Resolutions

New Years typically is celebrated with joy and false promises to do an insane list of new things. Well I have made New Years resolutions that have been half kept. I’ve certainly started and maintained the resolution but not always achieved the full goal. After listening to a podcast my sister sent me however I decided to try a version of it. For the…

Home Garden

While at home I had a much larger garden to plan and a series of projects inside and outside the house, my second home doesn’t need quite as much work. Having left my apartment in March I knew that coming back in August one thing would certainly need work: my garden. The before was just too sad to photograph but the after is quite…

Stayin’ Alive in Flu Season

Penn Health: https://campushealth.wellness.upenn.edu/coronavirus/ Penn Global: https://global.upenn.edu/ No need to cue the Bee-Gee’s, unless your dancing days are keeping you fit and flu free. School is just getting under way and so is the sick season. It’s cold outside, stressful inside, sleep has been cut back to make way for homework and you don’t have time to get sick, forget be sick. To top it…

PCDC Performance

PCDC: https://sites.google.com/site/pennchinesedanceclub/Home The Pennsylvania Chinese Dance Club is a non-profit dance organization that explores creative dance choreography focused on Chinese culture. Two of my classmates participated in this years performance showcase, including dance and live music performances. The dances were stunning. While I found it difficult to tell traditional moves from inovations, not having any prior viewing or knowledge of Chinese dance culture, I…

A Day of Preparations

Today is a long day of cleaning, washing clothes, grocery shopping, filling the fish tanks, sweeping, mopping, vacuming, washing the bathroom and kitchen, emptying the fridge, returning books, checking emails and supply lists for class, etc. I may even set up studio later tonight. Even the books are under scrutiny. I have looked over tuition payments, savings, and month to month spending. I am…

Food Resources and More

FGLI: https://www.vpul.upenn.edu/fgli Albert M. Greenfield Intercultural Center: https://www.vpul.upenn.edu/gic/ Graduate Student Center: http://www.gsc.upenn.edu/ For many students food insecurty and debt are the greatest concerns followed by classes. In my undergrad, University of Florida, the food pantry was centrally located, easy to access, and pretty well known. I didn’t realize Penn had a similar concept on campus until a few days ago. Penn’s Greenfield Intercultural Center…

Gym Buddies

There is nothing like having a few gym buddies to make your workout a little brighter! I am so happy to see that my healthy lifestyle has encouraged my classmates to take a break from studio to take care of their health. A group of 8 of us have a small positive reinforcement group to go to the gym. We share workouts. We encourage…

Penn Health Tips!

While no one likes going to the doctor getting an annual check up is really important. My last check up was roughly in October. I went in for my check up this year at about the same time. While there I learned a few wonderful things! If you have a medical emergency call Penn Health first! They have an on call doctor 24/7 who…

Garden Update!

Even with a busy semester I have found some time to expand my garden! The cherry tomatoes are blossoming, my daisies and african voilets are continally flowering, and my succulents keep sprouting new succulents. I have even tested planting strawberries. As with every garden I have run into my troubles with watering schedules and pests. But the spider mites and wilting leaves will not…

Gnocchi (Noquis) Nights

Gnocchi (Noquis) night is a wonderful time to practice a tradition for good fortune. I only missed one gnocchi night this semester but all the others have been a success! It is always wonderful to gather people together to cook and share a meal. It is amusing to see everyone attentive to pasta, competing to get the form right. I appreciate more how much…