Nom nom nom

Say hello to Woodrow. He came home with me on Saturday, from the Tipp City Artisan Festival. He is a sweetie, and he loves kisses on the nose. He also loves running in circles on my screened/glassed in patio, and chomping on carrots like there is no tomorrow.

I'm not even kidding - Woods' is litter box trained! One of the corners of his cage has a triangle litter box, and he knows just what to do. He is a really curious little guy, and I'm excited to have him around!

desktop background

I'm one of those people who changes my desktop background all the time. Here is the latest, just as a little memory for those who miss reading about my adventures in Hong Kong, and because it is a wicked awesome picture. yes, I just said that.

Jordan Hart -I am now talking directly to you - did someone take an infrared photo, you think? Or, is this the result of the shutter being open for a long time at night, and the city lights are glowing on the mountain...and someone enhanced the colors?



http://library.thinkquest.org/07aug/01297/index.html

Counting Down

33 days of actual class left. 53 days until graduation day. Just sayin'

Spring Break was glorious. I hung out with my relatives, laughed a lot, and dissected a pig. I suppose I could explain myself on that last one, but I like the shock effect. It really did happen, though.

8 minutes

So, I have this aerobics DVD. There are three different types of workouts, and each type has three ten-minute workouts. The idea is that you can mix and match any of the workouts into a custom routine. You get to create your plan, which is kind of fun.

The only problem is that I never make 30 minute workouts. I go to the custom option, and select one ten minute workout. Since the DVD lets me do what I want...I do. What is really great is that the first minute and the last minute are basically spent stretching to get ready for the exercise, and then cooling down. That means I actually get my heart rate up for about 8 minutes.

I've decided that it works for me. Typically, I pull it out when I feel like I've been sitting still for too many hours. Usually it's dark outside, so I can't go for a walk. If my goal was to burn calories, it would be pretty lame, but the 8 minute sessions work for me. One final note - I have no idea what compelled me to write about that in a blog, other than the fact that I just burned, like, 4 skittles doing a workout.

The MTR song

I thought I'd add this to my blog - it's a good memory. My dorm was a 15 minute walk from the Kowloon Tong station...where the green crosses the blue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_Stwb7KmfQ

My Masterpiece

Thursday's essay test in my business capstone class? Bring it on! You can't tell from the picture, but every new topic begins with a bold title. All I need to do is draw some charts at the bottom, label topics in the margins, and maybe do some color coding with highlighters. Six point font is very readable..and I am happy that all I needed from 6+ chapters fit on my allowed "one-sided cheat sheet." Thank you, Dr. Pinto, for being nice to your seniors.



Now I just have to get ready for the other finals. All of this test taking really adds up...I have been evaluated by spitting information out on paper for about 15 years. I agree with a comment in my friend Liana's last post. To paraphrase what she said, I am thankful for the opportunity to get an education, and want to continue to learn throughout life, but I'm happy to be almost out of the cycle of (learn, hw, exam, project, exam, final)x5. Christmas break is going to be glorious.

What I want for Christmas!!

A labradoodle!

Ok, maybe that wouldn't be the best choice right now, considering I live in an apartment where animals aren't welcome, aaand I don't have a job.

But my parents didn't ask what I needed/what was practical, they asked what I wanted! :)

Anyways...I am thinking of blogging again. After I returned home from Hong Kong I took a 7 month break from it, because I didn't know what to say. My "travel blog" froze when I walked off the plane, but it's thawing out! I took the world clocks off, changed the picture, took off the cheesy name, and picked new colors. Ah, there we go, not all posts need to say "Fun week in Beijing" now, they can say "Fun week in BG." It's pretty much the same title, anyways...just a little abbreviated. :)

Christmas break is 12 days away, and I'm ready to bake some cookies, relax, and read some books. I'll also probably update my resume and think about getting serious about finding a job for when my education chapter closes this May.

That's all for now, I shall end with another picture of a labrador + poodle. These are images from google, btw.

Going Home

Well then, I guess that about wraps things up on this continent--Finals are over! Between the library and a silent study area on the 19th floor of my dorm, I have been sitting still a lot lately!

Speaking of the 19th floor, what’s up with people leaving their stuff unattended?





I mean, more than just a textbook and binder….we are talking cups, snacks, bags, sweaters, calculators, etc. I saw a sign on the door to the room that said “Please do not leave items unattended for more than three days during the exam period.” Really? This is one of the many things this semester that has been so different from what I’m used to. I took this picture pretty early in the day, not many people, but the room really fills up from about 7:30pm to 1 am!

The view from my room sure has transformed during the last four months. I started out watching dump trucks carrying away dirt, and look at the progress! The bamboo scaffolding is going strong, and the crane is hard-core. Hearing construction everyday has certainly been a trial, and I’ve learned a lot of tolerance, but I’m happy that there is only one more morning of it! I think that the new building is going to be some part of the university, possibly a visual arts building…something like that. Bummer for the future kids who are going to lose the view! I know my roommate came in multiple times at night to find me sitting on my desk and staring out the window…I just couldn’t help it.



This morning was the last church service with the people I love in Hong Kong. I am sure going to miss this bunch, they made me feel so welcome. These folks are so sweet, and I will cherish the memories.




One more little topic to add…

My parents got an email from my home university, basically letting them know what I might act like as I “re-acclimate” to life in the USA. You know, wanting to make sure the memories live on by talking about them, feeling frustrated that my international experiences have no role in my day-to day-life, or being depressed that I am reverting back to my old self after a period of growth and change. Some students might even feel condescending towards norms in the US. I’m not a psychologist, but I certainly can see how students that go abroad might encounter these feelings upon return.

However, I don’t think it will be too much of an issue for me. I had a nice time, don’t get me wrong, but I’m ready to be home sweet home. I’m sure it will help knowing that the best friend I made will be in Cleveland all summer, and I can always go visit her and revive some of our stories. Hmm..Perhaps I will go on about how amazing the MTR is, or how I really miss all the tea options. Hahaha, we shall see. If I do, just smile and nod, maybe add a couple uh-huhs in there somewhere and all will be well. I don’t foresee there being too much of a reverse culture-shock in my circumstance, but if I’m wrong, don’t say I didn’t warn you. :P

THANKS for following my travels—sharing made me feel less far away!

Ocean Park

The semester is winding down! In an effort to have one more fun day before studying completely takes over, Liana, Sophie, Anne, and I went to Ocean Park. It’s an amusement park, but the major lure is the Panda’s and ocean life. We had a really good day, and I took some fun photos of God’s AMAZING creatures. The colors were so vibrant, and I was especially captivated by the Jelly Fish exhibit.

Before the Ocean Park pics, two others need space in the bloggersphere...I Finally made it up to Victoria Peak on a clear night. It was quite a view!












My radiant friend, Liana!










It seems that all clown fish have been permanently named Nemo.


This was a four story, viewing aquarium simulating an atoll reef. Liana said all the fish are very well fed in aquariums like this, which makes sense so that they can coexist more peacefully.






Quote of the day: “He has fish in his purse”






the new home for the Panda's...opening soon.