TAIWAN 2004

I figured it was about damn time I put up some pictures from my relaxing summer. Here are a couple of my favorite shots from my two weeks in Taiwan. The trip was really wonderful, as I got an inkling of what it would be like to have grown up with a huge extended family... too bad it wasn't longer.


My "baby" brother and me. This is the very first picture of our trip. Always a memorable one!



The family at Marine World in Kaohsuing. My dad's old college helped to fund this park!



My Aunt Judy and me at Maobitou. This is a landmark located at the southern tip of Taiwan. If you look directly behind my Auntie's head, you'll see the Maobitou, which loosely translates to mean Nose of Cat.



Me clowning around.



Terri as a terracotta artifact.



Two families combined... my 2nd uncle's family and ours. My 2nd uncle used to be the chairman of the Hualian Kiwanis and once broke the record for swimming in the southern region of Taiwan.



The family and my grandmother. They used to say that I look a lot my like my grandmother. I think she's BEAUTIFUL!



This is a picture of all the cousins on my mom's side, minus Tom, who's currently in the army, and Maggie in Vancouver. Also, woman in light pink (2nd from the right) is my cousin's new fiance. I don't know if I like her yet. I don't think she's good enough for him.



Ah, such a candid shot.



People always say that my brother looks a lot like my dad. And they also say that my cousin Vinnie looks like my dad... so now y'all can be the judge. Jerry, Vinnie and my dad, do they look alike?



My cousin Mego and me.



And here is the end of our trip!

RAINDROPS ON ROSES...

This is great. I have finally gotten away from the madness that was. With all my abundance of time each day, I have been able to enjoy things that make me happy. Though I miss my days in office, I can't really complain about what I have gained instead. This is some of the things I have been doing to fill my days.

-Thanks to Pablo's philosophy to life, I now take my time walking from Point A to Point B. Funny all the things you notice if you just stop to look.

-I can take longer showers just to enjoy the scent of my body wash. And after my showers, I can take the time to lather myself up with lavender scented lotion. But the best part of the post-shower ritual is using my Foot Lotion from The Body Shop. Trust me, it's good stuff.

-Every day, I come home right on time to have lunch dates with Tony Reali. Nothing beats food and Around The Horn. And... since I'm always the first one home, I greet each of my roommates as they come home.

-I have the time to pamper myself. Two days ago, Gabbo helped me find a program to replace my old Kobe screensaver that had mysteriously erased itself. This new program is better than before! AND... the clincher to my happiness, Tina and Tony Vibrational Fragrance. Apparently the stupid company went bankrupt, which means I've been living life scentless. (Gabbo swears the perfume is what gives me the Jamie-esque scent.) Well, while I was searching for the screensaver, I also came across their official website, which actually still sells the perfume. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping my scent comes sooner than later.

-I can sit on Sproul and people-watch/sunbathe without feeling guilty.

-I have oodles and oodles of time for my friends!

-Because of my lax class schedule, I only have basketball class Mondays and Wednesdays for just one hour... and no class on Fridays! (Tuesday and Thursdays are killer!) This leaves me with SO much time to actually work... like work for money. Haha, what an odd concept, work=money.

Despite everything, I'm still behind on homework. But this year, at least I'm not behind on life.

I am one of two girls in my basketball class this semester. Yup, lost in a sea of hot basketball-dribbling men. I think I've had really good dreams that have started this way. Unfortunately, my class ain't paradise.

From the second I set foot into that gym today, all the guys turned to me and started sizing me up. Naturally, I did the same. No big deal. I've been running with the "big boys" all my life. I always get scoffs at first. That's until they get swiped by me, then they stop doubting. Our teacher, whom also happens to be a woman, wasn't there yet. So everybody was just shooting around... with two freakin' balls! Out of a class of 30, and only two balls?!?! (We must be facing really tough budget cuts.) Anyway, some guys decide to stand around. I was done sizing up people and decided to shoot around and show my skills. Mind you, to actually get to shoot, I had to first rebound the ball. I am, without a doubt, the shortest person in class. Yes, the tallest guy is SO tall that even if I jumped, I still can't tap the top of his head.

I eventually win over a rebound and proceed to shoot. I decide to take my ever-popular shot by the right wing about a foot before the 3-point arc. That's usually my sweet spot. *swoosh* First shot: nothing but net! Some guy tosses me my change and I take another shot, with much more confidence this time....

F.ck. Second shot: air ball! The guys laugh as I creep back into the middle for another rebound. I guess, sometimes, a girl just can't get a break. So much for my GREAT skills.

Please excuse this entry. It's a thought that I've had for a very long time, but always had problems articulating. But with the recent proceedings in the Olympics, I figure it's as good as any of an example to use.

The human race is very interesting. We seem to act more united when a common enemy poses a threat. However, when that enemy disappears, we seem to ache for something or somebody to fight against, so we turn on each other. Let's take basketball, for example. The NBA is hands-down the best basketball organization in the world. Within the NBA, there are exactly 30 teams. These 30 teams aren't supposed to normally get along. Anybody that knows me KNOWS that I'm a die-hard Laker fan. But this morning, at 5:30 to be exact, I found myself cheering, quite loudly if I might add, for players like Tim Duncan and Carlos Boozer. Mind you, these are players I usually despise during the season. However, when playing against Spain, I'll gladly root for Team USA, even with players I hate.

Now, take this concept to a more worldly illustration. I remember watching Will Smith's Independence Day and thinking, "Oh, so this is how you reach world peace." Though the movie isn't all that realistic, what IS real is how people would react should Earth ever be attacked by aliens. Despite whatever war or dispute nations may be having against each other, when met with a bigger threat, I'm positive that people would put their differences aside.

As best put by my brother, when a greater evil threatens our society, people will come together. But all this leaves me wondering, isn't there any other way to achieve world peace???

There's a reason why I haven't blogged in so long. Lately, I've been noticing that my vocabulary has dwindled. I think I'm no better than my 15-year old brother. Language is something that needs to be practiced and worked at. It's been two years since I taught my last SAT course, and going on a 14-day English hiatus doesn't exactly work wonders for my rhetoric. I hate when words are at the tip of my tongue but I can't figure out which word I'm exactly trying to use. I think I might start acting like my sister and read the dictionary for fun.

I guess some things just weren't meant to be.  Was tonight solely my fault?  Solely his fault?  Perhaps nobody's fault.  Don't tell me I ain't got no game!  For your information, the drink I "bought" for you was paid for by another man.  Ha, joke's on you!

DEFINITELY A RANT...

I've been noticing a trend. It seems like lately, my older male friends have discovered the art of dating the young beauties of 1986. If you do the math correctly, these girls are the newly graduated high school class of 2004. My sister falls under this category, but I've been keeping her away from lecherous guys. You see, I have a lot of issues with newly graduated high schoolers dating a bunch of newly graduated college students! These girls haven't even stepped onto a college campus and they're ALREADY dating guys that have done the bar scene and assimilated to the "frat-life" way of doing things. I don't mean to categorize or make it seem like ALL guys are terrible, but what the f.ck are you doing with girls that still "riTe lYke DiS"??? Even maturity levels are different. Yes, we all know guys mature slower, so maybe high school girls ARE at your maturity level. But let's not be stupid, there's also a sexual maturity level, which let's face it, doesn't always develop as fast for young girls. It's not so much the age difference that bothers me. Hell, I've dated MUCH older guys. But come on, at least wait 'til these girls have moved into a co-ed dorm before you start hitting on them!

SNEAK PEEK INTO THE FUTURE...
 
Feeling too lazy to back my car out of the garage and drive it, I decided to take my dad's van out for a little joyride and pick up my little brother from his friend's house tonight.  Mind you, I have NEVER driven this van before, partly because it is the company van, which means I'm not insured under it.  I don't know what compelled me to take the van, or where I found the courage to do so, but I did.

I don't know why I was ever so scared to drive it.  Driving that big tank felt like the most natural thing to me.  For a fleeting 20 minutes tonight, I felt very much like a soccer mom, driving my brother and his friends around.  If this is any indication of what's in my future, I'm not complaining.  Rather, I welcome it. 

It's funny how much priorities change within a matter of a couple of years.  I recall a particular person telling me back in high school that I would make a horrible mother and wife.  As much as I tried to block out those hurtful words, it has actually helped to reshape my current priorities.  Even the way I measure success is different.  To me, success is measured by the number of lives you touch.  But, more importantly, it starts with affecting positive change within the people you love the most, and for me that means being the best wife and mother that I can be.

THELMA AND LOUISE...
 
...AKA Jamie and Gabby, or Gabby and Jamie, whichever way DJ Julio wants to announce our names over the microphone is fine with us.  "Reunited and it feels so good, reunited 'cause we understood..."  It's a shame we didn't sing this song, since we totally rocked the house at Sapphire.  My partner in crime and I have been separated for much too long.  Tonight was the long-awaited reunion.  I'd like to announce, we're back and better than ever before!    Totally fun night, with so much more to come...  Welcome back, Gabbo!

SPORTS, SPORTS AND MORE SPORTS

For as long as I can remember, the Dodgers have always been the underdogs.  But I love my boys in blue just as much as my purple and gold Lakers.  However, this just may be the year of the Dodgers.  Rumor has it that the Dodgers may be involved in the trade for "The Unit," which may dramatically improve their chances for the playoffs.  Either way, tonight was an exciting game.  Initially down with a 2-1 deficit, they tied it up in the 8th inning against the Padres.  Like always, the Dodgers turn on the magic in the 9th.  At the bottom of the inning, Adrian Beltre came up big and brought the game to an end, knocking one out of the park.  Very exciting!  Tomorrow, I will ACTUALLY be at the game.  Hope the boys come up big again.

Aside from the baseball game, I also managed to catch, not 1, not 2, but 3 basketball games today.  Yes, the infamous Whittier Tournament, better known for putting teams through intense playing schedules.  These boys in green won all three games.  *yay*  As for me, I'm completely "basketball-ed" out.  Driving back and forth is exhausting!  I was the only "parent" that stuck around for all three games!  But wait, it gets better... my brother is playing in 2 tournaments this weekend, which means a whopping 4 games tomorrow!  The upside to all this: I have an admirer!  The downside: He's WAY too young.  Totally R. Kelly-style.  It's just my luck; they're either too old or too young.  This one reminds me of a particular track star from back in high school.  Very cute!  Joe, call me when you turn 21.     

I think I've reached a new low this time.  I have these shows that I watch late at night.  I consider them to be my secret indulgences.  The types of shows that I deem so bad, that they're so good.  Yes, those trashy dating shows like Blind Date, Elimidate, and 5th Wheel.  Well, add another one to the pile.  The newest addition to the malarkey is MTV's Wanna Come In.  This is the show where smooth-talking guys play Cyrano de Bergerac to a less-than-handsome Christian, in order to win over Roxanne and hear those three golden words: "Wanna come in?" 

Imagine my surprise when I see guys that I have chilled with before ON THE SHOW!!!!  Yup, I see my guy acting a fool on the show.  I SURE do know how to pick winners.  I'm stewing in a pot of regurgitating slime.  I think it's time to get out.      

But the worse news yet: Vlade Divac is coming back to the Lakers.  Thinking about my sister's "Slam Dunk King" donning a purple and gold jersey makes me what to puke.  But if this will give Kobe and the Lakers more depth, I can be a team player too.  I just won't cheer very loudly for him!

The slippery slope argument never held up in any high school round of debate, but if ever it were to be used and actualized, it would be now. 
 
I never fully recovered from the first.  And since then, I've jumped from pit to pit.  I can't differentiate the good from the bad; I just treat them all the same.  I've become aloof and flakey.  And it's only because that's what has been done to me.

I just found out my grades from summer school.  If ONLY my summer school grades from the past 3 years were calculated for my GPA, I'd be staring at a PERFECT 4.0.  Unfortunately, such is not so.

"I'M A LAKER AT HEART."
 
Did you honestly think I wouldn't blog on one of THE most important day in Laker history?!  I was glued to FSN as of noon today, anxiously anticipating Kobe's momentous decision.  I all about screamed and leaped for joy when the news finally hit... Kobe has re-signed with the Lakers!!!  Good thing, cuz I don't know what I would've done if he had gone with the Clippers.  All is right in LA again.  And I'm not tripping about Shaq leaving... and here's why...    
   



Shaq is overweight and old.  He couldn't hack it against Big Ben and Rasheed this past season, and that was with Kobe.  I honestly don't see him being able to do it with a youngster like Dwayne Wade or an aging Eddie Jones (though I still love Eddie!).  Granted, Shaq is VERY dominant and it definitely is a big loss to the Lakers.  The Lakers' roster is currently very small, with an even smaller Brian Grant playing the center. 
 
On the other hand, Kobe is definitely WAY overpaid at $136.4 million over 7 years.  I believe that makes him currently THE highest-paid NBA player.  Is it really worth it?  Maybe.  Kobe's barely 25; he's got YEARS ahead of him.  And he's nowhere near the peak of his career yet.  I think building a team around him will give more flexibility for him to grow as a player.  He said in the press conference today that his goal will be to try to make his teammates better, and I truly believe him.  Kobe ain't stupid, he knows that there's a lot of pressure and responsibility now put on him to continue to build the Laker legacy.  He's gotta be an even more mature player if he wants to take the Lakers to another Final series. 
 
However, all that is long-term.  Short-term, Shaq and the Heat might see more success, purely because they are in the East.  They're biggest competitors will be the Pistons and maybe the Pacers.  The Lakers gotta go toe to toe with the improved Rockets, Spurs, and Timberwolves.  (Don't count out the Warriors, either.  They picked up *tear* Derek Fisher.)  However, give Kobe a couple of years to work out all the kinks.  He'll get it together.  I AM sad about seeing the Zen Master, Phil Jackson, leave.  But who knows, let's give Rudy Tomjanovich a chance.  He can't be any worse than Del Harris, right?   



Though Kobe is my first love, I gotta show some love to Allie Mac.  Thanks for going shopping with me today, with a fan tucked under your arm the whole time! 

EVERY ROAD LEADS BACK TO YOU

Even hundreds of miles away, every little thing still reminds me of you. I try to get away from you, but with every step I take forward, I take two steps back. How hard is it to find another guy that also loves the Lakers and Dodgers as much as you do? Apparently VERY!

I miss the way...

...you'd call in the middle of the day just to say "hey."
...we would stay on the phone for hours talking about nothing.
...we'd run into each other at parties.
...you used to think I never paid any attention to you.
...we shared stories about J&S and King Taco.
...you'd get all excited about seeing me.
...you would talk about your mother like a little mama's boy.
...you used to beg me to stay the night.
...you sat about lost and would look to me for answers.
...you would look at me and tell me I'm beautiful.
...you kissed me tenderly on the forehead.

I love that thinking about you brings a smile to my face... but I hate that no matter how wrong you are for me, you're always on my mind.

I'm dating the Russ to my Ross.

WEDDING OF THE CENTURY

I went to the first wedding of my life last night: Tim and Sally's. What an honor for theirs to be my first. The ceremony was beautiful. But instead of going on and on about how perfectly wonderful their wedding was and how perfectly wonderful their relationship is, I'm going to focus on (surprise surprise) the guests...

I don't know how many Schurrites still read this blog, but it's nice to know that some things never change. The wedding was very much like a Schurr reunion, about half a decade earlier than expected. Speech nerds reunite! Jane and Lisa are still inseparable. Felicia's still chasing after Peter (except now she has her own record deal and fashion line). Delwin and Allison are still together. And I still feel like the little sister that they let tag along. It's nice.

And just for the record, despite my fears of committing social suicide, going to the wedding solo was the best idea ever. I ended up scoring the best date ever.

SPIDERMAN II




My favorite superhero has always been Spiderman. I don't know what it is about him, but if you ever asked, I'd say that Spiderman could beat Superman any day. I used to sit for hours and hours reading Spiderman comics and then watch Spiderman, the cartoon. Having just gotten back from watching Spiderman II, I'm so stoked! It was like one intense rollercoaster. Though the dialogue wasn't all that great, the action was superb. Or maybe it's just cuz I don't like Kirsten Dunst as MJ.

Haha. Irony plays cruel jokes.

I don't know what the hell happened to me out on the streets while waiting for Clinton in the dead of the night, but my right leg is all bruised up! It looks like I got beat up... but only in my right calf! Strange, no? Myabe Caroline abuses me at night while I sleep. Haha. (Caroline, just checking to see if you still read this... cuz blog, woman!)

This came from my Social Change book. It was written by a social movement leader by the name of Saul Alinsky to teach community group members how to avoid meeting unrealistic ethnical standards.

In war the end justifies almost any means.

I don't know if I can agree with this statement at all! Thanks to Mr. Anderson's 7th grade history lectures, all wars are fought for economical reasons, some more implicit than others. Even though the victor of the war may, in the long-run, become richer, I don't believe this in any way justifies the means, namely the loss of lives. What the hell was Alinsky thinking? Maybe I'm interpreting the text incorrectly. Somebody please explain.

WE ARE "CLINTONIANS"

The past 17 hours have been quite surreal. I don't think I've ever been on so many emotional highs and lows in a span of a day before. With a little urging from Caroline, the two of us set out to camp outside of Cody's a little past midnight yesterday. We had packed a picnic, blankets, and two trusty metal chairs. We got to Telegraph and Haste and actually realized we were fairly close to the front of the line. As I went through nostalgia of my days at Rochsdale, Caroline slept on the streets of Berkeley. She REALLY roughed it last night. I don't think you've truly experienced "Berkeley living" until you sleep on the floor. Unfortunately, I wasn't as gutsy... as I snuggled up against the cool of the metal chairs.

"Slick Willie" arrived right on time. Our spirits rose, until we realized that Cody's are f.ckwits and don't know how to run book-signings correctly. They had "sold" all their tickets through pre-sales, leaving no additional tickets to give out the day of, much against the wishes of Clinton's people. Caroline and I were one of the non-ticket holders. Our cushy position at the front of the line served no purpose as we watched hordes and hordes of ticketholders get in before us, accomodating people that got to the book-signing even AFTER Bill had arrived. Meanwhile, all the campers that endured the cold of the night stood watching.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. I tried to get our line to rebel and just push our way through. Unfortunately, that didn't go over so well. Fearing that Bill would leave soon after he had signed books for a good 2.5 hours, Caroline and I started bumming around and asking ticketholders if they could "adopt" us and claim us as their guest. Apparently ONE ticket could get in TWO people and garner TWO signed books. (See how f.cked up the system is? And nobody knew about it 'til much too late!) So Caroline and I played the system. Unfortunately, ticketholders were very unfriendly and almost looked down upon us non-ticketholders. Just when we were ready to admit defeat, Lady Luck smiled down on us. Caroline managed to buddy up with a nice old man. Meanwhile, I finally found a buddy in a really tall man named Hal.

Caroline got through the line before me and came out really excited. Seeing at this point that I was at the front of the line, I was super excited. I would finally get my chance to meet my FAVORITE president (yes, Caleb, of ALL time). However, all was snatched away within seconds... THEY SHUT DOWN THE LINE RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!!!!

It was such a nightmare... as I stood there, tears welling in my eyes, ready to admit defeat for the 2nd time that day, I couldn't decide what I wanted to do more: blow up Cody's or crawl into bed for a good night's sleep. I guess the expression on my face gave me away. A nice police officer told me that I'd just might luck out and Bill would come out through the front of the store and sign some more books. I waited anxiously and true to Officer Odom's words, I saw Bill come down the stairs and head right in my direction.

I was right up against the barricade, and so I ended up becoming the 8th book he signed when he came out. This is what happened:

Me: Mr. President, I'm from Arkansas!!!!
Clinton: *turns to look at me* You are? Where?
Me: I was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas. You were Governor when I was born! *now speaking in super speed* Three years ago when you came, I wanted to see you speak, but I couldn't get tickets and so I was really sad.
Clinton: *smiles and signs my book*

Wow... and now I sleep...

Tomorrow is a very important day. Tomorrow is the day I meet the President. No, not Dubya. Been there, done that. I'm talking about BILL CLINTON. He's by far still my favorite President of all time. (My favorite First Lady is Jacqueline Kennedy.) He will be at Cody's bookstore tomorrow. I sure hope I don't spaz and talk a mile a minute, like when I met Gray Davis. Or worse yet, say something completely stupid and idiotic, like with James Worthy.

You are, perhaps, by far, THE most confusing person I have ever met! I think, deep down, you have no idea what you want in life, which is why when something wonderful happens to you, you're too dense to realize it.

TWO GAY MEN AND A "FAG HAG"

I know this title is totally un-PC, but thus describes my afternoon with Caleb and Brent (Caleb's totally metrosexual friend from Hawaii). Yes, I'm the Fag Hag. Apparently that's what they call females that hang out with gay men. *shrug* Going suit-shopping with the boys was HILARIOUS! Brent almost bought a WAY expensive Kenneth Cole suit without trying it on! But seeing Caleb trying on suits was the BEST! Trust me, it's like watching Tarzan wear clothes for the first time. VERY VERY FUNNY! He swears it's his shoulders, but I still say it's cuz of his pecs. He has bigger boobs than I do! Whatever, Breaststroker.

IN A FUNK

I'm not on a winning streak. I absolutely HATE losing! The girls and I went to the go see the As battle it out against the Giants. And of course, my team, the As, lost the game in the first inning! Though they tried to make a comeback in the bottom of the ninth, it was much too late. I hate when I actually go to a game and the team that I'm rooting for loses. My Dodgers have also been losing miserably, getting killed today by the Angels. (Score need not be repeated.) And lastly, my dark horse of the year, the Astros, also lost tonight. Grrr...

Sometimes I wake up in my Kobe-fied room and think that the Finals were just one really bad nightmare. And then reality takes over and grips me in cold fear... and that's when I know it's all over for this year. I know all this isn't normal... I'm much too obsessed for my own good. All I know is that I'm completely out of wack. Don't play with my emotions, I'm much too unstable to deal with all the bullsh.t again.

WEIRD BUT TRUE

~In California, adultery is punishable by $1,000 fine and/or a year in prison. But adultery in Arkansas is much cheaper... offenders are fined a mere $20 to $100. (Good ol' Arkansas.)

~In Rhode Island, unmarried people can't have sex. However, if caught, the lovers are fined only $10 apiece.

~In Oxford, OH, it's illegal for a woman to strip off her clothing while standing in front of a man's picture. (I break this rule everyday!)

~It is illegal for any member of the Nevada legislature to conduct official business wearing a penis costume while the legislature is in session. (Cuz that happens ALL the time, right???)

~In Tremonton, UT, law states that no woman is allowed to have sex with a man while riding in an ambulance. In addition to pressing charges, the city publishes the woman's name in the local newspaper. The man does not receive any punishment. (Wow, that's fair!)

~The only acceptable sexual position in Washington, DC is the missionary position. Any other sexual position is illegal. (To all my DC intern friends, I sure hope you all play by the rules!)

~In Kingsville, TX, there is a law against two pigs having sex on the city's airport property. (WHAT???)

~In Romboch, VA, it is illegal to engage in sexual activity with the lights on.

~It is illegal for a man and woman to have sex "on the steps of any church after the sun goes down" in Birmingham, England. (You have to do it in broad daylight when everybody can see.)

For more strange sex laws, check it out here.

This weekend was spent at home... good, clean, wholesome fun. My mind is still reeling from Terri's graduation. I still can't believe that it's been three years since I marched to the tune of the Mighty Spartan Band playing "Pomp and Circumstance." This past Thursday was my sister's turn. (It really makes me feel old.) Sitting through the ceremony, I thought about my siblings and I, and the traits that each of us inherited. My sister, without a doubt, got the brains. I always thought I was semi-smart. But my sister always managed to outdo me in EVERYTHING! She's really the gifted one. So talented at the piano, so smart in anything math or science related, so skilled at writing... and top it off with a photographic memory. My brother swears he'll get by with his charming good looks... which leaves me with what? Social skills? I guess that's my trait. I talk a lot. I like talking. And that's how I get things done.

In other news, tonight was supposed to be the night I went to a riveting and unforgetable Game 7, where the Lakers take the championships, and to the utter amazement of ignorant sports analysts and Shaq, Kobe takes the MVP. With a heavy heart, I must admit that is not how the story unfolds... obviously somebody didn't read the script. This isn't how the Laker season was supposed to end. But I'll take the good with the bad. It was a fun season. Thanks for the memories... we'll see you next year.



In my eyes, you ARE the MVP.

To all those Fakers out there... have a little faith. Don't be so quick to jump ship. I have no tolerance for people like you.

WOW

I've got at least 10 more pages to write AND a midterm to study for by Thursday... but I didn't do any of that tonight. Nope, tonight, Caroline and I went on a date to McCovey's. Watching Kobe on the big screen is the BEST! Can I just say again... KOBE FOR MVP! This Laker win can be attributed to our efforts last night to redecorate. Caroline and I are now the proud owners of a VERY decked out Laker bedroom. From the life-size Kobe cut-out to the numerous Laker posters, there's no hiding the fact that we are die-hard Laker fans. And with a win like tonight, we couldn't be prouder of our boys in gold.



And just for the record, Kobe comes home to ME every night!

More Lakers analysis...

There's been lots of talk about the "dynasty" breaking up next year. But I'm not fretting too much. The key to keeping the team together will be to win the championship and to give Kobe the MVP. Here's why...

Kobe's biggest gripe about playing with the Lakers is that he's not able to shine under the shadows of Shaq. But if he gets the MVP trophy, that'll qualm his concerns. In him picking up the MVP, that'll justify Kobe geting a fat contract from Jerry Buss at the end of the season. Buss is going to do whatever it takes to keep Kobe around because that's his Golden Son. The Lakers can afford to put a big portion of their money into retaining Kobe because Shaq's getting old. As dominant of a player as Shaq is, it's simply not worth Buss' energy to keep him around for very long. But cuz Shaq WANTS to play here, he's going to stay too, assuming that his offer is "good enough."

With Kobe and Shaq still around, Phil's not gonna go into early retirement. Despite all the problems he's had with these two, he recently said that this was an "easy season." HA! Riiight... whatever. Phil's not going anywhere because if he sees a chance to win another championship, he'd be a fool to turn it down.

So moving on to Karl and Gary... if Kobe, Shaq and Phil stick around, they're ALL going to stay. Karl was welcomed with open arms by LA. And Gary's finally found his place within the Laker offense. As long as Karl and Gary get their championship rings, they'll be content.

Derek's not going anywhere either, unless he chokes big time in the Finals like the way Robert Horry did. Poor Rob couldn't hit that 3 last year, and that's why he's with San Antonio now. But as of now, Derek's pretty much a hero in LA; he renewed his contract with that infamous 0.4 second shot. (Gustavo says LA should build a statue of him.)

The only starter that I think might be leaving will be Devean, but I don't really care for him anyway. The one I'm worried about is Slava. Slava, you're my man... hope I see you in LA next year.

I'm calling it now:

Lakers in 6, Kobe for MVP. Let's see how well I do compared to the experts. If I get this right, it simply affirms my destiny to be a future Lakers commentator.

I think I may have complicated the situation. We're always going in circles... sometimes we're good, sometimes we're not... sometimes we're friends, sometimes we're not. I'm so confused. And I can never elicit a straight answer. All I know is that several months down the road, I'll be feeling the same way again...

When I read this, I laughed so hard I almost peed in my pants (Allie Mac-style)

A typical Asian girl from Montebello:
kkwonger14: he looked mexican and thats why i liked him

I don't even remember the last time Gabby and I have been apart for more than a month, much less than an entire summer! Partner-in-crime, I miss you already! And it's only been a week!!! I wish I was a part of everything that's going on in her life right now... well, maybe not everything. I'm sure she wouldn't want me tagging along as the 3rd wheel. Haha. I guess it was about time we started experiencing things on our own, separately. Though having a friend by your side through all the scary and strange moments never hurt. Love you, Gabbo. I'll miss you. Try not to have too much fun without me.

WHAT A RUSH!

So, obviously the Lakers won tonight... and I'm in a great mood! But I've still got a bone to pick with all the Laker haters out there. Recently, I have heard that the #1 reason why people dislike the Lakers so much is because of the way we "build" our teams... mainly in reference to Gary Payton and Karl Malone. The Lakers have been called the New York Yankees of basketball because, apparently, we "buy" our players.

But wait a minute... isn't that the reason why players become "free agents"? Isn't that the reason why we have drafts and trades? Players should be able to move around and play on whichever team they want to. And it just so happened that Gary and Karl wanted to play in LA. We didn't BUY them... if anything, the Lakers got the best of the deal; two future Hall of Famers for pennies!

But here's something else to chew on... to all those people that rooted for the Minnesota Timberwolves because they hated the Lakers, YOU ALL ARE HYPOCRITES. Out of their roster of 14 players, only 4 are returning veterans. Which means, you all "bought" 10 (YES, 10!) new players! Out of those 4 original players, only 1 was a starter, your precious MVP. You did what the Lakers did... times 5! That's right, Sam Cassell, Trenton Hassell, Fred Hoiberg, Latrell Sprewell, Michael Olowokandi, and even Mark Madsen, former Laker... ALL NEW PLAYERS TO THE ROSTER!



Yes, let's talk about Mark Madsen. I have NEVER liked the guy. I don't care how much "enthusiasm" he brings to the team, I don't like him! He's such a disgrace and mockery to the sport of basketball. I have NO idea what he's doing in the picture. But that's all he did in Game 3... throw Shaq's arms around his neck. Strange, no? Might he have been posing for a prom picture??? I'm 100% sure that's NOT how you play defense. Hey Stanford, if you wanted to go to prom, go buy one with Daddy's money! So glad you're not with the Lakers anymore... you were nothing but a distraction.

I AM DOOMED

Feeling very neighborly, I engaged myself in a very long conversation with Grandpa Bill and his handsome baby grandson this afternoon. The timing of this conversation is highly ironic. Grandpa Bill apparently is very talented in reading astrology. Because his baby grandson took such a liking to me, Grandpa Bill decided to give me a free reading. Upon hearing my birthdate digits, he quickly gave me the bad news: The key to my happiness will be to marry a GENTLEMAN, or else suffer a life of misery.

Given my track record, I think I'm probably going to live a life of misery. It also doesn't help that I was born at 1:32 am, which falls under the Ox Lady's domain. According to Grandpa Bill, the Ox Lady is not a good judge of character... she usually picks the worst ones. All these new revelations leave me wondering, how many Mr. Wrongs do I have to go through before I find Mr. Right? Or maybe the question I SHOULD be asking is, will I EVER find Mr. Right? The Chinese zodiac never lies...

Disclaimer: To all my future suitors, if I try to make you into a "gentleman," it's only because I really like you and actually see a future for us. Don't hate me for it.

And it was done as easy as that: May 26, 2004.

"IF IT'S TOO SHORT, CHOP IT OFF"

...and yes, my professor was referring to the male genital. Welcome to Sociology of Gender. Now, I understand that I'm technically supposed to be on summer "vacation" and making students take classes in the summer is just flat out wrong, I can't help but LOVE my classes!

On the first day of class, we talked about intersexed infants - babies that are born with both the male and female genitalia. (This is the one time I'm going to be against the advancement of technology.) To decide the gender of the baby, they test the length of the penis and its capabilites for reproduction in the future. According to the author, John Money, "A penis is, by convention, designated as a micropenis when at birth its dimensions are three or more standard deviations below the mean." At that point, they chop it off and turn the micropenis into an enlarged clitoris. Never mind that somewhere in their genetics, there is still a Y chromosome swimming around... talk about a blow to the ego. Imagine if they put ALL baby boys through that same test!

And for today's thrilling adventures... a film about a naked bearded lady that joined the circus. There was even a bath scene... OooOOoo... Pablo has trained me well for this class.

I'm not scared of "bad boys" like you.

Just came to the realization that I've got one more year of college left... where does the time go? Academically, this year sucked. But mentally... wow.

I AM AN USER

Do you remember the kid in your neighborhood that had all the cool toys? All the newest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle accessories? The talking robots? My-Size Barbie? I never had cool toys, so I'd throw parties and invite all the spoiled kids with the best toys to come over. Then I'd play with their toys.

Flash forward 15 years later...

I have not gone to my classes all semester. I have no knowledge. What do I do? I invite all the kids with the "cool toys," now known as knowledge, to the office and suck their brain dry. Currently waiting for my next victim (next one-on-one review session)...

As requested by Gabby, these are my men... in order of preference.



Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers


Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Saved By The Bell and NYPD Blue


Tony Reali, Around the Horn


Andy Pettitte, Pitcher from the Houston Astros


Dan Miller, O-Town


Ivan Sergei, Formerly on WB's Jack and Jill

Doesn't this just melt your heart? Despite all the bad press, I still love this guy... and I'm positive this guy loves his daughter.





And just for the record, the Lakers ARE the champs, and Kobe WILL be MVP. Take that, Barkley!

I usually don't post song lyrics just cuz I feel like it is a waste of space. If you wanted to read song lyrics, you can easily search for them with Google, right? But my girl Tamia does it again with another heart-breaking song, and I just had to share. Her songs always hit the spot, as if she knows just how I'm feeling. I have no idea where she finds her inspiration for these songs, considering that her husband is the one and only Grant Hill!

Questions by Tamia

I noticed you ain't been around lately
I recognize there is a sudden change
I notice you haven't been calling me
I'm starting to see, that things are not the same
Lately I have been reaching out to you
Boy you haven't been returning my calls
And even when I say, I love you
I notice there has been a slight pause

[Chorus]
Please tell me what do you think it could be
Headache, tired, or cheating on me?
I'm tired of all this up and down mystery
Please answer questions one, two, three
Do you love me? Lost Interest? Is he cheatin'?
Ooooohh ladies, help me out
Do you love me? Lost Interest? Is he cheatin'?
Said I'm tired of all these ups and downs
Do you love me? Lost Interest? Is he cheatin'?
Fellas tell me what you're thinking
Do you love me? Lost interest? Is he cheatin'?
Here's the reason why I ask these things....

I was giving him the best of me
But my best stopped being good enough
I'm telling you I will do anything
Talk about a woman who loves tough
And now he's coming home real, real late
I let him know it's starting to bother me
He never once even touched his plate
And no response he just went to sleep

[Chorus]
Please tell me what do you think it could be
Headache, tired, or cheating on me?
I'm tired of all this up and down mystery
Please answer questions one, two, three
Do you love me? Lost Interest? Is he cheatin'?
Ooooohh ladies, help me out
Do you love me? Lost Interest? Is he cheatin'?
Said I'm tired of all these ups and downs
Do you love me? Lost Interest? Is he cheatin'?
Fellas tell me what you're thinking
Do you love me? Lost interest? Is he cheatin'?
Here's the reason why I ask these things....

Used to take me shopping, all the time
Used to go club hoppin', all the time
Where you were I would be, all the time
Now all you do is leave me behind boy
Used to be your best friend, remember?
We were close like cousins, remember?
Used to give me lovin', and now...
All you're doing is trippin', ladies, what do you think?

[Chorus]
Please tell me what do you think it could be
Headache, tired, or cheating on me?
I'm tired of all this up and down mystery
Please answer questions one, two, three
Do you love me? Lost Interest? Is he cheatin'?
Ooooohh ladies, help me out
Do you love me? Lost Interest? Is he cheatin'?
Said I'm tired of all these ups and downs
Do you love me? Lost Interest? Is he cheatin'?
Fellas tell me what you're thinking
Do you love me? Lost interest? Is he cheatin'?
Here's the reason why I ask these things....

F.ck. What is wrong with me? Things used to be so perfect.

Words of advice: writing e-mails when I'm completely tired and pooped is a dangerous thing. Certain people may think I'm hitting on them, hence the, "I wish I can be more social, but right now, I need to be judicial." Might that be how we won? Hmmm...

THE ONLY MAN I CAN EVER COUNT ON

Yup, it's turning into an obsession. I look forward to those rare chance encounters where we share fleeting moments together. I wish we had more time to spend together, but it's just a shame that we both work so much. I hate that you make me wait for you all the time. You tell me it's part of the chase, but I'm done playing hard-to-get. This time, I want the real thing...

I DON'T WANT TO BE A DICTIONARY!!!

You're The Dictionary!
by Merriam-Webster

You're one of those know-it-all types, with an amazing amount of knowledge at your command. People really enjoy spending time with you in very short spurts, but hanging out with you for a long time tends to bore them. When folks really need an authority to refer to, however, you're the one they seek. You're an exceptional speller and very well organized.

Take the Book Quiz at the Blue Pyramid.

You're Vietnam!

After years of muddling through on your own, you've finally repaired yourself to a point of respectability. You would have been much better off had people you didn't like not kept insisting on spending so much time with you. But those times are fading quickly and these days you're pretty sure you won't get burned. Star power!

Take the Country Quiz at the Blue Pyramid

A GIRL OF MANY HATS

In class today, I was asked to label myself. Asks my professor, "How do you identify yourself to others?" This is what I wrote down:

-Chief-of-Staff
-campaign manager
-defense attorney
-politician (ugh!)
-mom/teacher/mentor/eternal nag

Though I'm proud of the work I do, I'm too tired to give anymore. Mind you, my life is like living 5 full-time jobs! Which is probably why each night I come home so exhausted that I can't even say hello to my roommates before passing out on my bed, still fully clothed. I've been pulled in so many directions lately, when what I really need to do is go back to the basics. I need to stop pretending I can do it all.

This is who I want to be:
-roommate
-sister
-student
-friend
-understanding partner

There hasn't been anything that I CANNOT do, but I finally realize that there are some things I SHOULD NOT do if I am to be the type of person I want to be. And therein lies the conflict, I never want people to doubt my ability to conquer a task... and so here I go chasing after another challenge.

LOVE OR LUST?

It's definitely gotta be lust, right? I know you're so wrong for me. I can think of a dozen other guys better than you... but you always leave me wanting more. You say you like me, so what's the problem? Damn you for making me sweat you all the time. You know we could be so perfect, so stop being so DAMN SCARED. Yet again, chasing after the unattainable and untameable...

Just one of many pictures taken this break... my ladies know what I mean. I took this picture off Gabbo's site. This picture is only a preview of what is to come... meaning, how dark I'm going to get. And the madness begins...

By the way, Tony Reali is so hot! And super smart! Watch him everyday at 2pm on Around the Horn!

SACRAMENTO QUEENS

Lakers rule. 'Nuff said. I also met James Worthy last night. Was good.

This is turning out to be a very star-studded break. Last night, I do believe Caroline and I mingled with some former NFL players. Like we know the difference of one football player from another... but they did roll up in a beautifully stocked limo. (Ask us about NBA players. We know them all.) As for me... I've got basketball games lined up Wednesday (Lakers v. Kings), Friday (Lakers v. T-Wolves), Saturday (Clippers v. T-Wolves), and maybe Sunday (Lakers v. Jazz)! Staples Center, here I come!

SPRING BREAK!

I'm finally back at home... my much delayed trip back to LA. This year, I vow to have a spring break. No more campaigning... no more chalking... no more being locked up in Chi Phi from morning til night... no more being stuck in Berkeley.

THE DUALISM OF HUMAN NATURE

Remind me to go to class more often. Soc 1 - Introduction to Sociology. It's supposed to be an easy class. So easy, that I figured I never had to go. Leave it to the professor to editorialize and make up new terms and vocabulary words for concepts not covered in the reader! If I can pull through this class with a good grade, then sociology will definitely be my calling. Now I go back to reading about the difference between what is "sane" and what is "insane." Some believe that the line is so blurred that they are one and the same. Maybe I'm insane? Clinically depressed? (According to the statistics given by the Tang Center, almost all students at Berkeley, at one point or another experiences depression, but just doesn't realize it and know to treat it.)

And just for kicks... a wonderful quote by D.L. Rosenhan:

Whenever the ratio of what is known to what needs to be known approaches zero, we tend to invent "knowledge" and assume that we understand more than we actually do. We seem unable to acknowledge that we simply don't know.

Hmm... interesting...

BLAST TO THE PAST

I normally don't post song lyrics... but I revived some old songs today, and found this song more fitting than ever.

I thought that I knew about 'em
Thought that they would never do me wrong
Well well they smile in your face
When all the time they wanna take your place
Them backstabbers
Same old scene that
You've seen for so long
Always want to be around you
But as jealous as they come
Well don't want you to win that race
'Cause if you do it's gonna lessen their space
That's when I decide to say

Goodbye, goodbye
To all the fake people in my life
I never wanted you around me
So be on your way now
You better think twice
Before you let people in your life
Because when you put down
No one is around you
You got a case of the fake people
A case of the fake people

I thought that I new about 'em
The only ones that really care for me
Oh yeah
But they shouldn't be that way
Only down for as long as
You can give security
Same old scene that you've seen for so long
Always want to be around you
But as jealous as they come well
Don't want you to win that race
'Cause if you do it's gonna lessen their space
That's when I decide to say

Goodbye, goodbye
To all the fake people in my life
I never wanted you around me
So be on your way now
You better think twice
Before you let people in your life
Because when you put down
No one is around you
You got a case of the fake people
A case of the fake people

-TLC, Case of the Fake People

PICK-UP LINE OF THE WEEK:

This week's winner goes to the "transfer student" who won my heart with, "Wow, you look old!" Err... thanks?

"I'M GONNA BE A SUPERMODEL"

Who ever thought I'd actually be a runway model?! Bizarre... but Mengly made it happen for me tonight. Fashion For A Cause... sounds shallow, but I'd like to think it's not entirely so. All the proceeds went towards Room to Read. Hopefully Cambodia will soon have a new elementary school. And as for me, for one night, I looked "beautiful."

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: A LEAP OF FAITH

At the risk of sounding like a new escapee from an insane asylum, I think I'm finally at a place where I'm mentally stable and almost at zen. My life still resembles a whirlwind tornado that provides little time to myself, but given all the trying moments of this week, I think I've done quite well for myself. I'm glad that I can go back to being the buttress for other people, instead of being the one in need of a prop. There's already too much misery in this world for me to get caught up in my bubble of perfection.

It also doesn't hurt that I have my own live-in shrink to help me sort out my life. How easily I forget what a tremendous confidant Miguel was for me back in high school. And though the boy has problems of his own, ones that I don't condone, he's always been there to slap some sense into me. He's dependable, trustworthy, and best of all, FREE!

All the "free" counseling has allowed for me to reflect on a lot of things... one of them being intimacy. I remember Juan once asked me, "Why are you so afraid of intimacy?" Indignantly, I shot back with, "I ain't afraid."

Now I know how wrong I was... based more on observations than past experiences (the soc major in me comes out), be it emotional or physical, the first shot at intimacy is damn scary. It makes us vulnerable. Intimacy forces us to present the other person with a gift - a gift filled with emotional attachments and the risk of letting go of any and all safety nets to catch us when we fall. It's a gift because we only do it when we finally find that special person that allows us to let go. Intimacy challenges and pushes us to emotions so deep that they take over conscious and coherent thinking. And when we do fall... we fall hard. Yet, somehow we find a way to stand up, but the time it takes to heal is indefinite. When all is said and done, we all really wanted the same thing. It's just too bad that we couldn't see things eye to eye to make it all work out in the end. It's very interesting to see the same plotline played out, but this time, with different characters. This time around, I see both sides, but I can't say that I empathize with both. If only we can all step back and see the other side, things wouldn't be so hard... they really don't have to be. Love is what holds us together, but it's also what tears us apart... 'Til then, I will wait for that all-consuming, don't-want-to-live-life-without-you love that we all somday hope to find.

GOOD MOMENTS OF THE DAY

-Standing on Sproul for 15 minutes and getting a bit of sun. Being able to pretend like I'm lounging when I really have a ton of work to do.

-Garnering respect in Senate and holding my ground, despite unruly people. Seeing what it REALLY means to mobilize and the power of a community.

-Seeing 4-D Stars in action and REALLY helping people, not like the lies that people tell about "wanting to make a difference," yet just doing things for their own personal gain. Seeing Brent with Alexis, age 12, was truly an inspirational experience for me. There are still good guys out there.

-Being able to sit with Gustavo and Karina over dinner and NOT talk about work. Story of the night: Gustavo and his big dog running into the jungle and getting shot at by big crazy drunks.

-Knowing that whatever people may say about me, at the end of the day, I'm still me, and I'm still the same person. Say what you will, but I know who I am, and I'm sticking to it.

People talk a lot of wack sh.t. Word to the wise: check yourself before you check me. If I'm the way I am, don't think you didn't have an influence on where I am today... be it good or bad.

*gasps* My sweet brother is good in volleyball??? When did THAT happen??? I didn't even know he KNEW how to play volleyball! But apparently, he might be bumped up to varsity cuz of the last game. My brother... the MVP of the game... go figure. What happened to basketball?

It must be a high school fantasy, cuz it's damn exciting! Everything about it screams "home" and nothing else compares.

Wow, this week was such a blur... after Tuesday's midterm, I have no idea what else happened, but I DO believe it was fairly good. Gabbo, I'm sticking to our pact and making good use of it!

An Addendum

This was stolen from Elaine's blog... I thought it captured my Saturday quite well, post-work, of course.

saturday... i headed out... and the afternoon was spent catching up and getting ready for dinner at pyramid brewery. dinner was fabulous... and all went pretty smoothly... except for the losing of miguel for a little bit... some random acts of affection in the parking lot and it was back to the apt.

off to sf.... ALL of sf. we pretty much drove around SF for like an hour and a half... we had no idea where we were going since mapquest is just so messed up.... and even though our two cars got separated... we somehow managed to find each other...just to lose each other again. we had given up... stupid sf defeated us... and it was off to the apt again. like the saying... if you can't bring mohammad to the mountain... bring the mountain to mohammad. SO... since we couldn't find the party... we brought the party to us... and boy, did we bring the party. (i apologize to the neighbors downstairs...eek) nothing like drunken haiku writing... seeing old shs people... yellling "gabby is so hot" and breaking wine glasses... dancing in the dark (with all like 9 of us)... bouncing quarters into an ice tray... all in the privacy and comfort of Russell B... temporarily known as "hook up central" for now.. all in all... it was a good time.

other things will be left unmentioned... but, left for the memory to keep.

happy 21st birthday jamie! love ya lots girlie! (and you totally worked that tiara and feather boa... you should wear it everyday!!!)

oh... and is it just me... or are we looking older? since when did we not get carded anywhere??

:: lainey 7:59 PM

Haha. What a CRAZY f.cking birthday weekend! I only turn 21 once, but that doesn't mean the celebration only lasts for a night... try 3 days! It was great! Thanks to everybody that made it special: Caroline, Gabbo, Elaine, Natalia, Teresa, Pabs, Alex, Marky Mark, Caleb, Alfredo, Miguel, Eiji, and Taka. I promise not to forget a single moment of it all.





And now for pure enjoyment... drunken haikus... remember everybody, 5, 7, 5!

Pablo
I wanna go backdoor
So that fudge gots new meaning
Not so innocent

Taka
Everyone sittin'
Chillin' out to the Merlot
My panties are red

Eiji
Miguel is spaced out
The potential is present
He needs to believe

Gabby/Becky/Jude
I am so not drunk
I want more hot wings right now
Who mistook the booze

I like Eiji Fuj
He is super cool always
Eastmont Intermediate!

Caroline/Hillary
The Great Charles Shaw
Poor college students' best friend
Two buck Chuck is gold

Teresa Loves Jamie
Why do guys wear plaid?
Does Old Navy rule the world?
I just live in sweats

Sha Sha Sha Shayna
Miguel is buzzin'
His mohawk is pretty cool
Beer is def' his fave

Happy birthday, J!
You are outside now with Al
Hope you're having fun!

Gooby (The boy cannot spell his own name!)
Gabby cooks chicken
They were robust and spicy
Much like the ladies

And my personal favorite... also a "Gooby" classic.

White walls in this house
Much like me, the WASPy WASP
My name is Gooby

It's okay, Mark, you can be whomever you want to be... Goob, Goobie (Gooby), Goober, Marky Mark, WASPy WASP, or Gruber. Thanks, guys! These were hilare! I'll treasure them forever! You all are VERY talented!!!!

But the most talented of all... Miguel. Thank you for being the first person to ever write something for me! This was the best present ever!

Crazy Fuckin Jamie
To we're gettin' old, product of the 80's
Though I didn't know you 'til we were conversation trading
Schurr High parking lot on the people we were dating
Half how much we loved them and half was player hating
That's where you went from associate to friend
From person who I knew to person I respect
Who had an effect knowledge to contribute and dissect
You are a smart motherfucker, you'll be president-elect
That's when I'll vote and stop being this renegade
And you've always been good to me, refreshing like spiked lemonade
Everyday you demonstrate with this I wish to reciprocate
How much I appreciate your company
With the problems you alleviate
So with much love, that's all I got 'cause I'm too poor
Happy 21st and may you get 60 more.

For anybody that's ever tried to get me drunk, I was there last night. Many many thanks to Natalia, Sarah, and my lovely roommates, Caroline and Gabby, for watching over me and buying me rounds and rounds of drinks. Happy birthday to me!

Surprise phone calls are great! Surprise visits are even better!

PLAYING HOOKY IS FUN... AND EDUCATIONAL!

I'm a pretty responsible girl. I think that would probably be the best way to sum me up in one word. But sometimes, being bad can feel so good! What classes? What work? Just give me more Senator John Edwards!!! I loved him in DC, and I love him even more now. He is exactly what we need to beat Bush in this upcoming election. Which is why these five Berkeley students took the day off to go campaign for Edwards all over San Francisco! And I do believe we did a VERY good job!





I shook the future U.S. President's hand!!! For an almost 21 year-old girl, I think I've done damn good for myself. I've already schmoozed with two U.S. Presidents and one former California Governor... and I have their autographs to prove it!!!!

Lakers/Kings games has new meaning to me. *smiles*

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME AND CAROLINE!

Here's to our weekend getaway... thanks, Elaine!!!



Off to Club Rio
Remind me NEVER to go clubbing two nights in a row. Good for the mind, bad for the body!




The new Laker Girls!
As witnessed by Caroline and Elaine, I too, can shake my hair like the Sun Dancers.




My new Laker buddy!
Isn't he a cutie?! Little Tomas, age 2, is a die-hard Shaq and Kobe fan. Here he sits big pimpin' surrounded by beautiful women... after flirting with us during the first half of the game. What a stud!




The ultimate cutie... Kobe for MVP!
Sadness, we couldn't make the big signs that I wanted... but Kobe came up big anyway, dropping 40 points in the game. Kobe, you're my #1, I'll never stray again.




Our hosts
Thanks, Det and Todd! There are some guys that can still manage to surprise me. You guys are great!

It was a great weekend. What can I say? I LOVE my Lakers! Kobe played beautifully, the Lakers dominated, and I had wonderful friends to share the whole experience with. There couldn't have been a better game.

To my airplane buddy, James... here's wishing you the best in Spokane, Washington. Things will be okay, because they just gotta be... hang in there, cuz you're a good kid. You're my inspiration.

WITHOUT FURTHER ADO...

The pictures, as I promised.











Check out Elaine's Scrapbook for all the pictures. There are a lot more fun ones! And for the full story, consult my counterparts; Gabby, Caroline, and Elaine.

FOUR YEARS LATER...

Four years later, I still find myself sharing the same conversations with Pablo as I did in high school involving: hope, instant gratification, and delayed gratification

The latter two can be explained in much simpler terms. It involves wanting something NOW versus LATER. Yet, taking it one step further, the two can also be differentiated through categorizing between the two genders. Instant gratfication is something that is more inherent among males, perhaps because of the testosterone factor... and maybe dating back to cave-men activities. When men see something they want, they go after it, hence the club-n-drag technique of our homo sapien cousin.

This leaves females with the characterizing factor known as delayed gratification. Why women torture themselves is still quite the mystery. From high-heel stilettos to fab diets, it's quite a known fact, women do strange things. My only conclusion (embracing my woman-ness) is that we partake in delayed gratification with the notion that the longer we wait, the better it'll be (whatever "it" may be).

Which leads me to HOPE, and the question, what if waiting won't make things better in the end? Hope is a dangerous thing, and false hope is the worst of all. Life would be so much simpler if when things come to a dead-end, a sign would pop up (like in real driving) and tell you, "GIVE UP NOW, THIS IS THE END." (In red would be nice, thank you.)

And so the point to my ramblings... if this is the stuff I was thinking and talking about 4 years ago, and I'm still thinking and talking about it now, where am I going to be 4 years from now? Perhaps still thinking and talking about the same things...

It's exactly 15 days 'til I turn the big 2-1. My parents have already started the annual, "What do you want?" For the past 20 years of my life, I've never been able to give an answer to this question. I don't NEED anything... I think I'm one of the luckiest girls in the world, and I have everything that I could possibly dream of...

But this year seems different. I DO want something. But it can't be bought, or wrapped, or even served in a shot glass. This year... what I want is STRENGTH. I need the strength to endure and overcome the few weeks to follow...

Since this semester has started, I've witnessed human nature at its worst. There's already too much fighting in this world for us to be adding to the problem. If this is life, it ain't pretty. I commend Gabbo for doing what she does every Tuesday and Thursday. Next to her, this stuff should all be a breeze... yet, it's still hard.

But in the end, roommates (both Russell B and extension) are the lifesavers. Thanks to all for a wonderful All-Star Weekend and our "Single and Fabulous" soiree. (Pictures to come.)

"I Wish I Wasn't."... but I am.

What may seem true at night doesn't always reflect what happens during the day.

PEOPLE ARE SHADY AS F.CK.

I've always been real trusting. I've always been real optimistic. Somewhere along the way... I think I lost all that. Not in a I'm-so-desensitized-that-I've-stopped-caring kind of way... it's more like having to re-evaluate and process everything that people say or do to me. It's like what Tony always says, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." Words of advice: if you're gonna do shady sh.t, don't let me catch you! I take solace in knowing at least one thing... that in the end, I'll know who my real friends are.

I guess my former "sex-pert" roommate hits it right on the dot... I'm positive you never stop caring about the things that are important to you... unless they were never important in the first place...

There will always be hard times, but how we deal with those moments is what makes us stronger in time.

And the problems get bigger... is there no sanity???

Why are when things bad, they're REALLY bad? I think all I need to end this day is to be run over by a garbage truck... that would be a fitting end. Is there no goodness left in mankind?

It's been a strange and crazy and tiring day... hahah, much like every other day of my life. But seeing this picture brought a bit of joy to my day. Just wanted to share...

ONLY IN 'BERZERKELY'

After a long day of walking around in SF, nothing beats the joy of being able to take off your shoes, prop your feet up and relax. But you don't always get what you wish for...

Ben and I had BARTed over to meet Mike in SF for some dim sum. We walked off all the food by window-shopping around. Chinatown never ceases to amaze me. I guess I'm easily amused by all the random junk that they sell in the "Bazaars." And the boys and I had a good time laughing at all the expensive crap that Louis Vuitton sells... "Only $425 for a change purse!" Being in Chinatown reminds me a lot of Bill Murray's character in "Lost in Translation." I'm about a good head taller than everybody. One lady even accused me of pushing her cuz her head came up to my purse and thought I had shoved her intentionally.

Trying to get back to Berkeley was the hard part... apparently the BART police noticed some "suspicious activity" going on at the Berkeley BART station. They commanded all the BART lines to bypass the Berkeley station, leaving Ben and me riding back and forth, jumping from BART to BART, going from Ashby to North Berkeley, and then back. After trying to figure out which station would bring us closest to home, we finally decided upon Ashby, where Pabs picked us up at the corner. We never found out what the "suspicious activity" was... we only saw lots and lots of people at the Berkeley station, each watching the trains whizz by. *shrug* Maybe somebody wanted to bomb the Berkeley station? Watch for it on the 10 o'clock news.

MY CRAZY FRIEND MO

So after a long escapade in Pakistan, Mo (AKA Chicken-Suit Guy) is finally back in the States... this time, maybe, as an engaged man. See, while running amuck in Pakistan, he met a girl, and now he's got about 2 months to decide if he really wants to marry her, or else cut her loose and let her marry somebody else. He tells me nonchalantly, "I'm 25, it's about time I settle down anyway." Funny that he never mentions the word "love" when referring to this maybe bride-to-be. Crazy Mo... he's always up to something. This whole marriage thing is a bit more complicated, but his intentions are good. All I can say is that it's a cultural thing... I guess you gotta be Pakistani to understand...

Aside from the early wedding bells, Mo's always been a smart guy. When Mo speaks, people listen. And yesterday, he spoke to me. After a very loOOoong dinner conversation, I'm left going on a quest to do some soul-searching. I don't know why I'm a workaholic. I don't even know who I really am. All I know is that I've got a lot of growing up to do...

A PCITURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS



Ain't it the truth?

No better way to ring in the new semester with a bit of partying on our first night back in Berkeley. Though it's been fun, I can't help but miss the boyfriend in LA.

I've been pretty anti-social lately. Sorry Roomies, especially Caroline. I promise I'll be more in the mood to go out sometime next week. *wink* This downtime is much appreciated after a crazy semester. Been doing the whole family thing... staying at home and hanging out with the sibs. New Years' wasn't a night of drunken debauchery for me. But, let me add, to all the people that have tried to get me to drink... I only drink with my brother. Yes, I drank with a 15-year old. We had a bit of champagne and red wine (but mostly sparkling apple cider). Then we played poker games. I forgotten how much fun he was. It was a night of laughs as we counted down with Clay Aiken on MTV. (No Dick Clark for us, thanks to Gabbo and Bowling for Columbine.

The sister and I have been getting along just peachy, too. We still get into the occasional scream-fests, (And yes, she still always beats me.), but for the most part, we've been cool. Tomorrow, we go shopping for shoes!!!

ROADTRIP!!!

Like the good little Bears that we are, the roomies (plus an Aggie/Bear) and I hopped into "Big" (Caroline's Pilot), and drove out to Phoenix for a bit of football and George Lopez. The weekend was a good one, to say the least. It was exceptionally wonderful that Cal won the Insight Bowl!!!! On a field goal!!!! With 2 seconds left!!!! George Lopez was funny, as always. And Club Rio was "bumpin.'" But I'll let the pictures do the talking.


Show your Cal Pride!



Watching football in a baseball field! Hahah!



That's just the cowgirl in me...


photos curtesy of Elaine

Can't get enough? Click here for the complete Phoenix Extravaganza.

3, 2, 1...

I'm finally done with this semester, which means... that's right... 3 more semesters left for me. Unfortunately, these past couple of months have been a complete bust for me, in terms of my academics. I've basically studied my eyes out for the past 8 days for just TWO DAMN CLASSES!!! Oddly, my finals went really well. Unfortunately, I think my grades are still gonna be in the pits and I haven't exactly played the part of the exemplar student. Contrary to popular belief, I WASN'T always this stupid. There was a time when my report card read like a bunch of shooting arrows... none of these curvy-letter nonsense that I now call grades. Everybody always asks what I'm up to these days. (Apparently people have noticed me missing as a "Sproul Celebrity." Hahaha.) My response? I've been doing the same thing that I've been doing... taking care of the ASUC. Though I don't learn very much inside the classroom, my learning growth outside of the classroom has been exponential. And as much as I complain about the stress, I really do love my work. For the first time, I'm really happy making all these social changes, one person at a time. As big or as little of an impact that I've had, it's a great feeling for me to have empowered 40 other people to think differently. Think globally, act locally. It's a powerful tool, and I have my work to thank for it.

Speaking of work... why is it that people only consider it "work" if you hate what you do? If I love what I do, is it no longer considered "work"? Is it only "work" if you do it for the money? It seems like a sad existence if I have to wake up each morning and, instead of being happy about starting off my day, DREAD the idea of going into work. If that's the case, I must be the luckiest girl in the world, cuz I actually loved each job that I've held... even if they didn't seem very "work-like."

TRICK SHOT MAGIC

Lately, I've been so addicted to Trick Shot Magic. For those of you that don't know what it is, it's creative billiards playing, filled with crazy shots involving jumps and combinations. My favorite player is still Tom Rossman. He kinda reminds me of Mr. Feeny from Boy Meets World. He's so energetic about his pool-playing all the time and commentates while he's taking shots. The best match I ever watched was Rossman against Mike Massey. Massey is usually the favored one in any Trick Shot Magic competition, but Rossman beat him in a tie-breaker. I saw that match on the plane on the way back to LA from Washington DC. Every since then, I was hooked.

Today's match was the qualifier for the championships. The person that won, Andy something or other... a 35-year old Trick Shot Magic pro beat out this other boring, old guy and will be playing Massey in the finals. Crazy thing is, Massey was Andy's mentor. Hmm... I wonder who will win, the teacher or the student. Since Rossman got knocked out early in the competition, I'm going for the underdog. Go Andy! Plus, he has a really cute baby girl. After he won today, he ran out to the audience and kissed her. What a great dad!

So lost. So alone.

SCAREDY-CAT STEVE

For everybody unfortunate enough to know the infamous Republican Steve (no last names, in case he ever decides to google himself), with the red hair... (Poor Eric had to live with him the ENTIRE summer!!!)

I had the unlucky chance of walking all the way down Telegraph with him this morning. (Yeah, I know... what a GREAT way to start off the day.) It was that really uncomfortable scenario where both Person A and Person B happened to be walking at about the same pace, but because Person B was trying to hurry on over to class, Person B trailed ever so slightly too close to Person A, making Person B look like a complete stalker. I was Person B.

Anyway, we both got to the corner of Telegraph and Bancroft, right in front of Subway. The man that always sits by the newspaper stand asked him if he could spare some change. Get this... Steve says, "F.ck you. Get a job." Says man, "Thanks, have a good day." Steve bolts off running.

Steve. What a f.cker.

JONNY MOSELEY!

Two months ago, I was chilling with the President of the United States... tonight I was chilling with Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley. This guy was the same dude that sold himself to MTV so that I was able to watch him every Tuesday night on Battle of the Sexes.

Tonight, both Kris and Jonny were in the Battle of the Brains competition, a low-budget Jeopardy-type game held in Wheeler Auditorium. And amazingly, the students actually won!!! Jonny and I had a brief but meaningful conversation... and I even managed to NOT sound like a stupid fanatic! Hahah, and yes, he is just as good-looking in person as he is on TV!

WELCOME TERESA

So I suckered the old roommate into being a new blog member. Teresa's one of the best writers I know... and one of the funniest around. (Though, Aaron's not too bad either. You two can duke it out.) As a former Sex on Tuesday columnist, Tuesdays just haven't been the same without her this year. So for my selfish purposes, Teresa... please write often.

"BYE BYE BERDIE"

True do my DC-esque days from this past summer, I have mastered the art of smoozing at receptions. Last night, Kris and I attended a beautiful outdoor ceremony for all the "Builders of Berkeley."

Builders of Berkeley – rich, old, white men that donate millions of dollars to the campus

I have learned to carry around a glass goblet and pretend to sip a fancy drink. I have learned how to eat oysters in style. And I have learned how to make rich, old, white men laugh – at me, with me – they laugh just the same. Apparently, Kris and I were the life of the party last night. EVERYBODY wanted to talk to us. Kris and I tag-teamed and managed to wow them with our witty remarks.

It seemed all too convenient that the Chancellor just so happened to announce his "surprise" resignation as Chancellor just hours before his big soiree with a bunch of rich alum. However, what's more ironic is that at every school that I've attended, the top administator always quits long before I graduate. It started with Mr. Jepsen at Potrero Heights Elementary. Then Mr. Monsour left Macy Intermediate School. Then in high school, Mr. Devney left the school, letting us senior basically run amuck at school. And now, Chancellor Berdahl's leaving, too. Coincidence... maybe? Or maybe it's because I run them out of town...

REPORTED MISSING APPLE PIE

The day would've ended so beautifully with a nice warm slice of apple pie, left to me by my favorite guy. Unfortunately, no trace of it found... not even an empty box. It sounds like a case for Unsolved Mysteries. I shall write to Robert Stack. Meanwhile, I keep looking in the fridge, hoping that it'll somehow turn up.

I AM A VISIONARY

For every wrong turn, something always goes right. How easily I lose focus on the wonderful things in life. Thanks to my cheesy 80s music, my Amy Grant songs, and my "Dreams need hope to run free" poster, I'm back to my optimistic ways. Things are going to be good... cuz they already are. "As long as I can dream..."

RIO HONDO... HERE I COME

Whoo-hoo... "I am so smart, S-M-A-R-T." And my cumulative grade as a community college student continues to stand at a beautiful 4.0. Wish I could say the same for Berkeley... Much thanks to Gabbo for my A, who wrote numerous "constructive criticism" replies to my fellow classmates. I may have been banned from any future on-line English courses and will from hereon be known as the Rio Hondo b*tch.

Whoa... so exhausted. Here I stand, my 3rd year of college... 2 classes away from a Political Science major, 5 classes away from a Rhetoric major. I think I've made good time considering my joke of a schedule each spring semester for the past two years.

What have I learned?

Am I a more skilled writer? Not really.
Am I smarter? Not by much.
Am I a better person? Perhaps...
Have I changed? Definitely.

I've been back in Berkeley for only a matter of 2 weeks and already, I've been challenged like no other. I've been forced to have to think on my own, more specifically, think about things I never had to deal with. It's strange... I often feel out of place with my friends from back home. I think I've probably become more left of center than they last remember me and more caught up in politics than ever.

All throughout high school, we were forced to think a certain way – forced to take the fast track of APs and Honors to get to where we are. But it's only now that we're truly allowed to develop a sense of individualism and find who we really are. All I know is that my thoughts and ideas are different from "high school Jamie", yet my values and my morals haven't changed. The latter two run too deep and are perhaps permanently ingrained through my parental/cultural upbringing. But have I changed for the better or worse? That's yet to be decided. At least I'm not doing anything bad, like robbing liquor stores. But then again, being couped up in an office from 8am to 8pm isn't good, either. I guess this is one question even a Magic 8 Ball can't foretell... only time will tell.