So I haven't written to you in a month. Though your place has lowered in my life because of other burdens that supercede you in the ladder of "responsibilities", I am writing to you now. A sense of urgency beats at the corner of my conscience, pushing me with extraordinary persistency towards that door to the outside world. If I open that door, my sentiments might spill out here and there. But hopefully you will appreciate these feelings.

To anyone who actually reads my postings:

   Sorry I haven't updated for so long.

Currently stressed beyond remedy because I am underprepared for my economics mid-term exam.

Best wishes to everyone.

Just thought I'd post an entry while my clothes are being washed.

So, I survived the first week of classes, but I already feel daunted by numerous assignments. It wasn't until last Friday that I became aware of the transition from high school to college. I realized that, to pass my courses, I'll have to face my workload with a more mature attitude.

I missed my family and friends a lot during my first few days here at Berkeley. But now I'm starting to get used to being on my own. I guess one part of me still longs to remain in the coziness of home, but the larger part of me rejoices in the freedom of living away from parents.

It has been difficult. But I do not regret coming alone.

Has the heatwave from Europe travelled all the way across the Atlantic and the North American continent and hit California? Berkeley has been hot since yesterday, a rare condition. Oui, I've actually started to sweat as I walk on the streets in the afternoon.

Today was the first day of school. 700 people squeezed inside a lecture hall for Economics 1 with insuffiecient seating and no air-conditioning was not a pretty sight.

I'm in the same Economics discussion class as Pam. I guess 8:00 is just too early for her. She came wearily into the classroom and sat down next to a random guy. 5 minutes later she stood up and sat down next to me. I asked her why. She answered, "I thought that guy was you." No I don't look like that Caucasion guy with brown hair. Pam, you need glasses.

I was assigned lots of work for Rhetoric 1A. I guess I've finally learned the meaning of "rhetorics" - lots of work.

Besides some horrible classes and excruciating pain in my ankles, today wasn't that bad a day. I had lots of ice-cream and drank lots of smoothies. Despite the high daily calorific intake, I managed to stay at the same weight by walking, frisbee and basketball.

I have an unimagineably long questionnaire to fill in tonight. I better shower and start working.