A Piece of my Mind...

Hello Good-bye!

2005-12-12T07:14:51Z

This is my post which has been requested by so many individuals. So my first semester of college has cometo an end, I have to say it was an experience of a lifetime. I had my ups and downs; a rollercoaster all around. I came to my first semester of college and really did not know what I was in for. I have to say, I feel I have learned and gained alot from my first semester. I met some great people and some very interesting ones as well. I was able to reevaluate myself and learn that I really don't know as much as I thought about who I was. Life, like college, is a learning environment. As cheesy as that may sound it is true. Sometimes you are faced with a test you will fail miserablly just to hope you'll do better next time. There will be lessons you don't want to learn from but ultimately, you will have to learn to pass. Life is like the lady in our Caf who screams "Omlette!!!" = random as hell. In my first semester here are some things I have learned...
- Not everything is as it seems, but those that fit the description are simply not worth the stressing over.
- You will be hurt many times in life, its what you make of the scar you get that matters.
- Sometimes the best things in life happen in the most unexpected-random places, in people as well.
- Do not play beer pong and Sink the Bismark and lose miserably in the same night.
- All things are good in moderation. (A lesson Lauren LaBorde has not learned!!!) lol
- EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON: FROM KATRINA TO CARLOS MACIAS' T=SHIRTS.
- The Church of ScienTOMogy is scary as hell. (TAYLOR MURROW = OPERATING THETAN VIII)
- I am Jim Crow
I could add more but I feel I am rambling on and on. I am not sure if I'll be in Mobile, AL or New Orleans, LA. I hope its New Orleans.` I have made something amazing friends. I have managed the adjustment to college very well. I made the President's List (3.93 GPA)-- For those of you who knew me in High School... Yeah I'm actually working now lol. Well I guess that's all for now. I'll be update over break a few times to keep in touch with Y'all from Nawlins. Peace out...

Alright.... Relax everyone...

2005-08-13T00:44:26Z

So everyone is freaking out about this whole ban of LJ/MySpace by La Salle. If you think of it though, it was the necessary and right move that they needed to make...

1. It is not an invasion of privacy or violation of your first ammendment! The moment you sign that Academic Handbook you agree to all their stipulations as much as you may hate them. You do still however have the freedom of choice, so you can choose to leave if you guys don't like what is happening.

2. Last year cause of LiveJournal, our 2005 Class almost experienced a complete ridge between faculty-administration and students. Meanwhile, while everyone was busy pointing a finger at Mr. Shane saying he is searching through our LiveJournal's and trying to expell everyone, he only asked one person to leave and was torn doing it cause he knew we would be upset. If you come to think of it had he actually searched through our LiveJournal's to get us out, alot more of us would have been expelled-asked to leave. (Including myself)

3. To the current students and alumni of La Salle, every single one of you can say that at one point or another (and I strongly believe more than once) La Salle has been good to you. They have always been very accepting with us and never have "hunted" us down like everyone has concieved in their minds.

4. I have to believe that Mr. Shane and the administration do not get some sort of twisted pleasure banning these sites from their students. But I have to believe that after the events last year, it was a preventive-precaution to ensure the union and safety of the La Salle student body. I know for a fact it was not an easy decision for Mr. Shane, he does not like making you all miserable. He actually does care and is one of the few Deans of any school that ever will. So stop making him the bad guy when he is trying to make the best of an already difficult situation.

5. Quoting from someone's LiveJournal, La Salle & the administration we're reffered to as a "Gestapo-like" force and trying to be our second-parents. Here's a realization for everyone. The Gestapo-like force isn't La Salle. Shane isn't trying to be your second-parent. The force that has gone after Livejournal-MySpace like this are actual parents that are involved with the school... Parents that are breathing down Shane's neck for him to do something about this. Parents that don't want to see pictures of their child's fellow students drinking/smoking/or showing themselves online. They are the ones who think its also a danger for you guys to put your pictures and information online. (It's not all of them, its some. But some is enough to sway a decision by the administration to keep everyone happy)

6. We kind of do ask for it when we post (deemed by the administration and parents) inappropriate pictures online. They cannot turn the cheek forever.

7. For everyone outside of La Salle saying things aobut our school. I don't understand why if one, it isn't your school so why are you complaining; and two, that school welcomed several of you with open arms to our school without thinking twice.

So overall, before you guys start saying how much LaSalle sucks or Mr. Shane does, really think of the situation from both sides. It's just a website guys. Its not like they took away your right to speak or eat. Be grateful for the school you are in. I know that I can't complain of anything they have done. I think the step he took was the best possible to prevent any further conflict and I know it was not easy for him. Anyways once you all graduate, there is always Facebook... Well thats all from me. I'm not sure how anyone will react to this or if there is going to be an Anti-Swimmer webpage-group now but if there is, this has just gotten to ridiculous.

To everyone, best wishes for the future and may all go well for all of you. I hope this has in someway helped take away from the unneccesary conflict.

For Old Times Sake...

2005-08-10T07:19:00Z

So... Its almost here. Kind of hard to say really. I have nine days left till I move to college in Mobile, AL. Its funny, we anticipate and dream of this moment since we are little. The idea of being free and moving on. And yet, when it gets here you kind of just want to curl up into a little ball and hide. (At least that's what it's like for myself) I think it hit me when I was in Brazil. One night I was up just thinking back on everything. When I say everything, I mean everything. Everything from old girlfriends to my new one, days at La Salle, days in swimming, absolutely everything. And while I was there I missed alot of thing, but I figured "Hey it's going to be okay. I'll be home in a few days." And that's when it hit me. I have been so calm about everything this summer and not really treasuring every moment that I had with my friends from so long cause in the back of my mind, I still thought I would see everyone again back at La Salle or in the pool when school started. The fact of the matter is I'm not. And all of sudden that comfort that I held of seeing all these faces that I have grown to love again was gone. I know there is Thanksgiving and Christmas and all those nice little breaks that college gives us to keep us sane, but it hurts having to admit to myself that when I want to see Sabrina get frustrated at things and laugh as she whines, I wont be able to. When I want to hear Pep break the silence with a unique "Eughlll" I won't be able to. When I'll want to hug Susie to tell her I care about her, I won't be able to. When I want to hear Annie, Amanda, and Jessica all make fun of each other, I won't be able to. When I want to hear about Gaby's crazy ass driving, I won't be able to. When I want to see my friends who have been there with me all the way... I won't be able to. I know there is email, MySpace, LJ, Facebook, and all those great things, but NOTHING can replace the genuine individual you knew. It sucks and hurts alot cause it feels like I am leaving so many things undone and unsaid with people. I have been caught in this world of Swimming and work that hasn't given me a chance for myself. I don't know where to go with this anymore cause I am at a complete loss for words... I'm so mixed in feelings. I just hope that everyone will be with us this last weekend... Our Farewell weekend. . . So for old times sake Class of 2005. . . Lets give this town a run for its money. . .

Day One (Thursday): District or Soho

Day Two (Friday): Last Party at Gaby's

Day Three (Saturday): Scavenger Hunt & Party at Mi Casa

Day Four (Sunday): Sabrina's Farewell BBQ

This won't be my last post. I'll post with more info on these events and a farewell address... Till next time. Laterz...

justkeepswimin8 @ 2005-05-12T01:42:00

2005-05-12T05:44:39Z

So the end is here. . . I really don't know what to say for this entry. This is all so overwhelming. Tomorrrow I am gonna walk out of that school for my last time as a student. I'm going to keep this one short and say. . . Thank you for the blessings and memories. God Speed Class of 2005. . .

justkeepswimin8 @ 2005-05-06T19:29:00

2005-05-06T23:35:37Z

SO ITS OFFICIAL. . . TAKE THAT LA SALLE. . . SEE IF YOU MISSPELL MY NAME WHEN IM IN THE OLYMPICS IN 2008!!! J/K Thank you to everyone who has believed and supported me along the way. None of this would have been possible without you. I love you all. . . Im Out to party . . . Laterz

justkeepswimin8 @ 2005-05-05T20:52:00

2005-05-06T00:53:57Z

Your Birthdate: March 15

With a birthday on the 15th of any month, you are apt to have really strong attachments to home, family and domestic scene.

The 1 and 5 equaling 6, provide the sort of energy that makes you an excellent parent or teacher.

You are very responsible and capable.

This is an attractive and an attracting influence.

You like harmony in your environment and strive to maintain it.

You tend to learn by observation rather than study and research.

You may like to cook, but you probably don't follow recipes.

This number shows artistic leanings and would certainly support an talents that may be otherwise in your makeup.

You're a very generous and giving person, but perhaps a bit stubborn in ways.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

justkeepswimin8 @ 2005-04-14T01:33:00

2005-04-14T05:34:32Z

I accomplished one of my dreams. . . I got to dedicate a song to my class . . .

Yesterday, Graduation seemed so far away
Now it looks as though its almost May
Oh I believe in yesterday

Suddenly, I'm not half the boy I used to be
Theres a shadow hanging over me
Oh yesterday came suddenly

Why we have to go I don't know, we cannot say
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday

Yesterday, all we ever did was laugh and play
Now we'll all be leaving far away
Oh I believe in yesterday

Why we have to go I don't know, they wouldn't say
We've been young to long, now I long for yesterday

Yesterday, graduation seemed so far away
Now it looks as though its almost May
Oh I believe in yesterday.

I love you La Salle and Class of 2005. . . The memories will always be with me. . .

Oh and I have the fucking coolest prom date!!!

Well I gotta go for now... Laterz

IN REPLY TO ALOT OF PEOPLES RECENT POSTS...

2005-04-02T19:28:04Z

I recommend everyone read the lyrics to this song with it playing in the background. Its Baz Luhrman - Everybody's Free.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of ’99 (insert - '05)
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be
it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by
scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable
than my own meandering experience…I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh nevermind; you will not
understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded.
But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and
recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before
you and how fabulous you really looked….You’re not as fat as you
imagine.

Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as
effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing
bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that
never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm
on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing everyday that scares you

Sing

Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with
people who are reckless with yours.

Floss

Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes
you’re behind…the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with
yourself.

Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you
succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your
life…the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they
wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year
olds I know still don’t.

Get plenty of calcium.

Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone.

Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have children,maybe
you won’t, maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky
chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary…what ever you do, don’t
congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your
choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s. Enjoy your body,
use it every way you can…don’t be afraid of it, or what other people
think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own..

Dance…even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.

Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them.

Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for good.

Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the
people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you
should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and
lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you
knew when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live
in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will
philander, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasize
that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were
noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund,
maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one
might run out.

Don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will
look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who
supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of
fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the
ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen…

HEY DJ PLAY THAT FUNK BEAT!

2005-03-31T17:15:13Z

SPRING BREAK + ULTRA + BEACH EVERYDAY + CLUB G SQUARED + AMAZING FRIENDS =

ONE FUCKING AMAZING SPRING BREAK... AND ITS STILL NOT OVER...QUENCH TONIGHT, SANDBAR TOMORROW...

justkeepswimin8 @ 2005-03-20T19:40:00

2005-03-21T00:42:53Z

Thank you to everyone who came last night. It was lots of fun and in my eyes, a success. Next in line. . . ULTRA.

justkeepswimin8 @ 2005-03-14T23:46:00

2005-03-15T04:48:54Z

Its my birthday in 14 mins... This means i'll be 18. . . which means I get to go to Big Boy jail if I fuck around... Anyone wanna come with me to pass cigarettes out to elementary school kids tomorrow???

System Error://

2005-02-27T23:00:57Z

Computer is fucked up... Wont be posting for a while.

justkeepswimin8 @ 2005-02-14T23:30:00

2005-02-15T04:31:54Z

93.1 is now a Rock Station . . . I'm happy with this but I liked Party 93.1, whats next Power 96 is going to be Classical Music???

Music has died. . .

2005-02-13T19:36:58Z

FUCK MEGA 94.9! FUCK CHONGA MUSIC, FUCK CLEARCHANNEL! I am soo pissed off about this all. They have taken away the last decent rock station for some stupid wack ass "Oye mami ven paca" bullshit... Im soo pissed and I will start a petition to send to clearchannel. WHAT THE FUCK EVER HAPPENED TO MUSIC WITH ACTUAL MEANING! Oh I forgot the majority of the population is becoming more retarded with this Pitbullshit. . . OuT...

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?zetazeta&1

Ode To the Nice Guys

2005-02-12T17:05:33Z

This is a tribute to the nice guys. The nice guys that finish last, that never become more than friends, that endure hours of whining and bitching about what assholes guys are, while disproving the very point. This is dedicated to those guys who always provide a shoulder to lean on but restrain themselves to tentative hugs, those guys who hold open doors and give reassuring pats on the back and sit patiently outside the changing room at department stores. This is in honor of the guys that obligingly reiterate how cute/beautiful/smart/funny/sexy their female friends are at the appropriate moment, because they know most girls need that litany of support. This is in honor of the guys with open minds, with laid-back attitudes, with honest concern. This is in honor of the guys who respect a girl’s every facet, from her privacy to her theology to her clothing style.

This is for the guys who escort their drunk, bewildered female friends back from parties and never take advantage once they’re at her door, for the guys who accompany girls to bars as buffers against the rest of the creepy male population, for the guys who know a girl is fishing for compliments but give them out anyway, for the guys who always play by the rules in a game where the rules favor cheaters, for the guys who are accredited as boyfriend material but somehow don’t end up being boyfriends at all, for all the nice guys who are overlooked, underestimated, and unappreciated, for all the nice guys who are manipulated, misled, and unjustly abandoned, this is for you.

This is for that time she left 40 urgent messages on your cell phone, and when you called her back, she spent three hours painstakingly dissecting two sentences her boyfriend said to her over dinner. And even though you thought her boyfriend was a chump and a jerk, you assured her that it was all ok and she shouldn’t worry about it. This is for that time she interrupted the best killing spree you’d ever orchestrated in Halo2 to rant about a rumor that romantically linked her and the guy she thinks is the most repulsive person in the world. And even though you thought it was immature and you had nothing against the guy, you paused the game for two hours and helped her concoct a counter-rumor to spread around school. This is also for that time she didn’t have a date, so after numerous vows that there was nothing “serious” between the two of you, she dragged you to a party where you knew nobody, the food was awful, and she flirted shamelessly with you, justifying each fit of reckless teasing by announcing to everyone: “oh, but we’re just friends!” And even though you were invited purely as a symbolic warm body for her ego, you went anyways. Because you’re nice like that.

The nice guys don’t often get credit where credit is due. And perhaps more disturbing, the nice guys don’t seem to get laid as often as they should. And I wish I could logically explain this trend, but I can’t. From what I have observed on campus and what I have learned from talking to friends at other schools and in the workplace, the only conclusion I can form is that many girls are just illogical, manipulative, and confusing. Many of them claim they just want to date a nice guy, but when presented with such a specimen, they say irrational, confusing things such as “oh, he’s too nice to date” or “he would be a good boyfriend but he’s not for me” or “he already puts up with so much from me, I couldn’t possibly ask him out!” or the most frustrating of all: “no, it would ruin our friendship.” Yet, they continue to lament the lack of datable men in the world, and they expect their too-nice-to-date male friends to sympathize and apologize for the men that are jerks. Sorry, guys, girls like that are beyond my ability to fathom. I can’t figure out why the connection breaks down between what they say (I want a nice guy!) and what they do (I’m going to hook-up with this complete ass now!). But one thing I can do, is say that the nice-guy-finishes-last phenomenon doesn’t last forever. (I hope.) There are definitely many girls who grow out of that train of thought and realize they should be dating the nice guys, not taking them for granted. The tricky part is finding those girls, and even trickier, finding the ones that are single.

So, until those girls are found, I propose a toast to all the nice guys. You know who you are, and I know you’re sick of hearing yourself described as ubiquitously nice. But the truth of the matter is, the world needs your patience in the department store, your holding open of doors, your party escorting services, your propensity to be a sucker for a pretty smile. For all the crazy, inane, absurd things you tolerate, for all the situations where you are the faceless, nameless hero, my accolades, my acknowledgement, and my gratitude go out to you. You do have credibility in this society, and your well deserved vindication is coming

This is going to sting a little. . .

2005-02-07T22:46:43Z

Well just as a quick update, Formal was great. La Salle Basketball rocks. Im really confused right now. Im really scared too cause my aunts dog of (15 years) died while I was taking care of it from a heart attack. Shes coming back in an hour from NY and Im so scared to break it to her. Well I'm off... Please pray for my aunt. . . and me. Im OuT.

ALL IN ONE WEEKEND...

2005-01-24T05:15:26Z

Well Friday and Saturday was CBS. I got to be Emerill for the weekend which was beyond fun. 'I never knew degreaser ate through metal...' I left the retreat more confused than ever though. Im just weird like that...

A review. . .
- I stopped talking to a girl that was willing to go to formal with me and told her friends she would 'hook up with me' but it just did not seem right.
- What if my calling in life might tear my heart apart cause I might hurt others along the way?
- I finally think I have fallen in love. . . and its with my friends. And I can say I love you to each and every one of you.
- I got a Formal date that I wanted to go with and really was too shy to ask her. . . Kristen :).
- I feel like no matter what I do I might end up breaking someone's heart and I really don't want that to happen... EVER.

There is so much more but I just can't think right now... I gotta get sleep... Im OuT... Laterz

R.I.P. Cutie630

2005-01-21T03:51:59Z

Today we lost a legacy. . . If you are as shocked by this event as I am feel free to post and make fun of the name "paintt the town". Geeks so cant get off on that name. (For further insight view Sab's Jan.20 LJ post comments)

I was spinning free, whoaaaooo!

2005-01-18T05:28:29Z

Well alot has happened this weekend. . . I have a date to Formal which is really cool! I am approaching my cut times in swimming and am really excited about that. CBS is going to be awesome... I can't believe I am going to be giving another talk. I am official declaring my *Last MAYhem @ La Salle* - - - just pretty much going crazy for the last few months we have here, all of it culminating in May. I'm still highly undecided for college, time will tell.

I had to add this.... This weekend I hung out with some old old old friends. We were talking about what has happened to all of us in the last year of our lives. So I started talking and one of them had this to say....

"You people (La Salleians) . . . live in a world of baby mama drama. With your girlfriends, backstabbing, name-calling, and relationships. My friends, were a brotherhood of friends. It was always a good time. Your group, is like the Goddamn OC and Laguna Beach."

Now don't think that I just let him tear us up like that cause I came back with this. . .

"Yeah there's drama. There's heart breaks and fights that we could do without. But when it comes down to it, there is always that feeling that we all are one united group. And we aren't a brotherhood, cause we are a family. And when all the drama settles and the hearts are mended, we can all look back and say we've been through it all together and it only made us all better in some way shape or form. And I couldnt have wished for better people to go through it with."

There was alot more I said but I dont remember exactly but I pretty much shut him down.

Well I guess thats all for now, Its late and I'm sleepy as hell. So I'm off... Laterz

So I jumped on top of the table and screamed my heart out. . .

2005-01-12T04:32:12Z

Well there is Seventy something days left in school... part of me (well alot of me) is starting to realize that I won't see alot of people here ever again. So lately I have just been trying to get to spend time with everyone and in Sabrina's wise words, "suck the life out of high school."

In other news, I am dateless for Winter Formal which means. . . Swimmer is open on the market. (lol) I was kind of still keeping my idea of going by myself but after I talked to Andy he made me realize alot of things. So I guess what I'm saying is. . .

My Name is Gabriel Penaloza a.k.a. Swimmer. I like long walks on the beach and looking at the sun go down and the stars come up. . . (Insert cheesy description here)

So I would actually like to have someone to go with to Formal. I guess if anyone has no one else to go with I'm up for it. Just talk to me or whatever. I really don't want to ask a person cause I feel that makes me make them obligated or something. Well thats all for now I suppose. And by the way. . . I CAN DANCE!!! (lol) Im Out...

Random Questions...

2005-01-03T00:10:09Z

THREE NAMES YOU GO BY :
1. Swimmer
2. Gabe
3. Gabeasaurus (Don't ask lol)

THREE SCREEN NAMES YOU HAVE HAD:
1. corefuze
2. SwimMan305
3. x0x0 lilqt4ubaby x0x0 (Just kiddin...)

THREE THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. My Eyes
2. My Personality
3. My Random style

THREE THINGS YOU HATE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. My nose
2. My tummy (working for that six pack lol)
3. My hands (too small)

THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE:
1. Peruvian
2. Spanish
3. Italian-Irish

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU:
1. Not Knowing
2. Ghosts (Not what they look like, the fact they're around)
3. Losing someone I love

THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS:
1. Swimming
2. Play guitar
3. Raine's After practice Fruit Salad : )

THREE THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW:
1. My Blue Pine Crest T-Shirt
2. My Grey Sweatpants
3. Hawaiian boxers

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS:
1. Yellowcard
2. My Chemical Romance
3. Incubus (So much more but those are three I just finished listening to)

THREE OF YOUR FAVOURITE SONGS AT PRESENT:
1. Helena - My Chemical Romance
2. Futures - Jimmy Eat World
3. Follow - Incubus

THREE NEW THINGS YOU WANT TO TRY IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS:
1. Make top 16 at Nationals
2. Win the Miami Triathalon
3. Pass Calculus with a B or higher

THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP (besides love):
1. Trust
2. Friendship
3. Understanding

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE:
1. I have torn 3 ligaments in my shoulder
2. I am outgoing
3. I hate Sushi

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS ABOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX THAT APPEAL TO YOU:
1. Personality ( Can I really communicate with them)
2. Eyes (Something to look at when I talk to them)
3. Humor (Can I laugh with them and be myself)

THREE THINGS YOU JUST CAN'T DO:
1. Smoking (Yeah that'll help swimming)
2. Let someone change me to what they want
3. Hurt someone for fun ( I dont think anyone can... wait I can...)

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES:
1. Playing/Listening to music
2. Video Games! ! ! (yeah I am a nerd)
3. Play sports (obviously swim)

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW:
1. Eat (I'm hungry)
2. Tell someone how I really feel
3. Dance (weird I know)

THREE CAREERS YOU ARE CONSIDERING:
1. Business - Entrepreneurship
2. Sports Management/Medicine
3. Lawyer

FIVE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO ON VACATION:
1. Fiji
2. Ireland
3. Australia
4. Bahamas
5. Greece

THREE KID'S NAMES:
1. Rhianon or Rhianne
2. Kaleb
3. Johnathan

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE:
1. Fall in love
2. Repay everyone thats contributed in my life
3. Realize the meaning of life

A Public Service Announcement...

2005-01-01T01:21:06Z

Everyone have a safe and Happy New Year. Best wishes to you all in 2005 and always. God bless...

The life of a hero is very sad...

2004-12-31T07:40:35Z

Well tonight something really bad happened that those of you who are close to me know about. It really messed me up badly. It sucks cause it feels like good intentions are just getting me into trouble. . . Im really depressed because of the entire ordeal rather than happy that nothing happened. I don't get why I keep trying to do these great things if they just my land me in bad places whether it be unhappiness, alone, or. . . . dead.

The reason for the title was because earlier I was watching Spiderman 2 with some friends. My friend Raine came to me and told me something afterwards. She said "Gabe, you remind me soo much of what he's going through in that entire movie." I really didn't get what she was saying till the following comment... "You are giving up soo much of yourself including your own happiness to help others, and you don't even care if what the consequences are going to be." This is right before a series of events occured that further proved this. . .

I don't get it really. I mean, I know being nice is part of me but I don't understand why I always give up so much to get so little or nothing at all. Tonight I almost lost happiness and life helping two different individuals in two different occasions. And the thing is, there is nothing to show for any of it. No parade or medal of honor, no happy ending with me leaving with a beautiful girl. Its just me alone.... again. People started to say I was a hero tonight.... Am I? And if I am with all my self sacrifice and falling on the sword, when am I finally going to lose this spark in me that makes me carry on. I mean... I'm Gabriel, people call me Swimmer; is this really my gift and my curse? To be a fallen hero someday? To give up the girl I love some day cause I don't want to keep her for myself? To end up jumping in front of a bullet? Yeah nice guys might finish last, but can someone cut me a break. . . I have made mistakes in my life but I don't think I have made enough to be left like this. . .

I don't want to be a hero, I don't want to be Mr. Nice Guy cause I have done it for 17 almost 18 years and its been horrible. I have burried close friends to me and seen people dear to me leave and I have always been the strong one. But maybe its my time for saving for a change. I know I can't save the world but I have always tried. . . but after tonight... I am just so tired. I need a place to rest and be saved. And for some reason I do not see this happening any time soon. . . I'm Gabriel and I am tired of being a tragic hero...

Can't think of a title . . .

2004-12-29T21:08:25Z

Well last night I went bowling with a whole mess of people. Vikki and Stefi finally hung out with me and my posse. It was a fun and random night really but I'm glad that all us LaSalleians were able to be in one place at one time during this Christmas break. Well I'm really happy to say I think I found my date for Winter Formal. She rocks my socks lol. Would say her name but I guess she can post a comment if she wants her secret identity to be revealed. :) Well as for tonight I don't know what I am going to do yet. Anyone have any recommendations IM me or post a comment, that is, if you're not busy doing your cheerleading things ;p lol. Laterz... Im OuT

Gifts are not always from a retail store....

2004-12-26T07:02:25Z

Well Christmas was awesome this year as it is every year. I got several gifts that were really cool, however I realized one gift which was the most important. Recently, I've come to think that I've matured (in some odd way) and grown. And in all honesty, I am glad to be the person I am. I know I am not perfect and that alot of people probably don't like me, but the fact of the matter is I am proud to become the man that I am going to be. I am proud to be Gabriel Penaloza a.k.a. Swimmer. And I can't say that I became this person all by myself. This is where my Christmas discovery came in. Everyday is a Christmas for me. . . Cause the presents are those who have helped me become the better person I am now. Those gifts to name a few are my Mom, Aunt, Grandma, Sis, Andrew, Jose, Coach Andy, Mr.Wex, Raine, Carole, Luci, Sabrina, Tania, Annie, Mariane, Gaby, Amanda, Jessica, Leandro, Rodrigo, My ETC family. . . and if I went on it would take up this entire post. You guys even if we haven't been on best terms lately or hanging out have helped me so much in my life that I'll be indebted to you all for the rest of my life. I know that I can walk a straight path now and be steadfast in my decisions and choices because I have learned so much from each and every one of you. I am not scared of what is to come because I know what I have now. I do not live for tomorrow or yesterday, cause I make the best of today. I feel I am ready to take the step further in life to say I am a Man and I am responsible for myself now and its feels good to say that finally. Everyone that has ever crossed paths with me, anyone who is on my buddy list on AIM or Friend List on my Livejournal or mailing list for Email, is there because they had an effect on me in one way shape or form and you are on the most important list of all, the list in my heart. So I hope you know that I love and care for each and everyone of you in a very special way and that I will always be there for you guys, no matter what. In the future I hope to cross paths with each and every one of you and tell you "Hey thanks for that time. . ." And I hope you all will know that whether if I am at Beijing in 2008 swimming or working at a McDonalds looking miserable, I always have the happiness and foundation that you all have provided for me. You all have left your footprints in the sand. . . So overall, My Christmahanakwanzaka gift to all of you is the simplest of them all... A thank you and a love expressed in one LJ entry. This cant even begin to explain ten percent of how much I want to say to you all but I'll keep it simple. My heart will always remember each and every one of you and keep you. Love Always. . . Im OuT