Roaming Horned Frog

Hello again...

2011-11-25T23:04:00.001-05:00

November 26, 2011

I am blogging from my new iPad2! This was an exciting purchase for Black Friday 2011. Here's the list of what I purchased this year:

*Shark Steam Mop
*Luggage Set
*Pyrex 20 piece set
*Sewing Machine
*Electric Griddle
*Memory Foam Bath Mats
*Pea Coat
*Jeans
*Pajama Pants
*iPad2
*GPS: Garmin

This is the most that I have done for myself. I need to figure out what i'm going to get my parents and my brother.

Another note: I've started watching Mad Men. I can't believe i've been missing out on this show. Where have I been? This is a really interesting show with multiple characters that have multiple issues. I think I'm in love with Don Draper.

Okay...I think that's all for this post. I'll talk with y'all later.

xoxo

Cledes

Korean Dramas....

2011-07-15T21:56:00.002-04:00

July 15, 2011

So i've been watching a Korean Drama that came out in 2009 called Flowers over Boys. It's basically a Cinderella/Little Mermaid story. I'd consider myself a hopeless romantic. I was so much television. The movies always give us stories that give us hope of a life that we wish to have.

I have to wake up and realize that my life is not what I hope it could be. I have to accept my destiny and just take one day at a time. Who knows why people come into our lives. People who come into our lives have this purpose: to teach us something. Our parents/guardians/family who are a part of our lives or not teach us to love, hate, cherish, and hope. Mentors come into our lives to guide us to places where we never thought we could go. Friends share with us their heartache and happiness.

People also leave our lives. As time passes by, we lose touch. Sometimes, it's sudden. It's always hard to let go and move on. Once a person comes into your life, you never forget how they have changed you. You look up to those people who supported and encouraged you. You learn to love them. You are inspired by them.

Sometimes I feel like I'm dreaming. Dreaming that one day I can wake up and say what I really wanted to say. This is not a dream. It is reality. Sometimes I just want to lay down in a field and look at the clouds during the day and the stars at night and not think about anything. I just want to float.

Like atoms that collide, people collide with purpose. It's part of our destiny. The hardest part is living through it and understanding why things happen. Even though it's been three years, it seems like yesterday and I just can't stop thinking about what if. A couple of weeks ago, I saw this movie and at one point, these words made my heart stop:

"'What' and ‘if’ two words as nonthreatening
as words come. But put
them together side-by-side and they
have the power to haunt you for the
rest of your life: ‘What if?'..."

"I don't know how your story ended.
But I know that if what you felt
then was love - true love - then
it's never too late. If it was true
then it why wouldn't it be true
now? You need only the courage to
follow your heart..."

"I don't know what a love like that
feels like... a love to leave loved
ones for, a love to cross oceans
for... but I'd like to believe if I
ever felt it. I'd have the courage
to seize it. I hope you had the
courage to seize it, Claire. And if
you didn't, I hope one day that you
will."

Didn't I tell you I was a hopeless romantic?

I'm rambling. Don't know who is all going to read this, but I just can't stop thinking about how I need to stop being selfish and just take things the way they are.

I want to get a Ph.d. I want to help others. My mother always told me that I had a problem of helping others outside of the family and being selfish at home. My ultimate goal is to pay-it-forward to others. Whether people want my help or not, I just want to be a part of their life and hope that one day they can look back and think about how I've helped them or guided them like Greg did for me.

One day, my happiness will come. I just have to be patient. I feel like I haven't really lived life. Almost 25 and still so much to learn. I am patient. Don't get me wrong...I'm a really happy and optimistic person. I just go through some tough times. My aunt always says that we suffer at points of our life, but in the end, we reap the benefits later.

Until next time, I'll keep watching my Korean dramas and try to update this blog. It's hard, but I will try.

<3 Cleda

Seriously Overdue...

2011-06-17T16:02:00.003-04:00

June 17, 2011

I can't believe that it's been almost a year since I last posted. Lots of apologies.

Yusi (http://urbanyousee.blogspot.com/) actually inspired me to blog again. She posted a tweet about blogging again.

I'm completing my first year as a Resident Director at the University of Illinois (UC). I've been through lots of laughs, tears, hugs, and frustrations in my first year. I had to find my place and figure out a lot of things with the help of my wonderful coach (another RD), Liz, my co-RD, Thomas, and my AC, Melissa. Also, I wasn't the only new person as I thought I was. Jessica came to Urbana North! We have our 2-person cohort and it's fantastic. Shopping trips, meals, pool time and stories. Sister from another mother.

In a nutshell, I've learned to manage a staff of 11 Resident Assistants and 1 Multicultural Advocate, provide leadership opportunities to students in our Black Student Union, Ebony Umoja, and find ways to grow as a new professional. I applied to be the Executive Director of the Midwest Asian American Student Union (MAASU) and did not get it. I learned that it was best that I didn't get the position because of my lack of experience in working with Asian American students. Being a first generation Asian American student myself, I understand my history and my identity development but lacked the experience and understanding of other students in the Midwest. I was able to co-advise the Orange and Blue Illini Chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary and I advised the GLACURH delegation and the NACURH delegation. This was a phenomenal experience and I am excited to continue as an advisor for this group. Next year I will also advise AASHO. This is our Asian American Student Housing Organization. I will definitely be attending the MAASU fall and spring conferences and am excited about presenting as well. I enjoyed my time as a co-advisor for the Residence Hall Judicial Commission (RHJC). It seems that I did a lot of supervision and advising this year.

I hope this summer I can begin working on some research on First Generation Asian American Students as well as Multiracial and Multiethnic students. In addition, I am planning to do a literature review on the Sophomore Year Experience. Hoping that this will prepare me for the Ph.D. I need to continually read and write so I can be motivated for the Ph.D.

I got a dog about 3 weeks after I moved to Urbana-Champaign. Her name is Roxie. She is a cutie:
She's a chihuahua mix that is about 7.5 lbs. I am learning a lot from her. It's hard to go away on weekend trip and EXPENSIVE. I have to put her in boarding at her vet because I feel bad in asking my coworkers to take care of her. I never want to burden them. That's why I just pay the $10/night to keep her at her vet.

I have a BF! His name is Drue. This week marks 7 months that we've been together. All I can say is that I'm very happy and he brings out the best in me. =)

Ambika (my best friend) is still in Switzerland. We try to Skype, but I'm a slacker. I'm her coach right now. She's got a lot of ambitious goals and I am supposed to help her with them.

I've started a Spending Fast (more like a diet). I'm hoping to pay off all of my credit cards and store cards by December. In addition to the cards, I have about $24,000 in grad school loans that I am hoping to pay off in 2 years. I want to be able to write a check for my parents so that they can use that money towards their business. I owe them a lot for their support and their wisdom. I was inspired by Anna (http://www.andthenshesaved.com/) who saved $18,000 in a year! Hoping I can do about the same? We'll see. I need to stop eating out and really eat what I have in my pantry and freezer. I have this habit of buying what I want at the moment and not eating/cooking it so I freeze everything. Ugh. I also have this bad habit of buying clothes and I don't wear (one of my aunts has this problem as well).

Oh...btw: I'm going to be on a BOAT in about 10 days!!!! I had scheduled a week of vacation in Alabama to visit Aunts/Uncles/Cousins/Grandparents and then a week in Texas with my parents and brother. I called my aunt to tell her when I was coming and she said, "Ok, I'm going to book a cruise." So, 11 family members are going on a Cruise from Mobile, AL to COZUMEL!!!!

I can't wait to post pictures and such! I haven't been on a cruise since I was 4 years old (Disney cruise with grandparents -- saw the pics, but don't remember a thing).

Before my vacation, i'm going to a wedding in Detroit. Can't wait to celebrate Demetrius' and Stephanie's marriage!

Here's my driving schedule:
6/24: IL---> MI
6/25: MI---> OH (stay the night in Cincinnati)
6/26: OH---> AL
7/3: AL--->TX
7/10: TX---> IL

Lots of driving. Thank goodness I have a new car that is hybrid. Traded in the Toyota during Spring Break (March) for a 2010 Prius that my parents got in January. Plus, I love my tinted windows!

Anywho, I'm tired of typing. My hands are starting to hurt.

I'm going to the Taste of Champaign tonight. Will post pictures tomorrow. I promise, again, I will try to blog more often (daily).

-Cleda

Hello again...

2010-07-02T15:53:00.003-04:00

July 2, 2010

I apologize for being gone for 4 months! So much has happened since.

1) I got a job!
2) I got a job!
3) I got a job!

What can I say? I went with my heart and it told me to keep waiting and I waited until the end. I am still in the Big 10! It's all about fit and I believe I found the best fit: the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

I have so many people to thank. First and always, Greg. If it wasn't for him, I don't know where or what I would be doing today. He said, "do what you want to do." Student Affairs. It's been 2 years since he's passed; I'll never forget how he's changed my life. Second, my parents. Although they wanted me to be a doctor and I broke their hearts and went into Higher Ed, they are still supportive. Third, my former supervisor, Kate. She is the supervisor I aspire to become. I can't imagine what my experience as MSU would be if she was not my supervisor. Fourth, my cohort. I can't imagine having any other cohort. I've learned so much from the different experiences and conversations we've had inside and outside of class and work. I love them so much. Finally, my #sachat folk. I didn't know that I could find another supportive group out there. When I was job searching, I had so many questions and had to make so many hard decisions. In addition, I was nervous about interviews. I received so much support from the #sachat community. Simply incredible. Thank you. You know who you are. :)

*Update*

So I moved back home after graduating. Woo! My parents were thrilled. I tried to get a lot done: dinner with sisters, dinner with Rebeccah (TCU, SWACURH, NACURH friend for life), hang out with my cousins, hang out with my brother, work at my parents' shop, hang out with my best friend Ambika, dinner with high school friends (Nydia --who now works for the Boston Red Sox, and Marqui), go to Gloria and Edgar's wedding, visit Summerbridge (Breakthrough Collaborative), and eat at some of my favorite Fort Worth/hometown spots (Riscky's, Pirhanna's, Fuzzy's). Oh --- I also went to Mississippi for a family reunion, got back, had 2 days to pack/organize and then left for Urbana-Champaign. Wooo!!!!

Now I'm in Urbana. I love it here. I am really excited to start work on Tuesday. I have a staff of 12, 1 Multicultural Advocate, and me. There were at least 10 people that came to help me unload my car. It was fantastic! I've pretty much finished unpacking. I just need to organize a few more things, but I feel like I am "at home" now. I spent way too much money at Target to complete my apt. I still have much more to go. I need a beautiful painting over my bed. I need 2 TVs (one in my bedroom - small, and one in the living room - medium). My walk-in closet is amazing. I love it. Apparently, I have the largest apartment. I totally believe in Karma. I had the smallest apt. at MSU.

I've been watching a lot of TV---on-line. Catching up on season finales and summer shows.

Music camp is in my hall. Love the screaming, laughing, yelling. I love life in the hall. When I moved to Williams Hall last summer, it was dead. I was terrified to leave my apt. at night. Living in THE oldest residence hall at MSU didn't help. Here at Wardall -- I feel safe because I know that I have about 300-500 music campers living above me. :) Makes my day.

I am going to go to the Farmer's Market early tomorrow morning, if I can find it. I want to get flowers for my kitchen. :) I need to find plants to put in my apt. Also -- spending the weekend with my favorite NASPA buddy, JJ. I'm driving to Dekalb to hang out with him tomorrow. Then we're going to Chicago for the 4th and the Taste of Chicago. :)

Hope you all have a safe and wonderful 4th of July Weekend. I promise I will post regularly.

Cleda

The Placement Exchange

2010-03-06T17:02:00.002-05:00

March 6, 2010

It's Saturday --- and placement for me is done! Woo! I've had such a great experience. Meeting all sorts of new people and people from Twitter.

Day 1 - Orientation and getting acquainted with the mailbox was quite an interesting evening. It was nice to get a note of encouragement from my home institution (Charlie T-O). I really appreciated it.

Day 2 - I had some interviews that went okay and one that was scheduled that day that went fantastic. I felt a connection with the institution and the people. I was really fortunate for them to ask me to interview with them and fell in love with this institution. **I met @thestacyface and it was pretty exciting to see someone that I had "tweeted" with and met via #sachat. FUN FUN FUN.

Day 3 - I had some big interviews that left me with the following: "I'm not sure how I feel." I left TPE this day feeling a bit overwhelmed and trying to rethink what my path would be and where I wanted and hoped to go....Also, later in the evening, went to Gioco's for Bristol's Birthday dinner! It was DELICIOUS! Highly recommend it.

Day 4 - Today was good. I interviewed with a school that wanted to interview me because they believed I was a "good fit" for their position (student activities) and the interview was incredible!

I feel better and more confident in myself. When I retook the StrengthsQuest test, Connectedness showed in my top 5. I think originally it was in my top ten, but it showed up this time. I believe that what happened with Greg (my mentor who passed away before I started my journey in Student Affairs 2 years ago) and what happened at Michigan State (how I came without an assistantship and became proactive and found internships/jobs that lead me to where I am today)...I truly believe that things happen for a reason. I am more motivated to become the student affairs professional I was meant to be. I definitely want to "pay it forward" and give my all. That's what Greg did for me and I believe he's truly helped me in my process in the job search. I've asked for guidance and I believe he's with me helping me out.

It's going to be a good job search. I still have C3 in Boston (ACPA). Really hoping to see where this all leads me. I can't believe it's this time in my life.

In addition, I believe my cohort has done wonders for me. We've truly been supportive of each other in our process. Every day, we find a room in the candidate resource room (preferably one near extensions/outlets) and watch each others stuff. We get excited when people come back from the first and second and third rounds of interviews talking about how they loved the institution and can see themselves there. I haven't seen this happen among other cohorts, but have seen it in ours. Talk about challenge and support (Sanford). Lots of support! :)

Anyways, going to sign off for the day and start packing my bags. I am moving to the conference hotel partially tonight. Good luck to all TPE candidates. Really excited about going to a reception tonight....heavy appetizers = dinner.

Much love,

Cleda

Busy Semester

2010-02-23T15:27:00.002-05:00

February 23, 2010

Just realized that The Placement Exchange is next week! I'm so excited and nervous at the same time! I am so happy that I am almost in the working world of Student Affairs. Technically, I already am, but I would love to go full time and not worry about reading every hour of every day and writing, revising, and reading, and more reading.

I honestly love working as as Assistant Hall Director. I'm constantly working on something for my staff, my residents, for my supervisor, and supporting my coworkers. My job energizes me to a whole other level. I enjoy my courses, but I am just about done. Going straight from undergraduate to graduate work ---that's 6 years of postsecondary education. I'll worry when I get into a Ph.D. program. Hopefully, I find a program and job that fits me.

Speaking of this semester, it's going to go by quickly. Placement and NASPA are the next two weeks, then I have a break. Then I go to C3 and ACPA. Then break again. Who knows who will ask for campus interviews. I'm really excited and I hope for the best for my cohort. We're a pretty fantastic group. Everyone has had different experiences.

Well....just wanted to take some time to reflect a bit. I'm waiting for two loads of laundry, listening to Chopin, and about to catch up on some on-line work. Then I am volunteering at our Spring Break Safety fair in one of our Cafs. :) We'll see how that goes! :)

Much love,

Cleda

#sachat!

2010-02-18T11:17:00.002-05:00

Ask me about #sachat for ACPA/NASPA??? thoughts?

Fruit Tart

2009-12-15T21:36:00.004-05:00

December 15, 2009

Today was the potluck for EAD 875! Lovely way to end the semester! I decided to make a Fruit Tart. Originally, I was going to make a Tiramisu Bowl, but Dani was making her famous Toffee Chocolate Trifle.

I made the crust out of Nila wafers (50 crushed) and almonds (1/2 cup crushed)...mixed with melted butter. Had to press it down into my glass pie pan thing.
Next, I had to make the filling. One cup of cold milk (whole), with Vanilla Pudding mix, and a cup of Cool Whip. :) Then I poured it in.

Finally, I left it sit in the refrigerator for about 3 hours....after....I cut/washed some fruit and placed it on top. I used strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, kiwi, and raspberries.

Took it to the potluck and people loved it. :) (At least I hope they were not lying to me....)

Personally, it was delicious! For next time--- I need to crush the nila wafers and almonds more...to little pieces. There were a couple of chunky almonds left. It was hard to cut out the crust without losing some...So I think I might also try some graham crackers to crush and mix it in.

Hope you enjoy!

Cleda

"Praise to thee, TCU"

2009-11-23T12:00:00.002-05:00

November 23, 2009

It's almost Thanksgiving! I'm very thankful that TCU is ranked #4 in the BCS standings! I feel so proud as an alumnus! I'm definitely going to give more money to TCU.

I'm also thankful to have wonderful friends and co-workers! I am going home with Jess P. for Thanksgiving! She's so wonderful! I'm really excited to meet her family and also to go Black Friday shopping with her!!!!

So back to TCU --- I've already told my mom and dad that I'm going to the Bowl Game when TCU goes....Fiesta or Sugar...we'll see. I just really want to go and support. They are against me going, but I'm an adult and I can make my own decisions! We'll see how much it all costs. Depends also on how much I spend this Friday!

I've put up my Christmas lights. :) So excited! It looks awesome at night. I'll try to post a picture.

I have so many things to do -- including my self-paced on-line class which is currently at no pace for me. I've got a lot of reading and writing to do! The history paper (huge) is done and over with....all I need to work on is my poster presentation, my portion of the Office Consultation Project, and my on-line class. :) Weeee!

It's almost here--- i'm less than a month away from home. Can't wait! I miss my family, my godmother, my cat, and my dog. It's been 6 months since I've seen them.

Anyways.....making lunch now. Turkey and rice :) Hope it turns out okay.

Much love and hugs,

Cleda

6 months...

2009-11-20T19:12:00.001-05:00

November 20, 2009

I'm a month away from home! I can't wait to be back in Texas. It's been 6 months now...and will be a total of 7 months since I've been home.

It hasn't snowed yet in Michigan -- well in East Lansing.

I kind of miss it. I forgot what it looks like.

So.....just finished a huge history paper. *crosses fingers* I hope it's good. We'll see.

Now going to clean my apt. I hope my next post is longer.

<3 Cledes

Busy Weekend....

2009-10-11T21:45:00.002-04:00

I had a relatively busy weekend.
I spent Saturday from 1PM-2:30PM working on a case study presentation with my group --we're attacking the issue of Hazing. It was a really good discussion and I'm really excited we're working on this early.

Then Charlie and I went to Expresso Royale Cafe to write our Case Study Analysis due Tuesday. We sat there for a long time. From 2:30 until about 7:45PM. We hashed out our papers and only have a little bit left and editing! :) So proud of us. Plus, we were able to get Thai Kitchen for dinner. Delicious!

We then came back to ERC --- there wasn't anyone there because their expresso machine was out of commission - EPIC Fail. BUT, when we got back, they fixed it! :) We didn't stay too long.

I had to leave because I was on secondary duty at 9PM and had to be back at Williams.

TODAY was really hectic. I created the flyers to post up all around West Circle for the Career and Majors Exploration Campaign. The printer in Landon was out of color ink and I didn't know where the extra cartridges were. Went to the other color printer in another hall and found out the printer "lost connection" with the computer. So I had to go to Staples to buy my own color and black in for my printer to orint out one set.

Now i'm making a lot of copies. It's taking about 30 minutes for every set of 50 copies. :(

Fail.

On the other hand, my supervisor just walked into the office and told me training went well tonight. It was short, simple, and sweet.

LOTs of things happened. I created Jeopardy questions and had everything ready, but didn't have internet connection in the Ivy Room to reload it. I was ready, but not. Jess got sick. Remember how the printers weren't working? Well, she made the handout and it was ready, but she didn't print them because of the printers. Fail. She ended up going to the hospital and left the meeting early. So Prohibitive Harassment training was all me. I had a lot of support from Scott. Nick, Audrey, and Kate were also very supportive. I was just frantic and a wreck. I'm a J (MBTI) and not having anything made me nervous. I typed up definitions and created some activities on the spot. It was all done in 45 minutes (Imagine a 1.5 hr presentation cut in half). I ended without doing Jeopardy, but just now came up with a good idea. I'm going to make a crossword/worksheet/essay sheet for Mentors/Staff and have them fill them out (optional) and turn them into me for cookies+candy. Yay! :)

I'm just really happy that people liked the training and told Kate and she told me. I feel good, but being a Maximizer (StrengthsQuest), I know I could have done it better. It was mediocre because it was on the spot, last minute.

Now I'm making copies and listening to the K-Ci and JoJo Radio on Pandora. Good music.

Much love and hugs,

Cleda

Long time No Talk!!! 3 months!

2009-10-08T12:13:00.002-04:00

Sorry that I have not been able to update my blog.

Lots of things have happened since the last post:

*I had a great summer in Bloomington, IN.
*I am now an Assistant Hall Director in Williams Hall - West Circle.
*I love my Senior Staff, Sub-Staff, and Hall Government!
*My BEST FRIEND moved to Switzerland.
*I'm a little behind on Academics.
*I've been to Atlanta to visit JPizzle with Dani!
*I am planning to present at a conference at UW-Madison.
*I have had to readjust my plans for Thanksgiving.

:)

P.S. I miss Ambika.

Weekend in Chicago!

2009-07-07T11:08:00.002-04:00

July 7, 2009

I went to Chicago for the 4th of July weekend and had a blast! We, Tassia, Andres, and I, drove from Bloomington up to Chi-town and made it in about 5 hours with traffic/construction. We made it to our hostel --which was located in downtown and one block away from Grant Park. Such a great location and great price!!!! We went to the Taste of Chicago and spent most of our day there on Friday. Then we watched the Fireworks in Grant Park -- SPECTACULAR! I'll post a video later of the show. On Saturday, we decided we would go to a Cubs game -- Cubs vs. Brewers. We browsed the different vendors and bought ourselves some Cubs gear to conform to the norm. Too bad it started raining and the Cubs did not do well at all. LOL. Wrigley field is small compared to what I'm used to in Arlington -- GO RANGERS!

After the game -- we went to the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum ---wow. Just wow! I do have to say that although I was impressed by the Shedd Aquarium, the New England Aquarium was better (in its own way). We did see Pole to Pole (part of Planet Earth) in 4D. Pretty fun! Later that evening, we grabbed some delicious cheesecake from the Taste. Andres and I then went to see "America All Better" at The Second City. This is where Tina Fey, Steve Carrell, Alan Arkin, Chris Farley, Stephen Colbert, and Amy Poelhar (sp?) started!!!! The show was hilarious! They made a lot of jabs at Americans in general, some at Texas, a lot of fun poked at Indiana and Gary, IN. Race issues, classism, you name it -- it was covered! Got back to the hosttel at around 2:30 AM. Then drove back to Bloomington early in the morning. Made it just in time for a nap before our weekly 7PM housekeeping meeting with the entire student body (of the Groups program).

Still exhauted, but incredibly happy that I was able to go to Chi-town for a weekend, especially that of the 4th of July!

I know we didn't do the Magnificent Mile, didn't wait in line for an hour to get some of Garrett's Popcorn, go to Navy Pier, or the Sear's tower. I'm saving all of that for March when I go to NASPA. :) tee hee.

Until next time,

Cleds

P.S. I got a phone call from a friend I haven't talked to in a long, long time. It's good to hear from people. Call me ---- anyone!

June 30, 2009

2009-06-30T17:48:00.002-04:00

I've been at IU for 5 weeks and two days!!! WOW! Time goes by quickly! I'm only 5 weeks away from training/going back to East Lansing! Oh how I miss it so! I absolutely love it here in Bloomington! I went to Indianapolis this past weekend and had a blast! I saw Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen in IMAX and it was incredible! Did a lot of shopping and had incredible creole/cajun food at Yats (the original location)!

The weather in Bloomington is quite unusual. Last week, it was very humid and hot. Today, the high is about 75 and tomorrow it will be 72 or so. I am used to the upper 90s and low 100s in Texas. I am definitely enjoying this weather!

My internship is pretty sweet. I'm enjoying my time learning and spending some informal time with the students. I believe I can relate to them, being a first-generation student. They might not know it, but I am hoping to connect with them in the next 5 weeks. They finished their 4th day of classes today and have about 5 more weeks of classes.

The Resident Assistants are incredibly bright and talented. They are putting on phenomenal programs: Guess that RA, Speed Meeting, Club Teter, Sex in a Fishbowl....etc. They plan on doing more this summer: Top Chef, Biggest Loser, Amazing Race, So You Think You Can Dance Crew, etc. I'm very proud of what they have accomplished and am excited for the rest of the summer.

I've lost some weight, not because of what I'm eating, but because of my free membership to their student recreation center! I love putting in an hour of cardio each time I go! Gabe was right! The food is very greasy and it gets really old: chicken, sandwhiches, sbarro, and some Chinese that I have yet to try.

I've tried a lot of great local/townie restaurants and am very impressed. My Thai is not as good as Thai Kitchen. Bloomington Bagel Company (BBC) needs to come to East Lansing. Laughing Planet Cafe - wow! I'm definitely doing a video blog update for the Foods of Bloomington/Indianapolis!

This 4th of July -- I'm going to Chicago!!!! Going to the Taste of Chicago and am super excited! It will be my first time exploring the city. The other times, I've flown in for layovers and spent one night in the O'hare airport! Can't wait to go to the Container Store and Harpo Studios. Thinking of going to a Cubs game!!!!! Brewers are coming into town and the tickets are about $40. Cubs better impress!

Until next time,

Cleds

Video Blogging, Orientation, Weather

2009-06-17T09:57:00.003-04:00

June 17, 2009

Indiana University -- the best decision ever! I love it here! I can't believe I'm in the middle of my 4th week being here! Time goes by so quickly!

Andres, my colleague, gave me a great idea ---- VIDEO BLOGGING!
I've already uploaded my first video and posted it on my http://cledasatiu.blogspot.com blog. :) I'll be making another post after this.

Andres and I worked on Orientation Schedules for our students that are coming in on Saturday! We have a Master Schedule and 10 separate schedules for 10 different "teams." We have to call them teams and not groups because the program's name is "Groups" and it would confuse the students. LOL.

The weather. It's interesting. Humid. Hot. Cold. Windy. Sunny. Humid. Cloudy. Damp. Fall-like. Spring-like. Hot. Just a mix of everything in one day. LOL. This happens often. Michael assured me in our one-on-one that the weather is abnormal this summer, thus far. It's supposed to be really hot the next couple of days and possibly all next week! We'll see how it goes.

So, I miss everyone in Michigan! Kind of miss my parents and my brother. Miss my dog and my cat. Miss my godmother. *sighs*

So...until next time,

<3 Cleds

Update

2009-06-02T08:01:00.002-04:00

June 2, 2009

Wow. I almost put May instead of June. How silly of me. I can't believe it is already June. Before we all know it, the summer will be over. 10 Weeks in Indiana, one week done, nine more? I'm sad already. I don't want to leave. I love it here in Indiana. You can read about my time there by clicking here or clicking the link at the top of the Blog.

So, I've thoroughly enjoyed the weather. I do have to admit that although the high 80s and low 90s are warm, it is way better than the Texas heat. This is my first summer not living at home. The past three summers, I worked for Breakthrough Collaborative, specifically the Fort Worth site. I've lived at home -- Teacher/Program Coordinator by day and retail with parents at night.

This summer, I'm an ACUHO-I intern with Indiana University - Bloomington. Woo! IU! Go Hoosiers! This will be my second Big Ten experience!

Anyways, just wanted to let you all know that I loved my first full week, thus far and look forward to the next nine weeks!

<3,

Cleds

P.S. I really miss my cohort and East Lansing. I do have to say that Bloomington is pretty sweet and they have Oberon here! :)

Indiana University!!!!

2009-05-26T11:48:00.003-04:00

May 26, 2009.

Few words:
Limited internet access.
Safe trip to Indiana.
Love IU's campus!
Thunderstorms...
Met a lot of great people...
Still coughing...
Super excited about this summer.

Read about my first day. Click on the "Cleda's Summer at IU" link on top!

<3,

Cleds

Busy week at home!

2009-05-20T12:09:00.003-04:00

May 20, 2009

I'm getting ready for a full day with my Godmother....

*Having some good Thai Curry Chicken
*Visiting 'Uncle Bud' (Godfather) at the Cemetary
*Going to the Ranch and seeing my pony, Thunder!
*Dinner (Thai Satay!)

Thursday is going to be sooo busy:

7:30 AM: Dentist
11AM: Lunch w. Toby!!!!
3PM: Optometrist
7PM: Dinner w/Sisters (Alumni) - we're discussing Incorporation and a National Board!!!

Friday:
Taking Grandparents to the Botanical Gardens and Kimbell Art Museum
Coffee/Gelatto w. Karen!!!
Dinner w. familia at Jumbo in Arlington

Saturday:
Piranha's Sushi in Downtown Fort Worth for Lunch
Movie w. Mike and Thuy?
Packing for Indiana!

Wow.....busy, busy bee!

Home Sweet Home!

2009-05-17T11:03:00.003-04:00

May 17, 2009

I'm home in Texas! Wooooot! The drive wasn't as bad as I thought. It was about 1,000 miles. I only stopped three time total to pee/put gas in the car. hehe. I DO have a bladder of steel! Anyways, I just wanted to let you all know that I'm safe and at home.

Missouri was such a beautiful state to drive through. Oh my goodness it was beautiiifulll!

Stopped in Tulsa overnight on Thursday...then drove to McKinney, Texas to spend time with Frank. Poor thing -- he had stayed up for 48 hours working. He slept for about 20 hours straight! We watched a movie and a couple of shows on TV, had really good flatbread pizza, and he showed me his new toy:

Dodge Challenger SRT 80. It's a beauty.....!

I love his dogs...Rocco and Spencer - Chocolate Labs!

Anyways, I stopped by Allen Premium Outlets (3 exits away from his home) and got a new Coach bag, passport holder, and wallet. I'm Coach'd out for the year!

Got home at around 6PM or so....stopped at Dad's store and saw him and my brother. It was the first time in my life that I can remember him opening his arms for a hug. He was soo happy to see me. My dad is not the emotional type. For a grown Asian, traditional-minded man -- it was a sight to see!

Then went to see mom at her store....the newest on Hulen. She was quite happy to see me as well.

Finally, went to the original store near Ridgemar to see my Aunt and Cousin. :) I decided to give my newly purchased Coach wristlet to Yvette. :) She loved it. We then proceeded to go shopping at Rosss!!!!! (Ross doesn't exist in Michigan!) I got a new summer dress and 4 pint glasses that have the "Cowboys" and their star emblem on them. :)

This morning -- with the help of my brother and grandmother -- we took everything out of the car. Wow. I DO have a lot of things with me. I'm not sure how i'll be able to take everything to Indiana, but I have to. LOL.

Anyways....such a long and random post....

I love Texas...and I'm so glad I'm back -- even if it is for a week!

I leave for Indiana next Sunday! ahhhh!!

<3

Cleds

P.S. I hope everyone who went on the South Africa trip is safe! (Ashleigh, Dani, Jessica, Chris R., Matt and Mrs. W -- oh and the Ph.D. students. :) )

Packing Stinks!

2009-05-12T17:58:00.000-04:00

May 12, 2009

Let me tell you: I'm very indecisive about clothes and I'm pretty much taking all of my clothes to Indiana. Anything that is not winter and late fall is going with me.

I really don't enjoy packing. I have to pack several things separately: clothes for Texas, everything else for Indiana. Plus, I have to figure out storage. I'm going to be an Assistant Hall Director and am moving out of my apartment. I need to figure out what stuff is staying in East Lansing.

PLUS, there's a spider in my roooommmm!!!! I hate spiders! They have 8 legsssss!!! Oh my goodness, I can't get to my cabinet's/closet because it is in the way. Ughhh. This is going to delay my packing time. :(

Anyways, less than 2 weeks until Indiana!!! Only a couple of days away from Texas. It's going to be a long drive!

<3

Cleda

2009-05-06T10:25:00.002-04:00

May 6, 2009

V8
Banana
Jello (Strawberry)
Apple Sauce (Strawberry)

Hooray for soft foods.

Ughh...GAP presentation--I'm not worried about. I'm just worried about this last paper that I have to do and it's due tomorrow. Woot.

So...plan for today: write, write, write, laundry, laundry, laundry, LOST, organize/pack.

Wow. One more week and I'll be on the road home to Texas!

<3,

Cleds

Ughhh

2009-05-05T11:23:00.002-04:00

May 5, 2009

Happy Cinco de Mayo! and Happy Childrens Day!!!

Going on a liquid diet for a couple of days...not doing so well....Colon, Gall bladder, liver? Not sure yet. My blood tests haven't come back. We'll see what's going on.

Need to get ready for my GAP presentation, write a paper, and pack --- but can't really do that while i'm in bed. FML.

Possibly on hiatus for a while,

Cleds

Take me the way I am....

2009-05-04T10:36:00.001-04:00

The Way I Am

Written by Ingrid Michaelson

If you were falling, then I would catch you
You need a light, I'd find a match

Cuz I love the way you say good morning
And you take me the way I am

If you are chilly, here take my sweater
Your head is aching; I'll make it better

Cuz I love the way you call me baby
And you take me the way I am

I'd buy you Rogaine when you start losing all your hair
Sew on patches to all you tear

Cuz I love you more than I could ever promise
And you take me the way I am
You take me the way I am
You take me the way I am

Response to Terry's "In Defense of Michigan"

2009-05-04T09:27:00.005-04:00

May 4, 2009

When I think of Michigan, I think of several things:
1) Too much snow
2) Good Oberon.
3) Bad Roads
4) Pretty sunsets.
5) The most delicious apples - much better than Washington.
6) Quiet capitol.
7) Home of the world's oldest Jazz Club (Detroit)
8) Home of Motown
9) Too much snow.
10) Weird weather patters.

5 Good, 5 Bad -- pretty even.

I'm sure all states have positives and negatives. I'm sure I can point out the flaws of Texas.

What can I say? You've been in Michigan for 27 years and I've only been here for 9 months. (This is far-fetched, but 9 months is the same as a pregnancy term and maybe at the end of 9 months, I'll love Michigan.) I know I'll miss it during the summer, for sure.

Oh...and I was comparing Michigan to places like Cancun, Jamaica, and Hawaii -- "tropical paradises" -- places people would go on their honeymoon or what not.

Thanks for sharing the greatness of Michigan, Terry.

P.S. Maybe it's because I'm a city girl that lives somewhat in the country. I'm just used to a booming metropolitan and things to do with great weather (with exception to some terrible tornadoes and 100F + in the summer). When I saw this comparison (Lansing vs. Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex), I got homesick:

Cleds.

P.S.S. I've scheduled an appt. with Olin Health Center. My body heats up at night, I'm fatigued, i have a cough, in the morning my stomach doesn't hold anything. Imagine cramping x 10. =( We'll see what happens. No worries -- I'm pretty sure I don't have H1N1 Flu!

Some Favorite Websites...

2009-05-04T08:38:00.000-04:00

May 4, 2009

So I've decided to share two of my favorite websites with you all.

www.postsecret.com
I discovered this waaay before the books came out. People send in secrets to Frank in Germantown, MD and he posts some on his blog. It's a way for people to let out their "secrets." Some are heartening and others are disturbing. I wake up every Sunday and the first thing I do is read new secrets.

www.woot.com
I also found this before it became very public and popular. Every day, Woot! posts an item for sale. It only sells one item each day until it is sold out. Then you have to wait until Midnight for the next item. The crazy thing is that shipping is only $5. You can buy a plasma TV that costs $999 and only pay $5 for shipping! Sometimes they have Woot!-Offs -- this is when they sell more than one item for about 24-36 hours. The catch, they don't display the other items unless the previous one gets sold out. You'll know when it's a Woot!-Off when they have the blinking orange lights. Lots of items for good prices and some refurbished items. Another catch -- there's a limit of 3 per item. LOL.

Enjoy,

Cleds

Updated Appointments

2009-05-03T18:20:00.001-04:00

May 3, 2009

Updated as of this morning and in no particular order:

Frank (<3)
Thuytrinh! (Lunch + Movie + Mike)
Mike L. (Angels & Demons)
Phi (Lunch)
Toby (Lunch)
Yvette (shopping)
Katy (Lunch)
TCU: Natasha, Margot, Natalie, Darron

Let me know if you want to meet up when I'm in town, May 16-May 23, 2009.

Other news: Mavericks lost first game to the Nuggets in Round 2 of the Playoffs. Sad day.

Okay, back to paper writing.

Much love,

Cleds

Leadership and Love

2009-05-01T09:19:00.000-04:00

Leaders should aim to be transformational; they should empower their members in order to move the team forward.

Leaders should not be transactional - barking orders A, B, C, D,..etc.

It's hard describing leadership -- everyone leads differently.

I'm having a lot of 1 hour+ conversations about leadership with my sorors.

I'm trying to get us incorporated and get insurance in order to expand.

BUT, we can't expand unless we have a solid foundation for Alpha chapter...

Disaster
Rage
Anxiety
Madness
Anger

These are the emotions/things I am sensing right now.

Some of this stuff is necessary.

Think of a Phoenix.

Picturing it?

Good.

According to Wikipedia: " It has a 500 to 1,000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of myrrh twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self. In some stories, the new phoenix embalms the ashes of its old self in an egg made of myrrh and deposits it in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis (sun city in Greek). The bird was also said to regenerate when hurt or wounded by a foe, thus being almost immortal and invincible — it is also said that it can heal a person with a tear from its eyes and make them temporarily immune to death."

I believe the sorority is like a Phoenix -- we are able to regenerate when we are hurt. Sometimes a fire is needed to bring out the best of us.

"Absence is to love what the wind is to fire. When it's a small fire? The wind kills it. But when it's a real fire? It intensifies it. So that absence should do that."- Diane Von Furstenberg

This really describes how I feel. My absence at TCU with the sorority is intensifying my love for it. I really want to see us grow and develop into a great organization in the next 10-20 years!

Lots of work to do....

Much Love,

Cleds

Cute Piglets and Packing for TX + IN

2009-04-29T09:29:00.000-04:00

Swine Flu
Aren't these piglets adorable???

My throat and stomach hurt. I'm pretty sure I'm okay. I'm just tired.

2 Weeks until I leave for Texas. I have to keep in mind that this 2 year old who just died from swine flu was a Mexican National from Brownsville, TX which is right at the border. He wasn't from Houston. He was taken to Houston to be treated.

I know that there are probable cases in Dallas.

I'm not tooooo terribly worried, but it is weird not to worry. I'm hoping that there isn't pandemonium. I just heard Ashleigh say that this reminds her of those movies...like 28 Weeks Later.

Keep in mind, in the US alone 36,000 people die from the regular flue yearly, that's about 99 per day. BUT we DO have the vaccination for three common flu viruses compared to ZILCH (0) for this Swine Flu. This is the only reason why I am worried just a tad bit.

Texas + Indiana

I don't know what to pack! Better yet--- I haven't even started and I only have 2 weeks before I get "evicted" from my apartment. I'm moving into a residence hall as an Assistant Hall Director - Woot! I am unaware of my placement until June. So i'll be moving some boxes to Meaghan's basement - she's super awesome!

I have to have a separate box for Indiana alone. I need to put in organization supplies, cooking supplies, and some school supplies. I plan on being very organized and productive this summer. I'm also thinking of taking a few "decorations" for my room this summer.

Texas = Home Sweet Home for 9 days. My mother told me yesterday, "Cleda, don't make appointments with other people--you are all mine. I need you in the stores and you need to be with family!" -- all of course in her Mandarin and some broken English.

I'm not going to make too many appointments.
Frank.
Toby.
Possibly Matt.
Rebeccah?
Natasha.
TCU.
Sorority Sisters (11+).

Seeee...that's not too many in 9 days.

If I don't start packing today, I'm screwed. I need to get serious and motivated. I need to stop slacking.

Today's plan:
*After class, go to the Post Office to purchase a P.O. Box.
*The go home, take out the boxes from my car and take them into my apartment.
*Sort Laundry and do a couple of loads.
*While waiting for laundry, start organizing "papers" and recycle anything I don't need.
*Sort out kitchen stuff - put some extra foods/cans in bags to donate to the MSU Food Bank.

Rain, rain go away....

2009-04-28T12:38:00.000-04:00

I got a text from James this morning at 5:37AM declaring "It's pouring in Texas."

An hour later, he decides to call me to tell me he's stuck in floodwaters.

Houston, TX saw a lot of rain today as did much of Michigan.

Spring weather is definitely in our midsts! Torrential rain, windy days, beautiful sunshine -- in a continous cycle. At least this prepares us all for a wonderful May.

Anyways, I just wanted to say that I like the rain, but not too much. Not very conducive to footwer at all and my hair. LOL.

RE: Swine flu

1. Eating pork does not give you the swine flu.

2. Wash your hands and cover your mouth/nose when you cough/sneeze.

3. Antibacterial is not that great for you. One of the few things I learned as a biology major: the antibacterial completely kills all of the bacteria on your hands. This allows bacteria to come back and easily flourish--possibly even mutating.

4. Don't go to Mexico. Even if the cases aren't near places like Cancun or Cozumel. One person who has it might go to those locations and bring it there. Just avoid the country for a while. There are other nice vacation spots -- Jamaica, Hawaii, and Michigan (just kidding about MI).

5. Don't panic. Pandimonium is the worst when it comes to these situations. Stay calm.

6. Prepare yourselves -- emotionally and physically. I'd personally stock up on some food and water --just in case.

7. Be optimistic.

Also.....

GO DALLAS MAVERICKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hate moving....

2009-04-26T19:01:00.000-04:00

because I have too much junk. I keep buying and buying things that I really don't need. For example, today on my way back to East Lansing from Canton/Ann Arbor -- I stopped at Banana Republic and bought a dress, a couple of shirts....*sighs*

I love shopping. Super-addicted -- so much that it's really not funny.

Confession: I don't know how to control my spending habits.

Why do I shop at Banana Republic as a low-income, out-of-state, first-generation out-of-state student?

NEXT ITEM(s) that I really really want:

Large COACH bag
FRIENDS on DVD - All seasons
HOUSE on DVD - All seasons

These are unnecessary items! I should not be spending any money at all. I need to save up for conferences and job searching (clothes, travel).

NASPA-IV-E in Chicago (November) = $300
NASPA 2010 Chicago (March) = $400
ACPA 2010 Boston (March) = $600

Plus I've got 2 credit cards I need to continuously pay.

I'm frugal sometimes and when I'm not I go all out. I don't know how to control myself. LOL.

I've decided not to apply for any financial aid this year (i'll only get loans if I do).
No new loans = good.

I didn't have any loans after graduating from TCU in my name. TCU = Free Education (Thank you, Uncle Sam, Loudens, TCU and its Community Scholars program).

First year of graduate school in Michigan: $24,000!

I'm done with loans. NO MORE! Going to try to pay it all in two years after I graduate! I need to learn to be frugal -- control my spending.

So the next time we go shopping...please stop me when I pick up an item. Ask me sternly, " Cleda, do you really need that?"

<3

Cleds

P.S. It's such a beautiful day in Michgan! I can't wait to be back in Fort Worth! Only 19 more days!

Bucket List!

2009-04-24T15:11:00.000-04:00

So I've worked on this bucket list for quite some time. I started this waay before the movie came out. I think I started my list when I was in high school. Lots of it deal with traveling - I love to travel. Other parts of the list aren't travel, but are definitely a must. I think 50 is a sufficient number. Some people have a list of 100 things, 1000 things, but I have the simple 50.

* = done.

*1. Go to the Trevi Fountain in Rome, toss some coins, and make a wish.
2. Fall in love and be loved back.
3. Have at least 2 kids...and maybe a set of twins? (it runs in my family - I have twin uncles!)
4. Telluride, Colorado --- enough said.
5. Sail the Mediterranean Sea...
6. 4 Corners U.S.A. ( I can't believe I have to pay $3 to be at the 4 Corners!)
7. Ski the Swiss Alps...so beautiful from the sky... but I need to be on the mountains...
8. See a Broadway show in NYC.
9. Go to an Olympics -- watching...not competing.
10. Write a book or two. Maybe write a series of books for children.
11. Learn French.
12. Ride a hot air balloooon.
13. Dive into the Great Barrier Reef.
14. Trek through the Amazon.
15. Feed a Village in China.
16. See Angel Falls in Venezuela (need to remember to go sometime from June to December)
17. Witness Aurora Borealis a.k.a. Northern Lights.
18. Ride into the Serengeti sunset...
19. The Caves of Carlsbad, New Mexico
20.The Kilauea and the Hawaii Volcanoes
21. The Neuschwanstein Castle - Germany
22. Try to hug the Giant sequoias in California
23. Dubai - enough said.
24. Go to the places where my grandparents grew up - 山东省 (Shandong, China) and 부산 (Pusan, South Korea).
25. Gondola ride in Venice. Been to Venice, but didn't take a Gondola. LOL.
26. Fountains of Bellagio - Las Vegas, Nevada --- also want to gamble a little. :) Parents would totally kill me.
27. Disney World on my birthday?
28. Kiss in the Rain
*29. Fly First Class
30. New Orleans, Louisiana on Mardi Gras!
31. Innovate/Invent something.
32. Make my parents proud
33. Go see the Cowboys play in the Super Bowl -- one of these years -- I hope.
34. Get a Ph.D. or Ed.D.
35. Eat in the best restaurant in the world (listed several years in a row) - El Bulli in Roses on the Costa Brava in Catalonia, Spain.
36. If I can't make it to El Bulli, I'll go to the best restaurant in the Americas: The French Laundry restaurant located in Yountville, California, in the Napa Valley.
37. Find Roswell!!!!
*38. Touch a meteor.
*39. File my own taxes!
40. Make a snow angel.
41. Make Tiramisu - my favorite dessert.
42. Perfect New England Clam Chowder. --- Made it once...more lemon juice than intended, but it was still good.
43. Learn how to play a guitar.
44. Follow up to #43: Write a song.
*45. Change someone's life.
46. Save a life.
47. Open an art gallery of my photography.
48. Meet a world leader.
49. Follow-up for #10: Get Published!
50. Start a scholarship or non-profit organization.

Updating....Graduate School

2009-04-24T14:26:00.000-04:00

This article from CNN was an eye opener for me! (Random, but relevant for those who know me....)

So I've realized that right now my focus is Graduate School! I need to rethink my priorities and set them straight. I was doing okay my first semester and this semester was a complete disaster -- in a way. I was very disorganized this semester. My readings for all of my classes have blended into several piles. My desk drawers have random receipts, papers, magazines, you name it.

I think this was due to my complex schedule this semester: 20 hrs of work, 10 hrs of practicum (internship), 10 hrs. of class, and meetings for group projects. Group projects took over this entire semester.

I remember when I was at TCU, I would have the time and energy to go to the rec every other day. Since I've been in Grad school here in Michigan, let me tell you --- I've been slacking. My parents would be so disappointed.

My goals for this summer are to:

Work on my Professional Development duties as a new SAGA e-board member!
Network with people at Indiana University (My advisor gave me a whole list of people that I "should definitely get in touch with" while I am there.
Be an awesome ACUHO-I Intern!
Re-read all of my readings from the first year of grad school! (in preparation for COMPS!)
Go to the rec everyday -- if not do about 5 mi around campus at IU.
Try not to eat the "greasy chicken and Chinese food" in the IU cafs this summer (Thanks, Gabe!).
Stay in touch with family.
Travel to: Columbus (OH), Indianapolis (IN), Louisville (KY), St. Louis (MO), Nashville (TN) this summer.
Drink plenty of water.
Update this blog.
Keep in touch with cohort-mates and my sisters (sorority).

Goals for next, second, and final year of my Master's:

Stay on top of reading!
Organize in an efficient manner.
Go to IM West everyday.
Drink plenty of water.
Save money for conferences (Chicago x 2, Boston).
Take more pictures.
Attend more basketball games -- probably should buy season tickets.
Get a Job!
Plan/save money to complete some of the things on my bucket list (see bucket list post)!

What do you all think?

:)

Cleds

Wow.

2009-03-19T10:31:00.001-04:00

Wow...I haven't written in 3 years and definitely need to update that picture. Will be posting sometime soon -- possibly this weekend. :)

Multiple Blogs

2006-01-24T12:12:00.000-05:00

Too many blogs, too little time.