#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!