To Risk or Not to Risk ...

Would you rather have died doing something you may have wanted to do and enjoying life or live a long safe life, where you took very few risks?

I guess in a long life, you woul still find your moments of joy within the box that you live in, however, would you really LIVE? The safe route provides comfort to your family, however, even the safe route doesn't necessarily guarantee you long life - genetic disease, accidents, and more.

Adventures such as traveling, skydiving, hunting, bungee jumping, surfing, etc. are activities that many look to take on and some will venture to some while avoiding some at all costs because of the risk of falling, getting eaten by a shark or being shot. For instance, should you really be afraid of doing something like skydiving?? I think it was really scary to sign the contract and watch the pre-video when going skydiving because they talk a lot about death and that in itself scares a lot of people away. However, I almost feel that taking that plunge may have been an experience that I wouldn't have wanted to miss for the world. It makes me question, are there opportunities that I missed out on because I was too afraid to act upon them? Because I was not ready or willing to take that risk?

I guess that those missed opportunities are out the door and can no longer be caught, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't live my life, thinking of the future, yet not limiting the time that I am living. I figure, that my time is going to come when it is going to come so I should take the opportunities given to me and live them out.

So next time, when you ask yourself whether or not you should risk or not risk ... think about you in sixty years sitting in a chair having passed on all these opportunities, hoping for one chance to get an opportunity to take that chance on something or somethings. Obviously within reason, however, also without restrictions.

Whether it's buying a camera and taking that new business venture forward or leaping off a bridge connected to a large rubber band, maybe that moment was provided to you for a reason and you should take that opportunity and run.

Carpe Diem ...

Backyard Development

I think my new backyard will be quite the interesting setup. In it's final state, it should be quite the hangout spot for anyone who may want to come over, but even in it's current state, it really has a mix of our family history. The signs of both my mom's side and dad's side are show in our bench with a touch of japanese and hawaiian to signify the background that lies in my blood.


I can't wait to host a barbeque this summer so people can come see the fruits of my father's labor :) ...

My dog loves my backyard too ...

Technology

Although there are a lot of issues that arise due to technology, I think technology is so amazing. The last few days, I have been trying to resolve some issues with a package I was suppose to receive last week. Well, there were a lot of problems with the order and long story short, the package was finally send 2-day express. I think it is so cool how I can stalk my package to make sure it gets here okay and to have an estimate of when it will actually arrive at my door. Obviously, we still have to do the repairman type deal where it may arrive better 12p and 6p, however, the excitement builds when you know that your package will be arriving that day because it's already on the delivery truck ready to be sent. 

One day, each of our packages will have GPS so we know exactly when they are en route to our house, however, for now, I am happy stalking my package from the warehouse in Brooklyn, New York to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to West Columbia, South Carolina and soon to be Cerritos, California :)

the package goes from place to place

who will win the speed test race

ups, fedex or the usps

the winner will be considered the best

the anticipation, uncontrolled

since the day on ebay sold

soon the package will be with me

which will make me so happy

jason

4/29/09, 8:39am

Permanent

It's always difficult when you feel alone especially when times are tough.
Know I won't ever leave, as I will be here when everyone else has gone.
Remember, you can always call on me whenever you need anything.

I'm permanent.

David Cook - Permanent
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LNFaoC9c74

Is this the moment
where I look you in the eye?
Forgive my broken promise
that you’ll never see me cry
And everything, it will surely change
even if I tell you I won’t go away today
Will you think that you’re all alone
When no one’s there to hold your hand?
And all you know seems so far away
and everything is temporary rest your head

I’m permanent

I know he’s living in hell every single day
And so I ask oh god is there some way
for me to take his place
And when they say just touch and go
I wish I could make it go away
But still you say
Will you think that you’re all alone
when no one’s there to hold your hand?
When all you know seems so far away
and everything is temporary, rest your head

I’m permanent
I’m permanent

Is the moment where I look you in the eye?
Forgive my promise that you’ll never see me cry

Mulligans

Sunday's message at church talked about God providing mulligans to us. For those who do not know what a mulligan is, it's another opportunity to hit the golf ball when you hit a bad shot or a redo. The message really got me to think about how life would be if we all had mulligans in our life.

I know that in my own life there are so many missed opportunities and mistakes that I have made that I wish I had the opportunity to have a mulligan. The one word you shouldn't have said, the one predicament you shouldn't have placed yourself, the one call you wish you had not missed and the one person you should never have let go.

I guess there are so many people affected by the mistakes that we all made along with ourselves, that it would be nice if we had a second chance to fix those problems by erasing them as if they never occurred. However, at the same time, I feel that we grow and learn a lot by making mistakes and having to deal with the consequences of our actions.

I guess for all of us, we think all the time about what we would do if we had a chance to do it all over again, when in reality, we should step back and really think about what will be the outcome of what we are going to do. I know it's hard to have that kind of perspective, but in reality, in our own lives, we do not get second chances too often and we cannot depend on the idea that at the end of our mistake, we will get a mulligan to replay the same senario. I guess, if we focus on getting it right the first time, we won't ever need the mulligan in the first place. Here's to not depending on the mulligan!

a shot fall in the lake
mulligan is what we shout
the non-golfers around us
look to see what it's all about

a second chance to hit the ball
another opportunity to succeed
what a life to have a mulligan
what a wonderful life indeed

in life, however, we don't get that chance
to erase a mistake that we made
as each moment is once in a lifetime
each game, only once it can be played

to avoid the need to replay a moment
step back and analyze the road ahead
think not about the what ifs of a mulligan
work on correcting the mistakes instead

in life we learn from our own imperfections
we learn that we won't always end on top
and if you learn to bounce back from failure
you'll be a machine that will be difficult to stop

although we can seek a second opportunity
for those who's faith lies in the Lord
but in our lives look to avoid the errors
away from the mulligan, moving forward

so as the second chance on the course approaches
know in life, you won't have the same chance
so before you take any actions
be sure to give situations a second glance

jason
4/27/09, 7:53pm

Life is Good ... Huntington and Prom

I saw this sign today and I thought to myself, my life is pretty darn great and we should all just let out a big smile right now to celebrate today! Life is wonderful and if we live life with that attitude, I think that life will be good more often than not.

Just thing about all the problems in this world that would be averted if they had just smiled and figured everything would turn out alright and their lives would continue to be good. Would it actually work? Probably not, but why shouldn't we go after it and try?

Our freshman traveled to the beautiful Huntington Beach High School where they were undergoing construction. With an all-weather track already, it looked as if they were replacing their older one and getting a new one!?!

Why do you need a new one??? Save the money and give it to use so that we can use it!! I guess this is what happens when you live at a school where they have money in the area and they are willing to spend it!

In any case, at the conference we did fairly well! I would have loved to see more placards up more often, however, we won thirty six awards and six best delegates! A pretty good day all in all for MUN and a pretty good sign for the future MUNers of Cerritos High School.

Founder's Hall at Soka University was the location of the Prom this year! The site has quite the amazing exterior entrance with a beautifully lit building sitting in front of a lake that has a walkway that makes it seem as if you are walking on water!

The interior of the site was not as impressive as the outside, mainly because of limited space, however, any dance or event is what you put into it and it sounded like people were enjoying themselves, mainly because they wanted to have a great time!

Towards the end of the night, they announced the Prom King and Queen, David Booy and Kimberly Hwang. It was nice to see Kimberly up there as she started as a quiet and shy freshman and has grown so much over the past four years and has not arrived at the stage of being crowned prom queen! [I will fix my picture, as I was sad that it was crooked.]

In any case, after a big rush at the coat check until about 10:15pm, we were able to do a great job at clearing out the coat check with the help of all the wonderful activities directors and counselors who spend the time to provide extra help in the room to get the bags out to people!

Prom 2009: http://wutanabe5.smugmug.com/gallery/8012452_YBoCN

All in all, it was quite the long day and I feel that now it is time to crash and wake up tomorrow morning bright and early for breakfast and church :)

A Letter

To the one who shines so bright in my life ...
I've discovered how amazing and incredible you are when you made my heart skip a beat. You've opened my eyes so I never miss an opportunity lying at my feet. You've given me hope when the hopeless come from far and wide to surround. In this fast-pace world, because of you peace and relaxation is what I've found. You've showed me how your passion, can really take you far. You've also been able to show me that we should be happy with who we are. You've toured through life, even when tough, with a smile on your face. And in my live, you've helped the scars be slowly and carefully erased. You've helped me arrive at this place that I never thought I would reach. As the many days I've spent with you, were examples by which you teach. You've kept a positive spirit and lifting my spirit up as well. You've always been there with a helping hand in those moments when I fell. So thank you for being incredible and in my darkness providing my light. Thanks for helping me overcome the wrongs in my life and helped me feel alright. I've enjoyed each moment we spent together, as I treasure each moment with you. My heart and self are forever indebted, thanks for all that you do.

Jason Watanabe
4/25/09, 6:52am

In Brief ...

The backyard paradise is coming to shape :)

The tiles are laid in the ground, the new bench is installed and soon enough a bar stand, grill and projector screen will all be put in so that I can spend my days outside relaxing, BBQing and also watching movies under the stars. People from all around the world will want to visit me!

Just kidding! However, it is coming together quite nicely and I will provide pictures soon enough!

Also, my new business cards came in! Don't forget to come and get yours!

Tomorrow's a long day, so ... farewell!

Possibly Impossible

The impossible only seems impossible :)

The book once a runner put our workout to shame, as they discussed the adventures of a runner who ran 60 400m intervals at 63 pace. The weight of the lactic acid helped contribute to the struggles of the athlete and eventually led to his exhausted state.

Flash to the present day - the Cerritos High School Track, the second happiest place on Earth! Today was quite the interesting workout with the top boy athletes shooting between 1:07 and 1:15 and the top girl athletes looking at 1:20 and 1:27. With exhausted and looks of, how are we going to be able to do this on some of their faces, the athletes entered the workout as doubters and left as accomplishers of this incredible task. I compliment each of these athletes at facing this challenge and completing the longest set of 440yd runs that I know of.

Over on the isles of Britain, the impossible rise of Susan Boyle has astonished many and inspired many. The impossible once again became possible. I think that this event shows the ugly side of people who comment on the looks of Susan Boyle. Why has this society focused so much around how this lady looks, rather than the incredible talent that she is. I believe that this is something that is a challenge to us, to see beyond the appearance and to really listen to the opportunity that is being provided to us. While some are so busy bashing on Susan Boyle, a lady who has shown herself to be nothing but a sweet lady, they are missing her incredible voice and the inspiration that has come along with the many who have been so blessed as to listen to her sweet voice. Hollywood has focused so much on appearances with focus on plastic surgery, etc. that we have been sold on this idea of what "good looking" is or what a "good mate" would be, however, I feel, myself included, we must begin to move beyond the external appearances in order to really see the true beauty of people. Some of the most "beautiful" people in our society today are the "ugliest" people inside and I feel that our society using some of them as role models is leading our society into a state of no return. Sure, care for your appearance and take pride in how you look, however, we should not base our success and failure or others successes and failures on what they look like because then we may all be missing out on an opportunity that is hidden beneath that "ugly duckling" cover.

So is the impossible possible? The only things that are impossible are things that we let ourselves think as impossible, so maybe it's not possible to do the impossible because in reality, there should be nothing that is impossible :)

impossible is nothing

it's not impossible
if you only believe
if you put in the work
you'll have a chance to succeed

you change all the possibilities
you find routes that you may take
by putting in the extra effort
your own opportunities you'll make

keep your head held up high
as the road will not come with ease
yet you must look for your chances
and be ready to seize

know that impossible is nothing
if you give yourself a chance
because many things seem insurmountable
when seen at first glance

keeping pushing the bar
and reach for the sky
as you change all to become possible
waving to impossible, goodbye

jason
4/24/09, 12:46am

Picking a Flower

picking a flower

the flowers reminded me of us
so i sent them straight to you
if friends were truly to be flowers
you know what i would do

you have been there day in and out
even when your time was short
and never when you had my wing
did you bail out and hit abort

you've stood by me with full support
always thinking of what more to do
i know that i'm a better person
because of the memories i shared with you

my days are brighter when you arrive
what once was lost soon becomes found
i feel the comfort that you provide
as you make me soar right off the ground

the colors and scents of the flower amaze
much like the presence you possess
you've took the lead and moved ahead
as you prove each day, that you're the best

so shine and grow, be a sign of beauty
yet be a symbol of a meaning so true
because if you were like those flowers
you know i would definitely pick you

jason
4/23/09, 2:20am

a little jumbled but what did you expect at 2:20am, robert frost?

Wondering :)

Good Morning!
It's 2:07am and I'm wondering what I am doing up so late :P

I just finished typing over 500 addressed for my 10-year reunion, FUN! :P
My fingers hurt like crazy, so I am also wondering why I am tying :)

In any case, I just wanted to let you know that my fingers are about to fall off. So if you see my looking on the ground tomorrow, it's because my fingers fell off, ok??

Farewell to you as I keep on wondering!

Jason

A Peaceful Reflection

It's quite peaceful at school during sixth period.

I almost feel as if I forgot to do something because I am too relaxed for my own good, however, other than this stack of papers next to me, I think I have done most of what I needed to do. 

It's always hard, for teachers and students both, to come back from a week of break. It almost felt like summer vacation had come early, yet, that was not the case.

I do enjoy being back at work/school, however. Crazy you say? I think I'm more productive when I go to work because you are more pressed for time and motivated to do more. I found being in my PJs in the house is not conducive to being productive.

Being at school also reminds me of being in school. It's so surreal. Organizing my reunion, I feel as if it's only been a few years since I left high school, yet alone college, however, in a few months, I will be gathering with my friends at our 10 year reunion, catching up on what has been going on over the past 10 years. It's simply amazing how time has passed. I still remember so many of the great time we had in high school and how much less responsibility we had :) ... sure, I was busy, however, think about how great of a time high school was, at least for me it was. Obviously, we all need to move on, but I am glad to get the opportunity to see many of those who spent so much time with me running, planning, traveling and more!

I hope that a large group of my classmates decide to go to the reunion. I'm hopeful because in only a few days and without sending out our invitations yet, we already have about twenty guests for the reunion! I hope that we have many more people signing up soon!!

it seems like yesterday

in our caps and gowns

awaiting the moments

where freedom was found

as fireworks amazed

over our heads in the sky

we turned to our friends

for some, our last goodbyes

in ten years time

many have progressed

with education and jobs

married, who have guessed?

with our lives moving forward

too fast it has seemed

as our ten year reunion

is no longer a dream

ten years older

yet not much may have changed

as personality very similar

most priorities now rearranged

we've got bills to pay

and hours on the job to spend

but tonight we relive memories

with our high school friends

so join us in our reunion

as we remember '99, it's our class

take this opportunity

to reconnect with your past

jason

4/22/09, 2:39pm

The Heatwave Continues

It's definitely hot in here!

How in the world am I going to go to sleep when it feels like a sauna.
It's times like these that I wish we took the time to get the A/C fixed.
My room is also the hottest room in the house ... :(

Heatwave go away!!!

If Time Had Passed on By ...

if time were to pass away
the sunset coming near
would you know the words i
yearn to whisper in your ear

would you know what's inside
what is locked up in this cage
the many stories that i write
on my life's journal pages

did you know the eagerness
as i made my way back home
throwing my stuff all over
then reaching for my phone

could you even tell the feelings
that inside i left within
to show you all i've withheld
i would not know where to begin

could you even imagine how
special you are in my domain
i know that with your absence
life would never be the same

so if the time had passed on by
i'd whisper these words right to
you're the reason i keep on living
and my life is special because of you

jason
4/20/09, 7:13pm

thanks for making my life special :)

At These Tracks

at these tracks

i stood here waiting
how long should i wait
will you be coming
or are you just late?

we never had scheduled
but just a feeling within
said you'd be coming so
our adventure could begin

am i too hopeful
did i misread what you said
are you not coming
are you going instead?

i'd wait forever
but is forever much too long
if you're never coming
and my feeling was wrong

i've laid your red carpet
hoping you'll soon arrive
because when you're around
i feel so much alive

so i stand here just waiting
ready to give the world to you
as that's what you mean to me
the reason for all that i do

and when you arrive
i'll guarantee you one thing
that you'll put me on cloud 9
and make my heart sing

yet i wait at these tracks
silence yet forevermore
as i imagine my future
with the one that i adore

jason
4/19/09, 11:35pm

It's Really a SUNday

The high today in Cerritos was up in the 90s. Quite odd for the springtime, however, I guess those April showers never really showed their head, which makes me ask, in May, will we get those flowers?

Since it was a hot day, we had a family "wash the dog" day at the house. I guess it's not a good thing for everyone when it's hot on Sunday, because that means a great opportunity for a bath for our dog.

As you can see, JD didn't necessarily enjoy the experience, but she'll get over it :) ...

JD is a very smart dog, so she knew what was coming, which is why she ran into her doghouse trying to avoid even a mention of a "bath" on this warm spring's day.

Well, a long story short, JD is now clean and tidy and smells like my laundry when it first comes out of the drier :) ...

Today would have been a great day to go to the beach, tomorrow will be as well. However, these temperatures will not last for long as our 60-70 degree temperatures will be back sooner than we know it!

Here's too California weather, maybe a little hot today, but I'm not going to complain!

lovin' california weather

it's a warm day
the sun is blazin'
the weather in California
simply amazing

we can lounge outside
in our shorts and tee
under the shade of a tree
sipping on an ice tea

few clouds in the sky
which is a nice tone of blue
and a nice on shore breeze
to cool you down too

so for the rest of the country
i'm sorry to say
that California weather
is the best, every day

jason
4/19/09, 6:24pm

A Day for the History Books

The early morning rise obviously was difficult since most of us were not ready to wake up at 3:30 or 4 in the morning, however, the athletes managed and we made it to AMPM by 5am after all of our pickups. In fact, I was able to pick up five people in a matter of twenty minutes across Cerritos and get to AMPM. Not too shabby :)

In any case, upon arriving, we had gotten there so fast that when we arrived, nothing was setup! We didn't have to pay for parking, those having to pay got into the meet for free since the ticket booth wasn't setup yet, and we were one of the first in the stadium!

It was a big day for the teams, as this meet is one of the meets the team looks forward to year after year, trying to break the previous marks set. The boys opened the morning with their race at 7am. They faced some difficult in their races such as going out too hard, missing their pace due to the competition in their leg and possibly just overall fatigue, however, they still managed to run the second fastest time in school history in the event at 19:37.19. Since some of them had set the previous mark, it may have a been a bit disappointing, however, as I said, they should still hold their heads up high!

The girls seemed to be a bit tired as well when they headed to the line at 7:50am. However, their performance was not affected by it at all. We had an opening leg of 5:41, just off her PR, followed by an eleven second PR in the second leg at 5:43. Our third leg was a freshman who ran 5:57 and we closed out with a 5:37. Even more amazing about that 5:37 was that the girl had mispaced herself throughout the race with a time slower than the first two runners, yet she closed with a 1:14 lap, which was the fastest out of all 16 laps run! In any case, the 23:00.06 time was good enough to set the school record, breaking the time set in 1998 at the Mt. SAC Relays eleven years ago!

Exhausted from the early rise, I laid down to take a nap and soon realized how much time had passed since I had laid down. It felt good to sleep so much, yet, I got so little accomplished today. Oh well, there is always tomorrow!

The Crack of Dawn

It is currently the (butt)crack of dawn as my cousins and I used to refer to it when we were younger.

I actually like waking up this early after I take a morning shower or bath to awaken my body. It feels so nice because you really get to hear the real world - the crickets, the birds and other things that you may normally not hear. It also is peaceful and there is not this feeling of bombardment at all ... the massive phone calls, IMs, etc. that a normal day produces.

Why am I up at this hour? I asked myself the same thing just a second ago. However, my team is headed to the Mt. SAC Relays today. We are racing in the 4x1600m race at 7am and 7:50am. I'll be home before many people wake up! It will be quite the adventure :) ... both teams will have a chance at setting the schools fastest time and I am not going to count either team out of medaling in their races.

Our girls team should average at least 5:45 and our boys 4:50, however, I hope they can push the envelope and drop that to 5:35 and 4:43. It would be quite an accomplishment!

In any case, my pickups will start at 4:20amish and we will convene at AMPM at 4:50am :) ... so if you want to join us, be at AMPM at 4:50am. At least I was wise enough to bow out of my race next weekend because I would have to be up at this God-awful hour again and be prepared to race myself, which I know I would not be able to do well.

Well I guess it's time to sign off ... good luck to the four boys and girls who will be race today! If you are crazy enough to wake up this early, leave everything on the track with no doubt that you did everything you could to run the best time you could.

spread your wings
it's time to soar
do your best
no matter the score

it's not about winning
it's about doing your best
laying it down
putting your body to the test

hold your head up high
when the race is complete
be thankful that you had
the opportunity to compete

store these memories
and cherish them forever
don't take for granted
the time we have together

so step on the track
ready to lay it down on the line
success is coming your way
it's just a matter of time

jason
4/18/09, 4:19am

Believe in Yourself

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Believe in yourself
You've got the tools
The doubters around you
Are simply fools

You'll find success
If you can believe in you
Because I know success
Is in all that you do

You've shown your potential
And all that you got
All that it will take
Is giving yourself a shot

So trust in yourself
Know success is within grasp
You'll find the solutions
To each challenging task

So when others are mocking
Saying it cannot be done
Go, seize the day
Soon your doubters will be none

Jason
4/18/09, 12:00am

A Thank You

"You have always given me more than I gave to you. You were the wings on which I soared."
-Lotte Lehmann

I find it quite amazing when you meet people who really push you to new heights and bring you to a place that you never thought you could reach. I am glad to be surrounded by so many people who have done that for me.

I am always told that people are amazing at how much I am able to do and accomplish, however, the only reason I am able to do so much is because of the amazing people around me helping me and really being there to support me.

Since I always do not take the time to thank you as much as I should, I extend my deepest gratitude for all of the time, effort, and resources you have spent to help me in the tasks and projects in which I have involved myself. I know that I could not possibly take on so much without all of your assistance, dedication and support!

I truly am blessed.

A Wave of Excitement

About twenty to thirty brave souls dealt with the wind and chilly temperatures at the beach that also had it's share of sunshine. It was actually the best day of the week to go to the beach in my opinion.

It ended up that may people had brought snacky foods more than food to eat as a meal, so they were left to plead for food from my grill. We had an array of food from teriyaki hot dogs to italian sausages, lemon pepper chicken, garlic and herb hamburgers, teriyaki chicken and steak. It actually ended up being quite delicious even though I forgot my steak rub :( ...

I also lost three games of basketball today. Unfortunately, we were playing loser runs two intervals at 1:15 pace for the 4, so looks like I'll be wearing my spikes in the AM :O ... we had the second game, which we were playing single or nothing. Up 6 to 1, all we needed was a point to take it, yet, we couldn't get to that point. We had taken the lead 7-6, yet a two pointer and another basket closed out our lost and sealed our fate for tomorrow, ugh!!

Anyways, the day was completed when we saw dolphins in the water. I swore I saw something, yet I better go look at my camera footage to see if I was seeing things. There was no doubt there were dolphins, just wondering if "I" actually saw dolphins.

Well, I got some cleaning up to do tomorrow, so I guess I'll turn in and get ready for my intervals :)

beachside

the blowing sand
across the shore
our fading light
soon no more

the fire lit
the sky grows bright
as i wonder where
you are tonight

the starry sky
the now gentle breeze
relaxes me
into a state of ease

yet i still struggle
mind, another place
as in the fire
i see your face

your glow permeates
it guides my way
ensures my tour
experiences no delays

yet in an instant
the images fades
as the screams resound
through the firey haze

it's been a good night
yet i wish you were around
to provide comfort
where true bliss is found

to keep me warm
when the cold chill hits
and to be the one
who beside me sits

the fire burns out
all have gone away
i know you'll be back
soon one day

until that time
i'll still come to this shore
awaiting opportunities
that life has in store

jason
4/17/09, 12:06am

Lone Star

i sat alone under a starry night
wondering what's beyond
as the twinkle reminds me of
someone of whom I've grown fond

there were many nights like these
on the sand, the cool air blew
the true feelings of which I supress
where one's no one else knew

like the many stars that map the sky
for all of us, there is the one
to pick it out of the millions above
my endless search has now begun

yet what if you knew that single star
you knew that it was meant to be
yet the clouds, the moon and others
had prevented it from being seen

I've wondered if my gut feeling was right
if the star discovered was the key
that opened up my heart inside
to set all my emotions free

until that day, I'll stay and peer
gaze up into this night sky
knowing that you are out there waiting
don't worry, I'll be right by

jason
4/16/2009, 11:48am

Spirit FORE a Good Cause

On Tuesday, I got the chance to meet three members of the Clippers' Spirit. As an avid Los Angeles Clippers fan, yes, I did say the Clippers, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of meeting the Clippers' Spirit.


The helicopter behind us was for the Helicopter Ball Drop, as we were at Westridge Golf Course for the Second Annual Dons' Classic, a golf tournament benefiting Cerritos High School. The balls were dropped from the helicopter and the ball that landed in the hole first was the winner. If no ball dropped in, which happened, then the ball closest to the hole was the winner. I didn't win.


Although my team did not win, I did end up winning a $50 gift card to Lucille's. Our team played well, however, we did have a bit of trouble making our puts throughout the day. I would say we had about thirty one putts in a 4-man scramble format, which is not too good, especially considering we did not have very many long putts. We finished four under par at 68, without a single bogey.

My dad assembled a team for this tournament and they ended up coming out on top winning with a 57. I wasn't surprised, as before the tournament, I figured they'd be about 15 under par, and I guessed right.


In any case, Lynda Johnson did an excellent job organizing the tournament as we all had a wonderful time playing!

Of course, the next day (today) I could barely move from exhaustion.

Inspired in an Uninspired State

I couldn't find any motivation to do much today.
Exhaustion took over my body and laziness set in.

In my uninspired state, the Internet, namely Facebook, provided my inspiration.

I came across a video clip from Britain's Got Talent.
Much like America's Got Talent, the show is about the average joe who can sign up to audition on the show with some type of talent that you have. I've seen everything from singing to dancing to "I don't even know how to explain what you are doing" type acts.

A lady by the name of Susan Boyle was a 47/48-year old woman with a good amount of energy ready to light up the stage. Her appearance was far from a movie-star type and when she came out and said she wanted to be a professional singer, many people laughed, snickered, etc. I, myself, was waiting for a William Hung type performance because there was so much hype around her. Granted, I smiled at her wonderful and positive personality, yet, I did not expect much.

The song played with a decently lengthy introduction and when she opened her mouth to sing, everyone's reaction changed and just was drawn in by her rendition of the Les Miserables song. I close my eyes and could not believe the voice I was hearing was hers. This wonderful individual won the crowd and judges over and simply had everyone in her hands.

I feel that it just proves that individuals who judge people before they even give them a chance really don't know what they are missing. I myself am guilty of doing such and I must make sure that I do give everyone an equal and fair chance because when you take a chance, you just might be surprised at what you find ~ a Susan Boyle.

http://talent.itv.com/videos/video/item_200081.htm

I looked above with hopeless thoughts
Thinking all would be wrong
Then opened up this voice of hers
And out, a beautiful song

I had judged and counted her out
Must like to myself I had done the same
Yet I figured I have been wrong
Proven by Susan Boyle, that's her name

I now feel that one always has a chance
To do what they dream to do
All it takes is the confidence to stand out there
And simply show what's inside of you

When obstacles seem to high to surmount
When you feel all hope has disappeared
Keep climing to the peak of the mountain top
To the view that is so stunning and clear

You'll find that dream you've search so long for
All the things you hoped you could reach
As the story goes of accomplishing your goals
By which tonight, the story of Susan Boyle did teach

Jason :)
4/15/09, 7:58pm