Happy Birthday!

To my boo Aubrey Drake Graham! He is made of awesome. I love his music, and he is an extremely talented actor. He does it all. I'm pretty sure he's going to be a big name in the entertainment industry for the rest of his life. I am so glad he's enjoyed so much success in his young life already, and I know he can only go up from where he is now. Happy 24th! =)



It's also another Degrassi alum's birthday. Her name is Shenae Grimes. She currently stars on the CW's 90210 and she's 21.

I love wishing happy birthday to my favorite celebrities. Who knows? Maybe I'll actually get to meet them one day. And if I get my wish, maybe we'll get to work together. =)

It's also my Auntie Nicky's birthday, so here's a shout out to her! I hope she's doing great down in Hawaii.

For Your Entertainment

The deadline for the poetry contest was yesterday. The winners will be announced on November 3, and while I would like to win something, it was really nice to be able to enter. Here are the three poems I submitted for the contest:

“Lost in Stills” (free verse)
My head said hello
as it collided with the pillow.
When my brain began to swirl,
I felt my consciousness unfurl.
In my favorite purple pajama pants,
my insides slowly began to dance.
A wonderful dream was taking shape,
one that could not be pieced together with tape.
I was going off to my favorite place,
which existed in neither time nor space.
My own personal galaxy was about to connect,
only my thoughts and beliefs it could detect.
There is no room for drama here,
the world I conjure up is full of peace and lacks fear.
This magical location can only last hours;
the way it makes me feel, I wish I had super powers!
After the time changes and it's early once more,
I can't wait for my next unconscious mission; the precious moments when my imagination can soar.

“Different” (quatrain)
Comics are silly and fun to collect.
Most boys like baseball cards but on me they have no effect.
Although my brothers like to go out in the backyard and play,
I'd rather stay in and read about Superman all day.

Fear
Of
Law
Lets
Oops
Win

Truth
Hoop
Elongated

Rhythms
Under
Liable
Evade
Shackles

“Lost in the Stills” is definitely the best. I wanted to write from an ambiguous POV with “Different” and the last one doesn't exactly make sense, but I wanted to see if I could write an acrostic poem using five of the words we had to choose from.

Yesterday, I listened to P!nk's "I'm Not Dead." There is not one bad or filler song on the album. P!nk is an amazing artist, and I think she expresses herself really well. I really identify with these lines:

I'm so glad I'll never fit in,
that will never be me.
Outcast, girls with ambition
that's what I wanna see!
- “Stupid Girls”

These are some albums of mine I haven't listened to yet:

Back in Black - AC/DC
The All-American Rejects - The All-American Rejects
Southern Weather - The Almost
B.O.B. Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray - B.O.B.
So Much for the Afterglow - Everclear
The Colour and the Shape - Foo Fighters
Greatest Hits - Lenny Kravitz
Alright, Still - Lily Allen
The Downward Spiral - Nine Inch Nails
Under the Influence of Giants - Under the Influence of Giants
Odd Blood - Yeasayer
Greatest Hits '93-'03 - 311

I was watching 1000 Ways to Die on Tuesday night, and there were some pretty ridiculous deaths in that episode. I can't believe Harry Houdini died after getting punched in the stomach! He ruptured his appendix. = ( This other guy built a robot that ended up killing him. Simply outrageous.

I'm about to start reading a series called Privilege, which is a spinoff of the Private book series. It's all about Ariana (no, not me) the main character, who happens to be a serial killer. I found out this piece of information after I bought the book. LOL. Anyway, the main character has my name and that's totally awesome! It's spelled the same way too. I just had to buy it. I don't think I've ever heard of a character in a book/movie that shares my name. I love my name. It's very unique, and I don't hear it elsewhere often. Thanks mom and dad. =)

Changes To Be Made

I need to get two of my grades up. I'm not a fan of science, so I knew my Anatomy/Physiology grade wasn't going to be top notch. APUSH is a little too much for me already so I think I'll probably go back to regular next year.

After my very much unwanted day off, I've decided to seek out information on why school rules are not being consistently enforced. It's a very important issue, and I hope to save other students who have had the same problems.

I am swamped with plenty of work that I need to catch up on, but I need to take it slow. I can't procrastinate, but I can't do it all at once unfortunately. :/

However, I'm still working on memorizing the sonnet and the "Bottoms Up" verse for my impersonation. Aren't we totally twins? LOL

I Aint No Hollaback Girl!

I'm also a HeeUGE Gwen Stefani fan. hee hee B-A-N-A-N-A-S! I've been listening to a lot of ridiculous songs lately. It's more fun than I thought.

Here are some pictures from Spirit Week.





Yesterday was the first Delta GEMS meeting, and it was okay. They actually served us breakfast! Probably because they made us wake up so early on a Saturday morning to arrive there by 10. The next meeting will be a community service project, and I can't wait. I also would like to help out in some other upcoming projects.

I spent most of Saturday with Michael. We dropped by his house and then went out for a snack. Then we went to this open lot by Lyman Hall to fly his remote control airplane around. It kept malfunctioning because of its age, but it was still fun to mess around with. Then we went to see Machete, which is a very violent movie. It had an all star cast, though. Lindsay Lohan (can't believe I used to like her), Daryl Sabara (from the Spy Kids movie franchise), Jeff Fahey and Michele Rodriguez (from Lost), Jessica Alba, Robert DeNiro, Steven Seagal, Danny Trejo and Don Johnson. Although it was slightly scary and very abrupt at times, it was very thrilling to watch. It definitely isn't for the faint of heart though.

I really enjoyed church this morning. I came home, ate some KFC, and then started practicing my Nicki Minaj imitation. That girl is such a hot mess! It's going to be a blast making fun of her though. =)

I also got around to replying to the comments on some of my posts, so check it out (Fergie style).

Time Flies

I really enjoyed the WAIT training meeting on Monday. I might have to get used to being more comfortable with discussing certain aspects of the club and its rules, but I really liked it and can't wait to go back. I wish I had found out about it sooner. This is something I have been passionate about since middle school and I think it's important I spread the word. Since Michael didn't love it as much as I did, I think I might invite some other people to come with me next time. If not, that's fine too. Not everyone can understand and accept abstinence for what it is. It's a commitment just like being in a relationship. I also met a lot of interesting people there. It's such a coincidence because the advisor's son is also an aspiring actor! I so did my happy clap! He's auditioning for And Yet You Still Chose Me in Atlanta. It would be awesome if one or maybe even both of us got that opportunity of a lifetime. I met a girl who likes to read and one that wants to go to Harvard. My kind of peeps. =)

Tuesday was a pretty chill day, but today was all kinds of hectic. I had a lot of History homework that I ended up having to finish this morning. Then I had to get dressed for Hippie Day. I also kind of forgot about the PSAT. Hey, scheduling it on the day after we got back from a four day weekend probably wasn't the best idea! Ah well, I didn't have to retake it anyway and I think I did considerably better than I did the last time. We'll see how it goes. Today I recited the Canterbury Tales prologue at the last minute with a few pauses (procrastination IS my BFF) but I still somehow made a 100. I'm supposed to have this great memory and plus I want to be a superstar actress. I should have totally been on top of that. I'm glad I still made the grade though. With the sonnet, I know I'm going to have to do way better. I'm glad I got to relax tonight. Now, I'm ready to finish the week. I can't wait until Saturday for the first official Delta Gems meeting!

A Much Needed Break

On Friday, I went to the mall, Party City and a hair shop to find a wig for my Nicki Minaj costume. I don't listen to her music, but she's way outrageous and I think I'll probably actually go out for Halloween this year. I also looked for And Yet You Still Choose Me in Books a Million (because the Barnes and Noble in the area isn't that great IMO) but they didn't have it. =(

On Saturday, since my mom had to go to work, I stayed at home chilling with my dad who is home for the weekend. We are still trying to plan out when I will be able to go up north to visit colleges. Fordham University keeps sending me emails telling me to reserve my spot for November 13/14, but I know I won't be able to go then. I don't know if Christmas break will work either, but we'll see. I do not want to procrastinate on this matter because I have to go to school in my natural habitat. I also did my homework and a bit of studying.

On Sunday, my mom and I went to church and then went to the PX/Commissary. I tried on some clothes and ended up getting a purple dress (!) and a cute black top. We didn't plan to go shopping, but my mom loves a sale! I was happy I got to go in the PX since I hadn't been in there in a while. They improved their book/magazine and CD sections and it was cool to see all the Halloween costumes and decorations everywhere. Later, I watched one of my favorite shows, The Amazing Race, and was happy because it was the most exciting episode of the season so far. I don't really have a favorite team yet, but I'm happy it was a non-elimination leg and Michael/Kevin got to stay. I think it's cool that the A capella singers from Princeton came in first place. =)

Today, I plan to relax a bit before getting my things ready for school. At six, I'll be attending the first meeting for WAIT training. I can't wait because I think it's going to be great. Hopefully, I am not mistaken.

And I Luv It....

She is my inspiration. I always wondered why all black female artists are either rappers, hip hoppers, R+B chicks, same old same old, blah. With her music, I found words I was feeling and could easily relate to. She needs to hurry up and come out with her sophomore album because I'm pretty sure it won't be a slump!
My favorite type of ice cream IN DA WORLD. It's delish.
The second half of Degrassi season 10 premieres tomorrow! It will be followed by the series premiere of Gigantic. I can't wait to see if Meryl Streep's daughter can actually act. Hopefully the Keep It in the Family Curse does not fall on her.
I'm obsessed with Happy Bunny. I have shirts, pajamas, socks, pillows, stationery, shoelaces, a wallet, a robe, etc. Basically everything! I totally want to meet Jim Benton.
My gawgus guitar I still haven't learned to play. Sorry Auntie Heather! I know I begged you to get me one since I was 12 but procrastination is my BFF. =D

Bullying

Bullying rates are at an all time high. Nearly twice or three times a month I'm turning on the television or listening to the radio and hear about a suicide that happened as a result of the deceased being bullied. As someone who was bullied all throughout middle school (predominantly by people of my own ethnicity and even teachers), I am really concerned for all the young people who are being affected by this. It breaks my heart to know that people cannot go to school in peace just because they do not fit in.

From the girl who was taunted on MySpace by a parent to more recent cases like these from this year: a girl hung herself after being taunted by a group of teens, a college freshman committed suicide after a private encounter of his was broadcast all over the Internet and a young black girl suffering from cerebral palsy who was afraid to get on the bus because people would throw erasers/condoms at her, spit in her hair, etc. IT HAS GOT TO BE STOPPED.

I know what it feels like to have people make unnecessary comments about one's sanity, sexuality, identity, and clothing style. After a while you get tired of hearing people call you ugly, crazy, an "Oreo" and telling you you act white because you want to sound educated and dignified. Unfortunately, most of the time teachers do not do anything about it or care enough to make a change. I really would like to help and reach out to those affected by bullying in the near future. Kids need to know and understand that making hateful comments can lead to dire circumstances. By making sure that schools remain as bully free as possible, many lives could be saved.

October Events

You can write in any of these forms: haiku, sonnet, acrostic, ballad, cinquain (?), quatrain, etc. Must use FIVE of these words: llama, pajama, baseball, chile, pirate, galaxy, backyard, spice, chameleon, mission, shackles, gracias, fear, soap, jabon (?), diary, cheese, bathtub, hiccup, snore, abuelos, agua, comics, mummy, dream, vikings, hoop, python, valentine, play, caper, zoom, rhythms, grumpy, drama, silly, kissing, smelly, oops. The deadline is October 20. I wanted to mention this first since it is literature related. =)

October 20 is also the day they will be doing water baptizing at my church. I am considering partaking, but at the moment am not sure about how it will fit into my schedule.

On October 11, I will be attending the first meeting of WAIT training, a program about abstinence. I strongly believe in abstinence and was shocked to find out that only 1 in 20 people (the equivalent of 5%) actually end up practicing it. It's a shame. However, I believe the best choice is abstinence and you can't possibly regret it in the end. =)

On October 16, the first official meeting of the Delta Gems will take place. It's a seminar about health and sexuality in the new millennium.

On October 22, Joseph Martin is holding their Fall Festival where I hope I can volunteer. I think it would be fun.

I might go trick or treating this year, but I will probably end up handing out candy since I gave up the tradition of receiving it when I was 11.

Can't wait for the four day weekend this week!

The Rest of My Jam Packed Weekend....

Yesterday after getting ice cream with Michael, I went to the Domestic Violence Seminar at Bethel AME Church in Hinesville. Although I'm glad I cannot relate, I really sympathized with the young women telling their stories. I was crying so hard at the end because I was so sad and felt the pain of these women, as if I had experienced even small bits and pieces of what they had to go through. It was a very informative seminar, with plenty of information provided at the end. I've now received plenty examples of what NOT to do when dealing with family members and relationships.After that, my mom and I went all over the place. We didn't get home until after seven, so I was pretty much out all day. I definitely love to stay up late, but I wiped out before ten.

This morning I went to church and then came home and started to gather the materials for my audition in Savannah, which I just came back from. The movie will be filmed in May/June 2011 and it is based on the book And Yet You Still Chose Me by Kimberly Ray and Sharon Chinn. The book is based on Ray's life and the book is centered around Shelley MacDonald. Shelley was abused as a child and never had any opportunities so she dreams of going to college, but soon realizes that that goal may be near impossible. Although I had to wait two hours, I'm very excited about it. I hope I have even a slight chance at getting this bit part. Hey, I gotta start somewhere! There will be auditions in Atlanta and LA later on, so I'm know I'll have some competition. Either way, I want to get started on auditioning now before I get older so I know what I'm doing in the future. Hopefully I will hear from the company soon. Now, I need to read the book and start watching local news again. =)

TGIF

Today I got to hang out with Michael. I hadn't seen him in a few weeks. We walked around my neighborhood then walked around MMS and Liberty Elementary. We got on the swings and messed around on the slides. Slides aren't as cool or fun when you're big! Then we raced a bit. I totally beat him. Ha! After that, we went back to my house and watched some television. I can't believe BET is celebrating a whole decade on Tuesday. Yay for BET! Although I probably watch it way less than I should... ah well, I'm not your typical black person anyway. =)

Tomorrow I plan to go help the Delta Gems at Bethel AME Church, although it isn't mandatory. Since I'm new to the association, I would like to dive in and learn about everything as soon as possible. Then I'll go to church on Sunday. I'm also trying to figure out what I'll be doing for the four day weekend next week. Hopefully I'll be able to visit my grandparents in Florida again soon.

Recently, I entered my picture into the Barbizon Modeling/Acting contest. The winner's picture will be featured in teen magazines like M, J-14, Twist, etc. I think it would ultra super extra mega outrageously awesome if I actually won, but we'll see. I've been reading up on what I can do before I enter college and take theater, but Savannah only has a Barbizon Modeling School and not an acting one. =( That's slighly disappointing, but not exactly surprising. Maybe I can go new school and try to use YouTube to get famous....