Mercury And Recycling Centers

I'm one of the few people I know (besides my dad), who still listens to the radio frequently.  And I'm not talking about car radios.  Those don't count because they don't use batteries, which my hand radio uses.  I love listening to my radio, but the downside is like light bulbs, the batteries in them can't be thrown away after they're used up because they contain mercury, which can't be thrown away because of how toxic it is.  Sure, you can throw it away, but if it leaks, the substance won't leave your house and can spread all over.  It's pretty nasty.

With all the knowledge I have of the subject, I feel like I know enough, but I wish I had known more as a child, since with how conscious I am, I wonder if any risks have ever occurred?  I also wish that there were more recycling centers, bins, or safety areas where we could dispose of materials because there aren't enough of them around.  They have them at stores like Home Depot, but we need something more convenient, especially if it's for our safety.  A lot of people may say that something like this isn't important, but mercury exists, just like carbon monoxide for our carbon monoxide alarms.  If we have protection for that, why not this?

What A Wedding!

This past weekend, my sister and her fiance (now my brother-in-law) got married.  It was a joyous occasion, where two people celebrated their love for each other, but it was a day I wasn't really looking forward to, to be perfectly honest.  It's not that I have anything against weddings.  I just didn't know what to expect.  My family has been talking about this day for almost a year, so now that it was finally here, things were chaotic.  There were lots of arguments and yelling over finances and plans, we all had to pick out clothes, I had to learn how to use a video-camera last minute, and since I had never been to a wedding before as an adult, I was afraid I would make a mistake; it was so much, that it had me emotionally and physically drained, but when the moment came, I couldn't be happier.  My sister and her fiance's big moment was finally here, and everything went smoothly.  The day was long, but it was a great wedding day!

A few things I took away from my sister's wedding day was how important family truly is.  Everyone obviously know that, but we don't always say it or show it, so seeing it in person really made me appreciate my family for who we are and how much we've grown.  Not just my siblings and I, who have grown up a lot since we were children, but my parents, who have grown up wiser.  I also took away how magnificent churches really are as a structure.  I had never been in one before, since my family is not overly religious.  Everything I had ever seen of a church had just been a picture, but seeing it in person is a different experience because of all the architecture and paintings.  Lastly, I just took away how important love is to me.  I used to believe I'd get married, but now I'm not sure anymore.  I've struggled so much in the area that I don't know what the future holds.  But one thing I do know for sure is, that I still desire love, and it's still one of the most important things I value in life.  People hate weddings because it's so political and institutional, but being at one in person changes you.  On the outside, I may be the same person, but inside, I feel different.  I can't explain it, but I can feel it.    

Who knows what the future holds for me, but that's a story for another day.  For now, I just want to say congrats to my sister, Heather, and her husband Nick.  I'm so happy for you both.  Hopefully, I and others find our special someone someday...

The Distance Between Us

A few months ago, back in November, I posted a blog post about a song called "Selene 6.23" by SHINee.  I didn't say much about it besides that it was an orchestral ballad, and that is affected me very much.  Since then, I've expanded my K-Pop repertoire to various idols/groups, but one thing that has stayed consistent is that I think this is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, period!  The language doesn't matter.  The song is about unrequited love, and how a person compares his love to the moon because it's so far away, and they don't feel like they'll ever get closer to it.  I'm really not doing it justice by describing it, so you'll just have to give it a listen.  I usually never re-blog about the same thing twice, but with everything I've been through the past week, I've had a lot on my mind, causing me to look at my own moon.

Lifting Weights And Adding Muscle

Recently, along with the cardio and walking exercises I usually do, I've started lifting weights to try and add muscle.  In the past, I've tried doing it, but it was too difficult and strenuous on my joints and muscles, so I stuck to cardio.  But now that I've lost a good deal of weight, I think it's time to start building muscle, or at least have some sort of six-pack.  One of my motivations is because I want to be even healthier, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to be more attractive as well.

So far, I've been starting small out lifting dumbbells and doing situps and pushups to try and build my upper body strength, but it's been a difficult process.  Not just maintaining it, but doing it well.  And knowing that I can't do it everyday.  I admit, I have been feeling the effects, but even I wonder if it's worth it for the pain it's caused me.  I won't know for awhile, but until then, I'll try my hardest to get stronger.  Hopefully, the hard work pays off.

Starting Summer Classes

On Monday, I started summer sessions for the final 2 classes I need to graduate.  Both of the classes don't seem that bad so far, but there's going to be a lot of reading and note-taking I'm sure I'll have to do.  Part of me feels overwhelmed that I'm already back doing schoolwork after barely over a week off, but at least my work ethic is still intact.  I just hope I don't make a mistake and can pass the classes.

It'll be a few long months of work, but I'm sure there's light at the end of the tunnel.

My Choices For Guest Speaker

Over the weekend, my school's commencement took place.  I didn't go for my own personal reasons, but heard it was quite an event from social media.  Not just because so many students were finished with school forever, but because Bill Nye the Science Guy gave a speech to the students.  I still have yet to see any pictures, but it's cool that someone I idolized and watched growing up actually came to my school.  It makes me wish I went, but I didn't, and I can't change the past.  One thing it did make me do was think about who I'd want to speak at my graduation if I had a choice.  It sounds like it would be easy with all the people we pay attention to or like, but I tried discussing it with classmates a few weeks ago, and had a hard time.  Time has passed, so I have a few choices in mind, but even now, I'm still unsure.

My only criteria for who I've chosen is that they have to have gone to college, had some higher form of education (because it makes little sense to have a dropout give students advice.  It's unrealistic for them to succeed with no degree), or succeeded in life.  If they meet that, anyone qualifies.  So without further ado, here's my list (so far) in no particular order...

• Patrick Stewart: The guy was Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation, leading the Enterprise, plays Charles Xavier, and is an accomplished stage actor, with a knowledge of Shakespeare.  He'd fit in well at my school.
• Steven Spielberg: What else needs to be said about the director who has basically done everything?
• Anderson Cooper: One of the best journalists out there, who appeals to different generations with his interview and writing style.  I think lots of students would be excited by him.
• The Williams Sisters: Two women who not only changed tennis for women, but sports in general.  Their stories are very inspirational, and they are one of the main reasons why I like tennis so much. 

Magic Johnson

The Los Angeles Clippers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder yesterday, eliminating their championship title hopes.  Despite losing, the Clippers and their players should feel proud for how hard they played, and what they had to deal with.  Especially considering what their owner, Donald Sterling has been doing the past few weeks.  Yesterday, he said he wouldn't pay the fine Commissioner Adam Silver told him he had to pay, and a few days ago, he gave his first interview since audio of him making derogatory/racist remarks was leaked.  It was what I expected, considering the reputation Sterling has.  He came off as a deluded, sorry, weak old man, with no remorse for his actions.  What shocked me most, though, was when he went after Magic Johnson.  In case you don't know what Sterling said, here's the clip of it...

I'll be honest, I'm not the biggest Magic Johnson fan because I love the Boston Celtics, he's a terrible color commentator, and he has too much exposure, but I respect him for everything he's done to turn his life around and help others.  Not just for those who have HIV, but the African-American community as well.  Has Magic done some bad things?  Yes!  Being actively promiscuous as he was is a negative thing that should not be praised, but everyone makes mistakes; he deserves a second chance like everyone else in our society.  The HIV Magic has is just one aspect of his life.  It's a negative thing, but he fought it just like everything else in his life.  Donald Sterling wants to attack Magic for the negative, but misses all the positives Magic has done, like being a role model, which he would know about if he did some research or used the billions of dollars he has to educate himself better.  But in the case of Donald Sterling, he's too old, and it's too late for him to change.  Luckily, Magic Johnson did, and it's made all the difference in the world for himself and others.

B+ In Spanish

Today, I received my final grade of the spring semester, which of course was for Spanish (if you couldn't guess).  I had received all A's in all my previous classes, but didn't expect much for Spanish because I had just done good to average work during the semester.  I would have taken any grade in the class, as long as I passed and didn't have to take it anymore.  Much to my surprise, though, I looked online and saw that I got a B+ in the class, something which shocked me.

In some ways, I know why I got the grade I did, but it's still a surprise to do well in a class I didn't think I would; I mean, I did participate a lot in class, do the work, and do well in other areas, but I only got B's on the tests, and made blunders in other areas.  I'm so happy I did well ,though.  Languages have always been an area of uncertainty and weakness for me, and are one of the sole reasons why I had to stay an extra year in school in the first place.  So to do well in something I didn't know that I'd ever pass is one of my highest achievements, truly showing that effort and hard work pay off.

Thanks to my teacher Max for being the best Spanish teacher ever, and to my classmates in class who made the tough times bearable.  I couldn't have done it without you all.

Video Of Your Life

Videos are obviously very big in the world now with Youtube, social media applications like Vine, and with how intricate our phones are now.  With so many ways of putting up a video, you'd think that using video cameras to record things would be a thing of the past, but that's not the case for my sister, who is assigning me to record parts of her wedding on a video camera.  She gave her explanation why she chose me for this assignment, but I still don't like doing it.  Sure, it doesn't have as much pressure as being in the actual ceremony, but if I mess something up, I know she's going to be angry at me.  Not to mention, I just suck with technology.

I've been learning how to use our old video camera the past few days with some success, but there are some issues, since it's so old and can barely go 10 minutes without dying.  Hopefully, we find a solution to fix the camera quickly, or else we'll have to get another alternative.  I personally wouldn't mind a new video camera because it would probably be easier to use, but I know it would cost more.  Like I said though, I wish I didn't even have to do this at all.  A wedding is supposed to be one of the happiest moments in a person's life, but with the ways things have been done, I can't wait until it's over.

Everything that's happened over the past few days makes me question videos.  I understand why they exist, and get huge enjoyment from watching them, but why have videos of yourself when you can have a picture, or just have the memories, which can capture everything better than some camera can, and have the uniqueness of what every individual person remembers.

Blogging From Here On Out

School's over for the semester until summer classes start next week.  With the free time I've had over the past few days, you'd think I would have found time to blog more, but I haven't since I've just been relaxing and enjoying the free time I have.  Now that the weekend is over though, I'm ready to get back to blogging.  And now that I'm done physically with ever having to be in school, I hope I can blog more about things in the world I find interesting.  It depends on what's going on in the world, as well as in my life, but for someone like myself, who is a curious writer, the sky's the limit.

Done With School Physically

With my last final being today, I am officially done with not only school for the semester, but ever having to physically be on campus again.  It's a great feeling, considering I'm a super senior and have been here for 5 long years.  Not to mention, I've had my struggles and hardships like anyone else, but it's worth it to finally succeed in an area I didn't always believe I would.  The work is not over yet because I start summer classes in 10 days, but it feels good to knock down one barrier, and continue forward with my life.  Hopefully, more positive things come as time passes.  But as of now, I feel pretty content.

Kevin Durant: Most Valuable Person

Kevin Durant won his first MVP award a few days ago, which was expected, considering the season he had, carrying the small market Oklahoma City Thunder to one of the best records in the NBA yet again.  But one thing that wasn't expected, was the emotional and powerful speech he gave, where he cried and thanked all those who helped him get to where he is today.  He thanked teammates, family members, friends and even people I didn't expect, like staff.  KD is a humble person, but you usually wouldn't relate that to a star player in his league.  Everything KD had to endure in his life made him the person he is, though.  He had a poor and tough upbringing, not to mention being second his whole life in basically everything.  He's such a good human being with everything he's done to help others, not to mention being an ambassador for the game by being a good role model.  Most people say athletes shouldn't be role models, and they're probably right because their lifestyle is something few of us will ever reach, but I don't have trouble saying I'm influenced by KD.  And I hope others are as well.

I get so annoyed when people say KD made himself look weak by crying, but I think if people use that against him, then they're the weak ones, attacking an innocent person who was just being emotional because he was so happy.  Yes, he cried, but so what?  We all do it.  Just because he is an athlete, does that mean he is not allowed to have feelings?  I hate how society judges a person just off of one thing.  KD has done so much, but people don't even care about the past, they only care about the now.  To those people, I say shame on them because they're missing the point of who KD is, and what his speech truly entailed.  He was overjoyed he won the MVP award, but he also wanted to give thanks to all those he loved in his life.  Anyone who does that, and doesn't forget who they are and where they came from is a good person to me.

Kevin Durant, I might be a Boston Celtics fan, but I'm rooting for you and your Thunder to win it all.  You might have come second so many times, but you're a first rate person to me.

The speech in its entirety

Final Free Day

Today is the last full free day I have before I have my last two days of finals.  In some ways, it's nice to have the free time to relax, but at the same time, having all this free time with nothing to do stinks.  Not to mention, I've had a lot on my mind the past 72 hours that has caused me to think too much to the point of stressing out.  It's never a good thing to think too much, but it's even worse when you have unlimited time.  That's why today, I'm going to try to enjoy this last full day, even if I'm studying since I won't have many more days of this in the future (that much I do know).  Hopefully, I can end the semester strong, and there are good times ahead.

Hoping, praying, waiting...

18

I recently read an interview in Sports Illustrated about Jabari Parker that I found really interesting.  In the interview, he talked about how unfair it was that basketball players had to go to college before going into the NBA, essentially using the old argument, if a player can serve their country at 18, why can't they go into the NBA?  To some degree, I agree with Jabari, since everyone deserves to make a living, and it's unfair that college athletes cannot accept benefits when they make so much money for their schools.  Especially, if some of them are going hungry like Shabazz Napier said they do.  But please, stop using the 18 argument.  I've heard it for so long now, and I'm sick and tired of it.  Going into the NBA at 18 and serving your country are two completely different things.  One, you're doing to earn a living, while the other is to serve your country, which is honorable.  I'm not saying making a living isn't important, but in the case of the NBA, most players who enter straight out of high school have maturation issues, and could benefit from at least a year of college.  I'm not saying I like the NBA age restriction rule, especially since there are a few exception players like Kobe and Lebron, but even they didn't win right away.  And as we all know, they've done some stupid things in their lives.

My issue is with everyone being obsessed with the number 18.  They think it should be the age people drive, drink, vote, etc, but the reason it isn't that way everywhere in all states is because most people aren't responsible enough to handle the responsibility.  You might think they are, but if you look at the way people are sometimes at 18 or even older, it's clear they aren't.  They might not like it, but that's the law, which I think everyone should obey.  Now, time to move on with the issue. 

Bad Boy

As I've been expanding my K-Pop repertoire, one thing I've done is avoid popular artists like PSY, since I want to discover artists for myself on my own, and I already know what most of his music sounds like.  But one group that I've changed that rule for is BigBang.  They're one of the most popular K-Pop groups out there with their members G-Dragon, T.O.P, Taeyang, Daesung, and Seungri (V.I), and their eclectic music and sound.  They're K-Pop, but their music is a mix of so many genres, it's almost as if a symphony is playing together as one.  The first song I listened to by them is "Bad Boy", a song about a guy a who treats his girl badly.  In the past, their music was too loud, or hip-hop and R&B for me, but this song is beautiful, smooth, and has me thinking about so much.  Enjoy, and take it all in!  It's genius! 
 

Suiting Up For What's Ahead

With my sister's wedding being less than a few weeks away, you'd think I'd be happy for it, but I'm kind of not.  Don't get me wrong, I'm happy she's getting married, and making the next big step in her life with the one she loves, but planning the wedding has been stressful from the arrangements, food, guest lists, and most importantly, the cost.  I'm not even directly involved in it, yet I feel drained from the whole experience.  Yesterday, didn't make things any better though, as I had to go out and buy a suit for the wedding.

Buying a suit sounds like a luxurious thing from the way they portray it in the media, but since I've never gone to any formal event, or had a job interview, I've never had to wear a suit before.  In the past, I always wore nice dress clothes, but this time, I couldn't do that.  I went to the suit store with my parent's yesterday not having any prior expectations, besides knowing that the suit would be very expensive, and expecting the process to be a pain.  But surprisingly, it didn't start out that way.  At the beginning, everything started out great, with the employees being attentive and very helpful with me, but after trying on suits and pants, they got antsy just because I gave them my wrong pant size by accident twice.  How was I supposed to know jean sizes are different from pant sizes when almost 100% of the time, I wear jeans?  Or know you aren't supposed to wear suit pants low?  I eventually got pants, but they had to be tailored because they were a size too big.  It was bad enough having to buy suits, but then have employees get angry at me because I make a mistake.  I'm the employee.  You're supposed to be serving us.  We're giving you business to pay for your salary.  You're not supposed to make me feel worse just because I'm a little bigger than most people.  It's a shame that even though I lost weight, there's still always more work to do, or that people seem to favor "beautiful" people in society.  But then again, things have always been like that.

All in all, yesterday was a pretty miserable day, besides the morning when I had dim sum with the family.  It was cool getting new clothes to some degree, but honestly, I hope I don't ever have to buy a suit again because the experience was terrible.  But at least I'll be ready for my sister's wedding ahead.  And hopefully, that day is better than what yesterday was.

Dim Sum

In honor of my grandma's birthday a few weeks ago, and Mother's Day and Father's Day not too far away, my siblings and I decided to take them all out for dim sum in Chinatown today.  Dim sum, for those of you who don't know, is when you eat and pick food being wheeled in carts, with the tab being marked by what you order.  To be honest, it's not my favorite way of eating because I don't like always like the food, can't speak the language, and you can lose track of the tab, but my grandma likes it, so I was willing to do it for her.  And luckily, it turned out to be a great family gathering.  There was some arguing and fighting (like there always is, it seems), but it was good to get together and spend time with family; it really makes you appreciate what you have in life, and shows why dim sum truly does mean "Touch the Heart"!

Done With Classes

I'm done with classes for the semester, today!  I still have one more week of finals, and then summer classes later on in the month, but what does that matter?  I'm done with physically ever having to be in school for class again!