Spaghetti Sauce on My Homework || October Diary

How can that bowl be perfectly broken? 

Mornings are not my thing.

Luckily for me on Tuesdays and Thursdays I get to wake up extra early (cue sarcasm). Sadly, my first class begins at 7:30 am, is that even legal? I feel like I ask that question too often.

On the subject of 'asking questions' I was also wondering if maybe I should vlog these entries, because honestly that is what's happening here (what a horrible segue). You're just missing my intense FLUCTUATIONS. And the uhms and uhhs I say in between. Not that many people actually read this, do you, do they? Maybe I will sometime soon... or if you're actually reading this (thank you, by the way) could you in someway let me know? Through telepathy obviously, just kidding my radar is a bit off. Wait, where was I...

Ah, YES! So back to this morning, it was indeed early. Since I live off campus I need to commute via bus; so I'd have to wake up earlier at 6:30 am. Sometimes I can sneak in a 6:45 am wake up.

Yesterday I had been up all night working on one of my engineering assignments which only took about ten pages and a mountainous pile of eraser shavings to do (maybe a few tears too). My Tuesdays are pretty long, so I also made spaghetti to bring with me. Little did I know that this would be used against me. The homework was due promptly in the beginning of my 7:30 am class.

I was in a bit of a rush this coming morning so I packed my spaghetti in a presumably leak proof container (that I had too much faith in), dropped it in my backpack and dashed off to school. Do you see where I am going with this?

Late to class, great. I shyly walked to the nearest empty seat.

"Now, I just need to get my paper into the homework pile."

As I opened my bag an aroma similar to an Italian restaurant filled the air. Maybe I should use another description, my cooking isn't that great, but you get the point. Oh no... the container failed me. Tomato sauce was all inside my backpack, my notebooks were stained, and there were diced onion pieces floating around. I didn't care too much about that, I was more concerned with the  assignment I had to turn in. It looked like a bloody mess --the homework was 1/4 drenched in sauce.

What other choice did I have other than to turn the assignment in, it was already due! Thankfully, I had at least one napkin in my bag to wipe off the chunky bits from the assignment. So apologies to the Teacher Aid who has to grade my oily, spaghetti stained paper.

Lesson of the day? I suppose it could be 'don't trust your containers.' Well, you can trust yours, but don't trust mine.

On a brighter note at least I turned the assignment in.

What Not to Do at the DMV || October Diary

Hi-yo Everyone!

So do I keep right, stop, what?

Don't stone me for this but... I can't drive. I don't mean "I'm just a bad driver" (well, that is true), but what I mean is that I don't have my license... yet. I KNOW, I KNOW,  I know what you're all thinking, but Paulina, aren't you already 22? Isn't your insurance going to cost more in the future?? WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING ALL THIS TIME?!?! DON'T YOU WANT FREEDOM???? Believe me I have heard it all; my non-licensed self was a constant topic in every single car ride when I was in Boston. The thing is, I got my permit later in my senior year of high school and never had the time to actually... drive. If I did drive it wasn't that much and I was quite terrified. And so, as I bounced off to college my permit expired and I was in for a long ride of forever being a passenger.

Whilst in college I couldn't really do much, my friends generally drove, and I didn't have any other opportunity to continue learning, so that was basically it.

Since time is passing quickly I decided to take the permit test again so I can finally be on the road to obtain my license (literally).

This past Friday I went to the DMV and of course it was a mistake laden experience. To keep things short here's my list of WHAT NOT TO DO AT THE DMV (that I obviously ended up doing).

1. WAIT IN THE INCORRECT LINE
I made an appointment before I went to the DMV, but didn't realize that there would be separate lines. So I waited in the horrendously long "non-appointment" line for 15 minutes before realizing there was another line specifically for appointments. I had to awkwardly nudge my way out.

2. KNOCK PEOPLE OVER WITH YOUR PURSE
I have an affinity for insanely large purses. I like to bring a lot of material and knick knacks with me (you never know when you'll need a phillips head screwdriver am I right?). However, this one bag I have goes above and beyond large. Since there were so many people waltzing around it was difficult not to have my bag occasionally getting too intimate with others or just knocking them over. Apologies to this one child I accidentally hit in the shoulder!!

3. PANIC WHEN TAKING THE TEST
You're probably chuckling at this point because everyone and their mother has their permit by now. Or not chuckling, just blowing more air out of your nose than usual. They have the option of taking the test on the computer instead of paper which I opted for. A big mistake on my part. I don't think I read the instructions well, I didn't. I think you could skip questions, but I wasn't sure if that meant skip without answering, or meaning you could go back. Most of the questions had to be answered on the spot (aka how can I double check?). I was looking around so much in a fret I misread many questions, and the guy overlooking everyone had to remind me to stay focused. Which brings me to my next point...

4. FAIL THE TEST
So... because I was unprepared and misread everything left and right, I inevitably ended up failing the test. Sadly, when you fail the online test, the test sort of just ends and I was just standing there wondering what I should do next.

Anyway, I failed the test but thankfully I was able to take the test again right after. When I say right after what I mean is after waiting another forty minutes. The second time I requested to take the paper test so I could actually review my answers instead of being under pressure via computer. AND I FAILED AGAIN, just kidding I passed this time with flying colors (Paulina, it's just a permit test).

These coming weeks I'll be out and about driving on the road, so watch out world! If you're not concerned you should be, because I am.

Cheers,
Po

Don't forget Your Backpack || October Diary

Wowzers. It feels like ages since my last post. This past week has been extremely taxing on both mind and body (not that I work out or do anything that involves physically moving). 

School has just started about a week ago and I can not believe it! I've been roaming the streets of campus wondering where has the time gone? It boggles my mind that I'll be done so soon and head onto being a full-fledged educated adult (someone please help me). Whilst on university exploring mode I was reminded of all the memories I've had these past four years.

I passed by this one area in particular that underwent some extreme construction called Peterson Hill. It looked so very different from how it used to and brought back such a horrid and humiliating story. And so, I felt enlightened to share my past embarrassment with you all. So get ready your sneakers, grab some nature valley bars, and let's take a stroll down memory lane.

Rule number one: Don't forget your backpack.

When I was a 2nd year in college I went back home for the winter holiday and came back to campus via shuttle from the airport.

Once the shuttle arrived at the airport, all the students in waiting were packed in like sardines. Thankfully, I was able to get a seat, and everyone continued to shuffle their way onto the bus (seriously, how is this legal?). Being the INNOVATIVE and CONSIDERATE person I am (kidding), I thought it would be a good idea to place my backpack under my seat to make room for others. I didn't place my backpack on my lap because I was busy trying to grasp hold onto my luggage making sure it didn't attack anyone along the journey to campus.

The shuttle ride is around twenty minutes long and takes you to this area called Peterson Loop which is somewhat centralized on the campus. Adjacent to Peterson Loop there's another area called Peterson Hill, which is a pretty steep hill heading down to our snow-fortress looking library and the rest of campus (note: Now Peterson Hill is more like Peterson stairs).

When we arrived at Peterson Loop all I could think about was getting off the shuttle and dashing straight home.

I jumped off and made my way down Peterson Hill with my unnecessary large luggage in hand, and wearing too many layers for my own good.

As I was waltzing down I had the strangest feeling that something was missing, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

Hmm... did I forget my new pocket calendar? No, that baby was safe in, well, my pocket. How about that blue blouse I bought? Nope, I'm pretty sure I packed that tightly in my suitcase. While in this state of wonder, I began to look around me and noticed what everyone had on their backs that I didn't.

It hit me. My backpack was still under the seat in the shuttle.

My backpack had my laptop, phone, wallet, cash, cards, and everything else of importance. It may as well could of contained liquid gold,  the sacred tears of unicorns, and a map to Atlantis in it, because that was exactly how I felt when I came to the realization.

My head swung around and gazed at the top of the hill. The bus had already started to leave the loop onto the road.

I began running up Peterson Hill like a maniac, screaming so loud the whole of San Diego probably heard me. In this frantic panic, I was still holding onto my luggage with my jacket swaying like a hurricane darting towards Peterson Loop.

I wish I could of seen how I looked to others. I remember some blurry faces of people (who also just got off the bus) in a "what is this crazy person doing?" face. However, that's no matter, I was on a mission.

The bus continued to drive away; it first needed to pass around a parking lot before getting onto the main road. Once atop Peterson Hill, I wondered why I was still carrying my luggage (it was weighing me down). At this point, I threw my luggage to the sidewalk like it was nothing and continued to run as fast as I could. I ran so fast, the gingerbread man would be proud of me at this point.

I screamed my way across the parking lot not giving a care if cars were going in or out.

"NOOOO, NOOOOO, STOP, PLEASE STAHHHPPPPPP!!"

I only had my eyes set on the bus driving way. The shuttle stopped at a stop sign, and then I noticed the bus driver's head turned and noticed me screaming my way over to her.

Finally, I had reached it the checkpoint. The bus driver came out with my black backpack asking if it was mine, and with my exasperated self, I managed to utter a short yes.

I've never ran so quickly in my life. It was like I was aiming for the ribboned end of a marathon. Afterwards, I felt as if my heart would rip out of my chest, and my lungs were set on fire. I'm so thankful that I was able to retrieve my backpack, not get hit by some vehicle in my spree, and that  meanwhile no one tried to steal my luggage that was abandoned on the sidewalk.

Just in the future, please don't forget your backpack. Don't pull a Po.

Cheers,
Po

P.S. I also attempted to include a google satellite picture just so you can understand the layout. The area shows an aerial view when the Hill was under construction, not original Peterson Hill. You can also see some photos of the newly renovated area also noted in the satellite view.

1. I promise you it was a lot steeper before they did reconstruction. Scout's honor.

2. Ah, Peterson Loop.

3. Where I threw my luggage.

4. The Corner before the parking lot.

Tea Time With the Loveliest People || September Diary

Hi-yo Everyone!

You may notice in the following pictures that I received a haircut (finally)! I got one of those lobs. For those of you unfamiliar with cosmetology terminology, a “lob” is a portmanteau of “long bob”. I love it, but the back is a little shorter than I would like. I have a really big problem asking the hair stylist to cut my hair the exact way I want… it’ll do though. Anyway, this post isn’t about my hair but this past Friday!

I’m now back in Sunny California after my long summer vacation.

During my stay in Massachusetts I’ve been to Boston over [insert large number] times doing various activities: from getting lost in the streets, duck tours, and tea parties (not throwing tea in the harbor though).

  

Since this past Friday was my last day on the East coast, my bestie Linda and I decided to spend the day together. There is a restaurant in the Boston Public Library called The Courtyard. In the afternoon they offer Tea time (High Tea/Afternoon Tea) for an expensive price of $35.00. I was extremely hesitant on going because of the price, but because it was my last day and I’ve always wanted to have Afternoon Tea, “why not??”. On the other hand my wallet was crying the song of tears as we decided to go.

We got there around 2:30 pm and let me tell you this restaurant is so posh and fancy, I felt the need to grow an intense mustache, grab a top hat, put on my best tuxedo, and monocle.

Needless to say, the Courtyard restaurant was indeed next to the inner courtyard; it was so beautiful.

As we came in the waiter sat us down and gave us menus that were, drum roll please…. BOOKS. So of course, because I'm a bibliophile, I took about 45249805942084 pictures of them only to have none of the pictures satisfactory. The menu was already set with fancy culinary terminology that I had to continuously search online. What does “pate a choux” mean or what exactly is "espelette pepper"? I don’t know, but thankfully Google does. 

All we chose was the type of tea we wanted, and of course Earl Grey for me (in honor of Captain Picard).

As Linda and I were eating and chatting along, an older couple was sat next to us. For some reason, we got to the topic of alcohol. I’m not a drinker, never was, I don’t fancy the taste of alcohol, nor do I understand why it’s so ridiculously expensive in the first place. I’d honestly prefer to have a box of chocolate milk.

On the topic of our distaste for alcohol, the couple next to us interjected and just wanted to praise us for choosing not to drink alcohol. From that all four of us began a long lovely chat for about an hour and a half. We all introduced ourselves and we spoke about many topics. We touched upon their professions, how our parents came to the U.S., our interests, etc. In all honestly, they were the loveliest and kindest couple that I had the grace to encounter. Their names were John and Christina and they were visiting from the far away state of Utah. They were so cute it made my heart grow three times larger with happiness and glee. The conversation was filled with plenty of laughs, history, etc. I’m so surprised I even had the ability to speak given my social awkwardness and anxiety.

It was now around 4:20. Once Linda and I were done eating we asked the waiter for our check. As the check came the couple interjected and told the waiter,

“No, no, no, We are going to pay for their meal.”

Linda and I looked at each other in shock and disbelief. We insisted that they shouldn't pay because we had only just met them, and we could pay ourselves. I attempted to stare down the waiter to give us the check, however the John and Christina persuaded the waiter else wise. 

You should have seen our faces, I was in complete shock. Apparently, so was the waiter and every table that surrounded us.

We couldn’t stop thanking them for their tremendous generosity and the lovely conversation we had with them. 

They told us that this was honestly the highlight of their day and they were so happy to pay for our meal. Wow, how amazing is that? Mutually, I would say it was the highlight of both of our days.

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The lovely John and Christina. 

After tea at the library, Linda and I went to explore Newbury Street. I have to say, Linda is pretty clumsy (she agrees) and I’m also extremely clumsy and awks. So, the both of us combined walking the streets of Boston you can say would be a complete disaster.

If I could collectively count the times we dropped, tripped, stumbled during the day, that number is [insert another large number here].

I could go on and on about the adventures we had at the shops, rose gelato cones, intense searches for a restaurant that wasn’t filled in China Town,  our ten minute dinner, and all that happened in between, but I’ll spare you your reading eyes (sorry). 

Overall, I’d have to say the day was absolutely wonderful. You can see some photos below! Apologies, I'm really not the best at taking photos...

Cheers!

Po

Winner?! || September Diary

Greetings to all!

So as you may know, I'm now in Massachusetts! This past Friday was really fantastic, seriously it was. My cousin Molica and my housemate of four years, Christine (who now lives in MA), decided to spend this past Friday together exploring Boston.

It was most definitely awesomazing (don't sue me for using this word... I saw it on a poster at the train station).

Our original plan for the day was to eat lunch around Faneuil Hall and go to the Museum of Science (BECAUSE WHO DOESN'T LOVE SCIENCE?). However, the prices (including the special exhibit) was $29 smackeroos. Too much money for poor college students. As much as I love the wonders of science and learning about the science behind Pixar, I enjoy being somewhat frugal as well. So we decided the Museum of Fine Arts would do. It's still pricey, around $23, but at least it's cheaper than $29. After the Museum of Fine Arts, we'd mosey on down to Newbury street for some good ol' window shopping and then dinner at China Town.

And so our day began.

I took the train, or T as Bostonians would say, to Faneuil Hall Market Place to meet up with the others. I have a love and hate relationship with Faneuil Hall... I love the plethora of food shops in Quincy Market but hate it as well. I hate it because I'm the most indecisive person ever and can never choose what to get (*shrugs*). Another thing I love and hate are the cobble stones. There's so much beauty and history, but clumsiness and cobble stones do not work together sadly...

After we all arrived we perused the available food options; I finally decided to grab a lobster roll and clam chowder.

When we were done eating we walked around the shops. It was then when I received a message via Facebook from the Museum of Science.

FLASHBACK: About a week before this I signed up for a raffle to win 4 free tickets to the Museum of Science. The raffle involved writing a simple comment of your favorite Pixar movie and why. I didn't think too much of this and decided to give it a shot. I actually forgot about the whole contest until I got the message.

The message was notifying me to check my fb inbox. My heart was beating so fast, I let out the loudest shrill you can possibly imagine.

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I couldn't contain myself and began to ask all these questions, "DOES THIS MEAN I WON??", "WHY ELSE WOULD THEY TELL ME TO CHECK MY INBOX??", "ARE THEY SURE THEY HAVE THE RIGHT PERSON??"

After a few minutes of shrieking from excitement and frantically searching for the message that confirmed my winning, I found it! Hence, 4 free tickets. ME! I WON!! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. I NEVER WIN ANYTHING ('tis the truth I tell yah).

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I was filled with so much excitement I was dancing everywhere as we were walking (on cobblestone too, and I didn't trip). That's two miracles in itself. 

The museum was really fantastic. When I was younger, I'd always go to field trips to this museum, so it brought back so many memories. 

Finally, we ended the day in China Town. We went to this restaurant called Crave which has really amazing chicken wings (although I realize we took pictures of everything except the wings...); I highly recommend.

Even though we didn't go according to our original plan the day was filled with tons of food, a lot of walking, surprises (that will probably never happen again), and the company of some awesomazing people. 

Anyway, I'll let pictures do the rest of the talking for now.

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