Second Semester Sophomore Finals

Finals can suck it. I've been on summer-mode for 3 weeks.

Anyway, finals turned out pretty well. I didn't study all the much for anything.

The first two finals on Thursday were English and Math.

The next two finals on Friday were Biology and Psychology.

Then on Monday was Spanish.

And Tuesday was Religion.

Coming into the finals, I had a 3.77gpa. I reeaaaally hope my grades stayed the same.

Practically all my grades were boarder line. So that sucks.

I did really well on my first two finals, scoring a 94% on my English final and a 98% on my Math final. I was so mad about how close my math grade was from an A- to an A. I was .03% away from an A! My Biology final turned out really well too, with a 95% on the final. I got an 84% on my Psychology final, but its all good cause my grade only went down 1%.

My next two finals were the worst. I didn't study all that much. I kinda didn't care.

On Monday, my Spanish final was horrible. Just like last semester. I pretty much bombed it getting a 71%. My grade dropped 3 grades! Gaaah! I went from an A to a B+, but its weird cause when I did the math, I should have a 89.7% which means an A-. But I don't know, its weird.

Religion was pretty close. I got an 89.6% so I kept my A-. wheew.

Overall 3.67 GPA .1 less than last semester.

Capture the Flag

Memorial Day. Honor all our soldiers.

Christian came over in the morning and we picked up Ray and headed over to Matt's house for a seeming to be epic game of capture the flag. We planned out to have a 20 man capture the flag game in Great Mall with end bases in Kohls and Marshalls. Hahaha. Plans changed and we ended up playing in Cataldi park, end to end. Craaaazy.

How did it end up? Too many people played basketball before hand so everyone was tired within 30minutes. Haha, fail.

So we just chilled then after. No studying for finals all weekend. But s'all good, summers around the corner.

Victoria's Grad BBQ

Went to Fowler Park in ESSJ. Picked up Christian. Chilled there for most of the day. Not too many people were there probably because everyone was sore/tired from Grad Night. So It was mostly Victoria+Khrysten+juniors+Christian and me. It was fun though. Mostly chilled. I dropped Christian off and left for home around 530. Didn't take any pictures.

SFHS 09 Graduation

Woke up early this morning and headed over to Flint Center, De Anza College for the Saint Francis High School Class of 2009 Graduation. It was a pretty long ceremony, so I showed up late, like right during the calling of the names. I got a couple good shots of people. It was pretty packed. Lots of people with fambam and signs and posters. I imagined myself walking across the stage ready to receive my diploma. It was kind of sad to think of, too. Its just gonna be me and Christian. And then at the end, when everyone was throwing all of their caps into the air, I just froze for a moment and lived the moment, instead of capturing the moment on camera. So I kinda missed that and was bummed.

After, everyone went outside and took pictures. I was there with Christian trying to find everyone to say congratulations. It was cool. Not too many people expected Christian and I to be there to cheer them on. We both didn't have any purpose in being there. No siblings or anything. Only friends.

Afterwards, Kiki invited us to D&B for her grad reception. That was really cool of her. So we went. Hah, no one else was there except her family and family friends, so it was kinda weird, but whatever. Christian and I chilled before he was picked up from my place.

Congratulations to the last class to make you say, "Ohhh!"

(Poke her face)

End of Sophomore Year

So you know when you're running a race and you are on your last 100 meters before the finish line and you're supposed to just push all the way through until you've completely passed the finish line? A kind of finish strong, type deal?

Well, image the race as the end of the school year and me, the runner, slowing down right in front of the finish line. Not finishing strong, not going all the way through, coming so close, but falling short.

That is basically how I've been feeling these past three weeks. I just can't seem to get it together and its pretty much been like this all semester. Ah.. I don't even know. I can't even put a word on how I feel physically and mentally. I guess I'm just exhausted/lazy? I feel like crap most days and I just really don't feel like 'being'. I'm pretty much in summer mode right now, and that isn't good. I still have finals. And I'm still coming home, not doing anything, taking 2-3 hour naps ,watching the NBA Finals, and not doing any school work.

Isn't this week supposed to be Dead Week? What ever happened to that?

"I feel like crap-week"

Monday 5/18- Transition Liturgy:

So today was the Transition liturgy. Last day of school for seniors. The school is preparing to transition into the next year and everyone is moving a level up. Its all kind of weird. I was called for a BRIC Brother interview to become a Tio later that day.

Tuesday 5/19- Track Banquet and Cafe Mots:

School is boring. Normal biz. I did, however, find out that I was selected to be a Tio for BRIC Brothers! Whooo! I still can't believe teachers are assigning project and test! I really don't feel like doing anything for school anymore. Today I've gotten about three passes, its ridiculous. I think next year, I'm going to save up all my passes throughout the year just to see how many I can get. Anyway, after school Lynn and I stayed after for the track banquet. It was pretty boring. We stayed for the food, but then left right after to go to Cafe Mots, since it was the last one of the year. It was my first time, and I've got to say it was pretty cool. I think I'm going to go to a few more next year. The banquet took a long time, and I even stood next to Ronnie Lott for a bit. Hahah.

Wednesday 5/20- Student Council Meeting:

Gah, wake up early to be at school at 730am for my first Student Council meeting of the year. I pretty much had the most boring morning because I basically didn't do anything all day. My day consisted of school at 730am, Collaboration until school started-doing nothing, 1st class watching a movie, then lunch. I basically had no thinking until after lunch, where I had boring math and then religion. Why am I at school? Really?

Anyway, in my last class of the day, I was called in for the induction ceremony for BRIC Brothers. I'm going to have to much to do for Junior year, its ridiculous. Student Council, BRIC Brothers, International, Photography, possibly the year book. I'm going to be BUSY.

After school I had to take Allison and Katelyn back to our house. We played basketball for a bit and then went back to school for Work Grant Meeting. I didn't get to stay for Final, Final Concert.

Thursday 5/21- Stress

So it has hit me of how much next year is gonna suck. Eric is leaving. Aaron and Raiden are gone. Seniors are out. School is gonna be crap. Its just gonna be me and Christian.

Whoopdidoo.

Friday 5/22/

So we are finally allowed to park in the junior parking lot. Its pretty cool. Mimi went to Reno for the weekend for basketball. Christian and Matt weren't at school. The day was pretty boring. Teachers cramming in tests and projects right before finals weeks.

I saw Angels&Demons. It was pretty good.

Angelica&Michelle's Birthdays

After I left Fremont, and arrive at Embassy Suites around 630ish. I spent most of the night just hanging around. Not much went on. Kept people in check. In and out of the rooms couple times. Seeing people at their most vulnerable times. Hah, couple good laughs. Gone and out by 1030ish.

Crystal's Bridal Shower

Gahh, such a hot day. Spent the day in Fremont for my sister's bridal shower. I wore a sweater because I thought it was formal. + 90 degree weather. = iFail. It was fun, I was supposed to practice shooting so that I would be ready for the wedding. We played poker before I left and I won the whole thing. Haha

WCAL Trials

Be careful of what you wish for, you just might get it.

Gahh...^^^ that is basically all I have to say.

WCAL trials were pretty disappointing for me. Here is the background story:

So, competing in league trials, the top 8 scores advance to the finals this weekend, and I didn't really want to have to go all the way back just to compete in a jump. I really didn't want to go to finals, but I also wanted to do well. So I had to decide if I should throw my jumps or just give it my all.

I did pretty bad in Triple Jump, but I didn't care to much because all I really wanted to do was do well in the Long Jump.

As Long came around, I went in seeded tied for 4th overall in the league for Long Jump with a mark of 19'3.5''. So my odds of placing into the final 8 were pretty high. I decided that I would just give it my all in my jumps. I felt that I was finally was able to compete to my highest ability because my shins weren't hurting too much anymore and I finally got a good mark. My first jump was amazing. I don't know how I did it, but I popped up so high and far. I'm pretty sure I jumped in the 19-20ft area, but sadly, I scratched the board. On my next jump, I scooted back a bit so that I wouldn't scratch. I jumped again, and I got the same height and length. I went pretty far, too. The official call was that my foot was just SLIGHTLY or like a centimeter over the board! I was pretty mad. After all of this, I actually might end up not even qualifying for finals. My last jump came up. And I guess I was pretty tired from my last two jumps that I my legs were tired. I jumped and didn't do too well, landing a 17'8''.

I left the meet pretty disappointed because the over-all leader was about 20 feet. I could have won or gotten second in the event. Instead, I went home with a feeling of disappointment.

Even though there is always next year, that was my chance of getting a WCAL title. Next year is going to be tougher, with better jumpers. Oh well.

BRIC Brothers Birthday

One year of BRIC Brothers!

So today we had a BRIC Brothers party to celebrate one year of brotherhood. It was pretty good. Tommy, Marti, and Ryan are all gonna be gone next year, so the rest of us are going to have to step it up. It gonna be weird without them in the family.

I think I'm really going to get involved in this more. Its gonna be something I grow into. I think I'm going to try to become a Tio and help fill in the missing leadership roles.

Happy Mother's Day

Dear Mama,

I love you and I appreciate all that you have done for me and Mimi. I really do. There are things that amaze me so much about how much you love us and how much you sacrifice for us. I can't seem to describe how much I understand what you go through for us and how much I appreciate it. I can't ever repay you.

This mother's day started off a bit early. My sister had planned out the whole morning. I was to wake up and pick up my auntie and bring her over to share the surprise with us. My sister woke up my mom and brought her downstairs to a surprise Mother's Day breakfast. I ended up cooking for all of us and I also picked up my grandma.

Later that day, we decided to head up to SFC for lunch because my mom was craving authentic and traditional Vietnamese food. So we went up for lunch and then headed to Redwood City after to see the library , where my mom was going to work, for the first time. Its a reaaally nice place and it seems like my mom will be happy there. I'm kind of exciting to start helping out there too.

We drove home and decided to catch a movie at AMC. We ended up seeing Star Trek. Haha, it was actually pretty gooood. The movie was definitely better than the TV series. "Live long and prosper".

We went home and got ready for Youth Mass at St. Pats. We haven't been there in awhile. Mimi and I went last week, but before that, we probably hadn't been there in months! Went to eat after church and I came home to loads of homework that I didn't even start yet. During the day, I interviewed my mom about her experience in Vietnam during the war for an assignment. I had already heard stories about it before, but every time I hear the stories, it always seems more important to me than the last time.

Mothers day was a well needed day for all of us. We all got to relieve some stress and relax. Even though I didn't get to express my full thankfulness to you, I had a great day spending time with you.

Everyday there are more and more single mothers raising kids alone. Mothers who play multiple job role in the household. They are never fully thanked for the hard work and labor they do day in and day out. It is the toughest job in the world and my mother is up for the challenge without hesitation. I am so thankful for what you have done for me. From your escape to the US, to your hard work to make money to support us, for all your efforts to send us to a PRIVATE Catholic school that teaches me more about God and keeps me on track to go to college, your efforts to supply me with the best are never thought past.

Thank you for everything.

:( Pensiveness

I wonder what it'll be like if I just went M.I.A.

This week has been one of my "not-so-good-weeks".

Being sick sucks, but I am getting better. Last night was probably one of the longest this year. I just couldn't get to sleep. I just kept thinking about it over and over and over again. It was like there wasn't any other thought in my mind. It was the first time I felt something like that in a long time. I guess it just cause I haven't been going out with any girls in awhile. And I guess it really has been awhile.

Anyway, I got out of bed at around 1230pm. Today was my mom's big catering job. She's been preparing for it all week. I decided that I wanted to go stop by and help out. Unfortunately, I had an accident that prevented me from going.. It was a really STUPID move and I feel like an idiot. I was backing out of my garage and wasn't paying attention to the passenger side, so I broke the passenger mirror against the garage. ASDFGHJKL.

If things didn't get worse, I found out that the catering service had a lot of left overs and that there were way too few people that went to the event then what we were told to prepare for. So we were all very disappointed. The house is filled with loads of catering food.

On top of everything, school has been kinda rough academically. My grades are all border line A-s and they are dropping. If I don't get my act together, I could end up with all B+s across. Arghh.... Just two more weeks to push for until summer!

So tonight, I went out to Independence High for their carnival. I was supposed to go to the other charity night dinner Light a Life, but unfortunately I was late and couldn't find where it was. So I chilled with Matt and Eric at the IHS carnival. Eric and I went to find Chanda after and we finally found the charity dinner, once it ended. Fail. So we just headed back to the carnival, chilled for a bit and then headed home. I just had to get out of the house. Get away from the dirty mess, disappointment, sickness, and everything. I just need to relax. It would be nice to have someone to talk to again, though.

Welps, lates.

(Thanks and shout-outs to those who follow. You all really don't have to. Its kinda internet stalking, just kidding, but thanks. Cracked 1200+ more views in a month to reach 6200+ total views. Cool)

REDefine

Hooray for Vietnam charity!

So highly anticipated night for some people, right?

LaSan mixer was pretty all right. Different people will say different things. It was good and then it wasn't so good.

Wasn't cracking for the first hour and a half but then it was all right. I spent most of the night staying with a friend because I didn't want him to be alone. So yeah...just walked around most of the time. Fight broke loose and the dumb kids caused the rest of the mixer to end early. Oh well, it was good to see everyone again. Pray4fun people, LaSan people, MHS people, Pres people, BCP people, and Jake Silvas. Hahaha.

Drove home and took a detour.

School Slack

Its funny, the last week of April, I was basically a walking zombie at school. Super stressed out with loads of work to be done. This first week in May has been the opposite.

I've pretty much done nothing school-wise all week. I've been coming home and watching the playoffs, falling asleep and then not feeling like doing homework. On Tuesday, I spent the whole evening watching three episodes of Fringe. Season finale next week. I can't wait! Its so good.

My school work has been slipping in all my classes. I need to get my act together. Just need to push through these last few weeks. Gah, I have to stop being lazy. But how can I keep myself serious and committed when my senior friends are graduating in a couple days and summer is just around the corner?

Oh well, keep trying. Friday was my first day on duty as Junior Class Senator. Its kinda cool. Since elections, I've noticed a change in the way people address me/talk to me. Many people call me "Mr. Senator" or something. I think its good. I'm getting my name out there. Its really cool actually. I'm feeling accomplished. Like, I'm always rising to the occasion. I think I'm going to shoot high next year. I mean, I'm already turning in 3 or 4 applications to be a board member for a club. Junior year is gonna suck. Sounds good.

Swine flu

"So why is it that when 90 people get swine flu, suddenly everyone wants to wear a mask, but when millions of people have AIDS, no one wants to wear a condom?"

"They said that there wouldn't be a black president until pigs flew. Well, 100 days into Barack Obama's presidency, swine flu."

Well, I've been having a crummy week. No, I'm not infected with swine flu or anything, but I've gotten sick with a flu and I can't afford to miss school. Gahh...

Media really does overhype the swine flu. People have to realize that its just a normal flu and the only reason why the government is concerned is that it jumped from animals to humans. People are dying in Mexico because their hospitals suck and they are infecting mostly infants or older people.

Anyway, last league meet before the start of WCAL trials is against Archbishop Riordan. This was pretty much a practice meet for us, us being undefeated. Anyway, for being a practice meet, I completely screw up and probably did my personal worst. Being sick and having my shin splints come back(AGAIN!) I did horrible. Out of the two events I did, LJ and TJ I landed one(1), yes, one, jump. I was 0-3 for LJ, and 0-3 for TJ until I decided that no matter what, I'd get a mark on my last jump, so all I had to do was make the pit. And I did, on my absolute last jump. Shin splints and flu sucks. I got a shot at running the 100m and 4X400m too, but my shins didn't let me. I felt bad.

Mark's Birthday

So, I went to Cheesecake Factory at around 2ish after Khan Linh's wedding.

Happy Birthday Mark.

It was cool seeing everyone. Eating and being obnoxious teenagers. I hella caked Mark well, too.

We went to Santana Row after and got some Pink Berry. It seemed like everyone just left suddenly. So I went back home and got ready for the reception.

Pictures up later.

Khan Linh's Wedding

So this morning, I drove over to my dad's new apartment and got ready for my cousin's wedding!

It was pretty good. The weather could've been better, but s'all good. I really didn't know how smart Khan Linh was. She is really smart. So anyway, I finally met the groom like 10 minutes before the Vietnamese ceremony. He seems cool. By the way, he's Austrian. Thats cool.

After the ceremony, I had a short intermission and went over to Cheesecake Factory for Mark's birthday. All the cousins went to see Wolverine, so I felt bad.

Later that night was the reception. Dad MCed so it was pretty cool. It was an over all good wedding reception. Good food and everything. I sat with my sisters and cousins. We had a good time while checking our smart phones every 5 minutes about the Boston/Chicago Game 7 and Pacquio fight. (Boston won and when we found out Pacquio won in 2 rounds our table went crazy, hah)

I'm pretty happy with dad's side of the family right now. :D Crystal asked me to photograph her wedding for her. I'm nervous!

Pictures up soon.

(This blog feels like I'm actually talking to someone. I normally don't do that considering that I only write these for my own memory boost-age. Whatevs, if you follow this blog, thanks for caring to read about my day to day life. 200+ views in a week? Shout outs to you know who you are.)

Karl's Birthday

FIRST of MAY!

Dad's home from China!

I can't believe its already May! We only have three more weeks of school until summer! Whooo!

So the plan for Friday after school was for Lys and me to go to MVA with balloons to surprise Karl, but failed. Anyway, I went to Confirmation class after school and then Ray and I went to Great Mall after to see X-Men:Wolverine for Karl's birthday. That failed too. They were all already almost done watching. So we went to reserve seats at Outback for everyone. The wait was like 45 minutes because we had a large group. But anyway, we just chilled and got appetizers. Left for home around 11ish.

Happy Birthday Karl Orotea!