Nov

24

Happy Thanksgiving

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I’d like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

I left Merced at about 9pm last night and made it to LA by 1:30am.

Upon my arrival, before going home, I visited my friend Kenny’s house to play some Classic Super Smash Brothers. Apparently, my video gaming skills have not improved since we last battled. :-P

I am so hungry and I hope you are too!

Enjoy the company of your family and friends! Take care!

PS: A huge thanks to Jeff for covering my RA on Duty shift! Thanks!

Nov

23

My Return to So Cal - Night 1

Filed Under Personal | 1 Comment

Introduction
In writing to my return to So Cal, I intend to go into great detail because I believe it’s important for me to exercise and further hone my ability to recall the past. To achieve such detail, I used my cell phone’s call history to record moments of significant interaction with people and the environment. Let’s see how much I can remember. :-P

Part I
On Friday, November 18, following a meeting at the Firehouse Restaurant in Downtown Merced with Steve of the Community Partnership Alliance and Joshua (my friend and student at UC Merced) about the future of the Central Valley, I returned to campus and was asked by my friend Olivia if I wanted to drive down to Southern California (So Cal) for the weekend.

At first I hesitated to go, but after some encouraging words from Joshua and personally overcoming whatever inhibitions existed, I decided to go. I packed up the essentials, rolled out and hit the road with Olivia at about 3:00pm. I left the following message on my whiteboard: “I’m out for the weekend! Take care and call me if you need anything or RA on Duty - JF”

This would be my first time back in So Cal since I arrived in Merced on August 21st. A return to So Cal was needed and wanted.

Driving south on the 99, listening to some burned CDs, and growing more excited as the miles to Los Angeles decreased, I was in a state of euphoria. Earlier in the day, my friend Elaine called at around 1:00pm and she asked if I would need a ride from the train station next week, during the Thanksgiving Holiday. To her surprise, I’d give her an answer in person instead of over the telephone later that night.

At 6:15pm, my younger brother Chris called me and asked what I was up to. He was headed out to a football game. “I am driving down right now.” I told him over the phone. We decided to keep my arrival a secret from my parents until the next morning.

Before Olivia and I headed up the Grapevine (or the segment of the 5 freeway roughly in the hills between Valencia and Bakersfield), we stopped at the Grapevine Exit for a final pit stop. To my delight, it was windy. It felt like I was at the beaches of So Cal in the Central Valley.

Back on the 5 South and not before long, we reached the traffic and plagues Los Angeles. I was at one with my surroundings. The combination of a music flowing from the speakers of my car into my ear, the bright red lights in front and to the right of me and passing yellow lights to the left, and the fact that I was finally back in Los Angeles in the traffic I disliked, but missed, all contributed to an appreciation for what I left behind. Good old’ So Cal!

We continued to slowly slog through the 5 S. I think we spent a good hour in traffic which was not totally unexpected. Taking the 60 East and, after some moments of indecision on my behalf, opted to take the 710 South towards Long Beach. Olivia had some friends in Long Beach and that’s were we would part our ways.

As we traveled down the 710 S, I called my friend Charlene and asked her what her plans where for tonight. She was just about to leave for Elaine’s surprise birthday party. “I’m on the 710!” I exclaimed to Charlene. The reaction I received was something to the effect of “What the?”

I didn’t think it necessary to follow my first instinct and take the 405 South, so we ended up in Downtown Long Beach: a stark contrast to Downtown Merced. I’d imagine the skyline and lively night life of Long Beach will accurately reflect Merced in a decade or two but only time, and the decisions we make, will tell.

After calling her friend in Long Beach, who proved that my first instinct was correct, we went back up the 710 and to the 405 S. Arriving at the dormitories, I had some parting words for Olivia and said something to the effect of “have fun, be safe, and I’ll see you in a couple of days.” And with that, I was off to the races.

I called Charlene back, but no response. No matter, I continued on my drive to her house and on my way, decided to stop at my former Alma Mater: Cerritos College. I drove down the wide streets of Long Beach and for some reason I’d imagined tanks and other military vehicles driving down the road. This image came to mind because of the discussions of war in my history course. The surreal calmness of these roads does not exist in other parts of the world at this point in time, but I believe its something that should be achieved.

As I grew closer to the campus, I was consumed by nostalgia. Even though I had only been gone for less than four months so much as changed at the college: externally and internally. Externally speaking, the most notable change was the dramatic construction of the new Science, Engineering and Mathematics Building. When I left Cerritos College, the building was still surrounded in scaffolding. Below is a picture of the building I took.

The New SEM at Night, Wow

Gazing at the building, I was reminded of UC Merced because both schools serve students and transforming as time passes. And not just transforming itself, but the community around it. In the background, as I stood in awe of just how far I have come in both a literal and figurative sense, the music being emitted from my speakers told me to “say hello.” The feeling I had while there was more than just awe, it was absolute amazement at what people, when collectively fixated on a single goal, can achieve. With that, I continued on my way to Charlene’s house onto the night’s next adventure: Elaine’s surprise birthday party!

Part II
I don’t remember who called who, but Charlene asked “Where are you?” After stalling for a moment or two, I responded “I am outside.”

Before going to Dindy’s house, we rolled over to the Food for Less to buy some pineapple and cranberry juice and whip cream.

We arrived at the party and I could tell I was a bit apprehensive because it is not like to me “just show up (without prior notice)” or do something so unexpected. I would consider driving 5+ hours from Merced on a Friday night unexpected. For whatever reason, I left my camera in my car. But other people and their cameras sufficed to capture the life of the party.

I saw so many people that I haven’t seen for months, even years! I saw and spoke with Maxine, Elaine, Dindy, Rochelle, Joye, Cynthia, Jan, Ann Rae, Claudio, Martha, Maricela, Ashley, and Crystalline. I even met some new people: Natasha, Terry and Natalie. And I am not complaining that most of the people at the party were girls. ;-) I spoke with more than I did others about a wide range of topics: from overall well-being, school, work, life, family, friends and whatever else came to mind. For those who I spoke with at some length, it was great to get to catch up or get to know you and I feel free to contact any time.

I love talking with people. People who taught me life lessons and shaped, in some way, shape or form, me and the person I am. As I mentioned before, and will continue to do so for the rest of my life, I am forever grateful to the people around me and the people around the people around them and so on. We are all interconnected, a giant social web of beings, with a multiplicity of differences. Even with our incredible differences, we are bounded together by one future.

By 3:45am, the remainder of us decided to call it a night. After a lot of hugs, exchanging and updating of phone numbers and smiles, we parted our ways. As the old adage says, all good things must come to an end, but that doesn’t mean they can’t start again.

I called my little brother once I got home at around 4:00am. We spoke for a moment, but it was late and we both needed sleep. The night came to a conclusion as I entered Z land. The comfort of coming home to a warm, welcoming home allowed me to sleep quite well.

Nov

15

Off Roading!

Filed Under Central Valley, Personal | 2 Comments

Today, after HIST 100, Mike, Joshua and I jumped into Mike’s Jeep and headed down Highway 59 to find an off-roading place somewhere in Stanislaus County.

After driving for about 40 minutes, we finally found the place.

I believe it is at the intersection of Grange/Old Grange Road and keep in mind there are no stoplights, blinking walking man or curbs at this intersection. This place is out in the middle of nowhere and I mean nowhere: rolling hills, trees, some farm houses here and there and, of course, cows.

You got to love the cows.

Off-roading is exhilarating! We drove up and down a few steep inclines not knowing what was on the other side. As we headed up and over hills, we’d pop our heads over the hood of the Jeep to see if we had somewhere to go: sometimes, a full retreat was called for, and other times, we just went for it.

All in all, it was a great to experience what the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas had to offer. I look forward to going back again. Next time, I need a motorcycle. ;-)

Nov

12

Happy Veterans Day!

Filed Under United States | Leave a Comment

A quick post to honor those individuals who have served and died for the United States. Salute.

Nov

9

Welcome Back to the Status Quo, Well, Not Really

Filed Under California, Election 2005 | Leave a Comment

I think the Los Angeles Times puts it best:

No Times 8

The official message is “Welcome Back to the Status Quo, Well, Not Really” and for good reason. Even though, legally, nothing has changed in California, the political atmosphere has altered incredibly.

What essentially has been proven is that Californians are fed up. Fed up with how our government, and specfically our leadership, is unable to develop solutions to the problems facing our state.

Governor Schwarzenegger’s “year of reform” is dead and if he decides to run for re-election, hs faces an uphill battle. I’ll be the first to say, the Governor has made bold statements, decisions and moves, but he hasn’t be able to effectively communicate and relate his agenda to the people.

California has changed, the peoples’ perspectives have changed, and now the government must change.

Nov

8

OMG, Elections Overload! ;-)

Filed Under California, Election 2005 | 2 Comments

Visit http://vote2005.ss.ca.gov/ for Live Election Results. Look at those election results scroll!

And tonight (about 5 minutes ago or so) I realized that I am a political junkie and I am not afraid to admit it due the fact that I am pressing F5 (Refresh) at least 2 times each minute.

I love politics! ;-)

Nov

8

8 Statewide Propositions, 1 Future

Filed Under California, Election 2005, Personal | Leave a Comment

Political participation is incredibly important to me.

Whether it’s knowing that there is an election tomorrow, discussing politics with colleagues, writing a letter to the editor, communicating a concern to a legislator, speaking during a public forum, contributing resources to and/or volunteering for a campaign, voting in all elections, and/or running for public office, each of these activities (and more) are a form of political participation and each of us participates in our political system is some unique way.

With that said, Tuesday, November 8, 2005 California registered voters will vote on eight (8) statewide propositions and I graciously ask you to vote in tomorrow’s election for the good of our state.

Like you, I don’t know or fully understand each proposition, but I have made a respectable attempt by reading through the 75+ page Voter Information Guide, visiting and browsing through proponent/opponent and various other websites, reading newspaper editorials and talking with friends.

And now it’s time to vote. It’s time to make a choice that will affect you, your fellow Californians and the millions of people who, in the future, will call California their home.

Below, I have listed the 8 propositions and link to corresponding California Connected’s webpage because CC does an excellent job succinctly describing each proposition and providing links to other websites.

Propositions

  • Proposition 73: Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor’s Pregnancy. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
    http://www.californiaconnected.org/wp/archives/308
  • Proposition 74: Public School Teachers. Waiting Period for Permanent Status. Dismissal. Initiative Statute.
    http://www.californiaconnected.org/wp/archives/301
  • Proposition 75: Public Employee Union Dues. Restrictions on Political Contributions. Employee Consent Requirement. Initiative Statute.
    http://www.californiaconnected.org/wp/archives/303
  • Proposition 76: State Spending and School Funding Limits. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
    http://www.californiaconnected.org/wp/archives/300
  • Proposition 77: Redistricting. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
    http://www.californiaconnected.org/wp/archives/307
  • Proposition 78: Discounts on Prescription Drugs. Initiative Statute.
    http://www.californiaconnected.org/wp/archives/309
  • Proposition 79: Prescription Drug Discounts. State-Negotiated Rebates. Initiative Statute.
    http://www.californiaconnected.org/wp/archives/310
  • Proposition 80: Electric Service Providers. Regulation. Initiative Statute. 50
    http://www.californiaconnected.org/wp/archives/311

    • How Am I Going to Vote?

    Like a lot of other Californians, I am still undecided on some, if not all, of the propositions. Below, I write whether I am leaning for (yes) or against (no) a proposition and brief reason why.

  • Proposition 73: Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor’s Pregnancy.
    I am leaning no because I believe this would encourage a minor to get an unsafe or “back-alley” abortion.
  • Proposition 74: Public School Teachers. Waiting Period for Permanent Status. Dismissal.
    I am leaning yes because if I was a teacher I would appreciate the fact that I had to work and perform well to obtain tenure after 5 years of proven commitment and dedication to students.
  • Proposition 75: Public Employee Union Dues. Restrictions on Political Contributions. Employee Consent Requirement.
    I am leaning no because I view unions as the counter weight to corporations and since this proposition does not apply to corporations, it’s unfair.
  • Proposition 76: State Spending and School Funding Limits.
    I am leaning yes because even though I know for a fact that this will adversely affect K-14 institutions now, it is needed for the long-run viability of this state and the state’s ability to fund education. In other words, this is heart-breaking sacrifice that we have to make.
  • Proposition 77: Redistricting.
    I am leaning no because I believe the problem is not so much the shape of the current districts as it is the size and lack of them. I would like to amend the California Constitution to increase the size of the State Assembly from 80 to 160 seats. This is whole another issue unto itself and we’ll be discussed later.
  • Proposition 78: Discounts on Prescription Drugs.
    I am leaning yes because I believe if this propositions fails to produce its intended results of providing more prescription drug coverage for those who need it, then the government can take steps in the future to be more forceful. I would like to give companies an opportunity to prove that they actually care for the public good by volunteering to participate.
  • Proposition 79: Prescription Drug Discounts. State-Negotiated Rebates.
    I am leaning no because of the reason I stated for proposition 78.
  • Proposition 80: Electric Service Providers. Regulation.
    I am leaning no because I believe it is too much regulation.

    • To conclude, the polls are going to open in about 7 hours and I am so excited; I know I am going to dream about voting tonight. ;-)

    Nov

    4

    NRAP @ Chico State

    Filed Under Personal, UC Merced | Leave a Comment

    The UC Merced Residence Life Staff and I are traveling up to Chico State for the NRAP Conference tomorrow.

    Pictures to be posted when I return Sunday.

    Nov

    2

    My Objectives for November 2005

    Filed Under Personal | 3 Comments

    I look forward to November because I will finally get to go back to Bellflower.

    This month, I have 1 exam, 1 group project, 1 essay, 3 quizzes and a ton of reading. Personally, I need to continue work on my Truman application and start and finish my Strauss application.

    Also, I will be hearing from the Great Valley Center on whether or not I will be interviewed for the IDEAL program.

    As always, if you have any words of encouragement or advice, then please leave a comment. :-D

    My Goals

  • Eat healthy, exercise daily, get plenty of sleep, relax often and take care of myself
  • Communicate with family, friends and colleagues
  • Stay “well-read” and keep up-to-date on current local, regional, state, national and international news and events
  • Fulfill my duties and responsibilities as a Resident Assistant (RA)
  • Get involved in the Merced community by attending city/county government meetings and events
  • Education is Key! This statement subsumes everything regarding my education while at UC Merced: attend class, do my homework, talk with my professors regularly, help others, etc.

    • My Objectives for November 2005

  • Get an “A”wesome grade on the following: SPAN 3 exam, ECON 190 group project, HIST 100 essay, ECON 100 quiz, SPAN 3 quiz, SPAN 3 quiz
  • Continue work my HIST 100 Case Study
  • Plan and implement at least 2 programs as an RA
  • Continue work on my Truman Scholarship Application and Policy Proposal
  • Start and finish my Strauss Scholarship Application
  • Continue to read An Unfinished Life
  • Continue to have “MAD” (Inside joke for My Madera Hall peeps) fun!

    • November is going to be full of fun and turkey! I can’t wait!

    Nov

    1

    Halloween Dance!

    Filed Under UC Merced | 1 Comment

    Sponsored by UC Merced Office of Student Life, the Halloween Dance was bumpin’ last night! Below are some pictures from the dance.


    Madera Hall Rocks Your Socks!

    Bobcats Raise the Roof!

    Lucky Bobcat!

    After the dance, wow, looks normal

    These are not all the pictures I took. And no, there are no pictures of me dancing. ;-)