2010. and counting...

Here goes, my last post of the year (:

2010.

It's been great. There have been so many adventures, fun times, and special moments along the way. As I sit here at this computer, I could go on about the good times of the past, but honestly, right now I'm looking towards the future. And why? Because, if I were a fortuneteller sitting at my crystal ball right now, I could tell you that I see a long road of happiness, new adventures, and experiences. I can't say exactly what the future will hold, but I know that it will be even better. Thanks to the friends, family, and people who surround me every single day and made this year as good as it was...and hopefully you'll be with me throughout 2011 as well. Thanks for being there through good times (so many), the bad times (we all have them), and the middle times (yeah I dont know :)). It's been a great year.

2011. http://www.google.com/imgres?

Well we'll have to wait and see...but wishing you a prosperous and wonderful new year 2011 and may your hopes, dreams, and wishes come true.

Sincerely,

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Merry Christmas (: Hopefully you had your share of gift wrap, candy canes, gingerbread, and all the other wonderful things that make up the holiday season (: I'll be completely honest...I feel slightly guilty that I haven't posted on here in a while, but I guess that I too was caught up in most-wonderful-time-of-the-year-feeling. But excuses, excuses...I guess that I owe you some catching up, so here goes (: (Bear with me, this is going to be a rather scatter-brained post...)

First of all, I have to say that I love the holiday season (as those of you who know me probably know). Crowded malls, snow, the smell of Christmas? Yes.

Only, I have an experience to share with you. So, it was Christmas day, and we were driving to meet our relatives (aunt and uncle, cousins), you know, a nice family gathering. There is this sense of happiness, bliss in the air. The type of feeling that usually only comes a few times of the year, one of them being Christmas. The type of feeling you never can really take away. So anyways, then there we were...but something just seemed out of place. There we were in a warm car, with the things that we take for granted, you know...clothes, food, shelter, etc. And on the sidewalk...there was a man. Holding in one hand a ragged cardboard sign that said: "Homeless. Anything will be appreciated." Out in the cold. Now, I don't mean to be some dramatic Hollywood director here, you know, painting that whole dramatic story and taking away the spirit of Christmas...but...I just thought that it was ironic, is all. Just put a new perspective on things. How fortunate are we?

Ok. Now fast forward a bit. So, its around noon and everyone's opened their presents etc. and we're taking a walk outside...and I hear a girl...complaining.
"I didn't get what I wanted for Christmas."
"Look what she got! I wanted that!"
"I don't like my presents."
And I'm sure you'd like being out there in the cold on the sidewalk, living on a few coins rather than not get what you want for Christmas, right? Mhm. I have to admit, maybe I'm being a little picky, I mean what can you expect from an eight year old girl who's accustomed to get whatever she's wanted for Christmas for the past few years? But...still...

Alright. End of my rant (: On a more positive note, I was going through all the documents on my computer and since I save most documents, I brought one up (a poem) that I wrote oh about four years ago...I just thought that it was interesting how although people's writing over time, they usually still mantain the same sort of style...

The people smile, I smile right back,
I fly upon an eagle’s back.
My voice is heard among them all,
A strong loud voice, but not that small.
To soar in the stars, is a dream not to tell,
But to have all the others is also as well.

And alas, it is story time again (:

So anyways, I, admist the large amount of catching up with friends, family and such that I've done over winter break, buying presents, you know, all the usual holiday stuff, I still manage to fit time in for reading and catching up on the books that I've needed to finish up, but this is just an incident that happened while we were getting groceries...so anyways, this happened a while ago, but I was at Costcos when there was a book signing going on (I'm not quite sure who the author was) and admist this book signing this little boy comes up to her and says:
"Why are you an author?" Now for a boy about four or five years to say...this is quite unusual.
And so you can just see the author look at the boy with a questioning look on her face and the mom runs up behind the boy and says in a breezy voice something along the lines of "*laugh*..oh don't mind him...oh I just love your books!" and etc.
But the author turns to the boy and answers his question.
And she says "Because I love words." And she says it very confidently and with a slight smile on her face...
And the boy says "Me too. Especially big words."
The author and the mom both laugh...
This might have seemed like a normal episode to you, but the very essence of it was that, well, words are a beautiful thing (: haha I probably seem pretty bias here, but there are certain things that you can't really express through words and then there are things that sound amazing in words...(Back story: The reason why I brought up this random subject was because someone recently asked me 'why do you blog'...this is for you, anonymous person (; )

Okay, and we are back on the Holiday Debates Channel featuring your host (me), and a few guest stars.
Here is our current Holiday Debate: Is Santa Real?
18 year old girl: Yes.
Host: And why do you say this?
18 year old girl: You just have to believe that he's real...and then he is.
Host: Alright then, let's see what our other guest stars have to say...
2 year old child: Yes! Santa Claus is real!
Host: And what evidence do you have to support this?
2 year old child: Presents
Host: Thank you for those words and now, our final guest speaker...
Adult: Well...I guess that Santa is real for kids. I mean, we all know that he's not, but for the kids, he's the one who brings presents and comes down the chimney at night
Host: So, you don't really believe in him?
Adult: Do you?
Host: No comment. Alright then, thanks for watching that short segment and a special round of applause to our three guest stars! Stay tuned for our next segment on "Is Rudolph really the Best Reindeer?"

A brief commentary on that-yes, the guest stars were actual people in real life (who will remain anonymous), but I personally asked them whether they believed in Santa and those were their actual answers...only later I put them into a talkshow format... so there you go (:

And finally:

45 miles away,
there is a house.

The house is painted gold
and silver.
But there are no walls.

There is a wooden knocker,
but there is no door.

The steam rises from the house,
but the chimney
and the fireplace
are long gone.

The voices echo from inside,
but the people
have already left.

But 45 miles away,
there is a house.

Wishing you the best in the upcoming New Year and a great rest of winter break (:

Regrets

There's a pencil.
Waiting on the desk.
Patiently.
But I'm sorry...I can't think of anything to write.

There's a scrapbook.
Already open to the first page.
Anticipating.
But I'm sorry...There are no memories here.

There's a mountain.
Waiting for somebody to climb it.
Somebody up to the challenge...
But I'm sorry...I'm no climber.

There's a boy on the corner of the street;
cardboard sign in hand...
Desperate.
But I'm sorry...I can't help.

No. I just can't help.

Only Fate Will Tell

"I'm a big wisher. I'll wish on anything. Shooting stars, stray eyelashes, dandelion tops, coins in fountains. Birthday candles (my own and other people's)." -Finally, Wendy Mass

Rewind to yesterday. I was going to Purell my hands, which seems simple enough, but it got me thinking (as most things do). So, there I was with a Purell bottle and I squeezed a drop of it out, only something very strange happened this time. It formed an 'S'. Literally, an 'S'. I have no clue how. You might think that this is a silly coincidence, but it formed the most perfect S I have ever seen. Anyways, so for a few brief fleeting moments I was puzzled (should I take the superstitious route and consider this a 'sign'? Or was it was just a coincidence and should I just shrug it off?). Well, this must seem like an awful lot of thinking to do over a simple few drops of hand sanitizer, but it interested me...and got me thinking about...superstition. I know people with a broad spectrum of views on this subject:
-I have a friend who finds Friday the 13th and little trivial things like that 'fun' to believe in, but it's not that serious of a thing to her

-Then again, I know someone who thinks that anything involved/affiliated with myths/superstition is silly and obnoxious
-Oh and I know someone else who absolutely is superstitious 100%...everyone they do, everyone stroke of fate and luck is based on myths or superstition. Really.
Here are my basic views on superstition; I believe that it's fun and interesting to go along with everything like Friday the 13th etc., but I really think that there is a...stopping point. I won't base my actions, thoughts, or major decisions on anything superstitious, I just won't. Sure, I might read a Magic 8 Ball just for the enjoyment and I love the mystery aura that comes with it, but honestly? I think that there is a point when one can take things too far...Anyhow, as always; this is an opinion, and I am open to any new perspectives....What are your views on superstition?

No Matter Where This World Takes Us...

I'm not quite sure why....but I fell in love with this quote the minute I read it:

"Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends."

Maybe...because it so accurately illustrates what we as people look for in our friendships, what is there in the strongest of friendships...or maybe because it is so beautifully phrased? I really don't know. But anyhow, I love it for what it is...Just thought that I'd share that :)

Oh and happy Halloween! Hope that you had your share of too much candy :)

What Once Was There

The picture frame,
hangs on a lone hook,
on the beige wall-
in the corner.

The emptiness speaks out more
than a picture
ever would.

The lone initials inscribed in pencil
on the back.

The peeling paint
the chipped wood-
they fade away.
they fade away.

Perspective

A long time ago someone told me, "The great thing about Oreo's is that no two people eat them the same way."

Think about it. The next time you eat an Oreo...Just observe. The purely interesting part of this is that it completely represents who we are as people. Unique individuals. No two people are the same. They have their own thoughts, ways, and methods of doing things, but I guess that that's just what makes us a diverse and wonderful group of people, right? Right :)

"___has one! I want it!"

What appeals to the general public? Think for a minute. Okay, now narrow it down to what appeals to the youth. Thought of a couple of things? Okay. Now, (and for the the final time, I promise) narrow it down to things that appeal to kids age 5-12. And voila. You have a whole list in and of itself. Although you may not realize, kids are the heart of the products that we buy. I'm sure that you've heard the familar phrases:

"Mommy...can we buy this...pleasee? Everyone at school has it!"

or "Hey Mom, this is so much cooler that the version we have at home...you soo have to get it."

If you think about it; the people that come up with products that are targeted towards kids aren't really that "innovative"...just a bit smart. They realize that kids can't possibly not want their product if they see that Miley Cyrus is advertising it on T.V...or what about if one of their favorite cartoons sponsors it? And they would have to get it if all their friends have it of course. So then all they need is for the kids to convince their parents (the easy part of course :))...and voila! A prospering business is under way. You might be wondering what spurred me to right this article...No, it was not simply that I decided to because...I decided to, but I was at my computer when I noticed what was on my hand. A Silly Band. How is it that colorfully shaped rubber bands can be so popular, you ask? Simple, the formula stated above. Recently, someone I know showed me a Silly Necklace. And then a Silly Ring. I have no clue where this is going, but there surely is pattern.

Appealing Products (prefferably involving well-known stars or cartoons) + Youth (who like to keep up with the trends) = consumers who drive the toy business

Businesses realize that something is popular and so they make more versions and types, variations, and soon it becomes a craze. You have to have all of them! Look back on how many times you've heard the words collect them all with a catchy tune and happy people on t.v. commerials. Exactly my point. I guess that's just the way our world works.

Webkinz (something you may not have heard of, but being around many second and third graders, I certainly have...) are a type of stuffed animal which come with an online code that you type into their website so that you essentially have a virtual pet. Sure, this may be cool or such but I (who knows someone who has 49 Webkinz...no kidding) have a feeling that it is these trends that go much more beyond a "cute" stuffed animal.

Here is another list:

-Neopets (oh...you remember them)

-Tamagotchis

-Yu-Gi-Oh cards (Pokemon too!)

Well this is a rather unexhastive list, but these are just a few examples of products, or toys that have pushed the boundaries of popularity and become the new trends among youth, either now, or a few years ago.

All of this just struck me as...interesting. The economy, businesses, and product world is just so strange yet predictable. You get to know what's going to be a hit among people and you know what targets your consumers and voila. What's in store next? I have no clue. But I have no doubt that shaped rubber bands are just the beginning of it.

Somewhere Out There

The shadows-
they dance across the windows.
But they don't
speak a word.

The footsteps-
leave marks,
but no sound.

The telephone,
rings.
Once, twice, three times-
One whisper.
Are you there?

An Interview with Sage96

Before I begin, I would like to send a shout out to Alka Pai! Hi Alka! Haha I did as I promised :)

Anyways, I recently decided to interview a dear friend; who is known as Sage96 (or Albuss Potter). She is a serious gymnast and athelete, who balances academics, piano, and being a great friend all at the same time. How does she do this? Simple; read along to hear her tips, thoughts, and pieces of advice. In addition, stop by her blog at http://sage96.blogspot.com/ and take a look! And so without further ado...

1. I understand that academics is a big part of your life, yet, at the same time, gymnastics is as well. How do you balance these two activities?
I love gymnastics a lot, but I know that if I don't perform at my absolute best at school, then I'll have to quit. Keeping that in mind, I work hard at gym, but if there's a conflict between the two, then school is definitely where I need to be.

2. What are your aspirations/dreams/ideas/visions for the future?
To be honest, I really don't know what I want to be when I'm older. I'm interested in art, maybe graphic design or something, but I don't think that I'm the type that can sit in an office or cubicle all day.

3.Do you have advice for a student just starting middle school/junior high? If so, what? What are the three most importnat lifeskills that will help you in junior high?
Going into junior high/middle school, don't be afraid or self-conscious. After all, you can't pretend to be who you aren't forever; it's the truth. Also, always be on top of your homework. No matter what, finish it on time, even if it isn't the best quality (but if you do have time, do it well), because a small amount of point is always better than none. Make sure you try to get involved with the school. Join clubs to get to know other people in your grade and the grades above you. This way, you'll be more comfortable in the school and you'll know many more people.

4. Do you have a favorite writer which you would reccommend? A favorite book?
I seriously recommend reading the Harry Potter series. Not only are they captivating, but they grab you and stuff you in the wizarding world and you'll love it.

5. As an athlete and a hard worker, what do you think has motivated and pushed you towards your highest potential?
I've always wanted people respect, and I'll pretty much go to the end of the earth to earn it, as long as it's worth it. Also, as an athlete I've learned that this really helps. Think positive, especially when something is going wrong or hurts. There's something called mental healing, and if you don't think you're injured, you body will heal faster, and vise versa. Just a little tip.

6. If you were to leave a final message to the blog readers, what would it be?
Final message, eh? Well, I'd say you should read, read, and read other people's blogs, and soon enough you can write your own and it's really very enjoyable.

Simplicity

"I've learned that you can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk." Albert Einstein, Age 6

You might ask why I decided to post such a particularly...absurd quote. But the beauty of this quote is that, the simplicity of it is perhaps enlightening. It lets us know that one of our greatest known mathematicians/scientists (who was always expected to say great, genius-like things) still remembers the simple little memories and things in his childhood that you never really forget. Oh and by the way, in case you were wondering, it is indeed impossible to hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk. Just saying :)

Stop to Smell the Flowers

Here is an excerpt from an article I read...oh, say, about a year ago:

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.
Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.
A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.
A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.
The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist.
Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.
In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the top musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written,with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.
Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats average $100.
This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station
was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty?

For some reason I have never forgotten about this article ever since I first read it a while ago. You might think that I am trying to prove my "point" as an avid violin player, but that's not quite it, this just spoke out to me on the human nature as a whole. What is it that inspires us to be who were are as people? Our unique, style and ways are who creates us, right? Then why it is that we must forget (well, most of us...) the little things that make our world the indulgent place that we love? Perhaps our busy work schedules, you know, the fact that we have to reach our son to soccer practice, our daughter to ballet. Sure, our world is increasing the work load and we do have excuses, even I admit that. But maybe, just maybe, we should stop to smell the flowers. You know, while your in that car to reach your daughter to ballet, you can look our the window and...marvel at the beauty there is in the world.

Thoughts of the Day.1

People are going to come and people are going to go, but the ones the most important to you are those who stick beside your side through thick and thin.

"A friend is around in times of laughter or tears. A friend makes you smile and calms all your fears. A friend lets you know if you're wrong or you're right. Thank you for making my world so bright." -unknown

Thoughts of the Day

Recently, I decided to start a simple thing called "Thoughts of the Day" which I will try my best to post as often as I can...Anyhow, what it is is a quote, thought, or just simply words of inspiration. So, keep on checking back and see what you find :)

Forbidden

Her face, pressed to the window,
Longing.
Wide eyes filled with fear.
Frightened.
Invisible scars that stand as a testament,
to her past.
And here she is,
Seeking a brand new start.
So close yet so-
far.

Ballet Slippers

Pink,
Worn,
Forgotten.

A cardboard box is the only home they've known,
for a while.
They've been through
it all,
Like a best friend.
But now they lay in a box at the foot of her bed.
Alone.

Eclipse: The Twilight Saga

As lucky as I was to see a midnight showing of Eclipse the day it came out, I was very slow on posting a review on my blog, but anyhow, enjoy! Unfortunately, there is not a font on Blogger that can appropriately convey the pure chilling aura of vampires as particularly emphasized in this movie, but I can do my best to describe it. Perhaps it was that the director (David Slade) had had experience directing a thriller vampire movie, but perhaps it was not, because Eclipse truly encompassed more elements of danger and highlighted the vicious nature of vampires (mainly un-vegetarians to be specific). Or maybe it was simply the fact that Stephenie Meyer had planned out the third book in the series to be the most enthralling (we'll have to wait for Breaking Dawn to come out to see if that is true). Anyhow, the movie simply starts with an innocent businessman (human...later you will realize that it is Riley) briskly walking through the alleys in rainy Seattle with briefcase in hand to be attacked by someone/something which he does not know of. Their speed and intensity makes their appearance merely a blur...but still, it is definite that they are vampires. It was such a dramatic yet clever beginning to the movie that I marveled at (slightly unnerving though). The next scene is quite contrasting and would look quite this way if only Edward was not a vampire...Anyhow, it is a close up of Edward and Bella in "their meadow"...The movie proceeds on full of twists and turns, but what really stood out to me was how well the movie shows the conflicting differences between Bella's two paths. She seems much more in control yet troubled that she has to pick between her two friends...Kristen Stewart's acting was outstanding and it was much more comforting to see her less helpless than in New Moon. Filled with twists and turns, although slightly gruesome at certain parts I must admit, it also did a great job of doing what Eclipse was essentially written to do in the series: make Bella finally make a decision and reestablish and figure out who she really was as a person...Although many people may think that choosing between two lovers is anything but a life-changing decision, I enjoyed Eclipse and have heard from people who have a disliking towards Twilight, that it wasn't actually that bad for them.

Aspirations

Sometimes a dream is so much more wonderful...
When reality escapes you,
Carefree.
A new world,
Beneath you,
to explore.
Emotions guide you,
Freedom.
Where the climb is harder,
The peak is higher,
And yet you reach.

Our Music Choices

Recently, I heard someone say this:
"You should listen to more sophisticated, fine tastes of music such as classical. People such as Lady Gaga only become popular because they are essentially cheap music and surrounded by scandals. By the time, such artists die, they are forgotten, however, when you are listening to classical music, is it practically timeless. Remember what happened to Michael Jackson? Well, once he died more attention was called to his music then if he had not died-in 20-30 years he will not be remembered."
That, truly, is simply an opinion, and so I know that many of you may disagree with this statement while many of you may wholeheartedly agree with it. For example, I have heard people say countless times "I just can't listen to classical music unless I'm doing my homework or sleeping...pop, hip hop, and rock music is so much better [state various names of bands, artists here] and it's just more upbeat and cooler." Again, an opinion.
Personally, I am in between. I absolutely adore classical music when you need something to calm or sooth yourself at any given time, and being a violin player, classical music can never go wrong...But honestly? I have nothing against listening to pop, hip hop, or rock (ok maybe I have a lot against rock :D)...but still. On the topic of the fact that pop culture music is "cheap" moneywise, I strongly disagree...In fact, is it really something to argue on? If you go to the store right now, I am positive that a Lady Gaga (or Justin Bieber or Paramore or Linkin Park or 3oh!3 or such...) CD would cost more than simply finding a classical music recording. Even look at concert ticket rates: Compare the hundreds of fans who paid $500-$1000 to see Miley Cyrus in concert versus the mere $100-$250 dollars at most that people spend to see a chamber orchestra or classical performer. Furthermore, I disagree that the music in it itself is "first-rate". Maybe the lyrics are. Maybe the outfits are. Maybe the performances are. But the music? no. Although surprisingly you may never actually have thought this, all those artists do have good, sometimes even amazing voices and vocal ranges. They can do things classical opera singers can't. And they have great music interpretation and rhythym. They're music isn't easy. If you listen to them on the radio, it actually sounds good. Aside from the lyrics, sometimes. Oh, and they love what they do. You don't always see that in classical music. In fact, all you classical music lovers...I'd just advise you to give it a try. Once.
Then, however, once we get to publicity wise and their actually performances, that's when I change sides. I don't particularly blame all these artists however, because it seems as if to keep in the 21st century and be popular, you have to pull off these outrageous things, but still, what do some people do for fame? You don't need to come onto stage in this horrific outfit with strange special effects and odd backup singers. You just don't. It is completely possible to get a standing and completely embarass herself. That's when you can call music "cheap" in the sense that artists try to make themselves stand out and cross the line just to bring attention to them and their music. Have you ever realized that whenever something big happens to someone, people start listening to their music? Yeah.
So, my final point, is that all you strict classical music-listeners who abhor pop, hip hop, or rock music, give it a chance, there actually is a lot of things that you wouldn't expect. But then again, maybe some of them are over-the-top...I'm with you on that ;) The popularity of such music has dramatically increased and so I don't think that it's fitting to just categorize classical music as "elite" and the rest as "cheap." It's just not. Also, since this is a really interesting debatable topic, I'd like to heard all of your opinions...Which side are YOU on?

Summer Movie Update!

Welcome to YOUR Summer Movie Update!

Essentially, here I have the descriptions of the summer movies that will be released To the left is a picture of the movies scheduled to release this summer. Please note that I will by no means be putting all of the movies, but simply the ones intended for a child/teen audience. All rights go to Regal Cinemas.

Eclipse-The Twilight Saga:
Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger as Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob — knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella is confronted with the most important decision of her life.

The Last Airbender:
Air, Water, Earth, Fire. Four nations tied by destiny when the Fire Nation launches a brutal war against the others. A century has passed with no hope in sight to change the path of this destruction. Caught between combat and courage, Aang (Noah Ringer) discovers he is the lone Avatar with the power to manipulate all four elements. Aang teams with Katara (Nicola Peltz), a Waterbender, and her brother, Sokka (Jackson Rathbone), to restore balance to their war-torn world.Based on the hugely successful Nickelodeon animated TV series, the live-action feature film “The Last Airbender” is the opening chapter in Aang’s struggle to survive.

Ramona and Beezus:

Based on the "Ramona" series of novels written by Beverly Cleary. As everyone knows, Ramona Quimby lives on Klickitat Street. The stories of her adventures begin in Beezus and Ramona, where Beezus, who is just turning 10, finds 4-year-old Ramona an exasperating little sister!

Despicable Me:

In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden beneath this home is a vast secret hideout. Surrounded by a small army of minions, we discover Gru, planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon (Yes, the moon!). Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays, and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad. The world's greatest villain has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice:
Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage) is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina). Balthazar can't do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel), a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé. The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness. It'll take all the courage Dave can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes The Sorcerer's Apprentice.

Toy Story 3 in Disney Digital 3D:
The creators of the beloved “Toy Story” films re-open the toy box and bring moviegoers back to the delightful world of Woody, Buzz and our favorite gang of toy characters in TOY STORY 3. Woody and Buzz had accepted that their owner Andy would grow up someday, but what happens when that day arrives? In the third installment, Andy is preparing to depart for college, leaving his loyal toys troubled about their uncertain future. Lee Unkrich (co-director of “Toy Story 2” and “Finding Nemo”) directs this highly anticipated film, and Michael Arndt, the Academy Award®-winning screenwriter of “Little Miss Sunshine,” brings his unique talents and comedic sensibilities to the proceedings. TOY STORY 3 will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.
The Karate Kid:

Twelve-year-old Dre Parker could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying -- and the feeling is mutual -- but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make an enemy of the class bully, and kung fu prodigy, Cheng. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han, who is secretly a master of kung fu. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life.

The Crayon Philosophy

Yes, The Crayon Philosophy. One day I pondered over why we must always look back on our past and which that we could step back into it, rewrite it, or step away from the present. That was when I began to think of the Crayon Philosophy (yes I made it up).It might sound childlike, but honestly, it is a very crucial philosphy that is hard to understand. Here is the basis of it:

"Remember when you were younger and picking a color of a crayon was the biggest decision in your life? Remember? Do you sometimes look back on that and wish that you were that age again?"

And this is the Crayon Philosophy itself:

That in the case in which we grow up and relieve ourselves of dependency on another being (well...we still depend on people but you know what it means) and take on new responsibilities, although sometimes we may look back on our past and which that we were back in that same situation again, each state has it's ups and downs, even when you were a little infant or when you were still in kindergarten picking crayons from a box. (Hence why it is called the crayon philosophy).

Now honestly, anyone is free the argue against this philosophy, but if you think about life in such a way, it makes things seem much easier. For example, right now you are probably wish that you were perhaps...5 years old again. Unless you are a billionaire and living the life that you would never want to get away from ("I wanna be a billionaire..." :D). You say to yourself, remember when all I had to worry about was whether I could have a lollipop for dinner or...if I could have a birthday party? However, that is besides the case. Because at that time, the importance that you carry at the moment for your job\school\whatever you are worried about is how much you care about the lollipop or birthday party. Trust me, at five years old, a birthday party can mean EVERYTHINGto you ;).

Also, try to think positively at what you have acquired over the years, responsibility, experience, and independence...even trust. Basically what I'm trying to prove here is that although many people might just adore the opportunity to step back into the past and change things...everything has it's good and bad sides, and just like that something might mean the world to you right now, a crayon meant the world to any five year old. :)

Cinnamon Rolls

To make up for the fact that I didn't post yesterday (it was a reasonable excuse I promise...I had no computer access :D), I am posting this: Here is a super super good cinnamon roll recipe straight from Cinnabon. I highly reccommend it!

Rolls/Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

flour- 3 1\2 to 4 c

yeast- 1 package

salt- 3\4 t

margarine- 1\4 c.

egg- 1

very hot water- 3\4 c.

sugar 1\4 c.

375 degrees 20-25 minutes or until done-1 dozen rolls

METHOD:

1. in a large mixing bowl measure and set aside flour.

2. In a large bowl combine 1 c. of the flour and yest, sugar, and salt.

3. Blend in margarine with pastry blender.

4. Stir in hot water until margarine melts into dough evenly.

5. Stir in egg.

6. Congtinue adding the reast of the flour until it can no longer be stirred into batter (dough).

7. Empty dough onto lightly floured counter and knead 5 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic. Work in flour using no more than the orignial 4 c. total from step #1.

8. Shape by dividing dough into 13 pieces and placing in buttered pan as shaped. Let rise. Backe.

FOR CINNAMON ROLLS:

9. Roll dough into large rectangle about baking sheet size. Bruch 2 T. melted butter onto dough. sprinkle mixture of 1 c. brown sugar and 1 t. cinnamon over buttered dough. ll up. Slice into 12 rolls. Place in buttered 9" x 9" x 2" pan. Let rise and bake.

Carpe Diem: Seize the Day

Some of you might have heards these words a countless number of times. In fact, if you know me, you've probably heard it more than that. At the same time, numerous people have come up to me and asked me:
"What does 'Carpe Diem' mean?"
I now do realize that simply saying "seize the day" means nothing unless we really do understand what it means to seize the day. The reason why I abruptly decided to write a post on this topic is that in such times we seem to really need to make the most out of our day...whether is be economic times, natural disasters (the infamous oil spill for example), or maybe you are just someone undergoing social stress. Yes. No matter who we are, "Nobody's Perfect" (it seems like a dreadful crime to quote Miley Cyrus in such times, but...). I will admit, even as myself, I face times where I think that it is impossible to make the most out of our day.
For example, you know, that day when you woke up and everything just seemed to go wrong?? Where you were in a bad mood, and on top of that, late to work because you spent fifteen minutes searching for coffee to find that there was none, and it even was raining, and on top of that, the work load at your job was pressurizing and you couldn't make time to take a break, and then once you got home, you just needed a rest, but then there was still work to do like picking up your kids from soccer, making dinner or mowing the lawn? Yeah.
Or maybe, you woke up thirty minutes late to school because you were tired from last minute studying until 12:00 the previous day, so you were late to school and got a lunch detention, only to realize that you forgot your ASB card or money. Then, after going without lunch, you have math finals but realize that you studied the wrong chapters, and in science, your teacher assigns a pop quiz, but you didn't have time to read the textbook last night and so you don't know anything, and finally, after school, on Facebook, your heart gets broken and you feel horrible but you have a huge history assignment for 200 points due tommorrow. Mhm.
Still, at these times, as strange and impossible as it may seem, it is possible to stay optimistic and make the most out of it. So, you do feel exhausted after that horrible day of work, but think, am I really one to complain when there are people out there who are working in inhumane conditions, struggling, and wondering whether they will eat dinner (they don't even have the option of coffee)? Or, you do feel absolutely terrible about those math finals and that Facebook episode and need to do history, but take a look at how this will impact your life:
Will one insignificant day really affect my happiness in 20\30 years? Will I really look back and wish that this day never happened, or is it perhaps...a learning experience?
Yeah, I know. No one actually tells that to themselves...so there is something else that many people get cheered up by. You know that feeling when you had that really bad day or got a horrible test grade but then realize that everyone else did too, and it makes you feel better? Well, just remember that EVERYONE has their bad moments and experiences and so don't let it ruin your day. Just don't.
Finally, there is one more thing that I would like to say...tommorrow is a brand new day. Think of it as a fresh start. In fact, think of every hour as a brand new start. You can make it better and better by thinking positive. I was thinking over the concept of "Carpe Diem" earlier today and realized that it can truly relate to Bella in New Moon. Even if you are a true Twilight hater, please bear with me :). Anyways, in those tragic months, where Bella feels horrible...there are so many things she could have done to get away from her "pain" and make a brand new start. Of course, that would dramatically end the saga and Edward would be long gone, but theoretically speaking, although it would be very very hard, Bella's life would be much easier in New Moon if she "seized the day".
Therefore, I would just like to end on the note in which you ask yourself...in 25 years will I honestly be impacted by this experience/day or is it better to just let go of everyone, get a fresh new start, and live your life. That's right ;)

A Memoir of Goa, India 2009-2010

Okay. I'm posting this post in order to prove that I will not break my promises. Also, I am partly teaching myself a lesson that I should not make promises about writing certain blog posts because then I have to find the time to write those long blog posts. Anyways, the fact is that I am majorly late on posting this post but now that I alas have a decent amount of time on my hands in which I may be able to create such a post, I have decided to get it over with and not have it forever hanging on my shoulders.
Hehe. Sorry. Just kidding :D I actually fully owe this post to "Bo Peep" (you know who you are ;D) Speaking of which...
Shout Out: To Bo Peep for constantly pestering my to write an account of my India trip even though I'm a pathetic 4 and a half months late (I know) Anyways, this post wouldn't have been created without you.
Anyways, I will quit with all the drama. Let me get straight to it. An account of my India trip. Right. Let me travel deep back into the shelves of my memory and search for those wonderful days in December and January that made a great vacation. Right. Okay, mhmmm...Disclaimer: Although I am writing this, you must understand that my memory of the trip is anything but fresh as it would have been a few months ago, as it has been a while. Now, right onto it.

December 2009-January 2010
Goa, India
A Tribute to the Holiday Season
"And I finally realized, that it is not just me is it? Everyone loves that wonderful feeling you have inside when the stress of the world is gone and you feel as if you're effortlessly enjoying life. Some call it relaxation. I call it vacation."

Okay, for you're own good I'm not going to give you an account of the plane ride that lasts forever. Why? Because I assume that you are the type of person who dreads reading AP Reading book or another other form of long text. mhmmm. Except for anything interesting. So, in short the plane ride wasnt that interesting except for a few things. Let me elaborate:
Have you ever taking a domestic flight somewhere on vacation thats literally hardly a few miles away? Well, taking an international flight is a whole new feeling. Trust me. It is probably safe to say that you've been somewhere international as well. China perhaps. Or India like me! Or Russia or Italy or France or Canada or some significant place that I haven't forgotten but that I've not had enough time to mention here. (Ask me later and I'll tell you). Anyways you get this whole different feeling as I was saying. New culture! New food! New clothing! New languages! Or just the plain fact that you are able to talk about a whole foreign place that you visited after coming back home to your friends and make them feel amazed and jealous (just kidding!!! Tip: do not try that at home kids.) Anyways, I just realized that I have used the word "Anyways" a whole bunch of times in the paragraph, but as I tend the randomly change the subject oh so randomly...well...
Okay, so just in case you don't know this, the Sea Tac Airport is pretty cool. Well, Chinese food is not very good at the Sea Tac Airport, but carrying on....Well, it's not the most wonderful airport (I will explain why later because some foreign airports are just oh-so better.) but it's always is amusing to see people's faces as they step into the airport from Haiwaii, dressed in leis and Haiwaiian shirts and see that it's raining. Because they're in Seattllllle!
Okay, sorry. I just realized that the actual events in the Seattle airport itself weren't that interesting. Therefore I must fast forward t o the plane. Yup. The Plane.

Well, I must say that it was a big plane indeed. And having a touch screen entertainment center screen on the back of every seat is indeed wonderful, so for your delightment I will include a list of ALL the movies/music that I listened to/watched during the entire trip(s):
Harry Potter 6 (haha it was sort of funny because I really really wanted to see this one, it wasnt the very best though...very emotional :D)
Julie and Julia!!! (hehe I loved this one...btw, I tend to like movie involving food ex: Ratatouille)
Bandslam (If you are not a Disney fanatic you probably do not know what this is. Disclaimer: I. Am. Not. A. Disney. Fanatic. I just watched it because everything else except for Korean shows were rated PG13 or higher and seemed too lovey-dovey/violent. I estimate that only 0.05556% of you readers enjoy Disney and therefore I have concluded that I should probably include a brief description: a social outcast, a new kid who never seems to fit in his new schools, and a once super-popular girl trying to change her ways meet together and develop different relationships for each other. However, in the end, it is all a matter of winning the ultimate best acheivement for high school musicians: winning Bandslam.
Up! Wow. This is one of the most amazing movies (animated or live-action) movies I have ever watched. It has breath-taking emotions and beautiful music as well as a touching, suspenseful, interesting plot. Without any form of bad words or bad ideas, this movie deserved a five star no doubt. If you haven't seen it, watch it!!! And if you don't believe it, I think that it won a Grammy(s) this year (2010) and was nominated for many. By the way, Dorothy Jiang, if you are reading this I suppose that it wouldn't be fair to go without mentioning the ah-mazing...Russell! ;)

Ok before you criticize my music choice please take notice of the fact that there isn't much selection available. Therefore, unless you would like to have heard that I listened to "Row Row Row Your Boat" and "ABCs!" please refrain from commenting as such: Anonymous: You have horrible music taste. By the way, in case you are wondering, no, there is no way to make your comments anonymous on here, sorry :)
Jordin Sparks...unless you watch American Idol, you probably don't know her
David Archuleta...American Idol again but you might know him
Beyonce :D
Kelly Clarkson
Katy Perry and 3oh3 but honestly I got tired of them after a while.
Carrie Underwood
Korean Nursery Rhymes, well you be honest, I was sort of bored, so I clicked on "kids" on the screen and there I found Korean Nursery rhymes. Then again, let me correct myself, perhaps attempted to listen to this is a better description...the melodies were wonderful, but the words were meaningless as I didn't understand any of them.
Ok.I already wrote a long account of the food on the plane in my other blog and so here I have copied and pasted it:

So after a few hours of listening to Katy Perry, Jordin Sparks, David Archuleta, and a few other artists as well as choosing between the difficult decision of "what would you like to drink?" :), it was time to eat. *shudders* This is possibly the most feared experience of any international traveler- what food will be served on the plane? In case you are planning such an international trip anytime soon, let me un-confirm your fears- airplane food is fine. Not excellent, not "good", I prefer to say "fine". There. I've answered your question.
Yes. Sorry. That wasn't very long. Let me elaborate to confirm you're fears. Here are the interesting things:
-Well, for starters, there were Masala Lays Chips. Well? I know. If you have never been to India you probably have never heard of such a preposperous thing. But they taste good....so....yup :) Only the thing is that because of the air pressure in the plane, you would open up a bag this big: ________ and find out that it was only __ filled with chips. I know :( A dissapointment but an educational experience.
-Then, there were seaweed wrap things that tasted really good (rice cakes I think)
-This grape juice with bubbly things at the bottom. No, it was not bubble tea, but I was informed by my brother and sister that it tasted........errr...okay. Random fact (actually more like opinion if you are picky literature-wise): Bubble tea is just amazing isn't it? [If you are reading this and would like to comment but don't know what to comment on, please comment with your favorite bubble tea flavor. And if you have been bubble tea deprived (just kidding! but you really should try it...) and don't know any flavors of bubble tea, comment with your favorite ice cream flavor. And yes, that was random, but ice cream is good as well, isn't it?]
Instant noodles. (Haha sorry but I can guarantee that 89.9999866% of you know what these are) and yes THEY TASTE GOOD. but are unhealthy for you. (Written in small print so that nutritionally concerned people do not sue me for endorsing such food).
-Indian food.
-Korean food.
Sorry, unfortunately as I am on a very short time limit (not really) I will not be able to specifically define what "Indian and Korean food" exactly is, but ask an Indian or Korean friend and they will tell you. P.S. I can help you on the Indian part, only ask me in person.

Also, well...there were the books which I read. Actually book (not plural), because honestly, although you always tell yourself that you are going to finish dozens and dozens of books on the plane ride, unless they ALL are extremely wonderful books, you usually only finish one book. Because it's just way too distracting on the plane. Well....not at night...but...actually, never mind, thank you, I'm going to stop myself from going on a random tangent again. Unless, you like my random tangents. In which case, you are utterly free to ask me about the tangent I was about to go on.

AHHHHHH!!!! Sorry, I just realized that if I keep up talking so much (or writing) at this rate, I could write a third-grade chapter book on my trip! So, therefore, I am very sorry to say that I must shorten how much I write. But, remember, if you really would like to hear the full story,ask me in person and I'll tell you all of it...i f I have the time that is...because somehow I can talk much faster then I can write
Well then: When we first reached India, it is hard to describe how it was, perhaps I should just add a picture:
Goa, India
See the difference?
Ok, so first stop was my father's house which is honestly very historical, in fact: It was a mint house a long time ago! Imagine that!
Next was my mother's house "Villa Luz" which I probably spelled wrong but I'll get back to you on that ;)
Okay, so truly I don't remember every every single thing in chronological order, but these are the main places that we visited:
Swimming pool! Haha this was in the Mariott and it was great to take a swim in the water...
It was also great because our adorable cousin, our grandparents, and our aunt and uncle were there also and so overall we had a great time at the pool but this was by far the highlight of our adventures.

Ok, in order to not spend time aimlessly talking about the food areas that we visited, here are the restaurants that we went to (just a few, not all of them): Oh, and just a note to all you people who know how to spell all these types of foods and resturants and realize that I am practicing making fallacy by fallacy here as a make a futile attempt to spell it, just know that it's not my fault :D
Ritz (haha we went here a lot because we loved the seafood)...anyways this was an amazing Goan restaurant with the classic fish, mussels, crab, etc. Anyways, the most curious thing here was that they had lime soda which had cherries at the very bottom...I have never heard of lime soda with cherries but apparently it tastes good, so yup :)
Florentine's (yummy, this place was pretty good and it had good chicken cafreal (that's a word that I probably spelled wrong)) Also, there was great soup and almost our entire family went to it (16 people!!!)...hehe I think that we had to take up three tables
Thali places ( yeah, we went to a lot of these places and so im not going to list all of them but they were super super good except for I don't particularly like Indian food very much, but anyhow, Indian vanilla ice cream is good :D)
Legacy of Bombay (haha this another one of those places that we loved so we went to it about four times)...anyways, besides the fact that I a) lost my retainer at this restaurant and b) there were air conditioning issues (I mean, who ever heard of a cold place in India???), I really like this place. The falludas were wonderfully wonderful and the dai vadas were great and the masala dosas were good too, so I suppose that occassionally I do like Indian food ;)
well...there was this absolutely amazing Ice Cream place!!! Haha, it was the one part about America that I miss but it had the typical American flavors of ice cream. And of course, I had to have mint chocolate chip.
Well...sorry again, because I honestly don't remember the name of this restaurant either but there was also this restaurant which was Indian Chinese and it was really good. For example, the sweet and sour soup had a tint of India in it...and so did everything else :)
RANDOM FACT: Note that at EVERY single resturant that we went to, we ordered lime soda. I'm fairly certain that we got addicted to it, and now I wish that I had a nice refreshing glass or lime soda with a bendy straw and a cherry in it :D
Longhinos (I spelled this wrong...sorry D:) Anyways, this place was pretty good, only the soup was spoiled so we couldn't eat it, but the biryani was pretty good :)
a place called "Happy Town" or something like that...it was one of the most curious places I've every been. Let me explain. Well, the food wasn't wonderful, I mean, fast food which didn't taste perfect except for ice cream shakes. But, it was themed red, white, yellow, and blue. I mean, literally the primary colors. So even the walls were and chairs and everything, but then you go upstairs and there is a T.V. and couches, and a bunch of computers...it was utterly peculiar
This bakery place next to the Indian Chinese place :) All I can say is that it was good, only now I regret ordering a Chocolate Raspberry truffle instead of a cream filled scone..

Ok, next, places we visited, things that we did:
Beachhhhh! The beaches here are amazing...so many times have I heard "isn't this so much better than the beaches in America?" that I might have to agree...
Saw a super old house with so much of amazing history! There were bullet holes, secret passages, artifacts! Itw as over 500 years old and amazing! There even was the ladies' old dressing chamber, old weapons, and so much more!
Took a cruise through the water in Panjim
Went to a weddingggg!
Went to another weddinggg!
Met so many relatives, it is hard to name all of them, but anyhow, yes, I did see a lot of relatives...
Went to a party!! (with the most adorable dog...Boots :))
went to a tourist shop :)
went to another partyy :)
went to another party thrown especially for us grandchildren :) Went to a lot of other people's houses, parties, and such :)

And then finally at last, it was time to leave the wonderful world of Goa ); and so we packed our bags and were on our way to the airport, where they had tea and we played a fair share of MarioCart. Hmm, I just realized that I probably spent more time describing the plane ride then the actual trip, so let me sum this all up:

My 2009-2010 trip to Goa, India was a amazing and thrilling experience to me as I, now older, was able to view the area in an entirely new perspective. There are no words which can describe how beautiful Goa is indeed, but I do hope that you all will consider taking a trip there to get a view yourself.

-Starfire8

Ponderings of a Blogger

Okay, here goes:
Recently while I was pondering the many aspects of designing one's blog I realized that the main purpose of creating polls on the side bar is to survey one's blog readers. Well, honestly, viewing results of anonymous surveys in which you state your favorite singer or book doesn't tell me very much about the people who view my blog or read my posts. For all I know, someone who states that they indulge in Twilight may be a teenager obssessed with heavy metal music, skateboarding, and comic books. And someone who states their love for Lady Gaga might be a senior in their late 70s who truly has picked up nothing from this century and spends their time knitting. Yup. So, anyways, this is completely optional (not that I could make it mandatory) but it just would greatly amuse me to read your answers to the following questions. So, without a further ado...the survey:
1. If I asked you what a logarithm is, would you know?
2. You have a yellow highlighter, a pink glitter glue pen, and a two inch black sharpie. You are completing a formal essay or form. Which of the former do you use?
3. You write a song called ______(fill in the blank).
4. Now, would you make a copyright statement for your song?
5. Do you play an instrument?
6. What is your favorite primary color? book? hobby? favorite...anything else that you might deem appropriate:
7. How do you write your fours? Your sevens? Your a's? How do you dot your i's?
8. Are you allergic to anything?
9. Your favorite computer font?
10. Your favorite school subject?
11. You are the main superintendent of an exclusive private school. What would you name it and what would the tuition fee be?
12. QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQOQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
How long did it take you to find the O?
13. You are the owner of a highly successful fast food chain of restaurants...how would it be?
14. Order any type of food that you would eat at the moment.
15. state all the digits of pi that you know.
16. Honestly, do you know the lyrics to "Take Me Out to the Ball Game"?
17. Rate the latest movie that you have seen.
18. State your biggest talent.
19. You are wrapping a present. Explain your decoration decisions.
20. Do you have a blog? Do you regularly write in it?
21. Mac or PC?
22. Finally, please make up your own question and answer it. (See, I didn't make up the entire survey ;))
Thank you for taking your time to complete these questions. Sincerely, Starfire8.

Connected Nostalgia

Do you remember?

That moonlight that shone ever so softly on the window pane with a soft touch of Vivaldi, That sunlight that woke up the children ever so alertly with a rush of loud Mozart,
That rainbow that flooded the clear skies, announcing its arrival with an assortment of Bach,
Saying, do not forget me.
Do you remember-
those starry skies that brought a whif of "fresh" and "new",
those people in the crowd cheering you on that sported pure fragrances of enthusiasm and energy
those ocean waves singing splash and splatter...do you?

Hmm...honestly this poem represents everything in the world. Connected. All our senses, thoughts, and emotions are purely connected and form the wonderful world as we know if by intertwining and putting together these feelings. I was highly tempted to have a line saying the commotion of the streets, people bustling in a hurry, in their own world, to the beat of Lady Gaga. It just would be so fitting in the twenty-first century, now wouldn't it? It just expresses how time goes by and there are so many changes in the way patterns go.

The Other Side of the ICS vs. RJH debate ;)

Okay...if your wondering what the famed ICS vs. RJH Debate is...let me explain: There are two widely renowned schools in the Redmond area...Redmond Junior High and International Community School, both are what we call "highly competitive schools" and the individuals attending each have fun comparing which one is better. However, we may never truly see the end of this argument, for there are positive and negative sides of both. Let me get to point: I'm all for RJH as much as I believe that ICS is a wonderful school with wonderful people...please allow me to elaborate, however, if you feel the need to view a side from a ICS student's point of view, take a look at Sage96's blog (there is a link located on the side bar). First of all, let me get this straight- RJH gives you an oppurtunity to mix and socialize with all types of people, in Quest or not and the diversity in RJH is obvious especially if you were to walk in during Spirit Week on Nationality Day where RJH students wear clothing unique to their culture and background. Offering a choice of intriguing languages including French, Spanish, and Japanese, RJH gives it student body and oppurtunity to experiment with different languages. Point One clarified: RJH is truly diverse in all aspects. Next, RJH offers electives, leaving students with two classes to look forward to during the day. Every single day, a typical RJH student is offered two electives which they are able to pick from at the beginning of each semester, including orchestra (which I highly reccomend ;)), Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Choir, Creative Cooking, Foods Around the World, Introduction to Arts, Photography, Leadership, Computer Apps, C# Programming, Introduction to the Guitar, and so much more...the options just increase as you move up a higher grade. In addition, there are so many after school activities that are available: Spelling Bee Club, Math Club, Academic Games, Honor Society, Spirit Club, Yearbook Club, the school play, and sports. That's right-RJH is a strong and competitive school in sports ranging from softball, badminton, football, wrestling, volleyball, basketball, tennis, track, and more, 9th graders are even able to go to the High School for sports such as gymnastics, swimming, golf, etc. Clearly, RJH is a fun school to be at and all RJH student body members are all-rounders, being offered many choices and ways to express their talents. Next, RJH assemblies are without doubt fun thanks to the wonderful RJH ASB (Associated Student Body)--this group of people are who sponsor the dances, funraising events, and such. Redmond Junior High School is also a very, very strong competitor is other aspects such as math competitions, NHD (National History Day), and such, often placing high in the state or often even national level. Finally, the teachers at Redmond Junior High School are unlike any others....however, I will mainly be covering the Quest team in this paragraph. Mrs. Town, Ms. Kolrud, and Mrs. Jensen are some of the most unique and dedicated teachers you will EVER meet, each bringing something fun and interesting to the table. From teachers who have often been brought to fame because of random outbursts of "Hot N' Cold", "Tic Tok", or even "I'm a Little Teapot" to those who go on some of the most entertaining birdwalks, the RJH Quest teachers are truly amazing. So, in conclusion, Redmond Junior High is a wonderful school...however, comparing ICS to RJH is comparing two totally different school systems and ways and is evidently hard. Anyhow, may the debate continue on, but remember... Go Grizzlies!

Contraption

A random contraption made in spare time- enjoy :) By the way, click on the picture to see it in full size, otherwise it is kind of blurry.

Duties and Distractions

Right now seems like the perfect time to write about my trip to India...let's see: 30 minutes to go until American Idol starts, will I be able to finish in time? Probably not. That is the sad truth as I can tell no story short. Anyhow, as I sat at my desk wondering what to do next, I was forced to pick between the following:
1) writing a birthday card to a friend whose name I shall not mention for their privacy reasons
2) figuring out the Rubiks cube
3) posting in my blog
The answer was obvious. And now I sit with my brother's blue spiral bound notebook in which he kept track on the trip's daily events (yes...I must give credit to him or add a copyright disclaimer, after all, where else would I get all this information?), an orange pen that smells suspiciously like vanilla, and a glass of water, oh yes, and a computer and a mouse. And now proceeding onto my vacation, ahem...drumroll, please:
Day 1: December 21, 2009. Airplane.
After many consecutive days of waking up early, perhaps 5:00 does not seem like so early anymore. Still, there is no denying that one gets tired at such a time. Anyways, the point is that at 5:00, we were up and awake and on our way to the airport. I'm sure that you readers would be very bored if I accounted my stories of customs, immigration, baggage, and such (you would, trust me...perhaps you would be too kind to admit it, but I know), so I will proceed onto the plane. Ahhh...eating a strawberry and chocolate lollipop at such a high elevation in the air with the breathtaking view of a window seat is something surely hardly anyone can attest to, but I must admit that it is a lovely experience. Just a minute:fast forward- unless you would like to hear the entire eight hour journey, that is. So after a few hours of listening to Katy Perry, Jordin Sparks, David Archuleta, and a few other artists as well as choosing between the difficult decision of "what would you like to drink?" :), it was time to eat. *shudders* This is possibly the most feared experience of any international traveler- what food will be served on the plane? In case you are planning such an international trip anytime soon, let me un-confirm your fears- airplane food is fine. Not excellent, not "good", I prefer to say "fine". There. I've answered your question. Okay...keep on checking the blog to see the next stage of my trip...*suspense filled music plays in the background* Unfortunately I can already here the American Idol song playing downstairs...