101th Post
Thursday, July 31, 12:06 PM
I stumbled upon Emily's post, who found this idea on Bohogirl's blog, who got the idea from her friend Meg. So, here goes my attempt. I'm jumping on the bandwagon now! It was difficult to pick out just one photo from each search I did, but it turned out to be a rewarding experience. To be fair, here is the instructions once again:
Here´s how you do it...Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr search, using only the first page, choose your favorite image, copy and paste each of the URL’s into the mosaic maker (3 columns, 4 rows).
Kathy's Ultra-Cool Mosaic
The Questions:
1. What is your first name? (Kathy)
2. What is your favorite food? (Panini Sandwiches)
3. What high school did you attend? (Andrew P. Hill)
4. What is your favorite color? (Sea Green)
5. Who is your celebrity crush? (Daniel Henney)
6. Favorite drink? (Salty Plum Drink)
7. Dream vacation? (Accrobranching)
8. Favorite dessert? (Egg Tart)
9. What do you want to be when you grow up? (A Traveler)
10.What do you love most in life? (My Memories)
11. One word to describe you. (Unforgettable)
12. Your Flickr name. (Kayayteeehchy) - but there was nothing, CalTech?
Falling into Randomness
, 9:28 AM
Somebody loves me since they left cookies and pretzels on my desk. This morning in PE was great, I was motivated to run, while others played flag football. The teams were larger this time, and we used the whole playing field. Somebody loves me even more because there's a Snickers' bar on my desk right now! Though I missed other opportunities today, the end of the day made me realise there are no wrong choices. Now that summer class is over, I should find more time.I love how I'm being pulled into travel opportunities, New York, LA, Los Vegas, and DC, all in the upcoming weeks. I feel bad now for not buying a camera, but I'll find other ways to share my vacation with everyone. I'm not able to make it all those fabulous cities, but I will make the most out of it! I'm glad I cleared the summer assignments out of the way.
Garcia's Genius
Wednesday, July 30, 7:07 PM
No, this isn't the expression of inner emo-ness, or whatever lies beneath the depths of my soul. It's wonder artwork by Camille Rose Garcia from a past exhibit for the San Jose Art Museum. I remember a few months back I was with Gayle for the showing. It looked very Dr. Seuss inspired. Initially, I thought it was a children's exhibit, but on a closer look, the imagery wasn't pleasant as I first observed. You can't tell from the image above, but there was glitter to the paintings, which added a touch of girly-ness to the gloomy slaughtered deers. It's an innocence and doom juxaposition. I like the woodland creatures, the scenery incoorperated into the painting. I won't give a hand in interpretting the symbolism within Garcia's works, but her talent is inevitable. Prints of her work are selling, priced $950 US dollars at the San Jose Museum of Art's website, but you can also go on the artist's official website to find out more information about miss Garcia. I wish she made some graphic tees for us. Heck, I'd shell out $15 bucks for even for an autographed shirt!
Camille Rose Garcia's website: http://www.camillerosegarcia.com/
Soy-tastic
Tuesday, July 29, 2:24 PM
I didn't want to blog yesterday. Why? I didn't feel like it. Yesterday was a fabulous day, I wasn't able to get home until 7, but it was quite a nice day too. I was out and about volunteering at the Tully library. I got to know the librarians better, and bond with Doris and Nam. I had came directly from school, still sporting my PE clothes. I looked sloppy, but well, there is only so much you can do. Swimming was utterly relaxing. I took Doris and Nam out to Linda's doughnut shop, and we walked back to the library, just in time for opening time. Mondays, it takes until 2. I was also happy to see more familiar faces within the bookroom. I love it at Tully, it's larger than Seventrees, but not massive as MLK is. My approach to the ideal college environment is similar, not too small, not too large. I'd like a place with diversity too. A Goldilocks Complex? Not at all. I went to Crosscountry afterwards.Today to me, is a break day. I'm spending time at home. Has anyone ever quoted this phrase to you before? "I spend time away from home, with people, going out; to appreciate being home alone." It applys to this case. I feel really happy this week, I know something fabulous is ahead. The day's still not over, but I promise to fill you in.
Saturday, July 26, 8:51 PM
Immigrant Giraffes~Week 6
Wednesday, July 23, 8:32 PM
Today was perfect. Really.I proclaim this one of my best sick days ever. PE class wasn't extraordinarily fun, but what followed after was. I didn't feel like swimming, but nevertheless, I got in the pool. It was cold. I got out after there was a little game of volleyball, girls versus guys. The guys won, but I knew the girls weren't trying their best. Next time would be so much better. If only they kept the ball up! I dried off, then I went over to the shade where Claudine was. Locker room, I changed quickly as I was no wet this time. I did look pretty if I do say so myself. Jeans and a nice blouse from Macy's. The end of the day bell rang, and I met up with Kevin, who seemed a bit lost.
We bussed to downtown, took the 73. There was no sign of Danny. Along the stops, Juan got on the bus, he was going to San Fransisco? All three of us got off at the same stop, we had missed ours, -oops!- and I had an urge to take the train to SF as well. It's a impulse I was glad not to go with. Kevin and I had time beforethe MLK project started. He didn't eat lunch, I felt guilty. We walked around downtown looking for La Victoria's. We saw Dieu waiting at a bus stop. Total randomness. Dieu was going to his doctor's? How odd. He invited us to go with him to his appointment, but no way, I'd like to avoid being stuck in an office for two hours. We decided to meet up with Dieu later. I realise we were going the wrong direction, so we turned back. After a short walk, we made it back to MLK.
We were at the MLK library, we went up the the third floor. Room 390 was empty. Then Danny popped out of nowhere, I was glad to see him. The MLK photo project group showed up, and we were set to go out and explore! It was another walk downtown, Olivia and I took photos. Some turned out well, other didn't. We walked back to the room, and other people left. Payam and Dieu came into the room. Things sped up. Somehow, more people came, and we played Payam's shockmaster game. To have the long story short, the day was relaxing! Mexican food rounded up the day. I lost sight of Dieu and Kevin, but later found Dieu randomly in the library. We went home afterwards. Must I say again, perfect.
@ The Bank of the West Classic
Friday, July 18, 11:46 PM
Haha. I felt like going to bed, and then I turned around and felt like writing a blog. So today, I went to PE class, had a blast. We didn't run, which was quite expected, although I would've like to do bleachers today. We hit the weightroom, and played Badminton afterwards in the big gym. I am getting bored of all the same skill-leveled players, and the music is always the same songs over and over again. I'd like to play flag football again, last time was a blast. We were granted free swim today, and I enjoyed hogging the 3feet pool to myself. I was walking home today, and my Aunt Phuong beeped her white hummer at me. She picked me up along the way, and drove me home. She waited while I changed and I got back into the car to see that DuyAnh, Kim, Elena and Quang-Anh ( my cousin newly arrived from VN) in the back seats. They were watching Scooby Doo again. Fun, we were driving to the mall.
I had a hard time deciding on Friday plans. There were many options between, running a relay, going to Golfland with relatives, camping, attending the ModelUN banquet or heading to Bank of the West's Classics held in Stanford this year. I thought we were going to Vallejo, but I guess my aunt said Oakridge. Knowing that Gayle lived nearby, I called her up after my cousins and I got Jamba Juice. I really couldn't finish my Matcha Green Tea. I met up with Gayle, my aunt was nice enough to give me twenty bucks. I bought a shirt at Macy's; I remember I did yesterday too. I'm loving the Sunny Leigh line, it's affordable and has a few wearable pieces. The Petites sales section is my friend. Gayle and I walked on, we made several round around the mall. Before we knew it, the time was 5:00pm. We called her mother, and she picked us up in front of the Cheesecake factory. Things worked out very well. I was not dressed for the occasion, so I changed into the shirt that I bought. It was loose, Gayle lent me a belt and her jacket for the night. Her mother was nervous about driving to Stanford. She was afraid we wouldn't get the right directions. Fortunately, Gayle and I were pretty confident about our navigation skills though. Along the rode, I took random photos of the scenery.
We made it, the car ride was fun! We talked, and sang songs airing on the radio. At Stanford, we were sad to see that we missed the Fashion show. We came too late, but that didn't stop us from having a fabulous time. There was food provided. The section we sat in had nice tables. I felt bloated after a few plates. Iced Tea and water cost three dollars. Our goal was to just relax. We succeeded. I think I hit my head several times today. Once on the frame of the car, and once on the shade-providing umbrella above our table. Ow. The matches started. The ables seem desserted. We walked to the stadium. First try, wrong gate. We walked around the stadium, passing by company booths. Wow, our seats are nice. The sun obstructed our view for a short time, but it moved and we were able to see the players do their best.
I thought the match was very uneven. One player grunted when she went for the ball, seemed out of shape. The other was poised, quiet and made wise shots. I liked her, and her orange outfit. She sported a cute skirt. Gayle and I went out during the last set, I wanted to walk off the bloatedness. It didn't affect anything, but we took photos around the great Wall of Fame. The whole match was over quickly. Gayle's mother called and told us to meet up. I was superfull. I needed to find a bathroom, but I refused to step into those port-a-potties we passed. We did find one, at the side of the stadium. People who had gotten out of the game, lined up for the Women's restroom. I say, today was well worth it.
A First for Everything
Tuesday, July 15, 9:12 PM
Who knew volunteer work could make you feel so good, even when you're in a tired state. So, I got five hours done today. I wasn't planning on staying as long, but I dragged myself to do it. Manning the Summer Reading booth was dull work. Last time I made a huge effort to encourage kids to sign up, this time I'm laid back. I walked to Daily Doughnuts at 4 with Danny, and Linda gave me a free pastry. She had a simple problem on her Algebra homework, I was glad to help out. I was back to the volunteer event today, Butterfly Hats for young children and their parents. I'm glad the majority of their parents don't consider this a daycare and just abandon their youngster here. It takes the load off from the volunteer to not babysit the kids. Things got very messy. I was able to get out at closing hour. Front doors were locked, so I went through the side door, similar to the one at Seventrees. I'm getting interested on how the library works. I liked today after all. It was so worth it. Oh, and earlier today, I was busing to Tully. I was running a bit late, I met a Bob. He's asian. He goes to YB, but takes summer school here at Hill. The incident is such a first on my list!
Hats Off
Monday, July 14, 10:43 PM
To be honest, I didn't think I could pull it off. I'm feeling sleepy now, fatigued from the work handled today. I made it through summer school, there's only one semester left. Something to be proud of, but it's sad to note there's only 2 weeks of "regular" summer vacation for most of us until school gets back. PE was easy today. The weather cooled down, and swimming was pleasant. I liked it. I dried off pretty quickly. I dashed home, I found a shortcut. I was home, I relaxed for an hour. It's odd for me to have time for myself. To top it, I had time to volunteer? I'm usually caught up thinking that I'd never managed to go over to Tully to help out. This time, I wouldn't mind if it'd be only an hour or two. It's still be something, I figured. It did pay off. I'm happy I went. I did forget my cellphone at home when it was charging, but I was lucky to have a great friend, Gayle lend me her phone. It was also lucky she happened to be there. I also returned my History AP book, Wild Swans. I gave it one quick read last night. I didn't rush today, but somehow things went smoothly. I had time to spare. I had time to put on my running clothes for crosscountry and arrived early. It's amazing how brilliantly things can go if you don't waste time stressing. Also, here's a secret I'm hoping only my friend code decode:
A D A H!!! -squeals-
, 10:10 PM
I think the FinAid SmartStudent Guide has realy lame advice on this page:
http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/parentsrefuse.phtml
Excerpts include:
It is an unfortunate reality that students whose parents refuse to acknowledge their responsibilities are unable to further their education until they meet the independent student definition.
So if your parents refuse to pay, you will have to make up the difference. The school and the government will not help.
Finally, write a letter to Congress and tell them about your story. If Congress were aware of how many students like you fall through the cracks, they might be willing to make some modifications in the Higher Education Act.
So are they actually forcing these students in oppressed situations to struggle on their own? Very lame indeed. Tell me there's something that justifies the words cited.
Can't Let Go Linda Kiraly
Sunday, July 13, 4:04 PM
Hah. I'm gone and I'm done. I showed up to the tourney for five minutes. I was insanely irritated showing up. I didn't want to be there. I caused myself a small headache, but I walked home and calmed down. I feel better. I know that my teammates called me once, but I really need this break. It's long over due. I'll be up to something in a bit. I'm going to spend more time with my aunt Nhan. It's better now. I have almost completed the summer assignments. This night I'm going to organise more things. I'll get things figured out. No more of the stress I had yesterday. Tomorrow, my library books are due. I'm going back. I feel bad if I shirk off my duties.
Run and Relax
, 12:57 AM
Urgh. Funny how weekend plans pile up. Raging Waters was okay. I didn't mind going. I don't regret it, though I wished there were more hours in the day. I was so tired out, I slept for 5 hours. I woke up late, and my sleeping habits screwed up. How fun. I would, I could be happy. I missed the Tully booksale, I wished I was there, but Raging Waters was loads of fun. But tomorrow is a panic to do everything. Truthfully, I wish I was two places at once. I don't want to sacrifice tomorrow for a badminton game. Who the heck hosts a tourney at 3pm? Right smack in the middle of the day? I am not very happy. In fact, I'm not happy at all. Hoai expects me to go, and told me I'm required to go. I don't think it's necessary. I know someone has to fill in for his sister, but I really need a break. I just want to go back today, and make up my hours. Why does it feel like I'll never have a second chance to redo things? I want to hit the Mall with Rainie and Andrew, but there's scheduling conflicts. I want to relax for a bit. I don't feel like it's my obligation to do any of these things, but I feel crappy for having to cancel these plans. Can I relax tomorrow at the church fair? Maybe. If the booksale was this Sunday, I'd blow everything off. I want to be calm again. I really wonder now. I think I need a day off. Of course, I don't think I can tell anyone. Let's see how tomorrow goes. I think, I realise now why my good day got stressful. It's best after all. So, good night readers.
Take Time to Realize
Friday, July 11, 9:36 PM
You have a calm energy around you, today -- the people you'll be dealing with know how to take care of business the right way, without drama. So breathe a deep sigh of relief and know that you are with the right team -- you are in good hands! You can now feel free to stop worrying so much about how things are going to go and start enjoying the time you're spending with these fabulous people. You can learn a lot from them. Start a conversation and let the knowledge soak in.
Maybe today does feel good after all. It's correct. I trust my friends, and they made me relax a bit today. Thanks guys. I found an inner balance. Everything will turn out right for the long run. My aunt, Hanh's been in the hospital for several weeks. I hadn't known for what reason until lately. The statistics are right, Cancer is bound to hit some family. This isn't going to tear apart the family I doubt. I found out over a meal at a Viet restuarant. Funny, the most random people were there. I feel okay though.
My World~Week 3
Thursday, July 10, 9:30 PM
Proenza Schouler
Wednesday, July 9, 11:28 PM
Can I secretly tell you guys I'm in love with his name and Target line?
Bring It!
Tuesday, July 8, 10:25 PM
The previous nights, I had stayed up sleep deprived. I maintained a minimum of 3 hours of sleep each "night" and went off to school in less than 4 hours. It's summer, it'd be acceptable if I didn't have a bigger workload. I was used to staying up long nights, having something "useful" to do that made me feel "productive". It usually was my ambition to excell in ModelUN. Nowadays, it's the days I try to find myself; I also ponder on what tomorrow would bring. I'm being philosophical I suppose, but there's no shame in that. These days have been hot, reaching over 90 degrees. I was wondering the point in this summer where it's be utterly hot again. I'm glad to be taking a PE course over the summer. The water does wonders, it feels nicer swimming. I have a really funky tan, but it's not like it matters to anyone.
So, did anyone find this article interesting?
Yahoo! News Story
It was also covered in BBC news. =)
Sparks
Sunday, July 6, 2:42 PM
I forgot to fill you guys in didn't I? Well, on Friday night. I was distressed that my father went off with his friends and I was scared he wouldn't make it back in time. But as things turned for the best, when Gayle was dropped off by her parents, my dad's car pulled up to the driveway. We went to my aunt's house and was I shocked to see, I was the earliest one there. My little cousins, Duy-Anh and Kim let us try out their Wii games. They really do have so many. It wasn't into an hour or later when Elena, Johnny, and the other guests arrived. Meanwhile, Gayle and I were walking down my aunt's lovely neighborhood. It was a bit chilly; I was sipping on coconut juice along the walk. When the two of us came back to the house, there were some of my cousins, and some of my aunts. Gayle and I ate more food. I was really into the shrimp eggrolls during the night. Gayle and I sparked an idea: we needed JID! So we called Nguyen, and I worked my magic on the relatives. We waited for a bit, after Nguyen called us back to pick her up. It was fun. We did so many things that night. We looked at the sky, but really, you can't see much from where we were at. The fireworks weren't high enough so we could see it. The balcony got cold for us, so we stayed down. The youngsters were watching the sky. The parents were still eating, and discussing family plans. There were other families from the neighborhood nearby, but it was convenient for us to live close to the edge. As one person put it, "It looked like the buildings were imploding/lighting up." The girls and I bonded, we started a bonfire, we talked. Everyone got along fairly well. It was a nice July 4th. Going home, I could see the fireworks just as I would if I had been home.
Better yet None at All
Friday, July 4, 4:40 PM
I need my dad to be more responsible. He need to know that he has to commit to being a parent. I hate his flakiness. It's better if I grew up and not have to rely on him. I am 100% sure I am more responsible than he has ever been. I truely relate to the main character of this book, I do not want to be like my dad. Sure, he's fun, but I rather be boring if that means I'm the person who keeps my word. I hate how my dad shuts me out when he goes out into his own little world. How he's always hanging out with his buddies, but is a hypocrite for asking me why I do not want to stay at home. I wouldn't want to stay at home, he doesn't.
To Love, To Hide and Avoid
Wednesday, July 2, 6:31 PM
This really isn't me. It doesn't feel like it. I'm back in PE class, up and going. I feel appreciated that people asked me how yesterday was for me. I realise a good amount of things can be accomplished in a day. I feel like it's been a good day, but I could've gone and done more. Everytime I have the time to go to the Tully library, I convince myself there's something better to be done with my time. I don't like that. I should go. I don't mind at MLK, that I'm with all these new people. I actually enjoy it. Everyone's nice. I don't know what's keping me from going back to the Tully library, especially since I know the Tues and Weds house are from 108. I could easily make it there! I haven't given up on any projects. I'm managing my weeks efficently well. I am often on task, and almost completed most of my summer workload. This feels like, I'm avoiding the chance to fall into a crazy crush again. And, that doesn't feel like. Where is Kathy, the hopeless romantic? On the side note, I am happy and proud of how hardworking my team is. They're dedicated to getting the supplies before next Monday, when we are supposed to build our floating device, "boat". We anteed money up for the boat. I hope one of my teammates will be able to hit Walmart this weekend. Personally, I can't stand that place. I'll keep out of there thank you. I also, need to get smaller bills. It doesn't come in handy when I take the bus. I should've asked my father when he drove me several times today. Or, better yet, I need a monthly bus pass. I'll get off my lazy bum, and spend even less time at home! Elena came home. She was at my house. Her dad didn't give her permission to go with my to MLK, too bad. She brought me souvieners from Disneyland. I would've gone with them, but summer school conflicted with the plan. So a note to myself,
"Kathy, keep being who you are. You have never been afraid of trying or going after something because it was too hard, too difficult; only because you were too lazy. You are a motivated person, so show it! "Don't stop now.
