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!!!!