1 day ago
Monday, November 23, 2009
fruit trees
When I buy a house of my very own I want to grow different fruit trees in my backyard. It will look like a medley of fruit everyday, my whole backyard will be full of fruit, the walkway will be flooded with fruits, vines of fruit, fruits raining down from trees. Orange trees, persimmon trees, Mango trees, lemon and lime trees, apple trees... Yeah, that's what my backyard will look like. Whenever I have a guest over I will send them off with a fruit basket.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Justice
Justice @ Hard was an experience i will never forget, their music speaks to me. The heavy beats and unusual, eclectic sounds they produce keeps me hypnotized and craving more. Thank you for being remarkable musicians and being incomparable to anyone or anything I know. You both have showed me that music is boundless and can speak to a humans soul. I love you.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
final examination
I am sitting at my kitchen table finishing up my English Philosophy final and as I read back on my partake of philosophy this one sentence struck me harder than I imagined!
To be distinct is not the answer, it is to be imaginative.
I have been inspired by a blog spot, Color Me Katie which I was introduced to by my dearest friend Liz. This sentence reminded me of this blog. It is so inspiring and it spreads happiness in a quirky way.
Her blog always brings a smile to my face and optimistic, colorful thoughts to my mind.
To be distinct is not the answer, it is to be imaginative.
I have been inspired by a blog spot, Color Me Katie which I was introduced to by my dearest friend Liz. This sentence reminded me of this blog. It is so inspiring and it spreads happiness in a quirky way.
Her blog always brings a smile to my face and optimistic, colorful thoughts to my mind.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Crumpled Piece Of Paper With Rambling Thoughts
So this is what I compiled up for myself to understand what I reflected on this past spop year. I did not get to fully comprehend everything I wanted to say at closing so I just really needed a place to just let me feelings out in the open, especially for a program I close so dear to my heart. All my notes were just thoughts I had and is my own opinion on reflecting on things this year. I am not writing these notes to tell someone to follow what I believe. It is to see maybe a different perspective or elaborate on the same. Either way, this is me and my notes together on a crumpled notebook paper.
SPOP closing:
- Expecting the unexpected.
I truly disliked everytime someone would say this to me. I never understood it and i still dont to be frankly honest. I would change the wording around and say dont expect the unexpected, dont expect anything at all, live in the moments. When staffers come in as a returner or even a first year, the stigmas and rumors of what SPOP entails, such as families, spoptics, etc, pretty much how it went for THEIR year just hinders our focus to why the program is here in the first place. If you think about it, it is so hard to find 140 volunteers to give up their WHOLE summer for a program that can seem excruciating from the outside. Thats why SPOP is so rare. I hate for it to be seen as just a place to make connections and increase the number of friends on your facebook.. Sad, but true in many cases. There should be one purpose and one purpose only when applying for staff, especially as a returner. Check yourself on that reason before even applying, for the better of the program and the freshmen of future generations.
o The mentality applying to staff should be to staff your hearts out. SPOP is to help incoming freshmen, give back to UCI that should be it. I know a lot of you came in knowing what the job of being a staffer was about, but really putting your mind focused that, that is the main goal and nothing else.
o BUT what makes this program more than it is from the outside is because of what we don’t come in expecting. Don’t expect to make 130 new friendships; don’t expect to get personal growth from it. But the idea of it is that it will be given to you because THAT is the beauty of this program. Just living in the moment and all having the same purpose that already bring people to a commonality to embrace together. PASSION. It is what we do not expect that creates this growth within us, and strong friendships. It is inevitable through human interaction we receive these gifts in return.
o It isn’t a self-help program. However, if there such thing as a selfless deed?
It isn’t that it isn’t possible, it’s the idea that a selfless deed is never thinking about a reward of any sort. It’s the intent AND the action that defines what a selfless deed really is. Coming into staff KNOWING that it’s about more than just a leadership opportunity or advising incoming freshmen that’s where the selfless deed becomes selfish.
o Don’t expect the unexpected rather be pleasantly surprised and live in the moment. Don’t try and figure things out, let the program unravel on its own, that time when you reflect on this summer, that’s when you know what the program truly did for you, that surprising personal growth without the program really doing anything. Expect nothing.
- Intent vs. action
o Knowing your intent is good doesn’t do squat. It is the action you portray having that “right” or “good” intention, that is what this program is about. Even if you think that to you it is good for the program, think about it in an outside perspective rather than just your own. I consider this with everything in my life. Even though someone tells me they did it with intentions to making people laugh, the fact that they did it over my expense, putting me on blast, does that seem like a right thing to do? (just an example by the way..) To me intent falls in the same category as respect. Yes, the intent of your action may be different, but respect those that may be affected by it. This is so crucial in SPOP. R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
- Why even apply to be a returner?
o To me, being a returner is def. putting you in the backseat. That passion and drive the first time you staffed a hall that has to still be in you coming in knowing the routine of what SPOP entails.
o The reason why I applied for returner is because I wanted to be there for the first year staffers as much as I did for the freshmen. The amount of responsibility a returner can have is dangerous and learning from my sparents mistakes I knew I had to do something. I couldn’t have this program let in people that treat it like it’s a program to just socialize and make yourself feel better or look good. Don't get me wrong, my sparents brought the fun side of SPOP, but to be honest, thats it.
o Have confidence that you can do it, don’t do it and just apply to see what happens, that just defeats the idea that you’re coming in for that main goal, it hinders it and makes the focus on only you. To have that confidence NOT cockiness beforehand, that’s what makes a returner capable to lead by example and be respected.
o This program deserves more than a half-fast job, so if you have more than enough doubt that the dedication may not be there, give another person a chance that does have it. Wait it out, when your ready, you’ll know.
-JamieLee, Gold & Royal Year Staffer.
Looking through my Gold and Royal tinted glasses, all I see are beautiful memories and positive vibes..
SPOP closing:
- Expecting the unexpected.
I truly disliked everytime someone would say this to me. I never understood it and i still dont to be frankly honest. I would change the wording around and say dont expect the unexpected, dont expect anything at all, live in the moments. When staffers come in as a returner or even a first year, the stigmas and rumors of what SPOP entails, such as families, spoptics, etc, pretty much how it went for THEIR year just hinders our focus to why the program is here in the first place. If you think about it, it is so hard to find 140 volunteers to give up their WHOLE summer for a program that can seem excruciating from the outside. Thats why SPOP is so rare. I hate for it to be seen as just a place to make connections and increase the number of friends on your facebook.. Sad, but true in many cases. There should be one purpose and one purpose only when applying for staff, especially as a returner. Check yourself on that reason before even applying, for the better of the program and the freshmen of future generations.
o The mentality applying to staff should be to staff your hearts out. SPOP is to help incoming freshmen, give back to UCI that should be it. I know a lot of you came in knowing what the job of being a staffer was about, but really putting your mind focused that, that is the main goal and nothing else.
o BUT what makes this program more than it is from the outside is because of what we don’t come in expecting. Don’t expect to make 130 new friendships; don’t expect to get personal growth from it. But the idea of it is that it will be given to you because THAT is the beauty of this program. Just living in the moment and all having the same purpose that already bring people to a commonality to embrace together. PASSION. It is what we do not expect that creates this growth within us, and strong friendships. It is inevitable through human interaction we receive these gifts in return.
o It isn’t a self-help program. However, if there such thing as a selfless deed?
It isn’t that it isn’t possible, it’s the idea that a selfless deed is never thinking about a reward of any sort. It’s the intent AND the action that defines what a selfless deed really is. Coming into staff KNOWING that it’s about more than just a leadership opportunity or advising incoming freshmen that’s where the selfless deed becomes selfish.
o Don’t expect the unexpected rather be pleasantly surprised and live in the moment. Don’t try and figure things out, let the program unravel on its own, that time when you reflect on this summer, that’s when you know what the program truly did for you, that surprising personal growth without the program really doing anything. Expect nothing.
- Intent vs. action
o Knowing your intent is good doesn’t do squat. It is the action you portray having that “right” or “good” intention, that is what this program is about. Even if you think that to you it is good for the program, think about it in an outside perspective rather than just your own. I consider this with everything in my life. Even though someone tells me they did it with intentions to making people laugh, the fact that they did it over my expense, putting me on blast, does that seem like a right thing to do? (just an example by the way..) To me intent falls in the same category as respect. Yes, the intent of your action may be different, but respect those that may be affected by it. This is so crucial in SPOP. R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
- Why even apply to be a returner?
o To me, being a returner is def. putting you in the backseat. That passion and drive the first time you staffed a hall that has to still be in you coming in knowing the routine of what SPOP entails.
o The reason why I applied for returner is because I wanted to be there for the first year staffers as much as I did for the freshmen. The amount of responsibility a returner can have is dangerous and learning from my sparents mistakes I knew I had to do something. I couldn’t have this program let in people that treat it like it’s a program to just socialize and make yourself feel better or look good. Don't get me wrong, my sparents brought the fun side of SPOP, but to be honest, thats it.
o Have confidence that you can do it, don’t do it and just apply to see what happens, that just defeats the idea that you’re coming in for that main goal, it hinders it and makes the focus on only you. To have that confidence NOT cockiness beforehand, that’s what makes a returner capable to lead by example and be respected.
o This program deserves more than a half-fast job, so if you have more than enough doubt that the dedication may not be there, give another person a chance that does have it. Wait it out, when your ready, you’ll know.
-JamieLee, Gold & Royal Year Staffer.
Looking through my Gold and Royal tinted glasses, all I see are beautiful memories and positive vibes..
Thursday, August 6, 2009
life's most anticipated rollercoaster ride
As I ponder on what to write about, I can compare my life to a day at an amusement park. The anticipation as I arrive to this place of funnel cakes, children whining and unbelievably long lines. I have been feeling as if the line to the one ride I have been waiting to experience has been going on forever. It is framed with loops, twirls and screaming, entertained bodies of all ages.
As I start to creep up to the front of the line, this feeling of nervousness travels throughout my body as I step back and really examine at how high and fast it really is up close. As I wait to ride the roller coaster it allowed me to patiently re-evaluate my life with mindful thoughts. I finally get strapped in, the roller coaster takes off and pumps my adrenaline as it pushes itself to the top. As it reaches to the very top and I take that last calming breath realizing that I am in for one extreme ride. Finally the coaster comes to a smooth stop and everyone is released from the death grip of the harness. I run down to see the memorable yet embarrassing photo of myself the coaster took of me.
This time of reflection when I see that picture taken of myself at the climax of the ride, whether it be me screaming my lungs out or shaken with fear, that picture to reflect the ride I just went on is definitely worth more than a thousand words.
-intent vs. action.
-what being surrounded by good company actually feels like.
-how a great conversation can impact my life in more ways than I have ever imagined.
-balancing my life with everything that matters.
-pondering about the future and where I would like to head.
There have been so much evaluating going on in my life right now, to be honest I havent been able to enjoy alot of my summer as much as I wanted to. But I really needed this time to just sit back and reflect on everything. In the past I have always been this person that never thought about anything and acted without thinking twice about it. This year for the first time in my life, everything I have been doing I have been evaluating and reflecting on what and why I did whatever it was.
Being a returner on staff was what struck me to re-evaluate my values, beliefs, and leadership skills in such depth and I cannot begin to explain how much I have learned about myself because of this position. I cannot thank this program enough for allowing me to be surrounded by people I learn from every SPOP.
I still need time maybe until after closing to really write a conclusion, actually a reflection blog about what SPOP has truly done for me and what it means to me. For now, this roller coaster ride I have been waiting for just came to an end and now I am in line for the next exhilarating ride.
what a ride it was, truly unforgettable.
As I start to creep up to the front of the line, this feeling of nervousness travels throughout my body as I step back and really examine at how high and fast it really is up close. As I wait to ride the roller coaster it allowed me to patiently re-evaluate my life with mindful thoughts. I finally get strapped in, the roller coaster takes off and pumps my adrenaline as it pushes itself to the top. As it reaches to the very top and I take that last calming breath realizing that I am in for one extreme ride. Finally the coaster comes to a smooth stop and everyone is released from the death grip of the harness. I run down to see the memorable yet embarrassing photo of myself the coaster took of me.
This time of reflection when I see that picture taken of myself at the climax of the ride, whether it be me screaming my lungs out or shaken with fear, that picture to reflect the ride I just went on is definitely worth more than a thousand words.
-intent vs. action.
-what being surrounded by good company actually feels like.
-how a great conversation can impact my life in more ways than I have ever imagined.
-balancing my life with everything that matters.
-pondering about the future and where I would like to head.
There have been so much evaluating going on in my life right now, to be honest I havent been able to enjoy alot of my summer as much as I wanted to. But I really needed this time to just sit back and reflect on everything. In the past I have always been this person that never thought about anything and acted without thinking twice about it. This year for the first time in my life, everything I have been doing I have been evaluating and reflecting on what and why I did whatever it was.
Being a returner on staff was what struck me to re-evaluate my values, beliefs, and leadership skills in such depth and I cannot begin to explain how much I have learned about myself because of this position. I cannot thank this program enough for allowing me to be surrounded by people I learn from every SPOP.
I still need time maybe until after closing to really write a conclusion, actually a reflection blog about what SPOP has truly done for me and what it means to me. For now, this roller coaster ride I have been waiting for just came to an end and now I am in line for the next exhilarating ride.
what a ride it was, truly unforgettable.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
SPOP 1
I remember exactly how I felt my first SPOP I had to staff last year.
anticipation, excitement, nerves, the whole nine yards.
I was so anxious for the day to come I never got a beauty rest before it.
This time, I will make sure I do. haha
ROYAL YEAR.
a new year,
unique. TALENTED. independent. dedicated. passionate.
These are the words that first come to mind when I think of this years staff.
All the staffers I have come to learn more about and converse with helps me better understand how fortunate we all are to be in each others presence.
I cannot wait until tomorrow when we finally get to prove ourselves in being the best staffers we can. We will motivate, challenge, and encourage each spopper that we encounter and they seriously have no idea. Some of us still have no idea.
damn. the time has come, what ROYALS have all been waiting for.
Lets do the damn thing and make this summer remarkable.
Leave the baggage behind and get ready to be a mentor, inspiration, and friend to these new college students.
ROYAL REVEALING.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFfDoj9yHgE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFd96mhhZQA
anticipation, excitement, nerves, the whole nine yards.
I was so anxious for the day to come I never got a beauty rest before it.
This time, I will make sure I do. haha
ROYAL YEAR.
a new year,
unique. TALENTED. independent. dedicated. passionate.
These are the words that first come to mind when I think of this years staff.
All the staffers I have come to learn more about and converse with helps me better understand how fortunate we all are to be in each others presence.
I cannot wait until tomorrow when we finally get to prove ourselves in being the best staffers we can. We will motivate, challenge, and encourage each spopper that we encounter and they seriously have no idea. Some of us still have no idea.
damn. the time has come, what ROYALS have all been waiting for.
Lets do the damn thing and make this summer remarkable.
Leave the baggage behind and get ready to be a mentor, inspiration, and friend to these new college students.
ROYAL REVEALING.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFfDoj9yHgE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFd96mhhZQA
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