last finals (finally!)

Finals. Stress. The end of the semester run towards deadlines. ARGH. I think I had like 5 cups of coffee last Friday.

Speaking of the stress. I had one strange stress dream. Unlike the other ones which involved nuclear war, this one was set in the DPRK. Apparently, in my wild dream, I went grocery shopping...in the DPRK. And while I was in the grocery store, I stole a bag of peas from someone. Is it graduation yet?

It's also getting very cold, which is very unusual for Monterey. Then again, I keep thinking why it hasn't snowed yet. It certainly is cold enough for that. I miss taking walks in the city on a cold but clear winter night before Christmas and enjoying the sensation I get from doing so.

And of course, the Fête des Lumières started a couple days ago. Why did I ever leave France Lyon? Got to go back asap. I can't help but feel that warmth of Christmas coming. Even though I don't know what 2014 will bring yet, I am anxious to be graduating and taking the next step forward. I honestly feel like I've been gone for half of the semester with all my travels. That isn't necessarily a bad thing because I love to travel and it was for professional development. This travel bug in me cannot be contained.

5 more days and counting!     

the final countdown, 4 weeks left!

Another weekend workshop, another weekend gone. I can't believe time is passing by so quickly.

So, I miss autumn time in Lyon. I miss the rain in Lyon. I miss the rain the general because it's always sunny here, not that it's a bad thing... I miss walking in the city with heels in the crisp, cold autumn air. I miss going to Severine's house to practice the piano and being drawn into the cozy apartment, welcomed by the warmth of the familiar scented perfume or of delicious food being cooked.

Why am I missing the Fête des Lumières again? WHY. Hopefully, I'll be there for this beautiful light festival next year.

(2013 Fête des Lumière teaser)

I must keep looking forward because I know that I'm going to be back for sure. Of course, the uncertainty of when that is continues to drive me crazy since I'm a planner. It's probably why I've been having crazy dreams again, like riding on elevators, or being back at the United Nation running around because I keep losing my purse. It might have to do with the upcoming changes that I know will happen. I suppose it's better than having dreams about nuclear war or being questioned about the Syrian chemical weapons.... What would be nice is not to have these dreams and get a good night sleep. I think I'm planning on sleeping for 2 days after graduation. Or until Christmas. Don't wake me up unless there's a plane ticket with my name on it to go back to Lyon.

Yes, it's time to go, just gotta go. Time to wrap up my studies in academia and go out into the world, back to Europe, back to France. I love the French. I think I'd be pretty happy to make that my home base and still be able to travel.

Four papers, 3 presentations, one exam to go. One month and 4 days. Let's do this!

back to the west

And I'm back in California after a week and half in the city. So glad to be in the city in the midst of all this craziness (read: School and job hunting). My travel bug, on the other hand is kind of out of control. I have the biggest urge to travel to Quebec city and do some sight seeing. I've been there probably about 10 years ago when I was a kid, and of course, don't remember much.

The end of my trip was pretty busy but enjoyable. The First Committee was so behind. We were supposed to start the discussion on Conventional weapons 2 weeks ago, but I think it was only on the Friday before I left, we were barely able to get started on that conversation. A pity, since I would have loved to stay for the conventional part. Otherwise, I followed the rest of the debate through the UN Webcast and other sites.

Also, apparently, my orange mac is now extremely popular because this picture:

....is now the poster child for all papers passed out talking about the Open Ended working group to take forward multilateral negotiations on nuclear disarmament. Hooray for standing out!

And now, back to work, back to school. Just one month and half and I'm DONE. Definitely can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. Until then, plenty of things to do to keep me busy. At least I know that I have until January here, which buys me some time. My last midterm was this past week. After that, I will start churning out cover letters....as if I haven't started doing that already. Given that this is my last semester, my priority list has already begun to shift around a bit. Unexpected things happened, all the expected things happened. Interests have shifted and gotten deeper. Looking back to all the goals I made earlier this year for 2013, I think the only one that I'm still working on is finding a job. But since I made that goal, I will fulfill it this year. Side note: For all you people out there who keep telling us, the ones who are graduating that we need to get a job, STOP TELLING US THAT. We're well aware that we need a job and telling us we need to get one doesn't help. Are you going to help us get a job? No? Well, then don't say anything.

Honestly, I'm really looking forward to going back to somewhere where there's snow. I miss the excitement of the first snow in the city. Eh oui, ça me manque beaucoup.

Ready? Allez!

n.y.c. what is it about you?

view from UN

New Yoooooooorrk! Oh, how I have missed you.

First thing first. UNGA First Committee meeting!

The last time I was at the UN as a visitor was probably in 2003. I just remember being super excited when the guide told us we were standing on international ground.

My first event was to attend the conference on humanitarian consequences on nuclear weapons. Quite a crowd and various delegations attended including a number of NGOs. Since I was only able to make it to the last past of the meeting (thank you, American Airlines for your delayed flight), I caught the part about "Don't bank on the bomb." The discussion focused on the financial aspect about the maintenance and production of nuclear weapons. According to the speaker, there are 32 countries in the world that supports such maintenance which amounts to $314 billion US dollars. And then, there was talk regarding a treaty banning nuclear weapons. As Rebecca Johnson argued, getting to the treaty is the first step. Training comes after, to educate the people, provide training courses like the CTBTO does. The States Parties should also look at what is missing in the NPT.

The session started at 15h, where I was really glad to see many representatives from Geneva in the room. It's always nice to see familiar faces, especially at the First Committee. It was certainly lovely to have the DPRK and Japan have their rights of reply at the VERY END of the conference. So it lasted half an hour more than it was supposed to and I didn't get home until 21h30. What an exhausting day.

After taking the train to Penn Station this morning, I walked the 40 mins distance to the UN and headed to a meeting with a delegation. The discussion today for the side event was International Humanitarian Law hosted by New Zealand and Switzerland. Though this was round 2 of the IHL discussion stemming from the OEWG, most of the second part of the event was the same, on the necessity and proportionality of IHL.

Finally, the result of 8 months worth of work for the Open-ended working group on taking forward multilateral disarmament negotiations -- the Chair of the OEWG reported back to the GA today. Glad my internship in the past 8 months produced some results. More statements from various countries, including the USA who mentioned that they will not support any new mechanisms for nuclear disarmament.

So far so good. I look forward to the rest of the week until the 26th, frolicking in the city. That being said, I'm so glad to be back in the city again. Café, museums, central park and all those shenanigans, here I come!

Follow me on twitter or here for more craziness in NYC!

those indian summer days

Looking out from the Aquarium on a morning jog

Another weekend over.

Not to mention 26C to 27C this weekend!! What happened to fall weather? It was like an oven in my apartment. I made iced coffee on Saturday because the heat was making me drowsy.

I finally got new business cards. They have owls on them. Yes, owls. Don't judge because the owls are super cute. On the plus side, it'll make people remember me better.

I'm mostly looking forward to the traveling. NYC in a week! To find information on the UNGA First Committee 68th session, look here. The session just started today! Follow me next week as I make my way through First Committee @XuejiaoHu

I don't foresee any breaks coming up despite the fall break that is coming up this weekend. It doesn't count as a break when there's a midterm after a break. So, you'll find me holed up somewhere in my room going through readings and power points again. Honestly, I do enjoy the busy-ness. And frankly, I'm getting pretty good at carving time for myself in the midst of all this crazy-ness.

I suppose I will also celebrate the mark to quarter-of-a-century old this weekend. I should do it in style. Meanwhile, I must get on with my school work and job hunting (read: in Europe). I have to fulfill my 2013 goals!

A bit random, but I'll give you Monday's quote of the week:

"La rue et moi, c'est une histoire d'amour."

Yves Saint-Laurent

That's me and Lyon. The story of love, right on the streets. Dreams always come true if you work for it. A year ago, I said I'd go back to Lyon. I did. Now I say I will be back in Lyon next year. It'll happen. After all, in the end, we always end up where our hearts are.

Happy Monday, everyone! Bon courage!

adventures on the way

running by the trails early morning

I've been... busy. But productive. I'm FINALLY caught up on readings, I think and all the assignments. I've left nothing last minute, hence nothing stressful other than job searching. Although I'm pretty much dead when 5pm rolls around because I get up so early in the morning.

In other news:

I'M GOING TO NEW YORK CITY. FROM THE 17TH-26TH. Very excited, of course. It'll be for the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly Conference. The actual conference lasts for about a month, but of course, I can't miss a month worth of class. So I'm taking a week off. It'll be a good chance for me to get to know the New York folks since I know quite a few of the Geneva folks already. I've been on a plane so many times this year that I'm beginning to feel it's normal.

This week is the 5th week of school. I feel like time is just flying so fast that I have no idea what happened in the past 4 weeks. In fact, I feel like I just came back yesterday from Europe, hence the lack of re-adjustment. Terrible, I know.

I'm half tempted to buy a plane ticket in December back to Lyon just to see the Fête des Lumières. Forget finals, who wants to study for that when there's the festival of lights in Lyon?! HA, I wish!

Fog rolling in

I'm mostly caught up on work, shocking I know. But if I'm going to miss another week of class, I better stay on top of my classwork and other things.

It's officially Autumn. I'm slowly getting excited for all the holidays on the way. Oh yeah, and graduation. That too.

energy-less mondays

Mondaymodaymoday.

It was my first weekend workshop and I believe I have 4 more on the way. It shouldn't be that bad, the 22 units, I suppose and work. After the third week, I still think about Lyon every day but getting back into the schedule of school. Strangely, I also miss tap water. A lot. The most delicious tap water I ever had was in Salzburg. So delicious it was almost sweet to the taste.

Autumn is tiptoeing its way in. Along with the cool weather, is the fog and mist. The autumn rain will soon be on its way and frankly, I couldn't be happier. I still go running in the morning having gotten used to the Geneva/Lyon schedule. On the plus side, the wind is not as strong in the morning.

I JUST TURNED IN MY PETITION TO GRADUATE. OMG. I'M SO CLOSE TO BEING DONE, MY MIND IS GONE. CAN DECEMBER COME ANY FASTER? Actually, not that fast because I have to find a job before then.

So, it's been 2 weeks since I've been back. Where is my appetite? I can't seem to stomach most of the food here. Ridiculous, but I'm planning to head to the ridiculously expensive farmer's market to see if I can snatch up some fresh veggies to wake up my appetite.

Oh, I just bought a coffee maker on amazon. An Italian coffee maker:

I also can't drink the coffee here and would have to drive/walk far to get good coffee. Ok fine. The drive isn't so far, but for someone who hates driving, it is. So, here's my solution to said problem. It's small enough that, say if I went back to France, I could actually bring it with me. Then again, what am I thinking? My French mom told me she'd get me a fancy coffee maker when I get a flat in France.

In other international news:

In the meantime, the UN report on the chemical weapon use on Syria just came out. Click here to read it. Absolutely terrible and insane. The OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) must be going crazy at the moment.

The High-level meetings on nuclear disarmament will be held at the UN in NYC on 26 September 2013. High-level officials will come from all over the world to discuss how to proceed with nuclear disarmament.

Time to get back to all the readings I need to do and all the rest of the things that I somehow find the time for.

Happy Monday!

back to the grind

 

3 weeks into school and I'm two (possibly more) week(s) behind. How is this even possible? I will catch up, that's for certain. Eventually. How behind am I? Case in point, I already missed a memo for a class, turned in an assignment late, so much readings I have to get to and another memo due yesterday and more.

I've spent the majority of the second week trying to re-adjust to life in the states. On one hand, it's easy. On the other hand, I'm not sure if I can fully adjust anymore. It may be an exaggeration but it's something I can feel. It's like my inner conscience is telling me, "hey! don't get too comfortable here, 'cause we're leaving soon!" Then again, I've got so many things flying around in my head that I can't even focus on things other than school, work and getting back to Europe. As long as I still hear my own voice and instinct, it's all good. I think I'm also in denial about what time zone I'm in because my mac is still set to French time.

I've also found out that the coffee that I used to drink, I can't drink anymore because of the taste. How dare I become a coffee snob?! I think that my standards just got higher...which is terrible until I can find a job, of course (aka in France/Switzerland). Because good coffee can be expensive. And if I want really good coffee, I'd rather have that in Europe.

For now, back to the busy-ness, back to school, back to job searching. I may be super homesick for Lyon and my lovely French family, but I must get on with this last semester before I can think about getting back there! One thing at a time. 23 units? I've totally got this.

Happy Monday!

237 days

237 days.

237 days of delicious coffee. 237 days of meetings and conferences. 237 days of meeting people. 237 days of countless adventures. 237 days of unforgettable moments with my lovely French family.

After 237 days,  I am finally back in California ready to finish my last semester of school. I'm so ready to be done with my Master's and ready for whatever adventure that may come next. Whether it is here in the US or abroad, I am ready to face it head on. I am confident there's a path that God has paved for me. I have followed Him, I am following Him and I will continue to follow Him for all the days of my life.

So here I am, back in the States, feeling slightly weird at hearing English spoken around me. I miss Europe and the coffee. I miss my French family. But evidently, this is where I need to be at the moment, so in Monterey I will stay until the successful completion of my Master's and securing a job (I hope). Who knows what will happen at the end of December? I just know that I am looking forward to any adventure that may come my way. After this second séjour in Europe, I know that I could spend the next 6 years (or more) moving from one place to another without hesitation. At all.

I'm planning on taking as much time I need to get re-settled/re-integrated back into the schedule of things. It may take awhile, but I think I need it. For now, school is a major distraction for me as well as work. These things will speed up the process so I should be back to... "normal" within a week or two. So, life is good because let's be fair. There are worse places to be than in Monterey. I should make the most of my time here because this semester may be my last ever being a student (officially). There could be a slight chance I may be back in Europe next year (I hope). If that happens, I may not be able to contain my screams... of joy.

In the mean time, I've got a lot to catch up, friends to catch up with and a future to look forward to.

Last semester of grad school, here I come! Europe, I'll be back. Very soon.

oh the places to go! happy friday, everyone!

I survived the first week of my internship at the UN. And now, I want to sleep because I work almost 9 hours a day and wake up too early.

I just can't sit still, or long enough. Now that I'm in Europe, it's even harder for me to sit still knowing that I'm so close to many countries. Why should I be sitting around when the entire continent is opened to me to see?

With that said, here's a tentative schedule of my plans:

January-March (tentative)
- Bern
- Fribourg 3/02/2013
- St. Gallen
- Zermatt
- Chamonix
- Bienne
- Lausanne 9/02/2013
- Gruyère
- Basel
- Zurich
- Interlaken
- Luzern

February
- Annecy (for sure)
- Bruges
- Strasbourg

March
- Annecy (meeting)
- Vienna and Salzburg

April
- Due to the PrepCom, I'll be stuck in Geneva for a bit
- Continue to go back to France
- Prague (tentative)

May
- Slovenia and Croatia
- Amsterdam
- Israel?
- La Rochelle, France

June
- Ukraine
- Aix-en-Provence
- Paris

July
- Rome
- random cities that I'll think about later
- Kyrgyzstan

August
- Back to Monterey

Between traveling, interning, dealing with bombs, delegates and ambassadors, I think life in Europe will be swell. If my ability in English goes up in smokes, that's good in a way. It means my French and Russian will be amazing (I hope). As I've said before, I'm less focused on traveling, and more focused on getting a job. These trips will only be done over the weekend, or whenever I have a holiday. I may ask for some extra days off, but those will be kept at a minimum.

I'm definitely not sure if I can go for more than one day without coffee. To buy coffee at the UN bar de la presse is definitely not cheap. I bought some good instant coffee that's cheap at Lidl so I can make coffee at home. Otherwise at work, I may have to invest in a cup you can get at the bar de la presse and every time you bring the cup with you, you get a discount on coffee. Or you will pay 2 francs for each cup and die a little bit inside each time you pay for that coffee.

Finally, I watched the live stream of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon at my school! It was too bad I couldn't be there, but still!


Happy weekend, tout le monde!

things i don't feel like doing today -- moving

First year of grad school is officially over. I can't say what a relief it is. One more year go to -- to be more specific 22 units to go and I'll getting my Masters degree! Almost done with this marathon.

So what am I doing on this time off? I'm busy getting ready for my trip by looking at where I should go visit, what to do there and what there is to see. I highly doubt life will be boring across the pond and will make the most of it. Having already been abroad for year, I can now plan better and more efficiently (not to mention, better at packing).

It feels weird not having anything to do. I suppose lesson planning and working is a good distraction. Not to mention Christmas is coming and I must get on writing those Christmas cards. I like the distraction these little tasks give me so that the mind is always preoccupied and not think about other things.

I now have the luxury of sleeping in, but still finding myself waking up at 7h, wondering why my brain won't shut down for a bit. Sometimes I try to get more of a shut-eye, but other times, like today, I just got up and went out for a 2+ mile run. I suppose I'll try to sleep more before leaving for Geneva. But now that there's been an unexpected trip planned for New York, we'll see.

I'm pretty excited for the New York trip, actually. It's been a while since I've been there and I'll be taking my cousin to visit. Any suggestion on what to see besides the usual stuff?

it's that most stressful time of year

Finals.

Papers.

Stress.

Fortunately, it's all coming to an end next week. Next week, I'll be FREE. FREEEEEEEEEE. Then it's off to continue to dream through my days about Europe and all that jazz.

I'm pretty sure I slept talked last night and dreamt of stairs that don't connect. That was a weird dream. So, what else is left?

(1) essay for Israel and the bomb
(1) essay for French
(1) final for terrorism

It's been a marathon so far...which means I can't slow down. Must run to the end. By this time next week, I can pass out on my bed and not get up until next month....if possible. That is, if I don't want to pack and bring an empty suitcase with me to Geneva.

Just gotta go, just gotta go.

after thanksgiving, finals and stress

It's almost December.



*Maddash/scrabbletowardstheend.*

I think I can get through two more weeks of school, although I'm starting to get stress dreams. For instance, I dreamt that we were all under nuclear attack and trapped in a building while watching people turn to dust outside in all the fumes and gas. In another, I dreamt that I couldn't finish my French directed studies work and flipping out because of it. I wonder if I actually sleep talk or hit things. One day I should get a recorder and tape myself during sleep. It's like running a marathon, slow but surely. Although I'm beginning to run out steam....and I feel like the train from Dumbo, the one climbing that long, steep hill chanting "I think I can, I think I can." I'm pretty sure I've lost my motivation in some of my classes.

Things I need to do before leaving in January:

- Finish my Fall semester with a bang
- Buy my plane ticket DONE
- Find housing in Geneva DONE
- Get my visa
- Finish packing to move out

I don't think the stress of moving and leaving is catching up to me yet. I've started my housing search, and have been searching since October, but somehow I haven't been stressed about it yet. But soon, there's going to be christmas things to be worried about, speaking of which, I must go set up my tree.

It's finally beginning to smell like winter time, the smell and sound of Christmas...or that could just be my own imagined smell....Nonetheless, every time I go outside when it gets dark, I breathe in the fresh, crisp fall air, with a hint of burning wood and sweetness. I love the feeling of leaves crunching underneath me. After the craziness of school is over, I plan to read, have coffee and take a long break before I start working. Also, I got a new phone, which I've been adding pictures of Lyon like crazy.

Yesterday, there was another event that cemented my resolve of not ever living in Dublin/Pleasanton again. I just saw one of my high school teacher. Granted, it's been 4 years and I don't think she remembers me at all, to my relief. I was that sole senior in her class taking Spanish because I thought it'd be fun after finishing French. I remember her being the teacher that couldn't control her class.

Oh, and I finally given up on telling people what my major is. I've been getting blank stares or stuff like, oh, you look like such an innocent girl to be doing nonproliferation stuff. Well, is that so?

Two more weeks. I think I can.

10 things a grad student needs

I recently read this post from thought catalogue: Every 20-Something’s Wishlist

Here's my own version of what grad students need.

(1) not-so-expensive place to live drama-free, stress-free

(1) financial aid center that understands a grad student's needs 

(Infinity) professors who are objective and understand the world (or us students) doesn't revolve solely on their class

(2+) best friend who supports us, understands us, and loves us, even if it's from afar

(1) roommate who's considerate and you vice versa

(Endless) amount of coffee

(Infinity) amount of good books to read during vacations

(1+) professor who's our mentor, our role model, our guide

(1)  nice café to spend our time socializing, studying or just sitting around having a good cup of joe

(1+) job offers waiting for us at graduation

more than half-way there

I could probably sleep standing up right now. If I go running after class, I maybe have the energy to do my homework before passing out tonight.

5 more weeks until the semester is over. 10 weeks before I leave for Geneva. And speaking of that, must find apt and get visa.

Ready? Set? Go!

the places to go -- europe round 2

Well, this is sort of an unofficial notice that I will be going back to Europe next January.

To Geneva.

Switzerland.

Apparently, the time I spent in Europe as an undergrad wasn't enough. Except this time will be different. This time I will be going there to work. To be an adult and dip my toes into the working world. Along with three of my classmates (as far as I know) we are heading off to Europe to put what we learned into action. I will be in Geneva, one will be in the Hague and two others will be in Vienna.

Yes, I'll be living in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Let's see how good my skills are in stretching that doll.......er, I mean swiss franc.

I know this is probably silly, but I've already started looking at where all the bookstores and stationary stores are. Yes, I know, I'm lame, but I can't help it. I love books and stationary. Oh, and I must look for markets in food, books and arts and crafts.

And CHOCOLATE.

I've been to Geneva once, but only just for a day, so this time, the opportunity to live and work there is absolutely most appreciated and I'm extremely grateful for this chance.

I absolutely can't wait to start another adventure.

NPT simulation: opening statements!

First day of opening statements from all the delegates! We actually still have 3 more countries who need to deliver their statements due to class ending, but it was very smooth and conducted in a "business-like" way. Everyone was dressed professionally and it was awesome.

NOTE: THIS IS A SIMULATION, NOT THE REAL THING.

The previous chair (from Australia) retired and gave the chair to Romania's representative, Ambassador Umayam. Kind words all around to the Chair, aka the Honorable Chair Lady! First up was the country representing NAM (Non-Aligned Movement). I had hoped that this year would be a bit dramatic, and perhaps that will be the case as we move into our working groups. I will be in working group #1, the disarmament group with the Egyptian delegation as chair.  My partner will be in working group #2, the nonproliferation and peaceful uses group. I'm actually really excited about this. Despite this 21 unit semester, I'm going to have some fun, while learning! Sounds cliché I know, but seriously. If I can't have some fun while learning, what's the point? I might as well not have gone to grad school.

Amb Hu from South Africa!

Everyone listening attentively to the statements. The Russian Federation did theirs in Russian! But where is the Chinese interpreter into Chinese?! We'll be ending the statements tomorrow and going into our working groups. Follow our exciting moments on Twitter #MIIS2013NPT. (Yes I also caved and got a twitter account #XuejiaoHu--- and somehow every time I say that, I get the urge to twitch).

Let the fun begin officially tomorrow with the kickstart of the working groups!

NPT simulation: first steps to unleashing our inner diplomat

It is officially the 4th week of school---starting this coming Monday. I think I'm ready to unleash my inner diplomat.

As I am taking the NPT Simulation class this semester, I have been given the task of being a part of the South African delegation along with another fellow from China!

After submitting our policy papers, it is time to get serious about negotiating and finding our allies.

So, without further ado, I present to you the NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) group minus Chile:

Fancy, aren't we? Yeah, that's our NAM car. It's a good thing we're doing this together. Who knows? Maybe we'll have something awesome to propose at the Nonproliferation Treaty Committee. As the African proverb says: "If you want to go fast, walk alone. If you want to go far, walk together." Thanks to Lovely for emphasizing this during our lecture. :)

Stay tuned for further news from the NPT simulation class ~

top 10 ways to know your semester is getting busy

It's the 3rd week of school.....and I already feel like I'm behind...even though I'm not. What happened to my weekends? They fly away too fast, always trying to escape from me. Anyways, work and school is consuming my life....assuming that I had any in the first place. Between running around to classes, work and more work, I'm constantly on the go no matter how tired I may be. The coffee helps ;) So, how do I know my semester is getting busy?

10. You know your semester is getting busy when you find yourself forgetting to eat

9. When you constantly reach for that cup of coffee because your eyelids are heavy from a lack of sleep from stress

8. When you decide to pick up running or another form of exercise to relieve said stress

7. You use exercise as a form of procrastination

6. You run around like a chicken with its head cut off

5. You have a constant grin on your face from the overload of caffeine

4. Sleep? Rest? What's that?

3. "@_@ Really? I have that much reading to do?!"

2. You just want to go home after classes and pass out on your bed, or watch mindless tv

1. You're stressed, overworked, and tired, but still think that at the end of the semester, it's all going to be worth it. IT BETTER BE.

Muahaha.

you're on, second semester of grad school!

First day of second semester grad school. I'm going to own it, instead of the other way around. It will awesome. I am completely in love with my Russian class. Yes, it's only been one class, but I think I can see myself having a love affair with this class.

I had 3 classes today back to back, and barely had time to eat lunch. But thanks to my friend -- I did eat something. It was great to see some familiar faces, among other things. I can see that this semester will be ridiculously busy, but fun. So I'll just need to remember to take it easy and to take a break when I need it. Other than that, I'll be running everywhere, from class, to work, to activities, to meetings. It'll be an epic semester.

First mini vacation this Thursday!!!!! I'm so ready for the road trip with my best friend, a wedding and disneyland!

Stay tuned for more coffee adventures in grad school.