OBLIGATORY END OF YEAR POST:

Today was our last day of school. I am sad. This year went by fast, but it was also fun.

THE END

I don't really know if I can describe how I feel, or reflect on the past four years, or do any of that right now. I don't want to come back for another year, but it would be nice to think I wasn't leaving the high school forever. That's about all I have to say. It's been good, Ames High. I'll miss you.

Everything seems really different all of a sudden. I can't tell whether it's me, other people, or just the fact that we're graduating in less than five weeks, but for some reason I feel kind of out of place with everything. I don't like it.

I'm mailing in my college stuff tomorrow. I'm nervous to send away both the "yes" and "no" forms, but it's gotta happen soon enough. I just want this to be over.

On a happier note, I'm really enjoying the whole having my own car thing.

Date:	2006-07-05 10:07
Subject:
Security:	Public
Mood:	working

I'm at work right now not doing what I'm supposed to be doing and still getting paid a ridiculous amount.

Welcome back Europe trip-ers.

I am in Africa and I love it. This has been the best first week and a half of summer ever.

Have fun all Europe/Israel-bound people.

Here comes the end of the shortest India trip ever. I leave on the second. My brother's wedding was a blast. It was probably the most fun I've had all year. What else could non-stop dancing and food be? Now it's time to get back to reality: school, finals, and lack of sleep.

Well, it's New Year's Eve. Does anyone even do resolutions anymore? Here's mine, just for kicks: don't dwell on things in general. I get stuck on certain events, and never learn to move past them. We'll see how long this lasts. Lucky me, looks like I get to be in 2006 eleven and a half hours before all you suckers.

Birthday in exactly 2 weeks. License, here I come!

Today was a pretty bad day, for no apparent reason at all. I didn't get much sleep last night because I stayed up to work on the APWC book review. Managed to get 7 pages off of The Stranger, which I was pretty happy with. Then physics this morning wasn't too good, although there was nothing really bad about it specifically. I'm pretty on and off about Dilks, so that probably makes an influence. Then during WEB I realized I messed something up, but whatever. I'm not really looking forward to it coming out tomorrow. The rest of the day just kind of went by. Mrs. Goodwin still either doesn't know my name, or won't say it. She's only ever called on me by saying "yes" or pointing at me.

News in my life right now: I'm going to Africa! Found out yesterday that I'm on the first group. I only know about 5 other people in my group, so it should be fun getting to know people. I'm really excited for the trip.

I'm reading Cat's Cradle for my HAL year-long book project. I really liked it, but I'll probably need to read it again to catch all the details that I missed the first time. I've only read 3 of Vonnegut's books so far, but I'm pretty sure he'll become one of my favorite authors soon enough.

FUN FACT: The grad student who teaches my calc class is stoned 98% of the time he walks into the room, or at least that's what everyone else says.

This weekend should be a fun-filled mix of my novel notebook and THAs.

Story ideas for the opinion section anyone?

Date:	2005-09-16 15:31
Subject:
Security:	Public
Mood:	happy

The first issue of the WEB came out today. I really liked it, obviously. The layout was pretty cool, although my personal layout skills aren't the best right now. I'm thinking this will be a great year for the paper.

I ate at Panera today, and then started throwing up once I got home. I'm not sure what it is, but I somehow always get food poisoning after eating there. I should've learned by now, but I guess not.

Also, I'm so sick of Mediacom right about now. I really can't keep a solid internet connection for more than 10 minutes at a time, and it's bugging the hell out of me. I feel like calling them up myself if my dad can't do anything about it soon. On the plus side, the wireless network downstairs seems to work for some reason, so I may be getting a laptop if this doesn't get fixed.

I'm back from Mexico. We went on a cruise. The ship stopped in Cancun and Cozumel, which probably have the nicest beaches ever. Luckily no drunk college kids, which probably would have banned my parents from letting me go there ever again. We went snorkeling/scuba diving to check out the coral reef, which was amazing since the water was really clear, and then went ATVing in some wildlife jungle conservatory. Visited some Mayan ruins as well. The ship docked in New Orleans, which is probably the most ghetto city I've ever been to. We walked around the French Quarter for a while, and unexpectedly ended up walking across the street from the red light district. To say the least, really awkward being there with my parents.

I recently learned how to play Texas Hold'em. The last few weeks have consisted of me playing for 3 hours at a time. My beginner's luck may have ran out, but I would still say I kick ass.

Summer is winding down, and band camp starts in a few days. I wonder what would happen if I skipped a few days this year.

Date:	2005-07-13 20:15
Subject:	I forgot how much I don't like school
Security:	Public
Mood:	happy

Semester 1:
1st- AP lab/modern dance 1
2nd- AP physics
3rd- The WEB
4th- AP calculus
5th- Band
6th- APWC
7th- HAL
8th- Spanish 3

If I manage to make it to second semester, there might be a few changes. Classes with anyone?


Also, it seems that I'm going to Boston for 5 days, by myself. Well, flying at least, then staying with my brother. I've never flown alone before, so this should be interesting. I can't wait. Boston is without a doubt my favorite city.

And last but not least, HARRY POTTER COMES OUT IN 3 DAYS HELLS YEAH

I got back Tuesday. The plane ride was 15 hours long to Toronto, and then another hour to Chicago. I jumped for joy when the signs turned to English again. I returned home to a pretty driveway, which I loved. My mom thought someone vandalized our house.

You never realize what you'll miss when you're not home. A fast internet connection, how fluffy my pillow is, central air conditioning, being able to drink water that's not bottled, cars driving in marked lanes, and other random things come to mind. It's good to be home.

Tuesday night was fun. Good way to start off being back.

Yesterday was my first day of driver's ed. Today was my first drive. Oh god.

I hope to volunteer at the library this summer. Sounds interesting enough.

I've watched 3 Hindi movies in theaters in the last 3 days. Bollywood is hilarious, even if it isn't intending to be.

I'm starting to really enjoy being in India. Unfortunately, only a week till I leave. Funny how that always happens. The day I get back is also the first day of driver's ed, which I'll miss. Hopefully I won't have to write some stupid essay, like I've heard.

I'm learning how to drive a stick shift, and it's a lot harder than I thought. It's been 3 days and I still can't control the clutch properly. Good practice though.

Can't remember what else I was going to write about.

So, it just dawned on me that I'm a junior. Pretty cool.

I just got back from my cousin's wedding. It was fun. We've spent a lot of time planning for my brother's wedding as well.

While sitting in boredom, I've managed to watch a lot of Indian TV. So far, I've watched this: the Indian version of American Idol, called (surprise, surprise) Indian Idol, the Indian version of Punk'd, the entire Disney channel dubbed in Hindi, and Indian soaps. They're suprisingly really addicting, seeing how the acting is overdone and the plot is just plain bad/predictable. Sounds a lot like American teen drama.

Only 3 weeks till I come home.

Date:	2005-06-03 12:12
Subject:	It's hot outside
Security:	Public
Mood:	okay

I apologize for being late, but happy birthday elizabeth and supraja! I haven't been able to get online for a while. As much as I hate the fact that I'm one of about 2 people who aren't 16 yet (only 7 months left!), I hope you guys enjoy it.

It's been really hot here. I don't know if I'll survive till July. I had a lot more planned to write about, but now I can't remember. I really want to come home. It never actually feels like summer when I'm not there, at least for the first week, because now I always feel like there's still school going on and I should be doing make up work or something. Then I realize that school is over, and I have nothing to do. Also, I wake up at 6 every morning. It's kind of amazing, seeing as last summer I couldn't wake up a minute before 11. Suprisingly, I haven't gotten sick yet, but I'm sure that will change in a few days.

Random, but how many people are on the fall WEB staff?

Well, I'm off for a 7 hour car ride. Joy.

I saw star wars last night. I must admit, much better than I expected, although a few parts were a bit strange. Actually, it was pretty sad in some places as well. I even almost got a bit teary-eyed, almost, but not quite. Ranks as #4 out of the 6.

WEB has still been fun, with the help of visitors.

Only 5 days left. 5 days to cram worthless knowledge into my head that I'll forget the second after my last final is over. What's the point of school anyway?

Date:	2005-05-17 22:45
Subject:
Security:	Public
Mood:	contemplative
Music:	b-a-n-a-n-a-s

I am not looking forward to 3rd period tomorrow. It has now changed back to "3rd period" from "WEB period", just because thinking of the WEB and then going there tomorrow doesn't seem to fit properly. It'll be a downer, but it's not like I can really do anything about it. The WEB has definitely been my favorite activity this year, and I'm going to miss it. Good job to Sarit by the way, those cards were pretty awesome.

I just realized how much I have to get done before I leave. I have about 2374987234 projects to get done. Apparently, things that say they're saved don't always do save, causing you to start all over again. I also have to take all my finals early, which is a pain. I still have to pack and stuff too, which I should start doing sometime soon. I really don't wanna go, just because it's such a pain to get there. I have a 14 and a half hour flight, in which I must somehow entertain myself and/or sleep. Eh, not really looking forward to this.

What am I looking forward to though is later in the summmer. We may be going to Greece, which is pretty exciting. After that we're going to Mexico for a family vacation. Seeing how my family books tickets and stuff about a week in advance, this might not happen at all, but hey, it's something to look forward to. I really want to do Midnight Madness this year as well.

Sophomore year has gone by incredibly fast. I'm kind of worried about upcoming years, not so much about the actual school part, but just about how fast they're going to go by. This has been a good year too, something I'll remember.

You scored as Hinduism. Your views are most similar to those of... Hinduism! Do some research on Hinduism and possibly consider becoming Hindu, if you aren't already. </td> Hinduism 79% Buddhism 75% Satanism 58% agnosticism 54% Islam 54% Paganism 50% atheism 42% Judaism 25% Christianity 17% Which religion is the right one for you? (new version) created with QuizFarm.com

haha, no surprises there

Date:	2005-04-24 20:26
Subject:
Security:	Public
Mood:	tired
Music:	drops of jupiter - train

model un was a blast, but i'm a bit exhausted, and sick. no surprises there. i've been in bed all day with coughing fits, and haven't started any of my homework. that may cause a problem. model un was great though. i finally got the chance to go to coldstone creamery, and the people in my committee were hilarious. i really had trouble figuring out if the delegate from france was a guy or girl, but i'm assuming it was a guy. the motel scared me though because it looked just like the one from identity. overall, a great weekend.

now that model un is over, i've been forced to start thinking about the ap tests coming up. i really don't know anything, and i'm pretty scared. why i even signed up for ap bio i'm not sure, but i'm destined to fail. on the plus side: track ends in 2 weeks, on may 9th. i'm really looking forward to may 10th. no more track and no more ap tests. also my favorite hoetruck's birthday.

only 5 weeks of school left! summer plans as follows: india from may 28th-july 4th, meaning i have to take half my finals early. then in july driver's ed, and then a family vacation in august. i'm a bit scared to go back after almost 3 years. it's going to be peak summer when we go, so the average temperature will be around 115 degrees. also, i'm guaranteed to start throwing up for a few days at least twice, either from drinking non-bottled water or not being able to handle the heat. driver's ed shouldn't be too bad, but i doubt i'll know anyone.

i realize why i don't update much now... it's harder than i thought to figure out what to write about

Date:	2005-03-27 13:32
Subject:	the beginning of the end...
Security:	Public
Mood:	confused
Music:	what a wonderful world - louie armstrong

tomorrow is the first day of 4th quarter. it seems like i should be really happy that school is almost out, and i am. it just feels like everything is moving way to fast though. this year has flown by, which is odd considering i have dreaded school the most this year. i joined a lot of new activities, which is good. met cool people, which is awesome. became better friends with people that i already knew, which is great. but if the next two years go by just as fast, then i think i'd actually want school to feel longer, at least the year in general. we're now approaching the beginning of the end of high school. yeah being an upperclassmen will be awesome, but along with it comes the thought of going to college, getting a job, and losing all the free time i take for granted now. i'm sure my thoughts will change once i'm a senior though.

now i'm not saying i enjoy school, at all. this year i realized how much i disliked it. i'm not sure exactly what i don't like, but i just hate it almost. hate is a strong word, so not quite that far, but something like that. it's not people that i don't like, because they're what make going to school fun. maybe it's the classes. i'm not quite sure. this year hasn't been my favorite. i think i enjoyed freshman year more.

i keep contradicting myself, first saying i don't want it to end, but then saying that i hate it, but i'm not sure quite how to explain it. i guess i liked this year more than i thought. it's been a good year, i met cool people and did a lot more things that i enjoy, but i've just noticed a lot of new thing this year that i didn't last year that bother me a lot more than i thought they did.

this post sounds like a lot of other people's, but whatever.