Saturday, December 27, 2008

The Beauty of Music.

I love it when songs have meaningful lyrics that anyone can connect to. Songs are one way allowing people to connect emotionally through music. Music is something that I will never be able to fully comprehend, but I love it to death and I'm passionate about it. Isnt' that what really matters?

I look up to Louise Armstrong, Yiruma, Jennifer Koh, & John Mayer. They're all known for the insight and appreciation they bring to their interpretations of both well-known and beautiful compositions. They convey a passion that is rare, or at least rarely so freely demonstrated.

Music will be something that'll constantly surround my life. Something that I will never get tired of or forget. I want music to be passed down generation to generation in my family. Over the course of my life, I've had experience with several instruments. Trying this out, testing that out, and eventually quitting things, I've learned to stick with my commitments that I'm most passionate and drop the unneccessary things. I've played the violin, piano, alto saxophone, clarinet, and the electric guitar and I have to say, I've not enjoyed playing every single one of them. Piano is my specialty when it comes to music even though I've had more experience and skill with the violin, and then comes the violin. Piano is my specialty because I have a stronger passion for it than the violin. Anyways, I don't know which instrument I'm better at, at the moment. The alto saxophone & the clarinet were fun at first, but I discovered later on that it wasn’t for me. I'm still living life, and someday I want to eventually go back to the electric guitar. Currently I'm learning how to play the drums because my little brother is helping me and I don't know if it'll be another musical interest but for now, I'm sure that I'm having fun with it. And of course, like everyone I sing in the shower and I must say... singing is quite fun. Even though I don't know how I sound exactly, I'm pretty sure I sound horrible (like a typical asian). Music allows me to escape reality, and fall into another world where I can allow my emotions to cut loose. I don't think I can ever fully describe my love for music, since it's taught so many things. Because of music, it's allowed me to see things in a different perspective, appreciate things more, and make me into a better person. Without music, I wouldn't have been the person I am today.

The sound of music fills me when I'm empty, and gives me a sudden rush of warmth. I feel so happy, and uplifted. When I've felt lonely, upset, or stressed… music allowed me to vent and pour out my heart. It's been there to help me erase all fears, and disperse negativity. Music gives me a breath of fresh air, and I don't know anyone or anything that can provide me with the same amazement.

I want to do a lot of things with music. I love it how music can be combined with all my passions, having the potential to be appreciated. I want to play music and allow others to step into my world of how I see things, and how I feel at the moment. When I play music, I want others to feel something they could never understand in real life, something that can only be experienced through the soft hitting of piano keys, or the vocals of a singer. Music is just so amazing, and without it... life wouldn't ever be the same.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Robbed/Tragedy on Dad's Birthday

Wow... I don't even know what to say right now. It's just so horrible, and I don't know how to react right now. I'm never going to forget this day - 12.23.08

Today was my dad's birthday December 23rd, and our family met together to have a nice dinner outside. Due to the snow, we couldn't go very far outside of kent where all the really nice restaurants were... so we decided to stick with Old Country Buffet.

We parked the car around the back of the parking lot, where it was really dark. -Lesson learned: Don't ever park where there is no light, or people around. Chances are, you're asking for danger.

Our family didn't know anything like this would happen AT ALL. We were too busy having a good time with our family, and celebrating my dad's birthday. About an hour later, we got outside and realized one of the windows of our car were totally broken. It's even more SAD & dissapointing because it had to be on my dad's birthday! Our whole family was soo excited & waiting for this day.

There was glass everywhere on the seats, and outside on the ground of the snow. It was horrible. Everyone's mood was ruined & our happy moments dispersed instantly. My dad started getting frustrated & very upset. We called the police, and they said they would "take care of it" as usual. I swear, police these days man.... they don't care, and they are so stupid. I'm sorry to say, but they aren't as prepared for anything, and aren't very responsible.

Luckily, I brought my digital camera, and I took pictures of the window, the seats, broken glass, and just about everything.

So what was stolen?
My uncle's nice 300 dollar black leather jacket was stolen inside our 4X4 Lexus vehicle. Also, our Navigator was stolen too. This is probably our 3rd navigator we bought, and our 2nd time navigator that's been stolen. In the past, one of our cars has been stolen at a park, one of our navigators were stolen right infront of our house, and today.... another navigator has been stolen, a nice leather jacket, and our car window has been damaged to the max. The robbers must've been overjoyed with the fact there was a nice leather jacket, inside of a luxury Lexus vehicle. Not to brag or anything, I'm just stating the truth. Lexus vehicles are pretty high priced, and are nice luxury cars. Even though our car was a bit old, I guess the robbers were still tempted. Eugh. But, my family's had a few experiences with robbery and other insane mischief... so we know how to handle these things calmly. My dad is the only one that can't handle these things, since he gets on FIRE when things go wrong, but so do I. I take after my dad.

The lady behind the counter told my mom that 2 young men came inside to ask if there were any shovels, so they could dig up some snow. The lady told my that they came in looking rushed, and worked up. That was strange....., and so my family assumes it was those 2 men. Also, it's always young people or teenagers that go out and steal/rob things, because they need
money. You can't really picture a lot of old aged people going out to steal or break through a stranger's car. Although it is the time where money is needed to buy each other presents during the holiday, I never people could do such a dirty thing. Even if they needed the money so badly, they didn't have to interfere into someone else's life and harm them. That's just plain stupid.


Today was supposed to be good day, and it was at first. Right now, I really don't know how I'm feeling. But I know it's best to be positive in every situation, so that's what I'll try doing. Although everyone is very upset, I feel thankful that no one got hurt or anything... because whoever robbed/broke into our car was watching us from the time we parked and got out of the car. They were planning this from the start, and had their eyes on us. That's why they stole everything so quickly, just an hour later. What's scary is that I was the last person to get out of the car, since I was so slow. I hope they don't remember how I look like..... *shiver.

Well... even though everyone is really upset, I kind of understand why people would do these things. They feel desperate, and need the money so badly. They go out and steal other people's items, even if it degrades themselves... so they can survive. But this is not a good thing at all, because people should earn their way through everything.

Anyways, the past is the past. I'm glad I hear my dad laughing in the living room. That's a good sign, because most of the time when he's mad.... you don't ever want to deal with him. It's really scary & frightening.

Overall, it's going to be hard trying to deal with all this, but life goes on. I'm just thankful that no one got hurt. As long as everyone works together, and puts a smile on their face...everything will return back to normal.

*P.S. I will try to post pictures of the car and incident later on.... after the issue is resolved.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

The Holidays are forgotten.

Wow, time flies by so quickly! Almost half of the school year has passed by, and 1st semester is close to an end.

Well, I was actually dissapointed when I found out there was no school on Friday. I mean, it's great that everyone can sleep in, and have fun... but I never got to my final good byes, or "Merry Christmas!" to everyone. Once we get back to school, it'll be too late to say that... and everyone will lose their holiday spirit.

I just wanted to say, it doesn't feel like winter break has arrived. I remember every school year, I was always excited for winter break. I would count the days on the calendar, and have red hash marks canceling everyday of the month december. This year, it's different. I don't count the days before winter break like I used to. Also, I don't feel the holiday spirit.

My neighbors used to put up Christmas Lights all over their house, bushes, and everywhere! Our neighborhood was always a joy to see, filled with bright lights, and smoke coming out of the chimneys. Seems like this year is was a busy time for everyone. I no longer see the crazy christmas lights put up around the houses, and I don't see young kids making snowmen & having snow ball fights. I used to be one of them. But now, I feel to lazy to go out and play, even though the snow is beautiful.

Not even my own family has brought up the subject of Christmas. We haven't even discussed what we would do for Christmas, since all of us have been so caught up/busy with other things. Like school, extracurricular activities, competitions, and our cousin who was going back to Korea. This Christmas is definitely a different story compared to all the other years.

We have gotten a lot of snow, and the weather has officially reached it's coldest temperature in the last 20 years... but I don't feel "happy" or "joyful" that the Holidays are. I guess this gives me the opportunity to know how thankful I am, and for the these things I have. I've decided I won't ask for anything this Christmas. Honestly, I realize how spoiled I already am compared to all the less fortunate people in Africa & other nations. When I compare myself opening up presents under the tree, and a kid in Africa trying to go through the day without starving.... it gives me 2 totally different images. It makes me feel terribly guilty, and I feel like I take things for granted a lot.

Although I don't feel the holiday spirit, I'm grateful that this has given me the chance to think big, and give me awareness of everything I have.

This Holiday, I want to do something different. I want to do something I know that will make me a better person, and help others. Maybe that's why this Christmas is so different compared to the others. To make me realize how just a simple act or help can touch one person greatly just because you cared. Although it was just another day to spend helping another person, guranteed.... that special someone will never forget you in their life.

This is what I want to do for Christmas. And I ask for nothing more.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Friends

12/7/08

Well, I just read Lisa's blog and it included 3 of her close friends, and I was included in there. I'm going to dedicate a blog to 4 special people, just like Lisa did in her blog. Well, first off I want to say I am truly thankful to have met these 4 individuals. They are people who actually care about what is going on in other people's lives. They're just amazing! I'm going to warn some of you guys, just because your name isn't here doesn't mean that I forgot you or that I don't care about you. I only included people that go to KM [our school] for now.


Marianne: Well, we've been through EVERYTHING. This girl is amazing, and she helps me with everything! Haha, she's always willing to help me and gives me encouragement along the way. I couldn't ever wish for a better friend. We made so many memories in 8th grade tech. academy. The funny thing was, I saw her around in school 7th grade, but I never knew her. I SWEAR she's obsessed with the color blue, because she wore blue EVERYDAY! And in the back of my mind, I would always think of her as "blue girl" before I know her! Haha, we have our corny jokes & we talk a lot! Marianne is someone I will never forget in my life. It's just IMPOSSIBLE to forget her! Hahaha, I remember when I first met her I always called her, "Mary LOU" or something totally unrelated. But she was always patient with my "short term memory" and was kind enough to correct me every time and joke about it. Man, I hope we become college roommates in the future! She is one of my bestfriends, and I can trust her in so many ways. I feel thankful to have met such a sincere, nice person like her. I love Marianne! (:

Roanne: HAHAAH. THIS GIRL makes me crack up so much! We had so many memories in 7th grade, and we're still building lots today too! We always tell each other we miss each other because she doesn't see me as much since, she quit tech. academy after 7th and 8th grade. I miss Roanne so much! Haha, I always receive texts from her, even though I'm not allowed to text! Wowww lol. Well, Roanne has been there for me through thick and thin. She's just so unique, funny, and wonderful to be with! I can just be myself with her, and I know how to have fun. Us 2 were known as "Ed & Shunzi" all throughout 7th grade, from the Disney movie the Lion King. Ed & Sunzi are the heignas in the movie, and they have really high pitched laughs. I'm serious, we have so much in common! We both laugh 24/7, and our laughs are just naturally high-pitched. Man, we had good times in 7th grade choir too. We've helped each other a lot, and given each other valuable life lessons too. I will never in my life forget her and her laugh! I love her!

Lisa: Man I love Lisa! She's helped me in OH SO many ways! Seriously. It's so funny how we're so alike, and how we always know when we are sad, giving each other advice at the perfect time! I love how Lisa always knows how to make me crack up, just from the simple things she does, which totally makes my day. Lisa and I are both in Concert Orchestra, and we always give each other little mouth/lipped talks from across the room, and she always tells me to tune! (: Haha, she's like my alarm to "tune the whole orchestra." Well, Lisa is musically talented, no joke! She can play piano SUPER well & beautifully, she also play the bass, and can play percussion. And I swear, although I've never heard her sing... I bet she is really good at singing, because she will take after her cousin PJ who is really talented in singing. Being Lisa's friend is a privilege, and I always have so much fun with her. Whether it's after school in the orchestra room, or just talking about random things, especially [D. & K. ] we always know how to be ourselves and have fun. Also, we're both in FCA which is Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Overall, she's a really cool person, seriously! Lisa, stay in the tech. academy! Don't go to Kentlake or Kentwood! Love you!

Jasmeet: hahahahaha, this girl is so silly! I remember the times we laughed in golf. Man, I feel horrible & so stupid for doing that! But she feels the same way, so it's all good (: I met Jasmeet last year at MC, and let me tell you... she's like the BEST piano student anyone can ever have! hahaah. I gave her piano lessons every morning before school last year, and she's a really fast learner! She also plays violin in our KM orchestra! She's surrounded by music in a lot of ways, and she loves it! (: You can always count on Jasmeet, and trust her word for word. I always came to her when I had to vent, or say something. She's one of my best friends! (: Hmm, Jasmeet and I have our mature/serious talks believe it or not. Although when we're together, we laugh a lot & goof off.... we talk about our future, college, life, and etc. quite often. ;DD We have big plans, and we're working hard to achieve our goals because we have places to be in the future manggg! (: I will never forget that one time before golf practice, we walked all the way to the church next to KM so we could pray. That was such an amazing moment! We got to express our feelings & allow our stress/troubles loose. Mann, I have so many memories with this girl, and I know we'll have even more as time passes by. Love youuu jasmeet!

Well yeah, these are just some of the many individuals that I keep safely tucked inside my heart. If I didn't get to you, I will soon so don't get all dissapointed!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Accepting others

12/3/08

Hmm, will it's 11:10 PM and I don't know what I'm doing up not sleeping. I just can't seem to fall asleep, so I guess I'll write another blog. Well, I'm going to talk about accepting people based on their personalities, their belief systems, and their opinions.

Ever since I was a young child, my family raised me very religious. In fact, our whole family were religious Christians. From going to church every Sunday and sometimes even fridays, and from reading the Bible, I've been taught and grown up with different beliefs as others. It could be because others have different religions, or because others just don't believe in anything. Well, as a Christian, when you're outside of home or church.... it's hard to keep your beliefs straight when the whole world has different opinions compared to you. Sometimes, it even feels like the whole world can be against you. Often times people get offended from religious beliefs, and when you're really devoted in your religion, it's a hard task to to balance 2 things at once. But as I grew up, I realized that even though others are different and their personalities/opinions are opposite from mine, I can still maintain to keep my beliefs and not offend anyone. This has always been a difficulty for me, but I've never had any intentions to disregard anyone.

I remember what a pastor once told me, "Hate the sin, not the people." The point is that you should respect everyone as a human being, and accept them even though their actions/opinions aren't exactly the things you would do yourself.

There are tons of controversies going around in this world. Topics range from personal issues to world-effecting ones too. I have my own opinions on the issues around this world, and everyone else will have their own opinions on it too. But I've learned that people will be judgemental and ignorant when they strongly disagree with your beliefs. This doesn't make me want to argue back, but it simply taught me to understand that everyone is different, and although we have our own beliefs, we can still practice them religiously and be firm/confident in them too. When we're outside, we just have to learn how to respect one another and realize that the person next to us is just as equal as we are.

I believe this is very essential in order to survive in the world, because humans rely on one another, and it'd be no good to cause arguements just because we have different belief systems. Although the true identity of individuals will be based on their religion, it is not an impossible, but only a simple task for everyone to gather as one in society.

Some of you guys will disagree, and some will agree. But hey, what's the point of this blog for? Respect individuality even though you do not agree [with what I said]. This blog was not meant to offend anyone in all seriousness.

Monday, December 1, 2008

No Such Thing.

Esther Yang
12/1/08
Period 3: English

I've learned in life there's no such thing as a bestfriend for life, also known as BFF for some people. It's not like I don't have close friends in my life, but I just know this for a fact. As time passes by, you get to know your bestfriends more. And there will always be something you didn't like about them, something that made you feel differently about the next time you saw them. It just happens naturally to everyone.

Basically, there is really no perfect bestfriend that will be there for you all the time. Friends come and go in life, and their purpose in life wasn't meant to watch over you. Friends are a privilege that come along in hard times, helping you enjoy life. Honestly, we don't need friends in our lives. All we really need is our family, and we can still survive.

But I'm still so thankful for the friends I have. They are a part of me, a portion of making me who I am today. I love them to death and they fill me when I'm empty, but my point is I can still live without them since all I really need is my family.

My blogs are way shorter now. I'm tired, I'm going to go take a quick nap and do homework!