Happy Holidays!

Have a safe and happy holiday everyone!

Happy

I just wanted to share one of my favorite songs (of the moment) that basically talks about what it means to be happy.  Happiness isn't easy and sometimes we have to take risks to figure out what it means to be happy and to find what it is that makes us happy.

Enjoy!

Mac N Cheese

Holiday season is here and it means it's time for my Mac N Cheese.  It's not really mine, it's actually Martha Stewart's.  But ever since I made it for my family a few years ago they've begged me to make it every year for our Holiday Get Together.

This year, I'm tweaking the recipe a little bit.  Those who know me know of my mild obsession with bacon.  As health-conscious as I am, bacon is one of the few indulgence I allow myself.  Bacon makes everything better.  This year, I am adding bacon to Martha's recipe.  I am also substituting half of the butter with rendered bacon fat.  I hope it turns out well and doesn't disappoint.

For now, I have finals to worry about.  I just came back from a study session for Tuesday's final.  I hope I get a good grade in the final.  Although it's technically not my hardest class, it's the only class this semester that I didn't take seriously and now I'm in danger of finishing with a B.  I know that's still a god grade but it's not good enough for me. It's a blemish in this semester's record.  =)  I've always hated Physics but that's no excuse to slack.  Back to the books I go... til next time!

Updates!

It's been a while since I've updated this blog.  It seems like the days seem to go by at lightning speed when I barely have time to catch my breath!  I won't bore anyone with details so I'll just go ahead with updates:

1. Penn interview went well.  I was exhausted from my trip but I'm glad I went.  It was nice to see the campus and meet the people.  Hopefully, I made a good impression.  I don't hear back from them until about February although they do send out their first round of rejection letters this month! 

2. I've scheduled my interview with Johns Hopkins for Dec. 22nd.  I'm doing a phone interview this time since it's so close to Christmas and airline ticket prices are sky-rocketing!  If I do get accepted, I'll visit the campus then to help me decide.

3. I wanted to go on vacation before I start grad school. In fact, JJ and I planned a trip to Italy and Greece.  With all the preparations to move cross-country, I don't think that trip's feasible.  We'll probably go when we both graduate.  Insane European shopping trip, woo-hoo! I still want to go on a short trip though.  Not sure where at the moment.

4.  I have finals coming up in the next 3 weeks.  I'm hoping I did well enough in my Physics class that I don't have to take the final.  I find out tomorrow.  I'm crossing my fingers and toes that I got a 185/200 in my last test.  That's the absolute minimum for me to pass out of the final.

5.  Christmas time is here and that means shopping galore!  Not just for gifts but for me too.  I have a nasty habit of buying myself a thing or two for every present I buy.  =)  So far, I've bought myself more than enough presents and I've only bought 3-4 presents.  That's not too good, is it?

6.  What else is there?  So far I've really just stressed out about school and getting into school.  In January, I have to add financial aid into the mix.  I hope I get my W2s early so I can get my taxes done early.  I should probably send an email to my former employer's accounting department.  I'll do that January 1st.  =)

That's all I have so far.  I hope to blog more soon when school is done.  I also hope to have good news soon! 

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*