I will be boarding a plane to China at 10 am tomorrow.
My guess is that it will be an uncomfortable and suffocating ride, and a prison to my body when I get there. But I owe it to my grandparents. I owe it to my parents.
I think what I will miss most about America in the next mere 11 days will be the freedom of running. China is not clean. China smells like poo. On the right streets, it smells like chicken, and if you're lucky, maybe even fried rice. There is no road that's not jammed with people who are too busy to care about anyone but themselves. The air quality is more or less cancerous. At least, that's what I heard. Of Beijing. Not that I'm going there.
In addition, I will miss training. The past two weeks have been my happiest, and certainly not because of finals. It's in part because I've had the honor to officially make many new friends. But it also has a great deal to do with the constant soreness in my buttocks and the unrelenting clench in my hamstrings. I cherish the fatigue in my quads and the strain in my shoulders. That was weird. But it feels (and looks hohoho) good.
This year, God has really just been busting out the surprises. I didn't expect to make these friends. I didn't expect that so many relationship problems would come to terms at the end. It was definitely not in my line of view that I would fall in such a deep depression and sickness for so long. But in end, you know. It's like Job, but a million times less drastic. He gives and takes away. And He gave lots this year.
HONORED.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Priorities
I will probably update as the days go by, with commentary:
Finals. The death of sleep. I used to pride myself on my abilities to abstain from napping at any time... but science wins this week. I don't remember the past week. I don't think I want to.
Math final: 98.57
Semester grade: 96.62
I'm going to miss this class. It is by far my favorite, even though I'm barely conscious throughout most of it. The sophomores in the class have been my classmates for 5 years and counting. For the first time, I've had to study for math (the horror!!!), which although demoralizing, is a lesson I'm glad I learned before Calc BC. Oh calculus.
AP Gov final: 83
Semester grade: 92.25
Sure it was fun listening to my extremely intelligent and cynical teacher rant about stupid people. But its social studies. And sometimes, especially in the end, I just don't give a care. Sorry. This is also the first B I've gotten on a final. #YOLOjkjkjk.
Bio final: 89.68
Semester grade: 90.58
I give no cares. It is over. I will not touch biology for the rest of my life.
French final: 98.74
Semester grade: 93.17
I like older kids. The juniors especially. They at least make for entertainment in this otherwise very dull and uninspiring class. The project was very frustrating, but I mean. 98.74. No complaints. GOOD LUCK, PREGGO TEACHER. May the odds ever be in your baby's favor.
Art final: 100
Semester grade: 97.99
There was no final. This class was very tiring, but it really got me in the head. I guess art isn't a good path to go down... I lack a lot of passion. And patience. And talent.
Physics final: 93.9
Semester grade: 91.49
This was a very tiring class. I never once paid full attention, mostly because it was basically physically impossible for me not to fall asleep whilst blankly gazing at anything in the front of the room. But I made it. I almost didn't think I would (that's what having a C for most of the semester does). To God!
PE final: 95.56 (what is this...)
Semester grade: 97.43
I've enjoyed this class of potheads, preggos, and other people who can be described in profane ways. I would have to meet these people sometime. Why not in gym class.
Enjoy these numbers. Not even my parents have seen my exact grades.
Finals. The death of sleep. I used to pride myself on my abilities to abstain from napping at any time... but science wins this week. I don't remember the past week. I don't think I want to.
Math final: 98.57
Semester grade: 96.62
I'm going to miss this class. It is by far my favorite, even though I'm barely conscious throughout most of it. The sophomores in the class have been my classmates for 5 years and counting. For the first time, I've had to study for math (the horror!!!), which although demoralizing, is a lesson I'm glad I learned before Calc BC. Oh calculus.
AP Gov final: 83
Semester grade: 92.25
Sure it was fun listening to my extremely intelligent and cynical teacher rant about stupid people. But its social studies. And sometimes, especially in the end, I just don't give a care. Sorry. This is also the first B I've gotten on a final. #YOLOjkjkjk.
Bio final: 89.68
Semester grade: 90.58
I give no cares. It is over. I will not touch biology for the rest of my life.
French final: 98.74
Semester grade: 93.17
I like older kids. The juniors especially. They at least make for entertainment in this otherwise very dull and uninspiring class. The project was very frustrating, but I mean. 98.74. No complaints. GOOD LUCK, PREGGO TEACHER. May the odds ever be in your baby's favor.
Art final: 100
Semester grade: 97.99
There was no final. This class was very tiring, but it really got me in the head. I guess art isn't a good path to go down... I lack a lot of passion. And patience. And talent.
Physics final: 93.9
Semester grade: 91.49
This was a very tiring class. I never once paid full attention, mostly because it was basically physically impossible for me not to fall asleep whilst blankly gazing at anything in the front of the room. But I made it. I almost didn't think I would (that's what having a C for most of the semester does). To God!
PE final: 95.56 (what is this...)
Semester grade: 97.43
I've enjoyed this class of potheads, preggos, and other people who can be described in profane ways. I would have to meet these people sometime. Why not in gym class.
Enjoy these numbers. Not even my parents have seen my exact grades.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
My large circumference...
is due to too much pi! HAHAHAHAHAHA.
Today, I made a brilliant analogy, so I'm going to share it in fear that someone is going to steal it and claim rights.
What is this blasphemy.
Imagine that the square is made of tinfoil (perimeter still = 4). Every time you invert the corners, you are folding the tinfoil inwards.
Repeat to infinity!
Congratulations! You know have a tinfoil with a perimeter of ....still 4! It's just REALLY REALLY crinkled, and it looks like a circle.
The end.
Oh the glorious days of the times when I can still think.
I just realized the ridiculous workload I've put on myself for next year. But for now, I'm going to have to pull up those grades for this semester. NBD? JK. bd.
Today, I made a brilliant analogy, so I'm going to share it in fear that someone is going to steal it and claim rights.
Imagine that the square is made of tinfoil (perimeter still = 4). Every time you invert the corners, you are folding the tinfoil inwards.
Repeat to infinity!
Congratulations! You know have a tinfoil with a perimeter of ....still 4! It's just REALLY REALLY crinkled, and it looks like a circle.
The end.
Oh the glorious days of the times when I can still think.
I just realized the ridiculous workload I've put on myself for next year. But for now, I'm going to have to pull up those grades for this semester. NBD? JK. bd.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Towels are for sweat...
...not forfeiting.
Today actually started pretty badly. I chose a very unhealthy breakfast that sent me in jitters for the entirety of my AP Gov exam. A couple things regarding this test:
It might just be my distaste for inexperience among my peers, but I am mildly disgusted by the cram sessions bustling around me. I thought that taking almost 10 practice tests with the class would teach people what kind of questions would appear on the test. Those questions are practically buried under boulders in review books, and certainly aren't attainable in the textbook. The same questions appear on the exam every year. Is it really that hard to study for something like this? I guess I shouldn't complain. I probably got a 4.
But I do think it's silly to pull all-nighters before tests. I understand that this can work for relatively short tests, like a 30 minute biology quiz or 50 minute physics test, but I don't believe that a deficit of 8 hours of sleep is going to help someone pull through a 3 hour exam that covers a semester's worth of information. But I still shouldn't complain. I need the curve.
As I finished my free response section, I began to feel myself become very happy. I had predicted 3/4 free response questions. I answered all of them, probably lost a couple points here and there due to some ambiguous sass, but was immensely satisfied with my work. It took all of half an hour in the past week to study for this test. And so I began to unfoil my brilliant plan.
Under my first free response question, I wrote: "Grading free response must be a dull task. To show my appreciation for your time and commitment, I have included (below) a list of my favorite puns. I hope that you will derive some liberating pleasure from these epigrams. Life is about the small things. And God. But also small things."
1. I tried to catch some fog, but I mist.
2. 2n+2n is 4n to me.
3. Lady Gaga giggles when you poke her face.
4. The geometer went to the beach and came back a tan gent.
5. Taking attendance is an absent-minded task.
6. Broken pencils are pointless.
7. I lost an electron, I'm positive.
8. When chemists die, we barium.
9. When a clock gets hungry, it goes back four seconds.
10. I was wondering when the sun would rise; then it dawned me.
Under my second free response question: "The entertainment continues! I don't want to offend you, but I feel obligated to include a couple Bible verses that have helped me this past year:
"If our God is for us, who then can be against us?" Romans 8:31
"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Ephesions 5 something. (This is one of my favorites. We all sleep too much.)
"There is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1
God is so good!
Under my third free response question: "Since you are grading an AP Government exam, I assume that you are not as inclined toward the art of mathematics. However, it is my belief that everyone should have the opportunity to be exposed to the beauty of numbers. For this reason, I have provided a comprehensive proof of the law of sines." From here I proceeded to label and diagram and algebraically derive the law of sines, although I didn't have enough time (or wit) to prove that a/sin(a) = 2R. It is to my regret.
Under my fourth response question: "The grading is over! Thank you very much for investing your efforts in making my future better. I am sure that if you have students, they are just as appreciative of your energies. If you are still reading this, I am happy that this exam has fallen into the right hands. I would like to leave you with one last thought, said eloquently by Apostle Paul in Romans 8:38-39.
"I think that nor angels nor rulers, nor heights nor depth, nor anything else in this world, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus the Lord."
That was paraphrased, because I only have 3 minutes left and I don't remember it. It was wonderful writing to you. Adieu.
*end note. So, now, before you accuse me of stealing my test booklet (I mean, how else could I have memorized such long and witty passages?), know that sometimes, when I care, I remember things REALLY WELL. As is the case here. Especially since I wrote it so passionately.
That was my adventure for the day. I also ran 5 miles in this great 80 degree weather, stretched, and did push-ups. I can only hope that the night will treat me well also.
Today actually started pretty badly. I chose a very unhealthy breakfast that sent me in jitters for the entirety of my AP Gov exam. A couple things regarding this test:
It might just be my distaste for inexperience among my peers, but I am mildly disgusted by the cram sessions bustling around me. I thought that taking almost 10 practice tests with the class would teach people what kind of questions would appear on the test. Those questions are practically buried under boulders in review books, and certainly aren't attainable in the textbook. The same questions appear on the exam every year. Is it really that hard to study for something like this? I guess I shouldn't complain. I probably got a 4.
But I do think it's silly to pull all-nighters before tests. I understand that this can work for relatively short tests, like a 30 minute biology quiz or 50 minute physics test, but I don't believe that a deficit of 8 hours of sleep is going to help someone pull through a 3 hour exam that covers a semester's worth of information. But I still shouldn't complain. I need the curve.
As I finished my free response section, I began to feel myself become very happy. I had predicted 3/4 free response questions. I answered all of them, probably lost a couple points here and there due to some ambiguous sass, but was immensely satisfied with my work. It took all of half an hour in the past week to study for this test. And so I began to unfoil my brilliant plan.
Under my first free response question, I wrote: "Grading free response must be a dull task. To show my appreciation for your time and commitment, I have included (below) a list of my favorite puns. I hope that you will derive some liberating pleasure from these epigrams. Life is about the small things. And God. But also small things."
1. I tried to catch some fog, but I mist.
2. 2n+2n is 4n to me.
3. Lady Gaga giggles when you poke her face.
4. The geometer went to the beach and came back a tan gent.
5. Taking attendance is an absent-minded task.
6. Broken pencils are pointless.
7. I lost an electron, I'm positive.
8. When chemists die, we barium.
9. When a clock gets hungry, it goes back four seconds.
10. I was wondering when the sun would rise; then it dawned me.
Under my second free response question: "The entertainment continues! I don't want to offend you, but I feel obligated to include a couple Bible verses that have helped me this past year:
"If our God is for us, who then can be against us?" Romans 8:31
"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Ephesions 5 something. (This is one of my favorites. We all sleep too much.)
"There is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1
God is so good!
Under my third free response question: "Since you are grading an AP Government exam, I assume that you are not as inclined toward the art of mathematics. However, it is my belief that everyone should have the opportunity to be exposed to the beauty of numbers. For this reason, I have provided a comprehensive proof of the law of sines." From here I proceeded to label and diagram and algebraically derive the law of sines, although I didn't have enough time (or wit) to prove that a/sin(a) = 2R. It is to my regret.
Under my fourth response question: "The grading is over! Thank you very much for investing your efforts in making my future better. I am sure that if you have students, they are just as appreciative of your energies. If you are still reading this, I am happy that this exam has fallen into the right hands. I would like to leave you with one last thought, said eloquently by Apostle Paul in Romans 8:38-39.
"I think that nor angels nor rulers, nor heights nor depth, nor anything else in this world, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus the Lord."
That was paraphrased, because I only have 3 minutes left and I don't remember it. It was wonderful writing to you. Adieu.
*end note. So, now, before you accuse me of stealing my test booklet (I mean, how else could I have memorized such long and witty passages?), know that sometimes, when I care, I remember things REALLY WELL. As is the case here. Especially since I wrote it so passionately.
That was my adventure for the day. I also ran 5 miles in this great 80 degree weather, stretched, and did push-ups. I can only hope that the night will treat me well also.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
the WOMAN
Alright. I've calmed down now, and I'm ready to blog.
Running. Recently, I invested in a pair of Nike Pegasus 28+ neutral and cushioning women's running shoes. They're pink, so I'll have to run fast in them as to fend off all douche-watchers. Today, on my semi-weekly 5 mile run, I realized a couple things. I'm getting lots of realizations lately. Too bad I forget them and wouldn't act on them anyway. Curse sloth.
1. I smile a lot when I run. Today, I spent the first 10 minutes of my run with an uncanny smile plastered on my face, because I really liked my new shoes. They bounce. There is then every other runner that I run into, which is quite a lot if you discount the label "runner" and include walkers, bikers, and strollers. I have to smile at these people.... don't want the unfriendly anti-social no-life Asian stereotype coming through. And finally, there is the 50% of the time where I think about the meaning of life and other trivial matters, many of which make me smile because I like people and see my own stupidity.
2. I'm ending a lot of sentences with prepositions. I'm horrible.
3. I'm using "lot" a lot. Still horrible.
4. No wonder I hate running with people. My pace varied between 3 and 9 miles per hour over the trails. I don't blame anyone who would be annoyed by my habits.
5. I miss badminton training. The real kind, not the kind at school. It's been a while since I've really felt the burn in my thighs. I can only run so many miles. Yet I hate interval training so I'll be stuck here another month.
Some other things I've thought about, but not in the outdoors.
1. There really hasn't been THE WOMAN in math yet. Its always those guys who do nothing but math. That's an invigorating shame.
2. I want to learn calculus. Right now. But AoPS and the Khan Academy both offer very little (for free, at least) on their very large problem bases. I think I better focus on contests for now.
3. Maybe I shouldn't have chosen Physics B for next year. The teacher's style of instruction is sleep inducing.
4. I should probably start seriously working out. Running is to keep the excess weight off, but I'm going to need to tone some certain soft areas if I don't want to be mocked in China. I'm too "healthy" in my relatives' eyes for my taste.
Running. Recently, I invested in a pair of Nike Pegasus 28+ neutral and cushioning women's running shoes. They're pink, so I'll have to run fast in them as to fend off all douche-watchers. Today, on my semi-weekly 5 mile run, I realized a couple things. I'm getting lots of realizations lately. Too bad I forget them and wouldn't act on them anyway. Curse sloth.
1. I smile a lot when I run. Today, I spent the first 10 minutes of my run with an uncanny smile plastered on my face, because I really liked my new shoes. They bounce. There is then every other runner that I run into, which is quite a lot if you discount the label "runner" and include walkers, bikers, and strollers. I have to smile at these people.... don't want the unfriendly anti-social no-life Asian stereotype coming through. And finally, there is the 50% of the time where I think about the meaning of life and other trivial matters, many of which make me smile because I like people and see my own stupidity.
2. I'm ending a lot of sentences with prepositions. I'm horrible.
3. I'm using "lot" a lot. Still horrible.
4. No wonder I hate running with people. My pace varied between 3 and 9 miles per hour over the trails. I don't blame anyone who would be annoyed by my habits.
5. I miss badminton training. The real kind, not the kind at school. It's been a while since I've really felt the burn in my thighs. I can only run so many miles. Yet I hate interval training so I'll be stuck here another month.
Some other things I've thought about, but not in the outdoors.
1. There really hasn't been THE WOMAN in math yet. Its always those guys who do nothing but math. That's an invigorating shame.
2. I want to learn calculus. Right now. But AoPS and the Khan Academy both offer very little (for free, at least) on their very large problem bases. I think I better focus on contests for now.
3. Maybe I shouldn't have chosen Physics B for next year. The teacher's style of instruction is sleep inducing.
4. I should probably start seriously working out. Running is to keep the excess weight off, but I'm going to need to tone some certain soft areas if I don't want to be mocked in China. I'm too "healthy" in my relatives' eyes for my taste.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Brown bags of shame
20 years of legacy down the drain. I punched walls.
Actually, as an individual, I did alright... if you count 8th place in state alright. It came with a trophy, if that matters. More importantly, today:
I watched my friend eat ice cream, which I found much more interesting than the two-person contest. No one licks ice cream, but no one bites it either. They all just nudge it around with their lips, which I find rather distasteful, especially the sloppy nudgers. But this one was okay.
I also lost my teacher's calculator with invaluable programs in it. what do.
I love cinnamon sugar bagels!!! Just realized today.
How could I miss that question? I was in the zone. I solved problems that I couldn't have solved the day before. Or the hour before, for that matter. Solve for the slope, it said. Write the answer, 2, it said. Write y=2x+3, my brain said... Rage. Wall punching rage.
My other teacher asked me if I was going to eat lunch, which today, for once, wasn't a concern, because I didn't have much of a choice in this social situation.
Eating meatballs now. Its been chaotic.
Actually, as an individual, I did alright... if you count 8th place in state alright. It came with a trophy, if that matters. More importantly, today:
I watched my friend eat ice cream, which I found much more interesting than the two-person contest. No one licks ice cream, but no one bites it either. They all just nudge it around with their lips, which I find rather distasteful, especially the sloppy nudgers. But this one was okay.
I also lost my teacher's calculator with invaluable programs in it. what do.
I love cinnamon sugar bagels!!! Just realized today.
How could I miss that question? I was in the zone. I solved problems that I couldn't have solved the day before. Or the hour before, for that matter. Solve for the slope, it said. Write the answer, 2, it said. Write y=2x+3, my brain said... Rage. Wall punching rage.
My other teacher asked me if I was going to eat lunch, which today, for once, wasn't a concern, because I didn't have much of a choice in this social situation.
Eating meatballs now. Its been chaotic.
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