Thnks fr th Mmrs

Today was my last day of high school. I've been counting down the days since they announced the date, and now that it's here, I'm obviously kinda in the mood to reminisce. First let me start off by saying that I did not want to go to school. At all. A lot of homeschoolers, when they hit highschool, want to go. That wasn't me. I'm the type of person who is absolutely terrified of change, even if I'm unhappy with my norm. But I went. And it changed me, in some ways for the worse, in other ways for the better. I made new friends, some I think are lifelong. I learned who I was and who I didn't want to be. I learned how to push myself in ways I didn't think possible. Going to school was definitely positive for me. But, it wasn't always a positive experience. In reality, a good portion of it was pretty sucky. But now that I'm done, I've never felt more proud.

I can honestly say I did it. I made it through the tears, the anger, the fear, the constant anxiety and stress. I made it through the rumors, the hardships that came with being the new kid, and staying true to myself. 

And you know what? Those weren't the best years of my life. I have faith that God has something so much bigger and better in store for me than high school. But it was a learning experience. One that I'll never forget.

Reason number 739478 I'm glad I live in CT...

Rick Perry isn't my governor.

In this post, I'm not going to be directly attacking him (Even though he makes me want to SCREAM). Instead, I'll be saying my opinions on what he says in his "Strong" Ad. This is a disclaimer. If you don't like what I say, fine. Don't leave rude, anonymous (or non-anonymous) comments. If you disagree, and say it nicely, please, go ahead. I'd be happy to see your point of view. But be nice and courteous about it, please.

1.  Everyone knows that something is wrong with this country, no matter their religion or if they sit in the pew at church every week. However, that "something" is different to everyone. For me, it sickens me that we can kill people to show that killing is wrong. I think that this country at times has a God complex with that, but others disagree, and that's okay. Others think it's abortion, or gay marriage, or war, or economics, or health care, and the list goes on and on. 
2.  What Rick Perry sees wrong in the country in a nutshell are: a) gay people fighting in the military, b) kids not being able to pray in school and c) Not being able to say Merry Christmas. I have mixed feelings on the ending of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. But, I'll save that for another time. As to praying in school: I pray in school every day. I make the Sign of the Cross and say a Hail Mary during the Moment of Silence after The Pledge of Allegiance. I also pray before I eat lunch every day. Not once have I been prosecuted or been told "I can't do that". I've been teased by other students before, but not once has a teacher or the principal told me I couldn't pray. America has Religious Freedom, which means that OF COURSE I have the right to pray in public. However, this also means, that Joe Schmidt has freedom FROM religion, at least in a public school. We can't force him to pray. But we have the freedom to pray if we so choose. And on the topic of saying "Merry Christmas"... I always say Merry Christmas. Not once has someone freaked out on me or told me that I offended them. I've been told that they don't celebrate Christmas, and then proceeded to wish them a happy whatever they celebrate. Today, we spent the period in Spanish class talking about Christmas. My Spanish teacher is Jewish, and smiled and weighed in on what she wanted for Hanukkah. She wasn't offended at all. 

I think many people are exaggerating on the "Happy Holidays" versus "Merry Christmas" issue. Not many people are offended by being told Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays was originally created to wish someone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Say what you want. Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Solstice! Happy Festivus! I wouldn't be offended if any of the above were said to me. Would you?

I end with a Christmas tree. Because... I like Christmas Trees.

On Memorial Day

In School today, our Social Studies teachers were required to talk about Memorial Day and do a presentation or activity of some sort. We actually had veterans come to the school and talk to classes, but they left after 5th period and my Civics class is 6th period. So, we got to talk about Arlington instead. We watched a video with "Arlington" by Trace Adkins playing in the background. You have NO idea how hard it was to keep my cool. It was so touching. Then we talked about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. Once again, close to impossible to keep my cool.

Since I've actually been to Arlington, it was kinda a refresher course. I think those who haven't been there before were bored by the presentation. But, I went there a few years back on one of my trips to DC. It was my favorite part of the trip. We stayed at the Tomb of the Unknowns for at least an hour. Just watching the Honor Guard walk his 21 steps and turn and face the city for 21 seconds. It's such an amazing thing to see, so touching and humbling to see what people are willing to do so that we can be free.

My aunt's father in law was actually buried there a couple years ago. He died in the winter, but the ground was frozen and they couldn't bury him until the Spring. I don't remember why we didn't go. I must have been sick or really  behind in school or something. But I remember him. My uncle, his son, could actually be buried there when he dies. Wow. Although I am only related to these incredible men by marriage, I am proud to call these heroes my family.

We also talked about family members in the military. On my dad's side, my grandpa, uncle and cousin were all in the Navy. On my mom's side, my Captain and uncle were in the Navy. My aunt's husband (the one who could be buried in Arlington) was in some branch of the military, Army, I think. My cousin is in the coast guard, and two of my cousins are in the Air Force.

We are a legit Military Family. And I couldn't be prouder.

God Bless America.

Long time no... anything.

I'm here. alive. Not dead. Not slipped off the face of the planet. Not extinct. Etc, etc.

I figured I'd stop by and do some blogging about the things happening in my life....

1. School It's what I do five days a week, seven hours a day. Oh, and must not forget the time it takes up AFTER the day is over, homework and extra help and such. The good news is that my grades are going up! The bad news is I'm probably going to do really badly on the Chemistry test that is scheduled on Tuesday... oops.

2. Emmaus As you may or may not know, I am very very very religious. I'm very involved with a super awesome Youth Group a couple towns over. I go from 6:30-9 ever Sunday night. Recently, the youth group put on their 6th annual Emmaus retreat, and I was blessed enough to be asked to be a leader on the retreat. Let me tell you, what. An. Experience. Honestly, one of the best of my life. Seeing those kids who I touched with my words and actions. And how they SAID I did!!! One girl told me that I really brought back her belief in God. I think that's the biggest compliment that anyone can receive.

3. Hello, Dolly! So, I was in my first ever High School Musical! It's funny, because the drama club is so diverse and nobody really cares. Disney lies, folks. Anyway, I actually got a callback to play Dolly (!!!!!), but didn't get the part. The girl who did, however, is superbly talented, so all the best to her =) I was in the ensemble, which was wicked fun. I'm really sad it's over and the songs will forever be stuck in my head. "Helloooo Dolly well Hellloooo Dolly It's so nice to have youuu bacckkk where yoouuu belonnngg!"

4. Lent As all my Catholic followers know, it's Lent! Well, it's almost over now, but whatever. I gave up Facebook and am doing really well. It really made me realize how I don't really need it. I can survive (surprisingly) without facebook. Sure, I miss it and want to go on, but I realized how much time it took up on a daily basis and how I really don't need it. I hope that after Lent, I won't be going on as often. Maybe I can use the time I used to spend on facebook for me. To read, pray, do some extra studying, actually talk on the phone, who knows! The possibilities are endless =)

Well, that's it. Hopefully I'll keep ya'll up to date a little more often =)

PSATS

I took the PSATS this morning.

Four periods worth of BOREDOM.

At least I got a waiver so I didn't have to pay $25.

Next up?

A College Fair on Monday and the SATs in the Spring. O.O

Swimming exhausts me...

Exhaustion.

First day o' school =

SUCCESS!!

Life in the slow lane

In two weeks from now, I will officially be a junior at the public highschool in my town. AAH! I entered in April, but this is my first first day and Its my first whole year. Absolutely terrifying if you think about it. Anywho, prayers would most definitely be appreciated. I'll be joining the swimteam at school and auditioning for the Fall play and Spring Musical. I'm also hoping to audition for Footelights' production of "Our Town", which I just read for summer reading. Speaking of Our Town, if you haven't read it, I recommend you do so immediately.

I just did tech work over the weekend for Footelight Theater Company's production of 'The Wizard of Oz". There are pictures in the previous post =)

I'm super excited to go school supply shopping. I know, I know, I'm a dork =).

My birthday is coming up! August 21! Five days. I'll legally be able to do... well, nothing really.

Anywho. That's what's happening in the slow lane. Peace out!

Finals

I'm preparing for finals. In other words...

I am studying, eating, studying, studying, etc. etc. Last day of school is the 21st. WOOT WOOT!

I am also hard at work preparing my summer reading list. I'll be starting it on the 21st (since that's officially when Summer starts for me), posting my list here and at Katie-isms. ( which, btw, if you haven't checked out yet, you really should.)

So.

If I don't post for a while, I'm still alive. Hopefully.

It's the little things...

Like reading Macbeth in English class.

Honestly, I don't think I've ever been this excited about anything school related. I've litterally been bouncing in my seat. Way to make a good impression in a new school.

School Ring? Or no school ring? That is the question.

So. I've decided that I reeeally like going to school (homeschoolers reading this... don't hate on me!) and am most likely going in the fall. SO, I'm faced with the important decision. School ring? Or no school ring? What a dilemma! In one way, it'd be reeally cool and I want one. On the other hand, I dunno if I wanna go to the dance. In that same hand... How on earth am I gonna pay for it?? And speaking of it... how much is it, even?

*Sigh* Decisions. Decisions.

update

So. I'm officially at school. It's so weird to go from being homeschooled your whole life to going to public school! Such a different environment, and kinda intimidating, too. 8-O Especially the cafeteria. It's SOO big, and I'm too scared to even get lunch there! I just bring my own! Yeah, I'm a wimpy shrimp. ;)

I lost a pound! WOO HOO! LOL

I'm rereading one of my alltime favorite books, Pride and Prejudice, It's so funny, cuz I love it so much more than the first time I read it.

I watched Sherlock Holmes last night. It was... oh man... ahhhmazing. SO EPIC! What a review you guys are gonna get! When I find time....

So, I gots to go. Talk to ya'll latahh.