An amazing first week of school

It's been a while guys. I just completed a quick take-home quiz for German and I'm going to do my readings for Comm. and Society. Hopefully I can finally go visit the gym tonight as well, while everyone else is out partying! So many things to do.
I'm sitting alone in my dorm while many of my friends are out at the Carousel Mall, which is apparently huge. Lucky them! I knew that I had to update my blog though, and tell the details of my move-in process.
To say it simply, the move-in was a mess. It was great meeting and hugging my roommate Julia, but it took us a while to finish unpacking everything. We came in at the exact time, so our boxes and suitcases were everywhere. I didn't bring as much clothes and items as she did, so I ventured off onto campus to meet some friends.
I first met Isaac, Justin and Jocelyn who I've been chatting with frequently online. They really are exactly as I expected: approachable, funny and amazing. Jackie, who I met later on the day, is quickly becoming my go-to girl. We have such fun times together, though I'm worried that her constant partying might start distancing us already. We'll see what becomes of our friendship.
On the first day Isaac, Jocelyn, Jackie, Daniel and I went out to eat at a Chinese restaurant; the food was mediocre at best. The dumplings were dry and tasteless, though I admit it was vegetarian. I planned to attend to many of the events there, such as the Ice Cream Social and Move at the Quad, but I had so much fun just hanging out with them. We laughed, talked about the past, play cards, and tried to go swimming (fail). Needless to say, it felt like I knew them for years. The first day was definitely the best, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.


&v.

What am I trying to prove to myself?

I've been staring at this blank page for a while now, unsure of what to write.
What did I expect from this summer? Not much. However, the last couple of weeks made this summer the best summer thus far. Never have I felt so happy, rebellious, fufilled, and...free. A 180 degree turn from the last few weeks of high school.
I'm leaving to college on Wednesday, and I never looked forward to anything more in my life...besides finishing up the packing. It still didn't hit me yet. My walls are bare from the lack of posters, my closet is empty with the exception of summer clothes, and my living room is a mess right now because of the suitcases and boxes. However, I don't feel scared yet. I guess I'm a late bloomer. I'm ready for change. Chances are, however, when I walk into my dorm at Sadler Hall after the first day of orientation and sit on my new bed, I will feel that pit in my stomach we all know too well: homesickness.
I will miss the home-cooked Korean food, the comfort of my own bed and bathroom, the soft carpeted floors, and privacy. Most of all, I will miss my family and friends.
Two days left. Let it all soak in.

The following passage came from her0in_chic's facebook group (her0in_chic being a blog I follow religiously). Filled with quotes, inspirational pictures, and moral support, no site has ever pulled me through the worst of times like this site. Don't judge the site by its name. I highly recommend you to follow it. I hope it lifts your spirits like it has lifted mine.


&c.


On this day, you read something that moved you and made you realize there were no more fears to fear. No tears to cry. No head to hang in shame. That every time you thought you’d offended someone, it was all just in your head and really, they love you with all their heart and nothing will ever change that. That everyone and everything lives on inside you. That that doesn’t make any of it any less real.

That soft touches will change you and stay with you longer than hard ones.

That being alone means you’re free. That old lovers miss you and new lovers want you and the one you’re with is the one you’re meant to be with. That the tingles running down your arms are angel feathers and they whisper in your ear, constantly, if you choose to hear them. That everything you want to happen, will happen, if you decide you want it enough. That every time you think a sad thought, you can think a happy one instead.

That you control that completely.

That the people who make you laugh are more beautiful than beautiful people. That you laugh more than you cry. That crying is good for you. That the people you hate wish you would stop and you do too.

That your friends are reflections of the best parts of you. That you are more than the sum total of the things you know and how you react to them. That dancing is sometimes more important than listening to the music.

That the most embarrassing, awkward moments of your life are only remembered by you and no one else. That no one judges you when you walk into a room and all they really want to know, is if you’re judging them. That what you make and what you do with your time is more important than you’ll ever fathom and should be treated as such. That the difference between a job and art is passion. That neither defines who you are. That talking to strangers is how you make friends.

That bad days end but a smile can go around the world. That life contradicts itself, constantly. That that’s why it’s worth living.

That the difference between pain and love is time. That love is only as real as you want it to be. That if you feel good, you look good but it doesn’t always work the other way around.

That the sun will rise each day and it’s up to you each day if you match it. That nothing matters up until this point. That what you decide now, in this moment, will change the future. Forever. That rain is beautiful.

And so are you.

To write, but not to read

Right now I'm listening to the NPR interview between Terry Gross and Gary Shteyngart, the author of Super Sad True Love Story. The novel is based on the future, where books no longer exist and people's attention are glued to the screens of their iPhone-like gadget, slowly watching society collapse into pulp.
What caught my attention is towards the end of the interview. What I found interesting in the conversation between Terry and Gary is the idea that everyone wants to write, but not read. Gary finds it funny how the publishing company is bombarded with new ideas for books, upcoming chapters in a memoir and potential/not so potential authors, while the authors themselves don't read. Everyone wants to express their opinion about something through writing a book, blog, etc., but no one wants to read.
I was always taught that the only way to improve my vocabulary, my writing, and my knowledge, is through reading. I've always loved reading ever since I read my first book, and I still do. I love reading anything that keeps me on my toes and interested. Right now, I'm reading Hunchback of Notre Dame and Gone with the Wind, two great classics. However, as I grew up, I spent more time on the computer, tv, and iTouch. Gary on NPR also brought up his opinion on technology. We are now always connected through the amazing, effective technology, but it doesn't make us any happier. I'm so caught up with my news feed on Facebook, tweets on Twitter, etc., and I truly don't realize how much time I waste on it. I need to learn how to monitor my time that's spent on the computer, especially when I'm leaving to college so soon. I love being connected, but in the end, the information that I read is not very useful and worthwhile. What's worthwhile? Curled up on a comfy chair and reading a book.

"There's more to life than books, you know but not much more." -Morrissey

&c.

Motivation & what's new

It's been a while since I last updated with a book review. Again, I felt no motivation to update with even an old book review. It's too bad, since I've done many things this past week with some great friends.
So, what motivates me to update this blog?

1. Enjoyment Right now I'm not sure what topic or area I really enjoy to write about. I mean, I love blogging about myself and my awesome life, and it's fun writing my own perspective of different topics. In all seriousness, I love writing, and that's why I'm interested in going into the magazine industry.
2. For future reference It'll be fun rereading old blogspot entries 10 years from now when I'm successful, own my own magazine company and filthy rich. It's like now, when I read my Xanga blog entries way back from 7th grade. "Just came back from school...and I'm bored. Props plz." Or something like that.
3. Readers & supporters Who wouldn't want to read the epic, heartbreaking and staggering life of Vania E. Myers? That was only of slight exaggeration. My goal is not to get more readers; it's to show readers that I do write everyday, and that my writing can improve.

I think I'm going to stick this reminder up on the wall in front of me in my dorm room. I truly want to stick to this. Truly.


So what's new?

- I got a haircut a couple of days ago. I love it! It definitely takes off some of the weight of my hair; it's very layered now, and the length is practically the same. My bangs are also updated.
- My penpal wrote me the sweetest letter! I was so surprised when I opened my mailbox. She wrote way more than I did, and she told me that she never heard of a lot of my favorite bands/artists. So, I decided to send over a letter and a mix CD of some of my catchy tunes. A mix is not mine unless it has Sufjan and Vampire Weekend in it.
- I took up another penpal, and she's from Korea. She seems so sweet! I love how many Koreans know English enough to have conversations.
- I downloaded Urban Outfitter's LSTN #11 recently, and I love it! There are 21 songs from various artists/bands that go from catchy to mellow. I highly recommend it.
- In four days, I'm going to college. It's unbelievable.

This is the package I sent my penpal with the mix cd in it. I tried to decorate it by gluing on doilies on the sides.

&c.

Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita

Lolita
by Vladimir Nabokov

I’ve wanted to read this book ever since I heard of Throw Me the Statue’s song, “Lolita.” The plotline, an older man falling in love with a child, although it was total blasphemy, was quite interesting and unheard of. The book’s first paragraph drew me in:

“Lolita, light of my life, fire of my lions. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta.”

Lolita is about a pedophile named Humbert Humbert, a middle-aged man who has a fetish for young girls known as nymphets. Humbert finds himself as the lodger at the home of a lonely widow, Charlotte Haze and 12-year-old daughter, Dolores. His fetish became an unhealthy, sick obsession when Dolores, his Lolita, became the subject of his fantasies. This is a story about his forbidden love affair, which ultimately leads to his psychological demise.
Lolita is one of the most well-written novels I’ve read yet. I never would have guessed that English is Nabokov’s second language; it’s such an accomplishment to be fluent in another language and write a novel in it so beautifully, especially when the storyline causes such controversy. Nabokov brought Humbert’s obsession to life as his chilling desires and needs controlled Humbert like a drug.
Although the book dragged a bit in the middle as Nabokov described every detail of the “couple’s” cross-country trip, the ending made everything worthwhile. It's interesting how Nabokov portrays this "fantasy" lolita and how she would behave and act. It makes you wonder...is it really okay that love is blind in every way?

Wrapping up the graduation parties

During these past two days, I did nothing but party all night long. Thursday was Amy's surprise graduation held by the lovelyyy Xin, and yesterday was Denise's Luau-themed graduation party. Those two days were filled with laughter, joy, and catching up with amazing high school friends.

Amy's surprise graduation party
I have to admit, Xin's skill of barbecuing was pure art. Okay, I can't really be a judge since I didn't eat the chicken bbq, but the veggie burgers were delish! The original plan of me arriving with the graduate didn't work out because of her parents insisting on eating dinner as a family before her parents leave for the cruise, but then we still surprised her when she arrived...about two hours later. We stayed until dark playing games, catching up with everyone and just having a good time. I really hope I will see everyone again sometime during/after college. I'm going to miss you guys!


Denise's graduation party
I don't even know where to start! The location was beautiful: right by a lake. There were white Christmas lights lighting up the place as well as strobe lights and a disco ball. The tables were decorated with goldfish (yes, live!) swimming amuck in a glass bowl as well as underwater animal floaties. That party is probably going to be the last party where I'm dancing like an idiot with my high school friends, but I hope I'm wrong. Denise, the hostess, dressed up as a mermaid while I attempted the Hawaiian look with my floral dress. I hope I passed, haha. The food was all prepared by Denise's mom, and I had the time of my life eating and dancing. Of course there was the Electric Slide, the Macarena, and the more modern music like Usher's "Oh My God." There was a little boy who's definitely going to win some dance contests with his moves; we were all shocked! It was adorable though. At the party, I learned how much I forgot German (basically everything) when I talked to someone who just came from Germany. I really need to brush up on it at college; at least I took level 1 haha. Ein, zwei, drei...
It was great seeing everyone again; it was like prom with the dancing, but more craziness and definitely less stressful. I took home some luau necklaces, a dolphin and fish floaty and a bubble blower!

Billionaires pledge to donate half of wealth to charity

Forty U.S. billionaires pledged Wednesday to give at least half of their wealth to charity — either during their lifetimes or after death.
That could be a big boost to nonprofits, which have suffered from the recent economic downturn.
The list of those taking the pledge includes some of the nation's wealthiest individuals: Bill and Melinda Gates, Warren Buffett, T. Boone Pickens, Michael Bloomberg and George Lucas of Star Wars fame.
Buffett says the purpose of the public pledge isn't just to increase how much these people give — many had already planned to give a lot — but to inspire others to give as well.
- NPR's 40 U.S. Billionaires Pledge Half Of Wealth To Charity, Pam Fessler

During a series of private meetings held by Bill Gates and other billionaire philanthropists, forty billionaires agreed on donating at least half of their wealth to various charities. Different billionaires are interested in different non-profit organizations-public health, education, the arts, the environment, etc. Undoubtedly the donations will help the charities that suffered from the economic recession. $500 million dollars x 40 billionaires. That's a lot of money.
Of course, this brings up many concerns. Will the money go to the people who need it the most? According to NPR, many large donations are given to wealthier institutions and organizations like universities and hospitals. They tend to leave out the poor and disadvantaged.
What I'm worried about is that, although these donations are needed, what about donating what might be just as important as money: your time? This reminds me of what happened with the earthquake in Haiti. People could have easily donated money via text and pat themselves on the back, but will it have the same effect as actually getting "down at dirty with your hands" at Haiti? Haiti is different, since it's at a foreign country, but I believe volunteering your time rather than money is just as rewarding. By volunteering at the Lionsgate retirement center or the Voorhees Animal Shelter. I got to know the residents, animals, and volunteers. I played bingo, went to parties, played with the dogs, etc. I built a relationship with them, and it was rewarding. Is it the same as giving money? No, it's different, and you can't compare the two. However, I think it's a great alternative that should also be talked about. I think it would be interesting how the billionaires would react if they chose to donate their time as well. Maybe they already have.

&c.