Rock climbing is fun :D I've always known I liked to climb. I like to climb trees already, but never really did it too often because if I ever invited anyone to climb anything, I know most of my friends would look at me like I'm crazy. Well, that part may be true, I am crazy.
This weekend has made my body sore everywhere. Friday morning, I went on a hike with my boyfriend. We climbed down these rocks that were pretty easy to climb down. We were disappointed to see how much trash there was down there, and decided that one day, we will do a clean up there...like a beach clean up. He saw how much I enjoyed climbing up and down the rocks, so the next day, he took me to this place to rock climb.
I felt like Mia Thermopolis in Princess Diaries, when she was climbing. We climbed for almost 5 hours, and I've never did so much physical activity two days in a row. Turns out, I'm really good at rock climbing, and I love to climb. I think this is the only thing that I do better than him. He is so good at everything he does. I wish I could go there a couple of times a month; it makes me so relaxed.
That night, I felt so beat up, and every muscle in my body was sore. They are still sore, but not as bad. I could not even comb my own hair, and he had to comb it for me. But it was worth it.
I've never been the type who likes to work out, but I now have an incentive to build my strength. There was this wall that I could not climb, and I'm determined to go back there and climb it. I couldn't climb it because I lack upper strength to pull myself up.
so yeah, rock climbing is my new hobby and I need to learn to do pull ups :)
Life is pretty good even with all the chaos that comes with it. I think this guy is really making me happy. I can't explain the happiness I feel when I'm with him. We are getting closer to each other, and learning more about each other, and I like that. I think we have the right combination of thinking alike and still being completely different and opposite at times.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Excitement
So, I am going back tomorrow, and as much as the dread of living where I live is getting stronger and stronger, I've decided not to let that get me down, because I still have one weekend free! I will enjoy it, and worry about what is to come on Monday, when I actually have to live there 5 days a week.
So, I am excited for many reasons! There is an immigration reform march happening, and I'm happy that I'll be back with my community and my friends. They are my family.
I am excited to see the guy I like! He is coming back from Ireland Friday night, and he's taking me to a game Saturday night. He's not a big fan of baseball, and neither am I, but he says it's worth watching at least once, so I'm excited to see him. And an odd thing is, my sister's boyfriend will also be at the game in the opening ceremony. He is in the high school ROTC, and it just so happens that Saturday night is the night he will be there to do the flag ceremony. Super excited to be with him again...
Sunday, I think I'll go to the beach and enjoy it before the water gets cold.
My two-week break has made me very lazy. I have to pack my things, do my laundry, and I am just too lazy to get up and actually do anything.
So, I am excited for many reasons! There is an immigration reform march happening, and I'm happy that I'll be back with my community and my friends. They are my family.
I am excited to see the guy I like! He is coming back from Ireland Friday night, and he's taking me to a game Saturday night. He's not a big fan of baseball, and neither am I, but he says it's worth watching at least once, so I'm excited to see him. And an odd thing is, my sister's boyfriend will also be at the game in the opening ceremony. He is in the high school ROTC, and it just so happens that Saturday night is the night he will be there to do the flag ceremony. Super excited to be with him again...
Sunday, I think I'll go to the beach and enjoy it before the water gets cold.
My two-week break has made me very lazy. I have to pack my things, do my laundry, and I am just too lazy to get up and actually do anything.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
A Lesson to the Uninformed
I posted this story on my facebook today about the DREAM Act.
http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/best-colleges/2009/08/19/controversial-legislation-may-give-immigrant-students-a-chance-at-college.html?PageNr=1
I got a comment from one of my friends. "Well is it legal immigrants? Or illegals?"
I hate how we are classified as the "illegals". "Illegal" is already degrading enough. But to just say "the illegals"...it's like we are not even worthy of saying we are immigrants or people.
People need to learn...that we are not conformable to a stereotype. The stereotype has been embedded and what we are trying to undo is harder because we need to undo people's thinking of what they think an undocumented immigrant is. There is no "illegal immigrant." There are only people, each an individual, undeserving of a derogatory classification.
some examples from the past...integration of schools had many challenges. We look at that now as something that should've passed the minute it was introduced. Same with immigration reform and the DREAM Act. The anti-lynching bill also had a rough time, but now we look at it, and it doesn't make sense that we make it okay to lynch an African-American.
Some day, people will look at immigration reform and the DREAM Act, and say, why did it take so long to pass? It makes so much sense that we don't infringe on other people's human rights. Until that day, we will keep fighting.
And here's something I've found ironic. I used to be really paranoid and scared and would never post anything about the DREAM Act on my facebook. But then I just started doing it, because I have a lot of friends who are uninformed, since I come from a conservative town. Though I can't change minds in a heartbeat, but I think it must at least get people thinking, for those who read my posts. Anyways...I've realized that some of my friends think it only benefits Mexican people, and I think they imagine that all undocumented immigrants are on welfare eating up the U.S. resources. Stereotypes are so embedded in their heads, that I don't think they expect I am one at all since I can't possibly be one since I'm Asian and went to a pretty good university! I dont know if they are actually thinking this, but sometimes, their comments suggest to me that this is what they are thinking.It's pretty funny that I can fool them, but sad. It's sad that a stereotype saves me. That they believe in stereotypes that are making our country more divisive.
I am sometimes sad that I have friends that don't understand. Now that I have my DREAM Act button, it is a cool conversation starter, that has started conversations w/ some people. I am always happy when one of my friends say that it is a good bill. But then I have friends who don't get it, and that makes me sad.
I love all of my friends I hang out with. They are cool. so it is really sad when I come across a friend who I love, but doesn't accept the bill. It really does make me wonder sometimes, if they knew I was going through it, if they would then support it. But I don't want to find out, so I guess I'll never know. But why must it come to that? It's such a weird feeling to be feeling this way. so many good times together, I know, they would care about another human being. I know my friends believe in doing what is right. For the most part, I have a belief that most people are good and try to do the right thing. I don't think any of them enjoy seeing other people in pain. I think it's just how immigration has been portrayed as a negative thing that shapes their views. which is why we work extra hard on getting our voice and our side of the story told!
One day, we will undo the stereotypes. I'm excited for that day XD.
http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/best-colleges/2009/08/19/controversial-legislation-may-give-immigrant-students-a-chance-at-college.html?PageNr=1
I got a comment from one of my friends. "Well is it legal immigrants? Or illegals?"
I hate how we are classified as the "illegals". "Illegal" is already degrading enough. But to just say "the illegals"...it's like we are not even worthy of saying we are immigrants or people.
People need to learn...that we are not conformable to a stereotype. The stereotype has been embedded and what we are trying to undo is harder because we need to undo people's thinking of what they think an undocumented immigrant is. There is no "illegal immigrant." There are only people, each an individual, undeserving of a derogatory classification.
some examples from the past...integration of schools had many challenges. We look at that now as something that should've passed the minute it was introduced. Same with immigration reform and the DREAM Act. The anti-lynching bill also had a rough time, but now we look at it, and it doesn't make sense that we make it okay to lynch an African-American.
Some day, people will look at immigration reform and the DREAM Act, and say, why did it take so long to pass? It makes so much sense that we don't infringe on other people's human rights. Until that day, we will keep fighting.
And here's something I've found ironic. I used to be really paranoid and scared and would never post anything about the DREAM Act on my facebook. But then I just started doing it, because I have a lot of friends who are uninformed, since I come from a conservative town. Though I can't change minds in a heartbeat, but I think it must at least get people thinking, for those who read my posts. Anyways...I've realized that some of my friends think it only benefits Mexican people, and I think they imagine that all undocumented immigrants are on welfare eating up the U.S. resources. Stereotypes are so embedded in their heads, that I don't think they expect I am one at all since I can't possibly be one since I'm Asian and went to a pretty good university! I dont know if they are actually thinking this, but sometimes, their comments suggest to me that this is what they are thinking.It's pretty funny that I can fool them, but sad. It's sad that a stereotype saves me. That they believe in stereotypes that are making our country more divisive.
I am sometimes sad that I have friends that don't understand. Now that I have my DREAM Act button, it is a cool conversation starter, that has started conversations w/ some people. I am always happy when one of my friends say that it is a good bill. But then I have friends who don't get it, and that makes me sad.
I love all of my friends I hang out with. They are cool. so it is really sad when I come across a friend who I love, but doesn't accept the bill. It really does make me wonder sometimes, if they knew I was going through it, if they would then support it. But I don't want to find out, so I guess I'll never know. But why must it come to that? It's such a weird feeling to be feeling this way. so many good times together, I know, they would care about another human being. I know my friends believe in doing what is right. For the most part, I have a belief that most people are good and try to do the right thing. I don't think any of them enjoy seeing other people in pain. I think it's just how immigration has been portrayed as a negative thing that shapes their views. which is why we work extra hard on getting our voice and our side of the story told!
One day, we will undo the stereotypes. I'm excited for that day XD.
Profound Moments While Reading
I recently finished a book called Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. There are moments when I read when I am completely engrossed in a book. I have great respect for books that can do that. It is such an amazing powerful moment!
There were several profound moments in Three Cups of Tea, but one that really moved me was when Haji Ali, the Korphe Village Chief, gives up twelve rams when a corrupt government official demands this if he were to be allowed to build the school. Rams in their culture, as Mortenson put it, were something they valued very much, like they were sons. And he gave up his rams for the education of the village children.
Here's an excerpt:
He picked up his dog-eared, grease-spotted Koran and held it before the flames. "do you see how beautiful this Koran is?" Haji Ali asked.
"Yes."
"I can't readi it," he said. "I can't read anything. This is the greatest sadness in my life. I'll do anything so the children of my village never have to know this feeling. I'll pay any price so they have the education they deserve."
It is the power of the human spirit, and I think it's pretty amazing. We DREAMers do the same. We can't stand injustice, and can't stand seeing other people in the same pain.
This moment also made me think about how lucky I am, that I am able to read. Reading is such a liberating experience, something that completely sets me free...it's so cool how we can teach ourselves so much because we can read.
There were several profound moments in Three Cups of Tea, but one that really moved me was when Haji Ali, the Korphe Village Chief, gives up twelve rams when a corrupt government official demands this if he were to be allowed to build the school. Rams in their culture, as Mortenson put it, were something they valued very much, like they were sons. And he gave up his rams for the education of the village children.
Here's an excerpt:
He picked up his dog-eared, grease-spotted Koran and held it before the flames. "do you see how beautiful this Koran is?" Haji Ali asked.
"Yes."
"I can't readi it," he said. "I can't read anything. This is the greatest sadness in my life. I'll do anything so the children of my village never have to know this feeling. I'll pay any price so they have the education they deserve."
It is the power of the human spirit, and I think it's pretty amazing. We DREAMers do the same. We can't stand injustice, and can't stand seeing other people in the same pain.
This moment also made me think about how lucky I am, that I am able to read. Reading is such a liberating experience, something that completely sets me free...it's so cool how we can teach ourselves so much because we can read.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
My Grandmother
I was supposed to be on the road to visit my grandma's grave 30 minutes ago, but of course, we wouldn't be Filipinos if we didn't run on Filipino time.
I have not visited my grandma in a very long time, and today marks her 4th death anniversary.
She is one of the most amazing people I know, and I wish I knew more about her before she died...It is only then when she died did people tell stories of her that I never heard before, and what she's done for other people.
She took care of me and my sisters when my mom started working, and she was such a caring loving person. And she always bought us chocolate, goodies, toys, or something good, every time she went out...grandparents love to spoil :)
She died from a brain aneurysm. It was a total shock when we just suddenly had to take her to the hospital one day. We all thought she would be back that day, because she was feeling so fine before this happened. None of us expected that she would not be coming home, and that she would be in the hospital the whole three months of summer.
It was a weird summer. I was going into my junior year, and I had a lot of AP homework, especially from AP Chemistry. Not knowing how to deal with my feelings, I kept myself busy in doing homework. I remember the next day after her first day in the hospital, we learned that she wasn't coming home any time soon. I suddenly kept myself busy with my AP Lit homework. I don't think anyone in my family knew how to deal with it. We're not the type of family to be hugging and giving each other emotional support. So we all deal with it our own way, and it feels like my parents, my sisters, and I didn't see each other a whole lot that summer, though we were together all the time in car rides and the hospital.
In the hospital, since we were in the waiting room for most of the day, I did all of my AP Chem hw. When my friends called me, they were surprised how much I had done already.
I wish my grandma saw me at least graduate from high school. Because after my junior year, I realized that I really liked chemistry, and that's when my mom started telling me that she was a chem major and ranked at the top of her class, a pharmacist in the Philippines, and worked in Canada at a pharmaceutical company. I wish she knew how much I liked chem after that year, and that I'm a chem major now.
We almost settled in Canada instead of the U.S., but she had reasons why she gave up her work there. I'm not going into the details of why she didn't continue, but it makes me admire her more.
I will remember her always.
I have not visited my grandma in a very long time, and today marks her 4th death anniversary.
She is one of the most amazing people I know, and I wish I knew more about her before she died...It is only then when she died did people tell stories of her that I never heard before, and what she's done for other people.
She took care of me and my sisters when my mom started working, and she was such a caring loving person. And she always bought us chocolate, goodies, toys, or something good, every time she went out...grandparents love to spoil :)
She died from a brain aneurysm. It was a total shock when we just suddenly had to take her to the hospital one day. We all thought she would be back that day, because she was feeling so fine before this happened. None of us expected that she would not be coming home, and that she would be in the hospital the whole three months of summer.
It was a weird summer. I was going into my junior year, and I had a lot of AP homework, especially from AP Chemistry. Not knowing how to deal with my feelings, I kept myself busy in doing homework. I remember the next day after her first day in the hospital, we learned that she wasn't coming home any time soon. I suddenly kept myself busy with my AP Lit homework. I don't think anyone in my family knew how to deal with it. We're not the type of family to be hugging and giving each other emotional support. So we all deal with it our own way, and it feels like my parents, my sisters, and I didn't see each other a whole lot that summer, though we were together all the time in car rides and the hospital.
In the hospital, since we were in the waiting room for most of the day, I did all of my AP Chem hw. When my friends called me, they were surprised how much I had done already.
I wish my grandma saw me at least graduate from high school. Because after my junior year, I realized that I really liked chemistry, and that's when my mom started telling me that she was a chem major and ranked at the top of her class, a pharmacist in the Philippines, and worked in Canada at a pharmaceutical company. I wish she knew how much I liked chem after that year, and that I'm a chem major now.
We almost settled in Canada instead of the U.S., but she had reasons why she gave up her work there. I'm not going into the details of why she didn't continue, but it makes me admire her more.
I will remember her always.
Monday, August 17, 2009
A Juxtaposition
I only have a two-week summer since I did summer school, and I now think summer vacations make me depressed. I don't know why I've been so sad these past couple of days. And I don't know if going back to SD will make the depression go away.
Home has been good. It's nice to see my family, especially my eight-year-old sister.
I was not really feeling this in my first week of break. But now I am. No one is home that I can hang out with, except one of my best friends, but I've learned that I do not like to hang out with him when I'm sad.
There are reasons why I want to go back to SD, and reasons why I do not. I think I am depressed and getting queasy in the stomach the closer it is for me to go back because I do not want to go to my "home" in SD. I wish things ended nicer my last day there.
It's total frustration that is making me sad. I would be so much happier if I didn't have to live there Monday-Friday. I hate this dreadful feeling.
Dreadful feelings are conflicting with the reasons why I'm excited to go back. So much excitement, yet so much dread, with a mixture of anxiety because I just don't know what the future holds. It all makes me confused.
Home has been good. It's nice to see my family, especially my eight-year-old sister.
I was not really feeling this in my first week of break. But now I am. No one is home that I can hang out with, except one of my best friends, but I've learned that I do not like to hang out with him when I'm sad.
There are reasons why I want to go back to SD, and reasons why I do not. I think I am depressed and getting queasy in the stomach the closer it is for me to go back because I do not want to go to my "home" in SD. I wish things ended nicer my last day there.
It's total frustration that is making me sad. I would be so much happier if I didn't have to live there Monday-Friday. I hate this dreadful feeling.
Dreadful feelings are conflicting with the reasons why I'm excited to go back. So much excitement, yet so much dread, with a mixture of anxiety because I just don't know what the future holds. It all makes me confused.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Sleeeepy
I don't know what I am doing still up...but this happens whenever I am on my summer break. I really don't think I like to sleep. I like to be up and awake, even when I am really tired and sleepy like right now. I don't know why I do this. I usually come to regret it the next day, when I wake up around 12pm, and sometimes later. I do hate waking up past twelve; it feels like my whole day is gone.
I don't do this when I am in school, though. When I'm done with homework and studying, I read a little, and go to bed, because I never know when I will be heavily sleep-deprived, or moderately sleep-deprived the next day, and so I try to get as much sleep when I can.
Summers are for staying up late and waking up late =)
I remember as a kid my mom made my cousins and I take a nap every afternoon. I hated it. There was too much fun playing with my cousins. Gosh, we were super hyper kids, no wonder my mom forced us to take naps.
Nights like right now make me feel like a kid again. I'm tired, and staring at a computer screen, and my brain isn't working, yet I don't wanna go to bed yet. I feel like I'm telling myself t go to bed, yet I'm saying, noo, no bed yet!
I think it's because it always takes me a while to go to sleep. There are many days when I think I'm sleepy, and so I go to bed, only to learn that I am up for another hour or two, just lying in bed, doing nothing. I don't like that. usually happens in the summer. On a school day, I'm usually knocked out after 15-30 min.
but maybe...I shall go to bed now. Because I have nothing better to do. And this is such a useless post.
Good night. =)
I don't do this when I am in school, though. When I'm done with homework and studying, I read a little, and go to bed, because I never know when I will be heavily sleep-deprived, or moderately sleep-deprived the next day, and so I try to get as much sleep when I can.
Summers are for staying up late and waking up late =)
I remember as a kid my mom made my cousins and I take a nap every afternoon. I hated it. There was too much fun playing with my cousins. Gosh, we were super hyper kids, no wonder my mom forced us to take naps.
Nights like right now make me feel like a kid again. I'm tired, and staring at a computer screen, and my brain isn't working, yet I don't wanna go to bed yet. I feel like I'm telling myself t go to bed, yet I'm saying, noo, no bed yet!
I think it's because it always takes me a while to go to sleep. There are many days when I think I'm sleepy, and so I go to bed, only to learn that I am up for another hour or two, just lying in bed, doing nothing. I don't like that. usually happens in the summer. On a school day, I'm usually knocked out after 15-30 min.
but maybe...I shall go to bed now. Because I have nothing better to do. And this is such a useless post.
Good night. =)
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