Thank You
Saturday, November 29, 12:44 PM
It's past Thanksgiving, and unfortunately I don't have enough time to finish this, but I'll start. I'm thankful to have met the people I have in the past; it has shaped who I am today. I am thankful for having decent relatives who at family gatherings do not bring up my grades as if it was the only thing that matters-but I am getting those "A"s my dearies! I am thankful to have a sisterhood and JID. I am thankful for the conditions I am in now, because I don't know how how worse it could get until it does. I am thankful I have the future ahead of me. I am thankful for those moments I tried for things; some opportunities worked out better than others. The ones which didn't, I have learnt from. I am thankful for those who reached out to me when I was feeling down. I am thankful for not being too poor, and not too spoiled. I am thankful that I have the time to volunteer, and have great co-volunteers when I do. I am grateful for those who have helped even when I forget I'm only human. I am thankful for the support I have from my friends. I am thankful that my family brings me back to Earth, when I lose my head in the clouds. I am happy I am myself, and no one else. I am happy I have ambition. I am glad that I do not have to write formally for this post. I am thankful I have 2 minutes to complete this post. I am thankful that I am one of the people who does not normally have to rush. I thank my teachers for not cramming the Thanksgiving break with homework. I am thankful for the juniors and seniors who graduated/are close to graduating who inspire me to keep up in my studies. I am thankful I know my passions, and thankful for the resources I have discovered in order to pursue it. I am thankful for the people rooting for me, whom I have never known since this year. I am thankful for the small moments I get to spend with my friends. I appreciate the things people do for me and the times I bond with them. I am thankful to be young. I am thankful my body is forgiving even though I have been inactive since a summer at the pool. I am thankful for having experienced summer PE. I am thankful for having club activities to keep me busy, even though I do complain. I am happy that I am not failing my classes. I am thankful for the people whose letters of recommendation keep me in the programs I am in today. I am just filled with hope and happiness when writing this post. I am thankful for those who read my writings. I am thankful I have this developing skill of words. I am thankful for what I have.
---To be Completed by Monday or not at all
Who's ready for Lunch?
Sunday, November 23, 5:43 PM
If my dad was this artistic, I wouldn't mind bringing a brownbagged lunch to school ever again.
http://lunchbagart.tumblr.com/
TSO @ San Jose
Monday, November 17, 7:21 PM
Nov 16th. Sunday night was spent not doing last minute homework, but instead, watching the astonishing Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert in the HP Pavilion. There, the audience was dazzled with lights and classical music fused with a rock influence in this year's Winter Tour. Awaiting the pyrotechnics and laser lights show, the venue was packed even before this rock opera began. It has been more than 10 years since the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) was created and they have gained many devout fans since then. The Orchestra have kept busy, travelling across the nation. A mixture of rock, guitars, classical music and angelic voices, the Orchestra was founded in 1996 by three ambitious music lovers: renowned composers Paul O'Neill and Robert Kinkel, and Savatage lead singer Jon Oliva. It has grown into an orchestra composed of over 60 people. The group lives up to their rather eccentric name, which was inspired by the Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia, in the concept that it connects many cultures otherwise isolated--much like music.
The show started promptly at 7:30pm with a musical play. This was the story of a lonely father, his daughter stationed with the troops, random acts of kindness and an angel in search of a good person. There was no bolder voice than Bryan Hicks, our narrator for the night. Settling in our seats, we didn't think it was possible to hear the singers as well, but we were quickly proven wrong. Audience members could not deny the proud voices of the vocals. Children and adults alike were delighted in joy and amusement. The women were angelic chorus, and the men, strong ear-pleasing voices. Anyone would recognize Joy to the World to Mad Russian's Christmas and other Holiday classics present that night. The audience was wrapped up in silence all until the last notes vocalist Jeff Scott Soto bolted out in Hark! The Herald Angels Cry. The night was followed by song, narration, and medley. There were elements of snow, fire and glamour generated by incredible lighting and stage effects. The atmosphere, never lacked in magic; TSO was joined by a dozen members of our very own San Jose Chamber Orchestra tonight.
Among the Christmas carols led by electric guitars, the pianists had their share of limelight as well. Lucinda Butler and Derek Wieland dueled off with pieces of original work and the lights were brighter than ever. Then, a familiar tune graced our ears. Could it be? Yes, it was Good Ole Charlie Brown! The chorus appeared once more on the stage, dancing to the tune; the electric guitars transformed the music into an edgy Flight of the Bumblebee. The highlight of the evening came after these dueling pianists' solos. The Orchestra gathered once more for the spectacular finale; a medley ending in Beethoven's A Last Illusion. If Las Vegas were ever to explode, this would be how it would look like. Bright lights. Lasers and Spotlights. Stars flying off the wall. Flames high enough to reach our Row 12, Section 214 seats. The heat was on, and the audience members could definably feel it. Singers were raised on a jet-powered platform (actually by crane) and the show was nothing short of extravagant. The holiday season has not yet begun, but at the concert, it felt otherwise.
Ending the night, audience members clapped along to everything the Orchestra threw at them. Leaving was a shame, but knowing we spent the night sitting through TSO concert was a happy feeling. It is possible to be captivated with such a musical act the first time--which was my case, and one could feel relieved that classical music can still be a joy to listen to. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra literally shook my world as one of the firsts who took it upon themselves to reinvent Beethoven and Christmas melodies for the modern-age. The group is currently still on tour, making their next stops at Anaheim, Nov. 21st and San Diego, Nov. 22nd. May we wish them good luck and hope to see them back in San Jose next year. Until then, we'll sit at home listening to last CD album. For those who are interested, later tour dates can be found at: http://www.trans-siberian.com/ with tickets ranging from $35-$49. CDs and video recordings of the November 16th concert can be found online.
There's a Street named after her.
Saturday, November 15, 6:18 PM
Waking up was not a big deal. It felt like going to school again. When looking for bus money, I found out that I had lost my wallet on Friday. What a bummer. I knew I still had it at the café. I resolved to check back at Peet's coffee shop, but I never did. Then I said I would get a new library card and pay any fines. I didn't. I suppose it's alright. I told my dad when he got home tonight. I slept very long when I got home. I was exhausted. But despite all that, today was lovely. I really enjoyed volunteering with YAC. It's nice being downtown too, the Summit I would say was successful--although I wouldn't know how our city would measure success, by crowd, by participation, etc. I hoped they thought it went well too. I, with Roberto, was assigned in the early morning the unfortunate task of leading cars away from 6th street parking lot. I saw Mr. Shih at the Summit; that was nice.
Afterwards, we ate breakfast. The city hall's council of chambers is a beautiful place. It's been so long since I've been in it. The speeches made were impeccable, the presenters seemed to care. It's nice they mentioned how important community involvement was, I truly agree. The volunteers and I took attendance in each workshop. We relaxed, and soon enough, lunch came. I liked the catering, there was a Vietnamese lady who kept going off at the napkins though. The Lasagna was great. I got to know better the people in YAC, that made me happy. Returning to Tully, I was too tired to volunteer. What a shame, but I saw Duy there. He was studying, as was I. I've said before, I'm getting French down pretty well. I still have not addressed my issue of losing my library card. I wonder if I shall ever get it back, most likely not. I didn't mention, but there was the large Prop 8 protest rioting outside City Hall. The slogans on a few signs were catchy. I hope things work out for the best.
Downtown Ice
Friday, November 14, 8:10 PM
French today felt nice, more natural than usual. School overall was good. I was in no rush to finish my assignments, but I did forget to go back and finish my math test. It's Friday, so I'm not stressing about it. I tried, that's all I could do. I resisted the temptation to cheat on the WHAP test; it was easy anyways, so I told myself not to. I saw other classmates doing so, but their better grade won't threaten mine. I'm going to strive for an A+ in that class. I'm satisfied with an A, but I want the glory of that plus sign. I feel as if I deserve it. Sixth period went by just as quickly as it did yesterday; it felt like no time at all. I went to Tully to retrieve/return several books. I came out with so many texts, it filled my bag. My bag runneth over.
I took a bus ride to Tully. There were clowns on board, and I was very curious--although I didn't ask any questions. It was very crowded during this trip; I'm guessing because most people left work at the hour. I departed the bus at the wrong stop, and I was very close to the ice rink, but I made the silly mistake of turning the wrong direction. I ended up walking in a circle and ended up in front of the MLK library. Gayle and Nguyen had to find me, I was so lost and dazed at that point. I bumped into Jeremy, who was just going home at that point; I talked to him until Gayle and Nguyen found me. I laughed so much, but I felt sorry for keeping them up.
I fell, once. I laughed; I really had fun going with Gayle and the girls tonight. It's been a while since I've seen Tiffany or KP and I enjoy the time we spent tonight, and the cafe was a lovely place. Inexpensive pastries and chips. I liked tonight; I found it amusing to bump into Anderson, David and Robert at the rink. The ice was watery. My pants stayed wet after we were done skating, but not a bit deal. There should have totally been music, and yes Gayle, they should've played Jessica Simpson. On the car ride back home, JID listened to 101.3 radio station. These songs brought back the good memories of the past. I hope we'll have more fun ahead since holidays are arriving soon.
P.S.: I will remind Steven and Payam, Culinary Club treasurers to check our school bank account balance in order to reimbursed Miss Haertling, and on Weds, Group B is cooking. Boy that's going to be a huge group!
Simple Joy
Wednesday, November 12, 5:30 PM
What could be more yummy?
Paterfamialia
Monday, November 10, 8:26 PM
Sometimes I wish I was Blaire Wardolf. No...This post won't be a Gossip Girl rant. I just want to perfect her cold exterior to this Chuck problem my dear friend is having. I cannot say more. Well, something to giggle about:
I could start off with cancollecting, but there was not anything spectacular about it. It was nice of Julie and Lindsey to come. We collected a good amount of cans, thanks guys. At the potluck, everything went well. My dad didn't want to drive me to Steven's house. He was commenting on how many times I already went out the weekend, but it was Alex to the rescue! He picked me up and we tried to find a Safeway nearby, but we didn't know of any. I hope he doesn't mind that I mention him in the posts; I'll ask him sometime. Instead of finding a safeway, we went to a plaza where they had a Lucky's at. We picked up some party food, knowing that we were going to Steven's house an hour late- we called. It was really fun at the potluck, but killer to find parking where Steven lived. Many people showed up, more than expected. Long, Thomas, Charlie, Chris and Phuc were playing Risk and it annoyed the heck out of Sam when they were doing so. It was going to be a bonding night, so it was set.
We got the senior boys to pause the game. Funny thing was, the game was messed up afterwards anyways. We put on a little improv show, with more effort than required. We played silly games that required thrusting movements (oddness). More people came to the party. The food was abundant, we never finished all the pizza or desserts. Everyone was having a good time, or so I've been hearing. I'd call a success. I don't really regret about those people who couldn't attend, there will be other events. Guitar Hero was brought out later, things cooled down and I ate more food. Knowing me, I have an early bedtime compared to most people. Alex didn't mind bringing me back home at nine. I guess I did bond with people. I'm glad this potluck happened, it took careful planning and I'm up to more. It gave me more hope about this year's ModelUN club.
4-Day Weekend
Saturday, November 8, 12:46 PM
I had a cool realistic dream. I sported a shorter haircut, and I was viewing my high school transcript. I am amazed on how meaningful that dream was, even though it wasn't a very spectacular moment. I liked that new haircut, it's too masculine and not too girly. I woke up not recognizing myself with longer hair, today was the end of a nice sleepover at Nguyen's. I liked shopping yesterday night. My fingers aren't freezing today; I'm home. I'm looking forward to Winter Break.
Left Unfinished
Monday, November 3, 9:48 PM
A school library is one such place where the environment is warm and inviting. It is where students go to find a variety of resources for school projects, or to seek knowledge on a particular topic. The library promotes academic pursuit, and is thus, fundamental to one's education. Cicero would agree, “To add a library to a house is to give that house a soul.” This great Roman mind came from a time where wealthy citizens would be the only people owning a private library, but perhaps this man would revel in awe if he were to see the development of today's public libraries. The 'soul' of our schools-which is much like a second home- continues to be a library. Nowhere else would you find the diverse 'potpourri' of students from around campus. When at the library, one could partake in observations of the obvious overachievers to the dangling hag-bats working on last minute chemistry homework.
This was orginally written for a contest, but the contest was cancelled. I never found the same inspiration to finish this essay.
