Awayken My Heart.

"New Wheels"

2012-03-01T23:57:00.003-08:00

So the dad surprised me with the KIA today. I'm driving home from School (O.F.L.E.) and he calls up and says he needs a ride to Uncle T's. He says (on the way) that Uncle T. needs help with some stuff, and that we should go raid the pantry. As I'm walking to the door, he calls me back and tells me to close my eyes, and voilà, there are the keys to the car! It's got AWD (if needed), a nice stereo (with iPOD plugin mind you), power window/doors, faux wool seats, and a roof rack. I'd wanted a SUV for practical fishing purposes (like parking off 152) or driving in the snow (if needed). It's also got some zip, a nice heater, and runs well.

Not a bad graduation present at all!
(

1st Google Check!

2012-02-28T17:30:00.000-08:00

So yes, I got my first check from Google Adsense (through YouTube) for a whopping $119.91!
I started monetizing my YT channels about halfway through October of last year, and am now averaging about $40-$50/month. It's not much, but hey, "free" money, and in the words of Marv from HA2, "Every little bit helps!"

So long lawns: 2.17.2012

2012-02-17T23:54:00.000-08:00

Finally shut the Dodge down for the last time and left Princeton Court for the same.
It was a bittersweet day, as I said goodbye to old (and semi-old) clients.
I hadn't done one since early December (~2 months) due to the cold yet "un-rainy" weather.
This was my main source of income for roughly 8-9 years (I started when I was 15 1/2 I think), so it's been long overdue. I succumbed to tiredness, monotony, and the training of a new career.
Thanks to Sharon N., Mrs. P., and Juleit and Isaac!

Will we make it?

2012-02-13T14:43:00.000-08:00

Look at all the people
Broken inside
Where are you to turn
Where can you hide

Can we make it?
Will we make it?
Survive and live
Thrive

Symbiosis between two
A man and God

Look in the closet
Tails it is
Honestly, I'm not that strong.

Second glances, second chances
Don't jump on thin ice
Don't let go

We're all flesh and bone
With souls, needy and torn

If love is a fire then we've all been burned
Yet some choose to continue
Rather than seek refining fire

RESIST. RUN AWAY.
Just get away from it all.
Life's much more than a blip on the screen.
A wisp of steam.
A dreamer's dream.

I'm dreaming of a dream.
Sleep walking on a pool of thin ice, of fast sand.
Will we make it? We can, it's true, but will we?

Quick Update: 2.5.2012

2012-02-05T23:17:00.000-08:00

The NY Giants won the Super Bowl today.

I've been in Kindergarten for a month now (4 weeks) and have learned a lot. I've learned that I've got a LOT to learn about teaching. Timing, time-management, pacing, discipline, class management, etc.
The last one mentioned has been the hardest, as I'm often unable to keep 100% of the students' attention for 100% of the time, which is what you're aiming for (however unrealistic it may seem). I've been evaluated formally once thus far, and that was one of the things that I didn't do too well. "It's your job to keep the students engaged!" - (Thanks Marilyn!)

In other news, I started another violin student (Alex), and made a (I think) good impression. He's got a lot of bad habits to break, but I think he's got a lot of potential, and looks (from the first lesson) like a quick learner. He's got a pretty good ear, and just needs to clean up bad habits and practice correctly. Susan once said, "I'm teaching you how to practice," and that's one quote I've used many times, and I think it applies heavily in the realm of music. The teacher is not going to be there for the other 6 days of practicing, and thus the student needs to form good, wholesome practicing techniques (supplied by the teacher) to progress. The teacher (in my opinion of this type of personalized music instruction) is there to correct bad habits and ensure correct practicing techniques are being applied. ($32/hour...I should probably increase my rates... : / )

I'm doing a lot more reading in the credential program than I ever did in college. The classes are pretty intense.

I'm feeling a little sick today (probably due to my recent exposure to the newest forms of bacteria and germs emanating from 28 kindergarten students). I'm going to bed.

~K

KinderFirst Day

2012-01-09T22:55:00.000-08:00

Finished the first day as a student teacher as a "teacher candidate" in the Kindergarten classroom.
Was so cool. So simple. Life was simple back then.
The first 15 minutes begins with leisure time for the students, such as reading, drawing, etc.
The next three hours included simple letter identification, reading time, drawing, and coloring.
The hardest part of the day (that I noticed) was simply keeping the students in line. As some have said before, Kindergarten includes much "keeping in line," as disciplining is not really an option.
First impressions were good. I had a fun time doing my music lesson, and felt pretty comfortable, albeit the occasional "_____, I'm talking. What are we doing right now? We're listening."
There was a lot of coloring, drawing, learning about the year, day, how many days they'd been in school, etc.
I love the simplicity, the innocence, the scheduling, simple lesson plans, etc.
We'll see how my reflections are at the end of the semester...
: ]

Fishing 2011 + Undergraduate Degree = 3.798 GPA

2012-01-04T14:04:00.000-08:00

So just got the grades back for the final semester of my undergraduate career, and got all A's!
Three A+'s, three A's, and one A-!
This news came much to the amusement of dad, because he knew that I went fishing the MOST times in the last (Fall) semester than in any other semester of my undergrad career.

And now, and look at the fish caught in 2011!

Lake Chabot: 4.22.2011

O'Neill Forebay: 6.6.2011

Delta Mendota: 6-11-2011

Random Ditch: 7.5.2011

San Luis Reservoir: 7.9.2011

Coast Guard Pier: 10.13.2011

Coast Guard Pier: 10.15.2011

Los Padres Reservoir: 10.23.2011

Coast Guard Pier: 10.27.2011

Los Padres Reservoir: 10.29.2011

Los Padres Reservoir: 11.6.2011

The Opening

2011-12-16T00:44:00.000-08:00

I left my window open
Was it the same over there?
It's been fun.
The snatches and glimpses.

I still don't know you.
Probably never will.
Thanks for being an inspiration.
The Benjamins are rolling in!

I opened the door. You were grateful.
That's how history began.
Lights was the beginning.
Then came the kulture.

All this time. It's been a game.
If school is a game, I've almost won.
Next up: the Bonus Round!
Do I get extra points?!

You wanted to!
You wanted to!
The angels didn't deserve to die
They weren't angels at all.

My suicide is a calculated one.
It's one where I die to live.
Don't live to die.

Rough Rants / Titles / Songs

2011-11-19T21:35:00.001-08:00

This life will be the death of me
A lit'l bit 'o this to kill my own skin
__________________________
I knew you for a while
It's gone downhill from there
When will you see
That life without Him is vanity
A puff of air, a blink, a flash
__________________________
Why can't we all just get along?
I finally got around to writing this song

Daiwa Sweepfire Saga: 1000b and 1500b

2011-11-14T22:31:00.001-08:00

So after checking out the (most inexpensive) models of some of the light and ultralight reels at my local tackle shop (TB), I was shown the Daiwa Sweepfire 1000, which was selling at the shop for $28.99.

After checking out eBay and after research about line, capacity, and rod/reel balance, decided to buy the 1500b for $20. The seller sent me the wrong model (the 1000b), and after correspondence, decided to let me keep the 1000b (for his mistake) and sent me the 1500b for free.

This all came about mainly because this seller is a top-rated seller, with all positive feedback (meaning no negative or neutral feedback). This was a blessing in disguise, as he wanted to keep his 5-star rating no matter the cost.

So in the end, I received 2 reels for the price of one, giving me more versatility for trout. I still plan on using both for trout, but now have the option of using the 1000b for 4 or 6 lb. test, and the 1500b for 4, 6 or 8 lb. test if I need it. The 1500b fits the medium action rod that originally influenced me to buy the 1500b over the 1000b, so now I simply have to buy an ultralight rod to match the 1000b and I'll be set!

DJYS (or TYJ!)

10.29.2011 - LPD - Best single day of fishing action ever!

2011-11-03T00:26:00.000-07:00

So last Saturday we (Jer, the bro, and I) headed out to the dam, brought along the kayak and inflatable raft, and had the single best fishing days of our lives.

Arrived at about 7:30-ish and got on the lake at around 8-ish. Cast around and didn't catch a thing 'til we got to the mouth.

Jer hooked up with 5 fish even before we had a bite, but then we got ours. Most were 8-9 inches, but in my estimations we caught over thirty (30!) fish that day! It was crazy!

We caught no browns whatsoever, but this may have been due to our 10 lb. test...

We're definitely looking into the P-Line Floroclear (4 or 6 lb. test) to rig up for our reels. Nick suggested this and I've seen some good reviews of this line, and he and I both think that we would've gotten the bigger fish had we been fishing with the clear P-Line, as I could easily see our 10 lb. Berkley Big Game test in the water in front of the lures.

All in all it was an epic day, topped off with an Orient Express outing to celebrate a day dear to my heart.
Here are some pics from that day, dear reader:

1st trout off a lure: 10.23.2011

2011-10-25T22:02:00.000-07:00

This Rainbow Trout was the first I've ever caught off a lure.
The bro caught his FIRST FISH ever off a LURE on his FIRST cast of the day.

1 John

2011-10-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Pier Fishing DAY 1: Coast Guard Pier

2011-10-14T22:56:00.000-07:00

So I've had the fishing itch for a long time now, and seeing as it's a little bit of a drive to any good freshwater fishing spots, I was stumped. Last Saturday was Fleet Week, and as you can tell (dear reader) from post before this that I gleaned quite a lot of info from Denny. So I thought, why not try pier fishing?

So I look up some piers and decide to head out to Coast Guard Pier in Monterey. Line in about 2:55, and within 5 minutes get a small black or blue perch. Within the half-hour I get 5 of these guys, all too small (about 6 inches). Then the Coast Guard people say they're shutting down the pier for about an hour and a half for "flare exercises." We all go in front of the black gates and start fishing. This is when I started talking to Wind, Alex, LaMarque, Terry, and finally Sergio. Got a lot of good stuff from the locals. That's what Stevie G. said: "Talk to the locals!"

Anyway, they finally open the gates and we all go back. We had discussed two different strategies:
1. Casting in the gap between the rocks and kelp
2. Casting over the kelp and letting the tide bring the rig in.

I caught all 6 of my little black/blue perch using the first strategy, and then about 1/2 hour before closing time (the pier closes at sundown), I tried the second strategy, using squid only (I'd caught 5 of the six perch on bloodworms, and the other one on squid). I cast over the kelp, got my line tight, and about 30 seconds later this guy got on:

It's inevitable that you're going to get snagged, but you just have to try to roll with it and watch your line and the kelp, making sure you know where your rig is in relation to the kelp and rocks at all times. This is why (so far) I've seen that only one pole is needed for this type of fishing. The bites can be very small, and sometimes the small fish peck at your bait so much it'd be impractical to have more than one.

The diversity of ethnicities of the fisherman (locals) who I talked to was quite interesting. Here's the rundown:
LaMarque: African-American
Sergio: Mexican-American
Alex: Caucasian
Terry: Asian-American
Wind: Old Chinese Guy (in a motorized chair)

SF Fleet Week 2011: Jets and Fishing Tips

2011-10-08T23:28:00.000-07:00

Woke up at 5:45 ante meridiem. Ate breakfast and after Jer came to out house, we headed out.
Get to our spot across from the Marina Green (after parking under the bridges about a 15-minute walk down) which happened to be quite packed out, and one of the first things I see is an Asian guy with a super-thin 8 or 9-foot fishing pole. So I go over there and start talking with him.

As it turns out, Denny is from Hong Kong, here for 2 half-year stays in the States while his sister gets her art degree. I picked his brain for as much info as I could. Here are some tidbits of info:

1. He was using yellow (not sure what type...his accent was pretty thick) 20-lb. braided line, and a 20-lb. fluorocarbon leader.
2. His hooks were about a size 12. (This was because he was targeting perch and smaller such fish.)
3. He started with 2 hooks above a small egg sinker, then switched to a sliding weight (still lightweight), swivel, then hook.
4. He stated that the former rig is for more advanced fisherman because it's more sensitive to the bite, but that the latter rig is easier and is better for novice fisherman. This was because the first rig is more direct to the pole and thus more sensitive, while with the second rig you tend to feel the bite less, and (I'm guessing) the fish might thus be on longer, meaning it's probably on when you start reeling in.
5. He's had the same experience where the fish will bite/swallow the bait, but stay next to the bait, so you don't even know he's on. You might wait forever until you think there's nothing there or you want to check your bait, but then you find out he's on. This has happened before in my experience with rainbow trout.
6. Most of the smaller fish tend to stay close to the shore around the rocks, because the crabs and smaller bait fish tend to stick around the same area. It's very logical, as much of what he said was...you just have to think like a fish.
7. Therefore, over-casting is often unnecessary and a waste of time. However, when going for the bigger fish (such as striped bass), it's good to cast as far as possible.
8. He usually uses a bobber (I thought he was saying "bubble" with his thick accent) when fishing, as it's much easier to find the fish this way. This is the way he usually finds them:
a. Adjust the bobber to the depth where the sinker and bait are touching/dragging along the bottom. This way, the fish have the highest chance to see it. He stated that "90% of the time, the fish you're targeting are going to be bottom feeders." This is different from what I'd think of when using a bobber when going after trout (you want the bait maybe a foot or two below the surface) or bass with a worm.
b. Using the clock/angles method, cast out short, longer, longest (etc.) Keep in mind that you're also adjusting the depth of the bait along the bottom.

Here's a photo of one of the perch Denny caught:

That's all I can think of for now...oh, and the Super Hornet had a SICK shock cone on his high speed pass.

Here are some shots I took fr/ Fleet Week:

SCRIPT for Copyright: Cooper Std
SIZE: 72p

For posterity...

2011-09-15T23:13:00.000-07:00

Italy: 2008
Fishing: 2009
Volleyball: Fall 2010

Knee Pads = More confidence?

2011-09-15T23:12:00.000-07:00

So I'm on my school's Intramural volleyball team, and the way the team's set up will have me playing the position of libero. I had no idea what the libero did, but after some research (googling and such), I've got some good info.
The libero gets most of the free balls, serve receives, and basically all the balls he/she can get to. You've gotta be a stellar passer and oftentimes have to set if the setter gets first ball. You also have to be a good digger and cover for the swingers, so this job includes getting horizontal for many points.
Reading this, I bought some Asics Rally knee pads at Big5 for $17 and change. Wore them on the court tonight and loved them! They're really comfortable, and didn't really slide down my legs at all (it was minimal movement if that), and in addition, we stayed on the court for the first 2 hours! It was pretty SICKKKKKKK.
I found that I'm more comfortable and confident anticipating and diving for more balls because I know I've got knee protection. Before, I used to give maybe 85 or 90% off of free balls, but now I'm going for every ball I can get to, which is what the libero is supposed to do.
Next up is dedicated volleyball shoes, which run anywhere from about $80 and up. It's an investment for sure, as I'd only be wearing them for volleyball and specifically in gyms.

Anyways, I got some good swings in tonight, and a sweet kill (tip) on left front over 2 blockers.
'Twas an eventful night!

Manning...UP: the 3rd brother?

2011-09-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

Man up.
"Just between you and me, I've got something to say.
I want to get it straight before the sun goes down."
If you're in the wrong, make it right.
God won't forgive you if you've got something between somebody and you know it's your fault.

Learn to say, "I'm sorry." Admit your mistake.
If marriage is in the future, you're going to have to do it more, so learn now.
The learning process...it never ends.

Practice what you preach, and learn that it's not the weak but the strong who admit they're wrong.
That there is forgiveness and healing and restoration that come from Him Who knows you and everything about you.
Do it. Just do it. Learn to do it.
I'm in the wrong. I'm sorry. Let's move onward and upward.
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." Philippians 3:13

Let's move on.
It's a new day.
His mercies are new every day, every morning, and how we need them each and every day!

Just as you are. Just as he is. Just as I am.

2011-09-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

No longer as an interest.
No longer as the one.

I saw no alternative.
I'm sure you didn't want me.

Was it true then?
I'm guilty of the same things.
We're in the palm of a hand making a fist.

Maybe you were born for this time, this day.
Maybe your hands were made to bring healing.

Watching and waiting.
Will it happen? Will this happen?
Is it set in stone? Predestined to happen whether one likes it or not?

Learn to breathe. Learn to crawl.
Make it a habit.
Make it something you believe in, not something told or taught to you.
Make it yours. Own it. It's yours to take.

Faith without action is dead, as it's written.
Don't forget what you saw in the reflection, in the glimpses past.

The tongue is the rudder, and words the tool.
The Psalms to deal with God, the Proverbs to deal with men (B.G.).

Now that I have seen I'm responsible.
I will tell them.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Just sever all ties. It wasn't meant to be.
You've done all you can, now let it be.
Intercede. Ponder. Don't give yourself away.
Guard your heart. It's the only one you've got.
It's the only one you've got.

Volleyball: Progress?

2011-08-30T21:33:00.000-07:00

So I checked out YouTube and got my feet going in the right order: four step approach should be right left right left, with each step getting wider apart, except for the last step. For the three step, eliminate the first step with the right foot.
On the last right left step, you bring your hands back into "crane style" position and explode upwards with both hands pointed skyward.
As you're bringing both up, the swinging hand (or right in this case) pulls back from the wrist, creating a 90 degree angle with the arm. The fingers of the hand should be as spread out as possible to create the most influence on the ball.
Tonight I got some much better swings in, but still need to remember to swing hard every time (provided you've got the set to do it).

PS It pays to be next to a good setter, improving your game a lot faster than not. Joe had some sweet sets tonight (as well as the bro).
Still working on getting the crane back though...

School: Fall 2011

2011-08-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

So my last semester of school for my BA has started and it looks to be a memorable one: 3 singing/vocal classes, capstone (the final project for liberal studies majors at my school), a kinesiology for kids class, and an online music class.
The most interesting class thus far has been the vocal training class. We're learning how to control our inhalation, exhalation, breath control, diaphragm control, and all that good stuff. Gospel choir and the advanced vocal ensemble are equally if not more so enjoyable as it's basically just singing and learning new music.
KIN should be a breeze and the online music class shouldn't be too bad (I think I've found a loophole... : ]).
Getting the capstone topic wasn't as bad as I thought thanks to the help from the instructor (Do Je Ye So) as I think I've got a legit topic and have the right connections...we'll see if it happens.
: ]

How do you play Dark Horses???

2011-08-15T19:36:00.001-07:00

SF WS

2011-08-14T22:13:00.000-07:00

Jooootaaaaaaa!!!

2011-08-11T00:03:00.000-07:00

So the cousin came over fr/ Las Vegas (July 30 to August 6) and we had a crajeeeee time:

Saturday: Picked J up at Frisco and went to Chinatown (Chinese Rice Crispys are: SawKayMaw)
Monday: Up at an obscene hour and went to Yosemite, wiping us out whilst hiking all over...
Tuesday: Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk
Wednesday: Monterey Bay Aquarium and Castroville french fried artichokes
Thursday: Vallejo's Six Flags Discovery Kingdom*
Friday: California's Great America

*So we're in Discovery Kingdom and we ask to pose w/ Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. I tell my cousin (not meaning it obvies) that she can't be in the picture. Bugs Bunny then sucker punches me (no lie!)! It was a playful punch to the midsection, so I (instinctively and without malice or hate) punch him (if it indeed was a him in the suit) back. The problem was, I punched a little too high: his head SPUN a little less than a quarter turn, hitting my cousin on the other side. A chorus of oos and ahhs of horror and disdain comes from the crowd waiting in line.
The lady in charge of Daffy and Bugs says, "WHOA! .Don't punch him back or they won't take a picture with you!" He (Bugs) then sucker punches me AGAIN.
So we take this picture

...and then I gracefully say my sorry and he (Bugs) pats me on the back.

Why would he sucker punch me? Not really sure...I was talking to my cousin anyways...I know it was a playful punch, but the guy (or girl) in the suit should be ready to take a hit if they throw one first. It was laughs. At the time I probz could've been kicked out of the park, but being as it was at the end of the day (near closing time), they were pretty slack.
Anyways, it was a pretty hilar situation, and I really didn't try to hit Bugs hard...his head just spun around, so it made it look like I really punched him really hard...good times. It was pure instinct. Split reaction time...had I tried to, I'm sure Bugs would no longer be with us.

Anyways, it was fun to see the cousin and get to know her a little bit more.
Good times.

Key Phrases:
What's dat one?
Look at my feet baby. Look like I have four feet - like an animo.
A wee lit'l baby

Jota y yo

DARK HORSES

2011-08-10T23:34:00.001-07:00

I cannot wait for the new SF record to come it...should be epik!