The First Post of 2007: A Long Update
Well, first of all, Happy New Year everyone! And Happy Birthday to Mr. Tolkien and my good friend here in Boise. Goodness....I go away for one week and all these famous people die. First, James Brown, then Gerald Ford. And then Sadaam is executed. Well, it said that celebrity deaths always come in threes...
I haven't been online since I came back from California, and while I want to say it was because I was busy, the truth is that I've just been lazy. Plus, I now have to use my family computer for internet access and I totally prefer my little laptop these days. Anyways, a lot has happened since I last posted, so I think I'll just give a day-by-day update starting from December 22.
December 22-23: A long two day drive to El Cerrito, CA (about 20 minutes from San Francisco). We had an interesting time fitting all our stuff plus five people and a dog into a minivan. Stayed in a hotel in Winnemucca, Nevada and ate a great breakfast.
December 24: Not much happened. My family ate our traditional Chinese takeout for dinner, then went to a Christmas Eve service at the church where my mom grew up.
December 25: Christmas is always crazy when I go to California. First, we opened stocking (I love this part- it makes me still feel like a kid). Then came the rest of the gifts. So, what did I get for Christmas? Let's see...Happy Feet soundtrack, Little Miss Sunshine dvd, 10th Kingdom dvd, 2 copies of Pirates of the Caribbean 2 dvd (yes, I ended up taking one back), Sims 2 University, lotion, jewelry, gift cards, and money. Of course, the gift opening only happened with my grandparents, my parents, my sister and her fiancé, and me. After that, the rest of the family arrived. There was 18 of us, plus two small dogs packed into one small house. It interesting to see my family because we only see them every other year, and all of them, especially my younger cousins, have changed so much. We all ate a great Christmas dinner and opened a couple more presents. Then we said good-bye and before we knew it, Christmas was over.
December 26: This day was our day to tour around San Francisco. Ian, my sister Laura's financé, has never even been to California before, so he was quite excited. We ate at a fancy seafood restaurant, then spent most of the day at Alcatraz. Ian was giddy with excitement, and Laura and I were interested as well since we've never been to the island either. When we got inside the prison, we were given headsets for an audio tour- I found the information it gave quite fascinating. I even got locked into solitary confinement for one minute. :P I ended up buying a bunch of Alcatraz merchandise including a hat, a sweatshirt, and a book. This particular day was not the best day to go to San Francisco as it poured from late afternoon into the evening. Nevertheless, after Alcatraz, my family put up our umbrellas and walked through Pier 39 and all the way to Ghirdadelli. Of course we had to have some chocolate before leaving. :D By the end, we were absolutely soaked, but still we had a good time.
December 27: Another rainy day. We went on a two hour drive to Placerville to see my grandparents' new house. It's a very beautiful home, almost finished. It's located away from the town, and practically in the forest. My grandparents hope to move in within the next month, but considering that they have barely started packing, I don't think that will happen until later. Afterwards, we went to my aunt and uncle's place for dinner and visited more with family along with their three giant labs. We didn't get back to El Cerrito until around 9pm. Another long day.
December 28: Laura and Ian, and the little dog Chili left in the wee hours of the morning and flew back to their home in Georgia. During the day, a few family and friends visited. That night, my dad agreed to take me to see Children of Men. The film was just released in the US, and is only playing in select cities, which excludes Boise. While it is playing in Boston, I feared that it may leave theatres before I go back, so I convinced my dad to take me to see it in the theatre in Emeryville. The first showtime we came to see was sold out, so we waited for the next one by sitting around for two hours in Barnes and Noble (what a great way to spend your day). The film was very well done, though extremely depressing. Gritty and doculike are the best words to describe it.
December 29-30: A long two day trip home, though this time it was only done with three people.
December 31: My designated after- Christmas shopping day. A mistake, since everyone decided to go shopping that day as well. First, I attempted to exchange the 10th Kingdom (the dvd case was heavily damaged) for another, but the store was all out and I have to wait for the next shipment to arrive. Apparently, I missed the last sale of the dvd by 20 minutes. Now that's bad luck. :( I went dvd happy, buying and exchanging them at various stores. In the end, I got myself five: Cars, Memoirs of a Geisha, Over the Hedge, Saw 2, and the Ringer (which I have to take back since the case is broken and the disc scratched). I also rented three films: A History of Violence, United 93, and Miracle Match (aka The Game of Our Lives). Oh geez...I'm such a movie geek. And to further prove my geekiness, I stayed home for New Year's Eve with my parents. I know, as a college student, I should've been out partying, but that's how it goes...
January 1: What an exciting day. First, let me say that my college does not have an existing football team, so I can feel free to remain loyal to Boise. For the first time in years, the undefeated Boise State football team got to play with "the big dogs" in the nationally covered Fiesta Bowl game where they played Oklahoma University. It is a big deal in Boise and everywhere the colors blue and orange can be seen. Of course, in this miraculous opportunity, no one expected the Broncos to ever win. Along with the rest of Idaho, I watched the game intently (and I rarely watch sports). And oh god, it was the best fucking game I've ever seen in my entire life. Up until the fourth quarter, the Broncos held the lead. And with only five minutes left, I was almost confident we would win. And then, with only three minutes left in the game, OU scored a touchdown and a two point conversion, tying the game. Then, BSU made a huge mistake, and a player, I suppose thinking it was his teammate, threw the ball at an OU player. That player caught it and scored a touchdown. At that point, I thought all was lost. There was only one and half minutes left and it seemed pretty unlikely BSU could score a touchdown. But still, the players pushed on, and pulled off what I thought was impossible. There was only seven seconds left on the clock when BSU scored a touchdown, moving the game into overtime. In overtime, OU made their touchdown, then BSU made one as well. Then the Broncos coach decided to put the game to an end with a two point conversion. It was a win or lose decision. And what do you know? BSU made that conversion and won the game 43-42! Finally, the little BSU football team has earned its much deserved respect from the bigger teams. There's celebrations throughout Boise- everyone is ecstatic. I'm just glad I didn't miss that amazing game. I have a friend who's in the marching band and was actually at the bowl game...I'm sure her experience was even more exciting.
Yesterday: I went to see Babel with a high school friend. Amazing film- I'm really glad I saw it. Now I can see why it's been nominated for seven Golden Globes.
Today: Nothing eventful today. I went to the dentist and found out I need to get my wisdom teeth out this summer. Psh. I really don't want to go through that, but oh well. My dad took our 13-year-old cat to the vet for an eye problem she's had for awhile. Apparently, she doesn't have any pigment in the area around her left eye, which causes the sun to irritate it, so my parents have to put stuff in it to help the irritation go away. Anyways, during the visit to the vet, it was also discovered she has lost two pounds in the last year, making her weight only seven pounds. The vet was concerned and wants to have a blood test done just in case. We'll most likely do just that, though my family agrees that perhaps it is a change in diet. The cat's been begging for regular human food lately, and we think she's either wanting a change in flavors or the hard food is too difficult for her teeth to chew. I'm not terribly concerned since she's still a very active cat, but then again, she is getting pretty old. And this is the cat I grew up with. I still remember when she was only eight weeks old. God...that make me feel even older...
And before I go, a couple New Year memes:
Number One
1) Where did you begin 2006?
In the living room watching TV with my family.
2) What was your status by Valentine's Day?
single (I've never been anything else)
3) Were you in school (anytime this year)?
I was a senior in high school, then a freshman in collee
4) Did you have to go to the hospital?
Uh...I went to the New England Medical Center for an x-ray...nothing serious.
5) Did you have any encounters with the police?
No...I'm a good girl :)
6) Did you go on holiday?
New York City this summer, then to California for Christmas
7) What did you purchase that was over £500?
(£500 = $982.48) No, I don't even have that much money...
8) Did you know anybody who got married?
My sister is getting married, but I suppose that counts for this next year.
10) Did you know anybody who passed away?
Anyone I knew personally? No...I don't recall so...
11) Have you run into anybody you left high school with?
Well, since I still went to high school in 2006, yes I have plenty of times.
12) Did you move anywhere?
Yes, I moved to Boston.
13) What sporting events did you go to?
High school basketball games...
14) What concerts/shows did you go to?
An amazing Black Eyed Peas concert in May. Do plays count as shows? Cuz, I've been to plenty of those (including a Broadway show)...
15) Are you registered to vote?
Yes, I actually register in 2006 and voted for the first time.
16) Who did you want to win Big Brother?
I don't watch that show...
17) Where do you live now?
Part time in Boston, part time in Boise.
18) Describe your birthday.
I can't remember. I suppose the usually thing I do with my family. I had a party with friends, but I believe that was the day before.
19) What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2006?
Hmm....I can't think of anything
20) What has been your favourite moment?
Uhh...seeing Rent on Broadway I suppose...
21.) What's something you learned about yourself?
I can handle college...even if barely
22.) Any new additions to your family?
Well, Ian became part of the family when he proposed to my sister. Then last July, they adopted a puppy (I think their practicing for a kid :P )
23.) What was your best month?
June. It's always my best month.
24.) What music will you remember 2006 by?
nothing specific
25) Who has been your best drinking buddy?
I don't drink...
26) Made new friends?
Many friends from college, as well as online.
27) New Best friend?
nope
28) Favourite Night out?
uhh....
29) Any regrets?
There's always regrets...
Number Two
1. What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
Graduate, get a job, vote, go to college...
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't believe in resolutions...
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
not yet
4. Did anyone close to you die?
no
5. What countries did you visit?
none
6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
anything to satisfy me....
7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The day I went to college I guess...
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Graduating from high school
9. What was your biggest failure?
I don't know...
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had bronchitis in the spring. Yucky.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Well, I didn't actually pay for it, but my laptop..
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
....
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
too many
14. Where did most of your money go?
Recently? Christmas gifts.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
going to college
16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
none
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Probably happier
b) thinner or fatter? Hard to say...I think I've kept the same weight
c) richer or poorer? Richer...I have a job now.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
I wish I returned to my little online world sooner.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
procrastinating
20. Did you fall in love in 2006?
Ha! No
22. How many one-night stands?
Zero.
23. What were your favorite TV programs?
Lost, and then I discovered Heroes. :)
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
no
25. What was the best book you read?
Hmm...probably The DaVinci Code
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Recently, I've been into Fiona Apple
27. What did you want and get?
a diploma, a laptop
28. What did you want and not get?
a guy (no one in particular, but c'mon I need someone)
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Hmm...toughie. Little Miss Sunshine.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned the big 18. And once again, what I did was not important...
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
There are many things...
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Big necklaces, then big earring. I love high heel and especially boots. Since I moved to Boston, I've been into scarves...
33. What kept you sane?
I not sure...
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Same men as always: Johnny Depp, Gerard Butler, and Dom Monaghan....
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Gay marriage, abortion, global warming, mid-term elections...you know the biggies...
36. Who did you miss?
my family when I was at school
37. Who was the best new person you met?
I still have yet to decide that one...
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006:
All-nighters do have consequences...
Geez, this is a long post. Well, hopefully I'll start posting regularly again...
I haven't been online since I came back from California, and while I want to say it was because I was busy, the truth is that I've just been lazy. Plus, I now have to use my family computer for internet access and I totally prefer my little laptop these days. Anyways, a lot has happened since I last posted, so I think I'll just give a day-by-day update starting from December 22.
December 22-23: A long two day drive to El Cerrito, CA (about 20 minutes from San Francisco). We had an interesting time fitting all our stuff plus five people and a dog into a minivan. Stayed in a hotel in Winnemucca, Nevada and ate a great breakfast.
December 24: Not much happened. My family ate our traditional Chinese takeout for dinner, then went to a Christmas Eve service at the church where my mom grew up.
December 25: Christmas is always crazy when I go to California. First, we opened stocking (I love this part- it makes me still feel like a kid). Then came the rest of the gifts. So, what did I get for Christmas? Let's see...Happy Feet soundtrack, Little Miss Sunshine dvd, 10th Kingdom dvd, 2 copies of Pirates of the Caribbean 2 dvd (yes, I ended up taking one back), Sims 2 University, lotion, jewelry, gift cards, and money. Of course, the gift opening only happened with my grandparents, my parents, my sister and her fiancé, and me. After that, the rest of the family arrived. There was 18 of us, plus two small dogs packed into one small house. It interesting to see my family because we only see them every other year, and all of them, especially my younger cousins, have changed so much. We all ate a great Christmas dinner and opened a couple more presents. Then we said good-bye and before we knew it, Christmas was over.
December 26: This day was our day to tour around San Francisco. Ian, my sister Laura's financé, has never even been to California before, so he was quite excited. We ate at a fancy seafood restaurant, then spent most of the day at Alcatraz. Ian was giddy with excitement, and Laura and I were interested as well since we've never been to the island either. When we got inside the prison, we were given headsets for an audio tour- I found the information it gave quite fascinating. I even got locked into solitary confinement for one minute. :P I ended up buying a bunch of Alcatraz merchandise including a hat, a sweatshirt, and a book. This particular day was not the best day to go to San Francisco as it poured from late afternoon into the evening. Nevertheless, after Alcatraz, my family put up our umbrellas and walked through Pier 39 and all the way to Ghirdadelli. Of course we had to have some chocolate before leaving. :D By the end, we were absolutely soaked, but still we had a good time.
December 27: Another rainy day. We went on a two hour drive to Placerville to see my grandparents' new house. It's a very beautiful home, almost finished. It's located away from the town, and practically in the forest. My grandparents hope to move in within the next month, but considering that they have barely started packing, I don't think that will happen until later. Afterwards, we went to my aunt and uncle's place for dinner and visited more with family along with their three giant labs. We didn't get back to El Cerrito until around 9pm. Another long day.
December 28: Laura and Ian, and the little dog Chili left in the wee hours of the morning and flew back to their home in Georgia. During the day, a few family and friends visited. That night, my dad agreed to take me to see Children of Men. The film was just released in the US, and is only playing in select cities, which excludes Boise. While it is playing in Boston, I feared that it may leave theatres before I go back, so I convinced my dad to take me to see it in the theatre in Emeryville. The first showtime we came to see was sold out, so we waited for the next one by sitting around for two hours in Barnes and Noble (what a great way to spend your day). The film was very well done, though extremely depressing. Gritty and doculike are the best words to describe it.
December 29-30: A long two day trip home, though this time it was only done with three people.
December 31: My designated after- Christmas shopping day. A mistake, since everyone decided to go shopping that day as well. First, I attempted to exchange the 10th Kingdom (the dvd case was heavily damaged) for another, but the store was all out and I have to wait for the next shipment to arrive. Apparently, I missed the last sale of the dvd by 20 minutes. Now that's bad luck. :( I went dvd happy, buying and exchanging them at various stores. In the end, I got myself five: Cars, Memoirs of a Geisha, Over the Hedge, Saw 2, and the Ringer (which I have to take back since the case is broken and the disc scratched). I also rented three films: A History of Violence, United 93, and Miracle Match (aka The Game of Our Lives). Oh geez...I'm such a movie geek. And to further prove my geekiness, I stayed home for New Year's Eve with my parents. I know, as a college student, I should've been out partying, but that's how it goes...
January 1: What an exciting day. First, let me say that my college does not have an existing football team, so I can feel free to remain loyal to Boise. For the first time in years, the undefeated Boise State football team got to play with "the big dogs" in the nationally covered Fiesta Bowl game where they played Oklahoma University. It is a big deal in Boise and everywhere the colors blue and orange can be seen. Of course, in this miraculous opportunity, no one expected the Broncos to ever win. Along with the rest of Idaho, I watched the game intently (and I rarely watch sports). And oh god, it was the best fucking game I've ever seen in my entire life. Up until the fourth quarter, the Broncos held the lead. And with only five minutes left, I was almost confident we would win. And then, with only three minutes left in the game, OU scored a touchdown and a two point conversion, tying the game. Then, BSU made a huge mistake, and a player, I suppose thinking it was his teammate, threw the ball at an OU player. That player caught it and scored a touchdown. At that point, I thought all was lost. There was only one and half minutes left and it seemed pretty unlikely BSU could score a touchdown. But still, the players pushed on, and pulled off what I thought was impossible. There was only seven seconds left on the clock when BSU scored a touchdown, moving the game into overtime. In overtime, OU made their touchdown, then BSU made one as well. Then the Broncos coach decided to put the game to an end with a two point conversion. It was a win or lose decision. And what do you know? BSU made that conversion and won the game 43-42! Finally, the little BSU football team has earned its much deserved respect from the bigger teams. There's celebrations throughout Boise- everyone is ecstatic. I'm just glad I didn't miss that amazing game. I have a friend who's in the marching band and was actually at the bowl game...I'm sure her experience was even more exciting.
Yesterday: I went to see Babel with a high school friend. Amazing film- I'm really glad I saw it. Now I can see why it's been nominated for seven Golden Globes.
Today: Nothing eventful today. I went to the dentist and found out I need to get my wisdom teeth out this summer. Psh. I really don't want to go through that, but oh well. My dad took our 13-year-old cat to the vet for an eye problem she's had for awhile. Apparently, she doesn't have any pigment in the area around her left eye, which causes the sun to irritate it, so my parents have to put stuff in it to help the irritation go away. Anyways, during the visit to the vet, it was also discovered she has lost two pounds in the last year, making her weight only seven pounds. The vet was concerned and wants to have a blood test done just in case. We'll most likely do just that, though my family agrees that perhaps it is a change in diet. The cat's been begging for regular human food lately, and we think she's either wanting a change in flavors or the hard food is too difficult for her teeth to chew. I'm not terribly concerned since she's still a very active cat, but then again, she is getting pretty old. And this is the cat I grew up with. I still remember when she was only eight weeks old. God...that make me feel even older...
And before I go, a couple New Year memes:
Number One
1) Where did you begin 2006?
In the living room watching TV with my family.
2) What was your status by Valentine's Day?
single (I've never been anything else)
3) Were you in school (anytime this year)?
I was a senior in high school, then a freshman in collee
4) Did you have to go to the hospital?
Uh...I went to the New England Medical Center for an x-ray...nothing serious.
5) Did you have any encounters with the police?
No...I'm a good girl :)
6) Did you go on holiday?
New York City this summer, then to California for Christmas
7) What did you purchase that was over £500?
(£500 = $982.48) No, I don't even have that much money...
8) Did you know anybody who got married?
My sister is getting married, but I suppose that counts for this next year.
10) Did you know anybody who passed away?
Anyone I knew personally? No...I don't recall so...
11) Have you run into anybody you left high school with?
Well, since I still went to high school in 2006, yes I have plenty of times.
12) Did you move anywhere?
Yes, I moved to Boston.
13) What sporting events did you go to?
High school basketball games...
14) What concerts/shows did you go to?
An amazing Black Eyed Peas concert in May. Do plays count as shows? Cuz, I've been to plenty of those (including a Broadway show)...
15) Are you registered to vote?
Yes, I actually register in 2006 and voted for the first time.
16) Who did you want to win Big Brother?
I don't watch that show...
17) Where do you live now?
Part time in Boston, part time in Boise.
18) Describe your birthday.
I can't remember. I suppose the usually thing I do with my family. I had a party with friends, but I believe that was the day before.
19) What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2006?
Hmm....I can't think of anything
20) What has been your favourite moment?
Uhh...seeing Rent on Broadway I suppose...
21.) What's something you learned about yourself?
I can handle college...even if barely
22.) Any new additions to your family?
Well, Ian became part of the family when he proposed to my sister. Then last July, they adopted a puppy (I think their practicing for a kid :P )
23.) What was your best month?
June. It's always my best month.
24.) What music will you remember 2006 by?
nothing specific
25) Who has been your best drinking buddy?
I don't drink...
26) Made new friends?
Many friends from college, as well as online.
27) New Best friend?
nope
28) Favourite Night out?
uhh....
29) Any regrets?
There's always regrets...
Number Two
1. What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
Graduate, get a job, vote, go to college...
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't believe in resolutions...
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
not yet
4. Did anyone close to you die?
no
5. What countries did you visit?
none
6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
anything to satisfy me....
7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The day I went to college I guess...
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Graduating from high school
9. What was your biggest failure?
I don't know...
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had bronchitis in the spring. Yucky.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Well, I didn't actually pay for it, but my laptop..
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
....
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
too many
14. Where did most of your money go?
Recently? Christmas gifts.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
going to college
16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
none
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Probably happier
b) thinner or fatter? Hard to say...I think I've kept the same weight
c) richer or poorer? Richer...I have a job now.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
I wish I returned to my little online world sooner.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
procrastinating
20. Did you fall in love in 2006?
Ha! No
22. How many one-night stands?
Zero.
23. What were your favorite TV programs?
Lost, and then I discovered Heroes. :)
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
no
25. What was the best book you read?
Hmm...probably The DaVinci Code
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Recently, I've been into Fiona Apple
27. What did you want and get?
a diploma, a laptop
28. What did you want and not get?
a guy (no one in particular, but c'mon I need someone)
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Hmm...toughie. Little Miss Sunshine.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned the big 18. And once again, what I did was not important...
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
There are many things...
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Big necklaces, then big earring. I love high heel and especially boots. Since I moved to Boston, I've been into scarves...
33. What kept you sane?
I not sure...
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Same men as always: Johnny Depp, Gerard Butler, and Dom Monaghan....
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Gay marriage, abortion, global warming, mid-term elections...you know the biggies...
36. Who did you miss?
my family when I was at school
37. Who was the best new person you met?
I still have yet to decide that one...
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006:
All-nighters do have consequences...
Geez, this is a long post. Well, hopefully I'll start posting regularly again...