This past weekend most definitely flew by, seeing as how I was at Two Rows for the majority of my time. I was scheduled to work on Saturday night at four and then had to wake up early for an all day shift starting at nine.
On Saturday night I had a three table section which wasn't bad, seeing as how the newbies to serving generally get a two table section. I worked from four to eleven and walked out with seventy five dollars, not bad I'd say.
On Sunday morning, bright and early, I trudged into Two Rows with the rest of the waiters who had been working the previous night, not to mention all except for one was a double...and that my friends means lots of bitching.
We started the breakfast buffet at nine and I officially did not take a break until three, ate my lunch for fifteen minutes and then it was back out onto the floor to begin the dinner shift.
By the end of the night my legs were killing me, but it did turn out for the good, seeing as how I made two hundred and forty-eight dollars.
When calculated I found out that in three shifts of being a server, I can officially make more than a food runner can in two weeks...not to mention I get my money "right then and there."
So overall, I am really digging the whole server gig.
On other news tomorrow is my birthday...yay! I will finally be eighteen and better yet, can run alcohol my to tables.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Waiting Thoughts.
Today's post is going to be on the topic of waiting tables.
As people know, I am now a server for Two Rows, and today was the second shift that I performed on. Today was a good day, pulling about twenty-seven dollars, not to shabby for a lunch shift.
I admit though, that waiting tables is not everything that seems, mainly because people have no clue how much work a waiter endures to make sure that their tip at the end of the meal is sufficient. For some people, waiting tables is their source of income and always will be, but for some (ahhmm....me) waiting tables is a mere summer job so that I can have some money for college. So it does annoy me to a point when I work my butt off, which in turn receives more tips, which means that I get more tables. It then somewhat annoys me when I hear people complaining that I have gotten "sat" (term for a hostess sitting a new table in a servers section) twice and I have a big top (large party). It's all good though, especially when I see my tip from the table.
I guess I can conclude this to being that I have some more learning to complete before I'm college bound.
As people know, I am now a server for Two Rows, and today was the second shift that I performed on. Today was a good day, pulling about twenty-seven dollars, not to shabby for a lunch shift.
I admit though, that waiting tables is not everything that seems, mainly because people have no clue how much work a waiter endures to make sure that their tip at the end of the meal is sufficient. For some people, waiting tables is their source of income and always will be, but for some (ahhmm....me) waiting tables is a mere summer job so that I can have some money for college. So it does annoy me to a point when I work my butt off, which in turn receives more tips, which means that I get more tables. It then somewhat annoys me when I hear people complaining that I have gotten "sat" (term for a hostess sitting a new table in a servers section) twice and I have a big top (large party). It's all good though, especially when I see my tip from the table.
I guess I can conclude this to being that I have some more learning to complete before I'm college bound.
Monday, June 2, 2008
What a Month...
This past month has been absolutely crazy. I haven't even had time to begin to think about being involved with the internet more than about five minutes a day....yikes!
To cover what has been happening lets begin with the always dreadful College Board Advanced Placement Exams. This year has been quite busy with my classes, and yes I have finally made it through them all. According to my schedule I completed the AP Economics, AP Biology, AP English Literature, AP Government, and AP Statistics Exams. This was a crazy two weeks with so much (not needed) added stress on my back.
My first test consisted of Government, which I did not complete a course on. I was VERY relieved to find that the test was extremely easy and I was only thrown off by one of the essays. I am hoping to pull a three or a four on this exam...which A&M wants credit for.
The second test was English...and I'll I will say was easy.
My third test was Bio, the test I was most worried about. I had been stressing out through the year with my goal being to pass this test. I had already told my parents that I would be fine failing any other exam...except Bio. If I get a four on this exam I will have achieved eight credit hours from A&M. We walked in with our "goody bags" that our teacher had made us (consisting of a sparkly pen, two sharpened pencils, play-do, double stuffed oreos, a juice box, and a bottle of water) so that we would do amazing on the test. All I can say is that I believe that I did well on the exam, not wanting to jinx myself.
The fourth test was Stats, in which I didn't complete every essay to the fullest, but feel good about the exam.
My last exam was Eco...the exam I didn't give a "flying flip" about, and we'll just leave it at that.
After these tests were completed, there was only one week left of school and on the last day when the bell rang, it most definitely felt weird. Especially with the thought that I would never be taking another class at Sachse High School.
Moving through the week, the day had finally come that I had been preparing for...graduation. On May thirty-first at four-thirty in the afternoon, our graduation ceremonies had begun. I walked across the stage holding the class ranking of number thirty-two out of about five hundred and thirty. It still has not completely hit me that I have graduated, but I know the time will come soon. After graduation we (grandparents and immediate family) went out to eat at the greatness called Cheesecake Factory. Yum!
Wednesday I get to go and pick up my diploma, which is also exciting.
Today I began my first day waiting tables at Two Rows, which was fun for the most part. It was not busy at all, but I did walk away with seventeen dollars in tips, much better than the occasional dollar at Two Go.
That is about it for my life right now...I'm definitely going to be posting more.
I can say that I realized that according to the calendar yesterday it is officially eleven days until I turn 18! Man do I feel old!
Right after my birthday comes A&M's New Student Conference...a step closer to being college bound.
To cover what has been happening lets begin with the always dreadful College Board Advanced Placement Exams. This year has been quite busy with my classes, and yes I have finally made it through them all. According to my schedule I completed the AP Economics, AP Biology, AP English Literature, AP Government, and AP Statistics Exams. This was a crazy two weeks with so much (not needed) added stress on my back.
My first test consisted of Government, which I did not complete a course on. I was VERY relieved to find that the test was extremely easy and I was only thrown off by one of the essays. I am hoping to pull a three or a four on this exam...which A&M wants credit for.
The second test was English...and I'll I will say was easy.
My third test was Bio, the test I was most worried about. I had been stressing out through the year with my goal being to pass this test. I had already told my parents that I would be fine failing any other exam...except Bio. If I get a four on this exam I will have achieved eight credit hours from A&M. We walked in with our "goody bags" that our teacher had made us (consisting of a sparkly pen, two sharpened pencils, play-do, double stuffed oreos, a juice box, and a bottle of water) so that we would do amazing on the test. All I can say is that I believe that I did well on the exam, not wanting to jinx myself.
The fourth test was Stats, in which I didn't complete every essay to the fullest, but feel good about the exam.
My last exam was Eco...the exam I didn't give a "flying flip" about, and we'll just leave it at that.
After these tests were completed, there was only one week left of school and on the last day when the bell rang, it most definitely felt weird. Especially with the thought that I would never be taking another class at Sachse High School.
Moving through the week, the day had finally come that I had been preparing for...graduation. On May thirty-first at four-thirty in the afternoon, our graduation ceremonies had begun. I walked across the stage holding the class ranking of number thirty-two out of about five hundred and thirty. It still has not completely hit me that I have graduated, but I know the time will come soon. After graduation we (grandparents and immediate family) went out to eat at the greatness called Cheesecake Factory. Yum!
Wednesday I get to go and pick up my diploma, which is also exciting.
Today I began my first day waiting tables at Two Rows, which was fun for the most part. It was not busy at all, but I did walk away with seventeen dollars in tips, much better than the occasional dollar at Two Go.
That is about it for my life right now...I'm definitely going to be posting more.
I can say that I realized that according to the calendar yesterday it is officially eleven days until I turn 18! Man do I feel old!
Right after my birthday comes A&M's New Student Conference...a step closer to being college bound.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
The Week In Review
This week has been extremely slow yet fast at the same time.
On Monday my school came back from spring break (where much relaxing occurred) for a great and exciting day at school! All I cans say that thank goodness I get out at about one 'o clock everyday.
As we got back into our normal routine life as I know it started again and ran its normal course. In the middle of the week we received our class rankings which was good because I moved up one spot from number thirty five to thirty four. And on top of that our class grew, so according to the stats I'm in the top five percent of my class!
This weekend at CVS some of the good deals occurred that my mom and I had a good time rolling over ECB's and still have some work to do.
This coming week I have Two Row's training every night, now that I have a job again. I'm excited but not so much at the same time, seeing as how now a lot of my time will be busy.
On the College Bound side of things I received a letter from the Aggie Learning Access Community inviting me to look into their program, which I had already applied for. I was excited because I had read on their website that they send invitations/announcements about the program inviting future aggies to apply. I met the priority deadline and should hopefully be getting a decision soon on whether I get in...which I want!
Well for now its resting time before another long week.
On Monday my school came back from spring break (where much relaxing occurred) for a great and exciting day at school! All I cans say that thank goodness I get out at about one 'o clock everyday.
As we got back into our normal routine life as I know it started again and ran its normal course. In the middle of the week we received our class rankings which was good because I moved up one spot from number thirty five to thirty four. And on top of that our class grew, so according to the stats I'm in the top five percent of my class!
This weekend at CVS some of the good deals occurred that my mom and I had a good time rolling over ECB's and still have some work to do.
This coming week I have Two Row's training every night, now that I have a job again. I'm excited but not so much at the same time, seeing as how now a lot of my time will be busy.
On the College Bound side of things I received a letter from the Aggie Learning Access Community inviting me to look into their program, which I had already applied for. I was excited because I had read on their website that they send invitations/announcements about the program inviting future aggies to apply. I met the priority deadline and should hopefully be getting a decision soon on whether I get in...which I want!
Well for now its resting time before another long week.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
California
I can't believe that I have neglected this blog for almost a month!
Talk about time flying between school, the deals, and life.
Well to cover the basics, there have been a lot of deals to get including money makers at CVS that have been amazing. Mom and I calculated our total savings for the year one night and it came out to be about $3,550. So that was good for us.
Band trip came up out of nowhere and we left last Thursday at 6:45 A.M. from DFW
Some of the highlights of the trip included going to Universal Studios, Disneyland, Santa Monica Pier, Sony Picture's Studios, Hollywood Boulevard, and seeing "Wicked."
Overall the trip was a blast. Universal Studios was quite cool seeing all the sets and props used from different popular shows and movies. While on the tram tour, our group saw Will Ferrell ride by on his bike as he was filming his latest blockbuster that day. Also, one of my friends caught pictures of Jay Leno as he was at Universal completing a "Jay Walking" skit. It was a fun day had by all, although I do have to say that if you are going, only about half a day is needed.
The next day we headed out for Sony Pictures Studio and Santa Monica Pier. The Sony Pictures Tour was fun. We got to sit in the actual Jeopardy room, Wheel of Fortune room, and view some of the sets for Adam Sandler's new movie still in filming. When we entered the Columbia Pictures Office our group was lucky enough to see the Oscars that Columbia has won over the years. One in particular was the one for "All the King's Men" which we have studied in English this year.
The rest of the day was spent primarily at the pier....much fun had by all. It was cool revisiting the scene and hanging out with friends on the beach for the day.
After the pier we went to eat at the Farmer's Market, where my friends and I decided to eat at a food critic's favorite place. It was a pizza place, don't remember the name, but in the end we decided to share "The Famous Greek." Lets just say it didn't seem so great....all I can say are pictures to come!
The next day at Disneyland, which was the focus of the trip, our band was lucky enough to be invited to the recording studio in the back part of the park. After leaving the park and going to the "behind the scenes" part of Disneyland, it doesn't seem so magical. But anyways that was pretty cool because we recorded scenes from Beauty and the Beast, The Emperor's New Groove, and Dinosaur. Throughout the rest of the day, we played and enjoyed the different amusements of the park. It was a very long day!
The day before we left was the cultural experience where the band got to go and take a tour on Hollywood Boulevard. I went there with my parents when I was younger, but didn't seem to remember the excitement of the Boulevard. After much walking while being dressed up, we went to go and see the musical "Wicked." All I can say without giving away the musical is that it is amazing! In fact I liked it so much that I told mom when we go back to L.A. this summer; we are going to see it again.
That was a brief highlight of the trip...I'm sure there are more posts and pictures to come!
Talk about time flying between school, the deals, and life.
Well to cover the basics, there have been a lot of deals to get including money makers at CVS that have been amazing. Mom and I calculated our total savings for the year one night and it came out to be about $3,550. So that was good for us.
Band trip came up out of nowhere and we left last Thursday at 6:45 A.M. from DFW
Some of the highlights of the trip included going to Universal Studios, Disneyland, Santa Monica Pier, Sony Picture's Studios, Hollywood Boulevard, and seeing "Wicked."
Overall the trip was a blast. Universal Studios was quite cool seeing all the sets and props used from different popular shows and movies. While on the tram tour, our group saw Will Ferrell ride by on his bike as he was filming his latest blockbuster that day. Also, one of my friends caught pictures of Jay Leno as he was at Universal completing a "Jay Walking" skit. It was a fun day had by all, although I do have to say that if you are going, only about half a day is needed.
The next day we headed out for Sony Pictures Studio and Santa Monica Pier. The Sony Pictures Tour was fun. We got to sit in the actual Jeopardy room, Wheel of Fortune room, and view some of the sets for Adam Sandler's new movie still in filming. When we entered the Columbia Pictures Office our group was lucky enough to see the Oscars that Columbia has won over the years. One in particular was the one for "All the King's Men" which we have studied in English this year.
The rest of the day was spent primarily at the pier....much fun had by all. It was cool revisiting the scene and hanging out with friends on the beach for the day.
After the pier we went to eat at the Farmer's Market, where my friends and I decided to eat at a food critic's favorite place. It was a pizza place, don't remember the name, but in the end we decided to share "The Famous Greek." Lets just say it didn't seem so great....all I can say are pictures to come!
The next day at Disneyland, which was the focus of the trip, our band was lucky enough to be invited to the recording studio in the back part of the park. After leaving the park and going to the "behind the scenes" part of Disneyland, it doesn't seem so magical. But anyways that was pretty cool because we recorded scenes from Beauty and the Beast, The Emperor's New Groove, and Dinosaur. Throughout the rest of the day, we played and enjoyed the different amusements of the park. It was a very long day!
The day before we left was the cultural experience where the band got to go and take a tour on Hollywood Boulevard. I went there with my parents when I was younger, but didn't seem to remember the excitement of the Boulevard. After much walking while being dressed up, we went to go and see the musical "Wicked." All I can say without giving away the musical is that it is amazing! In fact I liked it so much that I told mom when we go back to L.A. this summer; we are going to see it again.
That was a brief highlight of the trip...I'm sure there are more posts and pictures to come!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Safeway Rally!
This past week, Tom Thumb (a.k.a Safeway) has had a savings rally in which when certain products in a list are purchased, then you will get a catalina that is a credit on your next purchase. The best deal is that when 25 or more items are purchased, then you get a $20 catalina toward your next order.
Well mom accordingly said that it was my time to complete this deal...so I went to work.
The beginning transactions started with me paying between one and three dollars. I decided that this was to much to spend, so I had to sit down and work out a different deal. After about five minutes of fiddling with some numbers and coupon amounts, I finally found a transaction that would be worth me going to a Tom Thumb...FREE!
I then began going around to the local grocery chain and slowly began to deplete their stock of supplies. I started on Friday and by the time Sunday rolled around, my favorite store had no stock of Frosted/Apple Cinnamon Cheerios. It was exciting seeing the shelf completely empty, not to mention knowing it was because of me!
Here's a pic of part of the loot...
Well mom accordingly said that it was my time to complete this deal...so I went to work.
The beginning transactions started with me paying between one and three dollars. I decided that this was to much to spend, so I had to sit down and work out a different deal. After about five minutes of fiddling with some numbers and coupon amounts, I finally found a transaction that would be worth me going to a Tom Thumb...FREE!
I then began going around to the local grocery chain and slowly began to deplete their stock of supplies. I started on Friday and by the time Sunday rolled around, my favorite store had no stock of Frosted/Apple Cinnamon Cheerios. It was exciting seeing the shelf completely empty, not to mention knowing it was because of me!
Here's a pic of part of the loot...
Thursday, February 14, 2008
House M.D.
I just want to reflect on the past few days and how the whole writer's strike fiasco has finally come to an end. When I heard this on the morning radio show within the past week (I don't remember the exact day) I was ecstatic because some the shows that would have been over can now come back in a few weeks.
One of these shows, my personal favorite, "House" is comining back with new episodes (hopefully!) will be coming back soon. It seemed like forever that there were nothing but re-runs on t.v. and then the week before, during, and after Super Bowl there were new episodes on t.v.
I was so happy, but then my dad told me that this was the end of the new episodes due to the writers strike.
So thankyou Mr. Writer for finally accepting a pay increase and please get some new shows filmed for the public as soon as possible. Thanks!
House: “Are you a fan of symmetry?”
Young Doctor: “Sure.”
House: “Weird, because your eyes are lopsided. And by eyes I mean breasts.”
Gotta love House...
One of these shows, my personal favorite, "House" is comining back with new episodes (hopefully!) will be coming back soon. It seemed like forever that there were nothing but re-runs on t.v. and then the week before, during, and after Super Bowl there were new episodes on t.v.
I was so happy, but then my dad told me that this was the end of the new episodes due to the writers strike.
So thankyou Mr. Writer for finally accepting a pay increase and please get some new shows filmed for the public as soon as possible. Thanks!
House: “Are you a fan of symmetry?”
Young Doctor: “Sure.”
House: “Weird, because your eyes are lopsided. And by eyes I mean breasts.”
Gotta love House...
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Drinking at school...Seriously?
As the title states, this post is going to be a major "put down" to those people that drink irresponsibly.
So today the bell rang for the school body to move to second period. I was taking my normal routine through the school and down the fine arts hallway towards the band hall and a girl (whose name shall remain anonymous) ran down the hall past me. I was like, o.k. maybe she really needed to get to the band hall for something until one of the assistant principals ran past me requesting "back up" in his radio.
According to another student, as she went past the corner running for the door to the outside, the principal shoved her towards the band hall in which she ran in, probably with hopes of running out the side door. The principal was to fast though; he pretty much pushed her into the band office and slammed the door. After the "back up" had arrived they continued to talk to her in the office while my band was trying to practice.
During a break when the band director was working with another section of the band, I was talking to friend beside me and he told me what had happened in the previous period. Sitting behind the girl, he said that she came to school drunk and then proceeded to pack herself a little mixer to get throughout the day. She told my friend that it was a nice little mix of Root Beer and Tequila.
Why would she be so stupid? I mean if you are going to be drunk, don't come to school number one and secondly, please keep your alcohol. Are you completely just asking for your ass to be hung out to dry? Come on now, we are high schoolers and if you do something you think you might possibly regret, don't do it in such a public place. People like you are why we (as high schoolers) have such a bad reputation to adult world. So thanks for your actions.
Off my tangent, we had the Champions recital tonight and my ensemble performed o.k. I suppose. We didn't do as well as on Saturday, but it was a pretty solid performance for us not having a single rehearsal since last Monday.
So today the bell rang for the school body to move to second period. I was taking my normal routine through the school and down the fine arts hallway towards the band hall and a girl (whose name shall remain anonymous) ran down the hall past me. I was like, o.k. maybe she really needed to get to the band hall for something until one of the assistant principals ran past me requesting "back up" in his radio.
According to another student, as she went past the corner running for the door to the outside, the principal shoved her towards the band hall in which she ran in, probably with hopes of running out the side door. The principal was to fast though; he pretty much pushed her into the band office and slammed the door. After the "back up" had arrived they continued to talk to her in the office while my band was trying to practice.
During a break when the band director was working with another section of the band, I was talking to friend beside me and he told me what had happened in the previous period. Sitting behind the girl, he said that she came to school drunk and then proceeded to pack herself a little mixer to get throughout the day. She told my friend that it was a nice little mix of Root Beer and Tequila.
Why would she be so stupid? I mean if you are going to be drunk, don't come to school number one and secondly, please keep your alcohol. Are you completely just asking for your ass to be hung out to dry? Come on now, we are high schoolers and if you do something you think you might possibly regret, don't do it in such a public place. People like you are why we (as high schoolers) have such a bad reputation to adult world. So thanks for your actions.
Off my tangent, we had the Champions recital tonight and my ensemble performed o.k. I suppose. We didn't do as well as on Saturday, but it was a pretty solid performance for us not having a single rehearsal since last Monday.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
A Weekly Post??
Well it seems that I only like to post on Sunday's, I guess that is because it seems like it is the only time I have to post.
Anyways school has been a little hectic like normal, but it did happen pretty fast. We were supposed to have a Biology test on Thursday, but since there was a Calculus test on the same day; Mrs. Shupe postponed the test until Monday. Like normal, the whole lunch period was devoted to nonstop studying time. Someone happened to mention this so Shupe stopped the movie we were starting (ironically titled "The Bird's and the Bees...talking about plants) and sent everyone down into the lunch room so we could all buy some lunch.
On Saturday we had the district level Solo and Ensemble contest. My ensemble, consisting of Paul, Sarah, Staci, and me performed Frippery No. 8 by Lowell Shaw. It was interesting because the last time we had practiced all together was Monday. We were planning to meet on Thursday and work with the band directors for some last touch up things, but I had conflicts and it turned out that Sarah thought she was getting sick. So we decided Friday after school...not so much. Sarah had a fever and stayed home and Paul came to school looking like complete crap. It turned out that he had the flu. So Staci and I decided that if our ensemble could rally together we would meet on Saturday at 12:30 and practice a little before our official performance time (1:24). At about 1:00 we decided we were good and warmed up, thus we went to go and check in. It turned out that there was a current time slot open because an ensemble had DNA'd (Do Not Appear) and the monitor offered us the spot. We all sort of looked at each other and then decided that we weren't going to get any better so why not. We nailed the ensemble and the judge said "Excellent Job."
Being ready to leave, none of us stayed to see the rating. Luckily, Morgan texted me and told me that we got a one (Superior Rating). Yay!
About fifteen minutes ago my friend Sarah called and told me that we had been picked to play in the champion’s recital (i.e. the best of the best). Nice. That's great, half our ensemble can be sick, we cannot practice for days, pull off a one at district level and then get picked for champions recital.
Well I suppose I'm going to study some Biology for my test tomorrow. I must say that plants are very exciting...not.
Anyways school has been a little hectic like normal, but it did happen pretty fast. We were supposed to have a Biology test on Thursday, but since there was a Calculus test on the same day; Mrs. Shupe postponed the test until Monday. Like normal, the whole lunch period was devoted to nonstop studying time. Someone happened to mention this so Shupe stopped the movie we were starting (ironically titled "The Bird's and the Bees...talking about plants) and sent everyone down into the lunch room so we could all buy some lunch.
On Saturday we had the district level Solo and Ensemble contest. My ensemble, consisting of Paul, Sarah, Staci, and me performed Frippery No. 8 by Lowell Shaw. It was interesting because the last time we had practiced all together was Monday. We were planning to meet on Thursday and work with the band directors for some last touch up things, but I had conflicts and it turned out that Sarah thought she was getting sick. So we decided Friday after school...not so much. Sarah had a fever and stayed home and Paul came to school looking like complete crap. It turned out that he had the flu. So Staci and I decided that if our ensemble could rally together we would meet on Saturday at 12:30 and practice a little before our official performance time (1:24). At about 1:00 we decided we were good and warmed up, thus we went to go and check in. It turned out that there was a current time slot open because an ensemble had DNA'd (Do Not Appear) and the monitor offered us the spot. We all sort of looked at each other and then decided that we weren't going to get any better so why not. We nailed the ensemble and the judge said "Excellent Job."
Being ready to leave, none of us stayed to see the rating. Luckily, Morgan texted me and told me that we got a one (Superior Rating). Yay!
About fifteen minutes ago my friend Sarah called and told me that we had been picked to play in the champion’s recital (i.e. the best of the best). Nice. That's great, half our ensemble can be sick, we cannot practice for days, pull off a one at district level and then get picked for champions recital.
Well I suppose I'm going to study some Biology for my test tomorrow. I must say that plants are very exciting...not.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Go Giants!
This weekend has been most definitley busy in our household. After school on friday mom and I took Mer to her normal gymnastics and we were discussing the new deals coming up including one that was currently rolling involving Sara Lee at Tom Thumb. This deal allowed us to get a couple packages of hot dogs, a pound cake, and then we had a choice between HillShire Farms Deli Wraps or lunch meat to choose from. Best of all, the first time we purchased the product it was about five dollars and every time after that...free!
So this weekend we have purchased at least five hundred hot dogs amongst the other products that we are planning to freeze for future use and have spent a total of maybe ten dollars.
As the new ads rolled out for this wek we rolled over some of our extra care bucks so that we could get more back. Mom and I decided to keep three cards each to do deals on, so today we got at least thirty dollars back in ECB for one card. By the time six cards are done, this takes quite some time.
On another note, a monumnetal event happened in our family today. After I don't even know how many years, we ate at Wafflehouse. Some time ago, an event happened with mom ( I don't know all the details) and she couldn't even handle the thought of Wafflehouse. Well today we walked in and ate, which turned out to be a pretty good experience. I don't know how much we will eat there, but I think it now may be again a possibility.
Currently the Super Bowl is on and its in the fourth quarter with the NY Giants (3) and the New England Patriots (7). Nevermind NY just scored! I really hope the Giants win because I'm sick and tired of the Pats winning everything.
Lastly, I signed up for my New Student Conference, which is set for June 15-17. That was exciting. Thanks dad for signing me up and mom for calling and checking!
So this weekend we have purchased at least five hundred hot dogs amongst the other products that we are planning to freeze for future use and have spent a total of maybe ten dollars.
As the new ads rolled out for this wek we rolled over some of our extra care bucks so that we could get more back. Mom and I decided to keep three cards each to do deals on, so today we got at least thirty dollars back in ECB for one card. By the time six cards are done, this takes quite some time.
On another note, a monumnetal event happened in our family today. After I don't even know how many years, we ate at Wafflehouse. Some time ago, an event happened with mom ( I don't know all the details) and she couldn't even handle the thought of Wafflehouse. Well today we walked in and ate, which turned out to be a pretty good experience. I don't know how much we will eat there, but I think it now may be again a possibility.
Currently the Super Bowl is on and its in the fourth quarter with the NY Giants (3) and the New England Patriots (7). Nevermind NY just scored! I really hope the Giants win because I'm sick and tired of the Pats winning everything.
Lastly, I signed up for my New Student Conference, which is set for June 15-17. That was exciting. Thanks dad for signing me up and mom for calling and checking!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Audition Results Among Other Things
Well on Mondays I walked into the band hall and talked to my friend Amala, in which she said the results were posted from the re-auditions and the order of numbers is "3,4,2,1." My number for the tape was three, thus I moved down and am now third chair. I don't really care all that much, but did challenge my friend Steven for second chair. Tomorrow we will have to go and take another sight reading test to see who is better.
Today after school my friends and I practiced our ensemble piece that we are going to perform for the upcoming Solo and Ensemble competition. We worked on the music today for about thirty minutes and were able to get all the way through the piece and concluded the rehearsal. We decided to leave on a good note and not possible have rehearsal go down hill.
After getting home my parents told me that they called A&M that morning because we hadn't received anything about New Student Conferences. Well apparently the student conferences open for people to sign up on Friday. Also, my dad talked to me about math placement tests. I have to take a math test to see if I can be admitted into the math class I want for Biochemistry...Calculus. I scored pretty high on my ACT exam in the math portion, but that was with the calculator. My dad said that the catch of the exam was that there was no calculator allowed on the placement test. That puts a major cramp in my style, but it is all good I suppose. Looks like I'll have to brush up on some concepts minus the calculator so I can be college bound.
Today after school my friends and I practiced our ensemble piece that we are going to perform for the upcoming Solo and Ensemble competition. We worked on the music today for about thirty minutes and were able to get all the way through the piece and concluded the rehearsal. We decided to leave on a good note and not possible have rehearsal go down hill.
After getting home my parents told me that they called A&M that morning because we hadn't received anything about New Student Conferences. Well apparently the student conferences open for people to sign up on Friday. Also, my dad talked to me about math placement tests. I have to take a math test to see if I can be admitted into the math class I want for Biochemistry...Calculus. I scored pretty high on my ACT exam in the math portion, but that was with the calculator. My dad said that the catch of the exam was that there was no calculator allowed on the placement test. That puts a major cramp in my style, but it is all good I suppose. Looks like I'll have to brush up on some concepts minus the calculator so I can be college bound.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
A Fast Paced School Week
On Wednesday our school returned for normal classes after observing MLKJ day. As stated in the previous post, the French Horn auditions were tied, four of us for first place. On Wednesday morning my band director told us that we had to re-audition, as expected. The catch was the audition material...all twelve major scales memorized, chromatic scale, and sight reading. Luckily, I already had about eight of the scales and chromatic memorized, so I only had to memorize four more.
The next day we walked in and the director picked two scales (both of which were completely easy) that we had to play. Auditioning second, I played all my scales really well and my sight reading was somewhat "iffy." Although the whole section (and somehow it got around the band) thinks that I will be first chair, I doubt it will happen. Sometimes as much as I want to be first chair in the band, I realize that second chair is nice because one doesn't have to do as much. Some people may call this taking the easy way out, but those that already know me, know that I hardly ever take the easy way when it comes to my decisions...so I have full trust in myself to relax on this one.
On another note, yesterday Mer had her second gymnastics competition. I don't remember what her scores were, but I can say that she improved dramatically on the uneven bars. She was very nervous, but it turned out really good for her. I am so proud. Afterward we went to Ihop and ate with my Nana and Papa (grandparents). It reminded me of the winterguard days when we would go to Ihop after a competition. I didn't get as many good pics as last time, due to the layout of the gym, but now here are some pics to end off the entry...
The next day we walked in and the director picked two scales (both of which were completely easy) that we had to play. Auditioning second, I played all my scales really well and my sight reading was somewhat "iffy." Although the whole section (and somehow it got around the band) thinks that I will be first chair, I doubt it will happen. Sometimes as much as I want to be first chair in the band, I realize that second chair is nice because one doesn't have to do as much. Some people may call this taking the easy way out, but those that already know me, know that I hardly ever take the easy way when it comes to my decisions...so I have full trust in myself to relax on this one.
On another note, yesterday Mer had her second gymnastics competition. I don't remember what her scores were, but I can say that she improved dramatically on the uneven bars. She was very nervous, but it turned out really good for her. I am so proud. Afterward we went to Ihop and ate with my Nana and Papa (grandparents). It reminded me of the winterguard days when we would go to Ihop after a competition. I didn't get as many good pics as last time, due to the layout of the gym, but now here are some pics to end off the entry...
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Happy Belated M.L.K.J. Day!
I just want to take a quick second to reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.
He was truly an amazing man, especially his speech given at the Lincoln Memorial. I had the opportunity fortunately to stand where he gave his famous "I have a Dream"speech, and to just look imagining what the area would be like full gives me the chills.
On another note, we had band auditions this past week to reseat the sections and results are in. I haven't seen them personally, but from what I hear there are four people including me tied for first chair. To rectify this situation the director has decided that we will have to play all twelve major scales to see what the results are.
Talking about the current couponing situation, there have been some great deals at C.V.S. that my mom and I have been running around to get. Without getting to technical, our total savings over these past four days have been over $1,000 and we have paid maybe $10.
Swinging into the college bound arena, I received a letter from A&M today regarding their Corp of Cadets. It was addressed to the Eagle Scouts involving an overnight stay to "check them out." I think I am going to pursue this because I am somewhat interested in the Corps but not quite sure if I want to join.
So overall life is quite relaxing right now...knock on wood.
He was truly an amazing man, especially his speech given at the Lincoln Memorial. I had the opportunity fortunately to stand where he gave his famous "I have a Dream"speech, and to just look imagining what the area would be like full gives me the chills.
On another note, we had band auditions this past week to reseat the sections and results are in. I haven't seen them personally, but from what I hear there are four people including me tied for first chair. To rectify this situation the director has decided that we will have to play all twelve major scales to see what the results are.
Talking about the current couponing situation, there have been some great deals at C.V.S. that my mom and I have been running around to get. Without getting to technical, our total savings over these past four days have been over $1,000 and we have paid maybe $10.
Swinging into the college bound arena, I received a letter from A&M today regarding their Corp of Cadets. It was addressed to the Eagle Scouts involving an overnight stay to "check them out." I think I am going to pursue this because I am somewhat interested in the Corps but not quite sure if I want to join.
So overall life is quite relaxing right now...knock on wood.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Busy, Busy, Busy
This week has been amazing because of the fact that I have no Biology homework!
To explain why this is such a big deal, let me put this in context. Usually a normal week consists of about four chapters ( about 120 pages of reading plus study guides), about one or two labs, and then other worksheets. After our teacher showed us the schedule for the week I felt an invisible weight pulled off my shoulder.
With no Biology homework I have had time to focus on earning Extra Care Bucks. Thanks to mom, who informed me on some deals I have received about forty five dollars in extra care bucks this week alone and have only spent ten dollars out of pocket.
These then may be "rolled over" and I can get more without spending anything out of pocket.
On the college side of life, I haven't received my New Student Conference letter yet...hopefully it will come soon!
To explain why this is such a big deal, let me put this in context. Usually a normal week consists of about four chapters ( about 120 pages of reading plus study guides), about one or two labs, and then other worksheets. After our teacher showed us the schedule for the week I felt an invisible weight pulled off my shoulder.
With no Biology homework I have had time to focus on earning Extra Care Bucks. Thanks to mom, who informed me on some deals I have received about forty five dollars in extra care bucks this week alone and have only spent ten dollars out of pocket.
These then may be "rolled over" and I can get more without spending anything out of pocket.
On the college side of life, I haven't received my New Student Conference letter yet...hopefully it will come soon!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
The Quick Weekend Report
This weekend has gone pretty swell. Today we went to CVS and got about forty-five dollars worth of product for twenty. And then on top of that we receieved eighteen dollars in Xtra Care Bucks back. So in essence we only spent about two dollars out of pocket.
Later today I went back to CVS with another card and bought six twelve packs of Diet Pepsi, a package of M&M's, a package of Snickers, a container of cinnamon, and a package of Kotex pads (for mom). The original cost was about thirty two dollars. After coupons, I paid eleven dollars and received fourteen dollars back in Xtra Care Bucks!
Later tonight the Sarah Connor Chronicles premiered and can I say it was awesome. I had seen the previews and wasn't all that interested, but after the Cowboy Game (...sadly they lost and out of the playoffs...) it aired and I was immediatley hooked. Tomorrow the second episode the premier airs and I most definitley expect to watch the show.
I fully expect this show to be a success and be popular through all my college bound years.
Later today I went back to CVS with another card and bought six twelve packs of Diet Pepsi, a package of M&M's, a package of Snickers, a container of cinnamon, and a package of Kotex pads (for mom). The original cost was about thirty two dollars. After coupons, I paid eleven dollars and received fourteen dollars back in Xtra Care Bucks!
Later tonight the Sarah Connor Chronicles premiered and can I say it was awesome. I had seen the previews and wasn't all that interested, but after the Cowboy Game (...sadly they lost and out of the playoffs...) it aired and I was immediatley hooked. Tomorrow the second episode the premier airs and I most definitley expect to watch the show.
I fully expect this show to be a success and be popular through all my college bound years.
Friday, January 11, 2008
New Phones!
This morning mom had said that she had decided to get the Sony. I had been looking at this phone also and at the store, yesterday they only had a black one in stock. This morning mom said she wanted to go to Best Buy because they had the white one.
I left for a long and utterly boring day at school (T.G.I.F.) I returned home and asked mom about the phone. She hated it and said that it wasn't a nice crisp white, but more like a old looking color. We had both thought from pictures (on nice color monitors!) it was going to be an ipod color white.
After taking Meredith to gymnastics and coming home to pick up dad, we all went to the store. Meeting the sales associate that helped us yesterday and about an hour later we had three phones. Mom and I had the Sony while dad got the Red Blackjack II. Also we got the bundle package that included car chargers and bluetooth headsets.
With 1200 texts a month and unlimited internet data...I think I'm set.
This phone is amazing and will definitely keep me cellularly wired while I'm college bound.
I left for a long and utterly boring day at school (T.G.I.F.) I returned home and asked mom about the phone. She hated it and said that it wasn't a nice crisp white, but more like a old looking color. We had both thought from pictures (on nice color monitors!) it was going to be an ipod color white.
After taking Meredith to gymnastics and coming home to pick up dad, we all went to the store. Meeting the sales associate that helped us yesterday and about an hour later we had three phones. Mom and I had the Sony while dad got the Red Blackjack II. Also we got the bundle package that included car chargers and bluetooth headsets.
With 1200 texts a month and unlimited internet data...I think I'm set.
This phone is amazing and will definitely keep me cellularly wired while I'm college bound.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Phone Shopping...
To help set the scenario, let us start off with the current phone situation. My mom and I have the same phones which are Motorola flip phones that have silver on them. Throughout the previous two years they were dropped a few times, receiving minor scratches across the front. Then one day I dropped my phone by accident and from then on the battery didn't hold a charge. I mean, I would charge the thing for a day solid and then take it off and it only last about two days.
At this point my mom took my battery and gave me hers. It lasted a few months until it currently started acting up. Now when someone calls her, she answers and then the phone automatically hangs up. Therefore she answers hangs up and calls the person back every time.
Luckily, our contract with our phone service is expired and we are eligible to get new phones. We walked into the store and mom immediately thought that all the phones were masculine with only a pink razor, which she doesn't like. I had looked ahead online and found a phone that I liked, a Sony Ericson W580i. I found that it came in pink and showed mom. She loved it and of course when we ask at the store, it only comes in two colors...not pink.
She then saw the iphone and really liked it. I told her that by the time it was all over, it would cost her $2,000. She didn't care, she really wanted it. Just then mom said "I like B.M.W.'s, but I'm on the Volkswagen budget."
We walk out of the store and go home, looking online and find out that the only place that the pink W580i is offered in Taiwan. So she would have to pay about $300 and then shipping fees.
So now she is looking for another phone that is offered by our carrier. After all, if she likes B.M.W.'s and is on a Volkswagen budget, she can't pay $400 for a phone with a college bound Aggie.
At this point my mom took my battery and gave me hers. It lasted a few months until it currently started acting up. Now when someone calls her, she answers and then the phone automatically hangs up. Therefore she answers hangs up and calls the person back every time.
Luckily, our contract with our phone service is expired and we are eligible to get new phones. We walked into the store and mom immediately thought that all the phones were masculine with only a pink razor, which she doesn't like. I had looked ahead online and found a phone that I liked, a Sony Ericson W580i. I found that it came in pink and showed mom. She loved it and of course when we ask at the store, it only comes in two colors...not pink.
She then saw the iphone and really liked it. I told her that by the time it was all over, it would cost her $2,000. She didn't care, she really wanted it. Just then mom said "I like B.M.W.'s, but I'm on the Volkswagen budget."
We walk out of the store and go home, looking online and find out that the only place that the pink W580i is offered in Taiwan. So she would have to pay about $300 and then shipping fees.
So now she is looking for another phone that is offered by our carrier. After all, if she likes B.M.W.'s and is on a Volkswagen budget, she can't pay $400 for a phone with a college bound Aggie.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Three of My Best Friends
As stated previously, I would describe three of my friend's future college plans.
To start off with, there names are Sarah, Staci, and Paul. We met in sixth grade because all of us had signed up to take the entry level French Horn class. Placing in chair tests and quickly becoming the top chairs (Sarah 1st, Staci 2nd, Paul 3rd, and me 4th) we started to bond a friendship almost immediatley that would last a lifetime.
At the end of our sixth grade year everyone tried out for a seat in the "big bands" for the next year. After results came out, the posting said that all of us had attained a spot in the Hudson Middle School Honors Band. We were exstatic and beyond belief that in a short year we had enhanced our music capabilites to be in the Honors Band.
Our standings remained the same for both seventh and eighth grade until we hit high school band. The tryouts at our high school left Sarah, Staci, and I in the Symphonic Band and Paul first chair Concert Band. After the reseating (basically test grades added to the previous audition score) it turned out that Sarah moved up into the Honors Band and Paul moved into the Symphonic Band. The next year Staci moved up and then the next year Paul. I never made it to Honors Band, partially because I didn't want to be in the band because of the director and secondly, I had started to lose my interest in music; thus not working to my full capability.
After seven years of being in the same section and suffering ordinary teenage trials, we have become seniors leading up to our sad goodbyes in a few months.
Sarah is a person with very high morals and self esteem. She is a lot of fun to hang around and is a very trustworthy friend. Luckily, she got admitted to A&M and currently plans to major in education. Her future plans are to teach at about the third or fourth grade level. In fact, it was her that told me about some things at A&M which led to the school becoming an option in my college choices.
Staci is also another great friend of mine. We have been through a lot (health class...lol) and is basically Sarah's other half. They do everything together and if it weren't for different names, would be sisters. I know I can always count on these two to help me when I need help (and sometimes they just think I need help in general). She has been admitted to Brigham Young University and is planning to major in nursing. I told her that since I am become a doctor she will always have a job in my office.
Lastly, there is Paul, or Mr. Paul as I sometimes call him. We have been through a lot and have a lot of common interests that have allowed us to become really close friends. Being trustworthy, I know that I can tell him anything that I couldn't tell anyone else, and on the other side he helps me out with decisions since I have a tendency to overthink situations sometimes. He is going to attend A&M and plans to major in Meterology. He wants to be the weather man on t.v.
Thus far, as we talk about sometimes, our kids will be covered because Sarah will teach them. I will diagnose and treat their sicknesses with Staci helping out with the treatments and then we will all get our daily weather from Paul. We are set.
As sad as it will be to see Staci go (we will be keeping in touch!), I'm just thankful that my other two closest friends will be going to Texas A&M with me. As sarah says "we are going to take a jitterbug (some type of dance) class and then go eat at Free Birds afterwards."
Gosh, with friends like these, what else could I possibly need??
Oh ya...tuition paid so I can be college bound!
Love ya mom and dad! ;)
To start off with, there names are Sarah, Staci, and Paul. We met in sixth grade because all of us had signed up to take the entry level French Horn class. Placing in chair tests and quickly becoming the top chairs (Sarah 1st, Staci 2nd, Paul 3rd, and me 4th) we started to bond a friendship almost immediatley that would last a lifetime.
At the end of our sixth grade year everyone tried out for a seat in the "big bands" for the next year. After results came out, the posting said that all of us had attained a spot in the Hudson Middle School Honors Band. We were exstatic and beyond belief that in a short year we had enhanced our music capabilites to be in the Honors Band.
Our standings remained the same for both seventh and eighth grade until we hit high school band. The tryouts at our high school left Sarah, Staci, and I in the Symphonic Band and Paul first chair Concert Band. After the reseating (basically test grades added to the previous audition score) it turned out that Sarah moved up into the Honors Band and Paul moved into the Symphonic Band. The next year Staci moved up and then the next year Paul. I never made it to Honors Band, partially because I didn't want to be in the band because of the director and secondly, I had started to lose my interest in music; thus not working to my full capability.
After seven years of being in the same section and suffering ordinary teenage trials, we have become seniors leading up to our sad goodbyes in a few months.
Sarah is a person with very high morals and self esteem. She is a lot of fun to hang around and is a very trustworthy friend. Luckily, she got admitted to A&M and currently plans to major in education. Her future plans are to teach at about the third or fourth grade level. In fact, it was her that told me about some things at A&M which led to the school becoming an option in my college choices.
Staci is also another great friend of mine. We have been through a lot (health class...lol) and is basically Sarah's other half. They do everything together and if it weren't for different names, would be sisters. I know I can always count on these two to help me when I need help (and sometimes they just think I need help in general). She has been admitted to Brigham Young University and is planning to major in nursing. I told her that since I am become a doctor she will always have a job in my office.
Lastly, there is Paul, or Mr. Paul as I sometimes call him. We have been through a lot and have a lot of common interests that have allowed us to become really close friends. Being trustworthy, I know that I can tell him anything that I couldn't tell anyone else, and on the other side he helps me out with decisions since I have a tendency to overthink situations sometimes. He is going to attend A&M and plans to major in Meterology. He wants to be the weather man on t.v.
Thus far, as we talk about sometimes, our kids will be covered because Sarah will teach them. I will diagnose and treat their sicknesses with Staci helping out with the treatments and then we will all get our daily weather from Paul. We are set.
As sad as it will be to see Staci go (we will be keeping in touch!), I'm just thankful that my other two closest friends will be going to Texas A&M with me. As sarah says "we are going to take a jitterbug (some type of dance) class and then go eat at Free Birds afterwards."
Gosh, with friends like these, what else could I possibly need??
Oh ya...tuition paid so I can be college bound!
Love ya mom and dad! ;)
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Hip! Hip! Hooray!
In previous post I briefly mentioned stats class and said that it needed its own post, well here we go...
It all started on the first day of school, third period. Everyone walked in and sat down together amongst the approximately thirty desks, the ironic part was there was only ten of us. In the class was me, Liz, Ryan, Beca, Kenzie, Ashley, Jordan, Josh (another one), Courtney, and Stephanie. The bell rang and we all laughed, primarily because we are used to the classes having at least twenty five people or more in them. It was a great way to have a class.
Mrs. Norwood walked in and started to talk about Statistics A.P. and all the exciting (as she jumps up and down) things that we are going to be learning. After she gave her talk and let us have some free time, we all figured out that the reason that our class was created was because everyone had fourth period blocked out. We were all involved in three term fourth period classes whether it be athletics, A.P. Biology, or A.P. Physics.
As a class we quickly bonded and knew everyone names and each others activities outside of stats. I think even Mrs. Norwood really liked our class, which doesn't really happen when everyone knows each other so well.
As stats progressed and Mrs. Norwood would have us write notes the whole period, make us work out these ridiculous problems and then at the end tell us how to literally hit two buttons on the calculator and get the answer, our attention span for statistics started to decline. On some days she would stand and lecture the whole period with us just talking about whether or not the football team was going to win the game coming up. Not to mention, all Mrs. Norwood did was whisper only the lecture and then would be like "TO DO THIS IN YOUR CALCULATOR..." in which we all paid attention.
The first term of statistics was completely easy and under no circumstances did we really have to work very hard in her class. Although some days for the sake of Mrs. Norwood we would listen to her, primarily because there was a test the next day and we had no clue what we were doing. Like I said above, it was really easy when we did rapid reviews right before the test.
After time had passed the class would get even worse telling Mrs. Norwood that we didn't appreciate the long way of working out problems when we knew the easy way was to come. So it started out the saying Hip, Hip Hooray! After a long hour of what seemed like learning nothing, Mrs. Norwood would tell us the trick on how to compute the certain concept in the calculator. After we worked it together and the class got the answer Ryan would yell out Hip! Hip! in which the class finished with Hooray!
Mrs. Norwood even got into it sometimes...which is kind of scary when a teacher likes it.
We figured out one day why she joined in with the shouting and would jump in down with excitement over some stats theory. She told us that she had taught kindergarten for some time and then transferred to high school. Wow! Wanna talk about a jump, so that's when everyone agreed that the reason she was partially nutty was because she taught kindergarten and she overdoses on the Jolly Ranchers in her desk.
By this time the first term was coming to an end, where we all figured out that we all had fifth period together, but with other people. Yuck! We begged Mrs. Norwood if she could arrange the seating chart around our current seating chart, after all we were the experienced group new to our class. After much debate we walked in the morning of winter term and we had a seating chart, except everyone was pretty much in the same seats, just moved across the room.
During lecture we didn't pay a lick of attention and then Ryan randomly broke out with Hip! Hip! and the old third period said louder than ever HOORAY! The other classmates were somewhat perplexed, but didn't seem to mind.
At this point the new classmates had joined the environment that the old third period had, pretty much not to listen. So of course the first test came around and the day before, when there wasn't a scheduled review day, we told Mrs. Norwood we had no clue what to do on anything. She replied that the test was still on. Well crap we thought. The test came and everyone pretty much didn't do so hot on it except the nerdy juniors who think they're cool because they are in a class with seniors. May I remind them, that there was a reason we choose not to take Calculus.
After that test Mrs. Norwood had the class in check and we listen and actually do our homework now instead of looking in the back of the book for the answers. Although at times we do get rowdy and tell her that the Standard Error of the Mean is ridiculous, we still enjoy the class (sometimes).
Wow, that was a long post, but I just had to make one special entry for statistics class, because if the rest of the day is unexciting, I can always count on a laugh in there.
So all that is left to say is HIP! HIP! HOORAY!
It all started on the first day of school, third period. Everyone walked in and sat down together amongst the approximately thirty desks, the ironic part was there was only ten of us. In the class was me, Liz, Ryan, Beca, Kenzie, Ashley, Jordan, Josh (another one), Courtney, and Stephanie. The bell rang and we all laughed, primarily because we are used to the classes having at least twenty five people or more in them. It was a great way to have a class.
Mrs. Norwood walked in and started to talk about Statistics A.P. and all the exciting (as she jumps up and down) things that we are going to be learning. After she gave her talk and let us have some free time, we all figured out that the reason that our class was created was because everyone had fourth period blocked out. We were all involved in three term fourth period classes whether it be athletics, A.P. Biology, or A.P. Physics.
As a class we quickly bonded and knew everyone names and each others activities outside of stats. I think even Mrs. Norwood really liked our class, which doesn't really happen when everyone knows each other so well.
As stats progressed and Mrs. Norwood would have us write notes the whole period, make us work out these ridiculous problems and then at the end tell us how to literally hit two buttons on the calculator and get the answer, our attention span for statistics started to decline. On some days she would stand and lecture the whole period with us just talking about whether or not the football team was going to win the game coming up. Not to mention, all Mrs. Norwood did was whisper only the lecture and then would be like "TO DO THIS IN YOUR CALCULATOR..." in which we all paid attention.
The first term of statistics was completely easy and under no circumstances did we really have to work very hard in her class. Although some days for the sake of Mrs. Norwood we would listen to her, primarily because there was a test the next day and we had no clue what we were doing. Like I said above, it was really easy when we did rapid reviews right before the test.
After time had passed the class would get even worse telling Mrs. Norwood that we didn't appreciate the long way of working out problems when we knew the easy way was to come. So it started out the saying Hip, Hip Hooray! After a long hour of what seemed like learning nothing, Mrs. Norwood would tell us the trick on how to compute the certain concept in the calculator. After we worked it together and the class got the answer Ryan would yell out Hip! Hip! in which the class finished with Hooray!
Mrs. Norwood even got into it sometimes...which is kind of scary when a teacher likes it.
We figured out one day why she joined in with the shouting and would jump in down with excitement over some stats theory. She told us that she had taught kindergarten for some time and then transferred to high school. Wow! Wanna talk about a jump, so that's when everyone agreed that the reason she was partially nutty was because she taught kindergarten and she overdoses on the Jolly Ranchers in her desk.
By this time the first term was coming to an end, where we all figured out that we all had fifth period together, but with other people. Yuck! We begged Mrs. Norwood if she could arrange the seating chart around our current seating chart, after all we were the experienced group new to our class. After much debate we walked in the morning of winter term and we had a seating chart, except everyone was pretty much in the same seats, just moved across the room.
During lecture we didn't pay a lick of attention and then Ryan randomly broke out with Hip! Hip! and the old third period said louder than ever HOORAY! The other classmates were somewhat perplexed, but didn't seem to mind.
At this point the new classmates had joined the environment that the old third period had, pretty much not to listen. So of course the first test came around and the day before, when there wasn't a scheduled review day, we told Mrs. Norwood we had no clue what to do on anything. She replied that the test was still on. Well crap we thought. The test came and everyone pretty much didn't do so hot on it except the nerdy juniors who think they're cool because they are in a class with seniors. May I remind them, that there was a reason we choose not to take Calculus.
After that test Mrs. Norwood had the class in check and we listen and actually do our homework now instead of looking in the back of the book for the answers. Although at times we do get rowdy and tell her that the Standard Error of the Mean is ridiculous, we still enjoy the class (sometimes).
Wow, that was a long post, but I just had to make one special entry for statistics class, because if the rest of the day is unexciting, I can always count on a laugh in there.
So all that is left to say is HIP! HIP! HOORAY!
Monday, January 7, 2008
Good Morning 6 A.M.
Today was the first day back at school from Christmas Break and it was not a satisfactory one. Six o' clock roles around and my dad wakes me up with the usual, turning on the radio. Yes, for those that don't know, I am a high school senior and my parents still wake me up. I'm very appreciative, because otherwise I don't know if I would ever make it to school on time.
I got up and did the usual:
1. Take a shower
2. Get dressed
3. Eat breakfast...the most important meal of the day!
4. Pack my bag and think about the day ahead
5. Take a breath
6. Say bye to my parents and it's off to school
This morning I sadly had to return to my routine and go to school. arriving at seven to sit in the band hall and talk with some friends.
First period commences and it's off to English Literature with Mr. Simpson, who gives us a timed writing in which I haven't done since May of last year. That was a joke, luckily he is letting us turn it in on Wednesday typed. Also, with it there was a nice short story to read, with a quiz tomorrow.
Second period arrives and I head off to band. I play the French Horn and am in the Symphonic Band under the direction of Mr. Ruangtip. We did our normal agenda, working on our U.I.L. music program.
The bell rings and I walk with some people to animation class. I spend almost the entire period drawing a skeleton, well actually I should get real with myself. I traced it off a template given by Mr. Bushland. Eventually we are going to make it move around and dance to either "Thriller" or "Can't Touch This."
The day is going swell I suppose, only a timed writing to complete thus far.
Fourth period bell rings and I head off to Biology A.P. with Mrs. Shupe, who by the way gave us six chapters to read with worksheets over break. The class settled in and then we look at the agenda for the week. Tomorrow two labs are due plus yet another chapter of biology. I was like well this is a great way to end winter/begin spring term.
Finally we reach fifth period where all the biology people head off to statistics and calculus. Fortunately I opted out for calculus this year and chose statistics because I had heard it was a lot easier and her passing rate is pretty high on the A.P. exam. The class walked in and began to say hello; people compared the high in demand iphones to the voyagers and Mrs. Norwood tried to get class started as normal. We get told that we have about ten problems for homework (which are normally a,b,c,d), there is a quiz tomorrow, and on top of that the class took a poll and nobody knows what they are doing in the class. I've decided that Stats Class needs its own post to completely gain the true life of the class, but that's at another time.
After what seemed like ages, the bell rang and I headed home, had a snack, and began my mound of homework. I believe I started at three and didn't finish until seven. Of course allowing time for breaks and such, I still think that four hours worth of homework on the first day back is ridiculous.
Anywho, I'm just thankful that I finished and can have some free time.
I got up and did the usual:
1. Take a shower
2. Get dressed
3. Eat breakfast...the most important meal of the day!
4. Pack my bag and think about the day ahead
5. Take a breath
6. Say bye to my parents and it's off to school
This morning I sadly had to return to my routine and go to school. arriving at seven to sit in the band hall and talk with some friends.
First period commences and it's off to English Literature with Mr. Simpson, who gives us a timed writing in which I haven't done since May of last year. That was a joke, luckily he is letting us turn it in on Wednesday typed. Also, with it there was a nice short story to read, with a quiz tomorrow.
Second period arrives and I head off to band. I play the French Horn and am in the Symphonic Band under the direction of Mr. Ruangtip. We did our normal agenda, working on our U.I.L. music program.
The bell rings and I walk with some people to animation class. I spend almost the entire period drawing a skeleton, well actually I should get real with myself. I traced it off a template given by Mr. Bushland. Eventually we are going to make it move around and dance to either "Thriller" or "Can't Touch This."
The day is going swell I suppose, only a timed writing to complete thus far.
Fourth period bell rings and I head off to Biology A.P. with Mrs. Shupe, who by the way gave us six chapters to read with worksheets over break. The class settled in and then we look at the agenda for the week. Tomorrow two labs are due plus yet another chapter of biology. I was like well this is a great way to end winter/begin spring term.
Finally we reach fifth period where all the biology people head off to statistics and calculus. Fortunately I opted out for calculus this year and chose statistics because I had heard it was a lot easier and her passing rate is pretty high on the A.P. exam. The class walked in and began to say hello; people compared the high in demand iphones to the voyagers and Mrs. Norwood tried to get class started as normal. We get told that we have about ten problems for homework (which are normally a,b,c,d), there is a quiz tomorrow, and on top of that the class took a poll and nobody knows what they are doing in the class. I've decided that Stats Class needs its own post to completely gain the true life of the class, but that's at another time.
After what seemed like ages, the bell rang and I headed home, had a snack, and began my mound of homework. I believe I started at three and didn't finish until seven. Of course allowing time for breaks and such, I still think that four hours worth of homework on the first day back is ridiculous.
Anywho, I'm just thankful that I finished and can have some free time.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Why Biochemistry?
According to the Texas A&M catalogue, Biochemistry is one of the hardest majors to complete in four years, but it does allow one to be prepared for medical school. According to some research it helps prepare a student so that their first year of medical school is supposedly a lot easier because of the wide array of coursework completed.
Originally I was just planning to go into the Biology programs, but many people we had spoken with said that Biology can only get you so far in med school. Thus, I needed to find something that help better prepare me for the coursework in medical school.
So, after buying a catalogue at the A&M bookstore and returning home, I was helping to put my little sister to bed and the catalogue fell off the couch and I didn' think anything about it. After saying good night and coming back into the living room I picked the book up and the Biochemistry coursework was opened up. It was what I was looking for, a mix of Biology and Chemistry that would help me attain my ultimate goal.
After reviewing the course with my parents we decided it was a "go" and I would be sending in an application with the Biochemistry course attached to it. Unlike some kids that are currently applying to the school, I didn't have to worry about being accepted into the School of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Since I sent in my application early (before December 15), I was guareented to be admitted into my choice college and major. All I had to do was wait for admission acceptance or refusal, which in my luck as stated before I was in the top 10% of my high school class.
Now that it is January, I am currently waiting on my New Student Conference (NSC) information to appear in the mail and also sign up for my CLEP exams.
For those that don't know what CLEP is, it stands for College Level Exam Placement. After taking U.S. History AP last year, I recieved a three on my exam which is qualified. However at Texas A&M I needed to have a four in order to attain credit and be exempt from the class. After saying a few words to myself and wondering why I hadn't studied harder, I looked up and found the CLEP examinations and saw that A&M awards credit for them. One of the best parts, not to mention making them easier, is that there is not an essay and the exam is on a computer, giving you the score immediatley.
So I plan to take the U.S. History exams and pass with hopes that I won't have to take the exams at A&M, which means money saved! Not to mention, I cannot take going through another U.S. History course, I love the United States, but is learning about the same topics over and over again really necessary?
Besides the fact, tomorrow school starts and I have only five months left, before I'm college bound.
Originally I was just planning to go into the Biology programs, but many people we had spoken with said that Biology can only get you so far in med school. Thus, I needed to find something that help better prepare me for the coursework in medical school.
So, after buying a catalogue at the A&M bookstore and returning home, I was helping to put my little sister to bed and the catalogue fell off the couch and I didn' think anything about it. After saying good night and coming back into the living room I picked the book up and the Biochemistry coursework was opened up. It was what I was looking for, a mix of Biology and Chemistry that would help me attain my ultimate goal.
After reviewing the course with my parents we decided it was a "go" and I would be sending in an application with the Biochemistry course attached to it. Unlike some kids that are currently applying to the school, I didn't have to worry about being accepted into the School of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Since I sent in my application early (before December 15), I was guareented to be admitted into my choice college and major. All I had to do was wait for admission acceptance or refusal, which in my luck as stated before I was in the top 10% of my high school class.
Now that it is January, I am currently waiting on my New Student Conference (NSC) information to appear in the mail and also sign up for my CLEP exams.
For those that don't know what CLEP is, it stands for College Level Exam Placement. After taking U.S. History AP last year, I recieved a three on my exam which is qualified. However at Texas A&M I needed to have a four in order to attain credit and be exempt from the class. After saying a few words to myself and wondering why I hadn't studied harder, I looked up and found the CLEP examinations and saw that A&M awards credit for them. One of the best parts, not to mention making them easier, is that there is not an essay and the exam is on a computer, giving you the score immediatley.
So I plan to take the U.S. History exams and pass with hopes that I won't have to take the exams at A&M, which means money saved! Not to mention, I cannot take going through another U.S. History course, I love the United States, but is learning about the same topics over and over again really necessary?
Besides the fact, tomorrow school starts and I have only five months left, before I'm college bound.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Belated Christmas 2007
Well, seeing as how I always procrastinate and begin everything later than I should, here is a late Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.
On Christmas Eve, as is tradition in our house, we opened gifts in which the "big" gift that I asked for was Guitar Hero for the Wii. And of course, my parents somehow found the thing. There was some slight thought in the back of my mind that I might not get it since everywhere I went it was sold out, as everything is for the Wii. They did find it however, as does the most amazing parents ever. My mom told me that for about two weeks she was at the local electronic stores at opening and they were sold out. She went to Toy's R Us for a big Christmas sale and the by some haphazard chance went to the Target next door thinking they wouldn't possibly have the game. Much to her surprise they had about five in stock and she got one!
So far I have beaten the game on easy difficulty and I am currently working on medium.
Anyways back to the presents, I also got some A&M gear which I was psyched for! Any gear for my future college is great considering that I had no clue my entire life where I wanted to go until the end of summer.
Finally after everyone had finished opening their gifts there was one last big box left wrapped that wasn't in any wrapping paper that I had ever seen before. My parents picked it up and mom said "Josh, I bestow the last gift of Christmas to you son. You know we (my dad and mom) love you."
At this point I was like crap, what is in the box. Is it going to be a joke, make me laugh or cry? I opened the box up in which I could immediately tell that it was my grandmother's wrapping...not kid friendly. After getting the paper off I opened the cardboard box and then much to my surprise a laptop appeared. It was amazing and I couldn't even speak for a while. I mean I had expected to get one, but we are talking in about five months when graduation time roles around. As bad as it sounds, I almost cried. If you ever need a major surprise for a gift, give someone something they are totally not expecting.
Anyways, the laptop is amazing, because dad ordered it custom. As he says he logged the days it took to ship from China...nerd. Just kidding, he's awesome and translated after all the computer jargon comes out...it's top of the line.
This makes me truly appreciate what my parents will do for me. They are the best parents anyone could ever possibly ask for.
On another happy note, Happy 2008! I can't believe graduation is almost here, the time when I will have to say goodbye to some of my friends that I've known since elementary school. Their college bound endeavors will be another time.
On Christmas Eve, as is tradition in our house, we opened gifts in which the "big" gift that I asked for was Guitar Hero for the Wii. And of course, my parents somehow found the thing. There was some slight thought in the back of my mind that I might not get it since everywhere I went it was sold out, as everything is for the Wii. They did find it however, as does the most amazing parents ever. My mom told me that for about two weeks she was at the local electronic stores at opening and they were sold out. She went to Toy's R Us for a big Christmas sale and the by some haphazard chance went to the Target next door thinking they wouldn't possibly have the game. Much to her surprise they had about five in stock and she got one!
So far I have beaten the game on easy difficulty and I am currently working on medium.
Anyways back to the presents, I also got some A&M gear which I was psyched for! Any gear for my future college is great considering that I had no clue my entire life where I wanted to go until the end of summer.
Finally after everyone had finished opening their gifts there was one last big box left wrapped that wasn't in any wrapping paper that I had ever seen before. My parents picked it up and mom said "Josh, I bestow the last gift of Christmas to you son. You know we (my dad and mom) love you."
At this point I was like crap, what is in the box. Is it going to be a joke, make me laugh or cry? I opened the box up in which I could immediately tell that it was my grandmother's wrapping...not kid friendly. After getting the paper off I opened the cardboard box and then much to my surprise a laptop appeared. It was amazing and I couldn't even speak for a while. I mean I had expected to get one, but we are talking in about five months when graduation time roles around. As bad as it sounds, I almost cried. If you ever need a major surprise for a gift, give someone something they are totally not expecting.
Anyways, the laptop is amazing, because dad ordered it custom. As he says he logged the days it took to ship from China...nerd. Just kidding, he's awesome and translated after all the computer jargon comes out...it's top of the line.
This makes me truly appreciate what my parents will do for me. They are the best parents anyone could ever possibly ask for.
On another happy note, Happy 2008! I can't believe graduation is almost here, the time when I will have to say goodbye to some of my friends that I've known since elementary school. Their college bound endeavors will be another time.
Friday, January 4, 2008
The First Post!
Hi,
The name is Josh, and yes I have had a blog before, but that was old news in my life and I decided that as life has changed, I needed to change too!
From the title it is pretty apparent that I am college bound for College Station this coming fall. To start off with the basics and how I came about to choose Texas A&M. The past summer in July, a buddy of mine had gone and taken a tour of the campus and came back talking to me about it, in which I was interested. I went home and talked to the parental units about the school and before I knew it bags were packed and we were on the road, destination Bryan-College Station. After about three and a half long hours riding in the back seat with my sis, we arrived. Unfortunately it was almost 12:30 A.M. and our tour would have to wait until the next morning.
Waking up at the crack of dawn the next morning we made it to the campus, parked, and I almost was drafted into the Corps of Cadets. It was the weekend for a meeting for students who had signed up for the Corps. It turned out that the group of people we decided to follow that looked as if they knew what they were doing led us to the building, in which I told my parents I wasn't interested, or at least I didn't think so.
When we finally reached the tour center and were on the tour I felt as if A&M were my second home, a place that I knew that I was destined to go and would do anything to attend.
At this point school started and admissions for Fall 2008 term was open, my application was sent in. Being a part of the top 10% of my high school class, I knew that I was automatically admitted, but still had nerves about whether I was going to actually be admitted.
Then about four weeks after admission, I received an acceptance letter! I was completely ecstatic because I was going to attend my dream school. I applied to be in their biochemistry program with a possible double major in genetics. And yes, if you have been reading thus far, you would wonder why biochemistry? My future endeavors involve attending medical school and becoming a doctor.
Well there is the first of many posts of an exciting college bound Aggie.
The name is Josh, and yes I have had a blog before, but that was old news in my life and I decided that as life has changed, I needed to change too!
From the title it is pretty apparent that I am college bound for College Station this coming fall. To start off with the basics and how I came about to choose Texas A&M. The past summer in July, a buddy of mine had gone and taken a tour of the campus and came back talking to me about it, in which I was interested. I went home and talked to the parental units about the school and before I knew it bags were packed and we were on the road, destination Bryan-College Station. After about three and a half long hours riding in the back seat with my sis, we arrived. Unfortunately it was almost 12:30 A.M. and our tour would have to wait until the next morning.
Waking up at the crack of dawn the next morning we made it to the campus, parked, and I almost was drafted into the Corps of Cadets. It was the weekend for a meeting for students who had signed up for the Corps. It turned out that the group of people we decided to follow that looked as if they knew what they were doing led us to the building, in which I told my parents I wasn't interested, or at least I didn't think so.
When we finally reached the tour center and were on the tour I felt as if A&M were my second home, a place that I knew that I was destined to go and would do anything to attend.
At this point school started and admissions for Fall 2008 term was open, my application was sent in. Being a part of the top 10% of my high school class, I knew that I was automatically admitted, but still had nerves about whether I was going to actually be admitted.
Then about four weeks after admission, I received an acceptance letter! I was completely ecstatic because I was going to attend my dream school. I applied to be in their biochemistry program with a possible double major in genetics. And yes, if you have been reading thus far, you would wonder why biochemistry? My future endeavors involve attending medical school and becoming a doctor.
Well there is the first of many posts of an exciting college bound Aggie.
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