2015 was an improvement over 2014, because I left the city of sin to come back to my home in Orange County.
- In January, I thoroughly enjoyed showing my parents around Vegas, which gave them an opportunity to discover Red Rock Mountain and the Las Vegas Strip, experiences they otherwise would have not have ever encountered.
- In February, I enjoyed my first ever 5k in the form of the Color Run! It was awesome and an amazing “Growing Up” experience.
- In March I had a chance to visit Chicago, which exposed me to a wonderful city with not to mention wonderful food.
- In April I had the chance to meet Rand Paul in person, shake his hand, and even get a picture. Even if he doesn’t end up winning this election cycle, I’ll know this election is a hot mess if the two choices end up being Trump and Clinton (which they end up being).
- May was a month full of amazing memories. In addition to Rock in Rio and my sister’s wedding, I of course spent my last few days chilling with my greatest support team in Las Vegas – these lovely girls.
- I left Las Vegas permanently to go back to Garden Grove. The purchase of a new car to replace my Ford Fiesta brought me INSTANT HAPPINESS. Here’s to hoping this one never gets wrecked.
- July was a great month. My friend got married, and I got even closer to my Fairmont friends through the typical initiation we call Phil’s BBQ.
- As I started professional development at Rise Kohyang Middle School, the OC Fair brought me some much blog hits in the form of Justin Bieber in August. I moved to Los Angeles subsequently.
- You can never have too much Phil’s BBQ in September, amidst a crazy transition into the world of charter schools.
- During Fall Break in October I had the wonderful opportunity to take my parents (via bus) to San Francisco.
- November had many memories, but Medieval Times remains the highlight, even if I don’t ever plan on seeing it AGAIN.
- December is great, but nothing beats Christmas with the family.
For other statistical data, here are my top 12 MOST READ posts of the year, organized by month.
January: This is the New Year, AKA the first day of the month that kicked off my entire Project.
February: I Can Do Better, AKA Cram’s Valentine’s Day Dance.
March: Cough Syrup, AKA the day I got interviewed for Rise Kohyang Middle School.
April: For Good, AKA a dedication to all my wonderful friends.
May: Crazy, You Drive Me Crazy, AKA my sister’s wedding.
June: 1000 Miles, AKA Car Accident #2 (RIP FORD FIESTA)
July: Simpsoncalifragilisticexpialacious, AKA Car Accident #3 (MY FRIEND’S CAR)
August: Photograph, AKA seeing Justin Bieber at the OC Fair.
September: Jai Ho!, AKA drinking with co-workers.
October: Reflection, AKA Shooting on my street
November: Even Angels Fall, AKA My Fall Evaluation!
December: Tear in my Heart, AKA Bomb Threat in LA Day.
My flash drive got stolen at Cram Middle School, and that was the moment where I stopped being a nice teacher. It was eventual that I would learn this hard lesson, but I started being more rude and strict with students (which was definitely needed). I also hated and dreaded the lack of management at the school so I eventually applied to schools in California to get out of Las Vegas. This eventually led me to a successful interview at Rise Kohyang Middle School, which I eventually took for the following school year (even though I was an hour late to the interview, they were clearly very desperate).
The greatest transition this year from going from Cram Middle School to Rise Kohyang Middle School. I broke some altar items during circles, met some really cool people, and encountered the right kind of physical setting to be around. Though I still struggled with management, I thoroughly enjoyed all the personal connections I made with staff that year (despite Nathaniel Hanna leaving). And though that still bears me some resentment to this very day, I know in my heart the transition from Vegas to Los Angeles was the correct one. I was closer to family, closer to friends, and now was surrounded by teachers that actually cared about their students.
The top movie of the year was the Force Awakens. Yay, I like that one! The top song of the year was UpTown Funk. That song is… just okay.
