mom, which ended up being great fun. We ate a lot of Chinese food and watched movies. I am fully embracing the Chinese food and Chinese pop music side of my Chinese-ness. Not sure about any other side yet. Pretty much ate myself into a delightful Chinese food coma... best feeling EVER. Better than an American food coma. I'm serious. WAY better. Try it some time. But try it with authentic Chinese food and then you will see what I mean.

I can't believe it's March. Time has definitely flown by. The semester is almost OVER. Unbelievable. Two of my favorite people are returning to the USA in April- we're almost there! Can't wait to see them. I'm still searching for my way abroad for 6 months. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

So I've been doing some thinking. It's fascinating how much has changed since I've moved out here. I was so miserable those first few months. I think it takes a few months to adjust to a new place when you don't know a single soul. And I have definitely learned the art of self-soothing. Amazing how you don't really have to do that when you have really great friends around you. But I definitely realized how I need to do that without having someone a few minutes away to talk to, hug, or to cry on their shoulder. I am much better these days. Happy is a good state of mind.

Now if it could just stop RAINING in Boston, I'd be happier!

Almost didn't leave...

I almost missed my flight home. Yes, me... the I-like-to-get-to-things-way-early girl. Flight at 10:45, I woke up at 9:40. Flew out of bed. Ran for a taxi, which I couldn't find for the longest time. And managed to squeeze into the airport and onto the flight by 10:30. Most stressful situation of my life. I almost had a heart attack. I'm also pretty sure the taxi driver loves me because I gave him the biggest tip (I didn't ask for change back. Threw some money in the front seat and flew out of the taxi). But I'm back in the happy, friendly Midwest for a few days! I've been hanging out in my pajamas all day. It's been amazing. It would be even more amazing if I wasn't applying for ways to go abroad and keeping my fingers crossed to find funding. BUT such is life.

PS my left laptop clicker key is depressed. Literally. It super F-ed up and doesn't exactly click. It's more... well... depressed. It's been this way for a while and I hate it. How do I get it fixed?!

Normal People Sleep

And yet, I am not normal. I mean, it is obviously a state I aspire to achieve. Normalness. But I have yet to reach that point in life. So here I am. Rocking the 4am, I need to leave soon for my flight back to that state where I used to live in. A few days back home. A few days... not enough, yet quite enough.

Today, people were walking around the mall like crazy people. I mean... I have an unusually judgmental mind that has many thoughts... judging people. I just never say them out loud. For the most part. Today, people were walking around the mall like they were insane. At first, I figured the first person was just... you know... a little unique. But after I saw person after person doing weird things... I knew it was not just me seeing special people. One person walked around by bringing her knees as high as they would go. One lady walked around like she was doing the freaking wedding march. There was a skip hop thing going on with a few people. There were people walking sooo strangely. One step, kick foot out, next step, kick foot out again. I really thought it was just me, judging people. I don't think it was. I also don't think it was just people who could not control what they were doing. They were seriously just being weird as... well just weird.

I physically cannot drink 3 nights in a row. Can't happen. I can barely drink 1 night. So tonight would have been night number 3. Nope, couldn't do it. My liver, body, mind, fingers, feet, and soul recoiled at the thought of sipping anything less than a Diet Coke straight up. So I didn't. But can I say... men are strange creatures. They are not much different no matter where you venture. Midwest, East Coast, West Coast... a mad fascination with body parts and nothing else. Seriously people, we, women, have brains. We have personalities. We have feelings. We are not just objects you can collect, put on your mantle, and play with once in a while. Get your mind out of the gutter (though mine is there often) and FOCUS. Up here. Not down there. OR over there. FOCUS.

Midterms are over. And as you can see with my 4am writing, I am not back to normal. I am beyond fixable at this point. Late night owl, daytime sloth, evening semi-functional human. I hope I passed... it would suck to have to do this semester over again. But yet it is slightly likely I might have to. Ew... I suck.

Jay Chou at 4am in the morning, not great. Weird French songs (including French rap) where I can't understand any of the words, on the other hand, fascinatingly poignant.

I wonder if I'll ever be on a real sleep cycle again. Ugh I don't want to be on an air-o-plane in 6 hours-ish. Flying... you know, we have a love-hate relationship. Well my French song is done so I guess I will attempt at laying in my bed again. Wish me luck. And if you're part of the Sconnie Nation and you read this, you now know I'll be home til Wednesday. Send me a "hi" or something! The likelihood that I'll see the outside world? Well, that's questionable and if you know me, you'd know that.

xoxo

Law, Sleep, Bathrooms, Sushi... Can I be more random?

My destiny will never lead me to be a lawyer. I am currently studying for my Health Law midterm. It is all G.I.B.B.E.R.I.S.H. I'm serious. This doesn't make sense. It's a completely different language. Give me biology, chemistry, foreign languages any day. This stuff is like #@*(&&^@#)#@$^*&# to me.

I now have a complete inability to wake up in the morning. I miss the mornings where I could just roll out of bed and get going. Like an energizer bunny.... Or when I had a human alarm clock to kick me out of bed. These days I just lay there, sleep through alarm clocks, and stare angrily at my phone.

A thought: guys have it so easy when it comes to going to the bathroom. This thought occurred to me at work yesterday. I was in the bathroom and decided, why not use one of those silly toilet covers. Pulled one out. Put it down. Turned around... then turned back around. And it had fallen into the toilet. #($&^@! Seriously, guys can just stand there and go. Girls have to pop a squat and work on their thigh muscles. OR just sit on the grossness of a toilet OR use a toilet cover (either ready-made or impromptu toilet paper). Why is it so difficult for us to go?! I can tie this into the time I was in the hospital. Bed pans? Psh, don't know how to use those. Guys just have this lovely thing they can just use and relieve themselves. I had to push a call button, get a nurse, go, and have her help me throughout the entire process. Female anatomy is difficult sometimes...

Best work shift last night: discounted sushi and free Chai Latte. Gotta love fellow employee camaraderie. Mmmm sushi. Spicy Tuna Roll me!

This is my attempt at not studying law anymore... but it isn't working. The gibberish is pulling me back in... probably because I'm worried I'm going to fail my exam. Wish me luck!

A lazy Sunday which really shouldn't be that lazy

Current Fav Study Jams:
Kid Cudi's "Pursuit of Happiness" and "Make Her Say"
Wang Lee Hom's "Hua Tian Cuo" and "Wei Yi"
Miike Snow's "Animal," "Black and Blue," and "In Search Of"

Okay, here's the thing, I was supposed to study all weekend and get as much Health Law and Medical Systems information into my head as possible. That hasn't happened. Instead... I am applying to go to Malawi for a year, made a new friend, and found some great new jams. I am in serious trouble. But I am not that worried. I've come to the conclusion that I'm just not going to care about grades as much this semester. It is what it is. I need to enjoy life along with school and if that means not getting straight A's... I think I'll live.

Extreme dislike: people who can't understand that girls and boys can just be friends without any desire for anything more. Just because you're of the opposite sex, it doesn't mean you guys are going to go at it like rabbits automatically. Friendship- there is such a thing between girls and guys.

PS Texts from last night- great reading for procrastination. And makes you laugh uncontrollably.

Asian Sensation

I am trying to come fully into my Asian-ness. And you're wondering how I am going about this? I am embracing Chinese pop music aka C-pop. AND I find one of them rather attractive. His name is Wang Lee Hom. And yes, I find him rather attractive. It's a first. Yes, it's okay. Breathe, pick your jaw up off the floor. He's a popstar. It's like thinking Justin Timberlake is cute. So I've been studying and jamming out to my C-pop. Embracing the Asian-ness. Before you know it, I'll be a real Asian.

I'm also thinking about spending Chinese New Year in Taiwan next year. That would be a culminating Asian experience, filled with family fun and great food! We'll see if it pans out.

Tea. All about my tea. It is the best way to start off a morning. Harney & Sons Paris tea. Great black tea that makes my morning so much easier to wake up to. Along with some Jessica's Pan Rustica. Yes, there is bread named after me. Or I was named after bread. But it's so delicious. Some people like it with butter. I still don't like butter, so I like it plain. Plain toast with my tea. So great!

I would just like to share that I just tried to open a screw top wine with a cork screw... I am so brilliant. Tehehe.

Fake boobs: How do we feel? I feel you should do what makes you happy. It's your body. Do what you want.

Africa- here I come. At least I think so. Application for country by South Africa = Done. Plans for other countries if I don't get it = in motion. If I go to China rather than Africa, I'd be okay with that too. But let's keep our fingers crossed for Africa. The other side of the Atlantic Ocean sounds so appealing right now. Someone, please take me! (I'd like a little money help too... that'd help out a poor grad student...)

Anyone want to go with me to Australia? There are beaches and sun, I promise. I need a vacation. Midterms make me want to subject myself to Chinese Needle Torture... (not quite at the level as the Breast Ripper...)

Good night!

Just a late night thought

Good friends are hard to come by and amazing when you find them. Hard to keep, but if you can, they are worth it. Worth more than all the therapy in the world can buy. I love the ones I have and cherish them more than they'll ever know.

xoxo

That's no good.

Thought 1 for the early morning:
I can't cook. It's true. This means I will never make a good wife. Ever. Also means I'm not a good catch. See this would be okay if I wanted to be a nun and live my days out devoted to God. Not that cool when I can't woo someone with my cooking skills.

Thought 2:
Why can't I sleep? Oh who knows. I have a problem...

Thought 3:
Will we go to war with China? Interesting... that'd be no good. Plus I'd prefer not to be put into an internment camp like back in WWII... I'm just saying. I don't like the idea.

Thought 4:
I like being Asian these days. I'm trying to embrace it. Note: trying. Practicing my Chinese, looking for ways to cook (even though I can't), etc

Thought 5:
What does dating look like? I have no idea anymore.

Light My Sapphire

Yes, please. Light My Sapphire!!!

Don't have a dirty mind. It is the color of the nail polish I'm currently wearing. My manicure has me showing different colors this week. It's a super dark blue, almost close to black. I've never worn such dark polish, but it makes me feel bad a$$! Now all I need is a streak of lightning blue in my hair... one can only dream.

Now really, I spent all of Saturday puking my brains and insides out. Oh classic hangover... my abs hurt so much from it. My body also just hurts. It started off as a great Friday night though. Drinks all around. Happiness in the air. Oh, I may have hung out a bit with the Asian Posse and had fun!! I am trying to embrace my inner Asian... I'm trying. Maybe one day you'll see me and I'll be a true Asian. tehehe.

I have tons of work to do this week, but I just can't get over how awesome my nails look. Looooooove!

I also love the name of the polish.

All-nighter

There is nothing like sitting up at 3:30am and writing a disaster of a paper on a humanitarian disaster. I'm so screwed for finishing this paper... I have about 5.5 hours left before I need to turn it in and right now I just need a mental break to type things not pertaining to my paper. Thus the blogging. I haven't pulled this late of a night in a few years. It's pretty mind-blowing. I'm not actually that tired- more worried about the grade I'm going to get on this paper. Tomorrow I will worry about sleep. I probably won't be able to function properly. Oh wait, by tomorrow, I mean today. When the sun comes up.

At one point in time, I had all these witty things to say on the blog. Thoughts I wanted to share. And as of right now, my mind is mud. NO idea what I was planning on writing. At least my sentences are mostly real sentences... nouns, verbs, etc. I haven't completely failed out of the English language quite yet. Soon though. Probably in another 12 hours, I will turn into a comatose thing. Yes a thing... there should be a better word to put after "comatose" but I can't think of one right now. My iTunes has cycled through some of the most random songs... for example: Avril is singing right now. Haven't heard her in a while.

One thought... oh wait, I lost it. Never mind. Brain officially fried. Mmmmkay... I guess I should go back to writing. See? This semester is keeeeeeelllllllling me. Maybe if I hadn't worked all weekend, I would have been able to find time to write this freaking paper.

What tastes good at 3:30 in the morning?