Uncle E and Auntie E Wedding

 

What a happy day for all. Uncle and Auntie got married at a cute chapel today. It was intimate and joyful. This was the first time I've ever attended a wedding. From the vows, to the exchange of rings and kisses all around, it was very sweet and short. Mom says that it was an abbreviated ceremony. Weddings are usually quite long with lots of rituals and prayers.This was very pleasant.

We all then proceeded to City Hall. There were many photo opportunities. Mom captured this very blessed moment with Uncle, Auntie and Auntie's Mom.

The day ended with a delicious Thai meal while getting caught up with my cousins. I had fun!

Summer trip with Dad

This year Dad decided to take me to an investment conference in Texas as it was for kids.  Boy was it hot. I enjoyed some of the sessions and learned a thing or two about how passive investments can add to my earnings. I also enjoyed the lunches, dinners and most of all, the breakfast buffets.  I love the variety of breakfast feasts during our travels. 

We even had time to visit the JFK Assassination Museum. Quite interesting.

First car breakdown

I was visiting my good friend at a park.  We had music going in my while connected to car's charger.  Note - don't charge your phone while car is in park.  When my friend left, I was ready to go home, but God had other plans. I called Mom about my situation. She proceeded to guide me through calling AAA. Luckily, she enrolled me in AAA a few months ago.  She decided to come by and see how things were going.  When she got there, AAA was about 10 minutes away.  She remembered that my car had a special roadside assistance service.  So, I cancelled AAA and scheduled the special roadside service.

I learned a lot from the service guy about charging my car.  He told me that charging my phone without the car running will drain the battery.  Big lesson!!

Mom even reminded me that I have a quick charger in the car for times I just need a jump start.  

Tennis Banquet

Our annual banquet started out with a delicious taco setup at GS's house. In this photo, I was flanked by GS and JP.  GS is our team captain. We've shared 4 years of learning, wins, losses, laughter and tears together beside two other seniors, JP and KL. The four of us enjoyed playing with and against each other. Coach M was patient and humble with us. During the presentations, when my name was called, all in the audience (JV and Varsity players) yelled out 'Muscle, Muscle, Muscle' due to my, well, muscles. Truth is that I have been going to the gym with friends and have been bulking up.

Mom recalls when I first signed up for tennis during Athletic Orientation day those many years ago. I visited the Lacrosse and Golf tables. Lacrosse was not an option due to helmet requirement. Mom said 'no' to any sport that required a helmet. Golf was also not an option since the team met at 6 a.m. 'No can do Mom...too early'.  I met the Tennis Team captains and was impressed.  SOLD!

Mom emailed Coach about my inexperience with the sport. His response gave Mom the confidence that I would excel in it. I even took the COVID year to join a local tennis camp. I enjoyed playing.

Regalia Pick Up

Well, it's time to pick up my regalia to wear on the 'walk' on graduation day.  Besides my cap and gown, I received a bunch of other stuff like cords, AP sash, medals, and gold hood.  Mom help me practice on layering graduation wear.  I Googled how to do it. Interesting. Since no one was going to see what I was wearing underneath the gown, I figured I could wear shorts and high tops.  Comfort over looks I say.

In May, Mom started to make money leis and crown for me to wear after the ceremony.  She figured that those last longer than flower leis.  Although it won't pay for college, I can still use the money from the leis to buy all the boba drinks I want.  But, she still bought flowers to present to my friends.

Balloons, balloons and more balloons

You'd think I was getting married or celebrating some other huge milestone.  Mom says, 'oh yes, this is a huge event!'  14 years of schooling is a milestone.  Mom  started collecting balloons in May and just kept adding to our fireplace and piano almost daily.  She was determined to celebrate big time as I really never wanted a yearly birthday bash.  It was the one time I didn't argue.  

Graduation is a social event and I wasn't alone in celebrating.  Mom says that I never wanted to be singled out when I was younger --  and that's what birthdays do. Graduation is when friends and I all honored each other.

What a great year it has been.  I am done with all my AP exams and projects.  I can now look forward to Prom, Grad Night, Senior Breakfast and Picnic, and Graduation not to mention all the other get togethers with my elementary and high school buddies.  Oh, and have I mentioned my very special female buddy?  Girlfriend?  Stay tuned...

Athletic Clearance

My final submittal of athletic clearance for last season of my high school tennis career.  I will miss my teammates and coach so I will not take anything for granted this year.

Interesting Xmas trip

We spent 4 hours in the airport waiting for our flight out to Las Vegas.  When we finally landed, we were

treated to Korean BBQ.  What a great meal.  We enjoyed Thai food at our favorite restaurant Lotus of Siam.  We also took a trip to the outlets.  I found quite a few items.  Uncle even bought me gifts for Christmas.  Mom was afraid that we would be stranded at the airport again and asked Uncle to drive us back.  Boy, were we lucky to have that ride.  

COVID Boosters before our South Korea trip

Mom and Dad let me decide where we went for our annual family trip.  I decided on South Korea.  We stayed at a fabulous hotel right across the street from closed off streets with shops and street food.   

Our large hotel room was furnished with three separate beds!  It was great.

We visited a shave ice cafe almost everyday.  We enjoyed almost all items on the menu. 

Enjoyed temples, churches, palaces, fried chicken, and korean BBQ! I'm ready for our next trip.

Quiet Birthday with Mom

Since Dad was out of town, Mom and I enjoyed a new Japanese restaurant that Uncle recommended.  It was quite delicious.  Mom and Dad ended up eating there every weekend for many months.  I know that Mom enjoys our one-on-one time together.

What? Fall Schedule

Mom couldn't understand why I am taking 4 AP courses during my last year of high school.  She wanted me to enjoy senior activities.  I guess that I am just a glutton for punishment or wanted to join my classmates for the last year.  This will be a year of enjoying my last concerts and tennis tournaments.

Driving to the First Day of School

Mom was so relieved that I am able to drive myself to school.  She couldn't schedule HopSkipDrive to pick me up anymore.  She is tracking where I park and my location.  She'll probably be doing that for a few months until she can trust me. 

Mom's thoughts: I trust you, son.  I don't trust everyone else. Love you.

UCLA Visit

Mom took me to West LA, wherever that is, but it looked really nice.  I also enjoyed the tour.  The tour guide gave us some interesting facts about the famous students that attended UCLA.  I really see myself attending.  There is so much history here.  I hope to one day attend.

UCSB Visit

Dad wanted me to see his alma mater.  We took a tour with a nice student.  She was so excited to be a senior and was enthusiastic about showing us the school she loves.  It is a nice campus, but I didn't feel it was me.  I did buy a jacket though.  It is now one of my favorite outer wear.

DRIVER'S TEST TODAY!

Mom scheduled for me to take the test at a small neighborhood.  It worked!  I passed!!  Thanks Mom.  When I got my driver's license, it looked different from Mom's as the license is portrait style not landscape.  No matter...I got my license!!

Summer with Dad

Honolulu here we come.  Bobo invited us to stay at his condo.  It was a nice trip.  I got a chance to know my cousin more as he was staying there too.  He and his girlfriend are working from home so we had to be extra quiet.  No matter, we were able to sightsee and eat a lot.  Safe to say that it will probably be my last trip to Hawaii for awhile.

Renew passport with Dad was a bust

Okay...I need to renew my passport for future travels, but when Dad and I got to the post office, the gentlemen was very upset that we did not have a specific document and was quite rude.  Safe to say that Mom rescheduled the appointment at a post office closer to home.  Mom accompanied me and it only took minutes and without the document that other 'guy' said we needed.  Wow, postal workers are sure different.  They are not all bad.

Senior Portraits

Hmmm.  What to wear?  Mom said that this photo counts since it will be huge size in this year's yearbook.  Okay, jacket and tie it is.  Mom thought it was a good decision.  I'll see when the yearbook comes out.

First official driving lesson

I am a little anxious in driving without Mom, but excited to drive without a back seat driver.  Love you Mom.  Woohoo!  2 hours driving with an instructor.  Can't wait.

High School Tour Trip

Well, today is the day Mom and Dad drop me off to join English class for our trip to London and Paris. So excited to room with a good friend of mine. Mom and Dad, of course, asked that I text a bunch of photos.

Top Gun

Dad, Mom and I have enjoyed watching Top Gun Maverick in 4D!  It was different with air pops, seat movement and water sprinkles.  It will sure be hard to go back to 2D.

Driving practice

I am adding to my driving time...Mom can't wait for my driving test.  Mom and Dad have been switching to pick me up from tournaments and other events.

Yet another tennis racket bites the dust

Okay, so if my power hits get a win what does it matter that I destroy my racket?  Here we go to the tennis store for the umpteenth time.  I hope this will be the last trip to the store for a new racket and shoes to finish off my high school career.

My decision to stay

Although I did not play in the match today since there weren't enough members from opposing team, I chose to watch my teammates play.  I could have left early, but I stayed to watch.  Mom was so proud that I stayed.  In her mind, I learn so much from just watching strategy.  

Spring Concert

Spring Concert

Dad really enjoyed this year's concert.  He was able capture a clear video of a presentation of Amanda Gorman's poem read by one of our students accompanied by our orchestra playing the background music.  He said that it was so powerful.

The second presentation focused on climate change.  A film of whales was shown while we played an emotional piece.  

So glad he attended.