I'm finally blogging! It's about time! I guess I hold off on blogging because there's so much to write about, and the thought of ALL the stuff I want to write about overwhelms me. So, let's take this one subject at a time.
I believe this is one of the best summers I've had since '05. For a long time Summer 05 has been the best summer, but I think this summer has earned its rank to be on top as well. Maybe it's because I turned 18 in '05, and now I've turned 21 in '08...haha. I know it's more than just that.
*SUMMER READING*
In the beginning of the summer I started to read this book about Audrey Hepburn called, "What Would Audrey Do?" I was so attached to that book, because the more I learned about her, the more I wanted to model my lifestyle after hers. I was inspired by the author's way of describing Audrey's grace and style, but also how she mentions her flaws and weaknesses, because it made me remember that people achieve greatness with passion, not with perfection.
*SUMMER SCHOOL*
Taking two summer school classes kept me busy and on my toes. I took Creative Writing during the first session, and Nutrition in the second session. There was a point when both classes intersected with each other, which was tiring, but I got through it.
My creative writing class was amazing. It was a small, intimate class of about 15 taught by a young, energetic teacher who made the class so much more enjoyable and effective for first timers like myself. I'm so used to writing news articles, so writing short stories about made up people or using symbolism and metaphors in poems or plays has been out of my realm for so long. The class taught me so much about keeping your reader interested in your writing, and how much detail is important to make your story relatable and come to life.
One of the topics that I loved learning about was character building, because it taught me how your characters should never be stereotyped, and that your character should be as complex as humans REALLY are. For example a shy girl who barely talks, but shines when she performs ballet on stage or the most popular guy at school who seems like he has everything goes home to almost nothing. You get the point. People, in their own way are crafted beautifully with their complexities, ironies, weaknesses and strengths, and that’s how I learned characters in stories should be; like real-life human beings. What I’ve learned the most from this is to stick around people for awhile to learn more about them. Hope that they will unveil who they are as time progresses, making who you THOUGHT they were slowly appear or disappear.
As for my nutrition class, it made me look at eating in a different way. I think everyone should take time to learn about healthy food and healthy alternatives to junk food or sweets! Something I took away from the class is to eat more fish, instead of red meat. Also to eat more plant fats instead of animal fats. Fat is important to have, but what kind of fat is the key. Learning about what foods have which vitamins and minerals was helpful too!
Another thing, food comas are BAD! Food shouldn’t get you tired; it should give you energy, so take in the needed amount of calories, instead of over eating. I’m guilty of this, because after those big Sunday lunches with my family after church, I knock out! Not good! haha
*SUMMER BIRTHDAYS*
Another thing about this summer is all the 21rst birthdays celebrated! I’ve experienced the good times alcohol can bring, but also the bad…haha, but overall, the time spent with my closest friends celebrating LIFE and being young are treasured memories.
From dancing the night away for Geraldine’s Castro Extravaganza to Jordan’s Crazy Cookie Jar Celebration, and falling on my bottom with Melanie for her Wild Fiesta at Boss. Summer has been quite a party.
As for me, I celebrated my 21rst the day of my actual birthday, which landed on a Monday. I found a cozy little bar/lounge place called WISH on Folsom in Downtown SF. I was so thankful for the great Monday night turn out.
I first had dinner at Chevy’s with Tina, Ate Stacy, Jey-Jey, Marc, Maryanne, and Valerie. I knew I had to eat a hearty meal before going to WISH. It was a rare sight to see my cousins there with me for my birthday, so for that I was thankful.
Then we headed off to the bar. I was nervous for the night ahead, because I didn’t know who would show up or if I was going to get too messed up…haha. I ended up throwing up for the first time, which I felt was the perfect initiation into turning 21…haha. I heard my cousin say, “mission accomplished”.
I truly felt it was a mission accomplished, not cause I threw up, but I felt like my celebration was a success. My cousins, my best friends, my old friends that I reconnected with, and my new friends from college were there. They made me feel really blessed to have so much love around me.
Geraldine helped a lot with the errands I was supposed to run that day. She took care of it all, which was amazing! Valerie came all the way from Fairfield to be there, and helped by fixing my hair. Connecting with Valerie again has definitely been a highlight of my summer. Who would’ve known that all I had to do was to make a simple phone call to reconnect after 5 years! OH yea…Randolph was another pleasant surprise!
Tina helped a lot too. She made sure I was doing okay throughout the night, and that I went home safely. Jey-Jey and Marc were partying like it was their birthday too. Marc kept telling me how I threw up on his hand, but he ended up throwing up that night too in Tina’s car…haha. I was happy that he had a fun time though.
Melanie just arrived from the Philippines the day before, so it was great that she came just in time!
For the people coming from school, work, Union City, Hayward, Fairfield, Concord, and San Jose…it meant so much for them to be there late at night on a Monday.
A drunken night with the perfect dose of fun, and surrounded by those I care about the most, I couldn’t have WISHED for more.
*SUMMER UPLIFTMENT*
I went on a religious retreat called YouthLeader in Santa Rosa two days after my birthday, which I felt was very fitting. It was from Wednesday, July 30th to Sunday, August 3rd. I have to admit that I had my hesitation about going on this retreat, because I’ve been away from helping out the youth at St. Andrew’s for a couple of years now, and I didn’t feel “qualified” to be their “adult chaperone”.
Joan invited me to go months before, so I had a lot of time to think about it, and I honestly wanted to back out of it at one point. But with Joan talking it through with me, she made me feel more comfortable about going. Besides, with all the hesitation I had I knew deep down that there was a reason for me to go.
I was right. I gained so much from my time in Santa Rosa. I relearned and discovered new skills of the elements of being a good leader, such as negotiation, communication, facilitation, living principle-centered, recognizing and using your gifts and talents to change the world, and so much more! Most of all, I gained the desire to learn more about my faith. I realized that going to church every Sunday morning is just a tiny piece of what being a true Catholic really is.
I was supposed to be an “adult” there, but I learned so much from the youth and wanted to reach my own level of spirituality, just as they seemed to have. Seeing the youth worship in ways that I have forgotten or never did before was truly very, very inspiring.
I got to know the youth from St. Andrew’s more, which were four guys. I was very proud of all four of them, because I saw their growing confidence in themselves throughout the five days. I saw them becoming better leaders, or realizing that they have the potential to be great leaders! I was proud that other youth at the retreat recognized their talents, and affirmed them about it.
As for the people I met, it amazes me how friends start off as complete strangers. I met people who I hope will remain life long friends of mine.
I’m thankful that I went. I haven’t been able to formally thank Joan for pushing me to go, but if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have had this experience. I’ll never forget it, and I hope to continue on learning more about my faith and go on more retreats!
-----
I’ve been typing bits and pieces of this for 3 days now, so I’ll post this much for now. More later….
Chatboard (0)