battlingbard505

My Life is Average

2009-12-14T04:29:08Z

I need to share this with all of you because this would only happen to me.
So I broke up with Marvin in case you didn't catch that. There was just no chemistry and we're better off as friends. Although right now the friend thing isn't going as well as I would've hoped because it's finals and Patrick....
So look at my facebook, Patrick's photoshoot, I'm dating him now. That's not my story though. He has this five-o-clock shadow, which I love. Except we make out.....a lot. MY FACE IS CHAPPED AND HEINOUS!! All around my mouth my face is peeling off and swollen and chapped and I don't even know how to describe it, FROM MAKING OUT. This would only happen to me. My face may be ruined, and all I can do is laugh. I'll try and add a picture, I just don't know how, and I am not putting one up on facebook. Hahaha. He has literally rubbed my face off, it is coming off.
But he's great. I really don't have much else to say about him right now. Were not "facebook official" because he's from Marvin's floor....it's my fourth guy from that floor. Those of you that have yet to go to college, don't do what I did. Spend all your time on one floor and only date people from that floor. It doesn't end well.
I need to go study for finals. And write a paper....ah!

I miss you all and I will see you next week!!!

<3

This Weekend

2009-11-02T20:29:45Z

Was amazing! Probably the best weekend of my life. I know before I was upset that I was spending Halloween at Mock Trial, but it was so much fun. I realized how much I missed it and it was the best Halloween ever. The trials went well. We didn't win the tournament, wasn't exactly expecting to, lol, but it went well. College mock trial is radically different from high school and these invitationals were a really good experience because when the season actually starts and every trial effects how far you go, I'll be prepared knowing how things are actually run. I do not know my scores yet, but when I get them back maybe I'll post them, maybe not. XD
Halloween was also amazing for another reason, this boy Marvin, who is my closest friend here, asked me out, and it is already facebook official. Our almost 2 days of relationship have been great. To add to this, I'm pretty sure I'm 100% straight, but that's another topic for another time. So I got back from mock trial and then he asked me out. I went trick or treating for a bit, wearing my Bay View uniform. I didn't get a costume because I didn't think I would be allowed out. O well, it worked.
Sunday I had more Mock Trial. Let me reiterate how much fun it was. My team of 8 is great. However we won't compete together again because they are reshuffling us after this weekends competition at Harvard, which my team is not in. It's sad to think that I'll be working with some different people. I'm sure they're just as much fun. However, we just started growing close. Reshuffling will bring the whole team of 24 together though.
Last night I came back and went out to dinner for my friend Colleen's birthday. I was dead on my feet with exhaustion. I forgot to mention I had to get up at 6:00 on both Saturday and Sunday and we didn't get back to BU until 8:00 and 7;00 at night on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Then Marvin and I had our first "date" studying in his common room.
That is the short version of what happened in my extremely eventful weekend.
<3 Diana

Mock Trial

2009-10-26T16:42:58Z

So this weekend, yes Halloween, I have Mock Trial Invitationals at Brandeis University. How do I feel about this? I don't know. I have come to find that high school mock trial is extremely different from college mock trial. I'm not nervous yet, but it hasn't hit that it's in t-minus five days. Ah! I'll let you all know how that works out. We have four trials. But you don't "win" trials, you win ballots, and there's two ballots per trial, hopefully we'll win at least four. BU is pretty well known for the mock trial team, lets hope even though half of us are new we don't ruin their reputation.
Also it really sucks that the competition is on Halloween. TONS of schools are participating, just because we do mock trial does not mean we don't have lives. Halloween is my favorite holiday and I have to spend it in a courtroom. Sigh.

P.S. I found a song for my wedding, check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnNXK0z3aVg

battlingbard505 @ 2009-10-19T00:39:00

2009-10-19T04:39:33Z

Shit's gross.

I love college.

College Life!

2009-09-27T16:26:54Z

So, I haven't posted in a while. Right now I should be doing physics, but I don't know how, so I am doing this instead.

I am in love with college! I don't ever want to leave. I am having so much fun and love everyone here. My classes aren't hard at all, and I don't have much work although this week coming up is going to be hell. I have two midterms! I'm pretty sure we are not half way through the semester yet. There's nothing I can do about it though.

Speaking of my classes, let's talk about them a little. So I'm taking First Semester Spanish, and am actually learning how to speak the language. By the end of Fourth Semester I should be fluent, which would be awesome because i would love to be able to speak another language. I am also taking Psych 101 and LOVE the course and the professor. I'm so glad I am majoring in Psych. I am also in Ancient World for literature, and am currently reading the Jewish Bible, also known as the Tanakh. It's interesting to read the Bible from a literary standpoint rather than a religious one. I also have this science course called Natural Science, but so far we have done Physics, Astronomy and Determinism. All very interesting, and we learned how to time travel, but I don't need science, why am I required to take it?

For fun I have joined the Undergraduate Psychology Association, the Board Game Club (even though I haven't been to a meeting yet.), I tried our for Mock Trial and am awaiting a reply as to whether or not I made the team. This is stressing me out more than anything. I tried out on September 16th, they told us we would hear back at the end of the month at the latest. The wait is killing me! I don't know how I'll feel if I don't make it, but I really just want to know so I can stop thinking about it!

So I've been with two boys since I got here. No relationship is really going to come from either of them. Well see what happens with other people, but needless to say I am taking full advantage of the co-ed school.

I have yet to go to a party. We tried on Saturday night, not too hard though, and ended up at a restaurant instead. I have yet to go clubbing either, but that's just because Im not 18 until October 15th. There are a lot of movie nights, which I enjoy, I love watching movies, especially anything with Leo DiCaprio. I haven't done anything too exciting. I have been to the garment district twice though. Very pleased both times when I came back. You can indeed get a pound of clothing for $1.50. They also have a section with vintage clothing and other things that are pretty good prices for the most part.

Next weekend I am going on a retreat with the Catholic Center to Kenebunkport Maine, I am so excited, if only because it is Kenebunkport, and because my friend Marvin is going and he is just as insane as I am, so it should be a good time.
I love the diversity of this school, there are people from all over with all different backgrounds and all different ethnicities.

Our dorm is in west bumfuck, and it's a 1.8 mile walk round trip, or so I've been told. I still don't know the actual distance. I love our room, the views great, but all my friends are for the most part in Warren Towers. I spend most time there with the engineers. In my dorm people don't just leave their doors open and I'm not really friends with anyone on my floor. I could transfer to Warren, but that would be too much of a problem. I enjoy that walk though, it gives me time to just listen to music and think about things.

The food here is fantastic and I'm pretty sure I've already gained the freshman 15, not really, but I'm getting there. I've started running rather than eating less. The desserts here are my weakness, plus I was eating 5 bowls of lucky charms a day on top of my regular meals. This is what an unlimited dining plan does to you. I'll go into the dining hall to do work and end up eating 5 meals a day. I've been told by people that have visited that our food is bomb, and it is. Which is good, because I would be very unhappy otherwise.

Every Tuesday night there is a pasta dinner at the Catholic Center, and it is sooooo good!! It is a nice home cooked meal once a week and it is so much fun to go to because it usually ends in gospel singing.

I guess that's all I have to say for now. When I come back from the retreat and find out about mock trial I will post again!

P.S. I need suggestions on what to be for Halloween. I want to be Elizabeth, but the costumes are too expensive. Suggestions?

An Old Obsession Come Back Stronger

2009-07-20T01:34:28Z

Dear Fellow LiveJournalers,
I am currently OBSESSED with Harry Potter. It is not healthy. It is what I spend all of my spare time doing. I started re-reading the books a week before the sixth movie came out. My little sister had been re-reading them and watching each movie after the book was finished. I watched bits and pieces with her, getting me into the mood. So I started re-reading. Literally every minute is spent with those books being read by me. I am currently on six, as I was advised not to read it right before the movie. I'm glad I didn't. The movie was AMAZING. I am in love with Harry, which isn't helping my situation at all. Me and many of you love Draco as well, I know. And Hermoine is in a category all of her own. Perhaps because Emma Watson is simply amazing. Anyway, this morning I played Harry Potter Clue, better known as Mystery at Hogwarts. There is also Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly, and who know's what else. I also will be playing Quidditch at BU, if I make the team. Needless to say, Harry Potter has consumed my life. I wish I was at Hogwarts right now. How cool would it be to be able to do magic. I would never have to do chores again, plus the subjects sound so interesting and so much fun. Maybe it is because I am a Muggle and did not grow up with it. If only the books were true, and a Wizarding world really did exist. I would trade places with Ginny Weasley in a heartbeat. SPOILER ALERT, SPOILER ALERT, IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE MOVIE READ NO FURTHER, although I believe you all have, and if not you are wondering how I could spoil the movie since you have all read the books. My favorite scene of the entire movie may have been the scene where the Burrow burned down. Ginny chased after Harry. It was closely followed by the scene in which they were hiding the book. Maybe it is because I pretend in my head I am her that her affections towards Harry don't bother me. Are you reading this? Again, this is not healthy. But Harry Potter is just so amazing, and the Wizarding world is so awesome, good and bad characters alike.
*sigh*
Diana

BU Orientation

2009-06-14T04:07:57Z

So after Monday graduation we tried to go to Newport Creamery, the fam and I. It was closed. So we came home and gorged ourselves on the massive amounts of Daily Scoop Ice cream, which made me very happy. Then I woke up the next day and had to pack for ORIENTATION!!!!! WOOH!!! HAHA!

So I packed, after I finished a book, went to the Daily Scoop to talk Heidi about it, but Dean was there instead, so I didn't get any free ice cream. :( Then I came home and got pumped for Orientation.

Wednesday morning I woke up at 7:30, the first time in a very long time, to shower before I went to BU. I did my hair so I wouldn't have to do it before the Terrier Card picture. XD Anyways, I left, almost got out of North Farm and realized I felt naked because I wasn't wearing any jewelry. So I went back home, and my Nana told me to count to ten because coming back was bad luck....O great. However we rode to the island to head up that way, which always makes me happy. So close to the beach. :) This was clearly a good sign. I was so pumped. And I didn't pack a single sundress or skirt, because they said casual, and I knew I would wear it everyday, haha.

I arrived there, walked two blocks, my Grandfather insisted on dragging my suitcase, of which I am eternally grateful, although I said I would do it myself. He dropped me at the GSU (George Sherman Union) and left. I was officially on my own (for two nights and three days at least). I signed in and immediately was thrown into a group of people who were all extremely friendly. This seemed to be an ongoing theme at BU. Everyone is extremely peppy, outgoing, optimistic, nice, and most are good looking, haha. Within a half hour I met two other girls who had gone to all girls Catholic schools, and I thought no one would understand what that does to you. XD

Like cattle, but happy cattle, we were ushered into this giant room that I love, for opening ceremony things, and prep for Common Ground. Common Ground is this thing BU does to have people get to know each other and the city, under the pretense that everyone has a 'common ground'. So we had an introduction, were told we were going to get free t-shirts, and then we were told to find a partner. Lo and behold Shro was sitting right next to me, what a surprise! So we became partners. Then we had to twiddle each others thumbs, yes that is what you think it is. Haha. Then we had to find another group of two, where in a square we had to have a thumb war with each other. Then we had to find another group of four in which we had to find something we had in common that began with B and something that began with U. We decided on bathing and underwear, things we all decided we enjoyed. Last we had to find another group of eight. Instead we found a group of 16. We had to all hold hands and go into an adjoining room, without touching another group. If we did we had to scream "DON'T TOUCH ME". Now the fun began. We were assigned a group leader, and we got Andrew Peter McFarland, which is a story all within himself....hahahaha. After a few more icebreakers in which I met a boy named Gian from Hendi, we set off into the city.

Our GPS was broken. So Shro and I led the group to the ducks in Boston Commons. Only when I thought I saw ducks, it was actually fence posts. However since I did not have my glasses on we were indeed headed in the right direction instead of the wrong one. Once we found the ducks, people thought that we were looking for real one, but we were looking for the statues from "Make Way For Ducklings". More icebreakers! This time the game was like Pico Fermi Bagel, but with four people. Andrew picked four and didn't tell us anything. It didn't take as long as I thought it would. Then we set off again for the next clue, Louisburg Square. This time the GPS worked and we followed it to a square where John Kerry lives. It wasn't that exciting. On we went again to what I thought was supposed to be Fenway, but the clue was actually for Frog Pond. Here we played, perhaps my favorite icebreaker. We stood in a circle and had to make eye contact with someone, however if they made eye contact back with us, we both had to scream and leave the circle. I was part of the first pair that had to leave, and this was one of the most amusing things to watch. Last was the Hub itself, aka the state house. Here we learned about General Hooker, a man who gave Hooker's there name. After this we played another icebreaker. We had rock paper scissor wars, in which the loser had to follow the winner as his/her pose and cheer him/her on. We got down to two, and although our group lost, we had the best pose!

Once we arrived back at BU we played duck duck goose, which turned out to be dangerous, and we got our t-shirts. Then we were told to go sign into our dorms. Luckily I got Shro as my roommate, a test run for next year. Too bad I can't change my room assignment....jk!!!!! Anywho, earlier on in the day, a few girls had informed me of the bed bugs they had encountered when they had stayed over the previous night. Therefore the first thing I did was check the bed. Where there bugs? YES!!!! So Shro and I promptly sat on the desks and called people telling them of this horror. I flipped my mattress over, after killing one, and refused to sleep that night. Then we went on city excursions!

We decided to go to Fenway Movies. We saw hangover, however we showed up fashionably late because we went to Panera. As you might have realized, this is the first time I mentioned food, and you know how I am, so I was ravenous. We ate, went to the movie. The second half was highly amusing, so I am hoping that the first half was too. I plan on seeing it again so I can understand it properly. We were by Fenway when the game was won, or maybe the Red Sox just got ahead, either way we could hear the screams.

When we got back to the dorms I decided it was in my best interest to sleep. The bugs still scared me. I went to put on my sheets and realized I had been given two fitted sheets and no flat sheet. Thus I went downstairs, told someone, and waited about 40 minutes to get a sheet so I could go to bed. At midnight I was finally able to lie down, and somehow fell asleep. Thus was day one's conclusion.

The next morning I awoke and we found our way to the opening ceremonies. Where I believed there was going to be food. However I was mistaken, and thus did not have any breakfast. Starving I listened to the amazing band, watched people due the BU shuffle, got some random girls number because I was told to, was assigned to a group, and then we embarked to the foyer of the Agganis arena where we were to find our group. Of course my guy's sign was down and even though I was #16, it took me until group #90 arrived to find him. However, all is well that ends well. Off we went to the CAS building.

More icebreakers occurred. Our names, where we had been, where we were and where we were going was the topic, as well as our favorite movie and where we were from. Then we played the game where one person goes in the middle, says something about themselves, and then if it is a quality you have you have to run in the middle, find a spot, and if you don't you are stuck in the middle. After many rounds of this we went into the building to begin a day of seminars. However here I made two friends. First there was a seminar about the Core, then one about community service, studying abroad, etc. Here I won a Starburst for knowing why the mascot it named Rhett. (No one loved Scarlet more than Rhett. - Gone With the Wind) This was to hold me over until lunch. Then there was a seminar that did not hold my interest, so I do no remember what it was about, but next was lunch! This was surprisingly amazing. I am very pleased that next year I will be eating well.

After that, guess what! No not another seminar, but rather student advising. Here we learned about everything we would need to graduate on time, and all our different options. Then we had to fill in a schedule, without a computer, looking through huge books to find times and such. That was fun. However next was another seminar. This one was about safety, and although it wasn't supposed to be, it was hilarious. Here I learned that plastic wrap works as a condom and it works just as well. So this is a helpful hint for everyone.

Next was the barbeque. Again the food was amazing. And I had some of the best watermelon ever. Again this made me content knowing I would eat well next year. The barbeque was held on the beach, which is actually grass with traffic going by that sounds like waves....haha. I was a little disappointed, but it is BU so I will deal with it. We had to take pictures with our group, and our leader John, left to try and force the photographer, none other than Andrew McFarland was the photographer, to take our picture so we could go back into CAS to do more advising! How riveting. XD

Since I had already planned out my schedule I got to leave. So I went to the book store with Brooke, a girl I met from a town that only has 200 people, and I got a new sweatshirt! That I have worn everyday since I got it, haha. I headed back because next was another seminar!!! THis one was about student life at the University. Next may be my favorite part from the entire orientation, the skit put on by the student advisors.

First off it was a spoof on all things commercial, which was extremely funny in that they got it down to a t. My SA was dressed in drag, which is always humorous. My favorite character was a boy who clutched a stuffed animal and cried for almost the entire thing. The best part by far was the single ladies rendition done by a man playing beyonce, who put every other dancer on that stage to shame. He also looked better in his costume than some. After I was pulled up by Shro to dance in the isle, thank you very much, we sat back down and waited for something to happen. We all just sat there, until finally someone came on stage and said "You can go downstairs now"....like we were supposed to know.

Here I tried to get someone to do Karaoke with me, but we watched comedians instead, who were hilariously funny. First was the guy from BU who had earned the title "Funniest Person on Campus". And apparently everyone who has ever won this title has become a professional comic. The next guy is a professional comic and held this title. They told the most off color jokes, that were so inappropriate, but since they covered every genre it was acceptable, and it was hilarious. That ended day two.

On the morning of day three, I awoke and decided to weather the public showers. They actually weren't as bad as I thought they would be. Someone's hair was on the wall so I had an issue with that, but they were relatively clean. I only had two issues, which I will voice here. 1. There wasn't a stall in which I could undress before showering, so I had to walk from the bathroom in nothing but a towel that barely covered my cooter. 2. The water pressure was weak. And I do not know how anyone taller than me could comfortably wash their hair, since the water nozzle was at my neck length. Other than that it is something I can get used to. Then I went to breakfast, which was good. Again happy I know I will eat well next year.

I was finally able to officially sign up for classes which took more than I thought, going to twenty different stations. My schedule of course needed a lot of help, haha, and after I took my terrier card picture. Now I am officially a BU student!!

Closing ceremonies ensued and confetti was blown at us. I am so excited for next year, and cannot wait for the fall to come. I hope that my four years there will be as great as Orientation was!

My Final Days at the Bay

2009-06-14T03:43:09Z

I was all set to write about my BU orientation experience, and then I realized I had graduated high school. XD So let me write about that first.

The series of events went as followed.
1. Math final. My only final and the near end of me, or so I thought. The fact that Mrs. Viruleg did not like me came to view at our last class. However I went into the exam with a positive attitude, making it a point to get a 100 just to show her. I got a D. Haha. However, my quarter grade was better than at any other point the entire year, even though I was never in class as she so kindly pointed out. I would say she can suck it, but that would not be proper.
2. First rehearsal. This was uneventful, except for the fact that we got our yearbooks, which were nice. I enjoy the cover, and since I took about 50 pictures, my yearbook picture was actually nice this year.
3. Graduation rehearsal at the Cathedral. Once again, uneventful, except I parked illegally and was not prosecuted. Hehe.
4. Class Day rehearsal. This was eventful as prom was that night and I decided it was a good idea to put my feet on the seat in front of me. Someone sat down, and there goes my left foot. Bleeding I limped my way to the nurse. I wore heels that night though, just my personality. My toe still hurts, haha.
5. Prom. That was loads of fun. The food was good, except for the weird stuffing in the chicken. The location was beautiful, and I spent the time with fun people. After was even more fun and I am grateful to those who made me stop sleeping. ;)
6. Senior Awards night. I thought this was going to be uneventful, but then I won the history award and one for being "the best I can be", haha. The second one was named after Sister Gay. Plus there were some fun times out by the swings, although putting a huge bush right behind swings isn't the best planning skills I have ever experienced. Also Paige's slideshow was great! Especially the part where she had to stop it because John Mayer was talking bad words, haha. But it really was great, all the pictures and the music were wonderful, maybe because they were mostly of our group! XD
7. Class Day. I am not an emotional person, and said "I will make all of you cry, but I won't be crying myself." I wept. Not because I was going to miss the school as much as I was going to miss some of the amazing teachers I had. I knew that I would stay in touch with the people I wanted to, and the rest would just fall by the wayside. The ceremony was nice. And of course it rained as soon as we got outside.
8. Graduation. This was an exciting night as I got kinky ropes to use next year the night before I wash my sheets. (Shro, hahahahahahaha) The ceremony was military style. Special walk, sit at the exact moment as everyone else, in perfect rows, rise together, clap together, breathe in harmony. Personally I think the speaker sucked, in plain English. Last year, Mrs. Williams spoke. It was amazing and inspiring. This year I learned about the "Fab Four". This brought to mind; cliques, bitches, and the Lifetime movie where four cheerleaders tortured and I believe killed people in their school. There is woman empowerment at its best! However the singing was enjoyable, and by that I mean my singing. All the teachers bounced as soon as the ceremony ended and I didn't get to say goodbye to any of them. But I will be back no doubt.
So all in all my last days were actually a lot of fun, even though this sounds a little blah-zae. I'll miss the Bay, but after Orientation I am so excited and so ready for BU!!!!!!!!!! Although I hope our dorm doesn't have bed bugs..........read the next entry to learn more about that. Haha.

High School

2009-05-27T23:29:18Z

Tomorrow is the last day of high school, and I am anything but sad. Albeit, I had some good times at the Bay, I feel as though I will be happier elsewhere. My greatest memory of course will be mock trial. And so I will start there to describe my high school experience.

Mock Trial. Words cannot describe how amazing this sport is. And yes it is a sport, a mind sport (at least that is what BU says, where I will be presiding next year.), it takes just as much time and just as must effort. Anyway it could define my high school career. Freshman year: Sr. Stella is the coach. The trial is a murder case, except there is no body, and we are not even sure that she is dead. The defendant is her best friend. I still believe her boyfriend is involved, she was in his car last, and he is backpacking in Europe, probably with her. Mandy was her name. My favorite part, the fact that Sr. Stella and I almost got into fisticuffs over the direction the bullet was facing. Needless to say I do not think we won a single trial and Sr. Stella still has the awards we won. She probably threw them out. Sophomore year: The coaches, Karen, who we beat this year in State finals!!, and Rose. The trial is about a boy who had a drug problem and died at a track meet at school from drugs he had bought at school. The family hoped to get money from the school. We won a trial, I believe. We did well that year, but no where near as good as Junior year: the case is about a girl who kicked another girl while playing soccer and did something to her disks in the lower lumbar region of her back, or whatever it was. Coaches were Amy Dodge, Ms. Pate, and Jessica Massey. We came in third in the state for point, however we did not make it to playoffs because we only one won, lost one, and tied with Hendriken, but they received the "win", if we had we would have gone to playoffs. So they changed the rules, because of us. That wasn't needed. Senior year: I could cry, it was that amazing. It was another murder, I began and ended with murder. Coacher were Ms. Pate, Amy Dodge, Jessica Massey, and Molly Richardson. Brit Reynolds killed Anne Piscatella because she was going to turn him in for cheating, but really it was Joey Garret. Anywho, it was my favorite trial by far. Maybe it was because we had seven trials, maybe it was because we won every single trial, maybe it was because we won every single one of the trials, maybe it's because we made it to playoffs for the first time that i was in high school, maybe it was because we won states and made it to nationals! Needless to say it was an amazing year. For the first time in my high school mock trial career I got a ten! My life is now complete.

Now you may have forgotten this was about high school rather than mock trial, although it seems as though my entire high school experience was mock trial. I spent hundreds upon hundreds of hours at school because of mock trial, and loved every minute of it. But there were other experiences. I did track my freshman and sophomore year. I threw shot put, hahahahahaha. Enough said. I also did philosophy club my sophomore year, which i don't remember much about because we had about three meetings. i also did tech my junior and senior year, which was so much fun. I signed the wall, a picture will come soon.

I also had many many classes. O so many things to say. Brief summary of classes. Freshman year: Biology with Mr. Specht. O lord. Theatre with Mr. LeClaire. World Civ with Mo. Lit with Mr. Lord. Spanish with Senorita Ehrens. Algebra 1 with Mrs. Ricci. Study with Senora Keller and Mrs. Keffe. Relgion with Mrs. Loutouille.....hahahahahaha. Gym with Richards. Sophomore year: Chemistry with Mr. Sousa. Logic and Problem Solving with whatever her name was. History with Den Ken. Lit with Mrs. Williams. Spanish with somone whose name escapes me. Geometry with Mrs. Lupica. Study with Keefe and Testa. Religion with Mrs. Dolan and Mrs. Pleasamts. Gym with Richards. Junior year: Physics with Mr. Goodwin. Poli Sci with Mrs. Morel. Law with Testa. AP US With Mrs. Morel. Lit with Wrye. Amazing woman. Spanish with Keller. Algebra 2 with Mrs. Traficante. Study with Ehrens. And religion with Mrs. Pleasants, and Dr. Sullivan. O Dr. Sullivan. Gym with McGraf.... Senior year: Forensics with Mr. Sousa. Computer with Sr. Pat. Euro with Mo. AMAZING! Lit with Ms. Williams. Stats with Lindert/Viruleg. Pre-Calc with Lindert/ Viruleg. FML. On campus = fantastic. Religion with Sr. Paulette and Dr. Sullivan. Gym with Mrs. Beaudette.
So many of those classes have so many memories. And some I forgot the teachers names, so if you remember please tell me....haha. I could write a book about my class experiences at BVA.

I will miss most of the teachers I had, they were pretty fantastic. I will miss mock trial the most, I cannot lie. I will be back to coach. I can't stay away from that. I could write more, but I have to finish my Forensics final so that I can graduate....otherwise this will all be for naught.

Class of '09, I have nothing to say to you. XD

Mock Trial Nationals

2009-05-16T02:52:44Z

Let me go back to the moment in April.

We were sitting in a courtroom after a trial that lasted for over three hours. There had been two emergency evacuations, and our defendant had passed out. We finished the trial and had to wait for a half hour for the results. AG Patrick Lynch as head of the jury gives a speech than says in a seven to one vote (my heart is beating out of my chest and I am about to pass out or vomit) we found in favor of defense.....which side is defense? US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now fast forward to when we are in Nationals. That is right Nationals!! We had never been to playoffs before, even though we were third in the state...but whatever. Then all of a sudden we are undefeated and going to Nationals!

First off I love cheese fries, the first food I ate in Georgia. Second I love our team.

Moving on to the first night which was the pin exchange/dance. We danced, us BVA girls worked that dance floor with the best of them. And we got pins. I was too busy dancing to get as many as I wanted, and then when I went to get them people had run out, but whatever, I will forever have my memories. And I met an awesome person from NH. O and before that we defied gravity, Paige and I, by jumping up and down on the elevator, and having two boys we had never met before join in. Mock Trial brings people together.

Next day = trials! Gasp!!! We were not nearly as prepared for Ashley and Phip as we were for Brit and Joey, so we had notes. That was my disclaimer. However, we first went against South Korea, after being stalked!!! That is right, stalked. A man followed us to the courthouse, got into a crowded elevator with all of us, harassed us, and finally left after nick-naming me yellow. Then he showed up the last night, and Ms. Pate had the police escort him away. Any who the SK team clearly broke the rules and used their nationality to try and aid them to win. Not cool, although they were adorable.
Lunch, I had liquid cheese on my sandwich.....
Second trial = Kentucky. Paige you were so much better than Reese Witherspoon wanna-be. She was a rules Nazi, and looked stupid.
We went swimming and played Marco Polo with a huge group of people, of which I knew one strangers name. Which wouldn't make them strangers anymore, but that is beside the point.
That night we went to the aquarium! Which was awesome. I educated everyone on how to be saved by a whale shark, and I died on the Titanic.
Three Words = Alice in Wonderland...............................................

Next day. Third Trial =Wyoming. They were good. Again with the rules. Did we miss that memo? I think we won, even though we do not know as of yet.
Lunch, liquid cheese again....
Fourth Trial = Oklahoma. Rules Communists. Like honestly we never got that memo. But I still think we held our own.
We went swimming again, and I bled all over the place. Period.
Then we had a banquet/dance. It was mucho fun. We met more awesome people from other states, I spent an hour talking to my friend from NH, and learned we have a lot in common. I also danced barefoot to the point where I lost a lot of skin off my toe. It is now black...is that ok? So Pate called at midnight and said we had to be back in our rooms in five minutes. So we ran up, and I then soaked my feet with Paige, stayed up til two and got three hours of sleep, but it was well worth it!

That is just a brief overview. But the experience was amazing, and I wish we had had more time down there with all the kids from the other states. There are some pretty awesome people across the country. The weather was lovely which made it all the more enjoyable. I will miss Georgia and the awesome people!

My high school mock trial days are now over. This makes me sad. I have dedicated four years of my life to this, my longest commitment ever. Through the ups and downs it was so much fun, and has only solidified the course in life I choose to take when I was five. I am serious about coming back to coach. I enjoyed the experience so much, the thrill of winning, and the amazing team that I was a part of all four years. Even though we had our drama, what do you expect at an all girl's school, we pulled through and worked it out. I will never forget all the crazy things that happened, and I will never forget that we beat Wheeler. They are not unbeatable, we are!!!!!!! So thank you everyone for making my last year so unbelievably great, and being so great that we went to Nationals. It was the greta tasting icing on a cake that was already fantastic, but that the icing made perfect!! (in BVA fashion I used a food analogy. XD)

Math

2009-04-30T23:42:57Z

Woe is me.

So I have a pre-calc test tomorrow.....hahaha, that is a joke. I was there for one class out of about ten. I know absolutely nothing and there is no way I can learn it for tomorrow. Granted I showed up late for math help today, but she was gone.

Also the AP Stats exam is Tuesday, and for some reason tons of homework is helpful, rather than spending constructive time studying. Fortunately, Shroder reminded me the answers are online.

However Mock Trial nationals are thursday! I should have taken the stats exam later in the month. I am not going to have time to study, I am at school all weekend and have piles of homework. I think I am going to just put off sleeping after tonight for a week or so. Then maybe I can almost catch up before graduation.

O and there is also an LTA coming from pre-calc, also known as a "Long Term Assignment", however it is due right when we get back from Nationals, according to the other class. How is that long term? And I heard it was a beast. A beast of the killer kind with the fangs and claws, etc.

So what do I do about this? I laugh. I am worried about the stats exam, I want to do well, but I am not that hopeful. If i get a three I can start with Stats2 in college for my Psych major. The question though is do I want to jump to Stats2? I don't know if I grasped everything well enough to go on to the next class. Maybe it would be better if I don't do well. At least that is what I am going to tell myself if I fail. If I get a four or five it is just because with the stats exam if you rock multiple choice, or the free-responses you can get a four a five while bombing the other section. So I can guess on multiple choice, make educated guesses. This is my plan.

And Pre-Calc. BU saw my C- for the first semester, and the D+ I accomplished first quarter, so as long as I don't fail I don't have to worry. So I'm not going to.

That is my dealings with math. I actually loved Stats, and it isn't that hard, I just didn't have the drive. Am I kicking myself now? No.

That's all I have to say for now. I will let everyone know how I end up doing on all of this math stuff.....

Cabaret

2009-04-28T16:15:57Z

So this was only my second year of Cabaret. I wish I had done it freshman and sophmore year because I actually had time on my hands to do it. O well. The show was called Wheels of a Dream, and the theme was actually quite obvious. The songs, for the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed. They were singable and danceable from my odd laying position in the newly created pit, since we destroyed the thrust. The costumes were pretty awesome this year. Overall it was an awesome experience, per usual, and there are some stories I would like to tell on the internets, in no particular order.

The first couple shows did not go well with the mic situation, yet I just pass them out, there is nothing I can do about that. Yet it got better as the show's progressed and by the fourth show everything ran smoothly. There was only one incident were it sounded as though many people were getting shot.

The senior room was an interesting experience. There is a reason they call theater drama, and if you do not know why you can come visit Bay View. It wasn't just between the seniors, it was also within the tech crew, and within the cast. However, we all went out, did our best for the shows, and "worked out" our problems off stage. I curled more hair in the one week than I have ever done before. If all else fails in life I can become a professional hair dresser.

I will next go with I-Hop just because that day was so amazingly fun! Ten of us piled into three cars and drove to I-Hop. In my car was Erin, Shro, and John (my new found best friend). Apparently I am a horrible driver and a horrible person to follow. But we all got there with no casualties. At this trip I learned what snowing in Brazil meant, and there were frequent blizzards throughout Cabaret, usually it wasn't something I could control, although Shro did introduce me to safety pins. I got yolk all over my body, I still do not know how, and shook powder sugar from my pancake all over myself. We were told a lovely story that made Meredith run into the bathroom about to vomit, while the rest of us were laughing hysterically. I forget what else we discussed (that I can safely post here..) but I remember have an awesomely fun time. I also have one word for those that were in my car. Will. After I-Hop we had the "traditional" football game, which was a bust since everyone showed up to early, but there is a video out there somewhere with amusing commentary.

The boys this year were an interestingly fun bunch. I named one precious. (That was my word for Cabaret.) David, Erin's abusive husband, is probably one of the funniest people I have ever met. We cried until tears were rolling down our faces in the pit when he did Oklahoma the last few times. He changed my name to Doyana. Jon received best pic, because he is amazingly funny and actually has a lot of talent, he also has a perm. XD Dom hit the same notes Grace did for Bushel and A Peck. He also put on a great show for us all. Connor, well I'm not going to put the story online, but I don't need to say anything. There is really nothing else for me to say about the rest of them. There were ten, and ther "gift" was funny, but not as great as last years. Drag should become a tradition for them.

We were told in the pit that we were giving the boys a free show, actually it was more of yelling, but whatever. Apparently those who are not seniors were told they are no longer allowed to wear dresses teching, which sucks because black dresses are so much fun to wear. We also had a boy techie this year, who was in the pit this year, and who would have done anything rather than the show, haha. I had a baby in the pit with me for the last three songs, (not a real one), that would sing and dance. Hailey screamed during one of the shows because of it, I thought the baby was cute. I also fed people words to the song America up to the last show....even I knew the words by then, but o well.

I had lots of fun when people were right in front of me on the stage. *Cough*Shro*Cough* I also enjoyed mocking these people with my own dance moves. One thing I did not enjoy is how I was almost ignited by Boomer when he took the picture at the end of ragtime, and how Pat just laughed as I freaked out. From that show on I hid my face under a pillow because Boomer thought it was funny to purposely hold the thing right over my head, and it sort of was.

I am so glad that the show is over, now I have free time. JK, I have loads of homework to do since I haven't been in school in forever. I'm determined to get at least one good nights sleep before we graduate. However I do miss everyone that I don't see on a daily basis anymore. Plus the food they fed us was pretty awesome, except for that one time with hair, which reminds me of another time when we were eating and started clapping playing all sorts of hand games, with nasty glances coming from all over the room. And Meredith and I would break out into Defying Gravity, which most people didn't enjoy.

I signed the wall, which wasn't as moving for me as it was for some people. Maybe it's because I've only done it for two years. But my lovely words of wisdom will be on the wall until they demolish the auditorium, although Kav say's she is going to make them save it....I wonder how that will work out. I'll probably come back and see the shows while I'm in college. It'll be nice to watch them again and not have to worry about ruining the show.

P.S. The shirts this year are not that attractive, plus the techies didn't get the t-shirts and sweat pants that we were supposed to!!! Gah!

Pets

2009-04-09T02:19:11Z

I don't have a pet.
Except for that goldfish that acts as a decoration on the hall table, named Tukey. (My sister named the thing after she won it at health fair.)
However, we now have a new pet. We didn't buy him, he sort of just invited himself into our home. It is a mouse, or a rat. Whatever it is, it is a fat, long, ugly brown thing that should try out for the olympics.
I'm sitting on the couch, my hair dripping wet, waiting for it to dry a little so I can straighten it for my internship. (Yes, I washed my hair. Thank you for noticing Shroder. ((I know I spelt that wrong.))) Anywho, we are watching American Idol. My grandmother thought she saw something move on the white carpet, but decided it was just her frames. My grandfather comes in and notices something as well.
It is a vermin.
My Nana screams and jumps up on the couch like Tom Cruise. I didn't see anything and tell her to calm down. Then I see it and I too pull a Tom Cruise. I don't want rabies, and those things have teeth.
My grandfather chases it through the drapes, it runs behind the TV and out into the hall. It then runs into the kitchen, we assume. The whole time my grandmother and I are screaming, standing on the couch. The thing ran faster than sound. My grandfather closes the two french doors that lead into the hallway, and then closes the two that lead into the living room. We can hear thrashing in the living room and are still in our stance on the couch.
Meanwhile my little sister thought someone was getting murdered, and was afraid to leave the shower. When she finally yelled to us inquiring if we were still alive she ran into the bathroom and sat in the sink.
So my grandfather is in the kitchen with a towel. The floors are black and the little bugger knew it was the only place he had a chance of blending in.
My grandfather comes out and said he couldn't find it. I think it ran out the other doors and is roaming around the house laughing at us. My grandfather bought two mousetraps. They are the ones with the cheese, yes, except they have peanut butter. Hopefully we'll find it.
Apparently it got into the house in someone's bag. There was probably a rat in my bag on the way home. There is no openings in my house where it could have come from, or any doors or windows that don't have screens. I'm hoping it was my little sister's bag.
Apparently this isn't the first time an uninvited guest was in the house.
Back in the day my grandmother walked down the stairs to find a half-dead field mouse sitting in front of the laundry room. The house was built on farmland, and every spring there are hundreds of field mice in the field in front of my house. She ran upstairs, got a basket, and put it on top of it. My grandfather came home from work, slipped cardboard under it and released it into the field. The cute little grey mouse lived on.
That wasn't the first time either.
When my g-rents first moved in they didn't have a screen atop the fireplace, or the glass doors that are covering it now. A bird flew in, and awoke my g-rents in the middle of the night. When they appeared in the living room it flew against the wall and left lots of blood. An exterminator, or whoever, came in the middle of the night. Opened the back and front doors and chased the thing out.
Apparently that wasn't the first time either.
When my g-rents first moved in down the hill, before this unit was built, they had another problem. That unit had just been built. The contractors hadn't put molding on the neighbors door or around the ceiling in my g-rent's bathroom yet. The bees came in through the neighbors door into the bathroom. Hundreds of bees were on the screens in their bedroom and living room. My grandfather sprayed them, they died, and he vacuumed them up. This happened for day's until the molding was put on.
Needless to say there is a vermin somewhere in the house, mocking us because it is faster and knows where to hide.

battlingbard505 @ 2009-04-07T10:30:00

2009-04-07T14:30:58Z

WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Need I say more? Yes I think so.
We not only one but faced extraneous circumstances to do so.
Here is what happened.
The prosecution presented all of their witnesses without a problem. Our first witnessed was called. Right in the middle of her direct a fire alarm went off.
Now this wouldn't have been that big of a deal, except that there was a rain storm. The skies had literally opened up. It couldn't have rained more if a waterfall had come out of the sky.
Anyway's we get back in. The witness is allowed to start over. As soon as her recross begins the fire alarm goes off AGAIN! Apparently there was an actual "fire". A wire had sparked, caused smoke etc. We had to walk down seven flights of stairs, in heels, again. Not only that, but my witness collapsed. She had an asthma/panic attack. She collapsed in a firemen's arms. Albeit romantic, she was not okay. They sat her down and gave her oxygen. She is the defendant. The other team wanted us to use a replacement. Like we had one. Anywho she was amazing. She came back upstairs and was flawless!!!!
That is not all that happened of course. We had another witness who was thankfully uninterrupted and had no problems. She was fantastic. Her lawyer did an awesome job as well.
I did the opening, then crossed Joey. He was no match for my cross. Next Paige crossed the Officer who could not handle Paige's awesomeness. Then Steph crossed the doctor who clearly was wrong about the murder. Then the interruptions happened. Erin went up. Her and Paige have a great dynamic. Erin of course held her own on cross, as was to be expected. Then Brit came up and was AMAZING! On cross the lawyer was horrible to her and it showed. Most of our objections were sustained, and there's...overruled.
They were overall no match for us. We were number one in the state in the preliminary trials. We were FANFUCKINGTASTIC!!!!!!
Now we are going to Georgia. That's right, we are going to Georgia to argue a murder. And we are going to try and win.
Undefeated season. 7-0!!!! We are the BEST in the state. Undoubtedly! I'm so excited!!!!!!

Sea Monkey's...?

2009-03-31T00:51:52Z

I don't know if anyone else read this article, but it amused me, especially the sea monkeys and the bias of the writer. XD

The Quick 10: How 10 Classic Toys Were Invented

by Stacy Conradt

1. Lincoln Logs were invented by John Lloyd Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright’s son. The original instructions included a how to construct a replica of Abraham Lincoln’s cabin, but also how to construct Uncle Tom’s cabin.
2. Tinkertoys were invented after a stonemason saw kids being totally entertained by building things with pencils and spools of thread.
3. Hula Hoops have been around forever in various formats, but the “official” Wham-O toy was invented in 1958. The inventors promoted it by going around to various playgrounds and parks giving children samples and showing them how to use it. Something tells me two random men showing up in a park handing out toys wouldn’t go over that well today…

4. Sea Monkeys are real (and that’s what they look like). I always thought they were a scam because I never once saw living Sea Monkeys swimming around in their little plastic home. Not once. They were “invented” in 1957 by Harold von Braunhut, the guy who invented X-Ray specs. They’re really brine shrimp and are ideal for packaging as a toy because they enter a natural state of suspended animation in certain (shippable) environments. When kids release the “monkeys” into the prepared water, they “hatch.” The reason they’re so active (supposedly… I’m still bitter that mine never worked) is because one of the packets you dump into the aquarium contains a type of salt that increases the sexual activity of the little critters. Yep. Think about that the next time your kid is fascinated by Sea Monkeys.

5. Play-Doh was first sold as a wallpaper cleaner. How’s that for weird? You rolled it on the walls to remove coal dust.

6. Troll dolls were created in 1949 by a Danish fisherman who needed a cheap Christmas gift for his daughter because he couldn’t afford to buy anything. He used sheep’s wool for the hair. Thomas Dam’s dolls caught on; thus the original dolls were called Dam Dolls. I got in on the whole troll craze in the early ‘90s; I think they still reside somewhere in my parents’ basement. I remember some of their names… I believe Dud the Surfer was my favorite. That’s not a typo: Dud. Not Dude. He had his own theme song. I’m not entirely sure why I’m sharing this.

7. Slinky was invented by Naval engineer Richard James. He knocked a spring off of a shelf when he was working to develop springs that could keep ship instruments stable in choppy waters. The spring did what a Slinky does… it stepped down to a stack of books, then to the table, and then to the floor, where it righted itself into a cylinder. James knew it would be a great toy, and tests by neighborhood kids proved him right.
8. LEGO blocks were invented by Ole Kirk Christiansen, a master carpenter who lived in Denmark. The word comes from the Danish words LEg and GOdt, which together means “play well.” They later discovered that in Latin, Lego means “I put together.”

9. Raggedy Ann and Andy were created by writer and illustrator Johnny Gruelle. Ann was created as a doll in 1915 for Gruelle’s daughter – he reportedly named the doll after two books poems from a James Whitcomb Riley book – “The Raggedy Man” and “Little Orphan Annie.” Ann inspired Gruelle to write stories about her adventures, and in 1918, Raggedy Ann Stories was released. Her brother, Andy, showed up in 1920. I had a Raggedy Ann doll and she scared the crap out of me. Most dolls did. I had a porcelain doll once and I accidentally broke her arm, and I was convinced that she was going to kill me in the middle of the night for breaking her, so I kept her shut in the closet. To this day I have to have the closet doors closed when I sleep. Have I ever mentioned that my first horror movie was Dolls and I was in third grade? Let the psychoanalysis begin!

10. Sock Monkeys. The sock monkeys that we have come to know and love today – the ones made with Red-Heel socks – are thought to have come about in 1932. The distinctive red heel was given to the socks so customers would know they were getting authentic Rockford socks. When the Nelson Knitting Company discovered that their socks were being used across the country in this arts-and-crafts movement, they won the design patent for the sock monkey pattern and started including it in the packaging of their socks.

As you can see by my rants about Sea Monkeys and Raggedy Ann, these toys definitely dredge up memories (why are both of mine bad?). Share yours in the comments! Maybe we’ll do a follow up… I was itching to throw in Cabbage Patch dolls and Pound Puppies, but I was trying to keep the list more traditional.

College Woes.

2009-03-29T00:32:00Z

I have been waiting to hear back from BU since September before I even applied. I visited there and it was love at first sight. (Even though with people that doesn't exist.) I never visited any other school, and used a random selection method to determine where else I would apply, so my heart was biasedly set on BU. I didn't apply early because I was technically failing two math courses, and decided it would be better to try and bring up my average. I sent in my application early however, and my idiot of a guidance counselor sent in my first quarter transcript, even though colleges do not see quarter grades. As I said I didn't apply early, I just sent the application in early. However it was after the date early decision applications were due. Anyway, I was deferred. I was confused, called the school. They said it wouldn't affect my regular decision decision.
So I waited. Acceptances started coming in, end of January, early February. Soon I only had three left to hear back from. I got into six. Then I was rejected from two. Now in my head I believed a pattern was forming and I was going to be rejected from the last school I was waiting to hear back from, the only one I cared about BU. I have checked the website every day since I set up an account, and even bookmarked the page. Obsessive? Perhaps.
Friday night the decathlon team went out to celebrate. I had great fun and got home around ten. I get a call from Rachel telling me decision are online.
Now before I got further I will explain how once there was a link that said admission decision, about a month ago the link disappeared, and I thought it was simply because they hadn't decided yet.
So I logged in and closed my eyes. Opened them and could not find either an acceptance or rejection. My heart is pounding and I cannot find it!!! I called Rachel asked if she knew how to find out. She said there was a link that said Admission Decision. The link that disappeared. FML? Yes.
I spent two hours searching the sight trying to find out how to find out. Numerous other people tried to log on for me to no avail. I am on edge. I had been expecting to hear back mid-April. Excited to finally know if I was going to BU next year, or pulling and Edna Pontillier. (I informed my grandmother I planned on poetically drowning myself I was rejected and she said ok.) I finally give up and decide to go to bed. This is after I had looked at others whose status on facebook told me they were accepted, and read and reread the material I got when I visited BU in September. I also emailed three technicians for the site so that they could fix the problem and I would know my fate.
I woke up late this morning, surprised that I slept so well. I immediately came to the computer, didn't even say good morning to my family who was in the kitchen, and they laughed at me, haha. I thought maybe I would get one of those emails that says "By now you probably know you were accepted...if not...etc." Nothing. I half-heartedly decided to check BU's applicant link again. I was content with the fact that I would not find out until Monday morning at nine, when I left class to call BU's admission offices, whose number was saved in my phone. Instead I logged up and under applicant link is a mile long link list that was never there. My heart is beating excitedly because my eyes first saw Dean's welcome, but just to be sure I clicked on admission decision. "Congratulations! On behalf of the Board of Admissions, I am delighted to welcome you to Boston University. Your impressive credentials have earned you a place in the Class of 2013 at the College of Arts and Sciences." I have spent all day on this sight and have failed to do any homework. Oops. I screamed, jumped up and down, etc. Hugged my nana and almost broke her nose...oops. I'm too short to have almost broken my grandfathers nose. Needless to say I am ecstatic.
So I decide to find out how much money I got. This is where the woe part comes in. All other colleges gave me at least and $11,000 scholarship plus financial aid. I got $8950 to BU, no grants, all financial aid. American gave me $45000. I got a package from NYU today and got $54000, and they decided I was qualified for there London campus which I jokingly picked because I had no intention of going there. So what am I to do?
My lovely grandparents, who I will be indebted to for the rest of my life told me they will pay the tuition even though I could go other places for about $2000. Amazing? Yes. However I signed up for scholarships.com today, and bookmarked that page as well. I feel I have to get more money, and there are all of these lovely stories on that sight how people were able to pay completely for their educations. I told my nana I wish I had played a sport so I would get more money. She laughed and said she was glad I hadn't because I would've turned out butch....hahahahahaha.
So even though I could spend the next two years in London I am not. For a multitude of reasons, one being I wouldn't be able to eat, and that does not fly with me. BU has an unlimited food plan! They also have a castle, a quidditch team, Eli Weisel as a teacher, the opportunity to intern with Parliament, the ability to graduate with two degrees, not a double major, in four years, a mock trial team, a people watching club, among a mascot that was named after Gone With the Wind! Also you get discounts at D&D!
I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!! Yay!

Internship

2009-03-19T00:59:11Z

Today was my third week at my internship, and with every passing week it becomes more and more fun.
First off the entire office is addicted to American Idol and has a competition on who is going to get placed in the bottom three and voted off. A points system is used, and although they receive nothing more than bragging rights, it is a big topic of discussion. I watch American Idol too, and it is fun to guess who is going. More fun to be right. XD
I spent my mornings in court as usual. There were more discussions going on today, and I got more of a back story into the crimes and excuses. This interests me greatly, as I will have to deal with people like this in about ten years.
Then my mentor informed me they were selecting a jury at Superior Court and we were going to go over and watch it. I cannot wait to be selected for jury duty. I know many people complain, maybe it is due to my interest in law, but I find it so intriguing. It is the only opportunity I will ever have to affect the jury's decision. After that I will try but will not know what they are thinking until they deliberate. So we head over from District Court, roaming around the courthouse trying to find the room they are in. Different people tell us different judge's courtrooms. We finally find out that they are just doing questionnaires today. Although disappointing, I love Superior Court. Hopefully no one reading this has been in there due to a felony, but it is gorgeous inside. The interior reminds me of both the capital building and the state capital, which causes me to reminisce.
Anywho, we head back to the office and I look up BCI's and banners. I find it pointless for people to want to expunge a charge when they have more than one. Not only is this not possible, but you will still have some sort of criminal record. Hopefully I will never have to go in front of a judge for an expungement.
I then inform my mentor of fmylife.com. We went on while we waited for my computer to stop freezing. I would advise anyone who hasn't been on this sight to go, it'll make you feel better about your life. We also watched a comedy central skit about DUI's. This was all relevant I promise you.
During lunch I read the new york times, because I am cool like that. I also find world news intriguing.
A long discussion about Barry Manillow also ensued. This was not as relevant, but was entertaining.
Next week I hopefully get to watch the case of the jury selection I was supposed to see today. I have only ever sat in on opening statements in a real trial, and want to hear witnesses testify. Mock Trial witnesses on cross can be difficult, but you have a guide as to what they can say. I heard that in real life not only are crosses difficult, but so are direct. I want to experience this.
Basically I love school to career internship. However this is not going to be used for my journal entry to the school. XD I expected to enjoy it, but never knew law could be so much fun!

Academic Decathlon

2009-03-17T15:50:51Z

I would just like to congratulate Hendriken on their win, represent RI well in Nationals!

The entire experience was amazing. I made some good friends and just overall had a positive day. The tests showed Bay View's well roundedness in that we barely studied for the actual tests, and yet manages to place seventh in the state of twenty-two. I know all of Bay View's girls put a lot of hard work into their speeches. They were all amazing, and we know that the three that one could not even compare to the seriousness of our topics. Ours were indeed controversial, and they could not allow us to read thouse aloud to an audience full of people with different opinions. However the Obama one was in a way controversial. Not everyone supports him, and while this was mentioned, like Mrs. Williams said, there was very little content and substance to the essay.
Next year is on the French Revolution, much better than this year's topic of Latin America. Everyone at our school has learned about the Revolution and I have a feeling we could place next year if we wanted to. I plan on coming back to help and I will be a volunteer for the actual event. Get excited juniors!
Also congratulations to Ellie who won silver medal for interview, and Taylor Dalton who received a gold medal because she was the highest scoring individual on the team.
We all know that we couldn't have gotten through the season if it hadn't been for the cupcakes! Which they did not mention in the paper. However, a business could come from this.
I'm glad I joined Ac Dec, we had a fantastic team, we all had fun on Sunday, met new people, ate some respectable food, were the best cheerleaders there, and showed that even after being gone for YEARS, we can come back strong.

Quaterfinals!

2009-03-13T19:04:25Z

We won.
Let me just start with that, we won!
Apparently I was the only person confident that we had done well enough to secure our place in the semifinals. We won over all three judges yet again.
Everyone was amazing, per usual.
First was Bianca and Erin. Both did a fantastic job. The judge was tough, yet fair. Bianca did a great job when she crossed the officer as well, getting out everything that she wanted to. Erin did fantastic on cross, never relenting any information that she did not want.
Next was Taylor and I. I love having Taylor as a witness, and even though she is not a real doctor I trust every word that comes out of her mouth. I enjoy doing a cross, the other doctor expanded a little too much, and I need to try and not let that happen again.
Last was Liz and Paige. The two of them together have a great dynamic. Paige is such a convincing witness and is able to turn on the waterworks at the most appropriate times. Liz did an amazing job on her cross of Brit, getting out crucial info&winning objections.
Our statements were overwhelmingly better, both in content and delivery. Our witnesses also did better. They kept their composure. There auditory skills came across excellently. I am so proud of the team yet again.
We also had the banquet. The food was good, we won a numerous amount of awards, both individually and as a team. Also we wont a lot of raffles, and we all know that is the most important part. In my opinion we were also the best dressed there, and I know I am not the only one on the team who believes this. XD
Semifinals are in another two weeks. Hopefully we will progress once again to finals. (Knock on wood)
Our team has the potential.
Im going to see Watchmen again tonight, so excited. Hopefully it isn't sold out at Imax!
Decathlon is Sunday. You are all more than welcome to come, sit at our table, eat, and show your support. We are at CCRI from 8:00 am to at least 7:00. The actual public event, super quiz, starts at 4:00 if you would like to come and watch. Please come and show your support, it would be greatly appreciated. Plus if one of us wins speech category you all get to here it. XD It will be an enjoyable time!

Watchmen!

2009-03-08T23:08:32Z

All my friends had been reading the graphic novel Watchmen. Finally I decided to read it as well. The novel was amazing. I could not put it down and finished it within a day. The plot was captivating, and the ending was somewhat unexpected. I read the novel just in time for the movie to come out, which I saw last night.
I didn't know what to expect. I always love the book more than the movie. It's just the way I am. The only movie I saw before this that was comparable to the book and did a good job depicting it was The Other Boleyn Girl. (Yes, I felt the need to mention Philippa Gregory.) I was pleasantly surprised to find that the movie depicted the book as accurately as it could. Yes, much was cut out, but the movie is almost three hours long.
While reading the novel I feel in love with Rorschach. My friends told me that if he was real he would kill me if I tried to hug him. This fact is probably true, however, i would still try to hug him. And after seeing the movie I am more in love with him than before. His voice was indeed sexy. And his mask was amazing. Overall his character was fantastic.
In reading the book I earned a certain loathing for Dr. Manhattan. His character irked me. Especially the fact that he stopped caring about humans. Learn to deal with it! When he was supposed to be in bed with his girlfriend, he separated himself so he could work at the same time! Really? No wonder she left you.
Silk Spectre I had mixed feelings about. She had a rough life, but she complained a lot. Plus I feel like at the beginning she just used Dan, aka Night Owl. She didn't have the same feelings he had for her until Dr. Manhattan left for a different universe, and even then she kissed him goodbye a little to intimately.
Night Owl I loved more in the movie than in the novel. He was adorable. Plus there was mucho slash between him and Rorschach, which was amazing! In the book they were clearly in love when they were "partners", and still have feelings for each other years later even after Night Owl "quit".
I liked the character of the Comedian in the movie. In the book, he wasn't portrayed often when he was alive, he was usually just talked about. In the movie you could better see what kind of man he was. i may be a little biased since I love Jeffery Dean Morgan from P.S I Love You among other projects he's done.
Ozymandias. O Ozymandias. If he wasn't such a pompous fool who caused Rorschach's death I might actually like him. He clearly only exposed his identity for money. And his cat creature Bubatis, was never something I liked. It was not natural, and he killed him! He killed his pet! Why? Because he is a pompous ass. I liked his character better in the book, simply because I enjoyed the interview scene.
I loved the movie. I have a problem where I always fall asleep in movie theaters. Something about those seats, and the atmosphere. If the movie is good, I have no problem staying awake. However if it's long I usually have to watch it at home. For this entire movie I was sitting on the edge of my seat. I did not start to nod off at all, or get antsy because I was sitting in a theatre for a prolonged period of time. I would recommend this movie to anyone, except for young children, those who do not like viewing violence, sex or strong language, and those who are conservative Republicans. If you plan on reading the graphic novel, do it before hand. You'll understand more of what goes on, appreciate the movie more, and the book won't be ruined for you.

Playoffs

2009-03-07T16:30:43Z

Yesterday was the first round of mock trial playoffs for us. We had found out previously our team is actually first in the state! But since we received an automatic win because the other team had forfeited we were "third" for all purposes in the playoff roster. Therefore we went against Ponagansett. I had never heard of their mock trial team before and had no idea what their methods were.
We arrive first, as usual. Bay View is always early. We set up our stuff, etc, they arrive. There is only one girl on their team. The defendant is a boy. Yet, albeit a male, he did not look like he could've murdered someone. (Yes, I am saying most males look like they could murder someone.) There was no podium. Therefore nothing to lean on. O well, all of us had almost everything memorized perfectly and did not need a podium or notes.
Our witnesses went up first and I was a little nervous. Their lawyers were good on cross. There opening had also been delivered well, but not as well as Liz! The cross of my witness was a shock, I objected, but said relevance instead of out of the scope, and lost all of them. However, I need not worry, Taylor held her own. Yet I do not believe a single person won an objection the entire trial.
Then it was time for their witnesses. They put the defendant up first, which is not something we would ever be allowed to do, but we were glad they did it. He was good on direct, looked remorseful, had good lines set up. On cross he became angry and cocky, when he should've stayed sad. There ranger was good, but all their witnesses relented on cross and just gave us the answers we wanted. No complaints. I knew we were going to win when they told there doctor that he had to speak louder about ten times. The performance judges could not hear half of his responses. Also two of their lawyers never stood up when addressing the judge on redirect or recross.
Closings came and the girl on the other team, their best lawyer, had a good closing, yet she mixed up the gender of people on her own team. My turn came. I will take this opportunity to talk about the performance judges.
In the beginning of the trial Ms. Pate had told us to make sure to look at them and Liz's response was "That won't be a problem." The judge furthest to the right looked like David Beckham/Brad Pitt. The middle one looked like Matthew McConoughy. The other one, resembled no one.
No comments are allowed at playoffs, so we sat there as the judges calculated their scores right in front of us. What happens is we all get our individual scores. However, each judge adds up all the points they have for each team. If you have the most points for one judge you get one point. In order to win you have to win over two judges. They kept recalculating, which made me nervous. Was it close? While I'm sitting at the table freaking out, Liz and Bianca are talking about how hot the two performance judges, mentioned above, are. That's all they did. And of course I laughed. However this adding up of the scores was taking forever! FInally they finished, the clerk walked back, handed the judge the results and he paused, looked at us, and then announced we had won!!!!!
So we won our first trial, we have another one next week. To win states we only have to win three more, yet if you lose one you are out immediately. We still don't have our scores, they are being faxed, but it would be interesting to see how many judges we won over.
Everyone on the team was fantastic as usual, even though two had only received an hour, if that, of sleep the previous night. COUGH*Erin and Paige*COUGH. But they were both still sharp on cross and I had nothing to worry about. Hopefully we'll keep on the winning streak!

Watchmen

2009-03-06T02:05:42Z

Tonight, at 12:20 my friends are going to see Watchmen without me, not The Watchmen, just Watchmen. Well, I was invited, I just wasn't allowed to go because its a school night. We do have mock trial playoffs tomorrow, so I guess that it is for the better that I can't go. However, I wish I could. I was going to dress up as Dr. Manhattan. Glowing blue, square balls and all. O well. I hope the movie is good and is faithful to the graphic novel. There is nothing worse than a movie that does not follow the book at all. You stole the idea from the book, most people are going to have read the book, follow by the book! Let me know how it is!

Crystal Ball.

2009-03-02T22:38:45Z

Saturday was Crystal Ball.
Last year our table was in the corner and we were last to get food. Since this year we're seniors I figured we would have a better table.
I arrived with Chelsea about a half hour before it even started. Neither of us knew when it really started anyway. Table 19 is ours. The tables are numbered in no order. We decide since we are the first one's there we will move our table number if we don't like our seat. We search in the middle and do not find us, we slowly start moving to the corner. Technically we are in the opposite corner of last year. However we are right near the food, dance floor, and pictures, so we decide to stay there. Since we are there so early we decide to get a jump start on pics. We need to put down our hr number. I didn't know what mine was. That was a project, but we accomplished it.
We sat at the table waiting for anyone else we knew to show up. It was past seven, the time it started, when others started showing up. O well.
In true bay view fashion we prayed before the dance began asking if God could bless the food and dance and that everyone had fun, or something like that. Then it was food time. Now last year they called you up by table. We were last. This year they divided the room in half, and I swear they said go. Having not moved our seats we were first in line. We were sitting and eating before most people even got in line. I was pleased with all the food, except the carrots which were like baby food, and the mac&cheese, which was bow-tie pasta, which nacho cheese. They did the same thing for dessert, which was ice cream. Mine was hard and crunchy....?
The dancing started and about three songs in the DJ's computer crashed and she had to reboot it. So they decided to pick the "royal court". Now before, while we were eating, they collected all of our name cards and allowed us to put them in a bag so we could get picked. To be fair in our Catholic School and so people's feelings do not get hurt, we do not vote, we literally pick names out of a hat. Not only that but I swear there was only one princess and one queen. Maybe I had zoned out.
Gribbs was on the prowl, walking into the middle of the crowd of people, stopping the dancing, and making room for God between couples. Our school is big on God.
Earlier, one of my friends had disappeared. My date her brother was constantly looking for her. About an hour later, maybe, Paige and I decided to go to the bathroom, and found her sitting in the lobby. We all ended up out there, sitting around, contemplating leaving early with the other flocks of people. I was sitting in a chair at one point with my feet on the table in front of me. A man, probably a waiter, came up and told me that this wasn't home......Really? I didn't have my shoes on.
We decided not to leave to wait for the senior slow song. Did they play the senior slow song? No.
Afterwards we went to Greggs. I ordered a smoothie type drink, but did not order any dessert. We start playing Chuck, fuck, marry. Then we decided it would be fun to have the guys play, listing teachers from our school, and giving them no background info. Then we revealed the true attributes. They bring our dessert and a apple something or other is placed in front of me. I start eating it, what the heck. The waitress finally realized I never ordered anything, but didn't charge us for it.
Overall the night was fun. I'm excited for senior prom, because last year prom was better than winter ball. And this years winter ball was better than junior prom. Therefore using logic I think senior prom will be the most funnest of them all.

Mock Trial

2009-02-27T02:31:28Z

So we had our third trial today. So far we were 2-0 in the season and winning would make us undefeated, while putting us automatically in the playoffs. Of course winning was extremely important. Only we were going up against the supposed best team in the state. For them it was an extra trial because our other opponents had forfeited. Nervous? Yes. However, our team is amazing, and I knew if we wanted to we could win.
So we arrive at the court house and I feel like I am going to upchuck on the opposing team when they show up. Why them? Because it would be funnier than if I threw up on my teammates. They show up, and they do not look too intimidating. We decide to go over and introduce ourselves, we also wanted to find out the order of their witnesses. We chat for a bit, talk about baby-daddy's, I mention that it is their fourth trial, and they tell us that we automatically win because the other team forfeited! That's right, we are automatically three and O. I'm no longer nervous, but elated, I have not been to playoffs in my four years of high school.
We get into the courtroom and I am feeling confident. Because the pressure is off, even though we were not supposed to know, I know that we will win! The other team is good, and the judge is talking as if this is both teams third trial and the nerves are starting to set back in.
So Liz Jones is pretty much amazing with her opening, Bianca and Erin (who found out 48 hours beforehand she was going up) did amazing on direct and cross, the same with my witness and Liz and Paige. I'm still feeling confident. Their witnesses go up, and I have to hand it to them they are a good team, but the scores say who is better. I tripped a few times. That was actually amusing, I laughed.
We recess to prepare for closing. I didn't eat lunch beforehand, because then I would have upchucked on the opposing counsel when they showed up, so I was starving. Plus I was suffering from cotton mouth, even though I do not drink alcohol. So I was like, FML, I am either going to pass out or literally croak because my mouth is so dry. I chug a bottle of water, well half, trying to solve both problems, and do not listen to the other teams closing so they do not mess me up.
I carry my notes up to the podium, now they barely used notes and did not use them for statements. So i take up my notes, kindly place them on the podium and ask for permission to roam freely (I did not use those words, do not worry). I walk in front of the jury and look them both in the eye, at the same time, no, because that would not be possible, they are both women which makes me happy, do not ask why. There is nothing I love more than giving a statement, not even cross is so elating for me. I finish, surprisingly to myself, somehow, did not mess up. I kindly take my notes from the podium and sit back down. They go to the back room to calculate.
It's tense. Even though I know we technically won, I still want to legitimately beat them. It is this wait that is the most nerve racking.
They come out. (haha) And the judge looks at the sheet. He guessed the teams would be separated by .01, well it was a 4.2 victory, but who won? The judge wants to read it first, I love this man btw, and my heart is racing. The prosecution wins. No one seems excited. I turn around after hearing "Is that us?"! and say "That's us." We beat the "best" team in the state! We are undefeated, and we are going to playoffs!
Am I giddy? Hell yes. Am I excited? Hell yes. Do I expect us to go to nationals? FUCK yes.
So that is the abridged version of what happened. This weekend I will fill in the middle. But...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WE ARE GOING TO STATES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WE ARE AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM IN LOVE WITH EVERYONE WHO WENT UP TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (all the exclamations are for Shro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If I had time, I would use more.

battlingbard505 @ 2009-02-24T21:31:00

2009-02-25T02:49:21Z

1) Name: Diana Eleanor Griffin
2) Male/Female: Girl, sometimes a man.
3) Were you named after anyone? Goddess of the moon.
4) Does your name mean anything? Goddess of the moon, virginity, and the hunt/the wise one/mythical creature
5) Nick Name(s): Di
6) What do you think you look like name wise: A goddess. ;)
7) Date Of Birth: October 15th
8) Place of Birth and Current Location: Women&infants and Bristol
9) Nationality: 100% Irish, I am a pure breed.
10) Astrology Sign: Libra
11) Chinese Astrology Sign: Don't feel like looking it up. Someone can do this for me.
12) Religion: The religion of me.
13) What’s your favorite smell? Myself after a day at the beach. A combo of salt water, sand, suntan lotion and sun. (alliteration?)
14) Political Position? Liberal
15) What do you prefer to drink in the morning? CHOCOLATE MILK!
16) Hair + Eye colour: Blond and Blue. Im an elitist.
17) Do you look like anyone famous? Elizabeth I. XD <3
18) What do you look like? A goddess, didn't I already state this?
19) Any unusual talents? I can sing like a man, and remove two of my teeth.
20) Righty, Lefty, or Ambidextrous? Ambidextrous, (with more than just my hands. ;) )
21) Gay, Straight, Bi, or Other? Does one need to ask?
22) What do you do for a living? Write raunchy romance novels.
23) What do you do for fun? My friends.
24) What are your favorite art materials to work with? Fingers and paint.
25) What kind of materials would you like to work with? People.
26) Have you met your grandparents? I live with em. There awesome!
27) Boyfriend /Girlfriend: Single! Call me. ;)
28) Crush: People have them on me.
29) What celebrity would you date if you could? Elizabeth I or Robert Dudley
30) Current worries? How I can stop getting more beautiful every day.
31) Favorite online Guy/Girl: Myself.
32) Favorite place to be? BEACH!
33) Least favorite place to be? In a room with no doors or windows, only a hole in the floor.....
34) Do you burn or tan? Tan
35) Ever break a bone? Finger when I shut it in the car door.
36) What is your favorite cereal? Fruity Pebbles
37) Person you cry with: I don't have tears.
39) Any brothers: Nope, thankfully!
40) Any pets: No.
41) An Illness: Gorgeousness.
42) A Pager: Psh, no.
43) A Personal phone line: My fanline.
44) A Cell phone: Blackjack.
45) A visible birthmark: Ew, no!
46) A Pool or hot tub: Ocean.
47) A Car: Camry aka batmobile.

Describe Your…
48) Personality: Amazing
49) Driving: Love
50) Your clothing style: Anything that flatters my gorgeousness
51) Room: A mess.
52) What’s missing: Me in your life right now.
53) School: Who needs education?
54) Bed: Wanna share?
55) Relationship with your parent(s): Who needs parents?

Do You…
56) Believe in yourself: YES!
57) Do you believe in love at first sight? If you're falling in love with me yes.
58) Consider yourself a good listener: People listen to me.
59) Have a future dream that you would like to share? No.
60) Get Along with your parents: Parents?
61) Save your e-mail conversations: Fanmail.
62) Pray: To myself.
63) Believe in reincarnation: I'm Elizabeth I reincarnated!!!!
64) Brush your teeth twice a day? Three times, I have to keep them perfect like me!
65) Like to talk on the phone: Yes.
66) Like to eat? HELLZ YES!
67) Like to exercise? In bed.
68) Like to watch sports? If I get to cheerlead. (Bumper sticker on car "I am a cheer mom" (for you paige :) ) )
69) Sing in the car? Wonderfully.
70) What is a dream that you have all the time? I am God.
71) Dream in color? Yes. The colors of life.
72) Do you have nightmares? About getting ugly. :O
73) Sleep with a stuffed animal: People are better.

What Is:
74) Right next to you: God. He is always there.
75) On your favorite coffee cup? I HATE COFFEE!
76) On your mouse pad: Hawaii
77) Your favorite flavor of gum? Orbits (I know it's a brand, get over it!)
78) Favorite deodorant? Secret.
79) Your dream honeymoon spot: ENGLAND!
80) Your dream husband/wife: Elizabeth I or Robert Dudley
81) Hiding in your closet? Me.
82) Under your bed: Shoes.
83) The name of one of your closest/best friends? Myself.
84) Your bad time of the day: I'm always bad. ;)
85) Your worst fear(s): Getting Ugly.
86) What’s the weather like: Sunny around me of course.
87) Your favorite time of year? My birthday!
88) Your favorite holiday? My birthday!
89) A material weakness? BOOKS!!!!!! And Elizabeth things.
90) The weirdest food or drink that you like: This one person....
91) At the top of your “to-do list”? Someone.
92) The hardest thing about growing up: Getting more beautiful.
93) A pet peeve? Ugly people.
94) Your scariest moment: HAIR IN MY MOUTH!!!!! AH!!!!!!!
95) Your attitude about love? Love me!
96) The most outrageous, desperate thing you’ve done to attract the attention of someone? I attract people, not the other way around.
97) The worst feeling in the world: Powerlessness, muhahahahah!
98) The best feeling in the world: Orga....
99) Who sent this to you? I stole it off Paiges page. XD
100)Tag more people? In bed.

*If you know me you know which parts of this are serious and which aren't. ENJOY!!!