Saturday, July 30, 2005

Ford Field - Woohoo, Camp D got to see how cars were made at the Ford Rouge Plant. Some were bored, but I must say it was an interesting field trip. Actually, the movies we watched made me have the urge to buy a Ford product car! Actually, my first care was a Ford. Yes, a 92 Ford Tempo, man I use to get the needle stuck in the speedometer.

However, the fun ended there for some or most of Camp D. We arrived at Camp Canton for the closing ceremony. The truth was revealed to T-Lin and she believed everything that I said to her this week bout how Camp D is the welfare camp. The Peeps of Camp Canton welcomed me, and noticed my arm. Yeah, I gave props to T-onda by tatting her name on my arm. Everyone asked, and I spoke the truth, she deserves to be here and is the best counselor here, and she does not need a piece of plastic to let everyone know that.

The ceremony did have some good performances, but as I shared with others. Since when did The Macerena and dancing to Yeah be considered as Chinese Culture. I kept crackin jokes on the bus bout it to Rex, that he almost crashed the bus due to too much laughter. T-Lin kept tryin to reason with me as she was holdin the Chinese newspaper in her hands. I told her, when are you gonna see that on the front page of the paper?

T-Lin was done tryin to calm me down, and she kept remindin me that all I can give to Camp D is my love, which she believes is infinite after this week. After she left to move her seat on the bus, I looked to my right. Esther, My Court Jester kept wantin to ride with me on the bus everywhere today, fell asleep on my arms. I kept lookin at her face as she slept, so cute, sweet, and innocent. It represented all my kids from Camp D, the innonence of not knowin they got shafted. It only burned me up inside more, and made me realize that I gotta do something.

T-Lin called me at 11 tonight and checked up on me to see how my emotions were runnin. She's worried that I am gonna get into trouble if my emotions continue to be high. Despite our past differences, I know T-Lin cares bout Camp D as much as I do. She kept sayin there is nothin I can do bout it, so just drop it. I reminded her that if I don't do anything then what's gonna happen next summer, etc.

I also spoke with The Boss tonight to ask bout the Camp D CD's that I was suppose to make this year. Which has been why I've been takin so many pics everday. However, she told me there will no CD this year this evening, and I felt like I did all this camera work for nothing? Of course not, I will do a CD for The Peeps of Camp D! I will make it using my own cash, my time, my pics, and most importantly of all, from my heart. I told T-Lin bout this, and she said that I can even label it from me and not ACA to show the shadiness.

Last year, Stef. D, Reylan, Ayinde, and I all made a pack at Popeyes in downtown D, that we'd back each other up. I told T-Lin that I am happy that she supports me, because for awhile I felt alone doin this on my own these past weeks. She just asked me to come in on Monday with the same fire that no one could match which makes me The Great One, and if I can't then don't bother comin. I will feel recharged on Monday, because I had to say g-byes today to The Court Jester, and her lil bro Daniel. I will do my best to see them at Alliance on Sunday because I'm on a mission to set things right in Camp D, and maybe ACA.

Camp 313

Friday, July 29, 2005

Tigers Stadium - Mike Ilitch owns the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers. Everyone often complained about how he used his money. For every mil he spent on the Wings, is only a looney he'd drop for the Tigers. Well that's how I feel bout Camp Canton and Camp D. I mean, I feel like Camp D is on welfare or something? I mean both camps the kids pay the same amount of $, yet it's not balanced.

This morning, I was just a wreck as I kept thinkin bout it. I felt like, I gave all that I could and I was just flat worn out and drained. Tracy noticed my attitude, and talked to me alone again. I told her everything, and that it is not bout me being competitive with Camp Canton but both camps havin equal opportunities. Tears kept comin down my face, and everything that I shared with Tracy just left her in a state of shocked. I told her, that I just feel like I've been decieved and lied to.

Tracy kept tellin me, there is nothing I can do even if I am right. Why because she is The Boss and I cannot defeat that power. However, I know in my heart there has to be a way to do something. She warned me if I did confront this head on, that it will not solve anything and if I get fired, what are the kids gonna do without me. There is a way, to do something though and I will not give up because there is always hope.

It's funny because Tracy knows my attitude bout this. William Wallace was right, people do follow courage because as the day went on, Tracy started to change her mindset. I mean, being The Boss is just a title, now courage that is what people follow in this. Tracy started scrappin all the old ideas we were gonna do for the closing ceremony. Now she actually wants all of Camp D, to dress like me for tomorrow's performance. All The Peeps, will be bringin their shades, hats, bandanas, jerseys, and if you have long hair, then that will get braided up.

I'm still havin fun doin what we do over at Camp 313. The Peeps know my heart, because it even showed today. The Boss was suppose to drop Camp D's music for our dance performance in the morning. However, she left a message on my phone and decided that she will not come, and that Camp D will have to practice without the music. I squashed that idea, and on my lunch break, I 2 Fast 2 Furious my car over to Camp Canton from Camp D to just get the tape. Amazing comparison I did of both camps lunches. Camp D = Chicken w/ Broccoli and white rice while Camp Canton Honey BBQ Wings, Spaghetti, and Almond jello. Which sounds more appealing to you?

I realized, I still have more to give and Friday will be the biggest test. Last year wasn't as bad probably because I had help in Reylan and Yaya. This year, it's on my shoulders and there is only One who I can seek for wisdom, strength, and patience.

I Still Believe

Thursday, July 28, 2005

Ping-Pong Piss Off - It's a done deal, Camp D will be going to Camp Canton on Friday to join them for their closing ceremony. Camp D will be leaving the ceremony early because of parents waitin back for them in the D. Camp D will only be performin 2 things as well, readin Chinese poetry, and dancing. I was cool with it until.........now.

I could sense something was up today even as The Boss was telling me the schedule. Gut feelin in my heart and the ability to read people's eyes. I spent most of the evening with Julie working on Camp Canton's cd. I was lookin at all the pics we added into this slideshow, and as each pic went by I only got more mad. I realized that Camp D got screwed and shafted in all these programs that Camp Canton has been doing for 2 weeks. While Camp D keeps doing the same old thing, the same projects, etc. I am thankful for the teachers we have that come to teach Camp D kids, bless their heart. I keep hearin how ACA only has so much budget to spend on, but where is the balance then in these programs?

Some have said, the main reason is because Camp D is in the D. Which I find it stupid, because the D is dangerous, it's ghetto, etc. I find it funny how, we hate it when the Caucasion peeps look down on us, while we do it to A-A's. Let's see the budget here, I see that Camp Canton seems to be using a heck of a whole lot of new material, while Camp D is still using dried up glue sticks, old markers, etc. Today, I even brought in my own material from home, my craft box, poster boards, etc. just so I can give the best opportunities for Camp D. The Dance Teacher charges Camp Canton $2 for a pair of dancin shoes, Camp D $5 for the same pair!

I even thought today, we finally had an advantage type of thing at Camp D by having pizza day. Julie told me that Camp Canton had McDonald's for lunch! What the flying frick is up with that? Some counselors ate 5 plus sandwiches for lunch while I was eating the cheese off the boxes just so Camp D kids can have an extra slice.

So I realized, that is why Camp D is leavin early from Camp Canton. They do not want Camp D to see the last portion of the ceremony, the slideshow that Julie and I worked on. It seems to me, like a let's spare their feelings by having them go back where we crawled from. Plus, Camp D is only doing 2 programs because I am to be kept away from any sort of antics to fire up Camp D. I was told not to give any shout out to T-onda because they don't feel she should get special recognition. Well, she is still by far the best counselor at ACA and I may not be able to give it out verbally, there are other ways. She is the key to helpin keep Camp Canton where it is at now.

I spoke with T-onda on my way home, and she reminded me what ACA is suppose to be about. She also gave props for Camp D's performance that I worked on last summer, how that is what ACA is about and not what Camp Canton has turned it into this year. Even MeiMei asked me last night, where does doing the dance moves to Usher's Yeah fit into Chinese culture? T-onda also reminded me, just because The Boss likes it does not mean it stands for ACA. I keep asking Him for advice and wisdom on this matter. I know one thing for sure is though, they say "don't cross The Boss." It's a shame, I'm not one of them because Friday Camp D will be off the hook, and know that we work hard to get there. They can question my heart for attention, motives, etc. but He knows, I do it for the love of Camp D and what is right.

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Rayquaza - As of now, my emotions are still a bit jumbled. This morning, we began to work on Camp D's performance for this Friday at Camp Canton. Things looked alright compared to last year, probably because I had everything within my grasp. This year, Tracy is workin on it with me, and it hasn't gone the way that I was expecting. I was getting so frustrated that Tracy pulled me aside. I really appreciate Tracy's words of encouragement as I was breakin into tears. She kept tellin me to stop puttin all the pressure on myself, which I know I was doing. She knew that I wanted whats best for Camp D, and that I kept pushin myself harder to get that for them. Then she started tryin to do some hip-hop dancing in the hallway to get me to laugh. She kept remindin me how time is against us because we were just notified on Friday. I just had to apologize to her, for blowin up on her, and here she is tryin to comfort me the whole time. She even encouraged me to try to come up with some Jay Chou dance/music/video to do.

So I felt better for a while, and at one point all of Camp D surrounded my table. Everyone has voted so far as the most intense Pokemon battle yet, Yihan vs. me. Not to sound stupid, but I felt like Ash standing in the middle of a Pokemon Stadium. It came down to a flip of a coin, heads Yihan wins with another attack or tails I win, because his Pokemon would attack himself and knock itself out. Everyone was silent for the flip, and it was Tails! So now I am still standin on top at 14-1 baby!

After P.T. with Michelle, my emotions continued to run due to Friday's Camp Canton ceremony. I talked to my MeiMei for a while, and I'm thankful for her understanding and loyalty. I changed somethings up, but I did not get the approval I was lookin for. To me, the end result is that I want to see smiles on Camp D's faces that they know they worked hard, and had fun doing it. However, another disagrees with the process of how I want to get there. So which is correct, the process or the product? Someone blamed me for the reason why we can not be in the sanctuary at FBC. What's up with that? I was at Camp Canton for 1 out of 10 days last year, and they think it was because of my intro. Then, this person brought up how we need to be professional vs. doin things the church way. So now I'm under the impression that business is higher than church. When did that happen? It just irritates me even more now to have heard this and I still can't believe I heard it. Gosh do I submit to this type of response? I squash it for now, because I do what I do for Camp D. Thinkin bout this continues to fire me up, and I just need to cool off now and leave it into His Hands for tomorrow's decision now if Camp D is allowed to go.

3 Countries

Monday, July 25, 2005

Scream - All that was on my mind today, was loyalty. I always try to watch out for The Peeps and everyone in general. What was funny was how The Rook, was tryin to get my Jenny against me by tellin secrets bout me. It's like come on now, we both counselors and you wanna play this way? Jenny of course, told me what The Rook said, and so I had some fun with it. Lillian, and Jenny both kept askin me what should they do, so I gave out the order "Attack The Rook." So they did, and harassed her to death. It was funny, how The Rook kept tellin them to stop and why do they listen to me and not her. They listed out the same points that I told The Rook before, counselor 1st, friend 2nd. The Rook got so upset and told Tracy on me, and I just smiled because hey you wanted to turn The Peeps against me, and this is what you get. My Peeps are always loyal to me, and a lot of counselors realized that last year. On the flipside, my apprentice is here now, Crystal! It was only 3 years ago, she was a camper and now she's a counselor with me! Already she has done better than The Rook, because she is my pad-wan as I said 3 years ago.

We also did this craft project from hell today, and I kept wonderin if the teacher was doin it for her or the kids. She kept yellin at me in mandarin because I wasn't helpin enough. I'm like dude, I have 14 kids to take care of and majority of them are munchkins. So I was comical throughout the craft, and I kept showin her loudly how I was helpin by glueing everyone's projects. However, we ran out of glue so you would see me constantly throw glue sticks at the wall. Oh well, I got the last laugh because The Boss said she ain't comin back next year for other reasons as well.

I love my P.T. Michelle! Although she is getting quite irritated of me because I always keep doin more than what she asks for on every single exercise. She got me standin on this cushin on 1 leg, while throwin a weighted ball at a trampoline. It is hard! She said I was the first of many to ever throw it so hard where the ball knocks a ceiling tile off and come back to me. I was also the first, to throw the ball and miss the whole trampoline completely, and still hit the ceiling with the ball comin back to me. Doing 50 of these was hard, but fun and I look forward to doing it again. I'm also thankful that I didn't get hurt tonight when I was playin v-ball at KUMC or I tried. It feels good to come back after a 2 month hiatus.

Tires

Saturday, July 23, 2005

Matt. 19:26 - First off this morning, I had to of done the most retarded thing ever. Then again, it seems like there are plenty of retarded moments. This morning as I was preparing to dress for Camp D, I realized I had no more clean socks, and I forgot to dry them last night! So I improvised, I threw a pair of socks into my microwave to heat and dry faster. I'm thinkin, yeah I'm da man this will be so much faster, and I set the microwave to 5 minutes. As it is drying, I began packin things into my car, then I started hearing the microwave going off like I was makin popcorn. So I ran over to the microwave, and all you see is smoke and fire! I'm like frick, my socks are on fire, and smokin hot! So I put out my socks first, then threw them outside my garage to get the smoke smell out. However, the microwave was smoking too, so now I got this smokey smell in my house. So to everyone, never dry your socks in the microwave. However, I wonder if I should of used my oven instead?

Now to the passage, no doubt He is our Creator, Lord, King, Father, Friend, etc. I have always believed in my heart that, as long as I believe there is always hope for everything. It's because of my hope, some peeps say I'm naive, or unrealistic. He knows in my heart, that I always try to do anything and everything that I can for my kids. I believe for that reason why, all the ACA kids always believe that I can do anything. Even if I suck at something, they still believe that I can do it. It's because of their faith, that I'll keep practicing so I can succeed at it. We're doing Chinese writing/reading right now. They know I can't do either, so I am in the foxhole with them doing the same packet they are so I can be the best.

It's one thing if the kids have so much faith in me that I just don't want to let them down. It's another thing now, as The Boss has dubbed me as Superman because even she believes there is nothing I cannot do with the kids, both camps, field trips, etc. She kept describing me as bein so quick, that I can keep bouncin from both camps and not miss a beat or think on my feet what''s best on field trips. Talk is cheap, but He knows my heart and passion for my kids. It's because of that verse that I continue to always have hope in everything because I leave it into His Hands and I feel He blesses me with Wisdom and Strength to continue to do what I do.

Sidenote of the field trip to Lansing, I do feel kinda bad for havin the kids the past 2 days from both camps harassin Lulu. She's a good counselor, and I hope she does well as lead counselor this week with the munchkins of Camp Canton.

3 Strikes

Thursday, July 21, 2005

Tangrams - First day of Camp Canton for me, and of course I take the slow way! It was wierd at first walkin around Camp Canton, but then The Peeps welcomed me. I walked into my Munchkin room, and I got a chance to talk/meet the new counselors that I never met before. It was cool because Lulu and I hit it off great and she did a good job with everything so I didn't need to do as much. We were playin Silent Ball, and I just rocked her twice with this hard ball at the end.

Personally, I had fun at Camp Canton although some things did bother me. However, I felt like I had control and it was wierd how the counselors were treatin me :) I guess I'm like 2nd in command as some have said so yeah, I just do what I do. Lulu, Elton, and Lindsay kept either laughing or something bout how I talk in general to the kids. During After Care, I played Texas Hold'Em and I got a chance to know Julie better too. I think she is doing a great job leading the Youth Group and I'm glad she figured out Movie Maker. It should be fun workin on this Camp Canton CD with her. Lastly, so The Boss wants me at Camp Canton on Friday next week to take care of the Closing Ceremony or something? This should be fun running back and forth from Camp D to Camp Canton.

Today was my first day of Physical Therapy too! I'm blessed to have a great P.T. Michelle, she is really nice and funny. She had me ride the bike at a "normal pace" and so I was pushin it hard. She comes back to tell me now her goal is to slow me down from killin myself versus healing. She told me though, that I lost some muscle mass in my leg and the tone is gone too. She asked me for my goal, so of course I tell her it is to push myself to the limit and beyond and to come back stronger. She said "You have a happy, hopeful, joy-filled heart with lotz of energy" which makes me still young at heart, which translates to The Kid. Michelle also gave me a sweet massage, man that felt good after a long day of work. The building closes at 8, and I stayed til 8:20 because I wanted to keep workin out and be the last one to leave. I'm lookin forward to Monday as she is gonna take my rehab to the next level.

I keep thinkin what continues to drive me other than Him. I continue to see The Peeps faces and the hugs that I got from those campers that I don't know. I've been reading, seeing, feelin and thinkin alot too, because everybody's gotta do what they do.

Napa

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Pichu - Nothing like an early mornin post since I passed out on the couch watching Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z. So yesterday, I have dubbed Jonathan, my Lil Munchkin while the rest of them anklebiters are just Munchkins. Jonathan was a troublemaker before I came back to work, but now this lil 4 1/2 year old is producing for me. It made my heart smile as he left with his mom because all he kept tellin his mom was about how good he was and how many stickers I gave him. I also dubbed Esther as The Court Jester because everytime I see her she's always got a smile on and she's such a cutie. Lily, is now known as Silly Lily because she always runs up to me and is trying to be so silly.

Tracy had a rough day yesterday as she gets an accident and then one of the parents was giving her crap. I'm thinkin bout steppin in and talkin to this mom because I believe she is saved and I don't think she is settin the best example. However, Tracy wants me to stay out of it and she'll deal with it herself.

So I have a new trend now too, I spent again more $ on Pokemon cards. I am now the only undefeated one left at 5-0 because David lost yesterday. The joys of playin Pokemon and I'm also the Camp D champ of Speed now too.

Cobain feels bored and useless at Camp Canton. Supposedly the kids dont listen to the counselors and show no respect to them. I just don't get how there are at least 3 counselors for 20 kids and they can't get things under control possibly. The Boss saw how I got things on lockdown with my Rook, and 30 kids. So I'll take a looksy at how things are going at Camp Canton tomorrow, when The Great One returns.

Well time to punch that clock and go to work.

I Don't Wanna Know

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Applebaum - Wow, first time ever this morning I got to work so early. I got there at 7:45 a.m. and I could of arrived sooner. However, I chose to cruise around the Wayne State campus. Man, sleep for only a few hours does have it's moments of draining my energy. But it's the love of the kids that keep me going to continue to work every hour trying to plan for the next day, week, etc.

Anyways, a new week with new kids and a new challenge. Tracy does not like or think it is fair how I am the only counselor left at Camp D running things, while there are 10 counselors a day in Camp Canton. I love the challenge, and I dropped a reminder that they don't call me The Great One for nothing. If help comes in great, if not then I felt that I proved again that I got Camp D on lock down from 8 - 5:30 p.m.

The best part is moving on to 4-0 in Pokemon as I whacked Kenneth back to the Pokemon Center. I have come to learn now that one of the campers David is also undefeated at 3-0. I've known David through ACA since he was in 2nd grade. I called him Brainy Smurf because dude this kid is The Brain. I mean, back then 2nd graders were suppose to do their math fundamentals. David, well he was workin on pre-algebra in the 2nd grade! During reading time, all the kids usually bring some sort of Pokemon book. David, he brings in the Harry Potter series to read! My challenge, is always tryin to find something for him to be challenged.

On the flipside, I heard that Camp Canton is off to a rough start. I felt bad for my pad-wan, Cobain because of the things she shared with me. I predicted the boss would not come to Camp D because too much was going on for Camp Canton. So yeah, I was right and it'll be interesting when I come to Camp Canton on Thursday to run the show especially taking care of the munchkins.

I'm reminding myself that He is in full control of my theraphy times. Anyways, time for an early bed time I guess because I need to get back up in a few hours. Oh yeah, woohoo I know how to use Movie Maker now too!

Destiny

Monday, July 18, 2005

Human Torch - PTL for Nicole's baptism, and I think she did a great job like I told her no fear baby. It was hard takin pics for her and myself though. It felt great to be back to worshipping with everyone since I had the 2 week hiatus.

I took The Peeps to see Fantastic 4! Man what a great movie, I remember watchin the cartoons back in the day. The smiles, on The Peeps faces and their reaction in the car was my reward to know that they had a great time.

I kept spending time talkin to my boyz, and I really want them to go to the CCUC Tournament this year to compete in the Jr. Division. I mean this is the next generation of CBC athletes. I don't know what happened with the generation in the Youth Ministry as I'd like to call The Lost Generation. So hopefully the parents will decide it's all good so we can have a rep for the Jr. Division.

I went out to dinner with the Huang's and Soong's at Fortune Buffet. Dang it, small metabolism I never eat my fair share. I'm going to Downtown D tomorrow mornin at 7 to see if I can get my therapy schedule. However, I need to heal sooner than expected as Mandarin Fellowship has asked me to play in a softball game against those they tryin to outreach. So this Saturday, will be the Wayne State Warriors vs. the CBC Christ Lovers (I dunno, it's the best that I could come up with for now). Time to hit the batting cages earlier than I thought. Plus I got the whole rapid recovery schedule going if all things work out. Rehab at H-Ford, Therapy with Dr. Naomi at home, and small doses of playin in the evening to get my timing back in everything. What a plan! However, is it His plan?

Shake Ya

Sunday, July 17, 2005

Human Torch - PTL for Nicole's baptism, and I think she did a great job like I told her no fear baby. It was hard takin pics for her and myself though. It felt great to be back to worshipping with everyone since I had the 2 week hiatus.

I took The Peeps to see Fantastic 4! Man what a great movie, I remember watchin the cartoons back in the day. The smiles, on The Peeps faces and their reaction in the car was my reward to know that they had a great time.

I kept spending time talkin to my boyz, and I really want them to go to the CCUC Tournament this year to compete in the Jr. Division. I mean this is the next generation of CBC athletes. I don't know what happened with the generation in the Youth Ministry as I'd like to call The Lost Generation. So hopefully the parents will decide it's all good so we can have a rep for the Jr. Division.

I went out to dinner with the Huang's and Soong's at Fortune Buffet. Dang it, small metabolism I never eat my fair share. I'm going to Downtown D tomorrow mornin at 7 to see if I can get my therapy schedule. However, I need to heal sooner than expected as Mandarin Fellowship has asked me to play in a softball game against those they tryin to outreach. So this Saturday, will be the Wayne State Warriors vs. the CBC Christ Lovers (I dunno, it's the best that I could come up with for now). Time to hit the batting cages earlier than I thought. Plus I got the whole rapid recovery schedule going if all things work out. Rehab at H-Ford, Therapy with Dr. Naomi at home, and small doses of playin in the evening to get my timing back in everything. What a plan! However, is it His plan?

Shake Ya
Karmanos - Well, I figured I'd post something as I am waiting for the last couple of pics to be posted on webshots. Gosh, I still feel so cheap. Anyways, I had a great time of fellowship with Charles on the cellie. I'm happy to hear that they will be blessed with their 2nd child down in Dallas. I still hope I get a chance in '06 to go down to Texas, to see Charles, and Sandy. I mean this is the guy who introduced me to CBC, attended my 1st ever Sunday School, so yeah He put him in my life for a reason.

Today, I kept thinkin bout what Howard spoke to me about a couple of days ago. Despite, how badly I just wanna go all out this Monday night at KUMC, he's right I gotta take it step by step. I'm hopin that I can get down to da D by 7 a.m. on Monday to set up my 3 weeks of rehab/therapy/conditioning. After that, I'll probably spend the evenings, tryin to pepper, shoot, hit, batting cages, etc on my own. All heart and mind over matter....

Should be an interesting Sunday when I teach Jr. Church. I need to continue to pray about what He wants me to do.

Welcome Back

Saturday, July 16, 2005

Professionalism - Yikes, so I slept in a lil longer today then my allergies started bothering me. I kept taking my time to leave for Camp D today. By the time I got there, they went to the field trip already! Good thing they were walkin down John R and I was able to catch up before they got into the Science Center. However, another week gone and my boy, Peter is leaving for China. I've known him through ACA for 4 solid years now. He has always listened to me, understood what I have always tried to teach him, and he has matured as a 5th grader this year. He was crying earlier this week because it was his last, and I had to step out of the room because I had a tear too. Still, no one has made me cry harder at ACA than Sophia, my Pikachu :( I'm still sad sometimes that this is the first year she is not here at all. I have a pic of her and I, next to me as I continue to recover.

I have solved my webshots prob by creating another account. Yup, seems cheap of me since I don't want to pay that Premium upgrade. The address is the same except there is a 2 after it now. I want everyone to get a chance to see my kids, and Camp D! I went to Meijer's today, to finally print out pics of HK. I'm so spoiled with my 1 Gig memory card, because I had to wait while the Meijer computer loads my 376 pics in.

So the Science Center had changed a lil, but I believe my kids still had fun. Afterwards, of course we had Pokemon battles, mwhahaha! In Peter's honor, I battled him for the last time this summer and I won. Then we had a 3 way battle, where I took that one too. So I have moved on from everyone else as I am 3-0. Chris continued to struggle with the Gym Leader status, and is off to a 1-3(?) start. It was funny because my kids kept talkin trash to Chris, and called him Misty. I can't wait til Week 4 of Camp D as my kids from last year return, Jenny, Laura, Stephany, and Lil' G, so we can continue to battle. I even downloaded part of the Pokemon soundtrack today. I have reached that intimidation level like last summer, where none of the kids want to face me. Yes, even in Pokemon I want to be the best!

Kinda funny, how a year has transpired since I,Robot. RIP J.M.

Roses

Friday, July 15, 2005

Dunkin Donuts - Ya know something about today was all about time. This mornin I kept wanting to go to work early, ya know prepare my decks for battle and stuff. But I stayed home a lil longer, then Tracy calls me for a favor. The favor, was to get her some coffee on my way down to Camp D.

Then at the end of the day, the boss SLS wants me to take her son, Phillip with me to the Canton meeting. We were bout to leave at 3:15 so I can get to Canton by 4:30. However, I decided to stay later so I could battle Daniel in Pokemon. We finished and yes I won to move to 1-0 for the summer while Chris is 0-2. We left at 3:50 and then I get a call from SLS saying she forgot the most important thing she needed for Canton at Camp D. So His timing again, proved to be valuable.

I met all the counselors at Camp Canton, and let's say 1st impressions are important. For sure, I was pissed to see my rookie, Cobain representin CBC getting abused by another counselor just because he has seniority. Afterwards, I went to SLS's house and sorry to disappoint Phillip and MeiMei that I did not spend a night. SLS and I went over everything for the next 2 weeks of Camp D and Camp Canton for over 2 hours. The plan now is that it looks like I will be bouncin back and forth from Camp D to Camp Canton and back to make sure everything is smooth. This will be an interestin 2 weeks of camp. But in the end, my heart is with Camp D because this is the camp I've grown, livin' and built it up. I also know The Great One is in the hearts to all my CBC kids and Bunny's heart at Canton.

Tomorrow is the reunion of the original Bad Boyz of ACA, Ayinde and I. Woosah to y'all baby!

Palm Springs

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Jirachi - So today was my turn to get to Camp D no later than 8 a.m. Ya know after all that new construction I was talkin bout at 18 Mile and Van Dyke. I kept saying that I was excited to see all those orange cones to see exactly how it will look. Well, it's been finished for a while with all the traffic lights set now. I have a found an even quicker way to go down to 696 now with the offshoot to Mound so much quicker. Now I'm stuck though, Mound has more lights, more cops, more speed limit changes, but more lanes which is what I like. While Van Dyke, has all the opposite, and the lights are all timed better so you can hit get through each one. So I don't know which one is better for me to drive, they both have their pro's and con's.

It was funny this morning too because I got a call from Tracy. The call comes in at 9:10, while she is supposed to be at Camp D at 9! So I was stuck running the show on my own for awhile, because that hour supposed to be her time to lead. Oh well she got married last night so she is excused and congrats again to her.

B-Isle was a blast, because we had 3 groups of campers. The sports group lead by me to go play ball, the tour group lead by Chris to check out what Youth Day had to offer, and the weakling group who wanted to just sit in the shade lead by Ayinde. My group played some decent ball, and then lead by my girls Anna, and Jessica we went for horseback riding. I got cool pics too, but I have already reached the max on Webshots! Dang it, why isn't it unlimited? Is there another site that I can use?

Lastly, now that I have returned full time to work, Camp D is all bout the cards! I have turned my corner of the room to The Great One's casino. We got chips, and I got one area for Blackjack, another area for Texas Hold'Em, and of course Pokemon. Lindsay and Debra started bracelet making at her table during freetime too. So now every kid has something to do during freetime. I spent over $30 on Pokemon cards today too, isn't that sick? The kids from last year still fear battling me, while the newer kids want to see why I am the Pokemon Master. Chris and I had a good talk about Pokemon too, how we're the only Gym Leaders left since Reylan is in the Phillipines, and Yaya is in Chicago now. Chris told me tonight that he was defeated against one of the campers. So it's up to me now to bring the fear back and why some of them want me to train them in Pokemon playing.

It's stuff like this that either keeps me stupid or continuing to being The Kid. Much love to Carl, for droppin a dime to me. He was tellin me how has hit that old age wall, and that he just wants to play golf and relax now. Mel Smell's b-day has past and I hope she had a blessed quarter b-day. I don't know, it just seems like everyone is gettin older while I feel like I am gettin younger and still kickin it.

Woohoo, the doc finally took out my stitches today too! Praise Him because the doc believes that I am also a lil ahead of schedule in recovery. So, I only need 3 weeks of advanced rehab/therapy then I should be good to go. Again, it is still in His hands in how fast I recover. Nothing that I do can help, and I just need to keep praying and obeying.

Broadway

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Comerica Park - Well I'm watching the game and I'm a lil disappointed that this ain't no offensive power bust. After work yesterday, I drove around Comerica Park to take a couple of pics before the HR Derby started. If only I could of went to any of these events this past couple of days.
Yikes, I almost overslept for work today because I've only slept a few hours every night. I've been working so hard on how to better Camp D this summer. Today, I introduced my HK game and it seemed like everyone enjoyed it. I made an idiot of myself when I was calculating the points though. I subtracted 16-8 which should be 8 of course, however I said 6 points. So that team lost, but they were supposed to win. Man that was embarassing :( and I'm glad my CBC kids got the best excitement from it. The Munchkin group as I have dubbed them now, just wanted to see my Powerpoint show. I realized later on today that they can not read, another stupid thing on my part.

Lastly, my Counselor Brotha made an appearance today, Ayinde. Back in the ACA dayz we used to run the show type of thing, but he has moved on. He even has a kid now, so congrats to him. I'm always thankful when he comes back to help me out, and we got our hand-shake thing going.

Well I'm still trying to load pics of the Retreat and Camp D to webshots. Wow, AL is dominating this one again. I'm also not too thrilled with the Pistons logo either although I wish we could of gotten rid of Hooper. I got some Get Well cards from Ona and Pei too, so I'm thankful for their caring hearts. We will see once I go to my follow-up appt. tomorrow. Man I gotta be at the I-Tute by 7:45 a.m.

Buck
LAX - So the CBC Retreat has came and went. I'm bummed because this was the first time since '99 that I did not stay for the entire weekend. I mean I guess my room was tight from what Chinchie told me. I'm glad to see everyone who was there really enjoy themselves and I wish I got a chance to hear more of Pastor Kurt's messages. I had a hard time trying to split my time with the Youth Ministry, and the Jr. Church group to kind of fellowship and help discuss the messages. I remember 2 years ago, I was upset that it seemed like everyone was acting twice their age from my age range. Last retreat, I stayed up with the Youth since everyone from 5:14 passed out early. However, I was disappointed even more this year I guess to see that no one from 5:14 was here outside of one person. Maybe's it's my fault, I was suppose to promote within fellowship, but there is currently no fellowship to promote in. I believe Pastor Kurt's workshop hit the target with a lot of us too, such a shame others weren't there to "hear" it.

Today, I kept thinkin bout the know God, love God, love others concept. Something happened at Camp D and it made me think well maybe I don't know Him. We had a joint assembly with another Detroit Day Camp. I'm usually chilling in the back scoping out the scene and I'm watchin one of the other counselors from Global Change come sit next to one of my kids. I thought it was a bit odd, but hey I encourage all my kids to make friends with everyone. However, I noticed that counselor trying to grab D.J.'s arm and so I'm lookin over there. This kid was tryin to grab D's watch off his wrist. I give him the benefit of the doubt and maybe they are just playing.

Things start to heat up as I'm watchin in the back. The counselor from Global Change started to get more physical with D. The counselor started to take his afro pick and kept trying to make D flinch by trying to stab him with the pick or atleast close to his body. I'm still watching because I wanna see what D is gonna do. Then the GC counselor started pulling D's ear as hard as he could. Again, I am waiting because I've known D for 4 years now through CBC and I want to see if he will make a move, but nothing. Then the GC counselor finally begins to start punching D in the face at the jaw. D still does nothing and I finally had it. Tracy sees everything too and stops me first because she knows what I am going to do. Tracy runs over and grabs D outside, while I am left pissed.

I wanted to tell the GC Counselor if he wants to hit someone in the face then try it on me. This punk thinks he's all tall, fro, wife-beater shirt, that he can bully my kids around. Tracy had to calm me down because I was seriously gonna throw down with him. I promised Tracy I would stay away from the GC Counselor, but next time all bets are off. It's one thing that this punk is bullying one of my ACA kids, but it's another thing when D is also my CBC kid. I may get my chance this Wednesday at Belle Isle to throwdown if he messes with any of my kids. I just cried inside to know that I didn't do something sooner and I just let a hard punch out at one of the I-Tute's doors. I can only ask Him, that justice will be served and I hope to see the GC Counselor this week because this punk thinks he can bully all my kids. I ain't scared that's for sure, and I'm game if the rest of their big, bad, and round counselors want to rumble just as long as they leave my kids, and the other Camp D counselors out of it.

Excuse

Saturday, July 09, 2005

Cornbread - Finally, The Great One has returned in full force today at ACA! Whether I was on one knee or not, this is what I do. On top of it, I worked from 9-5:30 p.m. for free because like I said before doing this, the money don't mean nothin to me. If ya go to webshots, that's my reward for this job. We went to the Jiffy Factory today for our field trip and I figured I was gonna just cruise along for this trip since I am handicap. Next thing ya know, I'm leading a small group of 6 campers with me getting on to the bus. I was happy to be back but at the same time I felt bad. All the kids wanted to be in my group for the field trip, so it kind of hurt the other counselor's feelings. Of course, I wanted to take all of them in my group but I had to explain to some of them that only so many could be in my group. However, they will always be part of The Peeps.

During the bus ride, I went from having the smallest group to the largest group of campers on this field trip. Now you got the crippled leading 9 campers around the Jif-Fact, but it's a small thing. I'm glad I got this digi-cam now so everyone can see my lovely kids and know who I am talkin bout.

What to look for next week at Camp D? I reassured The Peeps, that The Great One has returned and as usual I'm the first one into camp and the last to leave. Pokemon will be back, because I'm still the Pokemon Master :) Changes have already been made to shake some of the structure up for Camp D. I'll be takin on twice as many kids than anyone else, because we're shorthanded and I want the challenge. To increase it, I'll be training my Princess Angela's sis, Debra on her first week of being a Camp D counselor. To top things off, my boss of course found it how you say "cute" of how my Camp D 2K5 shirt is limited edition, and the bandana I sported with it today :)

Love In B.C.

Friday, July 08, 2005

Warren - Ya know last night, I tried to fall asleep on the couch. However, I couldn't as if I was getting attacked. Tossin and turnin all the way til 5 a.m. all I could think about were things that were my fault, like all the blame is on me. Just couldn't sleep knowing that some of the things I did in the past is my fault and some of the things in the future is always gonna be my fault. Taking extra painkillers to knock me out didn't even work. Always remember, the truth hurts but ya gotta live and learn. Man I must be a slow learner then.

However, this morning was a new day and yes He is good all the time. I made my first debut of ACA 2K5 this morning. All the kids were chanting in unison once again for my name to know The Great One has returned, hobbling but is there. Jessica came running up to me with a big hug and I got some high-5's from the guys. Xinchu spoke more English to me today then she did all of last year! I'm happy that she's got a new baby bro but sad because Friday is her last day at ACA for the summer :( She always be my lil peepee girl :) It was good to see my fellow counselors Lindsay, T-onda, and Chris Q. There's been some grumblin about how camp is this year, so now that I am back let's see if I can rock the boat a lil. Whether I'm on crutches or not, I'm gonna go to today's field trip and take pics :)

I'm thankful for Rachel today for being the brave gal that she is. She helped me take care of my wrappings, and make sure my stitches were still intact. Although there was a lil bleeding from one of them. So I have 3 holes around me knee with a couple of stitches to each one. Rachel put one of the Incredibles chicks band-aid on the bloody hole. I guess that's what I get for tryin to exercise it on my own. It was wierd though, to know that I went to their house and Linz ain't there anymore to hang out with.

Lastly, it makes me sick to see the bombings taking place in London. I'm thankful that Linz and Pei are not there because they were in London exactly a year ago. At the same time, I'm worried bout my fam and Kim's fam over there. Ya know I'm gonna be prayin hard for peeps over there, and may justice be served to those who did this.

No Easy Way Out

Thursday, July 07, 2005

IV - I'm starting to get back in the norm of things, well sort of. I'm still sleepin on the couch, still have the huge wrapping on my knee from Oakwood. So what has changed? Well as the day got later and later, I have finally decided to drop using the crutches. So I am kind of limpin around the house on my own. I even did some lef exercises today, although I can still feel my femur is still out of place a lil. I am able to take the wrappings off at any time now, so I have been debating for the past few hours if I should. Cobain and Electra keep tellin me to keep it on for another day which is their main concern. I can understand that, but on the flipside I need to see my war wound. I wanna make sure that I'm not imagining things to make sure the stitches are holdin up. Honestly, at times today, I felt like fluid or something was running out of my leg. Plus, they keep tellin me to put ice on my knee which I have been trying to do. However, the wrapping is so fricking thick that I never feel the ice. What am I suppose to do with this darn wrapping? Hopefully Steve, Rick, Naomi, or Kim is free tomorrow to help me take a look at it.

At certain times I kept pounding the floor because it was just killin me. Gotta remember pain is temporary and The Game is forever. I think the pain of not being able to see my ACA kids for a week and half now is greater than this knee pain. My goals for Thursday, make it out to Camp D, continue to strengthen my knee, and take the wrappin off. I finally ate them painkillers they gave me too. One of them is so cute, it is so small, almost like a mustard seed hehehe kind of like the parable.

Must remember to have patience in healing. Thanks for the love and concern from Electra, Cobain, and brother Kin today. It continues to be up to Him to put His healing hand upon me.

Random thought too about HK, you know your a fob from HK if you wear a Yankees hat. Why? Because that is all they sell over there! I also saw some pics today that I never saw before, and it only helped me stay focused on the challenges at hand.

Montage

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

Runyon - So I am up and awake now as it has been about 12 hours since surgery. I have yet to take any type of painkillers that they prescribed for me. I just keep getting this stinging sensation as if my stiches wanna bust open. Many thanks again to Ona for being there with me throughout the whole procedure. Now I am just dehydrated and my blood sugar is really low. So I'm kind of up and at it right now trying to do some light exercise on my knee. I've set up everything around the couch to give me an added incentive to heal faster and come back stronger. I've got all my DBZ classics on VCR, it's been so long since I remember what it's like to transform to S.S. I realized I'm on my own now to recover the rate I want to. Many would say it's unrealistic or naive or stupid, but one can only have hope. I believe often times my passion, determination get misunderstood for the flip side of things. It's ok, I've realized to accept everything now. Thanks Chinchie for what you have been praying for. Much love to Pei too, for your concern and I'm happy that you're happy :)

Oh yeah now that I read Ben's xanga. Man they were showing The Pacifier on the airplane ride back to the D. Of course my section of my seat, the audio was out so I couldn't hear the movie :( Oh yeah and what's up with so many Philippinos and Middle Eastern peeps in Hong Kong? Woohoo finally finished uploading all my HK pics too! Now, it's time to meet my next challenge (actually 2 at the same time). To my kids, The Great One will return.

Rocky

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

Cantonese - So I am finally back from HK, and I'll do a brief update of what I thought. Well it has been roughly 20 years since I've been back there. The reward was too great for me because I learned so much about myself, my family, and HK itself. Our hotel was awesome, I mean the Sheraton our bathroom was all glass! The view was super sweet too, I can see across to the beautiful HK bay. At first, I was worried about this trip because ya know I didn't have a car, and I don't have a clue where I was going. However, it only took me about a day to figure everything out. I started going off to places on my own, and I had the cool Octo card that does wonders. My biggest pet peeve on this trip was just like last year in Vancouver. I hate it when peeps live in the city for so long yet they still do not know where they are going. This year, it seemed like my mommy's side of the family always wanted to go somewhere, but always got lost. This is why I went off on my own because I know where I was going. I just find it ridiculous that you live in the area for so long yet you still do not know where you are going.

Anyways, food was delicious and cheap. However, like I said before I got self-control because yes part of this trip was fun. At the same time, I worked out a lot during this trip trying to carry extra weights in my backpack going up and down the inclines of the streets. I don't know how they do it over there, but seriously I busted out sweating everytime I stepped out. I also got a chance to see the area that I grew up in when I was lil. I still remember a lot of things growing up in Sai Wan Ho. I ventured all the way out to Yuen Long and Tsuen Wan to see family. I went all the way to Stanley Bay and the Peak. I also spent a day out in Macau, and it was too late for me to see Abby and Amanda. But it was nice hearing from them on my cellie, and that Abby told me she actually went through the streets lookin for me. What sucked was that I spent so much time walkin, and workin out that I got a new blister each day. My knee was getting weaker too, so I could not go to the other places I wanted to see like Lai King, Sha Tin, Lo Wu, and Wu Kai Sha. My parents have already decided that they are coming back next year. My daddy thinks that I am not going, but I already know I am. I know the summer time would be best for me to find a jobby job, but spending time with my rents in their homeland means more to me.

One huge reason for me to go back is my cuzzie Mackey! She is so committed everyday she rotates playin v-ball and b-ball. She is only 10 years old too and such a cutie! I wanted her to workout with me, and so we can play because she's got some skillz. However, with skillz, comes pride as she keeps tellin me that she is doin fine on her own. It was frustrating because my aunts wanted me to play with all my cuz's to see how good I am. I was so close to going out there and playin. But my mommy sensed it and told my aunties to cool it because she was worried bout me blowing out my knee. So yeah it was frustrating, and that is another reason why I want to head back to show them all how we ball in the states.

I met my daddy's best friend, and now I wonder if he named him after me? I ran into D.Mui's parents in the subway at Tsim Sha Shui! All I felt was this umbrella smack me in the back and it was his parents. So I thought it was so cool to run into peeps from CBC, what was even cooler of course as before they are good friends with my parents. Then as we were boarding our bus to go back to the HK International Airport, who was waitin for us? D.Mui's family in the same bus as us, same flight as us, and everything! As my mommy kept sayin, who says HK is big?

Macau was a trip though, I went to the casino to check it out. I just wanted to see what was so big about this one that my dad's friend loved going to. I got yelled at by security so many times, let's see they had a lil meeting first of all to decide if they should let me in due to my gear. Then it was my sitting on the floor in the lobby, then me slouching on the couch, then it was closing my eyes, then it was leaning my head back. I was so close to doing something that I might as well get kicked out but my mommy held me back. Well I will be posting pics up now, so if you want go to here then to check it out http://community.webshots.com/user/lethalk

I miss HK and the V. Now I see why some peeps say they are similar, who knows maybe durin my recovery time I'll spend more time reflectin bout HK.

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