A Tribute to Me?

I've been meaning to respond to James's tribute to me but haven't set aside the time until now. I suggest you read his lj first, because I have quite a bit to comment on it.

First, about the author. James is one of a kind. He's probably one of the most approachable guys I've ever met. The greatest memory I had of this guy was at 679 Gayley, and I had the honor of photographing him as he donned the UCLA cheerleading uniform for the very first time:


(I should confessed to you sooner, Maricar, but as you can see, James wasn't exactly faithful those first few weeks, flirting with Victoria's Secret posters. Just thought you should know.)

James was quite the enigima himself. You were never quite sure whether he was completely clueless, or just faking it. He could joke around with the best of them, but could always put his foot down when he needed to. He was also one of the most goddamn charming people you'll ever meet. He could make up the dumbest, most embarrassing things ever, and not only could he convince you to do them, but he could actually make you think that they were great ideas in the first place! Like videotaping you during the most vulnerable of moments. (::cough::Richard::cough:: Sorry, my throat's been a little scratchy). It's this unique gift that basically let's him get away with almost anything. But fortunately, he is responsible with his power. Kind of like using the Dark Side for good.

So anyway, I just want to add some points of addendum to his tribute:

1. Yeah, James could turn about anything into a game. Drinking game, that is. But he was really sneaky in that he would get you to play games that only HE was good at. It resulted in many a time that first summer with me drunk off my ass and James taunting me with: "C'mon man, you gotta do better! I haven't even taken a shot yet!"

2. Summer 2001 Samahang Board Transition Retreat - So the "crazy ass gravel turnaround on the freeway" story goes like this: I was driving Lara, Maricar, and James and we were all caravaning to Las Vegas. So I was following someone, I forget who it was, on the 15 and was driving casually in the left lane, when suddenly, the car I was following merges to the right lane and exits! I try to follow, but there's a car blocking my way! Crap! So now we're thinking... well, we'll just get off at the next stop and come back around. Keep in mind that: a) This is the first time I had EVER driven to Vegas, and b) They got off at Baker, and the next exit would be like in 10 miles. So, had to make a decision, at 80 mph. We were turning this Honda Civic around!

So we found the next gravel patch dividing the two directions, and I slowed down as best as I could and drove into the gravel patch. I must've been going faster than I thought I was, probably at like 30 mph, because when we hit the gravel patch, we must've skid like a good 10 feet before we came to a stop. Then, like a really scary stop sign, had to pick the right time to get back onto the freeway on the other direction and go from 0 to 80 as fast as humanly possible. And so we finally got to Baker, where the caravan told us that they tried to call us about the Baker stop, but all they got were voice mails.

Yeah, that retreat made me feel like such a 1st year.

3. Oh, and what did my "sunsilk" hair look like? Like this:


It should also be noted that, due to his appreciation for wild and crazy ideas and to the fact that he had electric clippers, I chose James to witness, document, and assist me in shaving my locks the afternoon after SPCN 2002:






4. Although awkward at times, watching the relationship between Maricar and James develop was really something special. It was one of those things where you really saw how their relationship brought the best out of each other. And unlike other relationships that seemed more physical and really wanted to make me gag, their relationship was solid, and I always felt comfortable around them, although I've always wondered how many times they wished that that "3rd wheel" would disappear for a while.

Anyway, thanks James for bringing me back, and reminding me that not even a continent can separate good friends.