Sunday, March 29, 2009
Ironwoman?
I have decided, one of the things I want to do before I die is to finish an Ironman Triathlon (2.4 mile open water swimming, 112 mile biking, 26.2 mile running). Haha! Sounds crazy huh? I bet I will have time to train for it when I turn like 40 or 50. When my mom learns how to swim distance and when I learn how to bike distance, we will do it together. For now, I wanna do this Socal summer aquathlon (http://www.playadelrun.com/index.html), which is just 1000m swimming and then 5K running. Easy peasy right? I swim distance at competitions and I used to run 10K's with my mommy. I don't know why, but I am hella pumped for it right now! Maybe I will do it the summer after I graduate high school.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The 411 on CCS & TO
I MADE CCS!!!!! WHOOOO! 1:05.05 in the 100 back, faster than the CCS qualifying time by half a second and faster than my personal best by almost 3 seconds. First girl swimmer to make CCS from MHS in years! (I know I am bragging, but I am so ecstatic that I don't really care.) Gideon: "I won't be the only swimmer in an individual event!" Haha. But on the downside, that means after the regular season ends, I have to go to those crazy CCS practices with Gideon, Kelvin, Peter, and Tung (Varsity boys relay).
I also got my first double 0 in 100 free! (Sorry, that was swim talk. Double 0 = 1:00 for a 100 yard freestyle) And my personal best in 500 free (6:12)! What the heck!!! I was thinking about how I dropped so much time... all of these could be possible explanations: an entire ham sandwich for lunch? new team suit? no snacking before events? faster turnovers like Coach Pagan said? backstroke training with Kelvin? actual competition this time, instead of winning by a half a body length like always? I do know for a fact that I focused on fast and powerful turns and I entered the race with a different mindset: to race the girl next to me instead of trying to get that CCS time. Well whatever it is, I am gonna repeat it. I just hope I can improve and not disappointment myself, Coach Pagan, or my teammates by gaining time.
Congratulations Class of 2011! 2nd place overall, but 1st in rooting section (YAAAY!!!), pyramid (It even looked cute from behind, haha), and decorations (California<3). I am kinda surprised we got 3rd in the dance, I really liked it. Quite a few people asked me this yesterday: am I planning to do Trojan Olympics next year? For now, my answer would be no. I really wanted to be in TO this year, almost more than anything... except to make CCS in my very last swim season at MHS (due to those budget cuts). Well, not participating in TO this year worked out to my advantage. I will be honest, I missed everything about TO last year: the unity, the spirit, the pride. But I had to realize that I needed to sacrifice something cause life is all about the choices. I would much rather be at TO practices instead of swimming endless, mind-numbingly boring laps in a pool while getting sunburned and extreme tanlines. But everything happens for a reason, right? Although I changed my mind so many times, I am glad I wasn't in it and I am proud of myself for choosing what I needed to do, instead of what I wanted to do. More importantly, I am proud of everyone who sacrificed their time, effort, sleep, and sanity (haha) to represent our class. Next year... we got this :D
I also got my first double 0 in 100 free! (Sorry, that was swim talk. Double 0 = 1:00 for a 100 yard freestyle) And my personal best in 500 free (6:12)! What the heck!!! I was thinking about how I dropped so much time... all of these could be possible explanations: an entire ham sandwich for lunch? new team suit? no snacking before events? faster turnovers like Coach Pagan said? backstroke training with Kelvin? actual competition this time, instead of winning by a half a body length like always? I do know for a fact that I focused on fast and powerful turns and I entered the race with a different mindset: to race the girl next to me instead of trying to get that CCS time. Well whatever it is, I am gonna repeat it. I just hope I can improve and not disappointment myself, Coach Pagan, or my teammates by gaining time.
Congratulations Class of 2011! 2nd place overall, but 1st in rooting section (YAAAY!!!), pyramid (It even looked cute from behind, haha), and decorations (California<3). I am kinda surprised we got 3rd in the dance, I really liked it. Quite a few people asked me this yesterday: am I planning to do Trojan Olympics next year? For now, my answer would be no. I really wanted to be in TO this year, almost more than anything... except to make CCS in my very last swim season at MHS (due to those budget cuts). Well, not participating in TO this year worked out to my advantage. I will be honest, I missed everything about TO last year: the unity, the spirit, the pride. But I had to realize that I needed to sacrifice something cause life is all about the choices. I would much rather be at TO practices instead of swimming endless, mind-numbingly boring laps in a pool while getting sunburned and extreme tanlines. But everything happens for a reason, right? Although I changed my mind so many times, I am glad I wasn't in it and I am proud of myself for choosing what I needed to do, instead of what I wanted to do. More importantly, I am proud of everyone who sacrificed their time, effort, sleep, and sanity (haha) to represent our class. Next year... we got this :D
Thursday, March 26, 2009
You a jerk! I know.
High school politics is quite scary. Basically seeing who can outmaneuver who, who can last the longest, who can sink the lowest. It's sad to see other people go down for their own careless mistakes. Sophomores are slowly chugging ahead with a few setbacks but we still going strong. And it all comes down to tomorrow.
I was in a pissy mood since I woke up all the way until practice this afternoon. Its disheartening to know there are still some really stupid people out there. Starbucks messed up my simple order, rugball is full of cheaters, and other tiny things just ruined my day.
ROCKBAND!!! The most laughing-til-I-cried fun I had in a long ass time. Michelle to An: "Your voice sounds like a mix between Fergie and Jesus" Haha! Michael was clever enough to provide entertainment in the form of drums, guitars, and a microphone. The swim team should start our own rock band! Not! But don't worry, we can still rock those (new and super colorful!) team suits<3
Shoutout to Mr. An! Who needs Berkeley anyways!? Cheer up (:
I was in a pissy mood since I woke up all the way until practice this afternoon. Its disheartening to know there are still some really stupid people out there. Starbucks messed up my simple order, rugball is full of cheaters, and other tiny things just ruined my day.
ROCKBAND!!! The most laughing-til-I-cried fun I had in a long ass time. Michelle to An: "Your voice sounds like a mix between Fergie and Jesus" Haha! Michael was clever enough to provide entertainment in the form of drums, guitars, and a microphone. The swim team should start our own rock band! Not! But don't worry, we can still rock those (new and super colorful!) team suits<3
Shoutout to Mr. An! Who needs Berkeley anyways!? Cheer up (:
Monday, March 23, 2009
Still balances out
2 bowls of ice cream for lunch made my tummy very queasy, practice was hard but necessary, my butt is still outrageously sore from tennis, I burned a PB&J sandwich by putting it on a hot plate, and you... OHMYGOSH! You are fucking annoying and don't even realize it.
But hey, your crazy beautiful smile made my entire day (:
But hey, your crazy beautiful smile made my entire day (:
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Miss Santigold
Roughly a year ago, I have heard of her by name only. I had never bothered to listen to her songs until now... but they are amazing! I love her already. My favorites are The Creator, L.E.S. Artistes, and Shove It. I love her sassy lyrics especially: "We think you're a joke, shove your hope where it don't shine." Haha!
My taste in music has shifted to way more upbeat & fun songs. Current faves: Mm-ma-ma by Crazy Loop, That's Not My Name by The Ting Tings, Right Round by Flo Rida, and The Creator by Santigold. Do you think that possibly reflects my life? A few months ago, I loved all that R&B and guitar stuff. Hmm... something for me to ponder about.
My taste in music has shifted to way more upbeat & fun songs. Current faves: Mm-ma-ma by Crazy Loop, That's Not My Name by The Ting Tings, Right Round by Flo Rida, and The Creator by Santigold. Do you think that possibly reflects my life? A few months ago, I loved all that R&B and guitar stuff. Hmm... something for me to ponder about.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
How soon?
Currently, I am hoping that...
- Wisdom volunteer spots don't fill up!
- Ohlone posts the damn summer schedule already
- no one gets lost on the way to my house tomorrow
- 1:05 in 100 back! 200 IM > 500 Free
- I don't fail that French quiz
- my mood stabilizes
All this talk about college admissions and what colleges people are getting into... really makes me jealous. Not because of a certain college but because of everything they had to go through to get there. I cannot begin to imagine all the stressful hours, sleepless nights, nervewracking tests, and the waiting period for those fateful envelopes. It all makes me realize I am in the middle of all this, I am going through it right now. It's hard to make the best of your high school experience when you're so deprived of sleep, totally lacking energy, and have to juggle a ton of activities. Take Kevin Nguyen, for example. It's all taking a major toll on him. All this crap to do is making me quite unmotivated but so far, I haven't shown any external signs of it, have I? I don't think my attitude has totally changed. If anything, I have become more focused on what is REALLY important. No one likes sacrifices but they do it anyways because it is necessary. Which leads me to this:
1. Get it straight, I have my priorities. I'm staying on top of my game. Just because you fell of the horse, don't try to drag me down with you.
2. I used to not mind being around you, you're a chill girl and a generally nice person. I just don't like it when you think we are best of friends one minute and you treat me like a nobody the next. It all seems to depend on the crowd right? Cause if so, that is fucking stupid. I absolutely HATE when you do that, just so you know. It really bugs me cause I never understood why.
3. It's not 9th grade anymore, nor is it middle school. I have tried but it's still not the same. I know you talk but I have trained myself to tune you out. Just keep on doing your own thing and I will keep on doing mine. It was great while it lasted.
4. You are honestly someone I can admire, for your talents, achievements, and dedication. I respect it all and I want to learn from you. You are definitely going somewhere with your life, please take me with you? Haha. (This is actually referring to a lot of people)
5. It used to be all fun and games but I think I took it too far. I acted one way but I think you got the wrong impression and now I'm paying for it. Open your eyes, just a little bit. It may not seem possible but it might be, even if I deny it. We talk every day but even still, I wanna emphasize that I will always be here.
6. I appreciate the child within you. There are some times when I really need to lighten up and I am glad you do that for me. I may get pissy with you sometimes, but I hope you understand that you are still a great friend of mine.
Phew, that was a load. Definitely needed that. Today, I realized I really need to be more posi+ive. Don't we all?
- Wisdom volunteer spots don't fill up!
- Ohlone posts the damn summer schedule already
- no one gets lost on the way to my house tomorrow
- 1:05 in 100 back! 200 IM > 500 Free
- I don't fail that French quiz
- my mood stabilizes
All this talk about college admissions and what colleges people are getting into... really makes me jealous. Not because of a certain college but because of everything they had to go through to get there. I cannot begin to imagine all the stressful hours, sleepless nights, nervewracking tests, and the waiting period for those fateful envelopes. It all makes me realize I am in the middle of all this, I am going through it right now. It's hard to make the best of your high school experience when you're so deprived of sleep, totally lacking energy, and have to juggle a ton of activities. Take Kevin Nguyen, for example. It's all taking a major toll on him. All this crap to do is making me quite unmotivated but so far, I haven't shown any external signs of it, have I? I don't think my attitude has totally changed. If anything, I have become more focused on what is REALLY important. No one likes sacrifices but they do it anyways because it is necessary. Which leads me to this:
1. Get it straight, I have my priorities. I'm staying on top of my game. Just because you fell of the horse, don't try to drag me down with you.
2. I used to not mind being around you, you're a chill girl and a generally nice person. I just don't like it when you think we are best of friends one minute and you treat me like a nobody the next. It all seems to depend on the crowd right? Cause if so, that is fucking stupid. I absolutely HATE when you do that, just so you know. It really bugs me cause I never understood why.
3. It's not 9th grade anymore, nor is it middle school. I have tried but it's still not the same. I know you talk but I have trained myself to tune you out. Just keep on doing your own thing and I will keep on doing mine. It was great while it lasted.
4. You are honestly someone I can admire, for your talents, achievements, and dedication. I respect it all and I want to learn from you. You are definitely going somewhere with your life, please take me with you? Haha. (This is actually referring to a lot of people)
5. It used to be all fun and games but I think I took it too far. I acted one way but I think you got the wrong impression and now I'm paying for it. Open your eyes, just a little bit. It may not seem possible but it might be, even if I deny it. We talk every day but even still, I wanna emphasize that I will always be here.
6. I appreciate the child within you. There are some times when I really need to lighten up and I am glad you do that for me. I may get pissy with you sometimes, but I hope you understand that you are still a great friend of mine.
Phew, that was a load. Definitely needed that. Today, I realized I really need to be more posi+ive. Don't we all?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Spring to summer
Did you know R. Kelly’s name is Robert Sylvester Kelly? I only know this cause I have to write about a song for my Honors English application, and I chose "The World’s Greatest."
Big plans for summer: Physics at Ohlone, SAT prep camp at UC Berkeley, and probably volunteering at a Chinese culture camp if it doesn't conflict with Ohlone classes (post the summer list of classes online already, damn it!) I am kinda excited, it’s a lot of new experiences. Also as a side note, I gotta get my driver’s license, return to 5am swimming, restudy for the October PSAT, and study for the November SAT 2 Chinese test.
The CAHSEE test is really an insult to our intelligence, like Ms. Meyer said. I am actually doing surprisingly well in her class. Mr. Seals was making bacon that you could smell all over the L building. Man, science teachers are pretty awesome.
Oh yeah, and I am running for Key Club President. It’s worth a try, right? Too many people are going for Vice so I might have a better shot as prez. Go big or go home.
My mom almost burned the house down the other day. "Why does it still smell like smoke, even when your dad isn’t home?" (My dad smokes but only in the basement. He is in China right now.) Good question Mom... turns out she had burned a couple of eggs she had boiled because we were watching Mama Mia, the musical. The glass lid was melting and the eggs were charred black. The entire house was misty and smelled like gas, a smell that didn’t go away for another day. The annoyingly loud fire alarm went off for a few minutes. Believe it or not, it was pretty scary to be so close to being homeless.
Big plans for summer: Physics at Ohlone, SAT prep camp at UC Berkeley, and probably volunteering at a Chinese culture camp if it doesn't conflict with Ohlone classes (post the summer list of classes online already, damn it!) I am kinda excited, it’s a lot of new experiences. Also as a side note, I gotta get my driver’s license, return to 5am swimming, restudy for the October PSAT, and study for the November SAT 2 Chinese test.
The CAHSEE test is really an insult to our intelligence, like Ms. Meyer said. I am actually doing surprisingly well in her class. Mr. Seals was making bacon that you could smell all over the L building. Man, science teachers are pretty awesome.
Oh yeah, and I am running for Key Club President. It’s worth a try, right? Too many people are going for Vice so I might have a better shot as prez. Go big or go home.
My mom almost burned the house down the other day. "Why does it still smell like smoke, even when your dad isn’t home?" (My dad smokes but only in the basement. He is in China right now.) Good question Mom... turns out she had burned a couple of eggs she had boiled because we were watching Mama Mia, the musical. The glass lid was melting and the eggs were charred black. The entire house was misty and smelled like gas, a smell that didn’t go away for another day. The annoyingly loud fire alarm went off for a few minutes. Believe it or not, it was pretty scary to be so close to being homeless.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Offbeat curiosities
Wednesday:
Swim meet against Cupertino. 1st in 100 back! Still gained a stupid second though, boo. The girl next to me got mad and threw her goggles into the water, heheh. Caught up for varsity girls 4x100 relay... and we won! Gained 5 seconds in 500 free, which I Pagan promised I wouldn't even be doing at this meet. Sorry again Gideon, for talking to your scary dad. I hope you get dinner tonight. HAHA I'm kidding. Paxton said it, not me :D
Friday:
Got to skip 3rd, 5th, and 6th period to work on Science Olympiad stuff. Launching rockets mostly, some were recorded on video but quite embarrassing haha. I couldn't do our grand entrance and sexy dance with others at Michelle Tu's meet, I miss her so much!!! "A Trojan in our hearts and in our pants," HAHA good one An. Stayed afterschool until 5:30, went to Starbucks for caffeine, then Tram's house. Migoreng yummy! (sp?), curling of my hair, last minute changes to outfit, and eyeliner. "You look so different and cute, I am so proud of you!" Geez thanks, I guess I am ugly most of the time. Haha! Arrived, pictures, lights off. Same date for past 3 dances, Mr. "Ne-yo" Muyot haha. Dance was more fun than I thought, even with barely anyone. Macarena, Jump On It, Cha Cha Slide... oldies but goodies! We missed Right Round cause it took forever to think of a picture pose. We should have used props! Lol. Asian lady was super strict, lights eventually came back on. No fun freaking with lights on! Boooo.
Saturday:
Science Olympiad in Pleasanton. Cold as fuck, even with 2 layers! 1st event: Disease Detectives with Brian Nguyen. Histogram or no histogram? Haha. I thought we did okay, good job partner. 2nd event: Forensics with a different Brian (Lam). Ran out of time, but we guessed the right murderer. I tested powders, thank god for those charts. Cotton does not have the same burning smell as dog hair! Now we know haha. Lunchtime: negotiated a plate of chowmein from $5 to $4 to $3. Ended up buying 2 for $5, yaaay! This is where asianness comes in handy. Unlimited junk food snacks at our table. Milk tea for $3, crazy. Later on... "Boba for a buck!" 3rd event: Egg-O-Naut. Our rocket launched successfully, until it ended up landing onto a building. Team A got 3rd, so we probably got 4th cause it was almost exactly the same rocket. Someone who barely helped in building the rocket ended up getting a medal, which is totally unfair. Afterwards, got everyone hooked onto a game of elbow tag, even the guy who "doesn't believe in tag," HAHA. Awards ceremony: Won 3rd in Egg-O-Naut (congrats Anita and Thao) and 1st in Forensics (Congrats Anh and Tim). Extremely annoying to hear Mission San Jose win over and over but they still deserve a congratulations. Disappointing rumors, but I'm keeping my spot secure. Rolled down hills, looked for clouds, packed up things, home-bound! Cleaned up Ms. Meyers hurricane-like room, dinner, home. Health scare with my grandma, whose mouth wouldn't stop bleeding. Emergency room at 10pm but everything is okay now.
It was an eventful week, to say the least. I am so tired and exhausted but it's all worth it for the memories and experiences, the people I have met, the things I have learned, the places I have been. I have been athletic, freaky, nerdy all in 3 days. Isn't that the weirdest combination?
Swim meet against Cupertino. 1st in 100 back! Still gained a stupid second though, boo. The girl next to me got mad and threw her goggles into the water, heheh. Caught up for varsity girls 4x100 relay... and we won! Gained 5 seconds in 500 free, which I Pagan promised I wouldn't even be doing at this meet. Sorry again Gideon, for talking to your scary dad. I hope you get dinner tonight. HAHA I'm kidding. Paxton said it, not me :D
Friday:
Got to skip 3rd, 5th, and 6th period to work on Science Olympiad stuff. Launching rockets mostly, some were recorded on video but quite embarrassing haha. I couldn't do our grand entrance and sexy dance with others at Michelle Tu's meet, I miss her so much!!! "A Trojan in our hearts and in our pants," HAHA good one An. Stayed afterschool until 5:30, went to Starbucks for caffeine, then Tram's house. Migoreng yummy! (sp?), curling of my hair, last minute changes to outfit, and eyeliner. "You look so different and cute, I am so proud of you!" Geez thanks, I guess I am ugly most of the time. Haha! Arrived, pictures, lights off. Same date for past 3 dances, Mr. "Ne-yo" Muyot haha. Dance was more fun than I thought, even with barely anyone. Macarena, Jump On It, Cha Cha Slide... oldies but goodies! We missed Right Round cause it took forever to think of a picture pose. We should have used props! Lol. Asian lady was super strict, lights eventually came back on. No fun freaking with lights on! Boooo.
Saturday:
Science Olympiad in Pleasanton. Cold as fuck, even with 2 layers! 1st event: Disease Detectives with Brian Nguyen. Histogram or no histogram? Haha. I thought we did okay, good job partner. 2nd event: Forensics with a different Brian (Lam). Ran out of time, but we guessed the right murderer. I tested powders, thank god for those charts. Cotton does not have the same burning smell as dog hair! Now we know haha. Lunchtime: negotiated a plate of chowmein from $5 to $4 to $3. Ended up buying 2 for $5, yaaay! This is where asianness comes in handy. Unlimited junk food snacks at our table. Milk tea for $3, crazy. Later on... "Boba for a buck!" 3rd event: Egg-O-Naut. Our rocket launched successfully, until it ended up landing onto a building. Team A got 3rd, so we probably got 4th cause it was almost exactly the same rocket. Someone who barely helped in building the rocket ended up getting a medal, which is totally unfair. Afterwards, got everyone hooked onto a game of elbow tag, even the guy who "doesn't believe in tag," HAHA. Awards ceremony: Won 3rd in Egg-O-Naut (congrats Anita and Thao) and 1st in Forensics (Congrats Anh and Tim). Extremely annoying to hear Mission San Jose win over and over but they still deserve a congratulations. Disappointing rumors, but I'm keeping my spot secure. Rolled down hills, looked for clouds, packed up things, home-bound! Cleaned up Ms. Meyers hurricane-like room, dinner, home. Health scare with my grandma, whose mouth wouldn't stop bleeding. Emergency room at 10pm but everything is okay now.
It was an eventful week, to say the least. I am so tired and exhausted but it's all worth it for the memories and experiences, the people I have met, the things I have learned, the places I have been. I have been athletic, freaky, nerdy all in 3 days. Isn't that the weirdest combination?
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Half of what I needed to say
^ These are the cutest earrings ever! <3 Reminds me of those yummy Gramwiches haha.
Coming soon to theaters... Return of the Tanline! As seen on swimmers' backs, shoulders, and faces everywhere! It's definitely a phenomenon of nature that can't be missed!
So I talked to my counselor about summer classes and she basically confirmed what I already knew: to take physics in the summer and about 4 AP/honors classes per year for junior and senior year. But while waiting in the office and flipping through random magazines, I realized I should sign up for more contests. Write an essay or two, answer some simple questions, fill out an application and I might win some nice caaaa$h! Seems like a good deal to me.
I always feel like I have to redeem myself one way or another. I think it's weird that I always feel like I need to restore my reputation/honor/whatever! I don't like people taking my place. A common situation is if someone is doing better than me in something, I will be better than them in something else and in my mind, something better. Not necessarily the same thing, but I just want to feel like I can beat that person in something. I hate being competitive but my parents love it. I wasn't always like this, so it's either a gene that decided to show up in high school or is caused by all the competitive "spirit" of high school. High school does things to you, no lie. If it is a gene, it is definitely my parents' gene. They want to nurture my competitiveness, and I am not sure if that is a good thing.
My French teacher is bipolar (or in this case, tri-polar). One day, she is normal, well... normal for her standards. The next day, she is completely pissed when she found out there was a foot-long drawing of a penis taped on her back and no one had said anything, so we had to conjugate pages and pages of verbs. Then today, she was totally nice and let us watch a movie while eating popcorn. It's just too weird!
I hate how I have so much things to say, but I end up forgetting by the time I get home to blog. It has become one of my biggest pet peeves.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Why Snackrifice?
I love catchy commercial slogans like that :D
Loooong week, and will continue to be. This Science Olympiad thing is getting quite crazy. We have meetings almost everyday. Since we are also in more than 1 group, some are conflicting with each other. I trust the upperclassmen to go into the competition and do their thaaang but frankly, I am worried for myself. I am supposed to be co-captain but I don't feel like one. I help with answering questions or with clearing up any confusions but I never feel like I am doing enough. Sure, I help Ivy with spreadsheets and documents behind the scenes and lead the occasional meeting, but other than that I feel kinda useless. I don't know how I am gonna lead an entire club next year once she leaves for Stanford (which, by the way, I am totally jealous of). I have exactly 2 more years until I hear from colleges. 2 years ago, I was in 8th grade and that felt like a lifetime ago. Another lifetime to go until I finally rest.
It's amazing how a simple compliment or two really can go a long way, especially coming from people I barely know. It is nice to know that there are still people out there that give without asking for anything in return. Spreading the loooove, a good motto to live by (and remisniscent of Camp Everytown<3). I think I have a lot to be grateful for, I am lucky to be where I am. We ALL have a lot to be grateful for. For everything we have, there is at least 1 person out there that doesn't have it. We just have to keep reassuring ourselves that we got what we got, and the only thing we can do about it is use it to our advantage.
This daylight savings thing is totally wacking out my brain. I can't sleep and I can't wake up. Plus, I have PE in weather that is 10 degrees colder than usual because in reality, it is still 7am.
I used to have a deathly fear of public speaking. But I have noticed that because of high school, I am gradually overcoming it. I like speaking in front of people if I know I am not gonna be graded on it. It's quite fun to have an audience actually, to have people's attention on you. But if I have to memorize a speech, I get freaked out. Knowing that I am gonna be graded on it is even worse. My speech on piracy today was not as bad as I thought it would be though. I am quite happy with how it turned out. Mrs. Mellera told us to use our nerves to our advantage, like a natural high. I was so scared but I think I kind of understand. It's like when you are about to dive off a block into a pool at a competition, or go on a humongo rollercoaster; you don't really know what is gonna happen and you are so insanely scared but you kinda live in that moment. And oh my gosh, it is scary and exciting at the same time.
My transcript says I am in the top 1% of the sophomore class! Based on GPA, I am ranked #1 out of 736 sophomores at MHS. That #1 is misleading though, because every person who got a 4.0 since freshmen year is ranked #1. I know there are 8 other 4.0 scholars out there. Hollaaa! (=
Loooong week, and will continue to be. This Science Olympiad thing is getting quite crazy. We have meetings almost everyday. Since we are also in more than 1 group, some are conflicting with each other. I trust the upperclassmen to go into the competition and do their thaaang but frankly, I am worried for myself. I am supposed to be co-captain but I don't feel like one. I help with answering questions or with clearing up any confusions but I never feel like I am doing enough. Sure, I help Ivy with spreadsheets and documents behind the scenes and lead the occasional meeting, but other than that I feel kinda useless. I don't know how I am gonna lead an entire club next year once she leaves for Stanford (which, by the way, I am totally jealous of). I have exactly 2 more years until I hear from colleges. 2 years ago, I was in 8th grade and that felt like a lifetime ago. Another lifetime to go until I finally rest.
It's amazing how a simple compliment or two really can go a long way, especially coming from people I barely know. It is nice to know that there are still people out there that give without asking for anything in return. Spreading the loooove, a good motto to live by (and remisniscent of Camp Everytown<3). I think I have a lot to be grateful for, I am lucky to be where I am. We ALL have a lot to be grateful for. For everything we have, there is at least 1 person out there that doesn't have it. We just have to keep reassuring ourselves that we got what we got, and the only thing we can do about it is use it to our advantage.
This daylight savings thing is totally wacking out my brain. I can't sleep and I can't wake up. Plus, I have PE in weather that is 10 degrees colder than usual because in reality, it is still 7am.
I used to have a deathly fear of public speaking. But I have noticed that because of high school, I am gradually overcoming it. I like speaking in front of people if I know I am not gonna be graded on it. It's quite fun to have an audience actually, to have people's attention on you. But if I have to memorize a speech, I get freaked out. Knowing that I am gonna be graded on it is even worse. My speech on piracy today was not as bad as I thought it would be though. I am quite happy with how it turned out. Mrs. Mellera told us to use our nerves to our advantage, like a natural high. I was so scared but I think I kind of understand. It's like when you are about to dive off a block into a pool at a competition, or go on a humongo rollercoaster; you don't really know what is gonna happen and you are so insanely scared but you kinda live in that moment. And oh my gosh, it is scary and exciting at the same time.
My transcript says I am in the top 1% of the sophomore class! Based on GPA, I am ranked #1 out of 736 sophomores at MHS. That #1 is misleading though, because every person who got a 4.0 since freshmen year is ranked #1. I know there are 8 other 4.0 scholars out there. Hollaaa! (=
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Sick of being sick
I have a head-pounding, nose-running, muscle-hurting, constant-sneezing, and throat-scratching type of sickness. Maybe a fever too, because I feel usually cold. It sucks. I usually don't take medication when I am sick but this time, I need Nyquil and Advil to survive. Still, the weekend must go on. I have so much damn stuff to do.
I bet I am sick because of the Newark meet on Thursday. It was freezing! Like one of those "Fuck me for being here!" types of freezing. I brought my parka but my feet were numb anyways because I forgot my flip-flops. It was windy and raining too, grrrreat. I got first in all my events though! For my 100 Back, I got a 1:08 so must drop 3 seconds SOON for CCS.
Camp Everytown dinner tonight! I was talking about this to Jesse the yesterday, about how it's not the same seeing everyone at school individually. It feels right being together as a group because that's what we have grown into, a family.
Pictures from Wednesday and Thursday. Trynna make every minute last with these swimmers<3
Pasta Feed (March 4, 2009)
Newark Meet (March 5, 2009)
I bet I am sick because of the Newark meet on Thursday. It was freezing! Like one of those "Fuck me for being here!" types of freezing. I brought my parka but my feet were numb anyways because I forgot my flip-flops. It was windy and raining too, grrrreat. I got first in all my events though! For my 100 Back, I got a 1:08 so must drop 3 seconds SOON for CCS.
Camp Everytown dinner tonight! I was talking about this to Jesse the yesterday, about how it's not the same seeing everyone at school individually. It feels right being together as a group because that's what we have grown into, a family.
Pictures from Wednesday and Thursday. Trynna make every minute last with these swimmers<3
Pasta Feed (March 4, 2009)
Newark Meet (March 5, 2009)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Staying focused
InstantlyNguyen: Just think, two years and we're considered adults.
Starting to look into summer camps. I really got to get a head start on my summer this year. Like last year, it will be a summer of 5am swimming and possibly Ohlone/Deanza, if I want to skip a class junior year. This year, I am aiming for a Stanford internship or college prep program. It's hard to choose an individual intensive because I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. What the media is feeding us is a fantasy and everything seems to fun and interesting. But in reality, the cons can outweigh the pros. It's too early to tell for me but I am looking into either business or science. Whatever it is, it has to have a stable future. Once I figure it out, I am gonna take every class possible. I would hate having to go through college and get totally sick of whatever it is I am studying once I graduate.
To top things off, I don't have a future with swimming since our team is getting cut next year. I know its horrible to admit, but I am glad other swim teams from around the area are getting cut. Kinda levels the playing field (hahaha, get it?). I am not giving up though, I am gonna somehow find a loophole to get our team back. Not just for college applications (it would have really helped to have 4 years of varsity swimming on my application!), but for the love of the sport. I would miss it so badly, like how I would miss a family member on a business trip or food if I were to ever starve on a desert island.
I had so much pasta today at our "pasta party," a new tradition. My first meet of the season is tomorrow! At Newark Memorial with the shopping mall within walking distance, those lucky beezies.
Apparently, I am fucking lactose intolerant!!! My body cannot take dairy, so it is basically denying me from cheese, milk (which I hate anyways), yogurt, and others. NOT COOL.
Starting to look into summer camps. I really got to get a head start on my summer this year. Like last year, it will be a summer of 5am swimming and possibly Ohlone/Deanza, if I want to skip a class junior year. This year, I am aiming for a Stanford internship or college prep program. It's hard to choose an individual intensive because I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. What the media is feeding us is a fantasy and everything seems to fun and interesting. But in reality, the cons can outweigh the pros. It's too early to tell for me but I am looking into either business or science. Whatever it is, it has to have a stable future. Once I figure it out, I am gonna take every class possible. I would hate having to go through college and get totally sick of whatever it is I am studying once I graduate.
To top things off, I don't have a future with swimming since our team is getting cut next year. I know its horrible to admit, but I am glad other swim teams from around the area are getting cut. Kinda levels the playing field (hahaha, get it?). I am not giving up though, I am gonna somehow find a loophole to get our team back. Not just for college applications (it would have really helped to have 4 years of varsity swimming on my application!), but for the love of the sport. I would miss it so badly, like how I would miss a family member on a business trip or food if I were to ever starve on a desert island.
I had so much pasta today at our "pasta party," a new tradition. My first meet of the season is tomorrow! At Newark Memorial with the shopping mall within walking distance, those lucky beezies.
Apparently, I am fucking lactose intolerant!!! My body cannot take dairy, so it is basically denying me from cheese, milk (which I hate anyways), yogurt, and others. NOT COOL.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Double the fun
- I saw a double rainbow today! I was at practice and didn't get a chance to pull out my camera, but the colors look almost exactly like this picture I found online:
- I have always wondered why the rain that I hate so much could produce something so beautiful like a rainbow. It can be related to life: the worst of the worst, when seen in a different angle, could be not so bad after all and probably will be worth it in the end. In case you were curious like I was:
- Dropped out of Trojan Olympics for necessary reasons. Although I really did not want to, I know I had to. My 3rd alternate spot is now officially Vy Phung's (=
- I am having a harder and harder time paying attention in class, or on any homework whatsoever. I either get distracted too easily or start dozing off. Yikes, bad habits are back!
- I have always wondered why the rain that I hate so much could produce something so beautiful like a rainbow. It can be related to life: the worst of the worst, when seen in a different angle, could be not so bad after all and probably will be worth it in the end. In case you were curious like I was:
"Sometimes we see two rainbows at once, what causes this? We have followed the path of a ray of sunlight as it enters and is reflected inside the raindrop. But not all of the energy of the ray escapes the raindrop after it is reflected once. A part of the ray is reflected again and travels along inside the drop to emerge from the drop. The rainbow we normally see is called the primary rainbow and is produced by one internal reflection; the secondary rainbow arises from two internal reflections and the rays exit the drop at an angle of 50 degrees° rather than the 42°degrees for the red primary bow. Blue light emerges at an even larger angle of 53 degrees°. This effect produces a secondary rainbow that has its colors reversed compared to the primary, as illustrated in the drawing, adapted from the Science Universe Series Sight, Light, and Color. It is possible for light to be reflected more than twice within a raindrop, and one can calculate where the higher order rainbows might be seen; but these are never seen in normal circumstances." (Source: http://eo.ucar.edu/rainbows/)- Also, did you know that 2 people can never see the same rainbow? Since the rainbow that you see is based on an angle between the sun and raindrops, the angle would change if 2 people were standing at different points. How crazy!
- Dropped out of Trojan Olympics for necessary reasons. Although I really did not want to, I know I had to. My 3rd alternate spot is now officially Vy Phung's (=
- I am having a harder and harder time paying attention in class, or on any homework whatsoever. I either get distracted too easily or start dozing off. Yikes, bad habits are back!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Back from my escape
One day, I will devote a full blog to my experiences at Camp Everytown because it is worth it. Right now, I don't have time and I don't have all the pictures yet.
Camp Everytown singing this morning at the flagpole. Felt good to be back with this familiar group of people that I have gotten to know so well in the past 3 1/2 days. Elbow tag at lunch was scary in the rain but as always, it was HELLA BOMBY! :D
I taught the basics of backstroke today at practice. I like teaching swimming to JV but it makes me wonder what the point of it all is. There won't be a team anyways next year so fuck it anyways. It's hard to make the best of something when you know it is a dead end. And varsity girls lost the meet against Logan by 2 measly points, which makes me wonder what would have happened had I been there. Pasta carb-loading dinner on Wednesday! Next meet on Thursday!
Got asked to spring dance, so it's a for sure that I am going. The theme is kinda random but I never have a problem with going to the sea. I wish it were summer already. I can go to the sea whenever I want and by then, I will hopefully have my license. Now THAT is California Dreamin'! Which leads me to Trojan Olympics... I am 3rd alternate so I really don't think there is a point in participating when there is practically no chance that I am gonna make the team and actually perform or compete.
I get my calcium from a daily glass of orange juice, not nasty cow milk... so NO, I won't grow so incredibly fast that my bones will break apart, thank you very much.
Happy birthday Dr. Seuss, Linh Ngo, and Cody Vu!
Camp Everytown singing this morning at the flagpole. Felt good to be back with this familiar group of people that I have gotten to know so well in the past 3 1/2 days. Elbow tag at lunch was scary in the rain but as always, it was HELLA BOMBY! :D
I taught the basics of backstroke today at practice. I like teaching swimming to JV but it makes me wonder what the point of it all is. There won't be a team anyways next year so fuck it anyways. It's hard to make the best of something when you know it is a dead end. And varsity girls lost the meet against Logan by 2 measly points, which makes me wonder what would have happened had I been there. Pasta carb-loading dinner on Wednesday! Next meet on Thursday!
Got asked to spring dance, so it's a for sure that I am going. The theme is kinda random but I never have a problem with going to the sea. I wish it were summer already. I can go to the sea whenever I want and by then, I will hopefully have my license. Now THAT is California Dreamin'! Which leads me to Trojan Olympics... I am 3rd alternate so I really don't think there is a point in participating when there is practically no chance that I am gonna make the team and actually perform or compete.
I get my calcium from a daily glass of orange juice, not nasty cow milk... so NO, I won't grow so incredibly fast that my bones will break apart, thank you very much.
Happy birthday Dr. Seuss, Linh Ngo, and Cody Vu!
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