Check the Mirror Before I Leave

If my memory was perfect, all I would ever need to remind myself of past events would be a simple entry on my daily planner (or cell phone date book), and I would then be able to recall every minute (pronounced mi-nute) detail of what happened with whom plus when and where. Of course, if pigs had wings, it could fly; so I can’t really boast about my photographic memory.

However, of the things that happened in the past, here are a few worth noting:

01/15/06 - Ann Arbor Trip

Ten of us, as in Me, Kevin, Leo, Casey, and Zoya (in my car), plus Eric, Arthur, Becky, Fiona and Tammy (in Eric’s car) went to Ann Arbor on Sunday. It started out with Tammy bugging Eric (at least, that’s my impression of things) about going to Ann Arbor. Apparently Eric has an aunt there (more on that later).

Previously, we were suppose to go the Sunday before class started, that was January 8th, but Eric just arrived back in East Lansing the day before and it didn’t seem right to ask him to go for a drive that although isn’t treacherous, but still a bit long.

So we postponed it for a later date, which happened to be the first Sunday after class started (January 15th). I guess it was because it was a long weekend, with Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday with no classes. So we, more like Tammy, planned and schemed and in the end, we decided to go.

There were some “troubles” regarding the trip, an issue related to having so many friends and/or acquaintances, but only 10 seats, 8 if you don’t count the drivers, available in the cars. So choices had to be made, and some tough decisions as well. I guess in the end, things worked out okay, but it made me think that I need greater assets, if I am to support my extensive network of pals.

We met at Owen around 11:00, so as to leave after people had an opportunity for church. We had some breakfast at Owens’s first-floor lounge, and didn’t really start on the drive until like quarter to twelve. I got a sausage and something McGriddle with Coke (needed the caffeine kick) and I got Casey the same thing but with Sprite. Kevin didn’t get stuff to eat. A little note, though. The McDonald’s on Grand River and Bogue sucks ass. It was already eleven and I couldn’t order the Dollar Menu stuff, I had to go for breakfast, thus changing what Casey originally asked me to get (two McChickens). Last time I was there, I couldn’t order breakfast because it was just about eleven, now this time I can’t order from the day menu because it was just past eleven. In short, that place sucks.

Back to the important and non-anger-inducing events; the drive was okay, not too much traffic, and since this time we went the route that I took last time, the exits and stuff were quite familiar. We got off the freeway and drove right onto campus. It was at that point that we sort of drove around so we could find the place (Business College parking ramp) that I parked last time. We got there, parked and then proceeded with our trip.

It was quite cold that day, and Kevin failed to dress warm enough. As of this writing date, he has no cold, so I can say it’s a good thing. Back on track, we first went to an Expresso Royale (a franchise mentioned in previous entries) and I got a Caffe Mocha while the others perused the restroom, Eric got something as well. Casey called Edith (Yi-ting) on whereabouts we should visit and the info we got was that there was a fine Chinese restaurant that we should definitely indulge.

On our way over, we took numerous photos with Arthur as our master photographer. Eric also brought his SLR digital camera and shot with poise worthy of a professional. With all the photos taking place, it took a while to get to the restaurant, but I think that was perfect, since the timing couldn’t have been better. No sooner have we arrived, two tables were leaving and that allowed all of us to sit together.

I guess most of our entourage were too busy having fun, so in the end, our side of the table did the ordering. It was a feast to say the least. The flavor was like home and the serving was efficient. I guess because it was still quite busy, despite being in the mid-afternoon, that sometimes, empty teapots would go unnoticed, but that is not something I would consider a huge fault. Also given the size of our group, gratuity was added automatically and it worked out to I forgot how much per person.

After the nice food, we went back in the direction of campus. On the way we went by sort of an arcade with various boutiques and specialty shops. We went into a cute store with imported gifts and knick-knacks. In the end, I was the only one who bought something. It’s a ribbon bookmark with a clamshell design. Quite adorable, given the price of the thing. There were also stuffed animals that could be “heated”, and various other stuff that I haven’t had the opportunity to see before. So I guess, it was worth the shopping experience.

We then went to the Union to refresh ourselves and from there, proceeded through Michigan’s campus. We sort of wandered around, with no clear destination. I actually don’t mind this kind of sight-seeing or should I say tour, because it allows for maximum flexibility and chance encounters of the interesting kind. We went to what was later known to our group as the law courtyard and library and other spots, where numerous pictures were taken.

Because of the chilly weather, I decided that we could continue our tour in the comfort and warmth of our vehicles, and that we could also visit North campus with its Engineering complex and Music College. Not to mention, Jason is the manger of the Panda Express there.

We stopped by the Engineering college for some quick photos, and then to the Music College where Zoya bravely led our group minus me and Eric (we had to tend to the cars cause there was no parking) for photo shoots and stuff.

Later on, we dropped by Panda Express to say hi to Jason. He’s such a nice guy, asking us if we wanted anything to drink. Not to mention, he and Edith invited us over to their place. We would have loved to go, but the time was a bit late, and the most important task that was set out for this trip – Eric delivering stuff to his aunt, has yet to be accomplished. So we expressed our apologies and headed for Saline, Michigan, where Eric’s aunt lived.

It was dark by then, and finding the place wasn’t that easy. Me and Eric were both a bit anxious, so we turned at whatever intersection we thought was the right one. In the end, the third time was a charm and we drove into the nice neighborhood of Eric’s aunt’s residence.

To say we were shocked by their hospitality would be an understatement. They are such nice people. They invited us in, served us freshly made pastries, coffee and tea, and even invited us to sing karaoke. Even though the time was late, their enthusiasm made us stay, plus the girls, especially Tammy and Zoya were itching at the chance to sing their heart out. As it was, it was their first time singing karaoke since they arrived in the US, and the honor of it was due to Eric’s nice aunt and uncle.

It was until a day later that Tammy told me that it wasn’t Eric’s aunt (and uncle), but that of Eric’s girlfriend. Imagine my surprise when I heard that. I already decided that we should send them something to thank them for their generosity, but now, it makes this whole appreciation thing even more necessary.

After that bit of detour, we finally were on our way home. The drive back was quite smooth with the only minor incident being that we had to come off the freeway early for gas since Eric’s car was running a bit dry. Once we got back to Owen, we decided to cram another fellow named Ryan and then headed to Wendy’s for a late late dinner and some shopping at Meijer.

01/16/06 - Poker at Nick’s

Poker game at Nick’s (Macro TA) place with Nick (Aussie), Randy, and Seth, plus two Mikes and Pedro from the department. I lost about midway through with an ace and seven heart-suit to Seth’s king pair four-of-a-kind. In the end, Seth came out as the big winner with more cash due to Nick’s (Macro TA) and Mike’s (big) buy-in. As for Nick (Aussie), he stayed in there and came out second. Randy had to leave early because he wasn’t feeling too good; he mentioned he had bronchitis or something.

Mike’s (big) wife was there before the game and she brought over excellent chili, the kind that tingles the taste buds and leaves a hearty, satisfying feeling in your tummy. I wish I could make chili that good. After the game, with the cash pot split and food put away, we first year rookies asked the upper years some general info about preparing for the prelims and all that. It was informative, but a bit daunting to say the least, especially so when they mentioned that there is basically no limit as to what can appear on the test.

I guess it is crunch time then.

01/17/06:

Early class in the morning, as usual.

Today (01/19/06):

Same as Thursday, class in the morning, but this time, a bit more funny. Why you ask, well… heck, it just cracks me up thinking about it.

Whoa, take a deep breath now (or risk laughing out loud). The micro professor was punctual again, as in just a bit late. Not that I mind, cause I know how mornings can be, and that’s coming from a morning person. Well, after the professor took off his jacket, hilarity ensued. He only buttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, and when he moved around, you could see…, not to mention, the flap on one side of his shirt was not tucked-in. It wasn’t until he was looking down on the textbook on the desk that he noticed, which he then proceeded to button the remaining ones.

You had to be there to see it. It was quite something, I could hear the occasional giggle every now and then. As for myself, it was kind of hard to concentrate, because if I looked at the professor, I would smile, the kind of smile that turns into full fledged laughter. So I tried to focus on his eyes, and what he wrote on the board and basically tried to shutdown my peripheral vision.

I guess I’m an evil person, having fun at the professor’s expense. But in reality, I actually admire him a lot. He comes to class, totally prepared, as in having all the knowledge in his head; and the brilliant part is that he can dispense all that stuff without having to constantly refer to his notes, and also in a way that is accessible and easy to understand. I cannot say that I have already mastered economics like that, but perhaps on a topic such as video games, I could be such a professional.

This whole fiasco reminded me that I shall always check the mirror before I leave home, to make sure all essential zippers are zipped, that there are no stray buggers and nose hairs in the way, and my face is clean, hair is combed and that I’m not wearing two non-matching socks and in general, I don’t look like a fool.