Hi everyone,
I guess it's been a lot more difficult to blog than expected, however it was because my life is not as interesting as it was two years ago when I was in a new city every weekend. Now my life is just full of school and work. However, it is what I'm passionate about and at the end of the day, when I'm stressed or at the edge of burning out I remind myself that I chose this path for myself.
In order to get myself back into a "semi" Spain state, I thought I'd start reading again just for fun... not because it was assigned for homework. I remember how I use to read all the time in the plaza, that has not happened in a long time since I've been back to the states. But as of yesterday I started reading a little before going to bed and it has been amazing. A friend of mine lent me three books, one of which is "Half the Sky". If there was ever any book to awaken my senses and reaffirm my role in this life time.. it is this.
This books talks about the oppression that women are facing all over the world. Growing up I have always known I was female. There were things I just couldn't do, wear, say, etc.. but my brother could do as he pleased. I think a part of me has always been bitter by the fact that I was born female and had so little choice in that decision... growing up female and Asian at that... has been very trying at times. However, compared to my own personal struggles... millions of women and girls around the world are suffering fates beyond my imagination. There are girls being trafficked into sex work, not being allowed to go to school, denied medical care by their families, killed because of "honor"... the list goes on.
Living in America or any other "modernized" country it is difficult to even understand or think about what such situations would mean. If you cannot think of how life in India or Cambodia is for a girl, think about the domestic violence and sex trafficking that is taking place in your own country. So often we take things for granted. If you're reading this.. you are very fortunate to have been provided an education. I have been very fortunate to gain so much with my education, but millions of girls and women around the world can't even read a simple message.
I've managed to read the first three chapters of this book and it's hard to not cry.. and feel sad for the condition that our "human" society has become. However, as I've learned in the last 1.5 years here in Philadelphia, you cannot save the world all at once, it takes piece by piece... and I'm going to remind myself of this all the way to the end of this book.
Many people know that my professional interests lie in maternal and child health. Not only because I obviously can identify with women and I love children, but I think the key to the future is maternal and hcild health. We cannot have healthy countries, people... whatever if their mother's are not healthy. Public health is not for the faint of heart and I might have come into this field a little unprepared. However, I still believe in the good of all people.. i just now know that some people need a little more convincing than others. There is always hope to change the world.. no matter how long it takes.
So I thought i'd shared a few lines from the book that have inspired me thus far:
- "In the 19th century, the central moral challenge was slavery. In the 20th century, it was the battle against totalitarianism....in this century the paramount moral challenge will be the struggle for gender equality around the world. "
- "People get away with enslaving village girls for the same reason that people got away with enslaving blacks two hundred years ago" the victims are perceived as discounted humans."
There were numerous other quotes that stood out, however I hope these get your minds thinking. Some people can call me a feminist if they like.. all I know that it is unethical to pretend that these things are not happening in the world. Yes, we all can't fly over and save all these women, HOWEVER, we can all learn a little bit more about the situation, raise our awareness that these things are happening. We can all apply pressure to our government to apply pressure to international governments to respect human rights laws. Whatever you do... just take a moment out of your day to think about how others are living in the next state, country, continent.
Life is too short to just think about yourself... how interesting and fun is that??? Especially when you live a life as fascinating as mine... :) . I'm sorry if this seemed a little out of character, and doesn't really talk much about what is going on in my life... but I guess this is what is going on in my life. I have really started to see where my professional goals will take me in the next few years.
I hope all those reading (the 3 of you)... are happy, healthy, and safe. As always, hope to speak/see you guys soon.
Con mucho carino,
Ngoc :)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Bogged Down by Snow
muy buenas everyone!
In case people weren't aware, it has been snowing in Philly for the last month.. it seems like this winter is meant to be a loooooooooooong and boring shower of snow. I use to love snow... because growing up in Seattle we didn't have much of it.. and everytime there was snow it was a reason to miss school. In the last three years I have been away from Seattle... it has snowed more in Seattle than ever. Since coming to Philly I have seen my fair share of snow. Last year it was amazing over 40'', but this year with a new snow storm each week... it's getting very old.
I guess you enjoy snow less as you get older, because snow keeps you from being able to get your work done. I have tons of things going on right now with work, school and life.. and the snow just seems to put a stop to all of that. Especially when there is so much of it... It's hard to walk, everything is icy and it's so cold.
This last snowstorm has really made me frustrated and angry with mother nature, please leave us alone.... 4 weeks of snowstorms is just too much. I wanted just one giant snow storm and that would be it... but instead we are getting tiny little ones that are overly annoying... and more snow is on the way?!?!?!?!?! Here are some pictures of the current state of Philly and the sight I'm just really tired of.
My frustration with the weather is also seeping into my motivation to get things done. I have a midterm coming up and have yet to really study. I also have been working on a paper for the last 3 months... and just need to get it done, but I can't. I don't know where my ganas are, but they seem to be buried under the massive amounts of snow on my balcony. I hope spring comes soon... because right now I'm just working towards Spring break and hopefully figuring out my next direction in life.
I hope all is well around the world, and we are praying for some peace in Egypt as well as other areas that are experiencing harsher realities than my depression caused by snow.
Lots of love,
Ngoc :)
In case people weren't aware, it has been snowing in Philly for the last month.. it seems like this winter is meant to be a loooooooooooong and boring shower of snow. I use to love snow... because growing up in Seattle we didn't have much of it.. and everytime there was snow it was a reason to miss school. In the last three years I have been away from Seattle... it has snowed more in Seattle than ever. Since coming to Philly I have seen my fair share of snow. Last year it was amazing over 40'', but this year with a new snow storm each week... it's getting very old.
I guess you enjoy snow less as you get older, because snow keeps you from being able to get your work done. I have tons of things going on right now with work, school and life.. and the snow just seems to put a stop to all of that. Especially when there is so much of it... It's hard to walk, everything is icy and it's so cold.This last snowstorm has really made me frustrated and angry with mother nature, please leave us alone.... 4 weeks of snowstorms is just too much. I wanted just one giant snow storm and that would be it... but instead we are getting tiny little ones that are overly annoying... and more snow is on the way?!?!?!?!?! Here are some pictures of the current state of Philly and the sight I'm just really tired of.
I hope all is well around the world, and we are praying for some peace in Egypt as well as other areas that are experiencing harsher realities than my depression caused by snow.
Lots of love,
Ngoc :)
Sunday, January 9, 2011
By popular demand???
Well... by request by an "anonymous" follower... I have decided to begin blogging again. It has indeed been over ONE Year since I've last blogged and my life has been busy, busy, busy. It's hard to recap what has happened in 2010, but let's just say that it was exciting, motivating, and at times exhausting. However, I'm still alive and VERY excited for what 2011 will bring for me.
I have been in Philly for over a year... and it is finally feeling like home to me. I've gotten use to going to work, going to school.... but there are moments where I miss home. However, in the time I've been here I've learned so much about myself... and what I'm capable of doing. I can't say that I've done all I have here, without help from new friends and family. When you move around so much like I have in the last few years... the friends you make become your new family. Although they can't take the place of your family at home, they fill the void when you need people around the most.I recently, went home to Seattle to visit and it was bitter sweet because I was home, but at the same time I felt so foreign. Life for my closest friends in Seattle has been moving so fast, I can't quite fit myself back into their lives. I tried to visit the old places I spent my college years in and do the things I use to do... and I missed while I'm in Philly, but it didn't feel the same... The whole time in Seattle.. I thought about what it was like 3 years ago when Seattle was still my home... but now i don't know if I can call Seattle my home anymore. Maybe I'm a wander.. with no home... and building relationships that cannot last for too long, because I am just going to move...
But as an update about my life... to all those that care or are following... I'm finishing up my masters' this year... six more months... and I'll officially have the "MPH" behind my name. In the mean time I'm just working on finishing, and praying for a place in medical school.... My life is school and school and more school.... but hopefully I will get into med school and that will be the last schooling I ever do with my life.... (hopefully... jaja).Life is good, I'm healthy, happy and hopeful for the future... I hope all my friends all over the world are happy and healthy as well. E-mails, letters or other messages are appreciated. Although we may not communicate as often as we should... true friendship is being able to pick up where you left off... when the chance presents itself. Lots of love!
Ngoc :)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
1 down 5 more to go!!!
Muy buenas todos!
I have officially finished my first quarter as a graduate student and it feels great to be done. I'm trying to decide whether the sensation is similiar to what I felt when I finished in undergrad... but I don't think it is... it just feels different. Maybe cuz' I'm more grown up???? Or maybe when I think about it 5 quarters left doesn't sound as bad as like 16... jaja.
This quarter has gone by soooooo fast I can't quite believe it's over. I'll be getting ready to go home on the 15th for a couple of weeks to spend with the family. Although one of my sisters won't be there, it'll be nice to be home to see my parents and my others siblings as well as my friends. Having been here for almost 3 months it feels as if this is now my home. I was walking home the other day and I guess this is starting to become my home... I'm starting to know the streets... recognize the buildings.. although I may never truly fit in for a true Phildelphian, it is starting to feel like home. I guess that's a good sign since I do have over 1.5 years here.
Although the quarter has gone by so fast... I've learned tons of things in the few months I've been here...
1. I miss Spain terribly... but I'll just keep it in my mind and the photos will remind me that one day I'll be back there.
2. Friends are the closest things you have to family when you're far from home. The ones I've met here have been great, and it has made being "social" a lot easier for this "semi-antisocial grandma"
3. Grad school is nothing like undergrad and you definitely need a laser printer... and graduate students like me, who can't read from a computer screen for that long, are probably public enemy number one on the environmentalist list.
4. Having a hot plate does not equal a kitchen... no matter how nice the apartment is.
5. Bernard Hopkins live in my bldg... for those who don't know... he's a big time boxer from Philly... I didn't know either... but he's nice and not that scary looking... but I'm sure he's scary if you had to fight him in the ring.
6. The Rocky steps aren't that bad looking... talking about that I need to watch that...
7. PHilly is NOT like Seattle or Spain and women walking around late at night is not okay... maybe I haven't quite learned this yet... but I'm sure eventually it'll sink in.
8. Working + graduate school doesn't work for me...
9. I miss my mom's cooking like crazy....
10. It's freakin cold here in Philly....
Obviously I learned stuff in the classes also, but who wants to hear about that. Now that I've settled in and gotten to know the city, some people and a feel for my classes... I'm looking forward to my 2nd quarter, and excited for all the opportunities it will bring. With more time to dedicate to school... I hope to get involved in some volunteering activities or some organizations... just to get in the spirit of public health.
I'm trying my best to continue to update, if something interesting happenes... but as you guys can tell... the life of a graduate student isn't as exciting as the traveling, english teacher you had a year ago... but I'll try and work something out for you guys.
Love you and miss you where ever you are in the world. I hope to hear and see many of you soon.
Besitos,
Ngoc :)
I have officially finished my first quarter as a graduate student and it feels great to be done. I'm trying to decide whether the sensation is similiar to what I felt when I finished in undergrad... but I don't think it is... it just feels different. Maybe cuz' I'm more grown up???? Or maybe when I think about it 5 quarters left doesn't sound as bad as like 16... jaja.
This quarter has gone by soooooo fast I can't quite believe it's over. I'll be getting ready to go home on the 15th for a couple of weeks to spend with the family. Although one of my sisters won't be there, it'll be nice to be home to see my parents and my others siblings as well as my friends. Having been here for almost 3 months it feels as if this is now my home. I was walking home the other day and I guess this is starting to become my home... I'm starting to know the streets... recognize the buildings.. although I may never truly fit in for a true Phildelphian, it is starting to feel like home. I guess that's a good sign since I do have over 1.5 years here.
Although the quarter has gone by so fast... I've learned tons of things in the few months I've been here...
1. I miss Spain terribly... but I'll just keep it in my mind and the photos will remind me that one day I'll be back there.
2. Friends are the closest things you have to family when you're far from home. The ones I've met here have been great, and it has made being "social" a lot easier for this "semi-antisocial grandma"
3. Grad school is nothing like undergrad and you definitely need a laser printer... and graduate students like me, who can't read from a computer screen for that long, are probably public enemy number one on the environmentalist list.
4. Having a hot plate does not equal a kitchen... no matter how nice the apartment is.
5. Bernard Hopkins live in my bldg... for those who don't know... he's a big time boxer from Philly... I didn't know either... but he's nice and not that scary looking... but I'm sure he's scary if you had to fight him in the ring.
6. The Rocky steps aren't that bad looking... talking about that I need to watch that...
7. PHilly is NOT like Seattle or Spain and women walking around late at night is not okay... maybe I haven't quite learned this yet... but I'm sure eventually it'll sink in.
8. Working + graduate school doesn't work for me...
9. I miss my mom's cooking like crazy....
10. It's freakin cold here in Philly....
Obviously I learned stuff in the classes also, but who wants to hear about that. Now that I've settled in and gotten to know the city, some people and a feel for my classes... I'm looking forward to my 2nd quarter, and excited for all the opportunities it will bring. With more time to dedicate to school... I hope to get involved in some volunteering activities or some organizations... just to get in the spirit of public health.
I'm trying my best to continue to update, if something interesting happenes... but as you guys can tell... the life of a graduate student isn't as exciting as the traveling, english teacher you had a year ago... but I'll try and work something out for you guys.
Love you and miss you where ever you are in the world. I hope to hear and see many of you soon.
Besitos,
Ngoc :)
Friday, December 4, 2009
And We're Back
In the 2 or so months I've been here, I've been able to make a few new friends and grow up a lot more. I've gotten to know people that I normally wouldn't associate with, and have found friends to be the greatest support here, since I'm so far away from my family. I guess I'll do a quick recap of all the things that have happened to me since the last time I wrote... although nothing really exciting happened... besides the studying and stuff.... it's always nice to go back and look on what has happened.
Besides those things, nothing much has been going on in my life... besides studying and more studying. Speaking of studying, I'm going to start studying for my finals that are coming this week. I hope everyone is well, and had a good Thanksgiving, I miss you guys terribly, and hope to see you soon!
Mil besos,
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The Life of a Student
Hola everyone!
I guess it's going to be a lot harder to update than I thought. I'm definitely going to try and update atleast once a week... although I feel I might be the only person to really care and read this blog... jajaja. Either way, my second week has come and gone. I have to say having classes 3 days a week makes it soo much easier. However, I must find something else to do to take up my time... so if anyone has a job they are willing to offer me... please give me a call.
This week I successfully completed my first writing assignment.. it was torture... who knew being out of school for a year was going to make it that difficult to get back in the swing of things. However, I'm glad it's over... now only if I can stay on top of these readings... but there are sooooooo many. Outside of school, I've managed to hangout with my new friends, do a "little" shopping, and play some sports. I've been sticking to my workout plan, which is easy considering my gym is located inside my bldg, all i have to do is go downstairs...jajaja if I can't do that... then I really am lazy. I had my first game with my volleyball team... it was really fun, we won. i do have to say, that it's been a long time since I've played, I miss how much fun it is. Volleyball has always been a fun sport for me, it never brought as much stress for me as basketball... I don't know why. I also continued to play a little tennis... I think I'm getting better, but considering that I didn't even know how to play a few months ago... the fact that I can hit the ball over and in the court should mean something... although I do miss padel... they need to import that from Spain
It's really difficult to remember everything that's happened... so I'm really sorry if this isn't an interesting post. I will do my best to continue the updates... but it looks like as I get deeper into the school year... it's going to be a great challenge. So if you want to know how I'm doing... give me a call, send me an e-mail, message through facebook, tuenti, or owl... whatever you want. I also love hand written letters:
I will upload a few photos... I have to say i haven't been as photo happy as normal... i don't know why. I need to get on it. As always, I miss everyone, and hope everyone is doing well, and that we'll talk/see/chat with each other soon. Thousands of hugs and kisses from this new city that is slowly growing on me...
Buenas noches!
Ngoc :)
This week I successfully completed my first writing assignment.. it was torture... who knew being out of school for a year was going to make it that difficult to get back in the swing of things. However, I'm glad it's over... now only if I can stay on top of these readings... but there are sooooooo many. Outside of school, I've managed to hangout with my new friends, do a "little" shopping, and play some sports. I've been sticking to my workout plan, which is easy considering my gym is located inside my bldg, all i have to do is go downstairs...jajaja if I can't do that... then I really am lazy. I had my first game with my volleyball team... it was really fun, we won. i do have to say, that it's been a long time since I've played, I miss how much fun it is. Volleyball has always been a fun sport for me, it never brought as much stress for me as basketball... I don't know why. I also continued to play a little tennis... I think I'm getting better, but considering that I didn't even know how to play a few months ago... the fact that I can hit the ball over and in the court should mean something... although I do miss padel... they need to import that from Spain
It's really difficult to remember everything that's happened... so I'm really sorry if this isn't an interesting post. I will do my best to continue the updates... but it looks like as I get deeper into the school year... it's going to be a great challenge. So if you want to know how I'm doing... give me a call, send me an e-mail, message through facebook, tuenti, or owl... whatever you want. I also love hand written letters:I will upload a few photos... I have to say i haven't been as photo happy as normal... i don't know why. I need to get on it. As always, I miss everyone, and hope everyone is doing well, and that we'll talk/see/chat with each other soon. Thousands of hugs and kisses from this new city that is slowly growing on me...
Buenas noches!
Ngoc :)
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Is it too late to go home?
Hi guys,
I've finished my first week as a graduate student and all I have to say is... if I don't turn into a book from all this reading, that's going to be a miracle. Besides the crazy amounts of reading, I'm pretty happy. It has been a great time meeting new people, who are from everywhere with super interesting stories... I love being in school! However, I don't like being the poor and unable to spend money part... but I'm still working on that... it'll come sometime soon.
I haven't done much outside of school... I hung out with a few friends, played a little tennis with them. I definitely miss the IMA where everything was nice and cool and in one place. To go to the tennis courts here... I had to take a shuttle which lead me to another shuttle and then there's the courts. They aren't very nice like the ones at the IMA... oh how I miss the IMA with it's awesome gym and nice pool.
Talking about the pool.... I went to the pool here, and I know I'm not the biggest person but this pool made me feel big... it really wasn't a pool... it was like a puddle, so I was very disappointed. I got into my speedo, with my swim cap and my googles and I walk in and I see the pool and the sign says 3-5 feet... and I'm like "are you for real???" Once again... is it too late to go home and go back to the IMA pool? Even the pool in Spain which was small was even better... at least there were more than 3 lanes and it was deep enough for me to jump into... oh well what can you do right?
Umm... besides that, I'm happy with how things are going, still trying to find a job and some other activities to fill my day. I've been sticking to my workout plan, it's a lot easier when the gym is downstairs and it takes me 2 seconds to take the elevator down. Next week I start my volleyball team thing and I'm very excited... as I always am to play volleyball. It'll be a nice way to meet new people, but I just hope my shoulder holds out.
All in all, my first week has been great, made some cool new friends, did some exercise, explored the city a little more. Life is great... besides the millions of pages I have to read, but I can't complain, I only have 3 days of classes so it's kinda like working in Spain again... :) If only my weekends were filled with traveling rather than being holed up at my desk with my articles on health care reform... i guess when I dose off I return to Spain and it feels as if I'm really there... A girl can dream!
The rain right now is making me miss Seattle and of course all those that are there without me. I hope to talk to everyone soon, and I hope you guys are doing AWESOME!
Lots of love,
Ngoc :)
I've finished my first week as a graduate student and all I have to say is... if I don't turn into a book from all this reading, that's going to be a miracle. Besides the crazy amounts of reading, I'm pretty happy. It has been a great time meeting new people, who are from everywhere with super interesting stories... I love being in school! However, I don't like being the poor and unable to spend money part... but I'm still working on that... it'll come sometime soon.
I haven't done much outside of school... I hung out with a few friends, played a little tennis with them. I definitely miss the IMA where everything was nice and cool and in one place. To go to the tennis courts here... I had to take a shuttle which lead me to another shuttle and then there's the courts. They aren't very nice like the ones at the IMA... oh how I miss the IMA with it's awesome gym and nice pool.
Talking about the pool.... I went to the pool here, and I know I'm not the biggest person but this pool made me feel big... it really wasn't a pool... it was like a puddle, so I was very disappointed. I got into my speedo, with my swim cap and my googles and I walk in and I see the pool and the sign says 3-5 feet... and I'm like "are you for real???" Once again... is it too late to go home and go back to the IMA pool? Even the pool in Spain which was small was even better... at least there were more than 3 lanes and it was deep enough for me to jump into... oh well what can you do right?
Umm... besides that, I'm happy with how things are going, still trying to find a job and some other activities to fill my day. I've been sticking to my workout plan, it's a lot easier when the gym is downstairs and it takes me 2 seconds to take the elevator down. Next week I start my volleyball team thing and I'm very excited... as I always am to play volleyball. It'll be a nice way to meet new people, but I just hope my shoulder holds out.
All in all, my first week has been great, made some cool new friends, did some exercise, explored the city a little more. Life is great... besides the millions of pages I have to read, but I can't complain, I only have 3 days of classes so it's kinda like working in Spain again... :) If only my weekends were filled with traveling rather than being holed up at my desk with my articles on health care reform... i guess when I dose off I return to Spain and it feels as if I'm really there... A girl can dream!
The rain right now is making me miss Seattle and of course all those that are there without me. I hope to talk to everyone soon, and I hope you guys are doing AWESOME!
Lots of love,
Ngoc :)
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