Friday, November 20, 2009

Over the break...

I can't wait for this period to be over so I can go and enjoy my break and my time at home and with friends. I'm waiting for Wednesday already because that's when my sister and her financee is coming over to help with some of the Thanksgiving stuff, but other than that it'll just be hanging out with some friends with WoW and Call of Duty. Sounds like a fun break to me!

ALSO- the one thing that can ruin break is the release of NEW MOON. Twilight is bad, mmkay?

REBEL!

Abercrombie's fading

We all know the economy is not in its top condition right now, but the adored fashion retailer-Abercrombie and Fitch is certainly feeling the financial situation. I remember how popular this brand was in middle school, and I continue to see its popularity among my fifth grade sister and her friends.

It's just interesting to see how something so popular can lose it's appeal over time when people have financially supported the buisness for years.

http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/108199/abercrombie-is-worn-out-and-quickly-fading

Finally

I have been waiting for break for so long, and now I only have to wait 2 more class periods. School certainly has its high points, but it can be tiring, to say the least. I just want a chance to relax and have nothing that I have to get done for a little while.
Of course, I do still have to finish up some college applications and will have a little bit of homework. But I intend to be proactive and will get everything done over the weekend, maybe a little bit on Monday too. I guess we'll see how that goes.
And of course, I cannot leave out the food. Thanksgiving food is the best! I get to go to my Grandma's on Thursday and she is pretty much the best cook I know. The food may not be super healthy(plenty of butter) but its sooooo goooooood. So yeah, I intend to have a good time. Have a great break everyone!

Thanksgving Break

I am so happy that we get a week of, it seems like forever since we got a long vacation. I think everyone feels like they really need the break, we all work so hard at school. The best news is that it is my birthday in eight days. I started the countdown when November started so I'm sure all of my friends are tired of hearing it by now. While I am on the subject of countdowns only 112 until school gets out. Most likely I will go and see New Moon over the break, everyone who already saw it at midnight said it was so good and much better that the first. I have converted to Team Jacob so I think I will like this one more. However, I think for the most part I will just stay home during Thanksgiving Break. We don't have many family members around here so it will most likely be just my family, but I still think it will be fun.

Winter

As the temperatures begin to descend, my excitement escalates. The chilly weather symbolizes my favorite part of the year, winter. I love absolutely everything about the season.
It brings ski trips:
I have been skiing since I was three and it is what I look forward to every year. My dad takes my brother and I up to Sugar Bowl on the weekends, where we get season passes every year.
It brings the holidays:
Thanksgiving, because I love love love to eat.
Christmas is a given. Everything about christmas is amazing, I'm a Christmas fanatic.
Then New Years is awesome. Just the feeling of starting a new year is rejuvinating.
It brings marvelous weather:
The rain, the snow, the wind. I love it all.
So bring on the winter.

SNOWW yay!

Thanksgiving break commences TODAY and I can't wait!! Northstar opens this weekend and I have been waiting to go snowboarding since spring. Well, I've been to boreal, which opened weeks ago, but 'boring-hill' isn't as exciting as the bigger slopes. Plus my Northstar season pass has been collecting dust all summer. I am double excited because this year I have been learning to ski too. I used to ski all the time, but I haven't skied in like 6 years, so im pretty rusty. Honestly, if I were to describe my perfect day, it would involve me driving up to Northstar with my brother and his girlfriend, snowboarding all day, then after hanging out at the icerink there and getting MIKUNIS definitely! I can't leave that place without getting an 'incredible roll'. It's soooo good. While I love my little Tahoe, I'm super jealous of my dad. Tomorrow he's leaving to go skiing in switzerland!! Yeah, the SWISS ALPS! One of his best friends lives there, so they're going skiing together. Oh well, while he's gone, Northstar is calling my name. I'll have a good time at the snow right here in Tahoe.

Less pumpkin pie this year?

Nestle warns that there may be a shortage of canned pumpkin for pies because of the weather. This brand sells 800-90% of the nation's canned pumpkin. So would the shortage of pumpkin raise the price for Nestle bakers? Or are people going to have to use another brand? Perhaps apple pie will be more popular this year.


New Moon!!

Last night, I went to the New Moon premiere. I loved the movie! I thought that it was much better than Twilight. I got to the theatre at about 6:30 and I had a lot of fun waiting for the the 12:01 show. We passed the time playing card games, ninja, and making random runs for energy drinks. I saw so many people that I knew from school, and got to talk to them more than I normally would. I had fun on my random adventure with Katie! It was so cold!!

I loved how everyone was dressed in Twilight/New Moon tshirts. It was hilarious how one guy dressed up as Jacob and was taking pictures with girls throughout the hallway. There was some other person there, who wanted to be the opening act for Jingle Ball, and passed out flyers saying to vote for him. Everyone was trying to stay awake, since it was late, so everyone was really hyper and crazy, which made the movie even more exciting.

I loved the way that everyone was so spirited about this premiere. Everyobdy there was truly excited for the movie, and that really added to the overall atmosphere of the theatre.
With how much I loved this premiere, I can't wait for the Eclipse premiere in the summer!

New Moon Adventures?

So last night I went to my first movie premiere and I got way more into it than I thought I would! There was a huge group of people... We almost took up an entire row! And apparently cross country boys get really really hyper with energy drinks and are chased by crazy red headed children when they go to the gas station to restock on snacks. Who knew?! But overall I had a really fun night. And I got to know Danielle more who is my partner again for the print issue!
Now I have break to look forward to with finishing college apps, letter of recommendation requests, projects, studying, and my usual volunteering throughout the week. Not to mention, I am really excited to be seeing Transyberrian Orchestra on the 28th and going to a Battle of the Bands on the same day! I am in for a busy week of eating, watching movies, and giving thanks.
I am so thankful for my family and the friends I have met. Last night I met and got to know way more people than I expected. Thank you for an amazing night... Team Jasper all the way!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Go Warriors.

So, yesterday i went to William Jessup University on a visit for softball. It was really cool because its a private christian college, and Ive always really wanted to go there. They have an awesome softball program and the coaches are great. There was a girl from the team that showed me around the campus, introduced me to all the teammates, and the girls were all really nice and friendly. I sat in on an English class during the day and it was cool because the class sizes are really small which is something that i really liked. After that i went to lunch with the girls and then hung out with them in their dorm. The dorms are really cool, and super big. Then after that we had practice from 2-5 . Practice went really well and their team should be good this year. Overall, i had a really good time, and i look forward to playing with them again this Saturday.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

College Application Deadlines and Break!

For some reason I thought that being a Senior with only six classes would give me more time for all of my college stuff. I couldn't have been more wrong. With three AP classes, and the end of the semeseter approaching, my work load at school has remained consistantly heavy. Working, something I have adjusted too, has also been a new constraint on my time. Due to tough economic times, my dad's business has not been doing as well and it is extremely important for me to work on scholarships as much as possible. All of that on top of the college applications themselves and figuring out what to do with my future. It's not a bad life, but it's definitely a busy one. I'm excited for what is to come, and I know that eventually all of my hard work will pay off. For all of you who are not seniors, stay on top of your game so that when you are...you're not in the same boat as most of us are now.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Birthday!

So my birthday is coming real soon its this weekend, so i decided to do something fun for it. This weekend i invited a group of my girl friends and we took a limo to Sac. It was a blast we were all dancing and sticking our heads out of the sun roof, did you know that you have to wear a seat belt all times in a limo? two of my friends last year in a limo got $100 tickets because there heads were out a limo and the windows were child protected so the windows were half up! Luckly no one got tickets this time. A great part of the limo was the driver Scott, which he wanted us to call him uncle Scott, so we did. He was so laid back and next time i get a limo i definantly getting him again. After we got dropped off at BJs and it was so good, i was so happy because i got a free pizookie for my birthday and it was so yummy! It was such a fun birthday for me!

Job Wanted

During these tough economic times, money for recreation use seems to be scarce. Unlike some people, my parents are not made out of money and will just not just give me money for anything I want whenever I need it. I have to earn it. Until recently the allowance my parents give me for my work around the house has been sufficient enough to keep me afloat. But now I have a car that needs gas and has to have insurance, both of which are expensive.
Yesterday at dinner, my dad turned to me and told me that I need to start looking for a job and that I must have a job by mid-December and that with my new found "wealth" I will have to help pay for my insurance. Now I'm not bothered by this as I knew this moment would be coming for a while. Hopefully I can find a job soon, so if anyone knows somewhere that is hiring, tell me :)

Sunday, November 15, 2009

2012

Lately, I've been hearing alot about the 2012 theory, how the world is going to end, with the movie in theatres, people talking about it, or educational channels on TV. What is really going to happen on December 21, 2012? Are people going to panic? Will one or more of the theories come true? And the most worrisome question: Is the whole population of the world going to die? However you put it, there really isn't anything we can do either way, but personally, I think the world will go through some sort of transformation, but maybe not an apocolypse. Anyway,
people will still continue to go about their daily lives and not worry about it.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Thankful

I realized this past weekend that I am really happy with my job and should be more grateful. I mean, I get to go to an elementary school three days a week and just play with kids and joke around with them and the staff; it's my dream job!

There are always those many moments throughout the day where I just have to laugh because one of the fourth graders calls my co-worker "foxy" or one of the first graders falls from the glider in one of the world's weirdest positions and just starts busting up laughing. And I just have to smile when a fourth grader helps a kindergartner win at two touch on the ball wall, even though she's playing too.

It's those precious moments in the every day hustle and bustle of this world that really matter most, and at Kids Junction you can't possibly stay in a bad mood because those kids simply love you. They have so much life, kindness and energy in those tiny bodies it's completely inspiring and makes me forget about anything bad going on in my life. I look forward to going into work, and I realize now that that's really, really rare and I should cherish that. I was worried that there could be a chance I wouldn't want to be a teacher anymore after working in a second grade classroom as one of my classes AND working at KJ, but honestly I want to be one even more now. I love going to that class every other day, and I love my work. I feel like I am where I belong :)

Asian Art Museum

I was reading the newspaper and I came across an article promoting the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Asia has very unique, and what I think to be lovely, artwork that I have to go see. It features new and old artwork, sculptures, textiles, etc. from all over the continent. They also have some art from the Middle East. I'm pretty sure that the stuff from the Middle East is newer then that of Eastern Asia but they still have some old stuff of both. I think a lot of the really old stuff of the Middle East is located in several museums in Cairo and Europe, but I could be wrong. Anyway, all of the artwork dates back from 2500 AD to the 19th century.

They currently have an exhibition on the art of Siam and Burma that is of the 19th century, that I think would be fun to go see.
The one I really want to see though is the Tibetan Buddhism that features works from thousands of years ago. The sculptures are amazing, plated with precious metals and minerals and the fine detail only adds to it. The artwork back then was so beautiful and had so much time put into them I could stare at them all day.

This is a link to some pictures.
http://www.asianart.org/collection.htm

One day Vacation.

Well we had Wednesday off and I decided to take full advantage of it. My friends and I were having a hard time finding things to do that did not cost any money due to the lack of it in these economic times. So we decided to go walk around Old Sacramento like we had done before. We got there and walked around the shops and took lots of pictures. We love to do things like this because it doesn't cost any money and it is good quality time for all of us before we all go off to college.

Finally

Monday I went to the DMV to take my permit test. I got there at quarter to three and my number to be called was G117. G117.... The man sitting next to me was G92 and he had been waiting since 1:00! He said he was waiting for two hours and not one G number was called. So I thought, "I'm screwed..." because I only had until 4:30 to be able to recieve a test. Around 4:20, a swarm of G numbers were called, and at 4:29, G117 was called at window 15 all the way on the other side of the room. It took me at least thrity seconds to walk to it, and by the time the guy at the window finished checking all my paper work, and stopped chatting with the lady next to him, he said, "I have 10 seconds until I'm not allowed to hand you the test, so hears the test." Well hey there Mr. DMV guy, just saying that took you at least five seconds and talking to that lady took at least 2o. And then he finally decides to hand me the test, and by that time I was so stressed out. And then I worried about not passing the test and having waited all that time for nothing. I didn't take drivers ed in school but took an online course. Big mistake. The questions about DUI's and going to court I felt weren't emphasized as much. So... I missed 7 questions. Ya... 7. Barely made it. And then then the guy laughs at me. That made me feel great. But at least I passed and I learned from the problems I missed. So ya... I have developed a strong dislike for the DMV and I am not looking forward to having to deal with them for the rest of my driving career.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Walking in on your own Funeral

I was reading the Sacramento Bee and was looking at the "Strange Stuff" section which is on the second page. This section of the newspaper uses the oddity news value. I always love to read this section because it is so interesting. In the past, this section has had stories about a man hiding a gun in his fat rolls, someone stealing a ferret, and a guy with a pet crocodile. Today, the story was about a man from Brazil who was reported dead from a car crash, but came to his funeral the next day. His family identitfied the body and thought it was him, but obviously it was not. He heard about his own funeral while it was taking place and came to set things straight. It must have been such a surprise for the family and a happy one at that.

DanceDance, BreakBreak

The winter jig is on tuesday. That is really early, but even though it is still November, I think that having it on the night before our day off is a good idea. People will probably be looking for something to do...so if you are, you can go to the dance! I'm just looking forward to a break in the school week. Kind of like two mini weeks. Anyway, I think this is one of the best dance to dress up for. I always say I'm going to plan an outfit, but let's be honest, I never do. Maybe this time. Either way, I'm just glad to have no school on Wednesday. Definitely some useful time to get some college stuff done...The end of the year means deadlines for apps. I am looking forward to it.

Racism

Hey peoples! Well, this morning ... it has been a tough time. Today, some people were making fun of a musical that was made for African Americans... basically, they were being racist and joked about it when I was right there listening to it. It was the most hurtful, disturbing, and painful thing I have ever heard in my life. I was so frustrated and upset. This is an on going epidemic at this school. Even though I agree that Rocklin High is one of the best schools out here, there are still some issues regarding racism. Everyday I hear people joke about black, white, brown people, and it seriously needs to stop. We don't need our peers making fun of race, it is so 1600's and its not cool anymore. Even though there are celebrities who joke about their own race, I don't think it is appropiate. I mean, when kids listen to these jokes, they think its cool and its ok to joke about it... but guess what.. its not! I have never been so insulted in my life. This isn't the first time that this has happened. We as teenagers need to stop this, because if someone felt the pain I had today, it would be extruciating. It's up to you to stop this. Yes, I understand there is peer pressure and people want to please other individuals, but is it really worth it. The consequences are huge if someone heard you make a racial slur and reported it. So, again, its up to you to stop this. "It don't matter if your black or white" MJ.

Whats a Thanksgiving?

I was watching America's Funniest Home Videos the other night, and during a commercial break ABC was advertising their "Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas". And that got me thinking, how often do you see anyone promoting Thanksgiving? Everyone seems to already be celebrating Christmas in November. Families get together for it, but the media seems to skip over it and just focus on Christmas. Everybody give thanks... for Christmas! In November! Anyone else think that it's kind of stupid?

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

optimism

ive been really optimistic this week:
i hated my UC essays but my counselors said they loved them.
even though i swear i just failed the anatomy lab practicum, i still love the class.
Im pretty confused in ap econ, but i still like the class.
Brought my calc grade up 12%, still failing, but only by 4% :D
I hate the poetry anthology but still liked writing poetry.
umm, what else am i optimistic about....
im moving this weekend which i absolutely hate doing, but im getting used to the idea.
getting a new phone soon too!
i havent seen my dad in 2 months but looking forward to christmas break.

oh and i went shopping today which always makes things better =)

Assumptions

The one thing that gets on my nerves more than anything else is assumptions. People assume that because you live in California, you live by the beach. Or that if you are a Democrat, you're a bleeding heart. Assumptions are bad first impressions. Assumptions can kill friendships and relationships. Assumptions cause families to split apart and war to start.

If we didn't assume things, we would be able to build better relationships. We would be able to trust more. We would be able to befriend just about anyone. And people take advantage of assumptions as well.
I know my parents trust me more than I trust myself. They assume I won't do something bad. Which generally I don't but I know of plenty of people who do.

You also don't know what really goes on in other people's lives. They could be suffering and you just assume that they're emo and yearning for attention.

What do you assume?

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Jingle Ball

So, I got my Jingle Ball tickets. Needless to say, I'm stoked.
I mainly wanted to go because of Justin Bieber, which you probably could have guessed. My two friends and I have been huge fans since about the begining of June.
Also at Jingle Ball will be: Boys Like Girls, Cobra Starship, Kris Allen, and Jason DeRulo.
Since I had only heard a few songs by Boys Like Girls and Cobra Starship, I decided to look them up and listen to their songs in preperation for the concert.
I LOVE them.
I have only been to a few concerts: Backstreet Boys when I was 5, Jingle Ball in 7th grade, and Jack Johnson last year.
Yep.
I'm pumped.

Monday, November 2, 2009

SAT's

Being a college-bound senior I have come to despise two three letter combinations, SAT and ACT. It frustrates me beyond all believe how much our future as seniors could depend on a test that completely drains all of your brain power in one day. I understand the fact that colleges and universities need a way to test/compare everyone in a standardized way, but honestly the tests do not represent us as individuals. What if you are just a bad test taker? Is it fair that you may not be able to get into a good college because you didn't do well on the test? When I hear people talking about reviewing and 'studying' for these sorts of tests usually they talk about test taking strategies, not studying academic material. I see why these tests came about, but I wish there was a better way to do things, maybe someday there will be.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Memoirs of a Boy Soldier

I just finished reading a book called A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier. I only picked it up because I needed an AR book and the librarian recommended it, but it ended up being one of the best books I've ever read. It's a firsthand account by a (now 29 year old) boy from Sierra Leone named Ishmeal Beah and his story of running from the war, becomming a part of it, and then running to escape it once again. The war that was going on in Sierra Leone up until recently drastically impacted his life. He wasn't alone; his story is no doubt like the stories of countless other boys from that country. The most heartbreaking part is that he consistently loses every person that he dares to love. Not one person in Ismael's life has lasted from cover to cover. The book is filled with page after page of detailed imagery and personification that make for a great read. Even if this isn't usually your style of book, I'm sure you'll be hooked before you read 50 pages.