The Wait

A few minutes ago, I sent in my application to MIT, marking my last college application (unless I for some reason make a last-minute decision to apply to another school during what little remains of 2012). The college application process has been a bit nerve-wracking, although it is a nice boost to your ego to have to explain in full detail why you are smart/talented/organized/awesome enough to be admitted to various institutions. Well, now 10 colleges will have the pleasure of looking over my record and several pieces of my writing (I feel like I've typed out the equivalent of a small novella in the past few months). And I will have the pleasure of waiting for them to make their decision.

I don't like this type of waiting much. I'm usually a calm and collected person, but when it comes to academics, I'm the type of person who'll pay 8 bucks to hear their AP scores two weeks earlier than everyone else. But here I have no choice. University of the Pacific should email me sometime soon with their decision. If I qualify for one of USC's top scholarships, I'll get my decision and an invitation to interview in late January. Same deal with U.C. Berkeley, except for it will be more like early February. Everything else will come around March and April. That 4 months seems like an eternity right now.

 Well, I'll just have to occupy myself with academics, extracurriculars, scholarship applications, and the many forms required for financial aid at all the colleges I just applied to. 2013 here I come...Happy New Year!

Carly Rose Sonenclar

Although I haven't been able to watch that much TV this year since I never have time, I did get to see bits and pieces of the second season of the xfactor.

There were some singers that were alright, but there was one that stood out the most. Carly Rose Sonenclar. She's only 13, but her voice sounds like she's 30. It's crazy!

I can't believe she didn't win--

If you want, check her out on YouTube. All her XFactor performances are uploaded. I think the best ones are probably Feeling Good, and It Will Rain (Below).. As Long as You Love Me is phenomenal too. Basically they're all crazy good. Haha! Enjoy!

It's Christmas TIme

Okay so I woke up at 3. PM. What?! I think school took more out of me than I thought. This is the latest I have ever woken up in my entire life.

The best part is that we have TWO ENTIRE WEEKS to relax and do whatever we want. I am going to enjoy this break so much more than all the other breaks I have ever had.

On a super happy note, Christmas Eve is tomorrow. I feel like this year has gone by extremely quickly.

Merry Christmas!

Sigh of Relief

One day left. Just one. One more test for me. As soon as its Winter Break, I'm going to crawl up into my bed/ and or somewhere else really warm and snuggly and read so many books that my brain will explode.
I can't wait.















:D

In The Event Of Cold, Don't Apply Lotion

So you always hear about if you're on fire, don't run around, no matter how logical it may seem. Well, here's my tip to you to help you through the cold/flu season:  don't apply lotion.

Well, I have a cold. I feel gross and let's face it, my nose looks worse. All red and whatnot (is that why Rudolph's nose is red? He just had a cold? Hmm, interesting.)

Oh, congrats Devin. I wish I had an iPad.

Back to the point, my nose...it hurts! I kept rubbing it because Nichols doesn't have tissues and I had to persevere with those stupid bathroom towels that are hard and rub your nose raw. Pereira didn't either, so I just kept sniffling. Then, I had a quiz in Wecky's class, and of course there were none. I went to Kirk's room and pretty much stole the whole box (not really). Anyways, half-way through the quiz, I used up all of the tissues! Nooo! It was horrible. My nose be dripping everywhere. Soooo gross. Anyways, I have no tissues at home. [Insert really sad Julie face here.]

My nose hurt when I came home, but I had a realization. People often advise to put lotion to help your nose and stop the pain, HOWEVER, I say otherwise. I have so many lotions in my house, it's ridiculous. So of course, I figured if the lotion is going on my nose, then I'd want to smell the best-smelling one. BUT that lotion didn't contain any sort of healing stuff in it. Oh, the pain. I quickly washed it off, optimistic that the next one I chose would be better. It had Vitamin E in it and some other stuff that I didn't care about, but the Vitamin E got me. I put that on, only to find the same results. Only, it was about 3 times worse than before. I again washed it off of my upper lip and nose, looking for a lotion with Aloe Vera, which is my friend in times like this. Or supposed to be. I found one that didn't smell as appetizing as the first two, but oh well, I thought, I'll feel better. No! It still hurt, at first it was soothing, but the truth came to me, no lotion will make my lip feel better. I still feel some tingling, but now I ran into a new problem. I can't blow my nose because if I do, then I'd just wipe off the pain and suffering I just applied. I can't go through that again, I just can't!

The point to this: lotion isn't a good idea. It burns and aches and you can't blow your nose.

I had my whole day planned out, but this cold makes me drowsier than ever (not that I'm already drowsy normally). I have a sore throat, mild coughing, I breath like a creeper, headache, sniffles, and let's not forget the fact that I'm overly-emotional. I think I cried about 6 times throughout the school day. That's bad. I laugh at things that aren't funny, I cry at things I shouldn't have to, and I look like I don't understand what's going on around me.

Mock Trial caroling tomorrow! That'll make me feel so much better <-sarcasm. I'll have my little white tights and an over-sized sweatshirt with blankets surrounding me inside so I can stay warm. If it rains, I'm just going home. But faculty follies! I really want to watch it! I didn't have the opportunity last year to go, but I shall prevail through my sickness and conquer what I must. Hopefully, I'm so procrastinating on the homework I missed from Monday right now.

A nap calls to me though. Oh no, I have my driving test tomorrow! I'm so nervous, I know I'm a good driver, but the thought of some intimidating person sitting next to me writing whatever he wants and possibly failing me if I don't do something 100% makes me not want to go through with it. So nervous! Wish this girly luck!

Rudolf

Thanks to Juli, I now have a new perspective on reindeer.

Christmas time is the time for the singing of "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer". Everyone knows he has a shiny nose and that it glows. But happens when you read in between the lines?

Before Rudolf became the shiny hero, he was shunned by his society. They wouldn't be nice to him and kept him out of their business. And then BAM- Santa comes along and says "Hey you! Rudolf. Come and guide me to the people so they can get their presents!"

And then the story ends happily and yada yada yada. But what ever happened to the other reindeer??? Some of them might be all like, "GO RUDOLF!! SAVE SANTA AND CHRISTMAS!" But maybe some of them kept grudges.... and were all like "Rudolf?? You think you can be shunned by society by us and then LOVED BY THE WORLD ALL of a sudden?? NO! Just no. That is NOT okay! You may be loved by the world and by the little kids with all of their toys, but we shall hold a grudge!"

AND THAT is why I am now afraid for Rudolf, for whenever he returns to his home and all of the other reindeer, I am worried that this will be his "welcome home" and I will now go and cut up extra carrots for him and then write a letter to Santa to let him know of the apparent shunning of his favorite reindeer by his society.

Not Stressed

This time of year is when most people are stressed out with all the finals they have. Usually I am too. And now I am scared. And relieved. I don't have that much stress! Yes, I have the worry about my grade, but it's weird feeling not as stressed as usual. Everyone I know around me has some sort of stress for their classes and the one class that I COULD be stressing about isn't all that bad. I have a test and it's on a concept that I am pretty stable in. So yeah, I am just happy that I am not that stressed because I usually am.

Ants

I hate ants with a passion. I swear, no matter how many of them I kill, they always seem to multiply out of thin air and attack me. It's gross and it's starting to make me paranoid.

Here's how my day went:
3:15 Oh f#$^@$%&@#$%^. Gotta read 11 more chapters of Catcher in the Rye. Actually, it was a lot better than expected:). I actually kinda like the book.
5 Naptime!
6 Bleh, another school day
6:45 Go to put on my shoes to find a MASSIVE LINE OF ANTS ALL OVER MY SHOE. Spent about 15 minutes figuring out if I should leave it or deal with it when I come home.
7:15 My sister couldn't go to school because she's sick and someone has to watch her, so lucky me:).
7:20-now Dealing with the ants. I don't know why, but there are sooooo many of them in my room. I know my room isn't the nicest place, but jeez, these ants need to relocate.

I kinda regret not going to school because of the debate in Pereira's class. I really wanted to tell off Kaitlyn about something she said earlier that I had to shake my head at. I even had my facts and all that. Pretty impressive for me.

Anyways, because of the ants, I haven't really done much except make my sister take her medicine and all that. It's cold outside.

I Wonder If Rapunzel Had This Problem

As all of you may know, my hair is long. Very long. I haven't cut it since before freshman year and next year is the year it'll all go away. I'm cutting it! Yay. I still have a while, but I'm so excited.

I'm particularly excited because whenever I brush my hair, about 30 stands come flying out. It's quite horrible. I'm losing most of my hair! That, and I get so many tangles throughout the day that I wonder how many tangles Rapunzel would've had if she were real. My carpet. Oh, my poor carpet! I kinda just slide the hairs that come out onto the floor, thinking I'll pick them up later, but eventually forget. Does anybody else deal with this?

WANTED: art-worthy subject. I keep telling people that I need a striking picture (one with lots of emotion and the background has to go with the the focus) (that's technically theirs) that I can use to draw for a contest/fun. I don't think I'm really gonna enter the contest on the basis that it costs like $50 to enter, but I do enjoy drawing, and I want something to keep me busy if I ever find free time.

Is this the last week before the "winter" break? I hope it is. So close!

PICNIC CLUB:  I hate using the blog for this, but there's a picnic on Wednesday, the 19th I think, in Hurrianko's room at lunch/plus. Please bring what you can. Tell your friends! Tell your friends to tell their friends! It's so last minute, but endure!

The Most Horrible Thing I've Ever Heard

I can't even to begin to understand how someone could walk into an elementary school and kill children and teachers.  How can someone be so coldhearted that they would think that it was logical or something that they should do? 

These shootings make me realize how lucky I am to have a safe place to live, and a family that loves me and will protect me. I have a whole new appreciation for family and friends.

 My heart goes out to all who have been affected by this terrible tragedy and they are all in my prayers.

Surreality

There are no words to express how true my sorrow is for the families that have lost a member of their family today in Connecticut. If you haven't heard, there was a shooting at an elementary school. An ELEMENTARY school. What kind of sick person kills a bunch of innocent children?

I've heard several tidbits of the story. Last I heard, one of the shooters was shot. Last I heard, 27 were pronounced dead. It's hard for anybody to wrap their minds around it. The teachers that heard or read about it were taken aback. I know I was.

I know I say that I don't like children. However, there's not a doubt in my mind that they should die. Their lives, cut short, by two men.... How anybody can do such a thing, I can't tell you. I can't tell you why they would do it, not that it matters because it doesn't change the fact that teachers and students were killed.

The shooter was 20 years old. Barely an adult. Not even.

I'm still in shock, honestly. If I were a parent, I couldn't even begin to think of what I'd say or think or feel. My heart goes out to all of them, for their lives will never be the same.

I know that this story does not necessarily pertain to me and my life, but I can't ignore such a thing. How could anyone?

I'm sorry such a thing happens. I wish the best.

Oh Blogging

Blogging. What a wonderful thing to do. Whether its when you procrastinate, have some free time (yeah right), or just because your bored, Blogging will always be there.
Now I know some people have it way worse than I do, with the 4+ advanced classes, honors, or AP work, but I have numerous tests next week. 5 to be exact. :P I hope my teachers don't assign anymore of them. I don't understand how that, even though they need to cram all this information into our brains before the semester ends, that us students will be able to pass every single one of them. I do not know how thats even possible. This week and the following week will is the worst yet for most RHS students, as far as I'm concerned of. Hopefully we can get through all the madness.

End Of The World? No, But Definitely The End Of Keys

I had something very troubling happen two weeks ago. I was getting ready to watch some show on Hulu and I was cozied up with some food, cookies, and milk next to me. As I prepared myself to relax, I pick up my glass of milk to stupidly drop it on my laptop. Joyous! My initial reaction: F#@^%$&$#!&$^(#$%^&@$%*$^&(#%&@$*$%^*% NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! That can't happen! My beloved laptop that has all my newest essays and old essays and stuff on it! So I grabbed the closest thing to me which happened to be a shirt that I just got out of the laundry and ruined it by cleaning up the milk. I was relieved because there was barely and milk on the keyboard and I flipped my computer upside down and cleaned the rest of the milk. I read to turn off the computer and leave it there so the liquid can dry and whatnot that liquid does, but alas, I couldn't stay away because I had an essay due the day after I spilled milk. After that, though, I left it alone. Now, my keys are forever broken and I am forever displeased with the computer. I feel like my keyboard just abandoned me. I didn't even spill that much on it. I swear I'm going to start singing "Baby come back!" to my keys, it's not the same when the letters like n, t, f, c, etc. aren't working. I figured, it's chill if the keys don't work because there's a computer in the living room. To my dismay, I find that nothing will make that computer work. I swear everything is on, but the keyboard for that and the mouse don't do anything. I. I am displeased. I'm sorry keyboard! Come back to me. Become a zombie, work again, d#%^ you! If Santa's real, then get me a new keyboard or laptop! I can't live without my keys!

Christmas Time

Do you want to hear a Christmas joke? No? I'll tell you anyway.

If sports players get athlete's foot, what do elves get???

Answer: Mistle Toes!!!

Now, didn't that put you in a much better mood? This is from the Christmas app I have on my phone, and I love it!

Christmas music is the best part of Christmas. I have it on replay on iTunes, and it is all that is joyful. Not really, but that sounds dramatic. My favorite song is Last Christmas by Wham. What's yours?

Final Two Weeks

These next two weeks are going to be the hardest of my entire life. Almost all of my classes have at least two more tests to go, including the finals. Plus, we have busy work, busy work, busy work. For APUS I have to find time to read a book, and write a review thing for it as well as everything else. I have absolutely no idea how I'm going to finish everything. Five of my classes have so much work, so I am so grateful for the easier classes. I'm at the point where I'm picking and choosing what to study for. If I have a 90% I study for that class; if I have a 95% I don't study for that class. I hate that school has finally come to that. All I want to do is sit and watch a Christmas movie, but I can't! The last day of school, I am going to a friend's house. I haven't seen this friend in literally months because of school. So... I'm excited for Christmas. A lot.

Free Speech Does Not Mean Free Insolence

This week in the language arts honors classes, we have started our debate unit. Specifically, whether or not an ammendment should be added to the constitution prohibiting the burning of our American flag. The answer to this question is yes.The American flag represents everything that our country stands for: past, present, and future. Defacing this national symbol not only slams the country as it is today, but how it was intended to be as well as all of the people who have sacrificed their lives for America. Just because you disagree with what is happening in the country today, does not mean you should be allowed to destroy a symbol of the country as a whole.

Most people opposing this arguement were stating, "I don't want to burn the flag, I just want the right to."
Okay, that is a hypocritical statement within itself. You are literally agreeing that flag burning is morally wrong, yet you want to protect the right to do this? Some stated that it was a "peaceful protest." No, I'm sorry there is nothing peaceful about flag burning. People who wish to burn the flag are not peaceful people. There are many other ways to protest the government other than anhilating such an iconic symbol.

The flag represents what gave you the right to free speech in the first place. You would be burning the symbol that protects your right to free speech, in the name of free speech. A classmate informed me that  in America it used to be considered morally wrong to have an interracial marriage, therefore the flag also represents that view point if what I was saying is true. Uh no, as a country we realized the error in that way of thinking and fixed that law, ammended that law. Laws are meant to be changed and transformed and to grow with the country.

Additionally, a "snowball effect" was proposed to happen, claiming that if we prohibit this what else will the government ban. That arguement goes both ways, if we allow flag burning what else will we allow? People cannot have total reign to speak out in any way possible. If this were allowed, chaos would ensue and those truly against our country could cause serious harm.

If you do not have enough pride in our country to feel angered and insulted when somebody burns our national symbol, then maybe you should reflect upon yourself and consider living in a more "free" country that allows defemation of their national symbol.  Good luck finding a place that gives you as many rights that we have here and when that fails maybe you will realize that America protects freedom of speech to an extremely high level of degree.

Youtube Procastinator Problems

Maybe I'm the only one to do this, but I love watching gymnastics videos on youtube. Maybe it's because I can't even attempt a handstand, but I think that what they do is absolutely amazing!

I follow all of the olympic gold medalist team, the fierce five, on twitter, and Shawn Johnson and I talk about them all the time. Ask my mom. I make her watch all the videos. Yup. I'm that kid. Like, right this second, I'm watching Shawn Johnson in 2011 on youtube.

I never watched Dancing with Stars until she was on it. I usually just watched her dances, and then stopped because she was the best! She definitely should have won.

First Spielberg

I've heard of a ton of movies he's done. I've known about certain scenes and whatnot. But I haven't ever seen one of his movies (that I am aware of) until last night when I saw Lincoln. Lincoln was my favorite President- he made me believe in equal rights so strongly today, and the fact that i saw this movie with my dad, someone who I can share all my thoughts with, was something very big. He's not a fan of Spielberg, but he had to admit that this movie was amazing.
This movie had the perfect amount of action, drama, comic relief and seriousness of everything. Well, at least for me. As well, the actors in this movie were superb. JUST SAYIN. So yeah, I loved this movie like I haven't loved a serious movie in a while and I just wanted to say that I loved Lincoln's laugh. and his lines. and the guy that played him! I'm outta time now- I just loved the movie and I had to tell somebody!

Just a spoonful of rice helps the talapia go down!

So last night I was feeling like my mom needed to be cheered up. She's a teacher and the end of the semester can be a bit stressful for her. Off topic: I absolutely despise people who think their teachers do not have feelings. I mean, come on! They are people two! I think I have a different perspective of teacher because I have grown up with one, but high school students seem to think the world revolves around them and teachers must cater to their every whim. 
Now that I got that out of the way, beck to my story. We were eating Talapia for dinner (Which is a type of fish) and rice. I LOVE RICE. I had eaten all mine and was going to go back for more when I started humming "A spoon full of sugar" from Mary Poppins. I then proceeded to start singing it out loud. But I changed sugar to rice and medicine to Talapia. "Just a spoonful of rice helps the talapia go doooooooooowwwwnnnn!" and sang it over and over. It was an interesting dinner . . .

Not Quite Sure

I'm not positive on how this week will go... I'm not sure if I should be prepared for a ton of work, much like last week, or if this will be one relaxing week of school before the last two weeks of the semester kick my butt and irritate the heck out of me.
I have two tests this week; World History and Adv Spanish II, so hopefully those will go well. But other than that, I don't think I have a lot going on this week, thank God. Maybe this week I'll finally have time to write those journalism stories I couldn't write because I was so busy with water polo from August to late October! :D I need to write more web stories. I have to admit, sadly, I have been slacking. Gahh. Just submitted a story today though, and another one I will turn in later this week, hopefully.
Anyway, I've run out of things to say, so... Do I say bye? Thats not what people usually do on Blogs... I'll just end it like this.
Fin.

Ahhh Friday

I'm so excited that it's Friday! It's been such a long week, and I'm about to go and buy Christmas presents! Christmas is just around the corner, and I'm so happy about that! Even though I don't like being wet, I do love the freshness that comes with the rain. AHHHH! Weekends are beautiful :)

Submitted

It is a bit past midnight on November 30th, 2012, and I have just successfully submitted my applications the University of the California system, and the University of Southern California. Yay. Now the wait for those ones...luckily, I've just got a few more private applications to fill out (with the Common App, once you've finished applying to the first school, it's not that time-consuming to apply to more private schools - the UC Application is separate though). Another step on my path to college awesomeness: complete.

A Spoonful of Sugar

Last Sunday, ABC Family played Mary Poppins and I spent the rest of the day humming "A Spoonful of Sugar". This past week, I have been humming and singing songs in my head from "Everybody Wants to be a Cat" to "Be Prepared" to "Hound Dog" to "Part of Your World". Do I have a problem with this Disney-obsession this week? NOPE. Am I happier this week than I have been in a long time? OH YES. Will I annoy everyone around me with my humming if it is out loud and not inside my head? Oh, I'm sure. But yeah, a spoonful of sugar can help with that, right??

Huh...That's Disappointing

It's a little bit late nor does anybody really care, but I went to my first Black Friday...Well, it wasn't exactly that because it was on Thursday. Walmart was holding sales that started at 10 pm, and my brother-in-law was super excited to get a 60 inch t.v., even though he has a perfect 50 inch at his house.

We were super paranoid about the lines and people so we got there at about 5:30 p.m. and there was like nobody! But either way, we just took our place in line as number 1! :D We didn't have much to do and it dawned on us that we would be spending the next 4 hours standing. With my back being stupid, I couldn't take it! I sat on the floor within the first 15 minutes, haha. Don't worry, me and my bro got smart and got us some lawn chairs from the camping section. Oh, the wait after that was so much nicer.

Does anybody really wear onesies anymore? I ask because I was sitting in front of them and there was somebody that was REALLY into looking for a onesie. They spent a good five minutes just flipping between them even though there were like eight designs. Then, they came back after a short while! That or it was somebody else. Either way, I was like "Who!? Who likes those things?!"

I got so angry though. The system was that there was 49 t.v.s. 49, how wonderful! I didn't pay much attention to the number until the end when the employees handed out the tickets so that we could buy the t.v. We got #2. o: #2? What happened to number 1? Where's our number 1!? Apparently, right before they started handing out the tickets, some employee asked about the number 1, then another employee told him to hush and just hand out the tickets. And it dawned on my brother, some employee, who DIDN'T wait for four and a half hours just waltzed and claimed the first ticket. NO! NO! Why?! That's so messed up! When? Because when we first got in line, the ladies at the table said that we were the first ones to come up and even ask about the t.v. HOW? Why Walmart employee, why?

Anyways, the t.v.s really nice. Really big. Oh, Thanksgiving sales . . . .

New Movies

Since August, I have been seeing all the new movies, having enough money to do so. Each one I have written a review on. Each one I've seen with friends and I've loved them. I've spent more than my allotted amount on these movies, but they're for a good cause, right? It's the best solution to my problem- write reviews for the Flash and get to see the newest movie out there for pure enjoyment.

That enjoyment has to come to a sad end. I am now broke. Yes, I have money for the "sure things in life", but not for movies. What about $5.50 Tuesdays?? Homework. What about getting a job to get more money to watch more movies? Don't have time. Okay, well, I might have time, but I'd be up at all hours of the night like everyone else and I prefer my sleep, thank you very much. So yes, no more money= no more movies. At least for the time being.

As soon as January comes round, I should be able to go see movies again, but until then, the only other movie I want to see is Rise of the Guardians and I am not even sure if I can go see that one! Hopefully I get more money for more movies soon. I would really miss writing those reviews for the newer ones!

Back to the Ol' Grind

Back to the Ol' grind. I had a really nice relaxing break. I slept, ate (LOTS OF FOOD!), ran a little, caught up on Once Upon a Time, read (LOTS OF BOOKS!), jumped my horse, spent countless hours on Pintrest, ect . . . Yesterday, was horrible. I slept threw my alarm, ate waffles :), then went to school. :( Today was better. Hopefully tomorrow will be wonderful! :)

*POOF!* We're Back.

Oh boy, Thanksgiving break is over. If you thought that school was tough already, It just keeps getting tougher. Better get my act together. Keep doing homework everyone! Study ! :D I believe in you all!
Keep up the hard work! Finish those Identity Projects, for all my sophomore friends (including me).

Black Friday Shopping

I had never done it before. All of the crazy stories that I've heard about mobs of people thrashing their way to the front of the line, or fights breaking out for a pair of jeans or anything like that- that was what I expected to encounter yesterday morning at the mall. It was both relief and disappointment that I felt when NONE of those things happened.
When I went, it was unbelievably peaceful, barely anyone was there at all. Which meant good shopping for me! And yes, it all went well. I practically finished my shopping right then and there, and nothing out of the ordinary happened, other than the mall getting busier and busier as time went on.

And then I came home and at around 1, a friend posted a video of something extremely disconcerting at the mall. I have no idea at what time it happened- my guess, early after the midnight opening.
The video showed a fight breaking out in front of Gamestop and the bungee thingy there. Why did it happen? No idea. All I know is that I was unbelievably glad I wasn't in the mall when it happened. I took back my disappointment of not seeing something weird happening, mostly because of this video.

I mean really?? Why did that HAVE to happen?? The title was called "Black Eye Friday" and I certainly believe that those 3 people eventually got black eyes. And I am not at all concerned for them. More like angry. I enjoyed the sales that went on yesterday, heck, I enjoyed the fact that the mall wasn't a giant mass blob of people in the early morning after the midnight opening. I wish it to happen again. But if these people continue to act like that, break out fights and whatnot during these times that the mall has opened early, it won't be continuing.

So, in the end, I had a fun experience of the Black Friday shopping. Great prices, not many people out in the morning and fun with friends!

The Beauty of YouTube

So, today, I completed a scholarship essay that required me to mail it to the organization. I got my work printed it out, tracked down the stamps and envelopes in my house, and even found one of those fancy labels that has my return address on it. At this point, I hit my obstacle: I have absolutely no idea on how to fold a large piece of paper into a small envelope without horrifically mangling it. Luckily, I did not have to resort to the creative forms of paper-craft that only I can come up with. I had the foresight to Google the correct way to put fold a letter into an envelope. I had my doubts going into this process, wondering if enough people on the internet shared my clerical deficiency that someone would take the time to make an article/video about it. Also, I was a bit concerned about what Google's server would think of me knowing that I had experienced the need to type "how to fold a letter into an envelope" into it's search bar. Targeted ads can get really awkward and insulting sometimes. But my faith in search engines was rewarded. A YouTube video of a nice lady with a Southern accent slowly explaining the letter-placement process popped up. A couple minutes later, I had successfully mailed my scholarship essay. Wow, this blog post is a lot longer than I intended it to be....

Thankful

Even though Thanksgiving is only once a year, sometimes you just gotta stop and think about what your thankful for every once in a while.
I am so blessed that I have many things to be thankful for.
Ever since I was born, my parents have been there for me, and that is the one thing that I am most greatful for. I love them to pieces, they are so very supportive of me, for whatever thing I do and however I'm going to live my life in the future when I grow up, they will be there for me, every step of the way.
Secondly, my amazingly spectacular friendss. I most definately would not be the person I am now without them. I'm so thankful that I have so very many friends and even Best Friends to talk to and count on to be there for me. Especially my Best Friends Brenda, Holly, Jaiden, Azin, and Julie. Even my knew friend i've really connected with lately; Yasmin. Even though they aren't going to see this blog post, I'll let them know that I love them so very much. ('Cept you Julie! I hope you see this! You absolutely rock! :)) )
I'm also so very thankful for my teachers. Although school can be hectic and rough, I just have to keep reminding myself that the teachers aren't out to get you, they just want to teach and educate you in every way that they possibly can. Unlike many students at RHS, I realy like school. I think the world is fascinating and I would like to learn as much as I can before its too late. I'm also greatful for books, because they are a major part of me and my nerdyness. I am a proud and geeky book worm and if you happen to read a book that you really like, chances are I've probably already read it, or will read it now that you mentioned it. I currently have 37 books on my 'To Read' List. And its still ever-growing. If we didn't have to go to school, I would probably (most likely) just read and read and read til my eyes hurt and back ache from all the places I read in other than chairs. (Bed, floor, couch, where ever! :D :D)
To those people who have bothered to read this far, I also thank you. You actually care and that makes me happy :).
Hope everyone has a fantastic break, even if you still have tons of homework to do like me.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.
:)

NFWL-NRA withdrawal.

After NFWL-NRA, I have such a new perspective on life. I met so many inspiring women and stuff, I know, but what I realized most is that everyone is human - whether they are legislators, are super achieving teens, or are waitstaff. . .Everyone really is the same. I gotta admit, I fell in love with the whole thing and all the people there. I miss it a lot. I cried a lot over the thought that I would trade my life now for what I had for those four days, but now that I think of it, I think anyone would. It was literally like being a celebrity for four days. Chauffers, money, stalking movie stars, having photo shoots. . .I'm so lucky! I miss people calling me Ma'am and stuff.But there were bad things too! I never slept, and I did notice a lot of racism in the South. Really....definitely would not want to live there outside of the Ritz.I did stalk madonna! and i saw some girl who was on reba. GAWD. THE STARS.I love all the girls I met there, and am sure we'll meet again, you know? It made me sad that I wouldn't see them for a while, but we're planning to reunite next year.

But you know, I realized I will never be perfect, and no one will be. These women, who I expected to be perfect, weren't! And neither were the girls! And that was okay. I realized I want to live a fun, productive life and those things don't have to be exclusive. I was, for the first time in my life, a rule-breaker. A funny person.  A daredevil, and a spender. I have never been any of those things before. It was so relieving to just live in such nonchalance. To not care about rules, and to not care about money, or care about convention. Just....to be me, you know?

God, I miss those four days. They will be in my heart forever.

Thanksgiving

I am so happy that it's finally Thanksgiving break! After 2+ months of school, I am so ready for a break! I'll finally have time to see some of my friends, so I'm very excited!

I'm going to see Breaking Dawn with a friend, and I'm very excited! I'm not a huge fan of the movies, but I have to see how it ends! Plus, everyone is saying that this one is good, so... $5 Tuesdays haha.

We don't really celebrate Thanksgiving, so I'm not really looking forward to Thanksgiving itself, but my brother's birthday is the day before, so I get cake! That makes me happy.

AND, this break will be the first time since I got my license that I will actually need to drive places, so that's kinda cool. Yup.

Have a great break!

Christmas Present Shopping

So, yesterday I bought these hilarioius door knob hanging things or you can hang them on a wall or whatever. So, for my aunt and uncle I got one that says, 'After Monday and Tuesday, even the calender says WTF' and another one for my grandfather that said 'Come on in, I'm already disturbed'

These are my new favorite things in the entire world. I just love them! I almost got one for my mom that said 'I am a dental hygennist... a dental hygeinist... and dental higenist... I clean teeth!' (She's a dental hygienist), but I didn't :(

Does It Count As Eavesdropping If They're Just LOUD?

Does it? I mean, here I am, freezing outside because I think Starbucks is too loud for me. To my side is a bunch of seventh or eighth graders talking about grades. That's the last thing I want to think about.

"3 C's, one B," says one girl that looks she's half-dressed.

Wow, I think.

"Oh wait, it's 2 C+s, 1 C, and 1 B," the same girl says. "It's only because I did bad on one test."

Big freakin' difference...

WHAT? No, it doesn't take one test to get 3 Cs. Even if you had a bad test grade, it doesn't mean that your grade should be a C. Let's get real here. You can TRY HARDER, no? Talking about boyfriends and kissing and whatnot. They're like 12! Oh my. The world today. Middle school was a breeze for everyone I know.

And now they're talking about getting a convertible or limo or whatnot. NO. NO, THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN IN REAL LAND. It can, but it won't!

But yea, not eavesdropping, they are pretty loud, enough to the point where I hear them and not my music on Pandora. Fun.

No Stress, Just A LOT To Do

Shelby, oh Shelby, you are quite lucky. I have no time to do homework for the next blue or silver day. I have no time to do the homework for tomorrow! Honestly, I'm putting it off right now because if I see one more word in a book, I'm going to go crazy. You THINK you have a lot, well try me.

I have to do all three driving lessons within the next month in order to get my license because financial issues are hard for me. I have to wait until after break to see if I can get my AP fees waived, which by then, if I don't qualify, then I get a nice $4 added on to that, which isn't much, but it's more than enough to me. I have things in the Flash I got to get going on. I have to lecture a thing for AP US, which is what I'll be spending my lunch doing.  I have to read a 400 page book for one AR quiz on Friday. Haven't started, probably should, IF I HAD TIME. That log thing for Journalism, yea, I have a lot in the "What I need to do now" section. Have a test in Anatomy and Spanish III Honors. Not excited. Didn't study for either and there's too many terms for anatomy that I just kind of gave up. I'm reading a Psych chapter that's on sleep that is what I NEED and AM CRAVING.

Cookie dough for Mock Trial got pushed back and I feel horrible for the families that were looking forward to it during Thanksgiving that I feel like I should do something so they'll trust me enough to buy next year. Oh crap, gotta tell those people they won't get their cookies. UGH.

I don't stress though. I'd get nagging headaches and those hurt. My back hurts again, I think it's dance really that did it. Hmm.

Yea, I really think Thanksgiving break should last more than a week. I'm gonna go insane if I keep up this pace. I'm done with the people here, I'm done with homework, below-average test grades because I suck.

Oh man, that reminds me, I have to turn in my Friendship Day thing in. SO MUCH TO DO!

What I need right now is a nice strawberry shortcake and lots of Rocky Road ice cream. I don't know about the rest of the Journalism kids, but I'm ready to throw in the towel!

Othello

I have to say, AP Lit is a lot more awesome plan than I had ever expected it to be. At the moment, we're reading Othello, which, despite being written in dense 15th-century English, is actually pretty interesting. Despite being busy this weekend crafting personal statements and this huge financial aid form, I ended up reading ahead and finishing it. So yeah, if you're an underclassman wondering if AP Lit is worth it, it totally is. There's not a ridiculous amount of work, you spend most of class time talking about the books, and it's pretty fun.

To Stress, Or Not To Stress...

     GAH! It seems like I have nothing to do today....but I do actually.
     I can choose not to do work ahead of time, so I stress less later...or not.
     That is the question.
     In reality, I have no homework today. I did all my required work (spanish) yesterday. So i did all my homework thats due tomorrow.
     But the thing is, I have Two projects for English going on right now. I hate my teacher for doing that. I usually like all of my teachers, but for now, my english teacher has made me go crazy. :P Why in the WORLD would you assign two projects at one time? Are you asking for your students to fail? And i'm in his advanced class too, so when he's all like: "Why am I grading such horrible projects?" We just slouch in our chair and facepalm. It was you! Teacher, you did this to us! You seem to say that you will give us tons of time for our work (btw i thank you for that,) but then you assign two projects at one time! WHY? ): Makes me a sad panda. If i was a teacher, I would never assign two projects at one time. Thats just silly. But i'm never going to BE a teacher. So that won't happen.

     Inconceivable!

The Walkin' Dead

I'm not one for scary movies or TV shows, but "The Walking Dead" is SUPER GOOD. I usually hate zombie stuff, but I'm super hooked.

Yesterday I was so proud of myself for watching a Chucky movie, which ended up being more questionable than scary. Here's how the movie went, it started with an animation of the stages of pregnancy, which I was NOT expecting, then the doll is super different than the parents and looks just awkward. Stuff and stuff happens, then they impregnate a human, which confuses me even more. It was just a bundle of craziness. Didn't understand the end too much.

Back to the dead, watch it! It's pretty much the only show that I actually look forward to watching. Watch it I say!

Apparently I'M cooking the turkey this Thanksgiving. Uhh, don't know about you, but I wouldn't trust my cooking too much.

No Title For This Post

The time is coming again....Thanksgiving! Yay. I'm so happy because it's one of the times I get to see my entire family - well, 95% of my immediate family. I'm especially happy because I get to see my fussy niece, who doesn't really like me all that much yet, haha.

Anyways, I definitely have to agree with Alina. I somehow find a new little group that seems to suit me perfectly, then the next year, I'm a stranger to them. It's saddening, really. It is crazy to think that over a period of like 2 months, somebody can do a complete 180. I TOTALLY know what it's like Alina. TOTALLY. I've found my group for the year, and I'm blessed to have them. They are super sweet and make me laugh everyday. I know it'll be just for the year, but oh freakin' well.

I also TOTALLY understand how hard it is to go on without one of your family members. My dad (Pops is his name) isn't exactly here. And you probably know the rest of that... But that explains why I tell people not to complain about their parents. Be happy they're both there. I mean, seriously people.

There are some things that I'm thankful for. I know, ME, thankful, crazy, right? Yea right. I am thankful for:

• those that make my life the way it is
• awkward situations <- it gives me something to talk about and laugh about
• snobby hypocritical people <- they make me realize who I don't want to be
• I had like a whole list of things and now that I'm writing them, I'm blanking...

Oh, but here's a little fun fact: don't say you know everything about me. It kills me when people say that because let's face it, you don't. Nobody really does. They can make educated guesses about what'd I think about certain things, but nah, you don't know for sure.

I heard that the Juniors' song theme thing for Junior Prom is Enchanted or something Disney-ish. I don't know who picks this, but I do not approve of this! Horrible, horrible stuff.

There's someone on campus. I see her all the time. To me, she seems to be the fakest person I could ever know. It's like she hypnotizes people to think she's great, but it's been rubbing me the wrong way. I don't really care for her. Yes, I know her on a somewhat personal level, so it's not like I chose a random person walking by. Her insincerity causes my heart to hurt. Acting like she owns the place...NOT ON MY WATCH. Well, yea, on my watch, but she won't fool me! People these days. Now that I think about it, that explains more than one girl.

"HOW DO I REACH THESE KIDS?"

Don't try to ask who this girl is. I'm not tellin'.

So, uh, not that it really matters to me, but what happened to that big "dress code" fiasco? Is it over? Does NOBODY care anymore after making such a big splash about really nothing? Haha, oh human nature, it's weird.

This time of year... sigh... so perfect

I love this weather! It's fresh, but not that cold, and the sky has clouds, and I just love it. I wish we had more weather like this, instead of just really hot and really cold. Plus, this change in weather means it's almost the best time of the year! I am definitely looking forward to my week off for Thanksgiving!

Intricate Wording

Abbreviations, cuss words, and "teenage" talk. This is what our generation's language is made up of, from my point of view. (of course it would be, because I haven't explored the world yet, etc etc.) And I dislike it. I, myself, prefer the carefully structured sentences, with actual meaning in them. Carefully put together in a way that, for some people, holds only meaningless words, while, for others, shows the true power of what words can do to the mind.
Thinking this way out-loud is quite harmful, I have noticed. Most of the people around here prefer to listen to the straightforward talking rather than the deep, insightful word play. I find this normal, but very sad because I am finding the deep thinking, philosophical wording to be quite fun for me; it works the mind and makes you think about different ways to word a sentence as well as the different meanings that the words can produce.

Anyway, that is just MY opinion of language in a nutshell; when used properly and to the fullest extent, it is quite beautiful.

Grandparents

I lost my first grandma before I was born, but I have read one of her letters and she seems so wonderful and I seriously cherish just reading that letter because she was such a strong woman who went through her house being burned to the ground, she went through so much distress and though I do not really know that much about her other than that...there is a feeling you get when you read someones handwritten letter that you have never met, their is a connection that is indescribable that connects the souls. I lost my second grandma, Shirley Holtsman, at a young age, she survived brain cancer, and became deaf after having part of her brain removed. She was also an unbelievable woman, I got to meet her before she was deaf but I cannot remember these days. But I do remember we would talk by writing on a white board to each other, we would bring her candy and I always remember her sewing and knitting me things and she was the sweetest women I'd ever met. I loved her so much and she passed away and it hurt my dad so much. Of course I was too young to ever understand, but now I kind of do. I lost my first grandpa just a few years ago. That was my first funeral by the grave, it is a life changing experience being so close to death, but even then I didn't understand, too young, and I did not know him very well. I know he served in the military during the vietnam war, but he wasn't in combat. He was a funny and nice man, named Bill Garrett, and he always brought me gifts for Christmas, the only time I remember seeing him. He was always drinking milk, always smiling and laughing, and he was so loved. And I lost my last grandpa before I was born too, you see, he moved away and lives in Wyoming. I visited him once but to me he still is more of just a man, not a grandpa. Of course he still lives today, but to me he is practically dead, with no word from him on my birthday, or Christmas, or at all. It is for this matter, he really isn't alive in my world, he is just a man. The reason I wrote this is because I want people who have grandparents to appreciate them, I mean really give thanks to them this thanksgiving. If they have stayed in your life and loved you, or if you are lucky enough to have healthy and alive grandparents than you should be so thankful that you have them in your life. It is one thing to have loving parents, which I have, but it is another to have loving grandparents. But sometimes, I cry because I wish I could have known mine better and I wish they had the chance to see who I have become. Love them now and don't wait to ask them questions.

Looking to the clouds for inspiration

This is a random picture of me from 7th grade (yeah I was weird, still am just in a different way haha) It is a rainy, cloudy, some would say gloomy(I think it is beautiful) day and I cannot help but feel inspired. With all my hard tests over, a 3 day weekend in the midst, and holiday season right around the corner, I couldn't be happier. Although the one thing this weather does bring around, is a huge big dose of nostalgia. Which for me is inspirational, I have had so many great friends and memories from high school and when I look at old pictures and think back to this time freshman or sophomore year I feel so happy. The bad thing about nostalgia is that you also miss what has changed, but I'm always one for seeing the bigger picture and I know change is good. It is just so alien to me how I can literally have different close friends every year, a new 'clique'(hardly even that) every year. Of course I always manage to hang on to one best friend. But one time I got a fortune that said I will never make long lasting relationships. And so far it has been completely true. I have never been best friends with someone for more than a few years. Something always happens, change always ruins it all. But of course, with my current best friend Megan we have not had any trouble, but for that matter, it is because we do not hang out NEARLY as much as me and my old best friends did. So I wonder, why it is I struggle at making strong friendships last(most people might say it isn't my fault) but that never stops me from thinking. People change drastically in high school, but sometimes I'm not sure if that is why we don't stay friends. Sometimes I think it might be Summer, everything is different after Summer, new classes, new clothes, new friends. Every single year. The only consistency I have had throughout my high school carreer has been journalism. It is quite safe to say, that writing has quite literally kept me sane through high school. The power of writing my thoughts and sharing my opinion through words has had an unbelievable impact on my life. So it is without further ado I thank Mr.Nichols and anyone this year or in past years(julie, amanda, mason, natalie, marc,rahul, liz, aubrey, juliette, shelby) that has been awesome to me and made this my favorite class by far. I love you guys! and I love journalism! :D

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving break is weeks away!!!! I am so ready for a week just to watch TV... and sleep... and sleep... and sleep. I am just going to watch movie after movie, and I'm soo excited! It will nice to have a break from the rigor of school. Whoever said sophomore year was the hardest... they obviously didn't take hard classes junior year. I don't know what second semester will be like with only one week off in March...

Seniors

Oh man, there are so many seniors I know this year. Last year, it was hard, but this year, it's so much harder! I could've been graduating with them if Utah let me into Kindergarten earlier.... Oh man. It's so sad. And I've already cried twice because two seniors brought it to my attention that they weren't gonna be here next year. It definitely breaks my heart. DON'T LEAVE ME YET YOU SENIORS.

Popcorn, Juli, and Blogs

So Liz has made my day today. She brought two bags of popcorn, and let me tell  you, I am so happy. Well not really anymore, Shelby keeps eating all of it! But, seriously, popcorn could be the food of the Gods. I know if I were a Goddess, I would eat it all day everyday.

Now Juli, what you said in English is still bouncing around my head. Of course I would want to come visit you if you were dying. I would want to see you because what if you had a epiphany and became like Morrie from Tuesday's with Morrie. And you had wisdom, more than you have now, and you wanted to enlighten people with more of your Juli awesomeness. I don't really know where I am going with this anymore, but I would visit you if you were dying.

Oh blogs. I don't know why, but I feel like I always have a hard time writing blogs. It always takes almost the whole class period to write one . . .

YouTube

I don't know what it is, but I feel like YouTube just doesn't like to let me watch their videos. I'm not looking up anything weird, but I'll click on a video and not having the time or attention span to watch the entire thing, I'll usually just listen.

My problem with YouTube is that at first they had those annoying 3 minute ads every time you scroll over something. And I sit there asking myself if the video is really worth my time. Am I the only one getting weird ads from YouTube? Not only that, but my video will stop in the middle, or where ever YouTube feels necessary to stick an ad in and this makes me angry! Let me watch a video!

I hate vocab. I hate it. It's pointless. I don't learn it. I don't like it. I can't seem to make any sentences with these words! Deference...psh. When am I ever going to use this?

Too much this homework... Come on Thanksgiving break! Let's go!

Hopefully It Will All Pay Off Sooner Or Later

Work work work work work work. Seems like thats all anyone is doing now-a-days. And me.
I thought I was going to have a nice long break when water polo ended for me, but nope. School is now in full swing with essays and projects and shtuff.
Now I have club meetings to attend to, Mock Trial, Journalism things and school things. I'm always busy busy busy. Then when I need to give myself one day of doing fun things, I feel like I should be doing something or working on something then it just ruins it all. I can't have fun anymore!
And when I do, I feel like I shouldn't be having fun and be doing schoolwork and what not. Gahhhh! :O Makes sense? No? Well it does to me. Meh.
Recently started listening to Green Day. I really enjoy their music. Currently listing to one of their songs called Jeus of Suburbia. :D haha.
bye now.
:)

Busier

I feel like now that my school life has a rhythm, school has found yet another way to throw me off-track. The upcoming Thanksgiving break that I have been promising myself would come is almost here! And I'm so excited because I need to get out of here. I feel like I should get a medal considering this year I have been at school way more than my last two years. I'd always get at least 7 absences by now, but right now, I'm at a cool 1 absence day. Pretty impressive right? It's like my immune system is pitting against me though. I have a really weird immune system, so I'd usually get sick all the time, but this year, it's throwing me a curve. I don't like it!

Anyways, I was totally planning to apply at some store, but I realized that if I do, then I'd have less time for everything else. And I don't want to do that. D: The whole outline-every-day for AP US is still weird to me. I kind of miss the every other day packet in AP World, but at least the curriculum is very solid and clear-cut. Back to my point, I have Mock Trial, in which I have two important roles, Picnic Club presidenting with Mckenna, Multicultural Club (which I can never remember to go to, sorry Amanda), possible presidenting of the Movie Club with my homie VP Alina, and managing Track and Field when it comes. By the way, no offense to anybody, but I like to manage by myself. Sure, I have a lot more responsibilities, but I don't like other people coming up and trying to push me out. It won't happen. IT WON'T!

I'm tired, busy, and borderline meh. I need more stories in my life. Somebody please do something that will make my day more interesting! I need to start writing web stories again. Wait...I'm on the print issue? Yay, give me something to write about, and something I'm at least a little bit passionate about.

No Answer Means I'm Here

It's Halloween, the most creative, yet sucky holiday out there. I don't like little kids, I don't like them at my door, and I don't like them sucking out my candy stash since I don't buy candy for them. I don't like answering my door for anyone really. I think it's a little creepy considering these kids don't know me or care, really.

Just had my first people come by. I didn't answer, nor will I answer. I'm sorry, but I'm in my comfy pj's procrastinating on my AP outline. I'm not gonna give that up to satisfy your candy needs. Nobody gives me candy anymore. I swear, the lady in the office of my apartments thought I was in like my 20's Is that why? I look old? Psh.

Just came up with a punny phase for Halloween. It's GENIUS. Now I have to wait for next year to use it though, I just hope I can remember it.

Please people, do not ask me if I want candy. You know I do, but it makes me feel lazy. I will take Twizzlers or anything licorice-y and well, pretty much anything you don't want. Oh, screw it, just give me all you don't want. I'll take it.

Uh, I'm so bored. I really want to watch a scary movie, but I get scared way too easily. Stupid school work got me at home. Bleh. I really don't want to do web stories anymore, I feel like I write too much sometimes. I seriously need to stick to my lovely angrily-written columns and editorials.

Censorship and Thank You

Today, as I  looked up Rocklin High School trying to get to the website, I found an article on the LA Times about my actions against the censorship of Different Seasons by Stephen King. I followed this trail through the internet to protests letter sent to the board, to even an article in the NY Daily news! I cannot believe how large this has gotten.

It's late at night, and I need to go to bed soon, but I want to thank everyone who has supported me, especially my teachers. There were many times I wanted to hide, and many times I almost regretted my actions, but they have bolstered me through everything. Mr. Bills is included in that list; his regard, kindness, empathy, and openness have really comforted me. I know that some negative backlash will hit him as it has hit me, maybe even more so, and I worry about that a lot.

Next Wednesday, the results come in for if the board will ban Different Seasons or not. I hope it's not banned, really, because if it is, I plan to pursue the issue higher. I want this problem to not become a large mark on RHS, but I cannot sit by and watch this happen.

AW

Popcorn

I am officially naming my pod: The Popcorn Pod. Seriously? What kind of name is that?? It's the most awesome name out there!!! This pod (including some others outside of it), has the best people ever. Each day, one of us brings popcorn and we share it all. All the time. Butter or not. Someone always brings popcorn. I found that it is really the best journalism food EVER. Popcorn rules. Nuff said. I would totally bring in other warm food (hot chocolate, soup), but it gets too messy. Popcorn is the perfect mix. Not messy enough to make a big deal, and still warm enough to make you nice and toasty as well as satisfy the taste buds. Popcorn Pod. It's official.

Summer Work Starts Now

I usually leave my "creative writing" for the summer, since I have more time, but I've decided that no time is like the present and that I really want to start it now. Soo......... my goal: 1 chapter per month. Gives me time to fix the probs and that way by the time summer comes, i'll have 5 chapters ready for editing and even more on the way!!! YEPPI!! YEEAAHHHHHH!!! I'm sorry, I'm a little too excited. I have a plan that actually might work. MIGHT. Okay, enough of the fun stuff. Back to serious business.

Oh . . . Spanish . . .

Oh, Spanish. Why must you be so mean to me? Why must you taunt me with people who seem to pick it up flawlessly. Uggg . . . Spanish. It's not that I don't like you, Spanish. It's just no matter how hard I try to understand  you, the more confused I get. *Sigh* Thou art one of the banes of thy existence.

I Think I Love You Juliette

Awwww, popcorn day in my pod. :D I love all my peeps, well, most of them. Anyways, Juliette always makes my day better for the following reasons:

• she makes me feel silly and hilarious
• she makes me popcorn
• I like her popcorn
• she's always happy
• she works out for me
• seriously, she always has energy . . . I don't know where it comes from, but it's there

There are cheetah ants in this place. I swear, killed one, and it magically came back to life, like a Chuck Norris ant. Crazy crazy shtuff, man.

THIS IS WHAT YOU WANTED! THIS IS WHAT YOU HAD IN MIND! This hurts my throat....

So, over the weekend, I was in my room listening to the song "Ticks and Leeches", by Tool. As I got to the its chorus, I remembered that I was home alone, and that I felt the urge to sing along. Except it was more like scream along to the song. I did so anyway. The result felt pretty good, but the sound I made should never, ever, be reproduced in an environment that consists of people other than me. Also, my throat hurt later. I suppose this is why I should stick to speeches about politics, not heavy metal songs.

Asian Afro

I had the Creepy Concert yesterday for Dance 2. I did the dance for "Adams Family," which is a super cheesy dance to a cheesy song. I swear though, I got so screwed over. We had been dancing to a recording, which was slow and very nice because then we could articulate our movements. As soon as the song started, it was like it was sped up 666 times! It was quite horrible, you see. I was supposed to start the ripple for one part and I had no idea when I was starting because nobody could really keep up. I totally blame Mr. Dick. There ain't no way in which the song should be played that fast. Horrible, horrible.

My hair had to be in pig-tails. I HATE PIG-TAILS. They make me look like I'm 4. And then, it had to be teased. My hair doesn't like to be purposefully tangled. It doesn't like to be touched at all, that why I keep it in a simple ponytail, out of my face and out of mind. Right now, it still looks like it got shot and trampled on. I don't understand why people tease their hair anyways. It just killed mine, and now I'm longing for the soft, smooth hair I've always had because if I have to deal with this any longer, I'm going to go crazy.

When I first took out the hair ties, I swear my hair was still in the position is was in WITH the hair ties. It was pretty crazy.

I really can't wait till Thanksgiving. Last week was the hardest yet, not because of the work-load, but because of the people I've had to put up with. I really wish I could kick back with my homies and not talk about school or family or money or college or whatnot.

My Pandora is not being very nice. I updated it and guess what I get now? Limited skips and lots, LOTS, of ads. Every two seconds, it pops up and shows me something I really don't care about. And now, if I open up another app to play with, then the Pandora app shuts down and I go into rage-mode. I don't understand anything in math and I swear if Pandora was working, then I'd understand. How any of that correlates, I don't know. PANDORA, PLEASE UNDERSTAND I LIKE OTHER ARTISTS BESIDES FREAKING SELENA AND HER BROTHER. AH DIOS MIO! I like listening to Spanish music, but I don't like listening to the exact same song over and over. Oh, Pandora, I will delete you someday and go back to my beloved YouTube, even though it has its own problems.

My Sunday TV-time got taken up helping my sophomores and talking to my brother-in-law, not that I really mind, but that's also my nap time, so I'm a little irritated. Everybody really needs to avoid me for the next couple of days.

Oh, but good thing is that I got a Mock Trial sweatshirt! Thanks to anybody who helped fundraise.

From Japan to my hands

This is a picture of my mom and dad with the some of the pharmacy students in Japan.

So my dad just recently got back from working in Japan for an entire month, needless to say I missed him...I admit I am guilty to being a daddy's girl, not that I'm spoiled or anything(lol) but I love to talk to my dad about everything because my mom and I don't always see eye to eye but my dad and I do. Some of my absolute fondest memories are with my dad, who works harder than any other man I've met. He is a pain doctor, a pharmacist/professer at the UCDavis Medical Center in Sacramento, and lets just say if you were in pain, my dad would be your best friend. So he just went to Japan to teach pharmacy students how to run their hospitals like we do(yup, they want to be like us, because we are awesome,lol AMURICAN pride) and he traveled all over Japan visiting Kyoto, Kobe, Tokyo, even Hiroshima...you name it, he visited buddhist temples, spas where the fish eat the dead skin off your feet, traditional hotels(ryokan)...but most importantly he visited with the people. Which after watching Bizzare foods and a lot of travel channel on my part, I have found this truly is the most significant part of learning about a culture. Meeting the people and truly understanding their way of life is essential. My dad made lasting friendships, he learned their culture and they learned ours. Just like what happened with my French foreign exhchange student Ines just last summer. Dr. Sari Nakagawa bought me a book by the famous Japanese writer(who almost won a Nobel literature prize) Haruki Murakami called Norwegian Woods because my dad told her I love to read/write. Very thoughtful gifters they are, and I feel so blessed to feel like part of the world. A best friend in Paris, soon to be friends in Japan(they visit in February and I get to meet them), and hopefully connections from even more places in the future. My hands are open to every beautiful culture out there that accepts me, and Japan is just one of many, my dad tells me they are the some of the nicest people he has ever met, and he cried when he left them(grown man crying, that is SAYIN something people) Nonetheless, the Japanese are a great people and I hope to visit there like my dad did one day, live among the people, and experience their traditional yet modern culture.

We Don't Dip

In Pereira's class, we are supposed to write a story...Horrible-ness. I think 3/4 of my group will be super chill and there will be that one person that doesn't wanna flow with the rest of us. I've been super mad these last couple days because people be trippin'. I don't appreciate it.

Oh . . . short blogs . . . I'm done. Stupid weather got me tired.

Rain and Mud

It's finally raining! I love the rain so much, it makes me really happy. I also sleep so well, it's crazy. So, today in cross country we will be running at William Jessup to help prepare us for league finals. First off, it's going to be raining (which is so fun to run in), and second, it's probably going to muddy (which is even more fun because it's mud. mud.) So yeah . . .

Home Stretch

I've been so busy since the beginning of August with Water Polo. School included. Sometimes though I guess I'd rather be doing stuff all the time compared to doing nothing and being bored and lazy. Only two more games of polo next week then its all over! I've had such a great season and learned so much. I loved meeting the cute new freshmen and I've been having a great year so far. 2012's almost over :O Oh my.
I'm happy though. When water polo is over then I can focus on MT (Mock Trial) more often because I haven't been able to go to many practices because of it. Oh well.
One more week! Hallelujah! :)))

Cookies/It's On Alina/Jeopardy...Oh My

Hey, like cookies? Like 'em a WHOLE lot? Or not even a whole lot, maybe a midnight snack because, you know, we all get up at midnight for eating because that's how we Americans do it. Well, I'm the girl you're lookin' for. Juli...Juli Schwarzkopf's the name. The cookies are really good! And I'm not lying just because I have to fundraise them. They really are good, especially raw. Mmmm, good.

So, my selling fundraising door-to-door technique is simple. I put the giant picture of the cookie towards the customer. Kinda like a hint. And as soon as they see it, they'll either reject me and I'll happily skip to the next house because I didn't waste my time at that house, or I'll give my spiel. Is that the word? Hmm. Anyways, so on the envelope it's like "Don't say 'buy' or 'sell.' Say 'Can you help me?'" And that's what I say and usually I get the reaction of "So yea, what do you want?" Do people not understand that if I'm holding a giant 8 by 11 inch picture of a darned tasty cookie, then how much more obvious can I get? Should I really just say, "Hungry? I got cookies." I honestly think the whole idea of trying to get people interested in what I have to fundraise is a lot of time taken up. Either way, people keep asking me how much I've sold. I SHALL NOT TELL. It makes me feel feelings to tell people the number.

We had to play Jeopardy in Spanish III Honors. I'm good at Spanish. Let me tell you that. No, my ego ain't inflated when it comes to Spanish...that's reserved for Rahul. But, we got into a group. And Austin Tran was the one that hosted it for my particular group. Apparently, he wasn't being sarcastic when he said we had to slap down our hand and yell "Tran is king." Let me warn you:  my mind can only work so fast and it can only work for so long. I have like a 2 minute go-time when it comes to paying attention. I also become super competitive. Very competitive.... So me being me, I'd get this MINOR detail wrong, and Austin wouldn't accept it D:. And I'm like, "Why you mad bro?!" Either way, while doing the free-write, I noticed I passed the 150 word mark when everybody seemed to go really slow. So take that. Too bad though. I wasn't listening to the prompt, so I just kinda wrote. Defeats the purpose, of course, but hey, my 2 minutes was up. Freakin' Jeopardy. How I can write 150 words of pure silly nonsense, I don't know, but it happens, especially when you're me. Haha, nonsense.

Anyways, I come on here to read the stories and update this and I see Alina's Bible-length post and my competitiveness kicked in. Sorry Alina, but I post the longest blogs. Haha, yea, but that was a REALLY long blog. And unfortunately, politics doesn't set off my 2 minutes, it inhibits it. So, not following the election or whatever is supposedly really important to the world. APPARENTLY, KIM KARDASHIAN'S HORRIBLE OUTFIT IS SUPPOSED TO BE MEANINGFUL TO MY LIFE. DOES IT LOOK LIKE I CARE WHAT SHE WEARS? JEEZ. If that's what it means to be a journalist these days, then there ain't no way I'm going to do that. However, I do see myself being a blogger. I just can't help it this year.

Cookies, yea, darn tasty.... Milk, yea, goes with cookies.... Cookies, yea, go with more cookies....Also, why is there nobody for M&M cookies? Those are good. I understand the oatmeal raisin isn't exactly the biggest seller, but M&M? Weird....

Stressful

Last year I fully believed that this year could be one of the hardest ones yet. Everyone had said so and I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt. I suppose this year could have been easier, but at the same time, I know I wouldn't have made it that easy. Besides that this year has certainly been the best so far, it has also been the most hectic- for me. Others could simply state that it is a walk in the park, and I would agree, but so far, I believe that this year won't slow down like last year did. Not at all. I just hope that I am able to take the bull by the horns and ride it through without getting whipped and banged around too much!

I hate homework

I feel like homework takes over my life....literally all I do is go to school, do homework, go to softball, and then do more homework.  My AP World outlines take me hours to do, and Algebra 2 is horrible.  Plus, AR is a waste of time...and I think everyone else agrees.  So basically, I hate school right now...

Inquiring minds want to know...

Hello Peoples of planet Earth. I blog to you today about an issue we all have an opinion on or lack of one. This is my take on the presidential election, or in my viewpoint, just the election (who cares about the president? power is in the senate people, oh and THE PEOPLE, the power is in THE PEOPLE, not souly the president...) Anywho, so all you Romney readers can just be flat out aware that I like Obama, and I know you are just dying to know why, well fellow classmates and other strange inhabitants of this planet, I am not a democrat, although I am more liberal, to me, Obama is what government should be, he has no religious jurisdiction, no motive on inhibiting the people on MORAL standards. But of course, Romney cannot make abortion illegal, he also cannot make gay marriage illegal, but he can stop funding to planned parenthood, he can try and make it much HARDER. And to that I say what many of us are wondering, "WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO SEPERATION OF CHURCH AND STATE?" I enjoy my freedom, and when someone comes into power who brings their own moral standards with them, I say, that is flat out wrong. America is about protecting the minorities rights. If he makes abortion even harder to get, we will have what we had when it was illegal, death... Putting restrictions does not stop people, HELLO! That is how the United States of America was CREATED. We didn't listen to what was restricing us from bettering ourselves, and doing what we know was what was good for ourselves. The government was made for the PEOPLE, therefore it shouldnt be able to tell them what they can do with their own bodies. And what is more disgusting, is that people think we should be able to control what the definition of marriage is? I'm sorry, but last time I checked we are all human. Since when has love and marriage been restricted to just a man and a woman? Oh yeah THE BIBLE!!! Government + Bible = Suppression of the minority, different peoples rights are REVOKED. So, for all you Romney lovers out there, sure...maybe he can make a change that is better for big business or some of the middle class...but in the end he will do more harm to our country than we can handle. If he could have, he probably would have been the guy to pass the don't ask don't tell act, I mean...if you like Romney...is it because you hate Obama and what he has done? Is it because you agree with his religious and moral standards? If so, you like him for the wrong reasons. Since when has our president been responsible to uphold these standards? Obama did not make America what it is today, Bush...the senate...the house of reps...the people...ARE THE ONES RESPONSIBLE. When you point your finger at Obama and call him a, "communist" you are truly pointing at yourself crazy Republican people(this comment is strictly to those who call him a communist) Because you are the communist, you have no idea what you are talking about and go strictly off of feelings and not facts. You are the reason for our downfalls, so please, move to Cuba, thank you. Therefore, when I think of what I am looking for in a president it is Obama. He is the hope the country needs, we don't need someone new messing with the system, trying to get things done that are out of his jursidiction. We need Obama to continue his work building our country stronger in education and keeping our liberty for ALL alive. Thanks :) Comment. I'd love to debate with you.

Junior Year...

This year has been the busiest of my life! What with three AP's, three honors, and of course journalism and dance, my life has been pretty hectic. If you don't know me, and have never seen my planner... yeah there is no spare room in that thing.

Plus, I'm now a black belt candidate in karate (yay!), so hopefully I will test in May for my black belt. For all of you who have taken AP classes before... you will know that I am NOT happy about testing for black belt in May. I am really hoping for September, but who knows. For my black belt test, I have to study a lot. I have to know all of the history of my style of karate (Ishinryu) which is not simply on a piece of paper I have to memorize. I'm just supposed to be able to 'pick it up' in class and black belt testings and stuff. NOT EASY. So, come May, I will be studying for AP Bio, APUS, APES, karate, SAT, and ACT.

Once this year is over, I will definitely be appreciating summer vacation a whole lot more.

Lyrics>Presentations

So I am obsessed with music lyrics. Like I'm a lyrics nerd like Julie is a language nerd. (Btw props on that Julie-so wish I could get into languages like that.)Anyways, so I analyze lyrics whenever I can. I try not to too much because I end up getting so consumed in it that I forget to do other more "important" things like homework. 
I'd have to say that Regina Spektor's lyrics are one of my favorites. She may not have the best music, but her lyrics will knock your socks off. They will make you think, "Whoa! I never thought about that! What? That is so cool how she related those together." I think its mainly because I love literary terms. In English right now we are starting a literary terms unit and I am in heaven. 
Like English used to be hell for me because we were doing presentations and I don't do presentations. I can sing, dance, or act in front of anyone. But once I have to have a speaking part or have a speech, I would do almost anything to get out of it. I have no idea why but talking in front of people is not my forte. I always trip up my words and I am just so nervous. No matter what I tell myself and even though my brain totally understands that this is seriously not a big deal, my body seems to still think it is in panic attack. It really sucks big time. 
Anyways, just sharing my obsession with lyrics and my issues with presentations. 

Ants

So M5 has recently become the site of yet another ant infestation. I was made aware of this about a half-hour ago, when I noticed a few of the things scurrying about my desk. Depending on my thought process, I usually either try to stave of the invasion by killing as many as I can, or, if there's not too many, I just try to ignore them. Today, though, I tried an experiment. Apparently, ants get really disturbed if you hold a computer mouse above them so that the red light beam shines on them. I managed to chase several of them away via this process. Experiment successful. ... I should probably do something more interesting with my life....

Flying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I have decided to write my blog in this cool font.I was bored and was just messin' around with all the different buttons and found it. It looks like the font on a type writer. So . . . anyway yesterday I jumped with my horse over three feet. I think three feet, two inches. It was super fun and exhilarating! It feels like you are flying! 

My Colorful Foreign Vocabulary

I have just found a site that will teach me ASL, American Sign Language, which I am just dying to learn. I absolutely love foreign language and I have been wanting to learn this for a while, so I'm definitely stoked for this!:D

Not only that, with the Monday off, I can continue my learning for Japanese:D. Oh yay! I really wish I could go on some studying abroad thing, it sounds sooooo cool. If only I wasn't afraid to travel by myself:/.

Yay, I'm so happy now. However, I feel like a nerd. I have to admit I've already finished my five required hours of listening/speaking Spanish. I'm now on like my seventh hour and I've just gotten the new paper to log down my hours on Friday. I have to say I'm such a language nerd. Such a nerd...:)

If I was only an English nerd and wanted to read Tuesdays With Morrie.... Dang it. What to do, what to do.

No Titles Make Great Titles

Do you ever try to tell somebody indirectly that you don't exactly fancy them? Or even like them in general? I do.

Anyways, lovin' the fact that we have Monday off. Not lovin' the fact that I'm so done with school already. I'm burned out! Everybody makes me paranoid now. I certainly agree with Cali about the senioritis. It's got me. The only thing that's REALLY keepin' me going is something that happened sometime last week that made my day a lot better:). Yes, Shelby-Boo, I still think of that. That and the Picnic Club, which I can't wait to start eating during lunch with my homies and homettes. I really wish I could be like V.P. so I could do something cool and make posters or type up some e-mails or file something. GIVE ME A JOB MCKENNA! MAKE MEH A SECOND V.P. OR SOMETHING. D: Let me make a poster! I also can't wait to meet people, I think it's nice to know a lot of people.

Ms. Teigland and the homettes think I'm somewhat popular around campus because I'm apparently a "drifter," going from table to table, to library, to behind the library, to Frank and Nichols' rooms, to the peeps in front of the K building to talk to people. It's just that I like variety with my peeps. Although I kinda do know a bit of people.... I dunno, I should make a list one of these days. While walking with Juliette to plus, I talked to five different people. Is that considered a lot? I don't even know anymore. I feel really bad missing the first meeting for Anime Club. I feel like I'll be an outsider sorta. I'll just have to see.:D

I think it's safe to say that the JV water polo guys think I'm Luis' girlfriend even though they have no evidence to back their claims. I think the Varsity water polo chicks think I'm weird. Some of them give me really weird looks, just because I sit there and don't really do anything.

Not that Maddie really cares, but I think responsibility is where you own up to your problems and deal with it. You do what you gotta do and go with what you got. In a sense...

Tuesdays with Morrie

I wonder if a book can change your life.
I mean, I'm sure it can, depending on a lot of factors. I have to read Tuesdays with Morrie for AR this quarter and apparently it's a life changing book. I havent gotten that far into it yet.
Pretty much it's about a dude who has ALS and is slowly dying. He was a pyschologist, one that focused mainly on the relationships in life. When one of his old wayward students comes to see him while he is dying, Morrie begins to teach him little lessons about life and death.
I haven't really gotten that far into the book to know what these lessons are, but I'm curious to see what it's like. Everyone I've talked to has liked the book and taken something good away from it. I hope that I can too.

Responsibility

An instance came up in my life questioning responsibility. Not to sound cocky or anything, but I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of responsibility.
What is responsibility? It's an obligation, right? The thing with responsibility is that it encompasses so much, depending on who you are. For me, my responsibilities are babysitting my little siblings, getting all my homework done, and practicing softball. For someone else, it's totally different.
Responsibility is relative.
Part of being responsible is your personality, I think. More mature people tend to have and take care of more responsibilities. Or is it the other way around? Do people become mature because they have more responsibilities?
I have no clue. All I know is that everyone has responsibilities and we all have to take care of them.

Things Finally feel Normal

I feel like for the past two months since school has started, my life has been a complete whirlwind of activities. School this year has been so crazy. I'm taking 2 APs and 2 Honors, big jump from last year, and it's actually been working out pretty well for me. I'm a complete nerd so the whole thing is fine with me.
On the other hand, softball has been really stressful for me. I play year round, which basically means I live more at the softball field than I do at home. It's changed in the past couple of months, meaning I have to give more commitment. There are only 24 hours in the day, people! Too much.
Well, this week I finally felt like I finally got a hold on things. No doubt, it was still stressful, but I felt like I had everything under control. Let's hope it stays that way!

I'm Tired

 

Teachers wonder why some kids are drowsy and fall asleep in class.  I’ll tell you why.  Kids now-a-days wake up, go to school, come home, either go to practice or work, come home, eat dinner, do homework, and finally get on average of five hours of sleep a night.  With today’s society everything is faster and busier, including student schedules.  I don’t know about you, but after I come home from conditioning and practice exhausted the last thing on the planet I want to do is homework.  I understand that homework is an essential part of school, but why do teachers have to assign so much of it.  I hate coming home after practice ready for a shower and bed, to find a stack of homework on the middle of my desk the size of the Empire State building.  And don’t forget that after you do your homework and finish analyzing novels that are part of class assignments, you get to read an AR book.   That sounds so fun, not.  Because of busy schedules, some students literally don’t have enough time in the day to tack on an extra book, or so, every quarter.  Anyway, I think it is safe to say that I have “senioritis”.

RAHUL, NO ENTIENDO

Raha read my blog and tried talking to me in Spanish. Oh, the failure on my part. He spoke like DeMeyer, a thousand words a second. And I was left looking REALLY stupid. Like, how am I supposed to catch up? I just don't understand! But thank you for helping get rid of that five hour thing I should really finish up sometime today.

I tried speaking into the microphone yesterday for the Picnic Club and I held it up to my face. Apparently, it wasn't close enough so Thompson like shoved it in my mouth. And of course, I couldn't stop laughing. Mckenna said that if I had laughed my laugh into the microphone, then she would've disowned me.

OMG, I SAW SOOOOOOO MANY SQUIRRELS ON TUESDAY. And one of them ran up to my backpack and started searching for food because I had beef jerky in it. and I was going to throw the chocolate in my Starbucks cup to them but I didn't know if they would die or not, like if they are like dogs or somethin'.

 And then some of them ran underneath my chair and I squealed and felt stoopid because I was all alone.

Chompin' on some jerky right now.Listenin' to Raha make some weird sounds right now as well. Learning sign language, like "Abortion" and "Make me a sandwich." And etc.

jklsdfjklsdfklsdfjklsdfjkldfjklsfjklsdfklsdfjklsdfklsdfjklsdfsdfklsdjklsdfklsdfjkljklsefjklsdhklsdfjklsdfjkljklgflgradgjkjklsdgjkldkldfsklsdfklsdjklejklsdklsdfklsdfjklsdfkldfk This is how I feel about abortion.

I feel like so much has happened, but I forget...

MY PRECIOUS

At the moment, I'm listening to Julie and Shelby argue about Nichols email address. This arguing is driving my crazy! I can not work or live in this environment! Thanks to you, Julie and Shelbs, if I become insane or abusive, it's your fault!!

I just turned my essay in for Pereira, and boy am I relived! Whenever I have an essay in backpack I turn into Gollum (From LOTR) and get all creepy protective over my binder. Those essays are my babies. MY PRECIOUS . . . I love Lord of The Rings. And chocolate.

6 months

I was recently thinking about college apps. This led me to realize that, 6 months from now, I will be aware of exactly which colleges will have accepted and rejected me. This is somewhat concerning, because this means that I don't have much time before I have to figure this whole deal out. But it's also really awesome. I've been ready to graduate high school since May of 2011, when I said goodbye to the graduating seniors of that year. I can't wait to enter college, graduate from there, and start my adult life.

This Day Was Very Good :)

My day was great from the start. (Sorry to those I know of who had an unfortunately bad day). I got the grand news from my English teacher that he would accept our AR reading goals at next Tuesday the lastest instead of Friday (The end of the first quarter). That left me the moment to exhale out most of the stress I had inside of me.
Then, my water polo practice was canceled. Hallelujah. (Spelling?) Don't get me wrong, I love water polo, but a day's break was heavenly. :D
I would explain more but I'm getting a little groggy, so until later!! :P

Jobs

So, my first experience filling out tons of applications is over with and I went through my closet to find something nice to wear to turn in applications to managers and what not...and on the days I plan to go and do it I get sick, or I get a headache or something. Then finally I start having like a million tests, and two speeches and everyone and their brother tries to start drama with me and then I have no time to do anything. So there on my night stand lyes 10 applications, wilting away because...although I want a job, I don't want added stress, I am scared I won't be able to handle all my AP and Honors classes with a job and I already quit mock trial to make more time for it all but I just can't bring myself to do it. I'm in this conflict, I know even after I turn applications in I still probably won't have a job, but I like my 0% chance better because well...the money would be extremley nice to take me to visit my french exchange student next summer but... the stress would kill me from within... So, I have no idea what to do, maybe my parents will win the lottery? I hate this phrase but seriously like YOLO I need $750 to pay for half my plane ticket to France and well, I think if I don't get a job soon then, maybe... tutoring? I am pretty smart... except when it comes to jobs and bosses and being professional and all.. Ugh, so ironic too since I am writing a story on how kids can't get jobs in Rocklin and I still haven't even tried.

It was the first week of college apps, and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring,
Not even a mouse. . .
(Except for Amanda trying to finish her homework for the next day and proofread her personal statements)


Gotta admit, life has been more hectic than usual lately. My to-do lists have increased exponentially and I find myself rarely relaxing. However, I'm happy right now, and I hope that lasts!

Happy Columbus day!

Esperando Para Something

I have to listen and speak for five hours of Spanish. It's a lot easier said than done. I've already listened to songs here and there, but I feel like I haven't taken any hours off yet. I think it's due sometime this week....

Currently, I'm watching Casa de mi Padre, with Will Farrell, whom I love! Unfortunately, this movie just ain't doing it for me. I feel like I've been watching forever and you can definitely tell he doesn't really know what he's saying sometimes.

I really just want to go to bed and hope that Monday, if not, then definitely Tuesday, will not come. Tuesday = speech day and I'm so not prepared. At this rate, it's going to be more of an impromptu speech than anything.

I keep waiting for Thanksgiving break to get here, so I keep telling myself "Just one more week." BUT WHEN WILL IT GET HERE?!

Also, when will malls realize that it's October and not, I repeat, NOT December?

Folk not Country

So yesterday I was in the car with my dad and we were listening to Mumford & Sons on my iPod. We were just driving along and then my dad's like, "Oh, so you like country now?" This definitely threw me off because I absolutely do not like country. Sorry to all you country fans out there, but I have tried many times to give country a chance. I just cannot stand to listen to it. Anyways, so bottom-line: he thought Mumford & Sons were country. Okay, yes it has a banjo. BUT I don't think of it as country. And this, my friends, is what folk is. I actually think folk was before country but not sure. Anyways, I replied at first, "WHAT?????" Then I realized what he was thinking. So I plainly told him, "Dad, this is folk not country." "But it sounds like country." "IT'S NOT COUNTRY!" He finally realized it was folk, so we are on good terms still. ;D

This Is Why I Look Down When I Walk

While I was walking home, I was trying to decide what I wanted: Starbucks, Taco Bell, or both. Feeling too lazy to go to Starbucks (which I'm regretting because I'm craving it), I went to Taco Bell. On the way there, the sidewalk tripped me because I was staring straight ahead. And I was so close to tripping, and all the people in their cars passing by looked at me like I was a spaz. :/

Anyways, today I'm officially 17. I get to share my birthday with 3 sophomores and one other junior, so today doesn't really feel special....

Meh, I have to give a speech on Tuesday and I'm really nervous and started freaking out during other peoples' speeches because they looked sooooo prepared. So I'm trying to implement something funny or different into mine because I will not be upstaged :P, even though Tommy and Javi's video was just freaking AWESOME! I absolutely loved it. I hope Tommy runs for president one day. I'd be totally fine with that.

Jessie Silver...oh man. That senior. Every time he talks, I try to keep up, but it's like he's always one topic ahead. Then he asks if I concur, and I just silently nod my head, pretending I have some idea of what's going on. Hehe.

I was watching the little boys play a soccer game. And oh man. I totally looked like a creeper, but it's not my fault. I was intensely watching the coaches though because they are like military leaders. Yelling at little kids and they even stole the ball from them and would push them into their place. The parents were all fine and dandy with it, but I don't know if that's how you get little kids interested in playing soccer. Those coaches are scary.

There's nothing new happening.... It sucks because I like having stories that make me question what's happening to our society.

Oh, but I will be at the picnic club table if anybody wants to join. Please join. We'll have somewhat good food. I hope. I really hope the table is next to Mock Trial, so I can just advocate for both at the same time:D. PLEASE JOIN THE PICNIC CLUB. I DON'T WANNA EAT ALONE! Not that I eat during lunch anyways....

30 Minute Game

Every year on the cross country team, we play this game called the 30 min. game. This is basically how it works: All three classes split up and have to " run" together for 30 min without a watch. The class that makes it back all together closest to exactly 30 min. wins. I realize that this may seem quite strange and boring but nobody actually runs during the 30 min. game, and its just a good time.

Anyways, for the past 2 years my class, the Juniors, have won, and we were 100% going to take it again this year. All was fine and dandy for the first 15 or so minutes, we were in the ampitheatre,bonding together and just having a great time. Then the seniors literally ambushed us.

Full fledged body ramming into us, picking us up and strangling most of the guys. Their goal was to stop us from going back, because if anyone from your class is missing you don't win. It looked pretty weird and insane. Actually it kind of scared me. .

The seniors succeeded in their plan to help us lose. Holding back three of our guys, all of the freshmen made it back before us. Personally, I did get pretty dang competitive and wanted to win for our third year in a row. My point being in all of this, is that the seniors suck and basically juniors won.