Richmond's Own (but unowned) Website

 
 
Ok, back to the ole’ blog again!  So the other day I hosted a get together for some classmates and friends. (Do I have an aversion to the word party?  Maybe.  It seems like there’s a negative connotation to the word.)  Anyways, in addition to friends, I had family members over as well.  Since I didn’t take any pictures of the day (and I’ve lost my last 2 years worth of pictures any how), the blog entry will have to suffice.

Not that I remember a whole lot now.  A lot of stress before people were here.  But afterwards, it was pretty fun.  Water balloons around on the side yard.  I think they’ve pretty much become a staple of our summer gatherings by now. Derek brought his water gun too, for added excitement.  So that’s always fun.  Lobbing, throwing, and aiming at people filling up the water balloons. Until someone hits you on the back and it feels like a brick! Besides that, there was the badminton, where the birdies inevitably land on the patio cover. Lots of fun in the pool when I went in with Brian, Derek, Tim, and Nick – making a whirlpool in the shallow end created a current strong enough to carry us all the way across the pool.  Lots of food throughout the day too – and Christina’s homemade cookies were verrrrrry good, despite my teasing.  And the water balloons that someone threw on top of the patio cover that rained down on everyone. Thanks to Patrick for bringing strawberries also!

At first, I was really worried about all the people actually - lots of people from groups what while, aren't mutually exclusive, are pretty seperate. But it seemed like it worked out. Socially interesting, how people seemed to self divide themselves. But I think it worked out in the end - no fights or anything, so I'm a happy camper.

There were fun moments of sitting around talking.  Around tables, out front, inside or the pool.  Like the elite erudite Berkeley circle!  Hahaha.  Fun and teasing and whatnot - almost like school again! The intense Monopoly game, Apples to Apples, and more.  Anyways, it was great to see everyone again, before leaving. I’m sorry everything here is so general, I can’t remember a whole lot!  It was a much fun filled evening, and hopefully I’ll get to see everyone again soon!

I don't think it's hit me that we graduated. I wish I was this involved with everyone last summer. But today I realized my summer is more than half over - less than a month now until school starts for me, so the end is approaching quickly. But then again, the last month of high school was one of the most exciting and fun times for me, so why can't my last month of summer?
 
I loved that Perry Como song in middle school. And I still enjoy it. Anyways, I was just thinking about some really good days in High School this past year. My Magic Moments as they may be. I probably talked about them before, but hey, this is my blog, so here goes.

Marching Band!
There was one field tournament this past year where we basically won a bunch of awards and there weren't enough seats for us and we stood on the sideline. I think it was South Hills. Anyways, this was an amazing year, with the success that we had. But the best part was the end of this tournament - when Peter and the captains came back carrying all these trophies, and the band just ran up to them and we had a huge group of hugging, crying, laughing high school kids. It seemed like the end of a movie. And a magic moment.

Star Wars Concert
This was pretty cool - for our Spring Concert, we played music from the 6 Star Wars films, and Mr. Alvo came to me with this idea of making a video to go along with the music. So we floated around doing a Star Wars spoof with band kids, but ultimately that didn't happen due to the timing of AP/IB testing, and the enormous pile of other proejcts going on at the same time. So I ended up getting video clips from the films, and put them together. The fight scene with Darth Maul for Duel of the Fates; various Naboo scenes for Across the Stars; the battle over Coruscant, various scenes of Princess Leia, the forest battle on the moon of Endor, and a montage of battle clips with the second Death Star. Anyways, it was cool to run back and forth to the AV room in the gym - made me feel like my 8th grade year at Rincon, running the AV equipment in the DMP. But the magic moment was seeing my creation on screen! And it synced perfectly in the bandroom - that was magical too - and almost perfectly during the concert. But then the Death Star explosion synced perfectly with the last duh duh duh duh. And that was magic. Special thanks to Victor who got the timing down for the video clips so that everything synced well!!

Speech and Graduation
Speaking in front of 5000 people. That's something I never thought I'd do - and it's the biggest audience ever. I usually start shifting around when I have to speak in front of the small IB class! But I remember sitting on stage the Tuesday before graduation, in front of 500 and being freaked out. Though after a few hours, it felt completely normal to me, and so did practicing out on the field Wednesday and Thursday. I thought I'd be scared to death in front of 5000 people, but I felt quite prepared. And that in itself was magic. But then people clapped when I was finished! I'm sure at least half the people were asleep, but hearing the applause at the end was magical!

President Obama "Race to the Top" Contest
http://vimeo.com/10196566
First let me say thanks to everyone who helped in this - Jessica, Christina, Benson, Frances, Tim, Olvidio, Alyssa, Ian, Mrs. Phillips, Mr. Falk, Mr. Brunyer, and everyone else. So I found this contest the White House was doing for the President to speak at a high school commencement ceremony. (Obviously we didn't win, because they got stuck with me!) This was a fun process for me. Getting called out of class for a meeting with the group and Mrs. Phillips, rushing the final copy from Mr. Houghton's room to the library to Mr. Brunyer's office - almost very West Wing-ish. But I was thrilled by it. And one of the best parts was the Sunday before it was due, and most of the group was at my houe writing the application. And we had notecards of ideas taped to the walls, surrounding us. And an alarm ringing every 15 minutes to keep us on track. And in the end, Jessica, Christina, and I stayed working up toward the 11th hour - quite literally. Anyways, magical process working on that application!

Every 15 Minutes Funeral
Well okay, this was sad too, but it was magical as well. Walking in was hard - especially when I had to walk by my IB classmates. I saw Mr. Suradeth as I came in the entry way - he sort of looked at me and gave a nod and a caring expression. I sort of nodded back and looked at the ground. And yes, I cried during the "funeral." But like I said in my original Every 15 Minutes post, the ending was amazing. Everyone backstage hugging and crying - most people who I had just met a mere 24 hours before were like family. All of us together, embracing, one last time together as a group. There was a bond there. It's hard to put into words. But those few last minutes together were like magic.

Filming our Bee-6 "Don't Stop Believin' Video"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZbciyckDyk
This is the one that made me start thinking of all of this. The preparation in Ms. Woo's class (complete with pelvic thrusts all around) was great, especially with the tape lines and moving all the desks - how often do you get to do that with a teacher? But the real fun was the morning of the filming. Thank goodness that we had done the band concert the Wednesday beforehand. We filmed on a Friday; the same Friday as the junior/senior assembly. Getting there in the morning, I was super excited. The Friday before, Rita had gone through the basics of lighting the hideout with me at the Jazz Band concert.
Anyways, I suppose the magic of this moment was at the beginning of the day. I was the first one there. I went to the back of the room to the sound box, got out my bag of wires and stuck in my CD with the Glee version of "Don't Stop Believin." And hearing it come out of the speakers and echo around the hideout was, well, almost magical. It was a great moment, just to hear it, and the excitement built up within me. One by one, the group members filtered into the hideout. Rita even came to help out with lighting! Oh my goodness, the lighting was just as magical. I am so thankful that we were able to use the lighting set up for the choir show. The fade out at the end of the video - that's not a computer effect, THE LIGHTS ACTUALLY GO OUT! Shooting stuff practical instead of using the computer - that stuff makes me giddy and bubbly inside! It just seemed so...much more professional than other things I've done. Chase lights during the guitar solo; lights on max at certain music notes; and DOING THE WHOLE THING IN ONE SHOT! Well almost one shot. Technically it was two - the first half, and the second half, with some audience shots in the middle to show something during an instrumental break. Ok, technically three, because I snuck in a second shot in the first half. But it's hard to tell! Anyways, making it look like it was one shot gave it another level of professionalism, and I loved that too! More movie magic happening! Anyways, that morning was magical to me - even though ASB kind of interrupted the ending; that was one of the best hours of my high school life. The music echoing through the room, lights flashing - I felt like I was in the middle of a real show!
 
 Yesterday (Thursday), our graduation group went to see Toy Story 3 and such. I met up with Trevor and Victor at Rowland so we could get a ride from Daniel. When I was there, it was somewhat surreal. Seeing people like Kurt and Kevin – juniors now – oh my goodness! I still practically feel like a junior; taking my summer school class before junior year seems like it was yesterday. Actually, it seems like my first two years of high school were last month, and the second two were this past month. It is very surreal. On one hand, seeing this year’s rising juniors makes me feel old – I still think of them as freshmen almost! But then being back at Rowland, I felt like a student again – especially since I was there during passing period, and walking amongst the student. Though there was a different feeling – all the little kids were there! I saw Jason Ma (senior, my goodness!), and dropped by ASB to say hi to Mrs. Phillips, and saw Ariel too! So it was a nice revisit, even if it’s only been 2 weeks. Even though my high school experience seems like yesterday, the actual graduation seems like a lifetime ago.

We went with Daniel along the horrible Colima traffic, and met up with everyone at the mall, same people as our graduation group.  And watching Toy Story 3. Oh wow. Ok, so I’ll say spoilers, so if you haven’t seen and don’t want to know what happens STOP HERE. 

Ok, so Toy Story 3. First, that opening was epic. That scene was like, if I could but the Toy Story characters in their own “world” and make a movie, it’d be like that! The rest of the movie was epic too – though when they all held hands as they were about to be incinerated was very touching, and seemed almost like a sci fi film. Though I was half expecting someone to die. Too much Stargate Universe/Battlestar Galactica – I forgot it was Disney. But it was still a touching scene. And very dark for a Disney/Pixar film. Actually, the whole movie was very dark, in its themes and characters. I suppose it makes sense since we’ve grown up with the movies that they get progressively darker – sort of like Harry Potter, but not as much, because of course it’s Disney/Pixar. And yes, I cried at the end. Well, I began getting teary when Andy said bye to his mom. Probably because that’s how I imagine parting with my parents to be later this summer. I think the movie affected us especially because we’re the class of 2010 (yay Andy!), and we’re in the same situation as Andy. And at the end, when he has one last hurrah with the toys, that made me cry. In the same way (for me at least), our Bee-6/Glee video felt like one last victory lap, Andy’s fun at the end was his, except his legacy is passed on. It felt very much like the end of one story, and the start of another. Cliché, yes, but true nevertheless. It was like a return to childhood for one last fleeting moment before having to face the reality of growing up, which I hope this summer will mean for me. I realize now that the Toys saddened over losing Andy can be looked at from the other way – I will be equally sad losing my childhood, which is symbolized by childhood toys. That loss of innocence, of a youth’s imagination, is something that we all must go through in the end, and I suppose being in the midst of that transition means that the movie hit me especially hard. I think I tend to show emotions after the event – that happened with Every 15 Minutes, and probably with this movie too – I mean, reading the Wikipedia plot entry made me teary. But it was a wonderful experience to share with my friends.  

So post movie, Tesia left, and the rest of us hung out at the mall for a while. The girls shopped and us super cool awesome guys lounged in the center and had the most fun ever. After, we split up, some of the group going to Daniel’s house, and the others going to eat and then meeting up with us later. I ate too much popcorn to eat lunch! But we got stopped at the train tracks, and Daniel and Guzman rocked out in the car.  There, I got to play Mario Kart! I haven’t played in a long time. That in itself was a lot of fun. Then there was Shutter Island. Yes, I was scared, and yes, I hid under a blanket. About halfway, we had to move over to Trevor’s house where we finished. I actually enjoyed Shutter Island, even though I usually don’t watch those types of movies. It had a good twist, though I had begun to think that already; and I think the end hints at self awareness. But anyways, it was another good shared experience. Jess and Kelly had to leave, but then Trevor’s parents graciously gave the rest of us dinner. And after dinner, was mostly talk, about random topics – people, school, past, future, likes, dislikes. I probably sound like a broken record, but there’s little that can match sitting around and just talking with people for a few hours. And having another time to do that before we all leave makes those few hours all that more important to me. So all in all, a fun day, full of tears, screams, talk and friends.
 
My week-in review. I suppose it would have been stronger if I posted this on a Friday, so I could do the whole weekend review pun. But alas, no. So besides my incessant watching of the World Cup (go USA!!) here’s the week…

Wenesday, June 16

This was our clarinet+ sectional day!  I had spent pretty much the last two days cleaning up the entire house – which meant I wasn’t able to go hiking. But I was able to clean! Anyways, I hadn’t done that much in a while.

So then party time! It was pretty cool. Nick was the first one, and then people slowly filtered in after that. I wasn’t able to get water balloons to work, because I couldn’t get the nozzle to fit the hose! Though there weren’t enough clarinet people so we supplemented it with seniors and other band kids. Well not exactly. But over time, our sectionals have grown to include non clarinet members, who were invited. Along with supplemented people. But at least we weren’t sitting around in a circle in awkward silence! Well not for long anyways…in the end it was a good call I guess, because a lot of clarinet people weren’t able to make it. In fact I think the non clarinet people may have outnumbered the clarinet people…

Lots of fun in the pool.  I got these push squirt things at Jo Ann’s last week, and they were a blast (note the pun!), as were the splash ball things we threw at each other. I got tons of water up my nose, but it was fun shooting people with water. We played our clarinet sectional classic – Pictionary! Which was fun and loud as always. Although the 7-11 team shouldn’t have won. And we started watching Princess and the Frog late at night. Though I wanted Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure! I got outvoted. But I think it was a nice ending to my four years in band and as a clarinet player, and as Brett and Lauren take over next year, I’m sure the section is in good hands. I’m sure going to miss these sectionals once I go away next year though.

Saturday

Then Saturday was Anna’s Debut. I was very glad to receive the invitation – though I was a little apprehensive that it’d be awkward for me to be there. It wasn’t too bad for me though, and I thought the court did wonderfully! It was great to see Anna again, along with others like Tedman, Kamaron, Abby, Edgar, Jonathan, Kris, and Virginia. The whole debut was very nice, and I was seated at a table with people I knew, and saw other people I knew as well, so for me it felt as much a reunion as a celebration.  

Sunday

And Sunday was Father’s Day. We had a good day as a family, and engaged ourselves in a family project – making homemade dried apples from our apple tree! And using the car as an oven – pretty MacGyver if I say so myself. And homemade BBQ ribs for dinner! Nothing can get much better than that!

Sunday I also was able to watch part 1 of the Doctor Who series finale – The Pandorica Opens. I have NO idea how Steven Moffat will get the Doctor out of this one – come to think of it, I have no idea how the universe will get out of it! But I’m sure there have been clues laid out throughout the season that will be important when I watch this weekend!

Monday

Monday, I went to Rincon, and saw Victor! Basically spent most of the day there, helping out Victor, getting some stuff for the website. Go check it out – http://rinconroadrunners.org!! I’ve put in a lot of work into that site!  

Tuesday

Tuesday was marked by an early morning at 6:30 am – to watch the US/Algeria World Cup Game with my dad! Basically, the US needed to score a goal to advance to the next bracket stage. And we didn’t. Well we did, but the goal was disallowed – second time I might add for the world cup – and there were several chances we just botched up. And it was around the 84th minute when I was beginning to give up hope. Rarely are goals scored this late in the game. And then the 90th minute – the end of game time came, and it was still nil-nil. With 4 minutes of additional injury time, I figured there was no chance, and I bet my dad was ready to change the channel. But then in the 91st minute of the game there was a GOAL. IT WAS LIKE A HOLLYWOOD MOVIE!! And I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens some day – “Miracle on Grass!”  Unbelievable. I jumped up and screamed when they scored – even my dad gave a shout! I think the best part was when they showed the American crowd and a fan held a sign saying “Yes We Can.” Those three words really seem to embody the American Spirit, and Tuesday was really a highlight of pride, a moment proud to be an American, a moment to share with millions. Except Twitter crashed. But besides that, it was.

Also Tuesday was lunch with Benson, Malissa, Jess Kuo, and Stephanie Fu at Buffalo Wild Wings. It was great to see them all again, and I had a wonderful time. Again it’s these little personal moments that count the most in the long run. So we shared a bunch of wings and talked about topics from driving to college to other random things. I just hope when I come back from college for breaks, we can still do things like this with each other.  And eat more wings.

And Tuesday night was the school board meeting where I was supposed to get an award. And never received. I’m sure there was a mix up somewhere along the line, and it was okay – but being there made me think again about some of my own ideas about education – but more on that for another entry.

 

 

 
 
Yesterday was Helen’s graduation party – which was a lot of fun. I’ll post some pictures or videos on Facebook, but for those who aren’t on there, here are a few shots:
Picture
IB Kids!
Picture
A soaked Kevin
Picture
Assorted persons.....
So this time I did take pictures to remember things!  But I should wrote something down anyways.  When I arrived, I was greeted by water balloons and a toss into Helen’s pool by Daniel Kim.  Which I was expecting.  Of course Helen was nice enough to tell me to get all the stuff out of my pockets before I stepped outside. 
 
Compared to last weekend, today turned out very much like the IBA banquet. Including Chui in a dress.  Except it was somewhat more tame. And we had ASB people and other friends with us last night.  Everything devolved into a water fight.  Between the dozens of balloons and various splashes of people getting tossed into the pool.  There’s the simple “push” maneuver (me).  The more complicated double swing, taking the arms and legs and swinging someone into the pool (Helen!).  Or the suicide twist, grappling onto someone as they fall (Daniel Kim and Alex!). Or the shan (Christina…). Or any combo of the above.  Needless to say, it made for a very entertaining night.  And so were water balloons.  Getting hit in the balls by Eric. Pummeled by Jose and Patrick in the African watering hole puddle.  Benson lobbing water balloons.  Balloons hitting the wall – and the neighbor’s house. 
 
And food.  There was so much of it! Much thanks to Helen’s parents and family for grilling so much.  It was like they were preparing for the end of the world or something; there was a plate piled with what must have been over 50 skewers!
 
There were many more fun moments as well.  Swinging on a bench with Benson. Watching Benson fall off the bench.  Sitting around in a circle.  Mr. Suradeth!  It seems like a recurring theme in my blog entries, but again, some of the best parts of the night were just the sitting and talking. About anything. College. Berkeley.  Driving. I don’t even remember anymore, but those are the moments that count, the moments that show friendships.  The moments where friendships blossom and develop.  It was great to be with the IB kids again – that sense of family…and maybe more…is something I’ll probably not feel again for a long time.  Even at class reunions, it will never quite be the same again. So today, I’ll cherish the days of high school, my memories, my experiences (speech ripoff!) But seriously, I’m very glad I went and had the opportunity to spend more time with my friends before we all head off in separate directions. I can only hope that the rest of my summer is as enjoyable and full of friends (friendful?) as last night. 

Just a reminder - I love comments, and I'll try to respond if you ask me questions or anything!
 

My chair at graduation

Yesterday, I wrote an entry as a high school student. Today, I write my entry as a high school graduate.  It's been a great ride, and yesterday was the culminating moment, my highest achievement.  I wish I had more time to mingle with people, to talk to them.  I realized today that I will probably never be with every single person at the same time again.  Just trying to plan out something for the summer - someone will always be busy, or missing, or at a school far away.  Never again can I say "let's meet at the circle at lunch" or "go outside the library after 4th period." 
But living in the present, right? Let's move on to the ceremony.  Wow.  I got a bit emotional walking down the track, onto the field one last time.  Walking down the aisle in the middle actually felt a bit like Star Wars (the end of Episode IV!).  Sitting on the stage with Erika, Alyssa, and Kevin, was an amazing experience.  I got to sit in a nice wooden chair (pictured above), although the California flag kept hitting me.  The ceremony was marked by overcast skies - seemingly appropriate, though I wish there was more sun.  The wind, while feeling nice, provided some comedic moments.  Such as my IB sash flying off as I was walking up the stage.  And the California flag hitting me in the head.  And Alyssa's cap flying off during the ceremony.  But in the end, I felt that it went quite well.
I gave the speech, toward the theme "Our time today may be over, but our tomorrow is just around the corner," trying to contrast the today of high school with the tomorrow of life.  I think I could have used more emotion, and I switched out a word by accident in the final paragraph, I'm satisfied with how I did.  The compliments people have given me have been very nice, and I'm thankful for those.  Speaking in front of over 4000 people wasn't easy - but I was a lot less nervous than I thought I'd be. Maybe public speaking isn't so bad after all!  And then when my name was called for a diploma, I got an applause.  I know people aren't supposed to, but I think it was mostly the band, and maybe some of the people in the audience.  But alluding to what I wrote yesterday, that cheer was so powerful to me, it almost brought me to tears. For me, that was the most emotional part of the ceremony.  Just knowing that there are people who care, who love me is something that I will never forget. 
Afterwards was diploma distribution and I was able to see a lot of my friends one last time - and take a picture!  So many in fact, that I was near the end, when they were hearding us out. (One last chance to feel like a cow at RHS). 

After that was dinner with one of my Uncles and Aunts, over at Claim Jumper.  It was nice to see them, but the highlight was BABY BACK RIBS.  First time for a long time. 

And later that night was our Anti Grad Nite at Tesia's. (And if she's reading this, thank you so so much for letting us come over!).  Probably the last chance our senior band group will be all together at once, for a long time.  The night was marked by so many fun moments.  While I didn't get any on camera, holding the filter of the camera may have ruined the raw fun.  There was Bop It. And  Super Smash. A fallen PS3. Girls and boys fighting over sofa space and blankets. Using sleeping bags for cushioning, using pillows for...other things.  Talking about ourselves, and others - though some of it got strange after a while! Bee-6. Certain people taking all the sleeping bags ;). and foooood. 
All in all, a very memorable (and almost sleepless) night. Though we didnt' watch the sunrise together, I suppose that gives us something to do the next time we're all able to meet up again. Hopefully sometime soon in the future.  I know I'll miss my friends very much.  I'm sorry I'm not able to be with them today, but I hope to be with them again soon!
 
For those of you not following me on Twitter, I've referred to the IB senior year as the "World's Longest Marathon" - or more aptly, the #worldslongestmarathon.  It really was - we hit the ground running in August, and pretty much up until the week after IB testing - when all the projects were due the same day - it was like running a marathon.  Especially the lack of sleep and fatigue. 

So I stand here today at a crossroads.  Or maybe on top of a hill is a better description.  Able to see the years behind me as well as a glimpse of the future.  It seems strange, almost full circle - I came into high school feeling very much alone and isolated, and I feel that leaving in August I'll start off alone and isolated.  Especially seeing friends going together to West Coast schools. I'm sure it will turn out fine in the end, but it's just thinking about going off alone, without the physical presence of my friends.  And what seems to scare me is that it hasn't hit me that all of this is over yet.  I don't feel like a graduate yet.  Which may be because I haven't actually gone through the ceremony yet (a couple more hours!).  But it's that I probably haven't realized the value of all my friendships yet.  What happens in a few months when I realize how much I miss someone and I want to give them a hug, only to remember they're 3000 or so miles away?  It's very much like the aftermath of Every 15 Minutes, except this time, there's no saying hi in the halls, or sitting with someone after school.  After it's over, it's over.  And yes, we have phones, facebook, AIM, and what not - but nothing can ever really substitute for sitting in the same room next to your friend. 

Which comes to where I am today. Working so hard for 4 years to get up to the top.  Coming into Rowland in 2006, I didn't know anyone.  Well a few people, but the point is that I felt like a very small fish in a large pond. Actually, more like plankton in the ocean.  And now...it's quite different.  I know so many people - different, amazing people.  And what's scarier is that there are more people who know who I am than I know who they are.  It's nice to be able to walk down the halls (I have no idea why we call them halls though), and people say hi to you. Like a lot of people. Add to that teachers - even those you haven't had a class with, and the powers that be, the administators know who you are.  I guess it's like being popular. Or it is being popular.  I don't know. Becoming a well liked, popular kid was never one of my goals at high school - it's just something that sort of grew and developed along the way.  But now that it's there, it's nice to take a pause and live in the moment, but the dread comes knowing that I'll have to work my way up again.  But it's not just popularity, it's a support system. People who actually care about me, and how I feel, and what I do.  People who have a genuine interest in my life.  And I am forever grateful to those people.  And again, I hope that I'm able to internally realize the importance of these people before it's too late to see them again. 

I have to learn how to live in the present better, as I learned in my talks with Mr. Phillips.  There's so much in the future that I can't control, so I have to make the most of what I do now. 

So to the memories of the past year. I know it's not quite the present - but I figure this is as good a time as any to go over some highlights of the year.  I'm sure I'll leave a lot out - but I can add later. 

BAND
Band this year was really fun. Having Mr. Alvo for the 2nd year now, and knowing the staff like Jeff, Mark, and Armando, made things a lot easier this year.  Being Woodwind Captain was a great experience too - especially conducting my arrangement of "Music of the Night."  I'm not sure how to describe it in words, but hearing it played correctly for the first time almost brought tears to my eyes.  And of course we went into championships in 1st place. The big Mo. Although we didn't quite get there, I'm happy with our effort.  Band president was pretty laidback except for field show tournament time.  One of the longest, busiest, most exhausting, most exciting days of the year. I hope my video tips help out for next year.  And I hope it's scheduled on a long weekend when I can visit!
And then concert season, we got superior and were able to go to a regional festival! Which was a completely new, but wonderful experience to have.  As was the Las Vegas trip - the first trip in 4 or 5 years for band, so my time spent out there was great fun. 

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
So this year wasn't as great as last year. But it was an enjoyable experience, regardless of our place, and the rain.  It was nice to get more underclassmen to participate and keep it going into next year - it's like Yongjin's legacy!

OBAMA!
And we tried to get President Obama to be our commencement speaker.  Though obviously we didn't make it, and they had to settle for me instead! It was great fun filling out the application - rushing to make the deadlines and get notes and make revisions actually gave me a thrill.  And working with great minds like Christina and Jessica until 11 on a Sunday night was a wonderful (yet quite tiring) experience.  Sitting in the hall, surrounded by notecards and brainstorming ideas.  I only hope to be able to meet as amazing people next year in Cornell. 

MATH CLUB
Another great year - I had no idea how much work the president had to do - and I have no idea how presidents of huge clubs are able to get all that work done! But it was a great experience this year, although near the end I got a bit lazy.  But I was so lucky to have a great board of officers to help me out throughout the year. 

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Mr. Falk was an awesome advisor this year, and I'm so glad to have been an officer and on the "inside" with events, such as inductions.  It's so much fun to watch the new inductees who aren't quite sure what's going on! 

IB
Wow, IB. I don't know if I'll meet another group of people like that again.  I think we got crazier (and maybe more inmature?) as the year went on.  But I love all 16 of the others, and I'm so glad we were small, because it really let us bond.  And I didn't really realize how much I want a small community like that until I've been seperated from them this week during graduation practice.  It feels like I haven't seen them in ages!

OTHERS...
There's just too much to say! Things like our Bee-6/Glee video for english class (which was cool to get out of the IB bubble for a while).  IBA Banquet.  Band banquet. Bowling, laser tag, stressing with all the club conflicts at lunch.  Senate meetings and Every 15 Minutes.  Prom! IB hiking trip.  Laughing during annoucements and breaking chairs.  Other memories from past years too.  Romeo and Juliet video, killing our bio animals.  The Weakest Dream, Destination ImagiNation, Feed Us More Than Peanuts. The West Wing, Iron Chef in espanol, school board meetings, APUSH lectures, history vocab, calculus equations. 30 Rock, Stargate Universe, and Glee. Twitter and Facebook. There's so much, and I wish I had kept a comprehensive journal all 4 years!! Although some old IM logs may serve that purpose well...

Nevertheless, I'm here today. I'm glad I've been to all 3 graduations so far because of band, so I have an idea about today's ceremonies.  Before, I was nervous about the speech, but then being in front of 500 people the past few days has made me much more comfortable about speaking in front of others.  Although when you add another 3500 audience people...I'm sure it will be fine!

So as my time in high school comes to an end, it will always exist in my memories and in my heart.  I will deeply miss Rowland High School, especially the people.  These beautiful, amazing people.  That truly makes Rowland unique. Despite our diversity (or maybe because of it), we create true relationships - we transcend differences, we cross boundaries, we rise above and unite in our commonality. (speech preview!).  Coming back will never quite be the same.  I can't just hang around on some benches after school with my friends, or sit in a teacher's classroom after class.  But life goes on.  And so wrote Michael Chricton in Jurassic Park, "Life will find a way."  And I have faith that my life will find a way.  But today, I'm just another graduate from Rowland High School.  And the only thing left to do is wait for tomorrow and see what way to go.
 
Today was the annual IBA Banquet, and once again, I forgot to bring my camera to a fun event. Although this time, it may have been a good thing, since we all got soaked. But nevertheless, I shall do a quick write up on the day's events.

I was late in coming. It started at 10, at Pathfinder Park, but I didn't arrive until noon. I was out shopping for various Math Cub things - which incidentally has its banquet tonight.

I drove with my mom, as I still have my permit. Upon arriving, Sharon came out and offered me a water gun - in plan for an assult on Malissa and Tiffany Chui. We got a gated in patio area - though when I asked the other kids how we got it, it turned out the guy who ran the place offered it to us out of pity. Which I suppose is fine and dandy - at least we had a covering with shade this year! And we had fun with water. Speaking of water, Mrs. Waters came around 1 - miscommunication, but she brought a delicious potato salad. She left a little later to attend a family function, but it was nice to see her.

And soon it began to devolve into a massive water fight. Or the strangeness of the IB seniors...a cross somewhere between cussing, homosexuality, and plain insanity. Between the guns, balloons, and bottles, we all got soaked. And drenched. Especially Chui. And Sharon. And Helen. And Bryan. And Malissa. And Yasitha. And just about everyone actually! Anyways, maybe it's a good thing that I didn't bring my camera because it felt like I went through a car wash! Anyways I had a great time hanging out with everyone for a few hours. It just makes the whole realization that all this is ending hit home harder. But I loved how there were underclassmen there too, so it's not just the senior IB bubble. Like Adolfo pouring ice water on me. It was great to have this time to bond and have fun - I wish we had had more time to do fun things like this as the Rowland IB kids!

 
As the school year draws closer to its end, it becomes time yet again for English video projects.  The project that everyone most looks forward to - a showcase of writing, understanding, acting, editing, and creativity.  And thus came this year's AP/IB English video project, with the usual scramble for groups, ideas, etc. 

This year, we elected to go in a supergroup.  Instead of the six person group, we ended up with eleven.  Myself, Trevor Graham, Victor Guzman, Priscilla Yun, Kelly Chan, Jessica Wang, Tesia Au, Yongjin Jin, Daniel Lei, Eric Whang, and Kevin Tian.  Before we were going to do two groups - but one group wouldn't have any girls - and that's no fun! (For obvious reasons and otherwise).  But besides that, we had all sat together in a mass 4x3 block of desks for the whole school year.  (Except for the days where we all switched seats and confused Ms. Chu) Anyways, I think it'd be accurate to say that we really bonded over the school year, and had a lot of fun teasing each other and what not for the first 160 days or so of the school year.  All of us were either in Band or IB...so does that make us an iBand group? (Note: I wrote this blog before Apple trademarked that...because they will someday!)

Though eleven people gives you plenty of resources, getting everyone to talk together at once can be pretty darn difficult as well.    So there were many ideas thrown around at the beginning - a multi story epic that was interconnected in strange ways.  A Comedy-Musical Murder Mystery.  Or Glee.  Ultimately, the male bloc vote was compromised and we were stuck with Glee.  Which is how I felt at the time - I wasn't all that thrilled about it.  But we went ahead, with myself blindly moving forward, not knowing anything about the original show.  My only experience with Glee was the Jimmy Fallon parody of the show, called 6-Bee, based on his studio name.

Soon AP/IB testing time came - and so did my time on Hulu watching the past episodes of Glee.  And I found a new show to add to my list of must watch TV.  I wouldn't say I'm as far as a Gleek - but very much a casual viewer of the show - maybe more.  Perhaps quite a bit more.  And I began warming up to the idea.  I enjoyed the show, and soon I found that I couldn't wait to make our own version.  So I must thank the four girls, and Kevin for switching his vote, to force us all to do this video.  In the end, it was an enjoyable experience, and perhaps one of the most fun I've had on a video project in my four years at Rowland - definitely the one with the most laughter and strange, awkward, hilarious moments.  I got my chance to "sing" - which is something I've wanted to do for years.  Well, not quite - I've always imagined a singing/dancing flash mob at school.  But random singing within the video works just as well!  And I got my favorites - a Jimmy Fallon version of Livin' on a Prayer, and Don't Stop Believin' - in the video!

Anyways, I'm glad I was able to work with the people in the group - especially the four girls.  Being in band with them meant I knew them and I was friends with them, but I had never really worked on big projects like this with them (well except Tesia, but that was a spanish video in sophomore year - a lot more low key than a 12th grade english video!).  It was nice being able to get out of the IB bubble.  Granted, five in our group were IB kids, but I enjoyed working with different people than in from the rest of my classes in the year.  That's one of the reasons I really enjoyed my english class this year - as an AP/IB combined class, I got to study with and interact with other friends as classmates who were not in IB.  And now with one week of school left, I'm beginning to realize how much I'm going to miss all these people.  But more on that later!

Here's our finished product:
 
So this year, I tried something different.  I got myself a Twitter account, and I made a hashtag - #worldslongestmarathon - to keep track of my senior year through microblogging.  And now that we're almost at the end of the year,, I feel that it's time to share my deep 140 character insights with you.  So here they are - my school year through tweets.  (Sorry, it starts at the bottom; newest tweets are on top)

  • #worldslongestmarathon 171 - and scioly luncheon!! thanks to them too for the lunch!! =)3 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 171 - and...lots of spanish freetime, lady gaga stuff during 5th....funny when b-day balloons came for trevor...3 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 171 - end of the year assembly - thanks ASB kids for staying up late/waking up early to put on the show!! =)3 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 171 - shooting on the hideout stage was AMAZING. ONE OF THE BEST MOMENTS OF THE YEAR!!! =DDD3 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 171 5.28 - Mrs. Loza said an interesting reveal...dunno if it helped our views...props to her though =D3 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 170 and Mrs Loza made the FUNNIEST joke about Yasitha and planes today =D4 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 170 rose ceremony vid, alvo saw our vid, practiced on the h/out stage, Mr S went from our sub to dance coreographer4 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 170 - 5.27. i really need sleep, i started hallucinating kinda in class...almost lost my tripod - thanks mr cole! =)4 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 169 Filmed livin on a prayer. and other stuff after school in ms. woo's room. and mrs turner was our physics sub.5 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 169 - 5.26. 20th presentation = Japanese government as LEGOS!!! =DDDD5 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 168 Speech! YAY! =D Aaaand...fell asleep during physics again =( And last math club meeting ever! ='(6 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 168 5.25-Mr. S's last day-we'll miss you! Made a movie studio office out of the music library...smallest office ever!6 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 167 reread my speech for callbacks, and 11 of us went to the bandroom during english to film =)7 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 167 5.24 - 1.5 hours of sleep last night not too bad. TOK & spanish presentations, watched 20th presentations7 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 166 OH YEAH! Club Advisor luncheon. Thank you ASB! =)10 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 166 Mr S. did an awesome speech about each of us =D and we played cranium today; hard spanish tests today. darn prado10 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 166 5.21 Drum major tryouts w/ next year's warm up piece! I'm going 1st for tok presentations =[10 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 165 Lots of after school vid project filming! and talking with mr s....classroom/hallway/signup/SPLASH scenes =)11 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 165 Math HL Paper 3...not too bad, but I forgot a bunch of easy stuff =( And spanish essay final was okay11 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 165 - band star wars...i hope we can learn it in a week! mr suradeth gave his inspirational speech! =] refilmed video11 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 164 Mrs. Turner subbed for physics, regular day in spanish. Filmed from inside a locker today and kicked out of h/out12 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 164 Grad speech tryouts - I feel like I talked too fast/under the time limit. Mr. S bought us cake for lunch!12 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 164 5.19 Hit the high note in irish! IB Spanish test-didn't understand some questions, but got the gist from examples12 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 163 fell asleep in physics and the blood stopped flowing in my leg. and started english filming!13 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 163 owned at scrabble, and my pasta tower got owned. =( Learning bernoulli equations. yay. it rained today!13 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 162 Prado test, working on english stuff. not bad for a post prom monday. just 2 more ib tests to go!15 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 162 5.17.10 - tallest pasta tower for suradeth! 20.25 inches in 18 minutes! =) band elections and senate meeting15 days ago from web
  • I suppose I should do #worldslongestmarathon 160-161 - though I think this sums it up http://tinyurl.com/2do9zwe16 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 159 5.12.10 HL History Paper 3 - eh, some hard, some ok. Turned in my speech. Pretty chill day except intense spanish19 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 158 And I got my song in the english movie project script...hopefully it stays in! Can't wait!20 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 158 NHS meeting today - congrats @graceko & @pambambam for your spots!20 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 158 5.11.10 Physics Paper 3, ok, some strange stuff though. History Paper 1 ok, paper 2 was HARD. strange questions20 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 157 ...talking w/ Mrs Phillips @ lunch. Haven't even played the band Star Wars music yet =[21 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 157 5.10 IB Eng HL Paper 2 - not too bad, IB Phys HP Papers 1/2 - not as bad as I thought - I was almost late though21 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 156 relearned CCD's =\ and suradeth is crazy w/ scrabble- "this word will only get us 22 points" -_- haha intense!24 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 156 Sorry for interrupting Ms Tan's class presentations! But I got scrabble for history =] tons of spanish to make up24 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 156 5.7 No testing today! Finished Books of Hope today! =] One project done, lots to go(1 tok, 1 hist, 1 math, 2 eng)24 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 154 5.5 quarantine @ lunch again. Math HL Paper 2 - still very very hard, but I didnt want to cry like yesterday =]25 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 155 5.6 AP Lit in the morning - no too bad - last AP test ever! Michael came late =] Ms Chu made us cookies again! =D25 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 154 5.5 MATH HL PAPER 1 WAS THE HARDEST MATH TEST I'VE TAKEN IN MY LIFE. EVEN HARDER THAN KOYFMAN =(((((( que horible27 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 153 Lunch quarantine w/ Mrs Waters (thanks for the in & out!) IB English HL Paper 1, not too bad (_).27 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 153 Also pretended I was an air traffic controller before recording my oral presentations....27 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 153 5.4 AP Span was HARD! Some stuff way over my head =[ funny when the cd interrupted mr ward. good 'ole ap testing27 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 152 5.3 Test prep. New IB Math stuff. Big circle w/ 11 people in english! Murder Mystery Musical (Comedy). Or not...28 days ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 151 4.30-seradeth in computer lab was interesting...english essay! no idea what i was doing. NHS discussion @ lunch!about 1 month ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 150 4.29-Donuts in 3rd! Mrs Waters came to talk about IB tests. And now I need to make a Star Wars movie for band....about 1 month ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 149 - Suradeth's destabilize Iran simulation was AWESOME =) 11 person english group? fun testing physics websitesabout 1 month ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 148 - learned more about imaginary numbers, and english vid project assigned!about 1 month ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 148 4.27 - simulation with the philippines, picture for mrs. phillips, figured out "a little prayer for you" on pianoabout 1 month ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 147 - and NHS officer interviews! Interesting to think about being replaced. It's like sitting on the Inquisition lolabout 1 month ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 147. 4.26.10. Practice IB Hist. Paper 2, learned imaginary numbers, Span 1 class in our ap/ib class, inferno soloabout 1 month ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 146: prom asking! mr. 2010 & senior talent show! @thefallofchoi & @joaneypoo were great! not bad for 5 hrs sleepabout 1 month ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 145 - hypnotist!!! that was hilarious. =) And I need to practice inferno solo on clarinet this weekend.about 1 month ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 144 Senior week continues. CHP w/ safe driving vids-lots of sad ones too =[ But I hit the high note in band!! =)about 1 month ago from web
  • .@surrealguz37 #worldslongestmarathon day 144. sleepy today. stayed after school to make up spanish essay/quiz. quiet in english w/ belovedabout 1 month ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 143 4.20-welcome back! mrs waters bought us donuts!thats why you should stay in IB.=D got a lot of stuff to make upabout 1 month ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 139 - Discussing what is terrorism, TOK of politics, math club stuff, ultrasound, spanish orals. felt like friday =)about 1 month ago from web
  • Note to self: no #worldslongestmarathon from 140-142. instead, i'll be tweeting #collegetrip (it's less characters than #collegevisit)about 1 month ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 138 - finished video blue/brown eyes, reading Beloved, spanish Don Juan test, biomedical physicsabout 1 month ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 137 4.12.10: Lots of videos, former Giano band director was our band sub, lots of hw tonight. Welcome back.about 1 month ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 136 1st day w/ Mr. S in 20th...I think Im the only one who thought the activity was fun, but it was fail teamwork =(about 1 month ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 136 4.2.10 - Last TOK presentation - Vincent had to driver Eric home = watchinging Star Wars! Spanish test & essayabout 1 month ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 135 4.1.10 My TOK Presentation w/ slightly interactive video! Finished Don Juan video, cleaned up the band room2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 134 3.31.10. WASC visit! Ms. Loza's last day =( Spanish test on vincente fernandez, physics iPod lab!2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 133 3.30 - Don Juan pt 2, House of Spirits essay, I found I can kinda put my legs on a schooldesk, NHS AP Book Drive!2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 132 3.29.10 Double TOK period for presentations, a rushed english double bubble map, and watching Don Juan en espanol2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 131 - short day! @trrickkpatt's TOK Presentation, Math Comp-ing, back to physics lectures (after a month of labs)2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 130 - IB English Orals!! - Dillard, wasn't too bad. Mr. S. in history for a sub...Mr. Todd for English.2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 129 - IB Physics practice Paper 1! Hard Spanish Proverbs Test! Band Board Meeting! ...interesting math test!2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 128 3.23.10 - Asian video crew in physics class! Not sure I'd want to work in TV! and english sub = vincents b-day!2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 127 - Seems so mundane now... Spanish sub, library for tok stuff, physics lab, nhs seniors meeting for graduation! =]2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 126 & interesting...situations on the bus. With belts...And my Billy Mays/Oxi Clean re-enact got a short applause =)2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 126 John's Incredible Pizza for lunch - um...interesting...conversation topics w/ other seniors...2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 126 We got a superior!!! =DD So we can go to regionals!! (Even though I squeaked a bunch... =[ )2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 126 3.19.10 - only 1 class b/c of band top group ratings festival. In spanish (sub) saw Eres tu Maria!2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 125 - IB Spanish oral! I think I misunderstood a question though...overall it was ok. Preterite/Imperfect Test too.2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 124 Talked in Mr Falks class about NHS, teacher-student volleyball game @ lunch = fun, played w/ physics lab carts!2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 124 3.17.10 Last Wednesday band practice ever. Probably. Gotta get ready for IB Spanish Orals tomorrow.2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 122 - 3.15.10 Finished the graduation speaker application today - stayed @ school till 6:30...Good cause though! =)2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 121- tests galore! Band prom nominations, performing arts rally (tried trombone again!)2 months ago from Echofon
  • #worldslongestmarathon 120: 3.11.10. Typeracer, math test, sci oly wrap up/debrief, ap Spanish essays -I gotta get ready for ib orals!!2 months ago from Echofon
  • #worldslongestmarathon 119 - Meeting with Mrs. Phillips/others about secret(?) graduation stuff =), band practice too2 months ago from web
  • Anyways sorry for the rant. Screw YT. #worldslongestmarathon 119 - Cuba simulation, late reading logs, design-a-lab2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 118 - IB typing races! Math club preparations for pi day, nhs stuff, and juggling my schedule for graduation stuff.2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 117 - senate meeting, started cuba, watched rube goldberg machine videos because only 80% of physics class was there2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 116- Finished 1st books of hope with the hole puncher of terror. Helped launch bottle rockets! (landed on roof again)2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 115 3.4.10 - Hard time hitting the high E on my clarinet, Computer Lab for TOK & the next room was under construction2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 114: Band practice, subjunctive, Cuba, TOK essay...pretty regular day2 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 113 - Cuba, Poisson equations, loooong english presentation, and Spanish 1 kids visiting during Espanol.3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 112 - short day, but senate meeting after school (they didn't lock us in! =D) photovoltaic cell lab, books of hope3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 111. Renaissance assembly! overloud music & lots of awards. Loved teachers singing (Mr. Falk!!) & Mr. Cole's winking3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 110 I did better on physics than I thought I'd do! Fire alarm during IBA meeting, wikipedia races during freetime!3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 109 2.24.10 Band FRESHMEN RUN!!!!!! =DDDDDDD And an interesting flow map about central america/caribbean3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 108 physics lab about light intensity, in english we're back to books!! (well collection of essays, but still).3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 108 - more curling, lol. i got a balloon for december math student of the month! math club meeting went well =]3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 107 2.22.10 History quiz, HARD english essay. on mushrooms. lol. and a spanish quiz and fun physics lab w/ light3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 106 2.19.10. Bring Your Own Banana day! Watched curling during class, analyzing probabilities3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 106. Happy Friday! Got Math Department Student of the Month!!!...for December... Books of hope in History and...3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 105 - kant and mill are hard to read =( analyzed ted hughes poem backwards, and spanish simulated conversation fail3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 104 - what to do with korea - "move south korea's capital!" More physics labs =)3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 103 NATIONAL MERIT!!!!!!!!! =DDDDDDDDDDDDDD. Now just the anxiety for college acceptances...3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 103 2.16.2010 brief speech/presentation to sophs about IB benefits. and my physics data is uber-skewed. again. =(3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 102 books of hope sub, clueless/confusing poetry, Spanish test, google docs in physics. Yay weekend!!3 months ago from Echofon
  • #worldslongestmarathon 100! korean war, sylvia plath, binomial theorem, spanish test, and logger pro3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 99 2.9.2010 - Korean War, need to tune clarinet better in top group, hard english essay, finally took G4 pics!3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 98 2.8.10 - history quiz, math observed by vp, long senate meeting, and clarinet practice day after school3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 97 2.5 - Rain! Spanish test, Current events, english sub = star wars monopoly! Counted money for Heroes for Haiti3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 96 2.4 Physics test!! that was really stressful, haha. Spanish essay, math club comp, starting ethics in tok3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 95 2.3 - Berlin wall vid, learned that babies are affected by moms surroundings while in womb and 1st sci-oly meeting3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 94 2.2 top group music, meeting with principal brunyer, and math club tshirts arrived!!3 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 92 books of hope, math ia/big 2 day, yearbook pics took all of english, and WIKIPEDIA RACES ARE SO AWESOME!!!4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 91 1.28 Mt SAC presentation. Invisible Children (Uganda) video. Pretty chill day, cant believe tomorrows friday!4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 90! 1.27 - Playing the inferno in top group! & i didnt realize there was a backside on our poetry essay.......4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 89 1.26.10 playing clarinet after wisdom tooth removal hurts =[ and i showed a west wing clip in tok!!4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 88 1.25.10 @ school 6:30 am for heroes for haiti! lots of hw. more poetry - been a while since we read a book in eng!4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 87 (i missed 86!) 1.21.10 man, the ap english test was haaaaaaaaaaard!! then rock band at kevin's house! =D4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 85 1.19.10. they didnt tell my class there was a lockdown! day 1 of finals over. we marched this morning!4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 84 1.15.10 spanish test, and lots of pictionary! taht's always fun4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 83 1.14.10 don't use ribbon to bind a book. it screws you up when you try to present it.4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 82 - got to see parts of 2001 space oddysey! lots of spanish to sstudy tonight...4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 82 - interesting poem interpretation - i thought it was about sexual orientation, it was about freeing the soul..4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 81 1.12.10 - NHS meeting, fun in class with paper airplanes and tables and chairs...very funny.4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 80, 1.11.10 - omg, the IB physics practice test was soooo hard!! lots of studying to do between now and may...4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 79 - clarinet auditions on a flute part....current events presentation...and Google Street View!!!!4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 79, 1.8.10. NHS induction ceremony! That was a fun night - congrats to all the new inductees =)4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 78. 1.7.10 more alumns visited in physics!! and modern poetry is straaaaange4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 77 1.6.10 really hot today. alumni visitors in physics! and i learned that i can see the ocean from nearby! wow!4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 76 1.5.10 national honor society inductions soon! learned about the history of cable tv which was pretty cool4 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 75 1.4.10 - construction paper = that colored stuff! overall, not too bad of a first day back. stayed awake all day!4 months ago from web
  • oh dang, only 1 more week until the #worldslongestmarathon resumes - time to bring out the ole #schoolcountdown hashtag5 months ago from web
  • getting ready for my interview tomorrow....& i finished the bookwork for spanish! just the dozens of worksheets now...#worldslongestmarathon5 months ago from web
  • looking at spanish hw-it looks like there's 69 pages of stuff over the break O_O creo que this warrants the return of #worldslongestmarathon5 months ago from web
  • I think i may reintroduce the dates to the #worldslongestmarathon - or ib senior year. day 74 is 12.11.09. no more updates until january!5 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 74 - gave mr alvo his gift - i think he was surprised! i like surprise gifts =) history quiz, english potluck!5 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 73 - woah, what a strange english essay! and i had a headache...i think i need to sleep more5 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 72 -homeroom class makes a "santa doesn't do drugs" poster for class competition....5 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 71 - my british accent isn't that great. and analyzing 10 quotes in 50 minutes makes my hand hurt!!!!5 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 70 - lots of homework. ALOT of homework5 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 69. fun fun, last morning band practice ever on the field! can't wait to go to san diego!5 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 68 - interesting day...i liked the physics movie about radio. and sung last year's field show at lunch. yup.5 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 67 - HARD spanish culture test...surprise english essay...getting ready for extended essay tomorrow!6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 66 - really empty, since most people went to see the play. but i read a chapter of hw stuff!!!...in 4 hours...6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 65 sleeeeeeeeeepy!!! short day! band practice!!6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 64 - college interview! spanish test and presentation! learned about radios!6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 63 - long band practice, christmas music, and the first episode of The Wong Show!!!!6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 62 - interesting day...not much to speak of. did some national honor society stuff - thanksgiving soon!!6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 61 - sleepy, physics test, iba meeting, and more stuff. fun fun fun! too many clubs, hahaha6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon the big day 60. not really big. just really tired from band last night. hope todays spanish test was ok.6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon - day 59. 8.5 hours of school + 8 hours of band. fun day!!! 5 SWEEPS IN BAND!!!!! love doing hw @ midnight....6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon = day of school 58. spanish oral testing = FAIL. but band WE GOT CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!!! YAY!!!! =))))))6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 58 - interesting day - at least it's friday!! alot of school stuff to do this weekend though...6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 57 - not too bad, feels like a monday! loooots of homework tonight - yay history IA!!!6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 56 - feels like a friday! except i need to be at school at 7 am tomorrow....6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 55 - "apologize to richmond for throwing an eraser!"6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 55 - long band meeting, didn't get to approve spending!! went to senate meeting and missed physics lesson =(6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 54 - math test! football game! talked with @faineance, saw @annaaamaayorrr too! and i lost my music =(6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 53 - a hard but not super duper hard physics test - math test tomorrow...6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 52 - not much to remember. band sectionals -> clarinet running block fail =(6 months ago from web
  • @kurtthewurt well now it's the 51st day =) #worldslongestmarathon6 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon - yay, 50th day of school!!!!!!! fun band practice with a guest director! =)7 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 49 - someone pulled the fire alarm >=[ principal dressed up as the bball coach and vice versa. confusion ensues!!7 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon 48. -3/13x+2/3x=5/26 etc. by hand A-"whoever invented fractions is stupid" B-"would you rather use decimals instead?"7 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 47 - spanish test, lots of hw tonight. math is taking a loooooooooooong time...................7 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 46 - felt sleepy today after last night. lucky no tests today7 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 45 - another long day at school. and a ..er...interesting?? tutoring experience. probly more unsettling....7 months ago from web
  • so 14 hours of band today! out in the desert! lots of fun, really tired. i think it qualifies for #worldslongestmarathon - day...44.5 ish :]7 months ago from web
  • @fabrolauren but club pictures were fun! there were 3 ppl in physics class! and english was fun too, haha. #worldslongestmarathon day 447 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 43: short day = alot of hw7 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 42. band practice. crazy english essay. besides that not much. and i learned about glowsticks.7 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 41 - band pictures better than last year. watched #ncis today. fun stuff7 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 40. still tired from saturday.7 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 37 - 6am to 10pm!! yay band! first place!7 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 36: feels like less hw. but its still alot, i just got used to carrying 10 books home. and got used to the stress7 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 34 - 5-8 band practice. still didnt leave til almost 9 =( shower, hw, and then scheduling 90 kids's work/jobs...7 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 34. not bad overall. annual rhs pep rally - football team as cheerleaders...wish i had my camera...7 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 32. whole band running through school during practice! tiring, but looked like http://tinyurl.com/ycxsluk !!!7 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon leg 31. not too bad. though i'm not exactly looking forward to our english surprise tomorrow....7 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 30 - well....another 6:30-9:30 school day. 15 hours, not 3. and hw time now!7 months ago from web
  • wow...that was the most productive hour i've had all year. good leg of the #worldslongestmarathon! =) didn't finish, but did a good chunk!!8 months ago from web
  • secret to sucess in the #worldslongestmarathon - be pumped up, ALWAYS have energy. like the energizer bunny. keeps going and going and ...8 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon never seems to end. actually seems worse on weekend. when do i get time for myself??? or college apps?? or SLEEP??8 months ago from web
  • OH! i forgot #worldslongestmarathon day 29 - 10/2 - not bad, mostly an easy day. nhs book drive - it'd be nice if ppl actually gave us books8 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 28 - traumatizing tests! hopefully tomorrow isn't as crazy. ib ice cream social was fun though!8 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 27 - not a whole lot. but tomorrow - tok presentation, history quiz, english surprise, spanish oral test. yay.8 months ago from web
  • ...DONATE AP/SAT BOOKS TO NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY!! realized i dont need so many books today =( thanks @helentran11 #worldslongestmarathon8 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 26 - fun stuff. traumatizing history video =) hahaha. sleepy from band last night. another NHS book drive day....8 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon - plus got 2 tests back - yay! did well =) aaand new eps of #NCIS and premiere of #SGU this week! so exciting!8 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 25 - band practice - and CHAIR AEROBICS! http://bit.ly/xPGJf and now it's homework time...8 months ago from web
  • who's descartes? and spinoza? locke, hume, berkeley? just another leg of the #worldslongestmarathon8 months ago from web
  • gonna try to do a 12 hour homework marathon - looks like more #worldslongestmarathon. my weekend pit stop isn't so much of a pit stop. #sgu8 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 24, 9.25.09 - found a spider in my locker. i tried to kill it and forgot to take my spanish binder to class =(8 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 22, 9.24.09 - a fun (crazy?) 20th century class, and thanks to everyone who came to the math club comp!!8 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 22 - band practice, a physics class full of boys, and HOT (104!) for the 1st day of fall. hopefully cools by #sgu8 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon, day 21 - first math club meeting! wanna go to sleep. and watch #sgu8 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon - 9/21, day 20 - short day! band practice!8 months ago from web
  • i just realized - i missed #worldslongestmarathon day 19, 9/18/09 - uh...had a spanish test. OH and football game & last first performance!!8 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 18 - same old, same old. called to the principal's office again! - thank goodness its for something good =)8 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon - woops, the last one should be day 17, not 16 =) falling asleep doing homework......8 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 16. getting ready for quizzes. and math club IS NOT a nerd club!!8 months ago from web
  • day 16 of the #worldslongestmarathon - i did my snippet! i hope i owned =) and tonnes of spanish hw...8 months ago from web
  • day 15 of the #worldslongestmarathon - in class english essay...well...i know i didn't get a zero! =) snippets tomorrow - oh the joy!8 months ago from web
  • day 14 of the #worldslongestmarathon - back to school assembly! spanish essay!8 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 13! not bad, finally got to watch obama's school speech! saw part of last night's health care speech also8 months ago from web
  • throughthegate: day 12 of the #worldslongestmarathon was a 15 hour stretch. i should have printed my own set of drill charts for band. =(8 months ago from web
  • #worldslongestmarathon day 11 culminated in a nap! and the colony is on tonight! and...3? more weeks until NCIS! YAY!!8 months ago from web
  • yay, finished the 10th part of the #worldslongestmarathon - now it's time for homework. and college apps. and work stuff.9 months ago from web
  • Day 9 of the #worldslongestmarathon - and it aint over yet - i'm back there again for 4 hours tonight!9 months ago from web
  • OH! forgot to mention day 8 of school, or the #worldslongestmarathon - long day, at school from 6:45-9:45. 15 hours,not 3.9 months ago from web
  • day 7 of the #worldslongestmarathon and doesn't seem like the homework is letting up.......gee, it makes it sound like rain, haha9 months ago from web
  • OMG i didn't fail my english quiz!!!!! but tons (or tonnes!) of homework tonight...just day 6 in the #worldslongestmarathon9 months ago from web
  • is this "let's not im richmond day?" =( just another day (5!) in the #worldslongestmarathon called ib senior year9 months ago from web
  • Day 4 of the #worldslongestmarathon.RHS parking lot lines soo long-why?!?! never was before. anyways, finished math hw while my dad drove =)9 months ago from web
  • Day 3 of IB senior year - it's the #worldslongestmarathon. really. -_)-9 months ago from web