Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I know I did. My mom cooked some great food and we had some friends over. It really was a blessed evening.

On Sunday, I watched the AMAs. It was quite fun to see all the celebrities out and acting crazy. P!nk amazed me the most. She was running all over the place and she's pregnant! She totally killed it. How did Justin Bieber win all four awards he was nominated for? WACK.

I'm sad Kyle Massey didn't win DWTS. I totally thought Brandy had a shot at the trophy, but she came in fourth place. I'm really glad Kyle did so well though.

I brought some new recruits to WAIT Training on Monday. I hope they enjoy the club as much as I do and choose to come back. It really is an outstanding organization.

On Tuesday, I tried Sudoku for the first time. It took me a whooping 1:11:11 to figure out the first puzzle, but after I tried it a second time I figured it out in 21:42. It was very interesting.

Last night, I watched Drake: Live from Radio City Music Hall on FUSE. He was totally awesome awesome awesome. He's so full of energy and knows how to keep a crowd entertained. He even pulled this girl up onstage, danced with her and then gave her a Blackberry! He had some great musical guests as well. Wish I could have been there. haha

I'm sad there are only three days left in the break; it felt like it went by way too fast! But then again, I always feel that way. ;)

Privilege

I finally finished reading Privilege on Thursday. The main character, Ariana, really started to freak me out after a while. Not only because of what she did to other people, but the fact that she tried to justify those actions to make them okay. Nevertheless, she was quite intriguing. I really identified with her feelings of nostalgia. Especially these passages:

"But then, everyone knows that teenage girls have a gift for cruelty, Ariana thought, feeling nostalgic for her former friends, her former life."

"Think about where you're headed. A new life. A new school. A new start. The past doesn't matter. You have a future. You have a future now...."

"She wasn't going to hurt anyone. All she wanted was to start over. All she wanted was to be left alone. Why couldn't they just leave her alone?"

"Before she knew it, it would all be over. She would finally be free to start her new life."

Her main focus is on the future at the end of the first book and where she wants to restart her life. Another thing that was really creepy is the fact that Ariana is also her mother's only child. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read the others in the series. I have already bought books 2, 3 and 4. Now all I need is the latest book, Pure Sin.

Susan B. Anthony and More

Today we watched a video on this inspirational woman in my first period class. I really enjoyed the video. It was full of trivia, but still centered around the advancement of females and how far they have come as a people. Susan B. Anthony dedicated her entire life to this very important cause. She wanted all females to have a voice, so it was not only about her. She voted illegally and went to court and demanded that females be allowed to vote. Although this wish was granted fourteen years after her death, I am sure she felt the relief even posthumously. She was just astounding, and I understand why the young women who shared their opinions on her accomplishments were so touched. If it had not been for Anthony and her colleagues like Lucretia Scott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, I might not be in school today for two very distinct reasons.

Not only was she for females rights and equality, she was also against slavery. She wanted blacks to have just as much opportunities as whites. She also supported the temperance movement, which basically supported the cause of eradicating alcoholics from the population. I liked the aspects of her personality that were mentioned, because they remind me of myself in a way. Although she was personable and had male friends, she remained unmarried because of her beliefs. I've always found unwed and childless people to be interesting. It takes strength to survive on your own, and she did it. She also lived to be 86, debunking the myth that people who do not have families of their own succumb to heart disease and depression at young ages. All in all, Susan B. Anthony really was a remarkable woman and I strive to have even just one tenth of the impact she had on females young and old. Maybe I will pause to remember her on February 15.

In other news, I got a 258 on my writing test. I was pleased. Hopefully I do just as well on the other categories of the graduation test.

So glad there's only one more day before the long break! I am also excited about this semester coming to a close. Nearly 5 down, only 3 to go! =)

Aston Martin Music

I've heard that song like a billion times over the past four days. LOL. Gotta love 93.1. Although Aston Martins are pretty slick, I've always wanted my first brand new car to be a purple Porsche.

Anywho, I canNOT believe it is already mid November. This year has gone by supa fast! So has this semester. It's been a fun ride though. =)

On Friday, I'm going with the Grow a Girl group to see For Colored Girls. It should be interesting, and I've already heard it's very good. Tyler Perry is very talented, and he has supported a wide range of ah-may-zing black actors throughout his career. I can't wait!

On the 27th, the Delta Gems are going bowling. Although I've barely seen most of the members since the first meeting, I bet they're all going to show up to the bowling alley. ;)

In early December, there will be some famous peeps on post! Just my thing! =)
Hinder will be performing, Ludacris will be signing autographs, and Artis Gilmore (former basketball champ) will also be signing autographs.

I might be able to go to Disney World for my birthday. Hopefully those plans won't fall through. Although I just LOVE how my birthday is the day BEFORE a four day weekend. =P Maybe I should make it a five day weekend.... ;)

Lastly, I need to start training for The Amazing Race. If I get what I want, I will be on season 21. I've been a huge fan of the show since I was 10, so I really want to go on it. I still need to figure out who I'll be racing with though. I'll do anything involving heights as long as my partner will eat the weird stuff. haha

You Live, You Learn

Visiting Georgia Southern was fun, no matter how early I had to wake up on a Saturday morning to do so. My favorite part was probably the leadership conference. I enjoyed the different activities and it was interesting to see how the different staff members each had his/her own way of describing and portraying their opinions on leaders. I did make sure to get some info on their theatre program also. Their entertainment troop is so funny. They sing, dance and act, which takes lotsa hard work. It looks like a lot of fun. This trip gave me a taste of the college hunt experience. Hopefully I will be prepared when I get to go to New York.

On Friday, I bought some new books and clothes. While at the mall, I saw three different Happy Bunny calendars but they were way too expensive as usual. I have tons of Happy Bunny stuff already, but there is still never enough. I haven't gotten anything new in almost a year! Maybe a surprise will be under the Christmas tree.

AMND Blog Assignment

Quince begins by addressing the attitude of the players and the content of the play. Although he says they did not set out to offend anyone, those who are afraid of graphic scenes may have also been frightened by the substitutes they used. I think Quince has no need to feel bad because they took into consideration how the audience would feel, especially the female viewers. They were already catering to the audience before the show was even performed. In today's world, you must take heed to the ratings of movies and shows so you can protect your family yourself. People have a right to act and express their abilities any way they please. The viewers can acknowledge the actors if they choose to, but that is not why they are there. Although the actors have the talent, they do not retain the power. The audience can receive the play however they want.

Theseus says the play needs no excuse. It does not need to be further explained. When the actors die, there will be nothing left to say about the play. If the author of the play had also had a role in it, the play could have been a tragedy instead of a comedy. With the writer dead, the play could have been shoved under the rug as if it never happened. Although some may have found the play boring, they can sleep in the next day. However, he goes on to say that those who found it enjoyable were glad for the relaxation.

Puck seems the most sincere in his farewell. The audience can think they never missed a wink of sleep while the play was going on. Because the play was not the most professional, it can be thought of as a dream that will be soon forgotten. If the audience lets it slide, perhaps the actors will improve their skills. When the audience forgives the actors and shows them undeserved respect, Puck says they will be repaid even more or he is a liar. The mess will be cleaned up if the audience pretends to be pleased with the performance and everyone will be happy.

All of the monologues offer a different interpretation of how to pretend the play never happened. Quince seems to think the actors deserve respect even though the audience may have complaints. I think he wanted the audience to enjoy the show, but regardless of their opinions the actors are still the ones who matter more to him. Theseus focuses on death as the main cause of the play's nonexistence. Using sleep as another excuse relates to his morbid topic. Sleeping during the show was not forbidden, but fatigue can be lost the next day. Puck wishes the audience would just use their imagination when it comes to the lackluster performance. He really wanted the audience to have a good time, but they do still hold the power. He seems to offer the audience a shady deal, but I think he actually feels guilty about what their eyes had to endure.

Puck is the nicest of the three, giving the audience all the power. Theseus is morbid and uncaring, while Quince seems to flip flop. They all agree that there is in fact no excuse for what happened and one of the two groups involved needs to be held responsible. I think Shakespeare wanted to show how all of the characters would respond to the tragedy that was the play. It was not meant to be a tragedy, but it turned out to be one. He wanted to show who would give the audience or the actors the last say.

Shine Like Millions

Yesterday's WAIT Training meeting was very informative. It focused more on the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of the club. There is also another class coming up to empower females. It's about getting to know the real you. Although I feel I know myself inside and out, I still would like to partake in this seminar. There will be a pageant and a graduation so I think it will be very interesting.

Tomorrow I am going to a ceremony for the winners of the poetry contest. Although I got third place, I was very grateful that I won at least something! Although I'm sad my dad won't get to attend, my grandparents, my mother and possibly a few family friends may get to come. I'm very excited.

On Thursday and Friday, I plan to relax, do some studying, and officially get over the cold I caught over the weekend. On Saturday, I will be going to Georgia Southern University with the Delta Gems. I haven't gotten to visit any colleges yet, so I'm looking forward to this event. I also can't wait for Thanksgiving Break! =)

Today

O to the M to the G! A little over 18 months are left before graduation!!!!!! I am so so so SO HAPPY! I am totally ready for the next chapter of my life. I want to go back home, go to college, and BE A STAR. It's going to happen. I know it. I can feel it. =)

I can't wait for the BET special Black Girls Rock! on Sunday. It's gonna be awesome awesome awesome. I saw Willow Smith on The Ellen Degeneres Show today. She is the adorablest. She even made up her own word "pleasurous." She performed her infectious pop hit "Whip My Hair." She did great, and she's so full of energy. She expresses herself so well; I can't believe she just turned 10! Well, it's in her blood. What a creative and lucky family.

I was a little sad when I heard about Demi Lovato. I'm not a fan, but I can't believe she had an eating disorder and was cutting herself. Also, she's dealt with plenty of heartbreak over the past two years. I'm glad I'm not be a child star because they usually end up living miserable lives as they age. When you don't get to experience a real childhood, it really backfires. Well, I hope she gets what she needs and rehab and is able to maintain her career after she gets out.

Today my mom and I saw a weather report about a hurricane touching on Jamaica. I immediately called my grandpa, but he said all was well and not to worry. I was so glad. Jamaica is my second favorite place on earth and nearly all of my family members are from there so I don't want the country to have to go through what Haiti did. ='(

Guess Who's Back?

After my extended hiatus, I decided I better blog so I don't keep putting it off.

Last weekend, I got a new purse and some shoes (early Christmas presents). I still have a long list waiting for my parents though. ;)

The WAIT training meeting on Monday was really great. I think we are now getting to more controversial topics, but I will always stand by what I believe. No matter what others say, the Lord will always be my guide.

I went to the Midway Museum on Friday. It's really scary and weird because I live in Arlen Oaks and I had no idea a cemetery full of all that history was down the street from my house. After that I went to a lock in at Grow a Girl. Those girls were getting really wild in there! They were krumping and pretending to be models and all this crazy stuff. It's not really my style, but it was fun to watch. Maybe next time I'll join in.

I really wanted to go see Saw 3-D because it's the last one, but I was too busy this weekend. I handed out candy for the kids (at least some of them were :P) from 6:30-9:00. Most of them liked my wig, but one little boy claimed he was scared. LOL

The auditions for And Yet You Still Chose Me were in Atlanta this weekend and on November 13 and 14 they will be in LA. That's stiff competition, but maybe I could still have a chance. This could be the beginning of my DREAM.

I really want to know what I'll be doing for Thanksgiving. Probably nothing big, but it's always special when I'm with my family. They've always been there for me during the difficult times in my life over the past few years. I am so blessed.

I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween! =)