Diary - September 2024

september 1, 2024 - shopping

Today we went to a big shopping market to look at video games. I got attracted to this game called "Lego 2K Drive". Like Zelda, it is a open world game. That means that it is a game with no levels, real quests, and you can do it your way! You can first build your own car, or you can do quests and finish races.

I wish we bought the driving game. It would have been very cool, except everything is unreadable. It is all Japanese, so you would have to use google translate for everything you read on the screen. It would be very hard work, so I suggest just buy it in the US.

Also, mom got me a new watch! I don't know what it can do, but it looks like the date, the time, and maybe a timer or an alarm clock. It is not a smartwatch (no games, no screen, no apps), and it isn't very colorful, but I like it! Also, I don't like the fact that KYLE ALSO GETS ONE when he already has one!

That is just plain unfair, buster.

September 3, 2024 - First day of school!

Today was the first day of school! My teacher's name is Ms. Iniguez, and she is Spanish. I don't know too much about that country, except that they have an insane soccer team. They won the UEFA European Cup, and they also won the gold medal in soccer at the Olympics. But, I don't remember her hobbies. Probably swimming or tennis.

We get assigned planners just like last year at CHA. You are supposed to write down your homework in there, and I find it helpful for reminding me what to do.

September 4, 2024 - Buses

Have you ever wondered what would happen if a kid took the wrong bus home, and got lost? What if they didn't have something to contact their parents? That would be bad, right? Or, what if I missed all the buses? Well, I almost did, actually. They were going to close the doors, but I got in at the last possible second, right after the bus started up, and right before the bus driver said, "We're going!"

I almost wasn't able to get home yesterday because I didn't know my bus number. If you don't know, you can't get home. You could take the wrong bus, like I said, or you could get off at the wrong stop. I know my stop is Odle (the last stop), so I am fine. Also, I don't like crashing into all the middle schoolers when they take the bus. Yes, the same bus as us people in Cherry Crest. 

I bumped into Vincent yesterday, and he was in a hurry to get on the bus, so he didn't talk that much. But, he was surprised that I go to Cherry Crest and he said he was happy to see me.                       <(￣︶￣)>

September 5, 2024 - bad days

You know those days where you tried to get everything done, but some class just doesn't let you play at the end? I'm having one of those days. I finished Chinese, I did Piano, and then I had to do MATH, and then everything went wrong. I didn't get to play like dad said I could, I am not satisfied, and I am hungry, which is the worst thing to be if you already brushed your teeth. No crackers, no nothing.

If you think sometimes adults forget their promises, tell dad to give me all his money. If not, just go. I do think that adult forget their promises. Dad once forgot to let me play for 30 minutes because the other day, I got a perfect day, and he just didn't let me play! But, when you think about it, we kids also forget stuff too, right? I once forgot that I owed Tyler 50 cents because he did my homework. Hee hee hee...

I hope I don't have to the book I'm reading to dad. I'm not a good storyteller and I have a quiet voice (at least dad says so), so don't ask me. Ask me where I would like to go for dinner tomorrow. Ask me what video game I can buy. Ask me how much I get for my allowance!

SEPTEMBER 6, 2024 - Robotics

Today is my first day of Robotics, real time! I met my partners, and their names are Bobby, Eric, Grace, and Aiden. And weirdly, this Aiden was in my school for first grade! Gee, everything seems connected! First Hugo, then Harvey, then Aiden. I think those Spy School people were wrong! Some things ARE accidents! But, most things are on purpose. Like, playdates. Or, we "accidentally bumped into each other" at a playground. Stuff like that, you know.

At the meeting, we mostly listened to a person called Coach Mario talk, and we also had to fill out worksheets (hey guys, did anyone here sign up for school camp, which is basically extra school?). THe paperwork was all about the game manual. If you read it, you are OK. If you didn't, well, go home and read it. Also, I only can fit this much in because dad is getting angry.

September 7, 2024 - the argument

Today after my soccer game (we won 2 - 1 against Celtics, woo-hoo!), we went to a party with all my other friends. We mostly played badminton, and Ru-shan was the best, with me being second for the score against Ru-shan. Anyway, the real trouble started when Vincent finished the game with Ru-shan. He complained to Lucas in the middle of his game with Ru-shan, saying that it wasn't fair because I (the net) stood too close to him, and he said his hits all kept hitting the net. We had a vote to decide who was right, and Lucas won.

But, Vincent wouldn't listen to Lucas, and said that he demanded a replay with Ru-shan. Lucas just told Vincent to accept the loss, but when Vincent didn't, Lucas exploded like Mentos in Coca-Cola. He started kicking Vincent wildly, swinging his fists crazily, just trying to hit him. He only stopped when his mom got him, and then he stormed off to some other place not close to us. That was kinda scary. 

Now that I think of it, if that is a normal temper tantrum for a teenager, then I'd better warn mom, she might be in for a surprise or two!

September 8, 2024 - crazy ideas

Today I went to Odle and played soccer with 3 other people. They weren't necessarily better than me, but one was close to my level. They were all good at trash talking (my standards are very, very, very low.), and I won the most in the 3v2. (it wasn't fair to them because I was so good, so I was always on the team with 2.) Somebody there also had a pocket bike, which is a mini Electric Motorcycle. I wish I had one.

At Cherry Crest, the teachers have an entire supply list of things to bring. I didn't prepare at all, so I had to go last-minute shopping with dad. We only found a quarter of an aisle dedicated to school supplies, but it was enough. I also put my planner and some other things from last year (in my binder) into my binder now. There was a slot for homework and resources, but that's pretty much it. I think I can throw away my folder now, because I have a binder! Nobody else has one! I'm probably the only one in 4th grade that brings a binder to school!

Also, Lucas told me to wait at the bike racks when I get home from school so I can meet him at school. I won't do that, but I will climb onto the rock and sit there. It's not very entertaining, but I will have to watch/listen to the Korean bus driver talk.

September 9, 2024 - sadness

Today we had multiplication facts again. This time, it was 6-12. I did well on every test except the twelves. I just don't memorize it very well. I was doing the last one, and I messed up, so I just recycled mine. Too bad. Also, I hope dad doesn't see that I messed up. He's going to kill me if he does see. Him: "WHAT THE @#%$☆!? YOU MESSED UP THE 12's??? THAT IS THE EASIEST THING EVER! Okay. Tell me this is a joke." Him when he finds out it isn't: "OKAY YOUNG MAN. YOU AND I ARE GOING TO HAVE A SERIOUS TALK ABOUT YOUR GRADES."

Oh boy. I am very scared, especially because this is an Asian family. Asian parents are are more strict. Also, think about this. Asian parents set standards high. My blood type is B. WHY NOT A??? Think about it. Asian parents have high standards. Nah, I'm just kidding. But I'm actually worried that I won't get a happy greeting from dad.

I only had 1 LEFT! If I only had 5 seconds to get it done! If only I didn't sing to myself while doing it!!! I'm doomed. (x(x_(x_x(O_o)x_x)_x)x)

September 10, 2024 - buses (again)

I wanted to go to bus 37, where all my friends are going. Aiden goes with that one, and Alex, and Harvey. But, it is also always late, so I don't want to go there, ether. It is always 5 minutes late to everything! Harvey told me, and I actually arrived before him even though I was late. Also, the last stop is the closest to my home, but it is a 20-minute walk from here to there! So, even though I will meet my friends, I will have to wake up early early. Also, if I take the Odle bus to school, I have to wake up at 6:40, because it departs at 7:15!!!

So, mom decided to just drive me there each time. She said she wants me to still stay up a little later, and wake up at, say, 7:00. That's 20 minutes of extra sleep I just got because I get dropped off! Also, Odle is 10 minute walking distance from my house. Then I would have to wake up at 6:30 just to catch the bus!

september 11, 2024 - fun

Today I went to Odle Middle School with Lucas. He loves his eScooter, and he rides it a lot. He even goes to school with it! Also, he taped a speaker to his bike, and now he can play some super noisy song (Phonk) and some that SOME person picked (Cupid). It sucks to be flexed at by a person that has an eScooter that is 10 times faster than you running, which is just sad.

Also, no friend would flex on somebody else if they have something you don't have. But, I'm fine with it as long as he still lets me ride around with the scooter. I don't take risks like him, so I don't have as many so-called "battle scars", but I'm totally okay with that, or he can give me his bikes, or if he gives me an RC car...

I wish I could just get one of those two options. Also, I haven't heard about his go-kart yet. He says it's missing a wire (what? how!!??), but it works fine with it. So, I believe that it can be fixed, but is is hard. Dang.

september 12, 2024 - watches

I didn't do my diary today like I used to, so I read for a LOOOONG time. I got through 30 pages, then I passed out for about 3 minutes. Then, I went to bed, and then dad took my watch. He said I set an alarm when everyone knows I didn't! Also, the funny thing it I know how to use it, and he doesn't even know how to switch the mode (it's literally just one button, press it a bunch of times, and eventually you will see all the modes. There is stopwatch, timer, home screen, and alarm.)!!

I wish I can get my watch back. My watch is so useful because it beeps every hour. Now, I can keep track of the time without even looking at my watch screen! Also, the alarm is just enough to get me awake, because it beeps quietly, but it vibrates a little. Kyle can't hear it, but I can. Hee hee hee... that is good for both of us, actually. I won't get into trouble, and he can get some more sleep.

september 14, 2024 - Robotics again

Today me and dad decided to build our own robot from scratch. We did an H-drive for the Drivetrain (it is able to move side to side quickly, as it is a 3:1 gear ratio), so it is relatively fast, but still. This way, it will be easier to get in position to shoot a ball. If we can move sideways, we can avoid the hassle of going back, turning, and then going forward and getting into position after you waste 5 precious seconds of time. Also, we plan to have an intake with rubber bands (there almost is no other choice), and a choo-choo mechanism that is NOT super super bad. If our catapult is double launch, then we can shoot 2 balls and pass 2 balls at a time. It will be a lot quicker, even though there might be some time before another ball is loaded. I don't really care. As long as we can shoot high and low, it will be fine.

Our team said to use pneumatics to shoot the lower one. As long as you get close enough, you can use the pneumatics to push the ball in. For the top one, a catapult would be good, but maybe an arm that can extend can swing and release the ball into the goal... ?

September 15, 2024 - friends

Today I went to Odle Middle School to play with my school friend, Bilhal. Basically, we met a long time ago, when I was about 8. I didn't know his name when we played soccer together, so I when I needed to call him, I just said, "Person with the Bellingham shirt! Pass!". So, I didn't realize that we went to the same school until a week ago, when I first sat next to him on the bus. I said, "Yo, can I have a chip?", and he said, "Do you have a brother named Kyle?", and I first realized that we've known each other for a long time.

Also, my friend Billy bob (I'll just call him Billy bob) couldn't get pass me one time, and he was so angry. Also, his brother only beat me once because he was faster than me. Also, I hit a shot top corner, and Billy bob's brother had NO CHANCE to save it. He was off by a meter, and he actually thought he was going to save the ball. 

Also, I learned how to slide tackle a little bit. But, I'm not good at it.

september 16, 2024 - mrs. Mikkela

Today I was invited by Mrs. Mikkela to eat at lunch with her. Basically, I am a new student, so I have to eat lunch with her. Fourtunatly, I came with Aiden, my friend from CHA. The other boy that came was from Jing Mei, and he didn't come with many friends. So, too bad. Also, I heard that Jing Mei took over the building that was supposed to be Wilburton Elementary's building. Jing Mei's old building was tiny compared to this one. Also, I got chocolate milk. I tastes awesome, I tell you.

Also, just to show you how many friends I have at Cherry Crest, if all my friends gave me 2 Nachos tomorrow, I will have about 15-20 nachos if all my friends give me some. And, all I need is some cheese sauce... And then it will be awesome! I can save the nachos, and I can have the cheese in another compartment, and at home, I DINE!!!

YEEEEEEE, HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE!! Nachos, here I come!

September 17, 2024 - early bird gets the worm

Today I didn't wake up early, like you probably thought. But, I did do all my things early (Chinese, Diary, English, Math), and it is obvious here that I WANT TO PLAY VIDEO GAMES, BECAUSE I HAVEN'T PLAYED VIDEO GAMES IN 3 MONTHS! GIMMIE A BREAK! Seriously! I want to play, I don't get to, I don't get the reward for being a good kid, I get sad and depressed, I don't dad now, I don't like my computer, and I don't really want to anything these days. The only thing that drives me to do this stuff is I hope one day dad will notice and let me play for 10 minutes.

Really, would 10 minutes be too much for me? I've don't perfect days for 2 weeks straight, and I think I should play a little, at least. If I really don't get it, I will just to 20 things a day. Maybe 140 things a week would be enough for dad to let me play. I hope he notices...

september 18, 2024 - sad catan

Today I played Catan, and I hated it. Not just Catan. Ticket to ride, Monopoly, Sorry, all those. I always want to win, so I am very competitive. When we competitive people don't win, we are very sad. when we win, we competitives are very happy. So, our emotions are roller coasters. We cannot control them, almost. We only can when we "get out of the state fair" and "back in our houses". Also, I bet you hate it when someone beats you.

Nowadays, Dad will certainly NOT let me play any video games of ANY kind. Not even the calm ones: Champion Island, surfing game, dino game, pac man, tetris, and anything else, not even 2048 (2048 is a game where you match numbers together [e.g. 128+128; 1024+1024])!!!

September 19, 2024 - soccer practice

Today I had soccer practice with the B14s. I also had some robotics with my friends (the adults got picky and told us to hurry up with building the catapult. We have the launch mechanism, but we don't have the catapult itself or the intake. so, we still have plenty to do. But, we have tomorrow, so that will be for the catapult, next week for intake, and some other day for security checks (e.g. loose wires, bent axles, somewhere the ball gets stuck in always, too weak of a shot, too slow, tips over, can't shoot to the right height, doesn't fit in the starting dimensions, all of that stuff.)

Also, at soccer, I didn't stand out. The coach stuck me at left defender, and I played okay. I passed correctly, I didn't let in any easy goals (one was scored because I didn't slide in time), and I also cooked Leo (the guy that scored). I was friends with him for a while. We didn't talk that much as we were on different teams.

september 20, 2024 - old friends

Today I went to the CHA Walk-a-thon. I met a bunch of old friends (e.g. Evan, William, Ivan, Matteo, Theo, Dylan, etc.), and I got free snacks. Ivan's point of view: "Bro, he came all the way to our school just to rob the snacks!!? Nah, that ain't fair! But dude, why the other school? Ours is a lot better!" Yeah. I did come partially for the chips and the popsicles, but I also came to see my friends. I'm happy that they are still my friends, and I'm also happy they didn't forget my name!

Today I also went to robotics. This time, I built the entire catapult, and I helped try on different spots to put the catapult in. The only problem with the shooter mechanism that works is it can only shoot low goals, which is fine, but I would also like to shoot high goals. But, I don't exactly know what to do. Maybe more tension?

Tension basically means (in my point of view) how many rubber bands you have. If you have 5, that is quite some tension. If you have 1, that is only good for shooting. So, If we added:

• 20 rubber bands is too much. It will probably snap the catapult and we will have to build it again

• 10 rubber bands will still be too much, and it will send the ball to Texas if the catapult doesn't break.

• 5 rubber bands is still a little too much, because it will eventually break the catapult design.

• 3 rubber bands is just right, because it still adds tension, but it does not add enough to break the catapult.

September 21, 2024 - My story

Today I had to this SSAT writing thing, and mom told me that here expectations were very high, and if I don't met her expectations, I am in BIG trouble. So, here it is. My story!

The setting is in a ormal neighborhood in America's great depression. Normal houses were small, lined on dirty roads, and everyday necessities such as clothes were rare because nobody could afford them. 

Bob, the boy with the white shirt, just found a toy under the bucket. Bob jumps up and down at the sight of the newfound discovery.* The other kids in the neighborhood come to see the commotion. Bob says, "I found a toy! I found A TOY!", as he puts the bucket over the toy. Then, he lifts the bucket and yells, "TA-D–" Just then, the neighborhood bully, Brock, came and took the to from Bob. When bob said "Give it back!" Brock replied, "You'll have to catch me first!" and ran.

Bob now needed to find Brock. Good thing he had the antique rubber band pistol that cost him all his savings, ¢30. So, he got it out with the rubber bands, loaded it, and chased after Brock. Bob was gaining on Brock, but Brock suddenly took a tight turn into an alleyway and Bob raced past it. Brock though he had won, but thankfully Bob knew his way around the neighborhood. He caught Brock quickly because he knew that Brock raced into a dead end. 

In the end, Bob got his toy back, Brock stopped bugging him, and Bob's mom was proud of him fighting to get the toy back. Also, she was a little suspicious about how in the world Bob found a toy under a bucket in the alleyway, where it had been for years...

september 23, 2024 - i m sick

Yesterday was a nightmare. I threw up 3 times, and all times it was nasty. The first time happened when I was watching TV. I was browsing Dude Perfect, and then I just threw up on the floor. It looked like the chips and salsa that I ate earlier. Now that I searched it up, it is either food poisoning or indigestion of the little chunks. But then again, I already felt a little sick before that, after I came home from my first piano class. 
The second time was when I tried pooping. I guess I was looking down and my brain thought, "Wow, time to barf!" and the barf just SPLATTERED EVERYWHERE. Even my socks got liquified tortilla strips on them! By this time, I thought, "This had better be the last time I barf, because I can't take it anymore!" But no, it was not the last time.

The third time was at 11:00. I had just drank some orange liquid that dad got me, and then, I gave a warning, and I barfed on the sheet that grandma got on the carpet. It was orange, and it smelled very bad. And, I don't know why my brain decided to drink a bunch of water after that, good thing I didn't throw up.

september 24, 2024 - picture day! 

Today was picture day at school. I didn't agree to wear this shirt, but hey, I'm sick, so I went with it anyway. It was not the best idea. I got cold because dad made me wear a t-shirt underneath, and my stomach grumbled all day long. It did not feel very comfortable, as it kept happening every 17 seconds. Also, I had to fart so many times to get the gas out of my stomach I lost count! And, guess what? I found out I have to donate at least 250 dollars, and there is NO WAY I am getting that much money. Mom probably only will give 100, and dad 50 (He doesn't like wasting money). So, where does the extra money come from??? Neighbors? Nope. Friends? Nope.

Also, I don't like how I'm so tall. If I'm tall, at picture day, I have to stand at the back, where there is always the thought that one false step and you could break your back because you fell off the stands. Really, I wish I was shorter so people didn't always take me for granted. People always say the taller you are, the more ability you have. But really, I wish I was 3 inches shorter, that's it. Just don't eat veggies for half a month, and I'll become 5' 11'' like everybody else.

September 25, 2024 - sick again

Yesterday night my stomach was really hurting, and guess what it was? Grandpa said my belly had to much air that the skin was slightly getting stretched, and my stomach was like an over pumped ball. And walking is like bouncing the ball from 3 stories up. So, in other words, it hurts. But here's the weird thing. Usually I try to not fart, but now, Grandpa told me to fart and get all the air out. Honestly, I thought a vacuum would have worked better, but it might just suck my intestines out...

And you know what the farts smelled like? Nothing! Since my body isn't letting out bad gases, it doesn't smell too weird, but dad wasn't crazy about it. And you have to lie down or recline somehow or else your stomach is going to lose your lunch. That didn't happen to me, but I did feel like that was going to happen.

Also, I found out a new word: Gnarly means dangerous and exciting. And, it is used to describe car incidents.

september 26, 2024 - vex? yes. Lego? no.

Today dad just didn't let me play legos when I wanted to. When I asked him if I could play VEX, his answer was: "Oh, yeah!" See here, I asked these questions at the same time. Also, just reminding you, Dad likes VEX more than lego. He thinks Vex is so awesome, and he says you can build way more stuff with it (which is sometimes true), but I also think lego is good, as long as you have a bunch of motors, several transmitters, some motors, and a few battery boxes. Then, you can actually start experimenting. Like, I could make a conveyor belt that actually works if I had a lot more tracks, and I could also build a functional car that has another function to it. Something like that.

But, while dad is willing to spend money on VEX, he doesn't like to spend that much money on Lego. When I ask for something he will say: "Ask for it on Christmas." If I ask for something in VEX, this is his answer: "Mmm... Okayyyy..." You see? I can ask for things... that I don't really want. He has spend, like, $2000 on Vex.

september 27, 2024 - friday

I love Friday. After you get home from school, you are in paradise. The next 2 days are off of school, and you have 5 hours right here doing nothing but play! I got what I want! No. I didn't. Weekends are the same, except you do more things, because your dad tells you: "You have more free time, so you do more things. More things like PIANO, CHESS, MATH, and CHINESE. And no fun things until you finish all your things. Also, you can only play games during 7:00-8:00 PM.

Also, staying at home isn't always so good. At school, you have 45 minutes of 4-square to play with friends, and you can sharpen your skills by doing savages, spins, and light carries. I use savages a lot, but Jayden uses savages and spins, so he is almost like the best one here. I found out Edison isn't that good if you get to know him. I kept getting him out, and then he offered me a champ card to stop bugging him. Yay, I officially am better than Edison!

Also, I still manage to kill Jayden once in a while, and sometimes I even survive Jayden's SPINS! Bruh, that is insane!

september 29, 2024 - soccer game

Today we had a soccer game against XL 1. XL 1!!! And you won't believe what it was! If you guessed less than 7, wrong. The score was 8 - 0! That's right, 8 to nothing against the best XL team at our age (last season Coach Sam entered us into the 2014 WPL, where we played teams a year older than us. Against XL, the score was 3 - 3, and the next time 5 - 3, us.) Maybe this year we could also go a year up, because you should have seen the look on RCL 2 player's faces after we beat them 2 - 1. 

Also, considering that we scored 20 goals in the past 2 games, this is not going to be very hard, so maybe we should get moved up into some better league. Maybe even Gold! But, then we would have played against Crossfire RCL 1, unless they moved to the EA league.

Also, Coach Sam moved me to striker today! I even scored a goal out of the box, where it slipped past the keeper. One word to describe the opposing keeper: Kinda bad. Aurik passed the ball past him, and Saatvik scored 4 goals! 50% of the goals were by Saatvik, and normally Aurik scores the goals!

September 30, 2024 - clubs

Today dad told me that he signed up for clubs at school. One is math (simple enough), one is passport (you have a meeting once a month at lunch, and you research some country and tell some facts about it), spelling (I just have a competition in November, and if I qualify I go to the whole school competition. That, is interesting.), and Spanish. SPANISH!? I don't even LIKE Spanish that much, and now I have to sing a song in Spanish. Also, dad said he had to pay. That is just wasting money, buster!

Also, I am excited about the spelling bee. It will be fun being one of the qualifiers, and it will be fun to knock a 5th grader out with a word like this: Kamikaze. I literally messed up the spelling just writing it here, and I always pronounce it wrong. Old habits.