Bleh

I ate way too much at Wingers tonight.



It was really yummy, but it was a bad idea.

Christmas Eve

So...

I woke up today. And realized.

It's Christmas Eve. Where did the time go? I know I said this in my last post. But seriously, this is ridiculous.

Okay, well. Everyone, have a lovely time spending time with your families. Remember the TRUE meaning of Christmas :)

Speaking of the true meaning of Christmas, (I'm not perfect, but it's kind of fun; sue me.) don't forget to check this website every hour or so, especially if you have kids. They'll love it; I promise. I know my family does.

Working Out

2 weeks
2 workouts a day
1 hour a workout


If I don't lose at least 6 pound within these next 2 weeks, I'm going to be EXTREMELY angry.

Where Did The Time Go

So I didn't have to work tonight. Thanks to this lovely blessing, guess what I just noticed?




Christmas is next week. What happened? Last week it was just Thanksgiving.

(Sigh.)

Shopping gives me a headache. No wonder I don't do it more often.

However, it's great when you add some extra fun into the mix, right Hannah?

Gillian

The only physical problems a person has had in my family lately (other than Dad's knee) is Gillian in general. First her leg, and now for the third or fourth time, she's dehydrated due to the flu, and went to the hospital tonight.

What are we going to do with that girl. She's fine; recovering quickly. The doctor said that once her body gets past a certain point of dehydration it will just reject everything, including medicine. The only way to get her back into gear is to physical put the fluid she's missing in her body back through an IV. Fun for her, I know.

Tonight has just been one crazy ride. Someone at work who has diabetes actually had her blood sugar drop WAY down REALLY fast. It was scary; one minute she's fine and walking around, the next, she's sitting on the floor and delirious. She keeps juice with her at work, so me being the hero, I ran upstairs to our break room, snagged a pouch, dodged customers and sprinted to where she was sitting down. She's also fine. We had to call an ambulance so we could stabilize her, and they watched her for a few hours.

I learned something about myself. I keep a very cool head under pressure, but once the pressure is off, that's when I start to panic. I'm shaking as I type this; that's still how panicked I am about it.

*DEEP BREATHS*
**IN**
**OUT**

Anyway, this has been one heck of a day, and I still need to finish homework. Nighty night.

So...

Okay, so I have a new web address where my writing is. I'm going to start putting a lot of the creative and venting stuff on there.

The sad catch is I'm not going to tell any of you unless I trust you not to judge what I write. So, I'm sorry, but it's going to be a select few. Let me know if you're interested. Give me your email address unless you know I all ready have it.

Thanks.

Stupid Cold

Working until midnight when you have a cold is not a good idea. I was so delirious, it wasn't even funny.

Relief

I feel so much better. All of my college applications are in! Hooray! I finished the last one at 11:00 last night. Now, all I have to worry about are the scholarship and financial aid deadlines which are in a couple of months and not nearly as stressful.


I can breathe again. It's amazing!

Tale As Old As Time

Okay, so Wednesday and Thursday I saw my high school's production of Beauty and the Beast.

A-MA-ZING!!!

First of all, you have to understand a few things:

1. Belle is (and has been for years) my favorite Disney Princess.
2. The movie alone is on my top 10 list (FYI, it's a very competitive list).
3. Many, many, many, of my friends were in this play.

So this sounds like I'm really biased, but even if you place these reasons aside, I would still love it.

It's such a great story, and it was a great production. Closing night is Wednesday, so if any of can go, you NEED to. For those of you reading this immediately after I've posted this (chances are no one), then there's also a matinee at 1:00 PM.

Please go see it! I promise you, it's well worth it.

Drive Me Crazy

I'm bugged. There seems to be so much progress made, and then, I'm back to where I started. It's life I guess, but here's my thought on it:

It sucks.

Hopes are up and then back down as fast as they came. If there's a medium to all this insanity, can I have that for a few days. All of these stupid emotions are hurting my brain!

Sorry, sorry. Happy thoughts... I'll just learn to live with it. It might take me a while though... my guess is 50 - 60 years, give or take.

Since You Are So Curious

Some of you may recall a blog post that was published last week. Some (okay, one) wanted to know what it was all about, because apparently, if I don't tell her, I'm going to be water tortured Chinese style. So, I give. I'll let you know what it was about. But, from now on, every once in a while you have to let me have my writing moments. A little mystery in my writing is good creatively sometimes.

Okay, so... I was working on November 5th. It was about 8:30 and we were all anxious to close the store. A lady came up to the customer service desk and asked me if we had anymore of these bowls she was looking for. I told her that if she didn't see them over where she found those other bowls, we didn't have anymore. I told her that I could call another store to check and see if they had anymore.

In between calls, this lady and I had a few conversations. One was about her sophomore grandson, another was about me and my plans for school. (I didn't really want to talk about myself, but I didn't want to be rude. I just answered all the questions she had for me.)

It was now about 8:45. She had left the store, while I continued to call other stores. Finally, I found the set of bowls she was looking for and had them sent up to our store the following week. After locating the bowls I called and told her they would be in on Monday.

Now for the part I was writing about in the previous post. She took our online survey and left this comment:

"I made a purchase of Fall Clearance glassware and needed three more of the same item. Aleesha spent considerable time calling other stores to locate these items. After I had to leave to get to another store before it closed, she continued to call, located the items and called to let me know when they would be in her store. It was 8:30 p.m., she was gracious and extremely helpful at such a late hour, after I'm sure a full day of school and work. She couldn't have been more efficient and pleasant. Your company is fortunate to have her representing Robert's to the public."

This is exactly what she said. So my point about my blog post was that I finally received some good recognition for my job. It wasn't anything I wouldn't have done for any other customer, but the fact that she noticed that I was going out of my way to perform good customer service was awesome. I'm glad someone finally showed appreciation.

That's what I meant when I wrote the above post. It was just too long of a story.

Good-bye...For Now

It's been a hard decision, but after deep contemplation, I have decided to put Emerson College on hold.

After thinking about it, how homesick would I be if I just got up and left for Boston? It would be really hard. I think I'm going to slowly pull myself away instead of ripping myself out of the nest. I think that's the more wise decision.

And, it's expensive. I think that's the #2 reason on my list of why I shouldn't go. I know there's financial aid, and all that good crap, but it's not a for sure thing.

Yeah, so thanks Emerson for sparking my interests. I'll look you up again in a year or two.

Hey Unloving, I Will Love You

Hey unfaithful,
Hey ungraceful,
Hey unloving,
I will love you.
Hey unloving,
I will love you.

If you listen to the beginning of this song, I bet you'll never guess who sings it. Since I know it's going to bug you, and you're going to google it, I'll save you some time and tell you it's Underoath. (I know, I was just as shocked as you probably are. Well, it's actually more of a shock if you listen to the beginning of the song first.)

Anyway - back to my point - I just wanted to say, I think this is beautiful. It reminds me that I make mistakes, but I'm still loved by you wonderful people. (Yeah, I know I blew the creative bubble on that one, but I'm tired and multitasking, so my mind isn't exactly in tip-top condition.)

A Thought

Someone finally noticed.

The problem was it was a person I least expected.



Thanks again.

Opinions and Decisions

It feels good to vote. The big 18-year-old gets to vote. I went at a good time to go, too. I get out of school early on A-Days, so it was about 1:30 when I went over to Eaglecrest Elementary. There were hardly any people in line. Awesome.

Now that I've finally been able to experience voting, I have some mixed feelings about it.

I'm glad I've been able to voice my opinion; it makes me think someone cares about the minorities, too. On the other hand, the minority thing is the problem. I'm one vote out of millions. How can my vote matter?

I guess that's how everyone has to feel though. Everyone thinks their one vote won't make a difference, so they don't vote. I think the truth is the more people you get to vote, the greater the outcome will be. If 100 people voted this year that didn't vote last year, those 100 people can be influential. This is hard to explain, but do you see my point? (I can think of what I'm saying, and it makes sense in my head; it doesn't make sense when I try to put it into words though.)

Thanks for bearing with me through that little spiel. It seems like you have to do that a lot for my sake.

Happy Halloween

I hope everyone had a fantastic Halloween. For once, I wasn't stuck giving out the candy, so I had a great Halloween (thanks guys)!



Eat your candy slowly!

Simple-Minded Aleesha

Sometimes I wish I wasn't so simple-minded. People around me think up of all these little details when all I'm concerned with is the general idea.

You see, I don't like to concern myself with little things. I think it's pointless. Sure, the little things have their place, and I appreciate them. However, when they don't matter, why bother? That's what I say, and yet most of the people around me see only the little things and miss the big picture.

The reason I bring this up is because yesterday, people pointed out a bunch of little things to me that I was apparently "missing". After giving it some thought, I was seeing the little things; but I saw them through the general idea. I make a mistake, and it's the end of the world; I say that I made a mistake in order to accomplish something else that became more important.

I realize this probably isn't making any sense. Sorry. I wanted to prove a point without giving any details. Maybe I can later. We'll see.

Zune?

Wow. It was a very busy week last week. Sorry, for not keeping you updated on everything. I would catch you up on what's been happening in my life, but to tell you the truth, it's boring. Busy and boring. Whoo-hoo.

Well, this is something that is some-what exciting - at least for me. I think I'm getting a Zune within the next couple of days. My poor iPod has had it, and I've had it with my iPod. Sad to say, the relationship didn't work out like I thought it would, but I'm hopeful about this next one. Plus, iTunes. Haha, you don't want to get me started on how much I hate iTunes.

See, look how pretty. My iPod was cute, but this is pretty. There's a BIG difference! (I don't really know what it is, but there is a difference.)

I don't know. I should really be saving my money, but what's wrong with a little indulgence every once in a while?

Any thoughts? Anyone?

Fall Break

Do you want to know how I've spent this entire fall break?

• Work


• Homework


• Sleep Catch-Up


• Exercise


• Scholarships


• College Applications

Am I boring or what? I've wanted to take this time and write something really profound. Yeah, no, not really; it didn't happen. What's worse is that I have a scary story contest and The Reflections contest I need to enter by the end of this week. Unless I get some kind of inspiration, these stories are going to suck.

Oh well, I can only do so much. I've really enjoyed this break though. It was nice not to worry about school these past few days.

I Did It Again (with no oops!)

I did it! I ran another 5k.

Sure, I'm REALLY slow. But who cares! This is more proof that I can run 3.2 miles without stopping. Next year, Mom wants me to run a 10k with her.

We'll see.

I must say, it does feel really good to accomplish something like this again. Go me!

Hey, for my reward, can I NOT go to work? Please?!?

Quirks

I've been putting this off, but it is inevitable. I was tagged by Suzie to share eight things about myself that are quirky. My first thought was that this shouldn't be too hard, since I consider myself to be a very quirky person. However, as I'm writing this, I keep coming up with embarrassing things instead of just quirky. Is there a difference? Oh, well, I'm just going to write eight things down quickly.

1. I'm a sucker for cheesy movies. I love 'em. But they can't be bad cheesy, because then the movie doesn't work. For example, I watched the movie Another Cinderella Story and thought it was good. It was cheesy in some parts, but it was a good cheesy.
2. I'm insanely jealous of people who get more than eight hours of sleep at night on a regular basis. Want to trade places for a couple of days?
3. Despite what many people think, I hate country music. I don't know why, but lots of people when they look at me think that I like country music. WRONG!!
4. Many times at night when I can't sleep, I write. Amazingly enough, there is usually something on my mind that I haven't really been thinking about during the day. I need to get it completely off my mind before I can rest peacefully.
5. When I'm coming home from work at night, I pick a couple of rocking songs on my iPod and yell the lyrics. So if you ever see my car on I-15 at 11:00 PM, and you peer in my window, you will probably see me behaving like an idiot.
6. I've always wanted to join chess club just to say I was on chess club.
7. I cry every time I grow out my hair and cut it short. Every time. I don't do it during the haircut, but I go home, style it, see myself differently and cry. Maybe I should stop cutting my hair short...
8. I love being ignorant. For example, I've always felt that I was meant to do great things, and I think one day I can make a difference. Yet, how many people say this but never accomplish it? Oh well.

Are You As Bored As We Were?

In the midst of our boredom, Gillian and I created an awesome quiz. You should check it out.

http://web.tickle.com/quizzes/compare/13503679


Let me stress that we were REALLY BORED.




This week is going to be awesome. I can feel it. Want to know how I know? I only have to work two days this week. Whoo-hoo!!!

Ladies' Night

Well, tonight should be fun. It's Ladies Night Out at Roberts (every Priesthood session it happens). Ugh. If it's anything like last time, I don't want to work AT ALL! I don't think it will be that bad though because the closing manager isn't Vanessa (an uptight woman!). Come if you can. If I see a familiar face tonight, I'm usually not as stressed out. But then again, it's going to be VERY busy, so you decide. Either way, I won't mind.


Oh, for those of you interested in writing and publishing stuff, check out this blog I found. It's got some good tips, and it gives you a good idea of what is going on in the publishing industry right now.


Well, I hope you all are enjoying conference. It's amazing so far. Wish me luck for tonight...

Thank You

Thanks for all those who participated in my little scholarship writing thing. (All two of you - I had to beg my creative writing teacher to give me her opinion since I still couldn't decide.) I have hopes about this one!

Hurry...

Okay, I have until Tuesday for the first scholarship thingy. So I'm here to help. Here is all the stuff I've posted on my blog that might be scholarship worthy.

• Something Creative (need help with title too!)
• Strangers
• I Want to Live
• Done
• Weekly Routine
• Lost Again
• Need to Say Something

That's about it. So PLEASE let me know! I need to make a decision. Hopefully, I can post some new stuff later.

A Favor

Okay, for those of you who read my blog on a regular basis, I need a favor. I'm going to be applying for a couple of writing contests within the next couple of days, and I need to know what you think. I'll be posting a few more entries of poetry, stories, etc., or it can be on something I've all ready posted.



Please leave me a comment and let me know ASAP! I would really like some input so I have a better chance of winning.



Thanks for your help.



:)

Notice...

Hello my wonderful, bloggy fans! Just so you know, I've added some wonderful features to my page.

• Quote of the Month
• Picture of the Month - soon to come
• Book of the Month
• Movie of the Month
• The register to vote button
• And some other things I'm excited about!

So check it out! I'll try to keep it as updated as possible.

Working Woes

I forgot about the consequences I take on when I offer to take another person's shift.
EVERYONE THINKS THAT I WILL TAKE ON ANY SHIFT THAT IS OFFERED TO ME!


Wrong. I hate saying no to people, but I will. I'm a full-time high school students with a PART-TIME job. I'm not looking to make it full-time at all, or else I won't have time for anything, including homework. So people of Robert's Arts and Crafts know that Aleesha hates saying no because I am a sucker for a sap story, but I will if I have to.

I'm hoping my position will change a little bit, so I don't have to put up with this so much.

Secret Uncovered - Maybe?

I lack the simplicity I need to be happy. Everything must always be complicated. I want this, but I must give up that. Or I want that, but I must sacrifice this. What if I’m not willing to give up anything? Does that mean I don’t get anything in return? According to how life has been going for me so far, it sure does.

Something Creative

I wrote this with the help of my writer's block book. It gave me a word (clueless), and I wrote about it (it's an unbelievable process, I know!). Enjoy! Let me know what you think.

What is it with this guy? I tell him no, he ignores me. I try to move around him, he blocks my attempt. If I have to hear one more word about his “unique” personality, I’m going to shoot myself. How long has it been? Ten minutes? Twenty minutes? Smile and nod. That’s all I could do.

I may never grocery shop again.

I felt someone come up behind me and put my hand into theirs. I looked to see a ridiculously attractive man now standing next to me. (Fun fact; he was taller than the squirt who wouldn’t stop talking.)

“Honey, I’m glad found you," he said. "You wouldn’t believe the line at the deli.”

Squirt backed off a little and said, “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize… you waiting for someone.”

“Yeah,” I sighed. “Well, if you don’t mind we need to get going.” I smiled. Finally.

I pushed my cart with one hand while the handsome gentleman still held my other hand. “Thank you so much. He would not take any of my hints.”

“Yeah, so I noticed. I was only watching for a few seconds, and then even I couldn’t stand him anymore.”

I nodded. “Yeah, I owe you one – I’m sorry, what’s your name?”

“Oh, it’s Ethan. What’s yours?”

“Amber.”

“Nice to meet you.” He was quiet for a few awkward seconds, and then said, “May I have my hand back?”

I looked down to find my hand still entwined within his.

“Oh, of course! I’m very sorry.”

“It’s not a problem. Maybe I could get a rain check for next Saturday night to hold your hand again.”

My smile grew bigger. It started to hurt my checks, but I couldn’t stop.

“It’s a possibility,” I said bashfully.

“How’s next Friday at 8:00?”

“It sounds good.”

“All right; it’s a date.”

I love grocery shopping.

Ode To My Fellow Writers

I've tasted small parallels of what a writer's life is like. For those of you who don't know, it's not easy. Writers are given the responsibility to tell every story how it is. It may sound easy, but trust me; it's not. They must share everything: all manner of detail, places, characters, emotions, and everything else I can't think of right now that involves illuminating all aspects of the account they are describing.

Being somewhat of a writer, I find it really complicated but exciting to try and unearth EVERYTHING. I love that there are unlimited directions a story can be told because of the way a character is feeling. I'm fascinated by the miracle of word choice; I am able to give the reader the exact picture I see in my head because of the expressions I select for the audience.

Even though I'm simply an amateur, I would still like to develop these skills completely. Think of what handy tools they are in life. What if one day, you need to write a really persuasive letter? I've got that covered. What if you need to lighten up your resume to seem upbeat? I've got that covered too! They may seem like mediocre tool, but when you have them, you'll use them more than you know.

So even if you think you're not a great writer, give it a chance. You're going to be grateful you, at the very least, learned how.

Music Videos

Due to lack of inspiration, today, I'm going to post some of my favorite music videoes. Boring, I know, but at least I'm doing something.


Paramore - Pressure

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-MaaxgdUT4


Rascal Flatts - What Hurts the Most

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJEs1TyzL_A


Fall Out Boy - Dance, Dance


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvz0bvYmnto




And I can't get the stupid videos to work, so you'll have to settle with the link. Sorry!

5k Run

I did the Suncrest 5k run today. I have a few things to say:

• That 5k sucked. Every bit of that thing but the last part was uphill.
• The altitude was 1000 feet higher. Yeah, you felt it with the hills.
• Even though it was a bad race, it was still a good experience. I'm a lot stronger than I give myself credit for.

Quote Of The Moment

"life

is not about waiting

for the storm to pass,

it's about learning

how to dance

in the rain."

- anonymous

Friday Plans

Last night was amazing. I haven't had fun like that in a long time. In short it was a high school football game and a stag dance.

• Pioneers won 16-13 Provo. It was intense: first quarter no score; second quarter Lehi scored a field goal then a touch-down; third quarter Provo scored almost back to back touch-downs but missed one of their extra points; fourth quarter Lehi has the ball with thirty seconds left, slowly pulling off 1st downs, finally with 10 seconds left the quarterback throws it to the receiver to get a touch-down. We won!!! 2 consecutive games? That hasn't happened in a couple of years. We already beat last year's record.
• However, the best part of that whole game was when I caught a cute guy staring at me - several times in fact!
• The stag dance was awesome too. Dancing and laughing; I really needed it. Thanks my awesome friends for the fun night!

Happy Birthday To Me

Birthdays are weird. I was just thinking earlier how a birthday isn't originally special. Think about it - who came up with the idea to give you presents on the anniversary you were born? I would seriously like to know. I'm not complaining or anything of course; I'm just thinking.

It doesn't really feel like I'm eighteen. I'm sure it won't until I graduate. I'm still going to live at my parents house, go to school, keep my job... nothing is really going to change. Not yet anyway. But I know it's coming soon.


Well. I promise to write something in newspaper tomorrow. It promises to be a boring day.

Another Tool To Use

As most of you know, I am frequent visitor in the clutches of writer's block. I just thought I'd let you all know that I found another resource to use. And since I am the nice and wonderful person that I am, I thought I'd share it with you.


language is a virus


A writer's dream:

• Name generator
• Poem generator
• Translators
• Title-Helper
• Exercises
• Brainstorms
• Pictures
• And a bunch of other writing sources

A-MA-ZING!

Carried Away

Sorry guys. I knew it was going to happen when I wrote it yesterday, but I did get carried away. I was just having a really bad day. I didn't get home from work until midnight, I slept in, I still had homework to do by the time I went to work, I had a migraine all day yesterday, etc. But it's okay. I'm okay. I just needed to say something because if I didn't, I was going to explode or something equal to it.



(Grandma, what I meant by losing my college fund is that all my savings I've been saving from work, I didn't keep track of them very well, and I spent almost all of it.)



It help me feel better to get all that off my chest, and the good news is I'm back to normal. Happy, healthy, fantastic! Yeah, so just remember, I do sometimes vent sometimes and I don't mean most of it. So don't worry; it's just a way for me to stay in control.



Okay, now that I have that out of the way...



Writer's Ink (my school's writing club) has officially started! Hooray! It's really fun. We're doing stuff like scary story contest, literary magazine, post love poems around the school on Valentine's Day, and playwriting. Oh, how I love to write! We didn't write anything today, we just had an opening social and played a game called 12 Tall Tales. It's a really fun game, and you have to really use your brain to write as much stuff down as you can. If you want to know specifics, I'll tell you later.

Dyslexic

for some odd reason, i've haven't really been "here". i keep spelling things wrong. even as i type right now i have to stop after every other word, delete it, and try again.


could it be the fact that i didn't get home from work until midnight last night.

could it be the fact that i did 2 hours of homework yesterday?

could it be the fact that i still have about an hour more to go? (due tomorrow, and i have to go to work at 4:00)

could it be the fact that i am mad at several of my friends, and they don't even know (or care)?

could it be the fact that i am emotionally unstable right now and at any moment going to burst into tears.

could it be the fact that, due to last month, i have to completely restart my college saving fund?
(i don't even know how that happened.)

could it be that i am just a complete wimp?
maybe.


what's wrong with me? did i do something to offend everyone? to offend the entire universe? because today, everything has combined forces and has all of hell out to get me.

Something New

Okay - I'm going to try something different, and I need your help to do it. I need ideas for stories, and I know you guys have crazy ideas - I've heard at least a few from every one of you. What do you want to read from me? But in a week's time - all the ideas I get, I'm going to roll them all into one story; no matter how crazy. So take a few days, come up with something that can be incorporated into a story, leave me a comment, and I'll try my best to make a story out of it. I want a new challenge, so I can actually keep up my creative flow.


Remember, you have one week.




:D Thanks!

I Don't Get It

Is it really that hard to call or stop by and TALK to me?



I'm getting sick of this. I deserve better than to be treated like this, and you know it.

Cold Sassy Tree

All righty - One of my summer books I read was called Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns. We've been talking about the book and the author in English a lot. Olive Ann Burns wrote this over a period of eight years, and she also had cancer during this period. She was a magazine writer, and that's why the story just takes of from the first page.




If you haven't read it, it's definitely one to read. A classic. Right on my list next to Huck Finn.

Better Than Expected

All right. I know I was really against going to school today. And just so everyone is clear -



I was wrong.



I mean sure, I'm still not excited about being in school until May 29th, but I've come to terms with it, and I'm ready for it to, at the very least, start.


I think I'm going to start looking for another job. It's not that Robert's isn't great, but I need something with better pay and better hours. My mom and I were talking about a trip I want to take with my English teacher at the end of the year, and to do that, I need money. The trick is, I still need to save for college too. So if any of you know of an after school job that pays well, has decent hours, but will still be flexible enough for me to keep good grades in school: Let me know.

What Happened?

It seems like only yesterday when I drove home from the last day of school with the whole summer to look forward to. Now - that much faster - it's all behind me. And it's not just one summer, this was the last summer of my grade school years.

But when I think about it, I did accomplish a lot.

1. Lagoon! I want to go again!
2. Girl's Camp - I didn't go home early.
3. Weight Loss
4. Countless Books (14?)
5. Work - didn't save any money.
6. Bryce Canyon
7. Flaming Gorge
8. Writing - found a way to get my creativity back when I lose it.
9. Scholarship applying - who knows if it's done any good.
10. College Prep Stuff - it was really boring and probably another waste of time.

All in all, I think it wasn't a totally wasteful summer. Even though it doesn't feel like it, I accomplished lots of things.

Now all that's left to do is welcome school with open arms and prepare for an awesome year.

**Note to self: remember to keep a positive attitude. Senior year is supposed to be fun!

I've Grown

I was just looking back on all the posts I've done since I've started blogging, and I've seen myself grow. More to the point, my blog has helped me grow. Thanks to writing all this down, I can remember what I was thinking during certain times, and how I got through it all. Hence, the growth.


Also, some other exciting news. I've also shrunk. Uh-huh, I'm down one dress size. School shopping was a little more exciting than I thought it was going to be.

Lacking Inspiration

Sorry, guys. I really feel like I need to write something, but nothing creative is coming to mind. Frustrating - yeah that seems to be the theme in my life lately.


Anyway, here's a quote I read the other day that I really liked.

No one ever gets over the first unfairness;

no one except Peter. He often met it, but he

always forgot it. I suppose that was the real

difference between him and all the rest.

-J. M. Barrie

Good, am I right? I don't know, maybe it's just me. I just like it when people and characters defy their human confinements to be slightly extraordinary; even if it is about something small.

The Lady Of Shalott

I was introduced to this poem last year by my wonderful English teacher, and I've loved it ever since. I hope you'll enjoy it, too!



The Lady of Shalott

Alfred Tennyson

On either side the river lie

Long fields of barley and of rye,

That clothe the wold and meet the sky;

And through the field the road runs by

To many - towered Camelot;

And up and down the people go,

Gazing where the lilies blow

Round an island there below,

The island of Shalott.

Willows whiten, aspens quiver,

Little breezes dusk and shiver

Through the wave that runs forever

By the island in the river

Flowing down to Camelot.

Four gray walls, and four gray towers,

Overlook a space of flowers,

And the silent isle imbowers

The Lady of Shalott.

By the margin, willow-veiled,

Slide the heavy barges trailed

By slow horses; and unhailed

The shallop flitteth silken-sailed

Skimming down to Camelot:

But who hath seen her wave her hand?

Or at the casement seen her stand?

Or is she known in all the land,

The Lady of Shalott?

Only reapers, reaping early

In among the bearded barley,

Hear a song that echoes cheerly

From the river winding clearly,

Down to towered Camelot:

And by the moon the reaper weary,

Piling sheaves in uplands airy,

Listening, whispers " 'Tis the fairy

Lady of Shalott."

Part II

There she weaves by night and day

A magic web with colours gay.

She has heard a whisper say,

A curse is on her if she stay

To look down to Camelot.

She knows not what the curse may be,

And so she weaveth steadily,

And little other care hath she,

The Lady of Shalott.

And moving through a mirror clear

That hangs before her all the year,

Shadows of the world appear.

There she sees the highway near

Winding down to Camelot:

There the river eddy whirls,

And there the surly village-churls,

And the red cloaks of market girls,

Pass onward from Shalott.

Sometimes a troop of damsels glad,

An abbot on an ambling pad,

Sometimes a curly shepherd-lad,

Or long-haired page in crimson clad,

Goes by to towered Camelot;

And sometimes through the mirror blue

The knights come riding two and two:

She hath no loyal knight and true,

The Lady of Shalott.

But in her web she still delights

To weave the mirror's magic sights,

For often through the silent nights

A funeral, with plumes and lights

And music, went to Camelot:

Or when the moon was overhead,

Came two young lovers lately wed;

"I am half sick of shadows," said

The Lady of Shalott.

Part III

A bow-shot from her bower-eaves,

He rode between the barley-sheaves,

The sun came dazzling through the leaves,

And flamed upon the brazen greaves

Of bold Sir Lancelot.

A red-cross knight forever kneeled

To a lady in his shield,

That sparkled on the yellow field,

Beside remote Shalott.

The gemmy bridle glitterd free,

Like to some branch of stars we see

Hung in the golden Galaxy.

The bridle bells rang merrily

As he rode down to Camelot:

And from his blazoned baldric slung

A mighty silver bugle hung,

And as he rode his armour rung,

Beside remote Shalott.

All in the blue unclouded weather

Thick-jewelled shone the saddle-leather,

The helmet and the helmet-feather

Burned like one burning flame together,

As he rode down to Camelot.

As often through the purple night,

Below the starry clusters bright,

Some bearded meteor, trailing light,

Moves over still Shalott.

His broad clear brow in sunlight glowed;

On burnished hooves his war-horse trode;

From underneath his helmet flowed

His coal-black curls as on he rode,

As he rode down to Camelot.

From the bank and from the river

He flash'd into the crystal mirror,

"Tirra lirra," by the river

Sang Sir Lancelot.

She left the web, she left the loom,

She made three paces through the room,

She saw the water-lily bloom,

She saw the helmet and the plume,

She looked down to Camelot.

Out flew the web and floated wide;

The mirror cracked from side to side;

"The curse is come upon me," cried

The Lady of Shalott.

Part IV

In the stormy east-wind straining,

The pale yellow woods were waning,

The broad stream in his banks complaining,

Heavily the low sky raining

Over towered Camelot;

Down she came and found a boat

Beneath a willow left afloat,

And round about the prow she wrote

The Lady of Shalott.

And down the river's dim expanse

Like some bold seër in a trance,

Seeing all his own mischance—

With a glassy countenance

Did she look to Camelot.

And at the closing of the day

She loosed the chain, and down she lay;

The broad stream bore her far away,

The Lady of Shalott.

Lying, robed in snowy white

That loosely flew to left and right—

The leaves upon her falling light—

Through the noises of the night

She floated down to Camelot:

And as the boat-head wound along

The willowy hills and fields among,

They heard her singing her last song,

The Lady of Shalott.

Heard a carol, mournful, holy,

Chanted loudly, chanted lowly,

Till her blood was frozen slowly,

And her eyes were darkened wholly,

Turned to towered Camelot.For ere she reached upon the tide

The first house by the water-side,

Singing in her song she died,

The Lady of Shalott.

Under tower and balcony,

By garden-wall and gallery,

A gleaming shape she floated by,

Dead-pale between the houses high,

Silent into Camelot.

Out upon the wharfs they came,

Knight and burgher, lord and dame,

And round the prow they read her name,

The Lady of Shalott.

Who is this? and what is here?

And in the lighted palace near

Died the sound of royal cheer;

And they crossed themselves for fear,

All the knights at Camelot:

But Lancelot mused a little space;

He said, "She has a lovely face;

God in his mercy lend her grace,

The Lady of Shalott."

Emerson

I've been a very busy bee lately about colleges, and amongst my searching I came across this - Emerson College. It's a college in Boston, MA, that specializes in communications, editing, fine arts, etc. And hey, if you know me, you know it's a very good fit.

So I told my mom about this unique find. She had never heard of it, and when I asked her what she thought about it, she said (and I quote), "I don't think so."

CRUSH!!! Not even a chance to explain anything about it. I mean of course, I understand it is slightly out of the question and out of our price range (eight times more than the schools I've been planning on), but still, to completely throw out the idea without even a second thought. This is a prestigious school, and it's as close to Ivy League as I can get (with an ACT score of 25 anyway).

So much for being open minded. I mean, I know she's just trying to be practical, and I'm not mad. I just think it shouldn't be shot down without rightful consideration.

I think I'll apply for it anyway. You never know.

We're Baaaaaaaack!

Well, we just got back from another vacation. It was good. I do have some pictures and some writings I worked on while up there, but I'm too lazy to upload them right now. Maybe tomorrow...



Well, if you were wondering about that contest with Stephenie Meyer - it got cancelled. More specifically, she cancelled. I'm actually not too surprised. It's a busy week for her. But still, it would have been really awesome to get to interview her. Oh well, what do ya do?


Time to unpack - unfortunately.

OH YEAH!

So I have some exciting news to share...


TEN POUNDS!!!


WHOO-HOO!!!!


I DESERVE SOME CAKE... (JUST KIDDING!)


HOW MANY MORE TO GO?

Are You Ready?

Okay, I've tried to hide my excitement about this for a while, but with the time going by so fast this summer, I've learned to accept the inevitable.


BREAKING DAWN IS ALMOST HERE!!!

Really, I haven't had time to think about it lately. But as of a few days ago, there's this contest thing on 101.9 THE END. Parker is giving three people a chance to interview Stephenie Meyer when she calls the show on July 29. So I emailed him trying to convince him why he should pick me, and that's when I got really excited. I also read the first chapter of Breaking Dawn. It didn't really reveal anything, but it still has me thinking A LOT about it.


Pathetic, I know, but whatever. Who cares?

(New Story Part 3) Remnant Whispers

(If you haven't been keeping up on this, here are part 1 and part 2)




Small talk? From me? Slightly pathetic, I know. But what was I supposed to do? All he really seemed to be interested in was telling me what I didn't know about my house.

Whatever.

After a few hours of organizing, stacking, and unpacking boxes, I noticed it had gotten dark outside. I became resolved about the fact I had made a big enough dent on my unloading vocation, and walked into the kitchen to a small, blue cooler to dig out a can of Dr. Pepper. The combo of carbonation and caffeine was a relief to my senses after feeling and smelling the dry, scratching cardboard all afternoon.

I had chugged a quarter of the sweet fluid before I started hearing noises. I stopped to listen. Upstairs. Dragging sounds. And footsteps. Who would be up there? I had been the only one in the house all day.

The hero in me that was hypothetically supposed to be working hand-in-hand with my womanly ambition was nowhere to be found. My feet were filled with concrete, and my heart throbbed resonantly against my chest. I did nothing except listen.

After several seconds, silence. “Petrified” was about ten times less what I was experiencing. Therefore, I still didn’t move my feet. Stillness settled over the house, and slowly, I started to regain my, now very shaky, bravery.

Knock! Knock! Knock! After flinching very violently, I realized the knock was at my front door. Scratch what I said earlier about my courage – I was entirely distressed.

My First Artistic Expression

my first artistic expression was the first fiction story i wrote. i had known through a teacher that i had some talent when i put experiences on paper. being the brave, little ten-year-old i was, i decided to experiment with writing a little more. i sat down at my computer, thought about an idea, and letter by letter, word by word, a story was written. it took a couple of weeks, but finally, i finished it. by this time, school had stated up again, and with that, the reflections contest had started as well. i said, “what the heck? i’ll enter; what’s there to lose?”

a few months later, the school had an assembly to announce to winners of this contest. the thought came nowhere near my mind that i had a chance of winning. well, i listened during the writing awards and needless to say, they called my name. that’s when i realized maybe i did have a talent for this; maybe in a way, i was an artist learning how to express herself.

Bryce Canyon

Vacation

Ahhh....


Finally. I really need this, even though it's only going to be three days.



Still.



:)

What I Was Thinking About Today

(Turn off my music first!)

(Hannah, we have to watch this movie again soon!)

Whoo.

Sorry guys, I know it's been a while. I've just been EXTREMELY busy lately. Last week was Girls Camp, then this week I've been working everyday and working out with my PT. So, in short, I'm exhausted. Don't worry, though. It feels good to be busy. I finished another book yesterday, so be expecting a book review soon. Now I just have to get my privleges back by cleaning my room (I'm not actually supposed to be on the computer right now).


Sorry this is so lame. I haven't really had time to write about anything decent either. I'll add it to my list and hopefully by next week, I'll have worked out a system.


:)

Baby Steps

Well, I'm working on another goal from my New Year's list. I was actually able to get a personal trainer, and according to her, I'm going to lose at the very least 16 lbs this summer. I've been working with her for the past couple of days, and I have to say, I'm actually excited. So we'll see what happens.


Sorry I haven't been able to blog lately; I've been busy and my mom works on the computer a lot. Hopefully I'll be able to write another book review soon.

Book Review: The Host

If you are planning to read The Host by Stephenie Meyer, prepare for complete immersion. This unique story tells of extraterrestrials and survival as well as love and compassion. Undoubtedly, this thriller will have you sweating until you finish the last page. Overall, The Host is a very enjoyable read.

Just like the Twilight series, you’re hooked from the very beginning. Wanderer, a “soul”, is placed inside a host body. One thing she doesn’t count on is the fierce Melanie fighting to keep the people she loves, Jamie (her brother) and Jared (her boyfriend), safe. Through Melanie’s memories, Wanderer comes to love Jamie and Jared as well, succumbing to human emotions, and she’ll now do anything to keep Jamie and Jared safe.

This is a brilliant read; however, there were some flaws in the writing. Wanderer, the main character, doesn’t know much about human emotions other than what she’s been experiencing. Yet as the story goes on, Wanderer suddenly knows all the answers. Correct me if I’m wrong, but that’s not a human quality at all. This book was about Wanderer getting used to imperfections, instead of conquering them. Nevertheless, this miniscule problem is best overlooked when one is looking at the big picture.

It’s worth every stressful second to read this novel. The plot is designed well and, it’s also creative; it’s hard to find a boring moment. This was an extraordinary story to tell. Despite the plot’s contribution and originality, it’s actually the characters make this novel a success. Just like in the Twilight books, Stephenie Meyer has created real, distinctive, and erratic characters that people make connections with. You laugh with them, you cry with them, you get annoyed with them, and you cheer with them when they’re triumphant.

Despite its insignificant defects, this novel was incredible. Stephenie Meyer shows she can go beyond the Twilight series and still be an artistic genius. The plot will have you tense, and the characters will drive you crazy. In a peculiar way, it’s a good thing, and I think everyone needs
to experience it.



How'd I do? Anyone?

Addicted

All right... I need to come clean about something. Don't worry - it's nothing too serious. In fact, it's not necessarily bad; it's just not normal, at least, I think so.

It's Amazon.com. I can't stop ordering books. I'm sorry. Sue me. I have, at the very least, a package of $25 worth of books every month. This month was worse because I made two orders - both over $25. Yeah, bad I know. I should be saving for college. How am I going to pay for college if I spend all of my extra money on books?

I'm probably overreacting. Besides, I think books are a worthwhile investment. It's better than wasting it on something that I'm never really going to use, right?

Summer To-Dos

So, I've been thinking. What the heck am I going to do with my summer? I'll go on a few family trips, and I'll work, but other than that, I haven't planned hardly anything. Hannah and I want to go to Hawaii, but it still seems like a long shot. Well, last summer, I ended up reading A LOT. That's all I did to fill in time slots during the day. I'm thinking that's what's going to happen again. So, since I'm going to be reading so much, I might as well write about it. I'm going to start writing book reviews. You know how sometimes you read a book and think it was a waste of your time? That's why if you read a helpful book review, chances are you won't be in that situation. See? It's beneficial in lots of ways. It can help me with my writing and reading skills, and it can save you hours of precious time.

Anyway, I didn't mean to ramble so much. Sorry.

So, I know it's kind of early, but I've been looking at graduation presents for myself. I know I want a laptop; it will be a HUGE help when college rolls around. Now, I just need to find one that
A) Cheap
B) Runs well
C) Easy portability
D) Good wireless networking and
E) preferably a color other than silver or black.
Anyone have any ideas or suggestions? I've seen a few, like this one or this one, but I'm still not quite sure, and these are still expensive. Any advice?

I'm so bored right now. I'm at school, and I don't have a fourth period class on A-days, but I can't go home because I have a class to go to after this one. It sucks. It's kind of frustrating because I've been up since 5:30 AM, and I'm exhausted.

I've been writing some stuff. It's not great, but at least I'm still keeping the flow going. I don't think I'll show anyone; it's kind of just to help me out, you know. I still need to finish that short story, and that scary story from last year. Sorry I'm so lame. I'll put them on my summer to-do list. Maybe with more time, I'll be able to concentrate and get them done.

Okay, I think I'm done now. Maybe I'll go finish my book...

Funny

I don't know how many of you have seen this, but it's awesome.


It's got some swearing, FYI. Enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uwOL4rB-go

25

You guessed it; the ACT

Yes, I know it's not the best score in the world, but I'm happy about it. It's better than the first time, and I met my goal.

Also, I got a score of 8 on my essay. Yep, that's me; I'm awesome. The grading process is weird on that, I think. Two people grade the essay and each of them give you a score from 1-6 depending on how well you were able to prove your point. I was given a four from both, so I think that's pretty good. Anyway, just thought I'd let you know.

Oh

Haha... yeah.





Morp was a disaster. I felt so bad for my date. I don't really want to go into details, but just know it didn't go very well.



Sorry to my family when I came in and didn't really acknowlegde anyone. I was just frustrated and frazzled. I wanted to say I love you all and give you a smile. But I didn't so I'll do it now.



"I love you!"



:D



Well, what can you do? It's done, it's over with. Time to move on.

MORP!

Okay, so do you want to hear what I've been up to lately? Well, we have a girl's choice dance, Morp (Prom backwards), on Saturday, and I asked someone. His name is Jared, and he's awesome. Anyway, to ask him, I got a T-shirt and wrote, "Will you go to Morp with me?" Then I put a bunch of names on the shirt in washable marker and my name in permanent marker. So to find who asked him, he had to wash it.

A few days later, he answered back! I'm so excited!

For those of you who can't read that, I'll repeat if for you.

Skor, I got asked to whachamacallit, oh Morp. I'd feel like a big hunk if you could take 5 with me, strolling along 5th Avenue while listening to the symphony feeling joy. Even though it's been a rocky road, we'll make it to the milky way. Don't snicker at my answer, but it's yes!!!!

Hooray!

The only thing bad about this whole situation is my group. I'm so mad. I figured something out, but still, I'm really irritated. It's a long story that I really don't feel like retelling right now, so I'm sorry. Maybe another day...

So I'll probably tell you all about my date after tomorrow because I know all of you are extremely anxious to hear about it.

:D

Too Bad

Only a few people took me seriously...

Sorry. Ya snooze, ya loose.

In creative writing we aren't required to write stuff anymore, but I still want to keep it up. So if you see me falling behind, give me a little encouragement. Trust me, it's much appreciated.

For those of you who haven't heard the story of why I wanted to change my blog, long story short, an EX-bishopric member confronted me about something I wrote. He doesn't really have authority over what I do, so I changed things to avoid repeating the problem.


Yeah, I was really mad.


Have a nice day!

Yawn

I've been thinking...

Certain events have transpired, and I've decided to make my blog private. My e-mail address is smiles_alot105@yahoo.com.

You have about one week to let me know.

I'll maybe explain why I've decided to do this later.




I'm sitting in newspaper class right now. I'm bored.

Not This Time

you can’t be saved this time.
not by your friends, not by your family,
not by me.
don’t forget, it’s all your fault.
you were warned;
you chose not to listen.
this is your mess.
as much as i tried to help,
you pushed me away.
now i’m gone.
this is your problem now.

Need To Know

i need
to know
what you see.

if you still see
anything
going on between us.

you act
like there isn’t
anything anymore.

but every time
either of us tries
to move on,

you don’t seem
to want
to be apart.

just tell me
what you
want.

I’m tired
of playing
this guessing game.

either move on
or make your
move.

i’m not going
to wait
any longer.

I'll Miss You

NOOOO!!!!!


Why, Spring Break, WHY??? This week has gone by EXTREMELY fast. I was really getting used to sleeping in, hanging out, and not stressing over homework for once. Now, it's Saturday already. We go back to school on Monday. I'm going to cry! Okay, not really. I've actually been kind of bored, but not bored enough to WANT to go back to school. Oh well. I guess I'd better pull out my Pre-Cal homework and work on it tonight.


How many days until summer?


Well, on Monday, I went to that concert. I have pictures, but they turned out kind of blurry. It was amazing. Aside from a few bruises, I managed to survive the mosh pit; it was painful, though, and I was sore the next day. But, it was worth it. The rest of the week has been uneventful. I've worked and hung out with Hannah. Oh, I made a new friend through Hannah. His name is Jeff, and he's awesome. He's really funny. Other than that, it's been a pretty boring week.



Creative stuff to come later. :D

Gillian's Leg

I took the ACT again yesterday. I have to say, I think I did a lot better than last time - except for the essay, but it doesn't even count to the composite score, so I don't think it really matters. Then, of course, I got sick. A cold - yeah, in the middle of April. But I guess it's not that outrageous considering it was snowing last night. So, I woke up this morning, with the chills and a cough. I wanted to go to my cousins baby blessing, but I figured I was going to be miserable the whole time, so I didn't go.

Oh, and another thing. Gillian, my sister, broke her leg yesterday. Yep. She went to the Legacy Center Pool with Shay Munger and Hannah Shafer. I guess there was a part of the jungle gym with steps, and one of the steps was underwater. My sister was coming down those steps, and she missed the one underwater and slipped. She sat there screaming her head off; Hannah and Shay were trying to help her. None of the lifeguards were doing anything. Finally one comes over and asks if she was all right. Then they carried her out of the pool. Kirsten Shafer was luckily there and started calling our home. I wasn't home and the boys didn't know the number, so they didn't answer it. She decided she should just take her home.

By now, I came home and I was hanging out with Hannah. Kirsten came over with Gillian and I tried to get a hold of my parents. We put Gillian on the couch and waited for my parents to come home. Kirsten thought it was broken, and Hannah thought it was just a sprain. It turns out she broke it in one place, and fractured it in another place.

Okay, well thanks to the wonderful miracle of Spring Break, I will have some time to write some more stuff and take some pictures. Oh, and dude, I'm going to a Paramore/Jimmy Eat World Concert tomorrow, so expect to hear all about that!

Grr...

Enough of this crap. I just want to make a decision. I have to make it within the next 6 months, so I might as well make it now. So, what's the problem? I CAN'T DECIDE!!!





Okay, if you haven't guessed already, I'm talking about college.



BYU or UVSC



I'm torn. I've made both have good programs. Both are good schools. What should I do?







I'm tempted to make a full pro/con list like Rory does in Gilmore Girls. I think I might have to; it's only logical. Part of the problem is the more research I dig up, it just seems to get worse. This is a big decision, and it's freaking me out. Lately, I can't stop thinking about it, which is good in some ways. But thinking about it has made me realize that I need to decide -- and soon.



Any ideas, people?



I think a pro/con list is sounding fair. Maybe I should do that and then start to worry.