I'm doing government right now. Government projects are not very fun, to put it mildly. I have a story about COMPusa vs Circuit City, but for now I want to share an email my Grams sent me.
SCHOOL ANSWERING MACHINE
This is the message that the Pacific Palisades High School staff voted unanimously to record on their school telephone answering machine. This is the actual answering machine message for the school. This came about because they implemented a policy requiring students and parents to be responsible for their children's absences and missing homework. The school and teachers are being sued by parents who want their children's failing grades changed to passing grades - even though those children were absent 15-30 times during the semester and did not complete enough schoolwork to pass their classes.
The outgoing message:
"Hello! You have reached the automated answering service of your school. In order to assist you in connecting to the right staff member, please listen to all the options before making a selection:
* To lie about why your child is absent - Press 1
* To make excuses for why your child did not do his work- Press 2
* To complain about what we do - Press 3
* To swear at staff members - Press 4
* To ask why you didn't get information that was already enclosed in your newsletter and several flyers mailed to you - Press 5
* If you want us to raise your child - Press 6
* If you want to reach out and touch, slap or hit someone -Press 7
* To request another teacher, for the third time this year -Press 8
* To complain about bus transportation - Press 9
* To complain about school lunches - Press 0
* If you realize this is the real world and your child must be accountable and responsible for his/her own behavior, class work, homework and that it's not the teachers' fault for your child's lack of effort: Hang up and have a nice day!
*If you want this in Spanish, you must be in the wrong country."
The Truth
This voice mail message never actually appeared on any high school voice mail system in Pacific Palisades, California, but the written version of it was created as a humorous and sarcastic response to an actual controversy at one of the schools.
In 2002 there was conflict between parents and school authorities at Pacific Palisades Charter High School over an attendance policy.The school is a part of Palisades Charter Schools, which operate under the Los Angeles Unified School District, but independently.The school tried to crack down on absences by deciding that any unexcused absences of ten or more days per tem would result in automatic failure for the student.A result was that during the first term of 2002, more than a hundred students who had otherwise passing grades were flunked because of absences and tardies. The parents cried foul. They said they had not know about the policy and some threatened to take the issue to court.Then the Los Angeles Unified School District got into the fray by saying that since the attendance policy had not been cleared with them, the failing grades would have to be set aside. The school disagreed, saying it had the privilege of operating autonomously because of being a charter school. In the midst of that, someone created the fictional answering machine message, which has circulated ever since as a monument of what teachers and administrators would like to be able to say to some parents.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Awkward moments...
Awkward moments are so frequent. I find them hysterical, usually hours later. Anyways yesterday I went to St. Mary's for a TB and drug test so I could be cleared to volunteer there. So I go into the employment testing place (yes, I realize I am not an employee) and right away the awkward sets in. I filled out a little form and a doctor guy came up to me and handed me a cup with a thick black line really near the bottom. That's nice. Here's our convo.
Doc- Okay, here you go, just make sure to fill up to the black line.
Me- Wait... what?
Doc- To the black line.
**silence**
At this moment I was thinking that there was no way I could do that. The black line was like a centimeter from the bottom of the cup.
Doc- You know, over the black line.
Me- Ooooh, I thought you meant under the... but it's so... I was... Okay.
Oh wow. Fun times.
And at the moment I do not have a computer. We are redoing the kitchen (and the living room) and so my dad had to knock down the half wall we have separating the living room from the den. So the computer obviously had to be moved and there is no place to set it up at the moment. AND we were just given our first government project and I'm doing a PowerPoint. The joys of government and construction.
There has been a lot of talk about lent. Should you give up something, what should you give up, giving up stuff is weird... etc. I usually give up something every year, and this year it was picking my face. It is a big problem for me. But anyways I gave it up because everytime I do that it hurts my integumentary system. (woot for anatomy!) And after all, God created me in his image and by doing that to my face I am harming my temple. And now everytime I reach for my face I tell myself to stop. So I stop and think about what God has blessed me with. Great family and friends, food, shelter... just everything! I think lent is about putting everything into perspective. You could give up tv and use the free time to seriously study your bible but it wouldn't mean anything if you went back to your old ways as soon as lent was over and stopped reading your bible. Lent can be a way to finally get into that habit of reading your bible since you don't have the tv or your myspace to distract you. Giving up something for lent can be completely useless or a good way to grow closer to God, and that decision is up to the individual. Just so you know, I'm not against people who don't "give up" anything.
And now it is time for me to go. It's time for my fourth chocolate chocolate-chip cookie. :)
And tomorrow I have a volleyball tournament! We are ranked #1 in the 18's division tomorrow! Yay! And tomorrow we play on court A1. Sweeeet!
--"Dude! You got a tattoo!
-"So do you, dude! Dude, what does my tattoo say?
--"Sweet!" What about mine?
-"Dude!" What does mine say?
--"Sweet!" What about mine?
-"Dude!" What does mine say?
;)
Doc- Okay, here you go, just make sure to fill up to the black line.
Me- Wait... what?
Doc- To the black line.
**silence**
At this moment I was thinking that there was no way I could do that. The black line was like a centimeter from the bottom of the cup.
Doc- You know, over the black line.
Me- Ooooh, I thought you meant under the... but it's so... I was... Okay.
Oh wow. Fun times.
And at the moment I do not have a computer. We are redoing the kitchen (and the living room) and so my dad had to knock down the half wall we have separating the living room from the den. So the computer obviously had to be moved and there is no place to set it up at the moment. AND we were just given our first government project and I'm doing a PowerPoint. The joys of government and construction.
There has been a lot of talk about lent. Should you give up something, what should you give up, giving up stuff is weird... etc. I usually give up something every year, and this year it was picking my face. It is a big problem for me. But anyways I gave it up because everytime I do that it hurts my integumentary system. (woot for anatomy!) And after all, God created me in his image and by doing that to my face I am harming my temple. And now everytime I reach for my face I tell myself to stop. So I stop and think about what God has blessed me with. Great family and friends, food, shelter... just everything! I think lent is about putting everything into perspective. You could give up tv and use the free time to seriously study your bible but it wouldn't mean anything if you went back to your old ways as soon as lent was over and stopped reading your bible. Lent can be a way to finally get into that habit of reading your bible since you don't have the tv or your myspace to distract you. Giving up something for lent can be completely useless or a good way to grow closer to God, and that decision is up to the individual. Just so you know, I'm not against people who don't "give up" anything.
And now it is time for me to go. It's time for my fourth chocolate chocolate-chip cookie. :)
And tomorrow I have a volleyball tournament! We are ranked #1 in the 18's division tomorrow! Yay! And tomorrow we play on court A1. Sweeeet!
--"Dude! You got a tattoo!
-"So do you, dude! Dude, what does my tattoo say?
--"Sweet!" What about mine?
-"Dude!" What does mine say?
--"Sweet!" What about mine?
-"Dude!" What does mine say?
;)
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Did you say candy?
So who else is totally pumped for Valentine's Day?!?!?!?!
-.-
o.O
-.- 'zzzz
O.O
I crack myself up. This is just a quick post before I head off to volleyball practice. I will be carrying around a large bag of candy tomorrow. Please, take [many] large handfuls because if you don't I will end up with a huge bag of candy tomorrow night.
And you know what happens when candy and I collide...
-.-
o.O
-.- 'zzzz
O.O
I crack myself up. This is just a quick post before I head off to volleyball practice. I will be carrying around a large bag of candy tomorrow. Please, take [many] large handfuls because if you don't I will end up with a huge bag of candy tomorrow night.
And you know what happens when candy and I collide...
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Houston?
The past couple of days have been so much fun, I can't even begin to describe them. Seriously. Every single day I am filled with so many thoughts, so many different ideas that I want to share on my blog but it seems that once I sit down to my keyboard they have all leaked out of my mind or they have creeped into some dark crevice of my mind where there is no way to find them.
Monday
-This was actually a pretty crappy day. It was, after all, a Monday. Plus I had homework in just about every class (all seven of them) and three hours of volleyball practice at Ocean View HS, twenty minutes away. But the day before Monday was good. I had a game on Sunday at Gahr and Aurora and Michelle (the coaches at PL) came to watch. And I played well, thank goodness.
Tuesday
-Wow! This day started out really crappy too! Well, maybe because I only got a few hours of sleep Monday night. That could have something to do with it. But by the end it was a good day. I took my first cycling class ever at the Cypress gym with Shi and Kristen. That was amazing, afterwards I felt tired and energized at the same time. I also felt like all my angry/sad emotions had vanished. That was nice.
Wednesday
-This day started good. Chapel is such a great way to start the day. And the McNair man was pretty entertaining even if my ears were still throbbing from the vocalist before him. I got my Senior Lunch permission slip and found out that I will be missing periods 1-5 sometime soon. That is always nice. I also forgot about a dentist appointment I had after school. Oooops. :)
Thursday - TODAY
-Anatomy was tons of fun today. That sensory lab is a lot of fun to do, trying to find the spot where your partner poked you on your neck can be very entertaining. Spanish was also very fun, it was fun on Wednesday too. That class is getting better...
And after school we went to Golden Spoon for some yummy raspberry yogurt with brownie. (bits of glass muffin... :D) Then Shi and I went to the gym again for a super quick arm workout. Then Shi, Justine, Jenny, Stina, and I went to Incredible Burger which was incredible. "Should I get the spaghetti or the enchilada?" "Get the en-cheeee-lah-dah Jenny. En-chee-lah-dah." And then we went to the basketball game and were joined by Rebekah, Sarah, and Tina. I have found that Tina makes a very comfortable backrest. Yay for Tina!
Tomorrow is Senior Lunch Day! Yay!!!!
Sorry this post is so list-y. I have been thinking about some things (like God, love, and college) but don't have anything specific to say. Nothing I can remember anyways.
Monday
-This was actually a pretty crappy day. It was, after all, a Monday. Plus I had homework in just about every class (all seven of them) and three hours of volleyball practice at Ocean View HS, twenty minutes away. But the day before Monday was good. I had a game on Sunday at Gahr and Aurora and Michelle (the coaches at PL) came to watch. And I played well, thank goodness.
Tuesday
-Wow! This day started out really crappy too! Well, maybe because I only got a few hours of sleep Monday night. That could have something to do with it. But by the end it was a good day. I took my first cycling class ever at the Cypress gym with Shi and Kristen. That was amazing, afterwards I felt tired and energized at the same time. I also felt like all my angry/sad emotions had vanished. That was nice.
Wednesday
-This day started good. Chapel is such a great way to start the day. And the McNair man was pretty entertaining even if my ears were still throbbing from the vocalist before him. I got my Senior Lunch permission slip and found out that I will be missing periods 1-5 sometime soon. That is always nice. I also forgot about a dentist appointment I had after school. Oooops. :)
Thursday - TODAY
-Anatomy was tons of fun today. That sensory lab is a lot of fun to do, trying to find the spot where your partner poked you on your neck can be very entertaining. Spanish was also very fun, it was fun on Wednesday too. That class is getting better...
And after school we went to Golden Spoon for some yummy raspberry yogurt with brownie. (bits of glass muffin... :D) Then Shi and I went to the gym again for a super quick arm workout. Then Shi, Justine, Jenny, Stina, and I went to Incredible Burger which was incredible. "Should I get the spaghetti or the enchilada?" "Get the en-cheeee-lah-dah Jenny. En-chee-lah-dah." And then we went to the basketball game and were joined by Rebekah, Sarah, and Tina. I have found that Tina makes a very comfortable backrest. Yay for Tina!
Tomorrow is Senior Lunch Day! Yay!!!!
Sorry this post is so list-y. I have been thinking about some things (like God, love, and college) but don't have anything specific to say. Nothing I can remember anyways.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Lock it up! No YOU lock it up!
I can't put together a post that makes sense right now.
Second semester is going to be a lot of work.
College is starting to make me nervous.
Yay for meatball sandwiches!
All you need is your own imagination
So use it that's what it's for.
Go inside, for your finest inspiration
Your dreams will open the door.
Vogue by Madonna
So long, they tried to tell you that you don't belong.
So, I guess we'll have to prove them wrong.
Pretty soon we'll hear them sing a long.
Last Call by Mae
Second semester is going to be a lot of work.
College is starting to make me nervous.
Yay for meatball sandwiches!
All you need is your own imagination
So use it that's what it's for.
Go inside, for your finest inspiration
Your dreams will open the door.
Vogue by Madonna
So long, they tried to tell you that you don't belong.
So, I guess we'll have to prove them wrong.
Pretty soon we'll hear them sing a long.
Last Call by Mae
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Hitch the Guardian and Release
Tomorrow morning when I want breakfast I am going to have to walk through the twin's room, through my parents bathroom, through the den, outside into the cold and run my freezing self through the garage to the kitchen. That's the only way to get to the kitchen now since we are renovating our kitchen. I got to help knock down walls which was a great way to let loose some aggression. Something about swinging a huge metal hammer into a wall... it's just cool. :) I'll post some pictures later when I take some.
Anyways my Dad and I watched The Guardian last night and it was super super good. I cried a little. I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it, but if you haven't seen it I highly recommend it. If you want to borrow it, I have it and I would be more than happy to lend it to you. And at 4:15 Shi, Rebekah, Kristen, and I saw Catch and Release which was completely different than The Guardian but just as good. It doesn't hurt that the leading men were (are) adorable. What I don't understand however is why people (unmarried people) are always having sex in movies. Knock it off! Geez.
Catch and Release 
The Guardian
Anyways my Dad and I watched The Guardian last night and it was super super good. I cried a little. I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it, but if you haven't seen it I highly recommend it. If you want to borrow it, I have it and I would be more than happy to lend it to you. And at 4:15 Shi, Rebekah, Kristen, and I saw Catch and Release which was completely different than The Guardian but just as good. It doesn't hurt that the leading men were (are) adorable. What I don't understand however is why people (unmarried people) are always having sex in movies. Knock it off! Geez.
Catch and Release 
The Guardian
Friday, January 26, 2007
Duuuuuuuuude
Edit: A- on my calculus exam! Missed 11 points. :)
---
Congratulations Seniors, first semester is finally over! Now the challenge will be keeping Senioritis from come (or from taking over completely). I did well in all my finals, anywhere from an A to a B+, except in physics where I got a C+. What the heck? I thought I aced that sucker.
Yesterday to celebrate the end of the first semester we all went to Hof's Hut (Rebekah :), Jenny, Stina, Shi, Ester, Jim, Kristen, Sarah, and me). It was so much fun. We had straw-wrapper fights and I [tried] to throw some over to the next booth at Hannah and two other people. They thought it was Jim and retaliated by throwing some unopened jelly packs at him. And then they told our waiter it was his birthday so Jim was treated to a lovely mini chocolate cake that looked delicious.
And TODAY a bunch of us went to Manhattan Beach to have some fun. First at Stina's house we saw Mr. Dejager (what a cutie!). Then we ate a Deli Boys and played Frisbee on the beach, and laughed at Shiloh trying to play frisbee on the beach. ;) We also went shopping! And I actually bought a really pretty green shirt and I can't wait to wear it somewhere. Yay!
And Shiloh and I went to the Cypress gym tonight! That gym is really nice, much nicer than the one right next to my house. That was fun for me, and hopefully fun for Shi. How's the butt feeling Shi? Wait... which butt? Hahahaha... that came from something stupid that I said.
Anyways, yay for second semester!! Good luck to everyone and have a fantastic weekend!
Philippians 1:3
Congratulations Seniors, first semester is finally over! Now the challenge will be keeping Senioritis from come (or from taking over completely). I did well in all my finals, anywhere from an A to a B+, except in physics where I got a C+. What the heck? I thought I aced that sucker.
Yesterday to celebrate the end of the first semester we all went to Hof's Hut (Rebekah :), Jenny, Stina, Shi, Ester, Jim, Kristen, Sarah, and me). It was so much fun. We had straw-wrapper fights and I [tried] to throw some over to the next booth at Hannah and two other people. They thought it was Jim and retaliated by throwing some unopened jelly packs at him. And then they told our waiter it was his birthday so Jim was treated to a lovely mini chocolate cake that looked delicious.
And TODAY a bunch of us went to Manhattan Beach to have some fun. First at Stina's house we saw Mr. Dejager (what a cutie!). Then we ate a Deli Boys and played Frisbee on the beach, and laughed at Shiloh trying to play frisbee on the beach. ;) We also went shopping! And I actually bought a really pretty green shirt and I can't wait to wear it somewhere. Yay!
And Shiloh and I went to the Cypress gym tonight! That gym is really nice, much nicer than the one right next to my house. That was fun for me, and hopefully fun for Shi. How's the butt feeling Shi? Wait... which butt? Hahahaha... that came from something stupid that I said.
Anyways, yay for second semester!! Good luck to everyone and have a fantastic weekend!
Philippians 1:3
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
24?
Our group was just talking about the show 24 and I saw an article in the "news" about the show and the war on terrorism. I didn't really get it since I don't watch the show, but I thought it was interesting anyways.
24/Terrorism Article
And my "grandma" just had surgery to try and remove all of the cancer (she has breast cancer). Unfortunately more of her lymph nodes were affected than they had originally thought. The surgery was pretty extensive but she should be coming home tomorrow and starting chemo soon. Prayers would be much appreciated.
24/Terrorism Article
And my "grandma" just had surgery to try and remove all of the cancer (she has breast cancer). Unfortunately more of her lymph nodes were affected than they had originally thought. The surgery was pretty extensive but she should be coming home tomorrow and starting chemo soon. Prayers would be much appreciated.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Screw the Cavaliers
Okay, Carpe Diem stays. It just sums up everything I believe so well. Not the sex stuff (duh) but that life is an amazing gift and is too precious to waste.
However I am wasting time RIGHT NOW. This post is happening because I am desperately trying to think of something to do so I don't have to study. I'm even thinking about cleaning my room. **gasp** I know, I know. It's just crazy. Monday is AP English and Physics, Tuesday is Economics and Spanish, Wednesday is Environmental Science, and Friday is Calculus.
Right now I wish I could just eat the papers and have them memorized. It could be a different form of osmosis. I could eat them with some water and the water could take the ink and lead and transfer it to my brain. Now you really know how much I don't want to study.
Anyways I took my little cousin to church with me today. My parents and the twins are in Palm Springs so it was just us. It was fun, she behaved herself and she didn't even fall asleep. The message was about relationships and how we have to put in the effort and take the risk. At your funeral, your family won't want to focus on the material possessions you accumulated. They will most likely want to focus on two things: the quality of your character and the quality of your relationships. That's what it comes down to. It definitely made me think about my own relationships with my friends and family. During my first years at Valley I wasn't willing to risk getting hurt. I didn't want to really be myself or make really close friends because I was afraid to let people in. I knew from experience that those closest to you can turn against you way too fast. But halfway through junior year I think God woke me up. I can't shut myself away, people need other people to talk to. It's a fact. I still like to be by myself and read a good book, but now it is just as much fun to be with those that I love. I love my friends! You guys are awesome.
Much love and luck on finals. We can all pass math!!!!!!!!!!
However I am wasting time RIGHT NOW. This post is happening because I am desperately trying to think of something to do so I don't have to study. I'm even thinking about cleaning my room. **gasp** I know, I know. It's just crazy. Monday is AP English and Physics, Tuesday is Economics and Spanish, Wednesday is Environmental Science, and Friday is Calculus.
Right now I wish I could just eat the papers and have them memorized. It could be a different form of osmosis. I could eat them with some water and the water could take the ink and lead and transfer it to my brain. Now you really know how much I don't want to study.
Anyways I took my little cousin to church with me today. My parents and the twins are in Palm Springs so it was just us. It was fun, she behaved herself and she didn't even fall asleep. The message was about relationships and how we have to put in the effort and take the risk. At your funeral, your family won't want to focus on the material possessions you accumulated. They will most likely want to focus on two things: the quality of your character and the quality of your relationships. That's what it comes down to. It definitely made me think about my own relationships with my friends and family. During my first years at Valley I wasn't willing to risk getting hurt. I didn't want to really be myself or make really close friends because I was afraid to let people in. I knew from experience that those closest to you can turn against you way too fast. But halfway through junior year I think God woke me up. I can't shut myself away, people need other people to talk to. It's a fact. I still like to be by myself and read a good book, but now it is just as much fun to be with those that I love. I love my friends! You guys are awesome.
Much love and luck on finals. We can all pass math!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Carpe Diem?
First of all... today was awesome. I'll post later as to why, but I have to say that I'm thinking about changing my blog name. Carpe Diem. Those of you in AP English, think about the poems we are reading right now. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about they were written by men who were trying to tell women that we are all going to die soon, so carpe diem! and sleep with them.
Not exactly the point I'm trying to make.
Anyways, it will probably come from a John Donne poem, and I know I have you tense with anticipation. Whatever you do, just remember to breathe. Breathe in... breathe out.
Not exactly the point I'm trying to make.
Anyways, it will probably come from a John Donne poem, and I know I have you tense with anticipation. Whatever you do, just remember to breathe. Breathe in... breathe out.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Children of Men
EDIT:
Today (Tuesday) I answered the door in my pink cookie pajama pants, a blue flannel pajama top with doggies on it, and my monkey slippers. Yes, I know I have style.
It was actually pretty fun. Reminds me of my grocery-shopping-in-pajamas days. Which was only a week or two ago.
---------
Today was such a great day! I had a volleyball tournament in San Diego (where the temperature was a crisp 24 degrees) on Saturday and Sunday. So today was great because I was able to sleep in until 9:06 am. It was amazing! I think I set some kind of sleeping in record. Today was also much better than Sunday. On Sunday I was wayyy thankful for chicken pie dinners and 30 minute music sweeps.
But today I woke up and found chocolate milk in our fridge! Right then I knew that Monday was officially a "good day". Then I washed my soon-to-not-be-mine Trooper and taped two FOR SALE signs in it and drove it to the gym parking lot. All of you who go to the 24 Hour Fitness on Bellflower and Spring can drop by and say hello. I'm going tomorrow. Let's have a party!
Speaking of parties, Sarah, Stina, Shi, Kristen, and I had a party today. Everyone else missed out. We saw Children of Men and then went to Starbuck's and chit-chatted. AND I found out that Mrs. Fieldhouse is pregnant!!!! YAY!!!!! I'm super super super excited for her. She has one big hug coming.
I'm in a reflective mood right now. You would think that having said that I would share some profound thought I have had. But I won't.
But I am excited for Tuesday!! Let's all wake up on the right side of the bed tomorrow. By the grace of God we RISE!
Listen to this: This is My World - Darius Rucker
Today (Tuesday) I answered the door in my pink cookie pajama pants, a blue flannel pajama top with doggies on it, and my monkey slippers. Yes, I know I have style.
It was actually pretty fun. Reminds me of my grocery-shopping-in-pajamas days. Which was only a week or two ago.
---------
Today was such a great day! I had a volleyball tournament in San Diego (where the temperature was a crisp 24 degrees) on Saturday and Sunday. So today was great because I was able to sleep in until 9:06 am. It was amazing! I think I set some kind of sleeping in record. Today was also much better than Sunday. On Sunday I was wayyy thankful for chicken pie dinners and 30 minute music sweeps.
But today I woke up and found chocolate milk in our fridge! Right then I knew that Monday was officially a "good day". Then I washed my soon-to-not-be-mine Trooper and taped two FOR SALE signs in it and drove it to the gym parking lot. All of you who go to the 24 Hour Fitness on Bellflower and Spring can drop by and say hello. I'm going tomorrow. Let's have a party!
Speaking of parties, Sarah, Stina, Shi, Kristen, and I had a party today. Everyone else missed out. We saw Children of Men and then went to Starbuck's and chit-chatted. AND I found out that Mrs. Fieldhouse is pregnant!!!! YAY!!!!! I'm super super super excited for her. She has one big hug coming.
I'm in a reflective mood right now. You would think that having said that I would share some profound thought I have had. But I won't.
But I am excited for Tuesday!! Let's all wake up on the right side of the bed tomorrow. By the grace of God we RISE!
Listen to this: This is My World - Darius Rucker
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Da Beach
It's amazing. It feels as though the days are moving slow and fast at the same time. Craziness.
Anyways. My vacation with the family was fun. We went to Sequoia and stayed at the Sequoia-Montecito Lodge and it was a lot of fun. The first night we were there we stayed in a cabin with NO HEATER. Yes I have many good stories about the cold... but I'd much rather tell them in person. It's just better. Let me just say we had one wood burning stove (that took forever to heat up) and the temperature was about 10 degrees F.
But the people there were amazing and very friendly. It feels like one big family there. Many nights I was able to go downstairs to the lodge and sit by the fire and read while games were going on. AND a lot of the staff were very cute. And they were all from different parts of the world. Very cool.
Christmas was also awesome. I'm spoiled (I know that) and it was a spoiled day. I snuck into bed with my parents on Christmas Eve. Actually I didn't sneak in. It's tradition.
Here's some photos of Sequoia.
And amazingly I climbed up that mountain in snowshoes. I also X-C skied and snowboarded. And yes I fell a lot. Not only on my bottom but pretty much everywhere. It was awesome.
And I have some other cool pictures. Mostly of scenery, but there is one good one of our (my mom and me) snowy smackdown. :) Pictures
Isn't it amazing how cool nature is? It sounds a little corny I suppose, but it's true.
Happy New Year y'all!
Anyways. My vacation with the family was fun. We went to Sequoia and stayed at the Sequoia-Montecito Lodge and it was a lot of fun. The first night we were there we stayed in a cabin with NO HEATER. Yes I have many good stories about the cold... but I'd much rather tell them in person. It's just better. Let me just say we had one wood burning stove (that took forever to heat up) and the temperature was about 10 degrees F.
But the people there were amazing and very friendly. It feels like one big family there. Many nights I was able to go downstairs to the lodge and sit by the fire and read while games were going on. AND a lot of the staff were very cute. And they were all from different parts of the world. Very cool.
Christmas was also awesome. I'm spoiled (I know that) and it was a spoiled day. I snuck into bed with my parents on Christmas Eve. Actually I didn't sneak in. It's tradition.
Here's some photos of Sequoia.
And amazingly I climbed up that mountain in snowshoes. I also X-C skied and snowboarded. And yes I fell a lot. Not only on my bottom but pretty much everywhere. It was awesome.
And I have some other cool pictures. Mostly of scenery, but there is one good one of our (my mom and me) snowy smackdown. :) Pictures
Isn't it amazing how cool nature is? It sounds a little corny I suppose, but it's true.
Happy New Year y'all!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Static and Christmas
There is now a new reason to fear a car. This reason may shock, awe, and/or scare you. Not only could a car run over you, your bike, and your fat cat, now many cars have been shocking you as you get out of your car. Every single time I exit my car I flinch at the thought of having to touch my car with my bare, shockable hand.
Most of the time I do the patented tushy-close but sometimes I get the high and mighty feeling and reach for the car with my hand. It is usually a mistake and I end up being shocked by the car. Again. And again.
It has gotten to the point where I touch any car like it might be burning hot.
Last night was Christmas Eve and it was amazingly fun. We went over to a friend's house for a party and opened a few presents. I got a DVD and some lip gloss that tastes really yummy but my favorite present was a devotional book for each day of the year. I'm pretty excited to start reading it. Maybe I'll share a couple of days with everyone who knows me.
AND in some big huge enormous crazy awesome fantastic fabulous news I cleaned my room yesterday! And we aren't talking the typical make-the-bed-and-throw-the-trash-under-the-bed stuff. We are talkin the full monty here. Cleaned my closet, the drawers under my closet, the drawers under my window seat, cleared my desk out, and took my "nightstand" outside to be taken away. It was tiring but the results are so worth it. Now my sister can't tell me my room smells anymore! Yay!
Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16
Most of the time I do the patented tushy-close but sometimes I get the high and mighty feeling and reach for the car with my hand. It is usually a mistake and I end up being shocked by the car. Again. And again.
It has gotten to the point where I touch any car like it might be burning hot.
Last night was Christmas Eve and it was amazingly fun. We went over to a friend's house for a party and opened a few presents. I got a DVD and some lip gloss that tastes really yummy but my favorite present was a devotional book for each day of the year. I'm pretty excited to start reading it. Maybe I'll share a couple of days with everyone who knows me.
AND in some big huge enormous crazy awesome fantastic fabulous news I cleaned my room yesterday! And we aren't talking the typical make-the-bed-and-throw-the-trash-under-the-bed stuff. We are talkin the full monty here. Cleaned my closet, the drawers under my closet, the drawers under my window seat, cleared my desk out, and took my "nightstand" outside to be taken away. It was tiring but the results are so worth it. Now my sister can't tell me my room smells anymore! Yay!
Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Rubiks Cube
I would love one day to be able to solve a Rubik's cube. It will probably never happen because usually I end up throwing the poor cube across the room or sometimes at someone. I was on Yahoo today and I saw a Yahoo question that asked for a good way to solve a Rubik's cube faster. Keep in mind that this person was solving the darn cube in 4 minutes and 15 seconds flat. Pretty AMAZING.
Anyways, there were some hysterical answers.
(the bold font is the username who gave an answer)
marytodd2
smash it
zilo-gunn
well first do the *hoky* *poky* then shake it all about. do u think that will work?
mxbrown
it if only takes you 4 mins, why bother?
drink a 6 pack while shuffling, after the 6 pack, try to solve it.
Oh yes there are some interesting people out there.
And Olvera St. was awesome!! Sarah, Jenny, and I had some yummy churros and we all interviewed a really cute (but completely petrified) lady. She talked so softly that I had to scoot close to pick up the sound... but it was slightly awkward because I didn't want to be in her face because she looked a little nervous.
Yay!!!! Two and 1/2 more days of school and then we are DONE until January 8th! And I get to go to the mountains!!!!
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philipians 4:8-9
Anyways, there were some hysterical answers.
(the bold font is the username who gave an answer)
marytodd2
smash it
zilo-gunn
well first do the *hoky* *poky* then shake it all about. do u think that will work?
mxbrown
it if only takes you 4 mins, why bother?
drink a 6 pack while shuffling, after the 6 pack, try to solve it.
Oh yes there are some interesting people out there.
And Olvera St. was awesome!! Sarah, Jenny, and I had some yummy churros and we all interviewed a really cute (but completely petrified) lady. She talked so softly that I had to scoot close to pick up the sound... but it was slightly awkward because I didn't want to be in her face because she looked a little nervous.
Yay!!!! Two and 1/2 more days of school and then we are DONE until January 8th! And I get to go to the mountains!!!!
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philipians 4:8-9
Friday, December 15, 2006
Friday!
Well today was completely awesome!!!!
For starters, I had a calculus test. That doesn't sound like fun but since I think I did good, it was FUN!!! Wooo hooo!!!
And then we had off campus lunch today. Stina, Sarah, Shiloh, Kristen, Rebekah, Jim, Justine, Kelly, Jenny, and I went to Pavilions. They have some awesome chicken noodle soup there! Mmmmmm...
It was good! Today was just a fun day.
I think the Citibank commercials are hilarious! Here's one I found on YouTube that had me laughing earlier today.
For starters, I had a calculus test. That doesn't sound like fun but since I think I did good, it was FUN!!! Wooo hooo!!!
And then we had off campus lunch today. Stina, Sarah, Shiloh, Kristen, Rebekah, Jim, Justine, Kelly, Jenny, and I went to Pavilions. They have some awesome chicken noodle soup there! Mmmmmm...
It was good! Today was just a fun day.
I think the Citibank commercials are hilarious! Here's one I found on YouTube that had me laughing earlier today.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Bored before practice...
Today was a fun day... especially since we had a Senior Meeting! Wooo hoo! Get out of calculus for a good ten minutes! :) I'm driving on Friday too so nobody hit me! I don't know where we should go either. Where? Where? I don't know!
I was listening to KFI (John and Ken) and I heard something about a raid in Colorado. There were a lot of illegal immigrants working in a factory and the government heard about it and made a raid one morning. Apparently the family (also illegal) of some of the workers came to show their disapproval. One woman stood with her one-year old daughter holding a sign that said "Goodbye Daddy, I love you!" The same woman was interviewed later, she doesn't see why her husband should be sent back to Mexico. He can't send them money from Mexico, and her daughter will be losing her dad. "My daughter didn't do anything wrong, and yet she loses her father."
Ummm... actually her daddy was in the wrong. He committed identity theft to work in the factory. Go home! My goodness, this country doesn't owe you anything!!!!
...........
On a happier, less angry note the weather (though a bit cold) has been pretty nice. We even had rain!! I love hearing it outside my window when I go to bed. It's awesome. And I need to start carrying my camera with me because the scenery is so pretty right now.
AND college applications are well over and I am just relieved. The only thing left to do is wait... and that isn't hard at all! Waiting is a good thing, just enjoy life while you wait!!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:6-7
I was listening to KFI (John and Ken) and I heard something about a raid in Colorado. There were a lot of illegal immigrants working in a factory and the government heard about it and made a raid one morning. Apparently the family (also illegal) of some of the workers came to show their disapproval. One woman stood with her one-year old daughter holding a sign that said "Goodbye Daddy, I love you!" The same woman was interviewed later, she doesn't see why her husband should be sent back to Mexico. He can't send them money from Mexico, and her daughter will be losing her dad. "My daughter didn't do anything wrong, and yet she loses her father."
Ummm... actually her daddy was in the wrong. He committed identity theft to work in the factory. Go home! My goodness, this country doesn't owe you anything!!!!
...........
On a happier, less angry note the weather (though a bit cold) has been pretty nice. We even had rain!! I love hearing it outside my window when I go to bed. It's awesome. And I need to start carrying my camera with me because the scenery is so pretty right now.
AND college applications are well over and I am just relieved. The only thing left to do is wait... and that isn't hard at all! Waiting is a good thing, just enjoy life while you wait!!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:6-7
Friday, December 08, 2006
Much Ado About Nothing
There is something seriously wrong with me. I feel trapped, but I shouldn't.
Let me explain.
Change is not something that comes easily to me. I don't know if anyone else is like that, but it is a HUGE internal struggle for me to accept change. Here are some examples. I like my bean burritos with no cheese and very little beans, I like my Beef Crunchwrap Supreme with no tomatoes, no cheese sauce, and no sour cream, and finally I used to (and sometimes still do) take the cheese and sauce off my pizza with a napkin and eat just the bread part. Oh, and I like my ham and cheese omlettes with no cheese and very little ham. I know what I want and I know what I like. I've had strange eating habits for as long as I can remember and they aren't going to change any time soon.
But this new change can really feel like a downer sometimes. And it shouldn't. It should be so completely awesome, a lot of people have already told me so. And so I feel like I'm in the wrong, I'm the one who is completely out of my mind. Even I can easily call myself crazy. But I can't shake whatever it is I'm feeling. It's hard to be honest with yourself. I guess I'm just attempting to write out my thoughts here. I really need a diary.
I feel like I'm in a Robert Frost poem. "Two roads diverged in a wood..."
But one road is being awfully unresponsive.
-----------------
Edit
This post seemed like a downer and slightly annoying. But I feel better having worked some thoughts out. So here is a funny video that I found. They have other funny videos and I will be posting them here a little at a time. This is for the Lost fans.
Let me explain.
Change is not something that comes easily to me. I don't know if anyone else is like that, but it is a HUGE internal struggle for me to accept change. Here are some examples. I like my bean burritos with no cheese and very little beans, I like my Beef Crunchwrap Supreme with no tomatoes, no cheese sauce, and no sour cream, and finally I used to (and sometimes still do) take the cheese and sauce off my pizza with a napkin and eat just the bread part. Oh, and I like my ham and cheese omlettes with no cheese and very little ham. I know what I want and I know what I like. I've had strange eating habits for as long as I can remember and they aren't going to change any time soon.
But this new change can really feel like a downer sometimes. And it shouldn't. It should be so completely awesome, a lot of people have already told me so. And so I feel like I'm in the wrong, I'm the one who is completely out of my mind. Even I can easily call myself crazy. But I can't shake whatever it is I'm feeling. It's hard to be honest with yourself. I guess I'm just attempting to write out my thoughts here. I really need a diary.
I feel like I'm in a Robert Frost poem. "Two roads diverged in a wood..."
But one road is being awfully unresponsive.
-----------------
Edit
This post seemed like a downer and slightly annoying. But I feel better having worked some thoughts out. So here is a funny video that I found. They have other funny videos and I will be posting them here a little at a time. This is for the Lost fans.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Othello
I can't find anything to say here that I would be okay with saying. But I did find some cool pictures.
This bike does look like fun.
And you can hit people with the end of the banana.
That is crazy! A whole nativity scene in the sand... :o
:)
Goin to see Othello tomorrow! Yay! I like Shakespeare's writing a lot so it should be awesome.
<3
Monday, December 04, 2006
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