Home at 6:33 AM

I miss home. I know I'm always working so I can make ends meet...but it doesn't mean I don't miss home and my family. As of right now...next time I'm going home is August for one weekend...4 whole months from now. Gotta make the best of the city I guess.

-Ray

AI Top 11 at 1:22 AM

After watching tonight, I'm convinced this is the best group AI has put together in a long time. Aside from maybe 2 or 3 singers...anyone can pretty much win it at this point.

Top 3:
1. Matt Giraud: "So Small"
2. Anoop Desai: "Always on My Mind"
3. Kris Allen: "To Make You Feel My Love"

Man, Matt killed it again for me. I know everyone loves Gokey...but I think Matt can win it if he keeps it up. I'm also pulling for Allison...I think she's the best girl left.

LEAST FAVORITE:
1. Matt Sarver: "Ain't Goin' Down 'til the Sun Comes Up"
2. Scott McIntyre: "Wild Angels"
3. Alex Grace: "Jolene"

Who I think will go home? Matt Sarver (PLEASE!)
Who do I think will win? Gokey or Adam Lambert at this point still
Who do I want to win? Matt Giraud of Allison Iraheta

Drops from the Sky at 1:06 AM

The rain fell the other day...
Stopped over, looked at the rose in the corner
Drops of rain still lingered on the petals,
just as it lingers on the side of the road.

I look up at the sky, to its gloomish hue of blue
No matter how ominous the sky may look, it reminds me that water will fall again.
A wonder how much of a blessing and a nightmare the rain can be.
Rain brings life to the green earth...and tends to soothe others into a restful slumber,
but can also bring upon destruction and misery to other, unfortunate ones.

Rain...today you are on my side. I am able to go about my business...just a little bit more wet.
May I never have to feel the wrath and anger that you internally possess.

American Idol at 1:51 PM

So I do have somewhat of an addiction to American Idol. I think I've watched every season haha, and I've been okay at picking the winners. The ones that I've liked that I said would win are: Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, and David Cook. (ie...the good ones! haha) With that said...these are my picks for this year's American Idol:
:

My personal favorites:
Allison Iraheta: raw voice, definitely think she can sing anything if she tries hard enough
Matt Giraud: ridiculously soulful, good at the piano
Danny Gokey: I like his voice a lot. While people may think his story is unfair, you can't deny his voice.

Who would probably make the finals:
Lil Rounds: Favorite of the judges.
Adam Lambert: While I'm not a huge fan, his voice is off the charts, no doubt.

I think I might update this every week, with my favorite performance (videos to come soon) and who I think will go home.

Last week (Michael Jackson Week)
My favorite: Matt Giraud - "Human Nature"
Least: Matt Sarver - "You Are Not Alone"
Who I thought would go home: Jorge Nunez, Matt Sarver
Who went home: Jorge Nunez, Jasmine Murray.

'Til next time...Ray

Sectionals at 1:46 PM

SECTIONALS.

Wow...definitely a day I will never forget. While planning it was kinda crazy, I'm glad everyone had fun. Below is probably one of my favorite pictures of the day.

This is me and Katrina, one of the other coordinators. She's holding the Service Gold Pan, which her chapter, Mu Zeta, at SF State won. And I'm holding the Overall Gold Pan, which my chapter, Alpha Epsilon Nu, won. Congrats to both our chapters for having great programs this year!

Other highlights include:

• Meeting and shaking hands with Maggie Katz, our National President
• AEN'S Roll Call. Rave anyone?
• Seeing Interchapter friends whom I haven't seen in a long time as well as meeting others.

This was probably one of the more challenging experiences I've had, but I'm glad I did it. I've grown as a leader and as a person through it, and I've met so many people and (as corny as this sounds) made so many memories that I will remember for a very long time. If anyone in Alpha Phi Omega is reading this, thanks for coming out and I hope you all had fun.

-Ray