So I did my payment for the semester. It was my first time writing a cheque. So interesting... Anyways, when you think the weather here finally stabilizes, it hits you in the back and snickers. The temperature went down again. And it snowed...again. Classes so far are not bad to me. Considering they are all 100 and 200 (first and second year classes).
This is because I transfered with a 49 credit and to take upper division (third year and fourth year) subjects, I need to have 59 credits. So by now I would be upper division.
By the way, I finally did my laundry. There were some things I still have to be careful of. The warm and cold rinse. But at least I know now to put them together. I check all the clothes (except one which I think it shrunk...). The one that shrunk was a shirt I used for sleeping so it wasn't a big of a deal anyways.
Financially I am secure, the bank draft as well as money that was wired to me is all clear. My Debit card has been activated as well. All I need to do now is to watch what I spend, keep track of them as well as buy my text books...
Come to think of it, it's already February. Chinese New Year is around the corner. I know that there are plans at Faye's place. Faye's a friend from college (senior). She's Hisham's brother's girlfriend as well. So we were thinking steam boat. However, I have not seen much of steamboat food here. Imagine... Americans don't know what a fish ball is!!
In the end, I am doing fine. Email me for anything =)
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
then again...
Things here have been smooth so far after all that has happened. It's just the start of the semester! I have to liven up a little. Meeting expectations, going for classes, being independent...there should be a balance in all of these. Of course, things are just beginning to make sense. It's like the pieces of the puzzle are coming together.
As far as I know now, instead of all my classes are not related to my subject, after attending them, I feel that they actually relate more than I thought. Except for Modern dance, the others were related. So here is the breakdown of the classes and how it is related to my major.
Anthropology : Helps improve my communication and research skills when it comes to people, interviewing them and the likes.
Intro to Creative Writing - Fiction : It's a writing class, for my major, writing is important in any form (apparently) and so this is not a wasted subject. It also hones my creativity side.
Psychology - Child and Adolescent Dev. : As an advertiser, psychology is important. It goes hand in hand so this subject helps me understand this area of consumers so that when I target them, I know and can use the right approach.
History - Terrorism, Violence in the Modern World : Is a class that at first, I had my speculations on whether it was useful. However, this class is a class that actually focuses on critical thinking and idealism. It helps in advertising as well because it not only talks about Terrorism in terms of the Iraqi case, but from way back to the French Revolution and the development of society in different areas of the world. Definitely worth attending.
So I have covered all the classes that I have been taking that at first thought that it has no relation to my major but after attending the classes, I thought... this will work.
As far as I know now, instead of all my classes are not related to my subject, after attending them, I feel that they actually relate more than I thought. Except for Modern dance, the others were related. So here is the breakdown of the classes and how it is related to my major.
Anthropology : Helps improve my communication and research skills when it comes to people, interviewing them and the likes.
Intro to Creative Writing - Fiction : It's a writing class, for my major, writing is important in any form (apparently) and so this is not a wasted subject. It also hones my creativity side.
Psychology - Child and Adolescent Dev. : As an advertiser, psychology is important. It goes hand in hand so this subject helps me understand this area of consumers so that when I target them, I know and can use the right approach.
History - Terrorism, Violence in the Modern World : Is a class that at first, I had my speculations on whether it was useful. However, this class is a class that actually focuses on critical thinking and idealism. It helps in advertising as well because it not only talks about Terrorism in terms of the Iraqi case, but from way back to the French Revolution and the development of society in different areas of the world. Definitely worth attending.
So I have covered all the classes that I have been taking that at first thought that it has no relation to my major but after attending the classes, I thought... this will work.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
dance
I have had a funny start on the week. Went into classes that I don't belong because I didn't know the venue changed, so I missed the classed I signed up for and entered learned something for about an hour. Yup! Uni life is starting to look fine. And I haven't been able to do my laundry because I don't have the time to buy. My schedule is SO heavily hectic.
I managed to get into the Creative Writing: Fiction class but not into the Family Communications. So now I have the Grad Student for a lecturer. There are also classes that can be boring like Anthropology 104 where it is more like sit down and chat before anything else. It's an odd class but I don't know what to do. It has my least interest at all.
There was also the dropping of Math 117 and Communications in small groups. Ends up I am doing nothing that is major related at the moment, except for Psychology of Children & Adolescent. The rest are Terrorism. I don't even know why I am taking such a subject. I don't like it but I don't have a choice.
Then there was Modern Dance class. It was interesting but the first lesson I had were stretching. And oh was it a stretch! It was like pilates PLUS ballet. We had to do these knee bends and jumps and funny things all on the empty stomach. The end result? An abdominal, leg and thigh sore.
Interesting? Fun? Uni life...
I managed to get into the Creative Writing: Fiction class but not into the Family Communications. So now I have the Grad Student for a lecturer. There are also classes that can be boring like Anthropology 104 where it is more like sit down and chat before anything else. It's an odd class but I don't know what to do. It has my least interest at all.
There was also the dropping of Math 117 and Communications in small groups. Ends up I am doing nothing that is major related at the moment, except for Psychology of Children & Adolescent. The rest are Terrorism. I don't even know why I am taking such a subject. I don't like it but I don't have a choice.
Then there was Modern Dance class. It was interesting but the first lesson I had were stretching. And oh was it a stretch! It was like pilates PLUS ballet. We had to do these knee bends and jumps and funny things all on the empty stomach. The end result? An abdominal, leg and thigh sore.
Interesting? Fun? Uni life...
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
after the first hurdle
If you read this post, you'll notice that a lot of time has passed and things have rather changed. I had no time at all the past week to type anything because they keep the international students rather busy with activities and getting started on the necessities. I still don't have a phone but Nico discovered another better company and so I am taking that.
I have my laptop already? No, it isn't a Mac because in Montana, they don't stock these laptops, rather one has to go online and order them. It takes weeks to reach your place. That's why...I got a SONY Vaio instead. It's not the best of computers, a little pricey but cheaper than one in Malaysia, so I guess it has to do.
With that said, I have internet as well. It was a struggle but I pulled through. What have I did the past week? Fun stuff, I did Salsa dancing at a club, and going to the gym. I lost a few things along the way though, which kinda made me sad, one was a scarf while the other were the ski gloves. The scarf just disappeared suddenly one day...while I misplaced the gloves while buying this laptop... I know I sound not responsible but I am still trying.
Made a lot of new friends, the international exchange students. They are a friendly bunch from places like Kazakhstan, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Mexico, Chile, France, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Italy, and Tajikistan. A lot? Places yes, but representatives, they come in singles, pairs and one triple.
We are a happy bunch. I also did a Peer Assistant program where we meet American friends. Though I have yet to spend time with my PA because I want to settle my classes first. I feel bad but I guess I have no choice. I will make it up soon. I classes that I am currently registered are Linear Mathematics, Communication in Small Groups, Modern Dance, and Anthology.
The ones that I want to get into are Communication in Families and Creative writing: Fiction. They are all full...I hope to get into at least one more class so that I can fill up 12 credits. Have to do more shopping and I am running low a little, on cash that is cause books here cause a bomb. Imagine book prices at Taylors, only in Dollars and sometimes reaches > USD100!!!
So now I am finding a balance, getting used to things. Also, I've started to go gym again. I mean, we have nothing much to do anyways so its partially to take time off at the moment. It's fun cause we go together (an international student from New Zealand - Lucy). She is my gym buddy! Haha along with two Italians (Maurice and Sam) as well as Benoit (pronounced as ben-hwa, from France).
About my transactions, I got permission to pay late without getting the penalty so it isn't a problem to me now at the moment. Thank GOD!
Many more things but I will only type this much at the moment...it's getting late. Nites
I have my laptop already? No, it isn't a Mac because in Montana, they don't stock these laptops, rather one has to go online and order them. It takes weeks to reach your place. That's why...I got a SONY Vaio instead. It's not the best of computers, a little pricey but cheaper than one in Malaysia, so I guess it has to do.
With that said, I have internet as well. It was a struggle but I pulled through. What have I did the past week? Fun stuff, I did Salsa dancing at a club, and going to the gym. I lost a few things along the way though, which kinda made me sad, one was a scarf while the other were the ski gloves. The scarf just disappeared suddenly one day...while I misplaced the gloves while buying this laptop... I know I sound not responsible but I am still trying.
Made a lot of new friends, the international exchange students. They are a friendly bunch from places like Kazakhstan, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Mexico, Chile, France, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Italy, and Tajikistan. A lot? Places yes, but representatives, they come in singles, pairs and one triple.
We are a happy bunch. I also did a Peer Assistant program where we meet American friends. Though I have yet to spend time with my PA because I want to settle my classes first. I feel bad but I guess I have no choice. I will make it up soon. I classes that I am currently registered are Linear Mathematics, Communication in Small Groups, Modern Dance, and Anthology.
The ones that I want to get into are Communication in Families and Creative writing: Fiction. They are all full...I hope to get into at least one more class so that I can fill up 12 credits. Have to do more shopping and I am running low a little, on cash that is cause books here cause a bomb. Imagine book prices at Taylors, only in Dollars and sometimes reaches > USD100!!!
So now I am finding a balance, getting used to things. Also, I've started to go gym again. I mean, we have nothing much to do anyways so its partially to take time off at the moment. It's fun cause we go together (an international student from New Zealand - Lucy). She is my gym buddy! Haha along with two Italians (Maurice and Sam) as well as Benoit (pronounced as ben-hwa, from France).
About my transactions, I got permission to pay late without getting the penalty so it isn't a problem to me now at the moment. Thank GOD!
Many more things but I will only type this much at the moment...it's getting late. Nites
Thursday, January 18, 2007
the gap in between
Sorry bout not posting soon. After leaving Seattle, I kinda had no means to go online nor call or anything. Took a long flight past mountains and mountains all covered in snow and finally reaching Missoula. The weather here in Missoula, is MUCH colder compared to Seattle. Of course this weather is not normal and only happens once every 5 - 6 years.
Someone did come to pick me up at the airport. And I got to meet a lot of people along the way. Hisham and his brother met up with me that night on Sunday as we went to Wal-Mart to shop for house things. I am kind of getting used to the money here, though I only by what I REALLY need but I guess I've accepted the fact that I can't do the conversion thingie.
I can't get a phone yet because to get a phone, one needs to have to pay either through credit or debit. And to do that, I need a bank account. So no phone. Then, I wanted to get an Apple/ Mac Computer and they only do orders which will arrive in about 3 weeks? I can't wait that long... Still trying to find a place that DOES sell these things or else I'd just get a normal laptop T^T
Which means, no internet connection for me. PLUS when I DID start a bank account and banked in the cheque of 7500 USD, I can only get the full amount on the 29th or January because it takes time if it was USD 5000 or more and the bank they are getting the money from is in New York... the beauty of it is, my registration and payment due date is on the 23rd.
YUP! Ken Gene is getting his assed fried by the American System. If I pay later than that date, they incur a 40 USD fine. Isn't that so pretty? Unless I get more money wired in. Which I tend to do once I get a phone which I don't have one cause... Yea... Isn't that like a total lock down on me or something? I definately feel it's that way...
My roommate isn't in yet cause I think he'll only be in when classes begin. So I am living alone, trying to figure things out and trying to solve these problems. Hishy is nice, so is his brother but they can't help me much here... We'll see what will happen to me... I am stressed and pissed at the situation now and classes haven't even started.
One word, Wonderful America.
Someone did come to pick me up at the airport. And I got to meet a lot of people along the way. Hisham and his brother met up with me that night on Sunday as we went to Wal-Mart to shop for house things. I am kind of getting used to the money here, though I only by what I REALLY need but I guess I've accepted the fact that I can't do the conversion thingie.
I can't get a phone yet because to get a phone, one needs to have to pay either through credit or debit. And to do that, I need a bank account. So no phone. Then, I wanted to get an Apple/ Mac Computer and they only do orders which will arrive in about 3 weeks? I can't wait that long... Still trying to find a place that DOES sell these things or else I'd just get a normal laptop T^T
Which means, no internet connection for me. PLUS when I DID start a bank account and banked in the cheque of 7500 USD, I can only get the full amount on the 29th or January because it takes time if it was USD 5000 or more and the bank they are getting the money from is in New York... the beauty of it is, my registration and payment due date is on the 23rd.
YUP! Ken Gene is getting his assed fried by the American System. If I pay later than that date, they incur a 40 USD fine. Isn't that so pretty? Unless I get more money wired in. Which I tend to do once I get a phone which I don't have one cause... Yea... Isn't that like a total lock down on me or something? I definately feel it's that way...
My roommate isn't in yet cause I think he'll only be in when classes begin. So I am living alone, trying to figure things out and trying to solve these problems. Hishy is nice, so is his brother but they can't help me much here... We'll see what will happen to me... I am stressed and pissed at the situation now and classes haven't even started.
One word, Wonderful America.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Seattle
Arrived in Seattle safe and sound. The first thing that greated me was the soft snow. I was amazed by the beauty of the place. It feels like I am on vacation more than for studying purpose. The temperature is around -5 degrees celcius which is like...wayyyyy comfortable for me though it is chilly a little on the hands and feet.
Seattle now is covered in snow and that makes driving around difficult. That said, it means that shopping for my things here is cancelled. I guess I haven't a choice but to get my things in Missoula. What more, due to the snow, Hisham might not make it on time. Plus the fact that the Uni has not mentioned whether they will be picking me or not... I might have to find my way to campus.
Survive a day without knowing my way around until reinforcements (Hishy and Borhan) shows...
I am starting to miss my family now though. Not home sick, just miss the people.
We'll see what I can do. I can't move around much thus I can't call home at the moment so please understand. For what it's worth, I'm safe and doing fine at the moment so no worries ya?
Seattle now is covered in snow and that makes driving around difficult. That said, it means that shopping for my things here is cancelled. I guess I haven't a choice but to get my things in Missoula. What more, due to the snow, Hisham might not make it on time. Plus the fact that the Uni has not mentioned whether they will be picking me or not... I might have to find my way to campus.
Survive a day without knowing my way around until reinforcements (Hishy and Borhan) shows...
I am starting to miss my family now though. Not home sick, just miss the people.
We'll see what I can do. I can't move around much thus I can't call home at the moment so please understand. For what it's worth, I'm safe and doing fine at the moment so no worries ya?
Friday, January 12, 2007
transit
I am soooo stuck here in Incheon, Korea. Only five more hours to go... It's SO BORING! Trying hard not to spend so much money. And the weird thing is... There seems to be a bang of Burberry, Hermes and other really big branded good stores here. The worst part is, almost % of the people I passed are wearing something from Burberry be it a scarf of jacket.
It's kinda pain to the head when everything here costs a bomb. I am trying to keep within budget but barely surviving. Also, how is one expected to survive here with the limited funds and no... NO entertainment at all? XD I am not complaining but it's just one of my usual whinings.
Starting to miss the family...a little, but just a little. Haha
Anyways, I don't think I will be able to go online much for the next few days so we'll have to see what other interesting encounters I will be having in the days to come. ^ ^
It's kinda pain to the head when everything here costs a bomb. I am trying to keep within budget but barely surviving. Also, how is one expected to survive here with the limited funds and no... NO entertainment at all? XD I am not complaining but it's just one of my usual whinings.
Starting to miss the family...a little, but just a little. Haha
Anyways, I don't think I will be able to go online much for the next few days so we'll have to see what other interesting encounters I will be having in the days to come. ^ ^
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