What was probably my last Thanksgiving break (at least the last one that'll be an entire week long) was less than eventful, but nonetheless important.
The closer I get to graduating, and realizing I'll have less time to spend with my family, a week home was just what I needed. Just the idea that it's my last year in academia has caused me more self inflicted stress than I hoped. While my classes aren't all that difficult, I find it hard to concentrate and get motivated. It is the infamous senioritis syndrome. It sucks.
And while I'm more than thankful break finally arrived, knowing that it's already the end of November is extremely scary. And now that it's the end of break, I'm already looking forward to Christmas break.
Our family doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving the way others might, but it's still exciting being home again. We had a buttload of lobsters, a lot of hotpot, and my mom's gotten into using the oven! That's new for us. She baked pork ribs, potatoes, and even a duck! (That was our turkey.)
We don't partake in Black Friday much either, but this year we thought we'd check out what the scene was like. Everyone's opening early at midnight, so it was plausible. However when we drove to Walmart, around the time they were suppose to open up the doors to everyone, we were shocked to see a crazy long line! I mean, I was expecting it, but still!
The only thing was, they were only letting a set amount of people in at a time, making the line move slower, and meaning those who weren't in line, should forget about getting in within the following minutes. And again, we didn't think it through. It was an annoying system, but given Walmart's history with Black Friday, (look it up, it was tragic), it makes a lot of sense. Actually, everyone should of done it the way they did so there wasn't any trampling. In the end we didn't go inside. We went right back home and I regretted nothing. Boy was it cold.
Normally we'd hit up Walmart Friday evening, and see what's left. And for the past few years I've always bought fleece pajama pants cause they were always $4-$5! And cute and comfy :) Started turning into a tradition, but we didn't end up going Friday (And I didn't get my pants this year D:), but instead went today, and my dad actually brought home a TV!
In the end all my Black Friday shopping ended up being online. Apparently I have more self control in stores than I do on my bed with my computer and debit card. Can't wait for my things to arrive in the mail. :)
And now we're at the end of the week my of relaxation. Only hours away until I have to drive to Boston to catch my bus, I watch The Big Bang Theory to pass the time. It's almost becoming a tradition. Syracuse, see you in a few.
To future Jackie:
Hows the following Thanksgivings? Black fridays? Have you adapted to not being on a semester/vacation schedule?
Hope you're still watching TBBT!
Sunday, December 1, 2013
First Time: Ballet!
The other day I went to a Ballet show with my roommates and friends. It was my first time ever seeing a ballet performance live! It was great! It was in the middle of a stressful week but it was worth it.
The first performance was with fairytale characters like Princess Aurora, little red riding hood, and even Puss-in-boots! I was afraid a ballet performance would be too sophisticated and beyond my comprehension, but I'm glad it was an easy to follow story. :)
It was a wedding and each pair of dancers blessed the couple with their own performances. It was jovial, sweet, delightful, even a little humorous!
The second performance was almost a complete switch from the first. And it was one of what I would consider the top highlights of the evening. Unlike the first performance, it was mysterious, raw, calm, and eerily beautiful. Where the first performance had colorful and bright costumes, in the second one the performers wore little to nothing, and not in a scandalous way, of course. It was light, airy, fluttery pieces of clothing, almost second skin like. The sudden switch to simplicity was refreshing! And that's not to say the initial costumes were unbearable, but the contrast between the two performances complimented each other really nicely. Their performance seemed more smoother in transition, more fluid. They way the ballerinas flew into the arms of their partners and the way they almost seem to freeze frame on the instance they collide, was one of my favorite moments.
The other performances didn't take to my liking as much as the first two, but they were definitely worth seeing. It was more folk and I never realized ballet could encompass any of that! It was different, interesting, and I only wish I could of appreciated it more.
To future Jackie:
Have you seen anymore performances like this one that left such an impression?
Hope I've had more to enjoy than just the regular tv shows and anime :)
Until next time.
The first performance was with fairytale characters like Princess Aurora, little red riding hood, and even Puss-in-boots! I was afraid a ballet performance would be too sophisticated and beyond my comprehension, but I'm glad it was an easy to follow story. :)
It was a wedding and each pair of dancers blessed the couple with their own performances. It was jovial, sweet, delightful, even a little humorous!
The second performance was almost a complete switch from the first. And it was one of what I would consider the top highlights of the evening. Unlike the first performance, it was mysterious, raw, calm, and eerily beautiful. Where the first performance had colorful and bright costumes, in the second one the performers wore little to nothing, and not in a scandalous way, of course. It was light, airy, fluttery pieces of clothing, almost second skin like. The sudden switch to simplicity was refreshing! And that's not to say the initial costumes were unbearable, but the contrast between the two performances complimented each other really nicely. Their performance seemed more smoother in transition, more fluid. They way the ballerinas flew into the arms of their partners and the way they almost seem to freeze frame on the instance they collide, was one of my favorite moments.
The other performances didn't take to my liking as much as the first two, but they were definitely worth seeing. It was more folk and I never realized ballet could encompass any of that! It was different, interesting, and I only wish I could of appreciated it more.
To future Jackie:
Have you seen anymore performances like this one that left such an impression?
Hope I've had more to enjoy than just the regular tv shows and anime :)
Until next time.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
21 Pilots
21 Pilots performed in Syracuse a few weeks back. My roommate introduced me to the band and convinced me to go to the concert. I was almost going to skip, considering the crazy amount of work my graphics class demanded. But thought, what the hell.
The opening band was...not impressive to say the least. It was horrendous. All those flashing lights and shouting, and the constant "MAKE SOME NOISE" shouts. Sigh. Not my cup of tea, but I think others probably thought they were bangin. I didn't. It was just UGH. I had to wear sun glasses. INSIDE.
But, thank god 21 Pilots came on right after them.
Let's just say. IT WAS AMAZINGGGGGGGG. Tyler and Josh are absolutely amazing performers. And I mean they make their performance enjoyable. They talked to the audience, they get you so pumped up and not just through the singing. I can't get over it. In the end they came down into the crowd, brought their drums down, and did this drum circle bit. So they rotated, and drummed together. I don't even know how to describe it.
To future Jackie,
Are you still listening to them? What new music are you listening to now? Been to anymore concerts? Hopefully you're loving the playlist you're listening to now.
The opening band was...not impressive to say the least. It was horrendous. All those flashing lights and shouting, and the constant "MAKE SOME NOISE" shouts. Sigh. Not my cup of tea, but I think others probably thought they were bangin. I didn't. It was just UGH. I had to wear sun glasses. INSIDE.
But, thank god 21 Pilots came on right after them.
Let's just say. IT WAS AMAZINGGGGGGGG. Tyler and Josh are absolutely amazing performers. And I mean they make their performance enjoyable. They talked to the audience, they get you so pumped up and not just through the singing. I can't get over it. In the end they came down into the crowd, brought their drums down, and did this drum circle bit. So they rotated, and drummed together. I don't even know how to describe it.
To future Jackie,
Are you still listening to them? What new music are you listening to now? Been to anymore concerts? Hopefully you're loving the playlist you're listening to now.
Pokemon X!
I just picked up my copy of Pokemon X, and despite spoiling it for myself by watching some playthroughs, I'M SO EXCITED.
Unfortunately, I won't get to play until this weekend with all the homework I should be doing instead of typing this blog post.
There's more customization, graphics, animations, and new species! From what I've seen, there's not as many new species as I'd like, but, hooray for new Eevee evolution!
Call me a geek, or nerd (I can't remember which one's proper for this situation) but there's nothing wrong with holding onto a part of my childhood that always makes a smile. Some kids had legos, I had Pokemon! And I never plan on letting it go.
Gotta create a dream team and explore Kalos when I get the chance :)
To future Jackie,
How many more Pokemon games have you accumulated since then? Hopefully it's still as addicting and loveable ^^.
--
Edit: 12/1/13
End of Thanksgiving break, and I've pretty much finished the game! Even some of the post game plot.
To be honest, I think story-wise, it could of used improvement. I felt like I finished the game too early and didn't enjoy it as much as the Black/White series.
However, the graphics! Oh my god the animations! I can't get over it. They've outdone themselves for the 3D features.
I'm finding trouble continuing the game and finding more things to do now that I've beat the post game. The Elite four was somewhat of a joke and I just wish there was more to do.
Maybe I'll find out about anything else that I can do in the game, but until then, it's working on the Battle Chateau!
Unfortunately, I won't get to play until this weekend with all the homework I should be doing instead of typing this blog post.
There's more customization, graphics, animations, and new species! From what I've seen, there's not as many new species as I'd like, but, hooray for new Eevee evolution!
Call me a geek, or nerd (I can't remember which one's proper for this situation) but there's nothing wrong with holding onto a part of my childhood that always makes a smile. Some kids had legos, I had Pokemon! And I never plan on letting it go.
Gotta create a dream team and explore Kalos when I get the chance :)
To future Jackie,
How many more Pokemon games have you accumulated since then? Hopefully it's still as addicting and loveable ^^.
--
Edit: 12/1/13
End of Thanksgiving break, and I've pretty much finished the game! Even some of the post game plot.
To be honest, I think story-wise, it could of used improvement. I felt like I finished the game too early and didn't enjoy it as much as the Black/White series.
However, the graphics! Oh my god the animations! I can't get over it. They've outdone themselves for the 3D features.
I'm finding trouble continuing the game and finding more things to do now that I've beat the post game. The Elite four was somewhat of a joke and I just wish there was more to do.
Maybe I'll find out about anything else that I can do in the game, but until then, it's working on the Battle Chateau!
SASE National Conference 2013
As mentioned in my last post, I attended a conference and oh boy did this one weekend encompass a whole bunch of up and downs.
But I think I grew as a person after it all and I'm glad I attended.
Aside from the kickass John Saddington that blew my mind, there were some other highlights.
Our team winning $2000 dollars in the Innoservice Design competition held by SASE.
Matt Mattson from Phired Up giving a talk about social excellence and maintaining an organization. He's one amazing public speaker! I'm not sure if I'm able to practice all that he's taught us, but he sure had some nice advice.
The Viet and Chinese food in Philly was amazing. Pho and dim sum, I miss it already.
And there were the downsides,
We were upset at first about not winning 1st place, and that led to a lot of arguing, stubborn tantrums. I still believe we're not sore losers, we might not be the most professional students out there, but looking at it from an engineering perspective, we genuinely felt like we deserved better. And I still stand by that.
But, with a few days to cool down, we're grateful for 2nd place. Our design team works days and nights to earn a title and a place on the map for our Syracuse Chapter, and I couldn't be more proud of them. Seriously, we might not be the most successful chapter, but I'm so glad we have the team we have now.
We didn't get to go to dinner with the chapter leaders, and that probably disappointed the regional coordinators, but we made a promise to our eboard we'd spend time with them, and I'm glad our president made the decision to skip this time around.
This is probably the most eventful conference yet, being it is my 4th time at a SASE conf (2nd National).
Although it seems like it had more downsides, the upsides definitely count for more.
To future Jackie,
When you read this, remember this time as a drama-full, frustrating, but fun time. :)
But I think I grew as a person after it all and I'm glad I attended.
Aside from the kickass John Saddington that blew my mind, there were some other highlights.
Our team winning $2000 dollars in the Innoservice Design competition held by SASE.
Matt Mattson from Phired Up giving a talk about social excellence and maintaining an organization. He's one amazing public speaker! I'm not sure if I'm able to practice all that he's taught us, but he sure had some nice advice.
The Viet and Chinese food in Philly was amazing. Pho and dim sum, I miss it already.
And there were the downsides,
We were upset at first about not winning 1st place, and that led to a lot of arguing, stubborn tantrums. I still believe we're not sore losers, we might not be the most professional students out there, but looking at it from an engineering perspective, we genuinely felt like we deserved better. And I still stand by that.
But, with a few days to cool down, we're grateful for 2nd place. Our design team works days and nights to earn a title and a place on the map for our Syracuse Chapter, and I couldn't be more proud of them. Seriously, we might not be the most successful chapter, but I'm so glad we have the team we have now.
We didn't get to go to dinner with the chapter leaders, and that probably disappointed the regional coordinators, but we made a promise to our eboard we'd spend time with them, and I'm glad our president made the decision to skip this time around.
This is probably the most eventful conference yet, being it is my 4th time at a SASE conf (2nd National).
Although it seems like it had more downsides, the upsides definitely count for more.
To future Jackie,
When you read this, remember this time as a drama-full, frustrating, but fun time. :)
And so it begins...again
I always wanted to start blogging, journaling, documenting, what have you, about my life. I really enjoy the idea of being able to relive a moment later on but I have a less than impressive memory.
I can remember the more milestone moments in life, but I want to hold onto the little moments that happen from time to time that I wouldn't want to let fall through the cracks of my memory.
I recently attended a student organization conference (SASE National Conference 2013) in Philly. I picked a workshop called How Web Technology Creates Limitless Opportunities for Success held by speaker John Saddington. He was as he would put it, badass, and indeed he was. There aren't many times a speaker's presentation can resonate with me, but he sees the value in each individual's passion, and not the typical skills they'd showcase on a resume.
He's motivated me to actually start blogging and highlighted the importance of having an online existence, to create your personal brand on the wonderful thing that is the internet.
He encourages people to take whatever passion it is they have, be it gaming, or baking, and use it to identify oneself.
John, thank you. I'm very relieved to know that there are people out there who think the interests we have in life, even if it's not directly related to our career paths, are important and valuable. Man, I wish all managers can be like you. It'd make this whole almost-graduating anxiety go away.
Thank you for your insights and wisdom :)
I can remember the more milestone moments in life, but I want to hold onto the little moments that happen from time to time that I wouldn't want to let fall through the cracks of my memory.
I recently attended a student organization conference (SASE National Conference 2013) in Philly. I picked a workshop called How Web Technology Creates Limitless Opportunities for Success held by speaker John Saddington. He was as he would put it, badass, and indeed he was. There aren't many times a speaker's presentation can resonate with me, but he sees the value in each individual's passion, and not the typical skills they'd showcase on a resume.
He's motivated me to actually start blogging and highlighted the importance of having an online existence, to create your personal brand on the wonderful thing that is the internet.
He encourages people to take whatever passion it is they have, be it gaming, or baking, and use it to identify oneself.
John, thank you. I'm very relieved to know that there are people out there who think the interests we have in life, even if it's not directly related to our career paths, are important and valuable. Man, I wish all managers can be like you. It'd make this whole almost-graduating anxiety go away.
Thank you for your insights and wisdom :)
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