setting: In the car with my mom today
background: My mom is telling me how people find their soulmates in college. If they don't find someone in college, then they're doomed to be single. (she's ridiculous, by the way)
mom: so you have to find a really nice boy in college okay? not in england though. not the english boys. find an american boy. a nice american boy. maybe his parents will be english.
me: mother...
mom: but yeah, find a nice boy okay?
me: how about i find a nice girl?
mom: WHAT? no no don't do that. you have two options, marry a nice boy, or marry Kathleen.

Apparently Kathleen is no longer a girl...

There is no voice in this world like that of Danny Jones.

What was I just about to discover?
When I got too close for comfort
Driving you home
Guess I'll never know

Andy took this picture of Kathleen and me while we were sharing a milkshake.




Hehe it was so funny. we'd both be drinking, and our faces were REALLY close to one another, so we'd stare at each other and our eyes would be like.. RIGHT THERE. I found it hilarious. Kathleen found it extremely uncomfortable, germaphobic prude she is. :D

I LOVE HER!

We look towards Numenor that was, and beyond to Elvenhome that is, and to that which is beyond Elvenhome and will ever be.

This is long, but I really can't help myself.

"For myself," said Faramir, "I would see the White Tree in flower again in the courts of the kings, and the Silver Crown return, and Minas Tirith in peace: Minas Anor again as of old, full of light, high and fair, beautiful as a queen among other queens: not a mistress of many slaves, nay, not even a kind mistress of willing slaves. War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend: the city of the Men of Numenor; and I would have her loved for her memory, her ancientry, her beauty, and her present wisdom. Not feared, save as men may fear the dignity of a man, old and wise."

How I love him.

Dreamlike it was, and yet no dream, for there was no waking.

-Faramir, "The Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers"

EDIT:

ANDY IS NOT A PIG.

ANDY IS THE MOST LOVABLE, BEAUTIFUL, HANDSOME, INTELLIGENT, KIND, GENEROUS, ALL-MIGHTY, MELODIOUS, erm.. OTHER POSITIVE ADJECTIVES PERSON EVER!!!!!

All for the Grimmerie. :P

Andy is a pig.
:D
Today Andy, Kathleen, and I met at Borders, where we sat in the cafe (or rather, they sat and I kneeled in EXTREME PAIN) and chatted. I then bought the "Lord of the Rings Portraits" Calendar which was on sale for $4. IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! OMG!!!! Now I just need to hang it somewhere discreet that my dad won't kill me for. :)
We then walked to In-N-Out, where Kathleen and I slurped milkshakes and watched Andy PIG OUT. So he had... a soda, 1.5 milkshakes, a cheeseburger (with onions ew), animal style fries, and regular fries. OY.

THE GRIMMERIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Andy let me borrow it.. indefinitely. :D
(Andy, you'll never see it again)

So the day is good: the Grimmerie AND the Lord of the Rings Calendar.

Can I not be Asian? Just for a day? PLEASE. Can't I just be like... not nerdy Asian Troy student?

Bio is killing me...

I WANNA SEE THE DERBY!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

HAVE A HEART MATTHEW DORR!!!!!!!!!!!

I'D TAKE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not like Matthew even read this, but STILL!!!!!!

HAVE PITY ON A POOR, DEPRIVED LIVERPUDLIAN!!!!!!!

After school today was a game of waiting and patience. BUT NOT FOR GODOT!
I waited FOREVER for Kathleen to GET HER BUTT OUT OF BIO. Played "lotion football" with Matthew, which consisted of kicking around a used bottle of lotion pretending it's a football.
I. Can't. Kick. Okay. I KNOW.

And then the bus left, and Kathleen STILL wasn't done, so I sat by myself on the freakin break bench for a while, talking to Yogin on the phone.
When Robin and Kathleen BOTH finally came, we drove out to Chipotle so Robin could get food (I got a frapp). Then, we drove to Steve's house, which was an adventure in itself I can tell you, as Calvin can't give directions. When we FINALLY got there, after many U-turns in Kathleen's GIGANTIC vehicle, they weren't there. Robin told us to just leave and she was going to wait there for 30 minutes, but of course, with Kathleen being the responsible individual she is, she refused to just leave Robin there.
So we were stuck in Brea for 30 minutes with nothing to do.
Elaine is never one to be bored.
So what do I do?
I called Shayne and demanded directions to his house. I don't think he actually expected me to turn up at his door... But, in any case, I did. :D
I apologize for the inconvenience Shayne, I really do, and I hope you will someday forgive me. I just couldn't resist mate.
So after traumatizing Shayne thoroughly (and creating a fanciful tale about a tornado), we went back and dropped Robin off, as Calvin and Steve were FINALLY BACK.

Now commences the Tale of the Tornado.
Elaine: Well, now when I'm stranded at Birch Street, I'll just come over here. (Shayne's house)
Shayne: Oh joy...
Elaine: HEY! If you're ever stranded in Chino Hills, you can come to my house!
Shayne: Thanks, but I don't think I'll be heading over to Chino Hills any time soon.
Elaine: HEY YOU NEVER KNOW! MAYBE THERE'LL BE A TORNADO AND IT'LL SWEEP YOUR HOUSE INTO IT AND MAKE IT LAND IN THE MIDDLE OF CHINO HILLS! AND THEN YOU'LL COME CRYING TO MY HOUSE!
Shayne: Um... yeah.. I'm sure. *pushes his glasses up with his middle finger as he always does*
Elaine: HEY! IT'LL HAPPEN! Do you have a dog?
Shayne: Yes, but it's not a terrier.
Elaine: what is it?
Shayne: a bulldog.
Elaine: NAMED JACK! RIGHT?!
Shayne: Yes..
Elaine: WELL TOO BAD. NAME IT TOTO.
Shayne: Okay...
Elaine: OOO WE NEED TO GET YOU RUBY SLIPPERS!!!! *falls over laughing for the next minute while Shayne stares incredulously*

WHEE!! I AM CREATIVE!
CAN I BE ELPHABA?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHLEEN!!!!!!!

18.
wow.
Is this possible? I can't wrap my mind around it. Kathleen, officially an "ADULT". I can't even begin to put into words how strange that is to me. Kathleen. It's Kathleen. She's.. I don't know... it's all so wrong.

People growing up... people changing..
people going to college.. I wonder who will be the first of my friends to get married. haha I'm betting on Kristina. :D

Such a strange thing life is. Change is. For the Elves the world does not change. I love Tolkien for that. The two fates of the Children of Iluvatar. the juxtaposition, the brevity of Man, his rises and falls, his life flickering like a candle in the wind.
Yet for the Elves the world is moves both quickly and slowly. Quickly for generations of Man drift quickly by, but slowly for they do not mark its passing.

Okay, okay. So I can't write about Tolkien anymore. This is quite saddening. I used to be able to spout that stuff like the Anduin flows.

Well, IB Oral went fairly well today. Shayne wasn't there, which was highly depressing, and I stammered at a couple of occasions, but overall, it went fairly well, I suppose.

But anyway.
MUST PRIORITIZE!!!!!! FINALS!!!!!!!!!!

Work to be done:
-creative assignment for Godot
-article
-journals
-bio extra credit
-bio online quiz
-bio study guide

GAH SO MUCH BIO

PRIORITIZING THE STUDYING. MUST BE DONE IN THIS ORDER ELAINE. I DON'T CARE IF YOU LOVE HISTORY AND HATE BIOLOGY!!!!
ORDER (prioritized by class order and grades)
1. BIOLOGY
2. Calculus
BIOLOGY
3. Spanish
BIOLOGY
4. Business (just because the test is Monday)
BIOLOGY
5. Oracle (YES WE ACTUALLY HAVE A FINAL. GAH)
BIOLOGY
6. AP US

OKAY. BIO. STUDY BIO. STUDY BIO. JUST THINK ABOUT IT ELAINE. STRAIGHT ASSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!

The plural of SPOUSE is now SPICE. :D

O the beauty of Lorien is of no end...

It seemed to him that he had stepped through a high window that looked on a vanished world. A light was upon it for which his language had no name. All that he saw was shapely, but the shapes seemed at once clear cut, as if they had been first conceived and drawn at the uncovering of his eyes, and ancient as if they had endured for ever. He saw no colour but those he knew, gold and white and blue and green, but they were fresh and poignant, as if he had at that moment first perceived them and made for them names new and wonderful. In winter here no heart could mourn for summer or for spring. No blemish or sickness or deformity could be seen in anything that grew upon the earth. On the land of Lorien there was no stain.

Frodo felt that he was in a timeless land that did not fade or change or fall into forgetfulness.

It seemed to him that he had stepped over a bridge of time into a corner of the Elder Days, and was now walking in a world that was no more.
In Rivendell there was a memory of ancient things; in Lorien the ancient things still lived on in the waking world.
Evil had been seen and heard there, sorrow had been known; the Elves feared and distrusted the world outside: wolves were howling on the wood's borders: but on the land of Lorien no shadow lay.

"Sam is an excellent fellow, and would jump down a dragon's throat to save you, if he did not trip over his own feet."
-Peregrin Took

haha I found two passage to epitomize two characters

"I want to think!"
"Good heavens!" said Pippin. "At breakfast?"

:D

"It is going to be very dangerous, Sam. It is already dangerous. Most likely neither of us wil come back."
"If you don't come back, sir, then I shan't, that's certain," said Sam. "Don't you leave him! they said to me. Leave him! I said. I never mean to. I am going with him, if he climbs to the Moon, and if any of those Black Riders try to stop him, they'll have Sam Gamgee to reckon with, I said. They laughed."

They bore no lights, yet as they walked a shimmer, like the light of the moon above the rim of the hills before it rises, seemed to fall about their feet.

"Touched with gold and red the autumn trees seemed to be sailing rootless in a shadowy sea."

That is but ONE example of why I worship Tolkien.

"The night was clear, cool, and starry, but smoke-like wisps of mist were creeping up the hill-sides from the streams and deep meadows. Thin-clad birches, swaying in a light wind below their heads, made a black net against the pale sky."

And for those of you who really don't care about the beautiful descriptions (YOGIN)

"You'll live to regret it, young fellow! Why didn't you go too? You don't belong here; you're no Baggins -- you -- you're a Brandybuck!"
"Did you hear that Merry? That was an insult, if you like," said Frodo as he shut the door on her.
"It was a compliment," said Merry Brandybuck, "and so, of course, not true."

heheh that made me laugh. :D

AND SHAYNE!!!! I FOUND IT! I called you twice but you weren't there! BUT I FOUND IT!!!!

"I cannot," said Merry. "I have never seen them. I have never been out of my own land before. And if I had known what the world outside was like, I don't think I should have had the heart to leave it."
"Not even to see fair Lothlorien?" said Haldir. "The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater."

IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AND
TAKE THAT MODERNISM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND POST-MODERNISM!!!!! AND ABSURDISM!!!!!!!
GO BACK TO THE SHADOW!!!!!!!

SHAYNE! THAT IS GOING INTO OUR ESSAYS!!!!!1

Yes, it is true. I HAVE started reading the Lord of the Rings, once again. I'd almost forgotten just how truly beautiful it is. John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. O that "God" of a man. That ray of hope amidst the abyss of absurdist darkness. That beacon of sweet untainted light amidst the void of the modern. And amongst them all, it grows perhaps the greater. There is light up there, and beauty, that no shadow can touch. A light from the shadows shall spring. And the crownless again shall be king.

ALRIGHT I'M STOPPING!!!!!! Haha Shayne can you tell exactly where I got every single one of those lines?

All that is gold does not glitter
Not all those who wander are lost
The old that is strong does not wither
Deep roots are not touched by the frost
From the ashes a fire shall be woken
A light from the shadows shall spring
Renewed shall be blade that was broken
The crownless again shall be king.

Okay unable to resist here. One more and I'm done. I'm testing my memory here, really.

Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky,
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,
Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
In the Land of Mordor where the shadows lie,
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the Land of Mordor where the shadows lie.

So I went to Matthew's house to borrow his trig book for the IB Math project, and now I am really pissed off at my dad. He INSISTED on going with me, even though Matthew's house is what? 5 minutes away? And then when we got there, he HAD to make the PROFOUND observation, "Hey, haven't been HERE in a while."
"Yes Dad, I know. Probably because Matthew and I aren't as close anymore."
"Well it's your fault, you know."
"EXCUSE ME? WHAT?"
"It's YOUR fault you're so stupid and petty. You KNOW he hates Liverpool, so why do you have to go and like them and then fight with him about it?"
"OH. MY. GOD DAD. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH LIVERPOOL AND EVERTON! We do that because it's FUN! "
"Yes it does. You HAD to go fight with him all the freakin time. What person will EVER like anyone who is always opposite of them? Only stupid people do that. No one will ever like you if you do that."
"DAD. YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT HAPPENED! IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH FOOTBALL! IF ANYTHING, FOOTBALL IS THE ONE THING THAT MATTHEW AND I HAVE IN COMMON OTHER THAN THE AIR AT TROY."
"I will NEVER understand how anybody could be SO obsessed with stupid guys running around kicking a ball. When we were growing up, we idolized Einstein and Madame Curie, not Gerrard because he can kick a ball. Only brainless people get so devoted to something so stupid and pick sides and fight about it all day and then, even MORE STUPID people like YOU are the ones who let those sides hurt other people's feelings and drive away your friends."

WHAT. THE. F*CK.

[edit]
OH YEAH. And then we saw a car with a personalized license plate in front of us and he launched into a tirade about that. Only stupid people waste money to do that and more importantly, only shallow, superficial, stupid people let something so stupid take over their minds and just HAVE to write some celebrity's name on their CAR. (He feels the same way about bumper stickers too, which is RIDICULOUS). And then he launched into, "YOU are just the same way with all your stupid shirts hanging on your wall. Why do you have to wear Gerrard on your back? Doesn't mean you ARE Gerrard. Doesn't mean you'll ever be able to even kick a football. Why do you have to go and have all those shirts? How stupid are you really?"
GREAT. Wait till Lahm comes.

Sorry I haven't updated people! This has been one HELL of a week and it's not yet over. I shall have to warn you. Do NOT cross me tomorrow. You might just lose your life (or body parts), and I will be very sorry if you do!

AHH MUST FINISH ARTICLE!!

Best picture ever



How I love Mr. Leach. That man is my hero in life!

VICKI! WE LOVE YOUR DADDY!

more pictures!

This is my personal favorite:



PEEK-A-BOO!!!



DANNY!!!!! WE LOVE EACH OTHER!



HELP SHE'S EATING ME!!!



I swear I have not consumed any illegal substances.



SLEEP!



She loves him. She really does.



Wow I look like an idiot.



Don't piss her off!



Wow. too close. really.









Yes I know that's scary.

FINALLY! Pictures!!!

I think they're very cute.

Even though my dad said I look like a hideous creature with no eyes.

*sniffle*

And I would answer all your wishes
If you asked me to
But if you deny me one of your kisses
Don't know what I'd do
So hold me close and say three words
Like you used to do
Dancing on the kitchen tiles
Yes you make my life worthwhile
So I told you with a smile
It's all about you...

PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!1

BEHOLD THE AMAZING POWERS OF ELAINE AND THE PAINT!!!!



ISN'T IT BEAUTIFUL?!?!?!?!!?!???!?

*WHEE HUGS IT*

too bad it's too small for the blog...

I MADE IT! I MADE IT I MADE IT!!!!! *POINTS UP*

IT'S PRETTY!!!!!!!!!!!!

While I was doing those end of the year surveys and just thinking back on the year, I realized that I really have no sense of time. I really don't know what happened when. I don't even remember half of the things that did happen. Some of them feel like yesterday. Some of them years ago when they were only a few weeks ago.

SO...

MY YEAR IN REVIEW (with the assistance of the blog)

January
I got soft contacts for the first time in my life.
I was very excited about Liverpool's signings in the transfer market. And looking back I just realized when we signed who. Seems like forever ago.
I was obsessed with Twilight.
I was trying very hard to get over him.
My closest friend was Ashley.

February
I went over to Andy's house and we spammed each other's blogs. Wow. Was that REALLY 2006? Seems like years ago.
I went to my first JSA Conference.
I was trying very hard to get over him.
I was getting to know Yogin very well.
I was rediscovering my love for the Backstreet Boys.
I was having self-esteem issues.
I got my permit.
I drove a car for the first time.

March
I watched RENT for the first time.
Ashley and Camron got together.
I dressed up as a Spanish prostitute for a Spanish video.
I failed chemistry.

April
I went to Sadies with Hayley, Jen, Kristina, and Robin.
I got the best birthday present ever. Thank you Andy. Thank you so much.
I went to Japan.
I dressed up as a geisha.
I was extremely hurt by someone.
Actually, I was extremely hurt by two people. I was told by one that I was nothing more than an inanimate object that he didn't need anymore. And another person gave advice that apparently he didn't see as extremely painful.
I had an awesome day at Disneyland with Jen & Kristina for Jen's birthday!
I entered another relationship. And I'm glad I did.
I made the Oracle!

May
I took a plethora of pictures at Chipotle with Jen and Kristina. They're hilarious.
I understood the true meaning of jealousy.
I GOT RID OF COMPUTER SCIENCE ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!
I GOT AN A IN COMPUTER SCIENCE!
I took AP tests.
I watched King Kong in comp sci apparently, and became obsessed with Jamie Bell.
I stole Yogin's watch.
I went to see Michael in "Jack and the Giant" and his grandma thought I was his girlfriend.
Liverpool won the FA Cup!
I made ensemble for Les Miserables.
Apparently I beat Shayne at the "not laughing" game. Wow. OH YEAH. Historic moment. I remember now.
I was introduced to MCFLY!
My blog learned the true meaning of spam. :D
I missed the way my "friends" used to be.
I fell in love with "Too Close For Comfort".
I fell in love with Danny.

June
I cried writing Andy's yearbook.
I went to Vicki's house for the first time.
I continued to obsess over McFly. I think this was the height of obsession.
I started mass conversions of people to McFly. Only Andy resisted.
I did dream interpretation for Robin. :D
I was completely obsessed with the World Cup.
Vicki was my closest friend.

July
England lost to Portugal.
I officially started hating Cristiano Ronaldo.
I posted the first Philipp Lahm pictures. Wow. That was 6 months ago. TWAS FATE!
Kathleen and I gazed at the stars and sang Disney songs in her backyard on the 4th of July.
I discovered how to take screenshots, to the dismay of the McFly haters.
I hated my fellow theatre whores.
I converted Jen to McFly.
I pined for England.

August
I cried at the last night of Les Miserables, even if I didn't get along with a lot of the people.
ELSA WAS HERE! WE SAW WICKED!!!! WE TOOK PICTURES WITH MELONS!
My dad tore my beloved wall apart.
We officially sent Andy off to college.
I obsessed over New Moon. I WANT ECLIPSE!!
I had fun on Saturdays at SAT class. Cynthia!

September
I went to church with Vicki.
I missed my friends.
David Lee started telling me to shut up in biology. :D
Liverpool lost the derby somehow.
Danny went curly.
I hated the bus.
Vicki developed Boredomeitisisto.
I got a very, very pretty cake.
Loved Gatsby.
I laughed at, "Be happy! Be cheeryful! Full of cheerios!" :D I love you mate.

October
I was dragged to a Troy football (evil kind) game.
I watched the band do the awesome dance that I thought should be performed at the Rose Parade!
I went to homecoming!
I was moved to opinion!
I rediscovered my ardent hatred for Hemingway.
Shayne and I had a fantastic row over Orodreth.

November
I took the SAT.
I got Motion In the Ocean!
I got my license! ZERO ERRORS!
Kathleen revealed her nerdiness with the whole "MPF" thing.
I questioned my social skills.
I discovered Wicked videos on youtube!

December
Took the SAT II.
I discovered that my DNA looks like sperm according to Kathleen.
I paid for a haircut.
I made finals at Cypress! I WANT TO KNOW THOSE RESULTS DAMN IT!
I cried over biology.
ELSA CAME! WE WRESTLED! AT 3 AM! IN BED! (THAT SOUNDS WRONG)
I discovered my love for Philipp Lahm.
I got REALLY REALLY REALLY obsessed with football. More so than usual.
I SAW PHANTOM OF THE OPERA!

I think football has defined my winter break this year. Really has.
WOW THAT TOOK FOREVER. I started this at 10:45. It is now 12:31 AM.

Okay I know you all hate me for my obsessions

BUT



His eyes... so pretty...

To grant Royston's wish
Stolen from Elsa (because yes Yogin, I am a thief)

1. What did you do this year that you've never done before?
HAAHH I LOVE ELSA'S ANSWER: met a real-live Dot Head

Um... what have I done? 2006 seems so LONG. I don't even remember. I went to Japan. I watched every moment of the England team in the World Cup (and trust me, it was dismal). I was introduced to the hilariously beautiful group by the name of McFly. I was quite unfortunately exposed to the evils of modernism, post-modernism, and absurdism. And alas, it still continues. I took the SAT. I took the AP tests for the first time. I got my haircut at a barber's rather than by my mom. I SAW WICKED!!!!! I saw PHANTOM OF THE OPERA!! I wrote articles and had them published after being hacked to pieces by editors and fixing them every night. I was in a musical. I played a prostitute. Oh yes. My year was fulfilling. :D

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't even remember what my new year's resolutions were.. I shall go look at them right now. Hmm.. apparently I didn't make them last year. Oh well, I made some this year!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth this year?
Nope. I don't think so at least.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
My grandpa

5. What countries did you visit this year?
Japan

6. What would you like to have in the next year that you lacked this year?
a trip to England, better grades, better social skills

7. What date from this year will remain etched upon your memory - and why?
Um. Wow this is kinda sad. Um. I have no idea.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Uh... resisting the evil that spreads from Mordor (AKA AP English III)?
5 on AP Euro? 800 SAT II Math? 2260 SAT?
I don't know.

9. What was your biggest failure of the year?
BIOLOGY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And not being able to let go of certain things.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
KATHLEEN GOT ME SICK!!!!!! *COUGHES UP PHLEGM*

11. What was the best thing you bought this year?
Hmm.. I buy things. Well, I BOUGHT A PHILIPP LAHM JERSEY LAST NIGHT! Wait, that's 2007. CRAP. Um. Best thing I bought.. "The Letters of JRR Tolkien" because they are just beautiful and Shayne WILL finish it soon so I can borrow them! :D
OH I KNOW! Wicked tickets! That was a great $160!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration (a public or private personality)?
Not Jose Mourinho. WOW alright football obsession over.
Yogin for being just completely awesome and understanding and sweet.
Kathleen until she got me sick.
Elsa for taking a risk and GETTING WITH NATHAN and for being one of my bestest friends!
Shayne for being as dorky, nerdy, and utterly pathetic with me.
Jen for being the world's biggest dork and the sharer of the title of Queen of Bad Jokes (with me).
Hubert for putting up with me all day, though the same could be said for me.
Andy because I love him and he needs to drop out of USC and come back to Troy.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Robin
Camron & Ashley

14. Where did most of your money go this year?
The automatic answer would be football, but other than the $31 last night, I have never spent anything on football, really.
Probably other people, CDs and DVDs

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about this year?
World Cup
McFly

16. What song will always remind you of this year?
all McFly songs and probably "Numb" by the Pet Shop Boys because the BBC used it for their England World Cup montage and it's a beautiful song in itself. Right Michael?

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- happier or sadder? January 2006 vs January 2007. Happier
- richer or poorer? um I don't know
- thinner or fatter? probably fatter

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
hung out with friends more, but that wasn't possible I guess. Still isn't really.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Dwelling and bitching

20. How did you spend the holidays?
Asian parties
Spent New Year with Kathleen. GOT SICK.

21. Did you fall in love this year?
maybe...

22. How many one-night stands did you have this year?
um. no. And now Yogin breaks into the list of who Elaine supposedly WOULD have one night stands with. Just cuz I said that Hayden Christensen would be very hard to resist. Eesh.

23. What was your favorite TV program for the year?
TV? Match of the Day

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
hate is a very strong word. There are many people I dislike, even loathe.

25. What was the best book you read this year?
ooo that's hard. In school, definitely "The Great Gatsby". *hugs it*
I really don't remember when I read what I read. Umm... Shayne! What have I read this year? "Morgoth's Ring" I guess, but I've read that before.

26. What was your favorite film of the year?
"The Devil Wears Prada"

27. How would you describe your personal fashion concept this year?
haha according to Jen, preppy.
I like sweaters and collared shirts, as well as jackets that say something I like (usually some reference to some European country, usually England)
or I like football jerseys and I still really want a track jacket.

28. Whom did you miss this year?
Elsa, Andy, Matthew

29. Who was the best new person you met this year?
Vicki

30. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned for this year.
Must I learn these things? Some people really are just ingrateful asses.

We're going to have a vote! Which one do YOU think is prettier?
I know like 99% of you (basically everyone but me) really doesn't give a damn, but please, for my sake, play along and choose the one you think looks better.

Germany:



England:



VOTE PLEASE!

MWAHAHA I BOUGHT ONE!
$31 for a Germany home jersey with Lahm on the back.
WHEE! And might I add he looks very nice in his. :D
Sheena didn't do good enough of a job. I told her to prevent me from buying it at all costs.
That and the Xabi Alonso home jersey.

OY. I cannot believe I chose the Lahm Germany jersey over the Alonso Liverpool jersey. GASP. GASP GASP GASP. Is this some sign about my priorities?! NOO!! The only reason I chose Lahm over Xabi was because Lahm's was from UK and not Thailand and so therefore has a lesser chance of being a fake. Yes that's it. In the world of football, Liverpool are always, always first. Then comes whatever player I happen to fancy at the moment. Philipp Lahm is no exception. Not even Michael Owen could break that rule.

Good. I'm glad that's settled.

I was in Palm Springs all day with my mom's host family in their winter home. Had fish & chips for lunch and at the restaurant they had 3 TVs and and and...
the left one had pool
the right one had american football
and the middle...
EVERTON VS MAN CITY!!
From 2 days ago! when Everton lost 1-2!! WHEE!
I had to be dragged away. :D

We went shopping and thank heavens I didn't buy anything because then I would've felt exceptionally guilty for being the Lahm jersey. If my mom kills me then I'll just say she would've willingly bought me the $27 sweater which I refused so a $31 jersey that would be at least $100 if I bought it from the official stores is nothing. HMPH. *sigh* My parents are so unsupportive of me buying football merchandise. Well, my dad's just unsupportive of spending money overall. My mom is unsupportive of anything that wouldn't be worn by freakin Paris Hilton or something. "Why do you like boys things?" Might I clarify that football is not the domain of men!!
Poor Yogin. I torture him with endless football talk. Like he cares. Must find outlet. *sigh* Are there any other Liverpool supporters at Troy? Or anywhere around here? Please?
Bayern Munich? or isn't it Bayern Munchen in German?
Any team other than Everton, Chelsea, or Man Utd?
Going once?
Going twice?

Kathleen
is going to
DIE

GAH. When I woke up this morning, it was like a volcano had erupted in my throat overnight. GAHHHH

I'm better now, mostly because I got into an "altercation" (as Isaac puts it) with my mother and apparently when I'm angry, I have absolutely no problem speaking at loud volumes (aka yelling).

Just got off a 2 hour conversation with Isaac. Yes Isaac from junior high and elementary. He just called me out of the blue saying he was bored and then thought of me. But yeah it was fun. Talked about like everything possible. Wow Ayala has nothing... in classes I mean. Wow. I'm glad I went to Troy, even though I do miss them. They keep telling me, "Elaine, you would've easily been valedictorian here, you know." Yeah, I know. But in the long run I learned A LOT more at Troy than I ever would at any other school where I'd easily be valedictorian. It'll pay off someday. At least I have to tell myself that or else it will all be futile. Haha how Gatsby.
People keep asking me what college I want to go to. I really don't know. I toss out certain names like Cambridge & Oxford, obviously, and then there's Amherst and Northwestern, but I really don't even know what exactly I want. English, journalism, something like that. Maybe law. I just don't want to be an English teacher or an umemployed free-lance writer. Grr..
I find it hilarious that all foreign Premiership players complain about the same thing in England. The food and the weather. I wonder if I could handle it.

Okay people, it is your job to tell me to finish these:
1. IB Oral
2. IB Math project
3. IB Business Essay
4. 4 AP Bio essays

HAPPY NEW YEAR PEOPLE!

Great day in the world of football. :D

So last night, after much confusion, filing, and a bit of... emoness on my part, Kathleen and I FINALLY got together around 8. We rented "She's the Man" because YOGIN MISINFORMED ME and told me I'd like the ENGLISH guy in it (whom I discovered was OLD and was Vinnie Jones, who like... grabbed Gazza's balls, which was a very DISTURBING CHAPTER in football history). However, it was about football and it was pretty damn funny (mostly due to Amanda Bynes' facial expressions), so it was good overall. Oh yeah, and cuz there were 3 hot guys. Well.. Channing Tatum... Robin and Amy Zhu are crazy. He's got a great body.. okay.. but he's so.. STUPID LOOKING. Like, is there any sign of intelligent life upon his features? NO.
Besides, I'd take pasty white English footballer any day. (Or one specific German)
Now that I think of it, Xabi Alonso is whiter than Stevie G...
MOVING ON
I did love Paul... why do I always like the one that's supposed to be gay? And Kathleen had a total crush on the guy who played Amanda Bynes' ex-bf.
But before that:
The two of us ate at Denny's, where Kathleen had breakfast because she's a total loser. We then headed to my house and watched McFly videos and half of the movie before Justine ushered us back to her house for the countdown. I swear. That girl started counting down at 11:40. Wouldn't quit jumping on us. Kathleen and I were going to kill her.
TRIED not to breathe the same bloody air as Kathleen, but NO. NOW I HAVE A SORE THROAT, even though she PROMISED me that I wouldn't get sick.

We went to sleep around 2, without knowing that only 3.5-4 hours later, her mom would barge in and drag us all into the car because we apparently were going to the Rose Parade.
I'd never been there before and yes, it was beautiful. Kathleen took a picture of almost every single float, so I'm sure I'll get those someday. Saw George Lucas and told Kathleen that he can't write for shit and destroyed Anakin, his beautiful creation who could have been so much more beautiful. THEY BUILT NABOO. IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL. I WANTED TO BE PADME SO BADLY! NO not because she gets Anakin.
Um... didn't cheer for USC because I remembered that Yogin hates them.

Had lunch with Johnson's family and Kathleen's family. that was fun. Was attacked by 7 year old Kevin and almost 3 year old Derek. Oh yes and Justine. That was fun. Then went grocery shopping with Kathleen's mom. OH. MY. GOD. I HAVE NEVER MET ANYBODY WHO CAN TAKE THAT LONG GROCERY SHOPPING.
Babysat Derek for a while back at Kathleen's house, cuz Kathleen and Justine collapsed on her bed, their mom collapsed on her bed, and their dad collapsed on the sofa in front of the TV.

Came back to my mom's house to let her in, as she was just getting back from Vegas.
And here are the pictures (Elsa, I dedicate these to you. Paris (the hotel) and Phantom. I wish you could've been there, mellon nin)



The front of the Paris hotel... OPERA GARNIER!
I always thought that Phantom of the Opera should be playing at the PARIS hotel and not at the VENETIAN, since the freakin Paris hotel IS the Opera Garnier..

The fountain:


My mother and I in front of that same fountain:



Just me in front of that fountain. Yes, I liked the fountain, okay?





That's self-explanatory. I actually overheard some French people telling their American guide rather snottily that theirs is a lot taller.
No really.



That would be me and my mom's bf, who seems to like to make funny faces whenever he's in a picture.



I look like I'm holding up the Arc du Triomphe with my head. I like huge.



That would be me with Monsieur Charles Garnier



And that would be his, I mean, Erik's blueprint for the Opera House.



How close is it to the real thing anyway?



DUDE IT'S THE HAAGEN-DAAZ ICE CREAM!!!!! Yes I am wearing a coat.



Do you see that it says "PHANTOM"?! WHEE!!!!



Dale and me after the show.

We walked around the Venetian for quite a bit:


YES. I AM WEARING LEATHER BOOTS. GET OVER IT.
My toes were LITERALLY BLUE after I took them off. I was WADDLING, not from COLD, but from PAIN. I seriously could NOT walk in those things. My mom's like, "I know it hurts. I wear them too. Just suck it up." WHAT THE HECK. GAH. NEVER WEARING BOOTS AGAIN. IN MY LIFE. I STILL can't believe I let her talk me into that.



So pretty.. I took that one.





And to round it off: I was bored... so I turned Amy-esque camera whore: