Quick rundown of the week! Last Saturday some of my dad’s old friends came over (from his childhood I believe), as well as my uncle and aunt, and we had BBQ Ribs! Yum! They were delicious (though one parent forgot to put aluminum on the pan, so they weren’t as tender as they could have been!), but nevertheless, very very good.
Sunday was the pre-intern picnic for the Cornell in Hollywood interns, out in the Pan Pacific Park in Hollywood. It was a nice day, though I’m glad I put some sun screen on. We all met in the park for our orientation, and it was nice to meet everyone, even though most of them were staying out west of LA. There were sandwiches, and we started to get to know each other. There was a girl who drove here by herself from the east coast! And there was a former intern from the Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien!! (while it existed) – I thought that was really cool!
Monday was my first day at my internship – in the digital department at a production company, so they basically produce and distribute web content (like webisodes and things like that). The first couple days I got to sit in my own office! That was pretty cool! Nice big office with a view of Century City, Sunset Boulevard, and Beverly Hills, nice chairs, and yellow lamps! Though that was just because that was the only space available – now I’m in a cubicle (which is probably a more proper fit) – but it was nice to intern in style for a couple days! The first day I caught up on the company’s content, and the next couple days, I was scouring the internet for possible talent for new web series the company is working on.
It’s quite a commute to get there! I have to get up at 5:45 or so, catch the train at 6:50 something from Industry, then transfer to the red line subway, then to a bus – all in all about 2 hours to get there (2.5 when you add the time going from home and waiting for the first train). Though it took longer the first two days, because there was a light out on Sunset – so I was stuck on the bus for over an hour! Bumper to bumper traffic! But I’ll write more about the commuting experience in another post.
Tuesday night was a panel for Cornell in Hollywood and the Cornell Club LA about Hollywood Jobs in 10 Years. While the panel went off topic a bit, it was very intriguing to hear what people in the industry had to say – about jobs, internships, networking, and various other pieces of advice. It was also a good networking event too. I met some new people (and alums) – and talked some more with the other interns – I’m partly sad that I’m going to be in London because I won’t be able to spend more time with these great people!
Though I am grateful to the intern program for allowing me to learn a lot more about LA! I haven’t gone west of downtown a whole lot, and the intern program has allowed me to do so (as well as gain some exposure to the thing we call our public transportation system). Farmer’s Market, Sunset Boulevard, the Grove, all that wonderful stuff!
And one more quick note – congrats to all the graduates in the class of 2011! Welcome to the “real world” now! Strange thing though. I’ve been reminiscing a bit about last year – I remember that I was excited, but even after the ceremony, I didn’t feel like anything big had changed. Didn’t feel like I graduated exactly – it was rather anti climatic (quite different than winning something like a band medal!) – and has seemed like a rather drawn out process. Actually I feel like this whole year went by rather quickly – it’s probably about a year since I started blogging semi-regularly (May 2010 after Every 15 Minutes probably….) and I still feel that I graduated just a few days ago! And even the 2011 kids – the last time I saw everyone they were juniors! (I suppose that’s what happens when you’re 3000 – not 4000! Hahah – miles away). Feels like I stopped in once…and then at the end of the year and it’s almost like waking up and 8 months just pass by and you haven’t seen any of it, which is an interesting thing after watching these kids for 3 years, and not seeing the third year. I guess it’d be like watching the first couple seasons of Battlestar Galactica, then watching the finale and recognizing everyone, but at the same time there are a lot of changes and differences that just seemed to have happened without really understanding. (Which is almost what I did – missed a lot of the Hera arc as well as the final 4 – I was like what’s all this talk about more human cylons?!?!) But today’s not about me – it’s about you, your accomplishments, your hopes, your dreams. Congratulations again to the class of 2011!
As I'm preparing to leave for school, I've had some time to contemplate my place in life - especially in regards to relationships with other people. I'll just reflect on a few thoughts.
According to what I have read, mangroves float out on the water, holding dirt from storms and sediment that their roots collect. And sometimes, these mangroves are able to join together and create entire floating islands of mangroves. And then eventually by some force of nature, mangroves break off and float on their way again.
Physically moving across the country, I feel like my own little island floating off, breaking off from a larger collective - though I suppose most of us are in the same boat, but I feel like my journey goes down a longer, lonelier path. But regardless, it seems that for the first while, I'll be leaving, but tendrils of leaves are still holding on, stretching out until they inevitably break from the tension. And then I'm floating by myself, ready to join another island. Of course those vines don't have to break - it's just that the knowledge that some of them will, and that others will be hard to maintain that gets to me sometimes.
I have many friends. Some friends are closer than others. Some seem like come and go friends. Others I feel like my roots are entwined with. And many are somewhere in between. I feel like a man falling off a cliff, grasping at anything he can hold on to - or at least that's how I'd imagine it in my mind's eye. It's just figuring out what to grasp on to. Maybe a better analogy is the man who catches 40 pounds of fish but can only carry 10 pounds home. Here he is, grasping at all the fish flopping in his arms, trying to save as much as his catch as possible. But then there soon comes a point that in his struggle to grab as many fish as possible, he'll lose all of them. And therin lies the dilemma. And to add on to that, there's another mile of river left, and the fisherman still has fish to catch. Sometimes I think I have things figured out, but then everything is turned upside down. But I suppose that's life.
Another image in my head is that of a boat. And I'm going off across the ocean. I'm trying to stay on land as much as possible, and as I'm leaving, I can't help but feel the need to see land, to feel that connection. But inevitably I'm going to reach that point where all I see is water.
I suppose I've pretty much described the same feeling three different ways. But there's hope yet! Returning to the same island; returning upstream to grab a second batch of fish; coming back to the mainland. It's not impossible, but friendships and relationships take time and work. And really deep relationships require personal interaction - which is hard to do over AIM or Facebook. But if it's worth it, I'll do it. Some fish are too precious to throw back in the water.
December, here I come.
Another week gone. And my summer resolve has been weakened. School starts next week - I'm in denial! There are quite a few things I didn't get around to this summer - compositions, Lego videos, Disneyland - and thus the weakened soul. And a nice pun for the week. But to make a long story short - (too late!) - here we go for the week:
Sunday August 8
TV: Persons Unknown (NBC, via hulu) - Joe's back! Sorta. Well I thought it was an interesting reintroduction, and I loved the new information revealed about The Program. Can't wait for next week!
Monday August 9
Blood test! My mortal fear. Seriously. Not too bad. I was going to do a blog entry entitled: "Doctors, Dentists, and Optometrists, Oh My!" Unfortunately my laziness and business got in the way. Maybe another week. After my mangrove entry. And life after death entry. Possibly. There are some more things to add to the weakened soul list. How exciting!
Tuesday August 10
Rincon meeting! Got some great new stuff planned for the website, both for visitors and behind the scenes, and got some updates for the upcoming school year.
Thursday August 11
Had to go to the District Office and fill out some paperwork for work. Then I was kidnapped...sorta. To a place I knew. What an interesting experience. Especially since I thought I was going at 50mph when we were only going around 30. Anyways, I had a great time a Trevor's house with everyone - thanks so much for the gift too guys! Monty Python was (pretty much) a good laugh, and I loved Office Space. And my few hours of sleep, after being awakened at 3am hearing dripping coffee and talk about fractions...
Friday August 12
First I went over to Rowland to watch the kids at band camp. I wish I could have gone later and watched drill because they were only in basics block. And I felt like I couldn't step on the track or field as a non-member. So I stayed back on the concrete at the fence. But I kind of did a wave-nod thing to Peter and Kat! But then I had to leave early for IB Dinner at Souplantation! With Suradeth. So that was great to see everyone one last time before leaving - I had a great time, even though we had a little rocky start at separate tables. But the long table at the end was good fun. As was boba at Quickly's - I realize it was probably my last chance to get authentic cheap Asian boba before I leave!
And that's pretty much it for now - hopefully I can get some other blog entries that I've been kicking around my head written...er typed soon.
This week was marked by gatherings – both planned and unplanned, some TV watching, a lot of hours put in on the Rincon Website (changes that are not live yet, but I’m getting to it!), and my driving test!
Saturday 7/31
IB reunion! Moved parks, first at Heritage, then Schabarum Park. Grilled chicken and sausage, thanks to Yongjin and Daniel. I went for a 10 minute half hike with Yasitha which was pretty fun, and I got to test out the zoom on my camera. I love the views from up on the trail – I just wish the climate was more prone to large trees rather than wild west looking brush and burnt remains of last year’s grasses. But it was a lot of fun seeing the people who were able to make it, as well as climbing trees and going to the playground.
Monday 7/26
TV: Persons Unknown (NBC) on Hulu – I keep loving this show more and more. What happened to Joe!? And I do enjoy the Renbe plot on the outside, and how the views have more information than the kidnapped victims. Unless that’s what they want us to think.
Tuesday 7/27
Grilled Cheese sandwiches! So my dad cooked those for around brunch. And then Virginia called to see if I wanted to go to Souplantation with her, Kamaron, and Tedman – and if I could print out some coupons. So printed I did, and went over there. It was great to see them all, talk and catch up and what not. Driving, MIT, college, certain people I hang out with. And good blueberry muffins. It was a very pleasant surprise to receive that call, and I had a great time. (Plus I got a chance to practice my driving!)
TV: Warehouse 13 (syfy), fashion models aging and a mysterious camera. Not a bad episode, the show varies to cater to my liking and not. I think I really like the characters, just not the plots as much. But it’s good to watch a (mostly) light hearted show in the midst of our post 9/11 television age. Like shows like The Colony (Discovery) – which I watched as well! It was okay as well. I thought introducing an outside threat so early was upping the ante, but I do miss having a bunch of PhD’s and scientists. I know other viewers prefer “regular people” but I really enjoyed the dynamics of last year’s group.
Wednesday 7/28
Driving test in Whittier! I’ll admit it, I was nervous – in fact my leg was shaking during part of the test. My right leg. Which probably wasn’t the best thing for my driving, but regardless, I passed with only 2 mistakes! Went to Best Buy also, for laptop scouting – the last big thing I really need to get taken care of before college. Besides that whole wisdom tooth thing.
Thursday 7/29
Anthony Weiner’s rant in Congress. Regardless of his presentation, it’s pretty obvious there’s some passion and anger in there. Nevertheless, interesting to see, and I have some thoughts on the subject that I won’t post in public! However, I’d just like to put the open ended question that when someone on the right goes on an angry rant, it’s alright. But when someone on the left does so, the pundits have a field day. Just an observation; maybe I’ll put some more thoughts on that later.
Friday 7/30
Another pleasant surprise phone call, when Simon asked if I wanted to eat at Denny’s with him, Lauren, and Jason. I went (though I didn’t get to drive on my own!) and got there before Jason did. I had a good time seeing them again – truthfully, I wasn’t sure if I’d see any of them again before I left, so that was wonderful. We talked about a lot of things – though I felt like those teen shows where the kids have their hangout place. Or Arthur and the Sugar Bowl! But it was great to meet up with them and talk about band and school and people and everything.
After that, I went with my mom to get new cell phones, and then to Anaheim Band to get my clarinet looked at. I finally bought a new met/tuner to replace the one I lost. Practice on my CU Winds Audition piece continues, I think I’m improving, but I hope to master it before I get my wisdom teeth out this week. On the way back, we got Popeye’s Chicken!
TV/Radio: I found a new RADIO show! On NPR, KPCC 89.3, Comedy Congress with Pat Morrison. I think Comedy Congress is aired sporadically, but I love the humor about politics – and I suppose intelligent humor at that. No Weiner jokes. At least so far. But I can see why some conservatives may view NPR as a lefty liberal conspiracy (though they did make fun of the Dems too!) And Eureka (syfy) was pretty good too – nice to see Zoe in college (that’s me next year!) and while I didn’t care much for the “funny” scientist, I am enjoying this season, and again the lightheartedness of the show.
Saturday 7/31
I FORGOT IT WAS HARRY POTTER’S BIRTHDAY!! Happy Belated Birthday!
TV: PBS 50’s, 60’s, 70’s shows with my parents, and they have a new Aretha Franklin special. I love that PBS is really preserving the music, especially because I enjoy it! Too bad their fundraising breaks go so long though.
Sunday 8/1
Cornell Sendoff! It was a luncheon at an alumni’s house (and Cornell family) I met a lot of great new students like myself and current students (though I forgot a lot of names!) It did give me some confidence about the upcoming weeks, that I can hold my own pretty well when I don’t know anyone. Hopefully I’ll run into these people again. But this event was great, because the great trepidation of uplifting roots and moving across the country was somewhat subsided – I think I feel a little more mentally ready to go to college.
Week In Preview:
This week it looks like a movie day, maybe Hollywood Bowl, and a trip to the dentist office. Hopefully a little more blogging too!
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?
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.
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