Reflection of 2008

As I sit here and rock to my music, the year is coming to an end. Not just a look back of my life, but just of everything that has happened to the world in 2008. It's amazing how much can happen and how it effects others. I don't know where and what to start writing about, but I'll just take it one step at a time.

A generalization on school, I've taken Junior year a little too lightly. I need to start focusing more in class and manage my time better. Senior year is just around the corner and the street over is college. Procrastination is a bitch and failing is a fucker. I have yet to fail any of my classes, but I know I can do so much better and I'm going to show it. I don't want to hear my parents complain and tell me that I'm not going to make it in life, they're wrong. I don't want to make excuses to people about why I got what I got. Hard work and determination are one of the keys to success.

Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), the never ending club of fun, drama, and stress. Who would have ever though just signing up for one club could change your life forever? Not me. VSA has brought a whole different side of me out to the world. It taught me that you do things because you believe in them and that one person can make a difference in the world. Finish everything on your plate because somewhere out there some child can finish what you have left. Not just life lessons, but lessons to take to the real world. To Christina Hoang, Crystal Nguyen, Anthony Salvador, Erica Chow, and Melfred Ignacio: I know we were not perfect and we didn't get along as well together, but we accomplished something that we were so close to losing. I know I've said it many times before, but once again thank you. Now to Anna Le, Hanh Le, Lana Le, Nancy Bui, Rebecca Chung, Dan Nguyen: We are far from being perfect or even being a team. I have to admit that. We still have a long way to go before our term is up and we need to learn how to either put our problems aside or stand up to each other. Whatever happens in the next 6 months, we have to face it as a team and not individually. I have great faith that if we work hard to accomplish great heights, we can show everyone that VSA isn't just about Visions of Vietnam. We're more than that, so let's prove it.

Speaking of life lesson, my first real summer job was pretty much a thrill. Visiting Great America many times as a kid, I never thought that I would ever work there. From the application process to being hired was all new to me, and now having the experience helps me for future jobs. Though routines were pretty much the same, something new would happen each day. Man, being sent "in-park" was always a fear. But you know what, in the end, it turned out alright. You learn to work hard and get rewarded. Also if it wasn't for Great America, I would have never gotten to see Kaba Modern and get hug from Yuri, haha suckers. However, I am never ever working there again, unless I'm desperate.

As they say, friends come and go. But you know, that's not always true. There are the rare people that find a friend that stick with them through thick and thin, and lucky enough I found two of them. Nancy Bui, what can I really say about this girl? We're always seen together in the morning, during class, at lunch, after school, on the weekends, sometimes even online. Nancy, you've really become my twin and I don't know what I would have done these past few years without you. Let's continue our crazy adventures until we graduate high school, and who knows, maybe even in college during a break we'll go wild. I'm pretty sure there have been times that you've wanted to kill me (or something close to that), but you know, there have also been times when I wanted to kill you too, haha. But you know, I can't always run to Nancy for everything. Matt Fong, this boy is a little crazy right here. Though we've only known each other for a short time, you became a pretty good friend to me. You were there when I had my crazy, sad, or stressed out nights. You've given support to me no matter what I put my heart into, whether it's cooking or singing. I was able to run to you when I had relationship problems. I'm glad that I can return the favor back to you when you need it too, thanks. Oh, I'm really glad to hear that you're not juggling anymore, haha. Live out your Senior year to it's fullest. Nancy & Matt, you should always know that I'll always be here for you if you need someone to talk to or make you laugh when you're down, someone to give you a tissue when you're crying (no I will not slap you), a shoulder to lean on, or even a partner in crime. No one can ask for better best friends than you two.

Music has become an important factor in my life recently. There are songs that express how you feel, songs that make you dance, songs that make you cry, and songs that just take your breath away. As odd and weird it is, I have to thank the Wonder Girls. I was never really a music person, if I knew a song it was because my sisters have played it once or twice. But in the beginning of Sophomore year I discovered the Wonder Girls. Their first single "Irony" caught my eye, hearing that catchy tune, but it was "Tell Me" that changed everything. I even ended up performing "Tell Me" for Korean Club at the Multicultural Rally. Then "So Hot" came out and now it's the "Nobody" movement. People told me maybe I should try listening to more American music so I did. Now I'm listening to songs like Miss Independent by Ne-Yo or Damaged by Danity Kane. But, it was the Wonder Girls that inspired me to sing and dance more often. Most of you don't know, but I even tried out for my school's talent show, singing Wonder Girl's Nobody rewritten by Jeffrey Phung. Though I didn't make it, I'm happy that I tried out. Haha, now I just need to work on not being so nervous and maybe I'll do better. So don't mind me if I just randomly bust out a "Tell Me" or "Nobody" dance move. Thank you Wonder Girls, perhaps I'll meet you one day. Aja, fighting!

As most of you know, this year my Grandpa and my Uncle Lee died this year. It was the most tragic event that happen and it hit my family pretty hard, as my Uncle died right after my Grandpa. I don't want to dwell on this topic too much, but sometimes it hard to believe that they're gone, but it's just one of those things in life that you have to accept.

I'm Free

"Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free

I'm following the path God laid you see.

I took His hand when I heard him call

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.

Ah, yes, these things, I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I savored much,

Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift your heart and share with me.

God wanted me now. He set me free."

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Rest In Peace Grandpa and Uncle Lee.

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Originally I wasn't going to mention anything about relationships, but I felt like I owed this person something. You know how sometimes how songs just remind you of people? Well I'm going to classify this person as a song. Every time I hear the song Just Dance by Lady Gaga, it reminds me of you. I don't know why, but it just does. Weird. I don't regret going out with you, it's just that I wish I did it for the right reasons. You were my escape to happiness at the time, I was scared to face reality and deal with the death of my Grandpa and Uncle. I'm sorry if I ever made you go through a hard time with our relationship, making you wait for me to come online and I would never show up. Earlier was I looking for something through our old conversations and I have to say I do miss you as a friend. You were a really good friend (and you're a "pretty girl" haha), always making me laugh because we would talk about the most random stuff. Oh and I don't hate you, haha. You shouldn't assume people will hate you for things. We never had closure so this can be goodbye or the start of something new (as corny as that sounds). I wish there was a way to know if you read this or not, but if you ever decided to talk to me, you know my SN and don't hesitate to IM me. Once again, I'm sorry.

Finally to sum this whole year up and this entry, how can I not mention my sisters? Tram Vu Mai Nguyen (Michelle) and Minh Chau Vu Mai Nguyen (Crystal). In the year 2008, we took another step in becoming closer to each other. Yes I know we have our times where we "dislike" each other, but you have to say, we're closer than any other siblings that we know. Michelle you always push me in the right direction when I'm about to take a wrong turn. You give me great advice when I'm lost and can't find my way, I'm happy to have you as my sister. Sorry that I annoy you at times asking for rides or listen to my singing that sounds like you're in womb or getting mad at you for stupid reasons. The list could go on, but I rather not. Crystal. What can I say about you? Hm. Uh. Er. Haha, I'm just kidding. You're closer to me than Michelle and majority of the time you experience life with me as it goes by. Elementary, Middle, and High School wouldn't have been the same if you weren't there. You give me support when I need it and sometimes I think without it, I wouldn't be who I am today. I'm sorry that I fall asleep on you when you talk to me at night or don't understand how you feel sometimes or scaring you when you drive the car. You two should know that I'll always love you and we have a pretty bright future ahead of us. NGUYEN SIBLINGS. <3


I hope to make new memories in 2009. Happy New Year!

Hidden Villa

Merry Christmas Eve!

So yes, I've been noticing the same thing too. I've been blogging less and less lately, but for some reason I feel that I should blog about important events in my life, but who knows. Here's a blog that should have been posted awhile back, but um, I've been lazy. :D

Saturday, December 13, 2008 we took a field trip to Hidden Villa. Who is we? Haha, yes my awesome twin, Nancy. I think it was around 9 AM in the morning was when I got a phone call from her and she was like, "Daniel I'm outside your house." Sad, I wasn't even awake yet. But, so I let her in and she raided my house like a kid searching for candy. I brushed my teeth, took a shower, and put on some clothes. Crystal woke up and apparently the car needed gas so Crystal went to go get ready. While she was getting ready Nancy made me sing for her and she recorded it on camera and hopefully she'll NEVER post it up or I'll kidnap her dog. Anyways so we went to go get gas at Costco and it was Nancy's first time experiencing Crystal's driving, haha. After we got gas, we went back home and I made Nancy some food. Then Michelle woke up and we were off to Hidden Villa!

It was a pretty interesting ride there, but all the same. We reached Hidden Villa and man was it FREAKING COLD! Haha, Nancy and I didn't know where to start at Hidden Villa, but luckily we saw some people from our class who lead us to Sanders and he told us what to do. First we went to go see the sheep and I was really excited because I always thought they were white and fluffy. But when we got there, they were like tan and brown, haha. Talk about being disappointed. We started petting the pregnant sheep and this other sheep on the side starting getting jealous I guess so we went over there to pet it too, haha, attention whore. We roamed around for a while because we didn't know where to head next and we reached the Duveneck's House and took some pictures there and saw a deer. Mm, not sure if we were suppose to be on the property, but it's coool. Next was the chicken and pigs. There were these small little piggys and they were cute until they took a shit right in front of us and starting eat it. Freaken nasty. Haha, there was this HUGE ASS PIG and it looked like Napoleon from Animal Farm. You can watch my interview with it.

We went off into the farm field thingy and roamed around in there looking at the plants. We starting see these weird looking scarecrows and took pictures with them, haha. Then finally on the whole trip I found a hoe! I took a picture of it because I wanted to show Audrey, she's a hoe. ;D We went back to the car to warm up cause we were all frozen. We were about to go hiking, but it started sprinkling so we went home. Nancy deicded she was going to say until 9 PM, so we played Rockband for like 2 hours? Haha, crazy us. Nancy was the guitar, Crystal was the drums, and I was the singer. We got crazy high scores and even took the death challenge, man my vocals cords were like dying. It was dinner time so Crystal drove Nancy and I to go get pizza at Costco. We had to wait like half and hour for it so we went to Starbucks and had a little crazy adventure trying to get there. Went to Staples for a bit and then, got our pizza headed home, ate and watched a movie, played Rockband for a bit, made some video post on people's Facebook, and then she left.

VSA Bonding Night

ThanksVietnamsian or VSA Bonding Night, turned out to be a pretty good success.

The doors exactly at 4 PM and people started to come in. Anna was collecting the money and I stamped people's hand with this Hello Kitty stamp that Rebecca got, haha. It was pretty cute. There were a lot more people than last year, so it was a pretty good turn out. I thought it was pretty funny how the members thought there was going to be food out and ready to eat for them, but it was only snacks. Suckers. While I was sitting there with Anna, I got up really quick to go get a drink and then my phone got caught onto the table and my landyard ripped. But luckily Nancy saved it with her staples, haha. Twin. <3

4:30, the first game started. It was Rebecca's Scavenger Hunt. Man were people crazy or what? They were running and tripping over chairs, haha. That's when I remembered that Rebecca put find a VSA Officer on the list and I didn't want to be killed. So I hid behind the counter with Lana and we protected ourselves. Then all of a sudden you hear, " FIND A VSA OFFICER!", and a big rush and people were like, "Hey. . . where are they?", haha. Then we ate and watched our Mid-Autumn Festival video and then my sisters came in.

Second game. It was called, "Learn Vietnamese". Basically a Vietnamese person had to teach a Non-Vietnamese person whatever was written on the board (which would be in Vietnamese). Man, it was pretty sad. Some people couldn't even get the easiest stuff that we wrote on the board. You were lucky if you got a FOB, haha.

Third game. Everyone's favorite, Shipwreck. Crazy fun. People were sweating, which was kinda gross. Haha, everyone had to beat our 2 time winner Champion, Michael Nguyen. Guess what? Someone did, haha. If I'm correct, I think Mark won. I made them stuffer really bad. I kept shouting out different things hope to screw them up, but they were pretty good. Gots to give them props for that.Then we took some club pictures and an officer picture and went back to Nishio's room. We just hung out and talked a bit and I put up the banner that I made.

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"The Vietnamese Student Association wouldn't have been possible without the past leaders. It's their courage to rise above others and take charge of what needs to be done. Every officer board has had their bumps along the road, but it's those bumps that shape us into who we are. When we come to the end of the road, we must realize that we did not travel alone. Thank you to the past & present members who have put their hardwork and dedication into VSA. From the simple task of buying an eggroll or particapating in Visions of Vietnam, you've always been there to contribute your time and effort to us. Also we can never forget our one and only advisor, Mrs. Nishio." - Daniel Nguyen (Vice President, Class of 2010)

Happy Birthday To Me

Monteray Ray Bay

R.I.P Grandpa.
You've been finally put to rest.

Another In Memory. . . .

Orginally supposed to be posted on September 16, 2008 at 9:48 PM.

Another complicated entry to write, where has all the happy entries gone? There should only be one more after this and everything will be back to normal.

On September 3, 2008, my Uncle Lee passed away. It was scary because a week before, my Grandpa had passed away. I would have to wear the same clothes from the previous funeral. Black dress shirt, black dress pants, dress shoes, and black tie. It was the outfit I was scared to wear and hoped never again, but I guess not.

September 7, 2008, was part one of the funeral. My sisters and I arrived at the same funeral home for the second time. Everything seemed the same. It felt like it wasn't a funeral for my uncle, but it felt like we were stuck in time at my Grandpa's funeral. We went inside to visit my uncle and pray for him. He looked extremely peacefully laying there.

I actually didn't cry this time. I know it might sound heartless or whatever you're thinking of, but hear me out. I didn't know that Uncle Lee existed until 6 years ago. My parents and family went on this car ride to somewhere really far and I didn't know where we were going. Once we arrived it was this big house, it was like a dream house in the mountains. We played pool at his house, ate BBQ, sat on his heated bed, and talked about how he secretly kept his maids in the closet.

My uncles made speeches and we all said our goodbyes. This time as I walked up to the casket, I was able to pull myself together and I took a flower from a bouquet and I put it in the casket. My aunt was crying terribly and she didn't let him go. It made me start to tear up. Her father died a week ago and now her husband, the father of her children. As they closed the coffin, I got up.

Yes, I was a Paul Bearer for the second time, in the second week, for my second pasted away family member. We slowly walked the coffin out to the limo, lifted it up, and closed it away.

We arrived at Los Gatos Memorial Park. It's been a while since I've been there. The ceremony started. As the other Paul Bearers and I lifted the coffin over to the grave site, I couldn't help but noticed that my cousin's grave was above. Father and son, resting forever at the same place, and right below/above each other. The Paul Bearers were told that we were allow to keep one item, the gloves or the flower. I didn't want another pair of gloves, so I put the gloves on top of the coffin, and kept the flower, which is still alive today. Speeches were made, and the coffin was lowered. One by one, everyone was given a rose or flower to put in the hole along with my uncle. When it was finished, it looked beautiful.

The coffin was covered and it was over. We walked over to my cousin's grave, which was right above my uncles, and clean his tombstone, gave him flowers, favorite food and drink, and our prayers. Then we went over to my cousin Ann, my uncle's daughter, and gave her a hug. She's a strong person.

Rest In Peace Uncle Lee. I'll visit soon.

Uncle

September 3, 2008 at 10:30 PM

Rest In Peace Uncle Lee

In Memory. . .

It's quiet in the house. My sisters have fallen asleep and so has my mom. I'm sitting here on my bed thinking about the past 2 days. Everything my whole family has been through, it doesn't seem real. Let me get you caught up.

It's been exactly one week since my Grandpa has died. On Saturday, August 23, 2008, my sister and I went to go cut our hair. While Crystal was cutting her hair, I got a phone call from my Dad telling me that my Grandpa had died, he wanted me to tell my Mom, but I just couldn't do it. Who makes a 15 year-old-boy tell his Mom that her Dad just died? No one should! After my Dad told her, she cried on my shoulder. I'll never forget that. That night, when my Mom and Dad came home, my Mom told my sisters and I that most of our aunts were there, then he passed away. But, he kept his eyes open because he wanted to seem like he was still awake because he was waiting for my Mom and my other aunt.

Everyone went to go see my Grandpa at the funeral home on Friday, but me. I had school. Yes, I know that I could have got out of school. But there was this big part of me that was afraid to go, that's why I told my mom not to pick me up from home and drive me there. I spent Friday home alone, happy, thanks to Retro. When my family came home at night, my sisters told me that there was a chance that I would have to carry the coffin in the ceremony. I was shocked. I don't know why, but I was really scared. Also since most of my family members went on Friday, they got their tears out.

Saturday morning came. I woke up and took a shower and put on my black outfit, spiked up my hair, and left with my sisters. When we got there, the place was really nice. The sun was shining, birds in the air, and pretty lakes with water shooting out. We went inside and after a few minutes my aunts told me that I had to pray for my Grandpa. I was really scared to see him. I walked up to the table and the coffin was behind it. I took the incent sticks and prayed. I wasn't wearing my glasses, but I could see his face. I couldn't believe it, my Grandpa was gone. I walked out of the room and sat down on the couch by the entrance. I started to cry, for the first time in 4 years, there were tears running down my face. It felt nice to be crying again after so long. For the rest of the day my sisters, my cousin, and I helped the guest sign in so that they could also visit my Grandpa.

Today was going to be the hardest day of all. It was confirmed that I was going to be one of the 6 boys to carry my Grandpa out of the church and to the creamatorium. We got to the funeral home around 9:50 and there were some guest already there. From 10 AM to 12 PM, guests just kept coming to visit my Grandpa. My family were meeting old friends and the kids were helping out. I decided to go in one last time to pray, and this time I didn't cry. It hit 12 PM, and everyone was told to go inside. One by one, my Grandpa's friends made a speech. Though I didn't fully understand it, I got the base of it. Then one of my aunts went up. Her speech was in full Vietnamamese, and I understood everyword of it. I started to tear up, because I could relate to her speech. Lying to my parents telling them that I'm going to go out to study when I'm really hanging out with my friends. I started to cry even more. Few more moments later, the whole family went up one by one to say goodbye to Grandpa. It got to the kids turn, and I saw his face. It has changed so much through the years, I couldn't help but cry. The man who used to give me crackers when I was a kid or the time when he would give me New Years money. . . was gone. I stood off to the side while everyone said their goodbye. I cried really badly. Then it was time to take the coffin out to the creamatorium.

My uncle and cousin Ho, was in the front. My cousin Andy and I were in the middle. Then my other cousin, Thomas, and cousin-in-law Hai, were in the back. We slowly brought the casket out. My sister Crystal and cousin, Priscilla, were holding the flowers which were in front of us. As we went outside, everyone followed. We slowly went to the creamatorium. Only family was allowed inside, and I chose to stay. The coffin was rising into the oven, as my aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters, and parents started to cry. I couldn't believe what was happening. I tried my best to hold my tears back, but I couldn't. The coffin went inside the oven and the door closed.


Sitting here, none of it feels real. It was just like a bad dream, but it wasn't. It happened and I have to face that. What I saw may have changed my life, but it was for the good. I feel a lot better and stronger now.

Weird, I'm tearing up. I need a tissue.

Grandpa

August 23, 2008 at 1:18 PM

Rest In Peace Grandpa.

Pre-Farewell

It's a pre-farewell, not official.

I've decided that no matter what, you need to go. You said that you'll get mad if I stop talking to you, but I don't think you even know it's you. Haha, or you could care less. Doesn't matter anymore, my heart has stop hurting.

From here on out, everything it going to be stored away and forgotten, until there's nothing left. When it's a complete goodbye, you'll know.


Pre-goodbye.

Great America

Today was OFFICIALLY my last day at California's Great America.

It was only a few months ago, I was sitting in the HR Office waiting for my interview with Nancy and Rebecca. Nervous as hell? Amazing how much time has passed since then. I met new friends and experienced new things.

I was 12 minutes late this morning? Haha, it's because I never worked a Sunday since I started so it was pretty weird. Then I just started cleaning tables with my other coworkers, it was a pretty chill day. One of my supervisors, Rodalyn, finally put me in Kiosk today, haha. Kiosk is basically where you serve soda to people. It's a pretty easy job compared to everything else there, and I wanted my last day to trying something new and easy.

Before every pinic we always have a meeting, so here I was in the last meeting. Our another supervisor, Daniel (funny I know huh?), was talking about how the picnic was going to work and then it got somewhat quiet. He said, "As most of you know today is Daniel and Cathy's last day here." Haha, all of a sudden there was a lot of "awws". I felt somewhat sad, haha. If they kept going for like two more seconds then it would have been really sad. So we took a group picture together as 191.

Then the picnic started and we were serving Chinese people, haha. Man, they love Coke, Fanta, and Lemonade. Time passed, and then it was 4. 30 more minutes and I was gone. I was doing my job like how I was suppose to when Cathy and I got called over to the office. Daniel, the supervisor, had some goodbye gifts for us. Hello Panda, Pocky, and YanYan Sticks. How cheap? Haha, but it was the thought that counted. So Cathy and I decided to open the Hello Panda and give everyone a piece as our goodbye. 30 minutes went by really quick, and my time was up. I went to the phone for the last time and clocked out. Said my last goodbyes, gave hugs, and wrote something on the board. I walked out of the Pavillion for the last time. Out of Post 4, and gone.


[picture with quote coming soon]

Junior Year Class Schedule

First Period : AP US History - Adams

Third Period : AP English - Courey

Fourth Period : CHAMPS 2 - Arias

Fifth Period : CHAMPS 2 - Arias

Six Period : PE Health

Seventh Period : Trigonometry - Larson

Eighth Period : Environment Science - Sanders

Nothing final yet. It's weird that I'm missing a second period. Haha, what am I suppose to do? Where do I go? But other than that, it's a really good schedule. Doesn't really seem like much. =)

Competition Part Two

Saturday her competition time was 8:20 AM.

I was the only one who woke up in time. We left the house like at 8, so you can guess that we didn't make it and right when we walked in we missed her peformance. But after we played the games in the arcade for about an hour. We left the ice rink around 12 and we ate Wendy's while she got her scores, pictures, and out to her with her crew.

Wendy's was pretty bad. The lady's screwed up our orders, and the food was meh. We had a nice long talk though about a lot of stuff while we were there. Then we sat in the car for awhile and talked some more about some pretty deep stuff. After we set off to Grand Century to meet Crystal. We had to drive her dad and her back to the rink so he could get his car. Then it was ice skating time! On the way there Crystal told us that she forgot her skates and she couldn't skate without them, haha. So we drove all the way back to get her skates and then it took us a while to find the skating rink. It was my first time skating so I was excited! I got my skates and then it was time to hit the ice! It wasn't so bad. It was kind of like roller skating, we slowly starting skating around and I got used to it. Crystal kept throw ice at us, haha. I tried walking on my toes and I fell, it was pretty sad. Then this little girl got in my way, and then I fell again. Man, sucked butt. Crystal started showing us some moves, but they were too hard, so we gave up. Took some pictures, and then it was closing time

We went to go get some Ben&Jerry's Ice Cream because she's never had it before. Then we took off and went back to my house. Dinner wasn't ready so we went to the park and played around. She started attacking me. Haha, I have to say it was pretty scary. The running, flying sticks, and sand everywhere. Went home, ate dinner, and just hanged around. I was pretty sore. I had abs because of her and my butt, arms, and legs were sore. I went to take a shower, but by the time I got out, she left.

I won't see her again until October, hopefully my birthday! =)


[VIDEO SOON!]

Competition Part One

My friend Crystal Nguyen came from Hawaii to California on Tuesday, August 5.

I've known her for awhile now, since I was like 7? Haha, I'm not really sure. We see her every now and then when we go to Hawaii or when she comes to California. She's a pretty famous skater in Hawaii and that's why she came to California to compete in a skating competition.

Her first stop in California was my house. My sisters and I planned to wake up at 9 to clean the house and get ready to meet her because she was coming at 10, but like always none of us woke up and she came. Haha, my mom ran up the stairs and I just woke up and she was like Crystal's here! So I put on a shirt, brushed my teeth, and when downstairs. It was a bit awkward at first. I said, "Hi" and she said, "Hi.", asked her how she was doing and when was her competition and stuff like that. Then at the last minute we decided to play games, but then she had to leave to check into her hotel and other stuff.

The next day my sisters and I were suppose to go to her practice, but there were some problems apparently? So, we didn't go. Same with the next day after that. Thursday night / almost Friday morning and my sister and I were making posters to cheer her on.

It was Friday, competition day. My sisters and I came to the ice rink around 10:20 AM and it was as cold as expected. Good thing I wore my VSA Sweater, all nice and warm. Heh, I felt somewhat bad for my sisters. We sat there performance after another. Every girl fell in some sort of way, it was pretty sad. Then we saw Crystal going out to the ice to practice and we started screaming hella loud for her. Haha, we were like, "GO CRYSTAL! YEAHH!", and everyone was staring at us, but they're just jealous that their child doesn't have a fan club. Eventually she performed and it was amazingly good. She was the only girl who didn't fall too, pro or what? After she was done, we went down to where all the skaters were, tooks pictures, gave her the posters, and just hanged out until she got her scores. She got first place, duh whatelse? She got her medals and took her pictures, then we left to go eat. We ate at some place in Grand Century Mall. There was a plan to go ice skating, but there was enough time because she had practice at six because she got into Saturday's competition. So she went home, and we went to Santana Row, I got a drink at Fantasia, and then we went home.



[VIDEO SOON]

Umbrella

My grandpa is in the hosptial. Now my uncle is in the hosptial. What does this mean? What is this summer trying to make of me?

I want to stand in the rain and cry, but nothing's there. I want everything to wash away.

Pray Part Two

Sigh. So here's the brighter side to the story.

While my sisters and I were at McDonald's, we were talking about the whole situation. It was weird, because even through the whole thing my mom wanted to make dinner. So we decided that we weren't going to let our mom cook, I would. We went over to Safeway and started to buy the ingredients the chicken breast, mash potatos, gravy, cake mix, cupcake holders, ice cream, and salad.

Once we got home, we cranked up the music and started cooking. I was working on dinner and Crystal was working on dessert. Haha, I find it really weird to touch raw meat, but this was for my family. I started cutting up the chicken and then got the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs all out. Putting the flour on the chick was fine, no biggie. But, when I got to the egg and the bread crumbs my hands felt all nasty. After all 5 pieces were done, the frying began. The air was a weird mixture of chocolate cupcakes and chicken, it was nice, it felt like being in a chef's kitchen again. Then our mom and dad came out and they were looking at us, but I guess they knew what we were up to. Haha, our dad started talking to our mom if there was salad for dinner, then our mom was like, "Oh I'll make some." Exactly at the same time all 3 of us said, "Don't worry mom, we got it. We already bought salad. We have everything under control." Haha, it was weird. While the chicken and the cupcakes were frying / baking, we started on the gravy and mash potatos.

After 2 hours from start to finish, everything was done. The table was set for 5, there was chicken on the right side of the plate, mash patatos on the left side, and on the bottom was room for salad.

Everyone was called to the dinner table and we all sat down. I was kinda scared to try my own food because this was the first time I ever made this, so there could be something wrong with this. My dad started to dig in, then my mom and my sisters. I cut a piece of chicken and started eating it. It tasted so good that I smiled. I asked everyone how was the chicken and everyone loved it. I was pretty proud of myself. Perfection at the first try.

Pray Part One

I don't know how to start this off.

In my first entry I was talking about how this summer was preparing me for something big. Something unexpected, something that I could take on. Yesterday's entry was just a big confused pile of my emotions, which I assume leads up to today.

This morning I did my daily routine, wake up, brush my teeth, put on a shirt, and then to the computer. The computer got boring and so I decided to watch some television, when I realized that I was pretty hungry and that I should get some McDonald's. Few moments later when my sisters woke up, we agreed to go to McDonald's to get something to eat, that's when Crystal's phone rang. My mother was crying on the phone asking us to pray for our Grandpa because he was in the hospital and it seemed like he wasn't going to make it. It was ironic, my sisters and I were all wearing black too. The car ride to McDonald's must have been the most quiet car ride that I've ever had with them.

So it this what summer has been shaping me for? To take on this big challenge? Is this the icebreaker to make me cry? No matter the outcome, the journey will be tough and I don't feel as strong as I should. At times like this, I wish I had someone to lean on for support. I don't feel like giving out so much detail on how I feel, so I'm ending it here.


Bloop. I'll continue the rest of the story later, the happier side w/ pictures.

Crossroads & Emotions

You know, I used to hate the entries where I talk about my days and what happened, but for some reason this Blogger makes it feel nice. Today won't be about my day, I'm going to try and hit deep.



Paths. People talk about paths and how they have to follow their own or they don't know if they've taken the right one. Crossroads is another word that works. Do we always choose the right path?Ever wondered what happens if you took the other side of the road? I think that's what creates regrets. When everything goes wrong with the choice that we've taken, we always look and wonder about the other side. Is there a brief moment that we can experience the other side to see what we're missing out on? Depends on the situation doesn't it? I like how I'm asking so many questions, haha. The reason is, I really don't know the answer to any of these. I guess it's just life lessons that we go through to learn how to face harder things later on. But we have to know that if the opportunity to take a look into the other side is available, we have to be thankful for that chance, because sometimes it won't wait around.

And that goes with people too. We don't wait around forever for anything. Though we say stuff like, "I'll wait forever for you", in the end, you know it's not true. Would you really wait for someone for 100 years knowing that they'll never love you back? Or watching the person you like, like someone else. That's where lines are drawn, physically and emotionally. Many people find it hard to cut off feelings for another person, and yet I find it the easiest thing to do. You can call it me being heartless, but I call years of experience. Holding my emotions inside is something I've know how to do since fifth grade. Sure, it might be a bad thing, but so what? It might make me "robotic", but fuck you. Do I give a shit what you think about me? No, I don't think so.

I have a feeling though, that one of these days I'm just going to bust out crying and hopefully no one is around. I hate to see people cry, I don't know why. It gets on my nerves, but I think it's because I'm jealous. That they can let out their emotions so easily and yet I can't. Have I forgot how to cry? Maybe. I know for a fact that I can't just make myself cry even after all I've been through. Haha, after writing all this it makes me realized that I haven't sorted out my emotions like I thought I did. No matter what I do, the challenge will always be there, until I'm ready to face it.



Have I hit deep? Meh, I could go into detail, but I don't give out details on such personal things. It's getting late, I should go to bed. Until another time.

VSA

Yesterday was VSA Bonding Night, it was pretty chill. Haha, I have to say though, it wasn't as much fun as last year, but there was better food. Sitting there with the other officers, I realized how small our cabinet is this year. There's only 7 of us and last year there was 10. If you don't know who the officers are already here they are;

Anna Le & Hanh Le - VSA President
Daniel Nguyen (Me) - VSA Vice-President

Lana Le - VSA Secretary

Dan Nguyen - VSA Publicity

Nancy Bui & Rebbeca Chung - VSA Event Coordinator

I got to Hanh's house pretty early because I had hella crap to bring. Hanh and I just talked for a while then Lana came with Jkwan and Tuyet. We watched the Disney Channel Games for a while until Dan, Rebecca and Nancy showed up, then Tuyet and Jkwan left. We decided to eat without Anna since she was going to come late and picked the movie Freedom Writeers. Funny, mostly everyone was crying except me, Anna, and Dan. After the movie was over we took some pictures. Then Lana's mom came out of no where and she had to go home. So we rushed to do my bet and sang I'm Yours by Jason Mraz. After that it was pretty chill and we watched Youtube videos, then Anna left. Few minutes later, Dan left and it was only Hanh, Rebbecca, Nancy and me. We started talking about VSA stuff, then it came time to go home.

Fresh Start

Hello Blog Spot!

So I've decided to start a new blog just because the old one had too many crazyweirdbad life stories all up inside. Blogging always feels nice doesn't it? Just to let your emotions out all in writing into an online journal.

Even though it's in the middle of the summer, I think I can officially say that this summer is the most life-changing summer ever. What has happened before the summer and what's going to happen after summer is over, makes it hard right now. I guess this summer is shaping me for a big unknown challenge ahead of me. Haha, I would say Junior year, but who knows? I would fill you in all on the things that has happened this summer, but I don't think it's necessary.

These past few days have been really great. Haha, you know how you say you're going to do something, but you never end up doing it? Well my sisters and I always say we're going to wake up early and take a jog, but we've never done it. One person always wakes up and the other two are too lazy to get up. For once though, we actually woke up and ran at Peterson's track. I didn't do so bad, we said that we all have to finish under 20 minutes and I finished in 11. After we went to IHOP, haha. Talk about killing an appetite right? But it was my first time and it was really really good.

Then on Saturday, my sisters called me at work and told me to hurry because we were going to hang out with my cousin that we haven't seen in a while. Haha, I was running out to the car and I deicded to jump over the chains and my foot got caught and I almost tripped, but I saved myself. So I got home and took the shortest shower of my life and then we left to Great Mall. We decided to watch Dark Knight, which was a really good movie, but there were some freaky parts, haha. "Why so serious? >:)" It was pretty long and ended around 8 PM. We got hungry and decided to go to Yo Yo Sushi. So many new things this summer. I got the typical Teriyaki Chicken with Salad, Meso Soup, and a small bowl of rice. After that we just talked and went home which was like 10 PM.

The next day we went to Great Mall again because my sisters wanted to buy jeans and my mom was willing to pay. So I tagged along because I didn't want to be home. Haha, me at a mall for 2 days straight? What a record. And that was pretty much my Sunday. On Monday morning my mom came to my room and and was like, "Hey there's a package for you from Korea." and was like "Wtf." So I got up and grabbed the package and look at it, the front of the package said "KBS" and there was a sticky note on it that said "CD $15". Haha, then I remembered that I signed up to win a CD of my choice on KBS Radio Station. Who knew I would win out of 300,000 people? Haha, the joy that came from my mouth that morning. I opened the package and inside was a letter congratulating me for winning, some stuff about KBS, and inside a bubble wrap envelope was a WONDER GIRLS 3RD ALBUM CD!

And so you're up-to-date on my life.