Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Top 08 Memories

In honor of graduation of the class of '08 being exactly 3 weeks from today, I have decided to brainstorm my top 8 favorite memories from high school. These have been an extremely amazing 4 years and I am so sad to see them end, but I also can not wait to head off to Arizona. Woot woot, here we go:

#8: Disneyland '04- Back in freshman year, a group of us went to Disneyland for the day. Looking back now it was the strangest group of people that I have ever hung out with. We were just being dumb freshman the whole day but it was such a blast. The main people I remember were Austin, Lisa, Mel, and Katie. We ran around all day having a ton of inside jokes that no one else will never understand, and some of them are: "We're not worthy!" "Doosh It!" "Oh, followers!" "Go home!" "Good thing I brought this ladder."

#7 Tennessee '04- This was, by far, my favorite travel trip I have ever been on. I could seriously write forever what went on those couple of days. The people who went were me, Megan Mc, Robbie, Megan Arnold, Becca, Chelsey, Andrea, and Rod. It was fun, mainly because there was so few of us and we were still just getting to know each other. We broke so many of the rules laid out for us and I don't think we went to bed before 2 am each day. Some of the best parts were the fire alarm at 4 am, Parthenon, The 5th Element, Resident Evil, Gaylord Operyland, Mall













#6 Senior Scooter Day '08- I will not make this long, since there is a previous post. But it was so fun riding around all day, even though I got caught before my first class. One of the best parts was Janelle(the proctor) came up to me a couple days later and said, "Hey, I thought you guys were so awesome doing that. In fact I went home and told my daughter to have Seventh Grade Scooter Day." How cool is Janelle?














#5 Whistler '06- This was the week where I decided that Vancouver, British Columbia was my favorite place in the entire world. Whistler is probably the best ski/snowboard resort in the world(my blog, your opinion doesn't mean crap). It is miles and miles and miles of just amazing terrain. If you want snow, obviously you can do that. If you want shopping, there is the city of Vancouver which is so fun to cruise around. And in the summer, there is just as much activity to do, not to mention Whistler is on a glacier so you can ski year round! We have bought a quarter ownership apartment sort of thing, and I can not wait to put it to use.














#4 Winter Formal '07- This was by far the strangest dance group I ever went with, but I think it was the most fun I have ever had at a dance. It was basically me, Austin, and Lisa that were having a good time. To show you the excitement of the rest of our group: Baby Got Back came on and obviously Austin, Lisa, and I are singing every word, and the rest of them didn't know a single word. Wow. But at the dance, I didn't have a date, which means no commitment. It was so fun not worrying about anyone and being able to dance with whoever and going wherever I wanted to. To this day, it was still my favorite dance.














#3 Senior Knott's Day '08- Going to Knott's Berry Farm with the senior class was a serious blast. Running around and basically always seeing someone you know was the best. The first ride we go on, Silver Bullet, we maybe waited 20 minutes. Can you ask for a better day? Going on a bunch of great rides with all of your best friends, I think not. Not only did we go to Knott's, but that night about 15 of us went to the Angel Game. We went without tickets and ended up scalping all of them and barely getting in. We just sat up in the nosebleeds and cheered, we even got the wings from Angels In The Outfield going. Then we met a drunk guy that said he would hook us up with front of the line passes at Six Flags. Great Day.














#2 ASB Camp '07- Nearly the funniest 5 days of my existence on this planet. I know you have all heard the stories, and many of you have even claimed to have been there, but you seriously don't even understand. I have never laughed so hard in my entire life. Get 6,000 ASB kids together and throw in spirit awards and such, and get the craziest, most riled up bunch of people you have ever seen. Dances, spirit tunnels, volleyball competitions, it was a blast. Best moments: Quarter, dances, Titan TeePee, Aubrey "farting", and the list goes on and on.














#1 Ensenada '05, '06, '07- For those of you who have been living under a rock or just unaware, every spring break I would go down, with about 400 other high school students, to Ensenada with Saddleback Church. Each year it was by far the best week out of the entire year. We would go down and there are no showers, so no one is worried about how they look or what other people think about them, or if they did think that they had to get their priorities checked. But it was so awesome to get down there and see all these students teaching kids bible stories, about Jesus, songs, and awesome other things. There is just so much chaos, but amidst all of it, I feel more connected to God than any other time in my life. Even if you are not a spiritual person, it would probably be some of the best memories you will ever walk away with. We would all just get so connected and become each others best friends for a week. The countless van rides, bargaining for random objects, gauntlets, gallon challenges(started by Austin and Christine), trashcan jumping, mix cd's, Bufadora, and the amazing taco stands. This year, since the Mexican government is basically falling in under drug dealers, we were unable to go. It seriously bums me out that it is not happening, and I would give almost anything to be able to sing "Anque No Marche" or "Yo Tengo Gozo" one more time.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Better and Better

As the year is beginning to wind down, these weekends just seem to get better and better. I am sure that the fact they are more than two days has something to do with it, but who really cares. Not me, that's who.

Friday:

  • Went to school until 9:30
  • Capo's Mock Crash
  • Afternoon with some awesome people
  • Crazy leg sesh at the gym
  • Andie's Birthday
  • Hung out with the boys
  • Helped Austin and Casey ask Christine and Mary to prom

Saturday:

  • Batesole's Birthday
  • BBQ at Lano's
  • Jacuzzi sesh til 4 am

Sunday:

  • Some good movies
  • Made Mac & Cheese with Gahooshafawlson
  • Dress up Tennis/ButtsUp/Silent Football
  • Wendys
  • Brownie making/Celebrity at my house

Monday:

  • Some more movies
  • Forgetting Sarah Marshall
  • Helped finish announcements

This weekend has been so grand. Not only was it great, but it was our last 3-day weekend, weird. There is only 3 weeks left of high school and I am in shock. I can't wait, and also am sad its over.

Sincerely,

Derek.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

I Can't Wait

I can't wait to go to Arizona, and not compromise all my morals.
Some people here are so dumb and immature.
Most of you, I will sincerely miss.

Just chillin,
Derek.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Stupid Weather

I am well aware that I just recently blogged about how much I was loving the weather, but my opinion has changed. Sue me. Not only has my opinion changed, but the weather has done a complete 180 degree turn. Last weekend, Kevin asked if Austin and I wanted to go skydiving for his birthday. Well, duh! I was all stoked to go, and today I get a text, "Skydiving has been cancelled because of the rain. We're rescheduling."

Ugh!

This weather is so schizophrenic, and I wish it could be just a tad-bit consistent. What happened to April Showers Bring May Flowers, in case the weather forgot, it is now May. You had your chance to rain, and you straight up blew it! We were also supposed to have an awesome BBQ/Pool party tomorrow, but now it will probably be changed to a Lets Cook In The Kitchen Party.

A little bummed,
Derek.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Dear Letter "J",

I think you are by far, the most awkward letter in the alphabet.
I have to write from right to left every time I have to write you.
You are unique, keep it up.

Sincerely,
Derek.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Visitors

We all know how frustrating it is to have guests in our house. My, I guess he would be my second cousin, but more like an uncle, and grandpa are in town from Canada. They are here to visit for a week and a half. They got in last night and are staying 'til about next Wednesday or so. Now the fun part!

Since they are here for so long, they are obviously going to need somewhere to sleep. Where, you might ask. No, not in our younger sister's room, they each took one room. One in mine, the other in my brothers! Its not like President Bush came to visit, c'mon. So my sister is slumbering away in her own bed, while I am cooped up in a sleeping bag on the floor in the bonus room. Outrageous!

From the floor,
Derek.

Friday, May 16, 2008

I Love This Weather

Since we have basically a five day weekend, and the best weather we have had in a long time, I have been taking full advantage of it. I have been to the beach twice in the past 3 days and I am going again in the morning. The only reason I didn't go yesterday was because I was way to busy:
8:00 am- Bruegger's
9:30 am- Knotts
7:00 pm- Angel Game
11:00 pm- Ice cream
Some lovely pictures:

Thanks for caring.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Oh, How I Love...

Being a senior is one of the best things ever. For whatever reason, seniors do not take the STAR tests, so all you juniors may rejoice once they are over. This week my school is taking the tests so we have a pretty weird schedule. Monday and Tuesday were pretty normal, run of the mill block days. Wednesday through Friday is where we get crazy. The underclassmen are taking the STAR test in the morning, so seniors are not required to come to school until 12:30. Because of this, each day we only have two classes, W: Per. 4/1 Th: 2/6 F: 3/5. So our stupid administration was smart enough to make the classes after lunch even though most of us leave at 12:17 since most of us have no 5th or 6th. Why would we want to come to school for an hour of school you ask? I have been asking that myself, I guess administration thinks that we will "Do the right thing", as Dr. Burch always says.

As if.

On top of all this madness, Thursday is our senior picnic to Knotts Berry Farm! Because of this joyous day, we are not required to go to 2nd and 6th. So if those classes are that optional, why not make the rest of them optional? So here is my revised STAR test schedule:

Monday: Math/ASB
Tuesday: English/Economics
Wednesday: Beach
Thursday: Knotts/Angel Game
Friday: Senior Pictures/Beach/Disneyland?

Oh, how I love being a Senior!
Thanks for caring.

Monday, May 12, 2008

What A Grand Weekend This Was

This weekend I had one of the best weekends I have had in a long time. From Friday to Sunday, it was just go-go-go and fun-fun-fun. Brace yourself, its long, and here it goes:

FRIDAY:
  • CIF in Long Beach with Nano
  • Watching Robbie, Erica, and the gang swim like crazy
  • See two guys go under 20 seconds for a 50 freestyle, for those of you that are swim-illiterate that means swimming down and back the length of a pool under 20 seconds
  • L' Opera for dinner, I would extremely recommend and thanks to Nano's Dad again
  • Toilet Papering Mel
  • Watching her come out to her "gift"

SATURDAY

  • Swim Meet at SM with only 6 of us
  • Watching yet another slide show on the kitchen computer
  • Trying to convince someone to go to my prom, which he better change his mind
  • Lisa's Senior Presents

SUNDAY

  • Swim Meet again
  • Telling someone to go to my prom, TELL HER NO!
  • Yet another grand Gardner-Mielke-Sandison Family get-together

All in all it was a fabulous weekend and it will be a tough one to beat. On a happy note, I decided to stick with swimming over the summer. I will probably only be going 3-4 times a week though, so I will still have tons of time to do absolutely whatever!

Thanks for caring.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

We All Can Relate...

You all know that it has happened to you although, most of us have long forgotten it. Remember back to your elementary school days... When you would be at some epic birthday party and you get ready for the best part, The Pinata! Well everyone is on edge, and then you have the big tall 10 year old freak, who could give a senior football player a run for his money. Its his turn, he takes a swing, and in an instant you think all your dreams have come true! Psych! Only about 3 or 4 pieces of candy have flown out of the top, but amidst all the confusion people are pushing and shoving, and hair is getting pulled.

Oh, you remember those days now. And let me tell you, I have so not forgotten those days.















Thanks for caring.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Dear Nano,

as well as fellow Gator teammates. Nano asked me to do this, that is why he is getting special treatment. I will truly miss all of you a ton and here is why:

Nano: You are one of us that always swims in the slowest lane. It basically rocks watching people like Kendall and Natalie lap us. I will never forget Arizona and putting your mattress in the hallway and all the other crap we did. "I swear, if you are not out of my bed by the next commercial, I'm getting naked!" For as much as we put you through, I still <3 u.

Andrea: As much as we may have bickered it was fun having you around. I will always remember having to pry you away from the stupid tv in Nashville. "Attention Andrea, we are leaving! Finals start in 30 minutes!"

Martin: You were always there to give us all a little laugh, whether it was a good situation or bad. When you missed your event in Arizona, oh man, I don't think I have ever seen Louis so mad in my entire life.

Courtney: You are one of the kindest, nicest, studliest people I have ever met. I don't think you have ever said a mean thing to anyone. Never forget, if he breaks your heart, give me a call and I will break his neck.

Jason: Thanks for always giving me a hug whenever you saw me. Except for maybe one person, I don't think I have ever seen someone skip so much during practice. For anyone wanting to become someone who can be a stud swimmer and get away with stuff, you should be their idol.

Julia: You were always my sprinter/backstroke buddy. I still remember when you started passing me because you are such a freaking stud. I love how you always know how to make things fun and make all of us laugh. I will never forget how when almost every single one of us got sick in Arizona, you managed to win High Point Award, can you say BAMF?

Scott: I will never forget all the crap we put Nano through on that travel trip. We were the only two our age on that trip, and in my opinion, I don't think it was nearly as awful as it could have been. From hiding Nano's tv remote to swimming that 1500 at Olympic status level, it was still a blast.

Erica: Oh, man. What a couple years. I just will always remember you, Alia, and I waiting to swim that damn 1650 in the 90 degree water. You were always my long distance buddy until you had to go and get fast behind my back. Like the one time at AA's when we drew Louis on your lap counter. Or how about remember when we convinced a certain someone that the dog was a distant relative of the orangutans, or that the koala has 12 toes. "Yeah, I heard that on animal planet!"

Chelsey: I parked today at about 3:55 and was remembering how we used to get to practice about 20 minutes before practice and just sit in one another's cars talking. Wow, we kind of had no lives. The times going out on your boat and going wakeboarding were a blast, we will have to do that this summer even though I won't be there, just give me a call, and while your at it, give Ms. New Booty a call.

Robbie: Every time we roomed together we seemed to have the strangest extra roommate. I'll never forget Arizona, when we shared the elevator in our speedos with some random guy. Or in Tennessee when I don't think we went to bed before 2:00 any night. You and your damn poison oak freshman year, making me share a bed with Rod, asshole. I want a rematch in Scrabble, you know I was cheated out of a win.

To all of you guys, you have made these past four years bearable and even fun at times. As much as I hate to admit it, I am going to miss swimming and all of you guys.



Thanks for caring.

Monday, May 5, 2008

New Room

For those of you who don't know, the Gardner family put an addition on their house a few years back. With this new addition, my parents got a new room, allowing my sister to take their old room(completely unfair, but irrelevant to this story), and I took Amanda's room so Austin and I wouldn't have to share anymore. For about the past two years that I have been living in this room, it had had the same paint job since basically my sister's birth. It had a garden sort of scene, with butterflies, trees, flowers, birds, and you get the point. I'm not sure if I have a picture of it, but I will try and find one eventually. So a few months ago, Mel, Casey, and Mary were over and we were bored, so we decided to paint my room. We had this sick idea to make silhouettes of people and what-not, and after we got it all painted white, we realized that we were way out of our league. So I just left it white. Then, it dawned on me, I asked my aunt to paint it because she is an amazing artist and painted Austin's, Amanda's, Stephen's, and her sons' room. So I decided that I wanted to get the iPod silhouette people painted around my room. On one big blank wall I wanted the big four-square of people, and then on some skinny-tall walls, some full length people. My aunt began it and then totally forgot about it. Now, about 3 months later, it is basically finished.
I am quite content.
Thanks for caring.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

It Was Worth It

Getting up at four in the morning,
in the cold we all would sit.
The sets may have been long and dumb, but
it was all very much worth it.

Yard after yard my muscles hurt,
no amount of Advil could save it.
Every night dreading what would come next,
it was all very much worth it.

I may have complained to no end,
even when people didn't want to hear it.
People thought I was crazy but,
it was all very much worth it.

During those long and cold meets,
for those 500's we'd throw a fit.
The competition was tough, but
it was all very much worth it.

Traveling across the country,
wreaking havoc on whatever could stand it.
Breaking every rule in the book,
it was all very much worth it.

Picking on each other all practice long,
we would just let everyone have it.
Since we all knew how to make each other laugh,
it was all very much worth it.

We know each other better than our families,
my family, they are now a part of it.
Since I don't regret joining it at all,
it was all very much worth it.

The friendships I have made,
test of time, they will stand it.
I wouldn't trade the experience for anything, because
Swimming was all very much worth it.












Thanks for caring.