"Keep Calm and Carry On"

            I am just going to be honest; I’m really stressed out. I have been hiding it for a while, but I cannot take it anymore. It seems like I am the only one that has homework! All of my work friends never have any. I guess they might just not do it, but they still have decent grades. Along with nightly homwork, I have so many projects, tests to study for, work, college related things, family and personal needs, and soon finals will be here and we have the great opportunity to take exams. Am I just being a big baby and complaining, or is this an epidemic that needs a cure? I feel like I’m alone and simply going crazy I can't imagine that I'm the only one that feels this way.

            First of all, I understand that every teacher has a deadline and schedule to keep on top of and that sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do even if it means pain felt by students. But why make the test large and so soon?

Second, please please please stop the busy work. We’re in high school for goodness sake. No kid really wants to sit at home and make and color a comic strip unless they are in an art class. This is certainly understandable and fun activity for elementary and middle school students, but i'll be the first to say 'no thanks' on the “fun and educational” crossword puzzle.

Finally, I have so much a large homework load and an extensive to-do list that I am always behind it feels like. This 1) requires me to skip lunch and work on homework in the library. Not eating anything for lunch is can definitely not be good for me. 2) I work on homework in the morning before school. It would be so relieving if I could be ahead in all of my classes for just one day.

Despite the enormous stress, I have some great people that are encouraging and are helping me through the last stretch of the trimester. I know that there’s a point where you just have to stop worrying about everything and take things one step and day at a time. Try your best; that’s all you can ever do. And finally, take care of yourself. Sleep is important and keeps you focused, alert, and feeling better, just like eating breakfast does.  (402)

Cougar Advisory Council Suggestion

           Cougar Advisory Council is a group of students from all different parts of our high school that meet together over lunch and discuss issues and events with our principal. These include topics that we feel are important, need to be adjusted, or other random recommendations that we have always wanted to tell someone. On Tuesday the 23^rd, Happy Joe’s Pizza, cookies, and bottles of water were served. It was quite delicious; however it was tough picking between Cougar Advisory Council and Lovely Lane. This is why Cougar Advisory Council should be on crappy school lunch days. Examples: Beef and Noodles, Hot Shredded Beef Sandwich, Fruit Plate, etc. Avoid Tuesdays, Tortellini, Turkey Gravy, and Corn Dogs. Those are the finest meals made by our marvelous lunch ladies. Of course it isn’t just about the food, just one of the greatest perks of being in this group. We meet once a month, and it’s based by your lunch shift. A and C lunch has it first, and then some other day B and D lunch gets to meet. Since I have B lunch, our meeting was Tuesday verses A and C on Monday. Certainly not the end of the world though.

            After Dr. W took attendance, she asked us to introduce ourselves to the group and tell her the class we look forward to most during the day and our most challenging course. I responded with AP Chemistry and AP Language and Composition as my favorite(s) and AP Spanish as my most challenging. Everyone in my AP Spanish class agreed, but it truly is my most difficult. Not because of the teacher, but because of the extensive and intense content.

            There wasn’t much time for suggestions at the end so I suppose I will share this with the group next time. I believe that we should rotate lockers every year. Although this will not affect current seniors, I believe that it is important because everyone should get the equal amount of locker privileges. The current senior class has lockers down by the gym and has been down there for all four years of high school. Long story short, those lockers are in a really inconvenient location. They are not near the majority of classrooms and not near the foyer or main stairways. My idea would be to always have the freshmen down by the gym. That way they would not block the hallways in the mornings, and it would be their own secluded area to make new friends. Plus, I’m sure a lot of parents pick up and drop off down on that end as well.

            The reason why I thought of this is because my locker is really inconvenient. I park in the North lot. This means that I basically walk from one end of the school to the other, just to put away my coat, umbrella, and what may have you. The biggest disappointment in my opinion was that my freshman year of high school, I had a locker just off the foyer. I was never really sure why my friend and I were put down there but we were and it was awesome. It was very convenient, especially when I fractured my ankle and my dad had to help me carry my backpack in on the first day back with my ‘boot.’ Then they announced that all lockers were to be relocated so that each grade could be together. My locker partner and I even wrote the counselor a note asking to keep our current locker on the last day of school. It unfortunately did not work. Either that or the message never got passed along. Well now here I am three years later and still strongly disliking the fact that our lockers never change, and we always had the near-gym lockers. If things don’t change, have fun with your lockers next year, Class of 2017….  (648)

Tennis Tuesday

            Tuesday nights are something to look forward to during the stressful, hectic, and “lack of sleep” school week. Tennis lessons at Elmcrest Country Club began on the 23^rd. The purpose of these is to begin hitting and practicing so that we are not so rusty when the regular season begins. That way we spend more time working on technique and improving specific skills. Sarah, Marisa, and I are captains this year so we had to get people excited about this opportunity so that we can continue our tradition to state and have a great and successful (for me, senior) tennis season.

            Our first lesson went well and it was fun to play again! I don’t think that coaches are allowed to coach players on the court before the actual season starts, so Coach isn’t at the lesson. Of course, there is a staff member that makes sure we don’t burn down the place. J Because Iowa is an arctic place in the winter and is known for its brutal winters and snowstorms, Elmcrest set up a bubble, which is placed over their outdoor tennis courts until it’s warms enough to play outside. However, it was 75 degrees on Tuesday night, and the bubble was quite warm because it wasn’t set up for those weather conditions. If it hadn’t been so dark, we probably would have played outside and it would have been nicer outside.

Marisa and I are doubles partners and we have been all throughout high school. We played singles against each other on Tuesday because there were 10 people at the lesson and the other eight were playing doubles against each other. The point of the lesson is to practice and improve on your own so it actually worked out well because you have to review and practice singles at some point. Marisa and I don’t like to play each other that much. This is because we know how each other plays too much and we are at the same playing level pretty much. Despite the cons, because of this, we continually learn from our mistakes and improve because we are pushed to play our hardest in practice. 9/10 times it will be extremely close, probably down to a point for a tie.

I am pumped for the spring season and ready to practice in the off-season. I am also eager to see what the season will bring and what we can accomplish with our hardest work and best effort.  (413)

"Rumors" Review

            This past Thursday night, I had the opportunity to see the play, Rumors, at my high school. One of my friends, also an actress in this play described Rumors as, “light, frothy, and fun!” It is a ‘farcical’ play by Neil Simon.

            The basic summary of this play is that four wealthy couples are invited to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Charlie and Myra at their home with a dinner party. When the parents of Charlie find that Charlie has accidentally shot himself in the head/ear, everything goes downhill from there. They try to cover everything up and come up with rumors and stories in order to avoid the police. Many complications arise and they end up digging themselves a bigger and deeper hole.

Although the final show was last night, if you ever get the chance to see this play in the future, go! It was incredibly funny, and in my opinion, what made it even more comical was the fact that we knew the actors and actresses. Although the cast was small, about ten to twelve, it was mind-twisting and had a strong plot. You always wanted to keep watching because it would be a shame if you missed any part. There is certainly a lot of conflict as mentioned before, which causes the majority of the dialogue to be arguing. All of these elements combined make Rumors go by fast. You will definitely be glad you went. Enjoy the show!  (244)

National School Lunch Week 2012

            This past week at school was National School Lunch Week 2012 in the United States, as declared by President Obama. From the Presidential Proclamation, “Our children are the key to America's success in the 21st century, and it is incumbent upon us all to ensure they have the resources they need to reach their greatest potential -- including access to healthy meals at school. During National School Lunch Week, we recognize all those whose dedicated work and care make good nutrition a reality for our sons and daughters.” –President Barack Obama 10/12/12

            Our school took action and recognized National School Lunch Week by creating new, different, and tastier lunches. I appreciate the time and care the lunch ladies took to prepare and create these meals; however some were more successful than others and some I am still unsure of. Will these lunches stick around, or were they simply to please the Obama’s?

            To start off, I didn’t eat school lunch very much this week due to working on school work and Lovely Lane lunch on Tuesday, so the only new meals I actually tried were on Monday and Wednesday. Otherwise I took other people’s words on what the lunches tasted like, and I judged from the pictures on Facebook and Twitter.

            Monday’s featured item was a Walking Cheeseburger. First of all, isn’t a cheeseburger already an on-the-go item? Second, is this supposed to be a spin-off of a walking taco? Well, it was a mixture of Fritos, cheese, hamburger meat, lettuce, and other ingredients. Innovative and there definitely could be worse meals…. Beef and Noodles for example. Gross.

            Tuesday’s featured item was a Breakfast Taco. I ate at Lovely Lane with my friends, so I can’t be 100% correct on this, but someone told me it was eggs in a hard-shell taco. I think they were stretching the truth a little bit, and that it really was a breakfast burrito, which we’ve had before, and is pretty good.

            Wednesday was ‘Fiesta in a Cup.’ Now when initially hearing that name, you second guess it and seriously wonder if this is a real lunch item. It ended up being similar to Mexican dip you can make or buy. This consisted of refried beans, sour cream, cheese, and salsa that was served with chips. It didn’t really seem like a healthy meal to me, more like a snack.

            Thursday was Ham and Cheese Toastie. A grilled ham and cheese sandwich with mayonnaise, honey mustard, and grilled peppers. Again, a description from a classmate, so correct me if I’m wrong.

            Friday was the lunch item I was most curious about. The ‘banana dog.’ Either a hot dog with bananas on top of it or a banana in a hot dog bun. I was hoping it would be the second prediction over the first, however it didn’t seem nutritious. It was indeed a banana in a hot dog bun with jelly, sun-butter (district substitute to peanut butter due to kids with severe peanut allergies), and honey. Similar to a peanut-butter and jelly sandwich, with a slight spin on it. Apparently, the Food Network has this easy recipe online, and it’s recommended as a kid-friendly meal.

            Overall, I commend the lunch ladies on creating new meals to try in our high school lunchroom. Sometimes it’s good to have different meal options, instead of having the same meals rotated every month. Although the names are a bit strange, considering we are in high school, I appreciate the effort and spin on otherwise boring lunches.  (589)

Practice makes Permanent; I hope.

            My Wednesday was hectic, frustrating, and rushed. I am not confident however that this diction does these incidents justice.

I woke up this morning at 6:45am, which is normal for me. Somehow as I was getting ready, time got away from away from me. I looked at my cell phone and realized it was 7:48am. 12 minutes before school starts. Where I have to be in AP Chemistry, ready to learn, and most importantly be alert. Luckily, I have knowledge of the stoplight from about 7:40-7:50am. I am aware of the time they’ll change, what time I need to be in the parking lot, and what time I need to be walking in the doors to get to class on time. My life would be done for if those “little people controlling stoplights” decided to change how long the lights would run to control traffic.

Running late for school probably isn’t such a great habit, but at least I have a backup plan when low on time. Today I was thrown off a bit when a little red Mazda decided to drive extremely slow on Townhouse. Good thing I have a north lot pass (means a guaranteed parking spot every day)! By the time I got out of my car and was walking in I felt frazzled and probably looked like a hot mess. Everyone involved in The Torch, including my AP Language and Composition teacher, Mizzay, was waiting for a bus to travel to Iowa City. I was happy to see her, but hopefully she doesn’t think I’m always like this.

4^thhour means AP Spanish. Using a recording program called Audacity, we practice speaking for the speaking portion of the AP Exam. Audrey and I were partners, and our first computer wouldn’t let us log on, and when we tried the second computer, it wouldn’t turn on. By the time everyone had done their recording, and probably had numerous chances to retry it, we hadn’t even started with five minutes remaining in the class period. Senora said we could use her computer and record our conversation once another group was done. Despite our technology frustration, we actually had a decent conversation. We were in the last part of our conversation when Audrey looked up and realized it had not recorded any of what we just said. Two and a half minutes of Spanish completely down the drain, wonderful. We attempted it again, and it recorded, but when we were done and saving it, it just closed and said system not responding. At this point, I was beyond frustrated. We had recorded at two times, and I was hoping I could still remember everything I wanted to say for the next recording. The third time was a charm (excuse my triteness) as far as technology cooperating. We tried our best and that’s all we could do. Hopefully our practice trials helped make permanent memory of the desired content. However if mistakes were made, I’m ok with it because I know I can’t be perfect. Sometimes things don’t go as planned and you have to go with the flow.

Take my advice: give yourself some extra time, be patient, and keep calm my friends.  (534)

The Amazing Race

            Everybody hates Sunday nights, or should I say the majority of students strongly dislike Sunday nights. It’s the typical and dreaded “school the next day feeling” that makes Sundays so awful. Whether it’s because you have to do a ton of homework teachers piled on for the weekend or because you can’t sleep in and therefore you have to wake up early for the equally crappy Monday. I think my friend and fellow blogger, http://shelbsc.blogspot.com/ would agree. Her posts and stories about Mondays are quite unfortunate. L However her blog posts are excellent! For me, I think it’s because Sundays are quite the let-down compared to Saturday and Friday night. Sunday afternoons aren’t so bad, going to church and then out to lunch with the family and maybe an hour or so of shopping occasionally is very relaxing. In fact, one of the most thrilling parts of the weekend was watching the Space Jump! I was flipping through the channels, and practically every other channel was of Felix Baumgartner in a capsule ascending to 128,092 feet (39.042 m) into the air. Then he jumped! 24 miles down to the ground, going faster than the speed of sound, and taking around 9 minutes to touch down in a New Mexico desert.

The only amazing thing about Sunday nights however is, The Amazing Race. If you haven’t seen this show, watch it! I would totally recommend it to all ages. Well, a toddler or newborn baby probably would have no idea what’s going on, but even elementary school children have fun with the road blocks, detours, following the teams, and experiencing and learning about the culture in each specific place they travel to. The Amazing Race is a race around the world for $1,000,000. Every Sunday night at 8/7c on CBS, teams race around the world in its newest 21^st season. A team is eliminated each week until there are three left, which is the final race to the finish line. Along the way there are different tasks they have to complete, and they receive clues along the way. The first team to the pit stop (end of the episode or leg of the race) usually wins a trip or money to look forward to after the race. This year, there is a chance to win $2,000,000. The first place team on the first episode has the opportunity to win $2,000,000 if they win the final leg as well.

One of my favorite parts of The Amazing Race is following teams. Teams consist of two people, and they generally have something unique about them. My all-time favorites were the cowboys, globetrotters, professional snowboarders, and the twin sisters. I generally find the dating couples annoying- all they end up doing is arguing and it’s no fun to watch.

I have watched this show ever since middle school and will not stop watching until they stop producing it! The best part and what makes it different is that it’s a race. Not reality, nor is it your typical doctor show. And if you’re a busy-bee, you can watch it online at your convenience if Sunday nights are filled with sports, extracurricular activities, and that dreaded homework you still are going to procrastinate.  (543)
 

Space Jump Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Oq2Xl7oiws

Oreos vs. Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

            Everyone, in particular the Oreo commercial says that Oreo’s are “milk’s favorite cookie.” I would have to completely disagree with that assumption. I think my mom’s homemade chocolate chip cookies are best with milk; white skim milk specifically. I might be a little biased when I say that these cookies are the best I have ever tasted, but do please take my word on it. Everyone likes a homemade fresh cookie, over an over-processed cookie with a fun name of "Oreo." Oreo’s are indeed tasty with milk if you have no other homemade option, but if there is a “mom-made” choice, pick that over your typical processed cookie everyone in the United States has tried. The soft, chewy, and gooey dough mixed with semi-sweet large chocolate chips mix together and form heaven. The touch of oatmeal gives the cookie just the perfect bit of texture and unique qualities to make it my mom’s.
            If you were hoping I was going to give you the recipe.... you thought wrong. My mom’s chocolate chip cookies are top-secret business. That would also be committing Mizzay's "AP Lang cardinal sin" of lists and recipes for word count in a post. Take my word on this: homemade goodies will always taste better because they are made with time and love. Store-bought processed cookies are good if you’re on the go, but definitely will not have the same dazzle effect.  (234)

Political Madness

            I am so sick of politics. I have honestly had all I can take from the Election 2012. The future of the United States of America is important, but this particular election has been taken to a whole new level; a very excessive one. I am not sure if I am noticing it more because seniors, who are 18, in high school have an influence-able and important role as new voters, or if it has really been overdone this year. Is there anyone who actually likes all of this attention on Barack Obama and Mitt Romney? Sure it is important to know policies and goals of each candidate, but it is borderline crazy if you need to know every blessed pro, con, and update of each candidate. There will always be those “wannabe political experts” that think they know everything about politics even though they are 18 and fresh out of high school. However I speak for the majority of the US and say, enough is enough! Citizens need to go with the flow and make a decision from what you initially and really feel; not from the smack talk commercials that are probably inaccurate 5/10 times (granted that statistic was made up as well). You get where I am coming from though.

            They should enact a new rule that says you can only campaign for 100 days before the election. Back when we didn’t have the technology capability, it makes sense to campaign for a year or so, because it was harder to spread the word. Now Obama can take Airforce I and be in Oregon in the evening the very same day he was in New York in the morning.

Exposure in Government 1, Statistics, social media sites, newspaper, the news, TV, “personal” phone calls, and everyday conversations have overwhelmed my life and there is no way to escape them now. I’m trapped.

            In Statistics we learn about the manipulability of voting systems and the probability candidates will win certain states, in particular the “swing states.” We read articles from the Gazette, look up information online, and basically do math that is all based off of a formula, and should end up accurate. The class itself is interesting; however I find this unrealistic because no one really knows how the election will turn out. Not even when the results are coming in from the polls. The outcome will only be known when someone becomes president, Mitt Romney the Republican candidate, or the incumbent Democrat, President Barack Obama. It is believed that Mitt Romney has to win all nine swing states to win the election, and President Obama only has to win one of those swing states to block Romney from winning the presidency. Obama can focus the majority of his time and money in one state and basically win the election, or so experts believe.

            Government 1 is a totally different story. We learn about the foundation of our government, the different parts such as the House of Representatives and Senate, and basic rights every citizens needs to be informed of, and many other topics. It just so happens that Government 1 falls during election time so we have something else to talk about during current events. Although politics is a boring, or rather dry topic for me to learn, the connection between the election and information we read out of our books is really helpful. When information is released, I can actually understand and apply it now that I have a background base.

            However even though statistics and government 1 are helpful, it doesn’t stop there. What makes it over the top is the news, conversations, Facebook and Twitter updates, TV commercials, newspaper articles, and phone calls; all of the “social stuff.” Keep your opinions to yourself, people! I want to make my own decision. And yes, although I appreciate that personal phone call Mitt Romney, I really don’t want Project Runway, The Middle, Modern Family, and The Big Bang Theory interrupted. That means you can stop too, Ann Romney.  (674)

Donating Blood

            Donating blood saves lives and is a very worthy cause. About a year or so ago, I donated blood at my church for the very first time. I was kind of nervous and tried to do everything that the packet said would produce the best results. Despite my obedience and with my luck, the day of donation I woke up with a migraine. I took some Excedrin and by the time I donated in the afternoon, it was lingering here and there. For the most part it was gone, and I told myself that despite my discomfort I couldn't back out now.
            All of the nurses were so nice and concerned about me and how I was feeling throughout the entire blood donation process. I wish I could get the same nurse to draw blood the next time I donate! It also helped that I knew the people around me who were donating as well. That is one of the main reasons why I like donating at my church and not some random location the Red Cross asks me to donate at. Everything turned out well, the nurses told me I did an excellent job, and thankfully I had no “complications.” To get my blood sugar up and to prevent fainting, I drank cranberry juice, ate fruit snacks and some chocolate cookies. It felt like I was living the dream life of a child!
             Ever since I donated, it seems like The American Red Cross calls me every other week. They always tell me that my blood type is on a two-day supply. It always makes me feel bad, but I tell them that I will think about it and wait until they come to my church. The volunteers or employees who call are doing their job and a good thing, but I think that it is important that you personally feel comfortable, so that the donation process goes smoother on both ends.
            My church is holding a blood drive on Monday, October 22^nd. I haven’t signed up yet or told anyone I was going to donate for sure, but the idea of it is still floating in the back of my mind. I will follow up on my decision in a future post.
            If you have always wanted to save lives and do something for a good cause, try donating blood. It doesn’t hurt- the nurses do know what they are doing. If it doesn’t go well, then at least you know for the future and you can at least say you tried. Some people have hard veins to find, so it can be a little more difficult, but more often than not, your experience will go better than anticipated. It really doesn't help at all if you worry about it. Just relax and take a deep breath.  (470)

Taking Over the Senior Bench

            The senior bench at Kennedy High School has been a privilege for seniors for quite some time now. It is to everyone’s knowledge that the senior bench is for seniors only, don’t even think about sitting on it if you're not one.

            When I was a freshman and sophomore, even my junior year, I was afraid to sit on the bench. I remember freshman year I was helping at a bead fundraiser Mrs. Kollasch put on, and the tables were set up in front of the senior bench in the foyer. We had been standing for about an hour and a half, and when we were counting money, I accidentally sat down on the bench so I could focus more. No more than five seconds passed, and I shot up because I was afraid someone was going to yell at me and because I was embarrassed. I think I brought more attention to myself standing up so quickly than when I actually committed the awful crime of sitting on the coveted senior bench.

            All throughout high school, you look forward to your senior year and all of the privileges you gain. Sitting in the front rows for sporting events (especially football games), the senior bench for when you’re feeling lazy, and release times whenever you want. Plus the fact that everyone respects you ten times more, whether you deserve it or not. It’s not that your freshman, sophomore, and junior years are pointless, but it truly is an incentive to power and accomplish so much during your high school career.

            About twice a day, I walk through the foyer and see JUNIORS sitting on the SENIOR bench. Not even the same one every day, they’re random every time. What makes you so special over everyone else to sit on the bench? I think I have only sat on it twice this year; once on the first day of school, and another time when I was waiting to register for parking. I do understand that some people (ex: parents, younger siblings) don’t realize the significance of the bench, and sit there thinking it’s an open seating area. However, just because the rest of the school thinks the class of 2013 is completely lame, shows no school spirit and no leadership, some students of the “minority” you generally do not hear about are actually normal and have been waiting for their senior privileges.

            Show some respect and wait another year, two, or even three. Your time will eventually come, until you can finally partake in senior activities that everyone always tells you to look forward to.  (435)

Two Perspectives

                On September 29^th, I attended Kennedy’s homecoming with a group of friends, and last night I attended Linn-Mar’s homecoming dance with one of my friends from work. There were pros and cons to both events, and things that could be added that would only benefit everyone’s experience.

            The Monday after Kennedy’s homecoming was truly what the Monday after prom felt like. I was completely dead, probably a little behind in homework, and all of my teachers were too excited to get into “new and exciting material!” The one thing that made Kennedy’s homecoming memorable was dinner. Our group ate at Zio Johno’s and it was delicious. The rest of my group was frustrated that it took a little longer than ideal, but I actually enjoyed it because who really wants to be at the dance right at 7:30 and stay for three and a half hours until the end? I liked being “fashionably late.” If you ever get the chance to go to Zio Johno’s I would recommend the tortellini. You get a side salad and bread with it all for under $10. If I had to rate the dance, it would be average. Because grinding wasn’t allowed and people were getting kicked out, people were just standing around. I actually found it amusing because people didn’t know how to dance; they were completely lost without grinding. Also, the music choices were lame and it was not loud enough. Every other song was rap music and there was little variety. What it made really fun was the fact that I knew a lot of people and I reconnected with friends I had not seen in a while.

            Linn-Mar’s homecoming was completely different. When we first arrived to the dance, there were endless lines for pictures and coat-check. After pictures, we went to the gym for the dance. Because grinding is completely banned there as well and it has been for a longer time, people have realized and learned how to dance without grinding. Initially it was a bit awkward because I didn’t know many people, except for those who I work with, and no one was dancing at first. After about fifteen minutes though, everyone was dancing and having fun. The music was ten times louder than Kennedy’s and you couldn’t even hear yourself think. The DJ had a great playlist- he is a Linn-Mar teacher and does DJ-ing for a part-time job. The other thing I thought was awesome was that you could request songs simply through twitter. They projected the “@_____” on the wall, and at any time you could send in your request. I also think the dance was more fun for me because less people could judge me since I don’t go to their school.

            With two perspectives and experiences on homecoming dances, it is interesting to see how different schools put on their dance. If I could make suggestions to future Kennedy dances it would be: 1) Have the dance in the gym! I know everyone is worried about the floor, but Linn-Mar puts a tarp down on theirs, and it does not damage the floor. 2) Get new music and make it louder! No one wants to hear random side conversations during a good song. 3) Get over the fact that you can’t grind. And finally, 4) Create an easier way to make song selections so no one can complain post-homecoming.  (568)