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| .:~*dreams are made of memories*~:. |
| **i'm saving as i go, so some parts may be cut off. forgive me!!** |
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| <<Some grads of 2003 |
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| These aren't in any order right now because I'm really just listing the people and the memories in the order that they come to mind. Don't think I'm favouring people (cept the following ppl, who are part of the special 8 and additional 2... because they know me so well and luv me so much, I HAVE to mention them first... also because I know they'll come to this site more often...)! 'Cept.. those that I am closer with will have more memories and probably a long message, and that's because, obviously, they're closer to me! If you don't have a long message, don't feel bad! It just means that we need to create more memories!! And for those with long messages, that means we've gotta keep them coming!! Alright? Alright! Anyway, so here goes! Wish me luck! ^.< (Btw, as a note, I should point out that EVERYONE will get a <3, so don't think it's weird when you see one!! And the quotation that comes after your message is one that I picked out for you!! You know about my obsession with 'em!! ^.<) |
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| Mr. Paul F. Kinniston ((the WHITE PEACH)) I was just talking to you on MSN, so for now, you'll be first on the "list." Anyway, I've known you for HOW long now? A bit over two years I believe? That's actually quite a long time if you think about it. Although, in all honesty, I could've sworn I knew you longer than that! It just seems like such a short time for us to have known each other, since you already know me so well!! Well, quite a few people know me pretty well, but it's rare for anyone to know me better than I know myself. And if I tried to count how many people know me that well, I think it's 10 or maybe a bit less! Of course, without a doubt, you're one of those people! Sometimes, it seems you people know me so well, it scares me! ^.< hehehe.. Just kidding! It just means that I've gotta try harder to get to know you guys a bit more! We've had our memories and our moments... For example, the little "argument" we had over whether or not you had touched Speedy's ass! And the little "argument" about whether or not you had meant to kick that doggy-drool-covered ball at me! (Yeah, we both know you didn't mean to do it, but still, you hafta go through with your punishment!!) I remember the day of the Ravens game, after having drank a lot of coffee before meeting with you guys, I was totally sleepy and stuff, and we were both sick, so it was like two very sick and also very tired people trying to keep each other company during the game!! I swear, all I understand about lacrosse is that the ball is supposed to go into the net! (Hm.. sounds a lot like soccer.. and basketball.. and almost like hockey, though that's supposed to be with a puck... ) Anyway, I still remember, last year, I pulled you out of English to show me where Cunningham was and where the library was! Welps, I'm on my way back there again, soon, and this time, I'll be able to act all cool because I already know where the school and the library is! ^.^ There are so many things I could mention and so many conversations I could recall. But the one memory that I can remember the most is when I was reading that poetry book in the alcove and you came along and started reading a bit of it and you went "OMG, that's porn!!! Hey, I wanna meet that guy!!" And it was hilarious because I had to forbid you from reading that book because you got all worked up about it! And from then on, he was referred to as your "poet-friend." The funny thing was, you never got to meet him because he never came back to Gladstone! Yeah, I wonder whose fault that is, eh? ^.< hehehe.. I'll always remember all the little and big things you've done for me! Like, last year, whenever I had to get to school really early to do some stuff, you were always willing to come to school early and keep me company. Anytime I needed something, you never refused to help! Even when you were in the worst of moods, you were never selfish, and you never got mad at me. For instance, that one time after soccer practice last year, you weren't too happy when we had that dog encounter at trout lake, and when we got to norquay park, even though you were kinda unhappy at the time, you still remembered that I was (and still am) afraid of dogs, and you helped keep that HUGE dog away from me! At that time, I realized what a GREAT person I was (and still am!!!!) friends with!! I am SO totally grateful, and extremely thankful! Not just because you 'saved' me, but because at that moment, I knew that no matter what happened, in the end you'd still care! And for that, you've been able to quickly make your way up to the top of my list of bestest bestest best buds along with nine other people! Whether it was for the times when you'd listen to me complain without reaching the point where you wanted to tell me to shut up, or if it was for the 'therapy' you provided, or if it was for all the times you cheered me up with your secret super powers, or just simple things you said, I know I owe you MORE than I can ever repay. You've done so much for me and I don't feel that I have thanked you enough, nor have I done enough for you. I hope you may forgive me for that! Anyway, I can't believe that you don't remember the oatmeal raisin cookies thing!!!! But then again, I know how your memory is like, so I don't blame you and I won't mention what that was all about so I don't make you feel bad about forgetting! It's really no biggie, anyway!! There's so much I remember and there's a tonne that I'll never forget!! Your jobs have been endless, but you've always filled in the position willingly and with a smile on your face. You've taught me so much and asked for nothing in return.. I've broken class rules and I've neglected classwork in general, and you've never minded. Where would I ever find another Mr Teacher Sir who cares so much? Well, nowhere, actually, considering the fact that I'd never look for one! I mean, why mess with perfection, eh? ^.< Hehehe.. Well, always know that no matter what happens in life, no matter where I am, and no matter where you are, I'll always be here for you, because that's what your master is supposed to do! It's part of the contract and also, union rules! ^.< No, just kidding. It's because that's what friends do. And you'll always be one of my most bestest bestest best buds! Also, no matter who claims to own you or whomever in reality will own you, you'll still be my paulie, forever and always, so don't worry about that!! You won't lose your title! Not now, not ever! Btw, do you still remember that poem you read somewhere and sent to me, back in the summer of 2001? I promise I'll always remember it and I'll always keep in mind what it's saying!! <3 !! |
| You have entered PAGE ONE of the endless list of people and memories.... |
| "The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again." -- Charles Dickens |
| Miss Suzanne Tao ((the APPLE)) Oh my gosh, I known you for so long!!!! *smiles* I'm happy about that, though, sis!! I can't imagine who else in the world would make a better big sis!! Your brother must be SO lucky to have known you for so many years! Well, I don't have it so bad, either! I've known you for 4 and a lit'l more years and they have been absolutely fantastic! I mean, who doesn't love unconditional luv? It's funny, because you're not obligated to luv me.. You have every right to hate me, too, since we're silbings and all (^.<) Yet.. You still luv me with all your heart and no matter what, you're always there for me. People like that don't come along every day! Not just that.. Have you noticed that you and I have never fought before? We've never argued or yelled at each other and through these years, even with a tiny rift between us two, we've still been able to remain pretty close!! We've been through quite a bit and we've survived so many ordeals and now it's just hard to imagine that seeing you in school may never occur again after June 2003 comes and goes!! I can't imagine not hearing my big sis go "Plums, plums, plums!!" I can't imagine not hearing "WEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You agree with me, right, sis?" There's so much we've done and there's still so much left for us to do... No matter what, I refuse to believe that this is the end... If you ask me.. Sir Winston Churchill said it best when he said "Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." We've got many years to come and I intend on going through every stage of life with my big sis... I can't remember a time when I needed my big sis and she wasn't there. Over the years we've known each other, I feel as if we have truly become family members. You know, those kinds of relatives that you totally dread seeing, but once you see them, you hate to see them leave? Yeah, that's the kind you are! Of course, the dreading isn't in a bad way, really.. I only dread it because I fear we've both changed a lot.. and because I know that even after seeing you after a long time, in the end, we must part until later in our journey when our two paths meet again. It's just hard to bear with that pain... Don't get me wrong, I LOVE hanging out with you! I just get sad when I realize that all good things must end at a certain time... But, I know that my sis knows I'm psychic.. and I can see us, sitting in our rocking chairs when we're 100 years old... We'll be eating mushed plums because we've gotten to lazy to chew.. We'd watch the teenagers go by and think about how much we still are like them, even at that age... And we'll never forget that one day in PE 8 during kickball, when we realize that Art 8 and English 8 and Math 8 was made all the more interesting and friendly, because we'd have each other! When I think about what we've done together, one word just pops right into my mind. "HALLS" ^.^ Remember that? When we left that 7-11 that day, we couldn't stop laughing and we SO couldn't stop talking about what had happened!! It was just hilarious beyond words! And, without a doubt, I know you still remember the 16 page letter that you wrote to me! It was the funniest letter I have ever read! And, I also know there were comments that you had back then, that you would surely take back if you saw them again today! A lot has changed since that day in grade 9 when you wrote it! We've had losses and we've gained many things... We've faced tragedies and we've experienced live-changing moments.. But the most important part of those events, to me, is that we did those things together. I have never known anyone who could handle so much and still stay strong. I know if it hadn't been for people like you, I would have fallen a LONG time ago. And I know that I would NOT be where I am today if it weren't for your endless support and constant encouragement! We both know how much I miss Toronto, and you've never blamed me for wanting to go back. Heck, you were the first one to decide to come along with me if I did go back! Back during the start of grade 9, when you first said you'd go with me, I hadn't expected you to keep it in your mind, or even remember you had said it.. But now, three years later, you haven't forgotten a single word you've said. You're still as determined to stick with your sis and you've even argued with your parents about going to Toronto with me, if we decided to go to university there!! I'm not surprised.. I'm just honoured... SO honoured to have such a loving big sis... You mean the world to me and I know I would not survive if you were no longer here by my side. You mean so much to me and the sisterly love we share helps me survive every waking moment and every obstacle I have to overcome. I knew, when I was born, that I had a living guardian angel who would always watch over me. And I have never been more sure that you are that guardian angel! I've been through SO many career changes, it's not even funny! But you've never told me that I wasn't good enough and you've never let me believe that I wasn't good enough. You never let me give up and you've never given up on me, either. I know I owe you SO much.. Much more than could possibly be repaid in this lifetime. It's a rare thing to be given the chance to be family in one lifetime.. and it's an even rarer thing to have the chance to come across the same person in the next lifetime or in the afterlife.. But I hope that miracles DO happen, because I always want to be there for you. Through the good times and the tough times.. through the bad and ugly.. through the ups and the downs.. Because you've always been there for me and I really want to be able to do the same for you, no matter what happens to both of us. Remember, I promised that if you ever need me, I'll come running... If I'm flying across Canada and suddenly, you need your baby sis or anyone else, I'll be the first to parachute out of that plane, and I'll run to where you are... I never want to let my big sis down and I never want to disappoint you. You mean just WAY too much to me. I promise you no matter what life throws at us, you'll still be my big sis. Now and forever, until time stops. <3 !! |
| Miss Annie Khuu ((the PEAR)) Oh gosh.. It's been over a year that we've been married. 365+ wonderful days that I've been the wife of a FANTASTIC hubby. Sure, you've neglected your duties at times and you've left your wife out to some not-so-harsh abuse.. But in the end, you came through with your hugs and your hilarious moments and of course, how can I not forgive you after that? I've saved your butt many many times and let's face it.. You'll never be able to work off those 201 favours you owe me!! ^.^ I've helped you on many things and I've helped make certain things forever be engraved in your mind... and for that, we're both quite thankful! But this relationship we share hasn't just been a bunch of endless effort on my behalf. You've contributed more than your share! You've always cared no matter how big of a brat I was being. No matter how mean I was with my constant graduation time updates, you never got mad! No matter how much I bugged you, you never yelled! No matter how many times I wrote on your french roughs, though I KNOW how much that bugs you, you never got annoyed or irritated. You've always smiled at me and you've never shown me that angry face you showed session 3 during the talk about "being up to HERE with your attitude." ^.^ Of course, after that angry talk, when the kids went away, me and you CRACKED UP about it... And of course, who can forget our children! 8 bundles of joy and those other few horrible ones ^.< hehehe.. Summer Fun would have been "summer hell" if I had not been able to get to know you so well back in July 2001! You're just an AMAZING volunteer and an even MORE amazing leader for the kids, and for me! Although I could not help you throughout the whole summer this year, I hope you know that the two weeks I DID work for you, were totally amazing! It was hard not to notice the great amount of care, thought, and effort you put into making sure those kids where happy, safe, and having fun. We learned from each other and taught more than we never expected to teach.. I know you'll always cherish that paper bag puppet and I know I'll always, ALWAYS cherish that "I love you like there's no tomorrow" card. When I get old and my grandchildren ask about my past, I'll pull out that card and I'll say "You know, kids... Back in 2001, your grandmother got married to one of the most wonderful friends she has ever met. Not someone she had known for years and years and year. But someone she had met only just mere weeks. Someone who meant more to her than she did to herself. Someone better than your grandfather, in fact. Because this person gave unconditional luv, although they were friends and were not related at all. She was a warm, gentle, caring person. She was absolutely friendly, down-to-earth, thoughtful, supportive, courageous, loving, amazing, and extremely beautiful, both inside and out. She was one of the most important people in your grandmother's life. She was one of her bestest bestest best friends and I have truly never forgotten an aspect of her to this day. I had always secretly felt proud to be married to her, because I was so grateful and lucky to have someone that great to call my 'hubby.' And there's nothing I want more in life than to make sure she is always happy and never has to have a reason to frown. I'm 100 now and I'm still keeping in touch with her. She still gets on with her dances and stuff. And I hear from her children that she's just as perfect as she was back in high school when I first met her and became friends with her." And then I'd show them the card and I'd let them listen to Mandy Moore's "Only Hope" (our song) and then I'd glow for the day, because I would be renewed of my feeling of luv from my dear precious hubby. Just like how I glow and smile out of the blue for what seems like for no reason at all.. But in truth, everytime I'm caught smiling for no reason, I'm remembering that I have such a loving hubby with whom I can be totally dead serious.. or so foolish and childish that if we were caught on tape and had to watch it many years later, we'd laugh so hard, we'd have an heart-attack!!! As the months speed past, I know we're nearing that part in life where we must separate.. For days.. months.. years.. or maybe our whole lifetime... As we DO near that point in life, there's just one thing I hope.. And that's that you'll be one of the people whom I never lose touch with... If I go back to Toronto and anyone asks about my life in Vancouver, you'll be one of the first people that I mention. I don't suppose how you wouldn't be, because you're one of the most important friends that I have ever met. The things you've done for me greatly exceeds all the small things I've done for you. I've always been proud to be your wifey and I've always been proud of everything you've done. I've been proud of your crow jumps.. I've been proud of your sewing.. I've been proud of following behind your line of children.. and I've been absolutely proud of you, period. I've always looked forward to getting hugs from you whether it's because I needed cheering up, because you needed cheering up, because we were in a good mood, because we did something for each other, or whether it was just because we felt like it.. And I'll always be looking forward to the many many MANY years we have to come.. I know our friendship doesn't just end here. Why not? Because you're just such an incredible person and just such a perfect friend, I'd be stupid to let you go. Also, because if I didn't have my hubby to hang out with all the time and if I didn't have my hubby to celebrate my birthday with me, I would greatly miss you. You've quickly managed to become an excellent friend of mine and I'm just not ready to face life without having you around. I don't think I'll ever be ready. I don't know what I would do without you and I pray every night that I never have to find out. As I move on with life, and as you do the same, anytime someone calls "Bubba," I will always look up and search for your face among the crowds.. And it won't be hard to find.. I'll just look for the radiant smile and glowing, bubbly personality and I know I will have found my hubby. No matter how much time passes by, or whomever I will legally marry when I grow up, you'll always be my hubby. And I hope that I'll always be your bubba--your wifey. I would love no greater gift, than your eternal friendship! <3 !! |
| Mr. Jordan A. Minamimaye ((the BLUEBERRY)) In April of 2001, I think I can honestly say that my life changed quite a bit. Not a whole lot... But enough to make me remember it for the rest of my life. It may not seem like a big event to ANYONE but me, but still, it's still important and memorable for me, despite how weird some of you may think of it to be. During that month, I found myself with a new sibling. Not a sister, like the one I had officially gotten in September of... But instead, this time, I got myself a big brother. Of course, in a way, it's actually a BIG lie.. I didn't get myself an older brother... Not just in the sense that he was younger... but also in the sense that he was more than my big brother. He was a newfound friend. One of my bestest best buddies, too!! I don't know where I would be and in what kind of trouble if I didn't rely on you so many times to bail me out. You've always helped me regardless of what it was that I was harassing (^.<) you for! There are so many things I MUST thank you for and above all, I must thank you for providing me almost a second family. You've been the best replacement for Bill and I'm happy with having you as my big brother, and I don't think I'll ever, EVER need or want anyone else to take your place! Chalk that up as another great achievement in your life! ^.< We've laughed, we've cried, and we've fought. Oh, God, how we've fought!! ^.^ From smacks to flicks, from pokes to scratches, I think we've abused each other in almost every way possible for two siblings!! But, of course, we both surfaced with zero injuries from the "wars"... My gosh, how the hell did that manage to happen? ^.< hehehe.. Well, I'm glad we both remained safe through our wars.. and I'm glad you always learned that when you tell me to shut up, I'll actually really do it! ^.^ We have argued so much, it's beyond funny! We've argued about school, about life, and just about everything including nothing ^.< hehehe.. Does that make sense? I mean it as in we've argued about nothing before, meaning we've argued just for the sake of arguing... But, anyway, I was quite surprised, that even in the end, when we argued till we could argue no more, we never really got mad at each other or yelled at each other. (Actually.. we kind of had.. But it was really just on your part!!! You yelled at me once before!! But who hasn't? Everyone has yelled at me one time or another... With the exception of maybe three or four people!!) In the end, all was forgiven and we still remained a pair of close siblings. And I would have it no other way! To think, I had to spend FIFTEEN years with Bill before I could meet the brother I have been searching for all my life. The perfect brother who cares about me and isn't living on this earth just so you can hate me. You listen when I have to talk and when I'm being a little brat, you talk some sense into me and you never give up. I truly feel that you are one of the guardian angels I have that watches over me. You always prevent me from hurting myself in the most serious ways, and you've saved me from a frisbee before, too! (hey, no laughing!! Those things HURT!!! They may be plastic, but hey, didn't you know that they have teeth that come out and bite ppl that they don't like? Well, of course you and everyone else doesn't know... They don't hate you.. That's why no one understands these "teeth" thingies that I'm mentioning... Hey.. You people need to stop looking at me like I'm crazy!! Hey, I'm not crazy!!!!!!!) Two words pop into my mind when I think about how much you've helped me. "The Wars." OMG, that was one of the most horrid books I have ever read. (or, to be more correct, TRIED to read) If it weren't for you, I swear, I'd still be in English 11 right now!!! hehehe.. Just kidding.. I didn't do that bad all year. But I know if it weren't for your help and Bryan's help, I would not have the faith and strength to have taken AP English. *laughs slightly* I'm sorry.. I was just recalling a conversation with an idiot who thought I was taking modified English when I said I was taking AP English. But of course, that same idiot thought I egged his house, so you know.. It's a common pattern ^.< We all know whom I'm talking about, so I won't put any names to that level of stupidity!! But in our hearts, we all know who it is, anyway!! You've done so much for me and given me so much! You actually went to see Hearts in Atlantis and Tuck Everlasting with me, although I only expected the girls to want to watch it... (Ou, I just noticed, Bryan and Doug where there both times, too!!! What a coinkydink!!) Ou, ou, ou, memory!!! Going to Surrey!!! Not knowing how to get to.. was it Whiterock? Something earthy and some colour.. I remember that part.. Oh, and you guys eating Mickey D's as we, for some reason, watched Maury! Was it Maury? Or was it Montel? Darn, I don't remember.. Nevertheless, it was some old dude!!! ^.^ And we drove by Bear Creek Park or something along those lines, and I think that was there were you and Doug first met in person? I don't remember.. (damn.. I SUCK at this memory thing!!!) All I really remember is something about the Milky Way (not the chocolate!)... But then again, that's probably some whacked-out thing I'm remembering.. Oh well, I know you don't mind! ^.^ Through the past almost two years that we've been siblings, we've been through good times and those HORRIBLE times, as well... In the end, I was always glad that I had my big brother to count on and I knew I could always trust you with anything. I'll always be glad to have met you and I'll always be thankful for your always being there whenever I needed you the most. No matter what happens, no matter where I go, I know a part of you will always be with me. You'll be the bestest Uncle J my future kids will always know. And they'll love Grandmother Mommy ^.< You're truly the best big brother I could have ever gotten... Someday, I'll get you the trophy you deserve. You'll always be my big brother! <3 !! |
| Mr. Brian T. Kinniston ((the ORANGE)) Being my bodyguard was never an easy job, but you always managed to do your job pretty well. I haven't gotten sniffed by any other dog since that time last year, and no frisbee has hit me in a way where I was majorly injured. So I think you were quite successful! Of course, had it been anyone else as your client, they wouldn't have gotten a single cut, scrape, or scratch... But, considering that of all people I was your client and well.. Anything less of a cut is a HUGE achievement!! Of course, I must thank you for helping with Paul to keep that scary big dog away from me at Norquay that day last year! To me, that dog looked like he was as big as me!! Having gone from retired to back on the job, I think you may have things easier now. Not because I've been getting hurt less, but rather because for one thing, I have my hubby with me a lot of the time now. Of course, 50% of the time, she's the one causing all the injuries.. but still, it's all good! ^.^ But, don't think that deprives your job of its importance!! Your job as the bodyguard is still pretty significant!! Although... *thinks* I think you may need to be tested before you can continue your job, since you only just got off vacation last month or something like that!! Well, you pretty much got half a year off (or was it a year? *thinks* I think it was almost a year... 10 months, perhaps...) I won't make you go through retraining like I did last February... I'll just have to give you a test... Perhaps I'll include essay questions about the way to spell allways, allright, and allready!!! ^.< hehehe.. Just kidding!!!! I know you've probably overcome your curse!! (although I think you used one of them on your chem quiz before... right...? o.O) I know you know that it's always, alright, and already! *smiles* I can use those three words in a sentence!! "He's always saying, "Alright, already!!!!"" ^.^ yay for me!!!! *points out that she's doing her yay-hw* aren't you proud of your client? ^.^ I know you are! You've always been proud of me and I thank you for that!! You've supported my "judicial" ways and you've never doubted the laws and rules of the Supreme Court of WeN. Of course, that Supreme Court is closing down SOON.. Which is why it will not be mentioned in any future law textbooks... *innocent look* Yep.. THAT'S why my court system isn't well know.. Yupyup.. ^.^ *thinks: why didn't I think up of that explanation sooner?!* Anyway, although I know you've always been tempted to file an appeal to the Supreme Court of who-knows-who/where, you always stuck by my judgments and never doubted them. And I could thank you endlessly for that support and belief. You ALWAYS believed in me, no matter HOW outrageous my rulings really were!! And I know you would benefit the most when "Judge WeN" retires, because then you wouldn't have to worry about losing an argument because she came in the favour of a certain bratty child!! But, hey, don't get too happy.... I've got "Miss Laywer Tao" trying to convince me to get back on the judge-tracks! I haven't had the chance to hear her case yet.. But when I get around to doing it... hey, ya never know.. Judge WeN just might announce that she is going to remain a judge!! ^.^ The chances aren't too high, though... 33.33333333% chance, about.. Because since it was a request from my big sis, it's still in the big picture... It shares the 100% with being a Criminologist, or a Justice of the Peace. I know you think I should be a writer... But I seriously don't think I'm that good!! But that doesn't also mean that your words of encouragement have gone to waste!! I've still kept them in mind and I still will become a writer some day! But that will be years from now.. Many, many, many years! By then, I'll hafta have a lot of money, because I'll probably need to send out reading glasses to most of you guys with the book ^.< Hehehehe... One day, many years from now, you're going to get a knock on your door and I'll be standing there (in my robe? in office clothes? Who knows! Perhaps I'll be there with a Wendy's uniform!!! ^.< Hehehe...) and I'll be like "Good morning, Mr Kinniston. I'm here for my piano lessons." And you'll be like "I'm sorry, ma'am... Do I know you? You look familiar... but well,.... I don't have a really good memory..." Then, I'd go "*Gasp!* Well, I'll just have to take you to the Supreme Court again...." And before I finish that sentence, you'll go "OMG, it's WeN!!!!!!!!" ^.^ Wow.. It's been two years!!! Grade 10, Social Studies with Mr Bargeman!!!! I remember being in a group with you, Phillip, and John once. We had to read an article and do something with it... and our lit'l group went into a discussion about how BC could be the "cash-cow"... I don't really remember all the suggestions that were made.. but.. Lordy-me, I don't think I want to remember!!! ^.^ Then I remember, right after that, we had a discussion about where John's pencil was made and me, you, and Phillip decided that under any circumstances, we wouldn't want John's pencil.... I don't remember why... But I think it was because we all thought John was a bit crazy cuz he thought the pencil held some sort of government secret. (I think we all had spent a bit too much time working on Social Studies that day!!!) Well, nevertheless, no matter how far I end up being after we graduate, whether I'm in the next city, the next province, or across the country, I'll miss ya, too. You've become one of my bestest best buds and I don't know what I would do without my bodyguard to ward off those biting frisbees and those flying dogs!! (^.< You've never seen one? Gosh.. what a backwards world YOU live in!! ^.<) You'll always be the "bwian" that I turned you into one and a half years ago. Hey, what do you expect? I was still five!!! I'm six now, though!! ^.^ I've grown up!!! But... You know what? You'll always be my fave bodyguard!! <3 !!! |
| "Can miles truly separate you from friends? If you want to be with someone you love, aren't you already there?." -- unknown |
| "We are friends and I do like to pass the day with you in serious and inconsequential chatter. I wouldn't mind washing up beside you, dusting beside you, reading the back half of the paper while you read the front. We are friends and I would miss you, do miss you and think of you very often" -- Jeanette Winterson (thank you for your luving friendship and your luving ways, which I'll miss!!) |
| "I knew looking back on the tears would make me laugh, but I never knew looking back on the laughs would make me cry." -- unknown (thanks for providing me with the laughs!!) |
| "When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand." -- Henri Nouwen (thank you for your gentle touch and your warm heart!!) |
| "A true friend is someone who is there for you when he'd rather be anywhere else." -- Len Wein (thanks for sticking with me to the end!!) |
| "Yes, we must ever be friends; and of all who offer you friendship, let me be ever the first, the truest, and the nearest and dearest!" -- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (thank you for your TRUE friendship!!) |
| Miss Ling Tong ((the MANDARIN)) We've been through SO much and I must admit... During the past year we've kind of grown a bit distant. And I also must admit, it's been pretty much ALL MY FAULT!! And I know you're very forgiving and won't be mad at me for it, right? Right! I don't know.. Things have just been pretty hectic these past 10 odd months.. And I'm really really really really REALLY sorry if I've been neglecting you! But I know you know that I luv ya still, and no matter what goes on in life, I'll be there if you need me and I'll always support you, until the end of time! Ever since we became friends in grade nine, you've been a very close and dear friend to me and you'll always remain that way; you'll always be one of my bestest friends! We've had some rough times, some tough times, and some times where we just laughed our asses off, for no apparent reason! We had that few months back in grade nine with Chris and Dan. And I swear, that whole thing didn't blow up in our faces, because he really DID believe they existed!! It was funny cuz I didn't even KNOW where Churchill was! And when me and you talked, we kept putting "dude" after every other word! Then, you got lazy and you just pretended to be stoned during every Big 2 game!! But that didn't last too long, cuz he started to harass even Dan and Chris! It was so hard, cuz I couldn't be online when Dan was online, so I always had to say that Dan was over at my house or something.... And then, when the whole Christ and Dan thing was over with, I told him that Dan gave me his account! It was so lame and stupid, but it worked!! I still remember Art 9 as if it were yesterday!! We had ENDLESS conversations about the dark room and about how it was nasty that a student *will remain not named* would go into the dark room with her and they'd come out smiling and stuff, EMPTY-HANDED!! I still have that lino print you did with Garfield! I stuck it up on my wall! Along with just about every other card you gave me.. But I can't seem to find the one you got me for my birthday in grade 9 with the Mickey Mouses from different civilizations! I think they're somewhere with my posters.. I should go look for it someday.. If I can even remember where I put the posters in the first place, that is! I still cherish all the gifts you've ever given me! Speedy and Calliope say hi, btw!! I love those two very dearly and I love them as much as I luv you! I have all the birthday cards and the Christmas cards from you on my wall, along with a few other birthday cards and Christmas cards that I got in th recent three or so years from other people. It's kind of like my form of wallpaper, I guess... I've gotten to that point where I can recognize your writing anywhere! But it's kind of scary knowing that almost everyone can recognize MY writing!! I've changed it numerous times.. Just like my decision on what occupation to pursue... I remember at first I wanted to be a judge because of putting the stupid fatass sore loser (think mock trial in grade 10) in jail for being a stupid black hole... But then I thought.. I'd have to wait like.. 30+ years before I could possibly be a successful judge! So then I changed my mind again.. and then that blew up in my face, and I changed my mind yet again! I doubt I'll be an artist, a journalist, a writer, a teacher, or any of the occupations we've always thought I'd end up being... I think teacher and artist were crossed off my list ever since grade nine art... And when it started to enter my mind again in grade ten, something horrible happened.. something called art eleven... *Shudders* But then, we got a few laughs in because of her... Remember English in Steudel's room? We knocked on the chalkboard and someone knocked back? You know what I've always wondered? How BIG are those rats?!?! My God, what the hell does she feed them? Talk about SCARY!!! And then there was that time when we found out about her car and how its steering wheel got stolen.. And, of course, there was that time back in grade nine when you told her some weird dude was sitting in her car.. and she came RUNNING to the window and looked out and you were like "Can't you see? Look! There's some freaking guy sitting in your car.. I think he's trying to break in!!!" and she was like "WHAT?! Where?!" And then a few minutes of looking, she was like "Wait... I parked my car in the parking lot today..." and we were like "*innocent look* Oh, really? Whoops..." We've had so many hilarious moments when I come to think about it... Like the encounter with my grade nine textbook... Like when I found out that I could mathematically prove that SOMEONE was a black hole (refresher: "Black holes are where God divided by zero"... "When dividing a number by zero on the calculator, you get an 'error' message" "An error is a mistake" "[s..... p.....] being born was a mistake" "so, therefore, if in mathematics, it was proven that if A=B and B=C, then A must = C, meaning if blackholes are errors and p..... is an error, then p..... must be a black hole! See? I TOLD you math was useful for SOMETHING!! One day, I'll be able to prove that jackass #2 is indeed a jackass!! I'll even use the same method if I have to!! There will be logic and with logic, there is truth and evidence!! Yay!!!!) Anyway, through these past 3 years that I've known you (3 years and a bit, actually) I don't think we've ever had a dull moment! Whether it was talking about your Richmond Crew or how I wrongfully wore a "PERFECT" shirt for school photos, we always managed to have fun through it all! We've had fights and we've had times when we were barely separable! I kind of miss those days, because we were such good friends then! But I guess, even know, though it may not seem like it, I still think of you as a really really really really good friend of mine! I know you've always understood how important Toronto was to me and you've always known me well enough to point out to people that when they insulted Toronto or Ontario, they would be pissing me off.. And you've always helped me hurt those people! And I owe you SO much thanks for that! More than I'll ever be able to put to words. Just remember, no matter what I'll always luv you and I'll always need my pet kangaroo!! <3 !!! |
| "Where can you go, when the world don't treat you right? The answer is home. That's the one place that you'll find 7th Heaven" -- 7th Heaven (WB) |
| "A sibling may be the sole keeper of one's core identity, the only person with the keys to one's unfettered, more fundamental self." -- Marian Sandmaier (thank you for helping me become who I am today; thanks for being my sister!!) |
| "After the verb 'to love,' 'to help' is the most beautiful verb in the world." -- Bertha von Suttner (thank you for always luving and helping me!!) |
| "She takes my hand and leads me along paths I would not have dared explore alone." -- Maya V. Patel (thank you for always being there for me!!) |
| "We do not remember days; we remember moments." -- Cesare Pavese |
| Mr Bryan J. Dunn ((the HONEYDEW MELON)) I believe we've known each other since grade 9. Well, maybe we didn't really know each other that well, but we still knew OF each other since then. I still remember that time in French, I dropped my glasses and when I went to pick them up, I hit my head on the desk! I also remember that you were the only one that asked me if I was okay! In my opinion, we have both been through quite a lot and many things have changed since we first knew each other.. Well, maybe not THAT much.. but enough so that it counts. I know that I owe you so much thanks, because you have done so much for me. I can't believe how you can put up with listening to me talk and complain and babble and complain some more. I know that I am a HUGE brat and it's hard to put up with me 99.9% of the time. And I really really really really want to thank you for not strangling me at times! Sometimes, I complain so much that I start to annoy even myself. What really amazes me is the fact that you never tell me to shut up when I start getting too cranky. You've always listened to everything that I have had to say, and you've always tried to help in every way that you could. A lot of things have come up in my life, and there have been many many battles that I have been forced to fight. How can I thank you enough for always offering to assist me throughout these painstaking battles? Every single time that I came across a problem or a meanie, you were always the first one to offer to help me "talk" to them. I never really know what goes on when you give people "talks," but I know that in the end, things will be solved. And I want you to know how much I really appreciate that. And then, there are times when I know I have to deal with things by myself. I know there are times that I will have to fight my own battles and I am so grateful for the fact that you will let me do that. Even though you do, you still remind me that you'll still be there if I feel as if I'm about to lose the battle and I need some assistance. No matter what, you're always around when I need you, and I know that no matter how many times I say thank you to you, it won't be enough. And I know that I can never apologize enough for all the things that I have done that may have hurt you. I never knew how to fix things, and you have always helped in making things okay again. I know that sometimes, we have our arguments and we yell at each other and a lot of swearing is involved (on your part, actually..).. But in the end, everything is okay again, and I just want you to know how grateful I am to have you. Whenever you're really really upset, you actually vent it on me. I know it sounds kind of stupid, that I'm thanking you for that.. But it's something that no one else will do, and sometimes, I feel really useless because it's as if I can't do anything and that it's not even worth it, for my friends to treat me like a friend and tell me their problems. You and everyone else has always been around when I was in need of someone, and you guys have never failed to ask me if I was doing okay, if it seemed like I wasn't.. And it gets really hard when no one will let me do the same for them. But you aren't like that.. Even if you don't tell me everytime something is wrong, you'll still treat me like I'm me.. You vent your anger and you give me a chance to make things okay. So many people treat me as if I'm a glass jar and that I will break at a single touch (or in these cases, a mean word).. I just really appreciate the fact that you treat me like a person. And hey, who can forget the moos? You know that I'll always support you, and that I always have. I've seen so many of your plays within the recent lit'l while. I was really devastated that I couldn't make it to play at the VECC, though. I wanted to watch that SO much, but I couldn't go.. I heard it went really really well, though.. And I'm glad for that. I remember that I read the script to Possibly Yours and I watched it two times, I believe. I kinda feel as if I've watched it three times... But anyway, I still remember how PROUD I was of you, because you played your part so well! And then, there was The Face Is the Place, which I think I watched it twice... I believe I watched it all the times it was shown. And then, of course, there was Scots On the Rocks! I know that I definitely watched that play three times! Well.. Okay.. I watched it twice, only. The third time was a night showing, and I believe my eyes were closed throughout the whole thing. But I listened to the whole thing!! I can still remember that day as if it were yesterday! That was the day that I stayed at school, after school let out, and I was there until 9 and it was kind of freaky, since the engineers shut off the lights in e wing, which was where my locker was.. But anyway.. I also remember that night, my dad was supposed to pick me up after the play, but he forgot and stayed at work with his phone off, so then I had to walk home myself... But anyway.. ^.^ Things have changed a lot.. But no matter how much things have changed, I hope you know that I'll always luv ya. Your friendship has been one of the greatest gifts that I have ever received, and it will be one that I will never part with; it is too precious to lose. Always know that, even if I am on the other side of the country, I'll still think of you, and I'll always miss ya. I'm not so sure if I'll miss your ABUSE, though ;) No biggie.. I've already confiscated all the lit'l.. um.. whatchamacallits.. I know there are more.. but you know.. it's not fair to pick on a bodyguardless lit'l girl!! After I move, don't be a stranger! I'll still come on MSN every once in a while and expect a conversation with my pokey! Okay? Moink! ;) <3 !!! |
| Miss YuLi Chen ((the POMEGRANATE)) I don't want to THINK about how Writing would have been like if you had not been there, sitting beside me!! I think I probably would have been totally lonely in that class if I hadn't have had you there to talk to me. It's too bad that you had to graduate before the rest of us and had to leave us all behind in this "heavenly hell" of ours. We all miss you so much, especially me, since I never get the chance to see or talk to you. I was probably the last one to know that you moved! Things have been pretty different since you left. Schools have been making changes and as we here at Gladstone make our way towards the end of our adventure here at Gladstone, we are (on the most part) realizing all the things that we will miss once we're gone. I know that although I will be taking may memories along with me as I leave, I will be leaving back the presence that I felt during those memories. The atmosphere and the essence between those sweet precious times. And, although I have only known you since the beginning of Grade 11, you have shared quite a few of those precious memories with me. Of course, I will never forget those laid out days in Writing when we would just slack off and I would slap together the cruddiest piece of writing while you would conjure up the work of a genius. Your writing skills and artistic talents have always made me envious and jealous of you. I remember the many hours that we spent in decorating Mr Steudel's room. I remember making the tinfoil part. I remember coming up with the effective use of tacks to get your sponge letters to stay up. I remember painting that sign in my oh-so-recognizable writing. I remember helping with sticking up those styrofoam balls that eventually found their final resting place on the ground and behind the shelf. I remember the long talk we had that day talking about anything and everything that entered our minds. I remember you telling me about some song by Joy Drop. I remember you telling me things about Taiwan and why you chose to graduate last year. I remember you telling me about you wanting to go to ECIAD. I also remember that it was an afternoon in the middle of winter and the night fell very early. We worked for well over 2 hours on the board and although we did not finish that day, we did not finish that evening, it was very dark outside so we decided to end our day there and go home. You had called your sister to come pick you up and you offered me a ride and I said that I was going to walk home since I didn't live THAT far away from school. You insisted on taking me home and I insisted on escorting myself home, which I did. I can vividly relive in my mind that moment as I walked down that much-used road leading off from the little skipper-pit outside the bottom floor e wing front exit. I remember looking around to see many bushes and gloomy parked cars and vans and a barely lit set of street lamps. As scared as I was that day, I tried to brave, but you did not help very much as you screamed after me "Get a ride with me! You're going to get KILLED!! You're going to die if you walk home alone! You're going to get KILLED!!!! Killed!!!!!" Sometimes when I walk home alone in the evening, I swear I can still hear the faint words of warning that you yelled towards me on that night. That night, I had only built enough courage to walk in the middle of that road. The sidewalks seemed MUCH closer to those bushes and parked vehicles than I had anticipated! I remember that we always (almost) walked together afterschool. You and I would walk to Nanaimo station where you would go home taking the skytrain and I would go down my street towards home. We would talk about anything and everything. We talked about Toronto and Taiwan and your friends there and also the familiar topic of books and Granville Island shops and expositions. We never did get a chance to go to that Emily Carr Art Show together. I miss those days where when I left, I got to hear that familiar salutation. "I hope you get abducted by aliens." You have always regarded yourself as an alien. In my mind, I have always remembered that and if aliens are all as great as you are, I don't see why anyone should be scared of aliens, because they are the most intelligent, friendly, and profound beings ever. I hope that even after I graduate, we will still be able to keep in touch, especially since Gladstone is no longer the familiar meeting place where we could always return to once we wanted to see our friends. I hope that you will invite me to your wedding when you have one, and even your university graduation ceremoney, when you get that far. I have been telling you about all the things that I miss, but I may have failed to tell you what I miss the most. I miss you and everything about you. You are my alien; you are my friend. I'll luv you forever and you will be my friend forever.<3 !!! |
| Mr Jimmy Ngo ((the STARFRUIT)) I think our friendship goes all the way back to Grade 9! Okay.. Maybe we weren't that good of friends back in Grade 9, but still, art class that year was the beginning of our friendship and also the beginning of your slave years, and of course, that led to the creation of the beloved company, Slaves Co. I remember how much fun art was when Ling and I got to bug you all the time; especially since Ling sat beside me and you sat behind me. Shortly after that, the three of us hung out with eventually led to us hanging out with the complete former Alcove gang. Those were fun days. I remember sitting by the gravel field watching all of you guys play soccer, which later changed to ultimate. When I think about it, I realize how much I owe you, for had it not been for you back in Grade 9, I would not have had all the slaves whom I luv very much and I would not have been friends with much of the people whom I thank so much, to this day. No matter what I choose to do, you support me 100% (okay.. maybe just 99% ^< ) and I must thank you for that endless support that you have provided me with. No matter what, you have always stuck by me and I hope you know that you make an amazing godbrother and everyone should be so lucky as to have such a fantastic godsibling! You have always been insistent on my seeing a doctor and you have always tried to persuade me to get my health checked out. Although I have always been the meanest little godsis and I have never listened to the sound advice that you ahve offered me, in the end, I thank you for caring and I hope you know how appreciative I am of you looking out for me. Whether I have been complaining or just talking about nothing at all, you have always, like everyone else on this page, adapted quickly to my everchanging mood, and have never gotten mad at me for feeling any emotion. Your endless support and tolerance has aided in making me who I am today and I know that life will not be the same when I leave you and the others mentioned on these pages, because I will no longer be able to turn to you guys whenever some small thing isn't going my way. I won't be able to count on seeing the smiles that you guys give me so often, and I won't be able to know that no matter how badly things are going, I can still see my friends at any given moment. Sometimes, I would actually prefer it if Toronto were only a short hour or two drive from Vancouver. I guess in a perfect world, it would be like that. Do you still have those arches that Ling and I helped you colour? I remember colouring it. It was lots of fun until Ms Ksinan came by and told Ling and I that we were ruining your arches, although we were helping you with your permission. But then again, you're such a nic person, even if you didn't want our "help", you still would have accepted it anyway. That's because you're nice like that. Over the years, you have always remained the same with that ever generous and friendly nature. If I ever needed to ask you for a favour, you have always heard me out and have always done what I needed to the best of your ability and I don't know how I can thank you enough! We have always shared many classes together, including Math 8, English 8, Applied Skills 8, French 8, Art 9, Guidance 10, Math 10, Math 11, and AP English 12. You have always been there to help me if I needed it and in Grade 11, whenever I missed math class, you always copied out the notes for me. If I were to look at my stacks and stacks of past school notes and work, I'm sure it's still in there somewhere. Thank you so much for that. I know how hectic school can be, but no matter what reason I have for messaging you out of the blue in MSN, you always answer me and never acknowledge the fact that you totally don't have the time for me. You have almost always wished me a happy birthday and I must say, you are one of the FEW people who actually do it. I'm not complaining about it, since I never say it to people, anyway. But still, thank you for always remembering. (it isn't that hard, since it's double of your birthday!!) Well, I hope you know that no matter where life may take me, you will forever be my big godbrother! Luv ya!! <3 !!! |
| Mr Douglas G. Sjostrom ((the PERSIMMON)) Our friendship has definitely been a weird one. But, I remember very well the day on which I first met you! You're one of the few people of whom I can put an actual date to the moment I met you. The other people on that list are the ones that I met on my first days in school or back to school. I remember I met Jan the second day of Grade 4 (well.. we were still preparing for transition from Grade 3) back in 1994, Well, anyway, our friendship has been in existence ever since September 29th, 2001, I believe. That was the day a bunch of us went to Metro for lunch (at 3pm) and a movie (Hearts In Atlantis). Due to indecision and stuff, a bunch of the other guys DITCHED the movie and went to playdium while only about five of us went to see the movie, which was better than I had expected! Of course, I remember that day very well because it was the day that I was banned from going to Toronto that winter break due to coming home at 8:30 that night. I remember how horrible I felt because I had to be walked home by someone else that night, causing HIM to get home at like.. 9 something!! The next time that we met was for Bryan's play, I think. We had gone to see "Scots on the Rocks" to support him and I think we went with Jordan, Paul, and Brian, although Paul and Brian came late and had to sit in the row behind us rather than in the same row as us. This was in that following December. That night was rather.. interesting, because I recall that after you four left, I tried to contact my dad, but he had shut off his cell after promising to pick me up after the play, so I ended up walking home alone. Of course, I was stupid enough to take the isolated shortcut home that day, which at least, did not turn out into some gruesome murder case! Our next outting was to a Ravens game with Jordan, Michael, Bryan, and Paul. After getting up early looking for a movie at HMV in Metro, I had stopped at Starbucks to get some coffee and then I arrived at the skytrain station to meet you guys. To my surprise, Paul had already arrived, while you three arrived LATE. Then, after we split into two groups at GM Place, we all met up again at Stadium station and we went back to 29th. I recall that throughout the WHOLE day, the ONLY time you even said ANYTHING to me was when you acknowledged my presence just before you, Jordan, Michael and Bryan got on the bus and left! I remember how funny I found that, since you had been previously RAVING about how well you are at public speaking! This was followed by watching Jordan's lacrosse practice (or was it try-outs?). That day was a COLD day. I remember that I was there because I promised Jordan I would since I had never been able to make it to any of his previous lacrosse games. Then, during spring break, on one of those freaky snow days, Jordan and I paid you a visit out there in Surrey where EVERY HOUSE looks exactly the same, but in a different colour! I got to get a tour of your house and then, we three went on a LONG drive to who knows where. That was fun! Throughout the times that I have known you, you have always supported my decisions, although my reasoning has always been very.. irrational! On top of that, you have always let me pick on you and that has always provided me with hours of fun! ^< I thank you for everything that you have done for me. I know that I'm not the easiest person to communicate with and I genuinely thank you for putting up with me no matter how horribly I was behaving. I know that you weren't part of my Gladstone life, but you have undoubtedly contributed to who I am today as I prepare myself to graduate in about a month's time. I thank you for your friendship and I thank you for being you, my former slave #3 <3 !!! |
| "Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing is so gentle as real strength." -- Ralph W. Sockman (thank you for your strength during my times of need!!) |
| "Something that has always puzzled me all my life is why, when I am in special need of help, the good deed is usually done by somebody on whom I have no claim." -- William Feather (thank you for helping me no matter what!!) |