Simplicity sells

2002-04-25T00:12:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally wrote back to Nikki. *Sigh.* Stupid ILPC packet reminded me that SHE WON'T BE THERE THIS SUMMER.

2002-04-22T22:43:00.000-05:00

Literati expanded vocabulary: (not all mine, mind you)
aroused
peckers
dicks
gases
trek
lords (Lord of the Rings)
damned

2002-04-22T22:42:00.000-05:00

Oh, the irony: "Tommorow is national attraction day (no joke!) Everyone has a crush, even if they wont admit it...send this to ten people on your buddy list within the next half hour and youll find out whose attracted to you..and maybe let that special someone know u have your eye on them! JUST COPY AND PASTE IT"
What were we JUST talking about today, Kristan?

I am officially addicted to Literati. (Stupid seniors. They may be able to spare hours everyday to play this, but I'm not ripe and mature enough yet to be screwing myself over...)

I guess things didn't seem as...well, they seemed. I thought Sunday was what it usually was, what we were always like, but I guess other people had different ideas. Not that I didn't mean it when I said 99-1, but 99-1 is just to make it into 100%, it's more like 9-1. I'm not looking for a relationship, even with her. Friends, we'll always be friends.

Phuzzy....

2002-04-22T01:19:00.000-05:00

Second night in a row that I've been dodging midnight curfew. =)

We got a new computer. This thing is three times faster than the previous one and actually thinks FASTER than me. Man, this is the life I've been missing. A computer that actually responds the instant I click the mouse.

Saturday:
Wake up at 9, head to Office Max and Walmart looking for a scientific calculator to use at UIL.
Pick up Vic then drive out to Alief Taylor.
Lug 3 science books into Alief Taylor, cram for 5 minutes, go into classroom to take UIL science test.
Finish about 1 hour 30 minutes, waited for Vic to finish.
Left Alief Taylor at 1:15pm, drop Vic off.
Rush around Houston on highway to get to Bellaire by 1:30. (Actually made it at 1:40. I practically drove from Vic's house to Bellaire in 13 minutes. Go me!)
Go to I-Fest to volunteer.
Got stuck in the skate park zone. While moving a ramp, one tipped over and scrapped up my entire right arm.
Got stuck in the ticket sales booth where I sold tickets to drunk people for 2.5 hours.
Left at 6 (Finally! Those I-Fest volunteer coordinators were neither coordinated nor respectful to us volunteers that are GIVING our time to the festival without being paid. I bet they were getting paid.)
Went to Fung's Kitchen to have dinner. (My first and only meal of the day)
Got home ~9 pm. Left at 9:15 to go to Escalante's to meet up with Adam and Olivia.
Go to Olivia's house, play bball, sit around and talk. Leave at 12.
What a day. =) Total miles driven: 56

99-1, Adam.

There are so many things I want to tell you, so much time I want to spend with you, and yet I never find the time.

2002-04-16T19:24:00.000-05:00

Press Night last night was awesome. Next year's staff, whoever they may be, will make press night so much fun! Oh, and Kristan, I was not freaking out about those ads, just annoyed that they kepts on screwing themselves up. =)

My mom came home from out of town for two weeks. It felt different to have her around now. Hm... When do you think I should tell her about my 80 in history?

I took a nap today, around 5:30. I told my sister to wake me up (because I knew my alarm wouldn't do it). Then, at 6-ish (I'm pretty sure, but I didn't look at the clock. My sister watches TV so she must know the correct time every half an hour) my sister comes in and pokes me. I climb up and say, "Okay, thanks." She leaves and I collapse back in bed. Next time I wake up, I look at my clock and it says 7:04. I take a peek outside my room and I see my sis's room's light is still on. I'm thinking, oh, it must be morning. I mean, every morning looks just like this. So I stumble over to my sister's room and see her watching TV. I'm like, "Why are you watching TV so early in the morning? (Keeping in mind I actually think it's Wednesday)" She looks at me and laughs then goes back to watching TV. Five seconds later, she turns to me, "You really have no idea what time it is right now, do you?" "Seven-ish," I said. "Haha, right. Seven-ish." Stupid sister, . Can I have Angie instead? Seems like everyone wants to think we're twin siblings and I wouldn't mind taking her as my sis anyday. =)

2002-04-14T19:50:00.000-05:00

Next time we decide to host a "party at Albert's", I'll be sure to have "American" drinks, okay Sam? And apple juice is NOT old people's drink. (whoever made that comment...)

I can't believe I missed soccer today. I would've liked to play on the monkey bars too....

I saw Harry and Natalie at Star's today! Harry had such a surprised look on his face...hahaha....

This year's math club skit is going to be the end of me. I resign all my dignity now before I lose anymore of it during election this Thursday. Speaking of which, everyone come to election on April 18th!!!!

"Isn't it ironic?"

2002-04-14T16:44:00.000-05:00

I miss a relationship. I miss the happy feelings that last for days, the new things to learn about that someone else, a person to look to when I need help. I miss the conflict, the suspicions, the advice from friends, the parents. I miss the double dates, the just-chilling times, the silences on the phone. I miss the alert popups on AIM, the call on the cell phone when you're out with your friends and you smile when you're talking and everyone around you knows who it is. And yet, I feel like I'm no longer worthy of those experiences. I've hurt too many, let too many people down. 7-card stud, anyone?

2002-04-14T00:43:00.000-05:00

I have to say, this has been the worst recital I have ever done in forever. Not only did I forget some of the song, I actually had to PAUSE to recompose myself because so many mistakes were piling up. *Sigh.* And I was the last act too. I had been playing with my piano teacher's studio for the longest so she put me last. What a disappointment. I spent all day practicing my song to smooth out those places that I thought I would mess up, but I never expect a grand piano to be so damn LOOSE. Espcially when I had been praciting on a tight piano all morning, it just doesn't work well. Add one three tablespoons of adrenaline and you just lose all thought and control.

Then, after I was done, my piano teacher had to find SOMETHING to say...so she was like..."Uh, it takes many years of practice and playing to bring such expression from the piano. Maybe in some parts, it could have been better but overall, he proves that the piano is capable of such expression." Then, right after she said that, someone asked her to play a solo (she always plays a solo, but I guess she didn't prepare one this year). She didn't want to, but we all coaxed her along. =) She started playing a song I was semi-familiar with (if I only knew what the song was called) and (OH!) she paused as well. Evidently, she was messing up consecutively as well! And it turns out, she completely changed her song to "reset" things. Right after the recital, she walks up to me and says: you need to practice more on grand pianos and big rooms. The sound in performance halls is completely different than that in a small room and you need to get used to it or you ARE going to mess up like this in competition two weeks from today. (Woohoo, I'm destined to screw up. My piano teacher thinks so, too. That means I have no hope.)

Sitting in that room, staring at two shiny grand pianos, watching the five-person, three-movement concerto made me realize how happy I was, with music of course. Just the techniques, the subtle movements, we all incorporate without knowing, makes me feel so special to still be part of that group. When I grow up, I'm going to own three grand pianos. =) Two side by side in a really big sunroom/study area, and one in my own private soundroom. Now all I have to do is earn that much money.

For future reference: Whoever I end up marrying has to know how to play piano. A must. =)

I'm glad you had fun at Belle Ball last night. I feel like I've earned the trust of yet another person while you were gone. I treasure trusts, but I also have tendencies to lose them quickly....

2002-04-12T23:13:00.000-05:00

Vertical Dizzy: nite nite =)
djae 102: byte
Vertical Dizzy: megahertz
djae 102: ?
djae 102: wut

2002-04-12T23:04:00.000-05:00

Vertical Dizzy: my train of thought runs faster than yours
Vertical Dizzy: i've industrialized, efficient bullet train unlike your slow steam engine train
iNDiGO dances: my caboose! ^_^

2002-04-12T22:54:00.000-05:00

Going to Chinese, sixth period. I'm about 20 feet from the door and I see Diane Chang......being "abnormal" with the door (it was a joke of course). So, when I do get to the door and about to walk into Chinese, I give her this funny look and say "I'm going to stay as far away from you as possible." I walk right into the classroom without looking, shoulder Diane Wu as she's walking out and she completely spills on the floor. (Who ever thought Diane could be so light?) Anyway, the whole Chinese class got a good laugh.

dianegoburp: later bumper into
Vertical Dizzy: later bumpee

Perhaps you've pushed him one too many times, but isn't this the exact reaction that you were looking for? You wanted him to be mad, to hate you, to justify your reasons and feelings. And now that it's here, it still hurts. I don't have that kind of medicine in my bag; I'm only a quack doctor. Don't turn to me for comfort, only reason. And reason is sharp yet blunt, cold yet reassuring. Empathy will take an Angie or a Mary. Sorry. :-/

I'm not mad at you. I don't feel you did anything wrong. You followed your whim, your guts, you wants. You asked who you wanted to ask, made the choices you knew felt right. You said what you had to say, spoke the difficult words, lived the consequences. But wasn't that your motto all along? No regrets, don't look back. (Or maybe that's mine. But we're similar in many ways.)

Life's a deck of cards, five card draw. So what if you didn't find your ace the first hand, go for the draw. So what if you lose and fall, ante up and play again.

2002-04-12T00:45:00.000-05:00

AzYn HyPe: great minds think alike ^_^
Harry did the Kristan-gay smile. He's been mutt-olized!

Kristan and I held our own private press night tonight in TPP. It was so much fun. Made me remember what press nights used to be like. And the fact that we know where we're going with TPP (her as editor-in-chief and me as business manager) makes me feel more like a team. What fun cleaning up that icky-icky computer room. There was so much food on the floor, it was unbelievable.

May Ann and I are talking about how long we have known each other. Seven years now. Maybe more. Funny thing, though, is the fact that I've known her dad just as long (if not longer). Back in the days, I used to go to the ICC summer camp thing and I still remember her dad as the person that tended the front gate (let the kids out as their parents came to pick them up). Of course, I hated summer school so I couldn't wait until my parents came. Needless to say, I spent a lot of time around the gate and I became known as "the kid that was always at the front gate" to his dad. Then, fourth grade orientation at T.H.Rogers, I still remember sitting in the cafeteria (or somewhere like that) and seeing May Ann sitting behind me. Her dad recognized me and I recognized him. How funny. =)

Memories ~ hanging out with the outcast ~ I seem to do that a lot in life, hang out with the "other" one(s). Lindon at ICC, Donato (the only black kid in my class grades 1-3 at St. Thomas), Brian (a Phillipino nerd [just like me! Well, not the Phillipino part] also at St. Thomas), Ofon in eighth grade. Brian was cool. I remember there used to be this show on PBS called Ghost Writer that Brian and I used to watch. We'd try to solve the puzzle before the show revealed the solution. The kids in the show (the "detectives") kept black notebooks; we kept black notebooks. All the gumshoes had matching black pens that hung on a string around their neck; needless to say, ditto. We were nerd buddies. After I left St. Thomas in '94, I lost touch with him, but I saw him at the St. Thomas car was just this year. He was the poor guy holding the sign out for those cars passing by that just don't seem to care. =)

I'm tired, but I don't want to forget Ofon. He was a cool person and tomorrow will be his blog. =)

2002-04-11T01:30:00.000-05:00

I love Clarence. Oh, wait. Did I mention I love Clarence?
BiG CL33: kick ass next year and on the app and u're on ur way to cambridge
Who needs a Mr. Granoff? =)

2002-04-11T00:54:00.000-05:00

My, I'm spending an awful lot of time at Harry's house. Till 11:15 on Tuesday doing physics lab, 10:30 tonight doing physics homework.

That was a boatload of physics homework problems to do. Good thing Harry and I worked out our buddy-homework system. =)

Speaking of Mr. Granophloph. I seriously can't stand that man anymore. I ask him for a rec, and he tries to "mentor" me. I already asked him, if so many people ask you for recs, how can you afford to lend 3 hours of "counseling" to every one. You know what his answer was? "True, a lot of people ask me for recs, and for many, I just write them off with one. For others, though, I feel they are more open and need more guidance to their decision. Those are the ones I spend a lot of time with." Thanks, Mr. Granoff. I appreciate the effort and, not to be ungrateful, but 1.) I'm a junior applying for summer school, not a life-altering decision nor a 4-year-long-term-investment in college. If I were applying for college, maybe I'd like your counseling. 2.) Did I ever say I was more open, that I was looking for counselling? 3.) Will you please stop stalling on the rec and just write the &^%@#$ thing. All it asks is for you to check boxes off, not write my biography for me. What part of first-come, first-serve don't you understand? The sooner all my recs get in, the sooner I get an answer if I got in or not. Please...

So, last resort and, again, no offense to Mr. Granoff, but I'm going to have to ask someone else to write the rec for me. I can't tolerate this any longer. I asked him Thursday before our 4-day holiday but he put me off because he wanted to "interview" me. I ask him again on Tuesday (when we got back) and he "interviews" me. Try criticize and tear apart, more like. He totally shattered my view of what I thought I was going to do when I grew up. Now, I still don't know, despite his "mentoring". If anything, I don't feel like doing anything when I grow up now. Maybe I'll just dabble my whole life. He gives me a week to "think about what I really want to do in life" (like any of us need to know this at our age and grade). So I give him a week and go talk to him today. First, I had to wait over 1.5 hours for him to mentor one student (that's one person, mind you. I was sitting there mindlessly for 1.5 hours when there wasn't even a "line"). After over an hour of "mentoring" (again), he comes to the conclusion that he's still not ready to write that rec. *&^$ man. I'm sorry, but you're really getting me. Too bad you can't read this, but at the same time, good thing you can't.

Thanks to Mr. Granoff, my life has gone from: astronomy/space/stars ---> bio-engineering/robotics ------> web design/graphics design/animation design -----> I-don't-care-anymore. I don't even know what's fun for me anymore.

Piano recital is this Saturday. SO not ready. I don't even know what song I'm planning to perform. *Sigh.*

2002-04-08T23:51:00.000-05:00

I just downloaded Abandoned Pools - Humanistic in less than 5 minutes. See, Kristan, even with your personal second phone line, you can't top my "not affected by stupid construction people severing major cables" cable connection. =)

What a day.
Physics- 5/10 minutes late because of the rain. Started the lab blindly, didn't even finish half of it.
English - The ONE day I stay awake all period during English is the day she comments how the whole class is asleep.
Calculus - Absolutely could not stay awake in this class. I felt so bad too because I was perfectly awake just the period before. I kept on trying to look up at the board/him, but always awoke with my head on the table. I wonder what I looked like to him...
Chemistry - Busy work with Mrs. Len who tried to discreetly update Geo about the recent turn of events at Rogers. I was fretting the whole time about how I was going to get home and back to pick up my 7 out of the 9 stamped assignments that were due but I left sitting next to my computer.
TPP - Tried to order cake for out banquet from this bakery who was so totally out of it. They kept on switching me from one person to another (and they all sound the same, mind you) and I got so confused who I had already placed an order with and kept on repeating myself and sounding like an idiot.
Chinese - Yeah, didn't go that bad. I got to check out the EYP points for math club and they're quite encouraging.
History - Oh boy. Bad day. I managed to turn in all 9 stamped assignments, started doing the busy work they assigned for us that was suppose to prep us for the "quest" tomorrow, but realized I knew jack nothing about the chapter. I'm scared about tomorrow's quest. I really need this grade.
Night - Spent 4.5 hours at Sam's house doing chem labs, didn't do any other homework. Not to mention, I now "love" everyone on my buddy list thanks to Sam. I'm tired now, so screw other homework. =)

2002-04-07T16:11:00.000-05:00

*M e m o r i e s*

I can't believe I ran into Nikki again. Oh, those were the days. =) Um, all 5 days of it, I think. And talk about luck. My first class at ILPC (TPP camp) was photography (for lack of anything better to take). Good thing the teacher ran really late and I didn't have time to rush off to my other class. I just decided to follow Kristan and Angie into...fonts. Who wants to learn about fonts? =) I'm glad I did go in there, though. I still can't believe I ran into Nikki there. Woohoo. She had the most...shocked and ecstatic expression you could ever imagine a person to produce. Even Kristan noticed her gasps and flailing arms. Lol. So I decided to skip my next class about "Promoting Your Publication" and went to take something about getting passionate readers to write letters to the editor with her instead. I guess I did learn some stuff in that class. Mostly, it was to - - yeah, you already know. Too bad ILPC only lasted 2 days. I couldn't even find her again today. There must have been over 1000 people at the convention/conference (whatever the "C" at the end stands for). Not to mention, over 70-80% of them were white people, which only makes it harder to find her.

I hate saying good-byes. But you know what I hate more than saying good-bye? Not saying it. *Sigh.* I don't even know if I'll see her again. She'll be in college next year...

ILPC was fun. And Mrs. Flo-ro SO did not come check up on us late at night like she threatened to. Playing spades into the wee hours of the morning was fun, but the "spring ahead an hour" cut our play 1 hour short. The classes were a mix of super-helpful and super-boring. I now conclude that all photog classes put me to sleep. I don't know why. I didn't learn jack squat for making more money through ads for TPP next year, but Kristan and I concocted quite a few good ideas. =) David Knight is the coolest teacher and I now have a handful of good personal columns if anyone wants to read them. Hehe. (Isn't Knight the coolest last name? The name's Knight. Yeah, let's just leave it at Knight.)

I feel so loved. My friends are so thoughtful of me. =) I just get home and sit in front of the computer when Harry brings the keyboard back to me (with a Hallmark card!) and John calls me asking if I want to go out and play. Sad to say, even after 7 hours of sleep, I'm pooped. The Rennaisance Hotel doesn't have very comfortable beds. (They used Bath and Body Works soap/conditioner/shampoo! Okay, well, I'm not all that excited, but at least it's not some crappy soap that makes you feel all sticky when you're done showering.) They had a nice hot tub, too. =)

*Sigh.* Back to school. Bummer.

2002-04-02T19:26:00.000-06:00

*L o s t*

It's bad enough when you don't know where you're heading in life. It's even worse when you ask a teacher for a mere recommendation to do something that can fabricate your wildest science fiction ideals into reality and he starts poking holes in your world. Big holes.

2002-04-01T18:05:00.000-06:00

I defragged my computer today. Where's my reward? (It's tough stuff not using the PC for 3 hours even thought it's on.)

I had fun at Jillian's last night. Pool was fun, but us "guys" have a problem with keep the cue ball on the table...Basketball with pool balls, anyone? =)

What a wasted break. I have some fun (probably more than most breaks) but this is our last break!! I don't think I can last the 6 (7?) week stretch until finals!

I just don't feel like blogging. Some feelings are best kept to oneself.

2002-03-31T10:27:00.000-06:00

Hey. Where's Adam? I want to do something. I feel like I'm wasting my break.

2002-03-26T23:08:00.000-06:00

I got ambushed at CiCi's the other day. Those are the moments that make life fun, friend interesting, and the world worth living. Thanks to "Da Crew" for making my world a little lighter. (It's Adam's phrase. Screw Kristan's "Word". We be "Da Crew" now. )

2002-03-26T23:03:00.000-06:00

Okay, screw homework. I'm blogging.

I'm lying on my bed (being oh-so-productive with my homework), listening to my music when I realize what I've wanted all along. It's not so much that I don't want a relationship, but I want a clean-cut one. I want one that won't conflict what my plans, won't conflict with my friends. Something that I won't have to hide from other people (James being so right: "[Too many ex's?] That's why you go to college.") I guess that's why I'll probably never date. My mom keeps telling me about her Japanese co-worker that's still single. He lives in his own big house in Sugarland, drives a $90,000 SUV and spends all his money on luxuries. That sounds like the life for me. Maybe I won't get married when I grow up. Who wants Albert genes anyway? (Oh, sorry Kristan, you don't believe in genetics. "Just 'cause you believe" (E. Floreani) But think about it this way: where did you get your mutt-ness from if it wasn't for genes? =D) Or something to that extent. It sounded better in my head before I wrote this down.

For Adam:
To the extent of my experiences, that feeling never subsides. Partially because you can't believe it happened, but also because you're reminded daily. When you see her in the halls, talk to her and pretend nothing ever went wrong, pretend that you guys always wanted to be "just friends" all along, it's a reminder of what once was. You'll miss her every time you go somewhere (including libraries...) and there's probably nothing your friends can do to help you. Leaning on friends always helps, and I think it's finally your turn. You've waited long enough (being gentleman enough) to "let" Julie "go first". I think it's your turn, so why don't you take advantage of your friends once in a while? You took a beating for me before, so I at least owe you that one. Let me help you.

"If you were offered the chance for a purely physical relationship, would you?" (John)
Of course I would. Think about it this way:
1. No long phone calls (almost obligatory?) that piss off my parents and waste my time
2. No need to listen to their complaints or feel "obligated" to open up to someone (sometimes secrets are a good thing)
3. No need to make long term plans, just wing it as it goes. (Thinking of marriage after college? That's an idea that scares me.)
Top three reasons why Albert would make a bad boyfriend? There are at least 7 more. If anyone can think of 4-10, much appreciated if you remind me why I'd be such a jerk if I dated another girl. (Right, a world without guys. Then the world would be too simple, Rose.)

2002-03-26T22:04:00.000-06:00

Wow. Bellaire swept region 17 5-A in UIL (we wonder why...no Clements!)
First in every math club related category (hope you did well on your Ready Writing, Adam.)

TC, Vic Tsai, and me walking up the stairs to the grading room around 9pm today when everyone has already left.
TC: You know, these stairs, just because they way they are, make you feel like you're slipping every time you step on them.
Me: You of all people should worry about that.
Hehe, sorry TC. But to tell the truth, they WERE a bit slippery...

Rollerblading in schools (what a great idea, TC).

Phuzzymath. Lol! I bet no one else gets it, but I think Kristan (or Harry) might get offended if I "esplain" (explain) it. =)

I have more to write, but considering I just got home, and it's 10pm (and I didn't come from press night, hehe) I ought to get started on my homework!

2002-03-24T20:55:00.000-06:00

101. I can't (#33) believe I read all that (#100)

Cuts and scratches from soccer.....

Heh, Ericka. Olivia's minivan must bring back bad memories now. Think of it this way: at least you must feel a little more compact now.... =)

2002-03-24T20:44:00.000-06:00

I'm just not ready for a relationship. Besides, look at how high my counter has run:
February 13 - present : 39 days

Does anyone have good songs to download? My bandwidth is out of shape (so am I!).

Wow, I've been hanging out with Cynthia and Florence a lot more than I thought:
(Last night, going home)
My mom: (sees Florence's graduation pic in my hand) Hey, isn't that Florence?
(sees another one of Flo's grad pics in my sister's hand) See, Albert, I'm improving. I can tell the difference between the two of them now. That's Florence. That's....are you sure that's Cynthia? They look really alike. Wait a minute...isn't that the same person?

We got a nice hotel suite in Austin. Came with a kitchen (and no food, but we got free popcorns) and two TVs. Unfortunately, the extra-ghetto TVs only came with one controller. If you flip channels on one TV...the other one....(let's just say, I missed parts of my TV show every few seconds.) It was fun though.

What happens when I don't get enough sleep:
6:55 am Saturday morning in hotel in Austin.
Dad: Albert, when I get back, we're going to have breakfast, so you better be up by then.
Me: Continental breakfast, right?
Dad: Um, no. I think they're serving American breakfast today.
Me: (without thinking)_Is it good?
Dad: I heard it's better than continental breakfasts.
Me: Okay.
Mmmm...that was some..."American" breakfast I had.... =)

T.H.Rogers got 6th in state Math Counts. Way to go with redeeming T.H.Rogers reputation.

2002-03-21T18:58:00.000-06:00

I would put this in my profile, too, but it's getting too full. Clarence is being too funny today:

BiG CL33: the twin sistas are playing us salutatorians
Vertical Dizzy: lol
BiG CL33: flo bagged vic
BiG CL33: cyn bagged me
Vertical Dizzy: HAHAHHAHA
BiG CL33: we're such victims aren't we?

2002-03-20T23:58:00.000-06:00

I'm....depressed, distraught, disappointed. Any more D words? I hate history. Well, no. I take that back. I don't hate history. I hate myself. Hate myself for not studying, for thinking I could wing it all, for thinking I could actually do it. I'm not that good. What an idiot. So history is down the drain, I might actually get a C on my report card. Fuck...

Kazaa = dead. Satellite = new best friend. They must absolutely hate me: 66 downloaded songs within the past 48 hours, 0 uploaded songs. Heh...freeloader...

[ Wow, how accurate... ]

I'm so tired. Not physically tired (well, a little bit of that), but so mentally.....un-motivated to work. If I can, I find ways to waste time and NOT get to homework until 8 or 9, then drag it on until 1 or 2 when I give up and go to bed, thinking I can finish it at school tomorrow. Then, in class, I spend my class time doing homework so I have to go home and play catch-up and the cycle continues. Now you know why I hate spring break? I lose momentum....

--paragraph very much deleted--

2002-03-15T20:18:00.000-06:00

I hate that physics boat! And Yi, you don't have to apologize. I understand. Just...stop inviting me into those gay-Korean chatrooms!

Spring break is "officially" over! Waah!! That's both good and bad. Bad for obvious reasons, but good since I'm running out of money...

And I haven't written my TPP article yet. Have you (Kristan) written your editorial yet?

I hate SATs. I swear tomorrow will be my last, or it'll be the last of me. What's it gonna be, huh, ETS? (Right, like they'd feel guilty if I committed suicide over their < profane adjectives here > test.)

Blogger didn't update my last two entries, hm...

2002-03-14T12:25:00.000-06:00

Duct tape is haunting me now: (quoted from the Blogger's recent updates section)

There is some stuff broken, and there was some long downage last night. But this time it's not about things bursting at the seams and patching them with duct tape, it's suffering a little in order to make things a lot better. Thanks for sticking with us.

2002-03-14T12:24:00.000-06:00

Having to clean up the house cuz my sis' friends are going to come over: annoying
Buying food for their lunch: $40
Lounging around all day bored because they're occupying the precious TV: more annoying
Listening to them scream and gasp at the same time to "Don't Say A Word": priceless

iNDiGO dances: vic asked me if i had water guns...
iNDiGO dances: wouldn't say why...
iNDiGO dances: i think his poor partner is gonna get soaked
Vertical Dizzy: to eat kristan
Vertical Dizzy: duh
Vertical Dizzy: what else would you do with water guns?
iNDiGO dances: water guns to eat kristan??
Vertical Dizzy: (idiot) :-)
iNDiGO dances: oooohhh
Vertical Dizzy: water guns to eat, kristan
iNDiGO dances: LOL
iNDiGO dances: LOL
iNDiGO dances: and this, folks, is why we learn grammar

2002-03-13T22:34:00.000-06:00

Did you know ww.blogger.com also works? Now I do.

Me: (sifting through what my dad bought from Auchan) Chips Ahoy!! Woohoo!!
My sis: (mocking me) Orange juice!! Yipee!! TOILET PAPER!!! SCORE!!
(I hate siblings....)

2002-03-13T16:17:00.000-06:00

-- entry deleted by user --

Lookie, I can do it, too!

Building that boat sucks, like the Creepie Crawler machine at the bottom of my pool sucks. Grrr...Leave it to the teachers to ruin our spring break. On the bright side, I only have ONE cut so far!! (from the boxcutters....)

I'm too lazy to move. Too lazy to write HTML anymore. It's hard enough blogging here once in a while.

Fun meter this spring break: 0
I did get Cool Boarders 2001 (thanks, Harry), but I suck at playing it. Anyone else wanna play with me?

"We're Forgiven" - The Calling.

2002-03-11T23:58:00.000-06:00

I don't know. This changes a lot, huh? I feel like I shouldn't comment, recommend, advise, or even nose about this one. I have history. (Yes, like my World History grade, unfortunately.)

San Antonio was fun. The driving wasn't that fun, considering I wasn't the one zooming down the highway at 80 miles per hour. =) We went to visit an old family friend whose family was going through some big changes. It's hard to imagine how much has changed in six months. It just doesn't seem fair. It's so....unfair. That's the only word. What would a person that good have to do to deserve such catastrophe?

Back to you. Wow.

Back to my life. (Yes, I like the spotlight.) I think I've learned to overlook those grades. I mean, how important can it possibly be to me? Unfortunately, a lot. Love you Wyles. But not that much: I still call dibs on the pike. =)

Gah. This resolution is killing me:
February 10 - present : 28 days.

You wimp. WIMP. How many days did you last? 26? 25? Less?

A good wimp, mind you. Good good. (pat pat)

2002-03-08T23:16:00.000-06:00

I'm falling apart in school. It's so frustrating and depressing. I have a 72 in history. What do you think? Should I still shoot for an A? You'd think that if I sacrificed history to study calculus and English, I ought to do good in THOSE classes, but NO..... (granted, I didn't do as bad as some in calculus, and I shouldn't be complaining, but it should've been better. I traded an F in history for a B in cal. Something doesn't balance out there...)

I don't know. Same thing happened last year, second semester. My mom made my summer living hell. Why is it happening again?

I don't feel like blogging. Going to bed now.

Resolution counter: February 10, 2002 - present (the previous post was off by 10 days): 26 days.
Days until the end of school: 51 (give or take)
Think it can hold for that much longer?

2002-03-07T20:42:00.000-06:00

Perhaps, you should keep it in. =)

I need to be doing HCTE. Every word I write here should be one extra word on my short story....

If you're looking for someone to shoot you (Kristan), perhaps TC will lend you a gun. =)
Oh, another thing about calculus: perhaps you should limit yourself to one note (or maybe zero notes) per class period, not do english homework, and/or eat in his class. Just a thought.

Now THIS is the friendship I had been missing. This is what I had wanted back for so long, but you've been so con-fooz-ed. Welcome back. I missed you, missed us.

2002-03-06T19:44:00.000-06:00

Loser:
Vertical Dizzy: dink
iNDiGO dances: ?
iNDiGO dances: bling
Vertical Dizzy: zoom
iNDiGO dances: actually i meant to [blink]
iNDiGO dances: hehe, whoops

2002-03-05T22:40:00.000-06:00

So I asked. I'm sorry I asked, but I just couldn't help myself. Not that you answered my question...(Anyway, we'll stop delving on that topic now.)

Vertical Dizzy: i dunno, what do you think of farhan, besides all the adjectives in your profile
Vertical Dizzy: if i asked you to give ONE word for himn
Vertical Dizzy: besides, perfect, flawless, or something like that
Vertical Dizzy: what would you pick?
Vertical Dizzy: a unique, non-generic adjective JUST for him
l i l diMpLes 03: hmm
Vertical Dizzy: hmm
Vertical Dizzy: when i think of farhan
Vertical Dizzy: he makes me go "HMM"
l i l diMpLes 03: really??
l i l diMpLes 03: whhy..?
Vertical Dizzy: ....
l i l diMpLes 03: ohh
l i l diMpLes 03: HAHHA
l i l diMpLes 03: just kidding

"When I bite into a York Peppermint Patty...I get shot." -Spin City

Has anyone ever held down Shift while turning on Caps Lock? It inverts the functions of both keys; it's really freaky. I did it on accident today and it really freaked me out. I thought I short-circuited something in my keyboard because I pressed too many buttons at once and so all my "lower case" letters were becoming upper case without my turning on Caps Lock. Weird. I wonder what freak-of-nature "creative genius" thought that one up in Microsoft.

Resolution counter: Sunday, February 20, 2002 - present day: 13 days and counting.

2002-03-04T18:57:00.000-06:00

Yeah!!! I finally found that song they play on 94.5!!!!
Trik Turner - Friends and Family [ Download the clip. ]
It's such a good song!!!

FRIENDS AND FAMILY
(chorus)
As deep as the abyss where the waters run
As deep as the land of the rising sun
You know I'm down
And even when the odds are against us
It doesn't even matter
Nothing else matters

(Bridge)
Oh, and I might fail
Oh, I might succeed
Whatever the outcome is
Just keep your faith in me
Just believe in me
And I will be there

I. Hate. Geocities.
I can't even import my pics, can't link to them, can't do anything to them. Now everything's a broken link. Yes, Kristan, we need to find that host, and quick!!

Brr, it's so cold for mid-March. If it's going to freeze, it should at least grace us with a little snow. Please?

I'm feeling so lazy these days. I can just feel my grades dropping. Same as last year second semester. *Sigh.*

You seemed perky today. At least you survived history.

2002-03-04T00:21:00.000-06:00

I'm really sorry how things are turning out. It must be harsh for you. I want you to know that I really will be there for you, even if you don't want me to. It doesn't matter what I think about them, about what we're like now, I still believe the fundamental fabrics of our friendship was built on companionship. I'll do anything you need just to make you feel better, but you have to tell me what to do, tell me how to make you feel better. I'm a guy. I can't manage this kind of higher thinking on my own. I know I'm no longer a shoulder you can physically lean on (at least, you choose not to), but if you need another 4-o'clocker like last year, I'll get some coffee.

Here, you can have this icon now:
I'll take your druggie icon if you want me to. Hehe.

2002-03-02T00:31:00.000-06:00

Geocities is killing FTP. Kristan's getting evicted for the second time (poor her), and I'm gonna have to abandon ship, too.

2002-03-02T00:26:00.000-06:00

MoNsters is a hard word to spell. It's freaking 8 letters long. Give me a break, sheesh.

I missed rock climbing. Sorry guys. Trust me, my day at home sucked horribly.

I got to watch Legally Blonde. Er...no comment on the movie. Who is Luke Wilson (besides that INCREDIBLY familiar guy in Legally Blonde)? Does anyone know what other movies he has been in (or TV shows)?

Woohoo. Ice skating tomorrow. Alone. *Sigh.*

Woohoo (2). Kristan's out of town. Won't be missing her...(Er, I mean good luck. You know that right?) By the way, this was the smiley I was talking about:

- Kristan on a good day -

Thanks buddy, for flipping the coin in the right direction. I owe you like...two now?

2002-02-28T21:46:00.000-06:00

Everyone make note of this: it's 9:45 pm, and Albert's done with physics. I think I set a personal record.

I see I've been linked. Time to fluff up my links section:
[ Monstergirl's blog ]

My sister's friend sent her this ridiculous powerpoint show that simulated The Matrix, one slide at a time, with blood, flames, guns, bullets, and all. What a loser friend. =)

I dropped my Playstation today! Poor thing, I hope it's okay. *sniff*

I'm sure everyone's read this before, but it's still funny:

Deductive Reasoning:

Neighbor 1: "Hi, there, new neighbor, it sure is a nice day to be moving."
New Neighbor: "Yes, it is and people around here seem extremely friendly."
Neighbor 1: "So what is it you do for a living?"
New Neighbor: "I am a professor at the University. I teach deductive reasoning."
Neighbor 1: "Deductive reasoning, what is that?"
New Neighbor: "Let me give you and example. I see you have a dog house out back. By that I deduce that you have a dog."
Neighbor 1: "That is right."
New Neighbor: "The fact that you have a dog, Leads me to deduce that you have a family."
Neighbor 1: "Right again."
New Neighbor: "Since you have a family I deduce that you have a wife."
Neighbor 1: "Correct."
New Neighbor: "And since you have a wife, I can deduce that you are heterosexual."
Neighbor 1: "Yup."
New Neighbor: "That is deductive reasoning."
Neighbor 1: "Cool."

Later that same day...

Neighbor 1: "Hey, I was talking to that new guy who moved in next door."
Neighbor 2: "Is he a nice guy?."
Neighbor 1: "Yes, and he has an interesting job."
Neighbor 2: "Oh, yeah what does he do?"
Neighbor 1: "He is a professor of deductive reasoning at the University."
Neighbor 2: "Deductive reasoning, what is that?"
Neighbor 1: "Let me give you an example. Do you have a dog house?"
Neighbor 2: "No."
Neighbor 1: "Fag."

2002-02-28T21:04:00.000-06:00

This resolution is going to kill me. I need someone to lean on. =(
(No smileys that time, happy Kristan?)

This has been a very long four-day week. I actually hope I have some fun this weekend, seeing how there is no math club activity planned. (cheers)

Man, Kristan. You should have seen Victor's asian FOB impression. It was terrible (in both senses). TC's sucked too. =)

I'm off to cram physics homework (all...6 problems I have left.) Maybe I'll write more tonight.

2002-02-27T23:12:00.000-06:00

I got quoted by Alice. Yay.

Naaz: "I don't know where Kristan is. I only keep tabs on Kristan every other Thursday. Ask me tomorrow. Wednesdays are not my days. Besides, she's the love of your life. Can't you keep track of her?"
Lol. Love of my life. Right. Who would actually want Kristan that much?

Brr, it was cold today. I was sitting in the car, driving to Bellaire, and I could see my breath. I wonder when it will warm up? I want to go to Astroworld!

I can't wait until this three-day weekend. I actually have nothing planned. Anyone want to go out and do something?

Oh, wait. There's that history paper that we have to do research on, and then there's HCTE. Kristan, do you want the HCTE topics? They're due next friday.

I got paired up with Kristan to prepare for next year's "editorship". Jason's our "teacher", which means I should brace myself to learn...absolutely nothing. But I don't mind.

2002-02-26T17:29:00.000-06:00

"But it's Natalie!"

I love press nights. No matter what happens between those fourteen days, one night makes it all better. We're not the same, definitely different; not weaker, but in fact stronger in some ways. I know you'll always be there, no matter how far I volunteer to push you, or however far you drift. (By the way, that Powerade thing was evil. Just shows that girls are inherently evil.)

On that same point, yes, deep down inside, school has broken us. Some are more damaged than others, but high school has scarred us all in some way.

But also, deep down inside, something makes us happy, we just might not know what it is. Even for those who have been severly dented by school, something still makes them smile.

How many of us go back to school on Mondays happy to be able to see friends again, instead of depressed of another five grueling days?

I miss those days when "having a crush" on someone was cute and the center of gossip...

I hate being sick.

2002-02-25T21:08:00.000-06:00

I just saw really cute pictures of Harry and Natalie from Red and White (Thanks Cyn!). Hehe. I'd give you a link, but it's a private photo album.

And I think this is done. At least, I don't think I'll be adding anymore. It's already taken me a whole afternoon to steal (yes, steal) these. [ Smiley Index ]

2002-02-25T19:24:00.000-06:00

Courtesy of John:

[ Monday Mornings ]

(Loads kind of slow...)

2002-02-25T19:02:00.000-06:00

I think I'm having too much fun looking for these smileys.

2002-02-25T17:38:00.000-06:00

Not as fun, eh Kristan?

I got to see Alice yesterday. I feel so stupid for not recognizing her. I guess people just look different when they're all dressed up.

Yeah, the piano thing sucked. I really screwed up, and the judges just kind of looked at me when I left. Uh-oh. What wasted efforts.

Argh. This Final Fantasy Tactics thing is really starting to annoy me. I just can't beat these darn levels!

I went out to dinner with Cyn and Flo on Saturday. It was fun. I never realized how much I like to hang out with them. Then again, every time we're out, we're eating. So, twins = food and that's always good on my side of the world.
"Actually, I'm very disappointed at the lack of boyfriend material at Bellaire." -Cynthia. (LOL!)

School is really starting to irk me. Well, no, just history, physics, english, calculus, chinese, and chemistry. TPP is just fine. By the way, press night is tomorrow. I wonder what dinner's going to be?

I'm still looking for links to add to my left-menu. Anyone have anything they want me to add? (I feel stupid just putting Kristan's up there.)

Can't you tell I got my smiley-archive together? I'm so proud!

2002-02-23T23:43:00.000-06:00

Well, tomorrow's the big day. Probably the last piano contest I'll ever attend. *Sigh.*

Let's hope I don't forget my songs.

Speed skating is so cool!!! Too bad for the USA team, though.

How does it feel to be a backup prom date? Now I know...

Yeah, going to bed early. Bye now.

2002-02-22T23:02:00.000-06:00

Wow, May Ann. That one's pretty good:

"michelle kwan is a true champion. u know how i know? cuz she made me cry. and thats rare. truly affecting the people in the way michelle has. "

*Sigh* If only people will stop making references to Michelle Kwan...
my piano teacher: "Good luck on Sunday. Just walk into that room thinking like Sara Hughs. You have nothing to lose. Just do it. Don't pull a Michele Kwan."

Right....

2002-02-21T21:43:00.000-06:00

Feeling claustrophobic?
This is amusing....[ Move ]
(make sure your browser isn't on full-screen)

2002-02-21T21:15:00.000-06:00

A few useless add-ons: a guestbook and a tracker.

By the way, HTMLgear didn't specifically mention you couldn't modify their banner, did they? =)

2002-02-21T17:55:00.000-06:00

I don't know if I'm abandoning my old blog, but for now, the new updates go here.

I can't believe TAAS week is over. I can't believe Stanford is in two weeks. I want that week off too.

So it's both our faults. But I think I finally figured out the problem. It's not so much that I feel they've muscled into my territory, not so much the fact that they're enjoying what I once felt so special about, not so much the fact that you feel distant, but more about not being able to fit in. They won't accept me. I feel it. I think if they would let me in, if we could all be friends, it would be okay. I don't know for a fact that they wouldn't befriend me, but it's just a gut feeling I have that suddenly, they don't want to share either...

2002-02-20T19:58:00.000-06:00

This is taking an incredibly long time to program. And it doesn't even look that impressive either...

Like the marquee, Kristan? =)

2002-02-20T00:24:00.000-06:00

Finally going public. Maybe I should be more careful as to what I say.