this will probably be my first chinese new year away from family. since the rise of dawn, i have received blessings from family and friends--taking time to share our past traditions and treasured memories. i came into work to find myself a bit chippy, eager to start this year with a bit of optimism and freshness. it's the year of the horse and for goats like me, it's supposed to be a better year than the last. i'm really looking forward to a change of pace (and already a change in scenery...with me being in SF). the conundrum, thus far unanswered, of my future plans need a bit of a break, i think. and this day is probably better than any to start.

i spent yesterday evening hanging out with a bunch of girls. the sisterhood we shared allowed me to be open, honest, and heehee...giggly. bumming around kinko's in a ditzy manner, laughing uncontrollably at photos of a decapacitated toe, solving a challenging game of building blocks all reminded me oh-so-well of those slumber parties in junior high--a total of...um, TWO. my parents were never fond of the idea of me spending the night at someone's house. other than being worried about my safety, they were really chinese in thinking that i'd have to hold a few parties of my own. lucky for me, they decided to change their minds when high school rolled around (or maybe i decided for them!). i'd have to say that my day at work yesterday was extremely tiring, but spending time with other girls was incredibly carefree and relaxing. i'm so used to having my family around...it's just so nice to have company.

with a publication due at the beginning of march, i've been swamped with work from head to toe. but still, i'm incredibly lucky to have a professor who takes notice of my work and my efforts. he's almost like a grandpa (or an older dad) who is concerned about my life in and outside of the lab. come to think of it, i had half-heartedly accepted this job offer in june, but look how my life has turned around. going the extra mile means doing, being, having just a little more than even "i" expected. it's easy for me to do just enough to keep myself alive and going. it's easy to expect just enough to keep myself from being unhappy. but i don't think that is what i want. i want to try to go the extra mile, to stretch my mind, to expand my vision, to elevate my expectations as far as i can imagine possible for myself...of course not drown myself with idealism, but with a bit of hope. with faith in Him, i do believe...

another hour or so, i'd be out and about again...ooh...i just can't wait to "blow this popsicle stand!"