Life is good. Last Thursday I was able to be a sit in photographer for a friend of mine during a Culture Night at an elementary school where he teaches. It is a yearly community event that has been going on for over 10 years. It’s a fashion show with food and outfits, and music. I had a great time and it was nice to see so many different cultures celebrating all under one roof. My pictures were not as popular as I would have thought, but most people didn’t know they were free, and I guess getting your picture taken by a stranger isn’t something everyone runs to get done. Nevertheless I took 50+ pictures. It reminded me of the international fashion show I was able to help start at Central as an undergraduate.
Last weekend I spent the whole weekend with D and we had great adventures. I was able to sit in a 3 hour video editing class to learn more about Final Cut Pro X while she studied for her Anatomy class. I found I knew more than I thought I did but was able to pick up some new tips. Afterword’s, I cooked for her and I bought her a one hour deep tissue massage. Apparently deep tissue is more painful than it is relaxation. LOL Who knew?! Nevertheless her body felt relaxed afterwards.
The next day D and I would hike Tiger Mountain with my co-worker and a 75 year old doctor who teaches in our department. We’d bugged him for weeks about taking us with him on the climb that he does 3 times a week. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. One of the bones behind my knee had been hurting for the past week, but I knew hiking would make D happy so I just pushed through. This was probably a mistake. The mountain was A LOT steeper than any of us would expect. I really didn’t think I would make it, but two hours later it felt so good to be at the top and we all felt accomplished!
It felt like going down took longer than climbing up. We traveled through rain, sunshine, dirt, mud and even snow! All in all it was a great bonding experience. I learned that the only way to train to climb a mountain was the climb mountains. So… That’s what I will do!
All in all I am doing great! I cook all the time now. I have started making connections and reaching out to old contacts to start my Graduate application process. This Thursday I my top braces will be removed. I am SO excited about this! Saturday morning I will go to the dentist to get an x-ray of a dead tooth to see what my options are, and immediately after that around 11:30 I will take a practice GRE exam.
Apparently If I register for the full time Master program I am applying to the GRE is not required. There is an info session next Wednesday evening where I hope to learn more and be closer to making a decision.
Work is work.. I am learning how to be in control of my own happiness and not let the attitudes of others ruin my day. I am also doing my best to use my spare time wisely.
My relationship is good. Dating someone who is ambitious and goal oriented is not always easy, because the sacrifice is quality time. However, if you love a person you should love them enough to want to do whatever you can to help them reach their goals while reaching for your own. I am still learning and definitely still maturing. It’s a process.
Oh yeah… I BOUGHT MY TICKET TO JAPAN! How could I forget?! Now its just about being ready to climb Fuji. No joke, half way up tiger mountain I was thinking there’s no way I can make it to the top of Fuji. My ticket was really expensive, but nevertheless its an investment. I am determined to make it to the top and it will be the experience of a lifetime!
Overall life is good. I hope to climb a new local mountain in the near future. I plan to continue to stay disciplined about my finances and focused on continuing my education. Speaking of education D’s younger sister got her acceptance letter from Seattle University. Still waiting for like 9 more schools, most importantly Stanford! Nevertheless her journey inspires me. While many say there is no hope for the youth or the future, I say we’ll just have to wait in say.
Stay humble, stay foolish and stay disciplined.
-Ambassador
AmbassadorNique 