[berkeley]

an email to my uncle
This semester is proving to be the biggest bear I've had to tackle yet. Five weeks into the term (next Monday means 6th week), and I'm still trying to tame my 15 hour E&M assigments...I think the M stands for both magnetics and masochism.

Aside from that, I've moved into a new place (somewhat bigger than the first) on Northwest side (Francisco and MLK). My flea market bought mountain bike is my best companion ever. New housemates are wonderful too.

Next semester should be much more at ease. If i pass this semester, i'll have 2 required classes to go.

After graduation, well, the idea of moving to Santa Barbara and working at Starbuck's, surfing (will learn sometime), skating, and biking during my free time sounds like the best plan ever. Either that or bartending in Segovia. Oh how romantic.

Some might say I haven't paid my dues yet, but to be honest, I feel college is the last obligation I have aside from student loans. Getting a desk job, whether it be with Company X (who called me two days ago to remind me to keep looking at other jobs in case they can't extend an offer) or some other establishment, would definitely not make me happy.

I'd like to think that there are no guarantees in this world, and choosing the traditional "desk job after college" would only give me a false sense of security as well as let me voluntarily slave away my 20s.

Getting my BS is the last stop along the well worn path. This is where I get off.

[berkeley]

rants and raves
Raves: I still love my bike. I think Mondo Gelato is wonderful. Stracciatella is a beautiful name for a gelato flavor. Pistachio is a classic. Reminds me of Malta every time.

Rants: School is harder than it's ever been. I'm not sure how to balance everything. One thing's for sure, i haven't found balance yet.

[berkeley]

not me
I refuse to lose my weekends to physics. I refuse to go home on Friday afternoons and do problem sets until sunday evening. no.

[berkeley]

checking in
Looks like this semester is going to be a lot more demanding than last spring.

My housemates are awesome.

I love my bike.

I need to stop slacking with the gym.

Needs:
new inspiration.
time for homework.
time for bikes.
time for dinner with Gary and Beverly and Bern and Nico.
time for me.
time for photo.

[berkeley]

adventures in physics
After getting 5 hours of sleep, I got up for Step class, went to the Farmer's Market on Center and Milvia and had a baked spinach and lentil samosa. Called a Physics friend named Joshua and went to his place. He lives in the North Berkeley hills, in a small room in the house of a Nobel Laureate. He built engines for a little while and now he's a physics major. He lives right next to Indian Rock and Grotto Rock. Amazing huh?

Yosh bought a 2002 Honda 919 motorcycle. beautiful. (Sorry for saying Yamaha the first time, yosh!)

I did physics with Joshua for 9 hours. We learned sooo much together. I'm so glad I gave him a call.

Came home at 10pm. Audra and I went to Mondo Gelato. She had a scoop of pistachio and a scoop of strawberry sorbet gelato. I had a scoop of tiramisu and a scoop of cappucino.

[berkeley]

1st house party
Holding a house party at my new residence. Never had one of those before. We even have a keg. Classy i know. It'll be fun to dance though.
Tah-tah.

[apartment 2]

... Miles Davis' "Freddie Freeloader"

To Crew Coordinator:
Practice this morning was great. After competing in track and basketball in high school a few years ago, I'd almost forgotten what it was like to be on a team.

After careful consideration of my schedule, however, I don't think I could put as much time into the team as I'd like to without compromising my other priorities (i.e. school, photography).

Thanks so much for your patience and taking time to answer my questions.

All the best to the team,

Joan

Yup, decided not to go for crew. It would have been fun to get super in shape with those workouts, but I know i'd be sacrificing time with friends and time with me and time with camera.

I suppose I could be called a quitter, but oh well. I'm responsible for my happiness.