Lament of the Clippéd Bangs

"Let me just even out your bangs," somehow turned into the general mauling of my hair (in my opinion) during its "trim" this morning.  I'm very depressed right now.  I tried getting it off my mind by reading all of the FAQs of NETC (the travel company of the World History trip), which also had the added bonus of preparing myself for any debates with the parents.  Anyway, it didn't work too well, so instead of trying to ignore it, I decided to try to make it humorous.  So anyway, this is the fruit of my labor:

Lament of the Clippéd Bangs ---

Cry, cry, tears for the clippéd bangs,

My fallen locks' sorrow remains,

For those, I feel woeful pangs,

My scalp's like exposed, great plains!

Mourn, mourn, the weariest of waves,

Cheerless remnants of vague recall,

Death be to the most horrid of shaves,

Stand before Saints Peter and Paul!

Grow, grow, I implore to my hair,

Unsightly damage be undone,

Or toss me into Dragon's lair,

Because short hair is just no fun!

By all earth's means, let it restore,

Remedy with all speed (UNDERSCORE)!

There.  And I actually do feel better about it.  =)

Anyway, I'm sure you noticed the new blog format.  I'm very pleased with the new title.  I actually got the idea of using a Latin motto from "The Tudors" when Anne Boleyn changes her personal motto to "Let them crumble," only in Latin, of course.  So I googled for a web site that had Latin phrases, and found what became the new blog title.  For the purposes of the poll below, "format" encompasses title, description, colors, etc - all that stuff that I like to change once in a while.

Oh, and I caught a good omen for the World History trip during dinner tonight.  When I was getting my plate, I saw my mom writing down the date for the "I'm interested" meeting.  Hopefully they're going because they are actually contemplating the idea, rather than just toying with it.  I doubt the latter is likely, though - that would be pretty cruel.

Tags: Life, Poems, Hair, Travel, School, History

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World History Trip

I really want to go on the World History trip this year!  The itinerary looks fantastic!  Take a look:

http://www.educationaltravel.com/TSA/TourManagementItinerary.aspx

This sounds really pathetic, but I was shaking when I read days four and ten.  Days eight, nine, and eleven would largely be repeats for me, but as if I care!  I really think that if I play my cards right with my parents, they'll let me go, especially considering that last summer's vacation was so botched.  They know that I live to travel, and Greece has been on my top ten list for ages.  Not to mention that going back to Italy would be a marvelous homecoming.  It really is a magical country.

I'm also very pumped for the new Tomb Raider game coming out 11-18.  It should be spectacular!  Here's my favorite trailer:

Ooo, very dramatic.  For ages, my brother has been saying that they would resurrect Natla.  I shot the suggestion down everytime, but it looks (sounds, actually) like she's back.  If you're not familiar with the games, she is a dark goddess, the villain in the very first game, and was redone in the recent "Anniversary."  That was definitely her voice at the end.  The graphics in that look spectacular!  All of Lara's actions are motion-captured by an Olympic gymnist, Heidi Moneymaker.  Good stuff...

Groblette's farewell party was a blast last night - sad, but the situation was definitely made the best of.  I had an absolutely amazing time.  Thanks so much for the cleaning and decorating from Norbert's Mother, Mina, and Turtles!  The barn looked fabulous, and I know I couldn't have done it without you guys!  =)

I finished cleaningtoday, which was depressing, but easy enough.  It didn't really take that long, because I did a lot last night during the party's final stages... (sniff) =(

Tags: Life, Travel, School, History, Video Games, Lara Croft, Friends, Parties

A Very Random Post

I've finally gotten around to reading this great book, Egypt's False Prophet Akhenaten.  I love it.  Akhenaten is fascinating, which reminds me that there was a fourth myth of Mr. Raber's class that I didn't bust:

~ The first monotheistic religion was not Judaism, but the cult of Aten under Akhenaten.  Mr. Raber has no excuse for this one; it's in the textbook even!  =P

I love badminton (and almost got to play today), so I'm trying to get Mr. Fraze to start a badminton team, because (like everyone knows) badminton is the coolest sport ever.  But really, he should, because I would totally dominate at it.  =)

Oh, and I watched "The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants."  Ha, ha... I had no choice - Turtles made me, because I'm going to watch the sequel Tuesday with Groblette.  Apparently I needed to be prepared or something, so I had the great honor of watching that lovely chick flick.  But something really weird happened involving that movie when I watched it.  Just as I started it, I notice on the VCR that it was 1:23, which I thought was pretty cool.  Then, just as I removed the DVD at the end, I saw that it was 3:21.  Weird, huh?  I have a question, too: Why did the hot chick, Bridget, have such a not-so-hot name?  Strange...

Tags: Life, Books, Movies, Sports, Badminton, Chick Flicks, Relgion, History, School

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First Full Week of School

Well the first full of week of school went flying by!  I think that had to have been one of the fastest weeks of school for me.  I'm pretty pleased with how my classes are going, except for Geometry and World History.  Considering the former, its difficult to learn the subject between the multiple favorite sayings such as (cue the sickly sweet voice) "my lil' Geomitrites and Algebrites," "Geometry is a visual subject, that's why we have colored pencils," and "Hey kiddos it's quizzy time!  Here's your quiz, enjoy!"  Yeah that last one was today actually.  And then there's World History, which I was very much looking forward to until recently.  As of today, here are a few "myths of Mr. Raber's class" I'd like to bust:

~ Gilgamesh can be considered religious, especially due to the fact that the main character himself is 2/3 god.  Not to mention that one of the biggest themes (if not the biggest theme) of the story is that immortality belongs to the gods, and is not meant to be tampered with by humans.  I would definitely say that has a religious message in it.  (Oh, and don't listen to Mr. Raber when he says it's boring; I love that story!)  =)

~ (This one belongs to Mr. Chymes (¿spelling?).)  The Egyptian god Osiris is not depicted green, because he is dead (ha, ha... how profound).  It's actually because before he is killed in the myth, he is the god of fertility and, in specific, vegetables!  By the way, the full version of the myth is not included in the textbook.  What appears there is disgustingly abridged (my guess as to why that is, would be because it contains one brief sex scene, but whatever, that's extremely important to the story and not at all explicit), and leaves out the entire ending.

~ DNA testing is not the main reason we know that Neanderthals and Homo sapiens did not reproduce.  Actually, most experts agree that it would have been impossible for two such dissimilar species to reproduce in the first place (Mr. Raber said otherwise).  In World History for Dummies, it calls the theory of the two early humans mating "unlikely."  I mean just think about it - after the glaciers melted, the two had total access to each other, and there's copious proof that they did interact.  I'm personally led to think that if they could've reproduced, they would have.

Oh my goodness, I just finishing watching "The Other Boleyn Girl."  That was one heck of a ride.  I think that Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") is a better Ann than Natalie Porter ("The Other Boleyn Girl" and in the green below), however Scarlet Johansson who played Mary (in the red below) in "TOBG" was spectacular!  I thought the second half of the movie was way too fast paced, though.  The beginning was good, but the end just kept jumping in nine month intervals (obvious reasons).  I also happen to know that there's a "TOBG" book, and that it's even better than the movie.  Mary is the narrator in it.  Anyway, I'd definitely suggest this movie you haven't seen it already, but just be prepared for a little tragedy.

Tags: Life, School, Classes, History, Myths, Religion, Prehistory, Movies, Books

I Love Block Days

Wow, I really like block days.  That really helps with homework!  The only homework that I had tonight that was due tomorrow was World History, but because I was getting done so quickly, I decided to do some English, too.

Wow, the two stories we've had to read in English are so stupid.  "Initiation" is really weird, and I find the pretty blatant anti-pop propaganda quite repulsive.  Then "The Most Dangerous Game" is such a poor piece of literature that it's not even funny.  The textbook (yeah, the textbook!) tells how it's a failure in technique at the end during some part about the author.  That's just sad.  But anyway, that little sidebar goes on to say how it just has some sort of inexplicable, fascinating aspect.  I don't find it fascinating at all, just strange.  I mean, "Oooh, lookie, he used the obscure, Southwest Asian, boobey trap!"  That's not really interesting to me.  Well, anywho...

 

 

Oh, and if your curious, I've recently become fascinated with the Tudors (the history and the show).  I love Lady Anne!!!  (Ha, ha... Natalie Dormer is the best...)  =)

Ha, ha... and you better enjoy that picture, because it took me a while to find a one that didn't make her look like a total slut.  I'm not kidding when I say that.  Here are just a few I rejected:

Oh, and I almost forgot...

...Don't you love the hat?

Tags: Life, School, Homework, Schedule, Television Shows, Movies, History

A Butt-Ton of Time for Homework

Ah.  These first few days of homework have made me realize how much I really do hate it.  I had five subjects worth today - fun, fun... Biology, Geometry, World History, Engineering, and Spanish.  Ugh... but I have serious issues with concentrating, and getting homework done quickly.  I prefer to get on the phone and/or AIM while doing it, which never fails to quadruple my time spent on homework.  Whatever, I actually enjoy it more while chatting through it.  Not to mention, I got plenty of opportunities to check with others.  It probably doesn't help that I happen to have a phone and a computer with internet connection in my room... ha, ha... very convenient for idol chatter.

My plan for the rest of the evening is to take a shower and reread one of my favorite books, World History for Dummies.  There is one quote that has always stood out to me, and I often find myself reviewing it.

"If you think of history as lists of facts, dates, battles, and key civilizations, you may discover a lot, but you'll never experience the past's thrill.  If, on the other hand, you're able to make the leap --- to identifiy with people who are long dead, to imagine what living their lives must have been like --- you may be among those for whom the past becomes a passion, perhaps even an addiction."

Anywho... ha, ha... speaking of World History, I considered it best not to correct Mr. Raber on our third day that according to most scientists, it actually would not have been possible for Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals to breed.  =)

Tags: Life, Homework, School, History, Books, Teachers

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Great First Weekend! =)

Hm, this sure has been an interesting, first weekend.  The night before last didn't go over so well.  OK, it starts out that I go out for coffee with some peeps at 5:00 at Higher Grounds.  Long story short, we end up accepting an invitation to Casa's, playing Scrabble at a friend's house, and waiting for two hours while two moms chat.  I don't get home until after 11:00.  Parents not so happy, but I explained how I got swept up into a chain of events that weren't my fault.  Anyway, we're way over that now.

Yesterday was fabulous.  I'm just a little sore from knee boarding, wake surfing, and tubing (nothing coffee couldn't fix this morning).  Thanks so much for the great time, Norbert's Mother, Mina, and Sack Attack!  =)

I have a steak meal with Woody today.  Nope, I'm not through with him yet.  You see, after every successful Black Belt test, he treats you to a steak.  I don't want to go, but it's one of those "non-optional, social conventions" that I attend.  It'll probably be a little awkward considering that I'm not attending anymore.  We couldn't schedule a time that worked while I was still in the class, so we had to settle with this.  Whatever, I might have a little fun with it, if you know what I mean.  =)

Oh, and guess what - it's at 2:00.  Could he have a chosen a more inconvenient time during the middle of my day?  Undoubtedly it's one of his "tricks" to try to make me uncomfortable or something.  It would be just like him to do that.

This is completely off topic, but take a look at "Check Yes Juliet" if you haven't already.  I really like that song after first hearing it at Mina's.  =)

Tags: Life, Friends, Hanging Out, Lakes, Water Sports, Tae Kwon Do, Woody, Food, Music

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First Day

I'll start by saying that if you haven't bought "Crush" by Archuleta on iTunes yet, you really should!  Or at least, I think you should, but I'm a pop person, so yeah.  I like Jordin Sparks "One Step at a Time," too!  =)

Well as to the first day back at school, I am pretty good.  That has to be one of my smoothest first days yet.  I think it went a lot better than what I expected.  I like my teachers except Johnson, and I'm not sure what to think about Brinker.  We'll see.  I could be totally wrong, though, because it was the first day after all.  I'm sure they had to be feeling the pressure a little bit, too.

Oh, I think my mom vacuumed my room while I was gone.  I can tell, because the lines aren't straight.  I always must have straight vacuuming lines.  Gar.

Tags: Life, School, Music, Pop, American Idol, Cleaning, OCD

That's So Gay, It's Homosexual

I can't believe that it's the last day of summer break!  That's so gay, it's homosexual!  =)

I went shopping yesterday with Turtles and Mina, and that was fun.  I saw these new Hollister shirts with some interesting messages:

- "SAVE A WAVE, RIDE A SURFER"

- "SAVE ENERGY, PLAY IN THE DARK"

- "CONSERVE WATER, SHOWER WITH ME"

- "PROTECT THE BEACHES, THAT'S WHERE THE GIRLS ARE"

Ha, ha... very classy.  I love the moose at the Fitch register!  I want that for my room!  Ha, ha... =)

Afterwards, we went over to Norbert's Mother's to entertain her, because she had a wisdom tooth pulled.  (OUCH!)  We played "Apples to Apples," and went down her zipline, which is totally amazing.  This was my first chance to actually go down it, because last time I got the job of pulling people back.  =)

I'm chewing my last piece of Mandarin Stride right now.  (Tears)  =(

Tags: Life, Friends, Shopping, Summer Break, School, Gum, Jokes

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IKG Parody =)

"I Kissed a Girl" parody by Venetian Princess:

And you can find Paris' amazing response to the McCain ad at http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/4178033806.  Panda Guy sent to me, and it's the best!  I would've embedded it, but I couldn't because AOL Journals doesn't support the site.  Definitely go check it out if you have the time!  =)

This weekend was pretty awesome.  I got a lot of work done for the shop, so I got some spending moola.  Movie night at Mina's last evening was great, although it was kind of sad without Groblette.  =(

I love "Dodgeball!"  That's one of my favorite movies, and was definitely a better choice than "Fantastic Four."  =P

Oh, and then when I got home, the PA bonfire was still going, so I joined in for a few rounds of "Taboo."  It's pretty fun party game.  That and "Apples to Apples" are the ones I like most. 

Hm, well I'm off to Cracker Barrel!  =)

Tags: Life, Parodies, Games, Movies, Parties

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Oh My, Fabulous "7 Things" Parodies

Here are two great parodies of Miley Cyrus' "7 Things" -

Ha, ha... love those.  I don't know what's up with the original song.  I like Miley, but that's just stupid.  Ha, ha... but whatever!

"Twilight" looks like it'll be a good movie.  A Tigulis Unit of my friends have read the books!

Oh, I went to the library two days ago, which was probably the first time in over a year.  I got a couple books.  I'm reading Daily Life in Ancient Mesopotamia right now.  There were a few people there annotating The Grapes of Wrath, and one was actually enjoying it, so I didn't look so weird with my history books.  Ha, ha... =)

Tags: Life, Movies, Books, Parodies, Miley Cyrus, School, Homework

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Must Choose

Gar.  There's a PA bonfire and water fight on Saturday, but I'm missing it for movie night.  They both are from 5-10.  Lesbian.  I was looking forward to that, too.  Oh, well.  Movie night had better be amazing!

My poor thumb!  I cut it open yesterday when I was grating zucchini for zucchini bread, and it's been bleeding profusely.  The bread's really good, though!

Have you seen the trailer for "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince?"

Yeah, talk about serious anticlimax - "Did I know that I had just met the greatest dark wizard of all time?  No."  That's so stupid.  Somehow, I don't think it'll be all that exciting.  Of course, I have to see it anyway.  I'm looking forward to "Twilight," though!  That looked really good.

Oh, the new, mandarin Stride gum is really good if you haven't tried it!

Tags: Life, School, Food, Parties, PA, Movie Night, Movies, Books, Gum

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¡¡¡Computer Fixed!!!

Yay!  My network was just repaired on my computer, and I have no idea what happened to it.  Anyway, I'm just happy I can post again!

I saw the new "Mummy" movie on Tuesday, and totally hated it!  It was downright horid, but if you haven't already, go see it anyway.  Just make sure not to spend too much on it.  That new actress was a disgrace to the name of Evelyn O'Connell (previously my favorite character)!  I actually had to watch "The Mummy Returns" when I got home to remind myself that I still love the previous ones.

Oh, and here's my schedule for the first semester:

1 - Henley

2 - Johnson

3 - Raber

4 - Brinker

5 - Esther

6 - Davis

7 - Heck

I have C lunch MTRF, and I got A lunch on W.  Tell me if we have any classes together in a comment if you haven't told me already!  =)

King's Island was very amazing on Monday... except for the very beginning.  Ha, ha... =)

Tags: Life, School, Movies, Schedule, Computer

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