Week 6a : What's in a name?

My name is Andrea. It is an English name, it has been used since the 17th century, though it was not common until the 20th century. It is also the female form of Andrew, which was the name of the apostle Andrew, the first disciple to join Jesus. According to comments, it also means "Ideal Woman" or "Feminine Grace".
My name was supposed to be Brooke Nicole or Andrea Renee. Brooke means "beautiful pool of tears". Also, Renee means "reborn" like spiritual enlightenment.
If I could pick a name for myself, I would go with one of the ones my mom choose. I think they are both very pretty names, but Andrea Nicole, isn't quite as good...

Week 5a : If I were...

If I could be a type of music, I would be... techno.

We all know techno is amazing. It's fun and upbeat. It makes you wanna dance. There's really no message to techno music; it's just a bunch of random words jumbled together to go with a set beat, if there are any words at all that is, that's kinda how I am most of the time. Techno's just fun.

If I were a color, I would be... a deep blue.

It's a calm, warm color. It reminds me of winter and sitting by the fire for some reason. Also hot coca. mmm. :] It's a pretty laid back color, and I'm a pretty laid back person...most of the time.

If I were a car, I would be... a '67 yellow shelby mustang cobra.

I like the body of the car. Plus, the color is bright and stands out. And of course it's fast, what other reason is there? :]

Week 4a : Nature vs. Nurture

Some people say that you become what you are surrounded by. This is true. The more you hang out with someone the more you begin to act like that person. The same is true with your home life. If you are surrounded by a big loving family, you'll learn the importance of love in your life and you will be more loving toward your friends. Some people prove this to be right. I am an example. I am just like every other person in my family, not because of my genes but in how I treat people in my daily life. My family isn't exactly "lovey-dovey" but we tell each other that we care and we always have to celebrate birthdays and holidays and any other minor occasion doesn't go unnoticed.

If your friends always hang out, sometimes you develop a "dependency" on having that time with your friends. I speak from experience. This summer I didn't go more than a week without hanging out with my friends. But the same is true when you don't hang out with people. You start to enjoy being alone, and for some us that creates a problem when you have to go back to school...Everything around you is what makes you who you are. It's the reason why we have these things around us- for us to become who we are meant to be.

Week 3a: A Star is Born!

If I were to star in a movie it would be an action movie, because girl-y movies aren’t my thing. My co-star would be...MATT DAMON, Shia LaBeouf, Adam Brody, and Hilarie Burton.

We would shoot the movie in many different locations. Such as Rome, Italy; Brasilia, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; and Madagascar. We would all wear dark outfits of black or gray.

We would have to learn karate or something. Not a lot though just enough. It would be really fun to be in a movie, but the publicity surrounding it wouldn't be so fun. I'd probably enjoy it at first and then start hating it soon after.

Week 2a: Creative Costumes

Last year for halloween, I walked around town with a group of friends. We all had on warm clothes and stocking hats. We also had guitars or drum sticks and we called ourselves "the band" Creative I know. ;] Eventually, we got to main street and the owner of Now & Then came outside and asked us if we were gonna TP since no one else was. Rian told him we weren't planning on anything. The owner left us on the street and a few moments later came outside with his hands full of toilet paper. He then told us that the cops called him and told him that if someone was going to TP Main Street then they should get on it, because he was heading home. So the five of us and this creepy middle aged man, who actually is really cool, started running up and down the streets stringing toilet paper from tree to tree like they were ornaments or strings of lights.

After we finished there, we went and walked to a friend’s house. Since we knew her parents wouldn’t be too happy if we showed up at 10, we hid outside her window. She had no clue, and that was the best part. We eventually got back to Lance and Delaney's and we all departed from there to go our opposite ways.

My favorite memory that was totally legal was when my dad came to my halloween basketball game in middle school in a blow up sumo wrestlers suit. He actually wore it! As he turned sideways to squeeze in the doorway everyone looked over and saw him, and then turned and looked directly at me! At the time it was rather embarrassing but looking back, it was the funniest thing he's ever done.

Week 1a : Music DEFINES you

I don’t really listen to popular music. At least not modern music. If it is a popular band, then they're from the 60's, 70's, or 80's. I listen to a lot of alternative music. Right now, I'm into secondhand serenade (and have been for a long time, they're amazing) also My American Heart, Metro Station, Red Hot Chili Peppers (and again i have been) and of course HAWK NELSON ! I think that since I listen to a lot of different music (Christian, Country, a little Techno, a lot of alternative, a little oldies, a little bit of everything I guess.) But I think it just says that I have a huge range of interest. The type of music I listen to is much different than a lot of other people my age, and my reasons for listening to it are even more different than anyone else’s. The reason I listen to my music is not solely because I like the beat. I listen to a song and I actually listen to the words and try to understand the message. I love songs that I can actually relate to, and I just sit there and listen to the words and think “Yeah, I’ve been there.” Most of my “favorite” songs are things that I relate to, and because the author got person and put those thoughts and feelings into music makes me feel like I know the person, like we have a sort of connection because we’re both experiencing the same kind of things.

I think our music says that we are a generation that is hurting. A generation longing for something that we can’t find. We are looking for a definition as to who we are, and during this search we are hurting. No one can honestly say they have never been hurt. Music is our way to express who we are. Everyone has a different style. NO two bands EVER sound the exact same, but artists take something with them to other bands that you can hear in their sound. (Jack’s Mannequin and Something Corporate)

Years from now, people will look back and ask themselves what were they going through, and because of music, they will have a tiny insight as to what we went through growing up with broken families, broken hearts and living in a world destined to fall apart. Our generation is longing for a change. A change that we have to make. Because we are going to change the world.

Week 6: Making a Comeback

In my life, this has most certainly proven to be true. When I tried out for volleyball and didn't make it in 7th grade, I had more time to do speech and other drama stuff. If I wouldn't have been cut, then I wouldn't have met the people that I met and love now.

I definitely have recovered from every set back. I get by with a little help from my friends. But I've learned to trust God for everything and He will provide. Every set back I've ever encountered has helped me to grow and accept the things that happen to me. It's taught me a lesson along the way. Everytime something falls through, I just feel like there's something else God wants for me, maybe something bigger and better, or maybe something more important. Or maybe it's not the right time...

In Ecclesiastes 3:11, it says "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end."

Week 5: Grizzly-You

I would like to go to Montana. I expect it would be a lot like it is in Illinois, but just more of it. I imagine it would be very empty. I'm sure there'd be a lot of animals, probably big animals too. I choose this place because I've never been there and I think it would be fun. I like going to new places and seeing new things. I'm sure it'd be a hot summer but there would be a lot of shade. I think I would have a new outlook on life. I think everything would be completely different for me. My personality would be the biggest change...
And I think if I could stay I would. But then again I'd miss everyone.

Week 4: Dumb Laws

A man can legally beat his wife, but not more than once a month. -Arkansas
- Men should never be able to beat their wife, unless she can beat him as well.


Citizens may not greet each other by "putting one's thumb to the nose and wiggling the fingers".- New York City
- This is dumb. Why not ?


In Baltimore, It is illegal to take a lion to the movies. - Maryland
- Honestly, who takes a lion to the movies?


In Reno, It is unlawful for any person to carry on, conduct or maintain any marathon dancing or marathon walking. -Nevada
- Against a healthy lifestyle? No wonder American are fat.


It is against the law to throw a ball at someone's head for fun. - New York
- ...Duhhh. But if you have a reason, and a good reason, can you?


In Carmel, A man cannot be seen in public while wearing a jacket and pants that do not match. - New York
- BAHAHAHA. Well...I guess a lot of guys at our school are outta luck.

Week 3: About My School...

Olympia High School sits deep in the middle of many corn and bean fields. Surrounded by 8 tiny towns making up the schools population. Typically, the four parking lots are full of second hand cars. Many people would rather be part of a big school, but the best part about going to a smaller high school is there's so much more freedom and you know almost every person you see. Once a new kid get here everyone notices. But that is also the worst thing. Like other schools, when someone hears a rumor, it spreads like wildfire. There's no stopping it.
No matter who you are or what your interests there is a group for you at Olympia. You like football, we've got a team for that. Also Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Soccer, Golf, Swimming, Cross Country, Track, and others. You like music, we've got a whole hallway for that! Band and Chorus are the main large groups in this hallway. But there's also marching band, madrigals, pep band, court singers, chamber choir, concert band, and pit band, along with others. Olympia's auditorium has just been redone and will soon be filled with people as the fall play takes the stage. Also, the spring musical and speech will be coming up soon. If none of this interests you there are many cliques as well. There's jocks, preps, band nerds, chess team, scholastic bowl, and everything in between. No matter who you are or where you come from, we all share a common ground-we're all high school students who are looking for who we are.
The most important thing to know when coming to this school is to never think too far into anything. Tomorrow it wont matter, so just deal with it today.

Week 2: Special Meeting...

Most people don't really think about this kind of a question, but if you could meet anyone who would it be? If I could meet anyone who would it be? Maybe a former president, or someone from the Bible, or a famous actor/artist. There's a huge list, but I have found a common answer. If I could meet anyone, it would be Abraham Lincoln.

Abraham Lincoln was a great leader of our country. I can't even imagine leading a whole country, especially through a civil war. He made it through and then was assassinated shortly after the war ended. Through his whole life, he was a great inspiration to everyone around him.

His parents were undereducated farmers, and he became the president of the United States. How does that kind of thing happen? He inspires students everywhere who may have come from a poor family. He instills a sense of hope that one day, if you work hard enough, you can make a better life for yourself and your family than you ever imagined.

How did he come from this family and become a leader of our country? If I could meet him, I'd ask him if he was ever scared. If he ever cried. If he ever wanted to just give up. What made him stick with it. and what advice he has for me.

Week 1: Welcome back! Sophmore Year :]

It's "back to school time." Summer's over; classes are in session. In my oppinion, school is...boring. Classes are way easier than i wanted. I'm currently in Trig 1, Social Studies (yeah, I'm in social studies. Get off my back!), and English 2 (obviously). Also, my favorites, band and chorus.

Anyways...school is so much easier than i expected. I figured Trig would be really hard, and i actually understand more than most of the upperclassmen. It's weird. My little group of sophmores and I are understanding everything and the juniors are falling behind.

Social Studies is even easier. Just a lot of work to do...yeah, it is a freshman class and i am a sophmore. You didnt misread that. I'm only in Social Studies this year because 1.) it's a required class. and 2.) I had to drop it last year and take Drivers Education and PE. But it's just a lot of homework that i really dont want to do. Joy. Plus, i never realized how dumb and immature freshmen are. Especially when they are trying to sound cool, because you are older. (I think part of the reason I think the boys are so dumb is because I hang out with a lot of older guys. Like juniors and seniors and freshmen in college. And girls are naturally better :] just kidding!)

English 2 is my favorite class right now. I really enjoy reading and writing. These kind of things come easily for me. I was almost the fastest reader in grade school, and I started writing poem kind of things around 6th or 7th grade. I personally think I'm pretty good, and so do some of my friends that have been given the opportunity to read them, but friends are going to lie to you if it's going to keep them from hurting your feelings.

Band and chorus are a close second since I ABSOLUTELY love music. My life is never completely silent. Either I'm talking or listening to music, or sometimes even both. Band is amazing since all my friends are in the band nerd clan. I love it cause I actually have an excuse to spend all day with my friends, and there's nothing my parents can do about it. Chorus is also fun, because I enjoy understanding music theory, and if we had a music theory class I would take it, if there was another class period to fill, but with Block 5, there isn't time with band and chorus in the way. (Which is one reason I really wish we had 6 class periods instead of 5.)

In conclusion, sophmore year is fun, but school is boring. I enjoy being with my friends everyday, I just wish some classes didnt have so much homework...oh well. Going back to school this year was just like "Oh yeah, another year with no perks or exciting events. The same thing as last year only this is round two instead of one giving me more experience." Honestly, what is exciting about sophmore year? 1.) You get your class rings. Yay. Not really something I'm too pumped about, but it's still kinda cool. 2.) Higher level classes, in some cases. 3.) You get freshmen year yearbooks. I'm actually looking forward to that...but it's not enough to get me overly excited about this year.

The things that I'm actually excited about are homecoming, football, band, speech, prom, my lisence and more freedom/later curfews. They dont have much to do with school, but without school I wouldnt do these things, ya know?

Blog #16: I remember...

I remember Zach’s Root beer kegger. We played this game with cards and I was a cop and I ended up messing it up. This was when I met Noah. I remember watching Star Wars with Zach, Rian, and Bryan after ISU Band Day. I remember going to my first band camp and meeting all the new people. This was when I met Rian. I remember my first speech meet. I remember almost getting sick on the bus. I remember when Courtney got hit by a car. I remember when Rudy died. I remember going to Dottie’s everyday when I was little. I remember swimming with Melissa and Noah L. this summer. I remember babysitting the Budnar’s I remember our grade school being closed. I remember going bowling and Noah stole the shoes. I remember Spring break last year and spending the entire week at Madison’s. I remember the first time I jumped on Scout. I remember my first horse show. I remember being in 4-H. I remember fights with Brittany, Natalie, and Rochelle in 6th grade. I remember going to youth in Minier. I remember playing softball and having a winning record every summer. I remember Jake doing a back flip and catching a line drive that year that he coached the team. I remember going to Buffalo Wild Wings for the first time. I remember my 15th birthday party, and my 13th and 14th. I remember the couch burning party when the guys attacked a possum. I remember watching movies with all my friends, but one friend in particular. I remember going to see Cloverfield with the gang and then going to Steak N Shake afterwards. I remember the countless trips we made to Steak N Shake after a variety of events we had going on. I remember my last band competition. I remember riding in Zach’s car. I remember running down to the band hallway every morning just to see someone. I remember fighting with my mom and dad. I remember going to the lock-in. I remember homecoming. I remember all the football games. I remember cold car rides from youth to my house in Zach’s car with him, Jess, and Noah. I remember going to Noah’s to watch movies. I remember the huge snow storm on Super bowl Sunday. I remember all the car rides. I remember all the music. I remember all the laughter and pain. I remember going to Rian’s to watch a meteor show. I remember going to Rian’s 17th birthday party. I remember playing Rock Band at Jordan’s on New Years Eve. I remember falling asleep at Andy’s. I remember Zach’s graduation party. But mostly I remember my freshman year and all the fun we had. I remember the people who never failed to make me laugh when I was having the worst day ever. I remember saying goodbye on graduation day to my best friend, and I remember saying goodbye to someone I miss a lot. I remember making friends and loosing friends. But I don’t ever want to forget any of them because knowing them is what makes me who I am. I don’t want to regret anything, because I know that at that time, it was exactly what I wanted.

Blog #15 : Almost There...

This summer is going to be the best summer yet. In just 8 short months I’ll have my license, and in the meantime I’ll just ride with Rudy. :] I am babysitting three days a week from 8-5. Then on June 14th, my youth group is going to New Orleans. We are going to help clean up some of the damage, and help build houses. After we get back, Ashley and I are teaching a Vacation Bible School class. We are stupid and decided that we would like 3rd grade. Shortly afterwards, I start babysitting for yet another family on Wednesdays. (Only 5, but still) From time to time, my friends and I will get together and have parties, similar to the root-beer keggers and couch burning parties. Lincoln rally is June 28th. My bible study is going and I cant wait! Eventually it’ll be the 4th of July, my favorite. My friends and I will be riding rides in town and watching fireworks in Ashley’s backyard. Before and after that, we have band practices for parades and such through out the summer. On July 21-25 we have band camp. All day and into the night we will be marching our little butts off and sweating the entire time. That week is typically my favorite week, because I get to see all my friends. Then I’ll continue to baby-sit, and spend all my spare time at the pool with Melissa, Sean, and Noah. We have a Shelbyville trip to go boating at the end of the summer with youth group. Youth group every week; Bible Study on Sundays; Church on Sundays. If I could travel for one summer, I would go to…I’m not really sure. I would like to go to the Bahamas for a week and then maybe Hawaii for another. Eventually, I would fly to France and Spain. Maybe stop in Austria and Germany. I would like to visit Africa too, possibly Sudan or South Africa. Eventually, I would go to Australia before I head back to the states and visit California, DC, Florida, and Colorado, possibly Vegas too. (In no particular order) That would be my dream summer, but in the meantime, I’ll just stick with the one I’ve got. :]

Blog #14

I would give $3 million dollars to World Vision to help the little kids in Africa. I think this is a good charity to support because they are Christian based. As a teen, you can participate in the 30 hour famine to help support World Vision. You can sponsor a child, give monthly to save children, give emergency aid, meet basic needs, give to where its needed most, and many other ways. World Vision doesn’t just help in one specific country, they help kids all over the world. With the other $5 million dollars I got, I would donate $3 million to Aquasis LifeH20. LifeH20 is an organization set up to give clean water to small villages all over the world. They work in association with World Vision, which are both Christian based. They are trying to raise $10 million dollars to clean water all over the world. LifeH20 has projects in West Africa, India, 2 in Sudan, and Conduras. After that, I would give$3 million to stop Human Trafficking. I went to Revolve last year and Natalie Grant talked about a Foundation that she supports. After hearing what she saw and what really happens, I think that would be a great thing to give money to. With the rest of the money, I would build a house for my parents. I would then buy a Shelby Cobra and call it a day. :]

Blog #13 : Best Time, Right ?

A lot of adults say that this is the best time of your life, and I would have to agree. I think that my freshman year has been amazing and I can’t imagine how the next three years could be any better. Even though I’ve had some rough times, I still don’t regret any of it, because it’s made a stronger person, and I’ve matured a lot since those stupid junior high days. I remember at the beginning of the year being terrified that I would come into high school and not have any friends. But after day one, I knew I was wrong. I had great classes and a lot of my friends were in my classes. Because of band camp, I knew a lot of people. I hung out with my friends every weekend, and I was never home. Homecoming came around, and I ended up going with my best friend, Rian Wilson. We went to Chuckie Cheese with a ton of our friends and then Zach Williams afterwards. It was a lot of fun.
Band was my favorite activity of all time. We had competitions every weekend and we always had practices. At the end of the season, we had ISU Band day, which was the state competition. We were out at the school at 4 am and I didn’t get home till around 11 pm. We performed at 6:30 am and then took the bus back to Oly at noon. After that, we got a group together and watched my brothers football game and went back to ISU to watch the rest of the bands. On the way back to ISU Sarah, Joey, and I rode with Zach and the top was down. There was a sword in the backseat of Zach’s car and Joey put it straight up in the air as I threw my hands back and I smacked my hand on it! After the competition, Bryan, Rian, Zach and I went to Zach’s house and attempted to watch Star Wars.
Then there was Speech and I met so many more people.
To end the year, we have the play. Hopefully, it’ll end up being just as fun. :]

Blog #12 : To Be Alone

I am the kind of person that needs alone time. I can’t be around people all day and not have any time to my self. When I want to be alone, I go to my room and turn up the music. Usually, I’m listening to a sad, slow song, typically by Breaking Benjamin, Death Cab for Cutie, or Summer Obsession. In my room, I feel like no one can bother me. I’m shut away from the world. I don’t have to put up with unwanted noise or people, or do stupid chores, or help with dinner.

When I’m in my room, I typically close the door and most of the time the TV is on and turned down low so it doesn’t interfere with the sound ringing through the speakers. My iPod sits on the dock supplying the words I need to hear to make the day just a little bit better. The lights are usually turned off and the blinds are down. I put on some comfy clothes and curl up in my bed. The pillows and blankets trick me into thinking that the rest of the world has disappeared and that everything that’s been bothering me is gone and I don’t have to deal with it anymore.

My alone time is what keeps me sane. I wouldn’t be able to live without having those few moments when everything disappears. I seriously think without having an hour or so that I just sit in my room and think and write, I would die. I would fall off the face of the Earth into the great unknown.


♪♪♪ the music plays on and takes her to where she belongs …♥

Blog #11 : Lyrical Lines

I'm trapped in a world that I can't take
Where everything's unrealistic and fake
I'm hiding out and planning my escape
I hope I'm not the only one

Please come and rescue me tonight
I just wish that I could disappear
Someone take me far away from here
Do you suppose there's more to life out there?

There's no happiness surrounding me
Hate and ugliness is all I see
I wanna leave it all behind
I'm running out of time
Please come and rescue me tonight

I just wish that I could disappear
Someone take me far away from here
Do you suppose there's more to life out there?

And I don't wanna be blind
I wanna open my mind
I wanna know if there's a purpose to this life
Will I ever find it? I'm running out of time...

Trapped in a world that I can't take
I'm hiding out and planning my escape
Please come and rescue me tonight

I just wish that I could disappear
Someone take me far away from here
Do you suppose there's more to life out there?
I just wish that I could disappear...
-disapear ; the summer obsession :) [my obsession]

Right now, this is my favorite song, because of the lyrics. I relate to them so much. It's like someone took what I was thinking and wrote it all down. It's like someone was in my brain and realize, "Hey this girl is messed up. It'd make a good song". Sometimes in life I just feel like everything is so meaningless and useless. It's all depressing and horrifying. Especially this past three weeks. Never knowing what was going to happen, and if I was strong enough to it make no matter what the decision was. Sometimes I think I wasnt strong enough, and other times I think it took more strength to just walk away, and say "I've had enough of you and the stupid crap you put me through." It's insane that I'm still thinking about it. You would think that I would just be like "This is stupid" and stop thinking about him. But nope. That's not possible for me. Never. I've always struggled to forget things. I always bring them back.
This song isn't very popular. It's just a song I found online while looking up the Summer Obsession...But it not being popular, and never having been, makes me like it that much more. I love finding new bands.
The words in this song make me think that someone out there does understand...and that no matter what I'm going through I'm not alone. People make it through this situation and others so much worse than this all the time. And if I hold on to God, I dont need to hold onto anyone else. :]

xoxo ♥

Blog #10 : Keeping Secrets

I used to have a hard time keeping secrets to myself. I would hear something and promise that I wouldn’t tell and then as soon as I saw my best friend I would tell her. Recently, I’ve kept secrets, and I haven’t told anyone. Like last week, when one of my friends and I went for a drive and he told me some stuff that no one else knows. I’m the only one. Well, me and the people that were actually involved in it. I was really glad that he trusted me with it, and he told me that I was the only person that knows. By keeping this secret, I feel like I’m trustworthy.
But when a friend comes to me about something and asks me to not say anything, that’s what they expect. But sometimes, secrets need to be told. Sometimes the person is in danger or trouble. Usually, I keep secrets. But if something needs to be done and an adult needs to know, then I think it is right to tell. [thinking about the story above…I’m thinking that something bad could come out of this, and something should be done…but I don’t know I might just be over exaggerating…like usual]
If one of my friends told me that they were going to sneak out or something then I would try to talk them out of it, or tell an adult. If I were to tell someone a secret about something that was going to hurt me, then I’m sure I’d be mad at first. But down the road I’m sure I’d be very glad that I told that person and that they cared enough to tell someone.

Blog #9 : My Springbreak

On Thursday after school, Rudy, Ashley, Delaney, and I planned on going to see a movie. Then Rudy bailed on us, and we went to Delaney’s. We stayed the night at Delaney’s and watched Sydney White and Nancy Drew.
On Friday, I went shopping with my mom in Bloomington. We went to the new Hollister but I didn’t get anything. Friday night I went out to dinner with my mom and dad and brother, and my cousins and some friends from Canada. We went back to my aunts house and the kids got in the hot tub and we watched some basketball.
On Saturday, I slept in and went to my grandmas for Easter with my dad’s family. Jake and Jami came home and Mindy and Jarred and my aunt and uncle and grandma and grandpa went to Jarred’s house to see with they had fixed up.
On Sunday, I went to church, and then to grandma Lois’s house to hang out with Jake and Jami before they left of Ohio. I realized that lunch at grandmas was better than the lunch we were having at granda Linda’s. I was mad for the rest of the day. I didn’t feel good and fell asleep, and they woke me up to hunt Easter eggs. Grandma always hides a million eggs in the yard and we went outside to find them. My cousin, Noah, and I were together and we went over to edge of the yard and got some eggs. Little did we know that the eggs were the neighbors and they had candy.
Monday, I got ditched, and I had to find a date. I ended up getting two dates. :] I had people come over, and we watched movies and talked. Then Brittany stayed the night, and due to certain events, we were on the phone all night with Joey and Rian.
On Tuesday, I talked to Noah about some stuff and took Brittany home, then stayed home the rest of the night. Wednesday, I went to the sale barn and bought three cows and took them home in the van. :] After that, we went to Pekin, and then home to get ready and make pizza for that night. Bryan, Jess, Zach, Rian, and Laura came over before youth and then Noah met us at youth. We played games and ate snacks. Then we went back to my house and watched No Country For Old Men.
On Thursday, I babysat all day. 7:30-7:00. Then went home and finished watching One Tree Hill. [$95]
On Friday, I babysat and then went to Mannie and Ryan’s and ate pizza with them and grandpa and Gretchen, and then we went to see Drillbit Taylor. It wasn’t that great. I thought it was gonna be really funny, but it wasn’t.
On Saturday, I finally got to sleep in and then we went shopping all day. After that, my mom came and got me and we picked up Liz and went to Noah’s. We watched Short Circuit, and Full Medal Jacket.
On Sunday, I went to Church and then to Olive Garden with the girls. After that we went to see 27 dresses and then Coldstone. Then I worked on my project, watched One Tree Hill and went to sleep.

Overall I enjoyed break, minus all the drama and crap. :] I wish break was longer though. I cant wait for next year! :]

Blog #8 : Gender Gap

One stereotype that I would like to banish isn’t really a stereotype…

A woman can work and support herself. Women DON’T need a man. It’s very annoying to hear all the jokes about equal rights. Most of the guys I talk to are always saying “Go make me some pancakes” or “You belong in the kitchen.” That’s ridiculous! There’s more to a woman than her ability to cook and clean.

Men are always saying that women can’t do anything. Most of us are smarter than men tend to think. Most of us graduate with a higher rank than most men. [In your face!]

Another stereotype that I would like to change is that being a woman doesn’t mean that all men are superior to you. Your gender doesn’t make you better or worse, what you accomplish with your life is what makes you superior. The only reason you should ever look down on someone or think that you are higher than someone, is when you are helping them up. Most men think that they are better than us because of a stupid reason that only exists in their own minds.

Also, some guys make jokes about our sexual relationships, and most girls have a reputation for doing something. More than likely that girl didn’t do what was said.

These stereotypes bother me because I am not like any of this. I don’t cook or clean, I’d rather go outside or go swimming or hang out with friends. I can do a lot of things, like lift heavy bags or work outside. I am just as good as any man. I don’t sleep with guys. All of this is wrong.

But I know I also have stereotypes for men. Saying that all men think these things, is stereotyping them. And also thinking that most men are jerks and don’t know how to treat women is a stereotype that not all the guys fall into. A lot of guys I know don’t.

I wish there wasn’t such a think as “stereotyping” because by stereotyping people, we judge them before we know them. We judge them based on what we’ve heard, and what we’ve seen, and not just about the specific person. We judge people based on what we know about whatever group they fall into.

Blog #7 : Our Own Dictionary

Me and my friends have a language of our own. It's very common among us, and everyone of there phases can be recognized more then once a day. At the top of the list there's...
Poned!- He totally kicked butt! If you pone at something you blew everyone away; there's no comparing.
Count it!- Basically it means that you dissed someone really bad and you remember it. You write it down. Keep track of your victory!
Calm yo' bid- Jordan made this one famous. It means to relax or calm down.
I'm hip with the Urban Youth.- "That's right. I'm cool."
That's what she said...- is a phrase that is said in response to anything someone says. It's from The Office.
GO STEVE!- It's usually not related to the situation. It's usually yelled over applause.
Son of a GUN!- Oh dang. It’s usually only said by Joey. Or if Joey is around, then he is forced to repeat the phrase in the famous Joey tone.
*deep breath* whatever- the infamous way of making fun of me. :] of course. There’s one for everyone.
I wanted Chocolate Milk.- Rudy has this little voice that he does, and it’s hilarious. So he always says I wanted Chocolate milk. Or Daddy’s gonna kill Ralphy.
Pull a Wilson/Rudy- A Wilson is like making a joke infront of someone that has/is whatever you’re making fun of. A Rudy is jumping through a window.
On top of all these things, there's tons more. Plus, the occasional gesture to go along with it. These range from completely appropriate, to not even able to be said in front of people. Sometimes these aren’t used that often, and others are used all the time. The phrases above are all the ones I can think of…edited. Some had to be deleted.
Enjoy. But Don’t Steal! ;]

Blog #6 : The Perfect Day

My perfect day would be in the middle of the summer on a Friday. I wouldn’t have to work and I would wake up around 10:30. When I got up I would find some food, preferably waffles, and then put on my swimsuit and go float in the pool till around noon. I’d get out of the pool and take a shower and get ready for the day. For lunch, I’d eat a frozen cheese pizza.

After lunch, one of my friends would come pick me up and we’d go to Bloomington, blaring the music with the windows down. In Bloomington, we’d go see a movie and then go shopping. I’d get a new outfit for dinner and new American eagle jeans. I’d probably get a new swimsuit too. We’d shop until around 6 and then meet everybody at Chili’s for dinner. At Chili’s I would make people get the casa dip and a cheese burger. After dinner, I’d make them take me to Starbucks and then we’d be heading back to Zach’s to watch a movie.

We would stay at Zach’s till about 12, and then my friend would drive Jess, Laura, and I back to Jessica’s to stay the night. The guys would end up staying at Bryan’s and then we’d drive to Bryan’s and go swimming with everybody. After that we’d hang out for a while, maybe watch another movie. Then Laura, Jess, and I would stay at Jessica’s, as planned, and pull an all nighter, eating junk food and watching movies and talking.

That’d be my perfect day. Full of sun, fun, and friends. :]

Blog #5 : Ten Years From Now

Ten years from now, I see myself having a good paying job. I would like to be a nurse practitioner at an office in Bloomington or Peoria. I would like to go to college in Champaign and then move back home, to Hopedale or one of the surrounding towns. I have graduated from high school, getting a scholarship into U of I and then graduated from U of I in the top half of my class.

The headlines today read: United States leaves Iraq and things about new technology. Computers have improved and you can now carry a computer in your pocket with internet and everything you need with access to the entire world in the palm of your hand. Like finding someone wasn’t easy enough as it was. Shooting rates have dropped drastically because children are loved and cared about properly. Kidnappers are on death row and murders are right beside them in line. Justice has been paid. The president is some random guy who still lies about all the “changes” he will make. Wow. We’ve learned our lesson.

The Cardinals have won the World Series for the past 5 years, with an amazing coaching staff it’s no wonder they can’t hear anything with the screaming fans as they march onto the bus. Oh, the joy of owning that many World Series Championship rings. :] The Chicago Bears are have won the Super Bowl the past 7 years, but been in it for the past 9. Super Bowl Sunday is now considered a Holy day and all the stores close down to honor the past winners and to celebrate with their families. Golf has been banned, due to people falling asleep on the course, and lacrosse has taken over the world. People, surprisingly, find lacrosse enjoyable. Wow, in the famous words of the scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz, “If I only had a brain.”

To sum it all up…the world is still in terrible condition and I don’t see it getting any better. Pushing things like “Going Green” and “Hunger in Africa” doesn’t make the United States better than anyone else or a better place to live. Our poverty rate is still on the rise, and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, last week it doubled. Quite frankly, neither does paying our actors and pro-sports players millions of dollars that they’ll never spend. The world is still lost and I’m abandoning hope for a “brighter tomorrow.”

Enjoy today. Cause tomorrow isn’t promised.

Blog #4 : Write On…A teen’s perspective of America and the world today

Being a teen today is much different than it was back in the day. Way back, gas was extremely cheap, parents trusted their kids, and we weren’t looked down upon. Teens were respected, and they respected their elders. What bothers me about the way teenagers act is the fact that they never respect any one! They are always back talking and nagging, and I admit that at times I am disrespectful, but mostly just to my parents. I hardly ever disrespect an adult.

I think it’s ridiculous that actors and pro-athletes are so over paid. It bothers me that they have so much money that if invested correctly all of their great-grandkids are taken care of and will never have to worry about money, when there are kids in Africa who are starving and dying of diseases that could be treated if they were researched. Most of those deaths could be prevented. It makes me extremely mad that people are so selfish that they aren’t giving more to other charities. I can understand wanting to insure the future of your own family, but what about all the other families that wont be able to prosper. Without saving the world, there’ll be no world for your grandkids.

I think that teenagers don’t get respected by adults, and they think that our opinions don’t matter or aren’t as well thought out as theirs, because they have “more experience”. I don’t think anyone is above anyone else, or that anyone’s opinions matter more than mine because of my age. I also think that adults think that they are better than us, because they’ve made more of themselves than I have. It bothers me that teenagers don’t respect adults, and that they make stupid decisions, such as getting hooked on drugs or getting pregnant. They mess up before it even starts.

Well now you have just a tiny insight into my mind…Just know, that’s not all that I’m thinking about. Well in the words of the great…Tigger TTFN – Ta Ta For Now. I’ll post again later I’m sure :]

Blog #3 : Cop, Doctor, Dancer

When I was a kid, I loved to sing! It was all I ever did! Everywhere I went, I had music playing and if the radio failed me I had my own tune playing in my head. Dad and I share a love for music, and he introduced me to it. Him and my grandma. Grandma would always sing harmony while I sang the melody. Like any typical little girl, I thought I was the best and I dreamed of being famous. The thought of fame completely consumed my dreams. Everyday I would dance around and plan my concerts and act. I always wanted to be an actress, too, which inspired me to try out for the plays in middle school, and high school. Plus, speech as a freshman.

As I grew up though, my dreams changed quiet drastically. I then thought about being an architect. I enjoy drawing and designing my own houses. Math is my favorite subject, so I really enjoyed drawing to scale. But now I have settled on the completely realistic dream of being a nurse or a doctor. I am looking into becoming a nurse practitioner, and I’m very interested in it. I imagine myself in the medical field and possibly a youth leader. I think this dream is more realistic and achievable and I plan on striving for that goal throughout high school and college. I’m planning on taking plenty of math and science classes in high school and I would like to attend the University of Illinois in Champaign.

Blog #2 : The Highlights of '07 and my goals for the new year

Blog #2. Welcome back dedicated readers:] if there are any that is. Hm…Topic?

The Highlights of ’07 and my goals for the new year

The highlights of ’07…let’s see…There was band. Yes. Marching band. I am a nerd. It was the most fun I’ve ever had at a school activity. Mr. Abbott was the best band director ever, and I’m gonna miss him this year : [ Then through band I met some of the most amazing people ever. Strike that. By far the most amazing people ever, who throw the most amazing parties, and drive the coolest cars ;], and are so immature. It’s hilarious. During marching band, I started hanging out with a ton of juniors and seniors, and from then on they have been my closest friends. Sometimes I think they know me better than the people who grew up with me.

In the fall, I had a cookout and we burned a couch that had been sitting in the garage, I had another cookout for Youth Group, then Zach had a root beer “kegger”, we watched a meteor shower at Rian’s, then Laura and I had a birthday party, and then Jordan had a new years eve party.

Homecoming was a huge event. Since I’m a freshmen it was my first dance, and I was extremely excited about going with a junior. We went with a group of other people who were in band, to Chucky Cheese. We ate pizza in our dresses and said that we were throwing a birthday party for some little kid. Turns out, that little kid, he got killed, ON HIS BIRTHDAY! Or so they think. We went and played games, and ate pizza. We ended up giving our tokens and tickets to some little kids that were running around. Then we drove back to the school for the actual dance. I spent most of the night with other friends, because Rian and I weren’t dating, and plus, he was on the court. After the dance, Zach took us back to his house, and unfortunately, I was the only girl in the car. At Zach’s we watched some movies and dad came to pick me up.

In school, the best part about last semester was that I had almost no classes that were hard. I only had one, and it was science. But not your typical science, physical science and bio 1. Then I had keyboarding, health, and introduction to business. Nothing too hard. So I passed all my classes, but ended up with a B in science, because they wouldn’t round a 93.43 to an A. :[

For 2008, I hope to ace all my classes, get my license, and make it out of my freshmen year alive with all my friends.

Blog #1 : WELCOME :]

The names Andrea. I’m a freshman in high school. I’m in English 1- Writing and I’m keeping a blog during the second semester.

I’m about 5’2”. I don’t wear glasses, but my eye sight is terrible. I like to wear jeans and sweatshirts, with Rocketdogs. I am generally a happy person. I am outgoing and I get along with a lot of different people. I can basically have a conversation with anyone. I’m very relaxed and easygoing. I get along with guys much better than I get along with girls, simply because they don’t argue with me. I get along with older people better too. Most of my friends are juniors and seniors. I really don’t care much what you think about me, but I do let things get to me sometimes.

Brian Behrens is my friend. :] (He’s sitting beside me.)

I listen to music almost 24/7, and I enjoy watching movies with friends. My favorite bands are Boys like Girls, Paramore, We The Kings, Valencia, Something Corporate, All Time Low, Cute Is What We Aim For, and many more. I also listened to bands long before anyone else, such as Good Charlotte, Blink-182, The All-American Rejects, and all the other “popular” bands that everyone is “in love” with now. They used to be good. I’m in speech, and I have a love/hate attitude toward it. I enjoy hanging out with the people and I hate getting up at the crack of dawn to get on the bus, but once I get there we have a good time. I like to watch basketball, football, baseball, hockey, and many other sports. I prefer to be at the game than watching it on TV but I’ll take either. I enjoy hanging out with friends every minute of everyday. We usually end up at my house, Steak n Shake, or youth group. (Yes, youth group.) I’m a Christian and I’m proud of it. I’m not gonna hide my beliefs or change who I am to hang out with someone. Hate to break it to ya, people, but I’m not necessarily a “people-pleaser.” Yes, I like when people like me, or for people to be happy with me, but I wont change who I am to please someone. That’s stupid.

I’m the kinda person that sets huge goals. Like my goals used to involve being CEO of some huge architectural firm, but now I’ve given up those dreams. I just wanna graduate top of my class, and get a good job, and most importantly I wanna help people. Not just physically, but spiritually. I would really like to become a youth minister someday; because of the impact my youth group leader has on my life. She’s taught me to love who I am, and not be afraid to be insanely-crazy. She’s been there for me through everything and I wanna be able to help people the way that she’s helped me.

“In a nutshell, that’s me.”