Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in whcheung's LiveJournal:

[ << Previous 20 ]

Saturday, June 17th, 2006
8:31 pm	So I am working with the US geological survey and UN now in Sioux Falls. Although the facility is quite awesome, I am doing some boring work with excel and GIS. I went to Mt. Rushmore and Rapid City 2 weeks ago. It was quite interesting to see how ppl from 50 years ago carved such a magnificent memorial. My usual work day goes like this: 5:45 am- wake up 6:30 am- vanpool to work 5:10 pm- get home 5:15 pm- tennis (maybe) 6:30 pm- cook dinner and eat 8:00 pm- clean up and TV 9:00 pm- read and sleep Sad, huh? I thought that I will be able to go out and have fun without HW, but it's all impossible without a car. Firstly, ppl will scream at you from their car (don't know if that's bc I am Chinese or if they just hate people that don't have cars), because there are virtually no one that actually WALK on the street. Secondly, you will probably get strange stares and get shot if you wander into a bar. Getting out of LA really help me realize that racism is real. Anyhow, I think I will go at some point to Minneapolis to visit my first year roomie at UCLA , and maybe to visit Iowa since I am already in the middle of no where. So there, my awfully boring LJ entry that I (and may be you) have been waiting for. (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Friday, March 24th, 2006
10:52 pm	Lots of Things SO i will be scatter brained and do this whole stream of consciousness thing. So I went ot DC and NYC (St Patty's Day!) for spring break, and stayed with my former Denmark Aussie neighbor. It was really awesome, because I did not only missed the Dept of Energy Info session to make jello shots, but also met up with my Turkish friend from my Turkey EAP 3 years ago, and two other people that I met in Denmark a year ago. So now , I am looking at apt for next year, and they are seriously dirt cheap here. I can get a room in a 2 bd/ 1 ba apt for 270$ a mo incl everything (i.e. dsl) except electricity. Another big thing is deciding my summer plan, but before that I have decided recently that I must spend at least 3 months after I graduate from my masters program backpacking at least Australia, Africa, and South America before entering the workforce. So now, I got summer internship offers from UN in Vienna, UN Environmental Programme in Sioux Falls, and Smithsonian in Maryland. Now the problem is (and it's a really big problem) since I am VERY bad at making good decisions (look at my choice of grad school) which one should I take. THey all have something to do with my interests, but the UN ones are unpaid and the Smithsonian one pays me. Given that I need to save up to backpack after graudation, the Smithsonian one is awesome. However, I also want to work at the UN after graduation, so getting some connections now would be good too. Yea...so that's my dilemma, can someone leave me some opinion? (20 Comments |Comment on this)
Saturday, January 28th, 2006
3:38 pm	Laziness As usual, and like some of you that I know, I am updating my livejournal to feel productive while avoiding homework. I guess either I really lead a boring life, or I am just very forgetful, or both, because i still can't really think of any really interesting thing to post even after not posting since I was avoiding finals last semester. Winter break was awesome, I hung out with UCLA and high school friends, and randomly volunteered Teresa's house for a mini party. I even had the chance to play some good tennis with my cousin who was also back home form the desolated midwest. Anyhow, I am back again in the nothingness of Indiana. It really isn't that bad if I have a car here. I mean, there is a Winery nearby (5 mi), malls, and museums nearby. But it's just impossible to get to them without a car! Actually, a friend and I marveled at the lack of sidewalks and traffic once we walk out of campus. So now, I am trying to find a summer internship and wondering what to do for spring break. As of this moment, I think I will probably go to some job interviews in Washington DC and visit some friend there for spring break. For summer, I have applied to 4 UN agencies, and hope to apply to the EPA for internships, but I heard they are really competitive. It finally occured to me yesterday that may be I should get an internship in Hawaii or something, if I really like the ocean and want to learn how to surf. Anyway, that's the plan...I think I will get back to work now. Current Mood: calm (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Monday, December 12th, 2005
3:39 am	You Should Get a PhD in Liberal Arts (like political science, literature, or philosophy) You're a great thinker and a true philosopher. You'd make a talented professor or writer. What Advanced Degree Should You Get? (Comment on this)
Tuesday, September 13th, 2005
11:22 pm	Much Needed Update After months of laziness, I have finally decided that I should update. First of all, I am now officially in Indiana in case anyone is wondering or don't know already. I changed from doing its Masters in Public Affairs program to its Masters in Public Affairs and Masters in Environmental Science program last minute (so I can have a nice MS in my title ;) ). But I found out that the joint degree program takes at least 2.5 years instead of 2 unless I take 5 classes/semester and summer internship, so it will be a very rough ride for the next 2 years. As far as Indiana goes, the weather seems nice, people are beautiful, classes are tough, school is okay, but I definitely miss LA and couldn't help but notice a lot of difference between UCLA and IU (Indiana University). For example, at IU: -Everyone do not walk around with ipods -Drivers drive crappy cars -People actually feel safe about riding their bikes without getting kill by BMWs -There are real nature as oppose to gardens at UCLA -The organization of the campus is retarded (river, lake, railroad in the middle of the campus) -THERE ARE NO HILLS (except for very minor ones) -Infinitely many white people instead of Asians -People likes to write about "call out meetings" and stuff on sidewalk instead of papers -No one tries to jab stuff into your hands and backpack -There isn't the African American "charity guy" asking you for money -People seems more relax and don't run to class (...except me) -The dorms are actually on campus (5 min to my classes), not 30 min. -The dorm food taste like shit, and will probably cause me to gain weight and die. -Most people think I am an exchange student. -The noise of crickets never stops. ...And the list goes on... As for some more specific , current news: -Still need to plan for thanksgiving get away (they are kicking us out of dorms) -Went to chinese moon festival party, got free food, and left -Went to random indian student organization meeting with friend, got free food, and left -Went to floor activity, got free food, and left -Went to wine and cheese reception for grad student, got wine and cheese, wine ran out, left -Will have presentation, lab, math homework, and other stuff due by the end of the week -Got a free 25" TV from someone in my dept. -Got a microwave, fridge on ebay! NOW FOR SOME PICTURES: -Random Pond Across From My Department -River in the Middle of Campus -Nasty Bug Bite I Got at The Indian Student Organization Dinner -Real Nature? (4 Comments |Comment on this)
Sunday, July 24th, 2005
12:58 am	Reading LJ Reading other people's LJ really helps me think about topics that I never paid much attention to. Even as a environmental studies major, I never really thought of global poverty with such passion until I recently read someone's entry on it, which really makes me question the effectiveness of our awfully expensive education. (Not to mention the fact that I read in the newspaper about how the UC are probably going to raise fees in Jan. for its professional schools, so thank goodnes I didn't go to UCSB). Other than LJ, a simple thing like lecturing my sister really helps me reflect upon my stupidity. I told her to be happy with what she has isntead of constantly whining, but the truth is, I do the same too. I mean, I was just looking for a house the other day, and wish I have the money to purchase it. Today, I was looking at surfboards, and wish I have money to purchase that. And even thought I got into some good schools, I just don't feel happy for no reason, it is almost like a disease. So may be the solution to all of our woes, fears, and sicknesses are not medicines, weapons, or words, instead we may just need to teach people (including myself) to be less greedy. (Comment on this)
Sunday, July 17th, 2005
2:03 pm	Surfing II Woohoo! I finally learned how to paddle out beyond the breakers, adn even stood for 5 milli-seconds on a wave!!! So I guess all the freezing, waking up early, and getting my nose and ears clogged with seawater is worth it. I even saw a seal on the beach and some dolphins yesterday morning! (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Thursday, July 14th, 2005
3:14 am	Damn Neighbors I hate my freakin neighbor. I mean who the freak plays ping pong and scream at each other in the F$*( middle of the night (i.e. 3am) with their balcony door open. I understand if they want to be bums and have nothing better to do than get drunk and high all day and night, but at least show some *($#@ respect for those of us that may need to work... It's a very scary thought to imagine that these people may eventaully run our country someday, maybe their simple-mindedness and inconsideration will actually make Bush look good. (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Saturday, July 9th, 2005
12:33 pm	Surfing Class Met up with some high school buddies and Hooka-ed away last night at Gypsy Cafe. I have never been there even though I have been at UCLA for 4 years. That places was actually quite decent, and even had Turkish Music Videos on, which is ALWAYS a plus! Went to bed at 3 am and had to get up at 6:00 am to surfing class today! Woohooo! Too bad I didn't catch any waves, and drank a shitload of seawater. Just as I was cooking after showering, I had ocean water and sand "leaking" out from my nose. =( I am still lookign forward to more ocean water tomorrow though! (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Monday, July 4th, 2005
9:23 pm	July 4th Happy July Fourth Everyone! And since my building's too short, my view of on-going fireworks (I can hear them going off) is obstructed by other buildings in the area. So after my unsuccessful search for live online broadcast of July 4th fireworks display, I decided to semi-copy Mark's entry and just content myself with a picture of fireworks: (Comment on this)
Friday, July 1st, 2005
1:25 am	First Week of Summer! Hmmmm... Even though I have graduated, I am still suffering from stress, depression, and sleep deprivation!!! First, I think I really got more internships than I can handle for the summer (but good thing I got them, otherwise I can't afford rent =( ). Second, I have a tendency to become magnetically stucked to the TV especially after the 11:30pm Simpsons until 1 am. Actually, I tend to watch things before and after the Simpsons (Jeopardy, Hell's Kitchen) Well, yea...I just watch a lot of TV. Third, my intenship is killing me! I don't know anything about anything there, and I feel hecka guilty getting paid to the point that I can't even face my boss anymore. On a positive note, since my internship place is right next to the beach, I take occasional random trips to the beach (like today) and calm myself before having to head off to Artic Wasteland in Aug. And I got some nice grades (so far) for last quarter! (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Friday, June 3rd, 2005
6:12 am	Sleeplessness Went to class today and nearly fell asleep as usual. What is not usual is that we went to Ventura and Oxnard for one of my classes, so that was pretty nice. Even though the trip is suppose to help us understand costal engineering structure, I was too preoccupied with the trees and sight of the beach behind him to really listen, so I pretty much just went on the trip for the view. On a not so positive note, I learned yesterday that a lot of people who were in my geography class late year have already found themselve some pretty good jobs with the CIA, NSA, and National Geographic, which makes me wonder why the heck am I going to grad school. So after the long day, I went to the senior sendoff 30 minutes before it closed, and got myself a little wasted. Went home and slept from 11pm to 2:00am, and then couldn't sleep anymore. At first, I thought it was because I didn't drink enough, and then I realized it was because I was hungry since I forgot to eat dinner... (Comment on this)
Wednesday, May 11th, 2005
1:57 pm	Bad week As if last week's round of killer midterms is not bad enough, I have yet to suffer through midterm and BS this week. First off, I have midterm this week in the class with the professor that I can't understand. Secondly, I got my midterms back and got a retarded grade for my first paper, and my costal geomorphology midterm's grade ain't good either. Since I was pissed at my grade for the paper, I figure I will go talk to the TA who graded it. According to the TA, I "was not suppose to follow instruction" given by the professor. So, instead of describing something, I was suppose to do what I want. The worst part is when he told me his position on the topic, and told me that I am wrong because I don't think like him. This guy is by far the worst TA I have had in my 3.5 years at UCLA. On top of everything, he can't spell either (developped, oportunity are just some examples.) So I basically fought with him and yell at him during the meeting (there were other unhappy students there too, so it's not just me complaining), and he finally lamely said let me look at it again and give you "details" (details of what, he didn't specify). So, there goes my grade for the class since he grades all of my work, but at least I am less angry than before now. Aside from all that, I spilled coffee all over my backpack yesterday, and didn't know until coffee started dripping out from my backpack (so much for the spillproof travel mug shit). So now all of my notebooks and reader look like I peed on them. Oh well...that's how life is... (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Sunday, May 1st, 2005
4:18 pm	Boogie Boarding After a long weekend of torture and work, I decided to go boogie boarding with Cheezydork. Even though we ended up leaving at 10 instead of 9, the beach wasn't too crowded and there aren't too many surfers to intimidate us, which is good. After 30-40 minutes of eating sand and drinking sea water, I got too cold (even though I had a wetsuit) thanks to my non-existent body fat, so we left without really catching any waves. After that, we drove to Costco, Target, Circuit City, and spent lots of money on stuff we don't really need. But hey, since Cheezydork got a pay raise, and I got a summer internship working for some software company that is making softwares for highschool students, I guess it's all good. On the other hand, I did miss my last Spring Sing, so that's kind of tragic. Anyhow, must get back to work now since I have millions of things to do still. *sigh* (1 Comment |Comment on this)
1:59 am	How appropriate...A SKELETON key You unlock everything, because you are a skeleton key. You are resourceful and can fit yourself into any situation and find a way through. No one can keep you out, but not everyone will want you to come in. What sort of key are you and what do you unlock? brought to you by Quizilla (Comment on this)
Saturday, April 30th, 2005
8:11 pm	I have not been to 3/5 cities below... Maybe they should have a "which international city is good for you" test. American Cities That Best Fit You: 70% Honolulu 60% San Francisco 55% Austin 55% San Diego 55% Seattle Which American Cities Best Fit You? (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Saturday, March 26th, 2005
10:41 pm	Which School?!? Alright, so for all of you that are still reading this thing, I have a question for you guys and would appreciate some response. I finally got my Financial Aid letters from all the Grad Schools I got accepted to. Yale is $39,000 PER YEAR, Indiana is $29,482 - Indiana's $7750 Merit Scholarship, UCSB is $21,654 per year - my $5,000 fellowship. On face value, it really seem like I should go to UCSB if I want a decent education for a reasonable price. But given the fact that US News ranked Indiana first for environmental affairs, and Yale's prestige, making a decision is not so easy... So what do you guys think? Anybody.....? (8 Comments |Comment on this)
Monday, March 21st, 2005
11:38 pm	Bored Many things have happened since the last time I updated. For one, I am once again addicted to the Simpsons (which recently featured Turks on their show!!!) I am now done with 3 of my 4 finals, went to my third final today only to find my professor "ditching" class again. I tried applying for University of Melbourne, but found out all of their scholarship deadlines have expired, so I guess I will just choose among the schools I got into. Now that I have updated, I guess there hasn't really been anything exciting going on in my life. Oh yea...I got into Yale too. (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Sunday, March 13th, 2005
12:43 am	Grad Schools Ahhh...So I got the admission letters from UCSB and Indiana. Although Indiana is giving me a merit scholarship, it will still cost me $12,000 to study there for two years, whereas it will probably be cheaper in UCSB since I am a CA resident. In addition, I got the crazy idea over the weekend of getting a Masters in Melbourne (only takes 1 year!) for only $6000 more than Indiana's cost, and then coming back to the U.S. to do a second Masters at Indiana (since I can defer my enrollment for a year), or I can just do a PhD when I come back from Aussie land. Any opinion, guys? P.S. Still waiting to hear from Yaaaaale.... Current Mood: confused (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Monday, March 7th, 2005
10:30 pm	Noise I feel like I am getting pretty behind in school, especially with Finals just around the corner. Yet, as I try to study, I feel very lame and would like to go out. But to where??? I guess no having a car, and not really knowing where I grew up is really hurting my social life (assuming I have one). So, even as I try to freakin study, I can hear every single f(#($*#0 word that my across the building neighbors are saying to each other from their balconies. Interesting topics includes, my neighbor will tell his gf not to touch him if he is too tired to fuck, my neighbor comparing himself to a talking cabbage, getting high in bed, smoking crack until lighter no longer work...put some Roman columns, add a few more neigbors, and we can be like a Roman forum. (Comment on this)