Soul Shakedown Party

listen to this while reading the post! It'll set the mood.


My 18th was a success- It was extremely entertaining, exciting, and relaxing towards the end. There were some that said they were going to attend and didn't show up, and also some said that they "might" attend, and actually did show up! What is with that, anyway? Don't just say you're coming just to make me happy- I need a legitimate head count! I didn't even care about gifts either like I used to when I was younger - at this party, I didn't get many gifts, but I just wanted everyone to come and have a good time in all honesty!

The party started around 6:00, and we had been preparing for it..for about a week! It was all day preparations three days before though-crazy nutso mama is what that's the equivalent to! Anyway, Tyler came over at around 11 and helped set up and decorate. We even found our old volleyball net and set that baby up. There were some intense games that night! My friend Carly immediately stepped out after joining in one, because, quoting her, they were "treating it like an intense volleyball tournament- It's JUST a party!!" So funny - it was mostly boys playing, maybe two girls. I love that I have more guy friends than girls though. Less drama!
Not to say that I dislike girls- hell, I love my girlfriends. It's just nice to get that unconditional friendship, with no jealousy and comparisons.

My mom made absolutely delicious food- they were all island themed. Since she was born and raised in the Philippines (probably couldn't tell, but i'm half Filipino), she is quintessentially, a gourmet cook in just about every kind of food, specialty in Asian. She made Lumpia (an eggroll, but so much better), Pansit (Philippine noodles), Macaroni (the kind served at Hawaiian luaus though), shrimp cocktail, mai tais, skewers, ah. Amazing. I'm so glad everyone enjoyed the food too- but honestly, I don't see how anyone can not enjoy her cooking. It's my boyfriends favorite part about coming over, anyway haha.

Aside from the food, our backyard was heavily decorated with Tiki flamed torches and pretty lights. We had lawn chairs out, outdoor dining sets, c'est magnifique! We had an ambience of candles, good scents, and nice island inspired music (or just must that made me think of the ocean and places around it!) such as Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole, Beach Boys, Bob Marley, UB40, and Sublime. I know I could have included many more, but I was trying to collaborate the playlist onto my ipod so quickly that I really didn't have that much time to do otherwise.

I got some great gifts, including a gold Juicy Couture handbag with a matching wallet from my parents, Dolce Vita oxfords from my parents, Kiss tickets..from my parents :), a coach wristlet, The Red Violin dvd, jewelry mannequin stand, giftcards (3 for starbucks!! Saving for college definitely), 2 tops from my sister's boyfriend- so adorable, another handbag by Daisy Fuentes, and various miscellaneous gifts. I will include a post after this perhaps of my gifts- I'll model a few?

The cake was really yummy and beautiful too, complete with a hula dancer on the top that is one of those do-dads that nests on a dashboard- like a bobblehead! Except, this fine little lady's hips moved. That was the exchange for the bobblehead for her-good deal.

Everyone left around close to midnight except Eydn, Tyler, and Scotty. My sister was off to bed quite early and my brother Jason and his best friend Kendall went out on Whiskey Row downtown for a good time. So for about five minutes, Tyler and I rested together on our outdoor hammock underneath a shady tree looking at stars-almost at the point of complete relaxation and sleep until I look over and see my dad walking over to Eydn and Scotty who were at the time cozied up on the couch in the linai. He walked up to them, parted a space between them, and then sat inbetween them. I immediately knew he was drunk and was going to be making a fool out of himself! :)
I left Tyler on the hammock and he followed, and we ventured to where my dad, Eydn and Scotty were. All of us, including my mom who joined shortly after, must've been out there for maybe an hour! It was hilarious- I had never seen both my parents drunk at the same time (let alone my mom really, ever) until last night. It was quite an experience.
My mom was saying such funny things, as my dad too.
Quotes from last night (mostly from my mom)


"You're hampering the flow of the good vibes!"
-My mom, Lynne

"I'm so pregnant- with gas!"
-My mom, Lynne

"I'm going to blow a gasket."
-My mom, Lynne (in reference to passing gas)


My dad didn't really say any one liners, he just kept repeating himself and being absolutely silly- a typical drunk. I have to admit, my parents are probably two of the funniest drunks I have ever had the pleasure of hanging around before.

There comes an end to everything though...but not yet! My parents eventually were burnt out (dad fell asleep outside!), so they went to bed and Scotty, Eydn, me, and eventually Tyler watched Funny People on HBO. I was so so tired by 2:40, obviously, so I went to my bed and Tyler tucked me in. Scotty and Eydn stayed up a little longer, but not by much. I didn't even wake up to say bye to Scotty when he left. Like I said, I was so out, so fast.

It was a great party and a great evening; I couldn't have asked for anything better! Thanks mom & dad , you put on a great one!

Viva la fiesta

Tonight my parents are throwing me a birthday party for my 18th. I hope it's fun...There are some small quirks though; how they want my friend's jazz combo to play, even though it is a hawaiian luau themed party. And I decorated the whole back yard and linai, and then my mom changed everything that I did. So that kindof upset me.
I'm thinking tonight will be fun though- my grad party sure was.
I'll post pictures up tomorrow of the party.

Wish it a success!
xoxx

Game Night

This morning was pretty dull; I had a dentist appointment then met Tyler at the local downtown pizza place (best pizza - and my favorite!). My teeth still feel raw.
I had to meet with my future voice teacher to work out a schedule... she was kind of a scatterbrain, but a complete doll. Already adore her!
I left my house around nine for game night at my best friend Eydn's boyfriend, Scotty's house (I like to call him Scotland). It was so fun!
It was just Scotty, Eydn, Tyler and me, playing Apples to Apples (such a fun game. Turned out hilarious..) and Barbie Uno-basically the same thing as Uno, just with girl colors haha.

I get home, and both my parents are awake watching tv and startle me as I walk in. It's completely dark, with only the minute light from the tv. My mom then asks, "what's up with all these late night outings?"
Come on, mother. I just got my curfew extended 3 days ago. Let me live a little!!!!
Then, she continued to say, "I don't want you using any of the cars." I say, "Alright that's fine, I'll just use mine." (because I borrowed my mom's car, literally have only 8 miles of gas in my car and didn't want to stop at a gas station at 9 pm haha.)
Apparently, I can't even do that. I can't use a car that was given to me that I barely drive over summer anyway. I have a brother that is almost 25 that just started paying for his own gas, a sister at age 20 who still doesn't pay for anything on her own, and me, newly 18, and they are trying to tell me that I need to pay for my own gas, and that I should use my own money. I would honestly have no problem doing that. I wish, so badly that I was independent, and wasn't completely 100% blackmailed by them for everything. It's like no matter what I do, they will find a way to hold something against me.
Isn't it supposed to be that the youngest one gets let off easy?

I feel like a bird with clipped wings.

xoxx

Exchange for the better?

For my 18th birthday, Tyler got me beautiful Tiffany earrings.


I liked them, and I was thanking him up and down.
Apparently, he liked another pair better, but bought these because my best friend told him to. So he showed me the other pair, and I liked them better too. lol.


Is it wrong that he's returning them now to exchange for those? My whole family keeps telling me there is nothing wrong with that, and I've almost come to terms with that fact, but there is always a lingering feeling that it might not just be 100% right.
I even told Tyler that what ever he bought me, I'll keep. Just because, it's the thought that counts. But he's the most stubborn person I know. So he took them anyway and that's all I know. haha

xox

Stage Fright

I have had to deal with this sort of thing since my freshman year of high school. I remember when I first made the Varsity Pom line at my school, and I was so nervous to dance in front of the whole school. Towards my sophomore year, it didn't bug me anymore. Is it because I just kept performing repetitively? I have no problem getting up in front of people and dancing- and I sell it, too. How can that be, that I am frigid and shaky when I have to play even a simple etude for my violin teacher or even a piece for an audience, but then I can go out on a stage and dance away?
I never used to be scared to play violin in front of others, nor get nervous. Since my freshman year though, it changed. Now, I can even mess up on a simple scale in front of others. It is so irritable to me, because I will practice so much, and work hard. Then, I get to my violin lesson, and it is as if I am playing the etude for my teacher like it's the first time I'm looking at it. It is so annoying!! I can't get over it. I practiced for almost about three hours today, mostly on my etude, not much on the piece. I got to my lesson, and immediately began to mess up after the SECOND measure! I then harbor these feelings, thinking, "maybe this is a sign that the music world isn't for me-it's not going to get any better."
Is it?
I play the pieces and etudes I am required to practice each week almost flawless by the time I have to go to my lesson. I play the best when I'm not performing for someone, or for my teacher.
I wish it was different... I wish I could just- be one of those people who has no problem playing for people, and likes to. Almost as if it's showing off. But, I'm not like that, and I sort of wish I were. I mean, it's not like I haven't been playing violin for 14 years of my life. You'd think I wouldn't get stage fright.

Dear God, whatever god people believe in. Who ever is listening up and out there:
Wash this horrible 'curse' away from me. It's hindering and delaying my progression in music.

Thanks.
xoxx

Eighteen

Today was my 18th birthday. Happy Birthday to me...
I decided to get my nose pierced, and it was seriously, one of the worst pains I have ever felt in my life! I'm not even sure this piercing is worth it!
Anyway, I have been having sick thoughts about it, ever since my violin teacher told me I will always have a little hole there, for the rest of my life.
I thought it would just disappear once I took it out and left it out. I don't want a hole there forever!!!!
Anyway, my sister and my best friend Eydn went with me to The Shop, and they were even almost crying watching me get it. I almost passed out..
I got great gifts- two beautiful rings, a backpack, new purse, printer, college stuff.
I'm so thankful I am surrounded by such giving family members and friends.
I'm not quite sure what to do about this piercing; all I think of is me at 50 years old, and I'll still have a faint hole.
The horror. Perhaps an infomercial would have been a safer option.

Xoxx

Iron Maiden/Dream Theater

Wow..what a concert that was!
My dad bought him and me pit seats, which is right in the front- best concert experience of my life...no exaggeration.
Dream theater opened for Maiden, and their drummer, Mike Portnoy, kindof reminded me of my junior year history teacher. What an excellent guy.
After they played, they were throwing sticks and guitar picks- I didn't catch any :/
It took about 20 minutes for setup, and then the pit began getting a little stuffier- more people arrived and I was just being squeezed. You'd think that alot of guys at heavy metal concerts would be jack a's, or just not courteous at all. What a wrong stereotype- every guy close enough around me was basically like my own personally body guard! The main guy, maybe in his late forties, was about 6'8", and he didn't let anyone get passed me (people kept pushing me to get in front of me-so annoying!) With his assistance, no one succeeded in doing so. When the mosh pit started, i got pushed several times, even almost falling over; but again my body guards came in rescue and nothing happened to me. Where ever they are, I thank them so much. Who knows what would have happened to me if it weren't for them.
There was some cheesy touches, such as the big monster dude that came out..how weird he was. The whole band seemed to really embrace their character, so I applaud them for doing so. When they were done, they too threw out a bunch of rock goodies to the crowd; picks, drumsticks, drum heads, all that stuff.
Also, thank you to my dad for, out of all three of his kids, he takes me to such an unforgettable experience. It was a great daddy/daughter bonding before I head off to college in a few months.

I always wondered what a world-renowned band must feel like on tour and in concerts: here they go; city to city, country to country. They have a sold out concert at each city, with screaming fans wearing their band's tee shirts. They're singing their songs, and the crowd is singing along. Can you imagine what it must feel like...That band started somewhere, somewhere small. And now, they're touring the world and having the time of their lives, soaking up every moment- moments they once had during the 80's that they are reliving again, just as good.
I can't imagine what that must feel like. The success. The fun. How badass they must feel.

Everyone at some point in their life, must go to a heavy metal rock concert.

Smile

Smile. It's what I've entitled this because I'm listening to Lily Allen's "Smile". I had an absolutely wonderful day.
I've been super lethargic since yesterday early morning, like in no mood to do anything. I watched both Toy Story & Toy Story 2, so I am ready for the premiere friday! All of us have been waiting 11 years! The first story was made in 1995-about fifteen years ago. It's strange to think there are people at my high school that were born that year. So weird. After the two Pixar hits, I decided to continue my Disney frenzy by viewing "The Aristocats" (all provided by Youtube!).
Eydn came over today and we did nothing. I love that I have a best friend that I don't have to entertain or do something "productive" with. This can be pretty typical for us: she comes over, I stay on facebook or anything on the computer, and she will sit on my bed and read a book, or visa versa. We are just at the point of being so comfortable around each other that we don't have to be pleasing the other person with a constant entertainment. We can just...chill. Well, I guess after being best friends for about 10 or 11 years would get you to that point. :)
I've been pretty run down as I said earlier, so I think my spirits will definitely be revived when I have to go to my violin lesson that I haven't had since 2 weeks ago. I'm actually really excited!
I realized today that my 18th birthday is in a week. Eydn and I are getting Juicy Couture friendship bracelets, and I'm getting my nose pierced. I'm actually not sure what I'll be getting from my parents; I have nothing to ask- I basically got everything I wanted from them at graduation! A new bike, laptop... Gotta love parents. Even if they are completely old fashioned, close minded and strict. Haha.
Sweet Dreams.
Xoxx

My Childhood Idols....

Happy Birthday Marykate & Ashley Olsen.
You provided me with years of the best movies (I owned or have watched every movie known to the human race starring the Olsen twins)...the best tv shows, and were really, my idols.
Happy birthday to them!



images by google

All Nighter..Almost

Last night, I pulled practically an all nighter. I was hanging out with friends, and I had to watch over one of them. Most of us know how that goes....Anyway, I stayed up till about 5:30 and began to doze off in a small lounge chair until I received some messages from Tyler that I had been waiting and anticipating since the night before. He had just woken up, and it was just good to be able to tell him everything that occured that night.
Turns out he was driving back home from Phoenix with his dad to pick up his younger brother Kyle, because he didn't want to drive the long distance. Understandable. So, my night last night was full of fun, craziness, and pictures, but it eventually came to an end. I left my friend Cheyenne's house (who took good care of me, plentiful food & all!) in the early morning and ventured back home. Minutes later, Tyler showed up to say hi to me for a little bit before he had to drive back down to Phoenix to finish up their family reunion. It was really good to see him after almost a week.
Speaking of that and wonderful things, I am going to Hawaii towards the end of the summer..around late July.

What a beautiful day.
Xoxx

It's Really a Lost Cause.

If I were to honestly try to update my entire last 7 months, I'm not sure how long it would take! I could try to do the important things that happened each month though..
January: I came back from London, and began working on my audition for Herberger School at Arizona State. Accepted.
February: I performed a solos with both our city's Pops Symphony and Sring Chamber Orchestra- it was such an experience!! I also participated in the region's regional orchestra and did rather well.
March: I auditioned & made Arizona's all-state orchestra..surprisingly!
April: Attended my senior prom with my boyfriend of a year at that point. ♥ I also since January to this point had been rehearsing for our school's spring musical, "Jesus Christ Superstar". It was great to be back on stage- I used to be in plays all the time before I joined the dance team in high school.
May: Went to Disneyland with the high school orchestra, had annual dance recital, and GRADUATED!!

In perspective, I couldn't be happier how my academic year turned out. I keep a red book of "to do's". It has various lists of what I want to accomplish, and in different categories (is that weird???!). Most of them were accomplished for my senior year. :)

London Pictures

I found out the problem.
Here they are...

One of many updates for 7 months: London

I'm not going to even try to begin to update my last seven months without blogging. I could do a short rundown, but warning: it will be an EXTREME short rundown of my past seven months!
This will be the start of my updates- London.
I actually did try doing an update while waiting in the airport, but it didn't work. London was so fun, and to be there with all my friends made it even better. The cuisine wasn't much for words though, for the sole reason only because since we were in a big group, we ate basically mass production kitchen food. It was sort of like better cafeteria food-still pretty bad though. My family had a wonderful time as well; they had their own itinerary and I actually wish I could have been a part of it at times.
Our chaperones and our group of 9 was probably the best as well- we all got along, and I think all of us except one were some of the seniors in the band. We basically did all the touristy things to do in London and found out many facts about the old city of London. We definitely had the best chaperones as well- they really let us do anything we wanted to. "Meet back at Tracadero at 10:30!" haha. We loved it!
The sole purpose of the band going to London was to march in the New Year's Day parade, and that took so long! I remember there were times when we'd be in a single spot for more than 20 minutes, no movement. It was definitely a trip I'll never forget, and it really was a blast for the most part.
Perhaps when my computer allows me to post pictures, I will soon.