HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Ah Christmas Day

As most of us completely competent people are well aware it is Christmas day (and it has been for quite some time). My Christmas has been quite low-key as it is every year. My family basically just opens presents and chills for the rest of the day until it is time to cook that delicious Christmas dinner which I have yet to taste (I am most excitedly looking forward to my mother's potato salad!) In my house we have an array of traditions that we must carry out for Christmas. For one we never wrap our presents (Matt and I's presents anyway) for completely unknown reasons other than the fact that we have always done it this way. We must always have an orange at the bottom of our stockings. Granted we never actually eat the orange and all it does is simply signify the end of the stocking goodies, but again it is tradition (and my brother goes phsyco if all this doesn't happen). I also sleep on my brother's floor on Christmas Eve and "Santa" (yes we still keep up the charade for laughs) brings our stockings in at 2 in the morning which we stay up for of course. Then in the morning we must wait for Grandma to get here before we go out into the living room and look at all of our presents. Yeah...we're all insane, but this is the family Christmas and I just can't imagine it any other way. And I know that's the way I'll do it when I have kids and DEFINITELY how Matt will do it. He wouldn't have it any other way. Anyhoo we got many goodies this morning. I got three books, seven Cd's, a whole mess of DVDs, a pillow, a purse, a CD player for my car, and some lovely little black socks with frogs on them. Hope you all have had as Merry a Christmas as I have!

PEACE

ARG!

Well...I really must scrape out all of the cobwebs around here. They have multiplied by the thousands. I apologize (once AGAIN) for waiting so long to blog. I really am never going to get any more comments if I keep neglecting this site the way I do. Ah well, it could be worse (I think). Things have been excessively hectic lately and I am so thankful for the holidays to be here to sort of slow down the chaos. For the past two weeks I had been working my butt off practicing the WRONG SONG for my Guys and Dolls audition at my high school only to discover a week before the actual audition the correct song I had to sing. Fortunately, I got it as down as I could, and in a very exciting turn of events, got one of the lead characters Sarah. Actually Mrs.Underwood split the cast and so both I and Ashlyn get to be Sarah (me for three her for thee) which I thought was a brilliant solution being that we both wanted the part.

On the band front, all the parades are finally done and over with (thank the good Lord in Heaven) and now a select few concert students are focusing on their pieces for All-District (me being one of them). It is not a prestigious a band as All-State, but let's face it, I have absolutely no chance on Earth of getting into All-State. My piece this year is so hard that it should be torn up, chewed up, set on fire, swallowed, and then incinerated (do not ask me how to accomplish this). And I really am going to have to practice my butt off if I want to have any chance of getting in...pray for me!

On the up side, Christmas Eve is tomorrow (woo-hoo!) and I know we are all excited about that! Many hopes that you all get what you asked for!


Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!


PEACE

Letters to Friends

Stole this idea from Shannon! Betchya can't guess which one you are!


You know we will always be best friends are heart. You were one of my very first, and no one could ever take your place. But sometimes it feels like you don't even exsist. You are so far away it almost seems pointless to hold onto the memory of how strong we once were. You're moving on, moving away from the safety of your home and all that is familiar, while I am still here, cozy and wrapped in what I have been for years. I feel like snatching you away from it all and keeping you for myself, but I know I cannot do that. I don't want things to be awkward with us anymore...but I don't see how to avoid growing apart. <3


Well...you've got my brother wrapped around your little finger (having said that if you don't know this is you, you need a CT scan!). I still can't get it through my head that you used to be afraid of me and my friends. Honestly...I couldn't scare a churchmouse. Anyway, I'm glad we got past all that because we have grown so close over these past few months. I love hanging out with you and talking to you. You truly have become one of my best friends and I hope you feel the same about me! You are so funny, especially when you laugh at the stupid things I say! Texting you has become a full time sport (haha!) and one of my favorite things to do. I really do feel like I can tell you anything too!<3


You are my best friend. We have been through so much together, and although we have fought so many times and disagreed on alot of things, I don't think we would be so close if those things had not have happened. You are TRULY insane, but that's okay because I am too and when we get together it's like we are supposed to be there. I know I can tell you anything and you won't judge me, and that is an amazing thing to have in a friend. I know I frustrate you sometimes but it really is for my own good isn't it? You know when something is wrong just by the way I look at something, and I still think we freak people out when we have mental conversations without even speaking to one another. I know and hope that we will always always always be best friends. <3


You confuse me alot. I know that what happened a few months ago probably freaked you out, and I forgive you for ignoring me and pretending like it never happened. I feel like we've grown closer as friends over the past few months, but sometimes it is hard to dispell that little bit of awkwardness that remains. I hope we will continue to keep up this weird friendship we have going and that I will always be around to make fun of your hats!<3


We've known eachother for years, and we have always stayed friends...but know I don't know how to act around you. I'm afraid I'll say or do the wrong thing when you are around your new boyfriend. I feel we are so fragile now. One little nudge and we might break beyond repair. I don't know what you are thinking most of the time, but sometimes I feel as if you just want me to go away. Maybe that's what I'll do for awhile. Maybe you just need some space. <3


We have always seemed such tentative friends. I guess this addition really didn't change us all that much. You just seem so far away now, even though I see you every day, and sometimes I just want to sit down and talk, but I'm afraid without me pushing, you won't care if I let this dissapate. I hope she is worth it...she probably is, for you. <3


You are craaaaaaaaaaaazy my friend. But you are definatley my "bestie" as you love to say. We've been running on almost thirteen years of friendship now and it has never gotten old. I love the way you can be so crazy and awesome but structured and organized the next minute. i still think you are a lunatic for wanting to go to NCSSM but to each his own I suppose. If you get in, I will miss you sooooooooooooooooooooo much. But at the same time I know you really want it and I hope you always follow your dreams...and remember to take your medicine! <3




Well, to give you a brief explanation, these are all letters to friends, distant and close. It actually is kind of cleansing. I feel...liberated almost. Some of these feelings I have never spoken aloud, and writing them down has made me feel good. Try it!

Christmas Time is Here

OK, so technically Christmas time is like, a month away, but upon surveying Kaitlin's blog I have decided to redecorate my own in Christmas swag. You may notice a bit of a Charlie Brown pattern going on here. Mostly this is because Charlie Brown is my all time favorite Christmas thing. I just love that scraggly little tree that Charlie Brown wants to give a home for Christmas. Some things a person just never grows out of and Charlie Brown is one of those things for me. I have also created a new playlist compiled of a few unconventional songs, but rest assured they are all Christmasy. The strangest would probably have to be Christmas at Hogwarts. It starts out cheery enough but then gets kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind of creepy. Anyway this is just to keep you posted. Hope you are all nursing your triptophan wounds!



PEACE

Oh The Trials of Boredom

OOH so so so so so so so so BORED! Granted, it is ten thirty nine (as I write this sentence) but there is the definite sense of utter boredom in the air. I am watching The Office as I lay here on my bed typing away about my boredom laying on a bed and watching The Office. Riveting, I know. The point is, I am a night person and there is rarely anything horribly interesting to do at night except to watch funny clips of Brian Regan and The Potter Puppet Pals on YouTube.com. So for possibly the last hour I have been perusing that sight looking for new amusing clips to entertain me. And now I am watching a scintillating commercial about Twilight which I will hopefully be going to see tomorrow with Will and Kaitlin. I cannot, however, be completely sure as my brother is coming back from college tomorrow for the Thanksgiving holidays. BUT! Never fear for i am an expert at the puppy dog face and I shall be darned if I miss the most anticipated movie of the year (at least for all teenage girls between the ages of 14 and 17). And on the sad side I have absolutely nothing to read save for I Am The Messenger for the fourth time, but I feel that is acceptable being that it is my favorite book. Still, sometimes I wish I didn't fly through books as fast as I do so that I had more reading to do. I swear I spend more money on books per year than I do food (this could be a bit of an exaggeration here people). Anyhoo, I have divulged my ramblings and now that you all are surely snoring in your fancy computer swivelly chairs I shall take my leave. ADIOS!



PEACE

Valle Crusis

So I got back from Valle Crusis today where I have been frolicking through the snow and ruing the mountain peoples for possessing more red blood cells than I. There seriously is a noticeable shortage of air in Boone than here in the piedmont. Deeper breaths are required for survival. I was quite excited at the prospect of snow when I heard the news that Valle Crusis was blanketed with a good three inches of it. In fact when we first arrived we were all infatuated with the powdery wonderness of it (no, I do not care if wonderness is a word or not thank you very much). This could probably be attributed to the fact that none of us piedmonters have seen proper snow for years. Even when snow has bothered to grace us with its presence it has always been wet, icy unpleasantness, but up in the beautiful mountains the ground was skirted with the dryest, most powdery snow in exsistence so much so that we were hard pressed to pack it into snowballs and have a proper snowball fight. But we went through all of the snow rituals, building snowmen and making snowangels and throwing it into eachother's hair and faces. I felt like I was seven years old. But probably the most comical of all was Shannon who had never seen so much snow in one place in her entire life. Of course she is from Florida and all of the icy roads scared the crap out of her. I actually had to walk arm in arm with her so she would'nt fall over while we made our way down the hill from the annex back to the bunkhouse between meals. I was, however, glad that she could see so much snow before she lost the childish urge to become so excited over it. Unfortunately for me, though, I came down with something last night right before a scrumptious dinner of lasagna and caesar salad. My head is still all foggy, and it feels as if I have a fever. But the thermometer does not lie (at least not to my knowledge) and it says that I am just fine so I suppose I must trust its judgement. Anyway, the vacation was EXTREMELY needed and although I still feel yucky I'm incredibly grateful for the exposure to snow. Who knows when I'll see it again.

PEACE

Ah Sunday

Sunday...the day of rest...the day to catch up on homework...the day to BLOG! For me at least since I seem to have gone to A-wall for the past few times. I have had no pressing news to divulge to anyone at the moment, but i also have absolutely nothing to do at the moment except to continue watching the America's Next Top Model marathon on cycle eleven. It is serving to kill some time while I do absolutely nothing at all. I once heard that if you kill time then you are wasting you life away. I, however, do not agree with this statement. I believe that if you kill time, you are simply bored and must therefore create for yourself a situation in which you are not so bored anymore. So that is my little tidbit of wisdom fore the year (whew, now i can rest my brain).

I am thoroughly excited about my trip to Valle Crusis (Valley of the Cross for those of you not in the know) this weekend because I have not been able to go since I joined marching band, which was roughly four years ago (I believe...I'm too busy killing time to do the math). That means I will finally be allowed the privilege of gorging myself on candy purchased at the sorely missed Mass General Store (basically candy heaven). But yet there is a down side to my elation. As most Edward Cullen crazy teenage girls are aware, Twilight is coming out on the 21st this weekend, and so the movie theatre is definitely where everyone will be, including a large group of my friends that I cannot go with. But really, who wants to be trample by a mass of crazed screaming teenage girls when they could be relaxing in the wake of a gorgeous waterfall eating homemade country food at every meal. Yeah, that's what I thought. And Twilight will still be here when I return (I think...who knows really?). So I plan to grab a ticket when I do get back and immerse myself in the magic that is Edward Cullen and Bella Swan. I just hope that I won't be disappointed.

Sorry for the Absence

I know that my long standing absence has been plaguing the lot of you relentlessly. I am sorry about that. It was that darned black hole again, would you believe it? The very same one as last time too. What a coincidence huh? If it shows up around these parts again I may have to name it (I've thought Bob or Phil might be a nice name...it all depends on the name that pops into my head the moment I see it). But, contrary to popular belief, the world has kept spinning in my absence (try to catch the sarcasm here folks), and many a thing has happened since my last blog about...oh...six or so weeks ago. Marching band season has in fact come to a bittersweet conclusion. Oh how I shall miss those sweaty, drawn out practices, getting yelled at by Charlie, and rolling my feet until they literally fall off of my ankles altogether. Seriously, though...I really will miss that rush that overwhelms me at the end of a job well done and the beauty of storming a well worn football field in the wake of a grand championship. Now that I really will miss, no doubt about it. But life moves on and so do band seasons. War and Peace is now forever at rest. I must say that, although it was a wonderful show, it can never live up to the sheer amazingness that was Egypt. It was by far my favorite show. I only hope that next year can compete with that slot especially considering that it will be my senior year. I also hope that is the year I will be drum major. I certainly hope for that, but in order to achieve it I must keep myself in shape (or rather get INTO shape) and work to improve my arm waving, more commonly known as conducting. All the while I must maintain my grape in AP Language, which I am happy to say is relatively high (not to brag or anything -.-), hopefully this means I won't be completely in over my head when I finally go to college. I have also found out that this year's spring play is Guys and Dolls. I do not, however, know what the heck that is or what the heck that is about. I am in a debate with myself about whether or not I should try out for it as I have in years past. Obviously I would be hoping for a larger part, but I am also thinking that perhaps I should get a job. (Do not judge me for this fact. Money is money after all and although I do not condone greed, a little green is nice to have every now and then. It's either get a job or keep begging my parents for money and quite frankly my knees are getting a little sore...). Anyway, for the moment I am simply in limbo, enjoying the time when I do not have to do one thing after another after another after another and another and another and on and on into oblivion until my head pops off and rolls into a nearby gutter. Ah well, I suppose we all just have to take things one step at a time. I have adopted that policy for my life now...I believe that it has made coping with the rest easier. And, in the immortal words of Forest Gump, that's all I have to say about that.

PEACE

The Band Preview

Hello all you bloggers out there! Sorry for the absence lately, but band has really been eating up all of my time lately. Speaking of which, you may have noticed that my sentences in this post are two-toned. This is because I am all jazzed up with school spirit because last night the marching band had the The Preview, and I was completely and totally excited. The Preview is an event where all four bands in our county showcase their marching band shows to the other three schools along with their parents and any other band fans. I enjoyed watching the other bands and their shows; personally Linconlton's was my favorite of the other three. They preformed a Cirque Di Soleil show complete with ring leader costumes and faux tight rope walking. I laughed and clapped through the entire thing. It was just so darned entertaining that I couldn't help myself. (You all know what that's like right?) Anyhoo, last night we were the last to go on,and may I say, we were STUPENDOUS! It was the best run of the show War and Peace that we have had to date!

While this was amazingly wonderful, alot of the band parents just don't seem to understand the premise to our ending. One of those people would be my father, of course. For the past five years that our school and marching band has been in exsistence, we have always ended with a loud, energetic note that basically blows the pants off of the judges and the audience. (I exaggerate of course....Or do I? Hm...) But this year we are forgoing the wet-your-pants-and-drop-your-mouth last note, instead gunning for a much more complex and powerful ending. I am afraid that it is monumentally different than it usually is for us, but I believe that's good so we don't always stick to the same ol' same ol' year after year. We have an insane amount of visuals this year, which I am EXTREMELY excited about. I just hope that I don't slip up and accidently poke someone in the eye and cause them to topple over and over and over one another so we all fall down and ruin the show. Wow, I hope I didn't just jinx myself with that one.

Well, I would write more (that is if I could think of any). But this whole two-toned sentence crap really take much more time than you think it would!


PEACE

AP SHOULD stand for Awfully Painful

I think that perhaps when I signed up for my classes, I was temporarily mentally deranged. Maybe I had a touch of the flu and my head wasn't straight, or maybe I just figured, hey, why don't I just go ahead and off myself right here right now? I say this because I have come to a bump in my normally easy going class regiment. Now normally, most of my academic classes are honors, which I have seemed to be able to handle up until this point. But for some reason that not even I have divulged the meaning of yet, I signed myself up for AP English Language. I'll be the first to admit that English is my rock when it comes to school. It is easily my favorite (other than band of course) and easiest class, because I just get it. It's encoded within my DNA to love and understand what goes on in an English class. But this class is unlike any other English I have experienced before. It is...mind blowing. And by this I mean crazy hard. Yes, I much prefer the class to anything mathematical (as I'm sure that's just a shocker to those of you who know me. Gasp, right?), but still, I find myself having to hold my head together so that it doesn't explode with the intake of what my teacher is throwing at me. I'm sure that I'm being a touch over dramatic as I tend to often be in demanding situations. Still, it is unlike anything I have ever experienced. Although I must say that my teacher is phenomenal. So much so that I often find myself ashamed that I am not as worldly as she. I guess I could use the excuse of being a teenager, but even a teenager has the power to pick up a copy of Animal Farm and understand it (something that I have yet to do but hopefully will in the next year). I welcome the challenge though (or as much as I can without going completely insane) and hope to GOD that AP truly doesn't stand for Awfully Painful.







PEACE

Oh...My...God!!!!!!!!!

There are no other words to express how completely breathtaking this dress is. Earlier today I was iming Kaitlin. She was going insane parusing prom dresses on the internet, and sharing them with me might I add. But I was all too happy to oblige because if there is one thing that I love to do, it's looking at prom dresses. Dreaming, deciding, wondering, and fantasizing about prom dresses. They are beautiful (well, most of them are anyway. I won't get into the uglier ones because that would just ruin the whole point of this post) and, even though they will only be worn once, totally worth the money. For one night, one special wonderful beautiful night, we high school girls get to feel like princesses. That is how I imagine prom to be anyway, and I must say that if this is not how it turns out then I shall be sorely dissapointed. But anyway, the dress to your left is my absolute DREAM DRESS! I think that if i wer able to obtain this dress and wear it to my very first prom, then I would be the most ecstatic human being ever to grace the earth. Unfortunately for me, it is 150 pounds, which roughly translated is about 220 dollars. I'm thinking my parents would rather have to pay for a dress somewhere in the 60 dollar range, and I would never ask them to buy this for me, especially since it is British. The point is, it is the lovliest dress I have ever laid eyes on (props to Kaitlin for going on a prom dress search rampage and providing me with this loverly dream!). Well, perhaps I can still hold out hope. Maybe my parents will have a severe lack of judgement and buy it for me!


PEACE

So I Almost Died Today...yeah...

Don't be too alarmed by the title here folks. It really isn't as dramatic as I've made it out to be, though I must admit at the time it happened I really did feel like I was dying. My life didn't flash before my eyes though...so perhaps deep down I knew I was safe. You're all probably wonder what in God's name I'm ranting about. Well, today is Friday as many of you aware, and completely competent people know. And if you are any kind of high school band or football fan, you know that Friday's mean one thing: football game. So, being a band member, I was all hyped up to go and commence in the merry making (yes, merry making. Shut up) of our first away game. For those of you who don't know, the pep band lives for away games. They are the intermission to our constant stretch of sweaty practices and imperfect home game performances. There is no pressure to win, or any constant fear that we may trip and fall in front of hundreds of people and, most importantly, a select few judges. Well, I think you get the gist of it. (And if you don't then I'm sorry to have to be the one to break the news to you that you are just plain thick). Anyway, I was on my way to the school to board a bus with all of my friends when BAM! it hits me. No, it really hits me. Like, a car hits me. Right in the rear as I'm slowing down to stop, sending me careening into the car in front of me. It was, quite possibly, the most terrifying experience to date in my life. I'm still in shock and it happened close to four hours ago. What really got me was the little girl in the car in front of me. She stumbled out of the car, her nose wet and tears in her eyes, screaming like there was no tomorrow. I suppose, to a four year old, it would seem that way. Well if any of you know me at all you could probably guess that this sent me into a rampage of tears and guilt and a waterfall of more tears. The guy who hit me from behind was distant for the most part, and outraged when the state trooper handed him a citation. I'm fairly sure we will be getting a subpoena any day now. The only injury I seem to have is a slight swelling in my knuckle, but that could be from anything really. The real beaten and bloody victim is my car. My poor, poor, dear, sweet car. It puts up with a lot as old as it is and now it has battle wounds on the front and back bumper. I suppose I can be thankful that my beastly Chevy is made from solid steel. I was so shaken up that I cheated on my diet (this is my excuse for it anyway. A girl in my state needs her ice cream) and some very delectable cinnamon bun ice cream (A flavor that comes in second only to the heaven that is blueberry muffin batter ice cream). I suppose I'm alright now, though if you asked me to hold out my hand it might shake like a wet dog. Don't fret though I'm not having a siezure...well...maybe a mild one. Anyway, I regret not being able to get to the game. I can imagine all my friends there laughing and playing crazy bomp while I'm stuck here mulling over my near death experience. Still, I don't believe I could have taken a football game right now. At least I'm still alive right?


PEACE

The Dreaded Band Camp...

Well, another year of Band Camp has passed, fortunately enough for me. I'm not really in the mood for wit, so I'm just going to come right and and say it. I'm TIRED!!!!!!! For the past five days I have spend between eight and twelve hours marching in the hot sun and playing my brains out (seriously, if you were to go to my school and check in the drama room where the woodwinds have our sectionals, you would see tiny little peices of my severed brain scattered across the floor). Thankfully though, it wasn't nearly as hot as it was last year, where all I could think of when we were outside was how a habanera pepper wrapped inside of the sun was cooler. I realize that may be a bit of an exaggeration on my part, but hey, when you're hot, you're hot. The ending of another band camp also marks the inevitable beginning of the school year, which i must admit that I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ready for. True, thoughts of pre-calculus and chemistry homework is not something that I am looking forward to, but I am just ready for something other than lying around watching mindless television, or marching around in the hot sun (unfortunately I have to do that three days out of the week once school starts anyway, but that's beside the point). The structure will actually be kind of nice, and probably something that I need so that I don't get in the habit of becoming a full time couch potato. Even now as I type this, I have moved my laptop onto my bed so that I can lay down instead of having to actually sit upright in a chair. Pathetic, yes, but mighty comfortable if I do say so myself. I really am trying to wrap myself around the idea of being back at school, and this time being an upper classman. I am excited about being a junior, but it has been a hard concept for me to grasp. I never really imagined myself ever getting this far or this old, which is a little silly because I knew that I would, but it all just seems a tad surreal. I am thoroughly excited though, and I hope to God that I can keep up with all these crazy classes that I'm taking. Oh well. AP English Language, here I come!

And So It Begins

Today was the second and final day of Pre Band camp. Which is a two day "review" of marching basics before the ACTUAL serious torture begins. All went fairly well, I believe. The music is crazily AMAZING! (Most years it is, but this year is exceptional). I thought my part was awesome, but it turns out that when everyone plays together, magic happens. Seriously. And I am especially excited about the drum line this year. Last year they had...potential, as Mr. Underwood calls it, but THIS year...incredible. They have far surpassed the talent of last year, and it was crazy good when they played for all of us at the end of practice today. If any of you keep up with my posts, then you will know that this year's theme for our marching show is War and Peace (no, not the incredibly long and tedious book, the actual concepts of war and peace). My favorite show has always been Egypt, but I am hoping this show can rival it. I don't think I have ever been this excited about a show before, and I am waiting on pins and needles for out first competition to arrive. Unfortunately, I have to go through all of the tedious beforehand crap like band camp and after school practices. Not that that stuff can't be fun, it can. Or rather, I suppose the word is Joy (WITH A CAPITAL J!!!!!!!!!), it's just a little...long...and hot. But, we all have to get through the hard work before we can get to the satisfaction. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. But anyway, all that working out and stuff will be good for me since I didn't do it all this summer, even though I probably should have. I'm just so excited about the first competition and I hope to God that we win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another Good Read

I could talk about books for close to a century or two. It's probably not healthy, or anywhere near natural, but I just cannot seem to stay away from them. Not that I would want to. On Tuesday, a few hours after I failed my driver's test for my licence, my Dad bought me my very own copy of Breaking Dawn to console me. I almost had to restrain myself so that I could go to sleep at a decent hour Tuesday night. Grudgingly, I closed my book around 1 o'clock so that I could catch at least 7 and 1/2 hours of sleep. I had to be fresh for the woodwind sectional the next morning at 9 a.m. (Sixteen clarinets squawking in my ear was freaking enjoyable so early in the morning). Anyway, as soon as I got home, I went right back to reading...and reading...and reading. I read for the longest time, almost all day long. I almost didn't even want to eat dinner because that would have meant leaving the story. Luckily, I finished in only two days. Honestly, I was a little apprehensive about reading the fourth book. There have been insanely bad reviews about the newest addition, and I hadn't spoken to one person who enjoyed the book other than Kaitlin who had not finished it yet. I really cannot see why people hate it so much. I loved it! True, many many MANY things happened that I did not expect, but isn't that what makes a great book AND a great author? What's the point of writing something that everyone thinks will happen? Isn't it the authors job to make sure that people are surprised? Personally, I thought many of her twists were genius, and I thoroughly enjoyed them all. People are just insane, I guess. Are Kaitlin and I the only Twilight readers with any sense?

PEACE

Driver's Test / Is It Really That Bad?

Today I went to go get my Driver's License. It was an experience that shall scar me for the rest of my life, and then onwards into the afterlife. I shall not divulge the reason that I failed, for it is far too humiliating. I asked Shannon to set me on fire, because if i was on fire then I wouldn't feel so embarrassed. Unfortunately, I remain unburned and reeking of failure. Luckily, I had a moderately cheery instructor who didn't treat me like the imbecile I felt I was. But I was so upset with myself that I could not bring myself to drive home, so I handed the keys to my mother who drove us home while I sulked in the passengers seat. Now I have to wait an entire week before I can go back and take the test again, and hopefully I won't make a complete fool of myself for the second time around.


On a different note, the highly anticipated novel, Breaking Dawn, has been released to the public for quite awhile now, and I still have not acquired my own copy. I suppose I could just borrow it when Kaitlin finishes, but then I know I will never buy my own copy, and I DESPERATELY want my own copy. There's just something about owning my own books that gives me a weird, twisted satisfaction. Perhaps that's why I never visit the library. I really should do that more often (and I doubt I ever will any more than I already do). Anyway, Shannon has not heard many encouraging things about Stephenie Meyer's new masterpiece. I told her that it was all due to blasphemous idiots. Then again, I haven't read it myself, and so I suppose I won't really know for myself until I get through the story. But I just cannot see myself hating anything written by Stephenie Meyer, and if any of you know me at all, you cannot see that either. Hopefully hopefully hopefully, for me, Breaking Dawn, will live up to the hype. Please God, let it live up to the hype.


PEACE

BREAKING DAWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The much anticipated fourth book in the Twilight series is being revealed to the public tonight at midnight. I AM SO EXCITED THAT I CAN BARELY KEEP STILL! I have been looking forward to this moment for an entire year, ever since I finished Eclipse, the third book in the series. Stephenie Meyer is, in my mind, the most amazing author in the WORLD. I know that I'm being a tad overdramatic, and that there are probably those of you out there that think many authors surpass the talent of Stephenie Meyer's. But, it is just my opinion, and you are all entitled to your favorite authors. Anyway, many of you may be thinking, well Caitlin, are you going to this crazy midnight revealing of the fourth book in your favorite series? My answer would be, no I am not insane. Now, if this were a tame little book with not much hype behind it, perhaps I would. But this is Breaking Dawn here people. I am not skipping off at odd hours of the night to go to a crowded book store containing a thousand or so screaming teenage girls who are jonesing for their daily fix of Edward Cullen. I may not get out of there with all of my limbs attached. So, like a patient person (which goes against all of my principles) I shall wait for whatever time happens to be convenient to go to the bookstore. That way, I get my book, and I don't get mauled to death. I figure that is logical enough, even though on the inside I will be dying of curiosity while itching to run to the book store even if it is miles and miles away.


Stephenie Meyer (aka my FAVORITE author, if you didn't get that the first time) is responsible for masterpieces like Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn, and The Host. For more information about her and her books visit www.stepheniemeyer.com


PEACE

A Day Out

Yesterday I was quite rudely awakened at ten in the morning by Linda AND Cassie, calling to see if I (and Matt) would like to go to Queen's Landing and perhaps play putt putt or bowling or to go see a movie. Frankly, all I wanted to do was go back to bed but I obliged anyway, wanting to break myself of some of this summer boredom (trees all across the tri-state area combust into spontaneous flames). We ended up going to 5 Guys for lunch where I ordred a scrumptious bacon burger and delicious fries (though not the most delicious in charlotte as they claim. I've had better). We then went to the new bowling alley to bowl a few frames. I was quite excited to bowl a 108 without any bumpers! Then during the second game, the rest of the whimps on my team (aka cassie, linda, and sydney) decided that they desperately needed bumpers. I was the only one to decline their help and ended up bowling a 77 while Linda bowled a 120 who at last game bowled somewhere along the lines of a 47. After I beat butts and got my own butt beat, we decided to retire to the arcade, where all of us proceeded to win about 700 tickets for Linda at Deal or No Deal and Flaming Finger. That is a game where you have to trace your finger through the maze before time runs out. It is crazily addictive and now my second favorite arcade game (the title of first belongs forever and always to my dear pac-man!). After Linda and Davis won abunch of cheap, unintersting prizes, we all decided to go see The Dark Knight. I was a tad apprehensive about this because I wasn't sure if I was going to like it (maintly because Matt said i wouldn't). I was also worried that my image of the lovely Heath Ledger would be soiled for the rest of eternity. It wasn't. The movie was AMAZING and I scolded Matt for telling these lies he was telling me. The movie was wonderful, although I'm not sure I would pay so much money to watch it 4 times in theatres like someone I know (cough cough MATT). Anyway, I had fun. Hope most of you can say the same.



PEACE

Summer Boredom

Yes, you heard me. Summer Boredom! It spreads like wildfire, and I am currently a victim. Although it may seem like a dream to go to bed at 3am and wake up at noon, it gets a tad more monotonous than it may seem. Granted, I should probably be relishing the free time I have now rather than complaining about it because in about a week, I will be living an entirely different life. The life of a band camper. I twinge just thinking about. Band camp occurrs from roughly eight in the morning to eight at night (this is a guesstimate here people) in the sweltering, relentless heat of the summer sun beating down on our poor, fragile bodies. You can bet how I am looking forward to that. What I am really apprehensive about is when school starts. I still cannot fathom that I am going to be in eleventh grade. ELEVENTH GRADE! Even scarier is the fact that I am going to visit a college this week. I didn't think that would be happening so soon. I am all hopped up on nervous excitement at the thought of it. The next thing I know I will be out of college looking for a job and getting married. It's odd to even think of now when that world seems so far away. But I am looking forward to it. And when I do think of it I realize that i should be glad for this time away from responsibility. But I am a teenager and I do need the occasional distraction from boredom. Oh well...I hope the rest of you out there have something to occupy your time so you don't go stir crazy like someone I know. (That would be me, in case you didn't catch the hint).




PEACE

Halo and Jewelry

Last night, at the persistance of Matt and Shannon, I was forced to play Halo against Shannon's mom and brother (and also against my will). Shannon and I were on a team (not that that helped me suck any less) and I died many many many many times. So many times in fact that I am positive most people would have lost count as I did. It was too troublesome and a tad depressing to number how many times my mutilated body dropped to the floor covered in blood. I had to quit after three games with a sum total of about seven kills in all. It was probably the three saddest played games in the history of Halo. I am ashamed having to repeat it even now. But it was still fun, despite my pitying performance. I was going to play again today, but instead my Mom and I went to a jewelry party. Now normally this is not the kind of thing I would go to, but I figured it would be fun to check out, and hey, who wouldn't jump at the chance to get some new jewelry? I would love to put pictures of them up, but I haven't the faintest idea how to get pictures of the items I chose. I picked out two necklaces, a bracelet, and a ring. My favorite necklace was 78 dollars. I almost choked on the air itself when I discovered that. I ended up having a fairly fun time and eating copious amounts of chocolate covered apple slices. They were yumy. All in all the past two days have been slightly lazy, yet somehow fulfilling because I actually DID something. (Usually during the summer all I do is sleep until noon and eat potatoe chips, but then, who doesn't?).


PEACE

MAMMA MIA!

Salutations my cyber friends! I am in quite the good mood today even though there is nothing particularly specific to be happy about. I just feel very content (for those of you who are uptight, might I recommend a bubble bath?). Anyhoo, I just got back from the movie theatre. I went to go see MAMMA MIA! It is a chick flick by any other name to the very core of its being. It was also relatively strange, but really really really good! Of course I wouldn't recommend it to anyone like Ronnie or Matt, because they would sit there and groan throughout the entire thing, especially during the parts where Meryl Streep randomly bursts into song. But for any of you musical lovin' gals out there, I would say this movie is right up your ally. More of a mother daughter film, though something you could probably enjoy without your mother and or daughter. We had lunch at Chili's beforehand, and I had some very strange chicken tenders. They were called chicken chrispers and were covered in a strange fried dough thing, kinda of like what you would get at a chinese resturant, only they tasted far from chinese. (A tad reassuring considering Chili's is the farthest thing from chinese food a person can get). It was an interesting experience (and by interesting I mean not something that I would want to experience again too soon). The corn was COVERED in salt. I felt like an animal visiting a salt lick. And, if you know all my weird hang ups, you know that I hate salt. So I had a bit of a rough time enjoying my lunch, but the wonderfullness of MAMMA MIA! soon swept all that away! I don't feel that I've had an extremely productive day, but hey it's summer and I had fun. Hope you all can say the same!

PEACE

Rock Moving Party

I am glad to report that I have survived the Rock Moving Party relatively unscathed! Except that my knees are about to give out due to the fact that i spent an hour bending over to pick up rocks off of the practice field. Personally, I see the whole purpose behind it useless, considering the field is directly below Mt. Unmore (the tiny mountain next to the school that the band so fondly named after Mr. Underwood), and by the time band camp rolls around, the field will again be riddled with most likely twice as many rocks. Some good did come out of the time spent crippling my legs though. I got to get caught up with some of my friends who I haven't seen all summer (Shame on us for not keeping in touch better. I blame the economy. I'm not sure why, though. It just seems like everyone is blaming the economy these days so I might as well jump on the bandwagon). Afterwards, when I was caked head to toe in dirt, we departed and went to Michael's house while waiting for our mothers to be done with some meeting at the school. Matt and Michael went off most likely to play some video game while I ended up watching The Rescuers Down Under with Michael's father. Not Disney's best effort, may I say. It then proceeded to thunderstorm, and I was beginning to fear that there would be no tomorrow after a bolt of lightening struck not three yards away from me. It was a frightening experience, but I survived. And without interference from those pesky black holes, no less. Anyway, the storm eventually passed and I'm pretty sure I survived. No one cane be ABSOLOUTLY sure though.


PEACE

Back To The Norm

Well, my little run of vacations is over for now, not that I'm upset. There is still a few weeks of summer left to burn even if I do have band camp coming up. But that is something that must be endured to get to the good parts that no one seems to understand why we come back for. There's just no other feeling like storming the field all tired and sweaty and doing the hokey poky like maniacs while waving various trophies over our heads. But seriously folks it's not all about winning. Although that helps the feeling of a job well done. Anyway, this week has been relatively low key. The other day my cousins came in from Ohio for their birthday. I'm not sure how old Gabby and Lexi are (this is probably a bad thing and I should figure it out soon so I don't end up offending anyone). They seem seven, maybe even eight, but I know for a fact that Christina turned three. Then the same day I had to drag my wiped out body all the way to the church to babysit some kids, not that I minded. I absolutely adore those children. Yesterday Shannon came over and we basically did nothing for close to eight hours straight. I tried to force her to watch The Princess Bride, but I think she may have the attention span of a slice of toasted bread (slightly higher than the attention span of UNtoasted bread). Matt, my brother who I'm not quite sure I've mentioned on here, proceeded to completely beast both of us at Halo. (Which is frightfully sad considering it was two on one me and Shannon against him). Luckily he is "training" me for the next time I have to play in front of actual people so I don't completely embarrass myself like I usually do. Though in my defense I have practically no hadn-eye coordination. That may be something I have to work on also. And tonight I am shoving off to the high school to go move rocks off the practice field, something that I have really been looking forward to for three weeks (I hope you can seek out the sarcasm hidden in that sentence, folks). But it will be a chance to see some of my friends that I haven't seen all summer. Anyway, the beach is far behind me and that's my life for now. Hope you all have some relative fun during the rest of your summer.


PEACE

The Host

I am glad to report that I have returned from all of my summer excursions. I'm a tad beat though, which perhaps could be due to the fact that Kaitlin and I stayed up to odd hours of the morning eating junk food and watching television. Mind you that's only a theory. Anyway, I am back, and glad to be so. I figured all of you out there would want that reported, but it is not my chosen topic for today's blog. I have instead decided to inform you all on the latest book that I have read. (Hides from all the debris that is most likely being flung at my head). Don't overreact now. Normally I would never pick up a book about aliens, but in this case I made an exception souly because The Host is by my favorite author, Stephenie Meyer. Although it is quite science-fictiony (I don't care if that is not a word, it is in my mind) it is also AMAZING and tied with Twilight for my favorite book. The Host is about an alien named Wanderer who is inserted into a human named Melanie Stryder. By this time, most of the humans on earth have been taken over by these peace-loving "souls" who believe they can run earth better than humans. Unfortunately for Wanderer, Melanie won't go away. She's like a tiny voice in the back of Wanderer's mind. (It gets a tad schizophrenic whenever she begins having conversations with the voice in her head). Anyway, Melanie fills Wanderer's head with memories of the humans she loves, and Wanderer begins to see how wrong it is to take over the lives of humans only to have them disappear forever. This drives Melanie and Wanderer to become allies so that they can go out into the desert to find the small resistance of humans that they know exists. There are plenty more exciting details which I will not divulge at this time, because I don't want to spoil it for anyone who happens to want to read it. Trust me, it's worth it, and I am silently willing Stephenie Meyer to write a sequel. If she doesn't I will be a little more than upset. I guess I will just have to wait for Breaking Dawn to come out to tide me over until I find out whether or not a sequel will be coming out. Oh well. I hope all of you will heed my advice and pick up a copy of The Host. You will if you're smart. ;)

PEACE

So Much To Say So Little Space To Blog!

I'm back! I know you all just raring to throw a party at this sintelating information. (Not). Fortunately for myself I have not fallen into another oddly placed black hole. (I have been scouting them out ever since the incident, and am happy to report that I have come across none in my journeys). I have, however, switched beaches. I am now at the beach with Kaitlin, so its been about two weeks since I've last blogged. This must be devastating for all you people out there. Anyway, I hope ya'll arent too heartbroken because at this moment I'm not going to take the time to comment on any blogs. I've just come to let you in on all the wonderful things that I've been doing during my absence.



Let's see....well when I was at the beach with Linda we went out EVERY SINGLE NIGHT! Not that that bothers me. On the contrary it was quite fun, and quite filling considering we went out to eat every night as well. I had many delicious dishes there. We also went putt putting one night. (I was far to ashamed to ask Linda's mom what my score was, so I'll just leave that information up to your imaginations). Then we went to this Maze Mania thing, which is this huuuuuuuuge maze made of wood, the object of which is to find a gigantic block of cheese with copious amounts of holes in it, and then you must find your way out before you collapse of exhaustion. (Props to both Linda and I for freaking out and thinking we were going to be stuck in that darn maze for the rest of our lives and end up dying right there in the midst of dirty concrete and fake cheese).



After that exciting trip to the beach, I came back for roughly a week, at which time I rested. Alot. Then on Friday I spent the night with Kaitlin, and on Saturday we left for the beach again! We are in this beach house that is literally RIGHT on the beach. If you step out the back door and off the deck your foot will hit water. (I exaggerate of course). Yesterday we went out to swim, and I may have possibly gone a little too far out in the ocean. This huge monster of a wave crashed over me and sent me flailing against the shell covered sand. It wasn't too pleasant, and I began to bleed. We made a hasty retreat inside so that we wouldn't be eaten by sharks. Last night was perhaps the most fun I've had all week for the sole purpose that I laughed alot and almost busted my eardrums. We were in Kaitlin's room playing games on the computer when all of a sudden out of the corner of my eye, I spotted something crawly crawling across the bed. We both proceeded to completely flip out and scream and run away. The ironic part of it all was that I thought it was a cockroach (the crawly thing that Kaitlin is afraid of) and she thought it was a spider (the crawly thing that I'M afraid of). Turns out it was a spider. I almost died because I was screaming so much, and Kaitlin went insane with a flip flop trying to mutilate the thing. Then later on in the evening a buggie flew into the room. A HUGE buggie. WITH WINGS. We couldn't enter the room for hours, and even as I sit here the vile thing sits under a small white trashcan, running out of oxygen and plotting its revenge on the puny humans. Or at least that's what I'm imagining. Judging on the size of the bug, I think that it may be quite possible.

Well. I believe you all have enough to read now. I must go and bask in the warm glow that is the beach. Adios!

PEACE

Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

Ah, it is time that I must bid all of you here in cyberspace a fond farewell. BECAUSE I LEAVE FOR THE BEACH TOMORROW! This will be my last post for about a week. I know that all of you are sitting at y our computers, weeping into your hands. (YEAH RIGHT!). But don't fret. I shall be taking many much pictures. (If the empty space on my camera allows it). I would blog later tonight, and say goodbye a little sooner, but alas I'm going shopping with Kaitlin, and then I'm off to spend the night at Linda's house. We shove off to the beach at 6 a.m. Yea, you heard me right. I'll be dead to the world until at least ten o' clock. Anyway, I have to leave now to delve into my shopping excursion. Adios Muchachos!!


PEACE

Summer Blues

Yes it's true, I have the summer blues. That is why I have appropriately changed the color of my type to blue. Clever eh? (CANADISH!) Now although I must admit I am the first one to opt staying home and sleeping until noon to other, more exciting plans, I have to say the quite frankly...I'M BORED! I need something to do every once in awhile, even if I do enjoy the lazy comforts of lounging around all day eating potato chips and watching re-runs of What I Like About You. Eventually, these things become duller than dull, which I know first hand. And it may seem that I am being a bit theatrical here, considering my tendency to over react, and perhaps I am, but I know that some of it is truth. I know this because yesterday, I did laundry of my own free will, cleaned the kitchen of my own free will, and began cleaning the garage of my own free will until I realized just what I was doing, and had to breathe steadily into a paper bag before I exploded of sheer shock. (I exaggerate here people. Or do I?). Luckily, though, I have a reason to get up and do something tomorrow. To make up for missing Kaitlin's birthday party, I have devised a plan to take her on a shopping spree and buy her something lavishly extravagant. (under the price of 50 dollars mind you. Not that she would let me, but I'm gonna at least try. I wonder if there is anything lavishly extravagant for 20 bucks....something to chew on. Anyway, back to the crap you came here to read...). So tomorrow I will grudgingly pull myself out of bed, and hope that I'm awake enough to form coherent sentences when we leave. And then, the next day, I will leave for the beach, a most welcome vacation from THIS vacation. And all I can think of until then is....BEACH HOUSE WITH AN ELEVATOR AND PRIVATE POOL! I suppose it's the little things like that will keep me from going utterly insane! :)

PEACE

The Human Emotion

I didn't go to Vacation Bible School today. I know, I know, it's rude for the faculty to skip out on the last day of their obligations, BUT I had a very good reason. It's actually a horrible reason, but it's legitimate. So there's this guy who helps with the marching band named Roy, and his mother's been sick for a really long time. Well, a few days ago she died. I was really shocked when I went to the funeral today, and heard Roy speak. He cried. I know that this was a funeral and everything, but I've never seen the man cry before. He's always tough Roy, who yells at us and makes fun of us, and who we all know and love! So I was sitting there back in the choir loft, flabbergasted, gobsmacked even, to see tough, strong Roy, with tears steaking down his cheeks. And that's when I remembered my Grandmommy. She was the strongest person I had ever known, possibly even stronger than Roy. Not necessarily physically, but emotionally and spiritually, she could bowl anyone over. Even with various diseases to deal with, Grandmommy was a big fighter. She refused to let people do much for her. She was stubborn, like most of us in the family are. (No offense guys). But in a way that really made you feel like she could fly to the stars and back if she really had the mind to. She used to having a saying, that she would spout out several times whenever she came to visit us. ETSP. It stand for, Even This Shall Pass. And though sometimes I would only smile and nod to please her, deep down I have always known that her words were true. And watching Roy up there on the pulpit, trying to do and say the right things in the memory of his mother, I wish that I could have dug up that nugget of wisdom, from whatever cave inside my mind it was hiding in. The pain, the tears, it all fades with time, but the trick is to never forget the person whose memories have touched you in a way that changes your life forever. I know that sometimes, it feels like the world is falling down onto our feet, and that we will never find our footing again no matter how hard we persist. But the truth is, everything passes, and soon the world will be a blank canvas, ready for new problems and solutions. It has been a few months since my Grandmommy's passing, but only a few days for Roy's mother. The pain is still fresh inside of him, like a band-ade that has been ripped off of his bare skin. And even though I didn't get a chance to tell him at the funeral, I hope he knows that this pain will pass, and that even though she is gone, his mother's spirit is being carried on inside of him, just like my Grandmommy's is in me.



PEACE

What came first? The chicken, or the milk?

Well, as everyone may not be aware of, today is my mother's birthday. I will not reveal how old she is no matter how much any of you beg. Anyway, earlier tonight we went to Max&Erma's for dinner. (I got this amazing Tuscan chicken with artichokes and mushrooms in an herb butter sauce. Talk about delicious and probably completely fattening!). Well, my brother, my father, and I all got into a little argument while we chewed out simply scrumptious entres. Now, I'm not quite sure how this all got started, but it came to be that we were fighting over whether or not the egg is considered a dairy product. (Oh yes, we're deep people). My father's argument was that since the egg is located under the dairy sign at the Food Lion (which apparently a grocery store food placing is an authority on this matter) then they were, in fact, a dairy product. My brother and I were not impressed with this extraordinarily inferior tidbit of information. I mean come on people, dairy is a category that is described by any food made with milk. MILK. That comes from a cow, or a goat, or any such animal with utters. Last time I checked, chickens didn't have utters. They have eggs. Which has absoloutly nothing to do with milk. Well, it seems that my father believes that since he is now a doctor, he just automatically knows that what he says is true. (I tried to kindly point out that he is a doctor of THEOLOGY. Not eggs. But apparently you can learn a plethor of things that have absoloutly nothing to do with God in seminary). Well of course as soon as we got home, all three of us HAD to know. I would like to thank http://www.ochef.com/ for this lovely answer to our question!


But nowadays, the word dairy only has to do with milk and cream and related products: sour cream, butter, cheese, yogurt, etc. You may often find eggs and dairy categorized together (several Ochef directory pages lump them together, for example), but they remain as distinct as the species from which they come.


And so I must say to my father...BAM! (With, I'm sure the accompaniment of my brother). The egg is not a dairy product. How in the world does my family get into such arguments? Last time it was whether or not macaroni and cheese was a vegetable. But, that's a different story.


PEACE

Why Wasn't I Told This Before?!?!?!

So as I have told all of you out there who take time out of your lives to come and read this thing, I depart in about 10 days for my first beach trip with Linda. I am fully excited. Anyway, last night I went to her house because both her and my mother are president of the band boosters, and so they had some things to work out. (I'm sure my mother told me what they were, but i don't remember. I really should pay attentiont more often). Anyway, I was there, and to fill in the stretch of time where nothing was happening, Linda and I popped in a movie. Actually we popped in 3. That's right 3. Our parents are very productive people. First we watched the mildly entertaining, License to Wed, with hilarious Robin Williams. Then we watched Hairspray, with the ever ambitious Zac Efron. Then, although we didn't get to watch all of it, we popped in A Knight's Tale, featuring the gorgeous, and sadly missed Heath Ledger. Well, we're girls, so we talked throughout some of the duller parts, but became agitated when we couldn't hear due to our mothers laughing, and the sounds of our brothers going nuts over some weird card game. But, we shrugged it off and started talking about the beach trip. Get this...the beachouse that we're staying in, has an ELEVATOR! AN ELEVATOR! Who in the world has an elevator in a beachouse? I mean is the place that huge? Not that I'm complaining. Huge is quite lovely. AND, we have our own personal pool so we don't have to swim in the ocean. Which, will actually be an experience that I may miss, but will totally catch up on when I shove off to the outer banks with Kaitlin, which I am equally excited over! The beach house this year looks awesome, although I think we both agreed that we LOVED the house we had 2 years ago. I don't why. It had some kinda charm that I can't quite put my finger on. Oh well. I am anxiously awaiting my beach fun! See you later in cyber space!


PEACE

Nothing Else To Do

There is absoloutely nothing to do. Seriously. Except, of course, the mundane which includes watching television and cleaning the kitchen. (Which is something I am trying to put out of my mind but really must do before my parents get home from work). I suppose I could continue reading the book I am on, but for some reason, I don't feel like reading right now. Wow. Did I just type that? I must be sick, or dying, or some equally terrible. Maybe I have the bird flu. Gosh I hope not. That would be awfully inconvenient. Anyway, whether I'm sick or not, I just felt bored enough to write a blog entry on absoloutly nothing, except the strange fact that for the first time in my life I don't feel like reading. I guess the reason is because I am reading a series, and I don't have the next book, so I am DYING to know what happens. That really irks me, especially if I have no immediate plans to go to Barnes and Noble. Maybe I can scrounge up a few people to go see a movie just so that I can get the next book in the series. But that would be a little sad and desperate don't you think? Well, nothing of incredible interest has happened today. I woke up at 8 this morning to get ready for VBS. (The color for today was red. Tommorow it's blue. I love being in the know!). The bad part was, I stayed up late watching a Matthew Maconahay movie. (And no I don't know if that's really how you spell his name). And I couldn't not watch that. So I've been a little more tired than usual while herding a bunch of small children onto a playground and having them throw multicolored hats at me while they play on the monkey bars. I like to help with VBS though, because I loved it so much when I was young enough to do it. Plus, there's all kinds of yummy food in the teacher's lounge!

<3 PEACE

The Anatomy of a Clarinet and My Thoughts on The Election. (No, I do not care that these two subjects are completely unrelated).

I know that I have already posted today. But, since the whole black hole incident, i feel the need to catch up with you, my fellow bloggers. (Good news on that front by the way, I haven't run into any errant black holes just swimming around in the streets, so for those of you who were worrying, you may walk around safely now). Anyway, earlier tonight I was playing my clarinet again because, let's face it, I really need to practice. And upon disassembling the instrument, it occurred to me that I should share with the world the anatomy of a clarinet. The diagram above pretty much covers everything, unless you wanna get into the whole register key, ligature thing, which most of you probably don't. People are always amazed when i tell them that the clarinet has five separate parts that I have to assemble in order to play it. (Well, the people who have no idea what a clarinet is, at least.) Apparently, they think that it just pops out of the case fully assembled and rarin' to go. On the contrary, it takes time. But luckily for me, I have become an expert clarinet assembler. I really should time myself and see how fast I can put mine together.



Anyhoo, the big election is coming up, and may I say that I couldn't be more excited! I know that I can't vote, but still, it's nice to keep up with things like this. Anyway, I am living in an Obama Mania household. My mom and my brother and me all want Obama for president. And then there's my dad. He's a Mcain man himself. I don't know why though. He keeps saying the man has character because he was a prisoner of war, so I guess that's his basis for voting for him. Oh well, whatever will be will be. So far though, alot of the friends I have talked to about the election want Obama for president. (Props to Shannon for being the 'O' in 'Obama' at his big speech. Without her, he'd just be Bama). Then again, I don't really talk politics with alot of my friends. It gets kinda hairy, and I prefer to veer away from the path of confrontation if I can help it. Anyway, I, like the rest of America, will be waiting quite impatiently for the results of the election! Don't pull your hair out waiting for the outcome!

<3>

Woah...Are You Serious?!?!?

Something truly amazing has happened if I do say so myself. I did something yesterday that I haven't done in AGES! I actually (getting ready for this now ya'll) PLAYED MY CLARINET! That's right, I, the ultimate procrastinator, actually practiced my intsrument. I know this will make Kaitlin oh so proud, yet slightly angry because she's a Flute Fool and practices that thing at any chance she can get. But sadly, her little Flute is in the shop right now, and she's going mildly insane over it. (And I use the term 'mildly' loosley). Anyway, after I played my lovely instrument, I cleaned it! Which is an activity in which I should partake more often. That thing was G-R-O-S-S gross. But, no worries, for now it idles in it's lovely case all clean and shiny, and raring to go for the next time I practice, which I fully intend to some time soon. Perhaps even tonight! See the thing is, I really have to practice my bum off this summer, because if I don't, Mr.U will have a cow that I haven't memorized my music for next year's marching show. Which, by the way, will be totally awesome. The shirt design is quite loverly and was designed by Devin, the french horn player and arTIST. For some reason I can't get it up here, but I'll keep trying. Hopefully I won't let myself get distracted this summer that I can work out all the kinks in the music, which is also awesome. (Props to Mr.U for picking some kick-butt music for next year's show).


In other completely unrelated news, I started Vacation Bible School today. I'm a floater, which basically means that I do whatever people tell me to. But the good news is, I have complete access to the teacher's lounge and all the food that comes with it! Quite yummy. The only strange part was, I didn't get the memo to dress in orange. WHOOPS! I wore a black shirt and showed up, and EVERYONE was wearing orange! I felt like a fish out of water! luckily, I know to wear red tommorow. I will not look like a fool again! Or I'll try not to anyway!

<3 PEACE

BREAKING NEWS!

Well hello there bloggers of the twenty first century! This is the twenty first century right? Oh well, in any case, you may have been wondering where I have been all this time. Well, the answer is quite simple my friends. I have been trapped in a black hole. Yes, I know this sounds a little far-fetched, but it is the truth, and I will not spen time rambling on about the details. Ill just leave that up to your imaginations. Anyhoo, something darn near amazing has happened! My father (who is also coincidentally a father of the church, something to chew on in your spare time) has actually BLOGGED! For months now he has been avoiding it, and I dont know why because he seems just oh so excited to become a part of the world wide web (for those of you who dont know, that's what the www thing is at the beginning of a url. I know, I'm just filled with nuggets of knowledge). He has submitted his first blog in his cozy little homepage, which I hope many of you will enjoy. My dad's all into the philosophy of popular television shows. (Figures).


And for those of you who dont know yet, I didnt make drum major. Which, most of you probably do, considering the fact that I moaned about it to just about everyone that would listen. Not that I'm upset or anything. I'm quite happy with my lowly little job of Personnel Manager, which, I am ecstatic to say, I will be doing with my friend Cassie. Yes, life is good as of now.

I also get to go to the beach TWICE! For an entire week both times! In two gigantic amazing beach houses! Once with Kaitlin, whose blog page you may view if you look under peeps, and Linda, who, sadly, has no blog page. But thats quite alright with me, because I get to go to the beach with her anyway!


Well, I must depart now. Here's hoping that I dont run into anymore black holes this summer. I shall be back soon to ramble on about my dull life, which you people seem to be so interested in reading. Oh, and props to Ronnie and Chelsea for all that BLOG SPAM!




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Such things as stuff

Well, I haven't been on my blog in, it seems like decades. Actually, I think it's only been about a week and a half. But, in my defense, I have been monumentally busy busy busy. You see, I have drum major try-outs in, like, two minutes. (It's actually in about a week, but I was over exaggerating for dramatic effect. I believe they call that a hyperbole. Props to my ninth grade English teacher.) So, because of this, I have been searching high and low and left and right and up and down for a piece of music to conduct. We have three computers in our house, and only one of them is fully functional, and that one would happen to be my brothers who is home for the summer from college. (NC State to be exact. GO WOLFPACK!) Anyway, there was many much yelling and contraversy and such things that I shall not go into because, quite frankly, it was a bit scarring, and I would prefer not to revisit it. Finally, though, I was able to find a song, called Firedance, donchya know? (I feel Canadian. Donchya know? EH? EH? EH? Props to George Bush for referring to them as the Canadish people.) Anyhoo, I started my count sheet, which is this long complicated thing full of counting and fancy arm movements that wouldnt interest any of you in the least. So, I shall skip over that and get straight to the point. The point being that, I havent been on in awhile, and the aformentioned conflict happens to be the reason. Darned aformentioned conflict. Actually, its not darned. It's very stressful. But, I am working on rising up to the challenge of that stress, which I can hopefully do. And now I am off. You probably wont hear from me for awhile again. Sorry to leave you all in the dark, but when this messy audition stuff is over, then we can sit down at our computers and have a real cyber heart to heart about the boring things going on in my life. Now doesnt that sound exciting?

PEACE

ROOKIE TRAINING!

Today marks the third momentous day of rookie training, and I can already feel the sense of nastalgia seeping up from the grass from last year. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I got to train the rookies. And then I got in the sun and I realized WHY I hadn't missed it in the first place. It is exciting though. But stressful. Drum Major try-outs are getting nearer and nearer, and I'm as frightened as a swarm of newborn kittens. (And whose to say that newborn kittens dont swarm? They could if they wanted to!!!!!!!!!) I didnt understand how much went into one try-out until I started the process myself. It's difficult, but I hope that I can rise to the challenge. Mr. Underwood gave out the drum major prompts for the essays we have to write on tuesday. The topic is: WHY BAND? Well, if that isnt the most obscure topic in the world. But, that also means that it's wide open for interpretation, which is a good thing for me. Essays have never really been a huge obstacle for me. I'm just worried about the question portion of the audition. I don't like being put on the spot without being overly-prepared. I guess if I want to be drum major then I'll just have to rise to the challenge!

PEACE

IVE BEEN HIT!

Ok, so technically, I havent been hit, but I am a cripple. My dad's calling me gimpy now. Earlier tonight at EYC (Episcopalian Youth Group for all you non-Episcopalians out there. And no, I have no idea what the C stands for) we always have dinner first. Well, we said our lovely superman blessing, and then we went off to eat. That's when it happened. I twisted my ankle, and now I can't walk without crutches. I'm hoping this crutches thing only lasts for today, but one can never know. Rookie Training is tommorow, and if I'm an invalid, how can I teach the rookies what theyre supposed to know? It's a huge dilemma. So, if you go to my school, dont just stand there and watch me hobble, HELP ME! Hopefully I wont have the crutches with me, but my ability to walk hasnt improved in the last two hours. My brother thinks I have a torn ligament, because he said that's what it felt like when he had it, only he could walk, so mine must be worse. Way to make me feel better.

On the up side, Kaitlin did her Save Darfur thing at our church during intergenerational sunday school this morning. We raised about 350 dollars, which was awesome considering most of the games only cost a quarter. And I must give mad props to my english teacher, Mrs. Dunigan, for lending us her gigantic shower curtain map. We had a few people step up and try to hit sudan with their quarters and nickels and dimes. Thank God we had the bean bag toss though. That was the biggest hit for the kids. All in all it was an awesome success, and I hope it turned out the way Kaitlin wanted it to.

I also had my recital today! (Busy day, I know). I sang The Music Of The Night from The Phantom Of The Opera. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE that song so much. I did better than I thought I would, and I had a lot of fun performing it. I wasnt as nervous as I usually get, probably because there was only like 25 people there. But still, it was fun. The day was pretty succesful, save for me injuring myself!

So, yesterday was solo and ensemble. I really wanted to play for Dr. Marks, considering he IS a clarinet player, and like the strictest, and nicest judge the world over. But, I couldnt wait that long. The man knows how to drone if ya know what I'm sayin. It's all constructing criticism anyway, and he puts people down so nicely! So, I had to go to Mr. Whitfeild, or whatever his name was. Happy to say that I got a 1 (superior). w00t! Afterwards I went with a bunch of friends to go see IRON MAN! It was such an awesome movie! So cool! I wanna go back and see it again! Well, that's all for now!


PEACE

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Hello one and all who blog and surf other people's blogs for fun because they have no lives of their own! I AM ALIVE! I know it seems that I havent been because I have been gone. Well, not GONE, gone, just gone-ish, if that makes any sense. Anyway, I am back. Hip hip hooray!!!!!!!!! Well, I have had a day. Not necessarily a bad one, just a mediocre day where I almost blew up and scattered tiny bits of me all over the school. You see, my friend has been acting really egotistical lately, and I cant seem to figure out why. She got this really important position and I think that it has gone to her head. She used to be really nice, but now, all of a sudden, she's being incredibly mean to almost everyone, including her friends. I don't understand why she would want to do that to us. I really think she has just been corrupted by all this power she has been given. Power DOES corrupt people, or so I've heard. Initially, I had hoped that it was just some weird phase that would breeze by, but it hasn't. She just keeps getting worse and worse, and I dont know what to do about it. It's like shes on the rampage or something. I want to confront her about it, but I really hate confrontation, for the simple fact that people usually yell in these situations. I guess all I can do is hope that she grows out of it. She used to be really nice and fun, but now she's just mean, and I dont like hanging out with her anymore. I just hope she realizes what she is doing.

PEACE

IM BACK!

So....um....IM BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PEACE

CAMP SONGS!

Tommorow, after school, I am leaving to go to camp, and preform that lovely play that I spoke of earlier! So, I won't be blogging for awhile. I know all of you out there is cyber space are weeping tears of agony. So! to keep you busy, I have devised a little game! Well, not really a game. Just something for you to do while I'm away. Because I know that all of you will miss me so so very much. (Just play along here people!) Keeping with the camp theme, I have written below, one of my favorite camp songs, from my Episcopal church camp, Camp Henry that I used to go to before I got all intertwined with other summer activities. I would like you to rate the song from 1-10, 1 being the worst camp song you have ever heard, and 10 being a rousing good campfire song that you will remember for years to come, and sing to your children, and your childrens children, and your childrens childrens children. (If you are still alive by then, which depending on future scientific developments, you may very well be). Then, I want you to post any camp song that you have ever heard. And, no, it cannot come from Spongebob. Then, when I get back, I will rate them myself! I hope you will comply. I enjoy camp songs!


BLACK SOCKS

black socks, they never get dirty
the longer you wear them
the blacker they get.
some day i'll probably launder them
something keeps telling me
dont do it yet
not yet
not yet
not yet
not yet!

repeat until disgusted with how disgusting your socks are getting.



and if that doesnt satisfy you, there is always the beefsteak song!



BEEFSTEAK!

FI!
FI FYE!
FI FYE FO!
BEEFSTEAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oh no no not the beefsteak!
oh no no not the beefsteak!
eenie meenie disaleenie oo
ah umbaleeni ochi kochi
umerachi ochi kiyou!

repeat 1x

Wolves, and Baby Bears, and Little Red Riding Hood...OH MY!

This weekend, I am going to a mini thing for my girl scout troop. It's kind of a camp. We go up and live in icky rustic cabins on stilts, eat mediocre camp food, and sing odd campfire songs. It's pretty much amazing. Because, let's face it, who doesnt love odd campfire songs? (You may say that you don't, but deep down, I know that you love a rousing campfire song, just like everyone else.) Anyway, since I am in a senior troop (That's the highest you can go for all you non-girlscouters.) we have to come up with something that will entertain 82734982374923847 younger girls whsoe ages stop at around 10. So, my troop has devised something incredibly awesome, that surely everyone will love. A PLAY!!!!!!!!!!! A play that I got to write, might I add. I was throughouly excited when I found out the other girls wanted me to write it! It's a spin on Goldilocks, and The Three Bears. You see,

Goldilocks HAS BEEN FRAMED!!!!!!!!!!! At least that's the premise. Ultimately, the kiddies get to decide who done it. (Being, who broke Baby Bear's chair.) Anyway, the whole basic idea is that there is this inspector, who rounds up all the suspects in a criminal line up. The suspects are, The Big Bad Wolf, Glinda The Good Witch, Little Red Riding Hood, and none other than Goldilocks herself. They are all in a line up, and they all have their reasons for breaking into The Bear's house. They are intertwined in their lives, such as the Wolf having a crush on Goldilocks who is dating The Muffin Man, Glinda who killed The Wicked Witch of The West who was Little Red Riding Hood's dearest friend, and Little Red who is supposedly Goldilocks' friend. It's all one crazy mess, but so much fun to perform. I can't wait to do it in front of people.

PEACE

(Let's gather 'round the campfire, and sing our campfire song. C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G SONG! C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G SONG! And if you dont think that we can sing it faster than youre wrong, but it'll help if you just sing along! BUM BUM BUUUUUUUUUM!!!!!..........Told you!)

Shocking Discoveries...

In the Catholic faith, there is a patron saint of cream cheese.

Chew on that one for awhile.

New York Style Pizza

Yesterday, I drove me and my mom to Tony's after we went shopping. That place was AH MAY ZYNG!!!!!!!!!! I wanna go there all the time now! See, when I was up in New York, my life changed forever. I had, for the very first time, REAL New York pizza. And it was a heavenly experience. I think I saw God. (Okay, maybe that one was a bit extreme, BUT! it was quite delicious). The best pizza I have ever tasted. So of course when we came back, the thought of eating regular ol' southern pizza made me feel a little blue, because I knew that I would never taste a pizza as good as that one. WELL I WAS WRONG! Tony's is a little italian place. It's not really that fancy, but they serve alot of different Italian foods, including REAL NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA! And the owners are from New York, so there's no way they can get it wrong. Anyway, of course we go in, and we order two peices of pizza, because, well, we were hungry. Little did we know that one slice of pizza was BIGGER THAN OUR HEADS!!!!!!!!!! I couldnt even finish one slice! IT WAS AWESOME! Hence my excessive use of capital letters. The garlic bread wasnt too shabby either, and my mom said their marinara sauce was awesome. I didnt have any, because I dont like to taint the perfectly good taste of garlic bread with strange sauces. If you have a hankering for some realy New York style pizza, I suggest Tony's, which I cant give you directions to, because I HAVE no sense of direction!

PEACE