Rain

I was caught in the pouring rain one time, and instead of trying to quickly find shelter, I continued to walk casually, occasionally wiping the raindrops off my face with my hands and wanting nothing more but to whirl around and around under the rain.

Posted 1:15 PM by hiu k.

Weather, Sleep

The weather is hot, hot, hot. High humidity.

I couldn't fall asleep yesterday. I went to bed around 11-ish (shortly after I arrived home from a lovely wedding reception), but I was still wide awake by the time 5-ish a.m rolled around. Still, it was nice to watch the bright rays of light behind the dark-blue sky, pushing away the darkness and ready to light up the world for another beautiful day.

Posted 3:28 PM by hiu k.

Heartache, More Ramblings

Have you ever felt a heartache, for no real good reason at all? (Yes, yes, yes, I know it sounds chessy, but have you?)

I was still living on campus last December, and one night, I couldn't fall asleep. In fact, as stupid as it sounds, I had a hard time falling asleep because my heart was hurting. Intensely. I don't mean the physical pain, but something deeper was stirring. And trust me, there was no reason for me to feel that way.

I twisted and turned in my bed, though I kept the noise level down in order to avoid waking up my roommie. My heart was in pain, with an overwhelming sense of restlessness. It was worse than physical pain , which could be fixed with bandages and painkillers. I couldn't fix my bleeding heart that night; nothing could - except time. I held the blanket close to my heart to lessen the pain, but that was futile. I turned face-down and tried to "stifle" my heart from the pain, but that didn't work either. At one point, it was so painful that I almost wanted my heart to stop beating so I don't have to face the pain and restlessness that kept gnawing at me inside.

Around that time, a "classmate" had told me something that surprised me a lot, but that shouldn't have that effect. I kept thinking and thinking about the source of this unrestlessness, but mostly just hoping that my thinking would distract me from the pain. The pain eventually subsided and hours later, I drifted into a dreamless sleep. When I woke up the next morning, I remebered how awful that feeling was and wished that I won't ever have to experience that again. Heartache is the worst of pains, and it's something I wouldn't even want to wish on my worst enemies.

Posted 1:27 PM by hiu k.

Drawing

I felt inspired to draw something today, so I whipped out a piece of paper and began drawing in pencil. I drew a character from the new television show (Yu-Gi-Oh!), though it no longer looked like the character I intended to draw when I was done with all the erasing and editing. If I had a scanner, I would scan and post it. It looked like it was drawn by a kid, except maybe slightly better (that is, assuming that the average kid colors out of the line). I honestly think that it's half-decent, though I can't say I am not biased! ;)

Posted 11:23 PM by hiu k.

Skating, Dance Revolution

One of the most basic lessons in ice-skating is learn how to get up after a fall, instead of relying on others to help you up. After all, falling is just a frequent occurence in skating for beginners like myself, and for more experienced skaters who are learning new techniques.

During "practice" time of a skating session one afternoon, skaters were skating in the same direction . As I skated, I saw out of the corner of my eyes a kid behind me who apparently skated way too fast and was moving out of control. She fell. Since she was skating at a fast speed, one of her legs slid right in front of me. Caught by surprise, I was not able to stop fast enough and braced myself for a forward fall . My knees hit the ice first [ouch!]

After my knees hit the ice, I clenched my teeth in pain and held my knees with both hands. The kid who accidentally tripped me was also on the ice, but her fall was non-painful since she slidded . She got up easily, but seeing that it was her fault that caused me to fall and that I was in pain, she crouched down on the ice with an apologetic, concerned, and guilty look on her expression all at the same time. She asked me, "are you ok?" and tried to help me up. Some of my fellow skaters saw the hard fall that I took and came over to see if I am ok too. Just then, a coach skated over to help me up and suggested that I take a rest on the bench. I insisted that I am ok since the initial pain eased and I resumed my skating, without any more "accidents". Later that evening, I saw that both my knees were bruised - blue and purple and green. Still, that couldn't stop me from getting back on the ice the following week, though I was extremely cautious.

So yes, ice-skating can be a dangerous recreational activity. I always wear a helmet, and though that might looked a bit ridiculous for an "adult", I'd rather be a little more safe than sorry.

Now, I am eagerly waiting for the new season. In the meantime, I bought a Dance Revolution game and a beat pad for my playstation II . I figured it's a good way to get some exercise, and so far, it is! Yes, so it' s not exactly a "sport", but it can make a great workout if you play the harder levels for several hours.

Posted 11:41 PM by hiu k.

Quick sports update, some ramblings

I finished watching the baseball game (Yankees vs. Red Sox) this afternoon. It was the second of three games at the Yankee Stadium, and it was a long game to watch, especially since it dragged out into the 11th inning. The Red Sox won the game yesterday (4-2), and the Yankees won today. Although it was a long game, it was interesting to watch, with some very good plays. (I am, of course, a Red Sox fan). I know that seeing the game live would probably be more interesting, but it can also be frustrating. For one, the fans have to endure the weather (worst case scenerios: there could be pouring rain, or blazing heat) and two, there's always the danger of getting hit by a baseball (though most would try to catch it). Still, I think a baseball game is just more comfortable to watch at home. I wouldn't mind paying to go watch live basketball games, as I did for the Eastern Conference Finals between Celtics vs. Nets since that was a thrill.

[change of subject]

I believe that most people are good. Of course there are some rotten apples in the pile, but for the most part, most are good. Whenever I feel sad or down, that thought can always make me feel better. I just hope I never, ever lose that belief, because if that were the case, the world would be a gloomy place to live. It isn't. And it shouldn't be, given all the beautiful things in the world. All I have to do, whenever doubts lurk in the corner, is to remind myself of all the good surrounding us. Maybe I am just an optimist (I won't deny that I am an idealist). After all, being an optimist surely beats being a pessimist any day.

Posted 7:05 PM by hiu k.

Driving, Point

The sky looked gray this morning. I woke up to the rumblings of thunders in the distant background. I offered to drive my brother to work so he doesn't have to rush, also, to avoid the thuderstorms that loomed around the corner.

I passed by a number of bus stops, with people waiting by the side of the bus stop sign. It evitably evoked memories. When I worked last summer, I had to walk 20 minutes to get to a bus stop, wait 5-10 minutes for the bus, and the bus ride took about 6-10 minutes too (it was toward the end of the bus line). Sometimes, I would walk home from work when I felt impatient, or when I am in the mood to take a long walk. The walk takes around 30 minutes (it's one long street) just to get back to the bus stop. Though I was invited back to work part time during the school year, the inconveniences outweigh its benefits. Besides, I was living at school and already have a part-time job and other obligations to take care off. Having (access) to a car (even though it's not mine) is certainly a luxury.

Do I have a point? No, not really. Sometimes we write because we want to get a message across. Sometimes we write because we just feel like writing. Just because. Like now.

Posted 9:01 AM by hiu k.

Debate, Sleep

I debated over something yesterday evening, and I breathed a sigh of relief once my decision was made. Sure, I might have missed out on a good opportunity. But, since it's something that I know I won't be happy with, maybe I didn't miss any opportunities at all.

I got up at 6-something this bright, but cloudy morning, though there was no reason for me to be up so early. I was sleepy then, but I was still far too awake to head back to sleep. It's a refreshing change. For one, I certainly feel like I have more hours on my hands, though it would probably be equally as nice to get the recommended 8-hours of sleep.

Posted 1:55 PM by hiu k.

Stuffs

It was the end of the concert. I carefully watched my step as I made my way toward the exit, where an employee was handing out shiny, glittering pens to all leaving guests, and I waited, gleefully, for my pen.

As I neared the exit, I noticed some guests took multiple pens, and worse, they were all given away by the time I got there. Oh, the injustice! I was obviously upset at the inconsideration of those who took more than was alloted to them, and now, I don't have a pen to wave around in the dimly-lit auditorium as I rightfully should.

I quickly headed to a more remote area where they were still handing out pens (and t-shirts, if you fill out a survey). To retailiate against the inconsideration of others, I took some pens and filled out multiple surveys. I thought that those people could finally have a taste of their own medicine.

I then heard a voice behind me.

I sat up, puzzled as ever. My sister woke me and asked me if she could borrow something, and I mumbled a yes. I could hardly remember what I dreamt about, when the strangest feeling overcame me. I looked around the room and wondered, "hey, what happened to all my pens?"

I must have some possessiveness issue with pens or something. :)

Posted 12:55 PM by hiu k.

Thought of the moment, writing

Some writers could capture the moments so beautifully that their words can paint for even the most unimaginative reader a most exquisite picture, with each word flowing freely and lucidly into the next, like a delicate paintbrush stroke on a magnificent artwork - a masterpiece in the making.

And when that piece of artwork is finally completed, others can only marvel, in stunned silence, at the beauty that was created with something so simple, and which could, perhaps, even awaken in their hearts the deep but hidden longing to create something equally as unique, and as beautiful as the original masterpiece.

Posted 9:27 PM by hiu k.

Lord of the Rings

The Lord of the Rings soundtrack has such a calming effect on me. Just sitting here, quietly, listening. Soft. Soothing. Peaceful. The music, "Breaking of the Fellowship" is a beautiful piece, though sad. "Concerning Hobbits" is more jovial. Those two are my favorites from the soundtrack.

I watched the movie with a friend at a theater, and I watched it again while at the hotel (pay-per view) during the Canada trip. I love fantasy films. (Besides, my darling siblings haven't watched it yet). The DVD won't be released until early August, but you can be certain that I will get it. The second installment of the movie will come out in December of this year. Although I finished reading the books, I somehow doubt I could resist the temptation to watch the movie at the theater (as opposed to waiting for the video). After all, the movie is just far too enticing to resist. :)

Posted 4:18 PM by hiu k.

Untitled

There is so, so much I want to write about - some happy, some sad, some with indifference, and some with passions. But I can't seemed to find the words for any of them right now.

And in a rather strange way, maybe it is better that way.

Posted 2:13 PM by hiu k.

Baseball

I stayed up to watch the All-Star baseball game on t.v. yesterday evening. Granted, I am not a huge fan of baseball. I started watching the game around the 7th inning. (The ending is always more exciting). I was, of course, rooting for the American All-Stars. Imagine my surprise when the game was still tied up at the 10th inning and 11th - when the commissioner called the tie.

Of course, this is causing controversy since this is only the second time when an all-stars game have a tie (I think the first one was in 1961, because of rain). And of course, the fans there were unhappy (understandably so, given the price they paid for the tickets). It's just that it's all a bit surprising that there are so many bad news coming out of a sport that is supposed to be filled with friendly competitions and fun! Now, the news is talking about the management problems, high salaries for the players, testing for steroids, potential strikes, and even the controversy over the remains of Hall of Famer Ted Williams. (By the way, I think he should be cremated, as he would have wanted. I don't know why his son, John Williams, would want to do something otherwise, other than greed/money).

Posted 11:28 AM by hiu k.

Home Depot, stuffs

I was in a very good mood on a recent trip to Home Depot. In fact, I was in so good of a mood that I was excited to ask a salesperson about a new window blind (an otherwise boring object). Then, one of my new favorite songs came on the radio, and I was thrilled. I was singing along (hopefully, not too badly, since I'd like to think that I didn't make it to the all-city chorus for nothing) and was literally jumping up and down, whirling myself around in circles (think - ballet). By the time my family and I got to the register, I have calmed down quite a bit. The worker there was nice, asking us how we were doing. And of course, being in my semi-excited state, I answered the question with a "good, and you?". I guessed I must have answered that question a bit too cheerfully, because she said that I am one of the happiest person (then she paused for a moment and corrected herself) "customer I have all day".

By the time I was out to the parking lot, I was riding on the shopping cart. I reminded myself that I shouldn't be doing it, given the fact that I don't know any recent college graduates that would still do something like that. I paused the cart for a car to pass by. The lady in the car probably saw what I was doing, because she stopped her car to let me and my "cart" pass. Knowing that she knew what I was up to, I have this silly mischievous grin on my face. And she smiled back in return before she drove off. I then continued on my "ride". It felt so good to be riding against the soft wind, almost as soothing as ice-skating. Which reminds me, I can hardly wait for the skating rinks to open again in the falll. I missed it so much.

Several nights ago, I came up with some important realizations. I won't go into it. I'm just surprised by them.

I have lots and lots of stories (most are true) and some adventurous dreams would make great fiction. (I kid you not, and though it might sound conceited, I am not.) Maybe someday, I'll get the chance to put them all down on paper.

Posted 11:58 AM by hiu k.