Paradise replaced with a parking lot

It has been one of those weeks where when you experience it, you think tomorrow will never come. But looking back, it was a fast-paced, busy, and altogether accomplished week. Swimming practice was kinda put on the back burner, I had no choice but to be late for 2 practices and miss 1 this week. Knowledge bowl competition, deciding and shopping for Sadies, and planning a special birthday all took priority. I think I am getting better at prioritizing (although this week, I did forgot and unintentionally neglected to do something I was assigned for Science Olympiad, and I still feel ashamed that didn't will myself harder to remember). I think maybe I am too busy for my own good. Instead of starting homework at 7 daily (after swimming and piano), I have to start at 8 or 9. My nights consist of 5-6 hours of sleeping. Upcoming finals doesn't help AT ALL but add to the stress. & Just today, I gave the 2011 class officers my word that I would be in a skit/dance for the winter rally on January 30. But I think it's for my own good that I do things for experience instead of worrying about how I can benefit from it (college, duh). Trojans Olympics is still up for debate. Even though practice last year was hours long, I still consider Trojan Olympics night as one of the best nights of my life just because of the amount of energy in the gym, a natural & completely contagious high for all of us. I want to relive all of it but at what cost? What will I have to sacrifice this year? I don't want to have the sacrifices add up and bite me in the ass come the dreaded SAT day and when I apply for colleges. It's a thought that constantly crosses my mind.

Finally was able to catch up in my Time and Entertainment Weekly magazines. I have interesting tidbits that I kinda want to share... like yet another Bushism: "We were trying to say something differently, but nevertheless it conveyed a different message." Another was a witty cartoon depicting a |: face with the word: "McDonalds replaces Happy Meal with Cautiously Optimistic Meal." Entertainment Weekly was a cover story on Heath Ledger. I didn't think I could gain as much insight as I had already done (I read as many news articles as I could about his death), but the news articles don't provide enough as I discovered today. This Entertainment Weekly article was great because it was from the point of view of his closest friends, those that were there for him when he was in his highs and lows. After learning about him, you realize he is an extremely complex and fascinating person. I was surprised to know he hated and mocked the Oscars, countless publicity interviews, and promotion posters with his face on it. He is someone I can truly admire.

I just thought I would like to add how crazy real the state at which our economy is at. I see it constantly in the news, at the mall (new stores replace older ones), on the radio, and in my college savings account my mom set up. Obama, help?

Coming up soon (within the next week)... Zones Championships (2-day, 8-hours-long Swimming competition), finals in all 6 classes, US Open piano competition date looms, Honors chem afterschool study group, last week of MTW practice, orthodontist (possible last one before I get my braces off!), Chinese club lunar shows practices, Winter rally dance practices, Sadie Hawkins dance, and Knowledge bowl, Science Olympiad, and Key Club meetings.

And then... a big sigh of relief. Why does everything have to happen in these two weeks?!?! Who the hell planned all of this?!

And to top it all off, I am sick with a cold. The stupid cold bug that makes your voice ugly and causes a traffic jam in your nose. & it activates my asthma, so I start coughing (I even choked on my first bite of Wheaties yesterday morning). My body is not in prime condition for the big meet tomorrow. Why fail me now... ugh.

My brother is watching the classic movie, Peter Pan. He is gonna be in for a cold shock when he gets to high school.

Oh brother, oh sister

- Congratulations Heath Ledger on the posthumous Golden Globe

- Desperate Housewives in less than a minute

- Already decided what to wear to Sadies, but still need to decide when to go shopping

- I asked my mom how to get more sleep in order to get rid of those dark circles under my eyes and she said "Well I guess you have to wait 'til college, sorry hun."

- I am preeeetty sure I am gonna have skin cancer. *Knocks on wood*

Monkey

We all seem to have a moral compass. My problem is that I don't follow mine. Actually, I look around and no one follows theirs either. Has that become the status quo now? No one I know has unwavering morals.

I don't really believe in this astrology stuff cause if you think about it, what are the chances the same 12 different fates would apply to 6.7 billion people around the world? Nonetheless, it is always fun to look and compare. Here is the Chinese Zodiac Astrology from Yahoo.

Monkey Overview

This year offers the Monkey some opportunities to go far with your talents. The Monkey's generous nature may leave you stretched in several different directions, so it is important to stay focused in order to achieve the goals you have set for yourself this year. You will be given the opportunity to impress the right people both in business, as well as in your personal life. Don't hold back this year, for this could be one that will leave an impression over the course of the next few years.

Monkey Rating

49% (4 favorable and 5 neutral and 3 unfavorable months)

Monkey Career

Great strides can be made in your career this year. Timing is everything and in your case, time is on your side. You will be in the right place at the right time to impress the decision makers in your career. The steady Ox rewards those with strong work ethics and the Monkey will surely reap the benefits of your labor. Don't hesitate to do anything that will aid your skills and benefit your position.
Monkey Relationships

This could be a busy year for you domestically. Look to your family for the encouragement and support you need. On the same token, it is important for you to listen and heed the advice of those who care. Your social life is active filled with plenty of opportunities to make new friends. Don't forget the ones that have been with you through the rough times, as it is just as important to offer your time with your existing relations.

Monkey Health

Take note that there are several high points to your year. With such a busy social year, you may stretch yourself thin with your health. Be aware of your energy levels throughout the year, as you may need some added rest to counter your affairs. It would be wise to take an active part in your health, taking up a new form of exercise that follows your interests: martial arts or dancing are two good possibilities.

Monkey Wealth

This could be a great year for the Monkey financially. You will possibly make great gains in this area throughout the year. Due to your generous nature, you may have a difficult time refraining from giving to others. Be mindful of this and make sure you give to yourself every once in a while because you deserve it.

Happy National Cut Your Energy Costs Day!