Tomorrow is the day!
I had the privilege of taking AP chem this year and our final exam is tomorrow. Our scores on this exam will determine whether or not we can have college credit for our work this year, so it's a big deal! This class has been my absolute all-time favorite and it seems wrong to end it without writing a love letter of sorts.
I remember my amazing physics teacher, mentor, and science hero encouraging me to take AP chem during my senior year, and to be honest, I was terrified and there was a small piece of me that thought she was crazy. I took honors chemistry my sophomore year, and fiery labs excluded, I had no idea what was going on most of the time. However, I couldn't argue with her, and I followed her advice and signed up. I was nervous for the challenges ahead, but I already knew my chem teacher a little bit from Science National Honor Society and I had a good feeling about the class because I knew I'd have a wonderful teacher.
There are fifteen people in my class and it's amazing how close we've become over the past few months. We've struggled and celebrated, formed Facebook survival groups, celebrated birthdays and holidays, messed up labs, laughed and cried, failed quizzes, passed tests, and so much more! Looking back, one of my favorite things about the class is my classmates. We've all taught each other so much about science and life and friendship, and there are no words to express how much I love all of them. I'm definitely going to cry when I sign their yearbooks and it will be hilariously uncomfortable for everyone. To my science family, I love you.
This class has completely ignited my love for chemistry and reinforced my decision to pursue pharmacy. I hated myself for choosing AP chem during the first quarter and there were many days when I needed encouragement during that time, but my friends and teachers helped me through it and after we started the thermochemistry unit, it became so much fun. The labs were sooo cool. We got to use really cool equipment, play with universal indicator (my fave!), and titrate all sorts of solutions (a.k.a. drop the base). I have a running list of my favorite lab equipment (volumetric flask, buret, pipet, cuvette) and the labs helped me gain a better understanding of the math and concepts. AP chem was the class that I WANTED to spend extra time studying. It was the class that I always told my mom about when she asked about my day this year. It was challenging and interesting, and that made it all the more rewarding. To chemistry, I love you.
The actual physical classroom is very cool, too. It is conveniently close to the bathrooms and it's adjacent to the lab. The wall is decorated with hilarious memes and science jokes and there is a massive periodic table on the other wall. The front of the room is a lab demo desk and there is always something interesting written on the dry erase board. The lab smells like a mix of rubbing alcohol, marshmallows, paper towels, and plastic aprons. The classroom and lab have become my nest and my home this year, a save harbor where I can go at the end of the day to relax and learn. To C104, I love you.
The best thing about AP chem, in my opinion, has been our teacher, Mrs. Jutzeler. She is superlative in every way, like Mary Poppins, except cooler and better (even though she doesn't like Star Wars). From day one, she has always been looking out for us. One of the best things about her is that she has always known exactly what we need and she finds the perfect balance between challenge and encouragement. She has given us the perfect year to remember by fostering a spirit of camaraderie and helping us organize fun days after especially tough units. Between the unforgettable Christmas party, sterno gel labs for no reason, tie-dye day, and ice cream, she helped us enjoy the class and grow as a team. It is remarkable that she has sacrificed so much of her personal time for us by writing letters of recommendation, giving advice and life lessons, and most importantly, teaching us chemistry! She is very emotionally invested in seeing us succeed and she is a true teacher. I wish that she could teach all of my chemistry classes in college because she's honestly that amazing. To Orange Jutz, you are our hero and we all love you more than we can say. A million thanks to you for all that you've done for us.
I thank God every time I think about AP chem because the class has been a total blessing, something constant during a year of changes. No matter how tomorrow goes, I am so grateful for everything and I will never forget the memories.
Tomorrow is New Year's Eve! I love this time of year because it is a great time to reflect on life in general and make plans for improvement. I want to share some things I've learned this year- 52 thoughts for 52 weeks. God bless and I hope you finish 2015 well!
Being alive and living are two different things.
Sometimes you need to step back from the stress and go ride some roller coasters.
Take in the beauty around you. God is the best artist.
It's okay to cry in front of other people.
We've only got one shot at life, so live with meaning and make it count.
A genuine smile makes you prettier than makeup ever could.
You can never be bored when there's fire involved.
Always try new food when you have the chance.
There's something profoundly healing about expanding your internal map and visiting new places.
Make a habit of showing gratitude,
It's really fun to dream in other languages.
It is perfectly rational to be afraid of dentists.
Don't underestimate the power of a bubble bath.
Chemistry might be hard, but it's all worth it at the end of the year when you get to roast s'mores in lab.
If you really want to preserve your memories, make a music playlist of songs that get stuck in your head throughout the year.
Fewer things are more elegant than a clean room.
Never miss a chance to dip your feet into a body of water- a lake, an ocean, a stream in the mountains...
Walk barefoot in the grass at least once a year.
Don't confine your musical tastes to one genre.
Learn to quiet the voice in your head that tells you you can't accomplish something.
Appreciate the weather; when it's cold, you'll miss the heat, and when it's hot, you'll miss the cold.
Try not to categorize yourself. Doing so limits your capabilities.
Every new day is a chance to learn something amazing.
There is no point in thinking if you keep your thoughts in your head.
Wash your sheets often. You'll sleep better.
Sometimes it is more beneficial to rest than to keep studying.
Foot surgery is never fun, but it gives you an excuse to paint your toenails.
If the film score isn't one of the best parts of the movie, then you're watching the wrong movie.
A hug and a cup of ice cream can fix almost anything.
Life is too short to be pessimistic.
Always go wakeboarding when you have the chance.
Keep an open mind when you go shopping. Sometimes clothes look better on you than they look on the hanger.
Don't hesitate to start an assignment. You can always revise later; don't waste your creative energy worrying about making mistakes.
Pray all the time. All. The. Time. And keep your eyes open to see God's work in your life.
If you're stressed, don't waste time trying to take a nap. Read instead. Reading is always better.
Coloring is fun no matter how old you are.
Try to acquire a new skill each year.
Nothing is more valuable than friendship.
Smile more. There's a psychological phenomenon called facial feedback; if you continue to make an expression, your emotions will eventually shift to mirror that expression.
If you hear a song on a TV show or a movie that you like, try to find it! I've found so many great songs by listening to TV shows.
Start your day with music and it will be a great day.
Sing in the shower.
Reorganize your clutter. Your closet, purse, room, or backpack will be so much nicer and you will feel better about life.
A nice set of pens will revolutionize the way you study.
If you feel sad, look up baby animal videos. There is a shocking number of baby animal videos on YouTube and they are all overwhelmingly adorable.
Learn how to do origami. It is a great way to pass time and can be done with any paper nearby.
If you can play an instrument, play it often. The practice will be good and it's a lovely way to express your feelings.
Be confident and be yourself. As C.S. Lewis once said, "You never know who will love the person you hide."
A spirit of adventure is a precious, delicate gift that must be nurtured and preserved.
Find a flattering hat and wear it as often as possible.
In AP psych, we learned that chocolate boosts serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for happiness. I'll let you decide what to do with that information.
Today is the first day of Christmas Break! Yaaaaaay!
Guess what all the AP science classes in my school saw yesterday!
STAR WARS!!!!!!!!!
After my physics teacher told us that she had gotten the field trip approved (probably used a Jedi mind trick), we all waited in anxious expectation for the 18th. And it finally came. Yesterday morning, we all came to school dressed in our finest Star Wars attire. The moment the lights dimmed, the Star Wars logo appeared, and John Williams' epic score boomed in the theater, we all screamed and stood up and clapped. Some of my friends even cried out of excitement. The sense of camaraderie was nearly palpable. I settled into my seat and began to watch as the next installment of the saga played.
I have to say, I was not disappointed. It was everything I had hoped for and more.
Star Wars reminds me of another story that took place a long time ago.
*cue the dramatic music and imagine these words scrolling into the starry abyss*
It is a period of distrust, fear, and hopelessness. For many years, the evil Roman Empire has
oppressed the Jews. A decree was issued from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be
numbered.
Following the decree, Joseph and Mary race home to Bethlehem, and in a humble stable, Jesus, the
great hero of all mankind is born. Out of the darkness, a new hope is found...
Star Wars makes me think of the New Testament. The world is being oppressed and ruled by the corrupt Roman Empire. A humble hero, the Son of God, arises and is guided by the Holy Spirit, the force which flows through all living things and binds the universe together. Through a series of selfless acts and eventually a powerful sacrifice, mankind is redeemed and given new life.
If we are this excited about Star Wars, a great fictional story, how much more excited can we be about an even greater story that actually took place? This Christmas season, I challenge you to live deliberately. Live with hope. Live knowing that you are given new life and loved by the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. We are triumphant over the dark forces of this world thanks to the good force of God's love.
Piano isn't the most exciting or unique instrument, but there is something beautiful and reflective in the sound it produces. Playing piano is like prayer. It's a meditative conversation with God through music.
I realized something yesterday while I was texting my friend. I told her that I was sad, that I missed the profound peace that accompanies a week in the mountains with dear friends. She told me that the peace isn't in the mountains. It's in my heart. After reading her thoughtful reply, I felt challenged to not let my surroundings determine my happiness.
This morning, I woke up and looked out the window. I took time to admire the way the early morning sun touched the leaves and tinted everything pale green. I greeted the spider that lives in the corner of my ceiling instead of swatting him down (let's hope I don't regret that later). I noticed the dew-coated flowers opening to the rising sun. How many tiny miracles do we leave unnoticed every day? Do we notice the nest delicately constructed by birds in our porch ferns? Do we notice the way the air feels different in the morning? Do we waste time hating our messy hair when we roll out of bed?
What are we missing?
Smile today. Say a prayer of thanks. Make a cup of tea. Get up and dance.
1. The happiest people often hide the deepest problems.
2. Look up at the stars. We worship a star-breathing God. Take time to wonder.
3. Be kind to everyone. See thought 1.
4. Don't be afraid to share your story.
5. We have all been claimed by God.
6. We all need somebody to lean on.
7. Hagar means "the stranger" in ancient Hebrew. God loves the strangers and the outsiders.
8. Make a joyful noise to the Lord. Notice that it doesn't say make a pretty noise; just a joyful one.
9. "You are my strength when I am weak, You are the treasure that I seek, You are my all in all." -Nicole Nordeman
10. Peace be upon you.
11. Peace be upon you.
12. Peace be upon you.
13. Sometimes we can see God in everyday things: a smile, a handshake, when your friend washes your dishes for you, sharing laughter... don't be afraid to look with new eyes.
14. Pray with your soul, not just with words. God is spirit, so take time to be spiritually in His presence.
15. Any hymn can be improved with beatboxing.
16. Worship can be anything: dancing, acts of kindness to others, walking alone, thinking, anything. Don't limit yourself to singing.
17. Don't be afraid to show your feelings. Don't hold in the laughter. Don't hold in the tears. Don't hold in the love.
18. Find a true friend.
19. Jesus has set the ultimate example of what it means to love, and He calls us to love outsiders as He has loved us.
20. Experience God's creation. Walk on a nature trail. Admire the way the light filters through the verdant leaves. Admire the way each stone on the ground seems perfectly placed. Admire the music of birds. Admire the deep blue sky.
21. Tell people what they mean to you.
22. Be thankful for what God has given you.
23. Be a person others can trust.
24. Take pictures!
25. You can never understand what your actions might mean to someone. Something as simple as including them in a group photo could make them feel accepted and loved.
26. Talk to shy people. You never know when a huge personality could be hiding beneath a small smile.
27. Be patient with others. God has been patient with you.
28. Release the breath you didn't realize you were holding.
29. Don't be afraid to try new things.
30. It's difficult to breathe when you are plunged into water below fifty degrees wearing nothing but a swimsuit.
31. 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."
32. Live boldly.
33. We have been given the gift of Living Water.
34. "Love like I'm not scared, give when it's not fair, live life for another, take time for a brother, fight for the weak ones, speak out for freedom, find faith in the battle, stand tall but above it all, fix my eyes on You." -For King and Country
35. Don't make anyone an outsider.
36. Spending time alone can be healing.
37. Memorize the sound of your friends' laughter.
38. Making others smile is a beautiful thing to do.
39. Let people know the real you.
40. Sometimes, silence can be more meaningful than words.
41. Let yourself live. Throw your head back and laugh. Laugh until the tears roll down your face. Don't recoil when people hold you. Smile when you are happy. Cry when you need to cry. Don't be afraid to cry loudly. Tears are as good a medicine as laughter. Sing when you want. Dance when you need to dance. Write notes if you need to write notes. God put us here to have a story. Make it a good story.
42. Love. Just love. Love all. Love deeply. Love friends until they become family in your heart. Love the world. Love your life. Love God. Know that you are loved. Love.
I am sitting here in front of my computer and I have absolutely no idea what I am going to talk about. It's Sunday night. I usually loathe Sunday nights, not because of Sunday nights in particular, but because of the fact that school follows in the morning. However, I am off from school tomorrow and there is an incredible peace washing over me as I type this. The sky is getting dark. It has been a typical January day, with patchy clouds interrupted by slices of blue, icy air that burns with every breath, and a tiny flicker of hope in the fact that winter will pass and life will begin again. Days like this are the reason I love January. I despise the cold, but the deep blue sky and the fresh start that accompanies the beginning of a new year are good for the soul. God says to us, "Here! A new year for you." We celebrate by letting go of old habits and establishing new ones. We have the chance to remake ourselves. The chance to explore, to dream, to dare. I embrace it. I was on the water yesterday, flying over waves and fixing my gaze on the horizon. The infinite sky reflected off the infinite water. It filled me with awe. Our world is a beautiful gift, artfully formed, artfully sustained. The basic intricacy of life on this planet is so intelligently crafted. The new year accentuates the beauty that perpetually goes unnoticed. January is one of my favorite months.
I remember the
summer of 2013. I spent three months worrying about the new challenges that
high school would bring. Among my worries was the fear of Aerospace Science I,
a class more commonly referred to as JROTC. When I signed up for my freshman
classes, I decided to take JROTC instead of the regular physical education
class. My sole intention was to survive the class so that I could obtain my
physical education credit. Little did I know that my future would hold so much
more than passing.
My
palms were sweaty as I walked down the hallway for the first time. My heart raced
as I scanned the walls and saw pictures of the Command Staff and other cadets.
I wondered how I would adapt to such a strict curriculum. Once I found the
correct room, I walked in, placed my things in the back of the room, and sat in
a desk towards the back of the room. I tried to avoid drawing any attention to
myself. Two older students stood at parade rest at the front of the room. They hastily
explained the pictures of parade rest, attention, and seats. When they were
finished, the instructor walked into the room and greeted us with a smile. He
welcomed us to the program, and we listened intently as he explained the daily
procedures and the plan for the year. I felt more at ease after learning more
about the program. The bell rang and I walked to my next class.
In
late September, the wing had its first mandatory formation of the year,
Commander’s Call. Cadets flooded the auditorium and sat with their flights. The
wing commander walked onto the stage and called the wing to attention. He
greeted us. The cadets who participated in the Cadet Officer Leadership School
(COLS) at the Citadel were honored in front of the wing. A few of those cadets discussed
their experiences at COLS. Before I left school that day, I had assured myself
that I would never go to COLS.
In
late October, cadets began to try out for teams. I intended to join the air rifle team. I asked my flight
leadership about opportunities, and they told me to ask the Senior Aerospace
Science Instructor, Major. I had limited experiences with Major, but I
knew that he was extremely intimidating. This was the first conversation I had
with him. My flight commander informed me that he was waiting in his office. I
hesitantly walked across the hall. Things moved in slow motion. I could feel my
heartbeat quicken as I paused in the doorway. My palms were sweaty. I stepped
into his office. Black spots formed in the corners of my vision. To say that I
was nervous would be an incredible understatement. He stood and walked towards
me with no expression. I felt lightheaded. He said, “I understand that you are
interested in joining our air rifle team.” I shook myself out of my stupor and
replied in a small voice, “Yes, sir.” He proceeded to ask questions about my
experience with various weapons. Eventually, he sighed and said, “Air rifle is
a very competitive team. I have heard that you make good grades. Academic team
is struggling to survive, and they could use you.” He told me to return to class.
The following Monday, I joined the team. I enjoyed the practices, but I also
wished that the team was larger. The team commander was friendly. The year went
on, and in late March, Major began to select cadets with potential to return as
second years. At that point, I still had no intention of returning. Major had
other plans for me. I was asked to return, but I was hesitant. To return meant
that I would attend the leadership program and have a leadership position. My
parents, my team commander, and the JROTC instructors strongly encouraged me,
and after struggling with the decision for weeks, I eventually agreed to come
back.
Early
April brought stress without relief. In addition to the increasing difficulty
of my academic work, training had begun. COLS had been changed to the Cadet
Leadership Course, so even the cadre did not know what to expect. Our future
wing commander led the training. I was most nervous about the physical aspect.
In middle school, my mile time was over twelve minutes. I could not do more
than fifteen push-ups. I knew that this would be a challenge. I diligently
attended every practice after school. When we ran the mile, I was always one of
the last people to finish. It was a great source of shame. I ran at home in
addition to the mandatory running during practice. I stretched and did
calisthenics. I studied the manual. I did everything in my power to prepare
myself mentally and physically. Slowly but surely, I was improving.
Then,
during one practice, my lungs failed me. We ran in formation around the school
and stopped occasionally to do push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, and other
calisthenics. We stopped running at the tennis courts to exercise our legs. I
threw myself into the exercises, using every last bit of my energy to push
myself as hard as possible. We finished, and began to run again. I was
exhausted. The dust swirled on the dirt track as we ran. The air was thick with
pollen and humidity. I focused on running and paid attention to the rhythm of
my feet as they hit the ground. I controlled my breathing until suddenly, my
throat constricted. I had never experienced anything like it before that
moment. It grew tighter and tighter until I was gasping for breath, and I
choked out the words, “Can’t breathe, please help.” I was terrified. My vision
tunneled. The cadet behind me heard my desperate words and asked the leader to
stop. The rest of the flight continued running, and the leader walked me back
to the starting point as I regained control of my breaths. I tried to calm
myself. Once I was back to normal, I talked to Major. I explained that I never
had any symptoms before that, and he told me to get an inhaler. I went to my
nurse practitioner and she told me that I have exercise-induced asthma. She
gave me an inhaler. I was blessed to have it, because I used it several times
at CLC.
The
end of school marked the beginning of grueling training sessions that lasted
five hours each. The June sun scorched us as we drilled on the hot pavement and
ran until we could not continue. I came home one afternoon covered in mud from
falling during push-ups. We all glistened with sweat and wondered how we would
survive the week. Then it began.
CLC
began on Monday, June 16. I woke up at 0430. I was terrified. I had packed my suitcase
the night before. I ate a huge breakfast, unsure of when I would have my next
meal that day. Every insignificant action I did that morning was charged with a
surge of adrenaline. I somberly processed out of my house and loaded my mom’s
trunk with my luggage. We were silent as I rode to the school. We pulled up to
the bus loop. The sky was streaked with pink and orange clouds. The sun rose.
My mom and I stepped out of the car and began to unload the trunk. I chewed on
my lip nervously. I could tell my mom was as nervous as I was. She pulled me
into a tight embrace and whispered, “People wrote the nicest things. There is
one envelope for every night. I love you.” I lost control of myself. Tears
poured down my face. Having lost my mask, I was embarrassed. She helped me take
my luggage to the rest of the group, and then I was alone. Some cadets
chattered excitedly, and others, like me, stood in silent terror. The bus
pulled up. We loaded it with our bags, sat down, and the journey began.
The
week was a blur of events. My mind, hindered by sleep deprivation, was as hazy
as the thick, humid summer air. The first day, we went to the air rifle range.
After a safety demonstration, we were allowed to shoot two sets of ten pellets
each. I remembered the way my dad taught me to shoot. I slowed my heartbeat,
aimed, held the rifle in that position for a moment, exhaled slowly, and fired.
My first shot was a ten. The cadre saw my score and clustered around me. They
watched in awe as I continued to do as well as the first time. I started the
week with a positive reputation. The next challenge was the fire drill at two
in the morning. I was enjoying the little rest that I was able to have and
suddenly a loud alarm went off. We ran across the galleries, down the staircases,
and hastily formed into our flights. Attendance was taken, and after a few
minutes, we were told to go back to bed. I was exhausted the next morning. The
physical training was torture. One morning, a cadet was a minute late, and the
wing had to plank for twelve minutes. We ran in formation every day. That was
when I discovered that my performance improves when I focus on helping others.
A cadet in my flight was struggling to keep up with the group as we neared the
end of our two mile run. He was easily six and a half feet tall and most likely
the strongest person in the flight. He was exhausted, like the rest of us, but
he was falling behind. I was running with him, shouting encouragements as I
struggled for breath myself, when the cadet on the other side looked at me.
Without words, we nodded to each other and put our arms around him. We carried
him across the finish line. He was grateful beyond belief.
I also learned that
it is important to conquer fears. The Citadel has a rappelling tower that is between three and four stories tall. We were
required to participate. I am ridiculously afraid of heights. After listening to the safety briefing and slipping on the harness and gloves, I reluctantly
climbed the ladder and stood at the top for a minute. When it was my turn, I
begged to climb back down the ladder. The instructor encouraged me as I leaned
back and felt the rope support my weight. My breathing slowed as I calmly
enjoyed the view and bounced down. I was ecstatic when I finished.
Then came the obstacle course. I can't honestly say that I was expecting a bouncy house with the hoops to jump through, but I also wasn't expecting a near-death experience and countless injured cadets. Needless to say, it was fun. It involved army crawling, jumping over log hurdle things, flipping through elevated bars, contorting yourself into unimaginable positions, climbing ropes, climbing walls, and then, to top it off, jumping from one suspended surface to grab onto a bar and using your momentum to swing onto another bar. I was far too uncoordinated for that last part, and I ended up falling flat on my back because of sweaty hands. Fun. I was proud of myself, though, because even though I slipped and fell several times, I dusted myself off and persisted.
I defeated
many other fears that week and learned that I am capable of more than I ever
could have imagined. At the awards ceremony at the end of the week, I was
presented with the Top Academic Award and the Outstanding Basic Cadet Award for
my flight. My parents were thrilled. Once I got home, I slept for hours. It was
blissful. I am now the commander of the academic team and I look forward to
challenges in the future. I became a new person that week. I will always
remember my transformation from a weak, shy person to an assertive and strong
young lady.
Here is a compilation of pictures and videos from this year's Cadet Leadership Course:
I'm tired of saying cheesy, fluffy things like, "I'm back," or "I've missed you all so much," so I'm going to jump straight into things. Believe me, I have missed you, but I'm not going to waste your time by forcing you to read something obvious. :)
So let's get started.
This is going to be a fun post. I'm already looking forward to publishing it. I have to do something entertaining to make up for lost time, so you may want to sit somewhere with good back support so you won't injure yourself laughing or maybe make a cup of tea so you don't lose your voice from screeching, "Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!" (I nearly did.)
Video one. I'll start with something wintry. It's slowly becoming more hot around here. Well, I say slowly. Haha. Seriously, though, for those of you who have never had the pleasure of experiencing a South Carolinian summer, you're in for a melted, messy treat. I'll quickly describe it for you.
It's day three of staying cooped up indoors. After watching all the episodes of your favorite show on Netflix or maybe reading the last in a series of well-loved books, your back is most likely hurting from lack of movement (couch potato!) and your head is dying for some mental stimulation. You decide to go outside. After getting up off the couch for the first time in hours, you discover that there are Cheetos in your hair from snacking as you sat there like an old shoe in mud. You try to make yourself somewhat presentable.
Big mistake.
As you turn the doorknob, you think about how desperate you are to see the sun and get some fresh air. This thought is quickly squashed when you realize that the air is so humid that you can hardly breathe and the sun makes you feel like an ant under a magnifying glass. You retreat to the air conditioning before you collapse! That being said, I think it's time to watch something a little wintry.
Cute, huh? Anyway, our next video was shown on "Outrageous Acts Of Science." It's one of the most adorable things I've ever seen. At first you think, "Eeew, a frog." Then you listen and realize how cute it is. I dare you not to smile.
This video is different from the last two. It doesn't involve cute animals; instead it's a song. For those of you who have seen "Pitch Perfect" (I must be the only person alive who doesn't like that movie) or listen to the radio, you are probably familiar with "When I'm Gone (The Cup Song)". Well, this is a cover of the song, but in Irish! Over the past few months, I've been obsessing over Irish and Scottish things. I think I've lost some of my hearing from all the bagpipe music I've been listening to. (Honestly, it's a good way to go. Haha.) I found this on YouTube, and thought it was worthy of sharing. Enjoy!
I hope you've enjoyed this post! Coming soon: my bucket list. Sort of. Mwahaha. :)
It's been a while since I have posted, and unfortunately, I can't think of anything truly interesting to say. Instead of sticking to one topic, I guess I'll just talk about random stuff. :)
1. Valentine's Day
I honestly don't know how I really feel about Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day brings up mental images of pink dyed daisies in grocery stores, red heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, and those weird little conversation hearts that everyone buys but no one actually eats because they are, in fact, disgusting. As far as the flowers are concerned, flowers that are dyed kind of make me sad. They are very pretty, but it's too bad that they can't be appreciated for their natural beauty. The heart-shaped boxes of chocolates are also kind of disappointing. Even if you happen to enjoy chocolates, they are incredibly dangerous. Unless there is a chart on the back of the box to show what each type of chocolate is, each bite is a risk of eating CHERRY. Maybe there's something wrong with me. I just don't like cherries. There was this time when I was six, and my cousins and I were eating jelly beans. I reached for what I thought was a harmless strawberry flavored one. It wasn't strawberry. Since then, I've been reluctant to eat anything that isn't clearly identifiable. Yeah, I'm just that weird. The conversation hearts can speak for themselves. Ew.
I think that it is kind of silly that people require an official day to do something kind for someone they care about. Only three days after Valentine's Day is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. The purpose of National Random Acts of Kindness Day is to cause people to think about the strangers that surround them every day. In my post from last year, I included a video of people doing random acts of kindness (see below). I like this day because it challenges people to be kind to each other the whole year instead of just one day. I think we should apply this logic to Valentine's Day. It would be so much nicer, don't you think? :)
Then, there's the whole I'm-single-Valentine's-Day-makes-me-sad-I-will-be-forever-alone crowd. If this includes you, for shame! You are fabulous. Don't even think anything else. Everyone is unique and absolutely wonderful. Including you. God loves you the WHOLE year. (So does everyone else. They're just too afraid to say so. Haha)
So, whether you're excited for Valentine's Day or dreading it, I will extend a heartfelt "Happy Valentine's Day!" to you. :)
2. The Most Underrated Disney Movie
Gather 'round, my dear readers! It's time for Stargirl's weekly rant about the fact that no one knows what "Atlantis: The Lost Empire" is! Yaaaaaaaay!
This movie was a huge part of my childhood. My cousins who also borrowed the VHS tape from my grandparents' house would probably also agree. All the characters are amazing. There are several hilarious, witty lines throughout the whole movie, and it's very action-packed and well thought out. It frustrates me that Kidagakash isn't included in the official Disney Princess Court. Unlike several of those princesses (no offense, I really like all the princesses) she takes an active role in preserving her kingdom. She pretty much saved her people. Also, Milo Thatch is one of the two non-dysfunctional-in-some-way Disney guy. (The other is Quasimodo.) He is smart and respectful. Good for him. There are also several other great characters in that movie. GO WATCH IT NOOOOWWWW. (It's on Netflix.)
TRAILER
3. Heels!
I have been trained in the ancient art of wearing HEELS. This is very unusual for me. It took me a while to even accept the thought of wearing them, but I eventually decided that it would be worth a try! After wearing them around the house ALL THE TIME for a few days (it looked kind of funny when I wore them with my pajamas) I got used to it. Now I can wear heels! Yay! I can also use an eyelash curler! :)
4. Snow?
Snow in the South is rare. I have witnessed snow three or four times. A few weeks ago, school was cancelled due to freezing rain and hazardous driving conditions. I was very excited, and planned to sleep in until at least ten in the morning. Around eight, my dad woke me up and told me it was snowing. Plans cancelled! I walked downstairs (slowly) and watched it snow as I ate oatmeal. It was so peaceful. It snowed for about half an hour and then I went back to bed. It was beautiful! :)
5. Art
I am taking a media art class, and I put all my Photoshop projects on my other blog. If you want to see what I've been doing, visit the "My Art" page here: mediaart8abby.blogspot.com
Well, then. That's all I can really think of! Thank you for reading, and again, have a great Valentine's Day. :)
Choose your background music (because it helps you feel the true emotion):
Beauty. Happiness. Wonder. Delight. Relief. Peace. The quintessence of joy.
When I hear an amazing song or look at a beautiful painting, I can feel peace wash over my soul. I experienced that feeling today. It was the last day of school before Thanksgiving break, and my birthday is during the break. My friends made my day with their well wishes, hugs, and smiles! I heard a really good song during first period. In second period, I survived a test! In third period, I did several fun activities in a lab. During lunch, I sat with my amazing friends and watched the rain outside through the huge windows in the media center. In fifth period, my teacher made a ton of "Doctor Who" references. In sixth period, I finished a quest (a combination of quiz and test) on time and colored a picture of a turkey for extra credit (naturally, I used all the wrong colors!) In seventh period, I watched a video about the Mayflower. In eighth period (media arts), I doodled a picture of steam coming out of a tea mug with song lyrics in cursive. I was treated to a vanilla milkshake, and later this evening, I ate a great dinner. I sat down with the computer and my favorite song ("Hoppipolla" by Sigur Ros) came on Pandora. Those first few piano notes made me feel like I could explode! All the stress and worry blossomed into internal fireworks of delight. I forgot to breathe for a moment. I could have formed a corporeal patronus with that powerful feeling! It was a moment, frozen in time, in which I felt complete serenity. My mind was a sailboat on glassy water. It was complete and total beauty.
Days and moments like these are gifts from God. He sees us running around life like rats in a maze looking for cheese, and he sends these precious things to us. Small, good things eventually become wonderful, amazing things that sustain us and give us hope, peace, and joy. Blessings are like bubbles. The everyday blessings are what dips the bubble wand in the juice. The little things are the tiny breezes that create the bubbles and carry them off so that they can float up to the sky. This Thanksgiving, do not only thank God for the big things. Take time to reflect on the little things! Happy Thanksgiving, friends. :)
You have successfully made it to November, a time of peace, self reflection, family, tea, hoodies, sweatpants, and the wonderful smell of burning leaves. However, amidst all the happiness and joy that fills the air, there seems to also be a hint of stress. Students are worrying about midterm exams, adults are worried about finding that perfect dish to make for Thanksgiving dinner, and parents are worrying about Christmas and the pressures of finding the perfect gifts. Silly people. We all spend so much time striving for perfection (and I am COMPLETELY guilty of this, too) that we don't take time to stop, breathe, and spend time with God. Instead of using this wonderful time of year to thank God for everything we have been blessed with, we drive ourselves to near-insanity trying to live up to expectations and worrying about EVERYTHING.
Christmas has come early to the Low Country. At least, Wal-Mart and the local radio stations seem to think so. I usually get as excited and crazy as a little kid after eating 289 lollipops when I see the decorations in stores for the first time every year. For some reason, this year seems different. I am still looking forward to Christmas, but I am not as excited this year. This is... unnatural.
My birthday is in two weeks, and I have not even made plans or asked for anything. Usually, I would be counting down like a five year old. Now, all I can think about is the abundance of tests, quizzes, and projects that are due before then. As I ate my lunch today and the cafeteria teriyaki chicken inspired deep thought, I imagined what it would be like if I could stop time. What would I do? Would I study for my classes? Would I go ride all the roller coasters in the world? Would I go to the giant library in Dublin, Ireland, and drink tea and browse all the books on amazing sliding ladders (now we're talking bucket list, people.) I eventually decided that I would take a nap. Isn't that sad? Of all the things that I could do, I would take a nap. If that is not proof that people are slowly crumbling away from worries and even fear of failure, I do not know what is.
While I was in that stage between being asleep and awake last night, I was panicking about a math quiz. I decided to listen to Hillsong to calm myself. I was soon covered in chills and praying silently. It made me think of this passage from Luke 2:
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Like us, the shepherds had a lot to worry about. They were responsible for keeping the sheep safe from wild animals and many other things. I can imagine them that night; they were probably half asleep like a teenager in math class when this huge blinding light hit them and they were freaking out and all that was said was "Do not be afraid."
Do not be afraid.
Do not be afraid.
Do not be afraid.
I let that phrase sink in. In this busy time of year when all we can think about is the next thing on our calendars, God is reminding us to be still. Instead of tearing ourselves apart because of deadlines, cooking, shopping, and whatever else may nagging at our minds, we need to remember that life is a beautiful gift, good times are coming, and God is with us. Do not be afraid. :)
Life has been good recently! My brain has been full of explosions of random. Here's some random for you!
1. COLDPLAY. I really like Pandora Internet Radio, and it has helped me get to hear some great artists. However, I've been ignoring one of my favorite artists for a long time. A few days ago, I decided to listen to my Coldplay radio station. It was great! It was as if I had been sent back in time to this time last year when I was obsessed with Coldplay and life was perfect! It's amazing how music can do that.
2. Tea. Tea is another thing that was a huge part of 2012 for me. Several years ago, my family and I were visiting a friend's house for a fly-in (a fly-in is basically the coolest thing because a whole bunch of pilots fly their planes to the person's house and land on their runway and they all eat and talk about airplanes) and I was digging through one of the coolers looking for something to drink. At that point in my life, the only things I would willingly drink were milk, lemonade, water, and sometimes juice. I detested soda (the fizzing sort of scared me, to be honest) and I had already had so much water and lemonade that I really didn't want any more. After finding several cans of Coke (eeeww) I finally pulled out a bottle of Lipton citrus green tea. I was wary of tea, because I had a traumatizing tea experience as a small child. My grandmother was babysitting and I wanted something to drink. I asked for apple juice, so she opened the refrigerator and took out what appeared to be apple juice, but was in fact TEA. This tea was not the amazing sweet stuff that is practically worshiped in the South; it was my dad's tea. He never adds any sugar, and it is very dilute, which causes it to taste something like ocean water that's full of dead fish. Just saying. Anyway, I prepared myself to drink apple juice, which tastes like angel tears and butterfly milk and the laughter of Tom Hiddleston, and it turns out to be this nasty stuff that tastes like death and the tears of small children. Traumatizing. I snapped out of my little flashback and decided to try this tea. After all, it said citrus on the bottle; what's not to like about that? I opened the bottle and tasted it. I froze, and experienced the universe and all its beauty running through my mind. It was great! Flash forward to 2012. I must have had another bottle at some social function, and I convinced my mom to try it. She really liked it (and still does) so it became a staple at our house. For some reason, we must have stopped buying it for a while. We recently bought some to take on the boat with us, and it made me think back to 2012, the year of tea. It's great when you eat or drink something that takes you back in time. I would really like to start making my own tea and trying different kinds. I think it would be interesting!
3. This song:
My former school, Cathedral Academy, has Chapel every Thursday. It is one of the most amazing things a person can experience. Chapel is completely led and organized by high school students. The messages apply to real life, and the music is so amazing that I found myself crying several times. A few days ago, I was experiencing some nostalgia for CA Chapel, so I looked up this song on YouTube. They performed his song several times last year. It is a really great song!
4. Books! I finished The House of Hades two days ago (that is the book that was just released; the fourth book in the Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan. It was truly an emotional roller coaster! I still can't believe that I have to wait another year to find out what happens. Bummer. Reading that book reminded me of the fact that books are the most amazing things; with twenty-six letters, authors have the ability to take you anywhere. You can lose yourself in the pages of a book. If someone tries to talk to you, you cannot hear or see them, because you are lost in another world. Reading is an amazing thing.
5. I may be going to Dairy Queen this afternoon. Yay! I usually get the chocolate extreme blizzard with extra fudge and chocolate soft serve.
6. Autumn! I love autumn. In the South, autumn is when people leave their air conditioned houses that they were trapped in during the hot summer and actually do things outside. The weather is perfect. The smells of leaves on the ground and burning wood fill the air. People open their windows, welcoming the fresh, crisp air to enter their homes and replace the stale air that was trapped inside all summer. It's a time of beauty and renewal.
Hopefully you smiled a few times while reading this. Now, go out and find some happiness for yourself!
I realize that since school is now in full swing, many students and teachers are suffering under the stress of studying, writing papers, grading tests, and so much more! Even if you are not a student, it is seriously unlikely that your life is perfect. No matter what you are experiencing, I hope that this post will inspire you, uplift you, and fill you with determination to face whatever lies ahead!
The first thing you should know is that if you think you are facing this alone, you are so, so, so wrong. God is always looking out for you! I once read a really good quote that said, "Have you prayed about it as much as you have talked about it?" I try to think of this whenever I find myself complaining to others about things. It is helpful to have the support of friends and family, but God is always there to go to for help. Think about it. The same being that created the world and everything in it with a few simple words cares about you. That's pretty cool, right?
Secondly: When you are stressed, take care of yourself. Now is no time to slack off and skip dinner because you are too busy doing something else. Eat healthful foods. If you maintain good eating habits, you will be in a better mood. Drink lots of water. Also, take time to stretch! I find that it relaxes me and clears my mind. Pamper yourself! Bubble baths are good for relieving stress. GET LOTS AND LOTS OF SLEEP!!!!
Count your blessings. Instead of dwelling on your problems, think about the little things that make life amazing! I personally enjoy warm socks, the smell of leaves on the ground in autumn, sweatshirts, and music! If you are reading this, you are obviously fortunate enough to have access to a computer. Awesome! There is one thing already for your list. :)
Develop the habit of saying thank you. When you are polite and respectful to others, it is contagious! Spread love and happiness instead of sadness and hate. You really do have the power to change lives through small acts of kindness. Smile more!
Try something new or do something crazy. I came home from school last Friday and decided to take a short nap. I didn't wake up until Saturday morning! I had not slept that well in weeks. I was in a daze. It was about seven in the morning, and the sun was about to rise. I went downstairs and ate my oatmeal in the silence and stillness. I was in that beautiful state, caught up between my dreams and reality. The soft light began to filter through the windows. It was so simple, yet beautiful. Ii walked over to the window and put my hand in the light. Suddenly, I felt a strong urge to be outside. I grabbed my nook and put on the Pride and Prejudice movie piano solo and walked out into the cold, wet grass without any shoes on and in my pajamas. I walked around until I saw the sun. The first light of the day warmed my face, and in that moment, I felt like that spot was the center of the universe. It was so beautiful, yet so simple. That small act of walking outside allowed me to experience something new and amazing. It made me so happy! Listen to these songs, too. The first one is especially good if you are feeling the urge to dash outside in your pajamas at the crack of dawn. ;)
Do things that make you happy. Another way I manage stress and worry is to have a Disney movie marathon. Disney movies are so innocent and happy. I also like fresh flowers and listening to Christmas music. Everyone has quirks that make them unique. If you embrace these quirks, you will become more happy and more confident in yourself and that confidence will inspire others!
Another piece of advice- if you are worried that you will forget something, come up with clever ideas to keep yourself organized. I like to leave sticky notes for myself. Also, invest in a planner. Those things are seriously underrated. :)
I hope you will conquer whatever problem you are facing and succeed at all tasks before you. God bless!
A few months ago, I taught myself how to make a few figures using origami, the art of paper folding. Here is a picture of an iris bouquet that I made my mom for her birthday. :)
This is one of my first projects for my media art class. I made this using colored pencils.
I rediscovered this picture recently. It's actually a decent picture! Imagine that! I'm also wearing a TARDIS blue dress. :)
While you read this, listen to the song. It is called "Hoppipolla" by Sigur Ros. I have already mentioned it in many previous posts, but I cannot express how much I love it.
Here is a list of awesome little things that make life amazing. :)
1. When you see someone smiling
2. Thunderstorms
3. The smell of crayons
4. British accents
5. Warm pie
6. Standing outside in the rain during the summer
7. The shade of blue that the sky is during the winter
8. Snow
9. When you hear an amazing song for the first time
10. Chocolate milk
11. The smell of old books
12. Bubbles
13. String lights
14. The smell of vanilla
15. Christmas trees
16. Musicals
17. Fireworks
18. Getting goosebumps in movie theaters
19. The smell of food
20. Bonfires
21. When you turn off the engine and put up the sails
22. Video game scores
23. When you play an instrument you haven't played in months
24. Raw cookie dough
25. Warm hoodies
26. Comfortable socks
27. When you fall asleep as soon as you lay down
28. The feeling you get when you turn in a project
29. Old memories
30. Spending time with friends
31. Bubble baths
32. When leaves crunch under your feet in the autumn
33. The feeling of grass on a soccer field
34. Running around barefoot
35. When heat from the sun makes you sleepy
36. Reading for hours
37. Eating your favorite food (mine is shepherd's pie!)
38. Candles
39. A clean house
40. Taking your shoes off after a long day
41. The way mouthwash burns in your mouth
42. Singing in the shower
43. Singing anywhere
44. Wearing sweatpants
45. When you have no work to do
46. Watching old movies
47. Thick blankets
48. Old music
49. David Tennant's hair
50. Christmas music
This is perfect! Tiana as One, Aurora as Two, Cinderella as Three, Rapunzel as Four, Snow White as Five, Merida as Six, Jasmine as Seven, Pocahontas as Eight, Mulan as Nine, Ariel as Ten, and Belle as Eleven! I love that Rapunzel's hair is the scarf.
Let's see... I'm a Tribute, a Demigod, a Time Lord, a Narnian, a Jedi, a Hero, a Hunter, an Avenger, a Consulting Detective, and a Potterhead. I wish I could call myself a Bender, too!
They're so beautiful. Look at those eyelashes!
Japanese pygmy flying squirrel
Rapunzel is my celebrity lookalike. :)
I want this on a t-shirt!
John, what are you doing in the TARDIS? Wrong fandom!!!
