Startin Early Yall.

Hello lovies, I just finished watching Anderson Cooper host the New Year's countdown. It was quite exciting!

A new life goal for me: To host New Year's Eve live from NY!

My stomach is overpacked. Ick. I need to workout, maybe do a little yoga. I'm so nervous! It's 2009!

It's probably going to take me a month to break myself of the habit of writing 08 on everything. Dude, that's one bad thing about changing years. Oh well, it's trivial and not too much to worry about.

Anyways, the best of luck to those of you in the brand new year (let's hope that new car smell doesn't wear off too quickly!) Be safe, have fun, take risks, and don't die!

Seriously. I don't want any dead blog buddies.

End of year Survey

According to Cherry, this little survey has been hitting the blogging world, and being the bandwagony goof that I am, I might as well fill it out. I'm so excited about the New Year!! Who knows if I'll be able to keep my Resolutions...... Tonight will be spent with my brand new baby brother, and my grandma, maybe my uncle if he's not out getting laid with his friends. Hopefully we'll be able to watch CNN with Anderson Cooper. I'm expecting seriously witty comments tonight.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?

broke a washing machine!


2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I have no idea if I kept my resolutions, but I usually make them every year if I can.


3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

My Stepmom! Wooo I got a new baby brother!


4. Did anyone close to you die?

erm, I feel terrible if someone did, but I have to say I can't remember, so probably no.


5. What countries did you visit?

None this year, and probably not till I'm 18. Made a few trips to New Orleans and Oklahoma though.


6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

Uhm, a press pass to Afghanistan and Southern Congo. There's a story that needs to be told that no one is willing to speak about over there.


7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?


Honestly, I have no idea. Probably every time I got in trouble, because I don't want to get in trouble again.


8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?


Overcoming my fear of talking to people I don't know. Also, achieving the greatest height of my value (haha)


9. What was your biggest failure?

Breaking the washing machine.


10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I had a bad cough for like 3 months right when school started. Bleh. That was horrible.


11. What was the best thing you bought?

My Ray Bradbury novel. I didn't spend much this year.


12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Er, mine? I've been a pretty decent kid this year, if you don't count accidentaly breaking house appliances.


13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Mr. Blagovitch. AKA Lego head. Seriously. Selling a Senate seat? How stupid can you get?


14. Where did most of your money go?

art stuff, gum, DOWN THE DRAIN WITH THE REST OF THE ECONOMY.


15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

My baby brother! And the Harry Potter movie, until it was canceled. Death to those folks who moved in back! DEATH.


16. What song will always remind you of 2008?

Oh boy, Vampire by Antsy Pantsy


17. Compared to this time last year, are you:


i. happier or sadder?
HAPPY LIKE A SPRING CHICKEN.


ii. thinner or fatter?

pretty much the same. I lost a pant size.....


iii. richer or poorer?

I am poe. I'm a starving artistic political activist who is too young to do anything.


18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

I wish I was more open to hugs, so I wish that I could have spread more happiness.


19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Nagging. I nag my friends when they make bad grades. They're better than that.


20. How did you spend Christmas?

Moving. Dude I had like 4 Christmases.


22. Did you fall in love in 2008?

With my new found confidence? Yes.


23. How many one-night stands?

Zero. No nights in Sunnyville.


24. What was your favorite TV program?

Anything news. The news was more interesting this year.


25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

my mom? Haha, jk, jk. Not really. I started hating Jack this year though.


26. What was the best book you read this year?

Anderson Cooper's book was excellent, and the Same with anything Bill Maher wrote.


27. What was your greatest musical discovery?

MGMT. By far the best. My dad thinks they're weirdos.


28. What did you want and get?

A LEG LAMP, and of course art stuff


29. What did you want and not get?

Patrick Stumph --- haha an old wish I've had.


30. What was your favorite film of this year?

Juno, Speed racer are tied. Both are very good!


31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

Nothing much. Went to the Casino to eat, I was 15---


32. What's one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Helping out in New Orleans with the re-building that still needs to go on. It's not easy trying to sleep when thinking about all those folks without homes, having to live in camper trailers, with numbers still painted on the outside of houses showing how many dead were found inside. ---- sorry about that, got a little carried away.


33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?

Not so dark as I used to be.


34. What kept you sane?

Books, and B.


35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Do you really need to ask?


36. What political issue stirred you the most?

Prop 8.


37. Who did you miss?

no one really.


38. Who was the best new person you met?

er, I've met so many people.... they know who they are.


39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.

So it goes.


40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"I'm too terrified and would you mind if I
sat next to you and watched you smile
"--Fall Out Boy in "Pretty in Punk"

I'm not Insane!

Yes, I survived a day with my relatives! I just wish that my cousin had taken his meds. He's so nice when on his pills, but off, sometimes he can be a bit rambunctious.

Today I went to see the Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It was a nice story, that is slightly depressing, but overall the acting, pacing, and camerawork was phenomenal.

I can't seem to wrap my mind around the concept that Brad Pitt is just THAT talented. Why? Why, why, why??! Everytime I see him I want to shout "Louis! Where's Lestat?"

Tsk, tsk. Mrs. Jolie is one lucky woman. And Mr. Pitt is also one lucky man XD! Haha, it makes me happy when pretty people get together.

2009 Resolutions

There are a great many things that need to be accomplished in the upcoming year, and if I would have asked myself two months ago what I really wanted to accomplish, the list would have been completely different.

I'm an evolving person. My mind grows and my opinions become clearer every day. Of course everyone has succumbed to putting down at least one of the Top Ten resolutions, and I probably will list one of those, but I know, for myself Resolutions for the New Year are like promises from my mom: Empty. However, I'm going to do my best to adhere to the list as best as I can.

1. Live Healthier. I've already taken steps towards doing so. I'm not going to go down the vegetarian path until I'm older, but I am eating more fresh foods and staying away from preservatives when I can. Also for the past year I've only had one coke a month, which means I've only had 12 cokes this year. I'm going to try and cut the cokes down to 5 a year. You'd be surprised how great you feel at the end of the day only drinking juice, tea, or water.

2. Place more in Debate. How else am I going to prove to my family that I'm not totally shy and reclusive. If I had anything nice to say around them, maybe I would actually talk around them. Until that day my mouth is sealed. I'd rather have my family think I'm quiet than a total btch. I think Debate is the only way to successfully prove my point.

3. Study. Ok, so I make decent grades, but I know I could do better if I actually studied. It's just sometimes, I just won't. I'll literally sit there for 15 minutes doing nothing just so I won't have to study. It's something to work on.

4. Refresh friends and acquaintances. Lose the ones that are bad, and build on the ones that could be good. I need to get rid of those that are holding me back.

5. Attempt to be more human. As in crying at movies, and being more compassionate. No more being compared to Estella! I am no longer a cyborg, I am a breathing human being with a working conscience.

6. Be less selfish. Instead of thinking about giving, I'm going to actually give. Family before me. Family before friends. Family family family.

7. Look into those 5 colleges I want to go to. Knowing myself, even though I've tried to escape the Liberal Arts stereotype in colleges, I'll probably end up going to one. Big time Universities would be nice though.

8. Continue to stay unnattached. It's worked great so far, so why stop? I don't need a relationship to do anything. Not to mention my 30 attention span when it comes to things like this. Not only is it good for me, but the other party.

9. Sleep Less. Dude. I sleep way to much. I need to wake up and live a little.

10. Be Kinder. Not only to just my family, but people in general. I have random tendencies to be harsh and rude to complete strangers, and when on my period, even friends. Now, I can't help the period part, but I can help every other dose of meaness I dish out.

That's it for 2009. Hopefully I'll be able to fulfill everything.

Say Whut?

Ok, I'm postponing the New Year's Resolution post till tomorrow because------ BREAKING NEWS.  

There is this picture of Anderson Cooper in Jr. High and he looks almost exactly like this kid I used to go to school with.


Yeah, I know. Coincidence. Pretty cool to me though. Don't you find the little rhyme beside the picture a little cute? "Mary had a little lamb, the doctor fainted."

Men.

Oh Bhudda. Here we go again. B and me were talking again (he's home from the Phillippines for the holidays) and he brought up the whole middle aged guys thing. Yeah, uh huh, maybe if all the guys my age weren't all stupid adrenaline junkies that don't care about anything other than their dicks I would probably like them. And the guys that I know who are smart are total douchebags. No way on earth I would spend any of my time with them outside of school. Good looks can only get you so far.

You know what B, you're right. Maybe I am creepy. Maybe I'm going to have to wait till I'm 28 to find anyone decent. Until then, I plan to not get attached-- and Bhudda forbid, have some fun. I'm pretty sure between now and then I'll be able to build up a pretty nice career, maybe save some poverty stricken children, or something along the lines of that.

However, since I'm planning on a long wait for the ideal funny, smart, politically aware guy I guess I'll just have to keep on being creepy and hope to one day meet Anderson Cooper or Bill Maher at a booksigning or an airport.

Maybe I'll get lucky and do something really cool, like save the economy or the many children in Darfur and maybe get some air time on CNN, and by some weird chance of fate I'll meet Anderson Cooper. Sounds pretty far fetched, but it's better than doing nothing.

Holy rootbeer. It's the 27th and I haven't written my New Year's Resolutions!! Hmm, that's probably what I'm going to do the rest of the day since I'm babysitting satan---- I mean Steven.

WARNING: May look cute, but really an evil giant puke monster. Trust me. I would know.

Christmas Hangover

What I wouldn't do for an ice pack right now.

Gosh, all I can find in my freezer is Steak, Wild Hog, and frozen juice and pedialite popsicles.  If a member of PETA ever saw my freezer they would probably think that my family is nothing but a pack of red meat eating savages.

Last night I went to my mother's house and it wasn't so bad.  I got some money, and things that I will probably never use, but overall at least I didn't leave fighting with my mom like I usually do.  I tried talking my mom into donating some money for Debate camp, but she basically shot me down saying that my dad has an endless supply of money coming out of his ass.

Oh well, when I'm successful and 60 minutes comes by to interview me, she will not be one of the people that I thank for being there and supporting me.

UGH. Last night I didn't even get to sleep until 2am, and I woke up at 1:35pm.  My head is pounding like the Dickens.  I hate feeling like this.  My head hurts and everything is fuzzy, but I guess this is what happens when it's the day after Christmas.

To make it a little better I've been reading the Anderson Cooper book that I got for Christmas, and I must say it's quite good.  He's not the type of writer that takes half a book to give a message, he's one that tells you up front: this is what I'm trying to say.

Also, Bill Maher has been helping me feel better also.  He's so funny, and at times very contradicting.  B recently suggested that I have a thing for middle aged guys that are into news and politics, but I simply explained to him that if I could find a guy my age that was funny and into that kind of stuff then I wouldn't have to hang on every word that Bill Maher and Anderson Cooper mutter.

Until that day, I'll probably seem like a total creep that's into middle aged comedians and CNN anchor men.  Really, I'm not.  I just like smart guys.  Really.

Anyways, hopefully I'll be able to get some shopping done before all the after holiday sales wrap up.  I'm craving new items and I want them on sale!

Gifts 2008

Does anyone really care to read this? Yes? No?  Looking for a Christmas greeting from me? Try the post below.

Anyways, this is going to be done inventory style, in order of the Christmases that I have attended.

1st Christmas:

-Leg Lamp
-Fleece Blanket
-Portfolio (small)
-Markers
-Colorful Socks
-Necklace
-Paints (acrylic, temper)
-Ox Hair Brushes
-Purse
-Candy
-Hair Accessories

2nd Christmas:
-Barnes and Noble Gift card
-Walmart Giftcards

3rd Christmas:
(Okay, for this, I got everything I asked for, and by asked, I made a list for my parents so they could buy me stuff that I would actually use. My parents are too cool.)

-Prismacolor pencils
-Prismacolor Markers
-Dispatches From the Edge by Anderson Cooper
-CD Orracular Spectacular by MGMT
-CD OhNo by OK GO
-Beadle the Bard by JK Rowling (I gave my second copy to Kenneth for Christmas)
-New PJ's and socks (lol I get these every year!)
-Hair Stuff
-Skull Beanie
-Pencils
-Tons of Erasers
-Candyyyyy
-Money for Clothes

And I still have one more Christmas left. However, I doubt I'll get much there, but hey, I'm content with all my gifts. Hope everyone had a bountiful Christmas!

Happy Christmas!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

Better Watch Out

Better watch out folks! Gaurd your cookies for Santa lest Anderson Cooper'll come by and gobble them all up!

<3 Online Ordering

Ok, so today I got something for me.  Yes, it's selfish, but I've been looking for Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury for like 2 years, and now thanks to Barnes and Noble and my gift card from Uncle Mike I should get my book sometime in January.

I was thinking about getting some Immanual Kant books, or some Social Contract books, but in the end I just decided to order a Ray Bradbury book.  I feel bad for not ordering any Philosophy books, but there will always be next Christmas.

Hehe gift cards are always great.  Thank you Barnes and Noble!

In other news, I decided that I needed new hair clips for my new hair style, when I'll actually be able to get to a store, no one knows. 

Also, I've been making Anderson Cooper Christmas Goodies for my blog to post on Christmas Eve and Christmas day!  Share the joy!

Someone give me some pills

HOLY FUDGE....

Ok, so today I was going to do a follow-up post to yesterday's harsh ice water of a post, but seeing as how I had to spend a whole day with my aunt and me cousins the chances of that happening is very slim.

Right now all I want to do is pull out (what's left of) my hair. I had to go shopping with them. Someone.pass.me.some.pills.

On the brighter side, which is slightly dimmer now, but I digress--- I got my hair cut off. Well, not exactly cut off, but it's so short now I can't even put it in a pony tail.

I also stopped by the Holy Grail of all bookstores, Barnes and Noble! I picked up the book New Rules by Bill Maher. Political Satire is my favourite.

Hopefully Dad will come by soon and rescue me from this...... place. Too much family is not good for the mind. Second Christmas set sucked. Except for the gift cards. No one has yet to top the Leg Lamp.

An Economical Christmas

The Economy is falling.

As we sip our coco and cuddle up with fleece blankets around the fire, our economy is also burning.  Parents smile for an instant as their children unwrap the few gifts they could afford, and in the back of their minds they wonder if next Christmas they'll be as lucky because the major corporation Daddy worked for just tanked.

People young, old, middle class, and poor are feeling the pain of industries failing, and the government not being able to do anything about it.  You need a job?  You can't have one.  All the big businesses are falling down from their high tower, leaving jobs for only those who are in the high up positions.  They fired all the labor workers, and now those good folks are looking for jobs.

They try to find some nice Ma and Pa places, some small businesses that need an extra hand, but because the government didn't give those family businesses a bit of the Bailout they can't afford to hire anyone.

Money is tight, no one is buying because they don't have the luxury to buy what they want and they can't afford what they actually need.  This makes the Ma and Pa businesses call it an end before their ship of hope sinks, and in the end leaves even more people jobless.

Where the hell did all of the U.S.'s money go?  Where is this so called 'powerhouse' of a country?  All I see is some obese spoiled child that doesn't know how to handle money, or take care of it's belongings.

How are we supposed to fix this situation?  How should I know, I'm just a kid, but I guess I should start figuring it out because sooner or later it's me and the rest of my generation that's going to have to clean up the big pile of crap that our elders have left us with.

We already have to deal with feuding countries, and the fear that we're all going to be harmed by terrorists, and don't even try to mention the environmental situation-- do we even have one? (some say) -- and to top it off we have this economic sht.  How are we supposed to deal with all of this?

Of course the rich could care less, heck, their children won't be hurt.  The poor can't afford to do anything because if they decide to riot and protest instead of working their 3 jobs then the kids will go hungry.  The middle class is becoming the poor, their kids used to be able to go to college and learn, but now they've got 2 jobs also trying to help their parents keep the house that they grew up in.

So this upcoming Christmas, when you're sipping your coco and roasting your chestnuts, be thankful for whatever you have.  Be thankful for your family.  No one can afford to go through this current economic pile of reindeer crap alone.

You'll shoot yer eye out kid!

Ok, so my first Christmas set was way better than what I expected.  Usually I just get a bunch of non-useful junk that Melissa makes me throw out during spring cleaning, but this year I actually got non-useful stuff and totally useful stuff.

First off, I got a bunch of small candy, a new fleece blanket with blue camoflage, some art materials like new brush markers, new paint, and new ox hair brushes.  Also, it's never Christmas if you don't get new socks and undergarments.  Yeah.  Kinda weird, but I always get them.

Then of course I got a new portfolio, the only problem is that It's too small.  I can't fit any of my illustration boards in it, but that's ok I guess.  I just have to buy a bigger one.

And my most favourite gift is my leg lamp (which is about 18in tall).  I'm still debating on what to name it.  If any of you have seen the movie A Christmas Story, you'll know where the leg lamp is from.  I'm quite excited about it!  This is by far the best Christmas gift so far.  It'll take something really great to top it, but who knows?  I've got 3 christmas sets left.

First Christmas

Bhudda help me.  My first Christmas set is tonight. 

Wish me luck.  I'll do an update later on how it went.... maybe if I'm not too fat from overeating. 

Say what?

Ick. I don't even want to type all that went on today.

Showed up at school, then left.

Then I went with my stepmom for my little brother's doctor check up.

Rushed home to get crap together to go see my Uncle get sworn in.

Afterwards my dad's family went to visit my grandpa's grave and my grandma made us stant around it and take smiley happy pictures.  Yeah. Great grandma.  Make us try to be happy while visiting Grandpa's grave.

Anyways, we joked about making it a Christmas card picture, and then she called us smartasses.  

My first Christmas set will probably be spent with them.  Great fun right there, I'm not even going to lie.

BTW. Bekka, do you still want to do New Year's?

That time?

So it's official.  My school is totally inefficient.  They're making me go to school at 8 to check in then releasing me at 8:15 since I don't have any exams.

Can you say retarded? Also, I'm trying to study up on Keynesian Economics (thanks to Jacob) does anyone who has graduated high school remember any of this from Government class or something?  Because I'm at a total loss.  My brain has officially stopped working for the holidays, and will be back after I recieve all my presents.

On the bright side of everything, I get to celebrate my first set of Christmas on the 19th.

Then second Christmas on the 21st, then 3rd on the 25th, then lastly on the 26th.

Thank you Bhudda for such a messed up family.  It's the only way I could possibly accomplish the task of amounting at least 30 presents.  And what's sad is that I'm not even joking.  All of these Christmases are due to family situations.

Anyone else having a messed up Christmas like me?

Oh Poo.

I should have known something was going to go awry today.  

Bad stuff always happens right after, or around my birthday.  UGH. I don't even want to remember what happened last year.

Today Melissa got all pissed at me because I made cookies for everyone instead of doing my laundry, and also the fact that I didn't clean the kitchen up at 10pm. last night.

I was going to just do it today..... but whatever.

At least this time around I'm not grounded for 6 months.  

Also, anyone familiar with Nietzsche?  I'm watching a movie on him right now, and I'm also brushing up on my Egalitarian views.

Happy Birthday

To me! 

My parents have been on my case about taking drivers ed, but I don't really want to.  I want to push it off till I'm 18,but I doubt they'll let me do that.

On the darker side of today, I'm a year older.  Great excitement there if you can't tell.

I'll update later today------

*Update, as promised!

Well today not much special happend.  I passed out my Kosher candy, and got a few gifts from friends, and many, many hugs.

Some were received well, and some weren't.  What can I say?  I have personal space issues.

I'm excited because my dad said that we might go down to the Casinos in Shreveport and eat a birthday dinner! Wee!  I love Shreveport, it's almost as exciting as New Orleans!  Too bad we don't have enough time to drive to New Orleans..... Darn school.

Before Birthday Celebrations

My sisters are only going to be here till Sunday, which is today, and I wanted to spend my birthday celebration with them so my family and I decided to do all of my special birthday stuff today.

The first thing we did was get family presents out of the way, and Dad and Melissa got me a new hoodie with peace signs on it, and a new t-shirt. And Kimi got me a paper with my name in heiroglyphics on it from when she went to the King Tut exhibit in Dallas.

Then we went out and got new coats.  I got this oversized, but very warm button down coat, and Kimi got a Kenneth Cole coat.  Then we went to a Chinese joint with a Mongolian Buffet.  Very fun.

And of course we had to make a stop by Toys R Us so I could get the radio controlled Speed Racer car that I wanted.

It feels so weird to know that tomorrow I'll be older. Nooooo! There goes all my childhood fun!

Oh well.  I'll get over it.

What My Family is getting for Christmas

Just Kidding! This is actually a picture version of what I drew on the Debate Board in chalk.

Jesus is a present,
So are Jewish People,
Homeless People,
And Cats.

Things That Make Me Happy

I like being happy, and of course, I like sharing my happiness, so this is why I'm blogging about things that make me happy.

Well, the first thing that makes me Happy is the fact that a fellow blogger, the Masked Avenger shares the same birthday as me! How randomly cool is that? Albeit he is a year older than me, that's ok. I still think it's pretty great.

The next thing is that I'm exempt from all of my exams. Yesssss. Total score right there. I guess studying and paying attention in class pays off.... I should do that next semester. Haha, yeah, I basically got by on just studying the night before, and also during lunch time.

Another thing that brings me immense amount of joy is looking at my archive. I know, what's in there that makes me so happy? I tell you. My first post ever. Yes, it's so weird right? Also, I loved my abortion mini series in which I was able to gather different opinions from others. Hehe, I also liked the response post that I did for the abortion issue. Ooh and the clarification thing was fun too!

Has anyone else realized that Christmas is coming up? We haven't gone on our annual light trip yet, but we have been eating tons of chesnuts. We also now have 6 stockings on the wall instead of our usual odd numbered 5 because of this little sucker- Ten years from now, when I blog about my baby brother, I will always use this picture to represent him.

Oh yes, and finding the perfect picture ever on this blog.

A Letter to Believers and Non Believers

Dear Believers and Non Believers,

           I thought it was time to formally tell you that I don't really care anymore.  I don't care if you're Christian, Buddhist, Humanist, Jewish, Atheist, Muslim, Catholic, or someone who believes in cultural Gods.  I really, honestly don't care.  

Now, I know most of you Christians are screaming CONVERT! CONVERT ALL! JESUS LOVES YOU! YOU'RE GOING TO HELL!

Calm down.  Just because someone is not of your denomination, or religion does not mean they're going to hell.  In fact, those people might not even believe in hell.

I was raised in a Baptist household, so as you can imagine, I'm pretty tired of people trying to convert me, but I digress.  I don't care.  In fact, I won't pass any judgement on you, as long as you return the favour.

I'm tired of people trying to convince each other that their religion is right.  Heck, I've even seen Atheists trying to 'convert' Christians.

Please people, I know this is all I btch nag about, but this is something that really bugs the crap out of me.  Religion, is supposed to be a way to get closer to God, gods, a higher power, so why are you all trying to use your religion to condemn others?

If you don't have a religion, then you live life the way you choose, but it's just absurd to persecute others because they're not like you.  

You can always suggest that your solution is better, but you simply cannot condemn someone because of their own personal beliefs.  

As for those of you that are reading this, and are a bit like me (tired of the fighting) --- I commend you.  

Even if this is a cliche phrase, sometimes it's best to agree to disagree.

For Once, I'm Happy About Exams

Why?

Because I'm pretty sure I'm exempt from all of them except for Algebra, and I'm ok with that.  

Today I found out the 12 kids in my English teacher's pre AP course plagiarized on an analytical essay.  Let me repeat that, 12 KIDS PLAGIARIZED.

That's more than 10 percent of the kids!  This is outrageous! We are AP students, who in that class would need to cheat in order to feel like they could pass?!   And what was even more shocking was that the kids that I thought were 'smart' were the ones that cheated.

Guess I was wrong.  I know I've gotten 'help' from my friends before when it came to school work, but I've never plagiarized, and nor will I ever.

Also, I recently was informed that the UIL debate topic for 2009 came out.  It's  RESOLVED: Federal government bailouts of major corporations are just.

It's an ok topic, the only problem is you can really write an LD case for it, I mean in LD all we do is argue values and ethics, nothing really political.

Not Again

Today I broke the Christmas tree stand.  Don't ask how, I just did.

My parents are pretty pissed to say the least.

Junk List

Ok, this is just a junk list, not an actual blog post, but if you want to check out whatever's on this list go right ahead, I won't stop you.  I just wanted to make this so I'd be able to keep track of all my NFL debate links without overpowering my bookmark folder with crap.  These are some things that I'm checking out for the Jan/Feb. 2009 Topic-- Resolved: The United States ought to submit to the jurisdiction of an international court designed to prosecute crimes against humanity.

All of the links listed below were compiled by me, feel free to us them if you're in my Debate class or whatever, I don't really care.  I don't know if all of these are necessarily useful, but I didn't want to leave anything out, so use at your own discretion.

ICC:

US Opposition to the International Criminal Court

Darfur Killings Soften Bush's Opposition to International Court

It All Makes Sense Now - Blackwater and the ICC

Definition of ICC

USA and the ICC

United States and the International Criminal Court

Definitions:

Justice 1, 2, 3

Jurisdiction 1, 2, 3

Morality 1, 2, 3

Submit 1, 2, 3

Other:

International court urges U.S. to prevent scheduled executions

Man claims CIA tortured him, goes to international court

U.S., Mexico facing off over international court

The United States and International Law

more stuff to come, maybe sometime later....  it depends.  Hopefully by the time I decide to add new stuff I'll have finished writing my case.  If you have any suggestions email me at bookish[dot]spazz[at]gmail[dot]com

7 Days, which of course, is a week

Till my birthday.  Awesome right?  I'm not expecting much, just Anderson Cooper's book Dispatches From the Edge.

If I don't get that for my birthday I'm pretty sure I'll most likely get it for Christmas.  Or at least I hope so...

Anyways I thought is was just the right time to post my totally Outrageous Wishlist.  The thing that I never understood about Wishlists is that it's stuff that you always wish for, but kids always put menial things down like new games or consoles.  It makes no sense.  So I'm going to make a TRUE Christmas Wishlist.

- Unlimited supply of cucumbers.  I love fresh cucumbers all chopped us with either cheese or hotsauce.  Don't ask me why, I'm just addicted to them!

- A meet and greet with Anderson Cooper.  Let's face it, who wouldn't want to meet a CNN anchor?

- Clothes and food for all of the Children that live in impoverished countries.

- A chance to speak with Buddy Holly for an hour.

- To be visited by the spirit of Christmas Future.  And only that spirit.  I want to know if I'll be as successful as I hope to be.

- A dark chocolate tree in my backyard.

- Job at a bookstore.  And not some big national one, but a nice small family owned one.

- Personal sniper/ninja.  

Any outandish wishes for the holiday that you guys would like to share?

Click or No Click.

Lately I've been noticing things about myself and other people, and it's the Click Factor.

What is the Click Factor?

I define it as, not the spoken first impression of a person, but the emotional impression.  It's the deciding factor before you initially talk to someone that makes you think, "Hey, I really like this person."

Now, with me, most of the time I click with initially everyone I meet, but every now and then I meet someone who I just cannot stand.  They don't even have to say anything to me, I automatically just detest them.

So what do I do when I'm in situations like this?  I walk away.

Currently I'm devising a plan on how to deal with people like this, and right now all I can come up with is Deal With It.  I'm sure there's another way, but that would probably involve me sawing off my arm with a butter knife.

Also, during Christmas break I get to write a case...... I'm so excited, NOT.

Resolved: The United States ought to submit to the jurisdiction of an international court designed to prosecute crimes against humanity.

Which in layman's term means that the US should let the international court decide punishment on individuals who have committed crimes against humanity (i.e. Guantanamo Bay)

Can You Value Love?

Woah.  Debate is---- awesome.  I never realised how much I've changed since starting Debate until my stepmom pointed it out.

Lets put in some perspective:  Last year, going up to complete strangers and talking to them was practically impossible, and I had like -40 self confidence.  It was really that bad.

This year, I've been meeting new people and becoming friends with them, and I think I'm almost close to the point at which I exude confidence.  SERIOUSLY.  Ever since starting the class every aspect of my social life has improved.

Not to mention, 'picking up' guys has gotten a lot easier. Wait, what to girls call that?  Do we even have a term for it?  I can't explain, or even begin to comprehend how useful this class has been.  Not only do I have a plethora of new opinions and views of everything, I've become more open and willing to share. (still need to work on talking to shrinks though.  for some reason I have a problem opening up to them)

If you have any shyness issues or anything of the sort, I suggest looking into a speech course, or Debate.  It will do wonders for you.  Also, reading a couple of Body Language books wouldn't really be too bad.

------------------------

Now, onto how my Tourney went.  It was pretty Ok.  I mean, I went 2:1 (i won twice), and place fifth in Extemp speaking.

My first opponent was really smart, especially for someone whose only watched one tournament.  I have to admit, I was pretty impressed with him, not to mention he likes Fall Out Boy (always a plus) and actually knows what he's doing in Debate.

He asked for my number, but I was like, "Dude.  I am never on the phone.  EVER.  Unless necessary.  So, why don't I just give you my email?"

Also did I mention his laptop?  THE KEYBOARD HAS JAPANESE SYMBOLS ON IT.  How cool is that?

I'm sorry MG, but this guy just blew you out of the water.  The one thing I thought was kinda weird is that he smiled like my friend Kenneth, which isn't a bad thing because Kenneth has a nice smile.  I wonder how old he is..... he said he was a junior, so that's.... 2 years older than me?  I don't know....

Also, this week I've been really OCD about personal space.  I don't know why, I mean I thought I got over it last year, but apparently it's coming back.  Like, it really bothers me if people are to close to me (physically)  and they're talking to me or something.  

ALSO.  Bekka.  sending you a direct message on Twitter.

Help?

So right now my Algebra grade is bad....

I don't know why, but I just can't grasp the concept of the class. Or anything pertaining to math for that matter. UGH. Why don't I understand math? Why is it every time I look at it my brain shuts down? It's not fair.

I would trade any of my artistic ability if I could just retain whatever I've learned in math.

The thing that scares me though it that it's only gonna get harder from here. Not fun.

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In other news, I had fun reading and talking to others about some mystery vigilante newspaper going around the school. I'm not going to type much about it on here, so I'll probably type something up for APL. Which reminds me, I made a new post on APL about child prostitution in Asia.

Eh, there's a debate tourney tomorrow, and of course I'm going, I'm just worried that I won't place.... All I know is that I HAVE to do better than all the other novices. HAVE TO.

Bleh today: Not an optimal day, but it was ok. Definitely not in the hugging mood, but then again, when am I?

Does anyone have any advice for Algebra?

One last 80 proof, slouching in the corner booth.

This fun little thing was showed to me by Kaitlyn!

1. Choose a band / artist and answer ONLY in titles of their songs:
OK GO

2. Are you male or female:
Don't Ask Me

3. Describe yourself:
Invincible

4. How do some people feel about you:
No Sign Of Life

5. How do you feel about yourself:
You're So Damn Hot

6. Describe your ex-boyfriend/girlfriend:
A Good Idea At The Time

7. Describe your imaginary boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse:
C-C-C-Cinnamon Lips

8. Describe where you want to be:
Shortly Before The End

9. Describe how you live:
1000 Miles Per Hour

10. Describe how you love:
Do What You Want

11. What would you ask for if you had just one wish:
Return

12. Share a few words of Wisdom:
Let It Rain

13. Now say goodbye:
Bye Bye Baby

I wasn't paying attention.

Today was odd. Very odd. First off in Debate class the teacher said that I didn't have to practice extemp. speaking, and instead she made me help the others write their speeches. I was dumbfounded, because 1, stuff like this usually doesn't happen, in fact it NEVER happens, and 2 because she didn't ask Miranda first, who of course has seniority over me.

I think it made Miranda a bit mad... I don't know, but she protested saying that she shouldn't have to do it either, so the teacher let her file news articles instead, which I must admit is a sucky job.

Oh well. It's not my fault that I play politics in class. I mean, I come in early, and try my best to prove that I'm at the top of the novice rank, which in turn makes me look really good.  Also, I'm learning that there is  a difference between being humble, and just plain shy (I'm currently trying my best to show that I am getting over my shyness).  And if someone compliments me, I thank them, and go on to say, "It took a lot of hard work to get where I am, so that really means a lot."  instead of saying, "Oh, well thanks I guess...." and just stand there, which I used to do a lot.

I participate in class, and do my best to show that I am capable and confident, and also that I can handle responsibility, no matter how big or small.

Right now I'm so conflicted. I mean, I don't want to come off as mean, but I will not slow down, or stunt any chances of success that may come along. If a beneficial opportunity comes up for me, believe that I'm going to take it.

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PHEW. I'm glad that I got that off my chest. In other news today I was bitten.

And no ladies, not by a vampire, or some imaginary disease, but I was literally bitten by my friend Asstin on my upper arm.

And very hard too. It hurt like the Dickens, and I was just like, "Dude. WTF?"

and he was like, "You weren't paying attention, so I gave you a love bite."

At the time, I was doing a lab in Biology, and at times I kind of zone out into my own 'work' world, but seriously! He could have just thrown a pencil at me. I swear, it would have been just as efficient.

Mean? This is me normal!

Seriously.

I know that sometimes in person I may seem a little snarky and sarcastic, but that's just the way I am.

I don't really hate people, I just find it funny to make them mad.

And like my friend Celery put it, "If you were nice to me for one day, I don't think you'd be you."

So yeah, I'm sorry that sometimes I'm mean.

Weekend Withdrawal

Seriously. I think this is the worst case of weekend withdrawal I have ever been through.

UGH. I was so unprepared for school. My biology workbook pages weren't done, partially because I forgot about it.

Oh well. I just hope to Bhudda that none of my other classes have work due. Seriously, I cannot afford a failing grade.

Anyways, in Debate news, Jacob is back. Sad to say but I kinda forgot he was even gone, so today when I saw him I was just like, "Oh, hey." and then continued on with my day.

Also, I'm a bit disappointed that I won't be able to go to the Theatre's upcoming show. I'm seriously broke O.O

And I don't want to ask my parents for $22 when they're going to go out this weekend and buy Christmas presents, plus not to mention my Birthday is on the 15th. Oh well, I'm sure Kenneth will understand.

Oh yes, and to Bekka: I'll probably be bring your Poinsettias tomorrow, so tell your mom to be prepared.

Today I seriously couldn't stop wanting to draw Jackson Rathbone, and I did, but I misplaced my drawing. Random fact: He was born in Singapore.