Money, money, money September 24, 2006

Oh wow. I never knew how much money would go into one bachelorette party! Being in the group that organizes my brother’s fiancee’s bachelorette party has taught me so much. And this time, I’m not referring to life in general -I do realize that even this experience will give me something in return and I’ll probably learn something about life and all that, but this experience, above all, has made me realize how much time, effort and MONEY goes into organizing and planning a party for the bride-to-be.

And it’s not like I’m complaining (or maybe I am…), but when I was invited to take part in the party, I didn’t know I would lose 1/4 of my rent at the same time. But being the person I am (rather remaining quiet than bringing the issue up), I have not opened my mouth and have secretly wondered how on earth I’m going to be able to come up with that amount of money. And don’t get me wrong, I love my future sister-in-law and I think she deserves the best party in the world, but I’m just afraid I’m not solvent. My student money doesn’t even cover my rent, I don’t work, and I still need money for food, course books etc. And it’s not like I could go and ask mommy and daddy, because they already took a loan for the wedding…

Oh well, maybe I’m just overreacting, but I’m just saying that things could possibly be done with less money. I mean you don’t have to drive around the city for hours in a Karaoke-taxi, do you? (i.e. when you could do the same thing in a karaoke-bar…)

Nothing hill… September 19, 2006

During the weekend I watched one of my all-time favourite movies for the zillionth time. Notting Hill…You all know it, don’t you? Well, every time I see it, it just simply makes me smile. It’s one of those movies that are simple enough but still have that “thing” that makes you watch them over and over again. One of my fave moments is the one where Julia (Roberts) goes after Hugh (Grant)… And I remember her lines by heart. When I was younger, I actually ripped out the letters of the lines from a magazine and glued them in my journal…yeah, I was a bit odd back then. I just thought that what Julia said in that scene was the sweetest thing anyone could say. And I still do. I still dream that one day I will be able to say these words to someone special:

“I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.”

Awwww…still waiting for that day

Journey of the heart September 17, 2006

Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms or books that are written in a foreign tongue. The point is to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live your way some distant day into the answers.

I’ve been reading this book called Journey of the Heart by John Welwood. What an insightful book, ideas that I have never ever even thought of. I won’t go into detail, but I guess I was just so excited that I finally came upon a book that complimented my thoughts and feelings. A great read, really!

The journey of my heart? Well, I don’t know where it will take me and where my paths will lead me but I think I’m on my way to something good.

Hello world! September 16, 2006

I can’t explain how, but I feel my life has slowly, but steadily started to change. Maybe it was the conference of North American Studies, or the summer vacay that started it all, I don’t really know. What I do know is that those two events gave me a boost -I’ve doubled, even possibly tripled my social life and made tons of new friends in the last few months. Most of the people I’ve met have made a lasting impression on me and will forever remain in my heart. I think I’m finally starting to find my place in the university life. Meeting all these new people has made me impatiently wait for new lecture courses and up-coming parties.

The conference was really more than I ever could have imagined. I had the time of my life! Met famous and prestigious historians, researchers and writers. And went out every night! Never before have I left the pub with 5 men!!! The conference also started the student organization of NAS. After months of work we finally have it (almost) running! I’m so happy and privileged to be on the board of the org -not only have I met great people but I’ve also learned so much about everything related to meetings, party planning etc. etc.

I also “worked” as a tutor at my department. Ended up having a blast! The new students were awesome and we older ones enjoyed showing them around the campus area and letting them in on how to survive in the university grounds. It was really rewarding to see them start taking their first steps in the chaotic university life, my tutor pair and I ended up calling our freshmen our “children”… awwww.

I’ve had this quote written in my calendar as long as I can remember:

“Don’t be afraid to close your eyes and dream. And then open your eyes and see.”

For several years I have thought of this as a kind of mantra for myself, but I haven’t really believed in it. Not until now. In this stage of change, I feel like this quote is actually starting to become a reality -this week I got rid of the fear, opened my eyes and saw that my dream had started to come to life. Now, what could be better than that I understand that to believe in a dream requires a leap of faith. For the first time in my life, I think I’m willing to take the leap and see what life has in store for me!