I have always wondered how people pull all nighters. I am not able to function the next day with less than five hours of sleep, so therefore I have never pulled an all nighter. I would fall asleep in every single lecture. However, there are many people who are staying up till 3 in the morning trying to cram in last minute studying or finishing up a paper. I would not be able to function that late. Once midnight occurs I force myself to drop everything I'm doing and just go to sleep regardless if I still needed to learn one more topic. I simply say that I'll finish it up tomorrow.
There are many people I know who can pull 3 hours of sleep for three days in a row. For instance, my mom is constantly working. She gets hardly any sleep and when she wakes up she's surprisingly wide awake and ready to go for work. Of course she has a tall americano in her hand every morning as well. I could never be able to go without sleep. I think to myself maybe if I sleep more, then maybe, just maybe I'd be able to grow just a little more and become taller than my YOUNGER sister. However, that never happens, so I force myself to sleep early so I won't be half asleep at each class I attend.
This past weekend was prom and even though I attended Prom, I wasn't able to attend any of the after parties. This was due to my mom being concerned about me getting my homework done. She was afraid of me staying up all night and then the next day I wouldn't be able to get any homework done. I hate to admit it, but she's probably right. I probably would've stayed up till four in the morning, but then sleep all day because I couldn't be able to function with out sleep. As I'm talking about sleep, I feel like taking a nap right now. Punahou is part of the reason many students gets a lack of sleep. During the month of may, I have especially seen a change in my sleeping. I feel like I'm constantly doing more and more work, while not getting any sleep.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
WOW
So what is so good about the computer game World of Warcraft?
Troy plays WOW and has had it for about a month and he's already on level 40 something. I'm not complaining or asking him to quit because I haven't even noticed a change. If he didn't tell me he started playing WOW, I probably wouldn't even be able to tell. However, if he ever blows me off more than once to play a video game, then I'd start getting a little agitated. Now that I've been hanging out with Troy's friends I begin to realize how WOW has been taking over their lives. Those boys have been staying up till three in the morning to level up or get one more bar (or whatever it is). It's pretty rediculous that some will even go home during breaks to play this game. I'm not saying it's a bad game. I can't judge if it's good because I've never played this game before. But once it gets to the point where you've spent over 500 hours stuck to a computer playing a game, it gets pretty rediculous.
When asking a friend the question what's so good about WOW, he simply replied, "that he can't explain it, you have to play it" and that "you'll like it, if you like gaming". He's currently a level 56 and spent 13 days worth attatched to the computer. I found that pretty rediculous because he'll spend more hours on the computer to obtain the level 70 status.
Nothing really productive gets achieved, except for the pride and joy of saying you have a level 70 taren warrior or orc mage. Oh goodness, they talk about every single day. I think I could bet that they would talk about WOW tomorrow. Alright well I can't really say anything bad about the game because I've never played it. Maybe one day I'll jump on Troy's account and see what it is all about. It sounds pretty interesting, but I don't see how anyone could get so attatched to the game. Don't you get dizzy after looking at a screen for a while, especially if it's constantly moving.
Troy plays WOW and has had it for about a month and he's already on level 40 something. I'm not complaining or asking him to quit because I haven't even noticed a change. If he didn't tell me he started playing WOW, I probably wouldn't even be able to tell. However, if he ever blows me off more than once to play a video game, then I'd start getting a little agitated. Now that I've been hanging out with Troy's friends I begin to realize how WOW has been taking over their lives. Those boys have been staying up till three in the morning to level up or get one more bar (or whatever it is). It's pretty rediculous that some will even go home during breaks to play this game. I'm not saying it's a bad game. I can't judge if it's good because I've never played this game before. But once it gets to the point where you've spent over 500 hours stuck to a computer playing a game, it gets pretty rediculous.
When asking a friend the question what's so good about WOW, he simply replied, "that he can't explain it, you have to play it" and that "you'll like it, if you like gaming". He's currently a level 56 and spent 13 days worth attatched to the computer. I found that pretty rediculous because he'll spend more hours on the computer to obtain the level 70 status.
Nothing really productive gets achieved, except for the pride and joy of saying you have a level 70 taren warrior or orc mage. Oh goodness, they talk about every single day. I think I could bet that they would talk about WOW tomorrow. Alright well I can't really say anything bad about the game because I've never played it. Maybe one day I'll jump on Troy's account and see what it is all about. It sounds pretty interesting, but I don't see how anyone could get so attatched to the game. Don't you get dizzy after looking at a screen for a while, especially if it's constantly moving.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
my sanctuary.
Lyon's Arboretum, a place of peace and memories. It's the only place to fully connect with nature away from the hustle and bustle of everyday living. It's a place to espcape civilization and slow time to relax. I have been deep in Manoa many times just to relax or take a nice walk with friends. With sky reaching trees and surrounding birds, I feel as if I couldn't get a better sense of the beautiful nature. I was introduced to this sanctuary recently, maybe about a year and a half ago, and ever since, I have been trying to drive up to Lyon's Arboretum every chance that I get.
I've visted the Lyon's Arboretum many times, but I specifically recall three different events because all were so different, but yet so special to me. The first visit to the Lyon's arboretum was with my dad and brother. At first we simply walked around their garden of native plants. This garden was filled with some familiar plants and others I have never seen before. It was a relaxing walk with just my little brother and dad. I recall another time when I hiked through the mountain with three of my good college friends before they left for the mainland again. It was a good way to have a relaxing event before they all left. It was a fun way to connect with them and definitely a memory I'll never forget. And finally, the my most recent trip to the deep forests was with Troy. It was really fun hiking with him because it was an activity much different from what we usually do, such as dinners or movies. We hiked the entire trail and pausing at every resting spot just to take a breather and appreciate nature and each other. As soon as we travelled back down to the big open field again, we decided to play a game of tag. Unfortunately, I'm not a fast runner so I was "it" for the majority of the time.
Those memories will remain with me forever through pictures and documenting my moments deep in the jungles of Manoa. I can't wait until the next time I travel up the swerving roads, past Manoa falls, and into Lyon's Arboretum. However, this time I must remember to bring insect repellent because the time before it looked like I had a mild case of chicken pox.
I've visted the Lyon's Arboretum many times, but I specifically recall three different events because all were so different, but yet so special to me. The first visit to the Lyon's arboretum was with my dad and brother. At first we simply walked around their garden of native plants. This garden was filled with some familiar plants and others I have never seen before. It was a relaxing walk with just my little brother and dad. I recall another time when I hiked through the mountain with three of my good college friends before they left for the mainland again. It was a good way to have a relaxing event before they all left. It was a fun way to connect with them and definitely a memory I'll never forget. And finally, the my most recent trip to the deep forests was with Troy. It was really fun hiking with him because it was an activity much different from what we usually do, such as dinners or movies. We hiked the entire trail and pausing at every resting spot just to take a breather and appreciate nature and each other. As soon as we travelled back down to the big open field again, we decided to play a game of tag. Unfortunately, I'm not a fast runner so I was "it" for the majority of the time.
Those memories will remain with me forever through pictures and documenting my moments deep in the jungles of Manoa. I can't wait until the next time I travel up the swerving roads, past Manoa falls, and into Lyon's Arboretum. However, this time I must remember to bring insect repellent because the time before it looked like I had a mild case of chicken pox.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
A Sustainable Environment
The earth day fair took place on campus and there were many booths down by the science center. Originally, I wasn't going to attend the fair, until I heard they were giving away free cups and if you win one you'll receive drinks at the cafeteria for fifty cents instead of seventy. I know... it sounds like my purpose was all greed, but in some way it's what motivated me to move my lazy but down to the science center. After walking around I was glad I attended the fair because not only did I win a cup, but I also gained information about our environment. I loved the posters that were around campus that were clear cut statements about the environment and recycling. There were some that suggested to save recycled cans because it'll have enough energy to run a television for three hours. I also learned about how long it take to decompose many items, such as orange peel, a magazine, and a can. Everyone states that the orange peel will decompose when they are throwing it into the bushes, but what they probably don't know is that it'll take 25 months to decompose. This along with many other facts are among the items I learned today. I hope they have this fair again next year. Even though my family does not recycle cans and bottles, I feel that this fair has motivated me to tell my family to start recycling.
An inconvenient truth is a movie about global warming and how it has been affected the environment. I didn't go to the screening this past Friday, but I did see it at the theatre's at University during the summer for American Literature. This movie is an excellent movie and I respect Al Gore more for the actions he has taken to improve our environment. Global warming has been changing our environment drastically. There is a notice in colder temperature during the winter and hotter temperatures during the summer. Gore states that all of the ice is melting and will raise the ocean level by a lot. Hawaii will be underwater soon because of the melting of glaciers. Even though this would probably not happen soon, we should still make an effort to prevent this occurance for future generations to come.
An inconvenient truth is a movie about global warming and how it has been affected the environment. I didn't go to the screening this past Friday, but I did see it at the theatre's at University during the summer for American Literature. This movie is an excellent movie and I respect Al Gore more for the actions he has taken to improve our environment. Global warming has been changing our environment drastically. There is a notice in colder temperature during the winter and hotter temperatures during the summer. Gore states that all of the ice is melting and will raise the ocean level by a lot. Hawaii will be underwater soon because of the melting of glaciers. Even though this would probably not happen soon, we should still make an effort to prevent this occurance for future generations to come.
Monday, April 9, 2007
not another one.
As days past by, I draw nearer towards the test of four hours... the ACT. I have already taken the ACT once before in January and did alright. However, I knew I could do better considering I skipped the entire last reading and science passage. I didn't keep an eye on how much time I had left. Each month I am taking a different test. This month the ACT, the following month I'm taking SAT 2's, and in June (even after school is finished) I'm taking the SAT once more. I am completely stressed over these tests because they pretty much determine which colleges I can be admitted to. Actually I'm not quite completely stressed over taking these tests, but I'm sure it'll hit me later when it comes closer to the tests. Junior year is definitely filled with stress of taking these tests. I really don't think these tests measures your ability in college because there are many people who aren't good with bubble tests... like me unfortunately. I absolute can't wait till I'm a second semester senior and won't have to worry about applications or these standardized tests. We still have a month and three weeks left of school and I think it'll be a push for me to achieve the grades I want to receive. When thinking about the end of school, it also brings be to the subject of the season of tennis ending. States is during May 9th, which is exactly a month from now. I'll be missing about four days of school, which I know my mom will hate. I have never missed a day of school since high school started. Or at least I'm pretty sure, because I never had to fill out those pink slips. We've had tennis season for two months now and it has now hit me how far into the season we actually are. We're still undefeated (knock on wood) and have a good shot to taking home states. So wish us luck. :) adios
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
secrets of coldstone
Ok, so basically if you don't know already... I used to work at Coldstone. Throughout my 21 months working there I have learned some things about coldstone and some things I get irritated with by coldstone customers. So for this blog I shall list all the things I learned about icecream and anything about coldstone in general.
1. Coldstone icecream has TONS of callories. I'm pretty sure that a LOVE IT size with ONE topping has about 500 calories in it. Rediculous... I know. That's why I rarely took home icecream when I could.
2. Servers don't like it when an adult orders a kid size. Many coldstones won't serve kid sizes to adults, but ward does.
3. To make your own cake, order in at least 24 hours in advance at ward. Some other places require three days. Ask for one layer of cake, but with extra icecream. In my opinion, there's too much cake to taste the REALLY good icecream.
4. We usually give out samples on Friday nights and Saturday. We'll go around to the theatres, but usually once we travel that distance half of it is melted.
5. If you and your friend is getting the same type of icecream order a GOTTA HAVE IT and have it split into two cups. It's a LOT cheaper.
6. Make sure you get ONE topping. i mean c'mon the first one is FREE. you can also have the topping on the side. I like to get gummy bears to eat on the side. OR if you don't want to be that sinful take a piece of banana.
7. Shakes has probably the most calories because there are six scoops of icecream in the love it size drink.
8. The smoothies are really good and made out of fruits and juices. I'd recommend the "2 to mango".
9. WARD has the CHEAPEST prices out of all the coldstones in the state
10. Plus Ward won the GOLDEN SPADE. OO-AHHH. if you look against the wall at the cash register you'll see ALL of our awards. It might not make a big deal, but in coldstone lingo, it's pretty big if you earn one. That means best cleanliness, best customer service, and best products (everything labeled with dates).
1. Coldstone icecream has TONS of callories. I'm pretty sure that a LOVE IT size with ONE topping has about 500 calories in it. Rediculous... I know. That's why I rarely took home icecream when I could.
2. Servers don't like it when an adult orders a kid size. Many coldstones won't serve kid sizes to adults, but ward does.
3. To make your own cake, order in at least 24 hours in advance at ward. Some other places require three days. Ask for one layer of cake, but with extra icecream. In my opinion, there's too much cake to taste the REALLY good icecream.
4. We usually give out samples on Friday nights and Saturday. We'll go around to the theatres, but usually once we travel that distance half of it is melted.
5. If you and your friend is getting the same type of icecream order a GOTTA HAVE IT and have it split into two cups. It's a LOT cheaper.
6. Make sure you get ONE topping. i mean c'mon the first one is FREE. you can also have the topping on the side. I like to get gummy bears to eat on the side. OR if you don't want to be that sinful take a piece of banana.
7. Shakes has probably the most calories because there are six scoops of icecream in the love it size drink.
8. The smoothies are really good and made out of fruits and juices. I'd recommend the "2 to mango".
9. WARD has the CHEAPEST prices out of all the coldstones in the state
10. Plus Ward won the GOLDEN SPADE. OO-AHHH. if you look against the wall at the cash register you'll see ALL of our awards. It might not make a big deal, but in coldstone lingo, it's pretty big if you earn one. That means best cleanliness, best customer service, and best products (everything labeled with dates).
last day of work
This past Saturday was my last day of work and I was pretty stoked to get more time on my weekends. Even though I worked only on Saturdays for five hours, this period will give me a lot more time to study and do various of other things. However, my mom is allowing me to quit only if I spend that time on studying, instead of having more play time. It's kind of junk, but it's better than having to work. Now I won't always have to cram everything in on Saturday night and Sunday because I'd have all of Saturday. More time on the weekend... sweet!
Coldstone has been a good first job for me. They had decent pay and the employees there were great. Many of them were really easy to get along with. But, I got pretty bummed when some of the employees I knew best were leaving for other jobs or college. In the mean time I was still working there as they hired new employees. I think I should've possibly taken a leave of absense earlier to relieve some of the stress of Junior year. When summer comes again, I'm pretty sure I'll be working again. Just not sure if it'll still be at coldstone.
So anyway my last day was great. It consisted of a pretty steady flow of customers, so the day didn't feel like it went on forever (like having no customers), there were no complaining people, and no sudden spills. It was a great day. PLUS Jean (the nicer one) was the manager for that day. I didn't make any major mistakes. Though when I ended work I noticed one of my nails chipped off. OOPSIE. I hope it didn't fall into the icecream. I didn't get any complaining costumers about a white nail in their icecream, so it probably came off when I was taking out the trash or doing dishes. BUT don't worry coldstone icecream is very safe and sanitary. i think my next blog will be of some unknown facts about coldstone.
Coldstone has been a good first job for me. They had decent pay and the employees there were great. Many of them were really easy to get along with. But, I got pretty bummed when some of the employees I knew best were leaving for other jobs or college. In the mean time I was still working there as they hired new employees. I think I should've possibly taken a leave of absense earlier to relieve some of the stress of Junior year. When summer comes again, I'm pretty sure I'll be working again. Just not sure if it'll still be at coldstone.
So anyway my last day was great. It consisted of a pretty steady flow of customers, so the day didn't feel like it went on forever (like having no customers), there were no complaining people, and no sudden spills. It was a great day. PLUS Jean (the nicer one) was the manager for that day. I didn't make any major mistakes. Though when I ended work I noticed one of my nails chipped off. OOPSIE. I hope it didn't fall into the icecream. I didn't get any complaining costumers about a white nail in their icecream, so it probably came off when I was taking out the trash or doing dishes. BUT don't worry coldstone icecream is very safe and sanitary. i think my next blog will be of some unknown facts about coldstone.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
learning about immigration
We were assigned a report for US history that involves studying your own ancestrial background. This required interviews of my grandmas and grandpas. So far I have only interviewed two of my grandparents and it was been very interesting to hear their stories and how they travelled to Hawaii. It's acually really difficult for me to trace far into my ancestors history. My grandparents didn't know a lot about their own background.
I first interviewed my grandparents on my mom's side. I found out that both of my great-grandmothers were locals. They were both born and raised on the Big Island. However, my great-grandfathers both immigrated from Japan. According to my grandparents, they simply left Japan in search of jobs on the plantations. There weren't really any struggle with the Japanese economy. Another interesting fact was that my grandmother had five brother and four sister. She was in a family with a total of ten kids. I found that to be completely ridiculous with that many siblings. I always thought my family on my mom's side was small, but because my grandma has so many siblings, I probably have many cousins I don't even know about.
Even though this assignment will be probably the longest paper written this entire year, I'm still excited to dig deep into my history and find out exactly where my ancestors came from. It has been interesting to hear all of my grandparents stories and it has been a way for me to get to know them even further. Luckily I still have one great-grandma and I'm really excited to hear what her mother and father were like. Woah, her parents would be my great-great grandparents. I'm more excited to learn about my heritage than write an eight page paper about the Japanese immigration to America. O well... I have a month to accomplish this task, so hopefully I won't be procrastinating.
I first interviewed my grandparents on my mom's side. I found out that both of my great-grandmothers were locals. They were both born and raised on the Big Island. However, my great-grandfathers both immigrated from Japan. According to my grandparents, they simply left Japan in search of jobs on the plantations. There weren't really any struggle with the Japanese economy. Another interesting fact was that my grandmother had five brother and four sister. She was in a family with a total of ten kids. I found that to be completely ridiculous with that many siblings. I always thought my family on my mom's side was small, but because my grandma has so many siblings, I probably have many cousins I don't even know about.
Even though this assignment will be probably the longest paper written this entire year, I'm still excited to dig deep into my history and find out exactly where my ancestors came from. It has been interesting to hear all of my grandparents stories and it has been a way for me to get to know them even further. Luckily I still have one great-grandma and I'm really excited to hear what her mother and father were like. Woah, her parents would be my great-great grandparents. I'm more excited to learn about my heritage than write an eight page paper about the Japanese immigration to America. O well... I have a month to accomplish this task, so hopefully I won't be procrastinating.
what's ever good enough.
There is never a point when a parent is fully satisfied with their child. In my opinion, a parent always feels that their child could do better, whether it's in school, sports, or getting a job. That's how I feel about my parents or at least only my mom. My dad has always been the more laid back type. However, my mom has always pushed me to do well in school, but at the same time keep up with tennis and a job. Throughout my entire life she has added stress to my life by forcing me to constantly see teachers, to ace every single tests, but frankly there is a point when I can't handle everything she hands me. My plate is stacked to the top and I can't add anything more. Thank goodness she finally let me quit work (leave of absence) because I was getting overwhelmed especially with v. tennis.
So yesterday was my last day of work and I was really happy I no longer had to serve icecream anymore. However, I was also disappointed in not getting anymore pay checks. Even though I quit work, it still has not yet cleared up my schedule by much. During the hours I was supposed to be working HAS to be spent studying. It was what I promised my mom when I quit.
I feel like she will never be proud of me because there is always something she can find a flaw in. For instance, if I do finish all my homework she will hound on me to get ahead of other things. School unfortunately has a never ending amount of work that could potentially get done. If you already finish everything that's due on a certain day, then you can then go on to studying for that test the next day or accomplish additional homework due on other days. Does anyone feel like they've been trying to please other people, but in the end you're the one that's not happy? That's how I've been feeling for the past few days. Like anything good I achieve is not good enough for my mom. Even though, she is full japanese, my mom is like one of those crazy strict korean mom's (stereotypical...sorry). But sometimes I just need a break from school, from tennis, from everything and allow time for myself. I can't even get time to myself in my own room without having my sister come in and bug me or my mom start lecturing me about school. Everyone says high school years are one of the best in your life. If this is good, then I wonder how junk it'll be when I actually have a carreer.
So yesterday was my last day of work and I was really happy I no longer had to serve icecream anymore. However, I was also disappointed in not getting anymore pay checks. Even though I quit work, it still has not yet cleared up my schedule by much. During the hours I was supposed to be working HAS to be spent studying. It was what I promised my mom when I quit.
I feel like she will never be proud of me because there is always something she can find a flaw in. For instance, if I do finish all my homework she will hound on me to get ahead of other things. School unfortunately has a never ending amount of work that could potentially get done. If you already finish everything that's due on a certain day, then you can then go on to studying for that test the next day or accomplish additional homework due on other days. Does anyone feel like they've been trying to please other people, but in the end you're the one that's not happy? That's how I've been feeling for the past few days. Like anything good I achieve is not good enough for my mom. Even though, she is full japanese, my mom is like one of those crazy strict korean mom's (stereotypical...sorry). But sometimes I just need a break from school, from tennis, from everything and allow time for myself. I can't even get time to myself in my own room without having my sister come in and bug me or my mom start lecturing me about school. Everyone says high school years are one of the best in your life. If this is good, then I wonder how junk it'll be when I actually have a carreer.
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