#1.89: The Sing-Off Marathon On Demand

Today I spent the whole beginning of my day watching The Sing-Off on demand. I like watching this show because it's interesting how different the groups can do the songs in acapella. The human voice has so many capabilities. I was happy to see The Pentatonix win. Almost every song that they did throughout the season was perfect. I definitely plan on watching and keeping up with the seasons to come. That is all that happened in my day so far. At 7 I am maintenancing a woman's locs from my church. This means that I need to make the most of my evening from now til then. I need to eat dinner and dessert right now!

#1.88: Christmas Dinner @ my house

Christmas day turned out to be a great day. My day started out with me sleeping in til about 10:45am. I began cleaning up the house for the dinner later on. I made plans to go to the movies with Nick at 12 o'clock pm. Nick picked me up from my house and took me back to his house because his father and brother were still getting ready so they could see the new chipmunk movie. Once they were ready, I asked Nick if I could drive to the movies. His father said that I could drive and I was excited. I had never driven a car as nice as a Mercedes. That car drove so smooth! I wish it was mine, but I know that I will be able to buy myself my favorite car someday. Nick and I went to see The Darkest Hour. It was a good movie but it had a lot of stupid people in it. Once both of our movies were over, the plan was to drop his father and his brother off at home then go to my house for the Christmas dinner. His father said that I could drive back to his house.

The Christmas dinner was successful. The picture above is of my brother and my cousin playing The Michael Jackson Experience on the wii. It was entertaining to watch my family and Nick try to do the dance moves correctly. After playing a few games on the wii, we exchanged gifts and ate dessert.

Speaking of dessert, I need to eat dinner so that I can eat the piece of cheesecake that I saved. So good bye.

#1.87: Going to Grandma's House

My family and I spent Christmas Eve at my grandma's house. We had dinner at her house mixed with conversation and games. I was so happy to see her and her husband because it has been a while since we have been around her. She lives about an hour away so our travels to her house are limited. The food was really good and she made it all by herself that morning. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I need to learn these cooking secrets immediately because who doesn't like a roommate that can cook? I want to be known for being able to cook. I already have some experience with cooking, but not as much as I woud want to. Hopefully I can make this happen before college!

#1.86: Calc Taboo

On Friday, during Claculus we played several games. The whole class participated in the first game we played, which was Taboo. I was on Mr.Hopkins team and I am pretty sure that we won. We were able to get an average of 4 words each turn. Mr.Hopkins, Ericka, and I were the main point earners for our team. After the game of Taboo was over, we started eating. I had cheesecake, oatmeal cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and fruit punch. This was the best Calculus class period that I have had this year. I look forward to the many other celebrations that we will have throughout the year!



#1.85: Crystallization Lab

This is a picture of fudge. My AP Chemistry class made fudge. It did not look like this but it was very delicious. It was actually starting to get too sweet so I had to get rid of it. It was interesting to see how fudge is made because fudge is one of those things that you like but you never know how it is made. I enjoyed being with my friends and cooking the fudge. We were talking about several different things and relaxing because it was the last day before break. After we made the fudge, we went over lab questions while the fudge cooled. Once we were done the lab questions, we took the fudge out of the freezer and started munching. It was so good with its chocolatie taste. Our eyes were rolling in the back of our heads because it was just awesome. I don't think that we were expecting for the fudge to taste the way it did. And we were glad that it was a surprise.

#1.84: Peanut Brittle

This is the peanut brittle that my lab group from AP Chemistry made. I usually don't like peanut brittle, but this was good. I was munching on it for the rest of the school day. During third period, I was sitting behind Kamille and unfortunately she is allergic to peanuts. I felt really bad because she couldn't even take the smell and presence of peanuts so she had to leave the room for the class period. Aside from that, this peanut brittle that I mostly put together was in no way disappointing. When I told my father about what I made, he insisted that I make it again at home. I really doubt that that will happen because I'm sure that he forgot and I don't feel like making it again.

I almost forgot to tell you all that Ericka Thompson almost killed us while we were making the peanut brittle because in the procedures it said put corn syrup and hydroxic acid in the sauce pan. Ericka was multitasking and she wasn't focusing on what hydroxic acid was. Hydroxic acid is actually water. Ericka put an acid that is like battery acid in the sauce pan. We had to vigorously scrub the pan out because we could have died if any of that acid remained in the peanut brittle. Gladly, we are all still living so we did the experiment correctly!

#1.83: Understanding Calc

This picture is of my Calculus Homework. I did all of it by myself! One of the main problems that I have encountered during my senior year is having to understand calculus after the concussion. I have finally done it. I am able to keep up with Mr.Hopkins and my classmates. I even have some of my classmates asking me for assistance on how to complete problems. I am continuing to get stronger and stronger in my classes. I am so looking forward to how my determination and dedication to my academics will pay off throughout college and the rest of my life.

#1.82: Too Cute Kamari

My nephew Kamari is growing up so fast. Can you believe that he is only like 3 months old? He is a very entertaining baby. We always have conversations about what he does during the day and how he keeps his parents up at night. I can't wait to see him start crawling and walking. I am kind of sad that I will not be around to see him on his birthday because of college. Therefore, I will make up as much time as I can by spending the weekends with him and his family. I am so excited for those days that he can actually say my name and call me auntie! I will have so much fun with little Kamari and the nieces and nephews to come.

#1.81: AVID Quest Scoreboard

     After analyzing the scoreboard, I can see that Debonique Ramos needs the most help. She currently has a score of -350 from her 1st quarter report card. I am not sure what grade she is in, but the grade that she is in does not matter. Anyone can succeed in every grade. As long as Hyperion House members do what they have to do in their personal classes, our score will show how hard we work. The jobs of Seniors in Hyperion are to help and assist the underclassmen with their classes and any other problems they have going on. We need to establish a specific time to meet with students that need and want the Senior's help during our next house meeting. The work given to AVID underclassmen from AVID is a heavy work load, but it only prepares you for the AP classes and college applications that will come. Since there is no way to get away or around the work, you might as well do it and do it right. Everyone is going to have to pull their own weight from now on because it is not fair for the people that are working hard to feel like they are losing because some choose to not care. If you need help, make it known to us that you need help and what specifically you need help on.
     My score is 1,865. I have earned most of my points by completing tasks that have to deal with college. I will admit that only 55 of those points are from my grades. My grades are experiencing some problems because of difficulty commmunicating with teachers about grades affected by my concussion. I am working hard to raise my grades before the next report card. I am glad that my college work is making up for the lack of points that my grades are receiving.

LETS GET THOSE POINTS UP HYPERION PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!

#1.80: Christmas Church Service

This is Kamari wearing his cute Sunday clothes. I enjoyed myself during the service. The message was very useful and straight to the point. After service we ate food and talked to each other. My head started to hurt so I went to go lay down on some of the chairs. I never actually went to sleep, but I was able to relax and let my food settle. I was getting so agitated because I wanted to go home so that I could go to sleep, but my mother kept on talking to people as usual. We exchanged gifts and things, I got two 8 packs of Reese's! I have already eaten 7...so I have 9 more to go. I am so tired right now, so I have to go.

#1.79: Mama's Church Dinner

This picture was taken during my Mama's church dinner. Mama is my grandmother just to let you know. It was a really nice evening. The food, company, and games were just what I needed for an enjoyable weekend. During the beginning of the dinner, I was holding Kamari. My father took countless pictures and Kamari was looking straight at the camera in his phone. He is so cute in his little outfit and he looks just like his father. I ate so much, even though I only had 1 plate.

My sister Jessica is looking real dumb in this picture...lol

After we ate dinner, mostly everyone played Christmas Jeopardy. The game took FOREVER!! I was so tired due to the extended game and the itis I got from the amazing food.

#1.78: AP Calc- I get that!

On Friday, I actually did half of my AP Calc homework by myself, mostly. I understood how to do basicly  every problem. I was rolling through the textbook and figuring out how to work the numbers and variables in the problems. After school, I went over Nick's house and chilled until the evening. When I got home, I finished my AP Calc homework by myself. I was so excited that I was able to AP Calc work on my own. I think that I will be able to do most of the work during this chapter. I can now say that I like AP Calc!

#1.77: I Smile....Jacquynn lol

I really needed this song when I came home from conference night...so here it is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8SPwT3nQZ8 <= Link to the video

"I Smile"

I dedicate this song to recession,
depression and unemployment.
This song's for you.

Today's a new day, and there is no sunshine.
Nothing but clouds, and it's dark in my heart
and it feels like a cold night.
Today's a new day, where are my blue skies,
where is the love and the joy that you promised me
you tell me it's alright.

(I'll be honest with you)
I almost gave up, but a power that I can't explain,
fell from heaven like a shower.

(When I think how much better I'm gonna be when this is over)
I smile, even though I'm hurt see I smile,
I know God is working so I smile,
Even though I've been here for a while
I smile, smile..
it's so hard to look up when you look down.
Sure would hate to see it when you give up now
You look so much better when you smile, so smile.

Today's a new day, but there is no sunshine.
Nothing but clouds, and it's dark in my heart,
and it feels like a cold night.
Today's a new day, tell me where are my blue skies,
where is the love and the joy that you promised me
you tell me it's alright.

(the truth is)
I almost gave up, but a power that I can't explain
fell from heaven like a shower.

I smile, even though I'm hurt see I smile,
I know God is working so I smile,
Even though I've been here for a while
I smile, smile..
it's so hard to look up when you look down.
Sure would hate to see it when you give up now
You look so much better when you smile.

Smile.. for me
Can you just smile... for me.
Smile.. for me
Can you just smile... for me.

ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
(and while your waiting)
ohohoh you look so much better when you
(and while your praying)
ohohoh you look so much better when you
(look in the mirror)
ohohoh you look so much better when you
(always remember)
You look so much better when you smile

I almost gave up, but a power that I can't explain
fell from heaven like a shower.

I smile, even though I'm hurt see I smile,
I know God is working so I smile,
Even though I've been here for a while
I smile, smile..
it's so hard to look up when you look down.
Sure would hate to see it when you give up now.
You look so much better when you smile.
so smile.

ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
smile...

I just want you to be happy..
I want you to have joy 'cause can't nobody
take that away from you.
I see you.. SMILE!!

#1.76: AP Calc Test Results

Yesterday, my class and I received our scores for the test we took on Friday and Monday. I got a 58% on the test. I was so excited when I saw my score because this is the highest score that I received on a test in his class. I was actually able to start and complete most of the problems in the test packet. The new material that we are starting to go over, I amazingly am able to follow what Mr.Hopkins is talking about. I am so thankful that I am at least able to understand a portion of AP Calc. I will hopefully continue to progress through this class so that I will possibly be prepared to take the Ap Test at the end of this year. As for my other classes, I am definitely making my way through even though I experiences some kinks here and there. I think by the spring that I will have an understanding of the material taught in all of my classes. Cheers to the rest of the year!!!

#1.75: Doctor Visit

This doctor visit was just what I needed. The doctor gave a lot of new instructions.
1. Keep a daily journal of what I eat and when I have a headache. (just like more homework)
2. Take 2 tablets of my current medication at night.
3. Take 1 tablet of the new medication in the morning.
4. Start cycling as conditioning about 3-4 times a week.
5. Try as much as you can to go little by little IOT keep up with classes.
Aside from these instructions, he also explained certain thing to me. One thing he explained to me was that I was gaining weight mostly because of the medication that I have been taking. He said that in a month I can come back and depending on how my journal looks, he will change my medication to a medicine that will pretty much drop 10 lbs off of me. This is just what I wanted to hear.

Today I finished my AP Calc test. I felt really confident on the problems that I had to finish today. I can't wait til we grade them tomorrow. I'm thinking I got a C.

#1.74: Did pretty good

Today I had a AP Calc test. I did not feel in any way shape or form prepared for this test. I barely understand what we do in class so I was sure that I would have difficulty completing the test. We had about 20 minutes to study before the test. I would look over my notes and go ask Mr.Hopkins if that certain thing was on the test. When I received the test, It seemed that the material was more on my level of difficulty. I tried on every problem that I had. Most of the students were not finished by the time the afternoon announcements came on, which means that I can study the problems that I skipped. Aside from this news, I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow @ 10:30am. I have a lot of things to talk to my doctor about along with several questions. I hope he can tell me about this new symptom that I am experiencing. My blog tomorrow will be about the visit, so I shall fill you all in. Good night.

#1.73: Hopefully a new car

Today was a pretty good day. Church was just for me today. My mother was the main speaker of the service and everything she said, I could relate to. After service, we fellowshiped with each other. Instead of going straight home, we went to go check out this car that this guy was selling. I liked the car even though it was like an average car. I hope we can buy the car because the car size is just what I like to drive. I then started to think about how long would it even be before I could drive the car? This is because my father refuses to let me drive ever since the concussion happened. I really want this thing to be over and done with by the time it's 2012. A new year means a new beginning, and that is exactly what I need. My sister and I are watching my nephew Kamari. My cousin is supposed to be coming over my house to help me out with my Calculus work. Lets hope that all goes as planned.

#1.72: Late Nights....unexpected drama

On Saturday, I spent the day with my siblings and my sister-in-law's siblings. We hung out at their house while my sister-in-law, Shanita, did my hair. After she finished my hair, all of us got ready so that we could go out for her younger brother, Julian, birthday. We went to the Golden Corral in Glen Bernie then to a pool hall. It was nice being able to go out and have fun. Unfortunately, the fun didn't last for long. While we were at the pool hall, Julian's girlfriend started some unnecessary drama between him and herself. The situation got even worse when she started calling him names because Shanita was about to go off on her. Julian and his girlfriend left because he didn't want her driving his car after she disrespected him. The rest of us had conversations about what just happened during the next game. After two games, they dropped my sister and I at home. I was knocked out by 1am.

#1.71: Blown!!

My Friday started out to be a good day, but then one of teachers blew me. I have not been this mad at a teacher for something they said in a long time. I was really thrown off guard for the rest of the school day after it happened. It's one of those comments that you never forget and everytime you think of or see that person, you just remember what was said. And the thing is that this teacher is so ignorant about what I am going through that it makes the comment even seem worse. How can a teacher say something about a student that is directly related to the student's personal situation? Ridiculous.

#1.70: Idk...Nick

I honestly don't know what to write about...I shall write on the subject of my dear friend Nicholi. The only best friend that I have slept with..LOL I actually mean sleep!!! (for the nasty ppl out there). We have been best friends ever since 5th grade. Back then, there was nothing else to do but go outside with our other friend Kai. We were like the three musketeers. Over each other's houses everyday, playing man hunt all the time, playing knick-or-knocker, and walking around woodridge. Those were the days, when homework only took 20 minutes, and when we could only go as far as Food Lion. There were no thoughts of driving, college choices, and when SpongeBob SquarePants was Thee Show. Me and Nick would always hide on the other side of the street over the creek during man hunt. We made a little club house in the bush in front of one of the apartments. We would be running in and out of the laundry rooms in the apartments to just make a lot of noise. And then we would notice that the basements in the apartments were extra creepy. We would make stories about how there were dead people in there, and that would creep us out. Lets just say we go waaay back!

#1.69: Not sooo good

Yesterday I did not come to school because my head and stomach was bothering me. I started to feel the pain wednesday evening and it carried its way through the night and Thurday morning. I pretty much slept all day and watched a movie. Even though I sleep a lot often now, I still feel tired. I am also still experiencing headaches here and there. Most of them I feel when I'm at school in my AP classes. I have a doctor's appointment on Monday and I have a lot to talk to him about. I can't wait...

#1.68: Tired of it

Today I realized that even though some of my teachers are being a little difficult, it's my job to deal with it and work around it. It is so draining to have to go through this. I'm tired all the time. Sometimes I'm physically tired like I want to go to sleep, and then the other times are me being emotionally tired. I have to work so hard to achieve the grade and understanding in my classes that wouldn't even make me break a sweat a few months ago. I have no idea how long this is going to be my everyday life because I was sure that I would be healed by now. I think about how happy I was when I would play with my soccer club team and how we were undefeated in the tournament. I think about how happy I was when I was holding that 1st place trophy for the tournament that I played with Coach Ryan. I remember how great I felt when I was playing side by side with college players and I made those goals. Their hand shakes and hugs was all that I needed to keep pressing on in the summer heat. Being able to drive home from a game that I won with my teammates, was one of the best feelings that I have had. Meeting with a college coach that gave me the opportunity to hang out with his players and sit on the bench while they sat next to me and included me in their game conversations...was the world to me. Makes me think now that I have to find joy without all of that. I have to smile even though I know that I can't do what I love to do. I can't give up because then I will feel like someone has won something over me. As if there is someone out there that says that I can't make my dreams come true. I want so bad to be able to make things happen that no one ever thought would be my destiny. I want to achieve the impossible dream....someday.

#1.67: Nothing really

My blog today is going to be extra short because Monday was not really much of a day. I went to school not really sure if I could make it through all 4 periods. During second period, I asked to go to the nurse and I brought all of my stuff with me because I didn't plan on going back to any classes. My head was bothoering me, I was getting aggitated by the fact that I did not understand the work, and the teacher's voice was pissing me off. I waited in the nurse until around 12:30pm. When I got home I slept for like 4 hours. And before I went to bed...I forgot to take my medicine! Ugh..me.

#1.66: Oh no...

During church service today, I started to get a headache. I forgot to bring my medication in my purse, so I had to ask around for medicine from random people in my church. My sister's God mother had some medicine, but she told me to cut it in half because the medication was strong. Once I took the half of the pill with some water, I started to feel really tired in about 10 minutes. Once service was over, I fell asleep on the back row while they had a meeting. I was knocked out! The next thing I remember was my mother waking me up. When I got up, the room was clear. I didn't hear the many conversations that go on after  church is done and I did not hear people paking up and leaving the room. We went to Outback to get some fries before we went to my brother's house to see how they were doing since they didn't come to church. While we were at my brother's house, we watched some of the football games that were on and conversed about the players and the plays during commercial breaks. Now that I am at home, I am still feeling tired. I will probably be going to bed early tonight. Ugh.

#1.65: Omg...so relaxed!

On Saturday, I went to the nail salon with my sister-in-law. She treated me to a pedicure while she got her own things done. I have never gotten anything done at a nail salon or a spa, so I did not know what to expect. When my pedicure started, I was in pain because that water was extremely hot! Once I got used to the temperature of the water, it felt good and then I turned on the massage chair. I wanted to go to sleep so bad, but I wasn't sure how I would look if I got too relaxed while I was sleep. For example, I wouldn't want my mouth to be hanging open and drool coming down my face. Once the guy was done washing, scrubing, and maintenancing my feet, he began to paint my toes. I chose a sparkly silver for my nail polish. I have never seen a grown man paint nails so perfectly. Later on that day, I went to the baby shower that a couple from my church was having. We ate, laughed, played games, watched them open gifts, and listened to music. Once that was over, a few of us went to my sister's gospel concert at UMBC. The concert was really enjoyable. My sister even had a solo on a song where she was like the hype man. During the intermission, they had this 9 year old girl sing a gospel song. She was so cute and had a pretty voice for her age. I had a great weekend!

#1.64: The box lied to me.

On Friday, I dyed my hair. The color was supposed to be a medium to dark brown. I bought 5 boxes of cinnamon brown and kept it while I was braiding a friend's hair for her baby shower the next morning. On the box, they have a chart that shows the color your hair will turn based on your natural hair color. My natural hair color was darker than the darkest natural hair color that was shown on the chart, but my hair color turned a lot lighter than they showed on the box. Fortunately, I still actually like the color compared to my skin and everything. I don't really know how people at school will feel about my hair, but I really don't care. In the near future depending on how much the color grows on me, I may dye it again. I am having fun being able to experiment on my hair when I have the time and money to do so.

#1.63: Chillin'

Today was a pretty good day. I felt happy all day for the most part. I think tomorrow I will feel the same way because I will have a lot to do that doesn't fall into my category of work. For instance, I will be dying my hair again, doing hair, and hanging out with family and friends. Other than that, my Friday will be just like normal...school. Sooo is anybody else kind of scared about how this winter will be? I really hope that there isn't a blizzard or something like it because for the past 2 years my house has lost power for a couple of days. I want to stay warm this winter in my house. Do seniors have to stay for those extra days that we may miss due to school closings? If we don't have to stay, I want to use all of the winter closing days that we have!

#1.62: AVID Video Reflection

The video "Shift Happens" was very informative. I definitely did not know that information we are learning now gets outdated very fast. I can see how this could change the minds of certain students that have interests in majoring in a topic that is normally updated. Me on the other hand, I don't think that my area of interest will become so outdated that it would be no point of pursuing that career. I think that careers that have to deal with medicine, business, engineering, and education are pretty much stable enough to ensure a good paycheck on the professional level.

#1.61: I do and don't wanna...

My concussion has caused a lot of people to change their regular way of doing things in order to give me extra support. This may sound very difficult, but the things is that most of these people get paid to do their job, such as teachers. Above all of this, as the person that has the concussion, this is not too much to ask of them because I can't escape dealing with this situation just by leaving school. This is why I just can't understand why certain teachers of mine can't give me extra help and or attention unless someone is on their tail about doing what they have been ordered to do. My title is "I do and don't wanna" because I do want to tell an administrator that I am not receiving the amount of assistance I need from my teacher, but I don't want to cause any trouble. I will talk to my parents about what I should do so that I can figure out this situation.

#1.60: 6th College Acceptance!! Most Important!!

Today I received an email from my admissions counselor from Converse College saying that I was accepted and given a $15,000 annually renewable scholarship. This email is what I have been waiting for ever since I applied. Converse College has been my number one college choice ever since I visited the campus during the summer. My acceptance was actually held back because the college was having trouble receiving my official SAT scores from collegeboard. My persistance in communicating my admission counselor is what really got me my acceptance information before I got the acceptance letter. I am clearly making my way through my "Traverse to Converse"! This information really made my day because I was absolutely upset during 4th period today. I now know that I nothing to worry about because I have already made it!

#1.59: 6 months left...Ayyye SENIORS! lol

It comes down to this...only 6 months.
To all AVID seniors, we have come so far. We have been through a lot, and now it is our time to shine! Sleepless nights, countless learning logs, 4 AVID Inductions, 3 AVID farewells, spring break college tours, and 4 Food R.A.G.S. have given us the experiences that show our senority in AVID. No other grade will bring to AVID what we have. Class of 2012, we are the best class so far. I can't wait to see how our AVID Farewell will turn out. I know that we will have a whole lot of scholarship money and college acceptances! The rising seniors next year will have to work their tails off in order to get more scholarship money than us. Teachers will be fighting to be our sponsors. We will continue to shine brighter than our peers that could not handle to mission of AVID. Let's Get 'Er Done!

#1.58: Yumm Thanksgiving

My Thanksgiving weekend was amazing. I had Thankgiving at three different houses. First, I had Thanksgiving breakfast with my sister-in-law's family. Second, I had Thanksgiving dinner at my cousin's house in PA. Third, I had Thanksgiving dinner on Friday night at my sister-in-law's cousin's house. Everywhere that I ate, the food was amazing. This whole weekend was perfect because even though the food was good, the company of my family and friends was just what I needed. I hope that Christmas is just as amazing.

#1.57: 5th College Acceptance!!

My 5th college acceptance is to Washington College in Maryland with a $16,500 annually renewable scholarship. This college was one of the many colleges that gave me the opportunity to apply with a free application and no required essay to write. I applied to this college because Dona stressed the fact that we need to apply to schools in Maryland so that just in case we don't get in to our top college choice, that we have a lower tuition to pay for an in state college. Since I have not yet gotten the acceptance letter from Converse College, I am choosing the best fit college for me out of the ones that I have been accepted to. Out of the 5 college that I have been accepted to, I would choose to go to York College. I made this decision for several reasons. This college is the only one that I have visited out of these 5 schools and the visit made me like the college. But I am still looking forward to getting accepted to Converse! Just saying...

#1.56: Ugh...HEADACHE!!!

On Monday, my alarm clock did not go off, which made me have to rush. While rushing to get ready, I started to feel weird. I went to talk to my mother about staying home because if I went to school and started to feel worse, I did not want to be stuck at school since my father had the car. I stayed home from school and my headache just got worse throughout the day. My headache would only go away when I would go to sleep. In between my naps, I watched a movie called "The Lazarous Project". The was intresting and confusing at the same time. After watching the movie, I went back to sleep. I woke up around 6pm and started to do my homework while watching the shows on TV One. I stayed up til 11:15pm doing my homework and a portion of that time oovooing Nicholas.

#1.55: Sunday & Kamari

On Sunday, my church had a Thanksgiving service. This service consisted of different gifts, such as dance and skits, along with testimonies. I gave a testimony about how my grade situation was being worked out for me. After service, I practiced the bass part to "Come Together" by The Beatles on Kamari's god father's guitar. My family had the pleasure of being able to take Kamari home with us and watch him for the evening. I love spending time with him. He is so cute, especially now that he can respond with his little baby sounds. I can already tell that he likes me because he mostly talks to me when we watch him after church. I am so greatful that I will be able to watch him grow.

#1.54: Grown Folks

On Saturday, I went to several places with some family and friends. The main events of that day were at the Patapsco Flea Market, Old Country Buffet, and the Bowling alley. I really needed this outing because I have to miss a lot of other activities due to the concussion. To be honest, this outing was probably too much for my head to handle in addition to some of the more specific things that took place that day. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed my time out of the house and spending the day with the grown folks. Whenever I hang out with them I never notice that I am significantly younger than them. This is usually a good thing because this means that they also don't notice that I am younger, which allows me to be able top include myself in their activities. But then there are those activities that acknowledge my age difference. For example, if they wanted to go to a club, I would not be able to go because I am only 17. As soon as turn 18...I shall have my fun!

#1.53: Hanging out late

Friday after school I made arrangements with my Aunt for me to drive her car to my brother's house. I have never driven her truck before so I was a little nervous, but it wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. Once I got to my brother's house, I was hanging out with my sister-in-law and nephew because my brother was not home from work yet. When my brother did get home we watched tv for a little bit while looking up prom dresses. Around 9:30pm, we went to Kamari's god parent's house. While we were at their house, Kamari's god father taught me how to play the bass guitar part to "Come Together" by The Beatles. We were there until 4:30am. I spent the night at my brother's house because the next day we were going to go to several places around town.

#1.52: Last Step...now wait

Last night I sent my SAT scores to Converse College. This is my last step in order to be considered for admission to Converse. I have been keeping in contact with my admission counselor at Converse so that when I am accepted I would have already made myself familiar with her. I am very anxious to find out if I was accepted to Converse. I can't believe that I actually found the college that I want to go to the most out of all the colleges that were on my list. When I visited Converse over the summer, I literally fell in love. The visit was perfect! The southern hospitality, warm weather, soccer team, and campus surroundings had everything I wanted. Knowing that there is a college that I truly love made me want to push myself harder so that I could be there. My intention was to take the SAT one more time to see if I could get 50 points higher, which would allow me to get $3,000 added to my scholarship. Unfortunately, my injury hindered me from taking the SAT. One thing that I am noticing during my healing, is that all my years of school are now paying off. For example, the college acceptances that I have received so far have accepted me based on the work that I put in during my 9th, 10th, and 11th grade years. I am glad that I did what I had to do then because right now my grades are slipping due to my concussion.

#1.51: College Scholarships!

Out of the 4 colleges that I have been accepted to, I have received scholarships from two of them. I have received a $5,500 annually renewale scholarship for all four years from York College. I also received a $14,000 annually renewable scholarship for all four years from Virginia Wesleyan College. I am so greatful that colleges are offering me money even though they aren't sure that I will go to their college. I definitely know that I am not done receiving scholarship money from colleges. I am just getting started...!

#1.50: Good News

I am progressing through my college applications process fairly well. I have so far been accepted to 4 colleges. I thought that by me using the common app my college application process would be easier, but that is the exact opposite of what happened. The common app has slowed down my application process because I was not clear about the fact that they do not send official SAT and ACT scores to the colleges being applied to. This means that I now have to come up with some money to send my scores to the college that I actually want to go to. I have to send them asap so that I can make these early action deadlines. I am really excited about sending my scores to my #1 college choice. I honestly think that I will get accepted to Converse College on multiple scholarships. I can't wait!!

#1.49: Oh NO...no MEDS!!

Ugh...Today was a hard day for me. I ran out of medication yesterday, which means that I was not able to take my medication last night. This medication knocks out my headaches during the day so that I can function properly and do my school work. My head started to hurt on my way to second period. I asked for a pass to go to the nurse and I took a nap until the end of that class, but the thing is that my head started to hurt as soon as I left the health suite! So now I know that I pretty much can't handle a full day of school without my medication. I have no idea how long this will last, but this clearly means that I will no time soon be out on that field. I find myself thinking sometimes about how different my senior year would be going if I never had a concussion. These are the things that I have missed out on so far:
1. The whole soccer season
2. The winter season of indoor track
3. Homecoming dance
4. Spending more time with Kamari
5. College overnight visit
6. Multiple tests in Calc
7. Skating with my Dad
8. Participating in Church
9. Winter indoor soccer practice/games
10. Most AP Chemistry Labs
11. AVID induction
12. Soooo many important days of school!!

These 12 things have really played a dramatic part in my high school life. The thing that comes to my head when I think about this list is that I am going through this for a reason. I am strong enough to get through this period in my life and I may be going through it so that I can assist someone with this heartache that is not strong enough to go through it. You never know...

#1.48: Ravens...Ugh!

On Sunday, I spent the evening with my brother and my sister-in-law's family. We stacked up on food and watched the Raven's game against the Seattle Seahawks. I am not a big football fan, but I was still disappointed in how the Ravens played. That Reed guy kept on dropping the ball and turning it over to the Seahawks. Aside from that tragedy, I enjoyed my time with family. I really enjoyed spending time with Kamari. When I was holding him we would just be talking back and forth and smiling at each other. He would make these cute noises and I would do it back. I love him so much.

#1.47: Me, Myself, and Irene.

On Saturday, I spent the day with my god mother, Irene. I don't see her as often as I used to because she doesn't go to my church anymore. This day was really fun because I was able to drive her car around to everywhere we went except when we went to dinner. I haven't driven a car since before the school year started. This is because my father's car gave up on us and won't work. Her car drove so smooth and looked so brand new. I was driving her car with one hand and felt so cool. I can't wait til I can get my own car and drive where and whenver I want. Hopefully it won't be far from now!

#1.46: Movie Night

On Friday, I went to the movies with Nicholas, Angela, and Larry. The plans were not very clear so we ended up missing about 30 minutes of the first movie, which was Harold and Kumar. I have never watched any of the Harold and Kumar movies so I was a little confused. The movie as a whole was not very entertaining because there were a lot of ridiculousness going on. After that movie was over, we decided to go see another movie because we missed a good portion of Harold and Kumar and the theater was empty anyways. The second movie we saw was Jack and Jill. This movie was hilarious! There was one part of the movie where I could not breath because I was laughing so hard! Angela had to excuse herself to go to the bathroom because the laughter was too much. I was surprised that the movie was better than I thought it would be. I had a great time out with my friends.

#1.45: 4th College Acceptance!!

My 4th college acceptance is to Virginia Wesleyan College. I was surprised to get this one because I was pretty sure that I did not send my transcript there. I have become frustrated with a couple of things recently. First, the common app is really making me angry because I thought that I did not havve to send schools my SAT scores since they have a place where I could type in the scores and the dates I took the test. This means that I have to pay $10.50 for every score sheet that I send to a college because I used up the 4 free score sheets. Second, I am really becoming impatient with teachers that decide that they don't have to help me with my situation. I will not say any names, but why would a teacher make it seem like it's my fault and not give me any assistance? All they have to do is take some time out of their schedule to make sure that I understand the material. Considering that I have to slow my whole life down right now makes it look really bad if a teacher doesn't give me something to work with. I'm just so tired of feeling like they don't give a crap even though it's their job and the law.

#1.44: Science Marshmallows

Today in AP Chemistry we had to calculate the % composition of carbon in a marshamllow. We were able to do this because marshmallow is pretty much all sugar. Sugar is composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon. We were able to seclude the carbon of the marshamllow by charring the marshmallow over a bunsen burner. The fire will remove the hydrogen and oxygen from the marshmallow. Today was also the first time that I ate marshmallows that were roasted over a fire. It would have been perfect if Ms.Upshur would have brought chocolate and graham crackers so that we could make smores. I was disappointed in how the marshmallows tasted, but I did enjoy that fact that I was able to partake of some sugar to keep me awake.

#1.43: T.G.I.M. Reflection

The main points that I felt were important are:
1. See your job as a blessing.
2. Throw away your "toys-r-us card".
3. Be the change that you want to see.
4. A negative times a negative is only a positive in math.

I think that I have done all of these points, but I definitely need to do the first point more often. I need to use point one when it comes to school, house work, leisure time, and sports. The more often that we acknowledge every opportunity and job as a blessing, the more likely that we will be pleased with our lives and circumstances.

#1.42: Thank God!

Even though I can't really talk about it at this time, I thank God for what he is doing for me. He is giving me the support that I need to succeed even though I can't do all the work that I would like to do. I am so greatful that throughout high school he has given me the personality and respect that is liked by teachers and administrators. The reason that I am greatful is because when it comes to academics, teachers and administrators will go that extra mile and put forth that extra effort to make sure that you are taken care of. Due to this support, I don't have to worry about my 1st quarter grades anymore. God knew exactly what was weighing my heart down and stressing me out. He knows it all and takes care of it ALL!!!

#1.41: Sunday Service and Kamari

On Sunday during church service, I babysat my nephew Kamari because his parents were busy. I was so glad that I had the opportunity to watch him all service long. Aside from the fact that I enjoyed spending time with him, I also enjoyed the service. My church is like family because we all love and care about each other. I felt so empowered by the end of the service because I received several different messages from the elders and pastors at my church that kept telling me to not give up. The told me that God knows exactly how I am feeling and how he is going to bring me out of the rough time. I am so greatful that I have a church family and that I was raised in the church. I can't even imagine how hard this time would be if I did not know that I have God by my side at all times. During difficult times such as the one that I am experiencing now, I think about the lyrics to certain gospel songs and how they are so specific that you can find what your going through so easily. The songs speak directly to you...I think that is exactly why God gives the lyrics to those artists.

#1.40: Powder Puff Game

Unfortunately I was not able to play in the powder puff game this year, but the game was still a success. I really enjoyed being able to see every play up close and talking to my friends on the sideline. The senior team definitely showed the juniors what they had coming because of the smack talk that was going aaround the school. If I would have had the opportunity to play, I believe that I would be one of the people that scored. I was so pumped last year that I would have the chance to play on offense instead of defense like last year...Hopefully I will have another chance in college!

#1.39: Halloween-Nerd

On Halloween I dressed up as a nerd with Nicholas. When I was younger I never celebrated Halloween. It made me very upset that I could not participate in the candy gathering fun that my friends knew as normal. I didn't think that it was fair that I could not trick or treat in a costume to get free candy, especially when I don't believe that Halloween is a bad holiday. Now that I am old enough to believe and follow what I want to, I can dress up and go trick or treating. Unfortunately, that did not happen this year. Instead of going trick or treating, me and Nicholas drove to 7 Eleven and bought candy! I got it like that now.lol

#1.38: 3rd College Acceptance!!

My 3rd college acceptance is to York College. I actually would not mind if I had to go to this college. I was introduced to this college during the AVID College Tour during my sophomore year. I enjoyed the tour of the college and the campus environment. This college acceptance was my first acceptance that I received through an email. Today I also sent off half of my applications through the commonapp. I did not know that you could send any application separately if you used the commonapp. I am glad that I found that out because I was forcing myself to finish this essay before November 1st so that I would not miss the early action deadline for my number 1 college choice.

#1.37: Full Day Adventures

Today was my first full day back to school since mid September. This day was filled with a lot of feelings. The periods that I felt the worst in was 1st and 2nd. I think that this was mainly because of the drowsiness that my new level of medication caused. I can actually say that the day got better towards the end with the exception of a few headaches. The overall success of the day was defnitely improved because of the company of friends. I hope that tomorrow is even better and I also hope that when it comes to me having to complete a whole week with school that I feel fine.

#1.36: Doctor Appt.

I went to see Dr.Crutchfield today for a follow up to my appointment 3 weeks ago. He put me through the tests that I have been taking everytime I've been to his office. By the end of the visit I had a prescription for medication that I have to take in the morning along with the medication that I take at night. Although I am not really excited about taking more medication, I am excited about the opportunity to come to school full time. Tomorrow and Friday I will be coming to school for the whole day in order to see if I would be able to continue that from now on. I'm excited!

#1.35: Family Time

Yesterday I enjoyed the company of my grandparents, cousin, brother, sister-in-law, sister, nephew, and parents. It felt great to be surrounded by family when I am usually home alone. We talked and laughed the whole time they were here. The reason they came over was so that they could see the new addition to the family, Kamari Johnson. He was truly the focus of attention and entertainment of the evening.

#1.34: Concussion Chronicles-2

I just tried to do my AP Chemistry homework. After reading two paragraphs on solubility-product constant, my head started to hurt. I didn't even get to the problems yet. The sad thing about this situation is that I have no choice but to accept that I can only do a certain amount of work before I need to stop. This obviously affects my current grades, but think about the big picture as a whole. My GPA, class rank, and final grades will probably suffer because of this. I can't imagine how people will look at my senior year grades and think that I wanted to slack when the truth is that I don't want to but I kind of have to. Ugh...all I can say is that I am trying.

#1.33: Family time

Today after church and play rehearsal I went out to dinner with my family. We went to Champps restaurant to eat some good food and watch whatever games that they had on the various screens. I ordered the chicken salad sandwhich with a side of mashed potatoes and mango lemonade. I was so full afterwards...and I still am now. We go to Champps every month, it's kind of like our regular spot now. We shared regular conversation, jokes and laughter the whole time. I just plain love my family.

#1.32: 2nd College Acceptance Letter!!

My second college acceptance letter was to Robert Morris University. After receiving this letter, I started to notice some similarities in how a college will present the letter in the envelope. So here are some of my observations:
1. They will put it in the envelope in such a way that when you open it you can't see the information right away unlike the junk college mail that is normally received.
2. They envelope is usually not full or feel thick because there is only one piece of paper or a few pieces of paper in the envelope.
3. The envelope will not have that little rectangle that is clear so that you can see who the mail is for, instead it will have a sticker with your name and address information.

So I hope that this can help you in the future to spot out that next college acceptance letter!

#1.31: Weekend Partying!

On Saturday I went to my cousin's wedding. It was fantastic because my family is perfect for when it comes to having a good time. We love to have fun and dance all night long, and we never mind putting a little liquid in that mix. I will be honest and tell you that I also took part in that action as well. The whole day was perfect because my head barely gave me a problem until the party was over. I had a really good time from the ceremony to the reception. After a while into the reception I began to think if it was a good idea for me to drink that glass of champagne and a sip of that sour whiskey with my current condition...but what the heck. The point of it all is that I needed a break from my boring concussion lifestyle and I had fun.

#1.30: Missed Test

Due to my concussion I have missed a lot of things in all of my classes. So far I think that I have missed a few labs in AP Chemistry, a couple essays in AP English, and a few tests in AP Calc. This gets me thinking about what I should do when it comes time to take the AP tests. Because to tell the truth, it is already hard enough to pass the tests when I come to class on the regular and I know what I am doing mentally. So I have a question for those that read this blog entry...what do you think I should do when it comes time to take the tests?

#1.29: Pretty Little Liars Marathon!!!

Over the summer, my mother and I began to watch the ABC series Pretty Little Liars with the help of netflix. We got really hooked on this show! We went through dvd after dvd and finally there was not anymore dvds. To make matters worst, the show wasn't even coming on anymore. Today when I came home from school I searched the tv guide for something good to watch. I landed on a pretty little liars marathon! I am watching it right now and will still be watching it for the rest of the day. Hmmmm I think I will pop some popcorn.

#1.28: Hyperion House Meeting

Today was the first Hyperion House Meeting. I think that it was very successful because the under classmen were attentive and were able to voice their suggestions on future activities. I actually was happy with the students that I saw in the meeting because it showed that Hyperion has some of the best students in AVID.

I think that our house will be very successful in fullfilling the expectations that Dona has for this school year.
I just realized that in only 7 months I will be officially over with my high school years! I feel old and I look forward to seeing where my hard work and dedication will take me.

#1.27: Facebook...TMI

I have been thinking about what I was going to write about all day and I came up with nothing. Then I went on Facebook to see if anything was going on with my friends. I was purely digusted when I saw this video on Facebook of a so called "dummy" doing what she do...lol. I really hope that the people that do anything and everything on Facebook don't mess it up for the rest of us that enjoy the regular social networking.

#1.26: Babysitting Kamari

While I was at church I was on baby duty. It was fun though because I love my nephew. Then it came time to put him in the car seat...did not go well at all. He kept screaming and screaming until the car started to move. We had him throughout the evening and I don't even know when his parents came to get him because I left to go to bed. I like sleeping.

#1.25: It's Saturday

On Saturday I didn't do much during the day, but the evening was perfect. I went to the movies with Ameera and Nick to see Kevin Hart: Laugh at my Pain. It was a funny movie and I enjoyed my time out of the house. After the movies, my father, mother, and I went to Qdoba to get dinner...the joys of being the only child! Once we got home we watched Limitless, but I left after 10 minutes of watching it to go to sleep. Saturday turned out to be a pretty good day.

#1.24: Soooo Much Pizza

Yesterday I helped my fellow National Honor Society Members sell pizza after school. I had so much fun hanging out with my friends and staying after school like always used to do. After we were done selling the pizza from the room, Ameera and I took two pizzas around to the teachers so that they had a chance to buy pizza as well. We were able to sell most of those two pizzas...more money for the NHS. When we came back to the room almost everyone was gone. So since we had time to spare, Ameera, Justin, Morin, Morin's cousin, and I stayed in the room and had interesting conversations. As time went on, the group began to fade as they left the room until it was just me and Ameera.

I told you all on thursday that I had a good feeling about how Friday was going to be. I was right and I am pleased with how I ended my week!

#1.23: Hmmmmm...Good Day

Today was a pretty good day. My afternoon days are usually better because I get to sleep in instead of waking up early in the morning. I was able to laugh and make jokes with my friends the whole time I was at school. During english class we barely did work because Ms. Dell came to talk to us about college and applications. Mr. Hopkins was not in class today so I did book work with Ameera for about an hour of the class period. The reason we did not work all the way through the class period is because I started to get a headache, but I felt SO smart hanging with everyone else in the class while I was working. I really look forward to tomorrow because I have a feeling that tomorrow will be even better and plus tomorrow is Friday.

#1.22: Hair Day

The only thing I did today was my hair...LITERALLY!!! Therefore, I do not have anything interesting to say except that it took me from 11:30am-8:42pm. Bummer of a day.

#1.21: Chill Day

Today I had no church!! It felt great to be able to sleep in on a Sunday morning. In the afternoon, my mother and I dropped off my father at a hotel because his office is having a big meeting over the next couple of days. So now it's just my mother, my dogs, and I at the house. That's all for my Sunday.

#1.20: 1st College Acceptance Letter!

My 1st college acceptance was to Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. It was the highlight of my weekend especially after getting not so good news from my doctor. I felt so smart that I could get into a college with only my grades from my freshman, sophomore, and junior year. I can't wait for when I send my top college applications off!!

P.S. My new phone isn't cooperating with me so there might not be any pictures for the upcoming blogs.

#1.19: Doctor Visit...

This was my second visit with Dr. Crutchfield, a post-concussion specialist, and I was hoping for good news, but there was none to hear. I still have the same orders that came from the last visit. Half-days at school. Limited activity. No SPORTS! I am truly being tested during this time in my senior year. It is becoming a real job for me to stay positive and motivated because I am being forced to not perform academically as I normally would. Honestly, I feel that my first quarter of my senior was a waste...ugh life.

#1.18: Dorm Plans!!

I found this website where you can plan and move around things in your virtual dorm room. The great thing about it is that you could send this picture to your roommate and see if they agree with how you arranged it so that fixing up your dorm will be easy. I can't wait til I fix my dorm up. I already have the theme for my side of the room. GREEN! All of my things are green. Green comforter, rug, lamp, towel...I'm just sayin that I am so ready to make my way down to South Carolina and start life!

P.S. (what does P.S. mean?)...Tomorrow I go to the doctors for my follow up visit so that I can find out if I can start doing things normal again, such as coming to school full time, exercising, etc.

#1.17: Hotdog

I don't really have anything interesting to write about so I just took a picture of one of my dogs sitting next to the heater. You would think that with all that fur he would be warm enough, but both of them always like to lay close to a blazing heater. Zee is literally a hotdog.

#1.16: ..........?

Ugh...Today was a boring day. First, my alarm clock was a jerk this morning, but gladly I don't have to take the bus for the time being. Second, I'm so out of shape right now that I lost my breath while going up the stairs in the school slowly! Third, most of the day was spent at home eating. Fourth, I desperately need to do my hair, but I know that I don't feel like it so....whatever.

#1.15: Babysitting Kamari!!

This Saturday was a great day. My sister and I got the chance to babysit my newborn nephew, Kamari. I was so happy to spend time with him because since school has started, I have not been able to stay over for more than an hour or two. He is such a great baby...and really cute!

#1.14: AVID Class Tattoo Time!

Today in AVID class after I finished my work with my house (Hyperion), I went to the mini tattoo shop in the corner of the AVID room. My tattoo was on both sides of my hand. On the outside of my hand it said "QUIET" in red, black, and blue, but on the inside of my hand it said "I have a concussion" in red and blue. Nicholas was my tattoo artist so of course he added a little razzle dazzle to my hand. Lol. Too bad that as soon as I got home I had to use the bathroom and it washed off when I washed my hands. ;-P

#1.13: Concussion Chronicles-1

There is no picture for this post because a picture won't do justice what I am feeling. The week that I was absent from school, I almost never left the house and I was home alone for most of the time. I have never felt so useless for that long of a period of time before. I mean I could not even do any work that I knew I could be using that time towards. I honestly felt so worthless because I know that there are so many important things that are required of me during my senior year. I can actually say that I was almost depressed because I was so sad that I couldn't keep up with my classwork and have outstanding grades for my interim, finish my college essay, and most of all play in every single soccer game of my last season at New Town High School. Playing soccer here at New Town is not only fun because I'm with my friends, but it also gets my anger and frustration out, so taking that from me changes things dramatically. I'm very irritable now, which turns into stress, which then hurts my head. I feel like I'm missing from my life right now, as if I'm not even Tiffany anymore....blank.

#1.12: All Day!!

This is my couch. My lovely couch. My oh so faithful couch. My comfy couch. Right after I woke up and brushed my teeth, I went downstairs to watch TV while sitting on this couch. I did this ALL DAY! Let me tell you, I am very happy about being the only child at home now, but I absolutely abhor having to stay in the house alone all day. I abhor it with a passion! So pretty much my day off was not as enjoyful as it could have been. Now I am ready to see what tomorrow will throw at me.

#1.11: My evening....

After I came home from school, I realized that I was home alone for the rest of the day. I have no idea when my parents came home from my pastor's birthday party, but these are the things that  I have no choice but to go through after my injury. It sucks that I have to follow the doctor's orders of "take it easy"....but her orders were also to eat high protein, high fat foods. I don't know if pizza is high in protein or high in fat, but it's all I ate and I love it!

#1.10: Hopefully My Future

Due to my unfortunate injury, I have no idea how many blogs I missed so I am going to blog about something that I hopefully have to look forward to. This picture is one that my father took when we went to visit Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This college was not initially on my college list, but since their soccer coach showed interest in me, I visited the campus. Before visiting, I did a little bit of research on this college. I did not like the fact that this was an all girls private school. After meeting the coach and the players on the soccer team, I took a tour of the campus. I literally had to keep myself from smiling hard the whole time!! I fell in love with the campus, the friendly southern atmosphere, and the weather! I can't wait to send off my applications because I know that once I get my acceptance letter from Converse College, that I will be soon to my home away from home.

#1.9: TV is a treat!

I was forced to watch my TV show on my laptop because I have no time to watch TV. My days are very busy nowadays, between homework, practice, and house duties. I don't have time to enjoy an hour of TV during the week. Even though I just started this school year, I am sooooo ready to finish it. I can't wait for those days off that we have throughout the year and other breaks due to holidays! I am begging them to come asap!

#1.8: I'm an Auntie as of 9-12-11

Tonight I spent time at the hospital with family as we welcomed my nephew Kamari Johnson. I am so happy to be an auntie! He is 8lbs 12.2oz and kept us waiting forever because his mother was 1cm dilated for almost two weeks. He is so cute with his light brown hair and blonde eyebrows...I don't know how his eyes look because he would not open them for me. Because of him I look forward to the weekends even more! I love him so much!

#1.7: Ooooo La La!

I have been craving a frappuccino for the longest time! The reason I can't get it when I want some (that's what she said) is because my mom always says that caffeine is not good for your body all the time...but for some reason she let me buy it after church. I was so excited to take my first sip, it was like heaven! So of course I had to blog about it because it was the second highlight of my day.

Oh yea I almost forgot...while I was drinking it I was telling my sister about a situation that I was upset about and she said that I looked like a crazy person with a bottle of alcohol drinking because they are mad. I found that funny. (I hope that wasn't inappropriate)

#1.6: Adventures with my Dad!

This dog is too cute! Unfortunately it's not mine. On saturday I spent the day with my dad since I am the only child now. After we both exercised, I tagged along for an adoptive placement that he had to assist with. His job as a social worker includes him having to transport foster kids to the person's house that will be adopting them. The girl that we went to pick up was 16 years old and had very interesting stories to tell my dad about the lady's house that she was just at. She was only there for the night, but the lady would give her attitude about how long she was on the phone even though the lady had a cell phone available. She said that she didn't eat while she was there because the lady would only fix salmon cakes and grits. She also told my dad that she has no problem leaving her living situation if it isn't what she wants because she is a "runner". The lady's house that we were taking her to had this dog and a miniature poodle. The lady was friendly and very open with the girl about how she wanted to help her. Listening to her situation made me extremely greatful for the life that I have. I have a family that loves me, parents that are happily married, friends that are encouraging, and a lifestyle that is not harmful to myself or others. Focus on the blessings that you have because there is ALWAYS someone out there that would kill to have at least part of what you have!

#1.5: AVID Induction Bio

Tiffany began her trek in the AVID program in the 9th grade. Throughout her freshman and sophomore year, she allowed the skills taught in AVID to take her above and beyond the average coursework that her peers settled on. During her junior year, she took full control of the techniques learned through AVID and applied them to her AP, GT, and Honors classes which made it possible for her to earn a 4.0 GPA 4th quarter of that year. Tiffany has taken the SAT two times and plans on taking the test once more so that she can receive 50 more points to get $18,000 per year at her #1 college choice through the Presidential Scholarship offered by the college. Currently, she has three AP classes, two Honors, and one Standard while she participates in athletics year round and the National Honor Society. Tiffany never thought that the AVID Familia would burgeon her as a leader in New Town High School, but AVID has fabricated an ameliorated Tiffany!

#1.4: I'm going to be a cool scientist!

At back to school night I was able to get a sneak preview at an experiment that I will be doing with my classmates in a few weeks. The experiment is all about ELECTRONS and how they are able to make fire change colors. The fire in the picture is greenish blue just in case you can't see it very well...This picture is somewhat funny to me because I had to ask her to do the demonstration again so that I could take the picture for this blog, and she looks really happy that I wanted to take the picture. Haha.

#1.3: Flooded Creek!

This is the creek at the bottom of my street after that down pour of rain that only lasted about 20 minutes today. Since this blog project is about our journey from here to college, I have to talk about how this creek was important to me during my years living in Randallstown. This creek has always been the landmark that people know whenever I would try to describe where I lived to someone. It also was and still is the meeting spot occasionally when my friends and I want to hang out together outside. This was because the creek was usually the midpoint between my house and my friend's houses. The creek would also host many games of Manhunt throughout elementary and middle school. For instance, in the first picture next to the big drain, there is a very short, wide walking space under the road. I can remember the many times that me and Nicholas would be on the same team and crouch down as we walked to the other side and hid behind the road barriers. Good Times! I can just imagine me coming back home for college break and going to the creek and reminiscing these great moments.

#1.2: Pure Motivation!!

This picture was the first thing that I thought of when I came home motivated. My motivation came from a conversation that my dad and I were having in the car on the way home from meet the coaches night. His advice was very impoortant to me because he made me realize that this is the last year that I will be in New Town! Making the most of every class, interaction, game, and ceremony is my focus for this year so that I will have no regrets when I look back 5 years from now.

Whenever I would talk to my mother about a class that I felt was not important enough for me to be in, she would always say that you are there for a reason so just use that experience. I now understand that once you graduate there are limited experiences with education because you will have a focused career....So I have to say to the SENIORS, take full advantage of this year and lets help each other with our motivation so we can go into college STRONG!