Hello.
I've discovered the awesome healing power of humor. When stressed out by too many pages of notes to take, I can open up Jake and Amir's site and look at a few of their hilarious videos.
Personally, I find "Song" and "Storm" to be pretty amusing.
The allure of their videos seems to come from their freedom from doing any actual work and just having fun and "chilling" together.
JCamp starts tomorrow. I can't wait. Hopefully, I get to meet some interesting people and learn some cool journalistic things and how to use things like Flash and Illustrator.
Also, I need a theme! For both my blog and a campaign.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
At Antioch, Aunt's Abode
Today, I woke up in a most bad-tempered mood. The day ended in considerably higher spirits.
The car ride to Antioch, which suggested nothing but the most ordinary of family gatherings, was unable to rouse my spirits, grab my on the shoulders, and demand that I make the most of my day. I played my part perfectly well, the surly teenager with the nonchalant attitude. With headphones over my ears blasting JD Natasha (I recommend her album Imperfecta!) and a slouched posture, I managed to blot out everyone around me.
Upon arrival, I had to drag myself from the car and assume the role of the obedient son. It is a role filled with peril, one false step and my mother would feel compelled to loudly explain to everyone how this was his "true personality" and that everything else is him pretending to be good in front of others. All in one long sentence.
Obviously, no one likes criticism and I'm part of the rule, not the exception. I found my attitude grow even more churlish as I began to lash out at those around me. My first victim was convicted of talking too loudly and too much. My second victim had a gambling problem. My third victim squandered life on Facebook.
What changed me that day was something unexpected. Something annoying: my brother. Seeing him play with my aunt's dog was eye-opening. I saw some sort of passion seize him and made him determined that "Bobby" would become his best friend.
Through throwing a bottle to play fetch, feeding him chicken jerky from his hand, and too many shouts of "Bobby, bobby" in this childish yet caring tone, he became friends with the dog. In too many descriptions and details for my post, Bobby and my brother reminded me that happiness and fun can be found in the most unexpected and boring of places, with each other.
Thank you.
The car ride to Antioch, which suggested nothing but the most ordinary of family gatherings, was unable to rouse my spirits, grab my on the shoulders, and demand that I make the most of my day. I played my part perfectly well, the surly teenager with the nonchalant attitude. With headphones over my ears blasting JD Natasha (I recommend her album Imperfecta!) and a slouched posture, I managed to blot out everyone around me.
Upon arrival, I had to drag myself from the car and assume the role of the obedient son. It is a role filled with peril, one false step and my mother would feel compelled to loudly explain to everyone how this was his "true personality" and that everything else is him pretending to be good in front of others. All in one long sentence.
Obviously, no one likes criticism and I'm part of the rule, not the exception. I found my attitude grow even more churlish as I began to lash out at those around me. My first victim was convicted of talking too loudly and too much. My second victim had a gambling problem. My third victim squandered life on Facebook.
What changed me that day was something unexpected. Something annoying: my brother. Seeing him play with my aunt's dog was eye-opening. I saw some sort of passion seize him and made him determined that "Bobby" would become his best friend.
Through throwing a bottle to play fetch, feeding him chicken jerky from his hand, and too many shouts of "Bobby, bobby" in this childish yet caring tone, he became friends with the dog. In too many descriptions and details for my post, Bobby and my brother reminded me that happiness and fun can be found in the most unexpected and boring of places, with each other.
Thank you.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Intertwined, Inevitably
Between APUSH summer reading and reading Stephen Colbert's satirical book I Am America (And So Can You!), I've come to see that to get your point across, no matter how absurd or wise it may seem, a certain amount of frenzied passion and unyielding reasoning must be applied to the situation.
Perhaps, a brief introduction to the figures that have led America through its nascent years during my elementary and middle school years has left a sour impression of the impressive legacy that our founding fathers have left behind. By glossing over the details that bring the brief two-hundred years of American history to life, I was left as a child, unimpressed.
Delving into the business world, I find that the boards that are composed of the decision-makers of corporations are astoundingly similar to the delegations of representatives that make the decisions that form policies that govern our lives. By participating in one such board, for my high school business organization, I've developed a taste for being part of the decision making process.
There's a unique feeling that comes with realizing that what I am doing now was replicated, on a grander scale, for creating America, for writing the Constitution, for figuring out every little logistic that comes with running a nation.
And so I drift back to the present, to read a piece of political satire, dictated by the blunt, albeit humorous, voice of Stephen Colbert. I realize that our flawed society, reflected by the lavish American lifestyle, is a byproduct of how our leaders have guided us, and that no matter what is done, not every can be happy. Debates can rage for decades, but not every view can be represented, and the decision that is ultimately made cannot be an amalgamation of every opinion compromised and rolled up into one.
And this is what empowers me to step forth. The belief that my voice will be heard among millions, that it can bring change so that a greater number have better lives.
So I walk forth and begin.
Perhaps, a brief introduction to the figures that have led America through its nascent years during my elementary and middle school years has left a sour impression of the impressive legacy that our founding fathers have left behind. By glossing over the details that bring the brief two-hundred years of American history to life, I was left as a child, unimpressed.
Delving into the business world, I find that the boards that are composed of the decision-makers of corporations are astoundingly similar to the delegations of representatives that make the decisions that form policies that govern our lives. By participating in one such board, for my high school business organization, I've developed a taste for being part of the decision making process.
There's a unique feeling that comes with realizing that what I am doing now was replicated, on a grander scale, for creating America, for writing the Constitution, for figuring out every little logistic that comes with running a nation.
And so I drift back to the present, to read a piece of political satire, dictated by the blunt, albeit humorous, voice of Stephen Colbert. I realize that our flawed society, reflected by the lavish American lifestyle, is a byproduct of how our leaders have guided us, and that no matter what is done, not every can be happy. Debates can rage for decades, but not every view can be represented, and the decision that is ultimately made cannot be an amalgamation of every opinion compromised and rolled up into one.
And this is what empowers me to step forth. The belief that my voice will be heard among millions, that it can bring change so that a greater number have better lives.
So I walk forth and begin.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Finding a Niche
With the midpoint of summer approaching, I am torn between reflecting over the past year and planning for the next one to come. As my thoughts flit from NLC in Anaheim to the impending challenge of 5 AP/honors and Journalism on a daily basis, I feel myself invariably wondering if this would make me stand out on a college application.
Probably not considering how many others manage to do the same. So I turn my attention to the doubts in my mind that demand to be assuaged.
"What makes me unique...?"
Well, one could always start at the superficial level. Height, but then again, on my former club volleyball team, I was of average height. Likes shoes. Well, probably a bunch of girls and the few guys that refuse to admit it, but once again, who would care.
Delving deeper into my activities, I find myself average to a fault. Played piano since childhood, yet not the best. Average standardized test scores, good grades, varsity sports, boring... Maybe being very involved in FBLA shows something, but there must be more, something chiefly ESW.
And I am left with a handful of things. Parliamentary procedure, an introspective nature, and a passionate drive to succeed at whatever endeavour I choose to embark upon.
Of course my path is not set in stone yet and there is a long, long ways to go. And along the arduous trek, I will find something that says "This is what ESW does the best."
Probably not considering how many others manage to do the same. So I turn my attention to the doubts in my mind that demand to be assuaged.
"What makes me unique...?"
Well, one could always start at the superficial level. Height, but then again, on my former club volleyball team, I was of average height. Likes shoes. Well, probably a bunch of girls and the few guys that refuse to admit it, but once again, who would care.
Delving deeper into my activities, I find myself average to a fault. Played piano since childhood, yet not the best. Average standardized test scores, good grades, varsity sports, boring... Maybe being very involved in FBLA shows something, but there must be more, something chiefly ESW.
And I am left with a handful of things. Parliamentary procedure, an introspective nature, and a passionate drive to succeed at whatever endeavour I choose to embark upon.
Of course my path is not set in stone yet and there is a long, long ways to go. And along the arduous trek, I will find something that says "This is what ESW does the best."
Monday, April 27, 2009
From Then Until Now; FBLA States Again
I've neglected this poor thing and let it languish as I frantically prepare for too many SAT II's, get my signatures for my applications, and wonder how the rest of the year will turn out with all of the borderline grades and super-busy summer schedule.
I guess I deserve a moment to step back from the chaos and doing, and just take a moment to reflect on the last 4 days of my life.
First of all, great job Laura and Ryan and Josh and Sihua. Though there were times where I started doubting my choices and wondered why I ever signed up for Parli again, your commitment gave me that extra bit of reassurance that in the end, everything would turn out alright. And they did. Thanks you guys for a great SLC and let's get ready for NLC!
Remember our motion from the last prompt that Chris gave us?
Also, congratulations Mr. Panos K. for winning your State officer position. I still remember the frustrations we all had with Parli last year and enduring all the suspicions and drama but in the end, we made it a memorable year. That picture we took as a team again at awards this year just served as another reminder of how much I love you guys. I don't think I've ever smiled that much for a picture.
Finally, good luck Alice with everything you will go out and accomplish and succeed in. Getting a chance to talk to you and reading your insightful blog posts always gives me that little spark of inspiration I need to keep going, even at 2 am. Thanks for reaching out to some random, tall, shy freshman and shaping him to become a person that's just a little bit better.
I guess I deserve a moment to step back from the chaos and doing, and just take a moment to reflect on the last 4 days of my life.
First of all, great job Laura and Ryan and Josh and Sihua. Though there were times where I started doubting my choices and wondered why I ever signed up for Parli again, your commitment gave me that extra bit of reassurance that in the end, everything would turn out alright. And they did. Thanks you guys for a great SLC and let's get ready for NLC!
Remember our motion from the last prompt that Chris gave us?
Also, congratulations Mr. Panos K. for winning your State officer position. I still remember the frustrations we all had with Parli last year and enduring all the suspicions and drama but in the end, we made it a memorable year. That picture we took as a team again at awards this year just served as another reminder of how much I love you guys. I don't think I've ever smiled that much for a picture.
Finally, good luck Alice with everything you will go out and accomplish and succeed in. Getting a chance to talk to you and reading your insightful blog posts always gives me that little spark of inspiration I need to keep going, even at 2 am. Thanks for reaching out to some random, tall, shy freshman and shaping him to become a person that's just a little bit better.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Attention Span.
12:30am and still doing homework. A byproduct of doing qnotes in front of the computer and checking facebook/gmail and reading blogs and the news every five minutes.
My blatant lack of focus is bad for my health yet I persist in my procrastinating ways. Perhaps I am addicted to the Internet? Or maybe I have no attention span?
I think that its my mindset, that I find the homework to be little more than menial labor. Honestly, I know it. I'm just taking the notes for that elusive 10/10 on my notebook check. If I had a choice, I don't think I would ever take extra notes. I think the time would be better spent learning something. Maybe then, I would stop hitting refresh on gmail or facebook every so often.
Oh well. Back to my notes..
Listening to: This Cold Black-Slipknot.
My blatant lack of focus is bad for my health yet I persist in my procrastinating ways. Perhaps I am addicted to the Internet? Or maybe I have no attention span?
I think that its my mindset, that I find the homework to be little more than menial labor. Honestly, I know it. I'm just taking the notes for that elusive 10/10 on my notebook check. If I had a choice, I don't think I would ever take extra notes. I think the time would be better spent learning something. Maybe then, I would stop hitting refresh on gmail or facebook every so often.
Oh well. Back to my notes..
Listening to: This Cold Black-Slipknot.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Moving On.
"You say you know how it feels inside of me
Lost and alone with no love or luxury
Come on inside
And hear the silence constantly judging me
Don't you think you should move on?"
-Love and Luxury-Korn
Move on. Simple, right?
To purge the mind of memories past, of unsatisfied desires, of unrequited love...
To let the experiences fall from once-tightly clutched hands that have opened. And they spill like grains of sand, everywhere.
I don't want to let go; I want to hold on to everything.
And what if it was never reality, just a desire yearning to be sated...?
Insecure? Most likely. Pathetic? Probably, but hopefully not.
Or simply, alone.
Lost and alone with no love or luxury
Come on inside
And hear the silence constantly judging me
Don't you think you should move on?"
-Love and Luxury-Korn
Move on. Simple, right?
To purge the mind of memories past, of unsatisfied desires, of unrequited love...
To let the experiences fall from once-tightly clutched hands that have opened. And they spill like grains of sand, everywhere.
I don't want to let go; I want to hold on to everything.
And what if it was never reality, just a desire yearning to be sated...?
Insecure? Most likely. Pathetic? Probably, but hopefully not.
Or simply, alone.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Pulling Brume
The weekend was filled with activities: volleyball, piano lessons, volunteering for CSF, and homework.
I think I liked what I did for CSF the most. On Sunday, we went up Foothill Park in Palo Alto with some people from the Park to remove brume. I expected a short hike before reaching where we were to start pulling with the weed "wrenches," but actually, it was a 40 minute hike.
When we got there, we had to go off the trail and begin navigating our way a precarious slope. One slip, and one might find themself at the bottom of a very large hill and a few broken appendages. The most amusing incident was when Han lost his shoe and had to go a considerable distance down the slope to retrieve it. Something else of notable interest was that Holden attempted to cut off Ethan's achilles tendon with a small saw blade (on accident, I hope!)
I think I liked what I did for CSF the most. On Sunday, we went up Foothill Park in Palo Alto with some people from the Park to remove brume. I expected a short hike before reaching where we were to start pulling with the weed "wrenches," but actually, it was a 40 minute hike.
When we got there, we had to go off the trail and begin navigating our way a precarious slope. One slip, and one might find themself at the bottom of a very large hill and a few broken appendages. The most amusing incident was when Han lost his shoe and had to go a considerable distance down the slope to retrieve it. Something else of notable interest was that Holden attempted to cut off Ethan's achilles tendon with a small saw blade (on accident, I hope!)
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Ending Break on a High Note
Usually I'm in an introspective or reflective mood, but today, I'll just be excited and ramble about the day.
So, Day 2 of Far Western Qualifiers @ San Mateo Event Center.
Summary: We won the tournament and got a bid to the Open Division of JO's for 16's. Yay!
Details:
Came out and beat Renegades in 2 short games.
Beat SCVC in the first game, coming out strong. Then, we got crushed in the second game, but we managed to keep it close, losing 23-25. 3rd game a close battle, but we lost by 2 or 3 points.
Then, bracket play began.
Struggle past B2B 16-2's. I think the 2's had the notion they could beat us. No way!
Then comes Diablo Valley. We win in 2. The 2nd one was a huge struggle. Keith was the hero, serving 6 in a row bringing us from 17-24 to 23-23. Then we win it, 26-24. Yay!
This means a bid to the Open Division for JO's and a trip to DISNEYLAND! Can't wait for that.
Now comes the finals for seeding and pride. SCVC 16 QS vs. Bay to Bay 16 Nike Black.
I got to play! (: I didn't do a great job, but I guess I was ok. I got a block and a kill. I seriously need to stay behind the setter. And we won in 3! (insert the explosive cheering and celebrations, hugs, high-fives, and everything) Props to the whole team (:
And on that note, winter break is over. I think these last 24 hours have been the most memorable part of the two weeks.
"Bay on 3! 1..2..3..BAY!!!"
So, Day 2 of Far Western Qualifiers @ San Mateo Event Center.
Summary: We won the tournament and got a bid to the Open Division of JO's for 16's. Yay!
Details:
Came out and beat Renegades in 2 short games.
Beat SCVC in the first game, coming out strong. Then, we got crushed in the second game, but we managed to keep it close, losing 23-25. 3rd game a close battle, but we lost by 2 or 3 points.
Then, bracket play began.
Struggle past B2B 16-2's. I think the 2's had the notion they could beat us. No way!
Then comes Diablo Valley. We win in 2. The 2nd one was a huge struggle. Keith was the hero, serving 6 in a row bringing us from 17-24 to 23-23. Then we win it, 26-24. Yay!
This means a bid to the Open Division for JO's and a trip to DISNEYLAND! Can't wait for that.
Now comes the finals for seeding and pride. SCVC 16 QS vs. Bay to Bay 16 Nike Black.
I got to play! (: I didn't do a great job, but I guess I was ok. I got a block and a kill. I seriously need to stay behind the setter. And we won in 3! (insert the explosive cheering and celebrations, hugs, high-fives, and everything) Props to the whole team (:
And on that note, winter break is over. I think these last 24 hours have been the most memorable part of the two weeks.
"Bay on 3! 1..2..3..BAY!!!"
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Adversity.
San Mateo Event Center Day 1.
A pool of four and a pool of five for the 16's division.
The teams in our pool: Diablo 16-1s, NCVC 16-1s, Club VIP 16s, and us.
Opportunities number one and two dangled before me, but I didn't seize them. That fault lies with me. Missed serves, missed hits, not always closing the blocks, little errors that should have been eliminated from my game. I know I can do it, staying focused and playing better.
If I get another chance, I must seize it at whatever cost, pay the price and do what I am asked. There is no room for error to stay at the precarious top. Hands from below constantly claw, attempting to dethrone the ones that have risen above. And so, the players on the court can't make the stupid errors; they have to be trusted to do their job well.
Trust is earned, not bestowed. Only opportunities are ever given, and each of them is precious. Use them wisely, and trust builds. Squander them, oh well...might not be a next time...
Pool Tomorrow: SCVC 16 QS, us, Renegades?
A pool of four and a pool of five for the 16's division.
The teams in our pool: Diablo 16-1s, NCVC 16-1s, Club VIP 16s, and us.
Opportunities number one and two dangled before me, but I didn't seize them. That fault lies with me. Missed serves, missed hits, not always closing the blocks, little errors that should have been eliminated from my game. I know I can do it, staying focused and playing better.
If I get another chance, I must seize it at whatever cost, pay the price and do what I am asked. There is no room for error to stay at the precarious top. Hands from below constantly claw, attempting to dethrone the ones that have risen above. And so, the players on the court can't make the stupid errors; they have to be trusted to do their job well.
Trust is earned, not bestowed. Only opportunities are ever given, and each of them is precious. Use them wisely, and trust builds. Squander them, oh well...might not be a next time...
Pool Tomorrow: SCVC 16 QS, us, Renegades?
Friday, January 2, 2009
Team.
Hey.
"Why weren't you there?"
My whole team went to USA High Performance Tryouts for volleyball, except me and someone recently recovering from an injury. Does that put me in the outsider category? Am I not as good as them, not as dedicated to this sport?
Doubts begin to swirl in my mind, but then the slightly more calm and rational voice in my head tells me I have other priorities. I have to visit colleges this summer (according to my parents) and stick to my plan, my goals, what I should be doing in life.
I am reminded, sports are only a form of recreation, not a way to get into a school for higher education. I know. I know. I know.
But sometimes I wish I were out there on the court. I love volleyball. That's why I play.
Sometimes it threatens to take over my life, sometimes it means I can't do something else.
I gladly am skipping Winter Ball for a tournament in LA, I'm willing to give up my weekends for practice.
But sometimes, I don't feel like I'm a part of anything. Not completely devoted to sports, yet not able to fit into the academic discussions and go to every study session for clubs.
Where to go?
San Mateo tournament tomorrow. (: That's where I'll be at. With my team playing volleyball.
"Why weren't you there?"
My whole team went to USA High Performance Tryouts for volleyball, except me and someone recently recovering from an injury. Does that put me in the outsider category? Am I not as good as them, not as dedicated to this sport?
Doubts begin to swirl in my mind, but then the slightly more calm and rational voice in my head tells me I have other priorities. I have to visit colleges this summer (according to my parents) and stick to my plan, my goals, what I should be doing in life.
I am reminded, sports are only a form of recreation, not a way to get into a school for higher education. I know. I know. I know.
But sometimes I wish I were out there on the court. I love volleyball. That's why I play.
Sometimes it threatens to take over my life, sometimes it means I can't do something else.
I gladly am skipping Winter Ball for a tournament in LA, I'm willing to give up my weekends for practice.
But sometimes, I don't feel like I'm a part of anything. Not completely devoted to sports, yet not able to fit into the academic discussions and go to every study session for clubs.
Where to go?
San Mateo tournament tomorrow. (: That's where I'll be at. With my team playing volleyball.
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