Thursday, December 30, 2010

MMXI

I'm defo looking forward to '11. I hope to graduate fr/ college by this time next year...pretty crazy. I'm not even sure teaching's for me. We'll see. Maybe English abroad. Or maybe a professional lumberjack.

Anyway, I hope many solid and legit days lie ahead. We shall see.
Time will tell.
: ]

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Lunar Eclipse and Fishing Records

Fall and WinterSo I just got back from a legit fishing trip w/ the bro. Got up at 5:00 a.m. on Monday morning and just got back at ~5:45 p.m. today (Tuesday, Dec. 21). We bounced around the San Luis area (under 152 bridge), then to our "Canyon Gates" from the Delta Mendota Canal. From 8:50 pm to 5:22 am the bro and I caught 20 fish, a record for us (and our family). I caught 14 of the 20, including a 15" Striped Bass at 4:30 a.m. All of the other fish were catfish.

One highlight of the long night of excellent fishing was the lunar eclipse. I'd read/heard a lot of them and its sister the solar eclipse, but had never watched one - from start to finish. It was quite an interesting sight - entertaining (if you've got nothing else to do whilst fishing), even.

Here are some pics from the catch...



Thursday, December 16, 2010

2010 Semester (FALL), Senioritis

It's been quite a ride. This semester's gone by pretty quickly [as again, my theory of the Fall seeming to go by faster is once again confirmed (in my personal experience at least)]. Nearing the end of the semester, I started to have feelings of recklessness and a sense of "passing," if you will. IOW, I began to care less and less about grades and was centered more on passing. In addition, I began to drive, how shall we say, a little more precariously than normally...

Some of my peers suggested an early case of senioritis, as I should be a senior this year but due to a switching of majors am still a junior (until Spring 2011). Whatever the case may be, I am back to normal, with some lingering symptoms. My personal physician has prescribed a dose of high frequency/amplitude rocking (with guitar in hand as well as headbanging), serene moments with line in the water, and general YouTube-making.

As tonight is my final final (Math), I feel a celebration is in order, with all of the prescribed meds needed to avoid any more relapses of senioritis. Wish me luck!

KN

Sunday, December 12, 2010

200 Subscribers!

ankthay ouyay uysgay osay uchmay!!!
Let's keep the "subbers" coming!!!
: ]
~Kenneth

Saturday, December 11, 2010

N/A

I can't do this any more
I hope and fear this is the end
One more week
And freedom rings
Until the clock strikes twelve
And midnight falls

Let It Snow Baby...Let It Reindeer

Friday, December 10, 2010

Currently Working On: "Heart Song."

Stay posted for the world premiere!
: ]

Heart song. - Lindsay Faith

Midnight has fallen, your words had me calling you
Back, wanting you back here with me
Minutes turn to months and I can't fast forward time
Waves of time crash down on me and I can't breathe
There is no light, no time to say anything at all.
And now, where have we gone? Who have I become?
Daylight presents nightly stars like its a clear day
I hope the stars spell out your name
I hope they lead me to you,
When this is all over and done, and
All the inner battles have been lost and won
I just want to shine, shine, shine in your eyes
I want you to remember this, I want you to remember
Me, remember what we had and what we have everyday
And somehow, my time is now.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

I don't know why...

I'm not sure why
This feels like it does
It's not how I
Had seen it in retrospect

Do they really matter?
Does anyone see?
Or perhaps just to get by
Is what is in tune

'Cuz right about now
It feels like I'm done
Like this one is gone
And I'm ready t'for break

Just to get by
Is that good enough?
To find someone here
Who's honestly true?

It's almost over
And then I'll be free
But as of right now
My future will look
Back at my past
And know there's so much to see
Before it's over the edge

To do well is good
To try and pass
Is this the question
That I'm asking...
Is passing good...enough?

Monday, December 6, 2010

Like me on Facebook!

So I succumbed to the temptation to make a page for me from the overwhelming (not really) requests to make a Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Kenneth-Lee/116481955086378

: ]

Thursday, December 2, 2010

God Tunes Reviews

So I just got my first YT channel review!
Mi amigo Sam from http://godtunesreviews.blogspot.com/ graciously responded to my plea to help me get to 1,000 subscribers and posted a review on his blog, and also took my page to his Twitter account as well.
Please follow him @samgeeau (http://twitter.com/samgeeau).

You can read the review here: http://godtunesreviews.blogspot.com/2010/12/christian-youtube-spotlight.html

Thank you to my man from the Land Down Under, and if anyone else can do something similar I'd REALLY appreciate it!!!

~Kenneth

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Jump!!!

here's a pic of my jump from my cover of Skillet's song "HERO!"

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Seriously.

I know she was wrong, but seriously, she had to go.
Seriously, is this the way we're supposed to act?
Is this the way we're supposed to react?

It says to take care of them
To be kind, and care
Yet your reaction to action
seriously makes me question

Friday, November 19, 2010

Si o No

Do you enjoy this game?
I think I do.
No one's been up to the chase.
Until now.

Thanks for letting me in.
Thanks for showing me out.

'A pretty face
A pretty face
A pretty face would one day do me in.

You and I were always closest friends.
...and I went numb.
So I'm not dead if what you did don't hurt.'

Less Than Three

What is less than three?
Can there be two?
Can there be one?
Can the sun reflect in more ways than one?

When I wrote to you
Indeed I knew
that two is a crowd
But one is too loud

i'M lOCKED uP
tHE dAYS oF oLD
aRE yET uNTOLD

aND yET, yOU aRE sTILL hERE
oN tHE tHIRD aND tHE fIFTH
aT tEN aNTE
mERIDIEM

Oh how the sun proves
the Shadows
or do the Shadows prove the sun(shine)?
or perhaps reflections
Are only one and out

Less than three.
Is between Hope and Faith.
Is between the sky and the Hell
Is between you and me
YOU are
Less than three.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

An Orchestra of Infinity

With you, life is true
There are no shades of gray
La clouds are ever forming
Underneath a closing hand

Characters on white
Used in so many different ways
Construction of a bella house
Deconstruction of a life

I am the fish that you caught
Hey there one in a million
Who am I, and why me?
Why vita, and beta?

Time to lay it down
to see what you're made of

Why do you do what I don't want you to?
Why is your life such a struggle?
I think that he knows how it goes
How to play first fiddle in an orchestra of infinity

What beauty! What grace!
It's a shame that karma is part of the equation!
'John Perkins said it right
Love is the final fight'

Monday, November 15, 2010

I'm 12 years old today!

Today is my 12th birthday. On 11.15.98 I was born again. In a movie theater. Watching the "Final Exit."
'Nuff said.
: ]

Friday, November 12, 2010

Fishing and Ethics - not the most common dilemma...

So yesterday was Veterans Day, and my bro and I took off for the San Luis Reservoir area to do some legit fishing. We found a sweet spot by the Delta-Mendota, but a sign saying otherwise was posted, and we deemed it necessary to go across the highway, seeing another legit spot. After we check out the spot, he sees the same exact sign, but this one had fallen off. Technically, we could have said that we "hadn't seen it," but yeah, we decided against it.

So we go to another stretch, and after getting minimal bites, we move on to another section of the Delta-Mendota. I caught a sweet Striper, but after measuring, was only 17.35496 inches...after finding this we were def. tempted to take it since it was so close to the required 18 inches, but let him go. There were certainly times when we wanted to take that baby home, as that was the only real potential keeper that we got. Oh well...there will be plenty of fish out there in the years to come, and it's not worth the fine to cheat even a little bit...
: ]

Thursday, November 11, 2010

TWLOHA - Jamie Tworkowski


This is the article that started an awesome organization called To Write Love On Her Arms. I totally support their efforts and urge you to check out their website: http://twloha.com 


TWLOHA - J. Tworkowski

TO WRITE LOVE ON HER ARMS by Jamie Tworkowski

Pedro the Lion is loud in the speakers, and the city waits just outside our open windows. She sits and sings, legs crossed in the passenger seat, her pretty voice hiding in the volume. Music is a safe place and Pedro is her favorite. It hits me that she won't see this skyline for several weeks, and we will be without her. I lean forward, knowing this will be written, and I ask what she'd say if her story had an audience. She smiles. "Tell them to look up. Tell them to remember the stars."

I would rather write her a song, because songs don't wait to resolve, and because songs mean so much to her. Stories wait for endings, but songs are brave things bold enough to sing when all they know is darkness. These words, like most words, will be written next to midnight, between hurricane and harbor, as both claim to save her.

Renee is 19. When I meet her, cocaine is fresh in her system. She hasn't slept in 36 hours and she won't for another 24. It is a familiar blur of coke, pot, pills and alcohol. She has agreed to meet us, to listen and to let us pray. We ask Renee to come with us, to leave this broken night. She says she'll go to rehab tomorrow, but she isn't ready now. It is too great a change. We pray and say goodbye and it is hard to leave without her.

She has known such great pain; haunted dreams as a child, the near-constant presence of evil ever since. She has felt the touch of awful naked men, battled depression and addiction, and attempted suicide. Her arms remember razor blades, fifty scars that speak of self-inflicted wounds. Six hours after I meet her, she is feeling trapped, two groups of "friends" offering opposite ideas. Everyone is asleep. The sun is rising. She drinks long from a bottle of liquor, takes a razor blade from the table and locks herself in the bathroom. She cuts herself, using the blade to write "FUCK UP" large across her left forearm.

The nurse at the treatment center finds the wound several hours later. The center has no detox, names her too great a risk, and does not accept her. For the next five days, she is ours to love. We become her hospital and the possibility of healing fills our living room with life. It is unspoken and there are only a few of us, but we will be her church, the body of Christ coming alive to meet her needs, to write love on her arms.

She is full of contrast, more alive and closer to death than anyone I've known, like a Johnny Cash song or some theatre star. She owns attitude and humor beyond her 19 years, and when she tells me her story, she is humble and quiet and kind, shaped by the pain of a hundred lifetimes. I sit privileged but breaking as she shares. Her life has been so dark yet there is some soft hope in her words, and on consecutive evenings, I watch the prettiest girls in the room tell her that she's beautiful. I think it's God reminding her.

I've never walked this road, but I decide that if we're going to run a five-day rehab, it is going to be the coolest in the country. It is going to be rock and roll. We start with the basics; lots of fun, too much Starbucks and way too many cigarettes.

Thursday night she is in the balcony for Band Marino, Orlando's finest. They are indie-folk-fabulous, a movement disguised as a circus. She loves them and she smiles when I point out the A&R man from Atlantic Europe, in town from London just to catch this show.

She is in good seats when the Magic beat the Sonics the next night, screaming like a lifelong fan with every Dwight Howard dunk. On the way home, we stop for more coffee and books, Blue Like Jazz and (Anne Lamott's) Travelling Mercies.

On Saturday, the Taste of Chaos tour is in town and I'm not even sure we can get in, but doors do open and minutes after parking, we are on stage for Thrice, one of her favorite bands. She stands ten feet from the drummer, smiling constantly. It is a bright moment there in the music, as light and rain collide above the stage. It feels like healing. It is certainly hope.

Sunday night is church and many gather after the service to pray for Renee, this her last night before entering rehab. Some are strangers but all are friends tonight. The prayers move from broken to bold, all encouraging. We're talking to God but I think as much, we're talking to her, telling her she's loved, saying she does not go alone. One among us knows her best. Ryan sits in the corner strumming an acoustic guitar, singing songs she's inspired.

After church our house fills with friends, there for a few more moments before goodbye. Everyone has some gift for her, some note or hug or piece of encouragement. She pulls me aside and tells me she would like to give me something. I smile surprised, wondering what it could be. We walk through the crowded living room, to the garage and her stuff.

She hands me her last razor blade, tells me it is the one she used to cut her arm and her last lines of cocaine five nights before. She's had it with her ever since, shares that tonight will be the hardest night and she shouldn't have it. I hold it carefully, thank her and know instantly that this moment, this gift, will stay with me. It hits me to wonder if this great feeling is what Christ knows when we surrender our broken hearts, when we trade death for life.

As we arrive at the treatment center, she finishes: "The stars are always there but we miss them in the dirt and clouds. We miss them in the storms. Tell them to remember hope. We have hope."

I have watched life come back to her, and it has been a privilege. When our time with her began, someone suggested shifts but that is the language of business. Love is something better. I have been challenged and changed, reminded that love is that simple answer to so many of our hardest questions. Don Miller says we're called to hold our hands against the wounds of a broken world, to stop the bleeding. I agree so greatly.

We often ask God to show up. We pray prayers of rescue. Perhaps God would ask us to be that rescue, to be His body, to move for things that matter. He is not invisible when we come alive. I might be simple but more and more, I believe God works in love, speaks in love, is revealed in our love. I have seen that this week and honestly, it has been simple: Take a broken girl, treat her like a famous princess, give her the best seats in the house. Buy her coffee and cigarettes for the coming down, books and bathroom things for the days ahead. Tell her something true when all she's known are lies. Tell her God loves her. Tell her about forgiveness, the possibility of freedom, tell her she was made to dance in white dresses. All these things are true.

We are only asked to love, to offer hope to the many hopeless. We don't get to choose all the endings, but we are asked to play the rescuers. We won't solve all mysteries and our hearts will certainly break in such a vulnerable life, but it is the best way. We were made to be lovers bold in broken places, pouring ourselves out again and again until we're called home.

I have learned so much in one week with one brave girl. She is alive now, in the patience and safety of rehab, covered in marks of madness but choosing to believe that God makes things new, that He meant hope and healing in the stars. She would ask you to remember.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Friday, November 5, 2010

1 year on YouTube!!!

   "Hey guys, it's Kenneth!"

   This is how I start out pretty much every single video that I make on YouTube, and today, November 5th, 2010, is a special day for me in regards to YouTube. Today is my 1-year-anniversary for the creation of my 1st YouTube account http://www.youtube.com/akintomeatloaf.
   It has been an eventful year. Beginning back in 2009 feels like a long time ago...when I look back at those videos I can see how "bad" they were in terms of long introductions, asking [pleading, even, (in Snagglepuss's voice of course)] for 5 stars (that feels a long time ago as well...), ettica. I feel like I've improved in quality of presentation, I've transitioned to editing in Windows Movie Maker, which makes my covers so much better in terms of audio quality.
    All in all, it's been a fun year, and I hope to have many more years making videos, "meeting" new people, often from other countries, and helping others learn their favorite songs. Thanks for reading and watching!!!

Monday, November 1, 2010

THE GIANTS WIN THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOV. 1st, 2010

WOOOOOOOOOHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I just got back from Auntie Alice and Uncle Jesse's house, and man, was that an awesome game. The San Francisco Giants win the World Series by a final score of 3-1. Tim Lincecum beat Cliff Lee for the SECOND time in the World Series, giving up only 1 run in 8 innings with 10 K's. Brian Wilson came in in the 9th and shut the Rangers DOWN.
    Edgar Renteria is the WS MVP, hitting the game-winning 3-run BOMB in the top of the 7th off of Cliff Lee on a 2-0 count. It was up, and I think on a 2-0 count. 1st base was open, as Cody Ross and Juan Uribe had singled, Aubrey Huff laid down his FIRST SACRIFICE BUNT of his career. Pat "the Bat" Burrell struck out, but Edgar Renteria came up and gave the Giants their 1st World Series Championship since coming to San Francisco.
    Now 'tis time to spend some serious dough on SF Giants W.S. gear. As my father says, "This only comes around once in a lifetime...it's something you can tell your grand kids about."
GO GIANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Here are some pics courtesy of Yahoo! Sports:

                                                 













Thursday, October 28, 2010

Switchfoot in Santa Cruz

So I just got back from one of my best birthday presents ever from my brother: a chance to see Switchfoot in Santa Cruz! And let me tell you. It was amazing. Awesome. Spectacular. Not only were they awesome as usual, but God led us to the back of the venue (the Catalyst) where we were able to shake hands, meet, and get pictures with all of the Switchfoot members!!!
   Yeah, we got to shake their hands, get some autographs, and talk to them. It was so legit. They're a bunch of down-to-earth guys who, in Tim's words "love to meet people," and that is how they greeted us after the show. It was amazing!

Just a side note: I'm as tall as Tim, a little shorter than Jon, shorter than Drew, about the same as Romey, and shorter than Chad.
   In addition, I met my first YouTube recognizer!!! I didn't get his name (so if you read this man, comment and I'll mention your name for sure!), but I did get a picture w/ him too! That's my first public recognition in real life - so cool! : ]
[After reading his comment, his name is Andrew. Thanks man!!! You helped make that night even more special!!!]
Anyways, here are the pictures that we got:





Giants and Switchfoot in SC

So the Giants won Game 1 last night 11-7. It was a pretty hectic day, as it was a special day for me...but yeah, school and church was the day in a nutshell. I spent most of my time writing papers and doing homework...

...but yeah, my bro and I are going to see Switchfoot tonight! I worked extra for school and I'm actually skipping my once-a-week math class to go see them...should be legit slash epic.

: ]

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

SF Giants win the pennant!!! World Series on Wednesday!

So the Giants clinched the National League Pennant on Saturday, beating the Phillies 3-2 on a 3_2 pitch from Brian Wilson to Ryan Howard with 2 on on a perfect strike three cutter to the outside corner at the knees. It was epic.

The World Series starts tomorrow, October 27th,  which just so happens to be a very special day in my life... : ]

Anyway, we're hoping that the G-men, the band of cast-offs and misfits can bring home the first Championship to San Francisco versus the Texas Rangers.

Go GIANTS!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

"SHADOWS" - Lyrics by Lindsay Faith

This is my YT video of Lindsay Faith's lyrics/poem "Shadows." Here's her blog: http://www.lovelindsayfaith.blogspot.com.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

10-10-10

So apparently, 10/10/10 only comes once every 1,000 years (as do all of the 1/1/01's up to 12).

Also, I just finished a recording of "These Walls We Share," which is the longest time that I've ever taken on recording - it took me around 9-10 days (on and and) and roughly 36-48 hours of recording and editing time. Most of the time taken was editing time, as I only have a choir mic and not a hand-held voice mic.

The instances of the "s" and "t" sounds caused far more editing need for "unamplifications."

All in all it was a good learning experience for me, as I learned a lot about track levels, Left and Right sound (for stereo sound), and other shtuff.

...and now I'm off to church!

: ]

Saturday, October 9, 2010

These Walls We Share-Lyrics: Lindsay Faith

Find more artists like After Ettica at MySpace Music


Here's my new recording using my friend Lindsay's poem/lyrics titled "These Walls We Share."
Here are her words:

These walls we share.

When there's no time to think and all I can do is blink
Memories become more than just a story
Life becomes real and I can hardly keep up
There's no time to stop I can't stop

Why do we hide from what we think we deserve?
Where have our hearts gone?
I can't tell you what's right for you.
Only you know deep down what's wrong.

This isn't a game of life, this is life
Welcome to the wonderful real world
Where only what you believe to be real is real
Where all that you hear are pocketfuls of handcrafted lies

This is for you. This is for me.
This is our life. Why can't you see?
I am me and you are you.
You can't stop me from me.

This constant need for control
Just breathe and let it all go
Dreams are only what we know,
time to let go.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Game 1: Giants Vs. Braves

So Tim Lincecum just pitched a 2-hit complete game shutout with 14 strikeouts. It was his first postseason game, and he was DOMINANT.

First game, Giants: 1 Braves, 0.

GO GIANTS!!!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Home Verbage (to be continued)

Hetabee(s), Hammy, Bunding, Weehuh, the Whale, the Rat, da diddoes, moco coco

Monday, September 20, 2010

MNF

So I just got back from Mountain Mike's Pizza after watching the 49ers come back, just to lose on a tipped field goal that was reported as being off the mark before hitting a Niners' player's hand, redirecting it through the goal posts. The Niners had 4 turnovers, all of which either didn't allow them to score, or set up the Saints to score. However, Alex Smith, though throwing two picks (which were off two tipped balls) brought the offense down the field for a 2:00 drill and scored on a Frank Gore run, converting for the 2 points to tie the game. The Saints got in field goal range and kicked the field goal with no time left on the clock.

All in all it was a great game. The 49ers came so close to winning a game that I didn't think they had a chance to win, after seeing their debacle vs. Seattle last week. On to week 3!

Monday, September 6, 2010

Eevy-deince

Yes it's true, and I've got it.
It's there on the d-top, but now it's gone
I've saved you once, I can save you twice
Except for the fact that I can't save you forever

As I said before
I'm fighting the same fight
Life's a battle
And battles go this way and that

I pity her
because she does know
how much she does know
I do not know

and I want you to know
whatever may happen
I will still respect you
if not in agreements

Thursday, September 2, 2010

A Wednesday night and a Thursday morning

So on Wednesday night, I went to the Bible study, heard a great Word on Worship fr/ Bro. Steve, and then came home. That was around 8:45. I would not retire for bed until 6a.m. It was partly semi-procrastination, and partly not. The whole week before I felt like I had my homework in hand, but I guess not. Gotta get better at time management...

Oh yeah, totally got PWNED in Global Studies class, and was feeling pretty down about it...then I totally PWNED a problem in Math that only one other person got right, so that helped ying the yang (or Ching your Jeh ; ])

Oh yeah, and during that night session, the print cartridge to the laser printer fell onto the laptop and totally popped off the "x" key. As I type the "x" key, there is no key, no silicon, but just the remnant metal pieces sticking up. Here are some of the pics...


Friday, August 27, 2010

YT Subscribers:100+!!!

So w/in the past week or so I passed the 100 subscriber mark! It's been a lot of fun making vids, and I hope you guys enjoy watching and learning as much as I enjoy making them for you!!!

Thanks for watching and subscribing!!!

~Kenneth

Friday, August 20, 2010

Gone: SUMMER

I had an awesome summer, filled w/ fish, bowling, and family. Even though it's over, I feel like it was an eventful summer...now on to the (faster than the other) semester.

(I'm referring of course to the phenomenon the I've come to realize of fall semesters seemingly quicker termination time than their Spring counterparts.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

277!!!



So today is Wednesday, the 11th of August. Went to church, helped Jer lead worship, heard a Word on Psalms, and then bowled a 277 on the very last game. We (my bro, dad, and I) each bowled 5 games each. Saw Jose and Elisha there too. But yeah, my line: 9/, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X7/...and we had actually run out of time (we rent the lane for 1.5 hrs., but after my dad asked the kind lady to turn it back on b/c I had a good game going, she did). Here's a pic of the ordeal.



The red X is b/c I hit the strike but the lane turned off before it knew that I had the strike and we had to put it in - but yes, I did bowl that strike!

Here's the Video:

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Hello, I'm Here

I know that you're into it
And I think I know why
There's half of me who's the same (as you)
...and half of me who's different

and then I came in
and you weren't ready
I'm going to the church now
to talk to him about you

You are (and were) an awesome role model
But what has happened now?
& I'm not one to judge
as I've done as you have

but I'm trying to get away
as I pray that you are
and as I pray you are
I pray that you'll not be far

Hello Hello
I'm still here
Hello goodnight
I'll lend a listening ear
Hello, Goodbye
I'll see you in the beginning
Hello, Hello
They're new every morning

Friday, July 23, 2010

New High Bowling Game


On Wednesday, the 21st, I bowled my career high: a 244!
Here's a picture attesting to the fact:

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

High Bowling Games + Extra Mile Store ICEEs!

On Wednesday night we went bowling, and I bowled a career-high 213, 212, and 209. It was pretty great. I changed the way I started holding the ball in my stance, and my release was great - I could really feel the ball behind my hand as I released it.

Anyways, afterward I celebrated w/ Jr. and Dad by buying them a round of the 32 oz. ICEEs for only 99 cents! Killer deal!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Dolce Bails

Yesterday my dad (who as you well know is a notary) commands me to drop off a package (which contains legal documents) to the UPS center. I decide to take Dolce and Katie along, and hop into the Corolla.

The drop off location is in a fairly remote area, and after dropping off the package, I hear Dolce whining in the backseat, and since I figure she wants the window rolled down a bit lower, I roll it all the way down. As I'm driving, I look back and see her little paws resting on the top of the window and think, "She's not going anywhere."

The next thing I hear are claws scratching the window and her little collar tags jingle, and then silence. I look in the back seat and there's no little black dog! I look in the side mirror and see a little black dog (RAT) with a pink sweater (that Mom made for her) lying in the street!

So I slam on the brakes, put the emergency flashers on, and go and get her. She lies in the street, with a bewildered/stunned look on her face, and starts to walk toward me. She kept licking her nose/mouth, which leads me to assume that she face planted! But yeah, that dog has no street/car sense, and I think she just needs a little more time in the car.

As it turns out, there were some workers on the top of a nearby building, and one of the guys saw the whole thing!

...and as I recall, I was doing oh, about 15-20 MPH!

Friday, July 9, 2010

Opening night: Oklahoma!

Tonight was opening night for the San Benito Stage Company's presentation of Oklahoma, and it went alright! There were some rough spots w/ coordination btw the cast and orchestra on some of the numbers, but other than that, it was great.

It is certainly an interesting experience to be practicing w/ the cast for ~three or four nights, and hearing/seeing the same jokes, versus hearing/seeing it with an audience that is coming in w/ a blank slate. It certainly was refreshing to see and laugh along w/ the audience [as well as being scared w/ the audience (you'll have to come and see the show to find out)]. : ]

7 more performances (for me) and then it's all over!
O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A Oklahooooooooooooooma. Yeow!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

CBEST: Check!

So the CBEST is no longer on the itinerary, as I received official confirmation of my passing of the test.

It was funny, b/c mi hermano told me that it was a no problemo test, and then dad goes and gets me the CBEST manual 3-inch-thick study guide to the test. I ignore it until the night before the test, and then out of curiosity check it out. It turns out that there was going to be (according to the book) a LOT of material covered, among them many mathematical concepts that I had not seen for a long time (since like high school).

So anyway, I panic and study 'til about 1 a.m., and then the brother tells me not to stress out, that it'll be fine, and I'll pass.

I get there, take the test, and, having the last hour of four to write my 2 essays, finish my last essay maybe 10 seconds after the CBEST rep. tells us to stop...and I finish my last sentence as she says something to the effect of, "...and those who keep writing after I stop will have their entire test voided."

That got my attention, and I finished up (thankfully)!

So yeah, CBEST down, CSET and RICA up next.

Thank God I passed!!!
: ]

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Post for the Hands

So a while back (in the days of Upper Room), I decided to show up at an Upper Room meeting, going there just to check it out, and really not into anything that was happening at all.

Then near the end of the meeting, the worship leader/speaker begins to point out people and prophesy about them and their future...and then he goes, "I see this kid, wearing a white shirt, and I think he's wearing glasses. His hands will be used for healing." And yes, he was talking to/about me.

I do not tell you this because I want to puff myself up. On the contrary, I would like to see/fulfill this prophecy through, and whether it will come to pass. The most interesting part about the whole night was that I was totally not into the meeting. I was basically just there to see what was up and how their meetings went.

Anyway, may my hands be used for healing, in addition to whatever Christ would have me do.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Suuuummmmmeeeeerrrr!!!!!!

So yeah, summer's been great. Just got back from church and bowling. Got my personal high score tonight: a 234!!! My only open frame was the tenth, where I got a 9/6, or somethin like that.

Fishing tomorrow in the Forebay. It's gonna be a fairly full moon (my iGoogle says it's 95% full right now), so we should get some good bites. We're certainly praying that we do!

Well yeah, that is all.
Cheerio, posterity!

Friday, June 11, 2010

CBEST maƱana

I'm taking the CBEST tomorrow at 8:00 on the morning of a Saturday. I've heard it's not terribly difficult, but should be interesting because I'm in "School's Out" mode right now. We'll see if I'm even able to concentrate and finish with a pass...

Oh, and I got one "B" and five "A"s for Spring 2010...do je Ye So!

So yeah, should be interesting. CBEST here I come.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Congrats to la favorita prima

So last night my little Austria (aka the favorite cousin) graduated from HS! Went to the fairgrounds, and also saw the foreign exchange student Matteo (who stayed w/ Auntie Alice and Jesse) graduate as well (although he later relayed that Italy doesn't honor it as a diploma, just a certificate for English [or something like that]).

But yeah, then went to the "Court" where we always go and some solid Chinese food. Ashley, KK, and Tiffany came down w/ Gary too...and Gary gave Auss no less than a check for 250!

Anyway, had a good time, and congrats to everybody (including Andrea O.) for graduating!!!

Saturday, May 29, 2010

(Record-Setting) Overnight Fishing Trip in the Forebay

5-28 to 5-29, 2010.
Just got back fr/ an overnight all-night fishing trip to the Forebay.

The Catch: 3 Catfish: 12", 14", 32.5" (~11lbs., 2oz.)
2 Striped Bass: 2 ~20"ers

Showed up ~8:30 at night on a full moon. Costs $20 for an overnight pass...guess it's worth it. Mr. J. gave us the heads up (but stood us up :[), and yet gave us a good spot - the "big rock with pole holders drilled in."

I got to "play" my first fish in my life. The first was a 32.5" "monster" (for us) catfish. This was at 1:00 a.m., and was the first fish caught by us (me and my bro). We were waiting and praying while everyone else was pulling them in. But yeah, Got the bite (he was nibbling), and trying to decide (and pray) when to set the hook. Finally got a solid pull and set it. Got some help from our neighbor out there 'Berto because the line got tangled.

Got to "play" the striper as well, giving the fish just enough slack to take out line and not put too much stress on the line/knots, while tiring out the fish. The striper was physically exhausted (this was in the morning) and I could tell it was spent. Plus it is MUCH funner and prolongs the catch and feeling when you play the fish.

Glory2God!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Underneath My Church

Today was interesting. It's 12:26 pm and I just got back from crawling underneath my church. The reason: looking for dead animals.

I may not be claustrophobic, but I admit that mi corazĆ³n was beating pretty fast. There are all these thoughts of, "Man, an earthquake right now would NOT be good," or even, "God I pray I get out of here alive!"

But yeah, I now have a high regard for those who can crawl through tight spaces routinely and extricate dead animals or run wires through houses.

And there's a lot of space underneath our church. I probably crawled through ~200 feet total of waist high and below spaces, sometimes having to crawl on hands and knees to get under pipes.








This is a rough layout:________________________
[
_______________[
[ ] [
[ [
[--(Pipe)---------
[
Entrance: --
[
[ _______ ]
[ ] [ ]
[_____]______[____]

Since this doesn't do well w/ showing homemade schematics, I suppose you will just have to imagine it...

Monday, May 24, 2010

2 Vids

Here's a couple covers I did on Monday.
Check out my YT @ youtube.com/akintomeatloaf



Monday, May 17, 2010

Whew!

Just finished my paper for Multicultural Children's Literature.
That was totally NOT fun. Like pulling teeth.
But like everything else, life goes on.
Take life as it comes - don't worry about yesterday or tomorrow - today's got its own problems.

Monday, May 10, 2010

End of the Semester...

I can see the end in sight. Just one more week, then assessment week, and then it's summer!!!

'Course the CBEST is in June, but hopefully that will go over well...

Friday, April 30, 2010

Music Writer's Block

The sounds rise and fall like waves of the sea
And then stop to a halt - what more will there be?
I try and try but nada mas comes out
Where is the well that's run out, does it carry more clout?
I know it's there and yet it's not
Or maybe this road has been too hard-fought
Or perhaps it's time to move on
I'm done with this rhyme, now on to the song.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Hand Slaps, Flight Deck, and SHS ownage.

So yesterday (the 24th) woke up at 0530 and went to Music in the Parks w/ SHS. Went to the school and ended up tuning ~20 cellos, violins, and violas - on concrete. Thankfully no wood was split or scratched and we warmed up and played for the judges. Viva la Vida, Beethoven Inc., and A Birch Bay Celebration were the setlist. I felt like the violins were rushing Birch Bay and the violas, cellos and basses were trying to stay w/ Mrs. May, but hey, we had a good performance.

Then it was off to Great America. Basically rode 5-6 rides the whole day b/c David B. Felt like playing the odds. It was pretty entertaining. Davis and I were trying to scientifically and logically figure out if playing the "bounce the ball off of an angled easel into a very small basket" was physically possible and if so, what the odds were of actually doing it. Needless to say David didn't win the (ginormous) prize (or anything else for that matter) but I'm sure he and everyone in our group had a good time.

While waiting in line for "Invertigo" I left Minnie hanging on a hand slap...and then did it after she said, "FINE!" (said with mock frustration). And every time we hand slapped it was "OUCH!" (you probably had to be there to understand the humor)

Anyway, Flight Deck (formerly the Top Gun rollercoaster)was the best ride that was working (Drop Zone was not). We go to the award ceremony and SHS wins first in Mixed Choir, Female Choir, and String Orchestra, and tied for second in the concert band.

All in all it was a pretty great day of competition and fun...hope we go again next year!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

PHYSICS TEST!

So it's in ~55 minutes that I'll be going under to do the 2nd of three Physical Science tests. Should be interesting considering that I thought I flunked the 1st one only to be sent a grade of 108.8% (77.25 of 71). We'll see if this one is somehow kinder to me...

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Hula and Physics

So today was pretty interesting. Service Learning from 8:30 to 11:30. During that time I was told to only come for an hour at the most by the teacher because her students don't FOCUS on the days that I show up.

Then I uploaded this video of my cover of Anberlin's song "Paperthin Hymn".




Then it was off to Geography class, and then to LAB. Pretty fun setting Peanuts and Goldfish on fire.

Then rushed to S. High to practice for 40 minutes with them. Then rushed again back to school to practice the - Hula Dance w/ 7 other peers for Dance class! (Thank you so much Allyson!) : ]

Oh yeah - during all of this rushing my brakes were extremely soft - I could practically push the pedal all the way to the floor and I had to wait for the car to stop...and this was in the rain.

Ekahi, Elua, Ekolu, Eha!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Service Learning, Music, 394

Wow just set up Service Learning today. Kinda procrastinated setting it up, but finally got locked in. I'm in three 2nd-grade classrooms for my Multicultural Literature class...

Had fun teaching violin today. Worked with a High School piece encompassing some of the main themes from Beethoven...going to play w/ the high school at a theme park G.A. on the 24th. Free tickets inside!

Need to finish that Author/Issue proposal for 394...

G2G!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Pics fr/ 4.9.10 CA aqueducts

Here are some pics of the 6 catfish taken fr/ the CA aqueducts just before filleting.





Saturday, April 10, 2010

Fishing Stories

Just got back fr/ the biggest action we've ever had in the CA aqueducts.
Totals: 6 Catfish [1 a monster (to us)]
4 Stripers (8-10 inch, 13, 13 1/4, and a 16)
The total weights and sizes will be measured tomorrow.

1) We stop by a random ditch and start fishing. We say we're going to leave at 7:00. Bro get's a striper (13 inch) at 10 til 7. Then he goes, "Now we just need to catch a catfish and then we'll know this is a good spot." *Bam* He gets a catfish.
2) Netting the striper off bank: I get a striper, and as he gets to the bank, Jr. tries to net him as he comes off the hook and somehow traps him against the bank. He wasn't a keeper (16"), but still, it was amazing that Jr. netted him. Good net job Jr.!
3) Jr. gets a bite, tries to set the hook, and then thinks he lost him. He doesn't feel any weight on the line. Then he reels in the line and on the end is a (tiny) 8-inch striped bass! That was a pretty funny incident...
4) Finally, at 1:00 a.m. we decide to call it quits. At ~1:20 I have my bad to the aqueduct and am putting stuff away in the car. Jr. is putting his pole away (putting the hook against the pole ring) when we both hear line go out from a reel. I think that it's him putting his pole away and ask him, "Was that you dude?" He replies, "No!"
He later states that since my drag was already set pretty tight that the fish was probably a big one. So, I pick up the rod, set the hook when I feel him there, and start reeling in. At first I didn't feel anything there, but later research suggests that he was swimming toward me with the bait in his mouth.
Anyway, Jr. sees him flash in dad's old-school headlight (that he took to Rainier) and knows he's a big one. He turns out to be 22.25 inches long and weighs 3 lbs. 8oz. Sweet!!!

Definitely going any spare day that we get!

That is all!
Glory 2 God!
G2G

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Easter, 2010

Woke up, helped lead worship, then performed "Pink Tango" w/ my little prodigy Larissa. Then played guitar w/ mom and Lyn for "Judas Maccabeus".

Drove to Auntie A's house and had AMAZING AUTHENTIC Italian food made by 3 Italians and one married to one (my prima). Vanessa, Domenicho, Matteo, and Mauro - you guys know how to cook!
Oh yeah, gotta mention uncle Jesse's professional meat that's as tender as a cooked eggplant, which is what Matteo made.

Such was my Easter Sunday for 2010.

<3

Friday, April 2, 2010

school papers

Finished my HCOM papers last night ~4:30 a.m. Where is summer???

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Striper Pics




Here are some pics of the striped bass I caught in the CA aqueducts!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

1st striped bass

yeah, last night (the 29th) i caught my first striper off of the CA aqueducts. pic(s) coming!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Fishing Day: March 27, 2010






It was a long day in the hot sun, but my brother and I toughed it out, and with God's help, we came out alright with 5 catfish!

Here are some pictures of the lore.

Friday, March 26, 2010

fishing

Spring break is fading fast, so my bro and I are going fishing this weekend...we are praying we catch more than natural vegetation!!!

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