In general I don't understand the machine that is "reality" TV and get very annoyed by it, so I won't go on about the misnomer and all of that. Basically know that I do not like ones in which people win obscene money for being deceitful. I do not like Survivor, all but two seasons of Amazing Race, the Apprentice, Big Brother (? is that the title of the one in the house?)...
I do like the Biggest Loser 'cuz the winner has really accomplished something good. Actually, all participants have accomplished good things, and not just for themselves, but for their family, their friends, their future, their health...
In a previous entry, I wrote about my mild interest in American Idol. Ryan Seacrest really annoys me. All the childish jabs at Simon are really unnecessary. This season actually got my attention and it's mostly due to Melinda Doolittle. I am disappointed that she will not be in the final. I previously said that if Sanjaya got into the top 10, that I would quit watching this season, but I found myself (ignoring Sanjaya) watching for Melinda (and Phil), and guests like Gwen Stefani and Bon Jovi. But now that Melinda's off, I don't care about the finals and can finally quit.
The reality show I really enjoy is Dancing with the Stars. I admire the talents of dancers, especially the ones on the show because they understand their craft to the level that they can teach it as well. And in this show, we get to see the personalities of the stars. Like this season, with Apolo Anton Ohno, my family and I watched him compete in the Olympics, we saw the serious game face and stuff, but it's interesting to see what he's like off the ice. And Laila Ali, she's got a good personality, she can really move, and she's really quite pretty.
That's all I wanna say for now.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
What a Season!
Quickly, the conference champions:
MIVA: Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne (IPFW)
EIVA: Penn State
MPSF: UC Irvine (UCI)
Yes, that's right, UCI beat out heavy favorite Pepperdine in a full-drive close-cut 5-game match. They tested each other's limits down to the wire. The deciding 5th game went into extra play, 16-14 Irvine.
What a season it has been. With 12 very good teams in the MPSF, 10 that tend to be ranked nationally every week, it's unusual that any team would dominate a single season. Pepperdine started the preseason at 5, then climbed their way to #1, holding that top spot mid-Feb to the end of the season. UCI dominated as well, starting at #1, dropping to #2 at the end of Jan, tying for third one week in Feb, then holding at 2 for the next 7 weeks, dropping to 3rd only at the end of the season. BYU has been a rather solid #3.
Preseason, I had a feeling that UCI would be in the NCAA playoffs. I still full-heartedly cheered on my team, the early-season-ailing Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, but there was no denying that UCI has a good team.
Hey, they beat my Warriors in the MPSF Playoffs, but man, did we make sure they earned it. For a second, with the Warriors clearly taking the 1st 2 games, it looked like UH would be on their way to a national title again. I would say, it's not so bad when we took the now-MPSF champs to 5-games in the playoffs.
Warriors started preseason at 4, and really during this tough season for them, I thought of any team, this team could pull off an upset and take the national title, and done it better than the crazy tirade UCLA went on late last year for the title.
Losing 5 great seniors last year, we had solid leadership at all key positions in this year's seniors: Beckwith (setting), Dante (blocking), Kalima (passing/digs), and Hakala (kills). Even the untested freshmen, especially in the second half of the season, made incredible strides, greatly contributing in their positions to the blocking (Rawson), the hitting (Vanzant), and at passing and digging (Cervantes).
Next year, I can see Carney picking up the setting smoothly, he's already had some good experience, though the coaches say they might use him at outside hitter. Clar could definitely fill in at opposite (Hakala's vacated spot). Rawson needs to work on being patient at the net, not over-reaching. If Vanzant can improve on hitting accuracy, he'll be that more effective. Everyone needs to practice their serving and passing, that's important every year, all the time. Also important is being able to read the other team, see the blocks, see if the opponent had a good approach for the swing, etc. I'm looking forward to seeing how Schkud improves so that he gets a permanent starting spot; I don't think we've seen all he's capable of yet. We're gonna have the youngest team we've had in a while, but it's gonna be worth watching the next two seasons.
Next Up: The NCAA semis onto the finals. 2nd seeded UCI vs. 3rd seeded Penn State, 1st seed Pepperdine vs. 4th seed IPFW.
Congratulations to UCI for their first MPSF title, how do they get seeded 2nd under Pepperdine?
And a huge aloha-filled mahalo to the 2007 Warriors for another exciting season!
MIVA: Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne (IPFW)
EIVA: Penn State
MPSF: UC Irvine (UCI)
Yes, that's right, UCI beat out heavy favorite Pepperdine in a full-drive close-cut 5-game match. They tested each other's limits down to the wire. The deciding 5th game went into extra play, 16-14 Irvine.
What a season it has been. With 12 very good teams in the MPSF, 10 that tend to be ranked nationally every week, it's unusual that any team would dominate a single season. Pepperdine started the preseason at 5, then climbed their way to #1, holding that top spot mid-Feb to the end of the season. UCI dominated as well, starting at #1, dropping to #2 at the end of Jan, tying for third one week in Feb, then holding at 2 for the next 7 weeks, dropping to 3rd only at the end of the season. BYU has been a rather solid #3.
Preseason, I had a feeling that UCI would be in the NCAA playoffs. I still full-heartedly cheered on my team, the early-season-ailing Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, but there was no denying that UCI has a good team.
Hey, they beat my Warriors in the MPSF Playoffs, but man, did we make sure they earned it. For a second, with the Warriors clearly taking the 1st 2 games, it looked like UH would be on their way to a national title again. I would say, it's not so bad when we took the now-MPSF champs to 5-games in the playoffs.
Warriors started preseason at 4, and really during this tough season for them, I thought of any team, this team could pull off an upset and take the national title, and done it better than the crazy tirade UCLA went on late last year for the title.
Losing 5 great seniors last year, we had solid leadership at all key positions in this year's seniors: Beckwith (setting), Dante (blocking), Kalima (passing/digs), and Hakala (kills). Even the untested freshmen, especially in the second half of the season, made incredible strides, greatly contributing in their positions to the blocking (Rawson), the hitting (Vanzant), and at passing and digging (Cervantes).
Next year, I can see Carney picking up the setting smoothly, he's already had some good experience, though the coaches say they might use him at outside hitter. Clar could definitely fill in at opposite (Hakala's vacated spot). Rawson needs to work on being patient at the net, not over-reaching. If Vanzant can improve on hitting accuracy, he'll be that more effective. Everyone needs to practice their serving and passing, that's important every year, all the time. Also important is being able to read the other team, see the blocks, see if the opponent had a good approach for the swing, etc. I'm looking forward to seeing how Schkud improves so that he gets a permanent starting spot; I don't think we've seen all he's capable of yet. We're gonna have the youngest team we've had in a while, but it's gonna be worth watching the next two seasons.
Next Up: The NCAA semis onto the finals. 2nd seeded UCI vs. 3rd seeded Penn State, 1st seed Pepperdine vs. 4th seed IPFW.
Congratulations to UCI for their first MPSF title, how do they get seeded 2nd under Pepperdine?
And a huge aloha-filled mahalo to the 2007 Warriors for another exciting season!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Virginia Tech: All I know to do is to pray for them. I don't know why I felt so affected by that event, not that it wasn't tragic or significant, but unlike for other events around the world, I found myself crying as I watched the news about VTech. I couldn't not cry and friends know that I show emotion very rarely.
Maybe it was because of the two that died in the dormitory. The dorm's a home away from home; it should be safe. Or maybe it was listening to the students talking about being in class or taking an exam when the guy just comes in and starts shooting. I can't imagine...and I don't know what I would've done in that situation.
But in a time when we seem to be the farthest apart from each other than we ever have been, even when sitting shoulder to shoulder on a bus or brushing shoulders in a crowded hallway, as sad as I felt watching the news the past few days I'm learning to focus on the positives, what few there were, of the tragedy. The stories of courage and bravery, of heroics in a time when we need heroes... truly uplifting.
We've heard of Prof. Liviu Librescu, Holocaust survivor, blocking the door with his life so that his students could escape; how often do we wonder if educators really care about their students and no doubt that he did. Other students also blocked doors and looked for other opportunities to help their classmates who were shot.
UH Security: I wouldn't feel safer with armed police on campus. Yes, in situations like VTech, time is very important. Other times, the sight of a gun or other weapon may exacerbate the situation, or entice someone to do a stupid thing. It would be impossible to post an armed guard at every classroom, or at every entrance, and even that would not guarantee every person's safety.
I do, however, have confidence in our guards and in our policemen. And hopefully we never have to test ourselves, but I would hope that in a time of need, of life or death, that we would rise up and protect each other.
As an aside regarding humanity, at times I worry that people from even just 5 years younger than me are...not well. It would take too much to explain exactly what I mean, but I would say, don't be discouraged about young people or write them off completely. Every so often I ride TheBus and I have to smile when a young person gives up their seat to the elderly or to a mother with her child. Not all do, and some are not so considerate, but let's take courage in those that do.
Maybe it was because of the two that died in the dormitory. The dorm's a home away from home; it should be safe. Or maybe it was listening to the students talking about being in class or taking an exam when the guy just comes in and starts shooting. I can't imagine...and I don't know what I would've done in that situation.
But in a time when we seem to be the farthest apart from each other than we ever have been, even when sitting shoulder to shoulder on a bus or brushing shoulders in a crowded hallway, as sad as I felt watching the news the past few days I'm learning to focus on the positives, what few there were, of the tragedy. The stories of courage and bravery, of heroics in a time when we need heroes... truly uplifting.
We've heard of Prof. Liviu Librescu, Holocaust survivor, blocking the door with his life so that his students could escape; how often do we wonder if educators really care about their students and no doubt that he did. Other students also blocked doors and looked for other opportunities to help their classmates who were shot.
UH Security: I wouldn't feel safer with armed police on campus. Yes, in situations like VTech, time is very important. Other times, the sight of a gun or other weapon may exacerbate the situation, or entice someone to do a stupid thing. It would be impossible to post an armed guard at every classroom, or at every entrance, and even that would not guarantee every person's safety.
I do, however, have confidence in our guards and in our policemen. And hopefully we never have to test ourselves, but I would hope that in a time of need, of life or death, that we would rise up and protect each other.
As an aside regarding humanity, at times I worry that people from even just 5 years younger than me are...not well. It would take too much to explain exactly what I mean, but I would say, don't be discouraged about young people or write them off completely. Every so often I ride TheBus and I have to smile when a young person gives up their seat to the elderly or to a mother with her child. Not all do, and some are not so considerate, but let's take courage in those that do.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
And Dante Wins the Prize!
[continuation from previous post]
Warriors won and are play-off bound! Next up, Irvine @ Irvine...
JayLee and I at senior night Warrior volleyball (we also witnessed Fri's game). We got there about a 1/2 hour before first serve, the earliest I've ever been to a game. We got the team photo from the Stan Sheriff crew since we were so early (first 2,000 fans). Got to see some players change from their practice shirts to their game jerseys; the Card's Ceran's in good shape and that's all I'll say. I'm there for the volleyball...
I usually sit in the super-rooter section, near the "Aunties", a bunch of drunk-by-half-time college kids, and other loyal fans. I could see the flags this time and the Sheriff Center's got a clock, I didn't know that before. JayLee and I got tickets at the lower level this time, across from the benches, in the mix of the Beckwith, Schkud, and Kalima Ohana. If I had known earlier how much fun those families are, especially the Beckwiths, I would've sat there every time! Too bad he's graduating now and I'll hafta scope out for another fun ohana. I saw Johnny Matt Bender, former #13 UH Warrior and one of five seniors last year, in the stands with his girlfriend watching the current Warriors.
And Kalima fans all around. Shouts for Kalima came from the Ohana, from the left, from the right, from the top, from across the way... They've been cheering him on from his redshirt year 5 yrs. ago. "Put Eric in! We wanna see Kalima!" Well, they saw him this year! Propelling himself towards the ball no matter where it is, like a magnet, as only Kalima can!
The Beckwith crew were waving ti leaves, holding up clever signs, one dressed up as a Warrior with some boys in tow. They led cheers, also yelling out "unleash the dragon!" for Matt "Dragon" Rawson. We sat right in front of the "ICU @ UCI" and "Killer B (for Brian Beckwith)" signs. A few times, the exuberant ti leaf waving brushed my hair. The boys were heckling the Cards, a lady with them tried to get them to just cheer on the Warriors explaining that Hawai'i fans are respectful of all players.
Someone asked about Manoa, seeing it everywhere (it's the place name, campus name, like CS Fullerton, CS Northridge). Another person asked about why we cheer with "Let's go BOWS!" (a 3-count cheer) instead of their "Let's go Hawai-i" (in 4-counts)(The rainbow used to be the mascot of UH, recently changed to "Warriors" by football coach Jones, some call us "RainBOW Warriors"). "Let's go BOWS" is still my favorite. [I mention the Q's 'cuz I like it when people care to know].
JayLee and I indulged ourselves in the ever-ono garlic fries and Italian ices. Those ices are...*sigh* They taste just like the fruit their flavors say they are. Yeah, I could've just eaten a real fruit, but SO?!! Come on, I-TA-LI-AN.
Across the way, an elder lady sat in the stands, wearing a UH t-shirt... under a red sweater. The Cards colors are red and white. It's okay to be a local and root for the other team when there's a local boy on that team. If I knew him I would've just been bold like other Shoji fans and just wear all red. There was a man in our section who was wearing red, but held up a sign for the Warriors, I forget what it said.
Commentator Chris McLachlin said that Costas was the hardest hitting Warrior ever. Could be. My opinion is for Hakala. No argument that Costas was a great player with fear-inspiring, hard-hitting, tough-serving, consistent play and a mean bull-stare, but I do think Hakala hits harder. I have no proof or stats, but I've watched both play. When Hakala goes in for the kill, you see him lift-off, then you hear the *BOOM*, next thing you know Hakala's got the kill. Between Hakala's contact and the floor, or sometimes an unwilling opponent's face, the ball disappears. Even in slo-mo replay you can't see the ball. Both Costas and Hakala were great to watch, but I like Hakala's style. He might be a more intelligent player and he's definitely a physical player. He changes up his play more than I believe Costas did, making him more unpredictable. Those few games that he was injured and didn't play were a plus as he cheered on his team and was as involved as he could be. I would've liked to see him play here another year.
And okay, outside of volleyball that I love, I also like a man of languages. I would've liked to become an ambassador or a diplomat or just a translator for the government if I had the skills, but I guess other interests overrided those ideas also. I'm in my 4th year of trying to learn Russian on my own and I'm still at (in English spelling) "pazhalsta," "spaseeba," and "gdye vodka?" (please, thank you, and where is the vodka?). BKR's in CA for his doctorate and so once again, I have no one to practice Espanol with; I'm getting very rusty where the list of words/phrases I'm sure of is getting shorter and shorter. I need to live in CA for a few years again. Here's "por favor," "gracias," and "dos cervezas mas!" (please, thank you, and two beers more!). I really don't drink much at all, honest, just ask my friends. I have another favorite phase I was taught that starts with "quitate" but I won't say the whole thing here. Long and winding way to saying I admire (and am a little jealous of) Hakala for his ability to learn several different languages. Sometimes I'm thinking in English but spelling in Spanish, like "camara" instead of "camera".
Senior Festivities: Besides consistently being a good team, with good facilities, and great coaches, we could recruit just by our senior night celebrations. That did it for former Warrior Matt Carere several years ago; he caught senior night on TV in Canada by chance and thought it was something great. I bet some players from other teams check their schedules to see if they get to come to play in Hawai'i on our senior night; we also acknowledge their seniors and they usually have a good time too.
Hakala had a Finnish flag; they could've gotten a Hawaiian flag for Kalima and Dante and CA's flag for Brian. It would've been reminiscent of the four-flagged seniors from 2003, when there was a Greek flag for Costas, an Israel flag for Eyal, a Hawaiian flag for Tony "Tigah" Ching, and a WI flag for Brian Nordberg.
It's great to see the families of other teammates representing missing family members when that happens. Sean Carney's dad filled in honor for Hakala, and of course many others gave him lei also.
All 4 seniors got buried in lei. In introducing the Beckwith clan, so many of them were present that the announcer could only call out Brian's parents, his two brothers, and "almost the entire Beckwith Ohana!" Brian disappeared in the mountain of lei. Imagine if he had gone to a Hawai'i school and at his graduation...
And there was a collective "aww" from the female Dante fans when his girlfriend was introduced. Dante's got a good smile, I wasn't a part of that crowd, but I know a few who were...
NO DANCING this year!!! Boo! For their senior video, Brian, Dante, Kalima, and Hakala sang kah-rah-oh-kay (karaoke, hard "r" almost like an "l") to Lionel Richie's "All Night Long". It was great! Dante wins the prize as he got into character as a lounge singer. Gotta appreciate that!
[Images from Honolulu Advertiser and the Star Bulletin]
Warriors won and are play-off bound! Next up, Irvine @ Irvine...
JayLee and I at senior night Warrior volleyball (we also witnessed Fri's game). We got there about a 1/2 hour before first serve, the earliest I've ever been to a game. We got the team photo from the Stan Sheriff crew since we were so early (first 2,000 fans). Got to see some players change from their practice shirts to their game jerseys; the Card's Ceran's in good shape and that's all I'll say. I'm there for the volleyball...
I usually sit in the super-rooter section, near the "Aunties", a bunch of drunk-by-half-time college kids, and other loyal fans. I could see the flags this time and the Sheriff Center's got a clock, I didn't know that before. JayLee and I got tickets at the lower level this time, across from the benches, in the mix of the Beckwith, Schkud, and Kalima Ohana. If I had known earlier how much fun those families are, especially the Beckwiths, I would've sat there every time! Too bad he's graduating now and I'll hafta scope out for another fun ohana. I saw Johnny Matt Bender, former #13 UH Warrior and one of five seniors last year, in the stands with his girlfriend watching the current Warriors.
And Kalima fans all around. Shouts for Kalima came from the Ohana, from the left, from the right, from the top, from across the way... They've been cheering him on from his redshirt year 5 yrs. ago. "Put Eric in! We wanna see Kalima!" Well, they saw him this year! Propelling himself towards the ball no matter where it is, like a magnet, as only Kalima can!
The Beckwith crew were waving ti leaves, holding up clever signs, one dressed up as a Warrior with some boys in tow. They led cheers, also yelling out "unleash the dragon!" for Matt "Dragon" Rawson. We sat right in front of the "ICU @ UCI" and "Killer B (for Brian Beckwith)" signs. A few times, the exuberant ti leaf waving brushed my hair. The boys were heckling the Cards, a lady with them tried to get them to just cheer on the Warriors explaining that Hawai'i fans are respectful of all players.
Someone asked about Manoa, seeing it everywhere (it's the place name, campus name, like CS Fullerton, CS Northridge). Another person asked about why we cheer with "Let's go BOWS!" (a 3-count cheer) instead of their "Let's go Hawai-i" (in 4-counts)(The rainbow used to be the mascot of UH, recently changed to "Warriors" by football coach Jones, some call us "RainBOW Warriors"). "Let's go BOWS" is still my favorite. [I mention the Q's 'cuz I like it when people care to know].
JayLee and I indulged ourselves in the ever-ono garlic fries and Italian ices. Those ices are...*sigh* They taste just like the fruit their flavors say they are. Yeah, I could've just eaten a real fruit, but SO?!! Come on, I-TA-LI-AN.
Across the way, an elder lady sat in the stands, wearing a UH t-shirt... under a red sweater. The Cards colors are red and white. It's okay to be a local and root for the other team when there's a local boy on that team. If I knew him I would've just been bold like other Shoji fans and just wear all red. There was a man in our section who was wearing red, but held up a sign for the Warriors, I forget what it said.
Commentator Chris McLachlin said that Costas was the hardest hitting Warrior ever. Could be. My opinion is for Hakala. No argument that Costas was a great player with fear-inspiring, hard-hitting, tough-serving, consistent play and a mean bull-stare, but I do think Hakala hits harder. I have no proof or stats, but I've watched both play. When Hakala goes in for the kill, you see him lift-off, then you hear the *BOOM*, next thing you know Hakala's got the kill. Between Hakala's contact and the floor, or sometimes an unwilling opponent's face, the ball disappears. Even in slo-mo replay you can't see the ball. Both Costas and Hakala were great to watch, but I like Hakala's style. He might be a more intelligent player and he's definitely a physical player. He changes up his play more than I believe Costas did, making him more unpredictable. Those few games that he was injured and didn't play were a plus as he cheered on his team and was as involved as he could be. I would've liked to see him play here another year.
And okay, outside of volleyball that I love, I also like a man of languages. I would've liked to become an ambassador or a diplomat or just a translator for the government if I had the skills, but I guess other interests overrided those ideas also. I'm in my 4th year of trying to learn Russian on my own and I'm still at (in English spelling) "pazhalsta," "spaseeba," and "gdye vodka?" (please, thank you, and where is the vodka?). BKR's in CA for his doctorate and so once again, I have no one to practice Espanol with; I'm getting very rusty where the list of words/phrases I'm sure of is getting shorter and shorter. I need to live in CA for a few years again. Here's "por favor," "gracias," and "dos cervezas mas!" (please, thank you, and two beers more!). I really don't drink much at all, honest, just ask my friends. I have another favorite phase I was taught that starts with "quitate" but I won't say the whole thing here. Long and winding way to saying I admire (and am a little jealous of) Hakala for his ability to learn several different languages. Sometimes I'm thinking in English but spelling in Spanish, like "camara" instead of "camera".
Senior Festivities: Besides consistently being a good team, with good facilities, and great coaches, we could recruit just by our senior night celebrations. That did it for former Warrior Matt Carere several years ago; he caught senior night on TV in Canada by chance and thought it was something great. I bet some players from other teams check their schedules to see if they get to come to play in Hawai'i on our senior night; we also acknowledge their seniors and they usually have a good time too.Hakala had a Finnish flag; they could've gotten a Hawaiian flag for Kalima and Dante and CA's flag for Brian. It would've been reminiscent of the four-flagged seniors from 2003, when there was a Greek flag for Costas, an Israel flag for Eyal, a Hawaiian flag for Tony "Tigah" Ching, and a WI flag for Brian Nordberg.
It's great to see the families of other teammates representing missing family members when that happens. Sean Carney's dad filled in honor for Hakala, and of course many others gave him lei also.
All 4 seniors got buried in lei. In introducing the Beckwith clan, so many of them were present that the announcer could only call out Brian's parents, his two brothers, and "almost the entire Beckwith Ohana!" Brian disappeared in the mountain of lei. Imagine if he had gone to a Hawai'i school and at his graduation...
And there was a collective "aww" from the female Dante fans when his girlfriend was introduced. Dante's got a good smile, I wasn't a part of that crowd, but I know a few who were...
NO DANCING this year!!! Boo! For their senior video, Brian, Dante, Kalima, and Hakala sang kah-rah-oh-kay (karaoke, hard "r" almost like an "l") to Lionel Richie's "All Night Long". It was great! Dante wins the prize as he got into character as a lounge singer. Gotta appreciate that!
[Images from Honolulu Advertiser and the Star Bulletin]
#10 UH vs. Stanford: Woohoo!!!
The numbers say it all.
Those are the stats [Courtesy of the Honolulu Advertiser] from last night's senior match between the UH Rainbow Warriors and the Stanford Cardinals.
Here's how the Warriors got there: People will say that the turnaround for the Warriors mid-season was the sweep of Cal State Northridge [CSUN]. I say it was the second match against Pepperdine[Pepp] who was and is still #1; the Warriors took the 1st game in a 4-game match loss to Pepp where they were breathing down Pepp's neck during games 3 and 4. It was then that the Warriors resembled the winning team we're used to seeing each year: tenacity, patience, and fun at every moment whether they're up or down.
Then the Warriors began a 6-match win streak all in sweeps (3-game wins) over CSUN, Lewis, and UCSD. The big test would come at the Walter Pyramid, home of the Long Beach 49ers where the then 13th Warriors took the 1st match against 9th LBSU in 5-games, having to win the 5th in extra-play, 19-17 (5th game is win-by-2, 1st to 15). For the 2nd match against LBSU, the Warriors improved by taking down the Beach in 4 games.
Then the Warriors came home to face the Cardinals, being led by the versatile local boy, son of Wahine Volleyball Coach Dave Shoji, the Freshman Kawika Shoji. The Warriors swept the Cardinals on Friday night, 30-22, 30-23, 30-22. The big section of Cardinal fans (a lot of locals out to see Shoji, understandable) weren't as loud as I was expecting them to be, and Shoji didn't bring the A-game that Stanford articles have been talking about. Who did give us trouble was the Card's #5, 6'6" (F) Evan Romero with 17 kills and no service errors.
On to last night's match, senior night for the Rainbow Warriors. I was in attendance with friend JayLee. It was...amazing! The Cardinals did their homework and came back with determination. The entire night was one big noise as 3,000+ fans cheered at practically every play during many long rallies with whole-hearted dives and saves by both teams. Up-official Ernie Ho took a "beating" himself as at least 3 of the Card's errant passes hit him; a dive over the Card bench by (I think it was) #5 Romero almost took out a laptop (being used by one of the asst. coaches); veteran Sportscaster Jim Leahey rescued Card's #11 Brian Lindberg from what could've been a fatal or career-ending dive over PressRow (there's a Senior showing the team how to do it, Kalima can appreciate). That's just from the Cards!
On the Warriors side, Carney brought in his steady serving with 4 in a row to help us on to closing game 1; one was a service ace. He came in for setting duties half-way through game 2 and did an excellent job of running the plays. There's practically no difference between Beckwith and Carney in terms of quality; it'll be exciting to see what Carney does next year. Vanzant got in on the action with 15 kills on the night with great sprinting to chase down the ball and bring it back into play; Dante up-front helped Vanzant from going under the net after a flight from the back row for a kill. Dante himself got 14 kills, 3 of them by being quick to swallow up over-passes by the Cards. Kalima hit a solid .231 and worked hard at the net with 1 solo block and 5 block assists. He even took a ball in the head on a valiant effort to pop-up it up Kalima-style, a scary moment for UH fans as it looked like his head had hit the floor instead of the ball.
Hakala unloaded the cannon on the Cards with 21 kills on the night, 2 aces, while also working his defense skills with 10 digs and 2 blocks. Hakala's mana got out-of-control on a couple long hits and serves, but I believe I heard some sighs of relief by the Cards who didn't want an extra bruising from having to dig another Hakala fireball. Maybe a few Somebodies woke up this morning with black and blue arms, screaming before realizing "oh, that's right, we played Hakala last night" [I'm joking, that's if it had been me, the Cards are tougher than that].
And what about Beckwith? How about giving his team a .356 kill %age, all of them hitting positive, 3 of them in double-digit kills (see Vanzant, Dante, and Hakala above) with Rawson just under at 9 kills. How about across-the-board action with 3 kills, 47 assists, 8 digs, 6 block assists and a tough jump-serve. How about chasing down a ball and bringing it back into play from outside the antenna for a Rawson kill to end game 1. And, with senior-night greed which he admitted to later, he closed out the match with a no-look dump-shot to remind everyone that not only does he put the ball up, he can knock it down too.
[to be continued]
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Hardly an Idol Worshiper
Except for two seasons of The Amazing Race [the Linz and Aiello family were cool] and one of the Biggest Loser, I cannot stand "Reality" shows.
I wouldn't have cared less about American Idol except that I was in Oregon during 2004, calling home and being confused when Mom would start talking about someone named Jasmine and another named Camille. Who? They did what?!
Thus, I was dunked head-first into the world of AmIdol. Camille had something different to her and an evident local-personality. Jasmine cried like a girl but sang her heart out. Actually, I was more a fan of Camille only because Jasmine is similar in appearance to my friend JoyFul who had tried out that season. Those who know JoyFul know I 'aint lyin' when I say that the lady can out-sing anyone. She said her nerves got her at the audition and that's probably true 'cause JoyFul's not the type to seek out the spotlight, yet I would've bet she'd have been on the stage at the end with Fantasia. Maybe it wasn't her nerves; maybe the judges already let in a few Jasmines by then and JoyFul no longer "stood out".
Then I dropped out of the AmIdol loop. Either the big-D (my doctorate thesis) or a better show got my votes.
Then for some reason, out of my own volition, I watched AmIdol last year; maybe I was somewhat avoiding big-D. "Chicken Little" annoyed me to no end; I was waiting for him to cry. I liked Ace's falsetto and yes, sometimes I am attracted to the pretty boys. I tried voting a couple of times but never got through so gave up, but I was calling for Chris Daughtry [not another Chris! They're invading my life!] and for Katherine McPhee. I liked Chris rocking out and yes, sometimes I can appreciate a pretty girl [not in that way and not ever sexually but, like others, I have an appreciation for inner- and outer- beauty]. I just couldn't wrap my mind around Hicks on the show...I just can't...
This season, I caught a couple of the audition shows. I couldn't believe the mother and daughter with the floor-length hair; right now, my hair is the longest it has EVER been and reaches a little below the middle of my back when I straighten it. I like my long hair and feel very feminine, but I'm finding that it bothers me to have it get stuck under the straps if I have to carry a backpack and somewhat annoys me as I sleep 'cause I don't like sleeping on top of my hair and always brush it to the side but now that it's long, I have to brush it aside more often and... [ach, shut up about hair].
Oh, so for the auditions, I liked Chris Sligh [not another!], Antonella, Melinda, Phil Stacey, and Gina.
It's unfortunate about the Antonella picture thing, but as Simon said, she held up well after that [you will never find pics like that of me, they don't exist so don't even look].
I didn't vote during the top 24 and most likely won't vote at all for the top 12. I probably won't have to anyway 'cause Melinda's my front-runner and she blew it out the past few weeks! Her humility elevates her to unbelievable heights in my opinion. And I can relate to one of her video pieces; I could definitely use a personal stylist, one with an understanding and sensitivity of island life and my delicate skin.
I also like (surprise) rocker Gina. For the guys, I still like Phil and Chris Sligh. I also liked Blake mixing it up to 311's "All Mixed Up". I can't believe Randy and Paula didn't know it! Ahh, it takes me back to my CA days and all-night studio sessions with the Ripoll or driving around, getting lost in the Hills of Beverly with B-H at 3 in the morning... good times!
I'm sorry, what? Oh, so I commented in the previous entry about who I want off AI, here's what I said: Even though, like a good local, I am proud of our local people making the national stage, but Mom'll tell you that I don't support every single one JUST because they once lived in Hawaii. Case in point: that guy on AmIdol who lived in Kauai for four years and did a terribly fake tourist hula on his AmIdol video. I didn't vote for anyone yet, but I would've voted for him to be booted if I could've.
I still can't stand AmIdol. I can't stand Seacrest even more. What his kindergarten remarks to Simon have to do with anything on the show or as entertainment is beyond me. It's annoying. And isn't it great to make it to the top 24, do your best to sing your best, and have Paula tell you not to worry 'cause you're beautiful? Yes, sarcasm. It absolutely annoys me when she says something like that. I guess Idol's my thing I love to hate. If Mr. Hula makes it to the 10, I'm quitting.
GO MELINDA!
I wouldn't have cared less about American Idol except that I was in Oregon during 2004, calling home and being confused when Mom would start talking about someone named Jasmine and another named Camille. Who? They did what?!
Thus, I was dunked head-first into the world of AmIdol. Camille had something different to her and an evident local-personality. Jasmine cried like a girl but sang her heart out. Actually, I was more a fan of Camille only because Jasmine is similar in appearance to my friend JoyFul who had tried out that season. Those who know JoyFul know I 'aint lyin' when I say that the lady can out-sing anyone. She said her nerves got her at the audition and that's probably true 'cause JoyFul's not the type to seek out the spotlight, yet I would've bet she'd have been on the stage at the end with Fantasia. Maybe it wasn't her nerves; maybe the judges already let in a few Jasmines by then and JoyFul no longer "stood out".
Then I dropped out of the AmIdol loop. Either the big-D (my doctorate thesis) or a better show got my votes.
Then for some reason, out of my own volition, I watched AmIdol last year; maybe I was somewhat avoiding big-D. "Chicken Little" annoyed me to no end; I was waiting for him to cry. I liked Ace's falsetto and yes, sometimes I am attracted to the pretty boys. I tried voting a couple of times but never got through so gave up, but I was calling for Chris Daughtry [not another Chris! They're invading my life!] and for Katherine McPhee. I liked Chris rocking out and yes, sometimes I can appreciate a pretty girl [not in that way and not ever sexually but, like others, I have an appreciation for inner- and outer- beauty]. I just couldn't wrap my mind around Hicks on the show...I just can't...
This season, I caught a couple of the audition shows. I couldn't believe the mother and daughter with the floor-length hair; right now, my hair is the longest it has EVER been and reaches a little below the middle of my back when I straighten it. I like my long hair and feel very feminine, but I'm finding that it bothers me to have it get stuck under the straps if I have to carry a backpack and somewhat annoys me as I sleep 'cause I don't like sleeping on top of my hair and always brush it to the side but now that it's long, I have to brush it aside more often and... [ach, shut up about hair].
Oh, so for the auditions, I liked Chris Sligh [not another!], Antonella, Melinda, Phil Stacey, and Gina.
It's unfortunate about the Antonella picture thing, but as Simon said, she held up well after that [you will never find pics like that of me, they don't exist so don't even look].
I didn't vote during the top 24 and most likely won't vote at all for the top 12. I probably won't have to anyway 'cause Melinda's my front-runner and she blew it out the past few weeks! Her humility elevates her to unbelievable heights in my opinion. And I can relate to one of her video pieces; I could definitely use a personal stylist, one with an understanding and sensitivity of island life and my delicate skin.
I also like (surprise) rocker Gina. For the guys, I still like Phil and Chris Sligh. I also liked Blake mixing it up to 311's "All Mixed Up". I can't believe Randy and Paula didn't know it! Ahh, it takes me back to my CA days and all-night studio sessions with the Ripoll or driving around, getting lost in the Hills of Beverly with B-H at 3 in the morning... good times!
I'm sorry, what? Oh, so I commented in the previous entry about who I want off AI, here's what I said: Even though, like a good local, I am proud of our local people making the national stage, but Mom'll tell you that I don't support every single one JUST because they once lived in Hawaii. Case in point: that guy on AmIdol who lived in Kauai for four years and did a terribly fake tourist hula on his AmIdol video. I didn't vote for anyone yet, but I would've voted for him to be booted if I could've.
I still can't stand AmIdol. I can't stand Seacrest even more. What his kindergarten remarks to Simon have to do with anything on the show or as entertainment is beyond me. It's annoying. And isn't it great to make it to the top 24, do your best to sing your best, and have Paula tell you not to worry 'cause you're beautiful? Yes, sarcasm. It absolutely annoys me when she says something like that. I guess Idol's my thing I love to hate. If Mr. Hula makes it to the 10, I'm quitting.
GO MELINDA!
Volleyball: Still Not Worried
Okay, now it's coming down the stretch to the MPSF playoffs. The Rainbow Warriors have yet to win a match since playing USC on February 16. They're currently in 10th place in the MPSF and 14th nationally. And this past weekend, they battled another #1 team: Pepperdine.
Sounds like a death sentence right?
Far from it. As I said earlier, the MPSF is the toughest conference in collegiate volleyball with the top 4 teams shifting places constantly. That UH had taken its place among the top 4 constantly if not consistently in the past...I don't know how many years, and is now at its lowest ranking ever, I'm still not worried about our team.
It seems that everyone in the MPSF are stepping up their game and loading up on talent this year. It's anyone's guess, even more so this year, as to who will be MPSF champs, or the NCAA champs.
But back to my team: back in Jan., we started the season playing UC Irvine who were #1 at the time. I have to say that UCI was very impressive last year and I was one who expected them to hold #1, maybe #2 throughout the season, even in the very volatile MPSF.* We lost both matches.
After the win against USC, the 'Bows [forgive me, my favorite cheer is still "let's go 'BOWS!"] were on the road to play two matches against the #4 BYU, who had been #1 just the previous week. We lost both matches [it was difficult to listen to that over the radio].
Then they came home to play the Alumni match. Mom and I were in attendance as Coach Wilton rested his seniors (Beckwith, Hakala, Kalima, Dante). It was different and still very fun! Usually I get tickets in the Student Rooter section (near the band), but since the Alumni match was reduced price, Mom and I sat in the lower section, almost in line with the net. I have 20/20 vision still, so the players' faces weren't any clearer for me. The upper official blocked my view of the net though, so I couldn't see any blocks happen.
However, the crowd was small and quiet compared to a near-capacity crowd, so I could hear the players talking on the court. Eyal and Costas were electric as teammates again; Costas even let out an "Oh, YEAH!" as he bumped a perfect set. Tory Tukuafu entertained the crowd; whenever the ball came over to the alumni side, he'd yell out "SET ME! SET ME!" Kai Kahele lost his shoe and Leoni, without his old trademark lion's mane but with the trademark headband, fired things up from the service line. The night was complete with a rotation error by the alumni and someone in the crowd shouting, "Let them play!" but both sides battled it out.
And then back to MPSF matches and to current #1 Pepperdine.
Pepperdine swept on Thurs. night, winning 30-28, 30-18, 30-28. I watched from home, cheering loudly at the TV screen, probably to the annoyance of neighbors. I watched as Beckwith pointed to the camera before tossing up the first serve of the night. I watched him use a much improved and effective jump serve; Hakala back at Opposite, the position which kept people at the edge of their seats last season; and they came so close and so far to winning games 1 & 2.
Saturday's game was 100% more exciting. Even though Beckwith still had to run around a bit, he fired things up with that jump serve again, an inspiring effort with several delicious sets to the hitters, getting his MB's in the act more often, and, after a dislocated finger early in game 4, served up rockets, still put up amazing sets and hustled more than...I don't know, it was just great to watch!
Freshman Matt Vanzant had a great match with 24 kills, just 8 errors, hitting .364! And now that he's getting rather consistent, you know he's just going to get better every time!
On the injury list with wana stuck in his foot, Dante played as if he was just a kid playing with his buddies: all fun, no work, zero worries. 7 kills, 1 error, .400. Kalima, listed as having the flu, must've had some mana on tap; with Cervantes stepping up big time at the L-pos., it left Kalima free to get in some swings at the net. [the full stats are even more impressive]
We lost the match, 30-28, 19-30, 28-30, and 28-30.
So the Rainbow Warriors are primed for making a run on the rest of the season (about a month left) and showing up for the playoffs. If ever there was a season that I wish I could've afforded season tickets, this would be it. Yet, I haven't missed a second of it, and don't plan to, even from home.
________________________________________________
*I'm not just saying that because local boy Brent Asuka (Iolani) is back playing Libero for UCI (2006 MPSF newcomer of the year, first-team all-American, all-MPSF). Even though, like a good local, I am proud of our local people making the national stage, but Mom'll tell you that I don't support every single one JUST because they once lived in Hawaii. Case in point: that guy on AmIdol who lived in Kauai for four years and did a terribly fake tourist hula on his AmIdol video. I didn't vote for anyone yet, but I would've voted for him to be booted if I could've. And UCI, phenomenal so far.
Sounds like a death sentence right?
Far from it. As I said earlier, the MPSF is the toughest conference in collegiate volleyball with the top 4 teams shifting places constantly. That UH had taken its place among the top 4 constantly if not consistently in the past...I don't know how many years, and is now at its lowest ranking ever, I'm still not worried about our team.
It seems that everyone in the MPSF are stepping up their game and loading up on talent this year. It's anyone's guess, even more so this year, as to who will be MPSF champs, or the NCAA champs.
But back to my team: back in Jan., we started the season playing UC Irvine who were #1 at the time. I have to say that UCI was very impressive last year and I was one who expected them to hold #1, maybe #2 throughout the season, even in the very volatile MPSF.* We lost both matches.
After the win against USC, the 'Bows [forgive me, my favorite cheer is still "let's go 'BOWS!"] were on the road to play two matches against the #4 BYU, who had been #1 just the previous week. We lost both matches [it was difficult to listen to that over the radio].
Then they came home to play the Alumni match. Mom and I were in attendance as Coach Wilton rested his seniors (Beckwith, Hakala, Kalima, Dante). It was different and still very fun! Usually I get tickets in the Student Rooter section (near the band), but since the Alumni match was reduced price, Mom and I sat in the lower section, almost in line with the net. I have 20/20 vision still, so the players' faces weren't any clearer for me. The upper official blocked my view of the net though, so I couldn't see any blocks happen.
However, the crowd was small and quiet compared to a near-capacity crowd, so I could hear the players talking on the court. Eyal and Costas were electric as teammates again; Costas even let out an "Oh, YEAH!" as he bumped a perfect set. Tory Tukuafu entertained the crowd; whenever the ball came over to the alumni side, he'd yell out "SET ME! SET ME!" Kai Kahele lost his shoe and Leoni, without his old trademark lion's mane but with the trademark headband, fired things up from the service line. The night was complete with a rotation error by the alumni and someone in the crowd shouting, "Let them play!" but both sides battled it out.
And then back to MPSF matches and to current #1 Pepperdine.
Pepperdine swept on Thurs. night, winning 30-28, 30-18, 30-28. I watched from home, cheering loudly at the TV screen, probably to the annoyance of neighbors. I watched as Beckwith pointed to the camera before tossing up the first serve of the night. I watched him use a much improved and effective jump serve; Hakala back at Opposite, the position which kept people at the edge of their seats last season; and they came so close and so far to winning games 1 & 2.
Saturday's game was 100% more exciting. Even though Beckwith still had to run around a bit, he fired things up with that jump serve again, an inspiring effort with several delicious sets to the hitters, getting his MB's in the act more often, and, after a dislocated finger early in game 4, served up rockets, still put up amazing sets and hustled more than...I don't know, it was just great to watch! Freshman Matt Vanzant had a great match with 24 kills, just 8 errors, hitting .364! And now that he's getting rather consistent, you know he's just going to get better every time!
On the injury list with wana stuck in his foot, Dante played as if he was just a kid playing with his buddies: all fun, no work, zero worries. 7 kills, 1 error, .400. Kalima, listed as having the flu, must've had some mana on tap; with Cervantes stepping up big time at the L-pos., it left Kalima free to get in some swings at the net. [the full stats are even more impressive]
We lost the match, 30-28, 19-30, 28-30, and 28-30.
So the Rainbow Warriors are primed for making a run on the rest of the season (about a month left) and showing up for the playoffs. If ever there was a season that I wish I could've afforded season tickets, this would be it. Yet, I haven't missed a second of it, and don't plan to, even from home.
________________________________________________
*I'm not just saying that because local boy Brent Asuka (Iolani) is back playing Libero for UCI (2006 MPSF newcomer of the year, first-team all-American, all-MPSF). Even though, like a good local, I am proud of our local people making the national stage, but Mom'll tell you that I don't support every single one JUST because they once lived in Hawaii. Case in point: that guy on AmIdol who lived in Kauai for four years and did a terribly fake tourist hula on his AmIdol video. I didn't vote for anyone yet, but I would've voted for him to be booted if I could've. And UCI, phenomenal so far.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Mirrors and Perceptions
I find it funny the way that people think of me. I'm going to assume that they are being honest in their evaluation, but that some are just misinformed or view me through their bias. Some are too true. To say that I don't care what people think of me is honest, I don't, but it is also true that I take great consideration as to how friends and family see me; I evaluate myself from time to time based on that. I wouldn't want to reflect badly upon them.
Keep company with good men and good men you will imitate. __Unknown
Here are various things I've heard:
From Kevin, friend: Popular. Honestly, I'm not sure. I remember in high school, Kevin stating his observation that I was popular. I suppose he still holds this opinion of me. I thought he meant that many people knew who I was, but I figured that it was attributed to being in band, and a band officer at that. With hundreds of people in the various bands, of course lots of people knew who I was. He probably also meant that I was well-liked, because that is usually characteristic of being popular, but I've never thought of myself as well-liked. In fact, I knew of a good number of people who weren't exactly thrilled with me, and some claimed to be "friends." Who did I think was popular: my brother. To this day, I have never come across a person who did not like my brother, and A LOT of people know who he is!
In all honesty, if I was popular at some time, I am not popular now. The number of people who know me has stagnated as I've become a hermit in recent years.
From JayLee, friend: sarcastic. Ain't that the truth! I blame it on that brother of mine. He's very intelligent and witty, so much that I pale in comparison. He has it down to an art form. JayLee carries this opinion of me from back in intermediate school. When I started a new school in the 4th grade, I'd describe myself as a people-pleaser. That ended by 5th grade. I suppose since then, I've used sarcasm as somewhat of a shield against transparency; rarely did I want someone to see through to what I really thought of them. Or maybe if I didn't like someone, I just didn't care enough to tell them, but I liked most people. My sense of humor, haha.
Lately, I'm trying not to be so sarcastic, since it may be construed as "mean-spirited", but sometimes, it's just too easy...
Coryne, non-friend: would-be boyfriend-stealer. Note that she was a girlfriend of a co-worker, not MY friend. I thought this was something that she attributed to any other woman that talked to her boyfriend, but sometimes it sounds like I was of special interest.
As related by my friend KN: C asked KN if she knew me because we'd grad from the same h.s. KN admitted to knowing me. C said that I was trying to steal her (then) bf. KN said "I don't think so." That didn't sound like something I would do. [I've always liked KN!]
And it isn't. Romelyn at WU thought of me the same as C, but nothing is farther from the truth. The truth is, I'm a spoiled, selfish, daughter-of-Asian-heritage (something like "son-of-a-gun"). I don't need yours, I WANT MY OWN MAN! Bottom line. I absolutely do not share; I didn't learn that concept in kindergarten, I'm not gonna learn it anytime soon. [Slow-learner]
C & R were definitely misinformed and biased against me.
From Shayna, friend: a good gift-giver. Well, I try. I suppose she's right, I just didn't realize it until she said it. Jules read "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman. The five are Words of Affirmation; Quality Time; Receiving Gifts; Acts of Service; and Physical Touch. We can definitely rule out the first and the last. Jules concluded that I speak "Acts of Service." I count gift-giving as part of this. When you're on my "good-list" [tough to get on, tough to get off] there is nothing that I wouldn't do for your best interest (meaning: I'd give you a kidney, but I won't steal a horse for you). I would also give you anything if I could afford everything. Since I can't afford everything, I try to be very conscious to whom I am giving and of what I am giving. It's MY thought that counts. I'm not free with hugs, but I'll give you what else I can.
I also like Quality Time, though it would cut into my hermit-time.
Thought process: Shayna and Tony are both dear friends and married to each other (~15 months now?), and Christian. I got them a cross of love and a bookmark each, with scripture on it, and other little details to the package.
The Whatever Group, mixed: pure. I'm not the only one that would laugh at this description. Maybe of that group, you could say that I was THE goody-goody that...hadn't experienced a lot of things and didn't care to. I like being good. I'm not always good at it, but when I get something right, I'm proud of that.
In another group, we would consider D-girl to be the good one. Here's the thing, the WG used the word "pure" with having a negative connotation. In context, two girls, in our JR. year, B & J were talking about their past relationships. They were about to talk about "intimate" things when they noticed that I was within earshot and said that they'd better move away and talk because "Jennifer's too pure." And more examples from that group exists. They were saying that I wasn't a wanted member of the club.
"Pure," maybe, but not "Stupid." I'm not "Naive" about things in and of the world. I'm very much aware of what bfs and gfs do with each other. If I didn't want to hear descriptions, I would've moved myself away and did so at other times.
SUMMARY: Pure and a good gift-giver, I'll give weight to that. I wouldn't mind being called those things (with the right tone). Popular, I don't think about that, but I'd like to be liked. It's nice to be nice, isn't it? But bf-stealer, NEVER. Anyone who wants to tell me what else I am, feel free. You can call me "ridiculous"; just don't call me "stupid."
Keep company with good men and good men you will imitate. __Unknown
Here are various things I've heard:
From Kevin, friend: Popular. Honestly, I'm not sure. I remember in high school, Kevin stating his observation that I was popular. I suppose he still holds this opinion of me. I thought he meant that many people knew who I was, but I figured that it was attributed to being in band, and a band officer at that. With hundreds of people in the various bands, of course lots of people knew who I was. He probably also meant that I was well-liked, because that is usually characteristic of being popular, but I've never thought of myself as well-liked. In fact, I knew of a good number of people who weren't exactly thrilled with me, and some claimed to be "friends." Who did I think was popular: my brother. To this day, I have never come across a person who did not like my brother, and A LOT of people know who he is!
In all honesty, if I was popular at some time, I am not popular now. The number of people who know me has stagnated as I've become a hermit in recent years.
From JayLee, friend: sarcastic. Ain't that the truth! I blame it on that brother of mine. He's very intelligent and witty, so much that I pale in comparison. He has it down to an art form. JayLee carries this opinion of me from back in intermediate school. When I started a new school in the 4th grade, I'd describe myself as a people-pleaser. That ended by 5th grade. I suppose since then, I've used sarcasm as somewhat of a shield against transparency; rarely did I want someone to see through to what I really thought of them. Or maybe if I didn't like someone, I just didn't care enough to tell them, but I liked most people. My sense of humor, haha.
Lately, I'm trying not to be so sarcastic, since it may be construed as "mean-spirited", but sometimes, it's just too easy...
Coryne, non-friend: would-be boyfriend-stealer. Note that she was a girlfriend of a co-worker, not MY friend. I thought this was something that she attributed to any other woman that talked to her boyfriend, but sometimes it sounds like I was of special interest.
As related by my friend KN: C asked KN if she knew me because we'd grad from the same h.s. KN admitted to knowing me. C said that I was trying to steal her (then) bf. KN said "I don't think so." That didn't sound like something I would do. [I've always liked KN!]
And it isn't. Romelyn at WU thought of me the same as C, but nothing is farther from the truth. The truth is, I'm a spoiled, selfish, daughter-of-Asian-heritage (something like "son-of-a-gun"). I don't need yours, I WANT MY OWN MAN! Bottom line. I absolutely do not share; I didn't learn that concept in kindergarten, I'm not gonna learn it anytime soon. [Slow-learner]
C & R were definitely misinformed and biased against me.
From Shayna, friend: a good gift-giver. Well, I try. I suppose she's right, I just didn't realize it until she said it. Jules read "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman. The five are Words of Affirmation; Quality Time; Receiving Gifts; Acts of Service; and Physical Touch. We can definitely rule out the first and the last. Jules concluded that I speak "Acts of Service." I count gift-giving as part of this. When you're on my "good-list" [tough to get on, tough to get off] there is nothing that I wouldn't do for your best interest (meaning: I'd give you a kidney, but I won't steal a horse for you). I would also give you anything if I could afford everything. Since I can't afford everything, I try to be very conscious to whom I am giving and of what I am giving. It's MY thought that counts. I'm not free with hugs, but I'll give you what else I can.
I also like Quality Time, though it would cut into my hermit-time.
Thought process: Shayna and Tony are both dear friends and married to each other (~15 months now?), and Christian. I got them a cross of love and a bookmark each, with scripture on it, and other little details to the package.
The Whatever Group, mixed: pure. I'm not the only one that would laugh at this description. Maybe of that group, you could say that I was THE goody-goody that...hadn't experienced a lot of things and didn't care to. I like being good. I'm not always good at it, but when I get something right, I'm proud of that.
In another group, we would consider D-girl to be the good one. Here's the thing, the WG used the word "pure" with having a negative connotation. In context, two girls, in our JR. year, B & J were talking about their past relationships. They were about to talk about "intimate" things when they noticed that I was within earshot and said that they'd better move away and talk because "Jennifer's too pure." And more examples from that group exists. They were saying that I wasn't a wanted member of the club.
"Pure," maybe, but not "Stupid." I'm not "Naive" about things in and of the world. I'm very much aware of what bfs and gfs do with each other. If I didn't want to hear descriptions, I would've moved myself away and did so at other times.
SUMMARY: Pure and a good gift-giver, I'll give weight to that. I wouldn't mind being called those things (with the right tone). Popular, I don't think about that, but I'd like to be liked. It's nice to be nice, isn't it? But bf-stealer, NEVER. Anyone who wants to tell me what else I am, feel free. You can call me "ridiculous"; just don't call me "stupid."
Sunday, February 18, 2007
#12 UH vs. #14 USC, 2nd Match
Friday's article in the Honolulu Advertiser said that short-term fans have been dropping out of the season. Early season games don't draw huge crowds. Typically, Wednesday night games aren't a huge draw and this time, it was Valentine's Day. I'm not worried. If I had a boyfriend, it wouldn't have been Valentine's Day if he didn't take me to the volleyball game, but I'm not a short-term fan.
In other housekeeping, if you go to a game, certain rules of respect apply the same in volleyball as in any other sport. DO NOT rant on your opponents NOR cheer for your hometeam when someone is injured on the floor. It was disappointing and embarassing (because they were UH fans) when this happened while Juan Figueroa (USC, OH) was down on the floor for about a minute. It looked like he was seriously hurt. I thought he had landed on his back, could be, but now it looks like he injured his ankle. If I had been sitting behind the idiots making the noise at that time, somebody in the stands would've been hurting also, and it wouldn't be me.
And if you're a real fan, you might make a sign for your favorite player, maybe get some face time on TV, have him autograph it for you after the game, take a picture with him. But you DO NOT try to get his attention when he's at the service line. Most likely he won't hear you because he's concentrating on PLAYING THE GAME, but also, why would you try to distract your own guy on the court?
The garlic fries are still oh so ONO! and another silly thing: Pavlovich and Anderson (USC) are rather good-looking (that's in for "Apple"), but we still have the best looking team!
And what else? WE WON Friday's match in 4! It was exciting! At several points in the game, one wouldn't be sure of who would win, but our guys kept it together and pulled it out! Including an all-out, knock-down, full-drive rally in game 4 with guys on the floor and a sweet Jim Clar (OH) assist to a Beckwith (S) kill from behind the 3-meter line for the point!
Player of the match for UH was Brian Beckwith, whom I think deserves it a lot more times than he gets it. Take note of Dante's stats, He did just what he was supposed to(and maybe a little more), blocking at the net, making a killing at the net, and throw in a few key digs (too bad only 3 counted for the official stats). Also, Jim Clar for that great set to Beckwith, a thrilling block solo stopping Anderson at the net in game 2, and 20 kills.
But the whole team made good improvements and adjustments during the match and are starting to play like the team we're used to watching, serving and passing better. Didn't I say I wasn't worried?
(Picture from Honolulu Advertiser, Sat, Feb 17, 2007)
In other housekeeping, if you go to a game, certain rules of respect apply the same in volleyball as in any other sport. DO NOT rant on your opponents NOR cheer for your hometeam when someone is injured on the floor. It was disappointing and embarassing (because they were UH fans) when this happened while Juan Figueroa (USC, OH) was down on the floor for about a minute. It looked like he was seriously hurt. I thought he had landed on his back, could be, but now it looks like he injured his ankle. If I had been sitting behind the idiots making the noise at that time, somebody in the stands would've been hurting also, and it wouldn't be me.
And if you're a real fan, you might make a sign for your favorite player, maybe get some face time on TV, have him autograph it for you after the game, take a picture with him. But you DO NOT try to get his attention when he's at the service line. Most likely he won't hear you because he's concentrating on PLAYING THE GAME, but also, why would you try to distract your own guy on the court?
The garlic fries are still oh so ONO! and another silly thing: Pavlovich and Anderson (USC) are rather good-looking (that's in for "Apple"), but we still have the best looking team!
And what else? WE WON Friday's match in 4! It was exciting! At several points in the game, one wouldn't be sure of who would win, but our guys kept it together and pulled it out! Including an all-out, knock-down, full-drive rally in game 4 with guys on the floor and a sweet Jim Clar (OH) assist to a Beckwith (S) kill from behind the 3-meter line for the point!
Player of the match for UH was Brian Beckwith, whom I think deserves it a lot more times than he gets it. Take note of Dante's stats, He did just what he was supposed to(and maybe a little more), blocking at the net, making a killing at the net, and throw in a few key digs (too bad only 3 counted for the official stats). Also, Jim Clar for that great set to Beckwith, a thrilling block solo stopping Anderson at the net in game 2, and 20 kills.
But the whole team made good improvements and adjustments during the match and are starting to play like the team we're used to watching, serving and passing better. Didn't I say I wasn't worried?
(Picture from Honolulu Advertiser, Sat, Feb 17, 2007)
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Volleyball
At this moment, our #12 UH Men's team lost last night to #14 USC. We play them again tomorrow night. If we lose again, we'll drop more spots. As it is, we're at the bottom third of the MPSF.
To put it in perspective, the MPSF is the strongest conference in college men's volleyball. UCSD, who is typically last in the MPSF, made us work for the two match wins last season. They were not going to give up. This is a conference in which the top five teams have been known to jump around and switch places. USC, at #13 in the first 2007 poll, beat #3 UCLA in 3 games; that's a sweep! Last year, UCLA started at #2, fell half-season to #9, and crawled back up the rankings to win the NCAA tournament (finishing #1).
Even though we lost five seniors, we began this season at #4. Following that, we've been #5, #3, #9, and now #12. The five seniors [Alfred Reft (L), Matt Carere (OH), Johnny Matt Bender (OH), Jose Delgado (OH), Mauli'a LaBarre (MB)] were all good players in their positions and it should be tough to fill in those spots. That we started at #4 says a lot about the talent on the team. I have faith in our guys to finish out on top this season.
So don't count Hawaii out just yet. [For more about the team]
Brian Beckwith, setter, SR: Became a freshman starter in '04 when the previous setter was injured; hasn't really given up the position yet. He twists and turns and gives his hitters great opportunities to get us a point. In the match last week against UCSB, Beckwith faked UCSB out by going up as if he was going to go for the kill himself but instead gave a quick set to Dante in the middle for the point. Last match against USC: 32 assists, 2 services aces, no service errors, 5 digs, 2 block solos, 1 block assist, and 1 kill hitting 1000! It was exciting to watch.
Lauri Hakala, hitter, SR: The "Flying Finn" is co-captain this year with local boy Eric Kalima. Injured at the moment, everyone is waiting for him to get back on the court. If you have to ask why, then you have not seen him move in for a kill. When he lifts off, reaches back, and pounds the ball, he hits it so hard that the ball disappears! Even in instant replay slowing down, you will miss it if you blink. Even though he is out for the next few games, he'll be back and meanwhile is doing a good job of being captain, cheering on the team from the sidelines.
Eric Kalima, libero/hitter, SR: The other co-captain, I have to point this guy out because of the dive he took into the stands last year. If that isn't hustle and heart, I don't know what is. I would like to see him get a few kills, but he's doing a great job at libero. I remember a few years back, watching a game, every so often you could hear among the chants, "Put Eric in! Put Kalima in!" I'm glad his family/fans are finally seeing Kalima in.
Dio Dante, middle blocker, SR: The Maui-boy is leading his team where he's supposed to, in blocks. Plus, he also does a nice job of putting the ball to the floor, especially when he gets those quick sets from Beckwith. I suppose it helps being 6'8".
James Clar, hitter, SO: Of the underclassmen, I'm excited to see this guy get time on the court. He's filling in nicely on the right side. He's as explosive and quick as Hakala.
I'm a vb fan, not a players fan, but those are the guys that I'm watching this season. Carney does a good job at setting, I'm assuming they put him in sometimes because after 4 years and with all the ties Beckwith has to coaches and players on the other teams, the others haven't had a chance to study Carney much and won't know his tendencies as much as they know Beckwith's. And usually when he's in for serving, Carney rarely missed last season. I've always liked the quicker system that our team uses with tall blockers and the shorter (6'0-6'2) hitters flying above the net from all areas of the court.
I'm going to the second match against USC. Their game in which they swept UCLA was exciting! But look for me in the green rooting for the 'Bows!
(Picture from Star Bulletin, issue: Feb 15, 2007)
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Football
UH: No words are grand enough for the past season. It couldn't have been more perfect that Brennan became the QB after Chang. I was not a subscriber to Chang-mania. I wouldn't have cared either way until I personally saw him disrespecting an authority figure. Size may be hindering him in the NFL, but his attitude probably hurts his chances more.
I'm glad that Brennan is coming back for his senior year. He is well-deserving of all the blessings coming his way. Un-Chang-like, Brennan is humble, respectful, and he is sincere in his interviews. That is refreshing. No matter what is in his future, Hawaii will always be unabashedly proud to claim this young man.
And what about Leonard Peters as another leader of this talented team? How about playing with pain? How about that wild hair flowing from his helmet? I don't know what is more intimidating, the haka or the hair. For more on Peters, see [http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Aug/30/sp/sp11a.html].
I also like Graunke for staying with the team even if he's not the starting QB just yet. If Brennan had gone to the NFL early, I would've looked forward to see what Graunke would do, how he would take charge. It's sort of the Young/Montana situation, not that Graunke is Young, but the attitude sounds familiar.
Are you getting the feeling of what I look for in players? Not just in football, but in any sport, I have no problem supporting a player that shows humility, passion, an awareness of the team aspect. A good indicator is if they will look the interviewer in the eyes and give sincere-sounding answers.
NFL: I've watched games here and there, mostly the Super Bowl and when my dad's Cowboys played. But this season, I made my first attempt to follow what was going on in the NFL.
Before, I wasn't settled on any one team. I was going to be good and follow the Cowboys, but the days of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin are gone. The point, this season, the names I could recognize were Bledsoe, Parcells, and Owens.
I am a Matt Leinart fan, mostly because of what I have seen of him on TV and in the newspapers. I appreciate someone who comes off as genuine and mature, someone who knows that football is a team sport, and Leinart has done that so far as I know. I can't speak about football in terms of athleticism, stats, and all of that because I don't know much about the technical parts. But really, someone who was the Heisman winner as a junior and came back for his senior year, that is something anyone can appreciate.
I didn't follow Leinart with the Cardinals. I think he'll do great things for his team in the next few years. He seems like someone that could gain his team's support.
In the end, I chose to follow the Indianapolis Colts. Yes, Peyton's commercials are funny. Yes, he's probably one of the most recognized faces of current NFL players. But I have no idea why I chose the Colts. I just did. Let's say that I've always liked horses, our middle school mascot was the mustang, and our school colors were blue and white.
This post would be a lot more interesting if I had started before the season. By now, Peyton has won the Super Bowl and the MVP. What part did I like best? It certainly wasn't the commercials, although the Chevy contest winner's one was good! But my winner is Coach Dungy's postgame speech, saying pretty much the same that he said at the annual Super Bowl breakfast.
_____________________________________________________
“I’m very proud to be the first African American head coach in the Super Bowl along with my friend Lovie Smith,” Dungy said, “but more than that the fact you have two Christian coaches who show you can do things a different way.
“You have coaches who have firm Christian values, and the country and the world need to see that this week,” Dungy said. “I’m more proud of that than anything else.”
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.aspID=24894
_____________________________________________________
Lovie Smith is also a Christian coach, and with local boy Olin Kreutz on his team, I wouldn't have been disappointed if the Bears had won. But that I stuck with a team and they won, that definitely feels good!
I'm glad that Brennan is coming back for his senior year. He is well-deserving of all the blessings coming his way. Un-Chang-like, Brennan is humble, respectful, and he is sincere in his interviews. That is refreshing. No matter what is in his future, Hawaii will always be unabashedly proud to claim this young man.
And what about Leonard Peters as another leader of this talented team? How about playing with pain? How about that wild hair flowing from his helmet? I don't know what is more intimidating, the haka or the hair. For more on Peters, see [http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Aug/30/sp/sp11a.html].
I also like Graunke for staying with the team even if he's not the starting QB just yet. If Brennan had gone to the NFL early, I would've looked forward to see what Graunke would do, how he would take charge. It's sort of the Young/Montana situation, not that Graunke is Young, but the attitude sounds familiar.
Are you getting the feeling of what I look for in players? Not just in football, but in any sport, I have no problem supporting a player that shows humility, passion, an awareness of the team aspect. A good indicator is if they will look the interviewer in the eyes and give sincere-sounding answers.
NFL: I've watched games here and there, mostly the Super Bowl and when my dad's Cowboys played. But this season, I made my first attempt to follow what was going on in the NFL.
Before, I wasn't settled on any one team. I was going to be good and follow the Cowboys, but the days of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin are gone. The point, this season, the names I could recognize were Bledsoe, Parcells, and Owens.
I am a Matt Leinart fan, mostly because of what I have seen of him on TV and in the newspapers. I appreciate someone who comes off as genuine and mature, someone who knows that football is a team sport, and Leinart has done that so far as I know. I can't speak about football in terms of athleticism, stats, and all of that because I don't know much about the technical parts. But really, someone who was the Heisman winner as a junior and came back for his senior year, that is something anyone can appreciate.
I didn't follow Leinart with the Cardinals. I think he'll do great things for his team in the next few years. He seems like someone that could gain his team's support.
In the end, I chose to follow the Indianapolis Colts. Yes, Peyton's commercials are funny. Yes, he's probably one of the most recognized faces of current NFL players. But I have no idea why I chose the Colts. I just did. Let's say that I've always liked horses, our middle school mascot was the mustang, and our school colors were blue and white.
This post would be a lot more interesting if I had started before the season. By now, Peyton has won the Super Bowl and the MVP. What part did I like best? It certainly wasn't the commercials, although the Chevy contest winner's one was good! But my winner is Coach Dungy's postgame speech, saying pretty much the same that he said at the annual Super Bowl breakfast.
_____________________________________________________
“I’m very proud to be the first African American head coach in the Super Bowl along with my friend Lovie Smith,” Dungy said, “but more than that the fact you have two Christian coaches who show you can do things a different way.
“You have coaches who have firm Christian values, and the country and the world need to see that this week,” Dungy said. “I’m more proud of that than anything else.”
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.aspID=24894
_____________________________________________________
Lovie Smith is also a Christian coach, and with local boy Olin Kreutz on his team, I wouldn't have been disappointed if the Bears had won. But that I stuck with a team and they won, that definitely feels good!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Finding Peace
By now one could tell that I like to talk about faith. It's a topic that everyone has an opinion on even if they don't think they do. It's a topic that is close to my heart.
If you have read my previous post [I Should Have Called This], I said that my faith in God has been my survival. He is my saving grace. He gives me peace.
Everyone finds their peace in different ways and in different things. I have looked into other faiths as objectively as I can, not to test God or Christianity, but to strengthen my own faith. I wonder how people come to their faith, especially atheists, because I think that any faith, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, is better than having no faith, or a faith in Science alone.
But have atheists studied both sides enough to be so certain to believe in no god at all? Is it that agnostics can't make up their minds either way or that they don't care to try?
Because any question about faith and life that I have had has been answered by Christianity. I find it interesting that people who were Christians and then decided to be atheists usually do so because they think that God has failed them. Some tragic thing happens, or they asked God for something, and they heard no answer, they felt no presence. I wonder if they prayed. I wonder what they prayed for and how. I wonder if they were patient.
When I was little and believed in Santa Claus, I didn't stop believing in him because I didn't get what I wanted. And any tragedy in my own life has been easier to go through because of God. I am not always patient, and I'm never sure if I'm praying for the things I ought to, but I won't stop trying.
I read a lot of books and I really like Lee Strobel's The Case For... books [Faith, Christ, Creator]. Strobel covers a lot of ground in his books, asking questions that religious and non-religious both ask from time to time. Every so often, Strobel will ask a question that I think, hmmm, that's true, what about that? Does Christianity have an answer for that? hmmm, doesn't that make more sense? But the Christian scholars always give a reasonable answer.
I suppose I wonder if there is anything more solid, unchanging, more logical than a belief in Christ.
If you have read my previous post [I Should Have Called This], I said that my faith in God has been my survival. He is my saving grace. He gives me peace.
Everyone finds their peace in different ways and in different things. I have looked into other faiths as objectively as I can, not to test God or Christianity, but to strengthen my own faith. I wonder how people come to their faith, especially atheists, because I think that any faith, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, is better than having no faith, or a faith in Science alone.
But have atheists studied both sides enough to be so certain to believe in no god at all? Is it that agnostics can't make up their minds either way or that they don't care to try?
Because any question about faith and life that I have had has been answered by Christianity. I find it interesting that people who were Christians and then decided to be atheists usually do so because they think that God has failed them. Some tragic thing happens, or they asked God for something, and they heard no answer, they felt no presence. I wonder if they prayed. I wonder what they prayed for and how. I wonder if they were patient.
When I was little and believed in Santa Claus, I didn't stop believing in him because I didn't get what I wanted. And any tragedy in my own life has been easier to go through because of God. I am not always patient, and I'm never sure if I'm praying for the things I ought to, but I won't stop trying.
I read a lot of books and I really like Lee Strobel's The Case For... books [Faith, Christ, Creator]. Strobel covers a lot of ground in his books, asking questions that religious and non-religious both ask from time to time. Every so often, Strobel will ask a question that I think, hmmm, that's true, what about that? Does Christianity have an answer for that? hmmm, doesn't that make more sense? But the Christian scholars always give a reasonable answer.
I suppose I wonder if there is anything more solid, unchanging, more logical than a belief in Christ.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
How I Am Supposed to Feel
Last year, the world lost a most valuable person in the form of an old friend named Rachel. Though I cannot remember the last time that I saw her in person, I thought of her (and her family) a lot over the years.
Rachel had the most beautiful smile to brighten up the faces of those around her.
Her family hosted YFC when I was in hs. Sometimes my parents would pick me up late and I would be the last one to leave. The family was always gracious in waiting for my parents with me.
We tried to meet to have bible study on campus. I think we met only that once, but one thing that was evident was Rachel's heart for her friends, asking for prayer over them.
She could sing too. On a whim, she dragged a couple of her friends up to the microphone in front of the entire camp and got them to sing with her. The song was "Sunny day."
When I went away for college, Rachel was one of the first to send me a card. Everytime I looked at it, I missed home but felt warm knowing that I was still thought of back home. She made it herself with a purple piece of paper, folded in half, and a photocopied picture of a surfer taped to the front. She signed it "Ra-cho." It stayed on my wall for those years.
That's how she is for everyone, warm, giving, smiling.
______
Just recently, we gave another good young person to be with the Lord. Albert comes from a big family; it was something to see his family, his immediate family gather up to say "farewell." I can't imagine...
Albert's smile is one of the greats also. That's what I have remembered over the years, and will continue to remember. I hadn't seen him since hs, though I knew his brother-in-law from college.
Albert had been in a Math class with me, and I think an English class also.
We didn't hang out with the same people, I can't recall any of our conversations.
Yet, I have thought of him often over the years. Seeing the more recent pictures of him displayed at the service, I knew that smile right away. The brightness of that smile will never fade.
_____
I realized recently that in the past few years, I have gone to more funerals than my parents. It's a strange and scary thing. The only thing I can think to do is to follow the example of what Albert's brother John vowed to do, that he would live his life the best he can to honor Albert's memory.
Other people stay with me over the years, and this is the time to reconnect.
The picture of Rachel in my room now serves as a reminder to live on, and to live more boldly, to honor Rachel and Albert. I wonder, did they know how many lives they have touched over the years?
When I am called up at my time, the question I will ask myself, Did I do all I could for others? Lately, it's been a struggle, but I'm feeling the hint of a second wind.
Rachel had the most beautiful smile to brighten up the faces of those around her.
Her family hosted YFC when I was in hs. Sometimes my parents would pick me up late and I would be the last one to leave. The family was always gracious in waiting for my parents with me.
We tried to meet to have bible study on campus. I think we met only that once, but one thing that was evident was Rachel's heart for her friends, asking for prayer over them.
She could sing too. On a whim, she dragged a couple of her friends up to the microphone in front of the entire camp and got them to sing with her. The song was "Sunny day."
When I went away for college, Rachel was one of the first to send me a card. Everytime I looked at it, I missed home but felt warm knowing that I was still thought of back home. She made it herself with a purple piece of paper, folded in half, and a photocopied picture of a surfer taped to the front. She signed it "Ra-cho." It stayed on my wall for those years.
That's how she is for everyone, warm, giving, smiling.
______
Just recently, we gave another good young person to be with the Lord. Albert comes from a big family; it was something to see his family, his immediate family gather up to say "farewell." I can't imagine...
Albert's smile is one of the greats also. That's what I have remembered over the years, and will continue to remember. I hadn't seen him since hs, though I knew his brother-in-law from college.
Albert had been in a Math class with me, and I think an English class also.
We didn't hang out with the same people, I can't recall any of our conversations.
Yet, I have thought of him often over the years. Seeing the more recent pictures of him displayed at the service, I knew that smile right away. The brightness of that smile will never fade.
_____
I realized recently that in the past few years, I have gone to more funerals than my parents. It's a strange and scary thing. The only thing I can think to do is to follow the example of what Albert's brother John vowed to do, that he would live his life the best he can to honor Albert's memory.
Other people stay with me over the years, and this is the time to reconnect.
The picture of Rachel in my room now serves as a reminder to live on, and to live more boldly, to honor Rachel and Albert. I wonder, did they know how many lives they have touched over the years?
When I am called up at my time, the question I will ask myself, Did I do all I could for others? Lately, it's been a struggle, but I'm feeling the hint of a second wind.
Friday, December 8, 2006
Breaking Down Online
I had been resisting having a blog site for many reasons. First, I can't stand computers. They are too smart for our good. They always know when we absolutely need them and pick those crucial times to have their own break downs, go to sleep, or have fun at our expense. I generally do not trust them.
Second, the internet is evil for the fact that it makes it too easy for someone like me to hide from the rest of the world. I can say that I KIT with people, but I really don't. Emails and Myspace only make me think that I am. I thrive best on personal, face-to-face interaction.
Third, I can't stand the word "blog." It just feels like a trainwreck in my mouth. It does not simply roll off my tongue. "Weblog" as one word is even worse. Hmm, that will be one of the things on my list, "think of better word to use instead of 'blog.'"
Fourth, the computer screen hurts my eyes. It makes me tired.
Five, I am paranoid about certain things. For instance, I'm thinking right now that I can't show anyone this site because I've said things that they are going to take the wrong way and will never let me explain myself or correct the misunderstanding. I'm thinking that only perverts and identity thieves are going to find my site. Wait, maybe I have nothing to worry about there 'cuz I'm not as outwardly beautiful as I once was, I'm too old and intelligent to become a target for pedophiles, and the identity thieves will find that my identity is useless. Ahh, breathing easy...
Sixth, I ramble too much online that it can be annoying. See now, in person, I am rather quiet and private, but at least not AS annoying.
So despite my best efforts, I got curious and here I am. Again, I blame Jules. Not really.
Second, the internet is evil for the fact that it makes it too easy for someone like me to hide from the rest of the world. I can say that I KIT with people, but I really don't. Emails and Myspace only make me think that I am. I thrive best on personal, face-to-face interaction.
Third, I can't stand the word "blog." It just feels like a trainwreck in my mouth. It does not simply roll off my tongue. "Weblog" as one word is even worse. Hmm, that will be one of the things on my list, "think of better word to use instead of 'blog.'"
Fourth, the computer screen hurts my eyes. It makes me tired.
Five, I am paranoid about certain things. For instance, I'm thinking right now that I can't show anyone this site because I've said things that they are going to take the wrong way and will never let me explain myself or correct the misunderstanding. I'm thinking that only perverts and identity thieves are going to find my site. Wait, maybe I have nothing to worry about there 'cuz I'm not as outwardly beautiful as I once was, I'm too old and intelligent to become a target for pedophiles, and the identity thieves will find that my identity is useless. Ahh, breathing easy...
Sixth, I ramble too much online that it can be annoying. See now, in person, I am rather quiet and private, but at least not AS annoying.
So despite my best efforts, I got curious and here I am. Again, I blame Jules. Not really.
Thursday, December 7, 2006
I Should Have Called This...
...ihavealotonmymind for the blog address.
Previously I mentioned the "brainwashing" argument regarding Christians.
Personally, I came by my faith in God on my own. Yes, I grew up in church because of my mom's faith, but her faith is not my faith. What I mean is that we believe much of the same things because of our faith, but I didn't just inherit my faith from her.
I don't remember how young I was, but I remember asking Mom how one becomes a Christian? Was it taking communion? Was it coming to church? Somehow I knew I was meant to be a Christian, but she couldn't quite explain the "how" to me. How did she brainwash me when she couldn't answer all of my questions, I will never know.
Then in the summer before high school [hs], I met people of Youth for Christ [YFC]. They had the answer, and I immediately went through the steps to become a Christian. Ah, here's an answer to the brainwashing; I don't spout ingrained YFC mantras (are there any?) whenever I'm feeling righteous, and, while I believe that YFC is a good organization to reach the youth, I don't necessarily agree with one of their beliefs (I'm not going to agree with every fellow Christian about everything). So, YFC did not brainwash me.
I got an answer, I heard a call, and I answered back. Sometimes I think I must have always had faith in God, even before becoming a Christian. I must have known that He exists.
Sometimes I wonder about how people see me, what they think of me. I'm in my late 20's now, having grown up with my mother and father married to each other (as they continue to be), my parents having never been married to anyone else. I have one brother, no half- or step-siblings. Drug-free, smoke-free, alcohol-free, never been homeless, never been abused. People see that, and I think they believe that I had a perfect childhood. I think so. They also believe that means I have no right to hurt, to think, to be saddened.
I know I have been greatly blessed, in so many countless ways that others have not. But I hurt like anyone else. I have my trials and tribulations like anyone else. I have the full range of emotions.
This is the point; my faith in God is what sustains me. I know He is real, that His Son is real, because I could not have gotten this far without Him. I believe He blessed me with this good family because He knows what I need. I can easily imagine how far gone I would be now if I had been born into any other family. In my darkest days, and they can be very dark, I take every blow that the darkness hurls at me because I know that in the end, I will be here. I will survive, for when I glimpse just a speck of light, and I reach up my hand, He will take it and bring me up. He always has, never failing once.
Would you call that "brainwashed"? If I am, then THANK GOD, because I am hopeful because of it.
P.S. Why is it that when people in general come through tragedies and struggles, they say "by the grace of God?" Maybe not when they're in it or right after it (though some do), but in hindsight, they thank God. You might hear "thank Allah," but I have never heard someone thank Buddha or Vishnu, thank myself.
Previously I mentioned the "brainwashing" argument regarding Christians.
Personally, I came by my faith in God on my own. Yes, I grew up in church because of my mom's faith, but her faith is not my faith. What I mean is that we believe much of the same things because of our faith, but I didn't just inherit my faith from her.
I don't remember how young I was, but I remember asking Mom how one becomes a Christian? Was it taking communion? Was it coming to church? Somehow I knew I was meant to be a Christian, but she couldn't quite explain the "how" to me. How did she brainwash me when she couldn't answer all of my questions, I will never know.
Then in the summer before high school [hs], I met people of Youth for Christ [YFC]. They had the answer, and I immediately went through the steps to become a Christian. Ah, here's an answer to the brainwashing; I don't spout ingrained YFC mantras (are there any?) whenever I'm feeling righteous, and, while I believe that YFC is a good organization to reach the youth, I don't necessarily agree with one of their beliefs (I'm not going to agree with every fellow Christian about everything). So, YFC did not brainwash me.
I got an answer, I heard a call, and I answered back. Sometimes I think I must have always had faith in God, even before becoming a Christian. I must have known that He exists.
Sometimes I wonder about how people see me, what they think of me. I'm in my late 20's now, having grown up with my mother and father married to each other (as they continue to be), my parents having never been married to anyone else. I have one brother, no half- or step-siblings. Drug-free, smoke-free, alcohol-free, never been homeless, never been abused. People see that, and I think they believe that I had a perfect childhood. I think so. They also believe that means I have no right to hurt, to think, to be saddened.
I know I have been greatly blessed, in so many countless ways that others have not. But I hurt like anyone else. I have my trials and tribulations like anyone else. I have the full range of emotions.
This is the point; my faith in God is what sustains me. I know He is real, that His Son is real, because I could not have gotten this far without Him. I believe He blessed me with this good family because He knows what I need. I can easily imagine how far gone I would be now if I had been born into any other family. In my darkest days, and they can be very dark, I take every blow that the darkness hurls at me because I know that in the end, I will be here. I will survive, for when I glimpse just a speck of light, and I reach up my hand, He will take it and bring me up. He always has, never failing once.
Would you call that "brainwashed"? If I am, then THANK GOD, because I am hopeful because of it.
P.S. Why is it that when people in general come through tragedies and struggles, they say "by the grace of God?" Maybe not when they're in it or right after it (though some do), but in hindsight, they thank God. You might hear "thank Allah," but I have never heard someone thank Buddha or Vishnu, thank myself.
Can't Turn My Eyes/Ears Away
I cannot get my head around politics, and it is difficult to know which source(s) are reliable, but with so much going on in the recent elections, I decided I would make my best effort to really understand what my vote says.
Around August, I don't remember exactly how it came, I watched the O'Reilly Factor. I am hooked. I do not always know if Bill O'Reilly [BO] is right, but he voices a lot of the thoughts I have about certain issues. And in continuing to watch, I get the sense that I can really trust what he says. I will probably be mentioning segments of his show often.
I try to keep up with the day's issues, but sometimes it is too much.
Today for example, O'Reilly read viewer emails about this yound girl being used on the internet to promote anti-religious propaganda. BO called this child abuse and brainwashing. One viewer wrote something to the effect that children in religious households are brainwashed also.
I grew up in a Christian household, and is it not a shame that I was "brainwashed" into being a good student, a hard worker, and to be kind and considerate of others? Isn't that a shame?
I am very grateful to Mr.O for standing up for traditional values that have made this country great. I am emboldened to stand up for my Christian values. I am not always sure that I am right, but what I believe comes from a good place, from caring for people.
Around August, I don't remember exactly how it came, I watched the O'Reilly Factor. I am hooked. I do not always know if Bill O'Reilly [BO] is right, but he voices a lot of the thoughts I have about certain issues. And in continuing to watch, I get the sense that I can really trust what he says. I will probably be mentioning segments of his show often.
I try to keep up with the day's issues, but sometimes it is too much.
Today for example, O'Reilly read viewer emails about this yound girl being used on the internet to promote anti-religious propaganda. BO called this child abuse and brainwashing. One viewer wrote something to the effect that children in religious households are brainwashed also.
I grew up in a Christian household, and is it not a shame that I was "brainwashed" into being a good student, a hard worker, and to be kind and considerate of others? Isn't that a shame?
I am very grateful to Mr.O for standing up for traditional values that have made this country great. I am emboldened to stand up for my Christian values. I am not always sure that I am right, but what I believe comes from a good place, from caring for people.
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