39. & 72 & 41. Take part in a Grade 12 Tradition/Perform in front of a crowd/ Apply seriously to at least one school away from home

Wow, it's been a really long time since I updated this, which is terrible. But I am going to write about every single task that I finished, so this one is going to have to be a multi, which makes sense since all of them kind of tie into my being a senior.

39. Take part in a Grade 12 Tradition

my group =]

My school has a tradition where the grade twelves put together a grad christmas show to raise money for prom. It's an awesome fundraiser and the three years I've watched it, the grads just seem to love it and love each other. A group of friends and I put together a dance to David Archuleta - Melodies of Christmas and we became the opening act. I honestly enjoyed myself so much as part of the Santamental Seven (Yes, that's what we named ourselves =]), and it showed me how close I was to losing this particular group of friends. We had so many laughs as we prepared ourselves for the show, working ourselves to the bone to be prepared for our audition on December 1st. One of our biggest hassles was picking a name. I still think we should've been named "Choy To The World." If you don't know what that means, figure it out and I swear you'll get a laugh out of it.

I nearly missed my volleyball game, as did my friend Jessica, who tried out with another group. I can still remember changing in the hall because the girl's bathroom was being cleaned, the janitor just around the corner, and then stripping down to our spandex to put on our court shoes and kneepads. Thanks again for the ride, Adam! I still can't believe it's over, even though the show was on December 18th, I'll remember it forever, since we pretty much performed in front of the entire school, which also knocks off a part of 72. Perform in front of a crowd.


Me, Susanne, Jessica - Sorry you girls weren't in the show as well! =[

My guy friends put together the most amazing breakdancing routine I've ever seen and they kicked its ass, quickly becoming a fan favourite. Props to Isabella for standing up to a bunch of girls when they started to cross the line in regards to the guys. Love you, girl. One of the most unifying moments of the show was when 12 guys made an Italian rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." all I can say is, "On the fifth day of christmas, my Paizon gave to me: FIVEEEE WOOODEN SPOONS!" (I apologize for the spelling. Not a clue how to spell paizon or whatever)


on the twelfth day of christmas, my paison gave to me: twelve pius grads!


On the second day of christmas, my paison gave to me: two fresh proscuitto.

The day itself was freaking crazy. We got there at 7, changed, did one more private run through to make sure everything was absolutely perfect, then proceeded to perform twice more for the students of our school. It was memorable and I'm so proud to be a grad of 2010. I love you guys all so much.


Santamental Seven


The girls


me and Conrad, our techie guy. I love you, future Waterloo graduate =P

41. Apply seriously to at least one school away from home.

I submitted my application to Queen's in December, even though I'm not quite done yet because I still have to finish my Personal Statement of Experience. I already received my admissions to the two other schools but as I looked more and more into Queen's, I slowly started falling more in love with it. It's an old school that looks like a castle and it's the perfect distance from my house. It would be a mere two hours away from home, which is far enough that I have my privacy, but close enough that it's not difficult to come home frequently.

I will miss my friends if I go there, but I'd miss this opportunity so much more. I want to meet new people, expand my horizons and see how well I'd live on my own. I just want to try it, because living in residence seems to me like an experience I can't miss out on. I hope I do get in and that I can convince my parents to let me go there because I do know a great group of friends who are hoping to go there as well, so I know I won't be alone. I want to be a member of the Queen's graduating class of 2014!

43. Apply for at least 3 scholarships (1/3)

I just finished applying for my first scholarship, which was the Wendy's Classic Achiever Scholarship. It felt pretty weird applying for a scholarship. Sometimes, I feel like this year is just surreal. I mean, it's been going along differently than every other year. For one thing, I haven't been doing as well in school as I usually do, which is strange and pretty disappointing on my part, considering it's my last year and I would love to be at my best.

It sounds pretty strange for a seventeen year old to say they're burned out, but I am. Finally finishing one of my scholarship applications was like the nail in the coffin. I still have so many others to apply for, and now I'm kicking myself in the butt for not doing things I know I could have, such as applied to be the head of the peer helping group. Things like that would have definitely allowed me to apply for, and look better in, scholarships.

Anyways, wish me luck! I've finished one of my applications. Only two more to finish this task, but so many others so I can afford university in general.

o2. Go all out for Terry Fox.

So, I've been doing the Terry Fox walk since I was at least 9 years old. Maybe earlier, I can't remember, to be honest. Regardless, being in grade 12, this is my last school-related Terry Fox walk, and definitely the most memorable. It was amazing.


Some of the Grads of 2010

My friends ( Lorraine, Susanne, and Jessica ) and I got together at Susanne's house after school yesterday to decorate our shirts. To say we had fun would definitely be an understatement. I will always remember that night, honestly. From the history of birth control (seriously, it was a university course lecture) to practicing for next Thursday as we ran around trying to find accessories for our outfits, it was a night full of surprises. Our shirts turned out pretty amazing too.


Jess, Susanne, & Lorraine having fun decorating our shirts.


Decorating

Today was definitely amazing. I got up at 6:30 (which is an amazing feat for me, let me tell you) and got semi-ready to go. Jess came to pick me up at 7:20, and we went to Susanne's to fully prep with our shirts. That's the most fun I've had getting ready for school ever, even if we were late.


Making ourselves even greener for the Pius Grad Spirit


Our gorgeous shirts. (From left: Susanne, Jessica, Me, Lorraine)


The backs. I'm T.K. Nguyen, if it isn't obvious :)

The walk itself was the usual. Cold but sunny and lots of laughter. I'm almost glad we didn't take our car, even though that would've been pretty exciting. It's sad to think that it's the last time we're going to be doing a tradition that seems to be ingrained into us. None of the grads seem to want to leave and end such an amazing day, as no one was leaving. It was definitely the best Terry Fox Walk I've ever participated in and I'm so proud to be an X-Men, as well as a member of the graduating class of 2010. We have so much spirit it amazes me.


"Last Names" GRADS 2010 baby!


Our asians =P



So, I've included a few pictures, but that's definitely not all of them. There are around 200 pictures from the entire day, so I won't be attaching all of those.

Thanks so much for an awesome day, Pius, and GO GRADS 2010!

101 in 1001

The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. No ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable, or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. Represent some amount of effort on my part).

Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past – frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Key:

italics: in progress

strike through: completed

Live as if you will die tomorrow…:

1. Do Karaoke with a group of friends, in a public place.
2. Go all out for Terry Fox - October 2, 2009
3. Get my G2.
4. Go for crêpes.
5. Go see a professional play at the NAC (or any other theatre).
6. Do at least 10 post crossings. (0/10)
7. Tell someone how I really feel about them, whether it be good or bad.
8. Have a sleepover with my friends.
9. Skate on the canal once a year (0/3)
10. Send a message in a bottle.
11. Decorate my wall with 100 pictures of me & friends. (0/100)
12. Meet someone famous & get their autograph & picture.
13. Bake something special for a family party.
14. Finish writing a song/book about something important to me.
15. Find a new job or get promoted.
16. Swim with a dolphin.
17. Try 5 restaurants I’ve never dined at before. (1/5 -Tucker's [November 2009])
18. Paint my nails a brilliant colour I would have never otherwise considered.
19. Read a book for every letter of the alphabet (0/26)

…Learn as if you will live forever:

20. Learn to play a song on the guitar.
21. Learn a swear word in some of my friends’ native languages.
i. Vietnamese/French/Arabic/Tagalog/Italian/Spanish/German (0/7)
22. Learn to cook a real meal for the family.
23. Learn to make 5 actual drinks.
24. Learn to make a Vietnamese delicacy from scratch.
25. Learn the American Sign Language alphabet. (0/26)
26. Learn to saw ‘I love you’ in 5 new languages (Not English, French, or Vietnamese) (0/5)
27. Learn pilates/yoga & practice at home.
28. Learn to crack an egg with one hand.

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”
– Henry Miller

29. Leave the continent.
30. See my cousins in California & Oklahoma (0/2)
31. Go on a road trip.
32. Rent a cottage with friends and go wild.
33. Have a picnic in the park or at the beach.
34. Go to the new water park/Mont Cascade with friends.
35. Go to the Tulip Festival.
36. Go to Disney World and get autographs & pictures.

“You can think of Hollywood as high school. TV actors are freshmen, comedy actors are maybe juniors, and dramatic actors - they're the cool seniors.”
- Owen Wilson

37. Have a date for prom that I like and enjoy spending time with.
38. Remember my prom (or at least parts of it)
39. Take part in a Grade 12 tradition. (Grad Christmas Show - December 18th, 2009)
40. Party like a rock star during my senior March Break.
41. Apply seriously to at least 1 school away from home. (Queen's University - December 8, 2009 )
42. Visit a university campus that isn’t one I’ve already been to.
43. Apply to at least 3 scholarships. (2/3 - Wendy's Classic Achiever, TD Canada Trust Leadership Scholarship)
44. Leave my mark at Pius.
45. Make a scrapbook of my senior year.
46. Graduate!

“Good girls are just bad girls who don’t get caught.”

47. Go to a party & get drunk.
48. Go clubbing.
49. Watch the sunrise after a night of partying.
50. Play sip or strip poker/twister, and strip something that isn’t the usual, safe, pansy stuff (like jewellery or socks)
51. Try 3 drinks I’ve never had before.(0/3)
52. Celebrate my eighteenth like there is no tomorrow.
53. Throw a surprise party.
54. Pop champagne the fancy way.
55. Break the law.
56. See an awesome band/concert with a group of friends.
57. Attend a university dorm party.
58. Celebrate New Year’s the way it’s supposed to be, while watching the countdown.

“You must love yourself before you love another. By accepting yourself and fully being what you are, your simple presence can make others happy.”

59. Be able to touch my toes.
60. When I feel like crap, dress beautifully.
61. Stay a size zero.
62. Take 2 classes at the gym and go through with it for every class. (0/2)
63. Go through my closet and give away at least one bag of clothing.
64. Buy something from Aritzia and don’t return it.
65. Write a letter to myself.
66. Buy a matching set of sexy lingerie.
67. Splurge on an amazing pair of boots.
68. When someone asks me what I’m thinking, tell them.
69. Work out three times a week for a month (0/12)
70. Have a spa day with a friend.
71. Go a month without eating McDonalds. (30/30)

“Perhaps the most important thing we can undertake toward the reduction of fear is to make it easier for people to accept themselves, to like themselves.” -Bonaro W. Overstreet

72. Perform in front of a crowd twice. (1/2 - Grad Christmas Show - December 18, 2009).
73. Say yes to something I would usually never do.
74. Mail in a secret to PostSecret.
75. See a horror film.
76. Go to Wonderland and ride 5 rides that someone asks me to go on that I would never otherwise go on. (0/5)

“If someone thinks that love and peace is a cliche that must have been left behind in the Sixties, that's his problem. Love and peace are eternal.”
- John Lennon

77. Fall in love.
78. Use a really corny pick up line.
79. Kiss in the rain.
80. Get my palm’s read or fortune told.
81. Have my first kiss.
82. Have a bonfire!
83. Take pictures in a photo booth.
84. See a chick flick with a guy who is important to me.
85. Tell 4 friends & a (future) boyfriend “I love you” and honestly, truly mean it.

“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” - Barbara De Angelis
86. Make dinner for the family at least once.
87. Pay for the order of the car behind me in a drive-thru lane.
88. Donate blood.
89. Make a blanket (jean or knitted) to give to CHEO.
90. Write a letter to 5 people & express how grateful I am and what they have done to make me who I am today. (0/5)
91. Send a care package to a friend going to a school abroad.
92. have a girl’s day.
93. Volunteer at CHEO again.
94. Donate my hair to Locks of Love.

“1001 Day Project: a unique meme that challenges and inspires you to set and complete realistic goals in life.”

95. Take pictures of everything I do.
96. Put $5 into a piggy bank for every task I complete. (0/101)
97. Donate $2 for every task I do not complete.
98. On day 1001, go invest this money into an RRSP.
99. Make a scrapbook of this.
100. Write in a blog every time I complete a task.
101. Write a new letter to myself, reflecting on this journey and how I’ve changed.

Start date: September 22, 2009
End date: June 20, 2012 (My birthday!)

Writing My List

So, I'm still in the process of writing my list. Thinking of 101 things to do is surprisingly hard! I'm currently at 37, so I'm hoping to finish it as soon as I can!