movies

Recently, every movie labeled "a comedy" or "a riot" by critics, hasn't been funny at all, well at least to me. It seems like they've all been let-downs, and misleads. Every one that i've rented or seen in theaters in the past few months hasn't turned out to be what i had expected. "Tropic Thunder" was terrible, definately a guy movie, "You Don't Mess With the Zohan" was ten times worse, however that might just be me since ive never really liked Adam Sandler's acting. "Kung Fu Panda" had a couple funny parts, three at the most, Brad Pitt's character, Chad, had the only funny parts in "Burn After Reading", but, as usual, they had to kill him. "The Women", was a HUGE disappointment, it took on a more serious vibe than i'd hoped. "Marley and Me", is hands down the saddest movie i've seen in years. I love Jennifer Anniston, and the trailors made it seem hilarious, but once i saw that every 3rd person leaving the theater on its opening day, christmas day, with red eyes and tissues in their hands, my hopes for a laugh were out the window. [still a great movie, regardless]
However, some of my favorite, non-let-downs include "Hancock", "Anchor Man", "Little Miss Sunshine", and "The Holiday".

The Spirit

The movie The Spirit...sucked- and yet I had a smile on my face when I left the theater. If you see the movie, go in expecting only a silly hero romp, nothing more and you wont be disappointed. It is an odd movie, and I think pretty different from the director's others like "Sin City" and "300". It is like 300 in the fact that it is completely historically inaccurate. Although the characters speak and dress like they've come right out of the 40's, they all have access to cell phones and other devices that belong only to our time period.
The acting is...bad. I expected more from Scarlett Johansen. In his insane role as the octopus the audience could tell that Samuel Jackson was having the time of his life with odd lines like, "I do NOT like EGGS on my FACE! Not a GLOP!" And Eva Mendez wore very little in the way of clothing and only seemed very interested in 'shiny things'. Surprisingly enough, the newbie of the cast was great! In the title role of the spirit, he did not disappoint and I am very sure that Hollywood is not through with him yet. The previous no name narrated the movie with a husky voice and his role was of course rife with sex appeal.
Visually the film did not disappoint- it reflected the director's usual comic-booky and surreal style, taking on the effect of being eye candy for the audience. There were Hollywood beauties, explosions and comedic battles that at once incredibly violent and brutal turned slapstick. The other comedic elements took the form the bad guy groupies who were essentially clones, always donning T-shirts with their names written on it. Their names were the only laughs i derived from their characters though, names like 'Pathos' 'Ethos' and 'Logos'.
Overall the movie was overdone and silly, disappointing fans of the comic book and fans of superhero's in general like me. But if you're ever bored, rent it (take care not too spend to much money on it) sit back and let it entertain you.

It Never Ends

I don't know if everyone has been keeping up with the news over break, but if you have, I'm sure you've noticed the attacks between Hamas and Israel near Gaza. Hamas has been firing off rockets into Israel, and just last night, Israel retaliated with airstrikes on various Hamas targets. It appears that the airstrikes killed over 200 people, including some civilians. Tensions are rising, and it is a pretty safe bet that the fighting will only intensify. They are both blaming each other, and it doesn't look like the situation will get any better. Hamas, along with other organizations, such as the UN, are saying that Israel took it too far. But if you look into what exactly happen, you can't honestly blame them, in fact, you support them. There was a ceasefire that Hamas ended up breaking by firing rockets right into Israel. As far as I can tell, the loss of life on the Israeli side wasn't extreme, but still, Hamas was shooting at them. I don't now about you, but if were in that situation, I would want to defend myself, and force seems to be the only option. It's Hamas' fault for shooting first, they were asking for it. And what were they doing putting security forces(the Israeli targets) in the middle of civilian installations. It's almost as if they were trying to deter the Israelis from attacking by putting innocents in the middle of the fight. That's wrong, and any deaths are the fault of Hamas. The Israelis have a right to defend themselves and I support them in that cause. They refuse to take these kinds of actions sitting down, and you have to respect them for that.

BREAKkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

So We've been having break for a week now and it hasn't really done much. I'm not tired all the time which is good, but I have lost the ability to sleep in which was my favorite pasttime. Also, we have a couple visitors so my house feels too crowded, and I haven't really seen my friends due to "family time," which I'm thoroughly sick of by now. Thankfully I've gotten lost in the world of Twilight. Yes, I've joined the bandwagon I told myself I wouldn't. Who can resist? I love chick flicks and this is the same, but in book form. It's addicting, and I can't stop. But this Meyer woman can't seem to finish a book properly. She finishes each book like it's a chapter, leaving the reader feeling empty and wanting to spend 20 bucks on the next one because it's not in paperback until MAY. Very well done..you have ripped off like 8 million teenager girls. Not that I would have done any different, but still. Getting lost in this world is not safe, the whole amazing guys.. EDWARD and JACOB. I feel bad for guys who aren't vampires and werewolves and go to our school who now have to be compared to these AMAZING guys. But then again, I don't feel bad at all. If it weren't for these guys, these books would suck. So I'm glad that I have entertainment until my life's PLAY button gets pushed again.
Christmas was pleasant. The only thing I asked for was the Dark Knight and I got it, so it's all good. I've realized I have a very addictive/obsessive personality and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I played Wii Tennis and baseball and all the sports and that was fun for a few hours with my cousins. I don't like how Christmas has become very superficial and no one believes in Santa anymore!! I wish I did. So i wrote a list to him this year and just gave it to my mom. There was one thing on the list but still..it's the thought that counts.
Anyways, hopefully break becomes better and everyones enjoying it... and I get Breaking Dawn tomorrow because I really need it.

Christmas Eve

It's Christmas Eve and there's two hours until Christmas!  My mom will get me to go to bed before then (which is actually a good idea since my seven-year-old cousin won't allow me to sleep in much tomorrow morning).  However, my brother will be coming home after midnight tonight and he's 13!  That's because my brother is an amazing techy and he is operating the stage camera at my church for all 4 services today.  However, "show" would be a better word to describe it than "service."  Our church is Bayside in Granite Bay and it's huge, and tons of people come for the Christmas Eve services (because they are awesome!)  There is a total of 13 this year.  It is WAY cooler than most people would think church would be.  And operating the stage camera is huge, and my amazing brother is doing it right now.  My mom has been teasing him that Santa won't leave him any presents since he won't be home when Santa comes at midnight.  Of course my brother knows who Santa really is, but he probably isn't expecting that my mom, I mean Santa, doesn't want to stay up so late tonight– meaning when he gets home, my brother will see what Santa left him.  And that's pretty exciting for my brother!

I hope everyone is having a great vacation!  Merry Christmas!!!!!  

1 day left!

Tommorow's the last day before break! I'm so excited I can't even process the fact of having two entire weeks off of school. I still have to do Christmas shopping, and let me tell you I'm actually pretty terrified of pushing my way through the madness to find the perfect gifts. The whole process is very stressful, a feeling I try to avoid around the holidays. Maybe I'll convert to online shopping. Well, hope everyone enjoys the holidays!

One foot out the door.

I look around me as I walk through the RHS campus, and I don't feel like I belong here anymore AT ALL. Not that I ever really did, but now all I see are children, all around me- children.
I can equate the feeling very closely with looking out at the playground in sixth grade, before I left elementary school. I had no desire to play on the monkey bars, and I have no desire to participate in anything here. I've simply outgrown RHS. I am already far away from it.
The rules here appall me, after living with my head in college... I hate high school. I don't know what people are talking about when they speak of their "glory" days in high school. I'm ready to live my life, live on my own, make my own way and be responsible for myself.
Whether that means being allowed to come to class naked, smoke on campus, use my cell phone, or choose my attendance habits.
These things are not necessarily what I like to do, but what I would like to be free to do if I pleased.
In other words, the conservative rules for children at RHS are for the students here who cannot take care of themselves. I am incredibly responsible, I take care of myself and my grades. All by my lonesome. Without tell-a-parent. My parents don't check, why on earth did they get my grade sign-in information? Aren't I the one attending this school? I'm a young woman, my grades effect me and my future. Me alone.
It is my responsibility to take care of my business. And I've been raised well enough to know how to do that. I'm done with the walker, I can walk- and run- on my own.
And this is NOT a classic case of senioritis. I still am very involved in my studies. I haven't become lazy at all, I've actually improved my GPA above a 4.0 this semester.
I am just not here. I don't like dances, football games, clubs, or lingering on campus any longer than is absolutely necessary. Yuck.
I am about to enter another universe, college. And thanks for nothing, RHS, when its come to letting me find my own way. Your constant observation and second chances have done nothing but cripple people who have depended on it.

Waiting....not so patiently

I'm waiting to hear back from the collges I applied early action to. It has been a month full of frantically rushing to the mailbox every day after school, and I still haven't heard anything. I think I'll probably hear back sometime in January, which means a not so stress free Christmas Break. Anyone else feel my pain?

Break is back

Yay! We finally get break back. I was completely annoyed with the whole trash situation. It was frustrating to have the only break I get before I leave school to be taken away because some people (I'm assuming mostly underclassmen) think throwing trash on the ground is acceptable. Time to grow up. Well now that break is back I can be a little less stressed throughout the day. Lets keep it that way.

AHHH...FINALS

Does anyone else feel like there is NO way they are going to make it through this week? When this week finally ends it will be christmas break: two weeks of no school!!!

But to get there I have to get through one thing....FINALS!!!

I have finals in just about every class. Today, I have my AP US History final. That should be fun. Wednesday i have Spanish II, H English, and Algebra II final :( Then on Thursday I have my chemisty final and the book review for AP US History is due. Has anyone procrastinated for that?? I think i'll be okay. I'm 90 % done with it and i'll finish it tonight with all the other studying I have to do for my finals. What is worse of all is that every single one of my finals, with the exception of my Spainish II final, will make the difference between a B or A in the class.

I also have done no christmas shopping at all, and i'm leaving on friday right after school to go to the Bay Area with my family. I'm coming back on Monday night and christmas eve is wednesday! I'm gonna try and get my shopping done on thursday. Thank goodness for mini days!

Besides all that other stuff, I'm extremely happy it is christmas time. Decorating the tree, christmas movies and music, and spending time with family and friends, not to mention two weeks off of school is just what i need right now.

Merry Christmas!!!

So Close!

We only have one week left until we get 2 whole weeks off! I could really use a break from school, just an oppuritunity to do absolutely nothing. Of course, that last week doesn't look like it will be easy to get past. I don't know about the rest of you, but I have a TON to do in those last 5 days. Admitedly, it is partly my fault. I did a little procrastinating and now find myself with 3 projects due...yeah, that should be fun.
But on the other hand, I have Christmas to look forward to. That's the only holiday that I really get into. I usually get to see a lot of my family, and the season itself is just plain old fashioned happy. I mean, everything else seems to be going terribly, the economy is tanking and no one is really sure what's going to happen, but around Christmas, everyone can look past the problems of the real world and just enjoy themselves.
There seems to be a sense that we're all part of the same world, and that helping each other out isn't such a bad thing. Maybe it's just me, but this time of year seems to bring out the best in people, and that's why I like it so much.
And, of course, that 2 week break doesn't hurt my fun either.

Conflicts in Scheduling

7:45am – 10:40am School
11:00am – 6:00pm Work
6:30pm – 8:35pm DFST III FINAL @ Sierra College
7:00pm – 8:30pm RHS Winter Band Concert

See the conflict? By the time I finished my final for my Deaf Studies (ASL) III class at Sierra College, I signed "finished?" to my teacher. Got the OK and ran out. Already in my concert clothes, I ran down two flights of stairs, through the hall ways, and past all the cars in the parking lot. I got a few good looks, ha. So I’m racing back to school because it is my senior year last winter concert and finally, I got a beautiful solo in Greenselves, and I didn’t make it back in time for the Symphonic band’s performance L So I missed all of our good songs and surprisingly I was really sad. I did, however, make it in time for the combined Symphonic band and Orchestra group. We sounded pretty good. The stage lights kept changing "moods" on us while we were playing. It was odd because at all of the honor bands I have attended, never did they do that…but then again, it’s our schools band.

Debates

Mr. Pereira's junior honors english class has been working on many debates in the last couple of class periods. Debate topics have been flag burning, a dreadlock deadlock case, and sex offenders. People have their own opinions on each debate and the class gets pretty heated. Each debate is seperated into 4 categories: strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, and strongly disagree. For the flag burning debate I went on the somewhat agree side because I dont think flag burning should be allowed for the country. In the dreadlock deadlock case I also went on the somewhat agree side because I think he should have to cover his deadlocks in whatever work enviroment he works in. As for the debate on sex offenders I am on the strongly agree side because I think that sex offenders should have to put a sign out in front of their house notifying people that they are a sex offender. Mr. Pereira's class debates are exciting and fun to do instead of work work work.

Twilight..

I know I'm a little late but I just saw Twilight and I am in love with Edward! They couldn't have picked a mroe gorgous guy to play his part. He was perfect in every way. I don't think anyone thought they would fall in love with a vampire. A little weird. Bella...not so much. She was nothing like the character in the movie which was extremely depressing. I'm anxious to see what is going to happen in the next movie, the way they left the ending was interesting. Well, I'm going to read New Moon:)

OPS!

For those of you who don't know, Theatre 4 students are required to write, cast, direct and perform in their very own One Person Show. Sounds fun right? Well, the drafts are due the Friday before Winter break- a pretty early deadline for a show in April. Only the Seniors in the class are constantly aware of the time frame slipping from their fingers. As a student in the class myself, I am in the same situation. Writing a show might sound like fun and a welcome escape from Maths or Sciences, but the artistic hard work is even more frustrating. For theatre students like me, we have been thinking about our shows since freshman year. Watching the Seniors struggle and accomplish their goals. Now that it is our turn the amount of stress is unbearable- we have to live up to shows like Kit's, Ari's, Erin's, Scott's, Olivia's...all theatre kids of the past who will be always remembered on the campus. As I continue through my senior year I wonder if the hobby I've devoted so much of my time and energy to will have earned me the same sort of respect and awe from the generations to come. I don't feel like the underclassmen look up to us as much as we looked up to the classes before us. And it's probably not their fault. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels like a failure in this department. The worried glances cast around the theater reassure me that the stress rests heavily on almost every one's shoulders in the class.
at least I finally have a solid idea for my OPS, which is more than I had a week ago. The draft is due next Friday. Wish me luck- I hope that my show is as exciting and well written as the seniors of the past. According to the theory of a certain English Literature Analyst (that my fellow AP English students would know of) I might need to have an even better show than the Seniors of the past in order to "kill my father" (or push past my predecessors) and secure my name to the list of worthy seniors.

Thunder Galleria

I had a great time at Thunder Galleria on Wed!!! I'm a junior, but it was my first time going cuz I always have stuff on Wednesdays and Thunder Galleria is always on Wed. But this year I decided to ditch my weekly Wed event, and do Thunder Galleria instead. I helped at a table with 3 other people from One. Our table "sold" bath and body items. I'm actually not very into all that stuff, but it was a pretty fun table. We found these baskets and we got to use our creativity to put things together in packages. But then one of the directors came up to our table and said, "Can you guys spare someone to be an elf? We really need more elves!" So I said sure and she told me the most important thing was to not lose the kid, and that was the extent of my elf training. So I ended up being an elf for an 8-year-old boy named Matthew. It was so much fun! When I brought him to his dad, he was so excited and couldn't stop talking about his Thunder Galleria experience.

Besides seeing the adorable kids, I also loved seeing so many RHS students at Thunder Galleria, whether working a table, or being an elf, or something else. It was so cool to see so many fellow classmates doing things to make someone else's Christmas.

So I got to thinking

PICK UP YOUR TRASH

Seriously, it's not that hard. People do it everyday and it's part of your responsibilities as a human living on this earth! Good grief, just pick up your freaking trash, IT'S NOT THAT HARD. IT TAKES NO MORE TIME THAN IF YOU DIDN'T. Plus we get our break. Be courteous of everyone who is losing their break because of some of you out there that are not being conscious of the other people on campus who try picking up their trash as well as other people's.

Oh and on another note: UGLY SWEATER CHRISTMAS PARTY TONIGHT! Haha, Longs as the least attractive Christmas sweaters with cats and bows. SCORE! And of course the infamous Disney street is a must for the holidays. Could you imagine living on that street during Christmas? It would take you an hour just to get to the grocery store. Oh and I'm sitting next to a Christmas music hater right now. She tells me not to judge...:/

Mr. Nichols is getting very much into the holiday spirit with his amped up Christmas albums. Not helping Paige's case.

Plus ASB is huge on Christmas spirit stuff, we've already had a White Elephant Party and we're doing Secret Santa next week! Woo hoo! Oh Christmas makes me so happy :)

Cal Poly! :]

AMAZING NEWS.......I GOT INTO CAL POLY SAN LUIS OBISPO!!!!!!!!!!! I'm seriously so excited because this was my first choice for college. I applied for early decision hoping that it would make my chances better...but I really didn't think that I would get in because usually the only people that get in for early decision are like top amazing students. BUT I DID IT!!!! :]

It's kind of scary to think that I already accepted a college. It's a relief, but now that it is like set and stone, I feel so trapped. In a good way...haha. It's definitely just a strange feeling. But I know it will be the perfect school for me and I couldn't be happier or more grateful to get in!

AND more good news!!! I'm going to Disneyland tomorrow! If you know me, you know that I'm obsessed with Disneyland. And I love love love Christmas!!!! So Disneyland at Christmastime is going to be my new favorite thing EVER.

So basically I'm in an amazingly wonderful mood. And I hope nothing in the near future kills it. :]

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

One Week and 4 Days

Christmas vacation is in one week and four days. A.K.A junior year is half way done. Where did the first semester go? I have absolutely no idea. But I do know this, teachers think they are the only ones assigning big projects and having end of the semester tests. They know they aren't but they expect you to prioritize their class. As if these grades don't affect my future. Either way, I want to get excited for Christmas and next semester but facing all these tests and stuff is something I definitely do not want to do. How about we rewind this semester and start over? Anyways next semester should go much better. Hopefully.

Side note: GOSSIP GIRL FANS. I'm really excited about the episode tonight. Previews showed a funeral and Chuck looking even more attractive with his hair not gelled back. I wanted Jenny to die.

Also, this "trash" issue should be solved at the root of the problem. This obviously started with the freshmen this year, not saying my class was perfect then but still. Or the fact that there are almost 500 of them. Taking away break kinda sounds illegal but whatever. Hopefully people learn because I don't want to be penalized for other's inability to find a trashcan. Except this season was a great time for this to happen because break was FREEZING today, so I'm not complaining that much.

It's A Grind

December 8, 2008 – I submitted a “Time-Off Request” form to catch up on homework before the semester ends. I’m sitting in “It’s A Grind” and noticed that there were two elderly couples, a few college students, and a father with three young children all enjoyed the warmth of the coffee shop. Personally I am just sitting off by the window listening to music and attempting to stay on task, but I just thought that was really interesting seeing each generational difference all relaxing in the same place. It’s rather cute if I do say so myself.

Coincidence? I think not...

This kind of relates to Ashley’s blog, “CREEPER” except mine didn’t happen at home. Yesterday I worked the night shift. I work for the City of Rocklin Community Services and Facility/Theatre Department, by the way, and I finished up my event at the Sunset Center and was heading over with Page – our newest employee, I was training her that night – to the Community Center to alarm the building. It was around 9:30 pm as Page and I walked the outer parameter or the building one of the doors was open, which I thought was to be very odd because it wasn’t a regularly used door. We unlocked the front door, and set of the alarm. Oops, but we entered our code before the police were called so there was no problem. But my question is how was it that when I opened the door, the alarm was not activated? Also, why was it that the only door that did not activate the alarm, just so happened to be unlocked? I know it doesn’t sound that creepy, but on Halloween night, someone tried to break into the 3rd Street Preschool building. The alarm was activated but according to the police, there was no forced entry but when the alarm beeped, the criminal attempted to enter a code that obviously didn’t work, and fled the scene. My supervisor got the call informing her about the break in, she told me to go check it out! Really? What am I going to do against a criminal? So I took my friend, who just happened to be dressed as a sheriff. We were having our Trick-Or-Treat fair. Anyway, these two buildings are right next to Johnson Spring View Park and within the same parking lot. The difference between Facility Assistant and Facility Monitor at my work is basically the time of the shift. An assistant does not work the night shift – which would end at 12:30 am – yet I’ve been scheduled before as working the night. SO, on my only few night shifts I have had, some creepy stuff like that has happened. I’m not sure, but these little connections are a little on the strange side. I kind of hope they stop, soon, because working alone that late is kind of scary, or hopefully I’m just being paranoid. Either way, that’s working for the city for you.

CREEPER

Well friday night was something strange and creepy. After school I hung out with friends, went to dinner and then a two friends came back to stay at my house for the night. My parents were out of town, so we were home alone. We were all getting food in the kitchen around midnight, and all of the sudden we hear the doorbell ding about 3 times, my heart stopped and we all froze. I was freaking out. Following the doorbell, the mysterious person started banging on the door so I peeked around the corner to try and see through the glass part of my door. It looked like an unfamiliar old man with glasses or something so I got really scared. "It" was peering through the glass and saw me, we made eye contact. I was about to call my mom, but suddenly the banging and ringing of the doorbell stopped. I peeked again and the figure was gone. My friends told me not to call my mom, fearing that she would never let us stay alone again. It was so scary. We ran around the house locking all doors and windows, shutting curtains, blinds ect., basically being paranoid. About a half an hour later, we hear someone trying to open the door, shaking it a few times. We freaked out again, and when the door opened, we realized it was my brother coming home. We asked if he had tried to come home earlier, but he said no and that he had been at a friends house and had no idea what we were talking about. So basically some creeper was trying to get in my house. FREAKY.

It still doesn't feel like X-mas...

It still hasn't hit me yet...Christmas is in 19 days.

It's probably just me...my life for the past 2-3 months has been about TWILIGHT, college applications, and my grades. The whole idea that senior year is your easiest year is far from the truth...well for me.

I've applied to the UC's...specifically Berkeley, LA, Davis, and Irvine. Now all I can do is wait for the fateful day of March 26th to come.

I also think I study TOO MUCH. I studied for five hours for my AP Calc BC test and I'm pretty sure I failed. I hate the feeling when you've put so much energy and you don't get the results you think you deserve. ARGH.

And Twilight...well...I don't want to open a can of worms, but I have to admit that I have never been SO OBSESSED over a fictional character...AKA Edward Cullen...and an actor...aka Robert Pattinson. OMG.

Til the next post.
-Mal

Goodbye Thanksgiving Hello Winter

This past Monday Rocklin High's Campus was once again covered with approximately 2,000 students. A large majority were just like me...sad to be back at school after a week long break for thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is traditionally set up in order to take the time to appreciate things in our lives we are thankful for. I suppose that as students we should be thankful that we are given a break at all. I know people in PA, and San Fran that only get a three day weekend as a break. At least we werent in their position.

My break was pretty enjoyable. The first half I chilled with friends and the second half I was in LA with family. I went to Malibu and on my way to the beach I saw Pepperdine University. In a mere year I will be applying at colleges. That just brought the thoughts about school back again.

If you're anything like me you dont feel like being in school right now. You dont feel like working your butt off for your semester grades that colleges and your parents care so much about. Hang in there...only two more weeks left :)

Big Weekend in Sports

Bam, here it comes. College football's big weekend. I know you guys have a lot to do, but these big games should be on your to-do list. 

For Friday: 

(12) Ball State (12-0) vs. Buffalo (7-5) --Nichols wil be watching this one, so should you. 

For Saturday: (1) 

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP:

Alabama (12-0) vs (4) Florida (11-1)--Big game. Scarface Saban and the Crimson tide look to take it to Tim Tebow and the Gators. 

Missouri vs. Oklahoma-- Oklahoma looks to shock everyone and cap off an unexpected season. 

USC vs. UCLA-- Classic, brutal matchup between rival schools. USC predicted to win big. 

Cincinnati vs. Hawaii-- After Colt Brennan's NCAA pass TD record was set, Hawaii remains consistent even with his departure into the NFL. 

After this weekend, don't be shocked if Mr. Nichols gives you a current events quiz!!!

Capitol Section Honor Band

Is one of California’s most prestigious honor bands any high school student can audition for aside from Nationals. Capitol Section also has a two other groups for 6th graders as well as one for Junior High students. I’ve had the privilege to participate every year since 6th grade and I am completely overjoyed and excited and looking forward to the few days of rehearsal and the evening performance more than anything right now. Dr. Tim Smith – the newly appointed Associate Director of Bands and Lecturer in Music Education at California State University, Sacramento, as well as Music Director/Conductor of the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra – is our conductor this year! We’ve had the UCDavis conductor, UOP, Sac. State conductors as well as composers run the group. VERY EXCITING :) Overall, I’m soo looking forward to this! When you audition and make the band, your tape is evaluated and ranked. After that, there is a live audition that places you in where you will sit within your section. I’ve been places 8th, 5th, 4th, from Freshman year till Junior year and this year I ranked 3rd place :) I know 1st and 2nd attend Nationals every year and I feel so honored to be ranked right next to them!!! This year’s honor bands are going to be amazing! Ha, I love being a band geek sometimes :P

Jingle Ball 08

So today I am a little tired. It's because last night I went to this years Jingle Ball at Arco Arena. It was hosted by 107.9 "The End". It was amazing. This years artists were Chantelle, Boys Like Girls, David Archuletta, Katy Perry, and Jesse McCartney. I can still hear the ringing in my ears from the screams of thousands of girls of all ages. The show was great. Jesse McCartney was definitely my favorite. He even pulled up a girl from the audience on stage. I was jealous. It was a four hour concert and the price was worth it. I really want to go again next year. The seats were filled and the atmosphere was great. I really want to go again next year.

New Addition to the Mall

I have been to the Galleria Mall only a few times since all of the new stores opened, because it has been so crowded lately. I really like most of the new stores because we have a really good variety of stores in the mall now. But now that it's close to the holdiays, I try to avoid the mall because I hate waiting in the long lines and crowded, tiny stores. But once the new stores die down a little after the holidays, I will probably check out more of the new stuff.

Personality Profiling

Back in middle school, my dad introduced me to a personality test called the "Meyer-Briggs" test. It is not so much a test as it a questionnaire designed to figure out how individual people interact with other individuals and the world around them based on the psychological preferences. It was developed by Katherine Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs-Meyer after the theories originated from psychologist Carl Jung. The four letter combinations can come from a series of 8 different letters:
Either
E (Extroversion) or I (Introversion)
S (Sensing) or N (iNtuition)
T (Thinking) or F (Feeling)
J (Judging) or P (Perceiving)

This leaves up to 16 different possible combinations for personalities. Naturally, the entire world cannot be generally categorized into 16 different categories, but it is scary to find how accurately that description suits you. The tests are designed as questionnaires where you pick which of two situations is more likely to suit you. For example, "Would you rather go out to a party or stay home and read a book" and based on what you answer (there are anywhere from 30-60 questions depending on where you take the test (there are countless websites offering free tests).

Recently, my friend also got into the Meyer-Briggs test and wanted to see if I fit into the personality profile that he thought I did. Now I knew my 4 letter combination, but this test was based more on the S/N and T/F aspects. Ironically enough, the result I got from the test he sent me was "the Idealist" and it gave possible 4 letter combinations that Idealists would have, and believe it or not, the 4 letter combination I received when I took the test back in May was on there. And the more I read the description, the more I could identify it to myself. I saw aspects of myself vividly.

Yesterday, my friend and I got to talking about this personality profile thing and how it's interesting to discover what your friends personalities are compared to yours. Obviously, it's not a science so it's destined to be flawed. My friend and I are technically supposed to not get along very well, which is sometimes evident in that we both get annoyed at how the other chooses to approach things. I think most of it is based on variations. Like, you get "labeled" with a certain personality, but the variations between the letters can account for the variations in people. So while 2 people may share a similar personality, they could be different based on which aspects are more evident.

So, at the end of the day I guess it doesn't really matter if I'm an idealist or an INFJ or an ENTP, although more and more businesses are using these tests to see how well their employees collaborate and suit this type of work, but at this point it's just weird to see how whether or not I'm more clean or messy or whether it's important for me to be on time or not that is able to describe my personality so well.

So if you're curious, I'd say it's worth a google check.

A Twilight experience

I read Twilight and absolutely fell in love with it. I went to see the movie the other day, and was utterly disappointed. The acting was dreadful. The movie could have been so cool, but instead was completely butchered. I thought how they sequenced the movie didn't make any sense, especially because it didn't go with the book, again, the acting was so awful that the entire theatre was laughing at parts that were suppose to be serious, and I felt that someone who hadn't read the book would feel confused by certain parts because it was so chopped up, and they skipped so many important events. So basically, the movie sucked. I wouldn't recommend waisting the time or the money.

Hi, Christmas Season.

So the frenzy has officially begun. I personally believe that it launches the day after Thanksgiving, on the notorious Black Friday. Others say it starts the week before, some the first week of December.
Either way, this is the month of holiday commercials, sales, shopping and movie releases.
And regardless of how unhealthy the blatant consumerism is for me and my psyche, I'm excited about what's behind it. I've always loved the spirit of this month, I think the constant submersion in all things Christmas lifts me up and gives me hope for the rest of the year. Christmas is rooted deep in tradition for me, as I come from two parents who hold fast to their separate European traditions-- one Sicilian, one German. And I love it.
Yet the magic of being a child on Christmas has never faded completely into the monotone of an adult Christmas for me. This isn't because I'm in denial, or that I still believe in Santa Claus. I just embrace the warmth and the light of the season. I soak it up.
But like many other families who celebrate this season, in light of difficult financial times, we are looking forward to a humble holiday this year. We're not alone, but it has forced me to once again examine what this holiday is truly about. Not from a religious standpoint, but merely from the angle of a good heart.
It's about giving, loving, family, friends, tradition and celebrating differences.
Although that sounds idealistic, its true.
And living on the Christmas light street guarantees I can never forget that.
Especially because of the disco light on my roof, right outside my window. It's a healthy reminder that its the holiday season.
I'm ecstatic to greet the month of December.
Alright, now to face the next two weeks...

Fear and Loathing in India

Hey there Rocklin High. I'm so glad to see you back from Thanksgiving break. Just thought I'd maintain some momentum with the blog over break, and return to the ever relevant theme of reality.

On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, a group of terrorists attacked the city of Mumbai, India...again, and again, and again.

Unlike "typical" attacks that we have seen, this was not a suicide bombing. The men moved together as a unit, attacking almost a dozen sites throughout the city nearly simultaneously.

These attacks, and subsequent hostage situations, lasted for over sixty hours, with the end of the carnage coming on Saturday.

As of yet, the reports I have seen have linked the attackers to a group known as Deccan Mujahadeen, a small time Muslim extremist group. However, the unique sophistication and timing of the attacks give us a few clues to the origins of the attacks. The men had training, and they had support from an outside force.

Sources are pointing to Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) as the source of the funding and training for the reportedley Pakistani extremists.

If this is true, it could spell disaster for the already tense relations between India and Pakistan. Only six years previously, the two nations were on the brink of nuclear war after LeT attacked the Indian Parliament.

Pakistan denies any involvement, of course, but emotions are inflated, and rash decisions would be horrendous, maybe even nuclear.

I heard a reporter ask if the attackers were linked to Al Qaeda, and it makes me worried that people truly don't understand what we are up against. The "terror threat" is ever present, and ever changing. The dynamics of these extremists are fluid, and they are not all the same.

Educate yourself.

Know the world around you.

And be prepared for more and more trouble...

Patience- are we losing it?

It's easy to get frustruated and lose patience. This week I think I've really realized how patience can make or break a situation. For instance, my friend was patiently teaching me a concept and helped me understand it, even though she already knew it. Coaches patiently try to explain a new drill to their team. Well, at first it is a patient approach. Hahaha. Living in a busy and dynamic household with a large family, I have to exercise patience all the time.

On the other hand, I think some things instill impatience. I am a big texter and instant messager. For sure, I use the internet every day- from homework to myspace. Perhaps instant results of technology of any form- not just the internet- are creating an impatient mentality on users. All it takes is a second to send a text and a second to lose your cool.

Twilight

I really didn't see the big deal with the Twilight books. I'm not really a big fan of vampire books, but after all the Twilight buzz going around, I've decided to start reading them. I really want to go see the movie, but I don't know if it will ruin my Twilight reading experience. How was the movie for those who saw it?

So glad it's break

I am definetley looking foward to Thanksgiving break. I'm not going anywhere out of town, but some of my friends are going to Hawaii and Oregon. The time off will from school will just feel like a vacation. Except, I won't mentally be away from school because I'll be reading- a lot. Anyone else in AP World has the World That Trade Created Project. I'm also going to try and study for my return from break. Other than that, I am definetley going to enjoy activities since I will have free time. I'll probably be swimming- but it's nothing new. Possibly, I might start up a couple of water polo games with some of my friends or play tennis. I get to see my friend who goes to Whitney and hopefully explore the new stores in the Galleria with her and begin Christmas shopping, already. Oh, and I'm getting my permit- finally! Things were too busy to get it exactcly on my half-birthday (late October), so I'm getting it over break. It would be great if I could continue writing my story- something that I don't get to spend much time on during a typical school week. Everyone is discussing the Twilight Movie, and honestly, it seems intriguing. I'd love to read the book because my sister absolutley loved it, but I'll most likley end up seeing the film first. Even factoring in the academics, I am anticipating a relaxing, social vacation. Only three more classes to go!

Pirates are terrorists

I have been listening to the news and I am surprised that almost every day there is another pirate seizure off the coast of Africa. I am pretty sure they are not like Captain Jack Sparrow and Will Turner. I am just wondering how do these thieves and cut-throats on their little equivalent of rowboats are able to take control of an entire tanker along with its large crew. The point I am trying to say is that governments are focusing their energies on terrorism in the Middle East, when the international trade routes are being threatened by African pirates. -Albert Teplitsky

Waterpolo Banquet

After today, waterpolo activities will be officially over. Our season already ended on November 7th after we lost in the first round of sections against Loreto, but now we have our waterpolo banquet.

The banquet starts at 5:30 PM at the Rocklin Sunset Center. It's dressed to impress. I'm not sure what that exactly means, but i'm just not going to wear jeans. I'll probably end up wearing slacks or a skirt.

I have to bring a dessert for the banquet because my waterpolo number is 11. I was glad I got a dessert because it is the easiest thing make. I made brownies last night. Cooking is usually always an adventure for me because I really suck at it, but brownies from the packet are pretty hard to mess up, so they turned out fine.

I think Katie Summers is going to get the MVP and she certainity deserves it. She lead or team in scoring and played almost all of the game. As for the other awards, I really have no clue. It will be fun to find out.

Hopefully, my parents will be able to make it there. Its looking doubtfully though because my dad is working and my mom has to go down and take care of my sister. If everything goes well she will make it there exactly when it starts, but ya know how that goes.

Either way I think it will be extrememly fun. Can't wait!

St. Louis!

Last week I traveled with Mr. Casey Nichols, Sami Wittwer, Amanda Palm, Brenna O'Niel, Krissy Pope, and the Whitney High crew to St. Louis, Missourri. We attended the JEA/NSPA national convention to meet with other publication staffs and go to sessions to learn from yearbook professionals.
On the first day we had a chance to go sightseeing around the city. We went up into the St. Louis arch, which by the way is absolutely enormoussssss. We took a tiny little clostrophobic pod up to the top, then we went out into this room with windows to see just how high you were. It was crazy. Then we went along the Mississippi River and took other various fun adventures.
Friday night there was a dance. Now let me just paint the scene for you here. 4000 highschool students, in one hotel. In one room. At a dance. With no rules. Now just imagine the 4000 nerdiest of nerds, gettin lowww. I mean down and dirty to very strange techno east coast music. It was out of control. I brought the hyphy movement with Sami and Amanda, and we got some stares to say the least when we busted out THE BIRD. Halfway into the dance, the convention director came onto the microphone. "We have no other choice but to shut down tonight's dance. Ceiling tiles on the floor beneath are falling and the chandelier has even fallen. It is no longer safe to continue this dance." And that was when the apocolypse of the yearbook world took place. Thousands of very, very angry nerds broke into a riot. People were screaming, chanting, breaking escalators, breaking chairs, and causing utter chaos in the Renaissance Grand. Every floor of the hotel turned into a party. I joined in on an Apples to Apples game with 30 people from all over the country. It was amusing, to say the least. And that is why I love the hilarious yearbook world.
Oh, and gas in Missourri is $1.78. It was insane. But Missourri is also freezing. It was snowing when we were walking down the street, and I literally believed that my ears were about to fall off my head. Oh, and on the plane ride there, a flight attendant didn't believe that I was over 15 years old and almost made me move from the emergency exit aisle on the plane. It cracked me up.
On a more serious note, we went to the Best of Show awards ceremony where Rocklin High's yearbook placed third and Whitney's yearbook placed first. It was pretty exciting.
Overall the trip was filled with alot of laughs. Alottt of laughs. And I am very sad that it was my last national journalism convention.

ACK!

Yesterday (Tuesday) wasn't a too much of a great day for me ... I was in the middle of a spanish test and completely blacked out. My friend Becky who sits next to me noticed that I did and was able to 'wake' me up thankfully. I got sent home after I finished my test (I was on the last sentence when I blacked out) and I apparently have some inner ear thing that basically makes me dizzy whenever I stand up, turn my head etc. Oh well, I'll make it through the day.

Fear and Loathing in the Teen Job Market

Driving around the avenue within Fountains, the trendy new outdoor mall right next to the Galleria, I've come to the realization that I am stuck in a circle. Literally and metaphorically. Because although I have been trying to land a job for the past four months, I have landed absolutely nothing.

I mean, is there something I'm doing wrong here? Am I not making myself available enough? Not wearing the right clothes? Did I remember to brush my teeth?

It would be comforting to know that it was one of these things, but, in fact, one of the major contributions to my joblessness is the economy. Specifically, the fiery burning sinking of the economy.

See, as it would have it, the neo-laissez-faire policies of decades of presidential and legislative policy have come back to devour our lives. Indeed, the deregulation of many financial institutions has allowed these same business to run amok, taking dangerous chances and risking the security of their shareholders in order to boost profits.

Unfortunately, they took one chance too many.

Now, with such business as Circuit City and Linens & Things capsizing, the miniscule job market available to me is evaporating at a faster and faster rate.

As time goes on, I will begin to compete with adults in a market with higher and higher demand...but fewer jobs. These adults will also be more experienced and educated than their teen counterparts.

In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor released a statement examining teen job availability, citing a sharp decrease, forcasting a 34.2% employment rate.

This is the lowest percentage in 60 years.

Seems to me as though I'm going to be "SoL," and without a car, since I can't pay my car insurance.

Isn't it great to be in America?

eek

ive already been accepted to a few colleges and applied to a few more, but i have yet to finish my UC application. it might have to do with the fact that i have not perfected my personal statement, but i havent even gotten through the rest of the application. with the deadline counting down im starting to stress myself out again. i went from freaking out about college before the csu deadline, to semi calm and under control after i had started to apply, to once again, pretty stressed. ive just got to commit and open up my web browser to the uc app site, and just do it. one day...

seniors!

I cannot explain how excited I am to be a senior. With the second semester starting sooner than we know June 5th will be here! I'm also glad I don't have to deal with the childish rules at lunch. The blue lines? I'm sorry I'm going to college in less than a year I don't think I need lines to tell me where I can and can't go. College is going to be a breath of fresh air away from all the restrictions set in place by this lovely school.

ii && !!!!!!1

alexiis iis my hero. she iis the most bad @$$ person ever. she saved my liife once. you wouldnt understand. ii was hiikiing up near humboldt && a rabiid dog crossed my path. when the rabiid dog and ii made eye contact, ii knew my liife was iin danger. thats where alexiis comes iin. from out of no where, she flew down from the moon && rescued me. iin spandex. iit was sexy. anyway, she saved me from a dog. a rabiid one. and now iim here, && aliive, to tell the story. to you. my readers. praiize zultar!!!!!!!!!!!!1

FULLERTON

I got my first college acceptance letter from Cal State Fullerton!!!!!! It was so exciting opening the letter, just thinking it was another update, and see "Congratulations, you have been admitted to Fullerton for the Fall 2009 Semester." Even though Fullerton is not my first choice, it was extremely exciting to know that I have been accepted somewhere. If it came down to it, I know that Fullerton is a really good school, especially for journalism.

Besides that, all is well. I got an A on my Econ test!!!!! I'm just in another one of my good moods. :]

Honor Bands are coming

Finally, RHS musicians are recording audition tapes and trying out for the local and distant honor bands! Other than the Sierra College Honor Band, I was the only one representing our school last year at Capitol Section, NorCal, and AllNorthern (although I made NorCal, I couldn’t afford the drive to the college but made the band nonetheless). So this year we have around 9 people auditioning, which is very exciting. These groups represent the best high school musicians within small areas including the local eight counties to all of the northern half of California. The audition piece this year for both alto saxophone and clarinet (which are the only two I’ve seen) are extremely difficult. Not sure how I’m going to pull it off this late in the game, but attending each would be such a great experience, it’s what I look forward to each year. The top conductors from around the country are invited to run these groups. I remember my sophomore year at Capitol Section, Dr. Hammer from UOP was a life changing experience for most of everyone who attended. The deadlines are approaching and the pressure is on, but I am looking forward to everything it has to bring! :)

The Archuleta Craze

So I was listening to the radio this morning and I noticed how much David Archuleta comes up now a days. The few times I have seen him he seems so adorable, but I think its funny he's more popular than David Cook and he didn't even win American Idol! I was listening to the Wake Up Call and they were saying how Archuleta was on the Ellen show and he was talking about lettuce? Apparently he's called lettuce boy because of this time he stood up for lettuce at Arby's. He sounds adorable! But Kelly and Gavin started saying how he has no life and he should have thought of something less nerdy to talk about. He's normal just like us, and was probably just nervous going on a TV show! At least Jason stood up for him. I am not necessarily a fan of Archuleta, but seriously, Kelly and Gavin took it a bit to far, like they sometimes do. I really do love listening to the wake up call and sometimes they're pretty funny, but from what I have heard they did not treat RHS with much respect or care when we came to their station as "School of the Week". They should probably be more careful and considerate since Archuleta is performing at Jingle Ball next month. So not to say that I don't like the show, but seriously, they really need to be more careful with what they say sometimes, especially about the people that support the station they work for.

What Dreams May Come

An incredible journey of one soul. The movie "What Dreams May Come" starring Robin Williams and Cuba Gooding Jr. brings to light many different aspects of philosophy that might have otherwise been too obscure to grasp.
At Sierra College the Philosophy teacher often suggests movies to better understand his subject matter- for learners like me this is the perfect strategy. The first movie he assigned was the original "the Vanishing" which explores morality and human psychology.
Then we watched "Donnie Darko" which is about the idea of free will, time travel, and the role God plays in all of these.
The most recent movie blew my mind away "What Dreams May Come" contains the human capacity for love and philosophies of the afterlife and consequent rebirth. The afterlife described to me in the movie appealed to me on so many levels. Of course this is only one of the cultural afterlife philosophies- there are countless more. Not only did I learn about philosophical views of heaven and hell, but I had a good long cry. The movie was about two hours and i think I continuously wept after the first 25 minutes. It was beautiful- both heaven and hell are illustrated with the most magnificent imagination. Heaven is colorful and glorious. Hell is even beautiful in it's own right- at first terrifying but after a while the most gloomy and depressing place imaginable.
In the film soul mates are separated; one in heaven and one in hell. I had not really considered rebirth. the idea that after heaven you can go back to earth is not something commonly preached at church unless of course you are Jesus. Everyone should watch this movie as it broadens our common horizons and illuminates our daily lives.

S & D

Tomorrow, I finally get to start my season in Speech and Debate. I missed the first tournament, but there is a new one tomorrow and I'm very much looking forward to it. The entire experience is just plain old fun. You get to meet interesting people from all sorts of different schools, getting to know them and making new friends(you're hoping to crush them later on in the competition, but it's still friendly). The one drawback is that I have to get up at 6 on a Saturday, something I REALLY don't like to do, but still, it's an amusing day, and after a few years of this, gaining experience, it helps with life. I have become rather good at speaking in presentations, and of course colleges love you for having participated in Speech and Debate. At any rate, I'm really excited, so wish me luck, and hopefully I will win out against all our rival schools.

A Holiday on a Tuesday

So, we went to school on Monday, had Tuesday off, and then went back to school on Wednesday. I thought it was pretty sweet! Sunday night felt wierd, like, what's the point of going to school tomorrow for just one day? But of course, I did go to school on Monday. I think lots of people felt like it was kinda pointless. Some people said it felt like a Friday cuz there was no school the next day, but I didn't think so. It didn't feel like any day of the week to me... So Monday was wierd but Tuesday was obviously awesome! Who cares it's not part of the weekend as long as there's no school, right? I mostly just did homework and hung out at home. But I also got over ten inches of my hair cut off to donate to locks of love and I went to the varsity girls volleyball first play off game of the season (Rocklin dominated!). I've got to say that Wednesday was one of the best parts about having Tuesday off. Usually, 4-day school weeks can end up seeming at least as long as a regular 5-day week, but Wed. totally felt like a Monday to me, so every time I remembered it was Wed. I would get so happy knowing that it was really the middle of the week already!

yo d [yog d for those who graduated in 06]

It's basically winter, and Yogurt Delight is pretty empty these days, but I'm still going. I like Yogurt Delight better than Big Spoon because Big Spoon feels unsanitary with all the topping compartments that anyone can access, and the quality of the yogurt is not as good as Yogurt Delight's. Yeah, Big Spoon is cheaper depending on how much you get, but Yogurt Delight is just better. Also, my loyalty is to Yogurt Delight because it's by my house and I've been going there since I moved here, summer or winter. No matter where you choose to go, you should have frozen yogurt all year round, not only during summer. A hot chocolate would be nice when it's freezing outside, but it's not yet, and frozen yogurt feels really good on most days. I'm not really sure why I started talking about this, but frozen yogurt is good...so... yeah.

Christmas Jitters

I have 5 best friends, a boyfriend, a mom, and a brother to shop for. Christmas may be completely awesome, but it's also incredibly stressful. I LOVE shopping for other people, it gives me such a rewarding feeling. Although I'll probably be dropping a big chunk of change, but i don't care, my friends and family are worth it. Christmas is such a great time of the year because when it's freezing outside you can sit by a fire and sip hot chocolate, not coffee, because that's gross. I think wrapping presents is a lot of fun, kind of embarrassing i know. I know a lot of people don't celebrate Christmas because of religion, or their family just isn't into it, but i couldn't picture not celebrating Christmas. I think my little heart would break. Anyway, i think I'm prepared for the holidays this year, i have money in the bank, and soon it will be gone. But oh well. Oh and I'm stoked to get school off.

YAYYY.

Why Monday?

Usually the Winter Jig at Rocklin High School is on a Friday night but this year, that all changed.  Winter Jig should never be put on a Monday in my opinion. Lack of attendance at school on Monday was relevant causing the dance to have less attendance as well. Many people could not go to the dance due to sport events or vacations with families. Winter Jig should stay on being on Fridays as well as staying in December. Winter Jig should usually be in the month of December. Its called "Winter Jig" for a reason the month of November is not a winter month. Many people thought it was awkward to dress in presents and Santa's helpers when the dance was in December. Just in my opinion the dance should stick to Fridays so in that case more people would attend and people would less likely have conflicts.

Why so Serious?

When looking back to insure that I turned in a blog from a couple weeks ago, I came upon something I would have never expected. An anonymous person came across and commented on my blog like I had just bashed their Religion. The blog I posted was about how downhill popular music is sinking. Obviously, this person somewhat misinterpreted what I was trying to get across. And they seem to not understand what a blog is either. They claimed that I posted a "biased" topic... I don't think I know of many blogs that aren't which is a pretty laughable thing to say. They got on a roll of confidence and just kept going. They made comments such as "you just seem immensely incompetent" (referring to my statements based on the particular music genres) and "you obviously haven't explored the world of music enough". This was unbelievable. Not only that, this person decided to belittle me and refer to my examples as "genres I speak of". What is laughable about that is, they decided to include genres I never even mentioned such as "gnar"(?) claiming that I referred to it. So for the most part, I was pretty disappointed in this persons reaction especially since they said "I doubt you know real rap groups" and other lashing comments. I guess this person did not realize I was talking about POPULAR music not a couple garage bands like they mentioned. Anyway, I'm not trying to start anything, but just cool it and quit the Shenanigans. Take your talk somewhere else. No one wants to hear from a negative Nelly. I mean, I thought posting blogs were about our views, not to be falsely criticized for them. 

A link to the original post about music: rhsflash.blogspot.com/2008/10/day-music-died.html

All-American

On November 5, 2008, I left 3rd block early to go to an appointment I had in Sacramento. This appointment was to officially receieve my certificate of citzenship for the United States. I've been living in the U.S. as a permanent resident since 2000, when I moved here from Toronto, Canada. It was a laborious process, I'm sure, but because I was only 9 I don't really remember that much about it.
I think you have to live in the U.S. for something like 5 years before you can even apply to be a citizen. And let me tell you, it is one of heck of a process. The forms you need to fill out (N-600) are extremely tedious and I had to fill one out for myself, my brother, and after my dad gave me all his information, I filled his out as well. Not to mention that the processing fee is rather expensive. I experienced my fair share of frustrations during the long process, but I think the final result is clearly worth it.
Technically, I became a U.S. citizen back in June, when my dad was sworn in as a citizen (so many people fit into one room, so many lines, and lots and lots of waiting) because once one of your parents becomes a citizen, it automatically makes you, as their child a citizen. But I didn't have any proof that I was actually a citizen. So that's what happened yesterday.
I went to the immigration office in Sacramento, waited around, worked on some Econ, and finally they called me, my brother, and my dad into an office.
They basically just asked some really arbitrary questions to double check that all the info I put on my N-600 forms was indeed correct. And after that process (it took longer than it would seem), I was asked to say an oath, swearing that I would remain loyal to the U.S. and not to any other country.

Needless to say, I don't really feel any different. But it's actually comforting to know that I'm officially a citizen now and I can say that I am American (because you could totally I wasn't before, right?).

soooo...

why is this "Twilight" movie such a big deal?
woohoo, it's a movie about a vampire and girl falling in love.
seen it, hated it.
cliche just isnt interesting at all to me. it's more like....boring. a good friend of mine has actually been counting down the days until the movie premiere because she loved the novel, on which the movie is based on, that much.
i suppose i could see the intrigue in finding out how Hollywood twists the plot or dialogue or something to make it more suspenseful or mysterious or something, but i mean come on, a vampire? i almost think i'd rather watch the cheesy parody, "Shawn of The Dead" on Comedy Central before i watched Twilight.
but speaking of movies, this kind of reminds me of the movie coming out in December with Jim Carey titled "Yes Man". the idea is that the character goes through his whole life saying "no" to everything and loses out on a lot of opportunities, so one day he decides to change and start saying "yes" to everything. a comedy with jim carey is likely to be as funny, if not more, than expected. BUT, i think the real laughs will come from "Zack and Miri Make a Porno". it looks like pure comedy. although....i think "Sex Drive" would also be funny mostly for the fact that its story line is a young kid meets a girl on the internet and suddenly throws everything to the side in order to travel cross-country to meet her.

Jiggin on Monday

For the first time ever, Winter Jig is on a Monday because Tuesday is Labor day. There were no friday's left after homecoming and before Winter Break. I think that this dance is going to be one of the least populated because people most likely going on a short vacation over the weekend, and just miss school that monday. However many teachers think that this dance will actually boost attendance on that Monday. So far, only about 30 tickets have been sold, but sales continue though this week and the day of the dance. Also, the theme,a s always, is winter, however since the dance is early in November, I have a feeling that many people will dress in Thanksgiving or fall attire. Overall, I hope this dance is a sucess, but I feel that many people will skip out because it is on a Monday.

WinterTime

As the school year progresses the season is changing. We know that winter is almost. The leaves on the tress are falling off. It is finally that time where you can't leave the house without a jacket. I love winter. It's the best coming to school in jeans, a sweatshirt, and uggs. But it has been so hard to get out of bed in the morning. I hate taking off those warm covers. With winter here we know that the holidays are on there way. The holidays are my favorite time of year. I love the food, presents, time off from school, and just spending time with friends and family. I can't wait for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. They are almost here.

Election withdrawals

YES WE CAN.

YES WE CAN.

YES WE CAN.

YES WE CAN.

YES WE CAN.

YES WE CAN.

YES WE CAN.

President-Elect Obama said this seven times in his victory speech Tuesday night. I've never felt so empowered, so impassioned, and so hopeful of our future as a unified nation.

It wasn't only his moment to shine. He made it OUR moment. The success of the campaign reflects the transformation of the United States. Over a century ago, the election of someone belonging to a minority race would have been deemed unfathomable. To look back at how far we've come (as seen with Ann Nixon Cooper)...all I can do is repeat those timeless words...YES WE CAN.

I am having election withdrawals, and I'm sure many people feel the same way. On Tuesday night I was completely engrossed in the election coverage on CNN. The hologram of will.i.am was INCREDIBLE...that just goes to show how AWESOME Anderson Cooper is.

America is back. There is no doubt that politics will be a part of my future career, and I have Obama to thank for that. I have more confidence in the integrity of our nation, and I have Obama to thank for that.

Yes We Did.

It flashed on the screen after a commercial break, precariously placed in the center of my TV screen: Barack Obama Elected 44th President of the United States.
I know the election will soon be over-chewed on this blog, but I want to express my newfound pride in my country. Let me specify-- my home country, NOT my home state. But that's a different story.
That we, the United States, could rise to this occasion, that we could come together and elect a man to the position of president who is unlike any before him-- this I am proud of.
Why this was possible has been and will be analyzed over and over again, I am sure. Perhaps Americans are sick of the war. Perhaps we're willing to take a gamble (the gamble being because Obama's been in the public eye for so little time) simply because we can't handle our current Administration any longer. Simply stated, they have failed us.
But here we are, only 143 years after slavery was abolished, 138 years after African Americans earned the right to vote-- and we have one as our president.
This I am proud of.
However, (disregarding his color completely) what he represents brings even more hope to my heart.
He has already, just in this race, brought people together. He has a calm strength about him, one that greatly appeals to a country that needs, more than anything, someone to hold on to. We are in peril in so many ways, and we need an honest, fair president to bring us through.
We have chosen to place our trust in Obama, and this is wisely done in my opinion.
His speech was awe-inspiring, his promises great and all-inclusive.
With the Bush administration, we were told to stand back, the government would make the desicions. As a result, we're a divided country going down economically, and it's getting worse by the day.
As Obama said in his speech, "These challenges are not all of government's making. But the failure to respond is a direct result of a broken politics in Washington and the failed policies of George W. Bush."
TRUE.
I have hope. For the first time, I am proud to be an American under what soon will be the Obama Administration.
As this transition takes place, Obama will choose his cabinet. He will be guarded by the best protection the US has to offer during this transition that will be so difficult for a country so stuck in its ways.
And we will see, after 8 years of misery, how Barack Obama will prove himself. We will see how he lives up to his promises of a better life for all of us.
And I'm truly ecstatic to watch it happen.

The Neverending Story.

But really, more like the neverending season.

Water polo is STILL going on. The Varsity girls made it to Sections and had a two week break in between games. It's pretty weird, since we're used to having two games a week for two and a half months straight. The season is usually very fast-paced.


We have what could be our last game on Friday, depending on if we win or lose. I can't say i want the season to be over, since its my senior year and i'll probably never play again. But really, its been dragging on forever and i think i might get a little relief if it ended.

Oh well, i love our team, i guess i'll just have to live with whatever happens.

In The Near Future

I am excited that it will be less than a year until I become a senior. I only have to take six classes, which will be a really nice change from having a full schedule with eight classes. I will be closer to turning 18 and having more independence. Although I am not looking forward to it because I want to take 3 AP classes and it will be more difficult. The stress of the upcoming college process will be more of a reality and my childhood will be shortly ending. An it also seems like it would be better to take more classes before college so that it will impress colleges. For now, though, I will enjoy my childhood and the high school experience and do everything I can to prepare for college, before it passes by too soon.

Goodbye, College

The economic fiasco the world has been having fun with these past few months has taken it's toll on everyone, and will continue to do so for many more months, if not years. It's also been toying with my college funds, which are in limbo with the stock market. I have lost at least half of the money for my education, a total loss of about thirteen thousand dollars. I hate how I have no control over the rest of my life. It makes me feel so helpless, watching my financial support sputter and fail.

Hopefully the economy will struggle back, and give me hope for a educational future.

Midnight Mascarade

For many students in the Rocklin community, this past Friday was not only Halloween but the night of their homecoming game as well. Friday, October 31 was Whitney High School's homecoming game. They played El Dorado high school.The stands were quite packed although the rain poured upon the crowd throughout the varsity game. After I was completely drenched from head to toe i decided to leave the game. Later I found out that Whitney completely blew their opponents out of the water, scoring 49 points and not allowing El Dorado to score at all.

In present times it appears that students care much more about the dance than they do the game. Whitney's dance was themed "Midnight Mascarade", however the wearing of masks was not permitted. The hours of the dance were also different then our Rocklin High School dances.

It went from 7:30- 10:30, somewhat akward times if you ask me. getting into the dance took about an hour as well. This appeared to be largely do to a new way they are enforcing their freak dancing policy. They put a hot pink paper bracelet on your wrist (which was unfortunately in your pictures) similar to something that you get a sky zone or sun splash. If you got caught freak dancing they cut the band off as your warning. If you were found freak dancing again without a braclet you got kicked out. I think this is a very clever way to enforce the school's freak dancing policy, however I wish they could have figured out a way to put the bands on faster.

Despite my minor disatisfactions with their homecoming dance, overall I found both the game and the dance very enjoyable, worthwhile uses of my time.

ahhh Palin...what a joke

Hey Becka, would you like to explain the joke here?

"he would love to go hunting for baby seals with her"

The highlight of my day

I went to the corner of sunset and park and protested prop 8 today. It started with just a few of us. Eventually more and more people started showing up and we ended up with like 20 people, some of which were just random people that drove by and started to join us. The rain was pooring and we stuck it out like savs. We got our message across and got a surprising amount of good feedback. Then a boy on a vespa drove by and bought us water and granola bars and told us he really appreciated what we were doing. It completely made my day. It gave a little faith in humanity that i've been needing lately.


Tomorrow is election day. Everyone deserves equality, and anyone can fall in love. Vote no on proposition 8 and give hundreds a chance to be with the person they love forever. No one has the right to judge others just because homosexuality is "untraditional". Love is love, and that's the most powerful thing that has withstood time. So give it a chance, and spread a little more tolerance and acceptance in this world.



Oh, and of course, Barack the vote.

We need a little Obama in our lives.

The truth really does set you free

I have four of the best friends in the entire world, and they mean everything to me. But lately we have all been having the same thoughts about how we feel like we have all grown apart, and aren't nearly as good of friends anymore. I really started to get scared; I was afraid the most important people in my life were going to fade away.
Aside from all of this, my mind has been in places that I can't describe. I have been on this quest to find myself lately, and has taken me away from the life I usually live. The usual, "Why am I here?" and "Who the hell am I?" thoughts have been running through my head constantly. Surprisingly enough, I took a big leap foreword in my quest and found a part of myself I have been hiding for too long.
When I came to this realization, I knew I couldn't keep it inside any longer. And I knew that these four people were the people that I could trust the most, and that would still love me to the ends of the earth no matter what. I told them I had something to say to them, we met up after school, and I told them.
In the past week, my friendship with these girls has been the best it has been in a very long time. Not only did the weight of the world get lifted off of my shoulders after sharing my secret, but my worry about the end of the best friendship I have ever witnessed has been eternally forgotten.

My Thesis Makes Me Wonder

As I'm writing my thesis for Animal Farm, I'm reflecting on the novel and how there are so many hidden meanings to the smallest symbols in the book. It makes me wonder what other hidden meanings there are to the smallest everyday things, especially those the media presents. Take advertisments, for example. Every detail that sticks in a consumer's head is meant to persuade them to buy whatever the company is trying to sell. Or how about a song? There's usually a deeper meaning behind the lyrics the artist is trying to convey. Sometimes we don't catch on to these things the first time. Perhaps everything is not truly what it seems...

First Print Issue!!!

Unfortunately, I have been sick for the passed couple of days but i'm extremely excited to go to school tomorrow and hand out our first print issue!

This print issue will contain my first printed work. I have to admit I have been looking forward to seeing my first byline.

I can't wait until we get to go all over campus and hand out the Flash to students eager to read it. It never struck me until now how influental a flash writer can be.

This makes me want to start working right now on my story for the next Flash. I can't wait until tomorrow! It's going to be lots of fun!

Prop 8 from Michael Lines

Prop 8:I too would like to weigh in a Proposition Eight. You're not seriously suggesting that legal policies should be established based on Dictionary.com are you? Why are you so scared of Homosexuals getting married? Why do we have to disregard the past two centuries of American progress? You said it yourself, Civil Unions and Marriages aren't the same thing: well put- I applaud you for admitting that. You go on to suggest that churches will lose their tax-exempt status. That's simply not the case? it's truly absurd. The Catholic Church for instance ONLY marries Catholic couples, as does the LDS church, have they lost their tax-exempt status? No? not even slightly. In fact, the court decision actually says: ?no religion will be required to change its religious policies or practices with regard to same-sex couples, and no religious officiant will be required to solemnize a marriage in contravention of his or her religious beliefs.? Abraham Lincoln states the idea of equality more eloquently then I ever could.November 19, 1863:"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."You can spin the issue however you want. You can claim it's for the children, you can claim it's to protect family, you can claim it symbolizes less government, you can say it's to restore the sanctity of marriage, you can claim it's in the Bible, and you can even claim it's fair. But at the end of the day, "No man has a natural right to commit aggression on the equal rights of another, and this is all from which the laws ought to restrain him." (Thomas Jefferson)

Ties to Terrorism (or the lack thereof):

The Weather Underground:Is an organization, not an individual. By discussing the individuals below (Ayers and Dohrn),I'll cover Obama's "association" with the Weather Underground.William AyersDid you do any research or are you just regurgitating rhetoric- AGAIN? Barack Obama and Wiliam Ayers met in 1995 when they were working on the Annenberg Challenge. For those who don't know, the Annenberg Challenge was sponsored by the Annenberg Foundation, a foundation that provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations both in the United States, and abroad. So where did Barak Obama meet Ayers? On the board of this philanthropic organization. The two men met on a few other occasions to discuss their charity work together, I guess thats Obama's tie to terrorism with respect to William Ayers.Bernardine DohrnI'm not sure if you're aware that William and Bernardine are married... and your argument just went from guilt by association, to guilt by association with an associate. The connections are getting a little sketchy. His association with her is explained in the paragraph above- by his association with her HUSBAND.Tony RezkoI don't see how Barack Obama's association with Tony Rezko is a tie to terrorism? but, whatever floats your boat :). It's true the Obamas bought a plot of land to extend their existing property-line from the Rezko's. However, they paid over market value for the plot of land, and actually had to raise their bid twice. So the idea that Tony Rezko helped Obama purchase a home is ridiculous. Try looking up the facts next time. Barack Obama has also donated all of his campaign contributions from Tony Rezko and his associates to charity. Did John McCain donate all of his big-name Washington lobbyist contributions? Or is the McCain campaign RUN by Washington lobbyists? Can you clarify this?Rev. Jeremiah WrightI don't think it's possible to talk about Rev. Wright much more. However, tell me what makes him a "terrorist" and I'll respond... Also, how about David Brickner?Rashid KhalidDid you copy this list from some inflammatory right-wing blog or something? Do you know even know who Rashid Khalid is? John McCain charied the IRI foundatoin that funded Khalidi's orginzation... to the tune of almost half a million dollars.Here's the tax return:http://abcnews.go.com/images/Politics/IRI%20Form%20990%20-%201998.pdf

Now it's your turn? and this time, since I've shown enough respect to answer your questions, please, answer mine. Defend these associations if you will:Ralph ReedCharles Keating- Lincoln Savings and LoanThe Alaskan Independence PartySen. Phil GrammDavid BricknerAnd a big one: George Bush. Explain how McCain's economic policies (with the exception of an almost comical mortgage purchasing proposition) differ from George Bush's policies. M. Lines

Ties to Terrorism

Would someone care to explain to justify Obama’s links with:

The Weather Underground

William Ayers

Bernardine Dohrn

Tony Rezko

Rev. Jeremiah Wright

and

Rashid Khalidi

I don't have the time to continue, because my TA period is over, but I'm sure there are many, many more...HAVE FUN.

Cheerleading

I just read Kelsey's post about varsity cheer and it got me worked up about cheering. In case no one knows, I've cheered since 7th grade and then this year I made the decision not to try out. I didn't know if I was going to regret it or if it was the right choice...but I did it. Honestly, I actually tried out for the drill team, which WAS a mistake. But this isn't about that...

I completely agree with Kelsey about cheer being different. My freshmen and sophomore years, Rocklin cheerleading was amazing. Everyone LOVED to cheer. We all got along, made jokes, and didn't complain. I noticed last year that it started to change. Last year was still amazing, our coach made it fun and made us love it.

Nothing against Coach Eguyd (varsity coach), because she is an amazing coach. The problem is that people don't cheer because they love it anymore. Girls like to wear short skirts, put a bow in their hair, and be in the spotlight. And that's not what cheer's about.

It should be about working hard, pushing to get that stunt that we never thought we'd hit, getting the school involved, and bonding as a team. Seriously, if that was what cheer was about this year, I would have tried out. But when I see the varsity team on Friday nights, I know I made the right decision to not cheer. I can tell by the way everyone stands like they just don't care.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against those girls. They work hard and look great. And I'm not referring to all of them. I just wish cheerleading was still about what it's supposed to be. Because I really miss it. And I know what Rocklin can be...I wish the girls knew too. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe they all love it.

But....I think I'm right. And I can't wait until college, when I can cheer again...and be with girls who love it.

Prop 8

In the theme of support and disdain for political ideas in the previous couple posts... I will bring up the topic of Proposition 8. Prop eight proposes the ban of gay marriage in California. This is what was fought for, for so long until it finally happened in a Supreme Court overruling, and now Prop 8 wants to take the right away from gay/lesbian couples that wish to get married.
Prop 8 campaigns to 'restore marriage' and give 'religious freedom', but it in fact imposes religion onto our society. The idea that same-sex marriage isn't natural comes strictly from religion, therefore forcing everyone in the state of California to be ruled under a law that comes from religion.
Voters for 'Yes on Prop 8' often argue that marriage is a sacred thing, between a man and a women, and is a tradition rooted in religion. But if this was a valid argument, why aren't they trying to ban the marriage between an atheist couple? Or why aren't people that don't believe in any god being attacked for celebrating Christmas or Easter, other religious traditions?
Voting yes on Prop 8 endorses a blurred line between church and state and will no doubt bring more inequality to gay/lesbian couples.
Passing Prop 8 will also encourage more predjudice among the people in California. We must stand up for what is right and vote No on Prop 8, to educate the state and prove that Californians believe in equality for all and the separation of church and state.

From Michael Lines

As a guest, Michael wrote

Spreading the wealth around. Socialist? Communist? American? Idealist? Unreasonable? Reasonable? Out of context?
Many individuals who do not support Barack Obama for one reason or another often call him a "socialist." They may do this directly by using the word itself, or indirectly, by claiming, in an inflammatory fashion, that he wants to "spread the wealth around." That implies the government is taking money that rightfully belongs to one person, and distributing it to somebody else– by means of government benefits and the like. (All taxes do this by nature, that's what a tax is.) But is this socialist? Socialism is defined as "an economic system in which the basic means of production are primarily owned and controlled collectively, usually by government." Is that what Barack Obama is proposing? Barack Obama supports taxing those with higher incomes at a higher percentage than those with lower incomes. That's called "progressive taxation." Is progressive taxation socialist? Not by a long shot. In the Tax Act of 1862, Abraham Lincoln, approved progressive taxation. Was President Lincoln a socialist? In fact, recently, in an interview on Meet the Press, Republican presidential candidate John McCain said "there's nothing wrong with paying somewhat more in taxes when you reach a certain level of comfort." That's progressive taxation, does that make John McCain a socialist? The fact that people spew this propaganda isn't surprising. It's one of the many scare tactics candidates and pundits are using this election. Words such as "dangerous," "terrorist", and "unstable" have been used throughout the campaign to blind voters from the real issues. So while some may like to ramble on about Joe the plumber, and spreading the wealth; others think it's important to talk about the facts. So the next time you hear somebody talking about spreading the wealth, or socialism in regards to the presidential campaign, ask them if they actually know that that means. Ask them if they're simply regurgitating rhetoric.

Do YOU know what YOU'RE supporting?

"I like your idea of spreading the wealth. How are you going
to do it? "

I think this political cartoon is great. Why? Because it’s so true yet sad. Look at this regular Joe blindly supporting Obama. How disappointing is it that there are so many people supporting a candidate yet they know nothing of their policies? Very! Are Obama supporters aware that he intends to spread the wealth? Are Obama supports aware of HOW he INTENDS to do such a thing? Presidential candidate Barack Obama plans on RAISING taxes and especially taxing larger companies. Sure that sounds good, because they make all the money, right? WRONG! If Obama taxes the oil industry, for example, then that will do nothing but force that industry to raise their prices to make up for the loss. Once the price of gas rises again, then smaller businesses won’t be able to afford paying for the gas to deliver flowers, or pizza, or send their employees to other job sights thus leading to a financial cut back for all companies. Then the unemployment rate will rise too because employers will not be able to have as many employees as before, causing an overall downward spiral effect for all citizens – more the middle class Americans then anyone else. It makes perfect sense.

Is that what America really needs in a time like this? Taxing the rich is not as good as it sounds, but please, vote Obama if you’d like this to happen. Because this is the way to solve our economic problems, according to the man himself. Sounds good, doesn’t it???

Trick or Treat Fair

...at the Sunset Center is happening on Halloween and I'm working till 11pm. No fun. I wasn't planning on trick-or-treating but it would have been nice to keep that night open. Not only is my Halloween taken, but I'm going to WHS's homecoming the following day and I work all morning/afternoon as well...No bueno. But other than that, work has been getting a lot less stressful, which is nice, and I'm working on getting back ontop of my school work.

BUT, if anyone has little kids in their house, think about taking them to the Sunset Center for a night of safe, fun, and free candy.

I CAN BLOG!

Oh my goodness, it has taken me WAY too long to finally start blogging again. I couldn’t remember what email I used and password for that matter, but it’s all good now! THANK YOU MALLORY!!! I don’t even know how many times I had to bug her about that, but thank you very much! There have been a lot of things I wanted to write about, so I guess I’m just going to have to slowly catch back up. But I must say again, it’s nice to be blogging.

Good Mood :]

I'm in a very good mood. And I'm thinking it's going to be a very good week. :] I'm in one of those organized moods. Haha. I cleaned my room yesterday, and if you know me, I'm extremely OCD. So I know this sounds crazy...but I'm just in such a good mood. And it's going to RAIN this weekend...which is my favorite thing ever. :]

AND I'm going to Disneyland the weekend before Christmas. Going during Christmas is something my family has always wanted to do, and I'm so so so excited that we actually get to this year. And my brothers are taking their girlfriends, and I'm taking my boyfriend!!! [Disneyland is my favorite place in the whole world.]

...So I changed my mind about Cal Poly. I don't know if I blogged about not applying for early decision, but I was freaking out about whether or not to apply for it. Early decision means that I'll find out by December 15, but if I get accepted I have to withdraw all my other applications. So obviously this is a binding decision.

But I DID IT! I called the admissions office and emailed them asking for a change in my application. So I will know by December...keep your fingers crossed for me please!!!

And keep your fingers crossed that this good mood lasts pleased...I need it to!!!!!! :]