twenty something...

Switching blogs...

2006-09-17T03:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry for my absence in the blogging world...I have been thinking of creating a new blog that is only about my travels to Hamburg. My new blog, starting today, is Hamburg Bound, so please click on the title to go to my new blog. I should be updating it, hopefully, daily with all my thoughts and my experiences here in Hamburg.

Enjoy:)

2006-09-09T02:15:00.000-07:00

I took this picture when we were walking around the neighborhood last night. It was a beautiful day with lots of sun and wind. It was great although starting next week, I am going to attempt to start fitting into the culture by starting to speak German...my English is turning heads and last night, the waiter spoke only English to me when I slipped and asked for a liter of water...oops.

Today we are heading to the northern part of Germany for a wedding. It is my first German wedding and I am curious to see the culture differences, if any. One thing I learned is that it is ok to wear black to weddings. Is that strange to anyone? In the midwest, I don't think I have ever saw anyone wear black to a wedding. Well, I have to do it today, since I only bought 1 dress and it happens to be black. We looked yesterday for a dress without success, so black it is.

Tschüs!

Herzlich Willkommen

2006-09-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I made it. I flew to Hamburg on Wednesday and arrived yesterday. My flight, although long, was comfortable and very safe. Thank you BA. I arrived in London and while waiting for my connecting flight to Hamburg, I met a German couple, who were on their way back from a vacation trip to Chicago. We started chatting, part English and part German, and I kind of took it as part of my intro to Germany. It eased my mind a bit about being open and comfortable with my german language skills.

I arrived in Hamburg and flin was waiting there to pick me up. IT WAS SO GOOD TO SEE HIM! Oh, I missed him so much. As we drove back to his place, I kept looking out the window to see Germany again. I love the feel here--it is completely different than the US.

After dropping off my stuff, we went grocery shopping for all my favorite german foods. We bought apple water (Apfelwasser), small bread (Brötchen), butter (Butter), meat spread (Teewurst), chocolate (Schokolade), and lots of other stuff. I am really excited for breakfast.

Now, I have jetlag--it is 5 AM right now and I have been awake since 3 AM--but I am really excited about this new adventure that I have just begin. Wish me luck!

Hamburg Bound

2006-09-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

******Update******

Thanks for all the support for the DAT! I did well, I improved in every category--I was so happy, I think I was bouncing and singing all day! But I am really glad to be done with studying (at least for awhile).

Next adventure: Hamburg, Germany!!!

Tomorrow I am leaving for Hamburg and words can not describe how excited I am to be seeing Flin after 3 and a half months. I hoping for a smooth flight and ease into Germany weather (yeah-so.cal has thrown my temperture gauge off). Wish me luck and my next posting will have my new blog website....called "Hamburg Bound"!

DAT

2006-08-28T22:33:00.000-07:00

Countdown: roughly 11 hours

I am taking the dental admission test tomorrow morning...press your thumbs/cross your fingers for me...I am hoping to do well.

I am planning on responding to everyone's emails that I have not been checking for the past week due to the massive cramming for the DAT. I am looking forward to joining the real world again.

I will post again when I am finished.

Goodbye language school!

2006-08-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

On Friday, I had a wonderful time at the Alameda Bowl with all my fellow co-workers. It was great to get out and talk one last time before I take off. Thanks everyone for this wonderful, challenging, learning experience...I will never forget my time here!
Keep in touch!

Wann wirst du endlich erwachsen?

2006-08-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

literally translated:

"when will you become grown up?"

my answer to this question is still to be determined but in nine days, I feel that the answer will be become ever more present because I am leaving Mills to join the real world. I am in the midst of packing up all my stuff and taking care of loose ends as you can see in these three pictures.

When I was packing last night, I found an old blue and white checkered summer dress that I remember wearing 5 years ago, when I was still in MN, to a friend's confirmation. I remember, at this moment I was so excited to be graduating from high school and also, that this dress was brand new, which made me feel so pretty.

Now, I look at this dress and I see two things. I see how far I have come in (1) my taste in clothing and more importantly, (2) my growth here at Mills. I guess, last night, I realized in this dress and with packing up all of my things that I am going into a new phase just like I did 4 years ago, and while I don't know what I will be doing in the next four years, I know that I will look back and think of how much I have grown. What I do know is that my adventures in HH and elsewhere will be an important part in answering the question of when I become grown up.

After several hours of packing, I took this picture in my realization that I am heading to Hamburg in 2.5 weeks :) So excited!

less than two weeks

2006-08-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

I am counting down the days until my life takes another path. I am leaving Mills after 4 wonderful, amazing, inspiring years and it is still hard to believe. Lately, I have been struggling with feelings of homesickness and final goodbyes while having feelings of excitement for a new adventure in Hamburg.

Some things that I will miss:

1. Kemps ice cream
2. The beautiful Mills campus
3. All my friends that I have met at Mills
4. San Francisco
5. Exploring Oakland for wonderful unique neighborhoods like Lakeshore, Piedmont, Rockridge...

Things that I will not miss:
1. the news stations here in CA (absolutely horrible...)
2. my job as a resident director (it was a good experiece, but never again, thank you)
3. living in a dorm
4. saving quarters for laundry

You get the idea...I am ready to move on and to start a new chapter in my life...less than two weeks...I can't wait...

Gulp...

2006-08-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

Yep, I did it...today, I bought my plane ticket to Hamburg!!

After months of searching cheap airticket sites (i.e cheaptickets , airfare and kayak ). I found the best ticket. It was exactly what I budgeted to pay for this ticket, but gulp, it was still a good chunk of change.

But after the inital shock of the dent in my bank account, I am starting to be extremely excited to being with Flin and being in a foreign country. I can't hardly wait to start exploring HH.

sums it all up

2006-08-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

3 weeks left at mills
5 weeks until I am in Hamburg!

Here is a song that I think sums up my feelings right now as a current graduate...

Through the dark
By KT Tunstall

As I walk away,
I look over my shoulder
To see what I'm leaving behind

Pieces of puzzles
And
Wishes on eyelashes fade

Oooooh!
How do I show all the love
Inside my heart?

Well this is all new
And I'm feeling my way through the dark

And I used to talk
With honest conviction
Of how I predicted my world.
I'm gonna leave it to star gazers
Tell me what your telescope says

Oh, what is in store for me now?
It's coming apart...

I know that it's true
'cause I'm feeling my way through the dark.

Try to find a light on somewhere
Try to find a light on somewhere
I'm finding I'm falling in love with the dark, oh yeah

Oh oh what do I know I don't care
Where I stand

From a troubles are few
As I'm feeling my way through the dark
Through the dark
I'm feeling my way through the dark

back to blogger

2006-07-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

Wow...I realized that I haven't posted since July 13th!

Here is the breakdown for what has been taking up my time:

1/2 of the fault was my work load at both of my jobs, which was been unbelievable stressful...

1/4 was due to me turning my dental application for 2007 (yeah...it is turned in) :)

1/4 was due to the HEAT!! Oakland was so hot--it drain any energy I had to blog.

I only have 3.5 weeks left here at Mills before I drive down to the OC to visit my parents and family and then, before I know it, I will be flying over to HH to visit my Flin. Wow, time really flys. I can't believe that the summer is almost finished.

change of plans...eek!

2006-07-13T19:20:00.001-07:00

7 WEEKS!

The countdown continues to tick down to my long-waited transition. I am frantically trying to cram in two jobs, studying for the DAT dental test, and enjoy my last moments here at Mills. Lately, I have been checking out other crafty and/or germany blogs plus the website, www.etsy.com. It is a great website for unique gifts and ideas! I am also trying to plan my trip to HH, including buying a ticket and which german class to take. Any suggestions for a good German language school in Hamburg?

For the past month, I have been looking for reasonable plane tickets to HH. I was going to fly out of Southern California directly to LAX. I saw a great ticket for $730, which is a great price for a fligth to Europe from the west coast. But it was replaced by a more expensive ticket (of course)- right now, it is about $860. But I guess it was all meant to be, because today I found out that I am going to fly to Wisconsin with my family to see my extended family! Woohoo! I thought that it might be next spring before I got a chance to fly out and see my family including my grandma and the two newest additions to the family. I am really glad that I didn't buy my ticket yet.

My latest completed knitting project:

Off by post to zwei deutsche Babys (Herzlich Glückwunsch)!

American girl

2006-07-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

Well, happy belated 4th to everyone. I took the day off from researching and studying to watch to the German v. Italy game and to celebrate the 4th of July. We had a huge group to watch the soccer game and it became pretty tense at certain times. I was happy that Germany made it so far...lets hope for 3rd place :)

Fireworks at Jack London Square were awesome and they had live music playing while we stared into the evening sky. Here is a picture of the East Bay before night set.

Sailboats in the bay

Oakland Cranes

The venue...

Now, back to the routine of research, work, and studying...

Countdown to HH is 7.5 weeks!

interesting sayings

2006-07-03T22:52:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post these two sayings that I have laughing about for the past couple of weeks. The first one is from The Constant Gardener, which is an intense, but wonderful movie.

1. "Adam was God's first draft - He got it right with Eve."

I saw the second quote on the NL bus heading to San Francisco. It was so funny that I took a picture...

"See the cop? Tag a bus and you will."

Happy 4th and good luck Germany....

Sunday Brunch

2006-07-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

Today Julia, Theodore, Sophia and I went over to Rachel's house to visit Rachel and Steve being in the Bay Area. We made yummy crepes with tomato, cheese, avacado, fruit, nutella and honey....it was quite a feast. It was a very nice morning--being able to hang out with friends and talk about all of our future trips and plans. There was so much excitement in the air.

Here is a quick picture of everything I bought while walking down College Avenue in Berkeley this past Saturday. A complete mixture of items but all useful in their own way...

change what?

2006-06-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

As you can see, I changed my blog title to twenty something from The adventurous and exciting life of Emily. Basically, I needed a change. I feel very antsy here at Mills and I am ready to start anew. So, what better way to change but with my blog title.

I will be changing my blog title again in September...because I will be in Hamburg!! I am super excited to be with Flin again and to start a new chapter of my life. YEAH!

Back to studying for the DAT--augh as Charlie Brown would say.

p.s- GOOD LUCK DEUTSCHLAND in the semi-finals....I hope they win...I will 'press my thumbs'.

2006-06-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

First YouTube Link

No joke -- Germans can be funny...just watch...

Weekend trip to the OC

2006-06-26T21:33:00.000-07:00

Friday morning, I went to the OC to visit my crazy but wonderful family. First, I was updated by my brother and all of his activities (a ton, trust me) and then, I went to take my California driver's license test! I passed, thank goodness, but there was a little part of me that wanted to keep my Minnesota license...humph.

Then, Friday night through Sunday, we went to the beach house to fix it up a bit and relax with the whole crew.

Bird's eye view of SF

the cold Pacific ocean

my kitty Victoria

Seth with his big catch

and they are off...

waiting for 5 PM...

hanging out in the sun

ode to my ocean-washed feet

wrapping up four years.

2006-06-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

My dearest Chiyuki:
I wish you all the best in Taiwan. May your new journey be exciting, memorable, fun and filled with love. Good luck when you step into the real world and with your long distance love. Thanks for stopping by SF with Jeanette for one last "girl time"...I will never forgot our past four years in the Bay Area.

Welcome to the world Herbert!

2006-06-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

As you can see to the right, I have adopted a pet hedgehog named "Herbert". He is very adorable but a little bit shy.

Other news...

Flin and I celebrated our two and half year anniversary of long-distance-relationship (LDR)--over the phone, of course--today. I am very happy that we work so hard to continue our relationship even though many people have their doubts about LDRs. We make it a point to see each other every three months, whether it is him or me flying across the ocean. I just keep thinking positively and listening to other LDR stories (I was surprised on how people I have met who did the LDR and now, they are together in the same zip code...amazing!).

I can't wait to see him in August and to see where fate takes us. Happy anniversary, sweetie :)

Lazy Sunday

2006-06-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

Today was a nice and lazy day, which I think I needed...

After going out on errands with Julia, I came back to have a nice coffee and study for the DAT. My little Bialetti Moka Espresso machine is the coffee machine that could. It is small but can make a wonderful latte.

countdown until HH: roughly 2.5 months

Recommendation...

2006-06-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this restaurant online, called Vapiano, that I went to in Hamburg. It was so yummy that Flin and I ate there, I think, 5 times...I don't suggest going to this extreme but it does speak about how good the food is....

They set up the restaurant up in a very interesting way:

1. Enter restaurant and everyone receives a electronic card
2. You walk up to one of the many food stations
3. Pick what you want to eat
4. Chefs quickly prepare your food in front of you...usually, they are very friendly and will chat with you...
5. Take your food to one of the large tables where I loved to people-watch and listen to German conversations...I know, I am nosey...
6. As you exit, they swipe your card and you pay at the door. For an extra treat, there is a bowl of Hairbo gummis at the door...

They seem to being spreading like wildfire throughout Germany, so I recommend to any German expats out there to try it out...

Locations:
--Berlin
--Duesseldorf
--Frankfurt
--Hamburg
--Muenchen
--Nuernberg
--Stuttgart
--Wiesbaden

*I linked the website to the title of this post if anybody wants detailed directions...*

World Cup

2006-06-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

Goooaaaaaaaaalll for Germany!

I have to admit that I have paid more attention to the World Cup in the past couple of days than ever before in my life. It is pretty excited to see all the crazy soccer fans root for their teams :)

I can't wait to see who wins the final game...

for anyone that misses EF...

2006-06-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

here is a reminder of yummy chapagetti!

for those who not eaten this delicacy, just think "raman noodles with a better spicer sauce"...

My beginning

2006-06-05T23:09:00.000-07:00

So, call me a worrier, but I have been thinking a lot later on how my life has changed and how I need to adapt quickly. Last night, I stayed awake wondering how I am going to get health insurance as a indecisive-newly-graduated-hoping to get into dental school person. Hmm...it is not a really good feeling, so this weekend, I am tackling the insurance lingo and understanding which plan I can have (or afford)!

Other than that, I feel a mixture of nerves for my future but excited for my current situation...augh, I feel like, well, a new graduate--yes, laugh away but remember you were here one time ago...

best.

The countdown begins...

2006-06-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

F left for Germany yesterday afternoon and this morning he called when he arrived across the ocean in London. I have to admit that I am not very happy or cheerful today but I am very appreciative for the three weeks that I had with F.
We spent a lot of time hanging out and relaxing (our mini summer vacation) and we even got to go on a road trip of the pacific northwest (I will blog about it later)...

I am missing F, though. His scent and presence seems to be all around me here in my room. I miss his comments about "nice watch" or "lets get a starbucks" or "i love you". I can't believe that our relationship spans 5535 miles (8907 km)! Long distance can be pretty hard on the heart and even though I know that I am going to see Florian in less than three months, I still find it hard to say "see you soon" after our visits.

Now, my summer begins and I have a lot to get done before the end of August...

My summer plans:
--apply for dental school
--biology research
--RA work
--getting back in shape

Then, before I know it, I will be able to see my family and then, I fly to Hamburg to be with F!

My Graduation!

2006-05-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

Graduation has come and gone and now, I am an alumna of Mills College, Class of 2006. It was a really wonderful day--from the graduation ceremony to the picnic to the family dinner afterwards. I feel very happy to be done with my undergraduate studies but it has not sunk in completely yet. Here are some photos from graduation and the rest are in the flickr box. Enjoy!

Being "hooded"

My whole family and me!

My proud mom and me! Thanks mom for all the support!

Quick update

2006-05-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

Hello...

I know that I have been absent from the blogging world due to F's arrival, my graduation, Mother's Day and now, we are road-tripping through the NW part of America...we have been so busy

Check back in...I will update soon with pictures and news.

Bis bald!
Emily

Airports

2006-05-09T03:21:00.000-07:00

Finally, the day I have been waiting for (other than graduation):

First, I finished my last undergraduate class today and I can't believe that I am done with my degree tomorrow at noon! Wow, four years have passed so quickly.

Second, F. flew into today from Hamburg. It is so great to see him...it is hard to describe...now I am really enjoying the thought of having him here for three and a half weeks. While I was waiting in the airport, I thought about how important airports have become to me. At first, my family would be meeting me at the airport and I would welcomed home from the semester with hugs and kisses and occasionally a sign or two. Now, airports are what connect F. and me together.

But I have to admit that there is always a moment before F. walks out of security, where I think, "maybe I won't recoginize him or maybe he won't recoginize me". But then I see him and we smile and hug and kiss. It creates this build-up of emotions within me and confusion in my brain due to his immediate presence after months of separation. But oh, how the wait is worth it.

I am as happy as a clam.

My Summer Plans

2006-05-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

This summer, I will be researching the genes found in Caenorhabditis elegans. I know, how interesting, huh? Well, I am interested in it. I am really excited because it is my first science research job and I will be learning a lot about genetics and working in a lab.

Also, I am graduating in one week and I am so excited about that. My family and F. will be coming to Mills and we have a busy weekend of celebrating and hanging out. I have been looking forward to this weekend for four years and now, it is here. It is so great!!

My Computer Saga

2006-05-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

The 5 steps of grieving for a computer:

1. Learn to accept that your loss is real.

When my computer crashed after the power outage, I was in a state of disbelief. I thought, "No, it has to go to the main menu," but I kept getting the same screen of 'error'. I knew that I had a problem and there was no turning back.

2. It is ok to grieve.

I contacted Dell Support (which was actually better than I expected it to be) and finally, they broke the news that I had to re-install my operating system. In simple terms, delete everything and start again with a clean computer. At this point, reality of losing my files hit like a ton of bricks and images of all my documents, pictures, and music files were flying by in my head. I literally broke down in the office and started to sob! It was the worst that I have cried for in a long time. Thanks R. for the support.

3. Ignore your computer.

After I learned I had to re-install everything, I tried to contact someone that could back-up my files before deleting everything. Mills was great in helping me transfer my files into their system until I had a new operating system. After that was finished, I put my computer in the corner to 'think' what it had done. I was in a pretty angry state with my computer at this time. It has since passed.

4. Adjust to living without your computer.

After spring break, I couldn't fix my computer right away, so I used multiple computers all over campus and I am a regular at Stern. It was an experience.

5. Rejoice for your repaired computer.

Yesterday, I got all my files back safe and sound and my computer has a new operating system. I am still getting reacquainted with my computer...it feels a bit different but at least it is fixed.

Moral of the story:
BACK IT UP!!!

I know, I have heard of this advice tons of times but man, I wish I would have listened. Do it now...I am will never forget these rough couple of months.

Also, thanks to everyone who offered support, advice or a shoulder to cry on.
I really appreciate it.

Mills College

2006-04-29T17:13:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Mills Pictures. I can't believe that I will be graduating in two weeks! Unbelievable. I will be staying at Mills for 13 more weeks and then, Germany!

Another note, I was in SF today and it was beautiful!! Sun was shining, blue sky and the first sign of summer--tourists! SF was crowded with many people and I heard tons of German! It was great to understand another language--it is almost like knowing a secret.

Mojito time

2006-04-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

Girls Night In...

A fun night with the girls. We got together to celebrate our upcoming graduation and to hang out with Jeanette. I was the "bartender" and I guess I make a strong mojito...but yum, they were good!

Here are the photos:

More paint night photos

2006-04-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would post some of the photos from post-paint night:

Green Pole
My green handprint

Green Stairs

Green Sidewalk

You know you are tired...

2006-04-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

when you find your forgotten snack from yesterday in your jacket pocket at 9 AM and then rediscover it again (still in your jacket pocket) two hours later.

I am now going to eat my snack at 12:18 AM before I forget again.

Oh man.

a smile on my face...

2006-04-24T21:43:00.000-07:00

I was searching around on this computer and I found old pictures from last summer (2005) with Florian and me. It was great to see him here with me... and it reminds only two more weeks until I see him again :)

Monday Monday

2006-04-24T13:23:00.000-07:00

I am extremely tired today. I had German class today @ 8 AM. Now, that is dedication. We are reading the German play: "Der Besuch der alten Dame". It is pretty good and I think I am understanding most of it. I would recommend it for anyone learning German...I have to look up some vocab but I think it is a good match students at the intermediate German level.

Two and a half more weeks until I see my family and F.

Hopefully the weather here in the Bay will get better.

Paint Night

2006-04-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

Honoring a time-held tradition here at Mills, the seniors got together to paint parts of the campus "green". Green happens to be the color of our graduating class and our slogan is "It is good to be green". It was tons of fun and a little bit messy...

Got Green? Yeah Class of 2006!

Miya and me...just getting started

Caught "green handed"

My Senior Thesis

2006-04-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

Well...I have finally finished my thesis, turned it in and got a good score on it! As you can see in the photo, I am extremely glad that I am finished. Now only two more weeks of classes and I am graduating!! Yeah!!

College Costs

2006-04-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Well...I went to a loan meeting today and found out how much I have to pay back...yikes!

It is safe to say that I will want my future children to go a college/university that is paid for by the state a.k.a. somewhere in Europe!! It is ridiculus how much I have to pay!

Also, I found this funny but true survey online...

Germany is the PERFECT place for you!
Take Should you move to Germany? today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Personality Test Generator.

100 Things...

2006-04-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

100 Things about me...in case you wanted to know...

1. Earthquakes completely scare me.

2. I prefer to sleep with my contact lens in...I know, yuck...but I prefer not to wake up with fuzzy vision.

3. People think that I am a German at the language school that I work at.

4. I dress completely like an American and still have a Minnesotan accent (even after 4 years).

5. I am glad I grew up in Minnesota but I don't really miss living there.

6. I have a bit of guilt for not missing Minnesota more.

7. I am glad that my family moved to California.

8. One of my favorite things to do in my freetime is to visit to a grocery store and just walk around looking at everything.

9. I think I like grocery stores because I went grocery shopping with my mom when I was little.

10. My mom and I are super close.

11. I plan on keeping my relationship with my family close.

12. I am starting to feel the urge to start a family with getting a dog and someday, having kids.

13. Other days, I want to explore the world by myself.

14. I wanted to live in Europe for a bit.

15. I want to be a cosmetic dentist.

16. I hate going to the dentist, though.

17. I received a Biochemistry degree at Mills College...yes, I am a science nerd.

18. I am an avid reader, baker and knitter.

19. I act older than my true age.

20. I have been making lots of mistakes lately but I am learning.

21. I love the sun and the beach.

22. I am afraid how powerful water is.

23. I think that I should take swimming lessons again-I dropped out at the age of 8.

24. I hated putting my head in the pool.

25. I got my dog, a beagle, when I was 8.

26. Her name was Rose and she was the best dog that I could've ever asked for.

27. I wish I would have appreciated her more, but I was only 8.

28. My cat Victoria is great, a little sassy but great.

29. I hate scary movies-I refuse to watch them.

30. My favortie book series as a kid was Besty, Tacy, and Tib by Maud Hart Lovelace.

31. Scary but true: I watched Martha Stewart Living when I was little.

32. I love to sleep.

33. I have to sleep to get rid of a migraine.

34. I hate migraines.

35. I hate when I know more about the medicine then the doctor does.

36. I love little things in life.

37. I love Florian because he loves the little things in life.

38. I am so glad that Rebekah asked to come over to the EF party that night in January.

39. I believe in fate and a greater force in life.

40. I believe there was a house on Miracle Lane for a reason.

41. I need Post-its everyday.

42. I am picky in choosing pencils and pens.

43. I live by having everything in proportion-eating, drinking, sleeping, studying.

44. I am good driver.

45. I am gulliable-I think it is from growing up in the Midwest.

46. I am a good "meet-the-parents" girlfriend.

47. I love to play multiple-player Solitare.

48. I love to travel.

49. I like to have a background on the places I visit before I go there.

50. I hope to be fluent in German one day.

51. I have gone kayaking twice in my life.

52. I rather hang out with a few friends at a lounge than go to a huge club.

53. I wrote my thesis on the bacteria and molecules found inside your mouth.

54. I used to scrapbook every Friday night in high school.

55. I went to a frat once in college-it was a fun time but that was enough.

56. I have very vivid dreams.

57. I am a super procrastinator if I am not careful.

58. I met my boyfriend after he won the beer drinking contest-so cliche, I know.

59. I will eat almost anything-other than preztels and stuffed peppers.

60. Chocolate is always a good thing to me.

61. I wish I was taller.

62. This summer I am studying worm's genes.

63. Coffee is now essential to my mornings.

64. I have a wonderful sense of direction (unless I am in Las Vegas).

65. I get flustered easily.

66. Then, I blush.

67. I like to send presents any day of the year to loved ones.

68. I hate asking for presents-too awkward.

69. I prefer to stay up late than wake up early.

70. I go to a women's college and I am thankful for it.

71. I prefer classes with only women-no offense, guys.

72. I have conquered the public transportation system here in SF.

73. I love to receive emails but I am horrible at sending emails.

74. I love any thing with peppermint.

75. I didn't get drunk on my 21st.

76. I have been to Europe three times.

77. When I was in Paris (my 1st time to Europe), I thought I was in Disneyland.

78. I love how Europeans dress.

79. I try but I still look American.

80. I prefer the American spirit of independence, though.

81. I have creative streaks...lately, it is been photography and knitting.

82. I thought I would be a baker in high school.

83. Before that, I thought I would be a paleontologist.

84. My favorite TV show, when I was little, was "Inspector Gadget".

85. I tend to blurt out phases that tend to sound funnier than what I originally meant.

86. i.e."What I really need now is a big, fat brat" among friends--they took it the wrong way.

87. I can be witty.

88. Daydreaming is a everyday occurance for me.

89. I grew up playing Legos.

90. I am trying to quit biting my nails.

91. I excerise to relax.

92. But when I am stressed, I stop excerising to spend more time on school. Ironic.

93. I attach feelings to everything. Apples, strawberries, animals, etc.

94. I love when guys wear cologne, but I don't like to wear perfume.

95. SF was a good culture shock for me.

96. Although, Californians talk too much sometimes. My ears hurt.

97. I am now Californian, though.

98. I am thankful for everything and I love how life comes together.

99. I am very retrospective of everything I do.

100. I love being a multi-tasker.

Late Sunday Night

2006-04-17T00:18:00.000-07:00

Hello all...

All this rain and homework has made me miss Florian and my family. I keep on pushing through the days...2 more days until my thesis is due... and only 28 days or so until I see everyone and I graduate.

I know this is all I am talking about but really that is all I can think about.

Oh, two german updates:

1. I had my first dream where I was speaking German!! It was so great!
2. I had to help someone by speaking in German and I actually made sense :)

Happy Easter and hope all is well.

Let the countdown begin...

2006-04-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

So, it is official. 31 days. Then, I will have my biochem degree. Thanks everyone for being so support these past couple of crazy months :) I really appreciate it.

I did my last admission panal yesterday and it was really hard to think that I was the senior on the panal. I remember 4 years ago when I was the freshwoman on the panal and the seniors, next to me, were ready to take the next step...into the real world.
Now, that student is me and it is scary. But at the same time, it is exciting and fresh and I am starting to feel that twitch of starting new in my life...

So, I hope to see some of you at graduation (in 31 days!) or along the road someday in the future :)

Reception at Alumnae House

2006-04-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

Strawberries, Champagne, Balloons, and Friends

Pearl M Dinner @ Mills

2006-04-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

Pearl M Dinner and Singing (oh yes, I said singing)

It was great to spend time with friends and talk about graduation...less than a month, ladies :)

Sorry for the picture quality...some are a little blurry but I think it captures
the "mood" of the night...

It's good to be green-Class of 2006!!

starbucks

2006-04-05T21:32:00.000-07:00

My essential part of the day:

German word

2006-04-04T23:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have now learned the longest German word, tonight, and man, it is a long. Here it is:

die Vergangenheitsbewältigung

This word, which I don't think I ever will be able to pronouce, means "coming to terms with the past". I can't believe that 6 words in English can be summed up in 1 word in German.

Unbelievable.

Senior Spring Break

2006-04-04T17:58:00.000-07:00

I am back from my spring break trip to Boston and New York CIty. It was great to spend time with Florian :) We stayed at two cute bed and breakfast inns and in the day, we would walk everywhere! In Boston, we walked the historical freedom trail, Quincy Hall, the Capital, BU, Havard, Cambridge, and the best part, seeing Chiyuki!!! In Manhattan, we walked up and down Soho and 5th Avenue. We had a slice of NY pizza and we went to the top of the Empire State Building. Florian had a lot of fun taking pictures of people in their natural mode. Ah, my Florian...

It was so sunny that we really enjoyed both cities with their hustle and bustle and history. There were two great lounges we went to: Match in Boston and "unknown" location in NYC. Enjoy the pictures :)

Thanks again, Chiyuki and Virgil for taking time to hang out with us. It was amazing!

Chiyuki and I at Newbury Street...such a nice time... :)

At the bridge that connects downtown to Cambridge

Florian pondering at Harvard & Pizza @ Quincy Market

B. Franklin Statue

Old Boston feel....

New York

2006-04-03T18:32:00.000-07:00

Florian and I at the top of the Empire State Building!

New York... NYU campus

Times Square with Virgil

Observant Florian

Silver Linings...

2006-03-22T12:15:00.000-08:00

Well, life is going a bit smoother than earlier this week..

Thanks for all the encouragement, everyone!! I was able to back-up all my files (thesis, music, photos, etc) yesterday and when I get back from the East Coast, I will reinstall everything. Phew....

Florian called to ask what snacks he could bring over from Germany for me...how nice is that?

My list was the following:
1. Apfelwasser
2. Kinder chocolate
3. Kinder chocolate Hippos...so good
4. Peppermint Quad Chocolate

I head out tonight for Boston to meet "mein Freund"...yeah :)

I will post photos as soon as I get back.

Earthquakes

2006-03-21T14:28:00.000-08:00

Well, we just had another earthquake...

I am typing my thesis (for the second time) and all of the sudden, everything is shaking. I guess the earthquake was 3.7. Let's hope that I can finish my thesis by Wednesday or at least Monday without it disappearing with another computer crash or earthquake!

Two more days until I meet up with Florian in Boston...YEAH :)
I will be posting when I get back in a week...check back.

Horrible Mondays

2006-03-20T22:56:00.000-08:00

My computer crashed on Sunday and I could not be more upset :( My thesis, photos, iTunes, everything!

I guess I have to now look into backing up files before erasing and reinstalling it...let's just hope that my computer allows me to backup files...

I really hope things get easier because, man, it has been a rough month and I don't know how much more I can take.

--emily

Spring @ Mills

2006-03-18T17:41:00.000-08:00

I thought everyone would appeciate a little bit of spring...enjoy :)

El Campanil Sunlight....

Wow....if only this weather would stay...

Chiyuki's forward...

2006-03-17T13:45:00.000-08:00

Here are four items for each category that was inspired by my sweetie Chiyuki:

Four Jobs I've Had in My Life:
Mills Admissions
EF-International School-R.D
Organic Chemistry lab and Calculus TA
Babysitter

Four Movies I could Watch Over and Over and Have:
Pride and Prejudice
The Prince and Me
7 Zwerge
Run Lola Run

Four Places I've Lived:
Minnetonka, Minnesota
Plymouth, Minnesota
Oakland, California
Dana Point, California

Four TV Shows I Love to Watch:
Gilmore Girls
Oprah
DW-World News
24

Four Places I've Been on Vacation:
Hamburg, Germany
Paris, France
Newport Beach, California
Seattle, Washington

Four Websites I Visit Daily:
www.mills.edu
www.cnn.com
www.facebook.com
www.sfgate.com

Four Favorite Foods:
Strawberry Yogurt with fruit
German breakfast wurst on fresh bread and tomatoes
Chocolate...any kind...I am not picky...
Pizza and pasta

Four Places I Would Like to Visit:
Germany
Italy
Sweden
Boston, MA (only four days left)

Those are my favorites grouped into 4's...
Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone :)

Middle of the Semester

2006-03-07T19:14:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

I know that I have not been blogging lately...I am back!

I am in the middle of the semester now and my thesis is being written as we speak! I am heading to the East Coast to spend time with Florian for spring break. I am so excited :)

check in later for more postings,
emily

2005-11-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

St. Nikolai Kirche...this church had the most
wonderful views of Hamburg

2005-11-03T19:11:00.000-08:00

Views of the Harbor

More Germany photos

2005-11-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

My favorite building in Hamburg...the Hamburg Rathaus (government building)

Views of Hamburg...on the canal and above the city...

2005-10-24T18:42:00.000-07:00

My birthday breakfast :)

View of Hamburg on the lake

Birthday Dinner...yummy, huh!

My 22nd Birthday

2005-10-24T18:33:00.000-07:00

My birthday was great although the whole ten days felt like a birthday present :)

Florian made a German breakfast with lots of Bröchten, Fleisch, und Käse (bread, meat and cheese). Also, he brought out coffee with my birthday marzipan cake and my birthday flowers and cards. It was wonderful.

Then, we went to Hamburg to take a boat ride around Lake Alster and walking around downtown. Dinner at a Bayern-themed restuarant...what a great birthday!

First Germany Photos

2005-10-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

Florian @ the North Sea

Hi everyone!

I am back from Hamburg and I had a wonderful time!! I saw and did so much stuff while I was there...too much to tell. But Hamburg is really great...as you can see from the photos.

--emily

2005-10-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

Peggy and me at Convocation

My first entry

2005-10-01T23:05:00.000-07:00

Ok...my blog is now up and running...

I will be posting pictures soon to show everyone what I am up to.

Keep checking in!

--emily