Gold Cup, U-17 WC, WWC

So with the European season for football (as they call it) over, you might think I have a lack of games to watch and entertain myself with, but that was not the case. The last couple of weeks and the weeks to come, there's been so many important international cups and tournaments, I am happy. :)

Firstly, the Gold Cup which just ended last Sunday. After a difficult set of games in the group play, USA pulled through - as they always do - beat Jamaica in the quarterfinals, Panama in the semifinals, and reached the final against the biggest rivalries of all time: Mexico. I actually had to miss the final, but am pretty darn glad I did miss it, because it would have broken my heart into pieces. Just watching the highlights that lasted less that 10 minutes was bad enough. After taking a 2-0 lead in the 23rd minute by great goals from Bradley and Donovan, the US fell behind to a very much composed Mexican team. Final score, 2-4 to Mexico. My heart goes out to Lichaj, who was an inch away from saving the last goal, and Bradley, who had the perfect chance to score. If-only's once again, but the ball is round, and the game is over. Great effort from the guys though and I will forever be proud of my team. :)

Secondly, the U-17 World Cup which, sorry to say, I haven't been following very faithfully. The group stage is over and US have proceeded to the next round after a victory over Czech Republic, a lost to Uzbekistan (YES, I KNOW, UZBEKISTAN OMG.), and a tie against New Zealand. That left them tied at second place with New Zealand and lots were drawn to determine who would get second or third. They got second so they are now moving on to the knockout stage.

And finally, but definitely not last, and my biggest chance at USA actually winning something, the Woman's World Cup. It just kicked off yesterday, watched the first match between France and Nigeria, and really excited to watch the first match the USA play on Tuesday night against Korea PRK. I'm already planning that the US will reach the final. :) Just as a side-note: they've won the World Cup two times out of the five times it's been held and, according to FIFA, are ranked as number 1 in the world.

Other than those listed above, I still have the MLS and WPS to keep me occupied. Currently, I'm really impressed by Mike Magee and his heroic period in front of the goal as part-time debut goalkeeper for the Galaxy. Without a doubt, man of the match. :) Speaking of the Galaxy, David Beckham hasn't been playing recently because he's been having back spasms. That guy needs to retire.

In God's Supply Box

So, the packing has begun and so far, so good. I've been digging up so many memories, and not wanting to let go off that torn piece of paper or faded friendship bracelet that holds a precious memory. But as the saying goes, "Memories Last Forever" without person or possession to help you remember it.

Anyhow, I stumbled upon a paper where I had written a little poem. It brought a smile to my face and I'm actually pretty impressed with my effort. I'm guessing I was maybe 13 at the time of writing it. Thought I'll share it with you guys:

In God's Supply Box..
Dear Child, when you can't seem to see what is ahead,
I have a new pair of glasses for you to put on.
When you make a mistake, there's always an eraser with me that you can borrow,
or white out if the scar is too big.
Don't worry if someone has hurt you,
because I've got a full box of bandages at different sizes and shapes and the best detol ever, called love.
When you're scared, you can crawl under my bed, it's dust free.
If you happen to need any help, you can dial 333 and I'll pick up.
It's almost like 911 but you don't have to answer questions, you get to ask them.
Secrets are always secrets, and if you find you can't trust anybody with them,
you can trust me, I promise you that.
This is what I give you, my child.
It's your choice to believe, to trust.
I don't want to be an abnormal person to you, I want to be real.
So never forget this, my child.
I have glasses, erasers, bandages, and detol waiting for you.
My phone number is really easy to memorize and my ear is always listening.
Now it's your turn to come.

Have a blessed week! :)

greetings, random thoughts.

I've formed the conclusion that the only consequences of having too much time at home with no school work to do are the following: number one, you get lazy and fail to accomplish the little (but big amounts of) things you need to do, and number two, you think too much.

The later is more like the consequence I personally face. Because, being me, I can't be idle for too long without feeling guilty. But, thinking?! I mean, you can do that while you're going through your stuff, while you're absently surfing the net, while you're sewing or doing art projects, while you're cleaning the house, while you're at work watching children do their tuition compositions... (and yes, I did all that.) Anyway, here goes to my random accumulated thoughts.

While substituting for a tuition teacher, I was contemplating on how people can so easily indirectly influence you by subtle ways. It's scary to see how transparent someone's values are, and how easily s/he can push them upon others. It's amazing how much you can read about one's character by just the way s/he carries herself/himself, or the way s/he talks, behaves, and interacts.

While heading home, I realized how easily one compromises his/her values just to "keep the peace". Someone swears, and you let it pass even if it's completely against your values to swear. Someone shares his/her belief and you pleasantly ignore it instead of speaking up and telling him/her you believe contrary. They say ignorance is bliss, but it's more like the best way to easily escape doing the right thing. And many times, we resort to it.

While watching a soccer game, my brain randomly wandered to the difference between dreams and plans. Often we make dreams our plans, which is ridiculous. Because while it's okay to dream, planning is up to the Lord. In reference to this point, I'll refer back to an earlier post, which can be read here.

While slowing narrowing down my list of things to do, it dawned on me how very fast time is passing. Before the blink of an eye, I'll be packing, leaving for Maine, spending some quality time with all my childhood friends, and then orientation down in Boone, North Carolina before the first day of class. :) Today marks precisely 44 days before I leave. A simple reminder to treasure every second I have left with my beloved family and friends on this side of the world.

While composing this blog post, my mind is swarming with a mixture of jumbled thoughts, questions, and observations.  Maybe I should be rediscovering who I truly am, define that strong set of values I believe I possess, and once again find my identity in God's sight. And maybe, after all, thinking isn't much of a consequence.

greetings, random thoughts.

I've formed the conclusion that the only consequences of having too much time at home with no school work to do are the following: number one, you get lazy and fail to accomplish the little (but big amounts of) things you need to do, and number two, you think too much.

The later is more like the consequence I personally face. Because, being me, I can't be idle for too long without feeling guilty. But, thinking?! I mean, you can do that while you're going through your stuff, while you're absently surfing the net, while you're sewing or doing art projects, while you're cleaning the house, while you're at work watching children do their tuition compositions... (and yes, I did all that.) Anyway, here goes to my random accumulated thoughts.

While substituting for a tuition teacher, I was contemplating on how people can so easily indirectly influence you by subtle ways. It's scary to see how transparent someone's values are, and how easily s/he can push them upon others. It's amazing how much you can read about one's character by just the way s/he carries herself/himself, or the way s/he talks, behaves, and interacts.

While heading home, I realized how easily one compromises his/her values just to "keep the peace". Someone swears, and you let it pass even if it's completely against your values to swear. Someone shares his/her belief and you pleasantly ignore it instead of speaking up and telling him/her you believe contrary. They say ignorance is bliss, but it's more like the best way to easily escape doing the right thing. And many times, we resort to it.

While watching a soccer game, my brain randomly wandered to the difference between dreams and plans. Often we make dreams our plans, which is ridiculous. Because while it's okay to dream, planning is up to the Lord. In reference to this point, I'll refer back to an earlier post, which can be read here.

While slowing narrowing down my list of things to do, it dawned on me how very fast time is passing. Before the blink of an eye, I'll be packing, leaving for Maine, spending some quality time with all my childhood friends, and then orientation down in Boone, North Carolina before the first day of class. :)

resolutions vs reality

I have to say, graduating from high school is one of the greatest things one could ever accomplish. I mean, summer break? The best thing ever. Those two to three months you have of freedom. The amount of free time you have: bunches. The anticipation for college: indescribable.

Anyhow, I've been spending the last few weeks keeping myself busy with little odd jobs and small forms of entertainment. Okay, scratch the 'small'. So I've composed a list which I've entitled "Things One Should Do During Summer Break". Here's to my productivity:

#o1. Work out everyday. In my case, go swimming or jogging every morning.

#o2. Clear through accumulated junk. Through away half of it, give away a fourth of it, and keep the other fourth.

#o3. Spend good quality time with friends, creating memories, staying away from trouble, and refrain from spending money.

#o4. Eat healthy and say 'no' to junk food.

#o5. Touch up on your soccer skills at least once a week.

#o6. Refrain from distractions such as too many videos, movies, and soccer games.
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And now, I shall introduce you to another list entitled "Things One Should Never Do During Summer Break" except that I actually did every point. :P

#o1. After one week of hardcore working out, you become lazy and make excuses such as "I need rest, I got hurt." (which fyi, is true to some extend). And getting a jab at the doctor's making your left arm extremely sore is a very good excuse why you can't go exercise.

#o2. When going through your stuff, you get attached to your accumulated junk which you obviously don't see as "junk". You come up with very convincing reasons why you shouldn't throw this or that away. In the end, you're wishing that you could bring 300 pounds of that junk with you to college.

#o3. Instead of spending quality time with your friends, you get all chummy with a horse, failing to keep your resolution of  "staying out of trouble." Sure, you create some sort of memory, and money isn't involved.

#o4. Your grandmother gives you six cans of 100 Plus plus three bottles of Kick-a-poo. I mean, hey, someone has to drink it. And then, to top it off, you tell your sister to buy you all sorts of candy, so waiting in Maine for me is four grocery bags filled with junk food.

#o5. You go out to a patch of grass outside of your house to play a little ball with your daddy, who smartly kicks a long ball into the woody/foresty shrub by the side. You spend 30 minutes looking for the ball without success. Oh yea, lots of improvement on my skills.

#o6. You've watch about every single movie you have twice and still want to watch them the third time. You also watch about three soccer videos everyday. You stay up till 2am watching the England game which was a total disaster because I mean, seriously England tied with Switzerland?! You get totally bummed when the US are defeated flat by Spain with a 0-4 scoreboard. You plan to watch the USWNT play Mexico, and obviously are following the Gold Cup.
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Okay so, I'm working on it. I really am.