Struggling

This week, my application to Johns Hopkins University is due. Much like all my other apps, this one is getting delayed because of the essay. For the program I am applying for, Hopkins requires 3 essays. I've finished one so far but the other two have left me struggling. Struggling for words when I feel like I've ran out. Struggling in my thoughts for the right "story" to tell. I'm in essay-writing hell, so to speak.

As if that wasn't hard enough, I've got Stat homework due tomorrow and a Biochem exam on Tuesday. Such is the life of a student applying to grad school. My mom asks me why I work so hard. I'm not sure if she's serious or not. This is one of those times that I can actually "see" the fruits of my labor...the A's at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

While I am looking forward to being a grad school student (assuming I get in somewhere), I am also petrified. I've been reading blogs of students currently enrolled in the programs I am applying for. It's really amped up my stress level. What if I am in over my head? I know now is not the time to stress myself out but I really am a little more panicky. I know I set impossibly high standards for myself but what if this is one time that I actually disappoint myself? I don't think I can live with that.

I'm getting way ahead of myself. I need to get into school first before I have these thoughts. And I can't get in if my apps aren't done...so 'til next time and hopefully I won't be so panicked then. Cheers!

Pole Dancing

When one thinks of dancing, words like grace and musicality come to mind. In dance competitions, we always hear people talk about strength and athleticism. When someone says pole-dancing, we think of words like 'sleazy' or 'stripper'.

Watch this video and see what words come to mind. My personal reaction: awe. I watched with my jaw dropped....especially around 3:19. A-MAZING! The amount of control she has. The strength of her legs. It's unbelievable. Like I said, A-MAZING! She should be in a Cirque du Soleil show. (PS. I like the song choice)



Edit: After some research, it turns out that our girl in the video actually dances for Cirque du Soleil.

Tapped out...

I am tapped out...spent...

I am on my 7th application essay and my brain has decided to quit on me. My body already quit on my this past weekend. I didn't think my brain would follow suit so soon.

I have 9 more to write after the 7th is done. Do I have it in me? Do I have enough creative juices left? God, I hope so.

*Sigh*

Piano

When I was younger, I never understood why my mom never let me take piano lessons. I REALLY wanted to learn but apparently she was traumatized by her experience and she didn't want us to go through the same. I wish she let us take lessons anyway and decide whether we didn't like it or not.

I could've been this little girl: (well, maybe not)

Books, books, books...

This summer I actually put a dent on my pile of unread books. Since June, I've read about 7 books, 4 of which were previously unread. Yes, you read that right. I read 4 new books which means I read 3 books I've previously read before.

I wonder if that's why my pile of unread books just keeps getting taller. Apart from constantly buying new books (I just received a package of 4 new ones), I seem to keep reading the same books. Come to think of it, I'm the same way with my dvds...I watch the same ones over and over.

Now how do I break from this habit?

Back in LA

I'm back in LA after a 12-day vacation in Tokyo. Tokyo was fun and a breath of fresh air. It was a nice break from my busy albeit humdrum existence in LA.

This particular vacation left me a little more appreciative of the Japanese people and their culture. It also left me a little embarrassed for how impatient, rude and disrespectful some Americans (okay, most) act (me included). I met a few tourists on this trip and by far, the rudest ones were the Americans. It's not at all surprising that the rest of the world hate Americans. Why is it that Americans feel and act as if they are entitled to everything? Again, I am included in this mix of rude and impatient Americans. However, I do not have an answer as to why we act this way. One can speculate but I think the best thing is that I am cognizant of the way I am and there is still time to change.

Hopefully, being back in LA doesn't mean I go back to my old ways. I guess we'll see. :)

A couple more things to think about...
-apart from Sumo wrestlers, I did not see fat people in Tokyo
-I'm not sure what is in the water in Tokyo but it seems that everyone had flawless skin BUT they still had ProActiv ads on TV, lol
-Sushi Zo has better sushi ;)

ABDC Top 10 Performances

10. SuperCr3w - Get Up Off of That Thing

9. Fanny Pak - Get Your Freak On (great performance!!!)

8. Breaks8 - Cupid Shuffle (Not a big fan. I felt they got by because of their "looks", charm and a gimmick. As far as dancing is concerned, they were more performers than actual dancers.)

7. Dynamic Edition - My Humps (Not a big fan either. I mean the clogging part is impressive but that's about it.)

6. Beat Freaks - Freeze (I liked this one a lot but I think they got lucky because they had the best prop to work with...but these girls CAN freakin' dance!)

5. Kabba Modern - Technologic (Talk about CLEAN!)

4. Strikers All Stars - Gimme More

3. Season 1 Top 4 - Hard Knock Life

2. Quest Crew - Piano Performance (I liked this performance but they actually had another routine that I preferred - don't remember which at the moment.)

1. Jabbawokeez - PYT (Not my favorite Jabba performance but all their routines were pretty awesome.)


Do I completely agree with this list? Not really. Can't wait for Season 4 though....starting this Sunday at 9pm. Tune in people!