And I Totally Rock.

Hallelujah, it's a whole 'nother year!

2010-01-02T21:16:00.002-05:00

I know I should've done this, like, yesterday, but I was busy.

...

So...HAPPY NEW YEAR!

*dances around while cheesy band music plays in the background*

I'm currently still a minor, so I cannot celebrate New Year's the way I want to.

Meaning, I'm at church with The Family on New Year's Eve.

Which kinda sucks, to put it lightly.
No offense to all you Christian or religious people out there. Don't take it personally. I'm just giving my TPV (Teenage Point of View).
It's not that I don't like church--I really don't mind going. I mean, I was born and raised in the church.

But really--how many teenagers do you know that would rather sit in church and pray instead of sitting in front of the TV with their friends, shouting the countdown to New Year's while drinking Coke and scarfing down various packages of Oreos?

None, apparently.

Because I, Ashley, The Ashnator, The Shadow Princess, certainly do not.

I'll eventually have a New Year's party, though. In a big mansion, with a surround sound stereo and a gigantic kitchen and dance floor. And they WILL NOT BE INVITED!

...I'm kidding. I just wanted to say that.

Happy New Yearz to y'all.

So here's the down-low.

2009-12-07T20:20:00.003-05:00

I'm trying to write, like eleventy-billion stories at once (actually, just four). Two of them are fan-fictions, one is a manga (graphic novel), and one is a sci-fi slash comedy just for the heck of it.
When I tell people this, they're like, "Oh, cool! Are you gonna publish 'em?"

I'm like, "Ya".

Most people are impressed that I can write more than one story at once and not come down with Writer's Block, considering I have the attention span of a squirrel on crack.

But come on, people, let's face it: I just got mad skillz.

I'm good at just about anything--rock-climbing, drawing, writing, English, baseball, pinball, whistling...

except Math. Boy, is that a real bummer.

Picture it: I am sitting at my desk with a determined look on my face, pen in hand and wearing my hair in two crooked pigtails. I am also wearing thick-rimmed glasses with no lenses, and a Spongebob headband that reads, "I'm Ready!", though it's not doing much for the sweat raining off my forehead.
Teacher Mom bursts through the door wearing a rainbow-striped unitard, green leg warmers, an orange beret and six-inch high purple platform shoes.

"All right!" She booms. "Who's ready for some straight-up Algebrizzle?!"

And then I die.

(Note: This is not exactly what happens...)

But yeah, there it is.

...waitaminit, what was I talking about?

I Have Returned.

2009-11-25T22:30:00.003-05:00

I'm back! Although it's pretty obvious that nobody missed me, I felt the need to tell everyone that...

I AM HERE!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day, and I am tired. I woke up late this morning, rushed to get dressed for work, went to work, worked, came home from work, went to the store, bought stuff, came back home, wrote in my journal, remembered something I forgot to get while I was at the store, went back to the store, bought more stuff, came back home, and started cooking.

In other words, I have done nothing today.

Speaking of writing, there's this guy I really like. Back when I was ~~obsessed~~ thinking about him nonstop (exactly a month and one week ago), all I did was write about him in my journal. The first 12,973 entries were all. About. Him.

...okay, I exaggerate. The first 20 entries were all about him.

I went back to my journal earlier and I was so embarrassed with what I wrote. I was like, "What's wrong with me?"

After all those times I went and made fun of the Mothernator for being overly-in-love with the Fathernator, and I went and threw myself into the same boat...

I should be shot.

I guess I'm finished for now. I shall return to my post--making desserts for the hungry, needy children in Africa and Connetticut...!

Or, better yet...for the family!

I shall return!

How do I see my beliefs reflected in government policies and by politicians?

2009-01-06T09:14:00.003-05:00

What are my beliefs?
I believe in equality between race, religion and creed among people.I believe that anyone should be able to say whatever they want and not have anyone put them down or intimidate them so that they change their moral values. I believe that this is a free country and people should be able to DO WHAT THEY WANT.

I think about some of the stuff the presidents and DemoRepubs say and I think that only a few have the same beliefs as me. I do not believe in gay marriage, and I have learned that some politicians do. There are other things I believe are okay, such as raising the taxes for the rich and giving the working middle-class folk a break. Politicians usually only think about and say things they think people want to hear, and I believe that is wrong. It doesn't guarantee that they will get chosen or that people will like you- it only proves that you don't have any morals, and having no moral doesn't count for anything. I believe they should speak about what they believe in.

Transformational Thinking: What evidence do I have that I am committed to learning? (01-05-09)

2009-01-06T08:42:00.005-05:00

Well, my family has been through a lot during the past two years, so me and my siblings did not have the chance to get the education and teaching we needed, so I have literally lost two years of my school life. The evidence that I have that I am committed to learning is that, even though it is very hard, I am climbing my way back up the ladder. I am planning to graduate this year, a whole year earlier than my actual graduation date. I have been through basic math and am currently working on pre-algebra. I believe that if I apply myself, I will be learning algebra I about two months. I am a member on CollegeBoard.com and am recieving SAT questions each day. So I believe that if I strive hard enough, I will be able to reach my goal.

What is discipline?

2009-01-05T16:09:00.004-05:00

What is discipline?

Discipline: \ˈdi-sə-plən\

1: Training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character
2: Control gained by enforcing obedience or order b: orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior

Now that I have inserted a definition, I have nothing more to say. Why is is that I talk when no one asks but have nothing to say when I need to?! Well, I'll try anyway.

Discipline is what happens when you do something you're not supposed to do, like when my mom tells to wash a load of towels and I wash a load of underwear...no, maybe it's not that...
Oh! It's like when she tells me NOT to get on the computer when she's out and I do anyway, and she comes back and finds me on SuperPuzzle. Ya. That's it exactly. And then she puts me on a week-long fast (from video games and reading. NOOOO!!!).

In other words, she puts me on PUNISHMENT...ment...ment...

But yeah, that is my definition for discipline.

School schedule for the week of January 5, 2009

2009-01-05T16:07:00.000-05:00

School schedule for the week of
January 5, 2009
--------------------------------------
Ashley’s Schedule
Monday
6:00 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth
6:10 a.m. – Life studies
6:15 a.m. – Math assignment – Math book Basic math and pre-algebra, Worksheets
6:45 a.m. – Vocabulary- look up two new words of the day; write definition in your vocabulary book
6:50 a.m. - Blog, What is Discipline?
7:00 a.m. - Transformational Thinking; What evidence do I have that I am committed to learning?
7:30 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
7:40 a.m. – Typing assignment, lesson 2
7:55 a.m. – English - Language arts – Grammar: Grammar Enrichment- Simple and Compound Sentence; Composition Enrichment- Editing: Writing About Yourself
8:15 a.m. - History - American Civil War
8:30 a.m. – Break for breakfast, scripture given to learn, Matthew 5:3-12
9:00 a.m. – Reading assignment, Romeo and Juliet
9:30 a.m. – Music class; Lessons – Acoustic Guitar, tones, first notes
10:00 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
10:15 a.m. – Geography – Seven continents, Asia
10:30 a.m. - Foreign Language assignment
10:45 a.m. – P.E. Exercise
11:15 a.m. – Break for snack, sit down quiet time, read a book or draw
11:45 a.m. – Bible class: Christian Girl’s Guide to Being Your Best, chapter 1, page 33-40
12:15 p.m. – Class dismissed

Tuesday
6:00 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth
6:10 a.m. – Freshen up chore
6:15 a.m. – Math assignment – Math book Basic math and pre-algebra, Worksheets
6:45 a.m. – Writing assignment, Writing across the Curriculum, Drafting: Getting Ideas on Paper
7:05 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
7:15 a.m. – Typing assignment, lesson 2
7:30 a.m. – English - Language arts – Grammar: Grammar Enrichment- Kinds of nouns; Composition Enrichment- Responding to a Character
8:00 a.m. – Open Journals; Give a brief Bio on President-Elect Obama
8:05 a.m. - Blog, How do I see my beliefs reflected in government policies and by politicians?
8:15 a.m. - Reading assignment, Romeo and Juliet
8:30 a.m. – Break for breakfast- Discussions, from Bible class: What do these scriptures mean to you?
9:00 a.m. – Vocabulary- write in voc. book how you can use these words in everyday conversation, if you can use them at all
9:15 a.m. - Chemistry – Matter, Text book reading page 2-14
9:45 a.m. – Music class; Lessons – Acoustic Guitar, toning guitar, second notes
10:00 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
10:15 a.m. - Social Studies- What’s in the News today, Internet newspaper, local and foreign news
10:30 a.m. - Foreign Language assignment, brush up on Spanish
10:45 a.m. – P.E. Exercise
11:15 a.m. – Break for snack, sit down quiet time, read a book or draw
11:45 a.m. – Bible class: Christian Girl’s Guide to Being Your Best, chapter 2 Do your best, page 43-49
12:15 p.m. – Class dismissed

Wednesday
6:00 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth
6:10 a.m. – Freshen up chore
6:15 a.m. – Math assignment, Math book Basic math and pre-algebra, Worksheet
6:45 a.m. – Vocabulary – Write me a short story using your Vocabulary words
7:15 a.m. – Typing assignment, Lesson 2
7:20 a.m. - Blog, Critical Response and Stance, How can I discover the truth about others?
7:30 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
7:40 a.m. – English - Language arts – Grammar: Grammar Enrichment- Distinguishing Plurals, Possessives, and Contraction; Composition Enrichment; Writing Process in Action
8:00 a.m. – History – American Civil War
8:15 a.m. - Open Journals, How are the SAT’s review question going? Are you ready for the big test?
8:30 a.m. – Break for breakfast- Discussions, from Bible class: What is the name of this passage of scriptures
9:00 a.m. – Reading assignment – Romeo and Juliet
9:30 a.m. – Get ready to go to the Library
11:30 a.m. - Home from the Library, settling in
11:45 p.m. - Read or look at movie
12:15 p.m. – Lunch
12: 45 p.m. – Chemistry – Matter, Chapter problem page 15-17
1:15 p.m. – Science experiments: Chemical changes experiments
1:45 p.m. - Bibles class: Christian Girl’s Guide to Being Your Best, chapter 2 Do your best, page 49-52
2:15 p.m. – P.E. Exercise
3:00 p.m. - Class dismissed

Thursday
6:00 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth
6:10 a.m. – Freshen up chore
6:15 a.m. – Math assignment, Math book Basic math and pre-algebra, chapter 6, page, chapter problems, chapter supplements
6:45 a.m. – Real world, Write me a budget, for a family of 2, husband and wife, with an income of 30,000? Give me a list of all monthly bills, how you spend your money by the month: Blog
7:00 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
7:10 a.m. – Typing assignment, Lesson 2
7:30 a.m. – English - Language arts – Grammar: Grammar Enrichment- Appositive; Composition Enrichment - Using the Writing Process
8:00 a.m. – Open Journals, What are your plans for next year?
8:15 a.m. - Blog, Critical Response and Stance, What sacrifices will I make for the truth?
8:30 a.m. – Break for breakfast- Discussions, from Bible class: Who was the passage written too?
9:00 a.m. – Home Economics – Basic of sewing- sewing on a button
9:30 a.m. – Music class; Acoustic Guitar, play me
10:00 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
10:15 a.m. – Art –
10:45 a.m. – P.E. Exercise
11:15 a.m. – Break for snack, sit down quiet time, read a book or draw
11:45 a.m. – Bible Class, Christian Girl’s Guide to Being Your Best, chapter 2 Do your best, page 52-54
12:15 p.m. – Class dismissed

Field Trip Day continuing with class from time to time
Friday - Trip days
7:00 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth-Older children, Get lunches together
8:00 a.m. - Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth- Younger Children
8:10 a.m. – Freshen up chore
8:15 a.m. – Reading time
8:30 a.m. – Breakfast
9:15 a.m. – Some mornings when we have an early trip, leave for trip for the day
9:00 a.m. – Morning Prayer
10:15 a.m. – Home from prayer
10:45 a.m. – Leave for Field trip for the day

Friday – School days
6:30 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth
6:40 a.m. – Freshen up chore
6:45 a.m. – Math, Quiz
7:15 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
7:25 a.m. – Real world – basic driving test written
7:50 a.m. – Typing test 2
8:10 a.m. – English - Language arts – Grammar – Quiz
8:30 a.m. – Break for breakfast
9:00 a.m. – Vocabulary test, written and verbal
9:30 a.m. – Music class, Latin Music; quiz; Acoustic Guitar, quiz, play me some chords
10:00 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
10:15 a.m. – History Quiz
10:45 a.m. – P.E. Exercise
11:15 a.m. – Break for snack, sit down quiet time, read a book or draw.
11:45 a.m. – Bible Class discussion – Spirit of Fear, quiz
12:15 p.m. – Class dismissed

"Pu-raise God for 2009!!!"

2009-01-05T15:46:00.005-05:00

I am very happy for the new year! This is the year for change! This is the year for new! This is the year to...to...do fun stuff!

This is also the last year of my childhood. Boo. I will never be able to get away with anything ever again.

But anyway, to celebrate the new year (something I should've done four days ago), I have written a poem, based on my family:

"The old year is over,
the new year has come,
we made it through.
Every battle, fought bravely,
proudly,
a struggle to the very end.
How many battles did we lose?
How many have we won?
We have been knocked down many times,
but every time, we got back up,
and stood straighter, taller.
And standing we shall remain.
The year two thousand eight is forever gone,
and with it, too,
is the present.
But we are still here.
There will be more obstacles,
but together we will beat the "course".
So, with love, joy, and glory divine,
we Pu-raise God for 2009!!!"

Things I am thankful for III

2008-11-20T16:20:00.002-05:00

I am thankful for my friends, young and old, the snow outside (I've been waiting for it) thankful that my parents trust me and care for me, and I'm especially thankful that THIS IS THE LAST POST FOR "THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR" THIS MONTH! Because I have absolutely nothing else to add to this.

Oh, and I'm thankful for music.

What is responsibility?

2008-11-18T14:20:00.004-05:00

Responsibility : \ri-spän-sə-bi-lə-tē\

1: the quality or state of being responsible: as a: moral, legal, or mental accountability b: reliability , trustworthiness
2: something for which one is responsible : burden

That's what responsibility is (hmm, better write somethin' else, or Teacher Mom'll give me an ~~eff~~ I mean, an F).
Responsibility, in a nutshell, is just an assigned duty that, as an individual, you are obligated to fulfill. My responsibility, with being an older teenager, is to help The 'Rents take care of my younger sibs. I also have to help with keeping the house clean, even though I don't really like to clean (at least it beats paying rent!). I have ~~tons of~~ a few responsibilities that I don't actually keep up with, and that's because...because...
uh...
IT'S JUST BECAUSE I DON'T LIKE TO DO IT, OKAY?!

Things I am thankful for II

2008-11-13T13:52:00.001-05:00

I'm thankful for my mom and dad, for teaching me the ways of life (it came a little late, but still), the food I eat, intuition (I'm not explaining).
I'm also thankful for having a conscience, because if I didn't, my parents would have already killed and buried me. I'm thankful for my church family, for supporting me and encouraging me, and for being a young lady.

Things I am thankful for

2008-11-11T20:24:00.006-05:00

I am thankful for:
My family
My pastor
My iPod
My ~~friends~~ associates
My clothes
My home
My abilities
My skills
My brain (the world's most important tool!!)
and that's all.

Inter-Relationships & Self-Reliance: What is my responsibility to society?

2008-11-03T15:44:00.002-05:00

My responsibility is to help keep the environment clean, and be obedient to the law. Because I live in this city, on this earth, I am also a part of it, which means I should keep it clean and neat, just as I would do my bedroom. It's true that your personality says a lot about you, and that's because it is you, so what if my room or town was a mess? That would make me a slob, tell people that I don't even care about myself or my environment.
Also, what if I was a licensed driver, and I drove recklessly? I could accidentally hit someone or something, or even hurt myself. You have to drive for everybody, even if they don't drive for you. I believe that everyone has a responsibility in the world, even if they refuse to accept it.

School schedule for the week of November 3, 2008

2008-11-03T15:33:00.004-05:00

School schedule for the week of
November 3, 2008
--------------------------------------
Ashley’s Schedule
Monday
6:00 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth
6:10 a.m. – Life studies
6:15 a.m. – Math assignment – Math book Basic math and pre-algebra, chapter 2, page 39-59, chapter problems, solutions , and supplemental problems, page 59-61, 63-64
6:45 a.m. – Vocabulary- look up two new words of the day; write definition in your vocabulary book
6:50 a.m. - Blog, What is my responsibility to society?
7:00 a.m. - Transformational Thinking, How do I develop a realistic plan for the future?
7:30 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
7:40 a.m. – Typing assignment, lesson 6
7:55 a.m. – English - Language arts – Grammar: Adjectives, articles, and proper adjectives; Composition Practice- Prewriting: Editing: Making Final Adjustments
8:15 a.m. - History - Greek Mythology
8:30 a.m. – Break for breakfast, scripture given to learn, Spirit of Fear
9:00 a.m. – Reading assignment, The Grapes of Wrath, Chapter 12
9:30 a.m. – Music class - Research Latin music; Lessons – Acoustic Guitar, tones, first notes to Jingle Bells
10:00 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
10:15 a.m. – Geography – Seven continents, Antarctica
10:30 a.m. - Foreign Language assignment
10:45 a.m. – P.E. Exercise
11:15 a.m. – Break for snack, sit down quiet time, read a book or draw
11:45 a.m. – Bible class: Spirit of Fear
12:15 p.m. - Change Blog Template
12:30 p.m. – Class dismissed

Tuesday
6:00 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth
6:10 a.m. – Life studies
6:15 a.m. – Math assignment – Math book Basic math and pre-algebra, chapter 3, page 67-84, chapter problems 84-85, chapter supplements 87-88
6:45 a.m. – Writing assignment, Writing across the Curriculum, Drafting: Getting Ideas on Paper
7:05 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
7:15 a.m. – Typing assignment, lesson 6
7:30 a.m. – English - Language arts – Grammar –Comparative and Superlative Adjectives; Composition Practice- Presenting: Sharing Your Writing
8:00 a.m. – Open Journals; What are your views on the election?
8:05 a.m. - Blog, How do I see my beliefs reflected in government policies and by politicians?
8:15 a.m. - Reading assignment, The Grapes of Wrath, Writing assignment, questions from chapter 1-5
8:30 a.m. – Break for breakfast- Discussions, from Bible class: What is Fear?
9:00 a.m. – Vocabulary- write in voc. book how you can use these words in everyday conversation, if you can use them at all
9:15 a.m. - Chemistry – Matter, Text book reading page 2-14
9:45 a.m. – Music class, - Research, Latin: What is Latin music; Lessons – Acoustic Guitar, toning guitar, second notes to Jingle Bell
10:00 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
10:15 a.m. - Social Studies- What’s in the News today, Internet newspaper, local and foreign news
10:30 a.m. - Foreign Language assignment, brush up on Spanish
10:45 a.m. – P.E. Exercise
11:15 a.m. – Break for snack, sit down quiet time, read a book or draw
11:45 a.m. – Bible class: Spirit of Fear
12:15 p.m. – Class dismissed

Wednesday
6:00 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth
6:10 a.m. – Life studies
6:15 a.m. – Math assignment, Math book Basic math and pre-algebra, chapter 4, page 91-111, chapter problems 111-112, chapter supplements 115-116
6:45 a.m. – Vocabulary – Write me a short story using your Vocabulary words
7:15 a.m. – Typing assignment, Lesson 6
7:20 a.m. - Blog, Critical Response and Stance, How can I discover the truth about others?
7:30 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
7:40 a.m. – English - Language arts – Grammar – Demonstratives; Composition Practice - Writing Process in Action
8:00 a.m. – History – Greek mythology
8:15 a.m. - Open Journals, How are the SAT’s review question going? Are you ready for the big test?
8:30 a.m. – Break for breakfast- Discussions, from Bible class, Can some of the things you look at on television cause fear?
9:00 a.m. – Reading assignment – The Grapes of Wrath, Chapter 13
9:30 a.m. – Get ready to go to the Library
11:30 a.m. - Home from the Library, settling in
11:45 p.m. - Read or look at movie
12:15 p.m. – Lunch
12: 45 p.m. – Chemistry – Matter, Chapter problem page 15-17
1:15 p.m. – Science experiments: Chemical changes experiments
1:45 p.m. - Bibles class: Spirit of Fear
2:15 p.m. – P.E. Exercise
3:00 p.m. - Class dismissed

Thursday
6:00 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth
6:10 a.m. – Life studies
6:15 a.m. – Math assignment, Math book Basic math and pre-algebra, chapter 5, page, chapter problems, chapter supplements
6:45 a.m. – Real world, Write me a budget, for a family of 2, husband and wife, with an income of 30,000? Give me a list of all monthly bills, how you spend your money by the month: Blog
7:00 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
7:10 a.m. – Typing assignment, Lesson 6
7:30 a.m. – English - Language arts – Grammar – Adverbs and Intensifiers; Composition Practice - Writing to Show, Not Tell
8:00 a.m. – Open Journals, What are your plans for next year?
8:15 a.m. - Blog, Critical Response and Stance, What sacrifices will I make for the truth?
8:30 a.m. – Break for breakfast- Discussions, from Bible class: Can some of the books we read can make you fearful?
9:00 a.m. – Home Economics – Basic of sewing- making a small pillow by hand.
9:30 a.m. – Music class: Research a Latin artist and their music and tell me why you choose that artist– Acoustic Guitar, play me Jingles Bells
10:00 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
10:15 a.m. – Art – Thanksgiving creations
10:45 a.m. – P.E. Exercise
11:15 a.m. – Break for snack, sit down quiet time, read a book or draw
11:45 a.m. – Bible Class, Spirit of Fear
12:15 p.m. – Class dismissed

Field Trip Day continuing with class from time to time
Friday - Trip days
7:00 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth-Older children, Get lunches together
8:00 a.m. - Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth- Younger Children
8:10 a.m. – Life studies
8:15 a.m. – Reading time
8:30 a.m. – Breakfast
9:15 a.m. – Some mornings when we have an early trip, leave for trip for the day
9:00 a.m. – Morning Prayer
10:15 a.m. – Home from prayer
10:45 a.m. – Leave for Field trip for the day

Friday – School days
6:30 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth
6:40 a.m. – Life studies
6:45 a.m. – Math, Quiz
7:15 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
7:25 a.m. – Real world – basic driving test written
7:50 a.m. – Typing test 6
8:10 a.m. – English - Language arts – Grammar – Quiz
8:30 a.m. – Break for breakfast
9:00 a.m. – Vocabulary test, written and verbal
9:30 a.m. – Music class, Latin Music; quiz; Acoustic Guitar, quiz, play me some chords
10:00 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
10:15 a.m. – History Quiz
10:45 a.m. – P.E. Exercise
11:15 a.m. – Break for snack, sit down quiet time, read a book or draw.
11:45 a.m. – Bible Class discussion – Spirit of Fear, quiz
12:15 p.m. – Class dismissed

Inter-Relationships & Self-Reliance: What can I contribute as an individual?

2008-10-30T12:50:00.002-04:00

I can contribute ideas to different groups, about topics on how I could help advertise and/or raise money for our group or groups. I could donate clothes that I don't wear anymore to charity, and I could help out at the soup kitchen. I really like to cook and I'm good at it too, so I think that would be a great job for me. Baking sweets is a specialty for me, and that'd be a good fund raiser. I'm already on the committee at church as an active fundraiser, and that's a good way for me to help out on my own.

Inter-Relationships & Self-Reliance: What influence do class, religion, language, and culture have on my relationships and my decisions?

2008-10-29T10:31:00.009-04:00

The definition for class means social rank. I used to have a sort of medium- high social rank, but that was before we moved. Now, I have a hard time fitting in and am very self-conscious. I believe class has a big influence on my decisions. Because of it, I don't really like going out anymore, afraid of what people might think of me or what I look like.
Religion does have an influence on some of the decision's I make - after all, influence is just another word defining an emanation of spiritual or moral force, and that's part of what religion is. I know right from wrong, and I often come across something that's new or looks fun, knowing fully well that even though I want to do it, I know I shouldn't.

But temptation usually gets the best of me. Ask my mother.

Culture, I believe, defines the characteristic features of everyday existence, meaning, this question is dealing with the way I live. Then I have to say that my style of living, being an African-American teenager, well, I sometimes feel limited of things that I can do, due to a lot of stereotyping. I make cautious decisions, I tend to analyze the situation before I jump on it.
And finally, language.
Language has an influence on everyone with a voice, but that doesn't mean you have to use it in a way that could hurt someone, even though most people often do. The saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" is a bold-faced lie, and whoever wrote it didn't know what they were saying. Words can hurt worse than a punch. Words can hurt worse than being stabbed. In fact, words have put many people in their graves. A couple of months ago, I read a book called What happened to Cass McBride?.I know I shouldn't have read it (what did I say before about temptation?) because my mom wouldn't have liked it. But now, because of this question, it actually came in handy.
The second main character, whose name I have forgotten, had a younger brother named David, who had a big crush on Cass McBride, a rich girl. When he finally got up the nerve to ask her out, she told him she'd think about it. But while they were in class, she passed her best friend a note that said:
"Go on a date with David? I don't think so! How dare he even ask me out? I thought he was gay."
I probably didn't quote it word for word, but who cares? Wasn't that just cruel? He found the note and read it, and was so brokenhearted that he committed suicide. And that's how bad an impact that mere words can have on some people.
I'm finished now. I have answered every question the best way I could.

As a Christian teen, how do I feel about Halloween?

2008-10-28T15:52:00.006-04:00

Well, since I am a Christian teen, I'm strictly forbidden by my parents to celebrate it, meaning, if our local library had (another) Halloween party, I cannot go. But that doesn't mean I agree to what they say. In fact, I think Halloween's okay. But if you date back to when Halloween originated, it was actually a holiday dedicated to the "God of Death". Here is a paragraph about it from a website* I found:

Over 2,000 years ago, the Celts celebrated a holiday they called Samhain (pronounced "Sa-wan"). Samhain was the name of the God of Death. Now you would think that a God of Death would be a nasty guy everyday. Well that may be true to the living but not necessarily to the dead. On the last day of October, (when the harvest season had ended and the days were getting shorter and colder) the God Samhain allowed the souls of the dead to visit the homes they once lived in.

and another:

This was a scary night for the Celts. On that night they would leave their homes and gather together in a field. Once at the field they would build a huge bonfire, this fire was as big as a tool shed, to scare away all the evil spirits and any ghosts, goblins, or any other demons that may be roaming around in the night.

But reading this doesn't mean you celebrate Halloween for just that reason. Lots of kids on today just like Halloween for two reasons: Candy, and dress-up. We're having a Harvest Party at our church on November 1st, and at first we were going to dress up as something fun (no goblins, devils, ghosts, monsters, or anything demonic or vulgar), and have a regular fall party. What's wrong with dressing up? There's no harm in it. But no, we can only play games and eat candy.

Boooooo.

We can't even wear just plain special-effects makeup. Where's the fun in that? In that case, Christians should'nt be allowed to go to haunted houses, but they do, don't they? We're kids, for goodness sake. Everything worldly isn't a sin.

*Reference: Click here to find out about the true meaning of Halloween.

Inter-Relationships & Self-Reliance: How do my relationships within and across groups affect others?

2008-10-28T11:30:00.003-04:00

It has a positive affect, because being in a group, or groups, usually has a positive outlook. I'm in the Teen's Book Club at our local library and when I tell people this, they're like, "Oh wow, that's nice! Do you like it?" and I believe my being in that group could motivate other teens to join, too. I am also a member of the T.A.B (Teen Advisory Board) meetings, and by joining this, I have motivated my sister to want to be a part of it, too.

Inter-Relationships & Self Reliance: How am I a reflection of my relationships?

2008-10-27T13:57:00.004-04:00

Is this a trick question?
Well, since the word relationship has different meanings, this oculd mean any kind of relationship, right? Then the answer should be simple.
Since I am the child of Christian parents, I am obviously a reflection of them. I have a responsibily and obligation (somewhat) to keep up a good image and, even if I'm not, to be seen as a good Christian girl, because that's how people see me, and to keep up said image, I believe that I must be respectful and accept my responsibility.

Inter Relationships & Self-Reliance: How do I build networks of people to support me?

2008-10-23T10:18:00.003-04:00

That's easy for me!
Unlike most teens, I actually have a family I can talk to. When my parents aren't around, I can talk to my siblings about things my parents won't listen to, but I make sure I'm not saying anything that can burden them or something they don't need to hear. They try their best to comfort (for some little kids, anyway), and I appreciate that.
When I talk to my mom, it's usually about stuff that's bugging me, like pressure, stress, confusion and personal stuff. Four months ago, I did volunteering at the hospital. I really liked it, but after about two months, I started having panic attacks. At the time, I didn't know they were panic attacks, so I continued working, and I felt them getting worse. But then a worker came and told me that, after all this time, I had been doing my job wrong, and customers (and some of the other workers) were getting upset and agitated, and it ruined me. I was very angry at first, because I felt that the other workers had absolutely no right to get upset since they didn't even try to give me any rules. Didn't they know by my application that I had no working experience? I came home and cried. I talked to my mom and I wanted to quit. But she said not to give up just because I got a reprimand. That's when I almost told her about the attacks, but I thought, "Forget it, they can't kill me." I didn't have the courage to tell her because I didn't think she would believe me. But I was wrong.
One Tuesday afternoon, a day before I was suppposed to go back, I told my mother that I thought I was having panic attacks.
"What do you mean?" I told her that I had been feeling sick, my heart would beat too fast and I'd start hyperventilating. My stomach and head started hurting, and I felt like I would faint, and I ran to the restroom a few times, feeling like I could throw up. Then I asked, "Could that hurt me?"

She was furious.

She wanted to know why I didn't tell her the first time, so she could've prevented it. I told her that I didn't think she would believe it, and that made it even worse. I called the volunteer manager and told her the same thing, and she and my parents agreed that I should wait until next summer to start again.
I'm glad I told my mom what was happening, because I found out later that it could've been worse, and I might've ended up in the hospital (I was halfway there). That's why, these past few months, I've been talking to my mom about everything. We've finally started bonding again.

Writer's block has finally caught up with me.

2008-10-22T10:29:00.006-04:00

Attention, fellow americans and writers: I have a news alert. This past week, after hours of typing, sore fingers, and blasts of inspiration, I must conclude that I have come down with a very ~~contagious~~ depressing disease, worse than mononucleosis, worser than hepatitis, worser-er than toe fungus:

I HAVE COME DOWN WITH WRITER'S BLOCK.

What is that? Some of you may wonder. Well here's the definition:

Writer's Block (rite-URS-blok):n. An infectious disease that mainly attacks the fingers and brain, causing them to freeze up, thus prohibiting a writer from proceeding with a piece.
There is a way you can tell if you are coming down with this disease. Symptoms include:

Headaches (cranium painius)
Finger Cramping (fingerous crampius)
Blurred Eyesight (blurrious visionisticus)
Random Outbursts/Fits (randomus fitisticus)
Talking To Imaginary People (talkius imaginisticus)
Running Into Walls/Doors (runnicus wallious)
Pulling Of The Hair (pulliniscious hairious)

and

Diarrhea.

If you have five or more of these symptoms (not including diarrhea), you're in big trouble. And even worse...

There is nothing you can do to protect yourself. Eventually, it shall pass...

or not.

Inter-Relationships & Self-Reliance: How do I relate to my family, my community, and society?

2008-10-22T09:52:00.005-04:00

Family- I've known my family all my life, and I relate well to them- my immediate family anyway, but my other relatives? To be honest, I don't even like a few of them, and a family isn't supposed to be so broken. Before my grandpa (my dad's dad) died last year, I used to be very close to him. He was like my second father. But my other grandpa (my mom's dad): no offense, Mother, but I just don't like him. He hasn't, in any way, presented himself as a grandfatherly figure to us.

Society- I can't relate well to society because society does not have the same definition as social; I looked it up. And most people, regardless of their race, creed, or even how much money they make a year, act like they don't want you to talk to them, let alone be their friend. So why bother? I'd try to reach out, but they leave me hanging. Well, forget them- I'll find someone else!

Community- a community is technically just a large society. But there's a difference: a society is just a group of people, but a community is a large group linked by a common policy, all working together for the greater good or towards the same goal. I get along great with my church family, the local librarians and the people who visit the library, I'm good with children, I like to keep the neighborhood clean, I try to donate things every once in a while. I can relate well to a community.

Inter Relationships & Self-Reliance: How do my skills and talents help to define me?

2008-10-21T17:42:00.005-04:00

My skills are writing and drawing, and I'm good with the computer. I'm awesome at playing video games, too, and I'm good at mind games. My personality is different than most; I can be very shy at some times, and I can be spontaneously spontaneous at others. I'm very quiet; I write poetry and different stories, and I plan to be a novelist someday. I'm very smart and I love doing puzzles, and when I'm playing video games, I get very distant and unaware of things. I guess my skills help people see what kind of person you have.

Inter-Relationships & Self-Reliance: Who am I?

2008-10-17T08:42:00.008-04:00

I am a very smart girl with a lot of attitude. I am unique in my own way, and I follow my own path. No one can change me. I am independent, respectful, inquisitive, and often insatiable. I am different from others, I want to be my own person. People often give me questioning looks, but I don't let that offend me; I'd rather be different than be like them. I want to remain whole, I want someone to love me for who I am; for my intelligence, my style, for me.

I'm so sleepy.

2008-10-17T07:05:00.012-04:00

I woke up at 5:20 this morning, looked at the clock, and realized that I only had 40 mins. before I had to get up.

But I was so sleepy.

So I ~~made an effort to get up~~ went to go reset the alarm clock to 6:30 ante meridiem (that's a.m., der!). Then I'd have an hour and ten minutes of extra sleepytime.

But unfortunately for me, I didn't even make it out of the bed before I fell back to sleep. And if it wasn't for the ink pen on my table (I'm not gonna explain.), I wouldn't be up now.

I wonder what I could do to make myself get up in the morning? I need serious motivation! I can't do this when I get a job! Speaking of which, I'm up because I'm going to put in an application at Target in a few minutes. Oh, I'm so exited! I need a job like a baby needs his mama! But what if I don't get the job?! No no no no no no no, think positive thoughts. Positive.

Tangent: sorry.

Back to the motive...maybe I can put some snacks in the hallway every night. I'm sure that'll coax me into getting my ~~lazy~~ buns outta bed.
Speakin' of buns, have you ever had some of those little sugary ones from Chinese restaurants?! Ooh, they're so delicious! Like fried donuts without the hole. I made a haiku about them:

Sugary fried buns.
Very very delicious,
I'm craving some now.

Tangent: sorry.

Can I really convince myself that snacks will help?! That's ~~un-holy~~ un-healthy!

I'm just gonna have to learn to get up on my own, that's all (or use the pen again, still not explaining). Can't rely on snacks; they'll only make me fat.

School schedule for the week of October 13, 2008 (what is da point o' dis?!)

2008-10-16T19:58:00.003-04:00

School schedule for the week of
October 13, 2008
--------------------------------------
Ashley’s Schedule
Monday-NO SCHOOL
6:00 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth
6:10 a.m. – Freshen up chore
6:15 a.m. – Math assignment – Math book Algebra ½, lesson, page problem set page
6:45 a.m. – Vocabulary- look up two new words of the day; write definition in your vocabulary book
7:00 a.m. - Transformational Thinking,
7:30 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
7:40 a.m. – Typing assignment, lesson
7:55 a.m. – English - Language arts – Grammar - ; Composition Enrichment- Prewriting:
8:15 a.m. - History - Ancient History,
8:30 a.m. – Break for breakfast, scripture given to learn,
9:00 a.m. – Reading assignment, The Grapes of Wrath, Chapter
9:30 a.m. – Music class - Research; Lessons – Acoustic Guitar, tones
10:00 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
10:15 a.m. – Geography – Seven continents, Antarctica
10:30 a.m. - Foreign Language assignment
10:45 a.m. – P.E. Exercise
11:15 a.m. – Break for snack, sit down quiet time, read a book or draw
11:45 a.m. – Bible class: Obedient spirit
12:15 p.m. – Class dismissed

Tuesday
6:00 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth
6:10 a.m. – Freshen up chore
6:15 a.m. – Math assignment – Math book Algebra ½, lesson 11, page 34-38 problem set page 38-39
6:45 a.m. – Writing assignment, Writing Across the Curriculum, Prewriting: Ordering ideas, worksheet
7:05 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
7:15 a.m. – Typing assignment, lesson 3
7:30 a.m. – English - Language arts – Grammar –making singular and compound subjects and verbs agree; Composition Practice- Drafting: Getting it in writing
8:00 a.m. – Open Journals; If you had found a wallet with an id what would you do, also right next to wallet was a bag of money totally 25,000.00 what would you do?
8:15 a.m. - Reading assignment, The Grapes of Wrath, Writing assignment, questions from chapter 1-5
8:30 a.m. – Break for breakfast- Discussions, from Bible class: What is obedient
9:00 a.m. – Vocabulary- write in voc. book how you can use these words in everyday conversation, if you can use them at all
9:15 a.m. - Science – Electricity and magnetism, Text book reading page 54-71 lessons 3-1 - 3-4 do section reviews
9:45 a.m. – Music class, - Research, Pop: What is Pop; Lessons – Acoustic Guitar, toning guitar
10:00 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
10:15 a.m. - Social Studies- What’s in the News today, Internet newspaper, local and foreign news
10:30 a.m. - Foreign Language assignment, brush up on Spanish
10:45 a.m. – P.E. Exercise
11:15 a.m. – Break for snack, sit down quiet time, read a book or draw
11:45 a.m. – Bible class: Obedient spirit
12:15 p.m. – Class dismissed

Wednesday
6:00 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth
6:10 a.m. – Freshen up chore
6:15 a.m. – Math assignment, Math book Algebra ½, lesson 12, page 39-40 problem set page 40-41
6:45 a.m. – Vocabulary – Write me a short story using your Vocabulary words
7:15 a.m. – Typing assignment, Lesson 3
7:30 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
7:40 a.m. – English - Language arts – Grammar – Problems with locating the subject; Composition - Revising: Creating sentences variety
8:00 a.m. – History – Greek mythology
8:15 a.m. - Open Journals, How are you coping with the difference of environment? The situation that our family has come to be in
8:30 a.m. – Break for breakfast- Discussions, from Bible class, Can the young teens on today be obedient
9:00 a.m. – Reading assignment – The Grapes of Wrath, Chapter 13
9:30 a.m. – Get ready to go to the Library
11:30 a.m. - Home from the Library, settling in
11:45 p.m. - Read or look at movie
12:15 p.m. – Lunch
12: 45 p.m. – Science – Electricity and magnetism, Text book reading page 71-79 lessons 3-5 - 3-7 do section reviews
1:15 p.m. – Science experiments: none this week
1:45 p.m. - Bibles class: Obedient spirit
2:15 p.m. – P.E. Exercise
3:00 p.m. - Class dismissed

Thursday
6:00 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth
6:10 a.m. – Freshen up chore
6:15 a.m. – Math assignment, Math book Algebra ½, lesson 13, page 42-43 problem set page 43-44
6:45 a.m. – Real world, Write me a budget, in the event that you publish your first book and your first check is $25,000.00, then you get a check each month for $2500.00
7:00 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
7:10 a.m. – Typing assignment, Lesson 3
7:30 a.m. – English - Language arts – Grammar – Special subjects; Composition Practice - Editing: Making final adjustments
8:00 a.m. – Open Journals, Can the decision you make as a teen affect you as an adult?
8:30 a.m. – Break for breakfast- Discussions, from Bible class: In what ways can you be more obedient
9:00 a.m. – Home Economics – Basic of sewing
9:30 a.m. – Music class: What is Christian or Gospel music– Acoustic Guitar, play me some tunes
10:00 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
10:15 a.m. – Art – Fall creation
10:45 a.m. – P.E. Exercise
11:15 a.m. – Break for snack, sit down quiet time, read a book or draw
11:45 a.m. – Bible Class, Obedient spirit
12:15 p.m. – Class dismissed

Field Trip Day continuing with class from time to time
Friday - Trip days
7:00 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth-Older children, Get lunches together
8:00 a.m. - Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth- Younger Children
8:10 a.m. – Freshen up chore
8:15 a.m. – Reading time
8:30 a.m. – Breakfast
9:15 a.m. – Some mornings when we have an early trip, leave for trip for the day
9:00 a.m. – Morning Prayer
10:15 a.m. – Home from prayer
10:45 a.m. – Leave for Field trip for the day

Friday – School days
6:30 a.m. – Wake up, get clothes on, brush teeth
6:40 a.m. – Freshen up chore
6:45 a.m. – Math, Quiz
7:15 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
7:25 a.m. – Real world – basic driving test written
7:50 a.m. – Typing test 3
8:10 a.m. – English - Language arts – Grammar – Quiz
8:30 a.m. – Break for breakfast
9:00 a.m. – Vocabulary test, written and verbal
9:30 a.m. – Music class, Christian or Gospel music; quiz; Acoustic Guitar, quiz, play me some chords
10:00 a.m. – Break for snack and stretch
10:15 a.m. – History Quiz
10:45 a.m. – P.E. Exercise
11:15 a.m. – Break for snack, sit down quiet time, read a book or draw
11:45 a.m. – Bible Class discussion – Obedient spirit, quiz
12:15 p.m. – Class dismissed

Can you tell me what this means?

2008-10-16T19:29:00.004-04:00

When I'm doing my school work, I often come across a word or sentence that I don't understand. I'd ponder over it, minute after minute, until before I know it, about fifteen munutes have passed, and I'd have been trying to figure out just one question! So I'd turn to the mother slash teacher and ask her, "Can you please tell me what this means?! I've been ponderin' an' ponderin', and I Just! Can't! Get it!"
Do you know what she does? She looks at the paper, and soon becomes lost in thought.

I sit (im)patiently.

Then finally, after about fifteen minutes (exaggerated time span), she turns to me and says, "Figure it out."

DER! If it was so easy to figure it out, I woulda just FIGURED! IT! OUT!!

Next time, I'm just gonna get the dictionary.

My Scholar Status

2008-10-15T09:22:00.002-04:00

I'm doing pretty well in school, considering I'm so far behind (in math). But I'm planning on graduating from high school a year early, so technically, I'm a junior/senior this year. Yay for me!
I have already started my SAT's...it's only practice. But jeez, I never thought it'd be so hard! I was sweating buckets while figuring out one problem.
I know I can do it, though. My mom slash teacher is helping me, and it's actually fun. Never knew it would be so much fun, now I'm eager to learn! I woke up at 5:54a.m. and got all my schoolwork done withing two hours! Hopefully I'll be able to graduate next year.

I don't like non-intelligent people.

2008-10-11T21:40:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, I was taking a walk with my younger siblings around the neighborhood. I was just casually walking and looking when this car came rolling down the street. The dudes in the car waved at us, and my brother waved back (he's kinda...dingy.). I didn't notice the three girls across the street, watching us (of course, now I have glasses to correct the prob.), and when we finally crossed the street, they accused us of staring.

At them. Seriously, who'd want to stare at them, anyway?! If anyone was staring at them, it would've caused a traffic accident. Sorry I'm being rude, but jeez! I guess we can't all be beautiful.

And they weren't beautiful. Believe it!
I turned to find the source of the voices and bam! There they were. I couldn't help it; I rolled my eyes and kept walking. If it wasn't for the sibs, I would've said something. I know I would've. They said they could've cursed me out, but who gets scared at the sound of words blaring?
They all looked like sailors anyway.

Words from Mother: I thank God that I keep prayer around my blessings. Their Angels were with them that day. You see, we had to move into a kind of bad neighborhood, so I keep prayer around my children. I teach them to ignore people that don't use the intelligence God gave them; don't stoop to their level.

Sometimes it's better to just shut up.

2008-01-26T09:50:00.002-05:00

About two weeks ago, my mom decided to record every one's weight. When it was my turn, I found that I weighed 135.0 pounds. That's a good sign, considering I'm five-and-a-half feet tall. Literally. So when my younger sister, Tiffany, got on, she felt kind of bad because she weighed a little more than me. She's not fat, she gets it from my mother's side of the family. So when she saw how much she weighed, she had a fit. I tried to make her feel better; I told her I'll go on a diet with her so she won't feel bad. Plus my mom wanted me to lose a couple of pounds.
The next day, I cooked us both one egg, half a bagel and a couple of turkey sausages with some orange juice. She wanted more, but I told her no. I told her that the point of the diet was to be healthy and not eat so much. She didn't want to listen. She ate the rest of James' food (he didn't want it), and drank another glass of orange juice. Let's face it; SHE LOVES TO EAT.
Right after we were finished, I started exercising, and I told her to join me. She did not. So I left her alone for the day, and I continued to do that for the rest of the week. When the next week rolled around, mom checked our weights again, and I found that I had lost almost three pounds, but Tiffany had gained three. I got upset; I tried to help her, and she wouldn't take my advice. I said, "You see?! If you'd have just LISTENED to me in the FIRST PLACE, you wouldn't BE like this!" I instantly regretted it. She broke down, and for a couple of days she barely ate anything. I knew I said something wrong, but I didn't want to admit it or apologize. That's the problem with me; I'm too full of pride. I wanted to go to my mom, but I couldn't, it was just too hard. Eventually, I came around and apologized to her, and I even started talking and joking with her again, and she went back to her old self. I'm still trying to help her, but I went with a different approach, and she's listening now. I feel much better, and she does too.

Crazy 8's

2008-01-14T14:36:00.003-05:00

Crazy 8’s

8 things I'm passionate about:
My iPod
Drawing
Reading
My PlayStation
Writing
Music
My family
Clothes

8 things I say often:
Get Lost!
I didn't DO it!
Why not?!
It's not FAIR!
You don't let me do anything!
I'm just kiddin'.
Get out! I'm practicing!
Leave me alone.

8 books I've read recently:
Socrates in Love (manga)
Naruto- vol. 19 (manga)
Rosa Parks (biography)
Millenium Snow (manga)
Kiki Strike- Kirsten Miller (novel)
MAR (manga)
Yu-gi-oh! GX (manga)
Naruto- vol.20 (manga)

8 things I want to do before I die:
Go snowboarding in the mountains
Write a series and get them published
Meet my favorite author
Go to Disneyland
Star in a movie
Travel across the whole world
Make lots and lots and lots of friends
Get a really good education

8 songs I can listen to over and over again, and probably have:
Faint- Linkin Park
The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny-Lemon Demon
Whine Up- Kat DeLuna (not that my mom will let me...)
Walk It Out-Dj Unk (won't let me hear that one either)
Breaking The Habit- Linkin Park
So Sick- Ne-yo
Barbie Girl- Aqua (heh-heh, funny song.)
Dreams of an Absolution- Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 Soundtrack