Never Let Go of What You Love

Never Let Go of What You Love

My mom and I have a special relationship. At one moment we could be arguing to the point of tears and on another occasion we could be laughing to the point of tears. For the people close to us they wonder way our relationship can go from one extreme to another. My only explanation is that we are too much alike to not butt heads.

This mother daughter relationship is like non I have seen. We have the same exact personality it’s understandable we get in arguments. We are both full of energy, passionate, and neither of us is ever and I mean EVER wrong. All of these factors cause our disagreements to become more dangerous than needed. We tend to take things way farther then they need to go, saying things we don’t mean and ripping each other apart verbally. It gets pretty rough. As bad as this may sound it gets one hundred times better when we look to the positive side of things.

It can be all but five minutes after a fight and we will both apologize and end of doing something ridiculous. Whether it is standing up on our kitchen chairs dancing and singing to Beyonce, saying “lets giggle” in a British accent then laughing our heads off, or trying to sing a song alternating word by word who gets to sing; whatever we do it always ends up with tears of joy and laughter. The lady always knows how to make me smile.

Although there is a negative side to our relationship, it doesn’t overpower the amount of good times I have had with my mom. For this reason I have made a promise to myself to never let anyone I love leave the house with them being mad at me or me being mad at them. There have been too many accidents lately that have taken away some wonderful people. I would be ruined if I let my mom leave after a fight and we were still angry with each other and she just so happened to get in a car accident. I would feel like it was my fault. I think it’s important for everybody to hug the ones they love often, and never let them leave you unhappy. It’s a scary thought to know that something can happen that quickly but the people you love can be gone in a second.

My relationship with my mom has really taught me to appreciate what I love. If you truly love something there is no way you would let them go without telling them you love them. So for all of you reading this right now, go and hug your family. You never know when you might lose them so you have to embrace every breath, every tear, every smile, every sound of laughter you share with them.

(485 words)

The Kitten Inside

The Kitten Inside

As I am sitting on my couch pondering on what I should blog about, something catches my eye. I see a wiggling in my Christmas tree across the room. What on earth could be happening? My mind tells me to go and explore, but I am apprehensive about it. What if it’s a bat, I mean there have been bats in our house before. I don’t think I would want to end up nose to nose with a bat.

I finally gain the courage to find out what is disrupting our beautiful Christmas tree. I inch my way across the room as quiet as a mouse to only find that it was my cat who had hopped into the tree. I am thrilled to come to the conclusion that there wasn’t a bat in the house but beyond angry with the cat. She knows she shouldn’t be messing with the tree, as she has gotten in trouble for it before but only when she was a kitten.

My dad, just today had said there isn’t much kitten left in her, as my brother was trying to get here to play with a string. But I beg to differ; this cat is just smart about when to be adult and when to be a kitten. Well most of the time. Lately she has been very cuddly like a kitten but other times she wants nothing to do with you. Sometimes we think she’s bipolar but you got to love her.

As the end of this December comes up, Ebony (my cat) will be turning 12 years old. 12 years old is pretty old for a cat if you ask me. I feel like she has been around forever! As the years have gone by she has been awesome for us. But lately she has had a couple health issues. One big problem was her tumor. We have now found out that is just a fatty tumor and it isn’t affecting her health, but it gave us all a fright. Although she can drive us all crazy, she’s a good cat and life would be completely different without her.

(360 words)

All I Want for Christmas is you

All I Want for Christmas is you

Ever since I could remember there has been one thing that has been on the top of my Christmas list. One think I’d wish on my birthday candles. One thing I’d put on the top of my birthday list. One thing I’d wish for on a shooting star… a puppy.

I have wanted a puppy so badly for the longest time; I think I’m going crazy. But there is one problem in my parent’s eyes. They think we are out of town too much to care for a puppy. That the puppy would need more care and love than we could give to him or her. I don’t think they realize that I am in love with this puppy even though I don’t have it… yet.

I think this year I have done a pretty good job convincing my parent to get our family a puppy. I ask them weekly if that’s what I’m getting for Christmas and they say no. I am convinced they are saying no because they don’t want to ruin the Christmas spirit by spoiling my presents.

I don’t even care what kind of puppy I get as long as it’s cute and friendly. Although I do have a preference would be a chow chow. They are the most adorable things to me I just can’t get over how cute and fluffy they are. I think I have a special attachment to chow chows because I had one when I was very young. By pictures we have, he was my best friend. It was always me in my diaper doing something goofy like putting Tupper wear on my head with my doggy just cuddled up to me. He was a protector and I want that again. Sadly my dog got lung cancer so we had to put him down, but he will always have a piece of my heart.

I think the perfect way to fill that piece of my heart missing is to get a new dog this Christmas. It has been 14 years… It is time to get this heart fixed!

(355 words)

The Pressure of Choosing

The Pressure of Choosing

Yes, I have blogged about college before…. But now I feel like it’s becoming real. I have been talking to more and more college soccer coaches from different schools and receiving a tremendous amount of mail from an academic standpoint. Although I am only junior, I feel the pressure of making a decision is coming soon. I feel like so many people are committing to schools and I am miles behind them in the process.

I have really started to buckle down on making college visits and staying connected with the school I feel would be a good fit. As of now there are three schools I’m interested in and that seemed to be interested in me. First there is Drury University out of Springfield, MO. I have seen them play multiple times, they have an education program (I want to major in education to become a special needs teacher.), and I enjoy the coach. One problem with Drury is my older sister goes there and has played for the past three years there. Although she will be gone when I get there, I still think it is odd to be playing with people she played with in the past. I don’t want to be compared to her by my teammates or coach, that has happened in high school and we are completely different styled players.

Next on my list is Rockhurst University out of Kansas City, MO. I went to visit this past October. I enjoyed watching them play, they have an education with an opportunity to get a certificate in special education, the coach is interested in me, I am interested in the coach, and the campus is beautiful. One downside to Rockhurst is they seem very religious and I’m not very religious at all.

Third on my list would be Concordia University out of St. Paul, Minn. I do not know a lot about Concordia but I have heard many good things. My high school coach has talked to me about the college and it seems like a good candidate. Lately I have been connecting a lot with Concordia’s coach and he seems very interested after seeing me play in a showcase along with after talking to my high school coach. I am planning to visit early January so there is more information to come about Concordia.

These are probably the three top schools I know the most about, but there is still a tone of options out there. I think the biggest thing I need to keep in my mind that soccer doesn’t really matter. If I can play, great but soccer can go away in one tackle. I need a school that fits me academically and from a soccer stand point. But the academics come first.

There are some things I know I want in a school but others are still questionable because I haven’t seen very many campuses. I know I want to be out of Iowa, but in the Midwest. I know I want to play d2 or d3 soccer. I know I want to be in a big city but a smaller school. I know I want to be in a coed school. And I know I want to major in education. If only I could personally customize my school that would be perfect. But, I can’t. I guess I will just have to keep visiting and keep my eyes open. It’s important that I don’t close any doors and be open to many options.

(590 words)

Comfort > Style

Comfort > Style

I’m just going to through this one out there… I don’t enjoy wearing pants. There is just something about putting on a pair of jeans that just bothers me. I would rather be comfy cozy in a pair of leggings or just rock a pair of boxers.

6am I get up and decide what to wear so I take a look in my closet. On one side there is a nice pair of jeans but on the other is a pair of soft, stretchy, comfortable leggings. What do I decide to put on, the leggings of course? Some may say its laziness but honestly who would want to be locked up in a pair of jeans all day, I like to be flexible and comfortable and my leggings will do nothing less for me.

If I do decide to wear those jeans there is no way I am staying in them all day. When I get home from school I bust into my house and sprint into my room to rip off those jeans and slide into some boxers, there is no greater feeling. They are a perfect wardrobe change for my after school nap. Sometimes I wish it was socially acceptable to wear just boxer to school, I mean they are just like shorts but with a cool pattern on them what wrong with that?

In the end it’s not socially acceptable to wear leggings and boxers every day to school, but it is important to be comfortable while learning. This is why I don’t understand how some girls my age can wear dresses or skirts every day to school. Maybe it’s just me but there is no way that could be comfortable in the desks we have. Another fashion comfort choice I don’t understand is high heels. How can a woman walk in those things every day of the week without wanting to cut her feet off? I can barely take the 10 minutes it takes at homecoming to take pictures let along a whole day.

I give props to the people who ignore the comfort fact of fashion. I know I couldn’t do it so it has to be a difficult task to do.

(370 Words)

Competition at Its Finest

Competition at Its Finest

Here comes the special time of the winter sports season where we have our winter sports assembly at school. For someone who doesn’t go to Kennedy High School this may seem like this is no big deal… But it is!

As we are approaching the week of the pep assembly we are all frantically planning on what to wear, what to bring, and what to plan in order to defeat the other classes. As a freshman we learned that you have to have a color scheme. You have to bring something special like balloons or streamers in order to shine over the other classes. And of course you have to prepare for what kind of contest may come around during the assembly.

In years past there has been a variety of contest. Things like; longest hair, most piercings, best juggler, and most importantly the one that happen every pep assembly are the dance offs. Our school is so competitive, we all take these events extremely serious… well, my class does. There is nothing worse than losing to another class while they put their bragging rights into action.

So tomorrow the juniors will be putting their game faces on and there is no stopping us now. We have already won twice and there is nothing less than victories in our future. So if you are a freshman, sophomore, or senior you better look out.

(240 words)

A New Journey

A New Journey

Starting Monday I am embarking myself in a new journey. I will be an intern at an elementary school in the autism classroom. I have chosen to pursue this internship because I think its really what I want to do as a profession. After gaining the experience of the classroom, I hope it just reassures my goals of becoming an autism teacher.

During the process of obtaining my internship, I have been asked the same question many times. “Why do you want to be an autism teacher,” and every time my answer is the same. There is just something about these kids, I feel like they know something that we don’t know. There are too many times where they are underrated due to their learning disabilities but how many kids do you know who can detect when you are upset and make you smile on a drop of a dime. Or what kid do you know who can drop a random fact that you would have never guessed was true. These kids have amazing abilities, they are just simply amazing. They are so interesting to me, and I can’t see myself doing anything else.

I have been blessed by this opportunity to get a more hands on view of being an autism teacher, and I hope it helps me make the final decision to be an autism teacher.

Who's Behind the Screen

Who’s behind the screen

No one can really be sure of a situation when it’s happening on the internet. Lately I have been watching this interesting show called Catfish. It shows people who have been starting relationships over the internet and now they are finally meeting the person behind the computer screen.

This show is very interesting to me because there are so many twists and turns. Sometimes they are really the person they say are, and other times they are psychos that have made up elaborate lies in order for self-entertainment.

  When the relationship is true with no lies, and the do finally meet each other most of the time its love at first sight. On the other hand, there are some big lies that happen. These people go to an extreme of making up sometimes over 10 fake Facebook people in order to keep their story going and realistic.

This show just shows how dangerous online relationships can be. You truly don’t know who is on the other end of the conversation. Although some of these relationships do work, I still don’t think it’s a very good idea to search for your soul mate online. But if that’s your thing, just be cautious. For me if im on Facebook and a random person chats me, I always keep in the back of my mind… “ This could be a 60 year old pedophile I’m talking to.”

Only the Good Die Young

Only the Good Die Young

I don’t think there is a single person I have met who has influenced so many people like Drew Wall has. He proves what they say is true, “Only the good die young.”

Drew was a sophomore at Kennedy High School. He was very bright and just all around good guy. We all knew he had had some struggles in the past but we saw how tough, he was our superman, our fighter, and our hero. Drew had battled cancer in the past, and as an outcome lost his leg. In replacement he got a titanium leg. Although he was able to joke about it, you could still tell it sort of held him back. He was no longer able to do some of the sports he loved, such as basketball but he still kept himself involved. He spent a lot of his time on the golf course with his fellow cougars.

We all thought Drew had overcome this cancer, but to our surprise it had made a terrifying return in the middle of our first trimester.  The cancer had returned and it was in his lung, making it a hindrance for him to breathe.  It got so difficult for him, he had to be flown to the U of I hospital. The day after, we had heard that he was soon to high five god. This took a huge toll on our school and community, but together we all did the best we could to help Drew and his family in their time of need.

On November 27^th, the news was brought to us from twitter and other social networks. Drew had passed.  On his caring bridge page was a message from his family letting everyone know. This note showed how strong his family was to lose such a great kid.

“Well Drew is such a good boy that he made it really easy on us.  We were all right here together surrounding him with love.  I looked up from some pictures and papers we were going through he was blinking a few times and I thought he might be waking up.  I hugged him and told him how much I love him and how much we all love him and he was gone.  He's HOME - Jesus loves him so much and he will take good care of him.  He's got a tee time tomorrow on the most beautiful golf course you could ever imagine!  And oh the pianos they have for him to play!”

As tears dripped down from many classmates faces, we all got together to remember Drew wearing our purple to support him. Seeing how much purple was not only at our school, but our community in general just showed how much effect Drew had on people. He was a great kid, and will be missed dearly. May you rest in peace Drew Wall.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/drewwall

No I love You More ;)

No I love you more ;)

It is just my favorite thing in the world to walk into my school and see a touchy couple sucking each other’s faces off. I mean what else would you want to see at 8 o’clock in the morning? There are many plusses to showing your affection to your significant other at school but to be frank, everyone just wants to see the show.

While sucking face, you sure do get the attention you want. You just show off to the world that you two are inseparable. You get a great reputation; I’m sure it’s everyone’s goal in life to be known as the PDA couple. Overall, the make out show is just the way to go.

Here are some other ways to get some great attention at school with your significant other

1.       Call each other cute pet names (ex. Baby, sugarplum, sweet cheeks, etc.)

2.        Have the adorable “I love you more” “no I love you more” fight.

3.       Eskimo kisses

4.       Baby talk

These are just some ways to prove to the world that you and your significant other are together. A lot of other people really care that you are in fact a couple, so they really appreciate your displays of affection. I’m pretty sure they might get the couple vibe with just a simple peck on the cheek or lips or maybe just even holding hands. But you better be sure to make it know and show all the affection you can while you are in school.

Girls VS. Girls

What is up with a males obsession of going after younger girls. It just creeps me out. I don’t think they realize there are plenty of girls their own age who are available.

                As a female it makes me angry, with all the guys in my grade going after girls younger, it leaves no guys for the females in my own class. This can cause friction within the female populations of each grade.

                When a guy can’t decide between, let’s just say, a Junior and a Sophomore… All hell breaks loose. It then becomes a war between classes. The junior girls then form a pact of hating on the younger girls just because of one situation, and one stupid guy. While the junior girls are creating their pact the sophomores do the same. Then suddenly the juniors decide to make an alliance with the seniors and the sophomores do the same with the freshman. And now, because of one silly guy, the whole school is against each other.

                Yes I know that was a Mean Girls interpretation of what happens but, it really does get a lot of people to argue. Things would be so much better if a few things happened…

1.       Guys stuck with girls their own age

2.       Girls didn’t need so much attention

3.       We all got along

4.       People didn’t care who dated who

5.       Girls didn’t feel like they own the guys in their grade

These things and many more could definitely help this problem. But really guys, cant you find yourself a girl in your own grade, it’s a little bit creepy having a senior dating a freshman.

Less than a home

Less than a home

“Why would I want to sleep outside in the freezing cold in a box, while I could be in my own comfy bed,” said everyone but 30 people at our school on homeless night.

                Homeless night is a night at our school where we can all go and experience what its like to be homeless. Yes I know it doesn’t seem like it would be that fun, but I have heard a lot of good things about it. For one you are raising money to help homeless people in your community, and two you could make some crazy box castles.

                I have not been able to do homeless night in years past, but both of my sibling have and they really enjoyed it. I really suggest people try it, I mean what’s there to lose. You could always just leave and sleep in your car or something.

                 These days I don’t think people realize that it is really simple to help out one and other. If you make the choice to go to Homeless night, you are doing much more than you think you are. By just paying 15$ you are giving someone else hope. Imagine if you were in real homeless person’s shoes, I’m pretty sure you would greatly appreciate a bunch of high school students getting together to raise money for you and people like you.

More than just a sucker

More than just a sucker

My eyes brighten up as I slowly maneuver it in my hands, trying to find out which is the most efficient way to open it. I can seem to find the perfect way to tear into it. As my heart races, I start to panic, it needs to be open now! My mouth is watering I can postpone my anxiety any longer. Then finally the perfect tear. I have now, with much suspense opened the most beautiful thing known to mankind….  A caramel apple sucker.

There is just something about these wonderful treats that bring my happiness to an all-time high. It could be the perfect combination of sour and sweet, or maybe it’s the way the caramel gets slightly stuck to your teeth as you are trying to enjoy it. These suckers aren’t like any other, they are like extreme sucks. Your average sucker is your normal dumb dumb, but these, there are so much more.

As you have difficulties opening these suckers, your suspension of the wonderful taste just builds. Then finally you get it, you are now ready to have a party in your mouth. At first its only the caramel you can taste, and its magically delicious. Then suddenly as your eyes turn to slits and your face scrunches up like a bunny you get the sour green apple taste. The taste is just half the fun.

As you are enjoying your sucker, you don’t want to take it out of your mouth. But then it pops in your mind that you can’t even possible take it out of your mouth. The stickiness of the caramel has cemented to the roof of your mouth. What else is there to do besides panic? As you are panicking you reach for the stick of the sucker to yank it in hopes of loosening the bond.  No such luck, the weak stick has only become detached to the sucker and even more panic has set it. Now you have what is like a caramel apple retainer stuck, blocking any chance you had to swallow let alone breath. As you start to drool, with that lack of your swallowing ability, your panic level has never been so high. At last, through all the panic, you finally you manage to scrape off most of your caramel apple retainer. Although this may seem like hell at first there are many good things that can come out of this experience.

1.       A great story

2.       A great blog

3.       A great laugh

4.       A snack for later, with the pieces that are still attached

5.       Entertainment for others

6.       A new invention for orthodontist offices

Not only are these suckers delicious, they are much more than that. They are a new story whenever you have one.

(470 words)

Take It All In

Take It All In

It’s important for a person, especially a young adult like me, to be able to take constructive criticism. I feel that there are too many people today who have troubles with this task. Not being able to take criticism as a young adult is just going to set you up for failure in your future work place.

As a human, we all make mistakes there is just no way to avoid it. Those simple mistakes make it that much more important that we need to know how to fix these mistakes as easily and quickly as possible. Thus the reason we need to be able to take constructive criticism. By avoiding other people’s thoughts or concerns, there is little to no chance of improvement.

I have learned to take in peoples opinions in two very important ways, one being with our school newspaper. With the newspaper we might not always write what you want to hear, but we try our best to be news worthy. For us the best way to find things that are news worthy is talking to people around the school. We get almost all of our story ideas from outside sources. Along with getting story ideas from others we also bounce things like layouts off of each other as well as other publications. With our newspaper, it’s very important to us to keep in mind others opinions, at times we may not use them, but they are still very important in keeping up with a publication.

Another place I have applied others’ thoughts is with soccer. It’s important for an athlete to take what coaches and other players have to say, sometimes they may sound like they are getting angry with you but you should know that in the long run they are just trying to help you. Again you don’t always have to take their opinions but it’s important to take them into consideration.

Ultimately everything is your decision in life, but take a minute to see what others think about it. It’s okay for others to tell you differently and you should definitely take in their opinions instead of pushing them away.

(360 words)

Cat Naps

Cat Naps

As I sit in my desk my eyes lids tend to slowly droop down to cover my big brown eyes. I don’t know if it is because I decided it would be a good idea to block a ball with my face in my soccer game this weekend or that I am suffering from a tremendous lack of sleep.

Although my eye had gotten a little puffy after the weekends game, the truth is I don’t get enough sleep. They say a person my age should be getting around eight or nine hours of sleep but I truly do not understand how that is possible.

Here’s how my day goes; my alarm goes off at 6:30 each morning after pressing the snooze button an unhealthy amount of times, I am finally out of bed by 6:55. After getting ready I am out of the door by 7:15 and on my way to school. I am at school from 7:25 to 2:45 each day. After this long laborious day of school I rush home in order to take a nap before my day really begins. I nap from three to five, and then hell begins. I have to finish my homework and eat before 8 when I go to late night practice. Practice is 20 min away two nights of the week and 35 min away the third night of practice. Although I love soccer very much, it is tough when I get home at 11 each night. Not to mention some nights I have to work so I don’t get my nap or homework time in so I am up even later.

When joining the high school society they hound on you to be active in your school. I don’t think they really understand how hard it is to really be involved. Me personally, I’m not very involved and I still struggle to get the necessary hours of sleep. I don’t understand how the people who are actually involved in this school can literally survive.

It’s hard to stay involved and still stay healthy but overall I think it’s worth it. I think it’s worth the extra cat naps to tell your grandkids what a wonderful time you had in high school.

(380 words)

You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile

You’re never fully dressed without a smile

There is just something about a bright sparkling smile that just makes a person extremely attractive to me. To me a smile is much more than the pearly whites. A smile represents a person’s overall happiness.

Walking through the halls getting shoved from either side there is nothing better than coming across a beautiful smile that just lights up the hallway. Although some people don’t receive the best dentistry these days, that’s not what matters. What I like the most about a person’s smile is their pure happiness, those fake smiles in the hallway don’t fool me; it’s a real genuine smile that can just put me and everyone else in a good mood.

Some say I have a weird teeth fetish. I admit I do have a slight obsession with some good choppers. But who doesn’t like having their day turned around by something as simple as a smile? Your smile is a powerful tool, so use it wisely, and just remember, you can make anyone feel better just by using those extra muscles to create a beautiful smile.

(190 words)

How much is too much?

How much is too much?

As I talked about in one of my past blogs “Lack of Leadership,” it is very important to support your school. When I said it was important to be there and cheer, that does not involve coming to the game extremely drunk or high, that’s just plain stupid.

                When I turn around and see a little sophomore passed out, it just gives me the creeps. As I continue observing this child. He begins to puke on himself while he is unconscious. Every ounce in my body wanted to help him, but as his gum slowly creeped from his mouth I just couldn’t keep my stomach in order to help him. As I think back on it, I don’t know if I should have even thought about helping him. I mean, he did put himself in this awful situation, but it’s hard to see people so miserable like that.

If they aren’t passed out or puking, they are loud and obnoxious. Somehow I always get the job of talking to the borderline alcoholics telling them to calm down and go home. As they push against your back, and scream every word of their conversation with the person two feet away with them, that’s when I get called over. “Austin, you need to go to the bathroom and just calm down, nobody wants to deal with you right now,” then as they reply by repetitively announcing to the whole stadium that they are scared they will run into a cop. I can’t help but respond with “Austin, if you didn’t want to get in trouble with the police. Don’t come here drunk off your butt, if you aren’t looking for trouble. You know there are cops all over here, can you really be that stupid.”

Its kids like these that just drive me crazy. I know I’m not going to stop them from coming to the games under the influence, but maybe I can get through their head that they could lay off a little. I don’t think teens really understand how much is too much. Do they really think it is worth it getting a five day suspension and charged with public intoxication? I don’t think so.

(370 words)

Gumby Boy

Gumby Boy

Every little kid has a dream about what they want to do when they grow up. Mine was to be on Broadway. I just knew I was born to star in the play Annie as the freckled red headed orphan. But these plans have drastically changed. I no longer sing, dance, or act. So I think Broadway may be a little out of the question.

Sense Broadway didn’t really work out, I have completely changed directions. I would like to major in Special Education while I am in college. My main goal is to become a middle school autism or special needs teacher.

Over the past few years I have gotten the opportunity to work with a few of these amazing kids. It’s so interesting to me how they learn and grow. I think they are underestimated on their abilities. These kids have special talents, that people who don’t have problems learning would struggle with tremendously. Some of these kids may have better memories, math skills, or even musical skills. You never know what they are really capable of doing till you observe them in their own environment.

This summer is when I had decided that this is what I really want to do. The turning point for me was watching my buddy Clayton. Clayton is almost completely nonverbal, so of course he is behind for his grade on learning. Although he cannot talk correctly, this kid would never fail to put you in a good mood. Just looking at him can put a smile on your face. Just image a 5’7” seventh grader with his tan skin and a nice slicked back comb over, manipulating his skin and bone body in ways you didn’t think were humanly possible. The way he can bend his body is like Gumby, I swear he has no bones, and then suddenly he’ll just burst into a big loud laughter for no apparent reason in order for you to smile. It’s like he knows the perfect timing on when you need a pick me up, to me there is nothing better than this kid.

It’s not just Clayton to be inspired by, it’s all of them. They have their own corks that can just make you giggle. It’s things like these that just persuade me more into this career. I honestly could not picture myself doing anything else. I have my heart set.

(400 words)

natural reflex

Natural Reflex

As Halloween approaches, there gets to be a type of eeriness in the air. The naked trees surrounded by the black crows swooping overhead tend to make a person’s hair stand up on their neck. With all this mysterious scenery, there is no wonder haunted houses are so popular.

It is a strange sensation, to be frightened. Some people enjoy it and others don’t take it quite as well, personally it’s a thrill. It’s more like a love heat relationship for me. I love the fact that you don’t know what’s going to be coming around the corner, breathing down your neck scaring the living daylights out of you. But on the other hand, I hate when people touch me. I cannot stand people being in my bubble, especially when I don’t know them. What’s creepier than a total stranger in a Freddy mask coming at you with a chain saw?

Haunted houses can be a thrill, but it’s all fun in games till someone gets hurt. For me if one of the workers came up behind me and even as little as nudged me, my natural reflex is to swing. I think it’s natural for a person to protect themselves when put in danger. I think my brain is unable to understand that it isn’t real, I’m not going to get hurt. Although some people may think I over react, I think it’s amazing that I would be able to trust my body If I was, god forbid, put in a real situation like that.

(260 words)

This post is for ages 10-18

This post is for ages 10-18

I am a kid at heart; there is not a day in the week I would pass up a fine game of Twister or Hungry Hungry Hippos. It is just refreshing to me to let all other things be ignored and just relax and have some good old fashioned fun.

This fun can easily be ruined by just the box of the game. Who is a toy owner to tell you, you are too old for a game? I can play a game if I want to, it shouldn’t matter my age. I understand why they put an age requirement on it, you wouldn’t want a small child to choke on a game piece or something. But my question is, who comes up with the age limit? How do they come up with it? And if they have these “rules” why don’t they enforce them? They are probably just wasting money printing the age limit on the box.

If anyone knows anything about who makes these decisions, please let me know. I would like to ask them these questions. Then hopefully I can get back to this topic in a later post.

(200 words)

Fresh Start

Fresh Start

When it comes to college, I just want to get out of Iowa. I don’t care what state I go to, I just need to be away from home. A lot of people don’t understand why I want to leave so bad, it’s not that I want to get away from my family and close friends as most people think. It’s that I feel like college is supposed to be a whole new experience for me.

As you go from elementary school to middle school, you know a handful of people making the transition with you. Then you transition from middle school to high school, still knowing 1 out of 10 people you pass in the hall way or more. I’m getting kind of sick of making transitions with everyone I know.

 I want to go to college and have there be no one from my town at the school if I had it my way. I feel like if I didn’t know anyone, I would have such a greater opportunity to meet new people. People always ask me if I think I would miss all my friends. All I can say is if I really want to see someone from high school, that’s who I would come back and visit or make an effort to communicate with. They also ask about my family, I love my family no doubt about it. But they also want me to get the best experience I can out of college, it’s a once in a lifetime thing to start over socially. I know grandma isn’t too happy about it, but maybe I’ll have to set her up with skype for us to stay in touch.

One of my pet peeves is when people choose a college in order to stay close to a significant other, what happens when that relationship tarnishes? With my decision of not going to college with anyone I know, I don’t have to worry about that drama. To me it doesn’t matter how close you are to that person, if it’s going to work, it will work. I don’t comprehend why you would let someone else affect one of the most important decisions of your life.

Along with not having to deal with high school drama, I get to experience a whole new environment; new school, new teachers, new coaches, new friends, new city, new state. I really think college is about starting fresh. And how fresh can you get than starting over completely. I know it will be hard leaving the people I really care about it, but I think the change is needed.

(440 words)

It just Doesn't Add Up

It Just Doesn’t Add Up.

At the age of 18 they say I have the maturity to vote and the join the army, but yet I am still too childish to intake alcohol. Something just doesn’t add up to me. I’m not here saying the drinking age should be lowered, I just think all three topics should be associated with the same age.

A group of people argue that your brain isn’t fully developed till your early 20s and that’s why you shouldn’t consume alcohol before that age. But if my brain isn’t fully developed, why are they asking for me to vote? How is my brain developed enough to make such an important decision such as choosing who runs our country? And if the government doesn’t think I’m mature enough or developed enough to hold a drink in my hand, how on earth are they comfortable with me having a gun in my hand? It all just doesn’t make sense to me.

Some people also think 18 year olds shouldn’t have the opportunity to vote because they aren’t educated about politics. To be honest, I don’t think a lot of adults are very educated about what’s going on in the world today. For me, on voting, I don’t think it matters if you're 18 or 99 if you're not educated or informed about the politics involved, don’t vote.

My same opinion goes for joining the army, it doesn’t matter how old you are, it matters your maturity level. If you want to join the army, go ahead and join the army if you think that’s what you were meant to do in life. And the same goes for alcohol, if you aren’t mature enough to handle it, don’t drink it. It’s all about choices; whether you make the right or wrong choice ultimately it was your decision and your responsibility.

(310 words)

Harmonic Hipsters

Harmonic Hipsters

There is just something about a perfect harmony that just gives me chills all the way down my back. When two peoples flawlessly pitched voices just match together it’s like mash potatoes and gravy, peanut butter and jelly, peas and carrots you just know that those voices go together.

While listening to the band called First Aid Kit, you get those chills and you know these two singers were born to sing together. An example of this would be in their cover of Tiger Mountain Peasant Song by the Fleet Foxes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMrqBldlqzA. For one these young ladies voices are fantastic on their own, but as they collide together the chills begin.

As their voices creep together, you can feel every little hair stand up on your neck. It sends a burst of nerves to your heart warming it with every note. For me it’s my comfort zone. When I am feeling down in the dumps, it’s my go to thing to listen to some high quality music. No, not the regular stuff you hear on the radio. There is so much more talent out there than what is over played on the radio.

First Aid Kit is a fabulous example of these unrecognized artists. Not a lot of people know who they are but after you listen to them, you won’t be able to stop. You become addicted to the sweet harmonies of these two sisters voices becoming one. You can hear so much passion in their voices along with the harmonies, and the uniqueness of their voices gives you that sort of comforting feeling. It has the uniqueness that you can’t hear on the radio, it won’t be on the billboards, they are much underrated for the talent they have. I feel like they are doing so much more than singing a song, they are telling a story. The passion in their voices, gives you a much more sophisticated professional feel then songs on the radio rapping about drugs and booty.

Not only do these underrated artists have higher quality voices than most of the artists on the radio, I feel like they put a lot more meaning behind what they singing. Yes, they are higher quality voices and on top of that they aren’t over played. People don’t hear them every day. When you listen to music that is off the pop-charts you get the opportunity to introduce these feel-good voices to people who wouldn’t normally listen to this unappreciated music.

So the next time you are feeling down and you just need something heartwarming. Tune into some music that’s of the mainstream. You may find that the secret harmonies could really turn your day around, get those chills and enjoy that feel good music. 

Down and Dirty

Down and Dirty

Its finally homecoming week, personally my favorite time of the year. We all know why it’s my favorite, and if you haven’t guessed it already… POWDER-PUFF!

                Yes the themed days are great, and you have to love the homecoming assembly. But, nothing compares to powder-puff, not even the actual homecoming dance. There is just something about it; it’s a thrill to me. I don’t know if it’s the fact that we have an insane amount of talented female athletes at our school. Or just that I’m an extremely competitive person along with my fellow powder-puffers.

                For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, powder-puff according to urban dictionary it  “An annual event in which high school girls who don't mind getting down and dirty, separate each other by classes for a fierce game of football. The teams are coached by the guys who actually play football. What is supposed to be an innocent flag football game always ends up as rough tackle football.  Ankles will be sprained, wrists will be broken, hips will be dislocated and muscles will be pulled. There are penalties against unnecessary roughness, but do you think that will stop them? I don't think so either. The girls who usually participate in this event come from many social groups but they all have one thing in common... they're bad asses.” I couldn’t have said it better myself, it’s a serious sport so don’t take it lightly.

                As the definition says, it does get rough, so girls you better bring you’re A game. Even if you don’t think you are that good, it doesn’t matter it’s a blast. Hey, you get to hit the girls in other classes who you don’t like, what can get better than that, well besides considering yourself a “bad ass.”

Powder-puff is more than playing well, or hitting girls. It really does bring a class/school together. I’d like to someday make it a club at my school so we could play other schools and play more often. I have a hunch that it would be a good idea. I mean what else would you need, there is nothing more to life than football and girl fights?

(370 words)

Lack of Leadership

Lack of Leadership

Don’t you think it’s the senior’s job to lead the student section at football games? I’d like to inform you all that I counted a total of six seniors by the beginning of the fourth quarter at our last game. I give major props to the six that stayed, and they should be applauded. But to me six seniors is just simply unacceptable.

As I ask some of the seniors why they are leaving they simply reply with a “We are already loosing so bad, why would we stay?” Want to know what I have to say to those inconsiderate seniors or fans in general; they are probably loosing because they don’t have the support from the school. As an athlete, I know that it is really important to have your fans back you up no matter the circumstances. So for the people out there who leave the games early, think about how you are letting the team who is playing down. How would you like it if someone walked out on you?

Our seniors this year really don’t have the best leadership. For the majority of games it is us, the juniors, who are leading cheers and getting everyone organized. The seniors are just there to look cool in the front row. But news flash you look stupid just sitting there not cheering on your team or repeating the same old cheers every two second. I mean why come to the game if you’re not going to cheer, I don’t get it. Although these seniors may think they are doing a fantastic job, I beg to differ. They need to take the time to check themselves; they aren’t as awesome as they think they are. Stop turning around to yell at us to cheer. First off nobody will do something if they are being yelled at to do it. And second, we are already leading the student section for you… you’re welcome.

Our student section has extreme potential to help our team while they are in this 0 and 5 slum. But these seniors really need to step up their game.  We need the football team to regain confidence, and what’s a better confidence builder than most of the student body on your side. You tell me would you rather have people leaving your games or have them stay to the end through anything with an insane amount of spirit possible?

(400 words)

I Gotta Go!

I Gotta Go!

Sitting in class bored out of our minds when suddenly, you have that overwhelming sensation that you have to pee. You get up quietly to ask the teacher if you can use the restroom. They always reply, “Is it an emergency?” All I can think in my head is; Yes it’s an emergency, if it wasn’t I wouldn’t ask to leave!

This situation can get you into some big trouble in many occasions for example:

1. If people always ask to go

2. If you have to go in that class every day

3. If the class is particularly boring that day

These teachers tend to not understand that 1. It’s not your fault other people have to go at the same time as you. 2. Your body is put on a schedule, and it likes to stay that way. And 3. I don’t care how boring the class is, I just really have to go pee. I think kids are really misunderstood. If I had to bet, I bet teachers just think we are doing hood rat activities in the hallways instead of going to the bathroom which in some cases is true. But if they did think we had other intentions other than using the facilities, why don’t they do something about it. And when I say do something about it, I do not mean take away the privilege of going to the bathroom. Instead, they could follow the student if they care so much. This tactic could get a little bit creepy, but hey, they would get what they wanted to know wouldn’t they?

Another thing I don’t understand is why some teachers make you leave your cell phone before using the restroom. To me this is just helping the ticking time bomb of my bladder speed up. It’s not like I’m going to sit on the toilet and text my friends while peeing, that’s disgusting. Plus wouldn’t the teachers rather their students use their phone in the hallways/bathroom instead of disrupting their class and ignoring their teaching? These things just don’t make sense to me.

For all of you teachers out there; just know that when a student is asking to use the restroom, in most cases, it really is an emergency there’s no need to ask. And for the students reading along, don’t take the bathroom experience to your advantage, you never know when you’re really going to need it. Oh, and look out for the crazy teacher who follow you through the hall to the bathroom, its borderline creepy.

(430 words

 

Toddlers in Tiaras

Toddlers in Tiaras

Dressing up your child, in order for them to be judged on their appearance at a pageant, to me it just sounds wrong. This is what happens on the show Toddlers in tiaras. These mothers dress up their 2 to 7 year olds in 300 dollar dresses, fake nails, fake tans, and to me the worst to me it the fake teeth.

I don’t understand what the fetish is with looking like a legitimate Barbie at the age of 3. These kids are just getting in their mind that their natural beauty isn’t good enough. Although I totally disagree with this show, I am still addicted. There is something about it that gets you hooked. Maybe it’s just the fact that it’s so ridiculous you can’t just keep your eyes off of the TV.

I really don’t understand why the moms do this to their kids. Do they not think they look good enough the way they are normally? Why would you want your daughter to look so plastic? It’s just hard for me to comprehend, especially when you see the before and after pictures. Their before pictures they are adorable litter kids, But after they look like and adult in a little body. This is why my favorite toddler on the show is Honey Boo Boo. Her parents don’t apply the extreme plastic qualities like the other pageant parents.  They also don’t put as much pressure on Honey to win. She is in the pageants because she wants to be. For a lot of the other little girls, I feel like they are being forced into this plastic life.

Overall I do suggest watching the show “Toddlers in Tiaras.” Not because it’s a good show, but because you can really learn from it. You could learn what not to do for your kids. In my opinion you should not live your dreams through your kids, let them make their own decision and most importantly embrace your child’s inner beauty. 

(330 words)

The Almost Empty Nesters

The Almost Empty Nesters

So far it’s been one month being an only child, and so far it’s not as bad as I thought. I thought I would have to do all the chores, entertain my parents, and worst of all be extremely bored. Turns out none of those things have happened.

About a month ago, both my brother and sister left for college. I thought it would be the end of me considering we are all very close. My sister is 7 hours away and my brother is about 2 so we haven’t had the opportunity to be reunited yet this school year. I imagined it would be awful at home without them, so I was very apprehensive about them leaving. For one I knew I was going to miss them. And second, I did not want to get suffocated by my parents.

This first month hasn’t been too bad, yes I have been spending more time with my parents than normal, but I’m not getting suffocated. Since both of my sibling are gone, we have had the opportunity to actually go out and see my sister which wasn’t possible the past years with both me and my brothers soccer schedules. So there are negatives to my siblings leaving but there are also many positives. It’s depressing I don’t get to see them on a daily bases, but on the plus side I’m getting closer with my parents and I do get to see my siblings every once and awhile.

Although I wish I still lived with my siblings, I think it was a good change for me. It has made me more responsible around the house, and it has made me realize how much I care about my brother and sister. There are perks to being an only child, but I wouldn’t change anything about my family.

(300 words)

Breaking Amish

Breaking Amish

Last night, while I was flipping through channels I had to make a sudden stop on TLC. There was a show featuring Amish young adults wanting to move out of their community and into New York City called “Breaking Amish.” This came along with extreme conciseness. If they decided to break the Amish rules, they would be forever shunned by the community.

Think of the last time you had broken your house rules. Let’s say you were late for curfew. After being late you wouldn’t be allowed to eat with your family or any other people in your community. You wouldn’t be able to socialize. You wouldn’t even be able to attend your recently late grandfather’s funeral. They would even tell you that you were going to hell, all because you were late for your curfew. We might take these for granted now, but really imagine what it would be like not being able to communicate with anyone in your community. It would be miserable. In the Amish community (at least from what I learned on this TV show) they aren’t even okay with these people being filmed, let alone knowing they are moving to NYC. These young adults face one of the hardest decisions of their life choosing to stay locked up in the Amish community, or being who they want to be in NYC.

In the Amish communities shown, there was extreme supervision on everyone. They always had to worry about the Bishop and his family because they are the people who would declare you to be shunned. As I was watching there was a scare while filming, the bishop’s wife witnessed one of the young adults being interviewed and that’s a big no no for this community. The young man being interviewed seemed like he had peed his pants as the Bishop’s wife walked by. Now think of if you were the Bishops daughter and wanted to leave the community. One of the young ladies on the show is the daughter of the Bishop in her community. I have a feeling she will be getting into the most trouble as the show goes on, due to the security and pressure that has been put on her all of her life being the Bishop’s daughter.

Although they did not show what happens after they move to NYC in this pilot episode of “Breaking Amish” they did show a sneak peak to the next episode. It showed a significant change in wardrobe, personality, and life style. I think I would change drastically as well if I had been locked up for 20 years of my life. It would be tough for me to picture myself in an Amish community, especially knowing what’s out there. But it’s even harder for these young adults because they have no idea what’s to come when they go to the big city. These people only have about a fourth graders education, they don’t drive cars, and they use little to no electricity. It will be very interesting to me what will happen when they arrive in the city that never sleeps.

I would highly recommend watching this show. If gives you a whole other perspective on life. It made me feel blessed that I wasn’t born into, or adopted into a different family. I also think it gives a completely different meaning to the saying “strict parents make sneaky kid.” These kids have been under so much supervision their whole lives, and now they finally get the opportunity to experience a whole new life style. Let’s hope they don’t take it for granted and get themselves into trouble, but hey its reality TV, anything can happen.

(600 words)

Money Means Nothing

Money means nothing

“I spent 300 dollars on my homecoming dress.” When I hear this my first reaction is WHAT!? Who has the kind of money to spend that much on a dress you will wear once? No scratch that, who has the desire to spend that much on a dress you will wear once? These days, the price of your dress means more than what it looks like. Some people are so insecure about themselves that they feel like they need to overcompensate with how much they spend on clothes.

Yes homecoming is a big deal but personally, I try to find the lowest price when it comes to dresses or regular street clothes. One of the greatest feelings is walking out of goodwill with good buys and spending a fourth of what you would spend at regular stores. I don’t think people understand that you can find cute clothes for a good price. Even if goodwill or thrifting isn’t your thing, you can still find reasonable that look better than name brand clothes anyways.

One of my pet peeves are miss me jeans http://www.missme.com/jeans/boot-cut/. If you look at them you would understand why I dislike them so much. Why would you want a disco ball on your back side, along with spending 100 dollars plus on a pair of jeans? Instead of have a disco ball butt and being broke after buying one pair of jeans, try target or forever21 . At these cheap stores you can find jeans that are actually fashionable.

Another no no in my book are uggs http://www.uggaustralia.com/classic-boots/women-boots-classic,default,sc.html. First off there is a reason they are called uggs, because they are ugly. And second, they are completely overpriced. Again, you can honestly go to a store like target and get a pair of cute boots for 20 dollars rather than going to get uggs that are over 8 times more expensive and, in my opinion, 100 times less attractive.

In order to become a successful shopper you need to:

1.      Buy cute clothes, not expensive clothes. The price of your clothes does NOT reflect how “fashionable” they are.

2.      Consider your dollar per wear. Before buying the item, consider if the price is worth it. For example let’s say a shirt is 20 dollars, will you wear that shirt at least 20 times in the next year? If so purchase it, it’s a great dollar per wear.

3.   Get outside your comfort zone. Try thrifting. It’s fun, cheap, and cute.

4.  Wear what you want to wear; don’t just wear something because it’s the “cool” thing to do.

5.     Express yourself, be you.

I don’t mean to offend anyone by my pet peeves or my shopping tips. I just don’t think it’s very necessary to spend an insane amount of money on clothes. Girls especially, are too self-conscious about what they wear. Calm down ladies, you can look good, without going into debt. Just broaden your horizon and go outside of your box. You could be surprised on what you can find if you just let go of how much you are spending on your clothes. In an economy like ours, be smart and follow my tips. Youll look good and feel good about how much you’re spending.

(545 words)

Everything happens for a reason

Everything happens for a reason

Do you ever feel like you wouldn’t be the same person if something hadn’t happened to you? I feel like certain things happen for a reason, either to teach you a lesson or to help you mature. I feel like if I had grown up in a super wealthy home I wouldn’t be the same person I am today. Things like that really transform a person.

The other day I was discussing this topic with my best friend, and she completely agrees with me. After her family had a house fire about 6 years ago, she had to quickly morph into a responsible young adult. They had lost a lot, but no fire could destroy how close knit that family is. The fire had just brought them closer. That’s why I wonder if that fire happened for a reason. Maybe her family was meant to get closer or maybe she was supposed to mature quickly and early.

What if the house fire never happened? Would she be the same person?  Would I still have become best friends with her? Or would we have lived completely different lives? This is why I think things happen for a reason. I can’t imagine what life would be like without her being who she is.

Although the things that happen to us may be devastating, I think it’s important to remember some positive is going to come out of it. By growing up in a home wear money is tight, I have become liable and more down to earth. By experiencing a house fire, my friend had matured into a grateful, responsible, young lady.

So weather it’s something little like a rainy day, or something traumatic like a death in the family it all happens for a reason. Like they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Life isn’t going to always be cotton candy and rainbows, so turn those tough times into positives and let them help you grow into the person you’re meant to be in life. It all happens for a reason, so let it happen.

(350 words)

Smells, Feelings, and Events

Smells, Feelings, and Events.

Autumn: the best season of the year. The comfort of jeans, a cozy sweat shirt, the smell of a bonfire, football games, and of course the leaves changing it just doesn’t get sweeter than that. Not too hot, and cold enough to cuddle up with our freezing, to me it’s the best time of the year.

The most comfortable outfit you could possibly wear is jeans and a sweat shirt. You don’t have to worry about tan lines, chubby legs or arms, or anything you can just relax and be comfortable along with looking cute.

What’s the perfect occasion to wear this cozy cute outfit? Well of course a bonfire or maybe a football game. At a bonfire you can snuggle up and just hang out with the people who are special to you. Not to mention the wonderful smell of the fire, it’s just fantastic. If a bonfire isn’t your thing, try a football game. Getting loud and proud for your school, you just get so much pride no matter how good or bad your team is. Although you might get angry at the underclassman for not having that same pride in the school, they will learn to grow to love the school just as much as you do just give them time.

Jeans, a sweat shirt, bonfires, and football games are all fantastic things about autumn. But the number one best thing about autumn is the changing of the leaves. In a matter of weeks they turn from a bright green, to a deep red or orange leaving the streets as beautiful as can be. Then as they fall to the ground, sweeping up all the leaves into a giant pile then jumping off the rope swing into the pile of majestic colors is a tradition that I doubt will never end in my family.

It’s these smells, feelings, and events that make autumn my favorite time of the year. I don’t mean to hate on the other seasons but winter is too cold, spring is too rainy, and summer is too hot. Autumn is just perfect. So through on your jeans and a comfy sweat shirt and just relax at a bonfire, or cheer on your football team. But whatever you do, don’t forget to pile up those beautiful leaves and take a huge jump into the plethora of colors.

(300 words)