wow, John Cusack has done it. I've never been so emotional towards a movie before in my life....and I'm a girl! The movie, Grace is Gone . It's the story of one man's struggle to tell his two daughters that their mother, an Army sergant, had been killed in her line of duty. It's an emotional road to the final climax. As the audience, you feel every nuance of emotion from Cusack, and the fantastic young actresses who play his daughters. It's a must see. It will open your heart to the "possibility of reality".
In my book, it's 91/2 out of 10 stars. (I don't like crying for three days straight)
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Get On With it
There is something I realized recently, about myself and about girls in general. Now I know that I don't have a blog fanbase...yet...but, when someone somewhere reads this blog by happenstance I want them to go away with inside information into the female psychey. Us girls go for guys who are all wrong for us. If we're smart, we go for the jocks. If we're mysterious, we go for the musicians. If we're innocent, we get sucked into big time messes like drugs, alcohol,...and other nasty transgressions. BUT....if we're lucky, if we're normal, we come out of that phase spick-n-span, ready for Mr. Right. Some of us end up waiting....and waiting....and waiting some more for that Mr. Right, our McDreamy/McSteamy/Mc(add your adjective here).
As my blog was begun for the sole purpose of an inside look at the decisions a young teenager is forced to make about college, careers, life plans, etc, I find it very important to share that I too went through a phase...not nearly as bad as others, but a phase nonetheless. I had a crush on the bad guy, Maxwell. Everyone warned me about him. He had flunked two grades, a full two years older than I. In fact, we share our birthday, July 26. I couldn't shake how I felt about him. I kept thinking, if only he would like me, if only he would look my way, I would be able to change him. I don't know how to explain it. Our friendship began when we were forced into becoming Math/Science partners in 8th grade. (It was the second time he was in this class so it kind of helped me more than it him) He didn't seem so bad once I got to know him, and before long, I was hooked. All my friends thought I was crazy for even thinking that we would be compatable. My crush went on for two years. The last time I heard from him, it was the summer I turned 16 amd he 18. We were going to be Juniors in high school. He dropped out and, last I heard, he committed some crime and is now facing criminal charges. I guess noone could change that guy. He wasn't who I thought he was.
Now, I'm going to be a senior and I have no boyfriend. And, for right now, I'm definitely ok with that. My message is to all the girls that, at one time or another, felt the way I did about Max. Don't settle for someone who you would have to change. Because, more likely than not, he WONT change for you. Find someone who is a perfect fit for you right off the bat. That is my lesson to you gals for the day. Thanks for listening....
As my blog was begun for the sole purpose of an inside look at the decisions a young teenager is forced to make about college, careers, life plans, etc, I find it very important to share that I too went through a phase...not nearly as bad as others, but a phase nonetheless. I had a crush on the bad guy, Maxwell. Everyone warned me about him. He had flunked two grades, a full two years older than I. In fact, we share our birthday, July 26. I couldn't shake how I felt about him. I kept thinking, if only he would like me, if only he would look my way, I would be able to change him. I don't know how to explain it. Our friendship began when we were forced into becoming Math/Science partners in 8th grade. (It was the second time he was in this class so it kind of helped me more than it him) He didn't seem so bad once I got to know him, and before long, I was hooked. All my friends thought I was crazy for even thinking that we would be compatable. My crush went on for two years. The last time I heard from him, it was the summer I turned 16 amd he 18. We were going to be Juniors in high school. He dropped out and, last I heard, he committed some crime and is now facing criminal charges. I guess noone could change that guy. He wasn't who I thought he was.
Now, I'm going to be a senior and I have no boyfriend. And, for right now, I'm definitely ok with that. My message is to all the girls that, at one time or another, felt the way I did about Max. Don't settle for someone who you would have to change. Because, more likely than not, he WONT change for you. Find someone who is a perfect fit for you right off the bat. That is my lesson to you gals for the day. Thanks for listening....
Monday, July 14, 2008
What a life!... Or was it?
If a jenie in a bottle came to your front doorstep this very day, what three wishes would you make?
If you can answer that question, you know more about who you are then most people.
If you can answer that question, you know more about who you are then most people.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Going out...to the couch!
I just had a great weekend with my Aunt Sara at her house in Elm Grove, WI. We had a blast during our Girls Weekend, doing what all girls love to do....we sat on her couch in her basement watching girl movies!!!! I love the outdoors but sometimes a weekend needs to be spent inside, with people you care about, (and junk food you really could live without).
The weekend was a blast and went too quickly. But, as any good daughter would say and feel, it was nice to give my mom a big hug when I saw her this afternoon, waiting to pick me up!
Thank you Aunt Sara for a wonderful Girls Weekend and thank you, Mom for just being my Mom! I love you both!
The weekend was a blast and went too quickly. But, as any good daughter would say and feel, it was nice to give my mom a big hug when I saw her this afternoon, waiting to pick me up!
Thank you Aunt Sara for a wonderful Girls Weekend and thank you, Mom for just being my Mom! I love you both!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
not always what we expect
Isn't it so typical when we strive for something for so long, whether it's a job, money, love interest....and when we get what we want, it's not what we expected? In fact, a lot of times, we dislike for what we had been striving! Why is it that we can't just figure out what we want and go after it? Why must there always be a production, an awaited entrance?
But I guess that's the spice of life....the not knowing. Maybe madness is needed for the method. Maybe we all have to be a little lost in order to find what exactly we are looking for....like Jack in "Pirates". What's an experience worth if there is no adventure? I've decided that this year, my last as a high school kid, I'm going to try new things....maybe I'll join another sports team, or maybe the Chess club! (Chess isn't dorky at my school...there is even a tournament. It's treated with the highest of respect!) That way, after trying different things, I'll get a little lost about what it is I exactly like. Maybe I'll find something out about myself that I'm not expecting.
Let's start now, shall we?
I encourage all who read, if just a few, to try one thing this week or next that isn't normal for you. Go to the gym, eat fried eggs and ham, or go on a hike. Do something out of the ordinary and maybe find a hidden talent you never knew exhisted!
Blog here and let me know if it works!
But I guess that's the spice of life....the not knowing. Maybe madness is needed for the method. Maybe we all have to be a little lost in order to find what exactly we are looking for....like Jack in "Pirates". What's an experience worth if there is no adventure? I've decided that this year, my last as a high school kid, I'm going to try new things....maybe I'll join another sports team, or maybe the Chess club! (Chess isn't dorky at my school...there is even a tournament. It's treated with the highest of respect!) That way, after trying different things, I'll get a little lost about what it is I exactly like. Maybe I'll find something out about myself that I'm not expecting.
Let's start now, shall we?
I encourage all who read, if just a few, to try one thing this week or next that isn't normal for you. Go to the gym, eat fried eggs and ham, or go on a hike. Do something out of the ordinary and maybe find a hidden talent you never knew exhisted!
Blog here and let me know if it works!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
The Question
As I continue on my quest to find the 'perfect' Major/career for me, I came across an idea. The idea came to me while I was filling out the "How to Find the Perfect Major" workbook. I realized that all I was doing, filling out the interest surveys and personality trait surveys, was making a priority list....what is the most important aspect of anything and everything in your life now and how does it make you feel.
In all of the surveys I see that I lead towards community service and working with people. I hate working with my hands but I love to think creatively. Something that sets me apart from my peers is that I have wonderful opportunities to express myself through music. I love the release that playing the piano for a few hours gives me after a long day at school. I love that, by playing, I can turn my mother's day right-side up again. Lately I have begun playing the piano more for others instead for myself. I don't know if that is a good revelation or just a fact of life.
Then, last night, I was watching Robin Williams in Man of the Year, probably one of my favorite comedies and, all of a sudden, I realized how many things in this world need to be fixed. Our political system is corrupt and full of interest- leading lobbyist who could care a rats tail what the normal American thinks about the economy....we're at war, no matter how you slice the reason....many people in the world hate America, a land once known as a place of opportunity....gas prices are reaching towards the 5 dollar mark and there is NO excuse for that! There are starving children right here at home, parts of New Orleans and the surrounding area have yet to be rebuilt since Katrina. People here in the Midwest recently went through a flood season with record rainfall. 20 counties in Wisconsin alone have been named Federal Disaster Areas due to flood waters. Lake Michigan has toxic algea that is causing strain on the lakes.....
I could go on forever with all the bad that this world holds. BUT,... there are always 2 good aspects of life for every 1 bad aspect. This ranting just made me realize that every one of us has a purpose in life....to leave the world around us a little better than how we came into it. Maybe I will do that through music, through politics, through writing...I don't know. But I will find out sooner or later. Thanks for reading all the way down here!
In all of the surveys I see that I lead towards community service and working with people. I hate working with my hands but I love to think creatively. Something that sets me apart from my peers is that I have wonderful opportunities to express myself through music. I love the release that playing the piano for a few hours gives me after a long day at school. I love that, by playing, I can turn my mother's day right-side up again. Lately I have begun playing the piano more for others instead for myself. I don't know if that is a good revelation or just a fact of life.
Then, last night, I was watching Robin Williams in Man of the Year, probably one of my favorite comedies and, all of a sudden, I realized how many things in this world need to be fixed. Our political system is corrupt and full of interest- leading lobbyist who could care a rats tail what the normal American thinks about the economy....we're at war, no matter how you slice the reason....many people in the world hate America, a land once known as a place of opportunity....gas prices are reaching towards the 5 dollar mark and there is NO excuse for that! There are starving children right here at home, parts of New Orleans and the surrounding area have yet to be rebuilt since Katrina. People here in the Midwest recently went through a flood season with record rainfall. 20 counties in Wisconsin alone have been named Federal Disaster Areas due to flood waters. Lake Michigan has toxic algea that is causing strain on the lakes.....
I could go on forever with all the bad that this world holds. BUT,... there are always 2 good aspects of life for every 1 bad aspect. This ranting just made me realize that every one of us has a purpose in life....to leave the world around us a little better than how we came into it. Maybe I will do that through music, through politics, through writing...I don't know. But I will find out sooner or later. Thanks for reading all the way down here!
UW Marching Band
Ok, folks, here's what I found out. The marching band at UW is AMAZING to say the least. Everyone knows about the famous 5th quarter, which is an extra bonus for everyone at Camp Randall on those special Saturday home games!
Well, for the marching band, there is no "formal" audition process, however, new members (that would be me) are expected to play for part placement. Not so bad.
I kept reading, on the School of Music website, to get a feel for what is expected of a music Major and, just for band auditions, 11 exerpts of music is expected for audition. There is a whole other set for Orchestra! Not that I wouldn't expect anything less, seeing as as a music major, your life is music...makes sense that a lot of music should be involved!
Another cool thing about the Marching Band is that the rehearsals are set up so that they do not interfere with other courses or prime study time. During the football season, Tuesday- Friday from 3:45-7:30 PM is all the rehearsal time necessarry! That news makes me pretty psyched!
If anyone would like to learn more about the UW Marching band or you are a present/alumni band member, post here or email me at www.s_pianoconcerto@hotmail.com.
Well, for the marching band, there is no "formal" audition process, however, new members (that would be me) are expected to play for part placement. Not so bad.
I kept reading, on the School of Music website, to get a feel for what is expected of a music Major and, just for band auditions, 11 exerpts of music is expected for audition. There is a whole other set for Orchestra! Not that I wouldn't expect anything less, seeing as as a music major, your life is music...makes sense that a lot of music should be involved!
Another cool thing about the Marching Band is that the rehearsals are set up so that they do not interfere with other courses or prime study time. During the football season, Tuesday- Friday from 3:45-7:30 PM is all the rehearsal time necessarry! That news makes me pretty psyched!
If anyone would like to learn more about the UW Marching band or you are a present/alumni band member, post here or email me at www.s_pianoconcerto@hotmail.com.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Marquette Golden Eagles!
My second stop on the College Tour of a lifetime is Marquette Univeristy. Home to roughly 8,000 undergrad students and another 3,000 grad students, this small 80 Acre campus is beautiful and booming! Home to the Golden Eagles, this Jesuit Catholic Private University is known for their basketball (watch out Bucky :), and their tradition of public service.
I am very impressed by the students working at the Open House. I had a chance to meet with Dean of Admissions Blust and Director of Music, Dr. Eric Janners. Both very kind and I can tell that both have a love for the University!
One aspect that daunts me is the surrounding area, like after 2nd street, the Milwaulkee area can be a little dangerous! I guess I have one con to about 20 pros for this University!
Here's a YouTube link to a video of the story about recent crime activity near Campus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsJ7cu8fujI
I am very impressed by the students working at the Open House. I had a chance to meet with Dean of Admissions Blust and Director of Music, Dr. Eric Janners. Both very kind and I can tell that both have a love for the University!
One aspect that daunts me is the surrounding area, like after 2nd street, the Milwaulkee area can be a little dangerous! I guess I have one con to about 20 pros for this University!
Here's a YouTube link to a video of the story about recent crime activity near Campus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsJ7cu8fujI
Choosing
I was reading a book on College Majors: How to Choose the Career Path that is Right for you, and I came across a chapter that had me list all of my childhood dreams. It has been proven that at least one childhood dream of everyone has a linkage of some sort to the job(s) that are right for them in the long run.
Here's my list:
1. I'll start with the most outlandish: First Female President of the United States
2. Commercial Airline Pilot
3. Firefighter- only if I got to drive the big red truck :)
4. Musician who plays at Carnegie Hall
5. Brain Surgeon
6. Veternarian- I love dogs and Horses...no Iquanas for me.
7. Professional Ice Skater
8. an Authoress :)
9. A journalist
10. A Research annalyst on a big project like....the cure for cancer, daibetes, arthirtis,etc.
11. Music Teacher
All of these careers I have dreamed about since I was a kid...I used to switch the dream like I switched clothing!
What I want to know is....is it true that we, as children, can dream up a life and career, then live it out? Can we find what we are truly ment to do when we are young?
Here's my list:
1. I'll start with the most outlandish: First Female President of the United States
2. Commercial Airline Pilot
3. Firefighter- only if I got to drive the big red truck :)
4. Musician who plays at Carnegie Hall
5. Brain Surgeon
6. Veternarian- I love dogs and Horses...no Iquanas for me.
7. Professional Ice Skater
8. an Authoress :)
9. A journalist
10. A Research annalyst on a big project like....the cure for cancer, daibetes, arthirtis,etc.
11. Music Teacher
All of these careers I have dreamed about since I was a kid...I used to switch the dream like I switched clothing!
What I want to know is....is it true that we, as children, can dream up a life and career, then live it out? Can we find what we are truly ment to do when we are young?
Sunday, July 6, 2008
UW- Madison
This campus is HUGE! 933 acres right on Lake Mendota. It's cool...great people, great energy, I could be a Badger. What I really like is that they have so many majors available... and their marching band...wow! Here's some quick facts:
1. 45,000 students
2. 933 Acres (main campus)
3. 700+ majors available.
4. Great football team
I'll keep ya'll posted.
1. 45,000 students
2. 933 Acres (main campus)
3. 700+ majors available.
4. Great football team
I'll keep ya'll posted.
Hello
Hi there!
My blog is just beginning, sorry for the inconvenience. Let me start by introducing myself.
My name is Steph and I am a high school senior. The reason why I am starting this blog is unclear even to me. All I know is that this summer, the summer before my senior year of High school, is the summer where all the college applications must be filled out and sent to their fates. Because I am multi-interested (a.k.a undecided), choosing the college that is right for me is very difficult. I have no idea what kind of life I want to live....what job I want, what lifestyle, whether urban, suburban, rural, etc. My question is, how do I choose?
I guess that the not having an answer to this question is what this blog is about. Got any ideas?
My blog is just beginning, sorry for the inconvenience. Let me start by introducing myself.
My name is Steph and I am a high school senior. The reason why I am starting this blog is unclear even to me. All I know is that this summer, the summer before my senior year of High school, is the summer where all the college applications must be filled out and sent to their fates. Because I am multi-interested (a.k.a undecided), choosing the college that is right for me is very difficult. I have no idea what kind of life I want to live....what job I want, what lifestyle, whether urban, suburban, rural, etc. My question is, how do I choose?
I guess that the not having an answer to this question is what this blog is about. Got any ideas?
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