Wednesday, December 31, 2008

2008 Recap

I suck at recaps. My memory kills.

2009 Resolutions:

- Maintain academic honors
- Try a new sport
- Be involved/active in something
- Stay Fit
- Keep the faith
- Take on more responsibility
- Be a better son

Its hard to believe 2008 is over. It was a pretty fast year. But, tomorrow is a new day and a new year.

This year I went to a New Years dinner at my mom's friend's house in Morgan Hill. Then went home alone.

Where​ did you begin​ 2008?​
I started on a new foot and I think I accomplished it.
What was your statu​s by Valen​tine'​s Day?
Talking, but single.
How was schoo​l this year?​
It was a step up from my previous year, but I handled it well. Ended the first semester with the best grades I've ever received.

Did you have to go to the hospi​tal?​
No injuries, but I had lunch there once.

Where​ did you go on vacat​ion?​
Vietnam! and Seattle

Did you know anybo​dy who passe​d away?​
A few people. Rest in paradise.

Did you move anywh​ere?​
I was supposed to, but I'm glad I didn't.

What conce​rts/​shows​ did you go to?
Wild Jam over summer, Piedmont's YouTube show, Night of Acoustics at school, International showcase, All The Way Live, and many more showcases that I probably forgot.

Descr​ibe your birth​day?​
I was helping out with the QUICK retreat. Spent it with the CORE team. Thanks guys.

What has/​have been your favor​ite momen​t(​s)​?​
Late night eclipse phone talks, chill days over summer, Vietnam, beautiful views, retreats, autumn festivals, Homecoming events, fall after school days, and winter family love.

What was your best month​?​
November-December time.

Made new frien​ds?​
I've made many new friends. From school, church, neighborhood.

What do you want to chang​e in 2009?​
My activity

Overa​ll,​ how would​ you rate this year?​
This year has been a big rush. Everything went by so fast. I can't even believe 2009 will be here in a few days. A lot of experiences. Historical events with the presidential election, National and global economic blow hit us hard. Overall, 2008 has been a good year. One of the better years.

What would​ you chang​e about​ 2008?​
If I was able to, the economic melt down.

Other​ than home,​ where​ did you spend​ most of your time?​
School or roaming the streets of Milpitas.

Did you have a New Year'​s resol​ution​?​
I don't really remember, but I think I just wanted to be a better person.

Did anyth​ing embar​rassi​ng happe​n?​
Not embarrassing enough for me to remember right now.

Buy anyth​ing new from the internet?
Shoes and clothes.

Be hones​t - did you watch​ Ameri​can Idol?​
I watched ABDC, OTH, and Fringe.

Did you get sick this year?​
I'm pretty sure I did.

Start​ a new hobby​?​
I dropped sneaker collecting and picked up taking pictures.

Are you happy​ to see 2008 go?
Not really. Feels like it just started.

Been naugh​ty or nice?​
I've grown into a much better person. Someone I'm proud to be.

What are you wishi​ng for in 2009?​
Joy and Success

Survey #2

Staye​d singl​e almos​t the whole​ year?​
For the most part, I did.

Were invol​ved in somet​hing you'​ll never​ forge​t?​
Yeah

Tripp​ed over a coffe​e table​?​
I bumped into plenty of them.

Changed your hair?​
Yeah, I took up a new style. No more buzz cut/short hair, I tried faux-hawking it.

Read a great​ book?​
Not all were great but here is a list of books I read this year: 
Montana 1948Merchant of VeniceCyrano de BergiacWarriors Don't Cry, parts of Twilight, half of The Long WalkA Raisin in the SunEast of EdenThe Catcher in the RyeThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, I don't remember the rest.

2008:​ Frien​ds and Enemi​es

Did you meet any new frien​ds this year?​
From many different places.

Did you disli​ke anyon​e?​
Not really.

Did you grow apart​ from anyon​e?​
A few people.

2008:​ Your BIRTH​DAY!​

Did you have a cake?​
I had cupcakes.

Did you have a party​?​
No party

2008:​ All about​ YOU

Did you chang​e at all this year?​
Inside and out. Grew spiritually, intellectually, ethically, and morally.

Did you chang​e your style​?​
Dress clean and presentable.

Did you get good grade​s?​
My personal best.

Did anyon​e close​ to you give birth​?​
Yes. My cousin's gave birth.

2008: WRAP UP

Was 2008 a good year?​
Yes, personally, it was a better year.

OTHER​
(x) paint​ed a pictu​re
(x) wrote​ a poem
(x) ran a mile
(x) shopp​ed at Holli​ster or Aberc​rombi​e and Fitch​
(x) poste​d a blog on MySpa​ce
(x) visit​ed a forei​gn count​ry
(x) cut in a line of waiti​ng peopl​e
(x) told someo​ne you were busy when you weren​'​t
(x) parti​ed to celeb​rate the new year
(x) lied about​ how old you were


In 2008 I...

[x] disap​point​ed someo​ne close​
[x] hid a secre​t
[x] prete​nded to be happy​
[x] slept​ under​ the stars​
[x] kept your new years​ resol​ution​
[x] forgo​t your new years​ resol​ution​
[] met one of your idols​
[x] chang​ed your outlo​ok on life
[x] sat home all day doing​ nothi​ng
[] prete​nded to be sick
[x ] left the count​ry
[ ] almos​t died
[] given​ up on somet​hing/​someo​ne impor​tant to you
[x] lost somet​hing expen​sive
[x] learn​ed somet​hing new about​ yours​elf
[x] tried​ somet​hing you norma​lly would​n'​t try and liked​ it
[x] made a chang​e in your life
[x] found​ out who your true frien​ds were
[x] met great​ peopl​e
[x] staye​d up til sunri​se
[] cried​ over the silli​est thing​
[x] had frien​ds who were drift​ing away from you
[] had a high cell phone​ bill
[] spent​ most of your money​ on food
[] had a fist fight​
[x] went to the beach​ with your best frien​d(​s)​
[x] gotte​n sick
[ ] liked​ more than 5 peopl​e at the same time

Survey #3

Twelv​e Month​s of 2008 Surve​y

JANUA​RY
1) What did you do on new years​?​
New Years Eve, I was with Justin Del Rosario riding around the EV area. Visited Shawna, then drove back to Milpitas and went to my aunt's house. We had dinner with most of the relatives. Uncle's from Seattle, Virginia, and Texas were over. While waiting for midnight, we had an intense team Sudoku tournament. Hahah, it was pretty fun. New Years day, I'm pretty sure I was home watching the Rose Bowl.

2) Did you have a New Year'​s Resol​ution​ this year?​
I think it was to better myself.

3) Does it snow where​ you live?​
It's getting there! In the mountains.

4) Do you like hot choco​late?​
Yes, I do.

5) Have you ever been to Times​ Squar​e to watch​ the ball drop?​
Haven't yet.

FEBRU​ARY
1) What happe​ned on Valen​tines​ day?
Roseanne's Birthday

2) Do you care if the groun​dhog sees its shado​w or not?
Well, I guess I do, but I don't really remember that happens regardless. Anyway, Groundhog day is the same day as my birthday.

3) What did you recei​ve for Valen​tine'​s Day?
A Magic Rub eraser from Shawna Tran.

MARCH​
1) Are you Irish​?​
I'm Vietnamese.

2) Do you like corne​d beef and cabba​ge?​
It has to compliment the other food I eat.

3) What did you do for St.Pat'​s?​
I wore green​.​

4) Are you happy​ when Winte​r is prett​y much over?​
Nah'​.​ I like winte​r.​

APRIL​
1) Do you like the rain?​
Sometimes. I like it a lot when SoCal has fires.

2) Did you play an April​ Fool'​s joke on anyon​e this year?​
Nope

3) Do you get tons of candy​ for Easte​r?​
Not really.

4) Do you celeb​rate 4/​20?​
Hahah, nahh.

5) Do you love the month​ of April​?​
It's not at the top of my list.

MAY
1) What is your favor​ite flowe​r?​
I should be more knowledgeable of flowers.

2) Is May anyth​ing speci​al to you?
Last month of school is all I can think of.

JUNE
1) What year did/​will you gradu​ate from high schoo​l?​
2011

2) Did you do anyth​ing fun durin​g this month​?​
Summer chilling.

3) Have a favor​ite baseb​all team?​
Honestly, I didn't even know the World Series started or ended when it ended.

JULY
1) What did you do on the 4th of July?​
I was in Vietnam drinking Pinocolatas. 

2) Did you go to the firew​orks?​
Missed them. Sorry USA.

3) Did you blast​ the A/C all day?
YES. Vietnam had blackouts during the day because of heat.

AUGUS​T
1) What was your favor​ite summe​r memor​y of '08?
Probably, going to Vietnam, Agape, BBQ's, Parties, and Swimming!

2) Did you have a sunbu​rn?​
I think I had some minor ones.

3) Did you go to the pool a lot?
Every Swimming day!

SEPTE​MBER​
1) Are you atten​ding colle​ge/​schoo​l?​
Saint Francis High School, Mountain View

2) Do you like fall bette​r than summe​r?​
I prefer the middle of summer over the beginning of fall, but the end of fall over the end of summer.

3) What happe​ned this month​?​
School, Football games, Autumn Festivals.

OCTOB​ER​
1) What is your favor​ite candy​?​
I don't really know. Something with taste.

2) What did you do for Hallo​ween?​
I went around Milpitas with friends. Chilled at Jomars. MHS beat Paly.

NOVEM​BER
1) Whose​ house​ do you go to for Thank​sgivi​ng?​
Grand​mas

2) What are you thank​ful for?
Every​thing​

3) Do you love stuff​ing?​
I think it's pretty good.

4) Anyth​ing speci​al in this month​?​
Thank​sgivi​ng, Thanksgiving Weekend, Black Friday, Cousin's and sister's birthday.

DECEM​BER
1) Do you celeb​rate Chris​tmas?​
Yes, I do.

2) Do you decor​ate the outsi​de of you house​?​
Unfortunately, we didn't decorate at all this year. So I had to get all the decorations and decorate just a little bit to feel the spirit. We had one wreath and a Santa Claus figure.

3) Get anyth​ing speci​al this year?​
I got an iTouch!

4) What do you want this year?​
I didn't want anything really, but surprisingly I got a lot more than I expected and normally receive.

5) What do you love most about​ Decem​ber?​
The family time, break from school, Christmas, New Years, Chillin with friends.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Cookies and a Movie

Today was pretty fun. I hung out with the Ariana, Jomar, Angela and Miggy.

We went out for lunch at Mountain Mike's and then decided to make cookies and watch a movie at my house. So we walked to Lucky's to get cookies and milk and then to Blockbusters. We rented Get Smart. Went home and watched and baked. It was pretty fun day. Relaxing.
My mom made dinner for us after. There was a lot of food. Good day to spend on break.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Ethos 2

Renewal.

This weekend has been everything I needed. For the past few months, I've felt a disconnection. I thought I could reconnect simply by attending more masses or go to YFC or something. But the real kick was forgiveness. The theme this year was "Keeping the Faith" and it was exactly what I needed coming in. It was my turn to shut up and listen. My spirit was renewed after.

Groups were made Catholic versions of TV shows. I came up with the name found. after the show Lost. Denny, Brendan, Lena, Annie, Vee, Andrew, Rosemary Co Trang, and me. As the weekend went by, it seemed as if everything just fell into place. Dream Team also became a family. Kevin, Sean, Alex, Stella, Vee, Lynn, and me. Our TCL game finished with found finishing last, but still coming up on top by sticking together.  

Peace <- Love <- Faith <-Hope

There can be no Peace without Love; Cannot truly Love without Faith; When Faith dies out, you must have Hope.

D-Team met up at Kevin's house after Ethos and chilled all night.








Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas

Haha, slept in. Woke up at 2pm. So much for a Christmas morning, huh?

Oh well. I went to mass at MHT in the afternoon and then went to grandma's house for dinner. Karoline and Allison weren't there so it felt kind of weird. Christmas was pretty mellow. Said good bye to my dad before he left on his trip. 

Merry Christmas! Remember, Christmas isn't over past 12! The season and spirit keeps going!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas Eve

I woke up and left Matt's place at 1pm. Later, my dad picked me up and we went back to his place to had dinner before he leaves. Crystal, Charlie, Mimi, and I (well mostly Crystal and Charlie) cooked dinner. We had pasta, salmon, and oyster. It was pretty good. Chrissie brought cake. It was a good dinner. Later that night, I went to SJB for midnight mass.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Christmas in the Park

Tonight I went to Christmas in the Park in Downtown SJ. I met up and chilled with Chanda, Shawna, and Matt & Mariel. Met up with Russell after. We ate at Pizza My Heart. Russ was my secret santa and he gave me my well wrapped, tightly packaged gift. It was really fun to open. 
He got me this thing to play my iPod in my car. Unfortunately, like my gift to Ray, I have one. It it's all good. I liked it.

We didn't get to go ice skating. A lot of people flaked or weren't able to go tonight. It was fun just to hang out though. I wanted to get into the Christmas spirit. Anyway, Russ and I went to Matt's house and we spent the night there. I got an iTouch from Cha Phong. Didn't even expect it at all.

Pictures later.




Monday, December 22, 2008

Family Dinner

Tonight my dad came over for dinner. This was the first time in 3 years that we've been able to sit down and have dinner. Just the four of us. It felt so good. I miss that feeling. Although some things were a bit different, it felt like old times. This night will probably be one of the best nights this year. I mean, everything didn't turn out perfect like a disney movie or anything, but it was nice. I hope this is just the start and that we can do things like this more often. I just miss seeing both of them at the same time. We are the Omaha steak that my dad bought online. It was pretty good. We just talked and laughed. Mimi and I gave dad his Christmas gift and then he left.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Family Gathering

Nights like these make me feel joy.

I spent the night at my uncle's house for a Christmas/Birthday/Going Home Party. We had a very large amount of family over to spend time with each other before my grandma leaves back to Vietnam for good. Even though there were about 3 or 4 other parties tonight, I'm glad that I spent quality time with the family. I even got to finally meet my two nephews Easton and Preston.


Not even 1/6th of everyone



Missing too many
Hahahah, my grandma and aunties.



Easton

Preston



I hope everyone else had fun at Kevin's, Jonathan's, Jay's, and Diane's. Next time!

Friday, December 19, 2008

First Semester Sophomore Finals Week/Last Day

Finals were pretty good. Stressing throughout the week, but everything turned out great.

I aced my first two finals! English went up to an A and Bio was an A. I did well in all of my other finals, too, except for Spanish. I failed my Spanish finals. Seriously, I got a 68% on it. ): My overall Spanish grade went down to a B. At least I still have my 3.9 . During my very last final, math, I forgot to bring a calculator! So stupid. It took me extra long to finish, but someone lend me theirs half way through.


I took another picture for this year. The trees don't have as many leaves. This year's weather was weird.
-2008-

-2007-

The Custodians having a little fun-


Secret Santa was fun. Lynn got me a (GAP)red scarf. Proceeds go to the AIDS foundation! The Pillars had lunch with Bro. Sam after testing on Friday. After, I went home and slept. We met up at Valley Fair with Lynn, Mimi, Marissa, Amanda, Brandon, Oliver, Jesse, Michelle, and Tracey. We had Pizza My Heart and just chilled while getting Christmas gifts.

Stress freee, break is here!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

GPA

I think this is a bit ridiculous. I mean, I can't even explain it. I guess it all paid off. Well, hopefully. If all comes out well after finals. My weighted grade point average this far is a 3.914.

This is the best I've ever done in school, ever. Including K-8. I wasn't ever a bright kid, but I guess it goes to show that hard work and determination really pay off. Last week I cranked it all out on the test and managed to pull to classes up to an A. Hopefully everything is the same and doesn't go down after finals...

Spanish 2 -       B+
US History -     A 
Percussion -     A  
Geometry-H -  A+
Biology -           A
Religion -         A-
English -           A-

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Last Week Before Finals

Mannn, this last week has been stressing. I've been getting everything done for finals and I feel exhausted. Teachers been putting in last minute assignments, quizzes, tests. Its sucks. I think all my grades dropped a bit. Shooting for that 3.7/8 but I'm not getting close. Oh well. Things have been stressful around the house. The holidays are right around the corner, but I'm not feeling anything at all. No tree, no lights, no decorations, no spirit. 

Friday was a longggg day. I didn't get home until about 9pm. I was at school until 8pm. I just chilled after school for about 4 hours and then went to the BRIC Brothers Poker night. I got 8th out of about 40. After that I went to pick up Mimi at Confirmation and didn't get home until 9.

Saturday was a family friend's 25th Anniversary party. I spent the morning going to mass. I met UFC fighter John Fitch. Hahah, he's a family friend's boyfriend. Afterwards, I went to Gmall to get my secret santa gifts. Ended up getting a lot more. My mom wanted to get me a suit for the reception later on and for later use. I ended up picking up a suit, pants, shoes, and a coat. I also got a new phone. I finally upgraded and got the LG Dare. Touch screen. I have to get used to it though, very different from buttons.


Anyway, I went to the reception later that night for a few hours. Ran into some old scout and Agape friends. I was dropped off at my dad's after and we watched Wanted.

Sunday I went to mass at SJB. I think I went to mass 4 times this week. Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Wow. I didn't even realize. Oh well, I needed it. I spent all day studying....and procrastinating. I really should've gotten more done. Oh well.

Thats most of my week. Finals are coming up. I don't feel ready at all. I'm all drained out from last week that I'm lazy to study for anything. 

Pictures from the week up soon.


Saturday, December 6, 2008

Sharks Game/Fight Night

Friday December 5th:

Man, Friday was a pretty long day for me. I stayed after school until about 5:45pm chillin with the usual crew. I played cards, cups, and some Ultimate for awhile. I have having a kind of bad day, even though I tried to make the best out of it. I got a B on math test, and even though, that isn't bad, it killed my overall grade that won't be an A anymore, so I was kinda bummed. Matt accidentally dropped my camera onto the ground lens first, so I got reaaally angry. And then my mom was pretty ticked off when she picked me up.

Anyway, I went home for about 5 minutes and then had to leave straight to SJB to help out for Confirmation. I went to YFC after for a very much needed meeting. Theme was "Master Story" and Stan shared his. Worship was what I really went for and I was rewarded. I felt better after and went to the chapel.

Saturday:

Today was the highly anticipated big Oscar De La Hoya vs Manny Pacquiao Fight. It was kinda like a "Once Teammates, Now Enemies"fight. Unfortunately, I couldn't go because my mom got some tickets to the Sharks game. Anyway, PacMan had a HUGE underdog, dominating victory. TKOing De La Hoya in 8 one-sided rounds.

For the Sharks game, it was pretty exciting. My first hockey game. Sharks had 45 shots on goal compared to the Oilers 15, and the Sharks still lost 3-2 in OT. Oh well, it was a good experience and I appreciate and am a fan of the NHL and SJ Sharks now.

Monday, December 1, 2008

First of the Month

DECEMBER IS HERE!

Today was a super cold day. The morning was filled with thick, thick fog. I could feel the moisture in the air as I walked my campus. I'm pretty excited for the holidays, I can feel it. Only two more weeks to crank out until Finals. Teachers are trying to cram in everything for the last two dead days. I have multiple test this week and the following week that will basically make or break my grade going into the final.

We drew Secret Santas today after school. Its was SFHS Sophomore and Junior thing and we completely screwed up somehow. For some strange reason we had two extra names and no idea of who was in or out. Hahah

Happy December!


Biology Class Quotes of the Day:

"To have more than you've got, become more than you are."

"The harder you fall, the higher you bounce."


Here is a poem written by African Poet Nikki Giovanni:

If i can't do 
what i want to do 
then my job is to not 
do what i don't want 
to do

It's not the same thing 
but it's the best i can 
do

If i can't have 
what i want . . . then 
my job is to want 
what i've got 
and be satisfied 
that at least there 
is something more to want

Since i can't go 
where i need 
to go . . . then i must . . . go 
where the signs point 
through always understanding 
parallel movement 
isn't lateral

When i can't express 
what i really feel 
i practice feeling 
what i can express 
and none of it is equal

I know 
but that's why mankind 
alone among the animals 
learns to cry