I’m actually surprised that I’m blogging about something that sort of matters. Well, here’s the background story. As some of you may know, I’ve been playing cello - the somewhat big string instrument- ever since I was seven years old. Why did I start? I honestly don’t know myself, but I suppose one of the main reasons includes the fact that all the other Asian kids were starting a musical instrument, and mum started to panic. If I had a say in it back then, I would have chosen to play a wind instrument, more specifically flute or clarinet, but since there was a cello teacher living right below us in our apartment complex, I ended up starting my first lesson without much enthusiasm.

After years of practice, reprimands for not practicing enough, and a few meager awards, I’ve come to my first major decision concerning this matter. To say it frankly, I want to quit. But, when someone has done something for more than half her life, it is hard to let go. The main reasons I want to quit now are because of my fears of the schoolwork load for next year, the lessons that usually take away 2-3 hours of that precious time, and my overrun schedule that doesn’t allow a class I really want to take, yearbook. From the way I see things, there is really no point in taking orchestra anymore. Sure, I will miss the friends I have in there, but I know I don’t really belong. If I want to be harsh on myself, I know that I’ve never been musically talented. All of the results that my various teachers have produced are due to the countless hours forced to practice. Yearbook on the other hand, incorporates the many things I love to do. For instance, the graphics aspect of it, the interviewing, the writing, and all of that which is creative.

So last night, I made the final decision that’s been put way too far into motion to stop now. I emailed my former multimedia teacher, asking if there was still a space on the staff. Thankfully, she welcomed me with open arms and is even going to help me change my schedule. And also, I’m going to write a letter to my current cello teacher, telling her of my decision. I’m a such a chicken when it comes to confrontations. So I think I’m going to go pack up all my musical things in my room this afternoon, which isn’t going to be that great of a reminder of what I’m doing. Maybe I’ll replace that empty area with a desk… that would be nice.

Sitewise
Sorry that there hasn’t been any updates here recently. The reason of that is because I’ve been putting all of my time and effort into Roodesigns, which is going swimmingly. So if you haven’t already, please go check it out! I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! (Also, if you want some social networking, you should join the new forum.)

I fear that summer is not passing fast enough for me. Though I hate schoolwork and getting up early, it is far better to do something constructive than say, cleaning for three hours… out of a sad need to entertain myself. Sure, my room was looking dreadful, but it could have lasted without seeing a vacuum for at least three more months. On the bright side, I did find some pretty baubles, a few scented erasers, and my favorite of all, a remote control car I got for Christmas when I was eight or nine. Much to my satisfaction, after a few new batteries and a couple of smart knocks to the side, my little tool of annoyance sprung to life. My first victim was Pa, who was busy doing whatever it is he does secretly in the office. Twenty consecutive circles around his desk and accidental bumps to his foot later, I had to scramble back up to my room before the scolding began.

Hms, maybe I should begin my charms making again…
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Can only make you stronger, right? I guess that is the lesson to be learned, if any at all, in summer school Team Sports I, second session. I didn’t know that a month back when I stood in the four hour long line to sign up for this class that I had doomed myself to a nightmare which includes a torturous daily one and a half mile 20 minute run. Which will be extended to two mile by next, next week. And if that isn’t horrible enough, I have the added burden to find that 25% of my grade relies on this “simple” task, according to the coaches. I guess it wouldn’t be too bad if it weren’t for the added bonus of a dusty track and an unforgiving Texas sun. Oh how I miss the crisp winters up north. Anyhow, besides the pain in my legs and joints, I am having my fair share of fun in summer school. At least I get to see some of my friends that I haven’t talked to in a while. :love:

Lately I’ve been thinking that I should hold a contest on the site for the prize of perhaps a custom vector? Although… I’m not sure if anyone would be terribly interested in that. But well, its worth a shot.

Oh right, one more thing. See if you can create one sentence using the following: a white rabbit, a diamond ring, and a bridge. It should refer to yourself, meaning you are the main subject. There is a point to this, which I will reveal in my next blog, I promise.

My example sentence:

I was on a bridge when a white rabbit took my diamond ring and jumped into the river.

As most of you know very well, I was in the beautiful city of Atlanta for the past week or so. This was probably the first trip I’ve taken outside the state in nearly four years, so I enjoyed myself immensely. However, I did miss the fresh air that Texas has to offer. I will never complain again, or compare the air quality of home sweet home to the smokeless environment of say, Iowa. Honestly I can say without exaggeration that I feel as if my lifespan has been shorted at least a couple of years due to all the second hand smoke I was forced to inhale. But hey, that is the price one must be willing to pay if he wants to explore the capital of the peach filled state. Even though I did not see one peach tree during my stay… Well, that and the incredibly rude food service employees who will halt in the middle of your order to take a personal call in the alley… or wherever they go. I always thought that service at McDonald’s would be universally fast and easy. Oh ho! That is so not the case. I don’t feel the need to rant about my little misfortune, since I have other more interesting things to blog about. But I will say to the manager of the McD’s across the Westin Hotel, next to the Hooters establishment, that you, sir, can easily find better employees that can actually read orders and fill up an ice cream cone within 20 minutes.

The main planned event that occurred during my stay, besides the competition of course, was our trip to Stone Mountain Park. We left around 11:00 in the morning to be absolutely sure that we would not miss the delicious southern cooking that awaited us. Here I think, is where I got addicted to Georgia’s iced tea. What makes it so special? Well, just take a glass of regular iced tea, dump a cup or two of sugar in it, stir it up with love, and there you go. Ah ha ha… good times… good times. After several turkey legs, cucumber slaw, and the most amazing peach cobbler ever, we headed off to explore what Stone Mountain had to offer. The first thing that I did was to drag everyone I possibly could to go to the lovely souvenir shops that were equipped with ACs. My favorite one was probably the authentic candy confectioners store where I bought some peach taffy that looked oh so tempting at the time. Little did I think of how hot it was outside, let alone how I was going to keep my candy from melting for ten long, long hours. (more…)