Read the Subheadings

After such a long wait, I wish I had an inspirational, thought-provoking message for you readers out there.  Unfortunately, you will just be perusing a jumble of random events (read the subheadings) — my desperate attempt to catch you up on everything that I have forgotten to recount.  Obviously, I have been preoccupied with more important engagements, namely ACADEMICS.

First, allow me to share an entertaining video that pretty much represents my life.  I shall work backwards from there.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYnw4N_zWb4

Swim Test

I completed my 50-yard swim test.  It was easy.  There’s really not much to say here… but it felt nice to get back in the pool after three years of dry land.  One hour and about 2000 yards later, my arms and legs were numb.  I forgot how much muscle was required to push myself across the water!  

Locking Eyes with Aragorn and Legolas

Fermin, Cynthia, Meili and I enjoyed a wonderful study break watching the first half of Return of the King.  I ate like… a third of Meili’s Nutella, and I feel incredibly guilty. #fatpeopleproblems  We definitely had some fun pausing the movie at the close-up headshots of the Fellowship members staring toward at us.

Christmas Carols

I don’t remember what I did yesterday, other than singing with the Glee Club for Dartmouth’s tree lighting ceremony.  It was so much fun, but extremely cold.  Thanks so much for watching, Pranam, Meili, and Teresa!

Everybody Shuff-uh-lin

Our very own dancing prodigy Cynthia taught some of the floor how to do the Party Rock choreography.  She’s so amazing, and she never fails impress/surprise me with another one of her multiple talents.  Dancing, singing, and speaking foreign languages – you name it!

Onigiri （おいしいでしょうね!）

On the last Nihongo Table of each term, the Dartmouth Japan Society hosts an Onigiri Hour.  My rice balls always fell apart, so I had to cover them in nori sheets so they would maintain their shape…

Syssition

Professor Christesen invited us Spartiates over to his house for a class dinner.  It was very filling – steak, potatoes, salad, plenty of dessert…  It was interesting to go around the room and hear from everyone what they thought was the most interesting/strange/disturbing Spartan custom.  Quite a few people mentioned the marriage practices and the homoerotic relationships between boys and their teachers.

Bubbles

Instead of reviewing any material of intellectual value, my Writing 5 class celebrated the end of Fall Term with a cookie and bubble party.  After turning in our final research papers, we had a contest to see who could blow the prettiest bubbles and discussed a potential reunion for winter term.  I’ll miss this class.  Professor Kremer is the best!  She made the writing process so *cough* f-fun… (in shock)

Last Day of Classes and Living in Baker-Berry (つかれてよ！):

Yes, that’s right!  No more Introductory Greek or Spartan History!  I’m free!  Well, not exactly.  From about 11 AM yesterday to 2 AM today, I studied very hard in the library, memorizing Greek verb conjugations and finishing up a research paper on Lycurgan Politeia.  I really shouldn’t say much about this night beyond (exhausted students) + (looming threat of final exams) = intense earth-shattering drama.

Bangla

I have committed to learning Bengali, one grammatical concept at a time.  Of course, I’m studying it so I can communicate with Pranam (and hopefully his family once I can actually express myself in full sentences.)  It is so, so interesting, but pretty difficult compared with Japanese or Latin.  Soooo… Thumi kemon accho? Ami bhalo acchi.  Ami Bangla pori.  Ami Bangla bhalobashi.  Ami aata Bangla khub bhalobashi. :3

Thanksgiving

My break started on Monday since most of my classes were cancelled (except for fluffin’ Greek).  On Tuesday night, the Chatterjee family came to visit Pranam, and I had the privilege of meeting his parents and twin sister, who is from MIT and absolutely brilliant.  On Wednesday evening, while I was studying in Sanborn, they invited me along for a tour of campus.  I really enjoyed the time to converse and become more familiar with everyone.  We met back in McCulloch to share some Chinese food and engage in epic dance routines – Everytime We Touch, Blame It On the Boogie, Salty Dog Rag, Wobble, and of course some salsa and east coast swing!  On Thursday, the Chatterjees met us back in Brace Commons for the most memorable Thanksgiving dinner ever.  Meili had already left, and I was disappointed about not being able to spend the holiday with my mom, but together with my floor mates, I could really sense a welcoming, loving atmosphere.  I attempted to brew up a vegetable soup, while George cooked a pasta dish.  Mr. and Mrs. Chatterjee shared their own culinary masterpieces with us as well. J  Unfortunately, for the rest of the weekend I had to play catch up.  Well, actually my definition of catch up is trying to get as much ahead as possible.

I’ll probably blog a little during winter break, so keep checking back!