So I’ve been at MiT for three weeks now (yikes!). I have been as busy as my blog shows (no entries=no time). However, I felt the urge to share a little bit of what’s been going on because of how it has affected me.
Orientation was great. We learnt a lot of things about MiT and about being internationals in the US. Our coordinators put a lot of effort into making sure we had a great time. Plus, all the Activities midways etc. really showed us all MiT has to offer.
FAP was one of the best experiences of my life. We had an amazing time chilling, playing music, visiting museums, and just about anything else you can think of (yes, even sleeping in the room on mattresses and couches). We visited so many beautiful places (like a park in Harvard square and Boston Commons) and participated in fun events (like Improv comedy). Our talent show and other artistic shows were amazing!!! And everyone in FAP was awesome (counselors, coordinators, freshmen). I’m glad I decided not to drop it (I was contemplating it with the hectic schedule I had).
After that, Rush week started. basically, it’s when you go around seeing all the Frats and Sororities at MiT, and eventually you may or may not get a bid, which you then accept if you choose to do so (called pledging). I spent all my time with my friends looking at frats (because sorority life does not suit me). Ragheb and I spent most of our time with a bunch of amazing people who have been our mentors, older siblings, and entertainers over the past few weeks. They are known on campus as No.6, the Co-ed frat. They were awesome enough to give us both bids, and I pledges yesterday =). Now nobody get this wrong; frats at MiT are nothing like the movies, and No.6 is even better (as in none of the whole drink till you puke to pledge, or party insanely stuff). Hanging out with amazing people, having intellectual discussions about the world, and a game of pool every now and again (or Guitar Hero). I owe so much of my getting used to MiT to No.6 (I will not list member names to avoid forgetting some).
Lastly, we started classes 3 days ago. It’s been hectic, and we already have a ton of reading and homework to do (and P-sets have already been assigned for like 5 days from now). I hate the fact that I’m not getting much in Math and Physics, because it’s not a feeling I’m used to. Thankfully though, Ragheb and Ziad have been nice enough to help me with Physics, and Ziad walked me through a few math problems the other day (and promised to continue to do so and make sure I don’t fall behind).
Oh I almost forgot to mention how affected I was the other night at No.6. We had “Conversations”, meaning the whole room discusses a few topics related to one another. The intellect and stimulation I found in the members of No.6 and my pledge-siblings (as in the other freshmen who were there) was just amazing. The amount of knowledge and thought in that room of people between 18 and 22 was just... Mind-blowing!!!! Thank you guys so much for making me see how amazing you guys are, and then inviting me to be a part of it. I’m so sad some of you will be leaving in 9 months (I know, we’re still at the first week and I’m thinking of the end of the year). I hope no one got offended/upset that I didn’t pledge to them. If I didn’t feel it would be impersonal, I would have pledged to the whole house. However, I needed to emphasize how much a couple of people meant to me, so I had to spend over 5 hours deciding who to pledge to.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
I AM...
AT MiT!!!! And I love it!!!!
I’m doing FAP this week (which is a Freshman Preorientation Program (FPOP) in Art)... So I am getting no sleep because we are there 8.30-12 every day.
Anyway, so I have so much to tell you all about this awesome place (and a LOT of funny pictures and stories... Plus videos that may be useable in the long run). Oh, also photos for Paul (I won’t forget don’t worry).
Dying... Goodnight...
I’m doing FAP this week (which is a Freshman Preorientation Program (FPOP) in Art)... So I am getting no sleep because we are there 8.30-12 every day.
Anyway, so I have so much to tell you all about this awesome place (and a LOT of funny pictures and stories... Plus videos that may be useable in the long run). Oh, also photos for Paul (I won’t forget don’t worry).
Dying... Goodnight...
Sunday, August 17, 2008
HASS-Ds
I got a question today, so i thought I'd post all the facts here, for everyone.
"So you are allowed to take your Hass D class even if you did not pass the FEE? If your Hass-D class is also a CI-H, can it be counted to cover the communication requirement?"
1- If a HASS-D is a CI-H (which is mostly the case) then it counts for both HASS and Communication... meaning the Humanities requirement is not separate from the Communication one
2- You can take a HASS-D / CI-H course without passing the FEE... HOWEVER, you will get HASS-D credit for it, but not CI-H credit for it
3- In order to get CI-H credit, you need to pass the FEE or a CI-HW
4- Once you get a HASS-D, you are not guaranteed to get it again if you give it up... Meaning if you got a HASS-D that you LOVE now... Go ahead and take it, because you may never be able to take it.
If anyone has any other questions just post them here.
"So you are allowed to take your Hass D class even if you did not pass the FEE? If your Hass-D class is also a CI-H, can it be counted to cover the communication requirement?"
1- If a HASS-D is a CI-H (which is mostly the case) then it counts for both HASS and Communication... meaning the Humanities requirement is not separate from the Communication one
2- You can take a HASS-D / CI-H course without passing the FEE... HOWEVER, you will get HASS-D credit for it, but not CI-H credit for it
3- In order to get CI-H credit, you need to pass the FEE or a CI-HW
4- Once you get a HASS-D, you are not guaranteed to get it again if you give it up... Meaning if you got a HASS-D that you LOVE now... Go ahead and take it, because you may never be able to take it.
If anyone has any other questions just post them here.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Update
So I finally finished my blogger application and had dad read it for me (thankfully he liked it) so I sent it in!!!
Second, I finished my cabinet and hopefully I’ll put up pics of the room soon.
Third, I got into the Abrahamic Faiths: Conversation advising seminar =)
Fourth, FEE results just came out: Surprisingly, I passed!!! =D Meaning I can take a Humanities course and avoid the writing classes.
Fifth, HASS-D results just came out: Introduction to History and Theory of Architecture.
Oh, and Montreal is awesome!!!
Second, I finished my cabinet and hopefully I’ll put up pics of the room soon.
Third, I got into the Abrahamic Faiths: Conversation advising seminar =)
Fourth, FEE results just came out: Surprisingly, I passed!!! =D Meaning I can take a Humanities course and avoid the writing classes.
Fifth, HASS-D results just came out: Introduction to History and Theory of Architecture.
Oh, and Montreal is awesome!!!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
HANDY(WO)MAN
I had a very productive day, and my arms are sore to tell the tale (yes, every key I hit on the keyboard hurts, but I do it for my readers ;P).
We went to iKEA to buy some stuff my brother needed (happily, I shopped for a few university things myself; pillows, blankets, a lamp, a rug, etc.). Although, I wish I didn’t have to take them on the 7 hour drive...
Anyway so my brother had a bed and a small bed-side drawer thing at home already, in boxes, and we bought a different drawer-cabinet for that room. We spent 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. putting the first 2 together (and then he left to get dinner while I finished the bed).
After dinner, I decided to act heroic (since Mish and mom went to a grocery store) and so I started up the other drawer chest. Now, there were a few pieces missing, not to mention the instructions, but I winged it and have it all up except for the base which is not in the box...
Now I think I’ll go crash....
We went to iKEA to buy some stuff my brother needed (happily, I shopped for a few university things myself; pillows, blankets, a lamp, a rug, etc.). Although, I wish I didn’t have to take them on the 7 hour drive...
Anyway so my brother had a bed and a small bed-side drawer thing at home already, in boxes, and we bought a different drawer-cabinet for that room. We spent 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. putting the first 2 together (and then he left to get dinner while I finished the bed).
After dinner, I decided to act heroic (since Mish and mom went to a grocery store) and so I started up the other drawer chest. Now, there were a few pieces missing, not to mention the instructions, but I winged it and have it all up except for the base which is not in the box...
Now I think I’ll go crash....
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
A Day at Sea
It was very relaxing. I attended a PhotoShop class by college professor Stan Leva.
I mustn’t forget to mention the great shows on the ship throughout this week. One production of pieces of Broadway shows, another of award-winning sings and an amazing Tango dance. Plus, a great show by an award-winning Piano comic, and a hilarious Ventriloquist.
I mustn’t forget to mention the great shows on the ship throughout this week. One production of pieces of Broadway shows, another of award-winning sings and an amazing Tango dance. Plus, a great show by an award-winning Piano comic, and a hilarious Ventriloquist.
Finally EDT
I’m finally in Montreal, meaning I’m in the right time zone at last. We’re staying in my brother’s apartment (which should have been for the both of us) so I get to see how much space and comfort I’m missing out on. Basically, the apartment is like 10 times as big as my dorm room (not really an exaggeration). But, the city doesn’t feel like home, so I’m happy I’m going to Boston even more now =) (Although the space I would have had here is.... :( )
Hopefully today I go get my printer and GPS, and then my brother needs house stuff (like sheets mattress etc), and dad arrives tomorrow.
Hopefully today I go get my printer and GPS, and then my brother needs house stuff (like sheets mattress etc), and dad arrives tomorrow.
Baltic Stops 4 and 5
Helsinki, Finland: more wet than Tallinn was (but we were prepared so it’s okay).
The city is small and not so alive. I didn’t notice anything about it, except this really nice modern church built in the 60’s into a mountain.
Oh, and their chocolate is pretty good...
Copenhagen, Denmark. Gorgeous weather. Cute city.
I remember my dad telling me how amazing Danishes in Denmark would be. First day, I felt ill (probably from lack of sleep) so we stayed on the ship for most of the day (sorry mom and dad!). We had a tour before that but I felt too ill to focus or leave the bus. Maybe I’ll ask my sister to do a small thing about it and post it up here.
Second day, we disembarked for the last time (byebye Crystal Symphony =( and the friends we made and the amazing food)... One couple we met gave us contact details and want to meet us for dinner here in Montreal =).
We went to the “Imperial hotel” where they had refreshments out for us. Danishes: disappointing. I was beginning to lose faith in them =(.
Then we went to the airport, where we shopped for a bit, then my sister and I lost mom and dad lol, but found them sitting at a cafe getting Danishes. We joined them, and shared the food... Wow did it go fast!!!!! They were... INCREDIBLE!!! Seriously the gate was 20 minutes from closing and mom decided to get us another batch.
So seriously; Danishes at the airport ;)
The city is small and not so alive. I didn’t notice anything about it, except this really nice modern church built in the 60’s into a mountain.
Oh, and their chocolate is pretty good...
Copenhagen, Denmark. Gorgeous weather. Cute city.
I remember my dad telling me how amazing Danishes in Denmark would be. First day, I felt ill (probably from lack of sleep) so we stayed on the ship for most of the day (sorry mom and dad!). We had a tour before that but I felt too ill to focus or leave the bus. Maybe I’ll ask my sister to do a small thing about it and post it up here.
Second day, we disembarked for the last time (byebye Crystal Symphony =( and the friends we made and the amazing food)... One couple we met gave us contact details and want to meet us for dinner here in Montreal =).
We went to the “Imperial hotel” where they had refreshments out for us. Danishes: disappointing. I was beginning to lose faith in them =(.
Then we went to the airport, where we shopped for a bit, then my sister and I lost mom and dad lol, but found them sitting at a cafe getting Danishes. We joined them, and shared the food... Wow did it go fast!!!!! They were... INCREDIBLE!!! Seriously the gate was 20 minutes from closing and mom decided to get us another batch.
So seriously; Danishes at the airport ;)
A Night in Heaven and Hell
So we spent one night in London, transiting from Denmark to Montreal. We stayed in a beautiful hotel called the Petersham (which I’ve referenced before). The view from the balcony was breathtaking! However, the room smelled like dust (which I am allergic to) so I couldn’t breathe well all night, and in turn kept waking up. Oh well.
I just remembered I never finished off how the rest of London last time went.
Lunch at Zizzi (restaurant opposite Hampton Court) was really good. We had a big family thing, and took over the restaurant! ;P My cousin brought her adorable 7-month-old son so he was fun to play around with... Great food, and the waffles are seriously TO DIE FOR!!!!!
Dinner at Blue Elephant was better than I’d think it would be. True, my cousins who were with me were as amusing as always (actually more since there were no parents so they could speak as freely and, well, disgustingly, as they pleased). However, the food was SCRUMPTIOUS!!!!! The chocolate mousse had coconut bits in it... Mmmmmmm....
I just remembered I never finished off how the rest of London last time went.
Lunch at Zizzi (restaurant opposite Hampton Court) was really good. We had a big family thing, and took over the restaurant! ;P My cousin brought her adorable 7-month-old son so he was fun to play around with... Great food, and the waffles are seriously TO DIE FOR!!!!!
Dinner at Blue Elephant was better than I’d think it would be. True, my cousins who were with me were as amusing as always (actually more since there were no parents so they could speak as freely and, well, disgustingly, as they pleased). However, the food was SCRUMPTIOUS!!!!! The chocolate mousse had coconut bits in it... Mmmmmmm....
Monday, August 11, 2008
Olympics
Luckily for me, the cruise has Euronews on their satellite TV... Meaning I was able to watch the opening ceremonies for the olympics live.
They were AMAZING!!!!!! Pixelated screen on the floor; wow!!!! Seriously!!!!
If you get a chance to watch them, do!
They were AMAZING!!!!!! Pixelated screen on the floor; wow!!!! Seriously!!!!
If you get a chance to watch them, do!
Baltic Stop 3
St Petersburg, Russia was a wonderful two-day experience. The weather was perfectly 16 degrees and sunny.
On the first day in the city, we visited the Hermitage and the Gold Room (which they refer to as a “museum in a museum”). Unfortunately, photos were not allowed in the Gold Room... I also noticed the many beautiful sculptures on the outside of all the buildings. Notice the grandeur of the rooms.
I found out that the color Red in Russia symbolizes beauty, hence the red velvet material behind the throne and the coat of arms in the Hermitage. Another interesting fact is that in the old days, women could only smoke with their left hands, since their right hands were kissed by gentlemen (to avoid smelling like tobacco).
The biggest vase in the complex was thought to be used as a swimming pool because of its size (but it was just a vase). It is made from one piece of marble ( a second piece for the base), and they had to break down the wall to get it into the room because it would not go through the doorway.
Later in the evening, we went to a production of Swan Lake in the Alexandrenski theatre (also known as the Pushkin Theatre). It was a great performance. The story line is where Disney go the idea for the movie Swan Princess, so if you’ve seen that you’ll understand what the ballet is about.
On the second day, we visited Catherine’s palace. It was so grand with an amazing amber room; unfortunately no pictures allowed in there either. Luckily, that’s where Google Images come in.
In the next picture you can see chirrups located on either side of the main staircase. The one waking up was on the East side representing East, while the one sleeping represented West on the West side.
We also visited the next-door palace of Alexander (her grandson).
Next, the Peterhov gardens. The fountains in the park could easily be compared to (if they were not better than) those of Versailles, according to dad.
The last two both represent Russia defeating (Sweden I think). In the second one, you see turtles around the main statue, representing the enemy’s allies. (for the exact names try Google because our guide couldn’t remember them either).
Finally, we visited Nicolas I’s home (Anastacia’s father) where the last Romanovs lived before they were taken to Siberia after the revolution.
Commenting on the Disney movie:
1- Rasputin was not an evil man who made Alexis sick (the crown prince). Rather, he was the witch doctor treating Alexis for his Hemophilia.
2- Anastacia did not survive, as the movie tells. The woman pretending to be her was actually a dancer, as found out after her death. The real Anastacia was killed with the rest of her family.
They were told that they were taking a family portrait, and they were arranged accordingly. The picture was taken, and immediately the trigger was pulled on the whole family. (I can’t find the photo online unfortunately).
On the first day in the city, we visited the Hermitage and the Gold Room (which they refer to as a “museum in a museum”). Unfortunately, photos were not allowed in the Gold Room... I also noticed the many beautiful sculptures on the outside of all the buildings. Notice the grandeur of the rooms.
I found out that the color Red in Russia symbolizes beauty, hence the red velvet material behind the throne and the coat of arms in the Hermitage. Another interesting fact is that in the old days, women could only smoke with their left hands, since their right hands were kissed by gentlemen (to avoid smelling like tobacco).
The biggest vase in the complex was thought to be used as a swimming pool because of its size (but it was just a vase). It is made from one piece of marble ( a second piece for the base), and they had to break down the wall to get it into the room because it would not go through the doorway.
Later in the evening, we went to a production of Swan Lake in the Alexandrenski theatre (also known as the Pushkin Theatre). It was a great performance. The story line is where Disney go the idea for the movie Swan Princess, so if you’ve seen that you’ll understand what the ballet is about.
On the second day, we visited Catherine’s palace. It was so grand with an amazing amber room; unfortunately no pictures allowed in there either. Luckily, that’s where Google Images come in.
In the next picture you can see chirrups located on either side of the main staircase. The one waking up was on the East side representing East, while the one sleeping represented West on the West side.
We also visited the next-door palace of Alexander (her grandson).
Next, the Peterhov gardens. The fountains in the park could easily be compared to (if they were not better than) those of Versailles, according to dad.
The last two both represent Russia defeating (Sweden I think). In the second one, you see turtles around the main statue, representing the enemy’s allies. (for the exact names try Google because our guide couldn’t remember them either).
Finally, we visited Nicolas I’s home (Anastacia’s father) where the last Romanovs lived before they were taken to Siberia after the revolution.
Commenting on the Disney movie:
1- Rasputin was not an evil man who made Alexis sick (the crown prince). Rather, he was the witch doctor treating Alexis for his Hemophilia.
2- Anastacia did not survive, as the movie tells. The woman pretending to be her was actually a dancer, as found out after her death. The real Anastacia was killed with the rest of her family.
They were told that they were taking a family portrait, and they were arranged accordingly. The picture was taken, and immediately the trigger was pulled on the whole family. (I can’t find the photo online unfortunately).
Pictures
So posting pictures on to here would be too difficult because internet here is like $.75 per minute, but on my .Mac account I don't need to be connected to the internet to upload them... So here's the link to my .Mac site where all the pictures can be found...
http://web.me.com/nooosa/Site/Life_Until_MIT/Life_Until_MIT.html
http://web.me.com/nooosa/Site/Life_Until_MIT/Life_Until_MIT.html
Baltic Stop 2
TALLINN, ESTONIA was the first official port for us to disembark in.
Basically, we didn’t get to understand much about the city because it was FREEZING COLD and WETTTTTT!!!!! Seriously it was 12 degrees (53 F) and did NOT stop raining. The main thing we understood was that the country basically was not left alone (as in EVERYONE had taken over it lol; Vikings, Germans, Russians, etc) and so they were only independent for a few years.
Look at how dad looked after walking like 3 hours in the rain... Lo0ol
By time I got back to the boat, I think no part of my body was dry (although I was in a thick sweatshirt, a rain coat, and had an umbrella at some points). I was shivering and so I took a nice warm shower, then headed to the Lido deck for lunch; amazing burger and pizza, then went for an ice cream cone (by this time I was warm and fuzzy again).
Basically, we didn’t get to understand much about the city because it was FREEZING COLD and WETTTTTT!!!!! Seriously it was 12 degrees (53 F) and did NOT stop raining. The main thing we understood was that the country basically was not left alone (as in EVERYONE had taken over it lol; Vikings, Germans, Russians, etc) and so they were only independent for a few years.
Look at how dad looked after walking like 3 hours in the rain... Lo0ol
By time I got back to the boat, I think no part of my body was dry (although I was in a thick sweatshirt, a rain coat, and had an umbrella at some points). I was shivering and so I took a nice warm shower, then headed to the Lido deck for lunch; amazing burger and pizza, then went for an ice cream cone (by this time I was warm and fuzzy again).
Baltic Stop 1
I was so tired from being up most of the night in London, I slept for most of the flight and nearly missed the view at landing. I didn’t manage to take a photo of that from being disoriented and all, but it was basically fields of green with a few trees surrounding beautiful shiny rivers (I later found out the city is one third green, one third blue (the water) and one third lived on).
On the runway, all you could see on either side of the plane was endless trees. The same goes for the road between the airport and the hotel. The weather is just.. INCREDIBLE!!! Like 22 degrees (72 F) with a little wind and a few clouds. I was so afraid I’d forget to put something in, I’m actually typing into my iPod, to later just copy it into my blog.
We walked around the old town for a while, smelling something amazing the whole time. It’s the same smell you experience in Mijas; fresh ice cream waffle cones!!! Finally we gave in and got some ice cream, and it was pretty awesome. We took a nice walk around the river and came back for a drink.
Later on, we headed to dinner at a place called Princen. The food was AMAZING. I had the best Asparagus soup ever to start with, a great steak with very good salad and fries cooked in their own home-made butter, and a sinful chocolate truffle with raspberry sauce and some cream to top it off. This might sound funny, but even the water was amazing. Honestly, their home-made sparkling water (which they use tap water to make) was so good! A nice refreshing walk back to the hotel later, I’m about to head to bed. Goodnight!!
P.S. Stockholm = Amazing city :)
P.P.S. Bed = Fluffy as a cloud... Jackpot!!!! =D
Next day we just drove to the cruise and embarked, then had dinner in the onboard Japanese restaurant “Silk Road” which is a sub-chain of the world-known “Nobu”. Needless to say, the food was impeccable. Here’s the Sushi we had as a starter, but I was too into the food to take any other pics :P
On the runway, all you could see on either side of the plane was endless trees. The same goes for the road between the airport and the hotel. The weather is just.. INCREDIBLE!!! Like 22 degrees (72 F) with a little wind and a few clouds. I was so afraid I’d forget to put something in, I’m actually typing into my iPod, to later just copy it into my blog.
We walked around the old town for a while, smelling something amazing the whole time. It’s the same smell you experience in Mijas; fresh ice cream waffle cones!!! Finally we gave in and got some ice cream, and it was pretty awesome. We took a nice walk around the river and came back for a drink.
Later on, we headed to dinner at a place called Princen. The food was AMAZING. I had the best Asparagus soup ever to start with, a great steak with very good salad and fries cooked in their own home-made butter, and a sinful chocolate truffle with raspberry sauce and some cream to top it off. This might sound funny, but even the water was amazing. Honestly, their home-made sparkling water (which they use tap water to make) was so good! A nice refreshing walk back to the hotel later, I’m about to head to bed. Goodnight!!
P.S. Stockholm = Amazing city :)
P.P.S. Bed = Fluffy as a cloud... Jackpot!!!! =D
Next day we just drove to the cruise and embarked, then had dinner in the onboard Japanese restaurant “Silk Road” which is a sub-chain of the world-known “Nobu”. Needless to say, the food was impeccable. Here’s the Sushi we had as a starter, but I was too into the food to take any other pics :P
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Addition to My College Story
I forgot to mention that since I decided to join the MiT community, I have found such a difference in my intellectual and emotional abilities. I never thought that people could influence so much, especially from so far away (I have only so far met 2 people I am going with face to face). However, I am a completely different human being. Even the part about getting over worrying about leaving, and just being excited about it, is a result of that. (That is something my brother is amazed by, for some reason).
So, thank you MiT, for changing my life already over the course of only 4 months, and continuing to change it over the next 4 years.
Hi From GB
So I'm in the not-so-sunny country of England. I arrived yesterday morning on the red eye, and have barely been home since.
My family (as in uncles and grandparents) lives in Surrey, which is a suburb about 30 minutes away from Knightsbridge (the heart of London). So, we don't usually go into the city often (we come here every year roughly).
This year was different though. My best friend has been here for a while, and she is leaving tomorrow morning. Which means, I wanted to see her and say goodbye before she left, since I won't see her until December minimum.
So yesterday we went into the city, shopped for a bit, has a snack at Whole Foods(organic shop, excellent pizza), relaxed at home, and then went to a restaurant called Mimo for dinner (which is a great Italian place, btw).
Today, I went into Knightsbridge with my parents, shopped for a bit (got an amazing pair of gloves which let me keep my hand usage while I stay warm; Finally. Also got a nice neck-warming thing). We had lunch at the Sushi bar in Harvey Nichols (great food, overate lol), and then walked around for a bit. Oh, I forgot to mention, dad decided to get adventurous this summer, so we've been driving around in his rented convertible (he thought it was a nice idea for 3 days with nice weather). Besides freezing, it was a lot of fun. Then we hung out at my grandparents' for a bit, and went to dinner. We ate in a hotel in Richmond (whose name I cannot recall). My best friend joined us there and we had our last meal together for a while. Oh, the food was great. (I promise to give the name when we stay there in our transit through London on the 11th).
That's basically been it. Oh, I almost forgot; I had a problem with my teeth today, and now I have to go in for an emergency dentist appointment with a doctor I don't know; what fun when you have a million things to do and a lunch invitation and a dinner one!!!
Which reminds me; we're having lunch somewhere near Hampton Court tomorrow (I remember the palace and grounds to be awesome), and then dinner at the Blue Elephant restaurant downtown (which I heard is great). So, that'll be coming up.
My family (as in uncles and grandparents) lives in Surrey, which is a suburb about 30 minutes away from Knightsbridge (the heart of London). So, we don't usually go into the city often (we come here every year roughly).
This year was different though. My best friend has been here for a while, and she is leaving tomorrow morning. Which means, I wanted to see her and say goodbye before she left, since I won't see her until December minimum.
So yesterday we went into the city, shopped for a bit, has a snack at Whole Foods(organic shop, excellent pizza), relaxed at home, and then went to a restaurant called Mimo for dinner (which is a great Italian place, btw).
Today, I went into Knightsbridge with my parents, shopped for a bit (got an amazing pair of gloves which let me keep my hand usage while I stay warm; Finally. Also got a nice neck-warming thing). We had lunch at the Sushi bar in Harvey Nichols (great food, overate lol), and then walked around for a bit. Oh, I forgot to mention, dad decided to get adventurous this summer, so we've been driving around in his rented convertible (he thought it was a nice idea for 3 days with nice weather). Besides freezing, it was a lot of fun. Then we hung out at my grandparents' for a bit, and went to dinner. We ate in a hotel in Richmond (whose name I cannot recall). My best friend joined us there and we had our last meal together for a while. Oh, the food was great. (I promise to give the name when we stay there in our transit through London on the 11th).
That's basically been it. Oh, I almost forgot; I had a problem with my teeth today, and now I have to go in for an emergency dentist appointment with a doctor I don't know; what fun when you have a million things to do and a lunch invitation and a dinner one!!!
Which reminds me; we're having lunch somewhere near Hampton Court tomorrow (I remember the palace and grounds to be awesome), and then dinner at the Blue Elephant restaurant downtown (which I heard is great). So, that'll be coming up.
SPEECH
A bright young man, one of my future collegemates, and some I consider a very helpful friend and upperclassman, is addressing his fellow high school graduates, talking to them about their feet; about the roads they have taken them through thus far, and the roads they shall take them on in the future. The reasons this graduation speech stands out from all the others I have seen, heard and read, are both its content and its writer/speaker.
I unfortunately was not given the chance to speak at my graduation (and no, it wasn’t the best girl in class who spoke either; it was random people which is SO unfair). Anyway, so this is a speech that maps out all my feeling, although I know I would never be able to state them in a post as artistic as the one in the video.
To Snively: I have already watched this video more than 3 or 4 times, and I still love it. Thank you :)
I unfortunately was not given the chance to speak at my graduation (and no, it wasn’t the best girl in class who spoke either; it was random people which is SO unfair). Anyway, so this is a speech that maps out all my feeling, although I know I would never be able to state them in a post as artistic as the one in the video.
To Snively: I have already watched this video more than 3 or 4 times, and I still love it. Thank you :)
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
HOME-The Aramco Brats' Story of Saudi Arabia
One is the best videos I have seen is the one below. The reason I loved this trailer so much was the fact that it shows exactly what the movie is about, even if the quality is low. That being said, the content of the movie is something I feel very strongly about. The misconception many people have about our country and culture is very saddening. I even remember one woman asking us where we were from last summer, and then flinching when we said "Saudi Arabia".
Art comes in many shapes and forms; showing people the good and true side of my country is one of the most important to me. Also, the fact that so many expatriates (mostly Americans) are the ones speaking in the video, makes it even better, because it gives others a reason to see it, since listening to locals talk about their country is the same all over, whereas listening to the expatriates shows the true story. Seeing how the two cultures lived so well here together reinstates my faith in a better more harmonious world. In turn, I'm moving to the US for my education, and so I hope to benefit from the blend of cultures as did the Americans in the video.
Art comes in many shapes and forms; showing people the good and true side of my country is one of the most important to me. Also, the fact that so many expatriates (mostly Americans) are the ones speaking in the video, makes it even better, because it gives others a reason to see it, since listening to locals talk about their country is the same all over, whereas listening to the expatriates shows the true story. Seeing how the two cultures lived so well here together reinstates my faith in a better more harmonious world. In turn, I'm moving to the US for my education, and so I hope to benefit from the blend of cultures as did the Americans in the video.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
My College Story
For as long as I can remember (10-11 years) I have been interested in Architecture. Actually, I decided when I was 8 that I was going to become an architect. The location of my studies, however, was never determined. First, it was a sure no for me to leave the city, then I was allowed to go to the west coast. Eventually by last summer, my parents were willing I go to either Dubai or Montreal with my brother, which was what I wanted by then. So, I did everything I could to pursue that dream; I made sure I took Art instead of HomeEd in highschool, I took a summer high school program in Architecture, etc.
At Penn, I found out there were THREE different bachelors of Architecture (I only knew of two). B.Sc. in Architecture (which is officially called Architectural Engineering), B.Arch, and B.A. in Architecture.
I decided that since I love Science, and I want to be more of an engineer than an artist, I would go for a B.Sc.. So I looked up the best universities that offered it on different ranking sites (you know how most of them are). Guess what? MiT always came up as top 3-5.
I mustn't forget, however, another important thing. Last summer, before going to Penn, I was supposed to go to MiT’s RSi program, seeing as I had the best grade in the National Aptitude test. I didn’t get to go though, because our government decided to cancel the program for females. That made me think that MiT wanted me, but the government didn’t allow it. So, I decided to give myself a fair chance at admission again, and applied for the heck of applying.
I applied to 6 universities for Architecture; 5 of which offer a B.Sc.. I made sure to apply to only the best schools in the US for the major, seeing as the application was meant to be a trial to see if I get in, and not to actually attend.
Anyway back to this year; I got accepted thanks to the amazing people in the admissions office, who saw that MiT was the right place for me, even though I didn’t know it. Dad says MiT is an amazing place and Boston is a great city, and so he couldn’t say no to MiT even if he preferred Montreal, so it was now my decision. Then, his friend (who was the best supporter, encourager, and aid any high school student could ask for) talks to me about how even though it would be more difficult for me than would be joining my brother, it would make me a better person on so many scales - that the suffering the first few months was worth it. And now; MiT here I come!!! =)
Anyway, the point is; know why you’re applying to a certain dream school. I applied to 4 in the US, but only really ever cared about MiT, and I never knew why. Maybe it was the fact that I liked their application the most. Maybe it was the fact that it’s reputation is better than the rest. Maybe the fact that it’s MiT. Whatever it is; MiT’s was the only Admissions site I checked every day of all the schools I applied to (well, and McGill, because that was my other option).
At Penn, I found out there were THREE different bachelors of Architecture (I only knew of two). B.Sc. in Architecture (which is officially called Architectural Engineering), B.Arch, and B.A. in Architecture.
I decided that since I love Science, and I want to be more of an engineer than an artist, I would go for a B.Sc.. So I looked up the best universities that offered it on different ranking sites (you know how most of them are). Guess what? MiT always came up as top 3-5.
I mustn't forget, however, another important thing. Last summer, before going to Penn, I was supposed to go to MiT’s RSi program, seeing as I had the best grade in the National Aptitude test. I didn’t get to go though, because our government decided to cancel the program for females. That made me think that MiT wanted me, but the government didn’t allow it. So, I decided to give myself a fair chance at admission again, and applied for the heck of applying.
I applied to 6 universities for Architecture; 5 of which offer a B.Sc.. I made sure to apply to only the best schools in the US for the major, seeing as the application was meant to be a trial to see if I get in, and not to actually attend.
Anyway back to this year; I got accepted thanks to the amazing people in the admissions office, who saw that MiT was the right place for me, even though I didn’t know it. Dad says MiT is an amazing place and Boston is a great city, and so he couldn’t say no to MiT even if he preferred Montreal, so it was now my decision. Then, his friend (who was the best supporter, encourager, and aid any high school student could ask for) talks to me about how even though it would be more difficult for me than would be joining my brother, it would make me a better person on so many scales - that the suffering the first few months was worth it. And now; MiT here I come!!! =)
Anyway, the point is; know why you’re applying to a certain dream school. I applied to 4 in the US, but only really ever cared about MiT, and I never knew why. Maybe it was the fact that I liked their application the most. Maybe it was the fact that it’s reputation is better than the rest. Maybe the fact that it’s MiT. Whatever it is; MiT’s was the only Admissions site I checked every day of all the schools I applied to (well, and McGill, because that was my other option).
ADViCE TO THE PROSPECTiVES
As much you review and go over your applications, you will find errors after you submit them lol, whether they are grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or not the right vocabulary. I actually submitted an essay with the wrong University name to one school.
Go about the applications focused and confidently, and just relax. It is more important that you show WHO YOU ARE in your application rather than YOUR GPA, because transcripts speak for that aspect. Your good grades and SAT scores guarantee your applications will be looked at, but they don’t get you in. And, for God’s sake, don’t retake the SATs if you get above 700. I had a 610, a 620, a 790 in the SAT I, and a 730, a 720 and a 630 in my SATII. My GPA was like 3.7. Your personality is what matters in the end; what you have done and why.
Junior and Senior years will be awesome in many ways, and hell in many others. Embrace it all, because you will miss every part of it when it's over (yes, even the sleepless nights for finals, because you call your friends and laugh your ass off at 4 a.m.). Do your best, but don't wear yourself out. And wherever life takes you, whether it is to us at MiT or not, make something great of yourself.
Go about the applications focused and confidently, and just relax. It is more important that you show WHO YOU ARE in your application rather than YOUR GPA, because transcripts speak for that aspect. Your good grades and SAT scores guarantee your applications will be looked at, but they don’t get you in. And, for God’s sake, don’t retake the SATs if you get above 700. I had a 610, a 620, a 790 in the SAT I, and a 730, a 720 and a 630 in my SATII. My GPA was like 3.7. Your personality is what matters in the end; what you have done and why.
Junior and Senior years will be awesome in many ways, and hell in many others. Embrace it all, because you will miss every part of it when it's over (yes, even the sleepless nights for finals, because you call your friends and laugh your ass off at 4 a.m.). Do your best, but don't wear yourself out. And wherever life takes you, whether it is to us at MiT or not, make something great of yourself.
MMMMM
So I got my profiteroles today... Yummmmmmmm!!!!!!!! Seriously!!!!!
So basically, they’re even better than I remember... Seriously guys, if there comes a day I have enough time to make some on campus, I will...
These are them (the sauce is under because it was in the fridge, so I put it in the microwave then dumped the profiteroles on top of it)
So basically, they’re even better than I remember... Seriously guys, if there comes a day I have enough time to make some on campus, I will...
These are them (the sauce is under because it was in the fridge, so I put it in the microwave then dumped the profiteroles on top of it)
The pictures won't post on here, but they're on my .Mac account at http://web.mac.com/nooosa/Site/Life_Until_MIT/Entries/2008/7/29_mmmmm.html


Monday, July 28, 2008
Good Food
So mom’s been treating me the same she treats my brother when he comes for summer/Christmas from university, which I guess is a good thing... Basically, she keeps asking what food I am in the mood for, or will miss the most, so she can make it for me before I leave. I’ve been eating some good food lately!!! Don’t get me wrong, we always have good food at home, but my folks are people who like trying out new and exotic things every day(although whatever I ask for I usually get, but I never feel like anything specific). I do that out, but not at home, and so having typical food I’ve eaten since I was a baby is a nice change.
Anyway, so a few dishes have passed... But there are two I am SO ANXIOUS for... They’re both desserts lol; go figure. One is an Arabic sweet which I will ask mom to get from a restaurant, because I don’t want her to tire her arm, what with her shoulder healing and stuff. (She broke her shoulder a few months ago). The second, however, must be made at home.
So I love Profiteroles, but none come close to my mom’s. Seriously. The recipe is up on the CookBook I posted, and it is highly suggested for anyone who has the time to try the recipe. And don’t change ANY of the instructions; seriously, it changes a lot if you even switch from a wood spoon to a plastic one.
Anyway, I’m clearly hungry and have nothing better to do at the moment than think about food (it’s 7.15 a.m. and I haven’t gone to bed yet, but I don’t want to go downstairs alone to grab a bite). I’ll let you know if I remember anything else which is really good, and I’ll make sure to post the recipe.
Anyway, so a few dishes have passed... But there are two I am SO ANXIOUS for... They’re both desserts lol; go figure. One is an Arabic sweet which I will ask mom to get from a restaurant, because I don’t want her to tire her arm, what with her shoulder healing and stuff. (She broke her shoulder a few months ago). The second, however, must be made at home.
So I love Profiteroles, but none come close to my mom’s. Seriously. The recipe is up on the CookBook I posted, and it is highly suggested for anyone who has the time to try the recipe. And don’t change ANY of the instructions; seriously, it changes a lot if you even switch from a wood spoon to a plastic one.
Anyway, I’m clearly hungry and have nothing better to do at the moment than think about food (it’s 7.15 a.m. and I haven’t gone to bed yet, but I don’t want to go downstairs alone to grab a bite). I’ll let you know if I remember anything else which is really good, and I’ll make sure to post the recipe.
Dreams
So dreams about MiT are increasing, which is probably to be expected.
A few nights ago, I had a dream about when I arrived on campus. A first, I was amazed at the campus when I walked in through the gates. A few moments later, I see a familiar face; PAUL!!! I immediately go up and say hi and hug him. Then, my parents have a very funny “WTH?” look, so I introduce them. A while later, I am away from my parents and running around campus with another ‘12er (I can’t recall the name of this person though, or how she looked like. Yes it was a she). Anyway, so we’re running around between an open house and a meeting about requirements and a Freshman breakfast. Everything was so thrilling, yet I kept getting late for everything :P.
I’m really looking forward to going to Boston, and getting into so much there.
Also, there is a motto at MiT which says: “Work, Friends, Sleep: Pick two”. To be honest, I cannot afford to live without any of them. I can, however, cut back on one aspect of my life when it is needed to help the rest. I believe that the three in good amounts can be accomplished by an MiT student, but I will keep you all posted on that.
A few nights ago, I had a dream about when I arrived on campus. A first, I was amazed at the campus when I walked in through the gates. A few moments later, I see a familiar face; PAUL!!! I immediately go up and say hi and hug him. Then, my parents have a very funny “WTH?” look, so I introduce them. A while later, I am away from my parents and running around campus with another ‘12er (I can’t recall the name of this person though, or how she looked like. Yes it was a she). Anyway, so we’re running around between an open house and a meeting about requirements and a Freshman breakfast. Everything was so thrilling, yet I kept getting late for everything :P.
I’m really looking forward to going to Boston, and getting into so much there.
Also, there is a motto at MiT which says: “Work, Friends, Sleep: Pick two”. To be honest, I cannot afford to live without any of them. I can, however, cut back on one aspect of my life when it is needed to help the rest. I believe that the three in good amounts can be accomplished by an MiT student, but I will keep you all posted on that.
A Look Back
For some reason, while I was reading the application for a MiT Admissions Blogger position, I remembered a few days of this past year.
#1- When we cam back from a field trip one day, we were so hot and tired that our Computer Lab teacher was nice enough to give us the two periods off. She made each girl go up to the front of the class, and the rest of us would tell her her pros and cons. What my friends told me surprised me; I have always loved helping people. Sometimes, I get a thank you, but not always. I don’t care much because the important thing to me is to help, not to get recognition for it. That day, they told me how much it meant to them, and how they realized I put people ahead of myself. It was a very touching day; realizing that I was appreciated.
#2- The day I read my MiT decision letter. I was home from school sick, and quite bored. I decided to go onto all the university websites and check for decisions (back then MiT was somewhere I wasn’t allowed to go, and an admission seemed impossible to me). I figured none would be up, but that I’d try anyway. All of a sudden, I see that MiT decisions are released!!! I shivered as I waited for the browser to open one page after the next, until I finally got to the letter. At that point, my jaw was clicking, and my stomach ached. My eyes got a little blurry, and I was sure I was gonna tear up before I read the decision (partly because I assumed I was rejected, but hoped I was accepted). Well, I read Stu Schmill’s words, and immediately dialed my dad. His phone was off and I nearly cried. So, I dialed mom instead and told her. She was proud, but not so excited (she didn’t want me to go to the US alone). Then I called dad’s colleague, who I promised I would update, as he was as helpful as possible with all my applications. His reaction: “Holy Shit!!!! No way!!! That’s AMAAAAAAZING!!!! HOLY SHIT!!! I’m so proud of you!!!!” Then “Did you tell your dad?” Reply “Well no he’s in a meeting” So he’s like “Can I tell him?” I’m like “Yeah sure” so he walks into the conference room, interrupts the meeting, and goes like “Ammar I have Enas on the line... She got into MiT!!!!” Dad: “Holy Shit!!!! Wow!!!! Amazing!!!”. That was one of the (if not THE) proudest days of my life.
#3- The day I received my MiT sweatshirt by mail. Although I was still only 5% about going to MiT, I wanted something to remind me of my acceptance, so I ordered a sweatshirt from The COOP. So, the day it arrived, I immediately put it on. Dad laughed at me, and so did mom. I just loved the color (the MiT Crimson Red), the three letters on the front, and the feel of it on me.
#4- The Dubai MiT Alum/Admit dinner. I met a lot of alumni, and 3 other female admits. Everything I heard about MiT, I loved. I was 95% sold. I also decided to start a blog that night in honor of the moment.
#5- The day I decided I was meant to go to MiT. It was one of the best days of my life, because I knew what I was going to do with the next 4 years of my life, where I was going to do it, and how awesome it would be. The day started with a waitlisting offer to my intended university (which I didn’t want as much as MiT anymore, but my brother studies there and so my parents wanted me to join him). It quickly turned into a celebration =).
#6- The day I started reading Admissions blogs. I really understood why they were referenced so much in the MiT’12 FB Group, and I loved the site, making it a permanent daily-visited site.
#7- The day I found out Ben was leaving. It was a very sad day, because of the amazing things I had heard about him, and because of his awesome blog entries. Needless to say he will be missed.
#1- When we cam back from a field trip one day, we were so hot and tired that our Computer Lab teacher was nice enough to give us the two periods off. She made each girl go up to the front of the class, and the rest of us would tell her her pros and cons. What my friends told me surprised me; I have always loved helping people. Sometimes, I get a thank you, but not always. I don’t care much because the important thing to me is to help, not to get recognition for it. That day, they told me how much it meant to them, and how they realized I put people ahead of myself. It was a very touching day; realizing that I was appreciated.
#2- The day I read my MiT decision letter. I was home from school sick, and quite bored. I decided to go onto all the university websites and check for decisions (back then MiT was somewhere I wasn’t allowed to go, and an admission seemed impossible to me). I figured none would be up, but that I’d try anyway. All of a sudden, I see that MiT decisions are released!!! I shivered as I waited for the browser to open one page after the next, until I finally got to the letter. At that point, my jaw was clicking, and my stomach ached. My eyes got a little blurry, and I was sure I was gonna tear up before I read the decision (partly because I assumed I was rejected, but hoped I was accepted). Well, I read Stu Schmill’s words, and immediately dialed my dad. His phone was off and I nearly cried. So, I dialed mom instead and told her. She was proud, but not so excited (she didn’t want me to go to the US alone). Then I called dad’s colleague, who I promised I would update, as he was as helpful as possible with all my applications. His reaction: “Holy Shit!!!! No way!!! That’s AMAAAAAAZING!!!! HOLY SHIT!!! I’m so proud of you!!!!” Then “Did you tell your dad?” Reply “Well no he’s in a meeting” So he’s like “Can I tell him?” I’m like “Yeah sure” so he walks into the conference room, interrupts the meeting, and goes like “Ammar I have Enas on the line... She got into MiT!!!!” Dad: “Holy Shit!!!! Wow!!!! Amazing!!!”. That was one of the (if not THE) proudest days of my life.
#3- The day I received my MiT sweatshirt by mail. Although I was still only 5% about going to MiT, I wanted something to remind me of my acceptance, so I ordered a sweatshirt from The COOP. So, the day it arrived, I immediately put it on. Dad laughed at me, and so did mom. I just loved the color (the MiT Crimson Red), the three letters on the front, and the feel of it on me.
#4- The Dubai MiT Alum/Admit dinner. I met a lot of alumni, and 3 other female admits. Everything I heard about MiT, I loved. I was 95% sold. I also decided to start a blog that night in honor of the moment.
#5- The day I decided I was meant to go to MiT. It was one of the best days of my life, because I knew what I was going to do with the next 4 years of my life, where I was going to do it, and how awesome it would be. The day started with a waitlisting offer to my intended university (which I didn’t want as much as MiT anymore, but my brother studies there and so my parents wanted me to join him). It quickly turned into a celebration =).
#6- The day I started reading Admissions blogs. I really understood why they were referenced so much in the MiT’12 FB Group, and I loved the site, making it a permanent daily-visited site.
#7- The day I found out Ben was leaving. It was a very sad day, because of the amazing things I had heard about him, and because of his awesome blog entries. Needless to say he will be missed.
MiT Class of 2012
To all the new class, and to anyone who is interested; we have a few sites up now.
First off, I have an iCal online with all the important dates for the next two years, and will keep updating with more new ones.
http://ical.mac.com/WebObjects/iCal.woa/wa/default?d=21&u=nooosa&v=0&y=2008&m=6&n=MIT.ics
Second, I have an iCal online with the class members’ birthdays (those who have shared it so far) and will continuously add the others provided to me.
http://ical.mac.com/WebObjects/iCal.woa/wa/default?d=1&u=nooosa&v=1&y=2008&m=6&n=Birthdays.ics
Third, our class profile has been released.
http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/pulse/incoming_freshman_class_profile/class_of_2012_profile_posted.shtml
Fourth, the trips we take from home to MiT will be listed in one blog to make it easier to follow.
http://gettingtomit.blogspot.com/
Fifth, a countdown timer is available at:
http://www.timeanddate.com/counters/customcounter.html?month=8&day=18&year=2008&hour=7am&min=0&sec=0&p0=43 for the one until FAPs and International Orientation
http://www.timeanddate.com/counters/customcounter.html?month=8&day=23&year=2008&hour=12&min=0&sec=0&p0=43 for the one until Orientation
If there is anything else that comes up (like the class Admissions Statistics) then I will post them on to here as well.
Also, the applications for bloggers have been released. I hope they take more than 3 freshmen, but it is highly unlikely. Good luck to everyone!!
First off, I have an iCal online with all the important dates for the next two years, and will keep updating with more new ones.
http://ical.mac.com/WebObjects/iCal.woa/wa/default?d=21&u=nooosa&v=0&y=2008&m=6&n=MIT.ics
Second, I have an iCal online with the class members’ birthdays (those who have shared it so far) and will continuously add the others provided to me.
http://ical.mac.com/WebObjects/iCal.woa/wa/default?d=1&u=nooosa&v=1&y=2008&m=6&n=Birthdays.ics
Third, our class profile has been released.
http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/pulse/incoming_freshman_class_profile/class_of_2012_profile_posted.shtml
Fourth, the trips we take from home to MiT will be listed in one blog to make it easier to follow.
http://gettingtomit.blogspot.com/
Fifth, a countdown timer is available at:
http://www.timeanddate.com/counters/customcounter.html?month=8&day=18&year=2008&hour=7am&min=0&sec=0&p0=43 for the one until FAPs and International Orientation
http://www.timeanddate.com/counters/customcounter.html?month=8&day=23&year=2008&hour=12&min=0&sec=0&p0=43 for the one until Orientation
If there is anything else that comes up (like the class Admissions Statistics) then I will post them on to here as well.
Also, the applications for bloggers have been released. I hope they take more than 3 freshmen, but it is highly unlikely. Good luck to everyone!!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
BLOGGiNG 2
So I know many of us will be taking drives through different places to get to MiT. Some of us will even be flying through interesting places. I know some people want to blog about it, while others won't so much. I'm going to create a common blogspot account for everyone interested in blogging to put their trip info on. That way, we have something to find out about, and something to show the prospectives next year! ;)
The URL for visiting is gettingtomit.blogspot.com
To post an entry, sign in as if it were your own blog, by following these steps:
Go to the website blogger.com
The e-mail (or username) is bullullyz@aol.com
The password is mitclass2012
Guys; we expect anything from funny jokes you tell to stupid songs you sing to great places you see. Post as many times as you want.
Include your names in the title please (before each title). And put up as many pictures/videos as you want. Remember; this is for us by us (and eventually maybe for the younger kids).
Everyone to your keyboards!!!! Ready, set, BLOG! ;)
P.S. If anyone wants to subscribe to all the posts, either click on RSS Feed on the main page, or go to feed://gettingtomit.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
For all those who want to be bloggers on the admissions site, we can use this account as a unofficial MiT Admissions blog (and one blogger can reference it in their first official blog to give us rep - if they want)
The URL for visiting is gettingtomit.blogspot.com
To post an entry, sign in as if it were your own blog, by following these steps:
Go to the website blogger.com
The e-mail (or username) is bullullyz@aol.com
The password is mitclass2012
Guys; we expect anything from funny jokes you tell to stupid songs you sing to great places you see. Post as many times as you want.
Include your names in the title please (before each title). And put up as many pictures/videos as you want. Remember; this is for us by us (and eventually maybe for the younger kids).
Everyone to your keyboards!!!! Ready, set, BLOG! ;)
P.S. If anyone wants to subscribe to all the posts, either click on RSS Feed on the main page, or go to feed://gettingtomit.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
For all those who want to be bloggers on the admissions site, we can use this account as a unofficial MiT Admissions blog (and one blogger can reference it in their first official blog to give us rep - if they want)
BLOGGiNG
I’ve been wanting to apply for a blogging position on the MiT Admissions since I found out there were applications... And now I hear that the applications wil be released very soon... Siked!!!! =D
Good luck to everyone applying...
Good luck to everyone applying...
A NiGHT OF FiLM
The past few weeks have been torture to my body and mind. My sleep schedule keeps moving backward. Three weeks ago, I’d fall asleep by 2-3 a.m. , but yesterday, it got to 9 a.m.. Which means, in short, that I wake up between 2 and 4 p.m., and rarely have time to do anything. Also, my head doesn’t work as well.
Anyway, the point is, I figured endless nights online were not such a good idea, so I decided that tonight I would watch at least one movie. I went down to the living room and found 3 worth watching: Juno, Blood Diamond, and Beowulf. I was looking for Game Plan but it was put in the basement; somewhere I do not venture after dark alone ;P (plus no one was mobile in the house but me, and the basement is not somewhere anyone would hear me scream).
So, I decided I wanted something **happy** to start with, so I went with Juno. The acting is very good; I commend you . Although the movie was happy-go-lucky at some points, it was very touching at others, making it a very good movie.
Next, I decided to go with Beowulf. I didn’t really feel like seeing the slaughters in Africa for diamonds. I started the movie very unsure of what to expect; I heard good things from a few people, but most others had not seen it. Let me just say, the graphics are INCREDIBLE, the acting was SPLENDID, and the entire movie was a MASTERPIECE!!! Seriously!!!! It is a definite **MUST-SEE**.
Now I go back to Facebook and AiM. Goodnight!!! =D
Anyway, the point is, I figured endless nights online were not such a good idea, so I decided that tonight I would watch at least one movie. I went down to the living room and found 3 worth watching: Juno, Blood Diamond, and Beowulf. I was looking for Game Plan but it was put in the basement; somewhere I do not venture after dark alone ;P (plus no one was mobile in the house but me, and the basement is not somewhere anyone would hear me scream).
So, I decided I wanted something **happy** to start with, so I went with Juno. The acting is very good; I commend you . Although the movie was happy-go-lucky at some points, it was very touching at others, making it a very good movie.
Next, I decided to go with Beowulf. I didn’t really feel like seeing the slaughters in Africa for diamonds. I started the movie very unsure of what to expect; I heard good things from a few people, but most others had not seen it. Let me just say, the graphics are INCREDIBLE, the acting was SPLENDID, and the entire movie was a MASTERPIECE!!! Seriously!!!! It is a definite **MUST-SEE**.
Now I go back to Facebook and AiM. Goodnight!!! =D
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Prediction
A few months ago, when I was still trying to decide about where to go to college, I had a dream. When I woke up from it, I laughed about it and moved on. A few days ago, however, something reminded me of the dream.
I dreamt (in early/mid April) that I was standing there in the MiT dorm, and that we were about to be allowed to run around and look at the rooms, and pick our room. If we picked a double, we’d get a roommate too. In the process of running around, some rooms were for us freshmen, while others were already occupied by upperclassmen. The dorm was great and I found my room (although since it was a dream the room was about as big as my whole house here lol). Nonetheless, I liked the feeling. I never made it to the part where I move in, though; I just remember getting to hanging out on a street corner with my new roommate and a few floor-mates.
A few weeks ago, I find out about REX: when freshmen get to look at all the dorms and attempt to get the one they most wanted, one last time.
A few days ago, I hear about Rush. It wasn’t explained to me, but I am assuming, based on the conversations, that you basically run around your dorm and pick the room you want there (granted it’s not occupied). A bit like my dream?
(P.S. Since I’m a McCormick student, I don’t technically get to do either, but I can do Rush in a certain way, apparently).
I dreamt (in early/mid April) that I was standing there in the MiT dorm, and that we were about to be allowed to run around and look at the rooms, and pick our room. If we picked a double, we’d get a roommate too. In the process of running around, some rooms were for us freshmen, while others were already occupied by upperclassmen. The dorm was great and I found my room (although since it was a dream the room was about as big as my whole house here lol). Nonetheless, I liked the feeling. I never made it to the part where I move in, though; I just remember getting to hanging out on a street corner with my new roommate and a few floor-mates.
A few weeks ago, I find out about REX: when freshmen get to look at all the dorms and attempt to get the one they most wanted, one last time.
A few days ago, I hear about Rush. It wasn’t explained to me, but I am assuming, based on the conversations, that you basically run around your dorm and pick the room you want there (granted it’s not occupied). A bit like my dream?
(P.S. Since I’m a McCormick student, I don’t technically get to do either, but I can do Rush in a certain way, apparently).
CookBook
So I put up a cookbook on my site at http://web.mac.com/nooosa/Site/CookBook/CookBook.html
Fell free to check it out and use it!! =D
MORE OFFICIAL
Housing decisions were released today on the MiT housing website... McCormick Hall, East Building, Floor 2, Room 221. I think it’s a single, since my supposed roommate is in the next room (I’ll keep you posted on that).
Wow we really are MiT students now...
Wow we really are MiT students now...
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Lo0o0o0o0o0o0o0ol
So I’m supposed to be a nerd, right?
Well, I nearly gave Snively’11 a heart attack when I didn’t know what a Nerf gun was... And so he recorded a video just to explain to me... Notice the tone he uses lol- his words “the condescending, exasperated tone”...
So I now know what it is, and am about to buy two of them, to engage in Nerf wars at MIT in The Infinite (weekly battles, apparently)...
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
IT JUST HIT ME
I start college (well Orientation) in 27 days... WOW time is flying... It feels so weird...
For a countdown to International Orientation http://www.timeanddate.com/counters/customcounter.html?month=8&day=18&year=2008&hour=7am&min=0&sec=0&p0=43
Monday, July 21, 2008
POOR SNIVELY
Quoting him: I went to blue man group yesterday and was listening to my iPod on the way there. I met a friend there, we went in and I put my headphones away (therefore, the iPod was still in my pocket). After the show I stuffed my crepe paper headband (free headbands for everybody in the audience, woo hoo!) into my pocket and left the theater. About 30 minutes later I dug into my pocket to get my iPod to check my e-mail and it wasn't there. I checked all of my pockets and my backpack, no iPod. I backtracked in my mind and knew that I had it when I went into blue man. I thought back to putting my headband into my pocket and realized that I didn't feel my iPod when I did that. It must have fallen out of my pocket during the show.
I called the theater twice asking if they'd found it and telling them where I was sitting and they never found it. Bye bye iPod, gone forever. It was an 8 gigabyte iPod touch and I just can't bring myself to spend paycheck money on something I lost, so I'm doing two things:
1) Donation button on blog http://snively.blogspot.com/
2) Sell random crap on ebay
Help Snively get a new iPod... He has over $200 to go...
A THEORY
A theory I was contemplating and discussing with my friends a while back http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/pillar.jpg
MY PHILOSOPHY
My philosophy and I’ve been on EST for a while now... http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/good_morning.png
Sunday, July 20, 2008
My Farewell (In The Yearbooks, And As A Speech On The Last Day)
As we approach the final days of our childhood, independence, and innocence, I find comfort knowing that everyone around me has helped prepare me for the next step in my life. When we walk out of the gates of our school for the last time, we will take nothing with us but our friendships, our memories, and our hopes and dreams... I hope that everyone accomplishes their goals, and leads a very happy eventful future. Those of you I know so well, it has been an honor being your friend, and those of you I know so little about, I regret all we have not found out about each other, and pray we can all grow closer with time... Never forget you are amazing and special.
How Do I Feel About College?
I couldn't be more excited about anything in my life!!! However... a. the challenge ahead of us will break us many times (dad's friend, and alum, was telling him how in Physics, he kept studying and studying and studying and studying and studying -lol- and still ended up getting a C)... so don't expect Pass/No Record to come with a "Pass" so easily b. The bill wasn't nice to see lol c. Government funding for any major but medicine was annulled this year, leaving the bill on dad (I feel so bad, especially since the tuition is almost double my brother's, + he got Gov Funding after Freshman year) d. Most Importantly: I am leaving my life of 18 years... I never moved cities or changed schools or anything... Most of my close friends will be only an hour-plane-ride away from here, but I'll be a day away... So I'll only get to see them twice a year (if even)... It hurts... A LOT... But for MIT, I guess I'm willing to make the sacrifice (otherwise I wouldn't be here typing, right?)
Saturday, July 19, 2008
WORDS OF WISDOM BY BEN JONES
1. Your friends will change a lot over the next four (or 3 for the UKers)years. Let them.
2. Call someone you love back home a few times a week, even if just for a few minutes.
3. In college more than ever before, songs will attach themselves to memories. Every month or two, make a mix cd, mp3 folder, whatever - just make sure you keep copies of these songs. Ten years out, they’ll be as effective as a journal in taking you back to your favorite moments.
4. Take naps in the middle of the afternoon with reckless abandon.
5. Adjust your schedule around when you are most productive and creative. If you’re nocturnal and do your best work late at night, embrace that. It may be the only time in your life when you can.
6. If you write your best papers the night before they are due, don’t let people tell you that you “should be more organized” or that you “should plan better.” Different things work for different people. Personally, I worked best under pressure - so I always procrastinated… and always kicked ass (which annoyed my friends to no end). ;-) Use the freedom that comes with not having grades first semester to experiment and see what works best for you.
7. At least a few times in your college career, do something fun and irresponsible when you should be studying. The night before my freshman year psych final, my roommate somehow scored front row seats to the Indigo Girls at a venue 2 hours away. I didn’t do so well on the final, but I haven’t thought about psych since 1993. I’ve thought about the experience of going to that show (with the guy who is now my son’s godfather) at least once a month ever since.
8. Become friends with your favorite professors. Recognize that they can learn from you too - in fact, that’s part of the reason they chose to be professors.
9. Carve out an hour every single day to be alone. (Sleeping doesn’t count.)
10. Go on dates. Don’t feel like every date has to turn into a relationship.
11. Don’t date someone your roommate has been in a relationship with.
12. When your friends’ parents visit, include them. You’ll get free food, etc., and you’ll help them to feel like they’re cool, hangin’ with the hip college kids.
13. In the first month of college, send a hand-written letter to someone who made college possible for you and describe your adventures thus far. It will mean a lot to him/her now, and it will mean a lot to you in ten years when he/she shows it to you.
14. Embrace the differences between you and your classmates. Always be asking yourself, “what can I learn from this person?” More of your education will come from this than from any classroom.
15. All-nighters are entirely overrated.
16. For those of you who have come to college in a long-distance relationship with someone from high school: despite what many will tell you, it can work. The key is to not let your relationship interfere with your college experience. If you don’t want to date anyone else, that’s totally fine! What’s not fine, however, is missing out on a lot of defining experiences because you’re on the phone with your boyfriend/girlfriend for three hours every day.
17. Working things out between friends is best done in person, not over email. (IM does not count as “in person.”) Often someone’s facial expressions will tell you more than his/her words.
18. Take risks.
19. Don’t be afraid of (or excited by) the co-ed bathrooms. The thrill is over in about 2 seconds.
20. Wednesday is the middle of the week; therefore on wednesday night the week is more than half over. You should celebrate accordingly. (It makes thursday and friday a lot more fun.)
21. Welcome failure into your lives. It’s how we grow. What matters is not that you failed, but that you recovered.
22. Take some classes that have nothing to do with your major(s), purely for the fun of it.
23. It’s important to think about the future, but it’s more important to be present in the now. You won’t get the most out of college if you think of it as a stepping stone.
24. When you’re living on a college campus with 400 things going on every second of every day, watching TV is pretty much a waste of your time and a waste of your parents’ money. If you’re going to watch, watch with friends so at least you can call it a “valuable social experience.”
25. Don’t be afraid to fall in love. When it happens, don’t take it for granted. Celebrate it, but don’t let it define your college experience.
26. Much of the time you once had for pleasure reading is going to disappear. Keep a list of the books you would have read had you had the time, so that you can start reading them when you graduate.
27. Things that seem like the end of the world really do become funny with a little time and distance.Knowing this, forget the embarassment and skip to the good part.
28. Every once in awhile, there will come an especially powerful moment when you can actually feel that an experience has changed who you are. Embrace these, even if they are painful.
29. No matter what your political or religious beliefs, be open-minded. You’re going to be challenged over the next four years in ways you can’t imagine, across all fronts. You can’t learn if you’re closed off.
30. If you need to get a job, find something that you actually enjoy. Just because it’s work doesn’t mean it has to suck.
31. Don’t always lead. It’s good to follow sometimes.
32. Take a lot of pictures. One of my major regrets in life is that I didn’t take more pictures in college. My excuse was the cost of film and processing. Digital cameras are cheap and you have plenty of hard drive space, so you have no excuse.
33. Your health and safety are more important than anything.
34. Ask for help. Often.
35. Half of you will be in the bottom half of your class at any given moment. Way more than half of you will be in the bottom half of your class at some point in the next four years. Get used to it.
36. In ten years very few of you will look as good as you do right now, so secretly revel in how hot you are before it’s too late.
37. In the long run, where you go to college doesn’t matter as much as what you do with the opportunities you’re given there. The MIT name on your resume won’t mean much if that’s the only thing on your resume. As a student here, you will have access to a variety of unique opportunities that no one else will ever have - don’t waste them.
38. On the flip side, don’t try to do everything. Balance = well-being.
39. Make perspective a priority. If you’re too close to something to have good perspective, rely on your friends to help you.
40. Eat badly sometimes. It’s the last time in your life when you can do this without feeling guilty about it.
41. Make a complete ass of yourself at least once, preferably more. It builds character.
42. Wash your sheets more than once a year. Trust me on this one.
43. If you are in a relationship and none of your friends want to hang out with you and your significant other, pay attention. They usually know better than you do.
44. Don’t be afraid of the weird pizza topping combinations that your new friend from across the country loves. Some of the truly awful ones actually taste pretty good. Expand your horizons.
45. Explore the campus thoroughly. Don’t get caught.
46. Life is too short to stick with a course of study that you’re no longer excited about. Switch, even if it complicates things.
47. Tattoos are permanent. Be very certain.
48. Don’t make fun of prefrosh. That was you like 2 hours ago.
49. Enjoy every second of the next four years. It is impossible to describe how quickly they pass.
50. This is the only time in your lives when your only real responsibility is to learn. Try to remember how lucky you are every day.
Be yourself. Create. Inspire, and be inspired. Grow. Laugh. Learn. Love.
Welcome to some of the best years of your lives.
2. Call someone you love back home a few times a week, even if just for a few minutes.
3. In college more than ever before, songs will attach themselves to memories. Every month or two, make a mix cd, mp3 folder, whatever - just make sure you keep copies of these songs. Ten years out, they’ll be as effective as a journal in taking you back to your favorite moments.
4. Take naps in the middle of the afternoon with reckless abandon.
5. Adjust your schedule around when you are most productive and creative. If you’re nocturnal and do your best work late at night, embrace that. It may be the only time in your life when you can.
6. If you write your best papers the night before they are due, don’t let people tell you that you “should be more organized” or that you “should plan better.” Different things work for different people. Personally, I worked best under pressure - so I always procrastinated… and always kicked ass (which annoyed my friends to no end). ;-) Use the freedom that comes with not having grades first semester to experiment and see what works best for you.
7. At least a few times in your college career, do something fun and irresponsible when you should be studying. The night before my freshman year psych final, my roommate somehow scored front row seats to the Indigo Girls at a venue 2 hours away. I didn’t do so well on the final, but I haven’t thought about psych since 1993. I’ve thought about the experience of going to that show (with the guy who is now my son’s godfather) at least once a month ever since.
8. Become friends with your favorite professors. Recognize that they can learn from you too - in fact, that’s part of the reason they chose to be professors.
9. Carve out an hour every single day to be alone. (Sleeping doesn’t count.)
10. Go on dates. Don’t feel like every date has to turn into a relationship.
11. Don’t date someone your roommate has been in a relationship with.
12. When your friends’ parents visit, include them. You’ll get free food, etc., and you’ll help them to feel like they’re cool, hangin’ with the hip college kids.
13. In the first month of college, send a hand-written letter to someone who made college possible for you and describe your adventures thus far. It will mean a lot to him/her now, and it will mean a lot to you in ten years when he/she shows it to you.
14. Embrace the differences between you and your classmates. Always be asking yourself, “what can I learn from this person?” More of your education will come from this than from any classroom.
15. All-nighters are entirely overrated.
16. For those of you who have come to college in a long-distance relationship with someone from high school: despite what many will tell you, it can work. The key is to not let your relationship interfere with your college experience. If you don’t want to date anyone else, that’s totally fine! What’s not fine, however, is missing out on a lot of defining experiences because you’re on the phone with your boyfriend/girlfriend for three hours every day.
17. Working things out between friends is best done in person, not over email. (IM does not count as “in person.”) Often someone’s facial expressions will tell you more than his/her words.
18. Take risks.
19. Don’t be afraid of (or excited by) the co-ed bathrooms. The thrill is over in about 2 seconds.
20. Wednesday is the middle of the week; therefore on wednesday night the week is more than half over. You should celebrate accordingly. (It makes thursday and friday a lot more fun.)
21. Welcome failure into your lives. It’s how we grow. What matters is not that you failed, but that you recovered.
22. Take some classes that have nothing to do with your major(s), purely for the fun of it.
23. It’s important to think about the future, but it’s more important to be present in the now. You won’t get the most out of college if you think of it as a stepping stone.
24. When you’re living on a college campus with 400 things going on every second of every day, watching TV is pretty much a waste of your time and a waste of your parents’ money. If you’re going to watch, watch with friends so at least you can call it a “valuable social experience.”
25. Don’t be afraid to fall in love. When it happens, don’t take it for granted. Celebrate it, but don’t let it define your college experience.
26. Much of the time you once had for pleasure reading is going to disappear. Keep a list of the books you would have read had you had the time, so that you can start reading them when you graduate.
27. Things that seem like the end of the world really do become funny with a little time and distance.Knowing this, forget the embarassment and skip to the good part.
28. Every once in awhile, there will come an especially powerful moment when you can actually feel that an experience has changed who you are. Embrace these, even if they are painful.
29. No matter what your political or religious beliefs, be open-minded. You’re going to be challenged over the next four years in ways you can’t imagine, across all fronts. You can’t learn if you’re closed off.
30. If you need to get a job, find something that you actually enjoy. Just because it’s work doesn’t mean it has to suck.
31. Don’t always lead. It’s good to follow sometimes.
32. Take a lot of pictures. One of my major regrets in life is that I didn’t take more pictures in college. My excuse was the cost of film and processing. Digital cameras are cheap and you have plenty of hard drive space, so you have no excuse.
33. Your health and safety are more important than anything.
34. Ask for help. Often.
35. Half of you will be in the bottom half of your class at any given moment. Way more than half of you will be in the bottom half of your class at some point in the next four years. Get used to it.
36. In ten years very few of you will look as good as you do right now, so secretly revel in how hot you are before it’s too late.
37. In the long run, where you go to college doesn’t matter as much as what you do with the opportunities you’re given there. The MIT name on your resume won’t mean much if that’s the only thing on your resume. As a student here, you will have access to a variety of unique opportunities that no one else will ever have - don’t waste them.
38. On the flip side, don’t try to do everything. Balance = well-being.
39. Make perspective a priority. If you’re too close to something to have good perspective, rely on your friends to help you.
40. Eat badly sometimes. It’s the last time in your life when you can do this without feeling guilty about it.
41. Make a complete ass of yourself at least once, preferably more. It builds character.
42. Wash your sheets more than once a year. Trust me on this one.
43. If you are in a relationship and none of your friends want to hang out with you and your significant other, pay attention. They usually know better than you do.
44. Don’t be afraid of the weird pizza topping combinations that your new friend from across the country loves. Some of the truly awful ones actually taste pretty good. Expand your horizons.
45. Explore the campus thoroughly. Don’t get caught.
46. Life is too short to stick with a course of study that you’re no longer excited about. Switch, even if it complicates things.
47. Tattoos are permanent. Be very certain.
48. Don’t make fun of prefrosh. That was you like 2 hours ago.
49. Enjoy every second of the next four years. It is impossible to describe how quickly they pass.
50. This is the only time in your lives when your only real responsibility is to learn. Try to remember how lucky you are every day.
Be yourself. Create. Inspire, and be inspired. Grow. Laugh. Learn. Love.
Welcome to some of the best years of your lives.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
To Ben Jones
Ben,
I may be the one person who will not say "your blogs inspired me to apply" or "they made me think MIT is the place for me"... I am the one prefrosh who applied for the heck of applying. I am the one prefrosh who just wanted the satisfaction of getting into MIT without the intention of attending.
Yet, you saw through all that. Somehow, you managed to see just how it WOULD be the place for me, how I would fit in, how I would love it.
I applied for the reputation and the name. I got in. But I stayed for the people; all the prefrosh you accepted have already become some of my close friends, and I haven't even met them yet. All the blogs you wrote, which I read after accepting my offer of admission *blushes shamefully* convinced me I made the right choice. And all the support you have shown us these past few months, made me realize what a great community I am joining.
Needless to say, you will be missed by many people... But I feel sorry for all those who did not know you, including myself. You are a legend who's name will always be mentioned and who's work will never be forgotten.
You have been great so far, so no matter where life takes you, do not let that change...
I'm sure every MIT alum/student/prefrosh/pros
Thank you for everything, and never be a stranger.
I may be the one person who will not say "your blogs inspired me to apply" or "they made me think MIT is the place for me"... I am the one prefrosh who applied for the heck of applying. I am the one prefrosh who just wanted the satisfaction of getting into MIT without the intention of attending.
Yet, you saw through all that. Somehow, you managed to see just how it WOULD be the place for me, how I would fit in, how I would love it.
I applied for the reputation and the name. I got in. But I stayed for the people; all the prefrosh you accepted have already become some of my close friends, and I haven't even met them yet. All the blogs you wrote, which I read after accepting my offer of admission *blushes shamefully* convinced me I made the right choice. And all the support you have shown us these past few months, made me realize what a great community I am joining.
Needless to say, you will be missed by many people... But I feel sorry for all those who did not know you, including myself. You are a legend who's name will always be mentioned and who's work will never be forgotten.
You have been great so far, so no matter where life takes you, do not let that change...
I'm sure every MIT alum/student/prefrosh/pros
Thank you for everything, and never be a stranger.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
FEE is over!!! =D
I finished at 4.45 p.m. here (3 hours before the deadline) and felt awesome. My homepage at that point decided to keep saying 1 essay submitted for the FEE, 1 left (I freaked out). I called and they only had one. At that point, the internet crashed as it's been doing the past week. Now I really wanted to cry. I called again. She was nice enough to tell me if it didn't work they'd extend my deadline! I ♥ MIT!
So I put the file on a USB and go on my sister's laptop (cause dad got me a Wimax internet thing, but apparently it isn't usable with Mac). I go on her crappy laptop, and 15 minutes later, the site says two submitted!!! I call; they got it!!! Panic for 45 minutes lol
So I put the file on a USB and go on my sister's laptop (cause dad got me a Wimax internet thing, but apparently it isn't usable with Mac). I go on her crappy laptop, and 15 minutes later, the site says two submitted!!! I call; they got it!!! Panic for 45 minutes lol
New .Mac account up
Guys: I finally have my own .Mac up and running.
My official page is http://web.mac.com/nooosa/Site/Welcome.html
The calender for the next 2 years in school listed with all the vacations and important dates is at http://ical.mac.com/WebObj
Sunday, July 13, 2008
MIT FTW!
When I went to Dubai, I searched endlessly for a cinema playing the movie “21”. See, I heard about it at the MIT Admit/Alumni dinner in April; everyone was talking about it. I thought ‘Well it’s about MIT students, so naturally MIT folk would be talking about it and how good it was or they had heard it was. I figured as an MIT prefrosh, it would be kind of silly not to see it (plus I enjoy seeing good movies, what a shock!)...
Finally, a DVD store I usually buy movies at (not real copies though, so they come out before the actual DVD) brought it in. With how busy it’s been the past few days at home (I really don’t know what was so busy but that’s what I heard) the driver didn’t manage to go get it until tonight.
We started the movie (my parents, my sister and I)... I thought ‘what a nice way to see what the campus looks like’ ...
Now on to what I thought of the movie... It was brilliant! To the point where I wouldn’t mind seeing it again in the near future at all. Amazing people, those MIT students and professor. Mom was like ‘you sure you wanna go join the MIT world?’ HELL YES!!
The actors are great, the plot amazing (true story too), and the footage of the campus; beautiful! I definitely recommend the movie to anyone who hasn’t seen it.
Kevin Spacey did a great job. Plus, I love how sometimes the student is wittier than the master. When you watch it, you’ll get what I mean.
MIT FTW!!!!!!!!
Finally, a DVD store I usually buy movies at (not real copies though, so they come out before the actual DVD) brought it in. With how busy it’s been the past few days at home (I really don’t know what was so busy but that’s what I heard) the driver didn’t manage to go get it until tonight.
We started the movie (my parents, my sister and I)... I thought ‘what a nice way to see what the campus looks like’ ...
Now on to what I thought of the movie... It was brilliant! To the point where I wouldn’t mind seeing it again in the near future at all. Amazing people, those MIT students and professor. Mom was like ‘you sure you wanna go join the MIT world?’ HELL YES!!
The actors are great, the plot amazing (true story too), and the footage of the campus; beautiful! I definitely recommend the movie to anyone who hasn’t seen it.
Kevin Spacey did a great job. Plus, I love how sometimes the student is wittier than the master. When you watch it, you’ll get what I mean.
MIT FTW!!!!!!!!
P.S. Mom begged me to find out more about the professor, and whether any of the alums I knew know him lo0o0o0ol...
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Realization
I know I know... I'm avoiding sleep and the FEE by updating my blog... But in my defense; I'm too tired to think about writing at the moment (and don't want to work and then end up redoing it later)... Also, I've been taking Sopadeine 4 times a day cause it's the strongest pain killer the doctor could give me... And that has caffeine, and my body is not one of those (take in caffeine and sleep fine) types... On the contrary; any caffeine intake after 6 p.m. starts causing a problem... It takes at least 7 hours to get it out of my system... So I'm awake because of the Solpadeine...
Off to try and sleep I guess... Good night world!!! (eventually)
North American Cities
I might as well do these now that I've done the European ones...
Canada:
Have only seen Montreal; amazing place, with beautiful scenery and great people... Amazing food too...
Niagra falls is on the list, and so are a few cities... But when I'm not sure...
The United States:
New York is... Well... New York!!! You have to visit it; there's nothing like it. The way it captures you and adds you to its fast-pace living is amazing... Dining in the city is awesome, and so is shopping... Not to forget Broadway and off broadway shows!!!
Plus the Empire State is a must-see... And a chopper ride that stars just before sunset (to get the picture from daylight and into darkness)
Rafting in the Pocanos is fun... Paintballing in summer is suicide with the heat!
Washington, D.C. is a very nice more relaxed place (and Maryland included)... The museums there are highly recommended...
Must-see: Great Falls (Virginia side is nicer than the DC side, but amazing no matter what)...
Philadelphia is a nice city... The Penn campus is gorgeous and a lot of fun, not to mention very safe. However, once you leave those few blocks, you sense unease for some reason (maybe it also had to do with my first time being without my parents in a city?)... But there are some sketchy places there...
Great dining Experiences... one particular restaurant owner's entire list of restaurants was on our to-try list... "Pod, Barclay Prime, Intercontinental, etc." and truly great food in every place...
Boston to come in August (or September is Orientation is too overwhelming).... Hopefully more and more keep getting added...
European Cities
A lot of people I know are saying how they want to see Europe... So this is a quick wrap-up about all the cities there I've seen (and more will be added is August hopefully)...
The United Kingdom:
London is a nice place, but the weather is very tricky, and mostly gloomy. I don't find the city as nice as most do; plus it's so0o expensive!!! But I guess it's still a must-see
Its suburbs are nice enough... But not somewhere to holiday...
Now the museums in London are very cool... And Windsor Castle and Hampton Court as well... I also heard Leeds is gorgeous but I haven't been yet...
A place you have to try there: The Fat Duck Restaurant (Heston Blumenthal's)... You will change your mind about what you consider to be reasonable dishes!!!
France:
I went to Paris so long ago I vaguely remember... But I do remember the Louvre which is incredible (target a whole day just for that)... And I hear Versailles is beautiful, but we didn't get the chance to go (but it's in the to-do list for a summer in the near future)...
The food there was so good we all ate like 10 times a day lol...
Nice: Had dinner there; nice place, but I heard Cannes is nicer...
Monaco:
Very nice country and can be seen the same day as Nice (1 hour drive)... Nice weather in the whole area as well...
Italy:
Rome is a gorgeous place where you need to spend at least 3-4 days... Great food too... Very hot in August
Venice is very nice too, although I was so tempted to get a rifle and just shoot at all the pigeons!!! (even worse than London... and they don't even fly away when you shu them)
Lucca was a very nice small city
Portofino is an amazing romantic getaway with gorgeous scenery... Hotel Splendido lunch/stay 10000%
I don't remember all the other cities, but they were all great...
Spain:
Marbella is a very nice place... But so0o0o0o crowded in August!!!
Suggestion: Hotel Puente Romano... Or [Marbella Club Hotel] I think? (same owner and right next to it)... trust me perfect location and style for that place...
Mijas is a very nice city in the mountains... Must eat at Valpariso (great food and show)... Plus the guy's daughter has a place down in Marbella which is really nice too (Regina?)
AlHambra is a must see (truly gorgeous)...
Croatia:
Gorgeous place... Very good food... Must see the haunted island off Dubrovnik
If you want to go to Europe: TAKE A CRUISE! Believe me you won't regret it... Crystal Cruises: AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!!! SERIOUSLY!!!! Amazing food, services, and on-land excursions...
More to come on Russia, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland Inshallah(hopefully)... And hopefully eventually Berlin, Portugal, and a recap of Paris...
Update
... So the surgery went fine el7mdilla... I'm pretty sure you would love my doctor if you ever met him... He is such a nice and funny guy, and the anesthesiologist wasn't any different.... Dr. Q was the surgeon (to make the story easier)
So I'm in the surgery waiting area, and my doctor comes in and asks me "did you add me on FB?" so I'm like "no" so he start clicking his tongue in disapproval (I donno how else to put that ;P) so I'm like "but the internet has been crazy at home the past two days but I will as soon as I get home" so he's like ok and he leaves...
10 minutes later they bring me into the surgical room... so Dr. Q is like: "you want me to put on some music? I have 50 cent- In the club" I burst out laughing, he's like "see I'm hip" lmao!!! So then I'm on the table... The A(anesthesiologist to make it easier) is like if you don't mind I'm gonna put these stickers on you just for tracking, so Dr.Q is like yeah we only give stickers to the really good patients, and then the A put one on my forehead and says yeah the star on the forehead is only for the excellent ones... More lmao!!!
Next the A is like okay just breathe we're gonna give you some Vodka and OJ to relax you, so Dr.Q is like nah Black Label is better... Plus she's going to the US now she'll have all that... I was just cracking up!!!! They really eased me before I fell asleep...
They told me to stop eating and drinking the night before the surgery at midnight... And I don't mind no food... But I wasn't allowed to drink water until 11 p.m. the night after the surgery (23 hours!!!! =( ) that was really irritating... But I think his very strict diet after surgery is helping me recover as fast as I am 7mdilla (I get a little bit of pain in one of the cuts every 3.5 hours when the pain killer wears off, but I remember when I put it in I felt much worse)...
Next day Dr.Q comes and checks on me before letting me go home even though three residents made sure I was fine (because he's such a great guy and he didn't want to go on vacation without seeing me himself)... And he's like: So are you gonna add me on FB? So I was like yeah as soon as I get home, he's like ok... Then he's like "you know I have a 13-year-old son, but he's tall and looks old for his age... I see some future... I burst out laughing, I'm like Doc there's 5 years difference... he's like I know but nowadays that's nothing... Plus you take him young you shape him the way you want to, check out his pic on FB" lo0o0o0o0ol he's such a nice guy!!!! (obviously he was kidding ;P )
Now I'm doing the FEE it's going better than I thought it would 7mdilla... The prompts came out tonight and I'll start work on them tomorrow Inshallah...
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Two Hectic Weeks
I'm sorry I haven't posted anything the past few days, but it's been really really hectic...
First, I went to the dentist two days in a row... Genetically I have a missing tooth... So about 4 weeks ago he did what he needed to do so he can put up my two crowns... And then last week I went in for him to fit them... Now I very rarely cry, especially when it's because of pain (last time was 5 years ago and I was hospitalized for it)... But at the dentist I wholeheartedly cried from the pain... All over thank god!!!
Second, we went to Dubai for an engagement party and a wedding... It was a nice change, but it my have resulted in my near death (dad is close to killing me for missing an exam that was held the day we traveled because it might result in me not getting government funding for my freshman year at MIT)... But we'll see if I can fix it (Although dad says it's hopeless).
Third, I went into the hospital yesterday to remove the gastric band I put in 18 months ago (dad said he didn't want me risking being thousands of miles away and having it in my body), and they didn't discharge me until now... Which would all be fine, except:
Fourth, the FEE (Freshman Essay Evaluation - I think-) started 19 hours ago, and it's a 5-day long exam... And the hospital had no internet connection so I'm just about to start it...
So sorry this entry is short and non-descriptive, but I'll write more once I'm done with the FEE...
Wish me luck!!!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
The End of an Era II
I’m picking up my story from Friday at 12.30 a.m. (when I posted my last entry). Sara and I spent around 6 hours from that time just lying in bed talking, laughing our asses off, eating, and watching the video (she teared up a bit, but I pretended not to notice). Finally, at 6.45, we decided to turn the lights off. When we did, we realized the blinds were letting in a very bright spot of light.
So we immediately tried to cover it up. We were trying to figure out just how to do it, when her mom came in and asked “You guys aren’t asleep yet?” We explained the situation, and she offered her roll of scotch tape (yes, we didn’t have any scotch tape, hence the “trying” to figure out how to do it). As we were about to go stick papers, she reminded us that aluminum foil would do the job better. So we took the roll and headed to the room. We covered that one spot, then turned off the lights to look at the result. What do you know? There was still so0o much light coming in, but we hadn’t noticed it before (the blinds were’nt hitting the bottom of the windows.
So we went back to work. I think we covered about half of one window and two-thirds of the other. Finally, we thought. We went bck into bed and turned off the lights… Still so much light coming in!!! At this point, we just gave up, and said goodnight (not failing to talk and laugh for a while longer, though). We finally fell asleep around 7.30 though.
I got a text message at 10.30, and it woke me up. I stayed in bed for half an hour, then woke Sara up at 11 (that was the goal wake-up time so she could finalize packing and such). A few girls came over to say goodbye to her, and then she and I and two more were left.
I decided I wouldn’t leave it until the last minute, and dad was waiting for me at home anyway. So, I hugged her, and that point she said “Ah stop being silly we’ll see each other in a month”. I knew it was denial on her end, so I hugged her again and said goodbye. I got into the car and the driver drove off.
As I looked around in the streets, I noticed that although the sky hadn’t been clearer than at that moment for a few weeks, it felt very gloomy to me. And as memories flew around in my mind, I shed around 10 tears (it is quite impossible for me to cry unless I am angry).
When I got home, we had lunch, and then mom took out an amazing cake she made for me:
We spent the day chilling, and then went out for a bit. I got home around 7, and couldn’t keep my eyes open. So I decided to nap on the couch. 9 p.m. comes around, and I’m still dead; so I went up and into bed. Although I woke up many times throughout the night, I slept until 9 a.m.!!!
Friday, June 27, 2008
The End of an Era
I start my story on Tuesday night. Everyone I call is restless, excited, irritated, and confused; as am I. 12 hours remained until everything would finish; 12 hours, and life as we knew it would come to an end…
Everyone was “studying” for our last religion final, and yet no one could focus on the writings in the book… The end was so near, and yet we still had to work so hard to get there. The word Graduate seemed so different, so intimidating, so unreal…
I stayed up all night trying to bring up the power and courage to open my book, but ended up chatting to friends online all night… I was so sick of studying I couldn’t care less anymore. Finally, at 6 a.m., I decided I needed to actually read the titles in the book, if nothing else (considering my exam started at 7). I sat at the breakfast table staring at my book, barely comprehending what my eyes were gliding over. Then, 6:30 cam about, and it was time to leave for school…
As I looked at the parking lot with all the life it enclosed, I realized that it would be the last time I would ever look at it the way I did at that moment; as MY school parking lot… I made my way up the stairs and into school. A few of my friends were grouped on the side of the courtyard… I ran to them and asked who had actually finished reading the book… Around 10% of the whole Class’08.
We walked into the exam rooms with our legs shaking… We wanted it to be all over; no more work, no more writing, no more thinking… And the papers arrived, and fell upon our desks. Everyone around me opened the papers with such enthusiasm in comparison to the past 2 weeks. We wrote quickly, trying to finish as fast as possible. Finally, most of us were done. I could see how restless everyone was feeling. Smirks generated on a few faces by the thought of never having to take a high school exam again.
As we were allowed to leave at mid-time of the exam, everyone was running down the stairs, screaming with joy. We hugged each other, and then everyone sat on the floor in a messy group, and started signing each others’ yearbooks. Unfortunately, mine was signed a while back, but someone stole it for some reason, so I had to start over Wednesday. We sat there for around an hour, then we were called to the theatre.
As we walked in, we saw a group of girls huddled over something in front of the stage. Walking up, I realized they were looking at out graduation cake! It was really cute, with small square cakes all around it with our names on them.
Then we all sat down, and our supervisor asked anyone who wanted to say something to go up to the stage. A few girls did, and then the valedictorian who was robbed the chance to say it at the Graduation ceremony got to say it then. Next, the teachers said a few words. Some went up, and then said they couldn’t because it hurt too much, which was so sad. Our principals pulled an irritating gesture though; they refused to attend this celebration based on a stupid thing that happened a month ago. At the Graduation ceremony, we were asked to wear long white dresses. A lot of girls came in knee-length or similar white dresses. For that “gesture of disrespect and violation of rules” as they called it, they refused to join us on our last day of high school in our lives.
So we wrapped it up, and I got up and read a small farewell paragraph I wrote in the yearbook (I figured most girls wouldn’t read each page). I don’t have my yearbook with me at the moment, so I can’t post what it said, but I will soon.
Next, we took a lot of pictures, and walked out of the theatre. I was surprised to see the school almost empty; most of the girls had left already, without another glance back or a simple goodbye. But, what really hurt me, was seeing that two of my closest friends decided to go out with a bunch of girls that they had only known for a short while, rather than a lifetime of going through everything together. I never told them how I felt about it as I didn’t want to hurt them.
So 7 of us went out; we had brunch at McDonalds, got some ice-crushed mocha coffee, and dropped a couple of girls home. 5 were left: Me, B, L, S and T. At that point, one of my friends (T) decided her long-waited naval piercing should be done Wednesday to mark the day. So, we went to the mall and got her the bar. The other girls shopped a little too. Then, off to the clinic it was. My other friend (L) decided she would pierce her ear as well. Oh, I forgot to mention; Sara fell asleep in the shop on the chair!!! We were up all night procrastinating.
As we walked in, my friends got very nervous. Sitting down, they were told that T’s naval couldn’t be pierced until 4.30 p.m. (it was still around 1.45). So L spent 3 minutes freaking out about piercing her ear (and then finally went through with it). S decided she’d put in another one too, and so did B. I felt so left out, but I knew that if I went through with it I’d be buried alive (I asked once before and was given a strict NO WAY!).
So, off to S’s we went, to chill… Next thing you know, she and I are fighting so hard to not fall asleep, while B, L and T were watching something in the next room.
At 6.15 p.m., we left the house and went back to the clinic. T freaked out, screamed and threatened the nurse that if she felt pain or it was in the wrong place, she’d do things I’m not going to mention because you’d think she was insane (but she isn’t lol). Finally done, she started smiling non-stop. We headed back to B’s house (S said goodnight and went to bed).
We hung out at B’s house, and I played with her adorable little sister. I fell asleep for about 10 minutes on the couch (no one noticed), and then I went home, and straight up to bed it was for me.
Today, I spent my time finalizing the Video I was making for S and L (music, pictures and videos of the three of us). I finally was done, then went up and took a shower, and sat with my dad for a while. I left the house at 12.30 a.m. and came to Sara’s house. I’m sitting in her bed typing, hoping the night goes by very slowly (she’s leaving at 12.30 p.m. tomorrow, and this is probably the last time I’ll see her until December).
I feel confused, relieved, sad, happy, stunned, and everything else I can/can’t think of at the moment. I guess all that’s left to say is:
I’m now officially ENAS ALKHUDAIRY <
Peace out!
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