Why I Want to Become an Author

When I was in 6th grade, I attended Adams Middle School in Richmond, CA. Going to a new school for junior high was a scary thought for me. I didn't know who would be coming to Adams from my elementary school or if I'd be in the same class with anyone I'd know. It was intimidating enough that I really wanted my mom to come inside the school with me in order to help me find the class, but I was determined to prove I was a big kid. But I chickened out and wanted her to come with me. Despite the fact that I was scared, I still felt like a big kid because we had lockers now, I mean, how can lockers NOT be cool. (This almost happened in high school for freshman year, but I was able to find my classes on my own. I also didn't want to mess up my chances with the cool kids... Who was I kidding, I am the cool kid. Just kidding, there weren't "cool kids" at my high school).

In middle school, I had the usual classes: English, Math, Social Studies, etc. One class in particular: Homeroom, which was a class I wasn't expecting. Homeroom consisted of THE WHOLE SCHOOL reading a book; every grade, every student were required to read a book during the span of time they were at Adams. There was nothing being taught during this period, but we were graded on it. Each student would read a book and after finishing the book, the student would have to take a test on whichever book they read in the library. 

Each book had a set amount of points and different colored labels that bore a number on the spin of the book, which indicated the reading level. When a book was checked out the librarian was able to tell if someone was reading or taking a quiz that was below the students reading level and if it was, we would't able to take a quiz on it. Depending on the amount of points the student gets after taking the test, we would be able to redeem them for prizes. (Which I thought was really cool) Each quarter, the amount of words would be cataloged in the computer, which later in the year, students would receive a reward if they read up to 1 Million words or more that school year (I've only won that award twice during the three years attending Adams). It's nothing like a book club where classes were reading the same book. Students would go in the library, check out a book-- it didn't matter what book it was as long it was in the library and was at the same reading level as the student or above-- and they would read it. 

Now because I wasn't aware of this requirement in 6th grade, I got an "F"-- ON MY PROGRESS REPORT-- for the first quarter, but I then was determined to get that grade up before the report cards were made :)

I think back and I have to say "thank you" to my middle school because if it weren't for that class, I wouldn't have been an avid reader like I am now. Because of this program, I was introduced to the wonders of imagination and creation of countless worlds that so many authors had so voluntarily shared. Because I was required to read, it allowed me to pick up the works of C.S. Lewis, Sarah Dessen, Libba Bray, Stephanie Meyer, Cassandra Clare, Christopher Paolini, Lauren Oliver, Scott Westerfield, Harper Lee, and J.K. Rowling, who are just some of the many worlds I have been privileged to experience. I believe this was the match that started a spark. An outlet to imagine and a dream.

These are just some of my books in my room. (It's still growing)

This spark and dream is to become an author and C.S. Lewis has inspired that. I read "The Chronicles of Narnia" while at Adams and I was so mesmerized and intrigued by the chronicles that I did some research on C.S. Lewis. I found out that C.S. Lewis wrote "The Chronicles of Narnia" during the war and that inspired me; despite the war, violence, and guns, Lewis was still able to dream. When I become an author, I hope to inspire someone else, just as Lewis has inspired me. (Once I've become an established author, I hope to live in San Francisco in a house with the PERFECT view of the Golden Gate Bridge) :D

I also plan on writing a book that has a strong female protagonist. I feel that in may different media platforms and written works, women are the ones who ruin everything. In film or literary pieces, whichever woman was with the protagonist, that same woman ruins the plan and her emotions get in the way. I want to change that, to change the stereotypical female protagonist and create a strong, independent, and bad A** woman -- I apologize for the asterisks-- who can fight for herself. Overall, I can only ask that God can bless me with the amount of creativity to enable me to write something so strong and I just ask that He guides me into the right path on writing it. 

Thank You For Reading! <3

My Adventures of 2013

The year 2013 is by far THE best year of my life.

January

January was only the peak of a year full with adventures, mountains, and accomplishments. This month I was in my Senior year of high school. It was the beginning of the second semester: new classes, new year, and new teachers. I was very excited to finish this school year with a BANG!

It was also the month that the Major Motion Picture, "Les Miserables," came out in theaters. My sister and I love watching opera/ musical films/plays like "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Hairspray." Since we wanted to watch it so bad, we decided to go to Berkeley, a city in the Bay Area because there was a movie theater just a couple of blocks away from BART (public transportation in the Bay Area). We planned this on a Saturday because both of us had previous engagements on the U.C. Berkeley campus. My sister thought to invite one of her friends, to go to the movie with us and even though he goes to our school, I haven't had the chance to meet him. He was a year younger than my sister, but like every underclassmen, they were all taller than her. After watching the film, it was amazing! I was blown away by Anna Hathaway and the talent she has-- the whole cast was amazing!

February

This month I turned 18, the year that meant I'm an adult! An age that was considered legal in the eyes of the government! 

These are all my lovely friends who came to my house
 to help celebrate my birthday with me :)

This month was also the start the softball season as a senior!!! I have played softball for all 4 years of high school (1 year on JV and three years on Varsity). It saddens me that it was my last year playing, but I feel that because of softball, I have been able to make lasting friendships and to keep in shape physically. My positions were pitcher (my favorite position), 1st base, and left and right field. My coach turned us from girls into athletes, which I am thankful for. I can say that I have endurance and is stronger than the average girl. I also think that my coach has prepared us for life after high school because he treated softball like a job. My softball coach has been a huge influence on me, I think he is one of the most important people in my life. My softball coach has believed in me and encouraged me to do my best academically and on the field. It was also later in the month that my weeks were filled with softball games, practices and family obstacles, but through it all the Lord has been my salvation.

 Fun fact: For some reason, it wasn't until my freshman year of high school that I realized that there was an "r" between the "b" and the "u" in FebRuary. Given the fact that my birthday is in February, I always used to spell it: Febuary. *sigh* I know... *shaking my head*

March

This month, Softball has become my life; it was softball and school. When practice was cancelled, it only proved that I didn't know what to do with the free time. Practice is an hour and a half and looking back, I begin to realize how much I miss it. I miss the way my muscles feel after pitching, the sound of untouched dirt crunching under my cleats, the slap of the ball when it's thrown in a glove, and the ring of the bat when it hits a ball. As I write this, three different gloves reside on my shelf by my bed of my dorm room and a yellow unused softball that bear the farewell messages from my awesome, crazy, encouraging, and inspiring teammates. Although, I can still go out and play catch with other girls who played softball that attend Simpson, I guess a part of me wishes that I were catching with my teammates in high school. Nonetheless, I am completely blessed to have made new fiends who I can play softball with (I do not play softball at Simpson, I don't think I would be that good on the college level).

Finish Ticket Concert

While listening to Finish Ticket on my drive to Redding, each song that played began to be a complete nostalgic session for me. The memories of a Finish Ticket Concert this past weekend played back in my head. Each song coincided to each band member playing each note from the song I was listening to. This moment brought me back three weeks ago on Sunday, 22 December, 2013, Finish Ticket had their Ugly Sweater Social- Part 1. My sister and I attended this concert and it was amazing. These guys never disappoint. I have attended four concerts that Finish Ticket headlined- two at The Great American Music Hall and one at The Bottom of the Hill, both of which were located in San Francisco. 

For those of you who don’t know Finish Ticket, they’re a local band from Alameda, California. There are five band members: Brendan Hoye (the lead vocalist), Alex Didonato (lead guitarist), Michael Hoye (bass), Gabe Stein (drummer), and Nick Stein (pianist), all of who are very handsome. 

The first time I got to see Finish Ticket perform- and I’m so glad I did- was at Alice’s Summer Thing at the Golden Gate Park in June of 2013. I stood on the left side of the stage with two of my friends, Sandra and Mirian, my sister and her friend, Jasmine. Luckily I was able to see between the heads of the people standing in front of us which was about 15 people deep- and we all had a perfect view of Alex Didonato, who is the lead guitarist. The first time listening to them I felt like I actually found MY band. I fell in love with their music that ever since then, I've become OBSESSED. I felt like this was the band that I would listen to and go to ALL of their concerts.

Three weeks ago, seeing Finish Ticket live again brought back memories of late night outs, laughs, and friendship from other concerts me and my sister went to that Finish Ticket headlined. Finish Ticket was actually my first concert I've been to. Because they sold out, me and my sister were keen to get there early to get a spot in the front row and it payed off. We got there at 4:30 p.m., even though doors don't open until 8:00 p.m.. Since we got there early, we got to see Finish Ticket unpack their equipment from their SUV called, "The Burrito." Over the span of time that I've been following Finish Ticket on social media, they are in love with Mexican food.

Meet "The Burrito" 

(*photo taken in September at The Bottom of the Hill, another location that Finish Ticket performed at.)

While they were unpacking I couldn't help yelling out their names to say, "Hi!" When I did this, they nicely said hi back with a wave. Finally, three hours later, the line went as far as the end of the block and they started letting us in. Once the ticket holder checked me and my sister in, I headed straight to the only space left I could see that was right in front of the stage, which was to the left, just enough space for both my sister and me. After standing for an extra hour, the opening band, French Cassettes took the stage and without a doubt got the crowd warmed up for the main event. 

After French Cassettes were done with their performance, the tech. crew began to change the instruments and set the stage for Finish Ticket which took about 15 minutes. When it looked liked Finish Ticket was about to take the stage, the tension to see them come through the double doors to enter the stage began to build up.

When Finish ticket entered the stage, I lost it, I screamed and at that moment I realized just how much I missed them. It's been four months since I last saw them and for two out of four of their concerts that I've been to, I've gotten to meet them, get their autographs, and take pictures with them. As the concert progressed it just kept getting better. 

Finish Ticket’s music was nothing I've ever heard before; the kind of music that I have been trying to search for, music that I can’t get enough of. Their music was high beat, authentic, and… popin’. I apologize for the horrible use of adjectives because Finish Thicket is so good, that the only way to understand me, is to experience and listen to their music for yourself. Because of Finish Ticket, they have opened up a whole different world of music; because of Finish Ticket they are the reason why I highly encourage local bands. I highly recommend that you check these guys out— TO THE EXTREME. You will not be dissapointed, trust me.
http://finishticket.com/

  

Getting Lost in San Francisco

Ever since I got back from Redding for winter break, I wanted to find a bookstore, a bookstore that wasn't Barnes and Noble. A bookstore that was small, had walls and walls of shelves of books. I was on a mission because I wanted to find a place I could call, "My bookstore that I could retreat to." On this day I was in San Francisco to hang out with some of my friends from high school, but halfway to my dad's work, I got a text saying that the whole hang out session was going to be rescheduled. So I decided to just spend a day in my favorite city in the world. Now because I didn't want to go far from my dad's work at the Palace Hotel, I checked on my phone to see where the closest bookstore was and with no surprise, there was a Barnes and Noble only four blocks away. So I decided to kill time there after I had lunch until my dad got off of work. 

After having lunch at the Dinning Hall, which is where my dad works in the Palace,  I started on my voyage to Barnes and Noble. After about 15 minutes I enter the place where my phones claims to have a B and N, but after taking a 5 minute recon of the place, I couldn't find it. I went to the directory and there is no Barnes and Noble there. I said to myself, "My phone has lied to me!!" I was so confused and I was only on 10% of battery life left in my phone, so I decide to go to the second Barnes and Noble which is a 45 minute walk. I thought to myself  it would be crazy for me to go all the way over there. I still had 6 hours to kill, so I thought, "why not? I guess when I get there I could charge my phone." So I began to follow the directions my phone was telling me and just in case my phone would die, I looked ahead in the directions and tried to memorize the street names and the longest street that I had to walk was almost 12 miles: Columbus Ave. I also started to wonder if my phone was lying to me again and I would have walked 12 miles for nothing, but nonetheless I didn't want to pass up a potential adventure.

Because I was making sure that I was going to right way, I continued to look at the map which cause the battery to drain. I tried my best to restrain myself from turning on my phone, but I started to think that I should go back to my dad's work because I knew it would be awhile until I'd get my phone charged and if my phone died and my dad called, I wouldn't want to worry him. I made a deal with myself that if my phone died, I would turn around and head back to my dad's work. 5 more minutes into the walk I took out my phone to quickly check how much longer until I got to the cross street and before I knew it, my phone dies... (MEGA SAD FACE)

I was only a couple of feet away from the stoplight, so I thought I would cross the street and head my way back on the opposite side of the road. But in that instant my phone died and I began to near the stoplight, I looked to my left and saw the best thing I have seen on Columbus Avenue.

A BOOKSTORE!!!! I was so happy and excited I forgot all about my phone and the possibility that my dad might call to check up on me and because my phone was dead, he wouldn't know where I was, causing him to worry and that was the last thing I wanted on my dad's mind. I told myself that I would have a quick look around and be on my way back to the Palace. But I couldn't help myself, I wanted to stay there until I found a book I wanted to read and, of course, like every girl that goes into a store: I wanted to buy something. I knew as I walked around that bookstore, I HAD to buy a book.

You know how serial killers keep relics or momentums to remember their victims? Well I wanted to do the same for that bookstore. I wanted to buy a book from City Lights Bookstore that reminded me of that place and the adventure that got me there.

It took me about 3 minutes to figure out how the bookstore was organized and after about 20 minutes I found my momentum: "Little Women," by Louisa May Alcott. I have never read this book and I saw this special edition of this book on a YouTube video made my BooksandQuils and I though I would read it, I also really liked the design cover of the book.

After paying for the book, I stepped out of the bookstore and was thrown back into my state of nervousness. All I knew was to walk back down Columbus Avenue until I saw Washington St. which is where the original Barnes and Noble was supposed to be. If my tuition of San Francisco is right, I remember that Mission St. leads directly to the San Francisco Port. In about 15 minutes I got to the Columbus Ave. and Washington St. For some reason I looked out into the distance and saw a building that only looked like my dad's work, so I decided to head in that direction. Throughout this time I had one of my favorite Christian songs stuck in my head, "Oceans," by Hillsong, specifically the lyrics:

"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my savior".

I was completely willing to get lost because I knew that God was leading me in the right direction. I believe he was using my fear of being lost that once I was safe and back in an area I was familiar with, "my faith will be made stronger." Is that crazy? All the nervousness went away and I know I could have just walked into one of the stores to ask for directions, but I didn't. I kept my eye on the building that only looked like my dad's work and as I got closer I reached Mission St. And I knew once I found Mission St. I could find the Palace Hotel because it was a cross street to New Montgomery, the street where the Palace resided. And the building that looked like my dad's work REALLY was my dad's work. I was mind blown and in awe. I went into the Palace and saw that I could charge my phone there. I sat in one of the fancy chairs that decorated both sides of the lobby and as my phone charged, I sat there reading my new book with only one thought left on my mind: "God lead my feet."