elgeeko’s blog

I write in the twilight of an amazing winter break.
The holiday began with celebrations of graduation, culminating in a Kensington barbecue with a view of the bay and the company of colleagues with whom I have studied for more than two years. We celebrated a hugely successful project (GoBot, only Nimbus could beat it), new jobs (Rick please don’t tap my phone between 7-9pm, that’s Jeff’s Time), new internships (Mehdi, get some sleep), new homes (Angel, surf goofy on Trussels for me) and all the possibility that tomorrow brings.

My second family (whom I adopted without giving them much choice in the matter) opened their home for two action-packed weeks in Los Angeles. It was wonderful to spend time with Philippe (who has extended the lifespan of the 4am conversation beyond college years), Loren (whose advice demonstrates her compassion and commitment to others), Elliot (whose love for life is as intense as are his mad techno-mixing skills), Morgan (who can discuss calculus, physics, and the legalization of pot in the same sentence), Tybalt (who is still a “good boy” despite getting his ass kicked by a terrier), and Portia (cutest dog ever, excluding her pneumatic bowels). They bring warmth and excitement wherever they go, and I am thankful to have such a loving family.

Los Angeles was capped off with a wonderful dinner party featuring friends who have journeyed with me from Santa Monica to Berkeley and back, as well as cameos from the Hartleys. We consumed conversation about accomplishments, plans, and dreams, as well as healthy amounts of champagne and Pasta à la Q. The night ended with a wonderful firelight conversation that morphed into breakfast at a Cuban bakery. The conclusions from our hot tub conversations are that Avi needs to speak up more in class, Sarah needs to leave the country, and Jonathan needs to move closer to me.

My return to Northern California was hella delayed (Tejon Pass closed), but I arrived in time to ring in the new year. Our gracious host (Tala, I grieve for your broken glassware) filled us with cheese and champagne (a delightful distraction from Alex’s iPhone), and enlivened us with what was my first try at Rock Band - excuse my inappropriate lyrics, you get points regardless of what words you sing. Josh, thanks for being cool, I promise never to Facebook unfriend you again, Mike you rock the guitar, and Eliza your poker losses are soon to be returned in original form.

With life changing so quickly, I appreciate having the opportunity to spend time with my colleague, project partner, drinking buddy, and close friend whose name will be memorialized as Nerd Cowboy on account of his never checking his Facebook. Cowboy is perhaps the first person I turn to in celebration, defeat, or angst. Not sexual angst, mind you - I’m flattered, maybe even curious, but ultimately not interested in such backdoor shenanigans. He plans to move out of Northern California, but he’ll be back.

Worth noting is my reconnection with my parents, whom despite seemingly insurmountable cultural and philosophical differences have enabled my pursuit of a masters degree. I am both surprised and indebted by their gratitude.

This winter has marked milestones in academics, family, and friendship. I have been honored by the support of the faculty at Berkeley, warmed by the birthday wishes and dinners with friends, and empowered by overcoming an existential crisis. I have never been more relaxed, supported, or happy in my life. I send my warmest regards to the friends who have marked this joyous time in my life - too many to mention here.

In the year to come, I will be challenged in new and difficult ways. While I may be delayed by research or schoolwork, I promise to respond to every Facebook message, e-mail, text, and singing telegram I receive. I wish the best to all of you in the new year.