dear read reda dera

by the time you return in late june i will have read the following books (putting them on here will make me accountable for reading them):
-Anna Karenina
-One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
-The Catcher in the Rye
-Slaughterhouse-Five or some other book by Vonnegut
-The Great Gatsby
-Brave New World
-On The Road
-A Doll's House (it's a play, but w/e)

other books i'm hoping to read over the summer, but will probably not be able to read in june:
-The House of Trees
-The Anthem
-The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test
-Madame Bovary
-The Awakening
-One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich
-Catch 22
-To Kill a Mocking Bird
-The Glass Menagerie
-The Plague
-Norwegian Wood

to re-read:
-Sophie's World
-Smashed
-The Picture of Dorian Gray
-The Master and Margarita

to force myself to finish:
-One Hundred Years of Solitude, I've been on page 74 for the past year D:
-some play by Oscar Wilde i;ve been trying to read since 9th grade

babybag

(224):
Just bought myself a coach diaper bag. I thought it would be perfect for school. the baby bottle holders are where i'm gonna put my booze
----

There's a girl in one of my classes who has spent the whole year looking at coach diaper bag because they're "cuter and have way more compartments than regular bags."

She seriously makes my days.

BSB FOREVER

THE BOYSSSS =D

BSB FOREVERRR

No kidding.
I think I will be in love with them even when I am 40 and they are 56.

It won't matter to me.

Really it won't.

It was such an epic night.

SUCH.

AN.

EPIC.

NIGHT.

They danced.

They were corny.

We screamed.

It was GREAT.

My throat is on fire but I do not care.

At all.

I would do it again.

FER SURE.

I think I became 7 again and they became 20.

Really, I think they did.

Even AJ who is missing hair.

It didn't matter.

He was great.

His voice still sounds amazing.

Nick and Brian.

The blondies.

The cuties.

My favorites.

They still looked the same.

Except manlier.

Which equals to more AWESOMENESS.

They seriously just made my summer.

It is going so well.

So so well.

My concert buddies could not have been better.

We screamed and laughed and screamed some more.

I think I blew Nicole's ear drum.

And the people's in front of me.

I think I did.

I hope I did.

They're so cute!

I wish I could have gotten their autograph.

I would have totally probably I think I don't know what would have happened had that happened.

Really I don't.

I think we caught them in their best time.

They're mature but not too old.

They're in a nice age.

30-something.

This was a really good start to summer.

It really was.

Sigh.

=)

the end has no end, it may just be the beginning

everything happens for a reason, i do believe that we all serve some purpose on this earth. i do believe that circumstances are not always under our control, they're planned by a higher, more potent being.

i've always wondered why i couldn't have been in the grade below mine, where my age would have fit in. where i wouldn't have been asked if i had skipped a grade every time i said my age, i would've just blended in.

this past week, however, with the presentations of our interests in class, i've come to see a different side of my peers. a side that makes me appreciate them each so much more. as human beings, as individuals. they are all such radiant people inside and out; i know they will go places.

they surprise me with their intellect in class, they confound me with their absurd endeavors out of class. more than that, conversations i've held with almost everyone linger in my memory and help me characterize them for the distinct personae they uphold.

through these projects, however, i've been re-inspired and reminded of why i like them as peers. it's like that week after camp when i know that humanity isn't totally lost, except this is on a wider scale.

as much as i bitch about them every now and then, i love them and will miss them more than i thought and i've only come to realize that this past week.

i'm lucky as hell to have gotten to know them; i am convinced that's why i'm in the grade i'm in. i wouldn't have been able to connect with any other age group or admire any other group of people as i do my current peeps.

Wikipedia Today!

These are my Wikipedia searches today:
Sushi
Wasabi
Juan Valdez
Juan Valdez Cafe
Ashton Kutcher
That '70s Show
Kurtwood Smith
Red Forman
Drake & Josh
Romeo!
Brittney Wilson
Ashley Phillips
Mythbusters
Tory Belleci
Kari Byron
Jamie Hyneman
Adam Savage

i don't want realism. i want magic!

"Acting is living truthfully under the given imaginary circumstances"
- Sanford Meisner, pioneer of method acting and founder of the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City

I had something insightful to say about this quote, but now it's gone. Poof. Although, I will mention that I've always wanted to act in a small production.

It's like a secret fantasy of mine.

let's get physical.

so physical education is a requirement for my school next year.

in elementary school my first and only C ever was in a PE class :(
i didn't take PE all throughout middle school because of that :(
i chose ib over band because PE was waived :(

clearly, my history with PE has been a dreadful one; but that is about to change!

i received the course catalog today and became so excited looking through all the classes. i have to take 6 credits of PE before graduating, so i figured i'll take the first one next year.

right now i'm between capoeira ,



which looks like so much fun!

then there's ballroom dance or introduction to dance (either which seem likely because the scheduling fits perfectly)
and raft, sea kayak & canoe and rock climbing sound interesting too because they have all day field trips on 2 weekends.

just thought i'd share my excitement over PE~!

Chat with nicole

Participants:
-------------
Laura, nicole <3

Messages:
---------
Laura: nicole, I think you should get down (twice) and move it all around
nicole <3: I think you're larger than life. Just saying
Laura: Uhh, you just gotta know that I'll never break your heart
nicole <3: I know you won't, as long as you love me.
Laura: maybe I'm a drifter
Laura: maybe not
nicole <3: HAHAHAHA BEST LINE EVER. But seriously, quit playing games with my heart.
Laura: Uhhhh, I don't know I think I want it that way
nicole <3: Well then show me the meaning of being lonely
Laura: but you have to understand that is all I have to give
nicole <3: But I think I need more than that
Laura: but that's the shape of my heart
nicole <3: Which means we've got it going on
Laura: Yeah we gotta tell everybody (backstreet's back)
nicole <3: We should give them the call
Laura: That would make me incomplete
nicole <3: Well then tell mr dj to keep playing this song for me
Laura: But anyway, I just got paid so this it isn't tearing up my heart anymore which I think is very lucky for us as well as is making us stronger but would never beat a genie in a bottle
Laura: I think this has to be the funniest conversation I've had in a long time
nicole <3: Earlier today I was driving myself crazy because I realized that it isn't what a girl wants. I didn't want to be a wannabe so I decided to say bye bye bye to that fighter that from now on it's gonna be me, an independent woman
nicole <3: This really is just too funny
Laura: Independent woman part 1?
Nicole <3: Yes ma'am. The world isn't ready for part 2
Laura: Hahahahahahahahahahaha
Laura: True dat, Playas gon' play cause you know I'm so irresistible
nicole <3: well I'm just so complicated and people just don't understand the pieces of me. It's just me against the music, sometimes.
Laura: Yeah, I'm so caught up and I just gotta let it burn but then again maybe I should just go to aaron's party and go get it
nicole <3: Or maybe you should just give your confessions and then leave (get out) right thurr
Laura: I think we go to the hollidae inn by the beach its getting hot in here or get low at the hotel california; this is our dilemma
Laura: Well, thanks for giving me just one night (una noche) hopefully you're set adrift on memory bliss :) (we need to hang out soon! Let's just not get trapped in a closet)
Laura: Part 1 of course
nicole <3: It has like 20 something parts. And I believe we need to get the party started together one sweet day.
Laura: Hahahahahahahaha ok and good night=D (btdubbs, you rock!)
nicole <3: Thanks. You're pretty awesome yourself :D

Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis

Yup.
You heard that?
That's what I have.
The I-hate-my-brother-for-being-such-a-pig disease.
Yup, that keratoendlessworddddtivitis.
I have worn conctact lenses for the longest time.
Around probably 8 years.
Since I was around 12 years old, probably.
I've only started to have problems with my eyes since around October.
Yes, October.
Only a few months ago.
Just a few.
How did it start you ask?
My brother starts having his eyes turn red.
His contacts hurt him etc.
He kind of ignores it.
My enabling parents tell him it is not a big deal.
"Put Visine or something".
"OK!"
No.
Not OK.
A frw days later, my eyes are turning red too.
WTF?
What, oh, what could be the cause?
Oh yeah, my dirty brother.
I tell my mother, I'm going to the eye doctor.
So then what happens you might ask?
I have an eye infection, the same he has.
Oh yeah, no surprise.
No then, Im uber careful to do as the doctor says.
He begins to start caring.
But now, he stopped caring.
Turned back to his old ways.
What happens?
Oh yeah, he gets it back.
What do my parents do?
"Visine! Visine!"
No. No. No.
NO!
He gives it to me.
Ugh!
I'm angry because my parents are just enablers.
They try to make it not a big deal.
It isn't but just take him to the eye doctor.
That way, I won't get it.
I will be FINE.
GREAT.
Whatever.

Commentary

I just want to say something to you.
I saw a picture on Christina's facebook of the two of you at prom.
You kind of kicked her butt.
Yup.
I made it into a competition.
A competition in which you won.
By like ten miles.
Probably even more.
You looked BEAUTIFUL.
Like, BEAUTIFUL.
You kicked her pretty butt.
As well as a lot of other people's butts.
Jus' sayin'.
PS. I went around snooping for more pictures of you.
Find one of Sophia, Alina etc.
Sophia looked really pretty too!
Jus' sayin'.
Again.
PPS. Even if it isn't a competition, which it is not, you still looked beautiful.
'Cause see now I feel bad saying you kicked Christina's butt.
But you did.
I just feel bad saying it now.
But I said it so.
Yeah.
=)

the thing that i adore

biology has become my life for the next 2 days
i love it.
i've been looking forward to studying it intensely without seeming weird, more than i looked forward to prom.

it will be nice.

xq

the "Next Blog >>" hyperlink at the top of this blog is my favorite
(i say a lot of things are my favorite, but i think i mean this one).

it's like a blog waiting to surprise you.
i look forward to clicking it after i write a post. it helps me discover something/someone new.
i think my discoveries can generally be categorized into two major groups:

1. the mom who is writing about her family life and posting pictures of her weekend activities with her children.
you can spot these blogs by just looking at the main title called "The (insert family last name here). i saw one once where there were pictures of a boy on his first day of high school, and there was a post with something cheesy like "gee whiz, he's growing up." true story.

2. Young, Single Male/Female Complaining about Love Life, Work, Parents, Etc.
a lot of the times their complaining is just annoying so i don't waste my time reading it, but there are gems that are few and far. By gems I mean when these young people rant in a comedic manner. i think it's the best thing EVER.

of course, once in a while i'll find someone who writes poetry/short stories/commentaries on random stuff, but those rarely come up.

oh and my rule for when i do press the "next blog" button is that i'll only read two posts by that person, and i'll limit myself to only two clicks of the button...or else i would spend all day here.
go, try!

if someone happens to run across this at some point or other feel free to comment on anything...it's appreciated :)

Policarpa Salavarrieta

I think that is a hard name to say.
Policarpa Salavarrieta.
It is like the word
parangaricutirimicuaro
or
supercalifragilisticexpialidoceous
or how ever it is spelled.
I also believe that I would never name my daughter Policarpa.
Or polideportivo.
Except that is not a name.
Polideportivo is a place where you play a lot of different games.
But still.
My cousin we call him Poli.
My dad elongated it to Polideportivo.
Except it is cute for him because he is cute.
He is such a nice cousin.
The only one from my dad's family who is somewhat normal.
The rest should really check themselves to a facility.
At least one of them.
The one with daddy issues, anorexia and low self-esteem.
Poor girl.
She's so pretty too.
Prettiest one out of all of us cousins.
Whatever.
Anyway, I dont really know where I am going with this.
I just wanetd to write.
I had to.
It was calling my name.
Super calling it.
Like it was my business.
It was crazy.
I'm good now.
I think.

Hawa – D.A.N.C.E (Justice Cover)

by far my favorite rendition of this song,

Hawa &#8211; D.A.N.C.E (Justice Cover)

<3
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8kpfirP_TfmIu0pWYZyBT3-v-huTVvF64qPrkh-6vzfy683sLs1VSIZt787mbwTKG6K3KhOoQbn94ROMnNoC1FOqFwMqN4zEWAOoC-kdY_wqQh0pVmVGVPgaUAhfF5O8nnKZsEhttade/s1600/awkwardkids.jpg

The Backstreet Boys can be 80 but they will always be the boys to me

grandmotherness

this weekend, in an attempt to learn history that i should have learned over the course of two years, i read this:

On 2 December 1956, after military training in Mexico, Castro and a company of eighty-two men sailed on the yacht Granma across the Gulf to Cuba.

hahah Granma !

Gahhh

I am so angry.
So frustrated.
I shouldn't be.
I should be calm.
Collected.
Cool.
I just can't be.
How can she expect me to be breezy?
To be able to control my emotions?
I am ONLY 19.
Basically a little baby.
Such a little baby.
Barely any experience.
I might be horrible at social situations at times.
Awkward.
But if there is one thing about me is that I am transparent.
Transparent when it comes to what I'm feeling.
Usually.
How can she expect me to change so quickly by giving me advice?
She says, "You're giving yourself bad advice, mine is good."
It really just bothers me.
What is that even supposed to mean?
Why can't she STOP being so illogical?
So exasperating!
How can I even give myself advice?
She doesn't even listen.
She thinks she is so wise.
She might be.
She is.
But can she just STOP and listen?
Is that too much to ask?
STOP.
LISTEN.
TALK (or not).
MOTHEReffinnesssss

God Bless You!

I pray that God blesses you with amazing test skills and such this coming week.
You'll do great!
ILY :)
(I think good luck is nice and whatever, but I prefer a God-given blessing :D )

ironies

tonight i was that person.

you know, that bad driver.

i'm not talking about occasionally bad, like the people who don't put on their blinkers as they're changing lanes and/or turning onto streets.

or the ones who speed up at a yellow light and break really quickly when they see they won't make it.

noo, i was the one that if you're driving with your parents they'd single me out and say "See kids, some people just don't understand that they shouldn't drink and drive."

YEAH, it was THAT bad.

i had dropped my sister off at a friend's house, and i was returning on the same street i took to get there. there was a streetlight at the first intersection, where i had made a right to reach the destination so as i went back home i figured i'd make a left, right? NO.
maybe i should have looked before i turned.
the light turned green, and since no cars were coming from the other side, i successfully turned left. i pass a supermarket and i'm halfway down the street when i notice there's a car coming straight at me.
no, not on the other side, as in a two-way street.
but on the same road, a few feet away. of course, i think the other car is obviously mistaken; i honk, they dodge, i swerve a little--accident prevented. easy as pie...upside down.
i'm counting my blessings now, bc really>? how many people can say that's happened to them. but i spoke too soon, and another car is coming at me again. yea, at me.
i'm an idiot because that's when i realised i was the one on the wrong side of the road.
in an attempt to avoid an accident or worse, again, i swiftly turn into a supermarket on the side of the road.
i'm also in tears at this point and looking at the street i was on to analyse what had gone wrong.

there weren't any one way signs, or any ones with don't turn left warnings, or even blatant wrong way marks. so how was i supposed to know that the street was unidirectional?

ughhsbnifd; i feel so stupid.

on the bright side, at least i didn't die?

p.s. did you notice we had very little posts in the month of april? it's like there was a dry spell during a month that's known as the rainiest. i thought that was interesting.

Customer Service

Customer Service is so AWKWARD!
Like very.
I like it when they are machines.
Machines are not awkward.
They just tell you information.
Ask yes or questions.
Questions that can be answered with the number pad.
The number pad does not require social skills.
It just requires punching numbers on the pad.
Not wondering whether I have to be quiet or helpful.
Whether I have to say my name or just the problem.
It is so confusing.
Then the customer service people and their tones.
Their tones of annoyingness.
Hostility.
Impersonality.
Disengagement.
The tones that make you feel like you're wasting their time.
When in truth, we (the customers) are actually paying for their job.
If we didn't call, they wouldn't have a job.
Would not have money in their pockets/bank accounts.
So, then why can't they be nice?
I mean, yes, it is not a fun job probably.
But they should view it with positivity.
With gratefulness.
I don't enjoy talking to customer service people.
I never know what to say.
It is so awkward.
I forget my English.
Weirdly not my Spanish.
But I do forget my English.
My name.
My address.
Everything.
I just hate it.
It makes me so nervous.
I try not to use customer service.
I wish machines would just take over.
Bliss.

(717): I just had one of those moments where i was really sad that i'll never get to be asian.

People think I have a thing for Asians, I don't think I do. I just appreciate them more than most people.