And so, the day to bid my farewells is finally here. It's been a crazy last few weeks here. Some of the happiest, and saddest times here in Ann Arbor. Before I go into my rant (or hopefully before I go into my rant), I'll first pen down the events that have occurred in my last few days here...
4 May 2008, Sunday
Awoke early in the morning once again and bummed around for a little, clearing up stuff before heading to Argo Park for a kayak at 2pm. I signed up for the Barton Dam trip, the exact same one which I had done with Val barely 2 weeks ago. Being the only one on that trip, I hopped onto the minivan which took me to the kayak launch site at Barton Nature Reserve. As I paddled furiously down the river, I reflected on the past 3 years I've spent here in Michigan.
Like I've said in my previous posts, it has indeed, been a rollercoaster ride in life for me. Coming here sort of against the wishes of my parents, Pat's leaving, being sunk into a hell hole early junior year, and climbing back out, securing my job, making tons of friends, going on life-changing trips, a fair bit of partying (lately), and drinking (also lately), and lots of things Michigan. Words fail me as I try to think of how to summarize the 3 awesome years I have spent here in college. I am infinitely thankful to everyone that had made it possible, especially my parents and family. Extremely thankful for the turn of events that has brought a new someone into my life and a future to think about.
I shut my eyes as I paddled down stream, pausing occasionally to snap pictures, listening to the ducks quacking, the geese, and also little turtles sunbathing on a log. Spring is exceptionally awesome too since everything comes to life. I saw some ducks swimming across the river with baby ducklings in tow as I was kayaking past Gandy Dancer. That was so amazing... Had some wonderful times on this river, kayaking down with buddy Jianwei, and also a magical time out with Val. Going to miss it so much.
Val got back in the evening and finally got to spend a little time with her. Though much of it was spent running errands and packing up / moving stuff, still really glad to see her for a bit. As we concluded the night picking at the slice of chocolate moose cake which I had picked up at Whole Foods, I shut my eyes and counted my blessings for the moment.
5 May 2008, Monday
Went for an early morning run and had my favorite Subway for lunch. Met up with Val after to run more errands and ship stuff over to Duke, and also took a short trip to REI. Thought about some stuff while driving... Anyways, we went for a brief snack with her parents at Panera before I took my leave for the Grand Canyon final (for now) reunion. Picked up Brian and went over to Missy's new place for pizza and some beer. Cute little house, except for the lack of electricity. It was also then that I found out that the change in facebook status hadn't been as discreet as I thought it was and got quizzed somewhat by the bunch of them. Haha... Val arrived a little later and we sort of managed to avoid their intense quizzing for the most part. After Val left to go keep her parents company and to pack up, we messed around a little more at Missy's place before heading over to Dreyson's house (once again).
Beer Pong, drinking, laughing and just regular Grand Canyon madness. Gosh, I'm going to miss all of them so so much. One by one, they took their leave and with final hugs and goodbyes (after an extremely long night of Rockband on their XBOX360). I sent Mark, Brian and Michelle home before taking a short drive around central campus. Had some important stuff which wanted to say, but I guess... oh well, never mind, just didn't work out as planned. Headed over to the b-school for a bit, took some pictures went home. I went online and chatted briefly with some friends who were online but just had way too much on my mind. Went out once again and this time, for a long drive around campus and even north. Ann Arbor is really beautiful and quiet at night. Went into Starbucks at Washtenaw (sweet memories...), and got a hot chocolate for free since the barista took an awfully long time to prepare it. Drove around for a little more, to places where I frequented, before heading home to sleep...
6 March 2008, Tuesday
Woke up pretty early this morning and messed around a little before going to Mac to grab some breakfast for Val. Drove over to Lynn's place at Willow Tree where Val was going to leave her car to pick her up. Loaded all the luggages into Lynn's car and my car before sending Val and her parents over to the airport. Said our farewells for now before they walked into the terminal as I watched from my rearview mirror.
For the last and final time, zoomed into Detroit City to take some random pictures from the road. GM buildings, the old forgotten buildings which have not-so-long-ago been the pride and joy of the booming Motor City, now stood forgotten. Went over to Gallup Park to take in the sights one more time, and to AAA to end my insurance coverage and also to the union to settle bank account stuff.
Returned to my apartment for (my second most dreaded) part, which is packing up everything into my two suitcases. Didn't take all that long since most of the stuff had been shipped back already. Headed over to Outdoor Adventures Center (OAC) to bid farewell to Jeanette and to my surprise (and delight), Dreyson and Andrea were both there. Chatted with all of them for a little while before I had to leave. =( Really hope that our paths in life would cross once again in the near future.
Dinner at Asian Legend with Lucy 姐, Jack and Ming. Haven't seen them in forever and it was nice to have dinner with them before I leave. Memories of freshman year, when Ming and I went for our fall break trip to Toronto with all the Taiwanese grad student girls, with Lucy 姐 are still so fresh in my mind. Time has really flown past.
And so, my three years of undergraduate studies in Michigan is finally coming to an end. Departure back to the real world looms ahead. Much as I love Ann Arbor and would doubtlessly love to spend more time here, I know that at the end of the day, I still have to head out into the real world, where I'm no longer sheltered and comfortable like in Ann Arbor. As we all walk on in life, into the working world, to pursue higher education, or to chase our dreams, I know that there will always be this place, halfway around the world, that I can also call home.
Thank you everyone, thank you University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Take care all, and no matter what you do, or where you are, Go Blue.
Wilson
6 May 2008
7:00PM
Ann Arbor, Michigan
4 May 2008, Sunday
Awoke early in the morning once again and bummed around for a little, clearing up stuff before heading to Argo Park for a kayak at 2pm. I signed up for the Barton Dam trip, the exact same one which I had done with Val barely 2 weeks ago. Being the only one on that trip, I hopped onto the minivan which took me to the kayak launch site at Barton Nature Reserve. As I paddled furiously down the river, I reflected on the past 3 years I've spent here in Michigan.
Like I've said in my previous posts, it has indeed, been a rollercoaster ride in life for me. Coming here sort of against the wishes of my parents, Pat's leaving, being sunk into a hell hole early junior year, and climbing back out, securing my job, making tons of friends, going on life-changing trips, a fair bit of partying (lately), and drinking (also lately), and lots of things Michigan. Words fail me as I try to think of how to summarize the 3 awesome years I have spent here in college. I am infinitely thankful to everyone that had made it possible, especially my parents and family. Extremely thankful for the turn of events that has brought a new someone into my life and a future to think about.
I shut my eyes as I paddled down stream, pausing occasionally to snap pictures, listening to the ducks quacking, the geese, and also little turtles sunbathing on a log. Spring is exceptionally awesome too since everything comes to life. I saw some ducks swimming across the river with baby ducklings in tow as I was kayaking past Gandy Dancer. That was so amazing... Had some wonderful times on this river, kayaking down with buddy Jianwei, and also a magical time out with Val. Going to miss it so much.
Val got back in the evening and finally got to spend a little time with her. Though much of it was spent running errands and packing up / moving stuff, still really glad to see her for a bit. As we concluded the night picking at the slice of chocolate moose cake which I had picked up at Whole Foods, I shut my eyes and counted my blessings for the moment.
5 May 2008, Monday
Went for an early morning run and had my favorite Subway for lunch. Met up with Val after to run more errands and ship stuff over to Duke, and also took a short trip to REI. Thought about some stuff while driving... Anyways, we went for a brief snack with her parents at Panera before I took my leave for the Grand Canyon final (for now) reunion. Picked up Brian and went over to Missy's new place for pizza and some beer. Cute little house, except for the lack of electricity. It was also then that I found out that the change in facebook status hadn't been as discreet as I thought it was and got quizzed somewhat by the bunch of them. Haha... Val arrived a little later and we sort of managed to avoid their intense quizzing for the most part. After Val left to go keep her parents company and to pack up, we messed around a little more at Missy's place before heading over to Dreyson's house (once again).
Beer Pong, drinking, laughing and just regular Grand Canyon madness. Gosh, I'm going to miss all of them so so much. One by one, they took their leave and with final hugs and goodbyes (after an extremely long night of Rockband on their XBOX360). I sent Mark, Brian and Michelle home before taking a short drive around central campus. Had some important stuff which wanted to say, but I guess... oh well, never mind, just didn't work out as planned. Headed over to the b-school for a bit, took some pictures went home. I went online and chatted briefly with some friends who were online but just had way too much on my mind. Went out once again and this time, for a long drive around campus and even north. Ann Arbor is really beautiful and quiet at night. Went into Starbucks at Washtenaw (sweet memories...), and got a hot chocolate for free since the barista took an awfully long time to prepare it. Drove around for a little more, to places where I frequented, before heading home to sleep...
6 March 2008, Tuesday
Woke up pretty early this morning and messed around a little before going to Mac to grab some breakfast for Val. Drove over to Lynn's place at Willow Tree where Val was going to leave her car to pick her up. Loaded all the luggages into Lynn's car and my car before sending Val and her parents over to the airport. Said our farewells for now before they walked into the terminal as I watched from my rearview mirror.
For the last and final time, zoomed into Detroit City to take some random pictures from the road. GM buildings, the old forgotten buildings which have not-so-long-ago been the pride and joy of the booming Motor City, now stood forgotten. Went over to Gallup Park to take in the sights one more time, and to AAA to end my insurance coverage and also to the union to settle bank account stuff.
Returned to my apartment for (my second most dreaded) part, which is packing up everything into my two suitcases. Didn't take all that long since most of the stuff had been shipped back already. Headed over to Outdoor Adventures Center (OAC) to bid farewell to Jeanette and to my surprise (and delight), Dreyson and Andrea were both there. Chatted with all of them for a little while before I had to leave. =( Really hope that our paths in life would cross once again in the near future.
Dinner at Asian Legend with Lucy 姐, Jack and Ming. Haven't seen them in forever and it was nice to have dinner with them before I leave. Memories of freshman year, when Ming and I went for our fall break trip to Toronto with all the Taiwanese grad student girls, with Lucy 姐 are still so fresh in my mind. Time has really flown past.
And so, my three years of undergraduate studies in Michigan is finally coming to an end. Departure back to the real world looms ahead. Much as I love Ann Arbor and would doubtlessly love to spend more time here, I know that at the end of the day, I still have to head out into the real world, where I'm no longer sheltered and comfortable like in Ann Arbor. As we all walk on in life, into the working world, to pursue higher education, or to chase our dreams, I know that there will always be this place, halfway around the world, that I can also call home.
Thank you everyone, thank you University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Take care all, and no matter what you do, or where you are, Go Blue.
Wilson
6 May 2008
7:00PM
Ann Arbor, Michigan
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