Waiting to exhale... from Black Friday.

Boy, oh boy... my day was great. Everything was so dope and I had tons of fun. Great car rides and great go-'rounds. It was so great.

I'm talking about my day, not an actual day, because, I have not had a night of sleep. My "day" consists of Thursday, Thanksgiving, and today, Friday. Allow me to take you on a journey.

It was Thanksgiving, on a Thursday afternoon. I finished my chores and began to get ready to go to my cousin's for Thanksgiving. So when everyone was ready, we went to pick up my cousin Marvin. I was the one driving and was ready to drive, literally, over a hundred miles. After getting him, my family headed towards Hayward.

The drive there was cool. I was speeding, since its hard not to, and wanted to hit 100 mph. I told Marv to tell me when my parents' eyes were all closed so I could do it. But, I only reached 95 mph, that was the time when my fright kicked in. Marv was my co-pilot, navigating me with play-by-play directions. And then the time came where we reached Hayward and arrived at my cousin's house.

Thanksgiving was good this year. Though the family wasn't complete, we all still had a good time. There was good food and good companionship. And once again, no turkey. Why? Haha, because we're Filipino. I bonded lots with my cousins and we all played games and watched movies, and other things... together. Everything was filled with love.

While there, Marv and I had already established that we'd go around together for Black Friday. We wanted to go to Great Mall at 12 am, but I was unable to. So, we said we'd just go around 4 am. During the drive home, I asked my peeps if I could spend the night at Marv's and that we'd go shopping around 4 am, and the idea was approved.

Marv and I set out on the road, it was about 11ish -I'm not sure. We went to go pick up our two friends that would complete our quartet of Black Friday lunatics. When the posse was complete, it consisted of Marvin, Andre, my new friend Adrian, and myself. We all went to Marv's house.

None of us slept. We played Halo 2 for a while and I kept dying. Really, I'm the worst out of all the peeps I've played with. Those guys are great and they're all funny. Today wouldn't have been so special if they weren't in it. So, when time approached 2 am, they urged me to set out. I, of course, didn't really want to because I told my mother that I wouldn't go until 4 am. Sadly, I gave in and we all hit the freeway, with no one on it, around 2 am.

Great Mall was packed. Seriously. All the stores were occupied and it was difficult to maneuver. It was fun though. My friends go some free goodies, which they also got later in the day. (If you know what I mean.) Just like last year, I didn't really find anything but all it took to satisfy me was the trip. I also saw quite a few of my friends and it was all a good feeling. "Do da dancing, dancing!"

After going around for a couple of times and over the span of two hours, my group decided to return home. We hopped in the Impreza and went off. Before reaching Marv's, we got some late night food. We went to Jack in the Box. Jack in the Box was a hoot all in its own. When ordering the food, all of us kept joking around and couldn't keep it together. Throughout the whole night, each one of us acted a fool. We never quit talking and joking with a gook accent and dancing around like goofs. Man, total amusement. That was my only regulation/policy for bringing them around. I'll be the driver as long as I'm supplied with free food. We ordered a lot of burgers.

So at this time, all of us are back in Marvin's room. I was exhausted. My legs and feet were aching and I know my body needed some rest. Marvin felt the same way, even worse actually. Adrian and Andre, well they didn't. The both of them continued to play more Halo while Marv and I squeezed in a half-hour nap.

5:30 am came and woke us up. I asked if we were totally out and they said yeah. They said that nothing could wake Marv and me up and that we were hella snoring. Well, that was a good power nap though. We needed to get up at that time because we were about to set out on our next journey, to Eastridge Mall. Eastridge opened at 6 am and we wanted to be there at 5:30 am. However, from waking up late (late?) we felt a rush. Upon going there, I phoned Danny and told him to meet us there, and when we reached the Barnes & Noble's parking lot, there were hella cars. The parking spots were filled and that wasn't it all, there was a long ass line just to get in. We were all awed, but we saw that the Red Robin's place did not have a line. I guess, we lucked out because we just walked in. Ran in and slid in. Oh man.

Eastridge was pretty tight, not as packed as Great Mall though. I also ran into Jereme and later other friends. It was cool because my posse of four grew to six and we went around together. We laughed, joked, played, etc. The goody receiving didn't stop either. Going around was difficult but we all managed. Though Eastridge is better, in my opinion, than Great Mall, the time at Great Mall beats the time at Eastridge. Now, the sky was illuminated by the sun and it was no longer dark outside. After hanging out there, we went to Circuit City. I wanted to visit my friend who was working but the line to get in was crazy long. The night before, on my way home from Hayward, I already saw people camping. And to see a long line still, I was awed. So, I aborted that plan and we all went to Target.

At Target, I got my dad a present for his birthday, which is today, and we also hung out there more. When we were in the car already ready to leave, my mom called to check up. I told her that we left around 2 am, because she asked me, and to my anticipation she became disappointed. I apologized to her but it didn't really work then. So she told me to go home. I guess, I was informally grounded. With the open day I couldn't go out anymore and I didn't complain. Danny had also urged me to skate, but I kept telling him I'll see because of how tired I was. Yet, his persistence never gave up and upon the incident, I had a valid excuse not to go. I dropped the guys off, at a few popsicles, said my goodbyes, and left. It was "aw..." leaving them.

In my cozy bed, at home alone, I continued to watch more That '70s Show and eat more pumpkin pie. I needed to wait until 5 pm to get ready for my friend's cotillion. After watching a few episodes, my weariness took control and I fell asleep. I didn't wake until 4:30 pm. Originally, I was going to bring Mel and Ronald along with me, but they ended up going by themselves. When the time needed came, I got ready and began to head out. I called my mom before leaving and we became good again. (Yay...!) I got gas and, once again, hit the highway. It felt nice traveling alone and taking care of myself.

On the highway, I was just chillin', driving at my usual pace. Suddenly, a silver, wingless, aftermarket cat back equipped, 04/05 STi comes by on my left. He was in the carpool lane and speed up then braked. The car in front of him was too slow. I was like, "ooh" and thought of what I should do. I was in the right of the carpool lane and then switched one more to my right. I whizzed up and went back to where I was, passing the car in front of me. I knew the STi noticed me doing that. The STi responded by doing the same thing he did and he passed me. I was at his tail, to his right, when he put his right signal on. I didn't know if it was to say hi to me or if he really wanted to switch lanes. I was close to him so I decided to just slow down a bit because I couldn't pass him up due to the slow car in front of me. But, he didn't go in my lane, so I believed that the signal was to say hi. So, I went up to his side. I looked at him a few times but couldn't clearly see him. His windows were tinted but I could see his silhouette and I knew he saw me. After a few moments, he switched out lanes and exited. I guess, he really did want to exit.

I got lost after exiting the freeway looking for the hotel. I knew which street I had to turn on but never saw the sign. I kept looking for it until I hit Great Mall. It really sucked because I hate it when I get lost, I've been lost too many times, and yet was ironically funny because I was at the same place just hours ago. I find those ironic things funny. So, I finally U turned and went straight, thinking I made a wrong turn, and continued onto El Camino Real. I gave up so I parked and called the hotel for directions. After being given detailed directions, I followed them. It turns out that the street I needed to find was the one right after the exit. I never saw the sign! Oh well, whatever.

The cotillion was fun. I sat next to Ronald and Mel and chatted it up with them ever so much. I saw lots of peeps I knew and it was cool saying hi. Other stuff happened too, but nothing brought it down. After it all, I returned home.

The drive home was quick and smooth. I was going real fast and intelligently maneuvered through the little traffic. I came home exactly at 11 pm and meet my curfew on the dot.

So! That was my great day! ...With little details missing of course. But yeah, it was great. Seriously, great or awesome would be the best adjectives to describe it. I am truly thankful.

Now, you know what I'm going to do. I shall continue with my usual chill routine and furthermore enjoy my vacation.

Total miles covered in my (Thursday-Friday) day: 158. I totally fulfilled my saying already, lol.

Happy 54th birthday Father!!!!

Goodnight.

Happy Thanksgiving 2007

I'm sitting here on Thanksgiving morning just chillin'. For today I'm going to my cousin's in Hayward to celebrate. I am driving. And, I look forward to it. I look forward to eat and bond with the family, since everyone is growing up so fast. For tomorrow, Black Friday, I don't know what to do. I want to be with friends and have a good time. I'll drive, as long as I'm provided with lunch.

Two years ago on Black Friday, my cousin and I ran into the law. Man, that was a good time LOL. The two years have gone by so quickly and we'll always look back on it. Also, this Friday is my dad's birthday and my friends debut. My dad has work so we're not celebrating on that day, but I am going to go to my friend's debut. Its a bit far and I have to drive once again.

I said something yesterday after school that I liked, and I'm going to put it here as well:
"I've got four days ahead of me and over a hundred miles to cover. Are you ready World? 'Cause here I come!"

Well, I'm off to enjoy my day. G'bye.

Grand big 'ol smile.

Today was great, fun, & miraculous.
Today was great, fun, & miraculous.
Today was great, fun, & miraculous.
Today was great, fun, & miraculous.
Today was great, fun, & miraculous.

HAPPEE BERDEY TO MY ATE JANELLE!!!

Went to Eastridge to meet fellow i-clubbers.
Met them then we all mobbed it to Capitol Subaru.
It was dope, it was a line of Imprezas all down Capitol.
The meet was dope!
Went to the GEM.
GEM was great.
And then this and that.

So much in between like always but I'll keep them to myself. Damn though, I drove hecka miles today. I know it. I probably covered around 40 miles. It left me tired and feeling like I was working out my shins, because of traffic.

Thank you for everything.

G'night.

Oh to be young....

Since last night I was eager to awake. Every time I gained consciousness, I checked what time it was on my phone. Too early... still early... and damn, its still early. I was waiting for 10 am. Because at 10 am, I would begin to get ready and set out on my adventure, celebrating the free day without school. The means of celebration was none other than my favorite hobby, skateboarding. Since last night, Danny and I planned to skate today at 11 am at Sunnyvale skatepark. I've never been there and I have a car, so that meant that I can go there. I was anxious and couldn't help but wait until the time came. Like I said, I kept waking up early and trying to go back to sleep. (That always happens when I'm waiting to do something the next day.) And it was difficult to, too. So, I gave up and arose from bed at 9 am. I saw that DC5Fel was already online. Haha, I guess he was more anxious than me. So we chatted and gathered up a posse. I was planning my day and it became difficult. I tried to reach few people and they weren't answering. Finally, after an hour, I got word and a few of my boys were able to roll through. I finished my game plan and got ready and got out the house.

I made a promise to myself: that I would not drive any passengers illegally for the last week until my license has reached its validity. This coming Wednesday, the 14th 2007, will mark a one year anniversary of me obtaining my driver's license. Thus, enabling me, by law, to transport passengers under the age of 20 freely. I just wanted to go one more week, as if it was one last stretch. But, I'm not perfect.

I rolled with the two Nikos, Niko and Nikko. The ride was dope.

The skate session was fun and the park was cool. Though, I didn't really do anything cool or land anything complex, its all good with me. The only bad thing is that I scrapped the bottom of my front end coming out of a lot. Major SADFACE.

When I finally arrived home the idea to give my baby (car) a wash came to mind. I gathered care information and found supplies in my garage. Then, I went to work. It was fun to wash my car. It gave me the feeling of independence, because I've never washed a car alone; let alone one that belongs to me. And that "I'm handling mines" feeling. I believe I did a good job. My car looks beautiful and fresh. Now, I just hope it doesn't get ruined or my labor would have been in vain.

I had to relocate my mother's car today and it felt really weird. Its an auto and let me tell you, it is as if I forgot how to drive an auto. As funny as that sounds, it has truth in it. It was so weird and kind of difficult to operate it, because I'm so adjusted to a manual now. When I hopped in it, I got that lost and misplaced feeling, like I was in the wrong spot. When I turned it on, I thought I had to hold something down with my foot, like you do with the clutch in a stick shit. And changing the shifter was supper crazy too. I thought I had to hold something down too. And usually, in an auto you'd put it in reverse when coming out of the driveway, but I put it in neutral. I'm so used to it now! Back when I drove an automatic, I'd never put it in neutral. Lol, damn, its just so funny. Its like a cultural shock or something. I forgot how I went for about 11 months driving an automatic car.

Altogether, I basically looked after myself today. I guess I'm growing up. Yay... and aww... and haha! Yeah, we all grow up... duh. Now, time to grow some more! Which means, I'll try to sleep soon. Goodnight!

The Rundown

"What it is, what it ain't, tell me what to do"

I'm good. I'm full. I'm chillin'. I'm ready. Let's do this.

Words of value to the reader:
What's up? Talk to me.

Today was a fun day. I woke up at 6:25 am after sleeping since, around, 9:30-10pm the night before. Because, yesterday I spent over five straight hours customizing a jacket. Yup, that's right, I'm back in the customizing game. Well, just for that period of time. I had an idea, which led me to begin a project. I worked on it, which led me to feel really tired, especially my back. And, yesterday, I was planning (supposed) to workout my back. Aww.... So, I woke up and was shocked when I saw my clock. I thought for a moment and collected my thoughts, which were flying everywhere by the way, and got up and took a quick shower. Quick showers are boring to me. My usuals consist of 20-30 minutes of quality relaxation in very warm water. Anyways, since I had left everything the way it was from the night before, I checked the weather on my computer. I always do that and it makes me feel prepared and also gives me an idea of what apparel to wear. Then I dressed and headed out the door. ...Then I went back in the door -I forgot something, then I went back out.... Arrived at school and had another DAE, plus Danny, hang out.

School, my classes, was alright today. Nothing special in first period, only that I disliked it even more because of the work. In second period, I came up with my research question. Actually, I changed it. It was going to be about the relation with your favorite music and how it treats your dopamine. About that I said, "nah," and conjured up 'How does bodybuilding affect your mind and your mood?' Now, that shall be a bomb ass research paper. Research paper... argh! Third period is art 2. Art class is art class; same 'ol. Fourth was fun. I had been trippin' earlier if there was going to be a quiz in that class, but attention came to me that my teacher wasn't at school and that the quiz is next Wednesday, so I became relieved. We had a substitute who didn't do much than what he was instructed. So, he left us alone and we, the students, did whatever we wanted. Most of us pulled out our phones and played with them. At my table, we went phone crazy. We played with each other's phones and took pictures, shared texts, etc. Also, in there we're able to eat and its the class after break. I bought food late during break so I ate 'em in class. First to consume was a corn dog. Finished. Second to consume was a chicken sandwich. Finished. And third to consume were oatmeal raisin cookies. Finished!! After eating the sandwich I said, "and you thought I was done," to my table mates. The response was, "damn, J****!" Funny stuff!

The guy that owes me money keeps saying he'll come through but keeps flaking. Whack ass.

Wednesday, the vending machine ate my $1.50 and the lunch lady told me to write some info down and return it to her so she can have the vending machine guy refund my money. I forgot to do it. Double whack ass.

After my all my classes were over I hung out. I freestyled a bit and joked a lot. Then, I practiced drifting in the lot. O:-] It was pretty fun and felt like I got a tiny bit of it right. As I approached a turn, at maybe 15 mph, I pulled the e-brake and my back tires swung. Then I let the brake down and jumped forward. I was nervous and scared that I'd get hurt or in trouble, and even both. So that kinda held me back, but I know if I really tried I could've done better. It was fun and cool though, and now I like pulling the e-brake on turns.

I had another dope skate session today. The setting: EVHS, regular time. Ran into my skater homies and Danny and I just hopped on it. Got our stuff and did it. I was also pushed by Paul to skate the big three in the quad facing the library. That thing is big and the jump is haunting. But, I mustered enough courage to try it a few times, so did Danny. I went off it maybe 3 or 4 times and was constantly backed by my friends. All those times except once, I fell. Fell hard. I'm bruised. :'[ Bruised on both of my palms, right elbow, both knees, and one big ass one on my right side. Its sad how this passion beats me up. Yet, it was good. Danny landed it twice... darn. Even though everyone wants to see me do it because I make it look cool.

Took a trip to the little sale and pre-grand opening at Vans @ Eastridge. I knew one of my friends worked there, but when I got there I saw that a handful of my friends work there. Its kinda cool cause its in the family. Also, tons of people were there and many were people I knew. I chatted and caught up with a bit of them. I also sat in there waiting for service for over half an hour. Oh well, its a curse that I'm so shy, modest, and patient. What do you think? So I bought two pairs of shoes. One for my sister for her birthday and one for me. Yay!

I made a decision today. Its that I'm done trying to collect the top end shoes. I'm just off it, I don't know why. Today, I skated in my holy grails, my bisons. THE pair that I once tried so hard to keep it fresh and in tact. I always wanted to skate in some low top heat though, and it just had to be them I guess. I don't know what actions I'll be taking right now but I'll sell things soon. I've just gotten into bigger and better things. I'm now done with the whole image image. If you know what I mean. I'll save the money and mod my car hahah! From now on, I'll just be rocking Vans. Lol, even though, I'll try and make them Supreme Vans. Oh yeah.

So I'm just chillin' now like I always do and what I do best. I even make complex sentences, can you tell? Yawwwn.... I didn't end up going to the gym again today. That makes this week only having two visits to the gym, the same as last week. I've got to get back on it, seriously. And eat more, as if there's no tomorrow. ;]

Goodnight. Return soon! Holla!!

A while.

Its been just over two weeks since I last blogged. Pardon the absence. A lot has happened and changed in those two weeks. Homecoming finally took place at school, I got more into cars, etc etc. Though I can't really remember everything, for that fact I'll give you what I got.

So lately I've just tasted the feeling of tardiness. College applications. A pain to some, a blur to others, and a headache to all. Well, maybe not all. To me, I knew I should have began this business earlier. I even planned to. I planned for college during the end of junior year. And... I'm just getting to it now, even though I also proclaimed mid-October as the starting point. Oh well you know. That's how things are presently happening and I've got to deal.

Its been my dream ever since I was young... yada, yada, yada. How many times will I tell that story? Truth be told, as much as I want! Because that's my epic story. To sum it up, I've got to be going to an art college. Its my calling on Earth and its what I do best. I'm an artist no matter what others may say or what I have to show. So, I'm applying to three art colleges. They are all within California but not in San Jose. So if I get into one, meaning my dream comes true, I've got to move -alone. Yes indeed. They are: The Art Center; Pasadena, California College of the Arts; San Francisco, and Otis; Los Angeles. They're out of San Jose because they are the only ones with established rep that provide majors in illustration. If it were my way, I wouldn't have to move. But, time shall let us all know how it goes. Fall backs? SJSU and maybe UCSD. I've heard that they have good art departments, but the reason why I want to go to an all art college is to just focus on art. I don't want to go to "college" and take other classes besides what I want to major in. If that happened, it would just seem to me that college is not college and just another extension of high school. Because when I was young, college gave the impression of the stage that prepares you to become what you want to become and do what you want to do as a profession. Maybe thats old fashioned but that's still how I feel about it. And, unfortunately, if I don't get into any art college, I just don't know what I'm going to do besides cry and be emo. Lol.

Majority knows about my fascination with sneakers. Since I've gotten my own car, I've since, you can say, forsaken it. Lately, I'm becoming less and less caring about shoes and about my mission to acquire the ones I want. I'm not avidly on shoe forums anymore and I am avidly on Subaru forums now. Its not that I'm ending my attraction, its just becoming idle. For how long? I don't know. I've even considered actually stopping a few times. But, think of the reaction people would have because of all the fuss I've made about it. Once again, time shall play a part in this and let me know what to do.

I'm good at driving manual now. I go on the freeway alone, I've been in bumper to bumper traffic on the freeway, I speed, drive while on the phone, cut people off, and more. And stalls? I'm not tripping about them anymore. Yes, they occasionally happen, but only when I'm already stopped, as in parked. So, I don't count them because they don't occur when I'm in traffic, on the road, and about to drive. They happen when I'm on the driveway already and I forget that the car is still in gear and when I'm trying something new. Bottom line: I don't care if I stall or not anymore. :D Also, my license plates came in yesterday. Now its not a "new" car anymore and now I can be tracked if I'm caught speeding or doing something naughty on the road. When I didn't have my plates I wanted them so I could fit in the "used" or "owned" cars. Now that they're here and installed, I kinda want to have the substitute sign still. Odd huh? I also have a new deck in it now, so I can play my iPod. Since my car is a non turbocharged Impreza, I have the urge to tune it up. But, it will take loads of time and money and I'm not joking when I say loads. It would be cheaper and maybe easier, yet gayer, to trade it in later and get a WRX or STI. And again... we'll see what to do with time. I've had the car for just over a month now and already put over 500 miles on it.

So now I'm sitting here thinking of what subject to write about next. ...My decision is to just freely write here and leave it be, because I've got to sleep soon. I woke up late this morning and was late to class. Resulting, adding in the weather conditions, with me being "ehh..." for the day. Now I'll hurry to bed and hurry to school. I go early now and I try to be parked around 6:50 am, hopefully with breakfast. Why? Its just pleasant to be there early and alone. I chill and wait for my morning crew, which usually consists of Anna and Jereme, and we just hang out. I've got legitimate responsibilities now and got to take care of them. In a sense, its nice to be independent and accomplish the tasks set by yourself.

That's today's installment. Goodnight you. Merci.