Reflection

I have really enjoyed this past semester in composition. I liked the
freedom we had to write about whatever we wished in our blogs as well
as in our essays. In the past I've been so used to writing traditional,
thesis structured essays. However, in this class I was able to pursue
the beginnings of writing without boundaries . I had fun writing the six
essays for this class. It challenged me to be more creative and
thoughtful. As a result of this class I feel more confident about
writing non traditional thesis papers. I'm glad I decided to take this class. Reading the in class essays and then trying to write my own helped me to be a more well rounded writer. I only wished I took this class before I wrote my college essays.

teleportation

It’s the 21rst century already, why hasn’t someone invented teleportation yet?! Life would be significantly easier and more convenient if some Einstein figured out how to get human beings from one place to the other without motor vehicles. Imagine there wouldn’t be any stop and go traffic or need for cars at all. If there were no cars, there wouldn’t be any drunk or reckless driving and no more casualties. If teleportation was possible, I wouldn’t find myself running around on this hot campus premises looking for my teachers and deans. It’s such a bummer when you walk to teacher’s offices and class rooms and find that they aren’t there. I know that they don’t have an obligation to be there 24/7 but it would be so much easier to stay in contact if we could just, teleport there.

Facebook

Facebook is quite an interesting creation. Unlike myspace, it's a connection between specific high schools, colleges and occupations. Currently I'm apart of the Punahou network. But like the many second semester seniors across the country, I've already joined the network of the college Ill be attending next year. In addition to the network, I have found and joined the group call SPU Class of 2011. At first I thought it was pretty cool that there was a group for all the incoming freshmen. I mean, actually seeing the faces of your future peers brings to reality that we're really off to college in a few months. People in this group are really friendly, too friendly if you ask me. To be specific, its not creepy friendly. More I find it rather strange that these people are overly enthusiastic. These future SPU students pretty much post their autobiography on the SPU2011 group page. There are a bunch of really chatty white girls who have added the all the members so far. And a group of people who have already come up with a name to call their informal coffee gets together at the May 19 registration up in Seattle. Don't get me wrong; I have no problem with the fact that they're trying to get to know people, even if it's a little extreme. But it's just that I'm not that enthusiastic as they are and its making me a little worried.

summer plans

Basically there are seven more days till senior skip day. Four long months of summer are ahead of me and the big question is what am I going to do? You would think that once school was out that I'd find myself with a lot of free time. But it's amazing, funny even, that it's not the case this summer. There are so many things I want to do but am not sure if it will work into my schedule. First of all, I really want to find myself a job before summer begins. For the past two summers I've been working at a clothing store in Waikiki. But working with a bunch of middle-aged fobs isn't my idea of an exciting summer. Plus, walking back to my car at midnight isn't really safe for any girl to do by herself, especially in Waikiki. I am hoping to find a job somewhere in Ala Moana. I'm considering Juicy Couture or Macaroni Grill. But in addition to working, I really want to participate in the YMCA summer dance concert at the end of August. At the moment I'm taking three, possibly four classes. The only hindrance to this are the awkward class hours. Normally summer dance classes are in the morning however, theses classes are from either 7-8:30 or 8-9:30 at night. Also I am afraid that if I'm not able to control my work hours (when I get a job) and with the addition of dance classes I wont be able to fulfill my responsibilities as a youth staff at my church. The rules about being a youth staff are quite simple, I just have to attend three out of four Friday youth services. Still yet, on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday we meet in smaller groups to do variety of things. I also want to make an effort to attend all the basketball games that my church league has for high school and college students. There are so many things that are going to be going on. I guess time management doest simply end when school ends. I well planned out summer leaves ample times for friends and family in addition to the responsibilities that need to be fulfilled. Even though this summer will be busy, I know it will be my best yet.

Graduation

Graduation is coming up in a little more than two weeks. The alumni actually weren’t lying when they said everything after carnival goes by in a blink of an eye. It’s hard to believe that I'm actually a senior-that six years at Punahou has really flown by. It feels like yesterday that I was being dropped off at an ungodly hour of 7:30 at the Science Center, a freshman. Time traveled fast and at 3:30 I have magically turned into a senior, a graduating senior that is. I seriously can’t get over how time traveled so fast. How is it that the minute hand goes so slow during math class yet it has made thousands of rotations during all these years and yet, I hardly have seemed to notice. It’s hard for me to believe that we are going to graduate. After high school graduation, nothing is ever quite the same. I don't think I have realized how much I’m going to miss hanging out with everyone at school. It will be summer soon and it will be rare that everyone is at the same place at the same time, just chilling. As much as I’m looking forward to graduating, in all honestly, I’m rather scared. I worry about how I will be without the companionship of the only people who really know me and are there for me. Being in Seattle there will be no more 6:30 am starbucks talks, no more weekends at the Haleloa house, no random games and silent libraries, no Wednesday night lounge time or beach days. How will I deal? One things for sure, I will definitely have to make the best out of summer!I'm very much looking forward to not three, but four months of leisure!

300

Are illegally burned DVDs really that bad of a thing? This past weekend my friend gave me a copy of the newly debuted movie, 300. I didn’t personally ask and beg for this DVD, he simply just showed up and gave it to me during his basketball practice. I'm not a person who craves for the latest DVDs before they hit blockbuster, but if someone offers it, ill take it without any arguments or thinking twice. My parents on the other hand, they were not happy with my actions. They weren’t outraged or anything but simply said that I shouldn’t have accepted it. In my opinion, I think that accepting DVDs in my situation was fine. My friend only gave out a couple of copies. On the other hand, it would have been more wrong if he had mass produced the DVDs and then sold them at a price. I know that both are illegal. Still yet, there are different degrees of acceptability.

I wish all days were like today

The eclectic pressure builds up and the distance between music and body seems microscopic. Energy and life runs through my veins; it sends waves of movement that flows out of my feet and arms like the watercolors on a canvas. I close my eyes for a second and the world disappears. I can feel everything, not just the cool air and the vibrations of the speakers, but I also feel the aches of bottled up bitterness, anger, frustration and loneliness transform into satisfaction and joy as the burdens of my heart make the connection to my motions. These fluid emotions and tensions ease through by body, slow at first, but the sharp hits and jerks of the choreography beat the ill feelings about of my system. I loose myself in the dance. It carries me off to a place where I am no longer inferior and captive. It’s been a long time since I've felt this way. I've always danced, but it’s been dead to me. Today on the other hand, I feel liberated. I am free again. My soul is at peace, I am refreshed and at home.

How far will you go for a belief? Will you stand up for it or could it be subject to fade with time and persuasion, or even money? If not a belief, the will you stand up against all odds for a conviction? If you look at the leaders around you or even passionate students in high schools, you will notice that they are separated from the others because they hold not merely strong beliefs but a solid conviction. Whether their convictions is religious or non religious, it drives them to live life based upon their standards and not the worlds, or their friends or parents. Besides the general stuff such as your heritage, people become individuals through their convictions which make them unique. With out convictions and goals there is a fine line that separates one person from the other, especially in a tight group of friends (where so much is in common.) Beliefs are not enough. There are many people who believe that certain things should or shouldn’t be done yet if persuaded by materialistic things or by other means, then what good is that. In order to stand your ground and be different amongst a culture that tries to conform, convictions are necessary.

silent library

Ever since the librarians turned the senior section of the library into a "silent zone" at the beginning of this year, its not uncommon to get kicked out of the library. I mean, it’s reached a ridiculous level if you ask me. Once, during 2:30 break, my friends and I got kicked out of our section even though we were extremely quiet and were the only ones occupying the section. Talk about taking the "silent
zone" literally. I could understand if we got kicked out because we were bothering others who were trying to study, but if no ones in the section but us, then is it really neccessary? I dont understand the point of them trying to enforce such strick rules, 5 mins later, things are the same.
Anyway, all this silent library stuff really reminded
me of a Japanese game show called Silent Library that my friend showed
me onyoutube. On this game show, a group travels to different libraries and performs funny dares, silently. The first time I saw it, I had a stomachache because I laughed too hard, especially at the last stunt titled,
old man nibbles gently. You got to watch it. I think it would be pretty funny if someone tried this in our own library.

green benches

This year the green picnic benches between Alexander and Cooke Hall have been taken over by my group, or as I see it, the infamous azn crew. If we're not attending classes or being harassed by petty librarians or stuffing our faces at the snack bar, then well...we probably are hanging out on the one to two benches that falls under the shadow of the plumeria trees. Anyway, so for the sake of this activity, during class Ami, Jc and I went up by Cooke library and sat on the long stone benches, perpendicular to the green ones. I guess we could have actually sat on the green benches if we wanted to, but considering it was inhabited by underclassman we decided to sit elsewhere. So here are some of the things we noticed...

This hang out area is not really weather friendly. Theres bird crap everywhere and when it rains (as it is this week) we are forced to flee into the silent depths of the library were the librarians dwell!! Too many different and random cliques hang out over here. At times the usually pleasant atmosphere is ruined by the loud high pitch howls of annoying underclassman, sophomores I think. Everyone here is Asian (no joke.) I spy with my little eye, three haoles...

and then it was time to go back to class
shoootoz

spring break!!!

Wow. So its Monday night and it just dawned on me that SPRING BREAK IS OVER! What a shocker and a disappointment. First of all, it feels as if spring break just started. Secondly, I was in Maui with my family half the time and wasn’t able to enjoy many long leisurely days with friends. And on a third note, most of the other high schools on the island have one more week!! Ah, what I really am trying to say is "I NEED ANOTHER BREAK!" (If my case of senioritis wasn’t bad enough before break, I don’t know how ill endure the next couple of weeks.)
Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this past week. It was refreshing to say the least. I had a chance to see old faces and chill with people who I haven’t been able to hang out with as much. On Saturday I was reunited with some of my favorite dance team alums at our traditional buca de beppo hang out. It was nice to play catch up and reminisce on our many experiences (some hilarious and some awkward) with charming buca waiters. But that was cut short as I headed off to Maui.
On Wednesday morning I flew to Maui with my mom and younger brother. Normally family vacations are rather dull. But it surprises me to say that I actually enjoyed this past trip. We stayed in Maui for three nights at three different hotels (we couldn’t find one hotel vacant for three days). During the four days we were there we drove up to Haleakala, found my prom dress, went down at least a dozen waterslides a day and just...relaxed, chilled out and enjoyed the beauty of Maui. Maui was a miracle because for four days there were no arguments, just smiles. Hah then it was back to Oahu and normal family life soon resumed.
Although for Iolani students, and us Punahou students, spring break was cut short, overall I had a blast. Especially since the best was saved for last. On Sunday, my friend Chris and I decided to throw a last hurrah bbq at my pool (which was pretty much for us since all our friends who came had at least another week of break.) After playing our self made Jacuzzi marshmallow game, having a spontaneous egg fight and howling out Biz Markie’s Just a Friend at the top of our lungs, I think its safe to say that the six of us had a great time. It’s been a while since we’ve all hung out like that. The theme of this spring break definitely seems to be reuniting old friends. It’s been a breath of fresh air. It kind of reminds of song I was taught in elementary. Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver but the others gold.
Yup, that was my spring break. shoootz
.

the road trip: part uno

After reading Aarons blogs about the road trip, I've been some what inspired to write my own take on that eventful Saturday morning. I had been anticipating this road trip since the middle of the week and I have to admit that I was pretty stoked for this island adventure. I've always been one to enjoy the outdoors. It reminds me of my shorter and darker days when I used fish, kayak and chill on the beaches of Haleiwa with my cousins. But that was back in the day. Since then, trips out to the north shore have been scarce but anticipation for those sunny beach bum days have reached an ultimate high.

Anyway Saturday morning, much to my excitement it wasn’t until 7:30 am when the guys finally picked me up. I say finally only because my day started 3 hours prior. You see, I had been told we'd embark on this grand adventure beginning at an ungodly hour of 5 am. Taking the guys seriously, (my mistake) my alarm buzzed at 4:30. All I remember thinking was TOO EARLY!! Yet despite the fact, I actually have to admit that waking up before the break of dawn was actually kind of a cool experience. Since my alarm woke me up and all I figured I should do soooomething...anything really. With that thought in mind, wrapped in my gigantic blanket, I carried my green folding chair and cup of hot steamy mocha through the front door and propped myself in front of the hallway railing which looks out into Manoa Valley. It was quiet...but not really a midnight quite (which is actually quite noisy), or a library quite. It was something more still and more calming. Well whatever it was, I enjoyed it. I think I must have eventually fallen asleep in the middle of the hallway because an hour or so later I awakened by a phone call and then it was off to the beach!

...to be cont

to be or not to be?

During lunch, a friend once said to me that to be nice is to be boring. Although I agree with the statement for the most part, it’s hard for me to believe that the only way to be an interesting person is to be a witty ass. I mean, sure coming up with a witty remark or a mean comment with a pop culture twist can be pretty funny but what’s the use? Sure it could cure a couple frowns and create uproars of laughter but if it degrades others, especially those who you're suppose to be tight with, then it’s not really worth it in the end. I mean even if such a comment is directed towards some random person at the mall or some lowly underclassman who you may not know, what does such a remark say about yourself and your character? I know that I for one would be a hypocrite if I said I never talked crap or commented on someone’s hideous sweater their grandma knitted for them. I'm down for it most of the time. "Smart talk" does have the unique capability to lighten a sulky mood or make you feel less depressed about your own circumstances. What would mtv shows like I Love the 90's or Best Week Ever be without the comedians who commentate? Yea huh, it would suck! But does a smart remark justly measure the degrees of a person's personality or characterize them as an "interesting" person? I don’t know. I've never really thought at length about this until recently. I just feel that stuff keeps piling up and up and if you don’t take time to reflect on your words and actions, they could eventually and easily consume you. Although I believe that wittiness and sarcasm are essential for life, I also believe that at the same time itʻs capable of destroying a life if abused. Just like Hamlet, I dont think ill ever come to a real solid conclusion. Maybe what I'm attempting to write or do or whatever is just to be more conscious of the things I say because who knows how the person sitting next to you interrupt your words.

xanga

Writing on this blog site reminds me allot of middle school and freshman xanga days. Xanga back then was the myspace now. Everyday people would log into their accounts and write blogs about anything and everything. In some sense, our youthful freedom of writing whatever was lost as we became older and dare I say a little more mature. Now that I'm a senior, I find it more difficult to write freely and not in thesis or essay format. Now that I'm older, I've become more conscious of what I write. Looking back on my old xanga, I see a huge difference. Although I wrote allot of stupid and immature petty little things, much of what I wrote was actually honest. It’s not as if I make up what I write now but I do tend to exaggerate sometimes.I think that writing blogs for comp will bring back the times where writing came more smoothly and at ease. Hopefully

i dont know what to call this blog

"Procrastination" and "indifference" are the two words that have taken over my life since second semester started. Entering into second semester I had anticipated the general slacking off, but never had I imagined how bad it would actually be. Don’t get me wrong, I still try to do well in school but turning in that paper for euro or studying for that kanji test becomes absolutely unnecessary and not motivating to me. Instead of focusing all my attention to school, I'm trying to best live out the months before I leave to college.
I know for sure that one of the things I'm going to miss the most when I leave for college are my friends I'm leaving back home. Even though I haven’t left, I miss them already. Right above the computer screen I'm staring into at the moment is a picture of all of us during our prime years. Things haven’t been same since junior year and I haven’t been able to hang out with my outside of school friends as much or like how we used to. For the most part, between the girls, it’s been easy to stay in touch but for the guys, that’s a different story. I really miss those guys, they became like brothers to me as lame as that might sound. It’s hard to believe that at one point we were all so close. We used to have the best talks during our two hour four way calls at 2 am on school nights. I know that when I leave such calls will decrease. That kind of bums me out. But then again, college is a time to meet new people and make new friends right?

Malama Na Keiki

Saturday night was the Hanahau’ oli Malama Na Keiki auction held at the Hawaii Convention Center. As tradition goes, Hanahau’ oli always invites the graduating class to partake in the auction and dining events, a gathering that is meant exclusively for the Hanahau’ oli parents, staff and board members. Not only was it a privilege to attend such a gathering but also I especially looked forward to reuniting with all the 01 alums.
I must be honest, at first; the whole reuniting with my fellow Hanahau'oliers was kind of weird. I mean, the majority of us attended Punahou, yet we haven’t spoken much since those first weeks of school in 7th grade. Of course there are those who I've kept in touch with and are still close friends with today, however they're also those who I don’t talk to even though we go way back. I mean I knew some of these people when they used to do really strange things like suck on their toes. Anyway the weirdness of it all quickly evaporated as we all reminisced on the days of bug weddings, tree house romances and crazy British teachers and such.
Overall the Malama Na Keiki program was pretty good. The food was excellent, even the bread sticks and the mint flavored tea. I not only got to see my childhood friends but I also saw my owner friend of Waiola shave ice. Also our two 01 alum tables were right next to the table with Daniel Dae Kim from LOST. At the end of the night we even took a picture with him. It was pretty sweet. The night went pretty well, the only thing that got me was how much and how little people change at the same time. Sitting at the table it was easy to see that even though six years had passed we all are still very similar to our sixth grade selves. It’s quite funny, each unique and even annoying personality quality that we had as sixth graders is still apart of us today. It was quite an experience being able to hang out with old friends again. On the other hand its kind of weird thinking that at the end of this year we'll be faced with another graduation and another group of friends. Its pretty guaranteed that current friends will separate some but its encouraging that no matter what happens a reunion is always in the future.