Dancing Under the Stars

How Things Change

2011-11-24T21:31:00.003-06:00

It's been a while since I last updated but if you knew what was going on here in my life you would understand. I think. I hope. No, I won't post it on my blog, at least not now.

My life has taken a weird turn and I just don't know what to say about any of it. I guess its not really weird or a turn. It's more like we've all been on a runaway car headed downhill that finally hit the brick wall at the bottom and are in limbo, just waiting to find out how far back we'll bounce. Someday I'll post. When limbo has passed and the dust cleared I'll reveal what is probably my deepest darkest secret. But for now, my skeletons stay in the closet. The only thing that I regret is that they're not my skeletons but I must live with them.

On a completely different note... I attended the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianappolis last week and it was AMAZING. I can't really describe how awe-inspiring it is to see 23,000 people swaying and singing or to recieve communion on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium (Colts Stadium, home of Super Bowl 2012) Yeah... I've been all over that field, a couple times a day for three days. No big deal or anything. Indianappolis was amazing.

I got see this crazy priest dance to Justin Bieber. I don't know how to describe him to you I'd suggest starting at 4:30. He's dancing to Justin Bieber. This is him doing the story of creation... So good too but a little different version than what I saw :)

But NCYC was more that just crazy priests, weird hats, and beautiful music it was an experience like no other. I don't think I can describe it but I don't think I've ever been prouder to be Catholic. CALLED TO GLORY

It's FOOTBALL Season

2011-09-03T20:50:00.004-05:00

I know I haven't updated in a while. Haven't had much time... Perhaps I'll post about my lack of time later when I have time. The purpose of this post is to discuss FOOTBALL.

I love Football. With a passion.

Fairfield High School, Home of the Trojans

1-1
I am a cheerleader and so I have gotten the opportunity to go to both of the two away games that we've played so far. Including a three-hour trip to Central DeWitt... which is a LONG ride. We got home after one in the morning.

Game One, Davis County - Loss 29-30

We should NOT have LOST this GAME!! Davis County isn't even our division, though we all knew it would be a tough game. I should have been more suspious when we were up 21-0 in the first half. Quite a few of their starters were suspended for the first quarter due to behavior at the Baseball State Championship. Did I mention that they were state champions in their division? These kids are just athletic.

Fairfield played well but our defense couldn't hold them back. The crowd was absolutely dead and the players just weren't there all the way. Overall, a disappointing opener.

Game Two, Central DeWitt - Win 27-15

No one really thought we'd win this game going into it. The boys played well with a some good offensive plays. The defense really stole the show. A pick six is always nice. The crowd was small but pumped up, the weather was horrible (fairfield got out early because of heat) and the boys were ready to play. They really brought back some intensity and it was a well-deserved win despite a lot of penalties.

Next Week: Rival Mt. Pleasant for their first home game of the season. It's guarenteed to be good. The panthers beat us after the game being delayed twice (to a tuesday night) due to thunderstorms. The trojans are thirsty for revenge and the panthers have to come to trojan stadium Friday. Can't wait.

Iowa Hawkeyes

Game One, Tennessee Tech WIN 34-7

The hawks had a few fumbles and some horrible rain but really shined. I was impressed by Mi'kail McCalls few moments of fame before his injury. I can't wait to get him back on the field. Coker wasn't at his best but he pulled through. While the running backs might not be as reliable the Wide Recieving game was at its best. McNutt. McNutt. McNutt.I love McNutt(so much). He started this game with 16 career touchdowns with the All-time Iowa Record being held as a tie by Danan Hughes and Tim Dwight at 21. McNutt tackedon two more today alone and is now within three of the tying. Keenan Davis also had some great plays with his reception at the one that led to Vandenberg's touchdown. James had a solid, impressive performance. He's not Stanzi and that's for the best. While Stanzi will be missed James was above and beyond for his first start as the number one guy. I was really impressed by his play-making ability and his rushes (yes, their were multiple rushes) over the line to get the needed extra yard or so on third-and-short. He gets the plays and really boosted confidence for hawkeye fans. Finally, the defense had a great day. A couple of great interceptions including a Prater touchdown that was aided by a take-one-for-the-team block by Micah Hyde (my true love). The defense was strong. They're still filling in the holes left by last years now starters who are now on to the NFL. They still looked strong with a lot of potential.

Overall, we're a young team but still a force reckon with. Watch Out.

Next, Annual Rivalry Iowa State at Iowa State.
We've kept the Cy-Hawk Trophy for a few years now. It shouldn't change now. Afterall, this is the HAWKEYE state.

Now, I'm done. I'm going to go watch more football. Also. I love McNutt. And Hyde. And Vandenberg. I hope that I can add more people to the love list next week.

You. Are.

2011-08-08T19:32:00.001-05:00

I know I've been lazy and horrible by not posting recently. Do you know what is even more lazy and horrible? The people who use your instead of you're on Facebook. More and more recently I've gotten extremely annoyed by people misspelling simple words on social media. Everyone is doubting the capability of the Millienials to take care of our country. I do not blame them. My generation needs to get over it and just spell things out and learn a little grammar. Now. Before I bust a kidney.

Thing number two school needs to start. This summer has been ridiculously long and boring. I just want to get back to my friends. I want to be someone again.

Along with school Football season should be right about now. I need some Iowa football. My goals for this year: 1. Photo-bomb McNutts Family picture 2. Get a picture with Micah Hyde.

Book Review: Wuthering Heights

2011-06-25T15:10:00.003-05:00

I struggled through one of the world's greatest pshycological novels recently. I'll share a little review.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Published: December 1847
Page Count: 322
When I Read It: June 2011

Synopsis: When the father of Catherine and Hindley Earnshaw bring home a strange-looking boy their world is thrown upside down. Hindley despises the boy, Heathcliff because he is quickly the father's favorite and Heathcliff and Catherine develop an unbreakable bond. This story follows Heathcliff, a cruel man, through the perspective of his new neighbor, Lockwood. Heathcliff is a brutul, manipulating man who covets his sister Catherine who marries their neighbor Edgar Linton. Heathcliff marries the mans sister out of spite. While Edgar loves Catherine their love never matches her attachment to Heathcliff and his dark character. They all end up half insane and die at a young age, leaving the house known as Wuthering Heights to its rightful owners.

Review: 4 stars
This book shows that all people have flaws. The author doesn't romanticize anything and for it the story seems more believable. This book took a long time to read but will stay with you for a while because you will ponder why the characters are the way they are. This book shows the real cruelty in the world. It's beautiful and scary at the same time.

Website

Book Review: The Mysterious Benedict Society - So B. It - Twilight Series

2011-06-15T13:24:00.011-05:00

I'm going to be trying to do more book reviews. I want to review all of the books that I have listed on the bottom left, but, let's not get too ambitious! I'll review 6 books in the post for now. (I'll also try to update the list as I go on. The books on the side are only books that I've a) read and b) would put my seal of approval on. I'm a picky reader so it takes more than just a catchy story to make the list.)

1. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Published: March 2007
Page Count: 496, 524 - depends
When I Read It: Sometime Late in the 8th Grade, Winter 2010

Synopsis: A letter appears in the newspaper, appealing to gifted children. They must complete some very mind-bending tests, in the end only 4, 2 boys, 2 girls succeed. Their final test: a secret misson to an exclusive school for the very bright. They must find the secrets behind a school where the only rule is that there is no rules.

Review: 4 Stars
I enjoyed this book a lot because I was constantly slapping my head once I found out the solution to the tests in the beginning. This book tests not just the characters but the readers and it helps you to see a lot of things that you wouldn't usually see. There is definately a big twist at the end. The characters are fairly well-developed and you find yourself wanting more about them. There are a lot of hidden meandings and clues that you'll look back on. This book is inspiring to gifted children because they'll want to prove themselves worthy of the society. It is a book that will stay with you for a while.

Website

2. So B. It by Sarah Weeks

Published: 2004
Page Count: 245
When I Read It: 5th or 6th Grade, 2006-2008

Synopsis: A girl, Heidi It, is growing up with a mother who has a mental disability. She struggles to take on the pressure of things beyond her years. She doesn't anything about her father and her mother's 23 word vocabulary doesn't give many clues. She goes out to find out about who she really is and in finding who she is, she finds out what her mother's mysterious word, Soof means.

Review: 4 stars
This is a real heart clencher. I read this book during a time that my mom was working with those who are mentally disabled and it gave me a bit of an insight into what it takes to live a life with someone with a disability. This is a sweet, quick read that makes you better appreciate what you have in life. This is a book that I think anyone would enjoy. The characters have very defining characteristics that create great foils and contrasts. It's a great book.

Website

3. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Published: October 2005
Page Count: 498
When I Read It: 6th Grade, 2008

Synopsis: Bella is an Arizona girl who grew up a child of divorce. When her mother goes off with her new beau Bella decides to move in with her Dad in Forks, Washington. The small town is thrown out of wack by the arrival of Bella. She hits it off with the other teens but she finds herself facinated by the beautiful Cullens. Despite desperate attempts to stay away, Edward finds that he can't stay away from Bella. The two form a freindship that is unheard of in the small town of Forks that blooms into a romance that is quickly put into danger. Secrets are revealed and Bella finds herself facing the possibility of death at the hands of someone, who like, Edward, is a sparkly Vampire.

Review: 4 Stars
I really did enjoy this book. Meyer keeps the reader on their feet the entire time while spinning this beautiful fantasy world. I loved the struggles that Edward and Bella had to overcome. It made it more realistic for me, although I am more than aware that it is NOT real. The characters were well-developed, although I felt that I couldn't relate to some of them as much. Some of the characters that were not meant to be disliked by the reader I found myself disliking. I'm also a bit bitter about this series because the 'Twihards' have very much ruined it for me. Though, if you want a good read, ignore the fanatics, read the books and make a decision for yourself.

Website

4. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

Published: September 2006
Page Count: 563
When I Read It: 6th or 7th Grade, 2008

Synopsis: When Edward realizes that he can't fully protect Bella from himself, he leaves. Bella is left in Forks desperately trying to be herself without Edward. Bella finds that putting herself in dangerous, thrill-seeking situations she can hear Edward's voice. She recieves helps in finding comfort and the trill-seeking activities from a friend, Jacob Black. Bella discovers that vampires aren't the only mythological creature, but that werewolves too exist in the Forks, Washington. After some miscommunications Edward believes that Bella has killed herself and sets out to do the same. The two are reunited in Italy where Bella comes crashing in to prevent Edward's demise. Edward is informed that Bella must either be killed or turned by the Volturi, a counsel of powerful vampires, and that if he bites Bella that the treaty between the Cullens and the Werewolves would be ended.

Review: 3 1/2 Stars
I'm not fond of Jacob Black's character. At all. I don't like him. I don't like him. I don't like him. This book is my least favorite of the series because I am what you would call 'Team Edward' and was very unhappy when Edward was gone. This book digs into the mind and shows how so much can change in so little time. It is a story that has a lot of conflict and a lot of decisions that must be made. I, personally found it hard to keep my attention in the middle of the book. It is, overall, a good book but still my least favorite of the series.

Website

5. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Published: August 2007
Page Number: 629
When I Read It: 6th or 7th Grade, 2008

Synopsis: People are being killed by the dozens in the area around Forks. There are many reasons to believe that its a vampire doing it, or rather, many vampires. Edward and Bella are back together but their relationship is tested by a revenge-seeking vampire and a love that Bella has for her friend Jacob. When it comes down to it, Edward and Jacob who are sworn enemies must come together to protect a common interest, Bella.

Review: 3 1/2 Stars
I'll repeat myself. I DON'T LIKE JACOB BLACK. I DON'T LIKE JACOB BLACK. I DON'T LIKE JACOB BLACK! His character bothers me. I don't care how "cute" Taylor Laughtner is or whatever blah. blah. blah. This book, again dragged for me. I liked the intensity of this novel though. You learn more about the characters and see more of their flaws which I believe any good book should show. This helps make a books more believable which helps make the book more relatable.

Website

6. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

Published: August 2008
Page Count: 756
When I Read It: Early 7th Grade, Fall of 2008

Synopsis: Edward and Bella can finally be together. They're married and go off to their honeymoon and all seems well. That is, until Bella gets pregnant. This starts a whirlwind of problems that lead the final book's plot. Bella eventually has the baby and is turned into a vampire, something much awaited for but another problem comes up. The Volturi are coming to town, just looking for a fight.

Review: 4 Stars
I liked this book, I really did. Edward and Bella are finally together, happy ending, yadayada. But it also has enough suspense to carry you through. Some of the...umm... erm... romantic details I could have lived without but it did help bring life to the characters. I was not fond of Jacob imprinting of Renesme. I am a very strong believer that relationships SHOULD have an age boundary. Pedophiles. *shivers* I liked that this book showed how each character not only developed but their relationships with each other developed. You learn a lot about one character from how another character interacts with them. As for this book, it's a good one. Do I think the ending was satisfactory? No. Of all the books I thought this was the one with the most loose ends. I honestly thought that Twilight ended at Twilight until I found out about New Moon, which I thought ended there until I found out about Eclipse, which I thought was the end until I found out about Breaking Dawn which I did NOT think was the end. Wacky. I want to know more... (which is a sign of a good book)

Website

I'm Done! Wew! I hope that this helped anyone who is interested in these books or was looking for another opinion.

For more fun:

I Hope you enjoyed this. I have not read the other Benedict books but I might sometime, neither have I read the other Sarah Weeks Books. I have looked at a chapter or two of Midnight Sun, the 5th Twilight book which was never published. Found Here.

Many Blood-Sucking Creatures

2011-06-13T14:18:00.001-05:00

It's that time again. Politics are heating up and as an inspiring President I will be watching this election process closely. Sometimes it just amazes me how LITERAL some politicians take their name. Politics broken down into it's roots is Poly=many and Tics=bloodsucking creatures. It is in watching all these debates and news shows that nose their ways through the personal lives of today's politicians that I remind myself that I have to think before I do ANYTHING. In 2032 I want to become an inspiration to women and men and to improve the foreign relations of our country while keeping what the people want in mind. As I watch many blood-sucking creatures take over the news I stop and wonder to myself, Why hasn't anyone asked WHY they want to be President. Sure. They think they're best for the job or can solve this problem or that but I haven't heard any of them say that they think that they can best represent the PEOPLE. That's what I want to see in a canidate. Someone who doesn't just say that they have the Peoples' interest in mind but someone who SHOWS that they do. Until then it's just a competition of of the Blood-sucking creatures to say the right things at the right time. *SIGH* Politics.

Since it is Nasty and Gross and Rainy

2011-06-09T14:43:00.002-05:00

If you didn't guess from the title that I HATE rain. You now know. I HATE RAIN! I especially hate it when I want to run... I have to wait until it calms a little and then just get over it when it starts to pour half way through... sigh. I HATE RAIN!

Now, I'm done with that rant and on to the real reason that I'm writing this, Things to Do on a Rainy Day!

*Bake Cookies
*Read a Book
*Take a Nap
*Draw Pictures/Do Something Crafty
*Practice Your Instrument if You Play One

Now, on to the big question. What's a good book to read? Here's my book suggestion (which is really a series suggestion):

The House of Night Series by P.C. and Kristin Cast

-Marked
-Betrayed
-Chosen
-Untamed
-Hunted
-Tempted
-Burned
-Awakened

This is a Paranormal Romance series as P.C. Cast is WELL known for. It is a completely different take on Vampyres and such. It's a very unique story that incorporates real mythology and Cherokee Beliefs. It focuses a lot on the power within a person and the elements (earth, air, fire, water, spirit). It's impowering and is great for Cat Lovers too! :) I definately suggest it! But I won't ruin the plot, you just got to read 'em.

This is the Website Dedicated to the Series
This is P.C. Cast's Blog

Summer 2011

2011-06-04T21:27:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since I've updated. But well... It's been a busy year! I'll give you a basic rundown of my past year:

*Varsity Cheerleading

*Flag Girl in the Marching Band

*Double Evented Performing at All-State Speech

*Only Freshman casted in Spring Play

*Placed in two events at FBLA State Conference, qualified for nationals

*Knighted in Silent Knights

*4.0 Grade Point Average

As you can see I've had quite a year. But... It's not enough and my goal for next year is to have an even more amazing year next year.

As for this summer... I won't stop until Ive ran 500 miles. It's causing me some pain already but determination will be my strenghth. It's worked thus far. Wish me luck!

All-State

2011-02-26T21:08:00.002-06:00

I have been so busy lately that I haven't gotten the chance to update. A week ago I got the chance to perform at the Iowa High School Speech Asscociation's All-State Festival. In both of my events.

As a Freshman, I couldn't have earned a higher honor. It was an incredible feeling to stand on that stage for One Act and walk into that room for Mime. I'm still a little bit in shock and awe. I must say that I completely owe it to the INCREDIBLE people that I got the opportunity to work with.

Fairfield had nine events go to All-State. The most we have EVER had (that any of the coaches know of) and our Speech Program is thriving.

Mime
If You Die, Find the Girl with Ruby Eyes (a tale of everlasting spirit)

We were the first all freshmen, all girl mime group for Fairfield and we went all the way to All-State! The five girls that I worked with are incredible and I love all of them. Something just clicked and the story came right along. I loved practice and looked forward to stretch and share. I must also thank our AMAZING coach Mr. Kevin Hosbond. We couldn't have done it without you. I hope that we can work together again next year.

One Act
The Effect of Gamma-Rays on Man-In-The-Moon Marigolds

These girls are amazing. I never thought I could become so attached to something like this. When, on Thursday we give our last performance I will probably cry. Unlike in Mime, we will probably not all get the chance to work together again. These girls are incredible and their level of commitment is mind-blowing. Becoming Tillie has made me feel like a different person. Thank you ladies. Thank you Mrs. Wotherspoon! I love you all.

For both. I'm not sure that I can recreate this incredible feeling. (Maybe my Wedding Day) I don't know what next year holds but thanks for the opportunity to work with you guys. I feel like we're family. I love you all. :,)

ALL-STATE SPEECH 2011

Yeah. Right.

2011-02-02T13:53:00.002-06:00

Could keep this up all night
Tis war not just a fight
What a fool
Such a tool
Dancer Surrender? yeah right.

I just now bothered to read the post from October 31rst on the Professor's blog. He kept saying that he had won. I was just waiting for the opportune minute to STRIKE... hee hee

Dearest People Who May or May Not Care

2011-02-02T12:28:00.002-06:00

I don't care which group you're in. If you're reading this then you must have as much of an abysmal of a life as I do. Just kidding yours if probably more boring Im too involved to be bored, at least at this time of year. Except right now in the midst of this ridiculous snow store.

Yesterday I was all for no school but I was under the impression that we would have One Act Practice... Unfortunately the weather prevented that. My mother is predicting no school tomorrow for the third day BUT we will have One Act and Mime if at all possible because there is STATE this Saturday. I think I just peed myself.

Luckily when I am sitting here all by my lonesome with nothing to do I do some of my best brainstorming... I have an idea about the new issue of not having a curtain for competition. I shall suggest it tomorrow at what is hopefully a ridiculously long practice tomorrow and see where it goes from there.

I am also gathering all my materials to make rice crispies Friday night for my ladies the Marigolds and the Ruby Girls. I'll also probably make some for the rest of the team (around 60) because I love these people. They have been pretty much my family these past months (poopp that's a long time) I don't know... Sometimes it's just amazing how supporting they are! They show up to watch you perform and cheer you on, they help you set up and clean up and even offer you their lint roller when your covered in the crap from the bottom of the bus... Family <3 Speech Team

Abuse

2011-01-29T21:48:00.003-06:00

Recently, I have been so focused on Speech Team and especially the One Act Play. I recieved the lead role, Tillie. Tillie is a young girl with a passion for science. But her home life is horrible. Her mother is abusive and crazy and her sister right there with her. Some days she is not allowed to go to school and life just seems to be an endless horror. Then, her science teacher gives her a special project, planting and growing radioactive Marigolds. And in the course of growing these Marigolds Tillie learns that just because the plants were mutated and different than the "normal" marigolds doesn't mean that they weren't important too. Every atom in the marigolds and in Tillie is important. This play follows Tillie's path to finding that she isn't as worthless and ugly as her mother says but she is important. Along the way, you meet the charracters of Ruth, played by Heidi, Tillie's crazed hoochy sister who is driven into seizures by her abusive mother, Beatrice, played by Shannon, whom is having a phycotic break by the end of the play and in the middle of this comes Tillie's final monologue and discovery of self importance. You also meet the charracter of Nanny, played by Rachel, who is living in the past and left, unwisely in Beatrice's care and finally Tillie's crazy comepetition at the Science Fair, Janice Vickery, played by Brittany, who boils a cat and puts the pieces back togehter.

This play is incredibly moving and I can feel it changing me as only a good part can. It's incredible.

I have also been recently reading a book called Dreamland by Sarah Dessin in which the main charracter is abused by her boyfriend. It's just something that I don't really think about often but there are so many people out there who are abused every day. It's hard to believe. I wrote a short story about abuse on my other blog, The Writer's Garden. I want to expand it and make it a novel eventually but the basic storyline is there. It's difficult to write such a story. There's a big difference between creating tragic stories with sad happenings and creating cruel characters who cause sad happenings. It's so difficult because the mind of an abuser is something that I don't necessarily want into.

We go to state this Saturday for speech team. The Effect of Gamma-Rays on Man-In-The-Moon-Marigolds will take the stage in Cedar Rapids. Let's see where it goes from there.

I know, I know

2010-12-28T17:56:00.002-06:00

Okay, I know that I've been neglecting my blogs recently. I just don't have much to say. Okay. That's a lie. So here's the lowdown.

Tonight's the Hawkeye Bowl Game! BOOYAH... maybe? Yeah. I have no idea how to feel about this whole thing. I'm also incredibly pissed at DJK and Adam Robinson. I can tell you this, that if I were Kirk Ferentz I would have shoved that weed up their butts and... okay you get the point. You also know why I am NOT Kirk Ferentz. Anyways that starts at 9. This better not turn out to be Debackle in the Dessert Part Two because if it is... You know what I said about that weed earlier? Yeah... that.

Anyways. It's CHRISTMAS BREAK! Huzzah! I love that word. Gosh. Unfortunately, I'm studying for semester tests. The incredibly amazing thing though, is that I did a little math (Weighted Averages--Sorry Mrs. Bishop don't be too proud I had to *refresh* my memory on how to figure them) and I found that I could get a 60% on the majority of my tests and still not lose my 4.0. I practically peed myself with happiness. Just kidding. I have to get at least a 75 in French though. I'm suddenly feeling wayyyy better about these tests. Though, in my mind a B is still failing so there will always be that internal struggle and I'll end up cramming throughout the rest of break.

One Act is going great. Our major problem currently is that we are running 2 some minutes over our 35 minute limit. NOT GOOD. But, for some reason I have complete confidence that this will work out. My biggest worry is that I won't perform up to my costars standards. This show has a lot of potential and I don't want to ruin it for anyone. Lots of Practice ahead of me... On the bright side we are off book. If that's considered Bright... yikes. I am memorized but I do forget a line occasionally. I don't know, it's just scary. Getting judged on my acting hasn't really happened for me before so I'm a little nervous. Mime is going pretty good too. It's a cooolll story. That's all I'm saying for now because I want it to be a surprise when people see it.

Welp. That's it. For now. Other than I've been scrappin' like crazy recently. I love scrapbooking. I got a Cricut for christmas and well... sometimes I just convince myself that I need something just so I can cut things. I'm sure that my mother is going cut me off when it comes to the paper soon... I can't really blame her. I printed 56 or so pages of studyguides for semester tests that I slaved on for hours. I literally mean hours.

I have too much spare time. Just kidding. I just love finding ways to procrastinate that seem productive. Though, I can't really say that participating in TweetFest2010 yesterday was productive... At least I didn't tweet over 500 times in a day. GRRRR....

(Insert Gushing Tears)

2010-12-07T18:27:00.001-06:00

Today I recieved the news that our Administrators have a plan on how to fix our budget problem. Part One: Cut a Speech Coach--I mean there's three of them and they only need two it's not like they're as important as the 17 billion football coaches...at least that's how they think. Part Two: Cut the French Department as in the entire one person department...screwing over any current French Students especially those who want to go to a college. In fact. It limits our college choices availability because some colleges REQUIRE four years of the same foreign language. How is that fair? How is that fair? Part Three: I have yet to hear but Im sure it's horrible and will probably involve cutting Band in some way. (Insert Gushing Tears) And then Im sure Cheer will cut and clubs like FBLA and Flags and any other choice and thing I love in that retched school. I love FHS but I can't take this. And everyone better know that I won't take it lying down.

Create Create MAKE MAKE MAKE!!!

2010-11-21T18:10:00.011-06:00

I've been crafting like crazy lately. Here's what I've come up with, including Thanksgiving Centerpieces for our tables (15 tables... big family) - Birthday Invites - Birthday Cake - Coool FLOWERS :) Check out these Pics:

(Made with Cool Clarence Stuff from Walmart and left over insulation foam YAY!)

(FIFTEEN OF THEM! It took me forever to cut the foam and flowers and such... )

(Glitter Butterfly on Sheet Music and Pink Cardstock)

(Says Celebrate Makayla's Fifteenth Birthday)

(Flowers, A Butterfly and An M)

(Cool Word Flowers One Spells out Love, the Other uses words such as Hope, Love, Live, and Dream)

(Construction Paper Flowers)

(Pretty Fabric Roses)

Three-Day Weekend

2010-11-07T16:41:00.003-06:00

Don't you just adore three day weekends? I do.

I've done pretty much nothing this weekend and loved it. Well unless you count partying all night Saturday as something. Okay, I haven't done NOTHING. But I've done a substansial ammount of not much. Lol.

I'm sooo jazzed about Speech Team this year! It's just gonna be a bunch of fun! I've tried out for One Act Play, Mime and Ensemble Acting so far. I'll try out for Reader's Theater/ Choral Reading on Tuesday and hopefully get a callback or a script for One Act on Wednesday. It's just what is calling me the most. I loved stepping up onto that stage Monday. I can't believe that I forgot the feeling of being on stage. There's nothing like it. There's no way to describe it's wonderfulness. It's just amazing!

I can't really say that I have stage fright but that doesn't mean that I don't get nervous. It's more of a fright/excitement of messing up. I'm generally pretty comfortable in front of people but I do get a little tingle in my stomach when first reading a script. Though, I love that tingle. Call me crazy but I LOVE that feeling. It's the stage. I can't live without it. :)

Currently, I'm working on a two-page layout design for my scrapbook with a Thanksgiving theme. So far I've got a title for each page. First page: Family. Second page: Food. Now, I've just got to try and remember what else there is to it... maybe throw in some turkeys and pilgrims and a PRAISE GOD! But I'm not sure yet.

Lymericks Galore

2010-10-30T22:18:00.001-05:00

The Professor and his Kin
Will not, Can not win
Taking a break
So like a snake
The Dancer strikes again

I haven't forgotten the war just waiting for the opportune moment to strike again. It's not over yet!

I for some reason love the word strike... Hee Hee

Victory has been claimed
Homework to be blamed
But this is war
There will be more
Coren will be maimed

Heh.

It Must Be The Morrow

2010-10-29T17:35:00.021-05:00

Have you ever heard the song the "Tomorrow" from Annie? Well, life is looking up already. The sun will come out tomorrow... well it did :)

I'm just in an altogether better mood. Cheerleading is over but I got to cheer at playoffs. We'll also have a pizza party soon so it's all good. As for that B. It's already up to a 90.3 % B+... which I honestly think should be an A- but it'll just challenge me more to work harder to get that grade back up. Hawks are still ranked Nationally so that's what matters. Though, Joseph had to rub it in... but I guess I would have done the same... darn. As it turns out I don't have 2 study halls on A days because Band switched days! So, I just one everyday. I can deal for now. Andrew gave me a ride home today so no bus for the now. (YES!)

Downside... I still have that dang cough...

Well, now let's move on to the actual fun stuff! I just got crafty! Haha... I actually got this good deal on some wood-bound stamps (which usually cost a lot) at the bargain box (Andrew was halloween costume hunting) and these cute keys too!

Then... well, I decided that I'd give you guys a preview of my scrapbook pages that I've already got done. And then... I took some pics of my scrapbooking area. I call it my area because well... you'll see...

These two go together--

These are some that I'm working on. They are "in progress".

And finally, I have some Pics as a tour of my scrap area. :) I >just lots of things! YAY!

I'm soo... proud of my scrapbooking stuff. Most of it I paid for or something along those lines by myself. My parents don't just buy it for me and it's all mine. Considering I'm just a fourteen-year-old it's pretty impressive. Though I can always dream of some of the great craft rooms I've seen online. Maybe one day...

For some great crafting inspiration go to THIS BLOG.

Heartbreak Recipe

2010-10-24T11:57:00.001-05:00

Heartbreak Recipe

1 B on a French Test to start off 2nd Quarter
2 Losses for the Hawkeyes
8 of 18 Girls get to cheer at Playoffs and IDK if Im one of them...
2 Study Halls in a row on A days (I hate Study Halls!)
1 Annoying Cough that won't go away and
38 Long days until I turn 15
Undetermined amount of days that I might have to ride the bus... Disgusting

Ingredients being left out of this recipe ( aka things that will be stopping that Im sooo gonna miss):
Cheer Practice
Rides home with Liz
Marching Band
Time to do nothing (this is highly valued in my life)

Mix them all together and ya get a sad Makayla :(

Thankfully there is the chance that I could cheer at playoffs and I got to Meet Mama Clayborn who was super nice! Also only like 2 weeks until Speech Team and Ms Hanson said that I can most definately bring my grade back to an A. We also still have a chance at the Big Ten Championship and a Rose Bowl Game. I just have to wait and look to the future. There's always hope on the horizon...

UPDATTTTEE

2010-10-16T14:12:00.002-05:00

A LOT has been going on recently! I'm sorry I haven't posted recently. Cheerleading, Band and Homework has been keeping me busy. I'd say High School is almost a challenge but not quite. It's just different and I'll adjust to it.

In Cheerleading we had our second to last game yesterday, Pella. We lost. But well, Pella is number one in the state in our division.............. soo.......... yeah. But we still played well. Next week is our last game. Wish the boys luck!

We had our marching band competition a few weeks ago and we came in last. Surprise, surprise. Pella wasn't even there! (Not that their marching band which was absolutely amazing two years ago when I first saw them looked all that good. They would have won but they didn't have that jaw-dropping, goose-bump-giving quality that they used to) We always come in last. We don't memorize our music so everyone else has extra points over us. But we were one .2 behind third place so there's hope for next year. :)

As for school work, it's not that any of it's more challenging it's just that we have more of it. First quarter is almost over and it looks like I'll be getting my straight A's though so I'm still keeping pace. I'll adjust and thrive. ONWARD TO THE WHITE HOUSE! 2032!!! WEW! (Sorry, I had to)

I'll post a lymerick at a later time. Right now I'm getting ready to watch the Iowa-Michigan game. GO HAWKS! :)))

A Good Day

2010-09-11T22:14:00.001-05:00

Sometimes it's nice just to be out with friends. I spent the day in Iowa City with Hanna and Laura shopping for Homecoming Dresses and we just had a great time. Sometimes it's nice just to have a day where you're not thinking about grades or you're future or what will look good on a college transcript. And don't even say it's too early to think about it because it's NOT!

So we were trying all sorts of dresses on (Most of them were ridiculous) and having a great time. Though I really so hope that whoever was in the changing room next to us didn't get the wrong idea from us yelling PUT YOUR CLOTHES BACK ON! Or Oh wait I don't have any pants on! It was just ridiculous. Oh course. Lol.

Then we ran into Joseph (Badger Fan...GROSS!) Anyways here's how that convo went:
Hanna: JOEY!
Me&Laura: What?
(Joseph turns around)
Me: Woah Joseph what are you doing here?!(I pretty much yelled it... Oops)
Joseph: My dad is flying in from Asia
All of us: oooo...kkk?
LOL yeah... So we made him come eat lunch with us and Mrs Greiner was just laughing at us then Josephs mom came up too and it was a grande ole party :) Haha then we saw them later and he was flipping out because Orange Julius didn't have their slushie machine working. Then Laura and I went and got Candy. I got a big ole Gumball. So I was walking around with a gumball in my cheek :D

After all our shopping we called Brooke because it was her birthday. We left a great long voicemail and I told her she was a day closer to wrinkles and Laura told her that she saw grey hairs... Lol were so mean... teehee

Hanna was also being very morbid. The freak! So we passed this cattle truck with pigs in it and Hanna starts chanting 'You're all gonna die Youre all gonna die' It was so horrible then I was telling Laura that it'd be cute if she had a flower in her hair and Hannas just like: Oh were about to pass the cemetary so we can pick up some there it's not like they'll miss them. She's such a freak isn't she?

Also- Song of the Day: Johnwilliamsistheman (Go search it on Youtube)

Limerick time!

I really like Doritos
And not so much Burritos
This Pointless Food
It tastes so Good
Like salsa and Tostios

That was so lame that I can't deal with it! Hahaha! Okay no really...

Oh there once was a State Fan
He wasn't a very smart man
His team fumbled
And he mumbled
They should've tucked and ran

Hehee... I couldn't resist! Iowa Iowa State game today! Wew! We won 35-7 no surprise there...

I'm not feeling too creative right now... Well I mean writing that first piece of brilliance was pretty tiring. I mean... It was pretty good. Hahahahaha! Yeahhh....

The Anatomy of Wings

2010-09-06T15:36:00.001-05:00

Have you ever read a book and then you get to end and put down and you are on the verge of tears or there's a great big smile on your face? Then you sit there and fight back whatever strong emotion you just felt and Wow is all you can say?

I was walking around the library at the high school and I was starting to get really frustrated because the books weren't calling to me. I can't take a book off a shelf if it doesn't call to me! But I saw the title and I thought it night be about butterflies. They are my current obsession as to how to describe myself. I love to draw a butterfly circling the Eiffel Tower. I don't know I just do.

Anyways this book whispered to me. I pulled it off the shelf and checked it out. But it wasn't even the book I was most excited about. I found a different book called The Swan Kingdom and it was pretty great because I was craving a goods new fantasy book. It was perfect then I pulled out The Anatomy of Wings and sluggishly started reading it Saturday morning on my way to Iowa City.

It wasn't until yesterday that I really got into the story. The story of a girl my age who had some strange happening happen to her at a lake and then she fell in with the wrong crowd. It's told from the perspective of her ten year old sister who has an amazing talent for singing. The songs just burst out of her.

But then when her sister stops coming home and gets kicked out of school her voice gets caught inside and she can't sing anymore.

The entire story you're trying to find out what happened to Beth and you learn the stories of the rest of the people on that street. It truly shows the secrets of a small town and how fast things can change. You see the way everyone is affected by one person. The different way everyone grieves.

This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time. Wow.

The Anatomy of Wings by Karen Foxlee

Just a Week

2010-09-05T17:15:00.001-05:00

A lot can happen in a week. It's so crazy really. Well here's what's happened in my week:

Monday was just business as usual with Cheer Practice. Tuesday I had cheer and then band. Nothing too exciting in the early week... Wednesday Andrew turned 17. Isn't that freaking crazy? Gosh. I also has cheerleading and then an extra flag practice. I didn't get home until 8:30.

Then Thursday I was another long day. It was better seeing how I got home at 9 instead of 10 like last week but I still had to do homework and finish up lockerposters that were leftover from Wednesday. The sad thing is that this will continue for weeks to come. Sleep will not be an option because on Wednesdays I start dance at 5 and then go to church at 6-8ish and Thursdays will be until 8:30.

Oh when I say I don't get home until that time I mean I don't get home at all and Im still toting along my school bag and such.

Friday was our second highschool football game. We came from behind by ten points to win it. It was great.

Also on Friday I got a letter in the mail. Well it was technically addressed to my parents but still. It was from the People to People Ambassadors Program. They want me to be a part of it. There are a couple different options such as travelling overseas or spending a little over a week on Washington. Basically it's all a dream come true for me. I want to be a politician and the People to People Program truly is the first step.

Nothing is set in stone but the information meeting is in October. I have no idea if someone nominated me for it or what but we got a letter. This really seems like the key to my future. It just might mean a little foreign experience which is a once-in-a-lifetime thing and a 20 day trip/vacation to Europe. I don't know if this can get any better. And if I don't go to Europe there is the possibilities of Washington D.C. for things especially involving politics like Debates and visits to the Capital.

All the options are like DC Asia (China or Japan) South Africa the Pacific Islands (Austrailia New Zealand Figi) Antartica and lots in Europe. They all sound so stinking cool! I really would love to see DC but I think that's something that I could do later. But of course I could also see Europe later with the French Trip too but it doesn't have the opportunities that these trips have. They offer exclusive things like meetings with a member of Parliment in London scaling a castle wall in Germany and walking the beaches of Normandy. Oh and if I go over there I HAVE to see Paris. It's required. Of course Antartica and the Pacific Islands sound soo cool too.

Ever since I read The White Darkness I've seen a new beauty in Antartica but I don't think I could handle the effects of that barren land. It'd be depressing. And as for Austrailia New Zealand and Figi they sound soo cool but I don't think I would get as much time with meeting foreign officials as I would like. It just wouldn't be quite there for me.

I for some reason am interested in the Asian culture but it doesn't call to me. It would be cool to visit but it wouldn't be my choice place to see. So that leaves Europe. At least it does in my mind. Oh I guess I forgot South Africa but they aren't quite the attraction like Europe is.

I can't wait for the informational meeting. There might even be restrictions on where I can go because of where Im from or what group I go with. I don't know... I just really can't believe how amazing of and opportunity this is no matter where I go.

Okay. Okay I know I've been neglecting my limerick writing. But I just have a few things to say first. I was at the Hawkeye Game Saturday and we tailgate right behind Adrian Clayborn's mother. I even saw Mama Clayborn but Adrian never showed up :( I was so depressed about it. I was on Clayborn watch man! Next time for sure... Yeah. Lol. We had tickets on the 45 in the 17th row. GREAT VIEW! We blew Eastern Illinois away. Stanzi looked great the Defense looked bores... Oh Adrian! And Vandenburg was ready to step in for a few snaps here or there. Go Hawks!

There once was a Frog named Willy
He often said things all silly
T'was just yesterday
That he did say
He landed on a padded Lilly

That one wasn't my best. Not bad but not the best... Oh well. Long Week ;)

Reflections

2010-08-29T17:25:00.001-05:00

I look at the changes this year
To my eye it brings a tear
My life is changed
Future rearranged
As I stand in front of my mirror

I see a different girl
Who still has that smile and curl
A choice was made
A price was paid
I gave life another whirl

These two lymerics I just wrote because I've been reflecting on my childhood years. Here's what you need to know: I was an obese child. I was addicted to food plain and simple. It was my crutch it comforted me it filled me but mostly it controlled me.

I look back at pictures of myself and I see a fat girl who was awkward and unsure of herself. It's scary to think about it.

This summer I made a choice. But really this was a choice made at New Years. Ever heard of a New Years Revelation? Well it started there. Mine was I wanted to get to a place where I am comfortable with myself. I am so much more comfortable with myself now.

I lost around 13 pounds and I lost 4 1/2 - 5 inches off my waist. Yet Im still me. I'm still Makayla but I feel better. Of course I didn't notice it at first until my friend Hanna came to stay during the summer almost a month into my running and she froze in the doorway and couldn't believe the weight I'd lost. Being blaze me I didn't think it was that much and I had barely stepped on a scale in weeks.

But I started really noticing the difference those next couple of weeks before school. But it didn't really hit me until the Saturday before school when I was at a pool party and a friend of mine who I hadn't seen practically all summer came up to me and said, " Makayla you're my hero."

I knew I had lost weight but that put it in perspective. My eyes are somewhat watering as I write this. Not too bad though. But I changed my life. For the better now I just have to keep myself healthy. It's strange looking back and realizing how much you have changed because while it's happening you don't notice a thing.

Who knew when I stepped off for that first mile months ago that I was along for a ride that would change me. I had tried running so many times but quit when I didn't get quick results. This time I kept going and I feel like a different person. I may not of had some crazy wild eventful summer but I gained the confidence I needed for High School and somehow it makes my future brighter knowing that I can do what I set my mind to.

Makayla Ann Kessel: A year later and I love that I now know I can change my life.

Friday Night Football

2010-08-27T22:44:00.001-05:00

Tonight was my first Friday Night Football Game of High School! Here's the update: We won 23 to 0! Yeah! I cheered and flagged. It was great but my feet hurt pretty BAADDDDD...

I started out with Pregame with the band. It was nice I didn't make too many mistakes. It wasn't perfect but for my first time it wasn't bad. Next I had to run and change and go down on the track. Yup Im a cheerleader and all those July practices came through.

We most definately weren't perfect but for our first game it was pretty good. I yelled my heart out. Too bad for Allison that meant me scaring her with my screaming. Oh well! I've got spirit man!

Next I did halftime. I can't specifically tell you any mistakes but it again wasn't perfect. If I haven't said it enough it was our FIRST game!

Wew! Now that the night is over with a victory it's back to practice and Im gonna just sit around and not move my feet too much. :P

There once was a dog named Zane
Who wished he had a great mane
Then he started cryin
Cuz he isn't a lion
He was a silly Great Dane

Well... It's not my best. But my feet hurt which is most definately an excuse. Mhhhmmm hmmm...

My Bucket List

2010-08-22T20:07:00.001-05:00

I went to the Samuelson Family Reunion today. (Its not enough for me to have a large extended family but I have an extra-large super extended family) The Samuelsons were my Grandma Wandas family. (On the over-sized Kessel side of the family)
Anyway enough about my family tree. It takes around twenty minutes just to name my aunts uncles and cousins. Yes I tested it. Now that you know the background I was at the reunion and looking around I realized their getting old. And thinking about that led me to think about my bucket list. I know I have a side bar on the left about it but those are so vague and need updating so here's what I came up with:
-See Iowa win the National Championship
-Run for at least one Political Office
-Win something and yell, "I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!" in the camera on national television
-Watch fireworks from the Arch in St Louis during the Fourth of July
-See the Cherry Blossums in DC
-Count down the New Year in Central Park
-Get on the Wall of Flame at Buffalo Wild Wings in Coralville (20 Blazing wings and a pitcher of beer... This will be hard and will have to come in my twenties during college)
-Visit Paris
-Meet Shirley Temple Black
-Publish a book
-Bungie Jump/Sky Dive (it's a bucket list basic)

That's all I've got for now but I'm sure there's more to come later :)

Now here's my limerick for the day:

There once was a streaker named Wyatt
Who tended to be more quiet
Then he would strip
It was really quite quick
The crowd went up in a riot

Strip. Quick. Loose rhyme. Good enough.

Meter

2010-08-21T21:41:00.002-05:00

Meter really is just a pain in the butt but I'm starting to get it. For those of you who read my other blog The Writer's Garden (which I need to update... it's been a month hasn't it?) know that when I write poetry I tend to do more free-form so limericks are a little different but I DON'T back down from a challenge. So here is one of my newest limericks that actually have meter. Soon I'll be a lean-mean Limerick writing maching. This war isn't over!

There once was a creeper named Ron
Who creeped from dusk til Dawn
Then he would State
He thought it was great
Until he was being creeped on

What a masterpiece. You are jealous. I know I am. :P

Limerick War

2010-08-21T15:42:00.003-05:00

For those of you who have no idea what's going on. There is currently a limerick war going on. The competetors? Myself "The Dancer" here @ Dancing Under the Stars Coren "The Professor" @ Random Thoughts with Professor Chuck Mr. Hucke "The Wizard" @ The Wizard's Den and Ms. Nelson "The Actress" @ Gleaming Gloat.

It's on.

War has been declared
Rhymes to be compared
An All-out Fight
No end in Sight
You should be really scared.

An Actress, a Wizard complete with den,
A Professor and a Dancer. Who will win?
The war has just begun
To be fought until won
By a Dancer with a felt-tip pen.

Are you ready for more?
You're poetry's a bore.
You started a fight
Could do this all night
You better be ready for war.

Just to randomize this...

There once was a boy named Chad
Oh! Did he love to wear plaid!
He walked around school
He thought he was cool
Too bad his fashion was sad.

And one last thought...

An onslaught as the Actress did say
A bloody battle is my way
Rhymes as my sword
Weapons created by word
Until everyone else I did slay

The Fool

2010-08-21T13:06:00.002-05:00

Coren is a fool to challenge me
You shall see
In the end I always win
Never challenge me again
You'll see how competetive I can be

This Limerick war is ON! It's on like soy sauce on a wong tong. Yes. I just said Wong Tong. (I will be having chineese food tonight which I'm PREETTY jazzed about)

There once was a hippo named Lance
Who loved to tap dance
The music was Jazzy
He said 'Oh how Snazzy'
Until he ripped his pants

I just used Jazzy in a limerick. You CAN'T beat that.

Lesson One

2010-08-20T16:35:00.001-05:00

Lesson Number One: Never challenge me to anything. Except running. I'm a pretty slow runner but anything else it is ON and you are going DOWN! I guess you could say I'm competetive...

There was a boy whose poetry was bad
It was really quite sad
He thought he could rhyme
He wrote poetry all the time
So he challenged me and his dad
(I couldn't resist that one just came to me)

Timmy the cat likes to complain
About what he'll never explain
He's a scrappy tabby
Who used to be flabby
But is now full of disdain

Then there's Noel the fat one
Holding her is never fun
She likes to use her nails
Efforts to keep her still do fail
Her name meaning peace is a pun

Greg the clumsy bear
Likes to do hair
He uses a cut and a snip
On a rug he did trip
And fell down the stair

There once were two penguins who loved the sky
One thought up into it he could fly
On the ice he did slip
And went for a cold dip
His friend laughed so hard he did cry

Meet The Trojans

2010-08-19T20:34:00.001-05:00

Tonight went well. The event in general was a little bland but that's kinda to be expected. Next Friday is our first game. That's what Im looking forward to.

Now I shall complain about the tops of the uniforms. First off they were borrowed and just temporary but the bunched up really bad in the front. It was gross!

Our stunt went well. I mean our part didn't have any troubles and a certain someone actually cradled... But in the center Tori had some to literally lift herself up but luckily she's light and strong.

It'll be weird not going over our Meet the Trojans stunt again but I guess that's just the way it is. We are pretty much just stunting tomorrow. Fun. No really.

I actually had homework. It was easy but urggg... Oh well. Schools going well and Ill be fine. Wish me luck.

I wrote this lymeric because I keep seeing lymerics and so I wrote one
Just a day ago we started at the High
The limits reach the sky
It's the start of the rest of forever
We are in this together
Until it is time to say goodbye

Go Trojans! (Yes. Yes we are the Trojans no joke)

FHS

2010-08-18T19:10:00.001-05:00

Today I woke up at three. As in the a.m. I have yet to crash though which is pretty impressive considering today was my first day of High School. I think you want to hear the dirty details so I'm gonna tell you.

We had an hour long assembly and I'm surprised I didn't fall asleep. Most of the rules were just common sense. Jeesh

First hour was a study hall in the band room which wasn't too bad. Since I am not in Chorus there were only like five of us. I just sat there and talked to Matt. It was chill.

Second hour was another study hall. When you're a straight A over-achiever like me one study hall is bad enough let alone two in a row. Shoot me now. To make it worse it is assigned seating. Sooo Grossss.

Third Hour was English 9 with Hosbond. It wasn't bad. We went through syllabuses which was the theme of the day. (internal groan) He seemed pretty cool... My only problem was he was wearing orange and blue together which I've never been a fan of. The vest was cool but I've never liked orange and blue together while I guess some people do...I guess it's just me. I don't know...

Fourth hour was Geometry with Kruzich and that was interesting. I had some upper classmen and it was just different. I don't know I just hope he's a good teacher because I need someone who can break math down step by step.

Fifth Hour I had Integrated Science. Mrs Septer was deffinately different. I don't think I've ever had a teacher threaten to force feed me applesauce until I puke if I forget my book. It was a little different.

Sixth Hour was Intro to Business. There were only four Freshmen. It was me Joseph Brandi and Alyssa. All of us cept Lyssa sat in the back and just laughed at the random questions people were asking Mr Repp to waste time. I learned that he drives a Nissan most of the time but a Ford for Heavy Duty stuff, doesn't like Disco (such a shame), and that one of his favorite movies was the Sound of Music. It was pretty interesting because he followed to say that he doesn't like movies that have dancing or rap (who doesn't like dancing?)

Seventh Hour I had Life Essentials. We got text books and a syllabus. I don't particularily like Health-related classes. I just don't. Call me crazy but I guess I'll give it a chance that's all I can do...

Eighth Hour I had French. Right off the bat she talked about the French Trip. It got me pretty excited but it's a long way off. We got textbooks and are you ready for it? We went over syllabuses. Surprise.

I then had Cheer Practice. It was pretty much the same. I got a ride home from Liz and that was pretty fun. I just love cheerleading. Some people kept asking me why I wasn't flying. You know I'm sure I'll fly some time or another but until then I don't mind basing. It's different just knowing that you have to hold strong and do it for the team. I like it. And it's not that hard. I love that Heidi wants all different people to fly and base and spot. Last year I felt like I couldn't be anything bits base and well that just sucks. It really does and no one should feel limited like that.

So far I'm liking High School. Maybe it will bloom to love later but the first day is always boring. I think this is the first time that I've really liked all of my teachers right off the bat for different reasons. I like different... It makes life interesting.

Tomorrow is Meet the Trojans. I am officially a Trojan. Whoop! For those of you following this who actually know what I'm talking about come watch! It'll be fun...

Wish me luck as I move forward into what looks to be quite an interesting year. Go FHS!

Lilapsophobia

2010-08-14T22:47:00.001-05:00

Lilapsophobia=The irrational fear of Severe Storms Tornadoes or Hurricanes

If you didn't guess already I have lilapsophobia. More specifically I have really bad anxiety about Tornadoes. Just the thought freaks me out. I don't know why but I seriously can't deal with it or severe storms for that matter just because of what they could bring.

For the past couple of days it has rained. Hard. But I haven't really worried about flooding as much as I probably should. I mean the rivers are soo far out of their banks that it's a little scary but well... I live on a hill that's just the way it is I don't worry about flooding. But when te thunder rumbles in the middle of the night I couldn't tell you if it's me or the house shaking. Okay that's an exaggeration but you get the point. I hate storms.

I just don't understand the need for storms. I don't like them they don't help anything and they're deady and destructive so how can people be so fascinated and love them so much. I don't see beauty in a deady swirling vortex of doom. I just don't see it and I don't like it. I need to het out of Tornado Alley!!

Wow

2010-08-12T14:32:00.001-05:00

A lot has been going on lately it's been almost crazy. Almost but I really love having lots to do. I'm just one of those people who aren't really happy sitting at home I gotta be doing something.

I've had Cheer Practice every day the past week and we've been really working on our Meet the Trojans stunt and I'm a base. The girl that me and my partner are putting up is the same size as us so it's not exactly easy but Im doing fine. We almost pretty much have cradling down (throwing them in the air and catching them) FUNN! But on the other side there is another elevator that dies twist ups and they're supposed to cradle but the flyer won't do it. I just want to strangle her and she just needs to try. I mean if she would at least try things then fine whatever but if she doesn't try and cradle she won't be flying Thusday. Period.

"Holy Bucket of Balls it's hot out here!" -Heidi

I hope that^^ tells you what the weather is like out there. And me being the stubborn person that I am I still biked the mile and a half to the high school to our hour and a half cheer practice where we mostly stunted out in the heat then did cheers and the school and fight song routines. Then I biked the mile and a half back (did I mention my route to the high school includes the D Street hills? Ahhhhhh!!!)

Here comes my stubborn part--I ran my two miles at a little past noon. Smart right? Ehhh... No not really.

I feel pretty good right now though because I just showered and cleaned up and pinned my hair up. It just feels real good man.

Later tonight I have freshmen orientation. After that I go to my fourth night of Marching Band (I'm in the Flag Core) and I get to twirl a flag and march in the mud for only two hours instead of three tonight. Mud heat and weird little chips of white spray paint from the flags all over me. Great.

I'm pretty excited about Freshmen Orientation. School starts Wednesday. Wow.

Next Couple of Weeks

2010-08-08T14:37:00.003-05:00

Next week is gonna be crazy... Starting at nine a.m. tomorrow. Cheer Practice with mostly stunts for an hour and a half. Well, it could be longer, or shorter you never really know but it's gonna be pretty crazy. After that on Monday is registration. Eeek! I better get my schedule! And like pronto! Oh and I REALLY hope that I don't get a certain person who's name is beside me in the alphabet as a locker partner. If I do, I'll just move out. You know, non-challantly because I can't stand non-organization mixed with my non-organization. I used to be bad, like really bad but now I really don't like the clutter and this person. Well, they live in the clutter. It wouldn't work and I'm not going there so I've talked to a few friends who have good prospects for their lockermates and they said I can move in. :)
After registration my afternoon is free. Until 6 when Band starts. FUN! ish...

Tuesday will be much the same minus registration and it's just the Freshmen for band but I'm not sure if that pertains to me because I'm a flag-et. Don't say that out loud. It's sounds bad... oops. Oh well.

Wednesday I THINK will be pretty calm (I.E. Cheer and Band) but you know, probably won't be. Just knowing my luck... Oh well something to do.

Thursday is Cheer then Freshmen Orientation at 6 then I'll probably go to Band right after. It'll be hectic. I actually kinda enjoy hectic. No time to be bored and I'm one of those people who doesn't enjoy and idle mind.

Friday will be much the same as Wednesday, except not. Haha. It's the Friday before school starts! EEK! I'll have Cheer then a mini Band Performance. No biggie. I'll probably go to a movie or something... maybe.

Saturday is when there is a possibility of four parties. Now, I say possibility because there are two of them for sure. Then there's one that MIGHT happen and one that probably won't but it's still possible. I do love to party... And the first one is a pre-football Hawkeye Party so I am DEFINITELY looking forward to that. Then there's the other for sure party thats planned and IDK if I'm going. We shall see... Depends on these other possible parties. I love the word Party. :)

Sunday. Well. Pshhh... I don't KNOW!

Next Monday, more Cheer and Band. It'll be pretty low-key.
Tuesday will be the same.

Wednesday is THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! EEP! Yeah... not really Eep-worthy. It's no big deal. Not really it's JUST High School. Haha... Non-challance gotta love it.

Thursday is Meet the Trojans is what us Cheerleaders have been looking forward to all summer. We gotta be ready with Cheers and Stunts and everything. FUN!! Again, ish. Okay... more than ish. It WILL be fun but I can't wait until the actual first game THAT will be fun! I<3 Football!

I'm pretty sure Andrew's having his Birthday Party that Friday. I'll have to like go somewhere...

That Saturday is my Dad's class reunion which I'm hoping means my parents will leave me and Andrew at home with enough money to get Chineese Takeout but knowing my luck, probably not.

Sunday I'll be going to my cousin's Bridal Shower. Well, my cousin-to-be. They are getting married September 17th. CRAZY! But I like her. She's a keeper because she didn't run away when she met the family. (Yes, my family HAS scared away a good deal of boyfriends and girlfriends... one even ran away throwing rocks and shoes and such... oops) I guess you just gotta understand that I have a big family and it can be over-whelming. Haha, Goodluck to my future Husband. Teeehee you're in for a surprise!

Postscript: I have run 114 miles since school got out. It'll be 116 later but it's too hot to run right now. . . OH! Haha I just got a text from my couch reminding me about Cheer Practice. Yay! Here we go Summer 2010, we got a little less than a week left let's rock and roll!!!!!!!!

Reflections on Middle School

2010-08-05T14:48:00.002-05:00

For some reason I've been thinking about Middle School all day. Then, I read a post by my former GOAL teacher and well I finally had a topic for my first August topic. Yay!

Let's do this Makayla Style. AKA whatever comes to mind.

Sixth Grade
-I thought I was all that and a bag of skittles and that everyone was gonna be left behind by my rainbow
-I wasn't all that and a bag of skittles
-I DID however make a lot of new friends
-I have a loud/big mouth (notice it says HAVE not HAD)
-I already knew a lot of what we were learning so I took that as my cue to goof off when you are a straight A student who just gets things quickly the teachers often leave you to your devices because there are other students who need the attention
-I had a handwriting fetish
-Mr. Schenck had bad Handwriting... Get the picture?
-I am in Love with the Iowa Hawkeyes die-hard fan who knows her facts
-Mr. Klehm was an Iowa State Fan who thought it was funny to call me Frizz so I called him Baldy
-Mr. Donels was a Florida State Fan who well just started fights so you know... big mouth what can I say?
-Mr. Owen had a problem with my love for all things flute
-I decided to translate all my worksheets into flute octaves
-Mrs. Gookin was my homeroom teacher... I just had to through that in there she was pretty awesome
-I was in my first ever play! yay!
-I became a very active member of drama club
-I started GOAL and we were all together yeah it was a scary year
-My Mt. Dew intakes were getting out of control

Basically sixth grade year was too easy for me and I got away with a lot--I made sure to recognize the boundaries though always watch the boundaries and have fun within them

Seventh Grade
-I got a pretty big shock
-Seventh grade was the hardest year academically and I got my first B
-I did basketball cheerleading and track FUN!
-My first ever Musical! YAY!
-Ms. Mangler is my hero just sayin
-Mrs. Wiegand and Mrs. Thomas were two teachers that I had never really accountered before it was an eye-opening experience and I think it made me a better student wether or not it helped my GPA
-GOAL was split up which was upsetting but for the best I guess
-I was just knocked off my pedalstool a little bit and I think it needed to happen
-Mt. Dew was still badd thing

Eigth Grade
-I quit drinking Mt. Dew (I've been off it for over a year)
-It was easy peasy classes wise
-I wrote a LOT of notes
-I fell in love with felt tip pens
-I was football cheer captain and one of the leading roles in the play
-I was able to connect with some kids who I've gone to school with since sixth grade but we never really talked
-Hawkeyes had a great year football-wise
-It was just a good year in general

This Summer
*I think that I've already changed and matured since Middle School just two months ago. I've definitely changed physically. I haven't grown an inch to my utter dismay but I have lost around ten pounds. I've been doing a lot of cheerleading and LOT of running. I'm starting to get back in shape. I've never been much of an athlete but now I'm getting closer. We said goodbye to GOAL during a big party in my backyard where we all were just close to tears. I don't think anyone cried but we were close it wasn't easy giving that up. I hope we all stick together. But like all good things it had to end. It had to end to start our next big adventure, High School and well, I'm ready. High School as soon as I figure out how not to get lost (I got lost just trying to figure out what door to go inside yesterday...) you better prepare. A new, fitter, more self-confident, focused and driven and most importantly happy Makayla is coming your way with the old Makayla's flair. Hair bow and all.

Let's go Trojans! FHS here comes Makayla and the class of 2014!

The Gift

2010-07-31T21:22:00.001-05:00

If you look at each individual person you will see that they have a gift or multiple gifts. The specific gift that I'm going to talk about is the music gift. Now this is a category of gifts not just one gift because people who are gifted with music all have different gifts and specialties I guess you could say.

I guess you could say that my family is a good example of different musical gifts. My mom has what you call absolute or perfect pitch. She can listen to a song and pick out the chords, sing and match notes without hearing it she hears it in her head, and her main gift is for the piano. She started at age three on the organ and just has a gift fo it.

The next in musical ability is my brother Andrew. He can listen to a song and then sit down at the piano and work it out in about half an hour. He's a so so singer but he really has a love and dedication to music. He is also very good with the guitar lyrics.

Then there's me. I can't sing without a piano. I really have to focus but eventually I can hear it. I then start to get into it. My gift is for the flute. It's what I'm used to and good with and I can also tune. But my main gift is for the interpretation of the music. Andrew can tell you what the lyrics are but in my head I can see the story all in the form of dancers on a stage. That's right, my gift is the visual arts. I'm a dancer (who really doesn't have the best rhythm)...

Then there's my dad. He's tune deaf...

Sometimes I wonder what other people hear when they hear music. I see it. I see the story and what my mom gets is the chords Andrew gets the lyrics and melody line and my dad bobs his head slightly off beat... Hehee

I can only imagine what other forms of The Gift is out there...

Book Talk Duo

2010-07-28T11:46:00.001-05:00

I have two books that Im gonna go over with you. I must warn you they are both really strange and a little umm... Controversial.

The first is called My Heartbeat by Garret Freymann-Weyr. This book covers a very realistic and confusing topic. Homosexuality. Yeah, you read that right. The main charracter has a brother and the brother has a bestfriend but they're so much more than that. The brother fights it and the confusion that comes with it while the best friend is open to all possibilities. What's the twist? The main charracter falls in love with her brothers bestfriend. Her brother and his friend grow apart while he tries to discover himself and the friend learns that he's not just interested in guys.

The next book is another controversial topic. Cousin and Cousin. How I Live Now By Meg Rosoff is a strange strange story. The main charracter Daisy battles anorexia and the feelings she has for her cousin. They are left alone in a modern day England countryside during wartime when everything goes a muck and they desprately cling to eachother for any sense of rightness and familiarity.

Both of these books involve sex. They are controversial and they will make you uncomfortable and will make you question the way things are and why they are how they are. Both well-written quick reads. Warning: They pose questions and describe feelings that are VERY controversial. I was uncomfortabl reading both of them but they're good books. Strange but good. Read for an eye opener. I'm still a little uncomfortable thinking about them...

Shock

2010-07-27T15:15:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had one of those moments where you hit something and then sit there for a moment trying to figure out what happened until all the sudden the pain sets in? I had one of those moments today.

First, I guess I should explain what go flips are. The flipper puts there hands on the bases shoulders and flips backwards over their arms. Well everyone was trying it and it was going pretty well so I thought oh what the hey! Let's try it! So I get over there and I push off and then the next moment I was in complete shock.

I let go of the bases shoulders and landed on my head. It hurt. Did I mention we were practicing on the asphalt track? Yeah... But then I got right back up and I tried it again. I still went a little bit sideways but that's okay. What really made me mad was that one girl wouldn't try it at all. I know she was probably scared but I was too. Heck I even hit my head but I got up and tried again. I hate when people don't give it their all...GRRR

On the brightside I'm getting better at twist ups. This makes me happy. I also switched fliers (My flier USED to be the above mentioned whiner-girl who won't try things) Now my flier is someone who haven't always gotten along with in the past but putting her up is way easier. She's heavier but she practically jumps into and elevator...it makes my job so much easier... And Liz showed me a new grip for twist ups that makes it easier for me to get her up.

We were also doing something where they were putting multiple people up in elevators then grabbing ankles and doing like a sideways V. Out if instinct I just reached forward and front spotted. It helped and they got steadied. We've only been stunting for two weeks but I'm slowly getting the hang of it. I think we all are.

We also tried going into straight extendeds. I was a little afraid to fly but I based and it was so easy because I had almost no weight. The only problem was that my arms are freaklishly short even for my height so we were uneven. Ashley had to help me... Oh well... Shortness I'm just gonna have to live with it. :P

Right now my head hurts a little but Im still willing to try new things. I don't think I have a concussion...it's been a few hours. Oh well, I'm still loving cheerleading. It's great and I LOVE FOOTBALL!

This is To All You Haters

2010-07-24T21:24:00.002-05:00

VOTE MAKAYLA TWENTY-THIRTY-TWO! WHOOP! WHOOP! Yeah... for all those people who don't think it will happen. It will. And you know why? Because I have more will power that you can imagine. I WANT to HELP people. I want to make it so that the people can have their voices heard. No more Politics as Usual. I know you've heard it a million times. But you haven't given this Iowa girl the chance to prove it yet.

What's my platform? It's whatever the people of the future want. It should have nothing to do with me or what I want. What I run on should be the people's views. I mean I have to pick and choose some because I can't completely run on something that I don't completely agree with. But the point is that being a politician ISN'T about you. It's about the people and what they want. I also really like the idea of being a diplomat like an ambassador. I'd love to travel to another county ro represent my country. I may not be a master of another language but I'm willing to learn on the job and give it all I've got.

The point is, when I become President, which I WILL it will be because I want to be someone who represents the people and their views and interests. I can't make everyone happy but I'm not staying on one side of the isle. Democrat or Republican you have to agree that things need to change in Washington.

Our country is in a state of crisis. There are too many things to count that's wrong right now. Our house/forecloser rates, Jobless rates, the Stock Market and don't even get me started on the Gulf. I'm probably one of the view people my age who watch the News everyday. I know all about Shirley Sherrod thing. I'm very disappointed in our former Governor. I hope that he can straighten things out because he's not just shaming himself and President Obama but Iowa too. I think that everyone needs to think a little simpler when it comes to fixing our economy. Think about how they did it in the 30's during the Great Depression. Roosevelt (Bless that Man for what he did for our country) helped both our environment and created jobs. An example of it is Lake Lacee Park in Keosauqua, Iowa. Men were hired to create the lake and lay rocks and steps. It was good-ole old fashioned hard labor. Lake Lacee helped Van Buren County which is one of the smallest counties in Iowa build a more stable economy which helped the men who were working on the lake and park opportunities for other jobs because of the Lake and Campgrounds which became tourist attractions. Keosauqua is still small. VERY small. But the point is that simple soulutions are what is going to save our economy. Start thinking Washington. History repeats itself so learn something.

And to all you haters... Yeah you better learn to deal with it because not only will I be your Boss someday, I'll be your President. ;) Duh Da-Da Duh Da-Da Duh Da Duh Da Duh

Stereotypes

2010-07-21T21:22:00.001-05:00

Isn't it great when you are doing something and are with some people and you realize that you really just feel like you belong? I know I've posted a lot about cheerleading lately but really it's been my life the past two weeks. There are times that I stand there awkwardly especially when stunting and I just feel like a failure.

When you are a base you kinda get a reality check. It's not all about you it's about the flyer. It's about getting them up and not letting them fall down. They're life is in your hands that's what matters. I fly too which is fun and great and a thrill. I mean it's a little easier depending on what your doing and I like it better (especially since Im sore from people standing on my chest) I don't know stunting is just an experience.

Tonight I went for night practice just because I thought that you know other people would be there and we could get extra help with the cheers. I was the only one there except for Liz (captain) and Sam her best friend. Oh and TJ a guy from Pekin who was uber nice :) anyways I was like ohh...jeez this is awkward but I don't think I've ever laughed so hard! Those two are hilarious, honestly. They made me feel welcome and I felt like I wasn't a complete failure. It was a good feeling...

I go again tomorrow morning and I feel like Ill be looking forward to it even more. I really belong to this cheerleading squad. They aren't judgemental and selfish like in movies. It's all about team work and working as hard as you can. You just gotta try. I haven't always got along with certain people on the team but that person was my base and backspot when I was flying and I was hers. It didn't matter we still worked together and Im glad for it.

For those of you who believe the cheerleading stereotype meet my squad. Your wrong.

"We're a close team."-Liz Hammilton

Ridiculous

2010-07-19T15:33:00.002-05:00

Fairfield High School is SO RIDICULOUS! I was reading through our activity list at the High School and they have Cheerleading listed as an activity. Okay... psh WHATEVER! If cheerleading isn't a sport I'm a squirrel. And hun, I'm am NOT a squirrel. I'd like to see the administrators try and do some stunting. Pshhh... But here's the real kicker they have BOWLING listed as a Varsity sport. How ridiculous is that? Bowling is a sport and Cheerleading is and activity? I'm sorry but that's crazy. No, I'm not sorry! GRRRR...

Ouch!

2010-07-18T15:34:00.001-05:00

I have really got to be more careful... Monday I pulled a muscle...in the bck of my thighs. Have I mentioned that I run two miles a day no matter what? Yeah that hurt pretty bad to sit and stand and run well pretty much everything. My lesson was learned stretch before doing a dance workout.

So I finally got over the pulled muscles (which did NOT make stunting easier because you have to be completely tight when in the air). So I got over it Thursday and it was such a relief...until I cut myself with a knife. It wasn't really deep and yes, it DID happen because I was being stupid. But that's another story. The lesson I learned from this is don't hold a tomato in you hand when cutting it.

The was healed pretty much by the next day. So I was like oh yeah! Until I stood up and realized I'd done something to my calf that didn't hurt until yesterday. Awe man! Don't run with a pulled calf muscle either! What I learned from this was... Well I don't know what I learned so Ill probably end up doing it again.

I am so freaking accident prone! Grrr....

Book-Series Review

2010-07-17T15:10:00.002-05:00

So, I'm mixing it up this time. Instead of just one book I'm going to try and give you an overview of a whole series. What series might that be? (Sorry Twilight Fans it's NOT the Twilight Saga) It's the House of Night Series by P.C. and Kristen Cast

Book One: Marked

Four Stars

Basic Storyline: Zoey thought she was just a normal girl. She was of a strong Cherokee background and has a grandmother who raised her to respect the old ways. In the very beginging her mom is remarried and you meet her evil step-father. He's not technically evil but he's a real jerk. Not long after Zoey is marked. What does this mean? In the world that Zoey lives in Vampyres and Humans coexist. The Vampyres tend to live longer and have more talent and gifts they are just more "gifted". Who gives them this gift? Nyx, their Goddess of the Moon/Night.

But even after Zoey is marked she can never be normal. Her "Mark" is filled in which, isn't supposed to happen to fledglings. Zoey is special and her Goddess Nyx has some special plans for her. Zoey is also given some special affinities or special abilities. Vampyres in this book are very close to the elements -Air-Water-Fire-Earth-Spirit and Zoey has an affinity for all of them. To have an affinity for any of the elements is very special and quite the big deal and it is UNHEARD of to have an affinity for all five let alone a filled in mark.

Later on in this book Zoey deals with some super-natural versions of boy/highschool drama. Just picture the ususal clique story with some ghousts and blood and such. Zoey ends up saving her ex-high school boyfriend Heath (the Quarterback) from evil Ghouts. This greatly pleases Nyx and Zoey's mark is extended like that of a regular Vampyre (they have a filled in crescent moon in the middle of their forehead and then other markings around and extended from it that differ from person to person).

Even though Zoey has a filled in mark and it has extended she is still a fledgling. But one thing is for sure, she is a SPECIAL fledgling at that.

Book Two: Betrayed

Four Stars

Basic Storyline: This book takes place only about a month after the first one. If you thought that her boy troubles were bad in the first book then you're in for in the second book. Zoey finds that she still has feelings for her ex-boyfriend Heath who she imprints with, and has a fledgling boyfriend who is more suitable for her, Erik. And to top it all of the more than attractive Poetry teacher has got his eye on her, Loren Blake.

This book has a lot of mystery and new responsibilities. Human teenagers from Zoey's Hometown Rival's football team had been disappearing. All evidence of their disappearance is pointing to the House of Night and Zoey is the only one who knew the boys. And to top it all off Zoey's BestFriend Stevie Rae doesn't make the change and dies.

Heath disappears and Zoey tracks him down to some underground tunnels. It turns out that her Undead best friend and a gang of other supposed to be dead kids have been the ones killing the teens. Now the only question is how did they come back to life? And what has changed them?

This book is just kind setting you up for the next book.

Book Three: Chosen

Four Stars

Basic Storyline: Neferet (the High Preistess) is starting to become suspicious in Zoey's eyes. Aphroditie Zoey'd sworn enemy seems to be trying to HELP Zoey and it all just becomes a big mess.

Zoey finally figures out that it's Neferet who is bringing back the kids. And the way she is doing it is no where near good. Meanwhile Zoey is having her emotions played with by Loren Blake. She ends up losing her virginity (which is just gross because the whole-teacher-student thing is GROSS). Then, just to hurt Zoey even more, Vampyres start showing up dead and the evidence is pointing to her step-father.

Stevie Rae finally regains her humanity by the help of Aphroditie (aka Hag from Hell). But when Stevie Rae gets her humanity back Aphroditie becomes Human again. She is no ordinary human but still a human all the same.

In the end Zoey realizes that Loren was really Neferet's lover. He was using Zoey and Neferet was using him. She kills him just to cause Zoey pain. The books ends with a confrontation where Zoey truly sees the evil that Neferet's become. She's turned away from Nyx and wants to declare war on the Humans.

Book Four: Untamed

Four Stars

Zoey's friend are mad at her. (Damien--GAY GUY~air affinity~+his boyfriend Jack and the "twins" from another mother Shaunee~fire affinity~ and Erin~water affinity~) (Stevie Rae has and earht affinity if I didn't mention that already). They are mad that they didn't know about Loren and she is left friendless and alone, or at least that's what Neferet thinks.

Zoey becomes friends with Aphroditie is secret and meets up with Stevie Rae to work with her on her humanity.

Darkness starts to really set in and Aphroditie who has visions of future trageties sees Zoey's grandmother being attacked. Zoey tries to help her Grandma by bringing her to the House of Night but the Evil still attacks her. In this book Zoey also sees more of what Neferet has planned for the future and it's not good. Luckily, Zoey makes and unlikely friend who will come in handy later on by the name of Sister Mary Angela, that's right a NUN.

Not long after Zoey makes new friends with a transfer by the name of James Stark. Who, just weeks after his arrival dies. Zoey impatiently waits for him to become undead because just to add an extra twist Zoey develops feelings for him...

Book Five: Hunted

Four Stars

Basic Storyline: Zoey meets evil. His name is Kalona, a fallen angel. This book is action-packed and crazy. This evil is one told of in the darkest of Cherokee Legends which Zoey learns through her heritage. Grandma teaches Zoey of the story of this fallen immortal.

Zoey's friends finally have her back again but things still aren't looking up. The entire book Zoey and her friends are trying to uncode cryptic messages that foretell the coming of Kalona. Long ago, when Kalona fell he came upon the cherokee people and raped and pilaged their woman creating the product of hate and rape, a raven mocker, part human, part immortal raven. Long story short they're bad news and when Raven Mockers start showing up Zoey finally realizes what's going on. Only, too bad it's too late.

Neferet realises Kalona from a tomb in the earth. He was trapped there by a magical maiden made of dirt that he thinks is Zoey. The book ends with Zoey and her friends being the only ones who realize the evil that Kalona is and that Neferet has become.

Not to mention that pissed-off Erik is back from becoming a new Vampyre and things don't end well for him and Zoey.

Zoey and her friends return to the House of Night to find that Kalona has basically taken over. All of the fledglings seem to be under his spell. Neferet is controlling and evil and Zoey seems to be Kalona's favorite.

Kalona is convinced that Zoey is the Earth-Maiden A-ya that trapped him. He starts to get attached to Zoey and Neferet wants her dead. Zoey worries about her friends and the other students. They seem to be the only ones who can see him for what he is.

Stark is back. He's undead and he is even more evil that Stevie Rae was when she was undead. But Zoey seems to be able to reach him at times. She helps him to find his humanity like Stevie Rae but it's a battle that he fights for most of the book. Towards the end he finally choses good for real by giving Zoey his Warrior Pledge which bonds him to her. He changes and becomes the second red Vampyre. (I guess I didn't describe that either--the undead fledglings have red marks on their heads instead of blue).

In the end Zoey discovers some teachers that can also see through Kalona and Neferet. They help Zoey and her friends excape to the abbey to Sister Mary Angela where they kick Kalona out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. But he's not gone for good and neither is Neferet.

Book Six: Tempted

Four Stars

Basic Storyline: Neferet shows up in Europe before the Vampyre counsel and claims to by Nyx incarnate and Kalona Erebus (Nyx's consort come to Earth). The Counsel isn't quite buying it but Zoey still travels accross high seas to see to it that they really don't believe it.

Zoey battles against Kalona who is lusting after her. Meanwhile Stevie Rae finds Kalona's favorite son and saves him against her better judgement. He ends up saving her life from some Red Fledglings that turn against her and she bites him and imprints with him... NOT GOOD.

Zoey and Neferet battle with words in front of the counsel and the counsel is stuck with what to do. In the end Kalona who has quite the temper kills Heath, and Zoey's soul shatters.

Book Seven: Burned

Four and a Half Stars

Basic Storyline: Zoey is in the otherworld with dead Heath though she's not dead, yet. Neferet sends Kalona after her to make sure that Zoey can't come back while her friends do everything they can to bring her back.

Stevie Rae battle her better judgement and starts to get feelings for Rephraim (Kalona's half-raven son). When Stevie Rae learns of Zoey's condition she tries to learn everything she can about the other world. While doing so she learns of two deities known as Light and Darkness that are two bulls that are constantly pushing against eachother to keep balance in the world.

Stevie Rae, not knowing which bull was which mistakenly calls forth Darkness and learns of how Stark could reach Zoey to bring her back. In doing so he attacked her as payment and Rephraim saves her by taking her punishment. Stevie Rae calls forth Light to save him but he also wants a payment, Stevie Rae must remain bound to Rephraim.

Meanwhile, Stark travels to Scotland to reconnect with a warrior queen and those of his own Kin that know how to reach the Otherworld. He finally reaches it and finds Zoey after getting Heath to go on to his own place after death. Stark quickly calls forth Kalona and they start to battle. In order to save Stark Zoey reconnects with the other parts of her soul. She then steps in just before Kalona kills Stark.

Nyx then steps in and makes Kalona help to bring back Stark because he owes Zoey a life debt for killing Heath. Nyx then banishes his body AND SOUL from the otherworld. Zoey and Heath discover how to return home.

_________________________________
I left a lot out but there is the basic storyline. Well, none of it is basic. They are good books and I suggest them for those who like to read. Read to find even more Drama and Heroics and to follow the charracters as they discover themselves and accept their future.

Book 8 will come out late this Winter-AWAKENED

Oh Well/Football!

2010-07-17T11:22:00.001-05:00

I was trying to write a post the other day on my iPod Toich about cheerleading but it wasn't connecting so I did it on my computer and then my iPod posts it. So I have two cheerleading posts but they're written differently so OH WELL!

I'm glad that the World Cup is over because I can now focus on real AMERICAN FOOTBALL. Currently, Im reveling in the fact that the Big Ten Network understands my post-football depression and are showing reruns. I dooo love reruns. I am currently watching the Iowa-Penn State Replay...It's pretty great :)

What was I doing when this game actually happened? I was babysitting for somone who has Direct TV and they weren't getting the game. Ahhh... But Direct TV dies have this nifty little box in the corner of the screen that'll show you all the scores so I just stared at the numbers begging for the Hawks to score. It was soo ridiculus but I knew it when the hawks won. Unfortunately for me I was at this same house again babysitting during the Ohio State Game...GRRR...

So in conclusion--50 DAYS UNTIL HAWKEYE FOOTBALL!!!!

Cheerleading

2010-07-17T11:10:00.001-05:00

There are many different sides to me you could say... Such as the brainie book-addict (I was so obsessed with Harry Potter there for a while that I held 'D.A. Meetings' ...with myself) there's the Drama Geek who can barely restrain herself from propelling herself onto center stage whenever within 200 feet there's the artsy fartsy side who will sit and just doodle and sketch for hours or will blare music just to try and relate to the words and find a connection through dance moves. There is the debate monster who in the words of my former GOAL teacher and Drama Coach 'lived to debate' I even have a shy and sophisticated side. But I think the side that you see the least if is my athletic side. I'm not really athletic at all...my body isn't meant to be Im just small and little but Im not letting it keep me from cheering.

We started Cheer Practice this week and it's great except that there was a heat index of 122 today...and the only clean clothes I could find to wear to practice was all BLACK! Ughhhh!!! I was sweating like a piggy.

I'm picking up on the cheers at a medium pace I was hoping for a little quicker pace but highschool cheer is a whole different game. We are also stunting--this is one place where my height becomes a major inconvience. When basing the other base has to over-compensate to be the same height as me which just doesn't work well. I'm also too short to be a font spotter because I can't reach their hands :P

What does that leave you may ask? Flyer and backspotter. The backspotter is the most important person because the flyer's life is in your hands if they fall you HAVE to catch them. Then Thera the flyer who's standing on people and have the farthest to fall if it all comes crumbling down. I'm not the worlds best flyer but Im working on it...and let me tell you it's some scary shit standing up there fir the first time. Talk about a crazy rush.

I also got a little beaten up while basing one girl was doing some weird thing whole going up like shooting her knee out to the right instead of straight up I was on the right--and so was my face. I got kneed in the face. Later--she proceeded to stand on my arm instead of my hand and the top layer in now gone I didn't notice til layer but she basically took the tan off my skin...grrr...but it wasn't her fault flying isn't easy. I wouldn have minded if it was like my stomach another girl was standing on my stomach and it was easier than holding her with my arms...HeeHeee

I had a moment yesterday where I thought I really was flying because I wasn't supporting any of my weight and I wasn't in the ground then I realized that my backspotter was holding me up...dang. All I know is whoever said that cheerleading isn't a sport hasn't done hang drills or held someone life in their hands...it's definitely an adrenaline rush and my arms are sore.

In the words of Elizabeth Hammilton, our Captain, "We are a close team. You might grab someones butt (to keep then from falling just to clear that up) but ya just gotta get used to it because were a close team"

If there's anything you learn from cheerleading it's trust. And it's already starting to set in... :) GO TEAM!

My Neighborhood, My Neighborhood :)

2010-07-16T19:26:00.000-05:00

Today Steve Lamb came over to borrow our three man sling shot. (Yes we have a sling shot specifically for water balloons, I know how to use it and with good aim YE BE WARNED) LOL! My mom and I decided that we had to show him how to use it so we did, our target? The grumpy lady that lives behind us.

So Steve and I were the bases and we set ourselves up and my mom got us positioned out of sight behind a tree. A few moments later we heard a loud TINK! It hit her roof pretty dang HARD for a water balloon. Haha Steve looked like he couldn't believe that a) we had just done that b) that the sling shot went that far. It goes farther... trust me ;) Then my mom yelled run!!! And we all went inside and hid.

I sometimes think that we just might have too much fun in our neighborhood. Oh well... she's too grumpy anyway. Lol I don't think she was home because last time we shot something at her house (bottle rockets...) she came out and like chewed us out. It might have been because they were exploding right outside her bedroom window at 10-11 at night. Hehee oopsie!

Soon, my friend Hanna is going to come over and my mom and I are going to peg her when she isn't looking. (it won't hurt) Hehe... Then the water war will begin :)

Steve borrowed the sling shot so he could get Hunterdose. Let us all wish him luck and hope that someone gets a picture ;)

Cheerleading!

2010-07-16T19:09:00.000-05:00

For the past week I've had Cheer Practice every morning. It is pretty much what I live for right now. It's pretty awesome cept the girls who don't get the cheers. I don't like relearning the cheers like every two minutes. GROSS!

So, I'm picking up on the cheers pretty quickly. I just love cheerleading it's like perfect for a peppy spazz. (hint hint ME!)

But what I REALLY am going to write about is stunting. It is super ridiculus--in a good way. It was decided that because I'm small that I'm flying... fun! Ehh... I guess it IS fun but it's also a little nerve-racking because some of the bases are freshmen like me. Yesterday we started working on two new stunts called Milk the Cow and Table Tops.

I suppose before I even start to talk about those two I should describe the first stunt that we've been working on, elevators. It's where you stand on two bases hands that are chest-high. They're standing facing eachother and your inbetween them on their hands... in the air.
So Milk the Cow is a way to get to an extended elevator which is where your standing on the bases' hands--above their heads. SCARY! How it works is you put your weight on their hands and shift back and forth in between them as they raise their hands (and your feet if your the flyer) until you end up above their heads. It's crazy!

Table Tops are completely different all together and much easier and less freaky in my opinion. The bases stand and face eachother they have their hands on eachother's shoulders and brace themselves. The flyer stands behind one base and two other bases lift the flyer's leg. You end up looking like your flying with the flyer in a push up position except one foot is pointed in the air.

Did I tell you about cradling yet? It's the advanced method of getting down from an elevator. It's where the bases through you in the air and catch you... FUN! Luckily they didn't get around to practicing this with me... :P

So far my shortness had been a bit of a disadvantage. I can't front or back spot (well I can maybe back spot...maybe) because I can't reach the flyer (though Liz tried to get me and Jennifer to be the front spotters until Heidi pointed out that we were the two shortest and couldn't even reach :P) I can only base with someone my height otherwise the other base has to over-compensate for my height to try to be even with me and well... they can't get any life off of their knees... What does that leave? Flyer. That and basing with someone my height and MAYBE backspotting.

I was TRYING to base with Ashley and the flyer kneed me in the face... It pretty much sucked. Then they stood on my arm and took off the top layer of my skin. I now have a weird tan-less spot on my arm because of it. GRR... I haven't based since.

When they tried to get me up for Milk the Cow (all the way up) I like freaked out and wouldn't let go of the spotter's hands. I got up just never stood up. :P That was one place where being short was an advantange because I was short enough that I could still reach their hands... hehe...

My goal is to over-come this and I'll end up flying well. I just want to give it my all! LETS GO TROJANS!

A Good Feeling

2010-07-08T18:54:00.000-05:00

At the begining of this year I had a waist size of 33 inches and weighed 131 pounds. I was NOT happy with that. Since then I've been working hard to get in shape and I now have a 29 inch waist and weigh 120 pounds. This is a good feeling. I'm not perfect and I'm not quite to where I want to be but I'm four inches and ten pounds closer and I've done it all the right way.

I've been doing all sorts of crunches and situps since February and since the start of summer (June 11th for us, UGH!) I have run 54 miles. I just really want to be the healithest me that I can be. Kinda like a fresh-new start for High School.

Cheerleading starts on Monday and I'm pretty excited about that! I just can't wait for High School. I want to start rightnow! But I need to keep getting ready and when the time comes it will come. But until then, I'm technically a Freshmen ;)

Show Bizz

2010-07-08T18:38:00.000-05:00

One thing I've noticed when watching any time of performance is that you can tell who cares. I just love watching those people who have that passion for performing. They might not even be the ones that have the most "talent" naturally but they still end up stealing the show.

I love Show Biz because there is a place for everyone. I, personally want to be up on stage. During this year's school play our Drama Coach Miss Nelson told us that some people wouldn't be casted. This scared the patudity out of me, I couldn't imagine NOT being up on stage. I guess you could say that my passion is performing, no matter what it is. I was raised a dancer since the age of two. My mom never danced though she wanted to. She loved the grace and confidence that dancers get and she wanted that for me--especially since I'm a CLUTZ (when I was little it wasn't completely just cluminess I actually couldn't see but at the time this was not know so it was just assumed that I was the clumsy child--THANKS MOM) But whatever the reason was my mom enrolled me in dance at two and a half and i fell in love! I mean just picture a little three-year-old (I turned three before my first performance) up on stage dancing her heart out with all the four and five year-olds. I was the youngest student that my dance teacher has ever taken. And this year will be my twelfth year and I'm PROUD of it!

I don't know what it is but I don't really get stage freight. I just...don't. It's a thrill to see that audience out there, all of them with their eyes on me. I always feel like I've got to include the audience and impress them. I have like a burning need for the audience to love me. I don't know why but the moment I'm on stage I do everything I can to make my charracter come through. No matter what that charracter is-a dancer; slow and graceful, a musician; confident and a leader, or another person who has their own thoughts and personality that you become. I think my favorite was a zombie out to kill eachother all set to a dramatic ballet/lyrical dance style. That was fun and we scared the POOP out of some kid in the audience he was SCREAMING!

It bothers me that theres the stereotype that show people are all about themselves. This CAN'T be true because if they were just about themself then the show could never go on. The first time that you ever are up on a stage as a part of a theater production you learn that. Sure, I've met some stuck-up theater junkies who think that they are all that and they are just the best. They're good and they still try to be a part of the group but then theres always the Newbie who looks up to you... that is truly the best to be able to give some advice to someone or have them look up to you. Theater is truly a wonderful experience.

Rain

2010-07-07T15:34:00.000-05:00

I don't like rain... it always seems to just, well annoy me. I'm still trying to get it out of my ears even though I went for my run around an hour ago. I know we need it and everything I'm just not a big fan. I guess it has it's pros and it's cons but to me rain is always a downer. I'm one of those people who is VERY affected by the weather.

I get a little depressed in the winter time. And during the summer I always seem to have more energy--though that might be because I'm not having to hardly think------which I enjoy IMMENSELY. But when it rains it just automatically spoils my mood. That and I'm deathly afraid of Tornadoes and for some reason the two rain+tornadoes are just forever connected in my mind.

I'm NOT afraid of rain. It just kinda makes me antsy like keep and eye to the sky kind of a thing. That and I don't really like getting wet. ICK! But oh well... at least this isn't that bad of a rain it's light and it's not too dark out. I'm just missing my sunshine for right now... :P

Book Review

2010-07-07T15:07:00.000-05:00

So, I did make my own top 50 count down but I'm not THAT happy with it. I'm going to try something new. I want to actually suggest books and kinda like book-talk them. There are some REALLY good books that aren't that popular and I for some reason am drawn to them... I just like them I guess.

I'm not guarenteeing that this will be a weekly thing but I'll try. It might even be more oftent than that. I'm just gonna book talk whenever I feel like it, got it? Do ya have a problem with that eh punk? Do ya? Huh?

I'm going to book talk Sparrow Lake by Carol Beech York

This is a very short book, it's only about a hundred and fifty pages, which is well short. :P The main charracter Lidia is simple. She's shy and quiet and doesn't really fit in anywhere. She's like the picture of innocence... so sweet! Here's the heart-jerker she's an orphan. But it's a little bit of a different orphan story.

Liddie is living with her Artist Aunt Alice. I love how Carol Beech York described her as having an "artistic temperment" where she kinda goes off into her own world and isn't always there, she loves beauty, simple and natural. I just love that because I can relate... I always seem to be off in my own little world. The world inside my head is a very NIICE place :)

Anyways... Liddie and her Aunt move to this little old house on Sparrow Lake. Liddie goes from a quiet New York upperclass girl to the quiet life of a small town. She meets some of the charracters that are never missing in a small town, the glorified athlete, the boy-crazy girl, and the bad-boy high school drop out. And as cliche as it all is the boy-crazy girl becomes her best friend and the athlete her friends boyfriend and of course the bad-boy takes an interest in quiet little Liddie.

It's not the typical romance though. They don't really fall in love, it's just hinted at, it's like the feelings have been blanketed and neither really know what's going on. It's sweet and almost more realistic than any other book I've read.

There's a little twist at the end. Let's just say that Liddie's other Aunt, (The control freak Ila who thinks she knows what's best for Liddie) finds out about bad-boy Johnny. I'll leave it at that, you'll have to read it. :) It's short, simple and sweet...

Randomness Update

2010-07-06T17:18:00.000-05:00

*The first thing that needs to be said is that all thoughts need to be in the form of prayers for Aunt Jeanne with her tricky neck surgery today. THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!!! I love ya Jeanne!

*Next but also very much on my mind... 60 DAYS UNTIL HAWKEYE FOOTBALL! All this soccer is such a downer because they keep saying futball and then I get excited and well... it's not Football it's soccer. :P

*I'm currently attempting another story. I always abandon these stories and I'm determined to keep writing. They always end up cliche and just low-grade writing. I get WAY ahead of myself just because I have a thought that comes to mind. So my new trick that I'm trying is I have a little notepad that I'm writing things down on. I keep getting these whole passages coming to me and I'll just write them down. So far it's worked pretty well... I'm not gonna push and just let the writing inspiration flow...

*I have officially run 50 miles this summer. I'm PRETTY pleased with myself. Two miles a day, every day is no small feat and I am happy about that! Watch out High School... I'm coming in as the unstoppable Makayla. You won't even see it coming... I can't wait to rock Freshmen year!!! WHOOP!

*Summer is not even half over and I'm bored to death. Grrr... This is NOT okay with me but whatever. I guess I can't be the only one who is going crazy but STILL! AHH!!

*Pretty much I'm going day-by-day and I'll just keep going day-by-day. And sleeping in while I can. I forgot how much I missed that! :P

*Have I mentioned that I love Barnes and Noble? My mom ordered me six books today for under 28 bucks. This is PRETTY good since retail for all of them would be around 100. Ohh... I do love bargain shopping and I can't wait for my new books! :) I'm also burning to read the new House of Night series book Burned (no pun intended--well but now that I notice it, well I'm going to pretend like it was intended ;) )

*Sometime in the next couple of weeks I need to have Hanna over because there is this tub of water balloons on the dining room table and well... they're taunting me. I'm sensing a major water-balloon war in the making. I can't wait!

Happy Fourth!!!

2010-07-04T13:01:00.000-05:00

I'm starting to think I'm bipolar. One day I'm really gloom and doom and the next I'm like totally spacey and then there's the tempermental days and the crazy days. I don't know... I just flip threw the different extremes of emotions quite often. I don't know. I can't diagnose myself or I'd end up saying I have something like Alzteimers or whatever. I'm so quirky it's crazy!

Well, Happy Fourth of July Everybody!

-Your a Grand Old Flag, a High-flying Flag-

--And Forever in Peace may You Wave--

-You're the emblem of-

--The Land I Love--

-The home of the free and the brave-

--Every heart beat true neath the red white and blue--

-Where there's never a boast or brag-

--And should auld acquaintance be forgot--

-Keep Your Eye on the Grand Old Flag-

That^^ was like my favorite song in the fourth grade. We used to sing songs every Friday morning and I LOVED Grand Old Flag. I love the quick beat and I especially loved the line "And Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot" just because it had a lot of contrast and it reminded my of Auld Lang Sygne. I love a lot of old songs for various reasons... :) HAPPY FOURTH!!!

On this date 234 years ago we declared our Independence and we went off to start our own country. It was this day that our Nation truly began. Congrats U. S. of A. I'm proud to be American!

UGH!

2010-06-29T18:54:00.000-05:00

I'm so out of it right now. I'm feeling sorry for myself you could say. I really need to stop looking Facebook because it just reminds me that I'm alone. I'm not obsessed with boys or anything I'm just feeling left out. It seems like no one has time for me anymore. I haven't had a decent coversation with any friends since Friday. That's sad! It's Tuesday.

To make everything worse my friends won't text me back. I try to keep positive but well... it's hard no one wants to talk to me... ugh! Man, I'm not one much for crying but this hurts it really does. What's so wrong with me? I guess this will just be another long, lonely summer. I guess finding a guy wouldn't be a bad idea because at least he would talk to me. Too bad no one's interested. FML.

Hmm Hmm Hmm

2010-06-28T14:36:00.000-05:00

I feel like painting right now... but what to paint? Where to paint and what the heck do I feel like painting? Jeesh... this is such a problemo. I might just grab some colored pencils and go crazy. Yesterday was a paper and and black ink pen and I just doodled all over it. It was quite fun! Ohhh great now I have to go do my chores. GRRRR...

GOAL Party

2010-06-27T12:53:00.000-05:00

The Goal Party was the week after the Goal Trip. I'm a little slow on updating aren't I? ... oopsie. So it went over pretty much without a hitch except someone lost one of our bean bags. I have no idea where it is or what they did to it. Do I want to know? Probably not. It's sad that GOAL is over but I'll never forget the good times. I love you guys and I'm glad that I was a part of something like this. My favorite part was when Miss Nelson had the scrapbook and was reading it aloud to us all. Good times :)

Des Moines Trip

2010-06-27T12:09:00.000-05:00

So it's been about a month since the GOAL trip to Des Moines but I never did post about it so I'll post now :

The first thing we did when we got off the bus was go to the hotel where we stayed overnight. We quickly unloaded then were back on the bus and off to Spaghetti Works. This resteraunt was pretty good. I liked their salad bar and their food. I'd give it three and a half stars just because I don't think the food was everything I hoped it to be. I just think there could have been a bit more flavor at times but the idea and the whole concept in general was good and I had a good time. It's still definitely worth your time! Try it out!

Next, we went to the Des Moines Art Museum (No Camera's allowed SORRY) It was neat and nice to see all the different things inside of it. The security guys kinda creeped me out though so I give it three stars. We then returned to the hotel for the night.

First thing Friday morning we had breakfast. It was pretty nice. I enjoyed the waffle machine though I spilt half of it :P Joseph also spilt eggs on his pants while telling us about how Landon and Vincent made him sleep in the bathtub. It was entertaining.

Then we went to Drake University and got the grand tour. Our tour guide Peter>> enjoyed hearing many of our stories. He for some reason thought he'd like to meet Landon and Vincent. Hmm... ;) I give Drake four stars because it was nice. Not for me but nice.

We went to the Iowa Hall of Pride next. I didn't take any pictures... Oopsie. It was pretty good but I wasn't so sure about it. I felt like a lot got left out and it was too sports orientated. I just kept feeeling like there was something missing. I give it three stars. It was neat and I liked it but I felt like they didn't cover everything.

Then we went to the Science Center... it was NIIICE! This>>> is a clock that swings back and forth and every minute it knocks one of those tabs down. It was pretty cool. We then watched an iMax movie about the Hubble Space Telescope. It was one of those movies that really makes you think about how on earth we were made. I mean we couldn't just exist. It was pretty crazy. It also showed us pictures of things millions of lightyears away so far away that you can't see even the lights of it by the naked eye or really even with a non-hightech telescope. It was soo cool! It also showed us baby stars and so much more. It was just amazing!!! I give it five stars the movie was impecabably done.

We then ate lunch. It was pizza milk and a cookie :)

We were then allowed to roam the science center and check things out. It was pretty fun! I also found myself a hidey-hole :) We also saw a show on fire and ice. It was pretty cool! We had another hour to check everything out then we were back on the bus. I give it a four and a half star rating.

Overall it was a good trip. The only thing was it didn't seem to have the same energy and excitement. I guess it just didn't meet our over-high expectations. I never know what to expect but I think that this trip was a good one just not quite as memorable as others have been. Four stars overall.

Brat Pack

2010-06-21T14:04:00.000-05:00

I was just listening to this song and I realized it's on my music player at the bottom of the page! Scroll down and click on it and listen to it!

Here the Lyrics:
For about four years I’ve hated this townYeah, so much I just wanna get outSince graduation was long agoPlease somebody get me out of this holeCause I don’t want to get stuck in hereWhen I am thirty-four just talkin' 'bout high school yearsNo I don’t wanna be there, and feel so stuck right hereBack and forth, side to side, oh my dearMy foot to the floor I will drive to the placeWhere I can kick it with friends through the nightA place we'll talk about now and the past what the future holdsHanging out with not much to doJust aimless with each other - is what we doCause this ain’t where it’s atMy friends will second thatAnd I gotta admit sometimes it’s pretty sadBut it's like were our own brat packWe're always kickin back nobody can take thatAnd that is that it’s like its all we haveWhoa! Whoa!Come on say "Oh! Oh! Get on the floor!Dance 'till you got no more!"I know its there somewhereDon’t worry I'll be there to rock the party all nightTo rock it 'til there's light our fists in the airFightin' the good fightCause' we were singing along to Peter Gabriel's "sledgehammer" songYou know it’s clear that tonight we belong in this placeSo I step back to reflect in this town I hateAnd at least just for a second I think I might stayThis ain’t where it’s atMy friends will second thatAnd I gotta admit sometimes it’s pretty sadBut it's like were our own brat packWe're always kickin back nobody can take thatAnd that is thatSo I'll run away to the hopes that I haveBut still I fall asleep in the arms of my pastAnd when I wake so helpless and thinking of that I just lay back downAgain, everydaySo maybe later today I'll knowWhat I will do with my life as I know itMaybe for now I'll drive back to that place where I belongAnd hope to God it hasn’t changedThis ain’t where it’s atMy friends will second thatAnd I gotta admit sometimes it’s pretty sadBut it's like were our own brat pack were always kickin backNobody can take that no no noThis ain’t where it’s atMy friends will second thatAnd I gotta admit sometimes it’s pretty sadBut it's like were our own brat pack were always kickin backNobody can take thatThat is that it’s like its all we have

Summer

2010-06-21T13:47:00.000-05:00

Summer is such a strange time of year. Everyone sets so many hopes on Summer. It's like it represents the time that you want to get something done yet your vacation at the same time. The thing is so many people don't get done whatever it is that they want done. It confuses and intrigues me... It's like everyone just expects results in the summer without the work without dedication. I'm trying to change that for myself.

I've been running a lot this summer. So far I've run 18 miles. When I put it into a number it seems like more than it was. The first couple of miles weren't the easiest but then its become easier and it's a time that I can think. The other day I for some reason started doing some mental math and ran about of the fourth the mile without realizing it. I like it because it's like the running is something only my body has to do, my mind can drift off and my body will take over... it's not something that I let happen very often.

The fair is coming up. I'm pretty excited. I'll pick up my afghan tomorrow and then take it straight to the open class check in. I'm hoping for three blues this year! :) I don't know what to hope for the rest of the summer... I want to get in shape and improve my flexibility but that can't take up all my time. I'm not sure... We'll see where it gets me. This summer I'm letting the wind blow me around and I'll follow whatever path I want. Sometimes that just seems like the best option... Follow your heart. It's been said many times and I'm taking it to heart now.

I want to do some scrapbooking but my next project is going to be a scrapbook of highschool so I don't have any pictures yet... I could always get the pages ready and whatnot but I can't do much. I'm going to have my camera with me like all the time. I want to capture Highschool. I can't wait for highschool. It's the moment I've been waiting for my entire life. I get to prove myself and EARN respect. Months ago when Andrew found out that I was cheering he told me that I couldn't just expect people to respect me because I was a cheerleader and I told him I wouldn't except the respect unless I've earned it. I want to be top of our class :)... wish me luck!

I heard through the grapevine that the other day my dad was worrying that I was just going to go boy crazy all of the sudden. This made me laugh quite a bit. I LIKE boys... but I'm not boy crazy. I just found it so funny how everyone just expects me to take my eye off the prize. I want to be SOMEONE in life and I can't there with a baby at seventeen or whenever. If a boy comes along then I'm open to it but I'm not goo-ga-ga over them. Besides they have cooties right ;)

BP Oil Spill

2010-06-17T12:41:00.001-05:00

Dear Mr Tony Hayward,
I feel no sympathy towards you. I'm sure that you are well aware of the fact that thousands of barrels of oil are spilling into the gulf each day. The number of barrels has yet to be truly determined but what has been determined is the fact that this is not good.

We already have many problems with what we as the human population are doing to our planet. We are depleating our natural resources and ruining our ozone. Do you care?

I understand the oil business more than the average fourteen-year-old girl. My dad is a small business owner. He's a conoco man. I have grown up knowing things about oil and gas and petroleum that I could live a long happy life without. But now I am thankful for this background knowledge no matter how small it may be because the majority if the American People don't know what's really going on. But that doesn't mean we are "Stupid Americans".

We care about what you have done to our coastline. This isn't completely destroying YOUR coastlines or digging a deeper trench into your jobless rates. YOU are ruining our environment and our economy. The Gulf is a culture unique to our country and to the rest of the world. It's culture is now treatened.

Everyone must pay for this in some way or another. It may not be now but we will all have to pay eventually. You are responsible. I am a fourteen-year-old Iowa girl, daughter of a gas station owner. I live in small farm town. I'm not paying now but some day Ill be the one paying because of what you've done to my country. No ammount if sorrys or clever words will make this better.

Stop this leak. Now.

Summer

2010-06-12T11:37:00.001-05:00

I'm still a little in shock. I'm a highschooler. Yesterday was one of the best days of my life and not because I fell in love or anything like that. I finished Middle School with a 3.95 GPA and was in the top 10 in my class.

GOAL is over. It's sad but this day had to come some time or another. We had the party yesterday and I think that everyone actually had fun. Miss Nelson lived the scrapbook. Seeing her on the verge of tears like that made me realize that those months of hard work and twisting arms to get the goal is done was all worth it. I'm gonna miss it.

What plans do I have for the summer? Well...not really anything. Miss Nelson will be holding two summer camps--I'll be looking forward to it :)

Wish me luck on my last summer before highschool! I'm looking to the future with advice Miss Nelson gave to me ringing in my ears: Keep your goals ahead of you. Kessel for President! The social aspect of highschool is wonderful fin balance with it.

UPDATE

2010-06-05T23:14:00.000-05:00

I'm so bad about updating aren't I? Well in the past week or two a lot has happened. I'll start with what's happened in GOAL.

A few weeks ago we had our Documentary Night. Eden and I were MC's and we raised over a thousand dollars. We somehow managed to do all our fundraising in one night whereas we hoped that we'd raise half that. It was great. It was actually my idea too. It just kinda came to me in the shower one morning and a week later we were up on stage introducing the first documentary... crazy right?

So maybe you're wondering why we were fundraising in the first place. Well, we had our Des Moines trip on Thursday and Friday. It was pretty fun. I just can't say that it was as fun though. I think that everyone was expecting a little too much and we just got a little let down. Don't get me wrong, it was still fun but the bus ride home kinda showed how exhausted we all were and how ridiculus it is that it took almost three hours to get home...

What else has happened? That's a good question.

Tomorrow starts the last week of school so I guess a lot. But it's still a little crazy right now. I also have flag tryouts tomorrow. Then on Tuesday we will go to Adventure Land. I hope that's fun. I really don't know what to expect with that.

I just can't wait for summer. I have no plans and I like it that way.

Babysitting at Rathbun

2010-06-05T22:54:00.000-05:00

I love babysitting these two boys, Will and Henry. Henry just woke up and he didn't cry or whine. He just sat up and looked at me. It was clear he was upset but he just waited for me to come to him. I went over and he crawled over to me. After a few trys of him just laying there he couldn't get back to sleep. What finally got him to go? I just laid down next to him, he opened his eyes a couple of times and each time he looked over at me then closed them again.

When I'm babysitting I'm always reminded that I have someone else's life in my hands. I love to have fun and play with them but when it comes down to it I'm responsible for them and they make me feel needed. It's a nice feeling. :)

Man...I feel BADD

2010-05-12T17:18:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry that I haven't written in forever! Jeez...

Well, here's an update for y'all.

Let's see, I have A LOT on my mind. Let's start with band. I challenged Kara and was first chair for our concert on Monday. Kara wasn't too happy but it's all part of it and I started out as first chair. I do still kinda feel bad. I just wish that it wasn't such a big deal.

Last Saturday, I babysat for my cousin Brent and Lena. They have two really cute boys, Will and Henry. It was fun babysitting them they were just too cute! Will who's three and a half kept calling me Miss Kayla instead of Makayla... awww! And Henry who's a year and a half wouldn't sleep. I would get him to sleep then try and put him in his crib and he'd wake up. Oh... it was bad. But he's so cute that it's just fine and dandy. Those two were soo cute! Henry got COVERED in pudding and he was climbing all over my back and giving me hugs. Aww... man those two were just great!

This weekend I might be babysitting Kyra, who is now eight. She hasn't been behaving the best so I might be going out there to watch her because as punishment she doesn't get to go to the festival thing at her grandparents.

What else has been happening?? hmm...

In Goal we are making Documentaries. My group's is about Teaching the Musical Arts. So we were going to have two interviews and we got them done and were uploading the tape but then my group didn't save it. I was pissed. But then on Monday when we got back to school the tape was gone. So we had to rewrite our storyboard and change it and whatnot. Ohh... I was MAD! But we're moving on and it'll be great. We just might have to go in early a couple of days though...

I got an A on my Math Test yesterday... umm... yeah what else? It's been such a long time since I've written.

OH! I made Cheerleading! I am soo... excited to get to be a highschool cheerleader! I love cheerleading and it'll be fun.

We're having lasagna for dinner tonight...

I'm a little worried about one of my friends. I shalln't name her here. But she has been hanging out with different friends this year. Last year she was bestfriends with this girl that really doesn't like me but the girl was smart and athletic and so on but she pushed my friend around. Recently, she's been hanging out with other people. I don't really have a problem with these girls but today she got her first detention, her grades have been dropping and I'm just worried that these girls aren't the best for her. I worry about her because I know she's a good girl and she was raised right. I just hope that if her new friends ARE leading her astray that she realizes it before they drag her into a hole to deep to dig out. I'm just really worried about her.

I'm just kind of going crazy right now. When life calms down a little bit more and I actually know what's going on I'll post again. If I remember. Again, I'm SOO Sorry that I haven't updated in forever.

STAY JAZZY!!~~

TOP TEN!!! WEW!!!

2010-04-03T16:25:00.000-05:00

HERE WE GO!!!

10: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespear

I love quoting Shakespear. He's a great writer. I just think that this story might need to last a tad bit longer than a week though...

9: Tempted by P.C. and Kristen Cast

Great BOOK! CRAZY CLIFFHANGER! I can't wait for Burned, the 7th of the series.

8: Chasing Vermeer by Blue Baillet

Really good, has puzzles in the text, in the pictures. It gives nothing away and will have you hanging on until the end when the character figures it out because you wont...

7: The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee

Just thinking about this book makes my head spin. It's filled with riddles and dilemas and spins and twists and it's just GREAT!!!

6: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!! I'T'S THE BEST OF THE SERIES!!! WEW!!! HARRY POTTER!!!

5: Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell

This is an Arthurian Romance with an unexpected ending. I love it. I like when books end way differently than you expect. I just love those crazy twists. This one is one that isn't so crazy I just didn't see it coming.

4: Something for Joey by Richard E. Peck

First off, the author is a master by anyone's standard with other books such as A Year Down Yonder and well that tells you something. Sports Fans, this one is for you. It's about John Capelletti, famous Pro football player from Penn State's little brother, Joey and his battle with Cancer. He was John's inspiration and he went on to win the hiesman and it was just another of the many things he said were, "Something for Joey".

3: Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

SHARON CREECH IS AN ARTIST OF WORDS! I love her books and Walk Two Moons is my second favorite.

2: Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech

Chasing Redbird isn't as well known as Walk Two Moons but I liked it more. It just really touched me. I could relate to losing a Grandma and it's just a good story.

1: Inkheart by Corneilia Funke

I don't think this is the best book in the world. I've just yet to find a better one. I LOVE IT! So many of those crazy turns and well, it's GREAT!!!

So there you have it ladies and gentleman... My Top 50 Books.

20-11!

2010-04-03T16:11:00.000-05:00

Yeah... We're getting down it it now... TOP 20!!!

20: The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

This book was really good. It's about a girl who is from the better part of town who learns a great lesson in life. She shouldn't be anyone but who she wants to be. In fact... I need to put that on my list to reread... it was good.

19: The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray

Another in this series. Again... NOT what you'd expect. You just have to read it to understand the *magic* of this book. Literally. ;)

18: To Catch a Pirate by Jade Parker

This book made me want to be kidnapped by a pirate. Weird, right? Yeah... I know.

17: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Did any of you know that they make Harry Potter trading cards? I did. I own them and yes, yes I AM a big Harry Potter geek. Haha... yeah! The Deathly Hallows was my second favorite of the series.

16: Kissed by An Angel by Elizabeth Chandler

Okay, this book is soo sweet. It's got a little adventure and just simple, sweet LOVE... aweee... right?

15: Hattie Big Sky by Kirbi Larson

This one is based on a girl who is very head-strong. I love her character but I think that the fact that she was willing to try starting her own homestead was very impressive.

14: Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Mariller

This book is wild and charming and magical. If you've ever read The 12 Dancing Princesses you'd probably like this even better. It's so magical in it's own way and it has a little bit of moral dilema and love and trust and unexpected twists and turns. Another to add to the list of rereading.

13: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This book is AMAZING! It questions so many of the predjudices of the South in the early 20th century. It was sweet and cute and the characters have so much depth to them.

12: Goose Girl by Shannan Hale

This is the first of the series. Another Shannan Hale, it's absolutely wonderful.

11: A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

This author knows magic! I just love these books. I wish I could be a part of the magical word that exists in this series.

THAT'S 20-11!!! WEW!!! NEXT: TOP TEN!!!!

30-21!

2010-04-03T15:52:00.000-05:00

30: Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, M.D.

This book is really good if you want to know more about like psychology. It's the crazy story of a bunch of mice then switches to people and how the story relates to their own lives. I LOVED IT! And it's a quick read...

29: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Yes, yes I AM A TOTAL HARRY POTTER GEEK!!! I LOVE THEM!! So... yeah. This one is about my middle favorite of them.

28: Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

This book is kinda strange. It's about a drug addict who's got a messed up life. You've just to read it to understand.

27: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

I really love this book but it's just so long. It kinda loses my attention in parts. I'm not sure what it is but about a third of the way in I get bored. But towards the end I get excited again. I just thing it's a little too long. Or maybe I have too short of an attention span...

26: Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

This series is NOT what you expect it to be. It's crazy and romantic and full of the random violence at times that you've got to love.

25: The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanie Birdshall

This book is good if you just want a good kinda old-fashioned book. It's not covered in gooey-I'M SO IN LOVE ROMANCE. It's just plain good.

24: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

No, I'm not so obsessed that I stalk J.K. Rowling... mostly because I don't have the resources to... but she's still amazing and I love this books!!!

23: The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

The book is way amazing! They tend to be that way. So READ IT!

22: Sparrow Lake by Carol Beach York

This book is simple. It's just simple. It's a little romance. It's a little sweet orphan... it's just simple and sweet and a quick read.

21: So B. It by Sarah Weeks

Great book! Really good insight into living with a person with disabilities. It's a neat little story.

So theres 30-21! Stay Tuned... I'm finishing this thing.

40-31!

2010-04-03T15:37:00.000-05:00

40: Goddess of Spring by P.C. Cast

This book is really good. There are parts that are maybe a little more descriptive than what I like. But this one still has a really good plot.

39: Breaking Dawn by Stephannie Meyer

Yes, Twilight fans I AM just trying to piss you off. Like I've said in the past couple of posts. The Twilight Mania just annoys me and I don't like Jacob Black! He's like a total jerk... and Taylor Lautner's face is squished up... Muah Wah Ha ha HA!!!

38: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

I'm like the biggest Harry Potter geek you'll meet. I started my own fan-club. Yes, I did have meetings. It was just awesome...

37: Enna Burning by Shannan Hale

Like I said earlier, I LOVE SHANNAN HALE!!! She's just awesome. This book is pretty good but not the best in the series.

36: Song of the Mob by Gordan Korman

I really liked this book because it was mob-based. I kinda went through this Mafia phase. Yeah... I was gonna join and take over and all that. Anyways... the book is good.

35: Princess Academy by Shannan Hale

MORE SHANNAN HALE! This book isn't part of a series (that I know of) but it's a neat little story. Go READ RIGHT NOW!!!

34: Marked by P.C. and Kristen Cast

This is the first in this series and I usually really like the first books. It sets up the whole series and I love just picturing where it's going to go from there.

33: Inkdeath by Corneilia Funke

Again, Corneilia Funke is pretty amazing but I just didn't LOVE this book as much as Inkheart.

32: Twilight by Stephannie Meyer

I honestly like the first book best. The other ones focus too much on Jacob's annoying charracter and I just don't like him. But like I said, the series IS good. But you over-obsessed fans get a life. Or convert to HarryPotternism...

31: 101 Dalmations by Dodie Smith

The BOOK IS WAY AWESOME! If you liked the movie read it. I'm a cat person and still like loved it :)

Okay... stay tuned for 30-21! I'll probably finish this today.

Top 50 Books

2010-04-02T22:11:00.000-05:00

Okay so my GOAL teacher showed us this list in class that was of the top 100 young adult books of all time. I descided HEY! That sounds like fun! But... well if I've read 100 books I most definately cannot recall them all right off the top of my head so... lets TRY 50.

Today I start with...

50: Click Here (To Find Out How I Survived the Seventh Grade by Denise Vega

This book is good but it's very teenage-stereotype. It's unique and I like that it's written like a website or blog. Gotta appreciate that.

49: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

This is my least favorite of the Harry Potters but it still makes the top 50.

48: Son of the Mob Hollywood Hustle by Gordan Korman

I actually came upon this book and it's prequel when just roaming our public library. It was good and I enjoyed it. I haven't really seen many fictional mob books and I really liked it.

47: Betrayed by P.C. and Kristen Cast

This is from the House of Night Series. It's not my favorite of the series but it still makes the top 50. I love the series in general.

46: New Moon by Stephannie Meyer

Stop. Don't even call me a Twilight obsessive person. I'm not but the books are good. The craze over them? ANOYING! Yeah... I know all you crazed fans hate me for saying that. So just to prove my point I think Taylor Lautner has a squished up face.

45: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

I read the whole series. It's good. I'm not crazy about them but their good.

44: River Secrets by Shannon Hale

I love Shannan Hale! But this one isn't as good as the other ones in the series.

43: Eclipse by Stephannie Meyer

Yes, all the books are in here. But these are in the lowest part of it because honestly Jacob Black's charracter annoys the heck out of me.

42: The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation by MT Andersen

I'm currently reading this book. It's good so far so it earns itself a spot here.

41: Inkspell by Corneilia Funke

I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! But this one just doesn't have as much in the plot as I would like it to. It's just not quite as good as Inkheart.

That's it for now! Stay tuned for 40-31 coming soon.

Spring Break

2010-03-22T14:50:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to stay positive. I'm trying to stay postive. I'm NOT going to kill someone. I'm NOT going to kill someone. UGHH...

So far my Uncle's back in th hospital and is dying. I've been rejected by an 18 month old. And I was in a car accident. YEAH SPRING BREAK! NOT!

I'm having a CRAPPY time right now. Uhh... yeah.

Wedding Pictures! :)

2010-01-24T15:43:00.001-06:00

Cake :)

Video! :)

2010-01-16T14:08:00.000-06:00

This video is about GOAL, my Talented and Gifted class. It's my entry for the SENG 'What it Means to be a Gifted Child/Teen' Video competetion.

January

2010-01-13T18:05:00.000-06:00

Right now is pretty Crazy... The END

Just Kidding. I'm just kind of going with the flow right now. Life is going every which way and I'm along for the ride. I'm just determined not to let anything get to me and right now it's working cause I haven't had a bad day in like forever and what more can you ask for than that? Ahh... I love being optimistic!

Angel Be

2010-01-09T15:46:00.000-06:00

Angel Be
My Guardian Dear
Whom Amongist God's Love
Admits me Here
Be Ever Stay
Be At My Side
To Light and Guard
To Rule and Guide

^^I just love this prayer! :)

Life on Stage

2009-12-19T12:52:00.001-06:00

I've always loved performing and right now I'm at my peak. I'm up for it though. I got a fairly big part in our school play this year. It's based on the story The Secret School by Avi. It all starts out with a class who refuse to learn. They've scared away teacher after teacher until they finally get to Mrs. I (played by yours truly). She's an older woman who was once a teacher in a one-room school house. In fact the students she taught were her age maybe a few years younger but the important point is that she is their class mate suddenly thrust into the part of teacher.

I get my script on Monday but I know the basic story. During Auditions Mrs. I came across as quite ornry a little bit crazy but exceptionally smart. It's so perfect a part for me. I can't believe that we're already half way through the school year and that's in Play Time again already! But I couldn't be more excited.

Next up on my list is I'm practicing like crazy for SIEBA Honor Band tryouts. I'm gonna pull my hair out but that's okay... not. Anyways I hope that I make it but I've got to practice a lot more. I'm just pretty nervous though. FLUTE POWER! Haha... oh and I might be playing Piccolo for one of our Band songs when we go to competition. :)

As always I'm also working on our dance for our recital in May. It'll be my eleventh! JEESH! I'm fourteen that's pretty crazy but I guess that's how life is. You can't wait to get older then you look back and wonder where the HECK the years have gone. Man... Life IS SO CRAZY.

I'll try to post again before New Years. YIKES! That's so weird to say.

CHRISTMAS!!!

2009-12-14T16:28:00.001-06:00

ELEVEN DAYS!!! AHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well if you couldn't tell^^I'm excited. I'm hoping to get a iPod Touch :)

December

2009-12-12T14:38:00.000-06:00

I'd have to say that December is my favorite month. A) My birthday is the First :) I'm fourteen! I can drive so it'd be best if you stay off the roads B) Christmas uhh... Duh for obvious reasons! C) Snow is one of the most beautiful things in the history of beautiful things.

I am not letting things get to me like I used to. Right now life may not be Amazing but I'm not letting it ruin my day! My perspective is a glass have full and that's the way it is! :)

2009-11-28T17:03:00.001-06:00

Its so hard 2 reflect on my life because im not @ the end of the road yet

Loyal Hawkeye

2009-11-13T14:02:00.000-06:00

I feel so much better after reading Vandenburgs stats from highschool. He's an amazing quarterback! Once he establishes his connection with the recievers he'll be da bomb. The hawks will be fine. We just got to get our defense rolling. If we can hold Ohio State with our amazing red-zone defense we can win. Also on the bright side Collins Sandeman and Greenwood are all going to be back! I have the same tingly-good feeling about this game as I did about Penn State last year. I don't know why I get these feelings but this one gives me hope for Saturday!

2009-11-07T14:47:00.001-06:00

It had 2 happen sometime. Nows that time i guess

2009-11-05T11:30:00.001-06:00

2009-10-31T17:11:00.001-05:00

It feels so good to say 9-0 GO HAWKS!

2009-10-24T14:39:00.001-05:00

I wish i had wavy hair...

CONFLICT!

2009-10-10T17:10:00.000-05:00

I'm sick but the hawks are doing great. I don't know whether to be happy or like cry! It's quite the conflict right now... hey the sun just came out! :) YAY!

2009-10-01T20:28:00.001-05:00

You stole my heart and wont give it back? Psh...thats not very nice!

Hawkeye Football Predictions

2009-09-26T14:40:00.000-05:00

I've been meaning to post this for a while but I just haven't gotten around to it. Obviously the first three games have been played so I'll just start with Iowa-Penn State.

Iowa 27 Penn State 24. It's going to be a game of Field Goals just as last year. Iowa has already proved that they can kick them (Remember the last 6 seconds of the Penn State game last year? How about tha for proof?) And we also have quite the talent for blocking them as we proved in our season opener of Northern Iowa with our Double-blocked field goals against Northern Iowa. It will be a game of Field Goals and Iowa will take it.

Iowa 31 Arkansas State 17. I've never even heard of Arkansas state but I'll grant them the fact that Iowa does make mistakes so AS has a potential of scoring a few.

Iowa 24 Michigan 17. We haven't played Michigan in a few years so I don't have much to base this on other than who each team has played and the stats. Iowa is a strong team this year but Michigan is coming out of no where but they have played no one...yet. Yeah, they beat Indiana but barely and because Indiana got robbed of a game-altering call. So this will be a game to watch but the Hawks will come out on top but a last miniute touchdown.

Iowa 31 Wisconsin 14. Iowa whooped butt last year but I'm sure Wisconsin will want pay-back as much as the many other teams we play so I'm sure it'll be close in the begining but the Hawks will run away with it in the second quarter.

Iowa 24 Michigan State 7. Michigan State was predicted to come out ahead of Iowa in the Big Ten rankings pre-season but so far they have proved that they are not going to be as strong as all have guessed. Michigan State will put up a fight but they don't stand a chance against the Big Ten's Top Defense... The Hawkeyes.

Iowa 26 Indiana 24. I have a feeling that this will be a close game as it was last year. A very close game. Indiana played hard against Michigan and I've got my eye on them as all fans of Big Ten Opponents should, they look to be the spoiler team this year, but they won't spoil Iowa's game and the Hawks will win this year as they should have last year.

Iowa 34 Northwestern 24. Northwestern isn't very strong this year and this late in the season they'll probably have a few injuries to boot but the Hawkeyes may let a few scores get past them. But in the end Iowa will win.

Iowa 24 Ohio State 23. I think that this game will be very close but it is one to definately watch. I have a feeling it will be similar to the Iowa Penn State game last year and have last miniute field goal. We play in the horse shoe but we're definately capable of a good win.

Iowa 28 Minnesota 12. Minnesota is not very good this year. Iowa will more than double their score with a win in good 'Ole Kinnick to finish the season.

I know I just predicted a undefeated season for the hawks. No one has done this for a couple of years but the Hawkeyes are just as capable as any other team to do it and it'll be an interesting Hawkeye football season! Go Hawks!

I'm a Philosopher!

2009-09-22T21:23:00.000-05:00

LOL I've got to stop taking these weird quizes but oh well... i think this is pretty true.

You constantly analyze the deeper meaning of all that occurs in your life. You are on a never-ending journey to find your purpose in life. You are able to see through the surface of situations and the facades that people often carry. You are observant and non-judgmental. Your creative and thoughtful mind enhances your chosen and natural talents. You feel deeply and passionately about everything that you do. Your life is about the pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and answers. You have a great depth to your heart and mind that some may find intimidating and others will be drawn to.

I don't know why

2009-09-19T20:20:00.001-05:00

Lately, I've just been so tired! I guess I just need to go to sleep sooner but man, it's crazy. I don't know what's going on but I can tell you that I'm tired right now!

Well... look to the future and hope for the best

2009-09-13T15:32:00.001-05:00

I've had a crap week. I'm not going to name specifics cause well... its all crap. My hopes are up. Hopefully I'll have a better week. LOL hopefully being the keyword. Cross your fingers for me :)

I Miss You

2009-09-10T17:45:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's been Five Years. Today I tried to keep a smile but all the while I miss you! I Love you Grandma Wanda. Rest in Piece.

What a day...well 24 hours.

2009-09-06T21:08:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, my dad and I were walking around Hy-Vee and there were these three like druggie-guys and and they were like hanging out the window of this old beat up pick-em up truck. Then we walked insided and as we were leaving a guy dressed exactly like a cowboy walked in with a pop-gun in both hands. It's was soo... CRAZY!

Then, today Andrew found this old stupid remote control Shell-shocker thingy. Anyways he took it outside and was playing with it and when I asked if I could have a turn he chased my all around the yard and up and down the street with it. That things CREEPY!

Man my last 24 hours cover the words CRAZY and CREEPY... that's pretty bad. But both were pretty funny so I guess that's okay.

Best Seven Seconds of College Football!

2009-09-05T14:53:00.000-05:00

7 seconds left. Uni has the ball. first down and they go for the kick. It's blocked by the Hawkeyes! but wait... Uni miraculously gets the ball back and it's second down with 1 second left and they go for the kick again. AND THE HAWKEYES BLOCK IT AGAIN!!! WEW!!! Iowa over Uni 17-16. I'm not joking my fingers are numb cuz my heart just about stopped. Wew... best seven seconds of football I've EVER seen.

ITS FREAKING CRAZY. My elbows are numb because I forgot how to breath and my heart bout stopped. WEW GO HAWKEYES!!!

Next week... ISU. Their a bunch of Pansies, you can take them just keep your head in the game. You've got a game under your belts.

=D

2009-09-04T18:41:00.000-05:00

Guess what!! I made the cheerleading squad! Yeah and not only did I make the cheerleading squad I am now the Fairfield Middle School Cheer Captain!!! WEW!!! YAY!

She wears high heels I wear sneakers. She wears short skirts I wear t-shirts. I'm cheer-captain and she's in the bleachers!!! It's a love story baby just say amen!!!

LOL! I'm REALLY HAPPY!!!

Woah!!! Did I miss something?

2009-08-31T17:16:00.001-05:00

It is the end of the month. I can't believe it. I mean seriously, where has August gone? AHHHH!!!! oh well... September first here I come!!!

P.S. Wish me luck I've got Cheer-tryouts on Friday. :)

My Goodness!!!

2009-08-28T14:26:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that I've been is school for three days already. It's like crazy!! I've made it through all of my classes and everything but it's kind of weird to be back in school. I AM happy to be with all my friends again, though.
Speaking of that I'm excited because I'll be going to the first trojan game of the season!!! YAY!!! FOOOOTBALL!!! haha... I love football. I know... I'm a dork but you like what you like and I like what I like :)
School really is going great and I'm determined to get all my homework done and do all of my work like perfectly!! I'm also determined to beat everyone in my science class (which will be hard) to be the top of the class. I'll work hard! I PROMISE!!! :)

To All of the Animal Lovers: The story of Our Little Fighter Kitty

2009-08-25T15:11:00.000-05:00

Our Little Fighter Kitty

Okay, as most of you know when my old cat died last april we got two new kittens. The older is a male named Timmy and the Younger is a female named Noel.

Both of them descided to be stupid cats on Sunday and crawled under our neighbor's fence. They have two dogs.

Timmy got out in time but Noel did not. One of the dogs got ahold of her. They bit and grabbed on to her. We got to them by yelling over the fence to get the dogs to back off in time to save her life but they broke her hip.

So now that you all know the story we were really worried that Noel wouldn't make it through the first night but she is our little Fighter kitty and made it. She is slowly healing and our hopes are up for her.

I'm sorry to all of those people who just read this and didn't care but I know that some of you do care and this is the easiest way to tell you guys all the details.

So for all of you animal lovers reading this don't assume that you have to put your pet down right away. Noel is getting stronger each day and our old cat actually broke her hip too and healed just fine. There will probably be a lasting limp but that doesn't mean that she should be put down. So for all of the people who put their animals down right after an accident like this keep in mind Noel's story and give the animal a chance to heal first.

OHMYCHEESECRACKERS!!!!!!!

2009-08-24T15:15:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's Monday!!!! Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness!! OH MY GOODNESS!!! School starts the day after tomorrow!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't freaking believe this!@!@!!@!#$!jkdjo
wow... I'm just going to have to like go scream into a pillow and check that I have everything ready for school for the 8,963,432 time!!! (haha yes I'm counting)

On a completely different note to all of those who are concerned we are convinced Noel will be okay.

Wow!!!

2009-08-23T11:26:00.000-05:00

I had a GREAT time at the party I went to last night. I mean it wasn't really anything special that happened to me I just had FUN with out having to worry about things and sometimes what you really need is a worry-free FUN time!!! It was a pool party and I was the crazy one who actually stayed in the freezing pool.
We also played this fun game called bloody murder. It was pitch black out and we were out on the golfcourse running around. How you play is some one is it and they go and hide while everyone counts to thirty. Then everyone who is NOT it goes and looks for the person hiding. When you see them you yell BLOODY MURDER and everyone runs back to the 'base' trying not to get tagged. If you get tagged then you are it and you have to hide.
Another fun thing we did was we were all sitting around the camp fire and some of the guys got into a marshmellow fight. It was funny until I got hit because I was freaking out because if it was a marshmellow it was REALLY hard for a marshmellow. Oh well... FUN!!!

Also, while I had benjamen the eleven month old all day Friday he was an angel and it was WONDERFUL!!! I think I'm done with babysitting for summer.

If you haven't guessed I'm just in a good mood... even though I am still FREEZING cold from last night... ohh well!!! =D

So Fast but too Fast?

2009-08-20T18:10:00.001-05:00

This summer has gone by so fast but I just can't descide if it's too fast or not fast enough. It seemed like it has been a little slow in places but too fast in others. School starts in six days. I can't believe it! I'm ready I even have everything picked out for what I'm going to wear for the first week and everything.