10: Ding

I got dinged by Columbia.

Scrolling: Fila Brazillia - It's A Knockout

It would've been nice to get in. Although I am happy that I can still watch Seinfeld and sleep 8 hours a day. I am grateful that I have good food, clean water and heat. I am thankful that I did not lose my house or loved ones in a hurricane, flood or earthquake.

This means that I need to apply to more schools, which requires me to write essays, fill out forms and beg for recommendations.

Happy Holidays!

9: Electricity

Yesterday, the power went out for 4 hours and then some more.

Scrolling: ...

I didn't know what to do. I couldn't access the internet because the cable modem needs electricity to work. I could've used my cellphone to check my mail but since I am not eagerly awaiting any admission decisions, I didn't. I couldn't watch tv. I could've cooked using a flashlight but it would've been a hassle.

So I just slouched on my couch. I started thinking. I tried to dig up memories from my youth. I was trying to come up with an answer to the UCLA question: "Please provide us with a summary of your personal and family background. Include information about your parents and siblings, where you grew up, and perhaps a highlight or special memory from your youth. (Limit to two pages, double spaced)".

Whenever I try to fool myself into thinking that lying down on the couch and trying to think of answers is a highly constructive utilization of my time, sleep shows up and brings me back to reality.

I slept for 3.5 hours. I was interrupted by numerous phone calls, but everytime I hung up and tried to think about UCLA's question, sleep popped up. When I finally defeated sleep, sat up, grabbed my laptop and typed the lone idea that I dreamed of while sleeping, the electricity came back.

Now I had to do all the stuff I had postponed due to lack of electricity. So I threw my laptop away and turned on the TV. Nothing. My cable box probably blew up when the electricity decided to take a walk. Hmmm. I freak out when things stop working. Tried to catch the waves using the TV's built in antenna. Nothing. Then I bypassed the cable box and stuck the cable directly into the TV. Got it! But I couldn't use the interactive TV guide. So I started from Channel 1. Finally converged upon something interesting to watch. Pop. Zhuck. Crackle. The electricity went out again.

I didn't try and fool myself anymore. Flopped into bed. Fell half asleep. The electricity came back. Fell fully asleep.

Woke up. There was ice outside.

I am stinkingly dependent on electricity for some reason. In 2006, I will try and live without electricity for a week.

8: LA

I am back from a wonderful trip to California.

Scrolling: ...

First, the business school part. I visited UCLA. Although I had planned to apply there even before the visit, now I am even more convinced. The essay questions are a bit weird though.

UCLA Anderson students are pretty people. Even the prospectives were mostly good looking. The students are also a fun-loving, carefree bunch, at least the ones present in the class I attended. They all managed to smile, laugh and crack jokes in a class on a boring, mind-boggling subject. Reminded me of high school. The girls' clothing was quite varied - it ranged from pants that had a good cut and fit well coupled with a nice top and a quality cashmere sweater to white tee, fleece and jeans. Only one student had a Mac. The buildings were sparkly squeaky clean inside. There was a big lawn nearby, with lots of sunshine. And a cafe with lots of fireplaces.

Second, the leisure part. Drove from LA to SF. Got drunk and did some gymnastics on the BART. Next afternoon, took the Pacific Coast Highway back to LA. That was nice, nice, nice. Stopped at Carmel (governed by Clint Eastwood at some point, I think)on the way. Desginer shops, rich people, pampered dogs. It got dark on the way, which made it even more fun. I felt as if I was in outer space, no signs of humanity for miles, just the vast, dark ocean.

Decided to stop at Santa Barbara, since we weren't going make it to LA before the clubs closed. The music in Santa Barbara clubs was really to my taste, especially at this place called Madison. The waitresses were sweet too. Continued to LA, reached home and dropped dead.

Woke up next morning, hit the Walt Disney Concert Hall, MoCA, Schindler House, Pacific Design Center, Urth Cafe, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Promenade, The Grove and a club called Here.

Uh, I don't feel like writing any more essays.