Childlike

With that first snow that fell outside I noticed people playing (these are sophisticated High School students remember.) It was so much fun to see the inner child in those around me. To see them building miniature snowmen( true story, it happened during Orchestra), throwing snowballs, sliding in the new fallen snow and all around acting like kids.

I think with all the bustle and hustle we forget that being a kid was a good thing. Something that brought a smile to our faces and made us laugh. Being childlike is bringing back that innocence we lose and taking each day at face value and nothing more or less. We must remember this or the joy and love shining in a child like face is lost and there's no way to get it back. There's always someway we can be childlike and I think that is slightly stolen from us with the hustle and bustle of everyday.

During the Christmas season it's suddenly easier to be more childlike. To await those presents under the tree with bated breath and to help those around us. There's not another feeling like it in the world. Christmas brings it all back . . . that's one of the true meanings of Christmas. To be childlike and loving.

East Wind in Utah

Well if you think you had an eventful, crazy, weird day and you don't live in northern Utah, think again!

Today the East Wind came up. by 4 a.m it was ripping and roaring. however, some of the real damage was done between 5 and 9:30. but in most areas of Davis county students still went to school. And that's what I did.

However, most of us didn't go for long. In fact I was only at school until 10: 45ish. So when I walked from the van to the doors it about blew my cello away, which could have been detrimental. Anyway, so I went to first period and the power was on when we were in there. In fact it was on until 8: 40. So were doing debate related things since Caesar Cicero is supposed to be tomorrow. We were doing expository's and working on PF. the power kept flickering on and off. And then Carissa and I went down to the computer lab to type some speeches. However, we got down there and checked a few things and while we did so, the power flickered and off the computers went. And then we logged in again did a few more things and the power went again. So we gave up.

We walked upstairs to talk to Ms. H and the power went out for good. Only the emergency lights were on. So power went out and eventually they told us all to go to the commons. However Ms. A kept us practicing. we have a tournament tomorrow and a little wind (whatever) will not stop us. Anyway, so we got tips and talked and saw big metal coverings come off the roof. The flag nearly ripped off, but they got it. I found later they were 100 mph hurricane force winds. It was so surreal and weird. So seniors and juniors with cars were leaving. But school wasn't canceled. Eventually about 10:30 they were serving lunch to call a school day and I called my mother.

First I tried the home phone, but our power was out so It went to my mother's phone. however her phone was off or out of service so it went straight to mailbox. Which then freaked me out, because Mom and Dad have the same service. If one's out the other could be out. But I called dad anyway and got a hold of him. He came and got me, and took me home. the scariest thing about going home was all the debris and the trees that had fallen over. While we were on Fairfield we saw Lauren walking home. We couldn't believe it. So we offered him a ride home. Poor kid couldn't get a hold of his mother so he walked. We saw roofs torn off down the rafters. Talk pine trees ripped up by the roots. damage was huge. Then we saw siding gone, shingles and when we got home our Swamp cooler was literally hanging on by a cord.

Dad decided not to go back to work and instead fixed the swamp cooler in 60 mph winds. but if he hadn't fixed it our fence could have been ruined, our neighbors house and our house. Luckily our house faces north so we didn't have quite as much damage as the east and west facing houses.

So for the rest of the school day I worked on homework and actually fell asleep. I neglected to say that our power went out around 7:30. We were far more fortunate than those who woke up to no power. Anyway, so about 2: 40 our power came back on. So I continued doing homework. At about 4:30 we got a call from the district. School's canceled tomorrow. Anyway. so I was freaking out about the tournament: was it still on, was it off? but I continued to do homework. at about 5 dad needed to go somewhere and I needed to get out of the house. So we were off to get stuff from the Seminary building, and go to Lowe's and check on grandma and grandpa.

Fairfield was backed up, Highway 89 was backed up, traffic was terrible. We got dad stuff from the seminary building. and then we went to Grandma's house. Grandma and Grandpa still didn't have power. In fact they hadn't had water or power since 5 that morning because the water thingy in the basement had sprung  leak. Amy's new car had been hit by a flying garbage can on Legacy that morning. But they had heat, a fireplace. They could boil water, heat some food, and they had lanterns. so they were mostly okay. then dad a call from Mom. Apparently Richie and Sarah's roof had torn off down the rafters and Richie had accidentally stepped through the ceiling. added to the top of that they didn't have power.

So we rushed up there because the phone had cut out while Sarah was talking to Mom and we didn't know if they had anywhere to stay for the night. When dad and I finally got there it was after dark and no one was home. I was dumb enough to only be wearing a hoodie (in 20 degree weather, -30 with windchill hoodies alone are not sufficient) anyway. So dad took a flashlight and walked around the house. Their bishop showed up right as he was finishing his circuit. So we talked to him a bit. We then got in the car to find out where the cousins could possibly be. Dad called mom, and once again it went to her mailbox. Then we tried Richie. He answered his phone and wonder of wonders, he was standing in our kitchen.

So we knew the cousins were safe. but we still had to go to Lowe's. when we got there the wind tried to rip the door off the van, it was that bad again. We thought the bad winds were over . . . apparently not.

But the good news about today: tournament's still on. . . school's out tomorrow and my family is safe, warm (mostly) and together, mostly. Good luck to all those who are not with power tonight, my prayer's of safety go with you and I hope power is restored soon. Those with damage. good luck to you as well.

And most of all, everyone be safe tonight.

Viewmont Debate

There's something about a debate tournament that makes me excited, makes my adrenaline rush, and call me a nerd, gets me ready to argue. On Saturday I did my first tournament in PF. PF is Public Forum. It is a debate with a partner on a topic that most people can understand. For example, last months was "Resolved: Direct Popular Vote should replace electoral vote in presidential elections." for me this was a very intriguing topic. Any way. Carissa and I are partners for this. However, she has competed before, last year in a different debate. In this debate we are both novices, but because she is JV we had to compete in Open.

Our first round went quite well we thought. Before our opponents came in the room we heard one say "Oh no, I'm a novice" or something along those lines. Carissa and I looked at each other and I'm sure the same thought I had was racing through her head: "We are too, we'll see how this goes." We sat down and began. The debate went well. Carissa and I were thinking along the same lines, in sync it was very cool. Then our opponents brought up slavery: not sure why, it doesn't have anything to do with the resolution. Anyway, going out of that debate we felt we did fairly well, we were even 60% sure that we won.

We waited about 1 1/2 hours for postings to go up again. Finally they did. And we were off again. This time we were in the room first again. Our opponents showed up, 2 guys again. This time it was a more interesting round, and again Carissa and I were thinking in sync. It was a good round. they had questions for us, we had questions for them and our point got across. again, we were 60 % sure we won. Quite honestly it was a good round.

We waited another 1 hour for postings to go up. This time we were on 'B' flight which meant we were the second people to go in.  we were delayed because there were so many judge mix ups. Our fellow PF team from Davis came over and we talked, and talked, not about PF either. we talked about the craziest topics and in 45 minutes we became friends. That's all you need, a common ground and some 'different' people like us to be friends. Finally, I repeat, Finally, A flight ended and we were able to go in. We had a judge who didn't really know what do. So our opponents and us were obliged to take over. So we did. One of our opponents spoke at lightening speed when reading their case and the other one had a voice that bugged both Carissa and me. But we had the most invigorating argument so far that day. And coming out of it we were 51% sure that we won that argument too.

In the middle of our third round we had some people try to walk in. So we knew that postings were up for the 4th round. We were slightly worried that we were on A flight. So we were practically running downstairs to check postings. Of course we were A flight. So we ran upstairs again. we rushed to the room and there were our opponents and the judge, waiting. so much for being early. We sat down and we began.

From the first paragraph of their case I sat in my seat stunned. I could hardly flow their case. it was in depth and hard to understand. then we did our case and then their first speaker practically grilled me in crossfire. then it was their second speakers turn and then Carissa's. In Carissa's crossfire they asked us our 'methodology' on our poll. Oh my goodness I DON'T CARE! was my thought. So that whole round I felt  like my head was under water and I didn't know how to get it above water. that and they analyzed what we had to do and what they had to do to win. that was uncalled for.

By the end we knew we were being power matched because our rounds just kept getting harder and harder. After our last round we talked to everyone on our team. It was so much fun to be around such nerdy, funny people.

So the results. Ms. A told us going into the award ceremonies that Carissa and I had won all of our rounds going into our 4th round. we weren't in the top six. the thing was. we only lost our 4th debate by 1 point, and those people ended up being the first place people. A little disappointing, yes, but for our first time debating in PF; it was pretty good. So what do I have to say about debating and debaters: fun people, fun times, interesting debates, and an all around good time.

Short Story

What if you had to take 10-15 vocabulary words and turn them into a cohesive short story? That's what I had to do, here it is . . .

Lost in Time

The sun setting behind the formidable castle sent a chilling shiver down my spine. Where was I? How had I gotten here? Just five minutes before I’d been sitting in the commons of my High School eating lunch with a group of at least twenty people. Now I was standing in a dirty village in what looked like medieval times. I looked beside me and there was Galen. He had been sitting across the group, so how were we the only ones to be here?

At the same time he looked at me, the same look of confusion that had to be evident on my face, was on his face. We had literally crossed centuries of time, how was this even possible? What power could have done this?

“Dacia?” I was jerked to the present as Galen said my name.

“Yes?”

“Where do you think we are?”

“It looks like a city described in a romance narrative.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought too.” As he was talking, I finally looked down at what I was wearing. What was this? I’d left home this morning wearing a sweatshirt and jeans. Now I was wearing a rich full length dress in the medieval style. I looked at Galen again. He was dressed in a rich tunic and leggings. We looked like nobles of the time. What was going on?

“Lady Dacia? Lord Galen?” I whipped around with Galen doing so a second later. There stood a man with head bowed and clothes that showed he lived in poverty.

 “Yes?” Galen asked

“Do you require assistance?”

“Yes” I answered, “do you know how we came to be here?”

“No, ma’am you seemed to appear out of nowhere.” The man answered, head still bowed.

“Why don’t you raise your head?” I asked. The Man gasped.

“That would be a serious affront milady. I could be put to death for that.”

“Oh, All right then. Can you show us the way to the castle?” I figured that that would be where we needed to go. The man was very compliant and showed us where to go. As Logan and I trudged up the hill we discussed our situation.

“I feel like we’re in the middle of a legend containing a Knight Errant and the Holy Grail. You know, like Lancelot or Perceval” Galen said.

“Yup. That’s exactly it, but it seems like those stories were one giant hyperbole, already it doesn’t seem as great.” I answered.

We walked a little farther, my skirts constantly in the way. Finally I had to let it all out.
                “Ugh!” Galen looked at me strangely.

“What’s the matter?” he asked, ever chivalrous.

“My skirt! Why did they wear these things so long! They get in the way. And this corset makes it hard to breathe!” He looked at me strangely again.  I don’t think I’ve ever seemed so frustrated around him before.

“Would it help if I carried you?” That suggestion was so quixotic it made me smile, but there was no way I was going to seem the damsel in distress.

“Thanks, but no thanks. I think I’ll make it.” He smiled; he knew what was going on. Then there was the castle. It was juxtaposed with a large oak tree that was so large it almost overshadowed the turrets on the castle. As we approached the broad castle doors we glanced nervously at one another. What was behind those large doors?

Galen put an arm around my shoulders and gave me a brief hug. I looked up at him. He smiled wanly at me and didn’t release me. He reached up with one hand and rapped on the door. We stood there for a few seconds waiting for an answer. His arm squeezed harder. Once again I looked into his face, he looked apprehensive and my face must have been showing worry.

One question was constantly crossing my mind. What were we going to do in a medieval setting, we don’t know how to speak, how to act, how to . . . anything! Just as the gates began to open I blinked and the next second I was once again sitting in the commons at the school. I blinked a couple of times and then turned a full circle looking for anyone. There was no one around me. But as I came full circle there was Galen across the way.

He, too, was looking bemused. I walked toward him and he met me halfway. He pulled me into a hug.

“What just happened?” I asked as he released me.

“I don’t know Dacia, that was the strangest experience of my life.” He answered.

I looked around wondering where everybody could have gone.

“How long do you thing we were there?” I asked. Galen glanced at his watch.

“I think we disappeared at about 12:30. Right now it’s 5:30. We were gone for 5 hours.”

I ran to where my backpack should have been. And then I stopped up short. It wasn’t there. Strange. It should have been there. I turned around slowly and looked at Galen.

“Is your bag gone to?” I asked slowly

“Yes”

“Hmmm . . .” I contemplated this, preoccupied in my thoughts.

“Dacia?”  Once again Galen pulled me out of my thoughts. I looked at him questioningly.

“Do you think that there were a Dacia and Galen from that time that looked like us and we just switched places?” He asked.

“It makes sense. That peasant man knew exactly who we were. How else could he have known? So if they took our places, where would they have gone?”

“I don’t know, because they wouldn’t know how to drive or how to get our homes.”

I sighed, “Well we might as well look for our stuff before we figure out how to get home”

So off we went. Juxtaposed we walked down the hall searching for our bags, searching for answers, searching for sanity.

Debate

Thursday.

Thursday was my first Debate tournament. I was sooo nervous, until we actually got there. Anyway, so like any other sport we had to dress up. I refuse, refuse to wear a skirt on a cold day if I do not absolutely have to. So I wore dress pants, those are far more comfortable in cold weather.

I thankfully had Debate first period that day and was able to get the 'everything will go great, you all look great' pep talk from Ms. A. And we got to hear Tanner's Oratory. I believe he's the only one who did that from our school. Most of us were doing Congress. Tre and Aspen did Impromptu.

So as the day progressed I was fine, not even thinking much about the tournament. I was mostly thinking how tired I was. anyway, so the day rolls around to 4th period, when I have to leave early in order to actually go to the tournament. This is when the butterflies begin to flutter in my stomach.

The time rolls around, 1:30, deep breaths, I can do this. I pack up and leave. I walk, confidently I hope, down the stairs and to my locker where I have my dinner and coat. I then walk to where everyone is waiting for the bus. 'I can do this' I think to myself. But, well, quite honestly the butterflies are getting worse the closer I am to the doors, and the bus isn't even here yet!

Carissa, Aspen, Tre, Abi and others are there. We start talking and the nerves slowly die a little bit. And then Ms. A comes and we are able to get out 'name tags'( really they have our number on them) I was RB120. And then as soon as we got our numbers we were able to go out to the bus.

The Bus ride was really quite uneventful, but I was able to get some Chemistry done and talk to the others. and then we were there, we got off and went into the school. Then we had to wait around forever it seemed like. Sessions didn't even start until 3:30! and we were there about 1:50 at least. Ashley and Aspen and I talked. and well,I wasn't able to get any speeches written.

Finally postings were, well, posted. And I was in "House of Vader" (all the houses had Star Wars themes) Ashley and I went in search of B1 and B3. And on the way we found another B1-er who was also from Davis, well technically Kaysville. her name was Ally. and we became friends rather quickly.

Much to my surprise Dallen D. from my Sixth grade class was in my house, he went to a different Junior High and I've only seen him in passing a couple of times in the last 3 years. I half wonder if he even recognizes me. Anyway, so I recognized a few people from other schools and there were quite a few from Davis.

Our Judge for the first round was Okay, but she wasn't the best, and she didn't quite know what she was doing so a lot of things that should have been done didn't get done. remember we're all novices in this house so we don't know what to do either. We were let out a little bit earlier than we should have been from the first session and that caused quite a bit of panic because we had to get everyone back before we were not eligible for awards.

finally we finished our first session. and Ally and I headed up to just hang around and talk. I learned quite a bit about her family and we were able to talk to Tre, Carissa, Ashley and others, and Ms. A. Then were back for the second session.

The second session was quite a bit better, we had judges who knew what we were supposed to do. The only speech I gave was not very good, one point(we're supposed to have 2 at least) but I was so annoyed that nobody was getting the point, they kept misinterpreting it. and it was bugging me. so I gave a speech.

Then we were all the way done. we had to wait around for another hour for them to finish tallying scores, and then we finally had awards.

Of course, Tanner got first place for his oratory. 2 girls from my house got awards, Megan and Ally. They did really well. We finally were able to go home! at about 9:20 we boarded the bus and headed home. Carissa and I sat together and we learned quite a bit about each other. Like I know her sister, She's a junior and in my seminary class, but they look nothing alike. Carissa and I are both in the same French class and we talked about BYU's French Language Fair and other related topics.

We finally got back to the school and mom drove up right as I was walking toward that parking lot. I was finally able to go home! and not go to bed, but do more homework.

All in all I call my first Debate tournament a success, not because I lost, but because I know now what to expect!

Belle

I recently rewatched Disney's Beauty and the Beast.  I have since come to the conclusion that Belle and I are kindred spirits.

In one of the opening songs Belle is wandering through town with her nose in a book. She doesn't get water spilled on her head, and doesn't run into anybody. She enters the bookshop and the bookshop owner is surprised she's back so soon, only a day after she was last there.

That's me, in an out of the library constantly. I'm not so lucky with the not running into things. Well, I wasn't in eighth grade. One afternoon after school there were three of us walking home, side by side, we were all reading. I was on the edge nearest the curb. While preoccupied with my book I didn't notice a pedestrian sign that was right in front of me. so I ran into it.

But by ninth grade I was better. I was walking to school last year and there was a big yellow machine in the middle of the road. I was reading at the same time and didn't notice it. luckily some instict inside of me made me stop and look up from my book. the big yellow thing was about 2 inches from my face. So like I said I was getting better.

Belle and I are very definitely kindred spirits. She and I are very much the same. and I can't resist a good book, much like her. 

Friends

There is a part of my day, school day that is, that I look forward to everyday. It's a little 40-minute period in between the 3rd and 4th classes of the day. At this portion of the day I get to see most of my friends.

We all sit in the 'fishbowl' and no matter how we try all of us (even the people who passed geometry) cannot seem to make a big enough circle. We have somewhere around 30 people (give or take) eating in our 'circle' everyday. with that many people you can't really have a circle and seriously think your going to be able to talk.

But the reason I look forward to this everyday is the conversations. For example, this past week there were four of us standing and talking. But it was weird because Josh and Brad were at diagonals to each other and were talking and Sara and I were talking. Brad and Josh started speaking in Spanish, so Sara and I decided to annoy the two of them and speak in French. We did and miracle of miracles Josh got annoyed and left. But it doesn't stop there. we have Brad's puns to look forward to, the funny stories we share and the awkward moments when someone intrudes on a conversation in a really weird place. We also have the movie quoting session (courtesy of Josh who memorizes movies) and so many other wonderful things. Is it any wonder why I enjoy lunch so much?

But I don't think it's the meal so much as the people. I am blessed with very good friends and you can't blame me for wanting to see them everyday(I quite honestly wouldn't want to see them all the time, because we'd all get on each other's nerves.) But it's a nice reprieve to see them every day and to just laugh.

I love my friends. To have friends like that is special. We don't judge each other, well, I can't vouch for anyone else but I know I don't. We sit down and we laugh, we joke and we humiliate each other (some of the things people do . . .) But in the end we're all still friends, it's a miracle some days. The other miracle is that we're all so very different. Some of us are studious, some of us are big flirts, some of us are just bubbly and always happy. yet we're all friends.

Lunch is my favorite part of the day. it's absolutely wonderful each day to sit down, to talk and to laugh. just to laugh and to be ourselves and not be buried in our studies. It's most definitely my favorite part of the day.

Family Reunion

This past weekend we had a family reunion. It was just my Mom's side of the family but it was a lot of fun. My aunt too lots of pictures. If you ever want to see an authentic, Indian dress go here. My Onkel went to India on a business trip and brought my aunt all of these clothes. So as well as swimming we had a chance to be little again and play dress up. I got closer to my step-cousin (do those even exist) Gabby. And we actually had a lot of fun! This is a departure from tradition (not the reunion, the post!), but it had to be done. I had so much fun!

Big, Scary, and, well, New

High School officially began today at 7:30 this morning. It was interesting. . . to say the least.

I walked in that school this morning. It was big, and new and slightly frightening. I don't know quite how to describe it. It was everything I imagined but so much more. I walked in the front doors and There were a lot more people than I anticipated. I mean you hear the number 2500 and you don' t fully understand how much that is until you see it. It is an awesome number. And I'm saying that in an awe-struck tone.

I quickly found my way to my Debate classroom. Trust me, I at least knew where I was going. I walked into the classroom and was grateful to see one familiar face soon followed by another. It was nice to know people. I really liked debate. It was fun to argue my point. I don't fully agree with the assessment that I'm emotional, because I think I'm logically emotional but that's just me.(You probably won't understand that last, but bear with me.) Any way, I think I'm really going to enjoy that class.

Next I got to go to seminary. I have Brother V. Since I can't spell his last name. Anyway so I saw some more familiar faces and that was nice. Then He put us in a seating chart and, true to form, couldn't pronounce my name. But, then again, most teachers can't. Then he went through each of us individually and asked us what we preferred to be called. When he got to me it was: "Bridgette?" "Actually it's Brigitte" The 'what' face. And then "Hi my name is John all me Applknadl" Something like that and then "What again" "Bri-gi-tte" And by this time the whole class is looking at me. keep in mind that this is not just Sophomores its seniors and juniors too. then he finished the name portion. We then got to know him better. After which he explained the devotional procedure. For which I was called upon to play the piano. That was an adventure. I am not the only pianist, however, I believe there are 3 others. After the devotional he gave some little thoughts and we began to fill out a paper about us. Then the class was over.

I then had Chamber strings. I meet Katie on the way and we walked in. This class is about 32 students, for an orchestra, that's pretty small.We helped Mrs. T with some papers and then the class began. We did the boring disclosure stuff and then a Happy Clappy, I seriously loathe those things. We then were split into groups and proceeded to get to know the whole class. There are 18 violinists 7 or 8 violists. 4 cellists and 1 bassist(?). Anyway. We had a pretty mixed group, however 2 of the 4 cellists were in my group. Poor Justin will have to put up with Sarah, Kaitie and myself. I feel sort of bad. then we played charades with musical terms. Have you ever tried to act out D.C al fine and tenudo? yeah, it was hard. By the time we'd finished that and listened to a song Mrs. T wants to play (It's really cool) Class was over.

Then it was lunch. We'd agreed to meet at Sara's locker before lunch, but I then realized I didn't know where that was. So I stood around for awhile until I located her. Not to long after we had a huge group of friends. It was fantastic. I wish we could have found everyone. But the school is huge and practically the whole student body was in the commons/cafeteria area.

After lunch I had English. That was an experience. But I am so excited. It'll be a fun year with Mrs. H. We have already turned in our first assignment and have the next one assigned. I'm ready though, let it come. . . just not all at once.

Anyway, I'm excited for tomorrow and what it'll bring. It should be pretty interesting. . . But I did today, and I can do tomorrow.

A Return to Nature

So I've been gone since Wednesday at girls camp. We went up to Lyman Lake and it was amazing.
Needless to say, I have grown so much and grown so much closer to all the Young Women in the ward.

While I was up there my inspiration for poems began to spark again and I wrote several new ones. I hope you all enjoy. . . .

What Power?

7/14/11

What power could be strong enough

To tip the mighty tree?

What power could be large enough

To create the raging sea?

What power could be calm enough

To whisper in the breeze?

What power could be small enough

To know me personally?

One power, only, can be strong enough

To tip the mighty tree.

One power, only, can be large enough

To create the raging sea.

One power, only, can be calm enough

To whisper in the breeze.

One power, only, can be small enough

to know me personally.

The one and only power,

That knows just you and me

The only power that I know,

Is that of Christ the Lord.

Wonders Never Cease

7/15/11

The water’s tickling at my toes

The wind is tripping through my hair

The sun is kissing at my face

Will wonders never cease?

Laughter tinkles in my ears

Smiles on faces light my smile
Words are coming to my mind

Do wonders never cease?

Wonders never cease

A new one comes each day

The smile on my mother’s face

The laughter of my friends

Each one a wonder

Each one a joy

Each wonder new

Each wonder lovely

Each smile a ray of sunshine.

One Drop

7/13/11

One drop of water

Can complete a mist

One drop of water

Can cause a stream to overflow

One drop of water

Can cause the lake to rise

One drop of water

Can change a life

One drop of water

Can make the difference

If something that small

Can make the difference,

What can I do?

The reason this post is called A Return to Nature is because I literally had a return to nature. I haven't been in nature for so long. It just reminded me how beautiful a simple tree is in the right situations. One night we went out on the lake after a rain. There was a beautiful mist on the lake. It was so pretty. Then as I was out in nature again I began to see how truly beautiful it is. If You don't know what I'm talking about, go out in nature more. But it truly was beautiful. Gorgeous,divine, Godly, lovely. There are not enough adjective in the world to describe it.

Cry

I finished a book today. I know all of you that know me are looking at your computer screen and your eyes have rolled up inside your head and your thinking to yourself, in the most sarcastic voice ever, "She finished a book! Amazing. She did that yesterday too." or something along those lines. But really and truly this book made me think, and it made me cry.

I don't often cry when reading books. I'm not an emotional reader. But more recently I've compiled a list of books that have actually made me cry. It's an impressive 5 books, but still. The five books are: Firefly Lane (not recommended for people under the age of 14 and not at all for boys), A Walk to Remember (ditto), Where the Red Fern Grows, Hunger Games, and The Last Song (Again, ditto). These books, out of any others I can remember have made me cry.

Quite honestly, as I have said before, I don't cry while I read books. I don't make any show of emotion most of the time. So when these books made me cry, you'd see why this is odd. As I pondered the nature of each of these books they carry one aspect that makes them the book they are. This aspect is that of the fact that a character dies. Whether it's a dog, a father, mother, friend, wife, husband, etc. Somebody dies. It isn't exactly the fact that the person dies it's the reactions of the family and friends.

The family and friends are always cut up because the person that died has been and integral part of there life. The saddest part of these books is that they have to move on and that's definitely the hardest part. And they have to do it without that special person by there side. That's what makes me cry.

In three of these books the cause of death is cancer. I have never lost anybody really close to me to cancer. True, Madey did die of Cancer, but I didn't know her very well. I know Hillary better. But to me I can't even imagine seeing a loved one go through all the pain that cancer and its treatment could cause. I can't imagine seeing my loved one's body slowly deteriorating. it seems so tough to me. That and the death itself. to realize that that special person is no longer a member of your family. That you will never see them again, or in a Latter-Day-Saint's case, until the Eternities, Would be so difficult. How could you go on? But I've seen the Slaughter family move on. It is utterly amazing to me.

I guess you are wondering what the point of this post is. Well there isn't a very distinct point. It's more a conglomeration of ideas and thoughts. though, you do know a little bit about books and me.

Yearbook

There's something about looking through an old yearbook that makes me go misty-eyed. Reading those little HAGS and all the little messages people write. It reminds me how much I love my friends and the people I'm around all the time.

But this year it's worse. In 7th and 8th grades I would see them all again next year.This year I won't. This year some people will be at Layton. True I have rationalized it, saying that the majority of my friends who will be at Layton are in my Stake, but how often do I get to see the people in my stake? Not very often.

But reading those notes from people really do mist me up. It's so sad to think that I won't be seeing some of them as regularly next year. But I didn't get on this blog to make you all be depressed. No I was thinking about many of the fun, exciting things a year book can do with a person.

I was thumbing through and well, these numbers started popping out at me. Trust me, I do not like to call people on the phone. I hate getting wrong numbers, I just hate it. But I looked at those numbers a bit longer and knew I would call at least one. Ironically, it wasn't one in my ninth grade yearbook that I called. Nope, it was one in my eighth grade yearbook, but that wasn't the end of it. I tried calling another person. But my courage failed, and I hung up when I heard the first ring . . . twice.

I've always wondered if there's something wrong with me, not wanting to here that voice on the other end saying "Sorry, I think you've got the wrong number" but I don't think there is. I think we've all got a little bit of that inside of us. A little bit of a feeling of not wanting to be wrong, and not wanting to be told that we're wrong. I dislike that part of me. It's stopped me a lot of times from doing something I really want to do. Like calling a friend. Stupid but true. It bugs me.

I guess it's just one of those fears I'll have to over come, Something that will have to change eventually. But for now. I'm glad I have those yearbooks to look through, a reminder of my fear. (I'm not totally sure this is a good thing . . .)

A day in the park

Summer can be a time when we become really bored. This summer I seem to have more to do, but still there's that little time that I'm still bored.

So here's a few things you can do:

1) Read a book you've never read before
This is a very good one, if you make a trip to your local library you may find a book you've never read before. This book may be a series and you will have found something new to do.

2)You can learn a new form of Handiwork
Yes, this may be more for girls, but it still works. You can learn how to make friendship bracelets (One that I've recently begun to do.) Or you could learn how to cross-stitch, knit, or crochet. So, learning a new Handiwork could be for you. Especially if you love listening to books on CD or tape, while doing that you can be productive.

3) learn to play an instrument
I think you could do it. You could watch videos on YouTube, or find theory books, or simply mess around. You learn how to play the harmonica, the guitar, or something I've never heard of.

4) Write a story
Yes, let your creative juices flow. Let the words come. Listen to your favorite music and just write. You can come up with some pretty wacky story lines this way.

Last, but not least:

5) Picnic in the Park
This is my personal favorite, because yesterday I did it. I had an idea yesterday while practicing my piano. I decided to ride my bike over to my cousins house and surprise her. I called her mom and we were all set. I packed a lunch and headed over. I kidnapped her out of her room (scaring her in the process) and we biked over to the nearby park. We sat down and pulled out our lunches. For the next two hours at least we talked and ate. We talked about everything from school to voice lessons (I'm not taking them, she is) We laughed and I got to know her a little bit better. Her mom drove over and told us she and the boys were going to Cherry Hill and that she'd left the side door open for us. We biked over to the house and talked more. I ended up staying past 6 o'clock and I'd gotten there at about 12:30. It was so much fun and I'd do it again in heartbeat.

So there you have it. 5 ways to beat the summer boredom. They might only last you 5 days, but they'll give you some ideas!

P.S. I've really liked using this blog for the random thoughts I've had and pondering, so I'm going to keep it that way and use my other blog: http://mystiquelyspecial101.blogspot.com/, for my random things of writing. Like stories and poems and the like. Thanks everybody!

What are people to bikes, bike trails and bugs?

Actually, I should rephrase that question to say: What are bikes, bike trails and bugs to my dad, brother and brother's friend? My second question is this: How come the scouting program involves so much drastic exercise?

Now I should explain that probably thoroughly confusing paragraph. Today I went on a bike ride. I know that doesn't sound to extremely hard, but let me tell you, it was. Why? because we biked a total of 25 miles. 25! My brother and his friend are working on their cycling merit badge. And today I got dragged along.

Every morning for the past week I've been going out at 7-ish in the morning and riding my bike in order to get my exercise for my Fit For Life class. Today I was so exhausted I ignored my alarm clock and slept for another hour than normal. This had consequences. Those being that my mom was bugging me all day to go out and do some exercising. This ended up being in the form of a bike ride that was very long.

We left about 4:30. After finding out that my bike was not in working condition and I had to use my mother's. So we left. We went over the new Layton interchange thingy, and down onto some trail. We went for awhile and I soon found out that my pace was quite a bit slower than the other 3's and I was soon left behind. Sure, Dad stayed close enough that I would know where to go, but I was behind. This was not what I expected. In fact I think I was a bit cocky in the fact that I thought I could be right up there with them. Not so. I couldn't put my money where my mouth was.

We rode all the way to about Centerville. Towards the end on the Legacy walkway we ran into many bugs. The little one's that fly in swarms. If I had not been wearing sunglasses, I would have had a hard time of it. As it was I had to shut my mouth very tightly in order to not eat any bugs. Along the way I noticed many very pretty flowers. There were some very bright orange ones, practically neon, and there were some fun pink ones.

But as we got about 4 and 1/2 miles from the very end of it, by other brother joined us. This little 8-year-old had so much energy it almost made me exhausted. Of course by this time I was starting to get a little achy in my legs. I was a little surprised this hadn't happened before then because I haven't been doing many distance rides, just up Mutton Hollow.

But the good news is that I made it! All 25 miles. I know, you're probably all very surprised, but I did do it, no lies. On Friday the Teachers are doing their 50 miler, and I might join them. Dad's going, and I'd be the only girl, but I think I could do it. It would be a challenge, I'm not going to down play it. It'll be hard, but I think the outcome will be worth it.

So, once again: What are people to bikes, bike trails and bugs? Not a whole lot until you get to the end and you're sore. . .

Really the end . . .

Today was my last day of Ninth Grade. My last day at Fairfield Junior High. And an overall happy but sad day.

For three years I have practically lived at that school. I have lived and breathed Fairfield Junior High. I'm not to thrilled to be out of school this year. A change from previous years. I'm not ready for summer, I'm ready for warm weather, but not summer break!

Today started out with a problem, I slept in. For the second time in as many days. this is not a normal occurrence around this house, I hardly ever wake up late. So There you have it. A relatively good start (I got to sleep an extra hour) to a wonderful day.

I was feeling pretty good about myself. I was feeling pretty much wonderful. I felt on top of the world and then it began to hit me hard. After about noon today I would no longer be a ninth grader at Fairfield Junior High. I mean, I'll always be a Falcon, no matter how far I go from that school, but I'll never be a ninth grader again.

I went to school and we had the End of Year assembly. The officers tried to keep it light, but for me it was really reminiscent. Everytime I saw somebody I knew I would think about all my memories of that person, and quite honestly it was rather sad. The assembly was really rather good. except I did fall on my face while getting Sara for something. That was rather embarrassing.

Then we went back to our Homeroom which was rather sad as well. Anna and I were about to cry when we saw each other. We're not going to school together next year. That's why it's so sad. When you can't drive Ogden is a long ways away.

Then we got yearbooks. I have to say that this years are pretty cool. Then I went into the gym. I was almost literally piled knee deep in yearbooks. I kept being handed yearbook after yearbook. But to know that that many people want your signature, that's pretty neat. I was sitting in the same spot on the bleachers for at least 20 minutes just signing. Finally I got up and went wandering trying to find people.

After awhile I found Mr. T and Mr. C and got them to sign my yearbook. Mr. T told me that he knew from the very beginning what I was going to be. Mr. C, well, he looked slightly sad to see me go. I've learned a lot from both of them, and I'm going to miss them. Then I went over to Mrs. N's to see if she would sign my yearbook. She told me to write my address on a card so she could send me a more personal note.

Then I went to Mrs. J. She's been my rock for most of my three years here. She told me she nominated me for First Falcon. We hugged and for the first time today, I cried. Mrs. J has literally always been there for me. She has always been absolutely fantastic. To hear her tell me that I've been the one she couldn't have done it without was overwhelming. I'm going to miss her soooo much. she has been my foundation and my confidante for almost 3 years of my life.

Then I walked outside the school. As I did Anna's group,the one that was going to her house for a party that I couldn't go to, still hadn't left. This surprised me. But each and everyone of those girls came and hugged me. (The guys, well they're guys so they didn't, obviously) I was sad to see them go. I didn't want to see them go without me. I wanted to yell "Wait for me!" But I couldn't, my parents didn't feel right about it, and I can understand why. I just walked home. I passed another group, said "Hi" and kept walking.

When I got home I went out on the grass and read all the notes people had written in my yearbook. It wasn't until the notes at the back of the book that I started to cry again. They were so sweet and kind. I couldn't believe how many people said that I was their role model. Me. Little old nerdy me. Of all the people they picked me.

But it wasn't only that that made me cry. No it was the little kind things they said about me that made me choke up.

I have been so privileged to be a Falcon. I will always be a Falcon. I'll wave my banner to the sky. But, my fellow Falcons, I'll expect no less from you. I am so grateful for each and everyone of you that read this blog. You have been a source of strength through your comments countless times. Don't change. Be a Falcon forever! Wave your banner high, and don't be ashamed. For we are Falcons!!!!

Falcon Finale

Wednesday night we had our awards night at the school. I had cello that night and Karlton had his first Pine Wood Derby so scheduling was a bit tight. So right after cello dad dropped me off at the school. I was there an hour early, and a half an hour earlier than I needed to be. Alex and Julia showed up at about the same time as me so we started to talk. We checked to see if the locker combination's had been changed yet, they hadn't. We were just talking and laughing, it was a lot of fun.

We found out that Mr. Bailey was here so we decided to start setting up. We were a little confused as to which side which musical group was on, but when Mrs. Tuke came that was all sorted out. We set up and the band set up. I was sort of the Commanding voice telling people where to put things and how to do it.

By the time we were all set up it was about 15 minutes before we were to start. So I went and got my cello and my music. We got all set up and were ready to go. The only problem was that I forgot a rock stop so I had to cope without. We finally started prelude at about 7. We were supposed to start before that. Then we had welcome by our Student Body President. After the presentation of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. Then we had Group Award presentations. followed by "The Lion King" played by yours truly and the orchestra. Following the piece we started the spotlight recognitions.

The Art one was done, Alyssa Stewart, and then Mrs. L got up there. She started with the Best student of drama award. Anna got that and she deserved it one hundred percent! Then Clytie got best Actress and TJ got best actor. Both deserved it. Then the band award went to Chandler, the Business to Megan, and the Choral to Nick. After that the English Language Learner went to Yerko and the FaCS to Micki, who didn't know she was getting an award. Then the French award. Sara and I had been dreading this one. Both of us have been working Autonomously all year. so if she had picked either of us it would almost be like picking a favorite. Because we had a clear line of sight to each other we had been communicating the whole time. We were talking during this one too. She knew it was me from the very beginning. And sure enough it was.

After me, it was the General Studies which went to Kaitlynn. After her the Language Arts award. Mr. T couldn't be there, which was disappointing, but Mrs. V did it. From the very first sentence of Mr. T's spiel we all knew who it was. And during the rest we were all looking at each other and saying: "Brad," "Yup, that's Brad too" And other things along those lines.

After Brad it was the Outstanding Reading award and I'm not sure who got that. Then the band played a number which woke us all up. it was called "Tangents Angular." Ironically after the piece Mrs. C got up to give the Math award which went to Tanner. Then the Orchestra award. Which went to my stand partner, Austin. He's an amazing cellist. Then the peer Tutor award went to Golda, and eighth grader. And then Makayla Warren got the Peer Support award. After Makayla, Rachel got the female athlete award, and Zerek got the male athlete award. Then Mr. Erickson got up and gave the Science award. I knew it was Sara. She denied it, but I knew the whole time. Sure enough it was.

After that there was the Social Studies award, given to Gibson, and then the Spanish which was given to Brighton. Carlee received the Yearbook award and she completely and utterly deserved it.Then the choir sang "Mr. Blue Sky"

Then the Administration recognized the PTSA board and gave the Honorary Falcon Award.

Then they did the First Falcon Nominees. To my surprise mine was the first name called. I went up on the stage and they put the medal on my neck. Directed me where to go and told my parents to come up. Then they read a paragraph about me. Then Rachel, Yerko, TJ, Sara, and Zerek were called up each in turn. I knew Sara would be nominated. Then Mr. B asked Ben to give a drum roll. He did and then Mr. B said "This year's First Falcon is . . . Brigitte ____" I was so surprised and so happy. My grin was literally from ear to ear. I was so happy.

I went to sit down for the school song, and as I did Ashkeya stood up and gave me a big hug. after the school song and the Farewell, I had to get pictures with the Administration and my parents. Then I took my cello back to the orchestra room. I headed back to the Cafeteria to locate Sara. We had a very long, very wonderful hug. Then she had to take stands back and I went to find Anna and Clytie. I found them in the back of the cafeteria with Annie and Rachel. Annie attacked me in a big hug and Anna told me how she knew the whole time. I pulled Clytie into a hug and then Rachel. Finally when Clytie and Anna were arguing about who knew first I simply said to Anna "Shut up and give me a hug!" Then I got a few other things. I think all the congratulations turned my head.

We finally went home and something else happened to keep me grinning for the next four days, at least.

The End of Honors English

Dear Friends from Honors English and Mr. T,

This year has been amazing! It has literally flown by. I can't believe that it is already the last two weeks of my, and your, final year at Fairfield.

I am so glad I made the choice to join Honors English, and I'm sure you are too. I've enjoyed everything from the very beginning. Falcon Forum was a little addicting I admit, but so was Shelfari. Through those forums and discussion boards I have gotten to know each one of you a little better, and honestly, on the whole it was a fantastic experience.

I have enjoyed blogging too. The little comments I get from each of you really do make a difference, they make me feel "warm and fuzzy" on the inside. They are all so nice and informative. I have improved in my writing style because of those comments.

This year I have come out of my 'shell' a whole bunch more, and I have to say that a lot of that was because of this class. I have been less afraid to speak my mind. I have been more willing to say what I feel needs to be said. All of you added to this feeling and you can't deny it. I have grown because of you. It's not something that I did by myself. It's because you pushed me and encouraged me. I don't think I would have grown nearly as much if I hadn't had that gentle encouragement.

The atmosphere of this class, even though it wasn't in a classroom, has been reassuring and encouraging. We don't criticize each other in a harsh way. If someone needs a little bit of redirecting we just help them in the gentlest possible way. We don't worry about harsh criticism. In this way we have the ideal class. It is the best class I could ever imagine. We are amazing, I don't think it's bragging to say so.

There's something about this curriculum that makes me want to work to get it done. Maybe it's the addictiveness of the programs we use, maybe it's the people I work with and talk to about this stuff. When I wanted to quit I kept persevering, I think it was because of the fact that I knew that at least 10 other people were also struggling.

I loved the books we read, with the exception of the Ray Bradbury's. In second term I had to read two Ray Bradbury's because I've already read Pride and Prejudice. Honestly, It was hard for me, but I did it and that's what counts. The other books, writing contests and other things we did were amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

I have a challenge for all of you. I think we should keep blogging and posting on the discussion posts. I have enjoyed learning about each of you through your writing. It's been fantastic! If we quit all of this when the class is over, was there really a point? It would also be a great way to lead by example and get the new Honors class excited. What do you say? I know that I for one will keep posting.

You are all awesome! I look forward to seeing what each person does from now on. Knowing each of you, there will be great things coming from this class!

Thank you all,
Brigitte