Happy June

Oops... Skipped May. Creative title, right? I try...

So summer has started- thank goodness. I'm actually going to miss my sophomore year though. I grew to really enjoy my classes. Especially English, History and Chemistry. I had a lot of good times in those classes that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. Like our stupid English projects, getting a 98 on one of my essays, analyzing and junk. (Yes Priscila- and junk.) Or talking in history when we were supposed to be testing or taking notes. Chemistry in general. Just being nerds was a lot of fun. Thanks to those who were willing to be stupid with me.

I took my two AP Tests. Euro was actually kind of fun, and I really want my results back. I'm just hoping for a 3 at this point. I really loved studying for it though. I miss the book that Sheena let me borrow. (Thanks Josh and Sheena for letting me borrow those books. Even though I stepped on yours a couple times, Josh...) Chem I don't think I did so well on, but I can't really say. I also took the SAT II subject test for Chem last week. Way easier than AP, but I still don't know how well I did...

The band trip to DC/ West Virginia was great. I really enjoyed myself, despite the rough times. I appreciate those of you who dealt with me the entire trip, and I'm really thankful you guys were there. I had a great time going around DC, and I only wish we had more time there. I'm still kind of bitter we didn't get to see WWII memorial, and I didn't get to go up to the Washington Monument either. But my family is thinking that our summer trip for the family this year(It's usually to Disneyland, or the beach house) might be to go DC and visit Allison for a while. So I really hope that falls through... Anyways- the bus ride to West Virgina wasn't so great, but that Korean number game sure was fun. The first night at the college was tough, because we were all so tired, and it was really frustrating that none of the chaperons knew what they were doing. But it got better by the end of the trip. I actually grew to enjoy it there- after eating all those disgusting meals/shoving Joshs face in cake, going to the river, sitting beneath the trees. Yea, I was thankful I was able to go. Alright, I'm rambling. Onto the pictures. These are just a few of my favorites.

Yea, these aren't all the pictures I like. So if you'd like to see some others, just let me know. Oh shoot... I just realized I probably have to set up a slide show for tomorrows Taco Night...

Graduation went well. It was a lot harder seeing them go than it was last year, and I can't imagine what I'll do next year. The Saturday after graduation I went to Kyle's and Vicki's graduation parties. Kyle's party was really nice, and seeing his little brother Connor acting so crazy was odd, but I didn't mind. It was funny. It was about 10 when Vicki, Jerome, Josh, and Mitch started playing. Pretty cool- they're really great.

I went to Disney Hall with John, Paul, Casey, Rachel and Andrew last week. I had an amazing time. The concert hall is beautiful, and the group we saw sounded so great. Saw the LA Korean Philharmonic playing Beethoven's 9th Symphony, and other various opera scenes. There were about 10 white people on stage, and 15 exactly in the audience. I can't wait till I go to more concerts in the future.

So a new season of So You Think You Can Dance has started. And I for one think that this is going to be the best season yet. All of the dances were amazing the other night, especially for it being the first episode. There was a great Foxtrot and an impressive Samba. But my favorite was a Wade Robson routine about crash test dummies. It’s really odd/twisted, but give it a chance. I really enjoyed it.


I’ve started watching The Office. I know it’s weird for me to be following the crowd, but this show is worth it. I laugh harder at those jokes than I do at most things in life. I’ve had my parents watch a few episodes too. It’s fun when you can quote the show and your parents know what you’re talking about. I’ve also been watching How I Met Your Mother. It isn’t quite as funny as The Office, but it has its moments. I love Ted almost as much as I love Ted. (Almost, but not quite.) He analyzes everything- from relationships to random occurrences. He analyzes almost as much as I do. I think that’s why I like him so much.


It’s been a while since I’ve posted, and since then I’ve found some new artists and songs. Keep Breathing- Ingrid Michaelson. Sorry- Maria Mena. Won’t Even Start- David Choi. Sheena is aware of my obsessions, but for the rest of you, these are some good songs.



And Happy Birthday Josh.

-Julia

Rude, don't bathe, and eat weird food... French?

I know I haven't posted in a while now, but lately I've been wondering- what's the point? The 4 or 5 people I know that read this already know everything that's going on in my life. So... I don't know why I continue to post. But here it goes...


So to get to DC with the band this year, I had to pay for half of my trip. My grandma agreed to help me put together a silent auction to raise some money. Last taco night a bunch of people brought old, relatively nice things they didn't want anymore to auction off. People bid throughout the night, and by the end I had raised $715. I love my family... That greatly exceeded my expectations, and now I guess I get to go to DC...


My mom is flying to Tennessee for a wedding over Mother's day weekend. Then flying to Virginia to see my sister. Then Wednesday May 13th, they're going to drive up and conveniently meet their daughter/sister in DC. I can't wait to see Allison. It's been much to long. Too bad I won't get to see Tyrel too. Considering he's in Turkey at the moment. I'm pretty sure he's fighting pirates...


Last Saturday our family got a Wii. It was totally unexpected. We went shopping at Best Buy, so my brother could get a new DS game. But then we came home with a Wii... We don't have any real games yet, but it's still entertaining enough. I'm better that Heather and my brother on almost everything, which is satisfying. They're both so good at video games, it's nice to know I can beat them at something.


Last Tuesday I went to Azusa Pacific University, Allison's Alma matter, for their wind ensemble concert. It was nice, and I'm glad I was able to go. It was really nice walking around campus. Remembering some of the things I'd gotten to do there. Just little things like where she graduated- being with my family up in the stands. Or having gone to a picnic her freshman year. Sweet memories. Dang, I miss my sister...


I spent almost all day today studying with Heather for my AP European history test coming up. Fun stuff. I don't think I'm going to fail, but I'm going to keep studying anyways. I've been pushing through the chapters. I'm trying not to give up on the Chem test, but I'm losing faith. I'll try to stay positive, but I'm not doing so well. It bothers me that a few of my friends get to go to all the study sessions after school, but I have band, which keeps me from going. So... We'll see how it goes...


Thanks to Sheena I've been introduced to Ingrid Michaelson. One of my favorites is The Chain. But besides her I've also been listening to Priscilla Ahn. She has a great voice. This is my favorite song by her. But also listen to Dream, if you get the chance.


For the past month or so Heather has been trying to convince me that French people are halfway decent. (It's a joke- but she doesn't know that. I don't have anything against the French.) So I told her if she compiled a list of ten French people that did something good for the world she might be able to convince me that French people are okay... But she's been having a lot of trouble. The only people she have so far are:


1. Joan of Arc
2. Charles De Gaulle (Leader of the Free French)
3. Napoleon Bonaparte (Whom I'm not even counting- He's Corsican...)
4. Le Chatlier
5. Montesquieu (I came up with that one... Like I said, she's really struggling...)


She even asked Mr. Cassady, and he just listed those people we had already come up with. Pretty pathetic. It's also pretty funny flipping through my AP Euro study book and reading what they have to say about the French. Like- "Voltaire compared the constitutional monarchy, rationalism, and toleration in England with the absolutism, superstition, and bigotry of his native France." Man, it's not a good sign when I find things like this entertaining. Just a reminder of what a nerd I am, I guess.


Have a nice remainder of April.


-Julia

Easy Life in Newport

As I'm sitting here looking at the ocean 15 feet away from me, I'm realizing how much homework I have to do before school starts up again tomorrow. But I've put off posting for a few weeks now, so I feel obligated. I know I'm lame for blogging when I'm at the beach, but it's all the time I have.



Spring break has gone by way too fast, but I'm thankful for the things I've gotten to do. I had a "sleepover" the other day. I can't remember the last time I've had people spend the night. Might've been my 12th birthday party or something. I've gotten together with people to study Chemistry for some 12 hours. Ryan had us watch a pirated version of Slumdog Millionaire from Vietnam. But other than that, I got caught up on Chemistry for the most part, even though I'm still behind studying for the AP Exam.

I went over to Mitch's the other day to learn how to swing dance. I almost forgot how much I love to dance. Even though it's so physically demanding (doesn't always look like it, but it is), it's so much fun. So fast-paced. I'm still sore three days later, but it's worth it.


After that my dad and I drove down to Newport to stay at a friends house, right on the beach. So being here has stopped me from doing anything productive whatsoever. Yesterday my dad and I met up with Priscila, Marcea and her mom and aunt. We rented some bikes and rode them from Newport pier to Huntington pier. It was a 12 mile round trip and it took us a little under two hours. It was so much fun, but my legs hurt now. I'm still more sore from dancing though. I love bike riding, especially by the beach, so I had a great time.


I saw the Grunion Run for the first time Thursday night. There were fish everywhere. Up on the shore, and you couldn't see the ocean floor through all the fish. As DJ (the family friend that lives here) said it "It's amazing, but disgusting."


Solo Ensemble went pretty well. My performance could've been better, but everyone's could've been better in some aspect. I'm not going to say much more, because it seems to just make people angry. But I thoroughly enjoyed listening to everyone's performances. It's always nice to have an opportunity to listen to your peers on what they've worked so hard on. There were some people I still wanted to see though. Like Priscila and Laura's duet, as well as Jessica and Emily's. So now that this year's solo ensemble is over, all that's left is to get ready for next year's.



Here's another Kina Grannis. I bought one of her albums on Itunes the other day, and I really enjoy it. Listening to it right ow, actually. This is the Goldfish Song. The one I told you about Priscila. (Sad I know exactly who reads this. All four of you.)


I was going to try to put this picture up, but it's too small. I'll just send a link. I wish there were really cards like this. I'd but them.


Have a good remainder of spring break. Hope you all didn't procrastinate as much as I did.


-Julia

Happy February

I wanted to post again, just for the sake of having two posts in February. I have about an hour... Good thing I don't have much to say...

Multi Cultural assembly was on yesterday. Congrats to all who participated. It turned out well. I really enjoyed the tinikling. Might have been due to how much I'd heard about it before hand. I was impressed. I screamed for them, and I don't usually do that in public.

I went to an Academy Awards party last Sunday where a bunch of white people at a bunch of Chinese food and sat and watched... the Academy Awards... I was really pleased with Slumdog Millionaire, and I think it was well deserved. Us white people have this competition at this party. (Oh yea, I'm white. Don't be too surprised...) You vote for the movies you think might win, and see how well you match up with how the Academy votes. Last year I won for last place and this year I tied for first. However lame it is, I was proud of myself.

I watched this movie last weekend called Dr. Strangelove. It was made in the 60's. Director of A Clockwork Orange. It's about the Cold War, during the Cold War. So I'd imagine it might have been controversial. It's a really strange movie, and I'm not sure I recommend it. But there are some clever bits in there that make it worth it.

On Thursday I went to the courthouse to watch Kyle and others participate in their second mock trial competition. They did really well, but that might have been due to the fact that Lancaster did such a poor job. I was really impressed and the case never lost my attention. Nithya had a really good closing statement, as well as Kyle with his opening. I was glad I got to go, even if it did meaning starting my homework at 11.

I guess Sheena's gotten Priscila and Marcea hooked on Kina Grannis. Here's "Strong Enough." It's a nice angry song. I'm emotionally attached I think.

With the finale of America's Best Dance Crew coming up, Quest did a couple performances the other night. I really enjoy what they do. It's really clever if you look into it and it cheers me up. This challenge they had to incorporate different styles of dancing into their choreography. They did a good job. Then again, they always do.

I don't have much of a life other than that. Have a good rest of February.

-Julia

School and TV

I guess that describes my life at the moment... Wait, friends and family might be somewhere in there too.



For the last week I've been stressing trying to decide whether I should go AP or IB. After talking to friends and teachers, I'm going to go with IB. I don't have any obvious reasons for this choice, but I'm looking forward to it nonetheless. I'll have my IB diploma taped to the top of my cardboard box I'll be living in after I major in Music. Oh yes, playing Apples and Apples earlier today, the green card was "Hopeless". (Sorry if you're not familiar with the game.) And Heather says "Julia... No, Julia's career." Thanks Heather... Yet, completely accurate. When she's working for NASA she's agreed to house me. Sorry, too many inside jokes, and she doesn't even read this.


So my tentative schedule for next year is:
IB English HL
IB History of the Americas HL
IB Music HL
Spanish 3
IB Math Methods
IB Chem SL


I'm not going to go into it too much because everyone that reads this has probably heard my plan more than once.


I just got a review packet today for Chemistry. It's 142 pages of definitions, AP short answer questions, and worksheets. I'm anxious to get started.


I watch too much TV for my own good. But I watch them all on the weekends, so it's not like it interrupts my schoolwork. Here's the list of shows I've been watching regularly: 24, House, Lie to Me, America's Best Dance Crew, Monk and Psych. Lie to Me is new, recommended by Priscila. I've been liking it so far. Another new one that I've only watched once is "Dollhouse". Interesting concept, where basically the doctors can medically trick their patients into believing they're whoever the clients need them to be. Then they sell their services to the clients... I'm not getting that right. It's interesting, but I doubt I'll stick with it. I know that America's Best Dance Crew is on MTV and hosted by Mario Lopez, (Shut up with the puns. It's painful.) but it's almost worth it. Some of the dancers are great in my opinion. Quest crew is my favorite this season, considering 3 of them came from So You Think You Can Dance. Impressive dances- that's the only reason why I put up with the slang ("Representin" "Tight dog". What does that even mean?) and the horrible hosting. (It's not as bad as Superstars of Dance though.) Monk and Psych- I'm starting to think I'm obsessed with homicide.


I watched Chicago, the musical, the other day. The songs were disappointing but the way they portrayed the different situations was really interesting. Like representing the execution as a circus act, and the trial as a tap dance. My favorite song was probably "Cell Block Tango". And I liked the way they represented the press conference. It's a quirky movie, and not amazing. But enjoyable enough.


Oh yea, I think we went to Disneyland the other day. Almost forgot. I had an amazing time, and I went on the most rides I'd ever been on in one trip. Thanks to those who let me hang with them. I appreciated it.


Thanks Sheena for introducing me to Kina Grannis. Here's one of my favorites if anyone's interested.


Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. But I don't actually have a life to talk about.

-Julia

Too Many Russian Beverages

Notice that I'm posting on a Thursday- a school night. This probably won't happen again for the rest of the year. School is back up again, and I'm looking forward to it. I'm determined to better this semester, mainly in English. (Hey, a 92.9% is better than I was expecting, but being disappointed with it is just the way I work.) I could do better in AP Euro too. Just good enough to beat Ryan.

I auditioned for District Honor band and I made it this year. Seventh chair. Not amazing, but I'm content. Congrats Josh and John. Yea- you're better than Miles. Stop smiling now. I'm looking forward to it, even though I don't know how great the music will be. But I'm just glad I made it.

I've started studying for my AP Chemistry and European History tests. Thanks Josh and Sheena for letting me borrow you're books. It saved me some $40, so I'm grateful. I took the diagnostic exam in the Chemistry book and only got a 3. That kind of made me mad, but if I'm not content yet, then I guess it'll just make me study harder. I'm getting a 5. Then dad promised I would be his favorite.

I've been watching a couple of TV shows lately. 24 has started back up again, and I'm really enjoying it. It's smarter than most shows I watch, and it's rare that I have problems with it. Like when I start to think "Okay, our government isn't that dumb..." Looking good this season. Another new show is Superstars of Dance. I went to a live recording a while back, and now it's great to see it on TV. The judges are stupid and the hosting is awful, but the dances are worth it all. (The Russian judge is pretty funny- that's who my title comes from, by the way. Hope I don't get too much grief for making that my title...)Some of my favorites have been the American Grovaloos, the Russian ballet dancer, the Australian and Argentinian couples, and India's Mythili. Hah, it sounds like I listed everyone, but there are so many dances. If you haven't yet, watch one or two of the shows. If you hate it, complain to me. But if you like any of the dances, tell me about it. The finale is the 26th of January and the show I attended comes on next Monday the 22nd.

Leftover T of R news- I got the pictures of the Mexican band. I told my Spanish teacher about them, and she asked if I got their e-mails. And I wish I had. Carlos, my section leader, did and he e-mails with them often. I told her about how I spoke Spanish, and she looked proud. She wasn't there to see how stupid I sounded I guess...

And here is something from John and Mitch. They posed themselves, honest. I had nothing to do with it, but take the pictures. And knowing those two, this made me laugh. There were some wires running across the walkway, so this was the caution they put on the cover.

I'm sure I forgot to write something here. Oh well... Have a good weekend.

-Julia

What does this say? Honor Band?

I know it's a little late, but I just read this bit by Orson Scott Card. As we look at all the things that say "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas". As to not offend anyone. Pretty clever in my opinion-

"I suppose the idea is that what if you accidentally said "merry Christmas" to a Jew or a Muslim or a (shudder) atheist. Heaven forbid you should commit such a heinous offense...

It's not as if we say, "As you think about the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, and all those slaughtered babies that were left behind for Herod's soldiers to kill after Jesus and his folks got away, and even though these events almost certainly have nothing to do with the 25th of December, have a merry day."
Or maybe, "As you drink yourself to oblivion in a dark saloon with atheists and unfaithful husbands who got kicked out of the house because of what happened at the office Christmas party, loathing everyone around you who believes in either God or Santa Claus, try to be merry."

Actually the whole banter is pretty clver. If you want to read more here is his website, or if you just want me to send that part to you, let me know.

My Christmas was decent. Saw a bunch of family and stuff. That was pretty gross. I actually got a new book by Orson Scott Card. I'll get to it now that I have a few seconds of free time. My sister and brother-in-law came out for the Christmas season. I've really missed them, and knowing I won't see her again until March and him again until November, it was pretty depressing as much as joyous. I was called a "punk" a "teenager" and even a "band kid" by Tyrel. I think he's showing affection... Kidding, but it was a great time. His favorite gift was the Matchbox pterodactyl I got him from Albertson's. With them they brought some 400 pictures from the wedding. Here are a few-

There's a million of these I want to put up, and if you want to see more, just let me know.

The Rose Parade is now over and done with. Six miles actually isn't that long. I was waiting for more after it was over. Oh, and I'd like to clarify that anyone who said Dodger stadium was horrible is a wimp. It's not that bad. At least not worth the complaints. Disneyland was pretty fun. Granted, we didn't get on that many rides, I had a fun time nonetheless. Highlight though- walking towards Tomorrowland in the mass of people I feel this tap on my shoulder. It was some trumpet players from Mexico that were marching in the Rose Parade. They were asking for a picture. So while we were crowding up the walkway and taking pictures, I started talking to one of them in Spanish. His name was Manuel. I must've sounded like such an idiot, but I was trying... Bandfest also came and went, and I didn't expect it to be that much fun. Being a left guide I had to memorize my spots for our field show, and I got yelled at enough. (I found it funny when I watched some of the videos back- The two that were yelling at me were either out of step or not guiding in the parade block.) But regardless it was all an amazing experience and some of the most fun I've had in a long time. I'd like to thank all the people that I was with, from those that came just once to see us, to those that I saw daily. And I never thought I'd create so many memories or like being around those people so much. We're going to be missing a lot of clarinets next year. There were eight seniors that won't be coming back next year. You could count John as a senior, but he's going to fail math so he can come back again.

Now that I'm done with T of R and deathly bored at home, I've been learning this song on my new-ish keyboard. It's Coldplay, but it's not Clocks. I doubt anyone I know has ever heard this song before (except Sheena), but I've been figuring it out by ear over the last couple days.

I'm off to start homework. Have a nice remainder of break.

-Julia