Triumph

Have you ever felt triumph. Well yes, there are thousands millions, zillion kinds of ways to feel triumph. Well, the triumph I felt today was undescriable. (is this a word?) Anyways, yes. I've always had a hard time finishing books that the teacher assigns us to read. I detest those books. They give you a load of pressure. "By next week, you have to finish pg.123-234. and finish the book questions." I detest that. It is not hard, but I dont like it. I dont feel like I am getting anything in my head. Well, of course other people may benefit from book readings in school, but not me. Well, I am lazy and I procrasinate much, so I just skim through the book and write down the answers I find. However, this time, the book assigned to us in English class, "A Christmas Carol" is really interesting and it is very fun to read. I felt triumph surrmounting me. Also, I HAVE FINISHED A BOOK THAT I'VE BEEN STUCK ON FOR 3 MONTHS! Can you believe? I am so happy I dont think there is another word to describe how I feel now. Content? No I'm simply HAPPY. Actually, the book i've been stuck on for months, is "The Hobbit," like I mentioned in my previous entry. Yes, it is an awesome book. How come I didnt realize before? Anyways. I love books.

Note to the English Teacher: Starting from tomorrow, I will not be able to post because I am leaving for a 5-day trip.

Today and Packing

Today, I met up with my friend to discuss our MUN project. We finished it SOON, in 3 hours, with watching music videos and promos. Well, We could have finished it in an hour, but we chose to do it with luxury sprinkled on. Then, I came home, and started on my math homework, and read a few pages of A Christmas Carol. I also started ( a little) to pack for the family trip. I am so excited. I searched up alot of information about the place and know quite a deal about it. Let's see.... what would I need? Hmmm, I would need well, clothes, toothbrush/paste, shampoo stuff already in the hotels...... Should I bring a big backpack or a handbag? I think I should bring a backpack. Oh, and I definitely need to recharge my camera. What book should I bring. Will I finish the Hobbit by then? I dont want to bring A Christmas Carol, because we would need it during English class, and hopefully I would finish it before we leave for the trip.

Christmas

I really like holidays, and there are some reasons. Well, first of all, on some holidays, you get days off. And for specific holidays you get stuff. Halloween, candies and LOVELY horror movies. Valentines day, chocolates and flowers. And Christmas... gifts! Well, no more of the magical gifts, but real gifts. Next week monday, me and my friends are exchanging gifts, and I am really excited. Isnt it human nature to get excited by the sight of wrapping papers? I think it is. Well, and christmas parties. Even though there arent any White christmases here, it is still cold. Well, no christmas cakes this year, but a new christmas tree. Yay! Also, our family exchanged christmas cards and ate sweets and fruits. It was fun. We also had music: Christmas carols playing in the background and somesort of little christmas show. Oh! And yesterday, on christmas eve turning to christmas, midnight of Dec. 24 to Dec. 25, I started reading "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. Well, it is our english homework to finish it, and all of last week was basketball practice and tournament. And I am still a hundred pages away from finishing "The Hobbit." The book is really good, but I think it is a slow read. Well, I really hope I can finish it soon. Back to the book "A Christmas Carol" Dont you think it is so cool I started reading it on Christmas? I think it is somewhat very remarkable (?) Anyways, the book is really short, only 80 or so pages. I hope I can finish those two books soon! Merry Christmas everyone!!

Basketball Game Part 3

Today was the final day of the basketball tournament. Well, I am not too giddy about this one. Sigh, today, there was only one game. And the beginners team was put on court alot. Yes, that was what I wished with all my heart, but after just seeing the opponent team keep scoring, I started to lose strength and energy mentally, discouraged. I know I shouldnt have done that, being discouraged. Coach said that team member's energy affects other team members. Anyways, I had a really wonderful experience, and learned alot, but it was a big state tournament, so I wished this wasnt my learning oppurtunity, but my victory. However, this was not the case. The other beginner team members scored. And I wish I could score too, I need more practice!!! Well, we lost the game at the end. I feel bad. Anyways, I know I am going to do better next time. There is still next year, and if I didnt learn my mistakes today, it wouldnt look so good if I lose the tournament of my second year of basketball. This is just another precious experience. Thank you. Today was a good day. Also, I had flute and math class, they were both very fun and I was really happy and willing to learn during the whole class, for both. Learning. Is. Wonderful.

Basketball Game Part 2

So today was the second day of the basketball tournament. There were two games in total. One in the morning and one in the afternoon. The morning game, our beginners team didnt have a chance to go on court. However, we learned quite alot by just watching. It was a fun experience. Then, in the afternoon, the beginners team did get to go on court for a few seconds. Well, I really wanted to play more, but we were put on court at the last few minutes. Sigh, well I know that I need to try harder and practice more and wait till the next tournament. Until then, I need to practice, practice, practice.

Basketball Game Part 1

Today was the first day of our basketball game. There are two games tomorrow and one on the day after that. Though for today's game, the our beginners' team only went on court for few brief minutes, we still were zealous and earning for another quarter. Well, or maybe it was just me. I really really like basketball. Especially the games. They were so interesting! I love it. Dont want to admit, but we lost. I wish we could win tomorrow! Please please please. Well, no use of me praying. It all depends on skills. Or maybe praying does help. You do need a little bit of luck. This whole afternoon I had been making a brochure and I really dont feel like sitting infront of the computer too long now. So can I end my journal here now? Actually, wait, one more thing. I should be more reticent. Oh gosh, what is seriously wrong with me and with my stupid blabbing mouth. Gosh, oh well i mean my mouth isnt stupid since it functions well, helps me pronounce words and eat stuff, but what is wrong with words that come out of it? Tomorrow, is another mission of life for me. Be reticent. That is your mission for tomorrow, and of course, winning the game too. Ok see I talk too much, i better go sleep now. BUH BYE!

Another grateful day

Tomorrow, is another basketball game. I wish I could perform well. I really really like basketball. There are hobbies that are just a part of you. I wish I could make basketball a part of me, like flute is a part of me already. Tomorrow is going to be a good day. I have to be grateful that I have this kind of oppurtunity. I really am truely grateful. Also, I would have to talk about today. Today was another good day passed. Though I havent finished a book that I've been stuck on for 3 months (that's not even humanly possible but yes, I am), and I didnt perform well in basketball practice, I am still grateful. I am very grateful for the day that is given to me, specifically me. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

All over again

I have a huge headache now and I do not know what to post. Oh! I know, I will post about Kim Jong Il. So yeah, today afternoon, I saw on CNN that Kim Jong Il is dead. And on the news, like in those videos, the North Koreans are crying and mourning over their great leader's death. I am not sure about what the response is of the globe and South Korea, but I know that they were simply shocked and unprepared. Soon, Kim Jong Un will tighten the grip on North Korea again. And soon, everything would be back to normal. In the CNN news video, the reporter discussed with another reporter whether or not the North Koreans would dare to bring about an uprising. The response of the reporter was a no. This end brings a new start. It somehow is related to how I feel nowadays, End one thing completely, in order to restore and rebuilt all over again.

Winter Dance

Ok, so our winter break officially started two days ago, which was friday night. One very remarkable thing was that in MUN, we actually watched a movie, called "A Christmas Story" and it wasnt related to MUN AT ALL!!!!!! No one could even believe it. I was like so excited for the whole movie. Then at 6:00pm, the winter dance started. The dance was awesome. Since I went to one winter dance last last year, which was like when I was in 7th grade. Then, I knew nothing about partying, dancing, whatsoever. So the 7th grade one was just a nice little experience. This time, It ROCKED. It was fun. Really fun. Well, so there were the party songs, which I jumped until my feet screamed in pain, and sang at the top of my lungs until at one high note cracked! Ouch. But, oh well, I love singing and dancing. And partying! There were chocolates, chips, sandwiches, icecream, and drinks. The boring cafeteria that we ate lunch in turned into an awesome dancefloor. And there were couches to let people hang out on. Hell yeah! I know this is nothing compared to those typical american parties, but it was still awesome. I also invited my best friend that transferred when we were in 7th grade. Oh, the moment I met her, it was then tahtI realized how much I missed her. It was a nice reunion. And I was glad my friend that currently is in the same school, instantly became friends with my best friend. The dance also had another meaning, it was the last of my silly, imprudent acts.

Eventful

These days can be described in one word: Eventful. So busy, so busy. Yesterday, we had the basketball game. Today, we had the chrsitmas performance! Tomorrow, a.k.a the last day of school before winter break, is the winter dance! During today's christmas performance, some of us, the freshmens had to dance to "You make me feel," it was really fun and I love dancing. Especially the passion grew after watching a movie called "Beat the world." For all the dance lovers, you should go check it out. And tomorrow, though just kinda excited, I will be going to the winter dance. And tomorrow, will be the last of my imprudent acts. I truely wish this last time would bring an end. Bring an end and start a new one.

First Game: FUN: GOOD Life

Today, was MY first basketball game ever. Well, I emphasized the "my" because my other teammates had already played in the previous game which I couldnt attend because of my classes. I did not perform well on the court. However, I will not be discouraged. I am going to take in this as an experience, since it is my first game. However, it does not mean I can just forget about it. I am going to learn from this experience and not make the same mistakes again. (Which includes sleeping earlier the night before). While the other team fast break - ed, I kept bumbing them and thrusting them on the floor. I felt huge remorse after that, keep pushing them down. However, I really do NOT think what I did was wrong. The basketball court, to me, was like a battlefield, the other team gets close to the hoop, I have to push them down, NO MATTER WHAT. The offense, I did not perform well YET, and I am sure soon I would improve and I am going to try really hard. This experienced changed me a lot. Not only it lighted the burning fire of desire and passion for basketball, I also earned a great experience. It was fun, overall, though we lost. No other words can describe the experience today, it was simply FUN. I never actually had a sport that I cared much for. But today, everything changed. I really think I can make basketball a part of my identity, like I did with music: flute, and dance, and studying (?) well, not really. Tomorrow, we are having a christmas show, which I perform in orchestra and dance, which I am really exicted about. I love dancing, singing and all kinds of things. I am trying to make myself like studying too. (I'm not a nerd, though I have this STRANGE buring PASSION and DESIRE for straight A+ s) haha....Then on friday, we are having a winter dance! It would be really exicting and I am very excited. I also invited an old classmate/ really close friend. And we're going to have a great reunion. YAY! Life is so awesome.

Be prepared

I am really not sure what should I post on blogger today. However, since I have to write a blog, I just am going to ramble and ramble, and see what I come up with. So there were many eventful things that happened today. First of all, erm...I dont know, I had fun in geometry and biology. Then, I was happy in MUN because this morning (ahem*) I woke up really early, and used 2 hours doing the MUN homework. Well, it is fine, because mostly it was just watching a very educational documentary, and jotting down some notes. My classmates 1/12 of the time. Which is only 10 mintues. However, I dont think that 2 hours of watching the film was in vain, because I had confidence in what I was saying during the class discussion. Oh well, I learned another life lesson: Always be prepared. NO MATTER WHAT. Also, I got very low on my grammar test, on clauses. They were careless mistakes, just because I didnt go with my very first answer. (Which I really should have.) So, I am going to take a redo test. I will be PREPARED and do it well. Also, another thing about preparation lesson I learned through life experience. Whenever whatever, Always, be, prepared. You dont know what is going to throw you off. For example, A compliment.

Basketball Game part 2

Dont people say news spread fast? Dont rumors in schools spread like the plague? But why? Why doesnt IMPORTANT news spread? Today, because of our basketball TRADITION, we, the team members had to wear formal attire to school. I personally think it is amusing and special. Also, today, we had two tests and if a fitness test in PE counts, Three! And I think the basketball game is anther test, so there, FOUR! However, this morning a team member told me that the game was cancelled. Not only that my formal attire was in vain, but also my utter disappointment crashed on me. I was so excited to have my first basketball game ever. I thought a long time about it yesterday. Fortunately, the game is simply postponed to wednesday. And for the whole afternoon, we have rehearsal for our christmas performance, I hope I still have the energy and strength, but no doubt my confidence. Wish me luck on my game!

Connections to historical events and larger world

What we are learning these days in History and MUN is really having a huge impact on me. What we are learning in History is the French revolution. During the Reign of Terror, anyone who was suspected to be against the revolution or had anything to do with the Old Older had their head chopped by the Guilotine. I know this is a silly thought, but a part of my dinner happened to be a shirmp. We all know how to eat a shirmp: Cut the head off, then peal off the legs, and strip its shell-like top off. I felt so bad eating that shirmp. This is also connected to genocides. We watched a documentary film on genocides last Friday. For example, in Rwanda, the people eliminating others would use a machete and chop a person into pieces. I felt as bad when I was eating the shirmp. I think I should be a vegetarian if I feel so bad eating a shirmp. But I can not help but feeling bad. I am really sorry. I am really sorry for the people who died in the French revolution, no, everyone who died in any kind of conflict, and the mass group of people who died in genocides. I understand peacekeeping is difficult, but I wish the UN could achieve that someday, if it is ever possible.

Realization of the new way to be happy in life.

Today, I have just realized how important teachers are and how grateful you can be to them. Also I realized how relieved a person can be by just clarifying their questions. I go to a math cram school. Now, it teaches us algebra. Last year, we had algebra I, but to my utmost regret, I did not pay attention AT ALL. I really regret it and wish I had worked harder. However, there is no use mourning and wailing over that now. The only way is for me to move on and start focusing more. Another important life lesson, you should never miss any second of your life. They are all important. Today, my tutor clarified my questions and I felt ebullient afterwards, and the burning passion for math surmounted me once again. Now that I realized how a person can brighten up by just understanding new concepts, I better start focusing on my biology, and actually work harder for it.

Basketball

For some reason, today's basketball practice seemed like the best one yet. Perhaps it is because I actually shot in some hoops. I was really glad since after I twisted my ankle, I couldnt practice, therefore my skills werent as good. Fortunately today, I shot in quite a few hoops. Our beginnner team also did a good job in defending against the offense (more skilled team members). So I was really ebullient and happy this practice. Next monday, we are having another game with a middle school. I am technically still a middle schooler, because that school counts 9th grade as still in middle school. So if we lose, we will have an excuse, like how we are the same age, (Because the coach expects we the highschoolers to win the middle schoolers) However, age does NOT matter. What matters is team work and skills. I simply can not wait till next monday comes. (Oh, but we have a history test on monday! oh no!) I really have a writers block today, and I am keep yawning, so this blog entry is boring and I would like to go sleep now. (Was that a run-on?) Oh well. Good bye!

Buring passion- Only the good news.

Today, was a good day. And a bad. Well, referring to my previous blog post about the VERY inspiring video we watched in history class, a good day being where you let gratefulness overflow you, no. But still, a nice day. However, there is this huge chuck of regret that feels like it weighs as much as lead. Do people want to hear the good news or the bad first? Today, I figured that the good then the bad is a good solution. Well, I got a good score on my math test! Yay! I really really have this crazy, burning love and passion for math. Okay, maybe not like algebra, but geometry. Geometry is like my FAVORITE subject in school. On pi day, 3/14, get ready for the big celebration party i'm throwing. (nevermind, i'm just kidding. But no doubt i'm going to post it on facebook.) Biology, I dont like it because I'm just not payin attention to the book. Dont get me wrong, I like taking notes during the teacher's lectures, but I'm just not that devoted to what's on the book. English is fun but how to find a theme is confusing me. Theme DOES NOT equal to morals! Thats what the teacher keeps telling us. Well, today I became more educated about the meaning of theme. In other words, I think I got the general idea afterschool. Also, after watching a movie about dancing, which was super-uper-duper inspirational, we the freshmen met to practice for christmas performance. We are dancing "You make me feel." It is really fun. I also happen to have a buring passion for dance. And there is the bad news but I dont need to complain and whine about it because it is already the past. WHATEVER! I just need to focus on the future. And finish my homework.

Fate

In English classes these days, we are discussing and learning about themes. Though I still am a little confused about themes and morals of story, I know a universal theme: "Love conquers all." So we had to chose a song and post the lyrics on a blog and find out the theme. I had chosen "Love story" by Taylor swift. One of the themes I wrote down was "Love that are meant to be always find a way." Ok, and I am going to extend on the topic. Maybe we can zoom out from the category of love. How about any things in life? Are things that are destined and meant to be always find their way to get to you? Yes, I do believe things that are destined to happen to you would eventually find their way and get you. Whether it is a beneficial thing or an anathema, you have to be alert and on guard all times to be ready when the unexpected attack you. Don't sweat it,it may not be an anathema, it may be perhaps true love!

Responsibilites- You wanna be the leader?

After a camp I went to during the summer, I have gained more confidence, and leadership. However, something proves that I still am not THAT confident. Today, I RE-realized the responsibility that comes with leadership. In order to be a leader, you would have to sustain the heavy responsibilites, and you have to have the ability to handle it well. Today was our annual sports day. There was an award for the most team spirit. Well, our team got 3rd, tied with another team. Want to hear a funny thing? There is only four teams! Obviously, we got tied because of the pity points. The team we were tied with even had a student play saxphone while screaming their chant. Theirs' was far better than ours. Even a rock can tell that. Okay, maybe not a rock, but you get what I mean. Do you know what ours sounded like? The back row was one line faster than the front row. Our chant wasnt together. It was scattered. Out of order. Out of control. No one, even we, who were rambling about our chants, couldnt understand what we were RAMBLING about. What's even worse, our team leader accidently started with the second line of the chant. Well, I hope I dont sound too cruel and mean and cold blooded. However, I am just stating the fact. The sports day was held in a rush. There were only two sports team meetings. It was really put together in a hurry. So the team leaders shouldnt be blamed for it. However, I am just saying that the leaders have a huge responsibility: make our team the best. So, now I'm getting to my point. (Finally.) During PE class, I really wanted to be the leader. (we were playing football, by the way) I knew all the rules, (mostly), thought of many strategies (note: many), thought over this and that (again, many things). Our PE was divided into two teams, and then, we were separated to girls and boys, separately. Our team leader (boys and girls mixed) had chosen a classmate as the leader. However, I really did want to be the leader. Well, the classmate did a good job. But, you know, self esteem? Or worse, ego? Narcissism? Oh well, I have a leadership-y heart (and mind) However, because of the lack of confidence, I didnt argue. I dont really step up and say I want to be the leader. What if our team loses? However, I know now. I re-realized it. If I really wanted to be the leader, then I would have to manage the responsibilites somehow. And somehow get things right. No more, will there be any cases, were I back out of being a leader because I am worried of what would happen if I do something wrong. Screw the people. If they dont like what I'm doing, then step up and say it to my face. I am not going to shrink back EVER AGAIN. Anyone whose like me, step up, LET'S DO THIS.

A video that changed my life: A good day.

Today, in history class, we were learning about the french revolution. Right after China decided to isolate itself from the world, the Enlightenment in Europe started. Then, the American revolution started, then the French Revolution. Because during the Enlightenment, many philosphers began to use their brains, and light bulbs were lit up and soon, a government formed. Our teacher thought a video was a quick fun thing to show us. (to keep us awake- well not me, i'm a GOOD kid haha- I dont sleep in class, though sometimes I feel the teacher words turn into monotone-) Anyways, the teacher showed us a TED talk video. Which he said that it was destinely (is that even a word?) made for people with short focus abilities. Everyone laughed at that. However, yes indeed, TED talks are very short. They are so educational. I love them. Espeically ones about technology. They are so awesome. (I'M NOT A NERD) So, this TED talk we watched was about life. Philosphers' interpretation of life. The speaker is a photographer who films things for a long time and watches the sped up version. You know, like you film the growth of a flower for a month, and speed it up. It is sort of like stop motion. The speaker/photographer really sees the beauty in life. Also, he is working on a project. Where he showed the audiences the first part. It was a little girl talking. She said simple things, what she wants, and how she views the world. However, later, an old man was on the screen, and he said so many touching words. He said "It is not another day, it is the day given to you, today." "Each day is a gift given to us." Yes, it is a gift. Most people, of course and me, took things for granted. In the cold winter mornings, under our heavy blankets, we groan. We complain, "Why do I have to go through another stupid day of school/ work?" However, a day, the most precious gift, is not stupid. Most people think, "Nothing special really happened today." However, the old man said, "Live it as it was your first day, and the last." He said, the only respond, to the gift of the day given to you, is "Gratefulness."
Think about electricity, water, the things we take for granted. However, most people around the world, would never get to experience those things we take for granted. "Be gratetful. Look at the people around you. Bless them. Let the blessing flow through you. With your eyes, smile, touch, and presence. Let Gratefulness overflow you. Then, it would truely be a good day."

The video inspired me greatly. It deeply touched my heart. Please go check it out.
It changed my life. It set me back on the right track, from a total mess. Hope it will change yours too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXDMoiEkyuQ

(If you want to see from where the old man talks about life, start from around 4 mins:50 seconds)