January 20th, 2012

           FIRST! Thank you Miss Aqua for reminding me to post! I would've procrastinated far longer without you! Can't wait for June!!
          Alright, alright. I know I've been slacking!! I'd like to say it's because I've been busy, but not really. Just slacking lol. BUT now I know why I really joined the National Youth Advisory Cabinet...they give me excuses to use glitter!!! We're each getting a quilt square in the mail and we get to decorate them however we want!! I'm probably using too many exclamation points, but I can't find it in myself to care. Exclamation points are like glitter...addictive. My poor friends don't share my opinions, so I don't get my glitter out as often as I really want too.           

          YAC's also got me thinking of idea's for Absolutely Incredible Kids Day. See, we have got really great incentive.  Our president, Lauren, came up with this 'master list' and for every YAC deed we do, we get a point. At the end of three months or so, she'll tally the points and send the winner a Camp Fire surprise! At last check I was tied for first. Take that Owen :P 

           In other news, I still haven't heard back on whether or not I got the travel/room/board scholarship for the Grad Nation Conference. It's driving me crazy! Because Camp Fire birthday is in March and I really need to know if I'll be in town for it because WoHeLo'ees are honored there, and it's my year! Of course, the summit is a huge deal and way more important; not that I wouldn't miss sticking a pie in Scouts face. That's another thing, At birthday, the WoHeLo'ees get to stick pies in the faces of people that get voted on all day. Scout usually gets one. 

          I was feeling kind of lost on my last WoHeLo issue, so I called up Swan* at the Camp Fire office for some advice. Now, she's in the middle of switching jobs, so I know she's super busy. Still at the CF office, just different responsibilities. Which is why I was so grateful to her for spending 35-40 minutes on the phone with me brainstorming. Of course, now I have a lot of work to do, but I'm happy for it. Because otherwise, all my hours for this issue would be blogging. Not that I have a problem with that, but the panel may raise a few eyebrows when I'm trying to get everything approved. I'm going to put together a whole 'curriculum' for a presentation on the benefits of homeschooling. I'm going to make a tri-fold brochure to give out for our kinesthetic learners. A power point for the visual learners; and of course my own notes for the auditory learners. My goal is to have something anyone can pick up, read through once, and deliver easily.

          I finally watched Footloose last night! It was amazing! I can't believe it took me that long to realize that Kevin Bacon and I are destined to be together? Lol, jk...mostly. Now I want to see the new one; just for a compare/contrast kind of thing. I think my favorite part is Ren trying to teach Willard to dance. Ren's face=perfect. 

          I guess one good thing about our new town is that everything is in walking distance. Compared to our old town where you may be able to walk somewhere, you just don't feel safe doing it. Leo and I go to the library all the time, sometimes we stop at Dairy Queen(that's another bonus, we didn't have a DQ back home). DQ and Sonic have the BEST banana splits ever! No one else has clued in on putting pineapples on ice cream yet!

          I have a board meeting and Leo has a CF meeting on Monday evening and on Tuesday, we're going to a good friends good-bye party. She's been a huge mentor to me, so I'm sad to see her moving away. But I know it's a great opportunity for her. I just hope she can come back in April for my WoHeLo, but I'll understand if she can't.

          I'm getting more and more excited for April! My dad and stepmom, Lili, are bringing my little brothers from Louisiana to come see me! Since I'm homeschooled, mom and I decided to make this my graduation. We're renting a room after the ceremony for my whole CF group to have dinner with our families. And either the day before or after, my whole family is going out for dinner. If you're one of my close friends, you know how much that means to me. One of my mom's friends is pretty handy with a camera, so I'm hoping he'll be there so I can get some quality pics with my whole family together. Oh! That reminds me! My big brother in CA is probably coming too! It feels surreal to think of all four of my brothers and all four of my parents in one place for ME! 

          While I'm in town on Mon/Tues I have a meeting with my homeschooling consultant so I can let her know how things are progressing; and of course invite her to Grand Council Fire. I also really want to stop at Old Navy because I need khaki pants for work on Thursday! I'm so excited to start!

          Toodles for now! I've run out of steam and it's almost time for dinner (Mom's meatloaf and baked potatoes...be jealous)

*name has been changed

January 6th 2012

          Well, I've almost got the job! Wal-Mart called me back (the only one who called me back) and I did the interviews yesterday. I have to go back today for the drug test and all that fun stuff. I'm not worried and I know it's necessary, but I just wish we could skip it. I want to get straight to training! Make that moolah, you know? I'm going to be a cashier, so it shouldn't be too hard. And it's barely above minimum wage, but that is alright with me! It's a steady job. Working for the Diocese back where I used to live was fun and everything, but I seriously only ever worked maybe 10 shifts. So, not really in the way of making much money.
           Plus maybe I'll meet some cool people! I really want to make some friends here, but it's hard to get out there. Plus, it doesn't seem like there are any local hang-outs. I've been walking all over town, library and Wal-Mart, and I haven't seen anybody else my age walking around.
          Leo has a Camp Fire meeting on Monday so he and mom are going back to town for the night. I don't know if I'm going to go yet. It depends on if Wal-Mart needs me I guess. Hopefully we can do everything today and they won't need me until Wednesday. But if I do need to stay here, maybe daddy and I will find something to do. But if I do go, I'll get to see Neecee and the kids!!! And I really miss Wendy. When we visited them a few days before Christmas, she was so excited! I'd love to surprise her! Plus when we moved, I found all this stuff I don't want so I have some toys for her!
          A couple weeks ago, I was nominated for a scholarship to go to this conference in Washington DC in March. I'm so antsy waiting to find out if I got it. I don't really have super high hopes just because I don't want them dashed if I don't get it. But it would be super cool!!! Just to give you a hint as to how big this conference is, last year, Vice President Joe Biden was there. Yeah.
          I still haven't gotten my Christmas present from my father. I keep bugging him about it, but I never get a response. Part of me wants to stop bugging because I don't want to look greedy. But the other part of me KNOWS he will just completely forget.
          Last night I wrote a poem! I was just laying in bed in the dark and I got inspired! I don't remember what I was thinking about, but the words just came to me. Here it is:

I've cried for a boy on the internet
If you say that make me weak, you'd be wrong
Even if my tears are for someone I've never met
It's not a bad thing, compassion makes you strong

I've cried while shaking with rage
So you might call me high strung
But you're old beyond your years, you age
My tears keep me young

I've cried while clapping in glee
While you sit, avoiding emotion
I'm at peace, my heart and mind in harmony
Though my tears could fill an ocean

Every day is a battle for you
Everyday a war
But if you'd just see your emotions through
You'd see that there could be more

If eyes are windows to the soul
I can see your glass shattering
All that dust must take its toll
But no one else is noticing


          What do you think? I kind of like it. My mom said it was good, though written from a teenagers point of view. I was like "Well duh, I'm a teenager. What else do you expect?"

Anyways, that's all for today.

January 3rd, 2012

          HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Yeah I know I'm late. But who cares, it's 2012 baby!
I had a pretty good New Years. Hope and I didn't get to check out the new club because no one wanted to come pick us up and Hope's mom doesn't like taxis. We ended up going to Step's house to hang out and watch Glee. We had some much needed girl talk and heart-to-hearts. It was a very cliche sleepover ;-)

At midnight, we decided we were hungry, so after digging through the cupboards, we found some Pasta Sides, chicken alfredo.  That's what's in the pot. (I'm on the left, Hope is on the right)
          My parents didn't give me a heads up before they picked me up, so I was a little disappointed we didn't get to make pancakes together like we planned. But on the way home, we stopped at the biggest town before home and wandered around. We went to a park and played and walked around. Then Dad and Leo went to Hastings while mom and I wandered down the strip mall into Ross. I got two dresses. A casual for every day and a business one I can wear to any conferences or board meetings. Then we went to the mall. I think the best part of the day was taking dad into Buckle. Mom decided this years craft project was him. So new wardrobe little bit at a time. It was really weird helping my dad shop in there because I usually go in there with Sketch or Doug. We ended up getting a super snazzy vest for him to wear when his boss is in town or for church on Sunday.
          After we got dinner at this chinese buffet in the mall, we went home. I was all for taking a shower and going to bed even though it was only 7:30pm. After all, Hope, Step, and I didn't go to sleep until 2:30am. But mom had other ideas. She's been borrowing tons of old classics from the library and this time it was The Bells of St. Mary's. I think I'm falling in love with Bing Crosby, lol! He's so handsome and when he sings, I get goosebumps. It's a shame he died.
          I've been working on my to-do list today, which includes WoHeLo stuff and college stuff. I had to call the college I'm going to and ask how they want my homeschool transcript. Turns out all I have to do is mail it to 'em! Super easy check! I also texted one of my WoHeLo consultants with some info on my panel meetings and emailed another one of them for her approval on my summary for my JDRF issue. All that's left now is to figure out how to finish my last issue. Obviously this blog is a big part of it, it's how I get most of my hours and I've had over 400 views. So that's kind of awesome! A few days ago, I put my blog on a bunch of websites that are supposed to get more publicity, but we'll see. I haven't seen any significant changes in the stats. It feels kind of weird to not need to do any schoolwork. I'm pretty much done with it. I've taken my ACT twice and when I talked to the recruiter for the school this morning, she said as long as I made at least a 20 on my ACT, I'm good to go. Of course mom wasn't worried about that, mostly just the money parts. Which reminds me, I need to ask her to tell me as soon as she does taxes so I can re-do the FAFSA.
          I also got the contract and personnel policies and all that other fun stuff that comes with a summer job in my email this morning! I got to put all the dates on the calendar and that always makes me a happy camper.
I saw a few things on the agenda that I really really want to do, but because I'm under age, I don't know if I'll be able. I also need to see about registering for the WSI class I want to do in March. Doing WSI pretty much guarantees that I'll be in charge of swim lessons. Which is my favorite thing besides treks. So I really hope I pass!
          I've got to go clean my room now, so that's all for now folks!

December 29th 2011

          So, I figured out how to post from my phone! Hence the post with the picture! Yay for snow! We actually got a little bit during the Christmas season. Where I used to live, we don't get snow until the end of January into February. Me and Leo and my Uncle even built a little snowman! But since we're in desert country, it melted before the week was out. Today I walked to this little strip mall near our house and applied for different jobs. Two clothing stores, a supermarket, and a little grill. I'm kind of rooting for the waitress job because I'll get tips! I've never actually had a regular job. My job at the church where I used to live was on an as needed basis, and I wasn't needed very often. I wonder what it'll feel like to have a regular cash flow! And by flow, I mean into the wallet and back out into the economy. Lol, I have no self restraint when it comes to shopping. My biggest weakness would have to be sunglasses. Yesterday we took my Uncle to the airport and we got to town early on purpose so he could see the city. We ended up going to this huge upperclass outlet mall. I say upperclass because it was all high end stores like Coach, and Nike, and Saks. Right up my alley. Now, Leo doesn't really have any knowledge of brand names and the like. So I took him in Saks and told him to tell me how expensive a pair of sunglasses were. Now, he knew it was an expensive store so he guessed really high...$50. I think he almost choked when I told him the pair he was holding was about $400 on sale.
          On the way home my phone started malfunctioning big time, so since we were already in the city, we stopped at an AT&T store to get it fixed. That was probably my best experience ever with AT&T customer service. The guy was very knowledgeable without making us feel dumb. That's a talent, I tell you! Oh yeah, I can't remember if I told you or not, but I got the position on YAC! It was funny actually, I found out when I went to see Nutcracker with my dad. I was picking up my tix from Swan and she yelled congratulations as soon as she saw me. Now, being in the middle of a move, I hadn't checked my email in two days. I thought she was leaking secrets or something. And that made them think they might be in trouble until I remembered I hadn't checked my email! So it was pretty funny.
          I can't wait for New Years!! My friend Scout turns 21 tomorrow, so we'll see him on the 31st to wish him a happy birthday. Plus mom wants to buy him a drink in honor of it being 21st and all. After that, I'm spending the night at Hope's. We're hoping to check out this teen club on its grand opening. It's wayyy bigger than OYP. I checked the website and everything, but they don't say if there's a cover charge. I'd imagine there is, but you'd think that if their target audience is 13-18 then all the information is on the internet. But no. I even called and left a message, but their machine was so annoying! We'll have fun either way. Lol, she's trying to set me up on a blind date. But seeing how disastrous the last one was, I'm a little bit nervous.  I'm not averse to the idea, it's New Years Eve after all. Just, apprehensive.
          That's all for now folks!

December 25th 2011

          MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I had an awesome Christmas so far. We went to midnight mass last night, and it was just beautiful. This morning we slept in a bit, then it was time for presents. I got a lot of cool stuff, but the best was probably the Coach purse and wallet my mom got me! But I haven't talked to my father yet and he usually manages to do pretty well, lol! Gotta go, have a great day!!

December 24th, 2011

          Alright, I know it's been a long time, but just you wait! I've been busy, I promise!
On December 10th, I took my ACT again and my mom picked up the uhaul. We had a ton of big strong manly helpers to load the truck, and I was taking my test so I didn't really have to do much on that end of things.  By the time my test was done, they were only loading little stuff into the very front of the truck. But since the drive to our new place is so long, we didn't have nearly as many people volunteer to help unload at the other end. My friends Neecee and Sketch both volunteered their services, and one of my parents friends offered to drive the truck so mom and dad could drive their cars. Sketch couldn't come at the last minute so it was the six of us unloading in the dark. And honestly, it took us half as long to unload, in the dark, as it did for the whole crew to load her up! But we got it done at a mostly reasonable hour and went to Taco Bell for dinner.
          I'm afraid our new town is incredibly small. Mom decided the best way to get out and meet people in a town this small would most likely be by going to church. Since mom was raised mostly Catholic, she found a Catholic church nearby. We went to Mass our first Sunday here, and promptly signed up to help decorate the church, because I don't believe in doing things halfway. It wasn't as bad as Leo was groaning about it, but it wasn't easy work, lol! There turned out to be a few girls my age there, so I may have pumped them for info on the town. One of my fears came true when they told me the nearest mall was 90 minutes away. I really want to get out and start meeting more people, because they told me their main form of entertainment is house parties. And you don't get invited to them unless you know people, duh.
          So, my mom's brother is in staying with us for the holidays and it's pretty awesome. Some people might think I'm weird for it, but I genuinely like and enjoy almost all of my extended family! Some of my friends moan and groan about family gatherings, but I love them! I firmly believe that without family, you're nothing! Family is always there for you and loves you. Even if you need some tough love every now and then! lol. Anyways, my uncle is an amazing cook! He makes the best omelets you've never tasted. An he made some delicious pork sirloin that sat in the oven for two hours and he's making ribs on Christmas! I know, not very traditional, but who cares! I love ribs!
          Yesterday was the 23rd, so we all drove back to our old town for my grandparents Christmas party. I was really happy because we got to stop in and see Neecee and the kids. I got to see all the pictures of them on Santa's lap and it was really hard to say good-bye, but it had to be done. We got confused about which grandparents house the party was at, but luckily my grandparents and my great grandparents live pretty near each other. So it no biggie. My gramma got me this gorgeous purple set, it had a scarf with an "M" monogrammed on it, some super soft slipper socks, an extremely snuggly blanket, and it wasn't the teeny kind that you can barely cover your legs with, it was a big one! and an absolutely adorable purple beret! I don't know how she knew about my not so secret love of berets, but she nailed it!
          After the party was all done, presents unwrapped and thank you's proclaimed, mom drove Leo and I back into town to spend the night at our friends houses. I got to see Hope and Doug!! Hope had to work in the morning, so we watched some Grey's Anatomy and worked on her last minute Christmas presents. We went to bed around 11:00pm, but I wasn't tired at all, and I could tell I was really bugging her with my incessant chatter. So I got up to see what Doug was up too. We ended up staying up til 3:00am watching American Dad on his MacBook. I'd never seen it before, and dangggg it is hilarious!! I'm going to have to check Hulu and see if it's available to stream. So after we realized what the time was, I crawled back into bed and didn't even move until the alarm went off. I dragged myself out of bed, but I wasn't really awake yet, so I sat downstairs on the couch with their adorable miniature yorkie until I felt like getting some cereal. By the time I roused myself enough to take a shower, my mom was there to pick me up and it was almost time for Hope to go to work anyways.
          After Hope and I said our goodbye's, it was time for the verrryy long drive home. I mostly just turned on my iPod and zoned out for the whole trip. Nobody was letting me drive, so I didn't have anything better to do. Now we're home again and my uncle is listening to the football game on the radio while my parents work on secret things in their bedroom. Their subtlety may have fooled me when I was eight, but come on guys. lol, it's alright. I just love being able to think "TOMORROWS CHRISTMAS!!!"
          I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and that you find time to count your blessings. You might be surprised at the number ;-)

December 5th 2011

                Lately I’ve had so much stomach stress issues! We’re moving on Saturday, and it seems like every day I find a better reason to stay here! Last week, I threw up Saturday night and then I had indigestion all week. I actually fasted all day Friday to see if that would help my stomach settle out. And it did, mostly. But dairy still makes me a little bit queasy.

                I spent yesterday afternoon at Hope’s house eating wings and watching movies with Doug. It was really nice! Their mom gave me a ride home because Leo locked mom’s car keys in the car. Both sets. I’m not sure how he managed to get both in their, but its Leo. Hope and I walked to Wal-Mart to get some movies, picked up the wings on the way home and plopped on the couch having some girl talk and chilling out. Doug came in halfway through the first movie, Something Borrowed. He tries to act all tough, but he’s such a sucker for romcoms.  Then we watched Pirates 4. I LOVED IT! I hadn’t seen it yet, and neither had Hope. I absolutely adored Penelope Cruz and Johnny Depp together! I’m going to miss them so much. I know it’s normal to grow apart from your high school friends when you start getting ready for college, but I really thought I had one more year. Maybe I’m being melodramatic; it wouldn’t be a first for me. It just feels so unfair. And I KNOW I should be grateful. There are so many people who can’t even consider the possibility of college or whose parents don’t have jobs or don’t even have parents. So I am grateful. But maybe I’m really selfish too.

                Enough of that. I really hope we go to the library today! I need some new books.  I wonder if we’ll have to stop using our library system... I hope not! We’ll be back at least three times a month! That should be plenty of time to return and borrow books. I’m just scared this new library won’t have nearly as large of a system. I know for a fact really. There’s no way they have over 20 libraries across this itty bitty town, lol.

                I know it wasn’t very long, but I just don’t have the energy to do more today.