Suddenly I Seeeeeeeeee....This Is What I Wanna Beeeeee

Yes, I am singing that annoying KT Tunstall song that was EVERYWHERE last year. It's stuck in my head. But oddly, it kinda applies.

It's amazing how many doors open up when you work hard. Jacquie and I were at the CCSF College Fair yesterday. We went from table to table as I tried to figure out where I want to apply for transfer (I'll be applying this coming year). It felt good to be able to walk up to reps from Columbia and Berkeley and UCSD knowing that I actually could apply to these schools without feeling like the long shot idiot. Getting into Columbia and Berkeley will still be a tough battle obviously, but knowing that I have the transcripts and extracurriculars that show I'm a worthy candidate...it feels pretty good. What's really cool is that I'll be guranteed admission to UCSD and UC Davis. Even better, I'm guranteed admission to Mills along with eligibility for some big scholarships. I have choices. It feels pretty damn good.

I work hard though. Lots of late nights spent studying instead of going out. Steve and I spend time together by having study dates. Because of circumstances in high school, I'm missing a lot of the study skills that a college student is supposed to have, so it takes me much longer to study than most students. However, once you see that 'A' at the bottom of your grading rubric, you realize that the late nights spent working on an English Lit paper were worth it.

I'm learning not to doubt myself so much. I'm learning that it isn't too late to make something of myself. I'm learning that I'm capable. It's exhilarating and motivating...

Let's Be a Little Materialistic, Shall We?

The time has come for a new school bag. I bought a canvas tote at PacSun before the beginning of the semester for around $40, but already looks like it has been used for years. It's dirty, and when I put it in the wash, the colors bled. Therefore, I am considering investing more money into a more durable, long wearing bag. Where I will get the money for one, I'm not sure. I may have to wait until after the holidays, since I plan to get a seasonal job. Anyways, here are some of the bags I have been eyeing (images from tumi.com):

Tumi Alpha Slim Messenger Bag, $195. Roomy, lots of pockets, enough space for my Macbook. My only concern is how casual it is. I can't use it when I start doing internships in a few years.

Tumi Villa Carry All Tote, $450. Much more 'grown-up' than the messenger bag, but also pricier. However, I do think I would get a lot more use out of it, since I could use it for class and for when I start working.

Tumi Voyageur Derby Business Tote, $395. I love the simplicity, and it can also translate to the working world, but I'm not still not crazy about the price tag. I do think this one might be my favorite, though.


Can you tell I really want a Tumi bag? I like the simplicity and the durability. The shapes are classic, so if I do decide to invest in one, I can use it for a long time (provided that I take care of it).

Some other bags I like (images from zappos.com)...


Nine West Foreign Affair Large Tote, $99


Liz Claiborne Claremont North/South Tote, $79

Franco Sarto Denver Tote, $79


And the bag search shall continue...