day seven; (finally)

Sorry, this is a little late, I've just been kind of busy. But here's:
day seven: one story you want to tell

Once upon a time, there was a sixteen-year-old girl whose summer was slowly slipping away. She could remember the blissful last day of school like it was yesterday. The feeling of elation that comes with finishing your last final. The anticipation for the three months ahead. The somewhat sad feeling you get as you empty your locker, but then you remember you don't have to come here for a long time, and you get excited again. But that wasn't yesterday. It was over two months ago. And soon, she would have to endure another nine months of homework, stress, school lunches, calculators, and mysteriously disappearing pencils. But first, she had to finish the last seventeen days left of summer. You might say "finish" is a funny word to put in the same sentence as summer, but in the current situation, "finish" works brilliantly. You see, this girl, who is to appear nameless, has a knack for procrastinating, and when you combine that with the 325 points of English homework she got loaded with for the first day of school, it doesn't come out too pretty. As of then, at the seventeen day mark, she was kind of stressing out. She has barely reached the halfway point in one of the books she has to read (How to Read Literature Like a Professor, fascinating read..really), still has to read The Scarlet Letter, and research a bunch of stuff. But this girl knows it's her fault that she left it to the last minute, and is trying to suck it up. This girl, also, has had to deal with three hours a day of the past week and of the upcoming week spending her mornings in Driver's Ed. Driver's Ed: Three hours of pure excitement (no, really)
You might think, having read all this, that this girl's life is not good, to say the least. But really, it's pretty much the opposite. If you haven't figured out, this girl is me. I love who I am (most of the time). I love the friends I'm lucky enough to call mine, and the memories we've shared. I love the church I go to and everything it's done for me. I love anticipating what the future holds for me, and I'm so, so excited to go out into it and grow. I'm excited to improve in my talents, my relationships, and in myself. I have a family and friends that love me. I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. I have a dear, nervous, little Pomeranian that loves me. What more could I ask for?

THE END.

day six;

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days..

day six: two things I want

1. Un-frizzy hair
2. To be valedictorian.

Sorry for the short post, I'll write more tomorrow.

day five;

day five: three things you miss

1. Manitowoc. I miss driving past Lake Michigan everyday, the mid-70 summer weather, the good friends and memories I had,  and sometimes I even miss the mountains of snow that, for at least four-five months of the year, covered every inch of everything
2.  Being able to play the violin. I used to play but I quit (oh, sixth-grade peer pressure), and now I think it's too late to start again.
3. EFY. 'Nouf said.
 

...I couldn't make the four go away.

day four;

day four: four confessions

Confessions? Hm, yeah. This is tough, but I think I'll just make it four things that I've kept to myself to certain people in my life.

1. I like you, and I don't know what to do about it..
2. I miss how we used to be, and I know we barely talk now, but I still wish we could go back to how we used to be. The thing is, we've both changed, and I don't think there's any chance of that happening. But, you were my first real best friend, and there will always be a place in my heart for you. 
3. I'm so grateful for you. I wouldn't have made it through the last year without you. You're my best friend and you understand me in ways that no one else does. We're so alike sometimes, it's kind of eerie. You are such an example to me and always make me want to strive to become a better person. I love you.
4. You're my sister and I'm so grateful for you. You've always been there for me and I love you so much. You are such an example to me and I hope I can one day be as amazing as you are. I can't wait until I can be married to a worthy man in the temple, just like you were almost a year ago. I love you.

day three;

day three: five things you hate

Oh, bother. I don't really like this one, to tell you the truth. I try not to use the word "hate," if I can help it. I'm making a correction: day three: five things you dislike

1. Stress. Obviously stress is not fun, but sometimes I just can't handle it. Sometimes, though, it pressures me into doing better, and sometimes it's my own fault. For example, freshman year, I had a four-page paper due, and for some reason, unbeknownest to me, I didn't start until the day before. I started writing a rough draft in my art class and then typed it all at home. Sure, it took me a while and I was probably snapping at more people than I should've, but I finished it. And I'm pretty sure I got an A on it. Success. But I realize now that was dumb of me to leave it that soon before it was soon. I'm not really sure where I was going with that story..
2. When I come up with an idea for a story and then I read a book that is basically my idea but twenty times better. It's happened multiple times.
3. Super, ridiculously hot weather. More specifically, the past fews days and the next few days to come. Humiditiy + High 90's = Not always so happy Carli. Especially when the air conditioner goes on the fritz, like it currently is. Apparently it happens around here, that the air conditioner turns off when it gets too hot. A little ironic, if you ask me.
4. Dread. I think the feeling of dread is one of the worsts. Right now, I'm definitely dreading school, which is less than a month away.. Oh, boy. And I still have homework to finish, too. And dread also comes with the feeling that time is going way to fast. Yeah, I don't like that either.
5. Okay, one more.. Losing stuff. 'nough said.

day two;

day two: six things you love.

This is a hard one because I when I start thinking about things like this, this list could go on forever. These aren't going to be in any particular order, just the way they pop into my brain.

1.  Books. I will openly call myself a bookworm. I see beauty in books and words where others, well, don't. Call me crazy, but reading is one of the things that really calms me down. And I know that as a high-schooler, that is not something you hear very often. I also aspire one day to be an author. I want to inspire people with books the way that they have always inspired me. I don't know if this will happen, but we'll see. 
2. My family. Although, at times, it might seem otherwise, I really do love my family. They're always there for me and they're really the only people who know me as the weird, crazy, and weird person that I really am. And after knowing that, they still love me, which just might be a mystery to all forever. I am so glad I get to spend eternity with my family.
3. My church. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I'm not ashamed to say it. My church keeps me afloat in a world that is sinking faster and faster with each day. I'd like to think that even without the standards that I have grown up with, I would still be the person I am. But I can't believe that. Some people think that Mormons are restricted too much, but having the standards that we do, gives us a much freer and better life. I am so grateful for this church and I can't wait until I'm worthy to get married in the temple with a worthy man standing right next to me. 
4. Friends. Over the years, I've learned the real meaning of a true friend, unfortunately, the hard way. But, I've grown up a lot because of that, and now I think I can stand up for myself in ways that I wasn't able to before. I'm super grateful for the friends I have now, the smiles and laughs we've shared, and the memories we've created. I love you guys so much.
5. Disney. This is super random, but I just thought of it. Disney is really one of the only things still in this age that is pure. The movies, the music, the shows. I never get tired of jamming out to the music from my favorite Disney movies. This past spring break, I went to Disney World for the first time, and it was so fun. Seriously. I want to go back. Tangled is pretty much my favorite Disney movie right now. For my campaign speech in speech (go figure) I ran to be Rapunzel.. Silly me. I got an A, though, so it's all good.
6. I thought I had all these good ideas, but now I'm drawing a blank... Oh, Colors. I love colors. They can make anything beautiful and they're so unique. There's the color of the sky: blue most of the time, but then at sunset, you can almost find all the colors of the rainbow. The color of individual's eyes: it's something that is unique to each person, and gorgeous no matter what. The color of flowers in the spring or leaves in the fall. They make the world so beautiful and I love them.

7 day challenge; day one.

I found this online and decided  to do it!

DAY ONE: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.

1.  Okay, this is really pathetic and all but I'll have, like, pretend conversations with people in my head sometimes. I think this is because a lot of the time I don't have the guts to say what I really want to people. 
2. Sometimes, when I see something that catches my eye, my mind automatically starts working out how I can write it, how I can make it into a story. It used to happen all the time, but lately it's been happening less and less and it's kind of upsetting. I want to improve my writing, but I can never come up with an idea for a story anymore.
3. This probably isn't good for me, but I catch myself thinking of the person I wish I could be. Mainly someone who isn't afraid to talk to people, especially the people I want to talk to the most. 
4. With me being a teenage girl and all, boys are a big problem for me. They are just so confusing and frustrating, yet wonderful at the same time.. Sometimes, I wish I could just skip everything until I meet my future husband. Wouldn't that just be perfect? Too bad that's not how it works.  But when I'm ever feeling down about myself in this area, I always try to remember that I am a daughter of God and that there's a boy out there who will love me for exactly who I am.
5. Lately, I've been trying to make a lot of decisions, and they occupy my mind a lot. One such decision is whether or not I'm going to swim this year. Swimming is so completely, mind-boggling stressful. I barely made it through last year. Yet, on the other hand, I love the feeling I get of accomplishment when I get a best time. And I got a varsity letter last year, a feat I definitely did not plan on accomplishing. Plus, a lot of my friends are on the team and I would disappoint them, not to mention my coach, by not continuing. Buuut, I'm also trying to be one of the valedictorians of my class and to do that I need to do all the requirements for the highest diploma, and keep a 4.0, which because of Chemistry last year, I almost lost all chance of. I don't know if I can keep that up while swimming for three plus hours a day. There are so much thoughts bouncing back and forth in my mind about this that I tend to just keep putting the decision off. And that leads to the next number:
6. I think I'm applying for a job at the YMCA After-School Program. The school I would work at is right next to my high school, so, since I can't drive, I would walk over there after school and it would all work out. But if I get this job, then I don't have a choice with swimming. Job = No Swim. I'm just confused.
7. And last but not least, I usually always have a song running through my head, and if I'm alone or with people I'm super comfortable with, I'll usually start belting it out. Otherwise, I don't torment people who don't already like me with the torture-device, otherwise known as my voice. So, if you hear me randomly singing, that means I'm comfortable around you. Good for you :). Currently, I'm listening to Glee songs on Youtube. Win.

blog-aholic

I'm really getting into this whole blogging-thing now. Once I start typing, my mind just starts flowing and sometimes I don't even know what I'm writing, to tell you the truth. I love to write and that's probably one of the reasons. I can express myself in writing in ways that I can't doing anything else. I'm pretty sure if you read my writing, you wouldn't be able to tell I'm shy. But, I am. Unfortunately. But that's just who I am. I feel like I've overcome a lot of my shyness since moving to Indiana, but that might just be me. And if that fact seems to surprise you, believe me, it's true. I used to not talk to anyone out of my little circle of friends. I don't really want to talk about the friends I had in Wisconsin, though. Most of them weren't too good.

Anyways, I'm trying to learn all the ways of the blog, which is why it might be switching up a lot in the days to come. Just a warning.

It All Ended.

As of 12:01 this morning, while I eagerly sat on the edge of my seat in the local theater (silenting cursing the stupid commercials and re-run movie trivia that have been running for the past half-hour), it has all ended. I'm not the type of person to be crying that my life is over and/or complete. I'm definitley more of a book person because then I can re-read them as much as I want and still be amazed at the world that J.K. Rowling has created. But I gotta say, the movie was FANTASTIC. Except the ending, I couldn't stop laughing. Personally, I think they shoulda cut the epilouge thing out, but hey, what's done is done. It's been only a little over twelve hours since we got out of the movie theater, but is it wrong that I already want to see it again? This happens to me everytime. And what kills me even more is when it leaves theaters, and you have to live without even knowing when it's going to come out on DVD, which probably won't be for another long, six months. I am currently re-reading the Harry Potter books. I started on Monday and just finished the third book about half an hour ago. I know, I know. I'm a nerd/geek/freak/awesome-person/book-worm, but this week I was completely immersing myself in Harry Potter. This was my week, practically.
Monday: Watched Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone; Started reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Tuesday: Watched Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; Finished reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone; Watched Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban; Started reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Wednesday: Watched Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; Finished reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; Watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; Went to Mutual
Thursday: Watched Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince; Watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part One
Friday: WATCHED HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, PART TWO!

Woot. Now, that I think about it, I need a life. But believe me, that was only this week. I am never usually that much of a geek, so no need to be afraid. I'm pretty sure this was only the second time I've seen the fifth Harry Potter, which is super weird, but I only remembered what was going to happen because of the book, not from past-watchings of the movie.

Overall, my life is definitely not over or complete. Harry Potter was a beautiful decade in my life that will live with me forever. That was dramatic. I enjoy making writing sound dramatic :) But seriously, for those who are saying their lives are over/complete, they must not have much hope for the future. I, on the other hand, am looking forward to an eternity of happiness with my forever-companion. And seriously, what's Harry Potter compared to that?

Anyhoo, so I'm pretty sure I'm going to apply for a job. I was going to wait until I could drive, but for this, driving wouldn't really be necessary. It'd be an after-school program for elementary school kids at the school that's right next to mine, so I would just walk over. The thing is, though, that if I choose to do this, then that means my choice of swimming this year is gone. I've been contemplating whether or not to swim this year for a while. Swimming is so stressful and with my goal of being valedictorian (which I have to maintain a 4.0 for), it doesn't match up very well. The only reason I kept an A in Chemistry last year was because I sweet-talked my teacher. Gah, I don't even want to think about that class. That teacher was so strange. Once, in the middle of his lecture, he looked at me and said, "I heard you swim like an angel." Uh? That was so weird. He also called me a polywog, which I'm pretty sure is a Pokemon.. Add the fact that he highly resembles Santa Clause and you got yourself a strange teacher. I'm glad that's over. Now for Physics, and Honors English 11, and Pre-cal, and I don't remember what else. Yay for school. Just kidding. Seriously, though, school starts a month from TOMORROW. Gross. Sorry, I went on a rant. I'll end this post about it all ending, with saying that, in case any of you were worried, MY LIFE HAS NOT ENDED. I will still be alive and well next time you see me.

harry potter, IT ALL ENDS

This Friday, I'm going to the world premiere of Harry Potter ad the Deathly Hallows: Part Two!! I cannot wait! jakdowopalnmodfuiadh. Sorry, my fingers got excited. Currently, I'm watching Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone :) ad I will be continuing down the series throughout the week. I'm going to be so sad when it's over though. I mean, what is there to live for anymore? Just kidding, but not really. As soon as I'm done with my summer english homework, I'm going to read the whole series for the 758624536th time. not exaggerating. Okay, well, I am, but still.

Youth Conference!

Youth Conference was this past week and I love it so much. This year's theme was service so we devoted all of Friday to serving around each unit of the Lafayette Stake. We were split into eleven groups and went our ways. I went to Frankfurt and it was so fun and so worth it. We went to TPA Parks (which, we found out does not mean Tidy Park Association, but Traveler's Protection Agency) and painted a barn and a rabbit coop in the petting zoo. The only bad things were that there were animals that stayed in and around the barn, leading to lovely little (and not so little) presents placed conveniently around where we painted, and it was very hot. If you're not getting what I was saying, there was poop everywhere, and now, unfortunately, everywhere includes the shoes that were on my feet. It really was worth it, though. We splatter-painted our shirts and put handprints on them and now they look AWESOME. Plus, they had so many awesome animals and birds. And we named them all. :) There were many famous birds, a lemur that was hopelessly spoiled for attention, so many adorable and soft bunnies, awesome peacocks,donkeys, sheep that will eat anything (literally), a llama, a happily married pony couple, and some murderous ducks..just to name a few.





Lady Gaga, the pheasant.



Cee Lo Green, the parrot



Rihanna, the cockatoo.

Elvis was also in the building, but he was hiding in a bush, so I was unable to get a picture.

Michael Jackson, too, lived at this park, but I forgot to get a picture of him. He was a black/white chicken/peacock: He couldn't decide.

As you can see, there were many famous people here, including some that you might have presumed dead. But think again, people, because they live in Frankfurt.





Lucy, the donkey. She was the loudest Hee-Hawer I've ever heard.

Kuzco Carl Llama: We didn't want to get too close in case he would spit.



Nephi, the duck. Sorry for the crookedness. We watched as this duck was almost drowned in it's little pond by two other hateful ducks. We named them Laman and Lemuel.


 

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Zaboomafoom, the lemur. We assume it was a close relative of the actual Zaboomafoom from the T.V. show because it's not striped like he is. (Her real name is Rosie, but we didn't like that as much). We got to pet her and she was the most-spoiled-for-attention lemur, I've ever seen. Not that I've seen any other lemurs, but still... Her pose was so funny when we were petting her: She lied there were her arm covering her face like she was in bliss.



Tigger: the cutest and sofest rabbit on Earth. This bunny lived with Zaboomafoom/Rosie. There was a little black bunny too but I don't think we named him. So cute, so soft, so fast. It took a while to catch them.

PEACOCKS! These are all brothers, including the awesome Albino one. He looked like an Ice Princess, uh, Prince.

Heracio, the father of the above peacocks. He was so awesome. I'm so glad he showed us his feathers. He did it just for us. Jessica egged him on by shouting "Dooo it. Dooo it. Dooo it." And he did. Success.

Who knew Joy was so cheap? We stopped at McDonald's on the way home and Mmmm, it was a perfect way to end an awesome time serving others.

That day was so much fun. I got closer to people and had a blast while helping others. Being Youth Conference, we also had two dances, one on Thursday and one on Saturday. Super fun. On Thursday, I had to start the Snowball dance where everyone surrounds you and watches you dance with someone until they say Snowball and we grab another partner. Kinda scary. Kinda embarrassing. Oh, well :) I had fun dancing with my friends and being silly. On Saturday, there were also three workshops. The first one my group went to was more service: We sanded and sealed wooden blocks to send to kids in places where natural disasters have destroyed their homes. Then we went to a kind of "get to know you" workshop. We played name-tag, Bible charades, and signs (a game I happen to love from my days in the Green Bay Stake Young Women). Then, we proceeded to another workshop about service. We had to come up with all the possible things that we could do with a paperclip. Alone, the highest anyone got was 11 things but together, we got 44. It was kind of an example that together, we can accomplish a lot more than we can alone or that others can see potential acts of service in ways that others cannot. Then we tried to fit inside a little square. The idea was that you had to be completely in the square to see Jesus. There were also hymn books on the ground that we could not step on or stack. If you fell out of the box at all, you died. Sadly, I died. The point was not to get everyone in. The point was to see that sometimes, you can be outside of the box (which means you wouldn't die, you just wouldn't see Jesus) and supporting the others inside: Sometimes, you have to sacrifice your blessings to help others reach theirs, ending in more blessings for everyone.

Youth Conference was so great. I can't believe this was my last big youth activity until next summer, since I'm not going to EFY this year (sad sigh). Gah. I love being around youth who believe in what I believe in and hold the same standards as me. It's reassuring to know that I'm really not alone. And although at times it might seem like it, I'm just a prayer away, or a Wednesday-mutual-night away from seeing that I'm really not. And I'm so grateful for that and for all the youth in my stake. I love you guys and I love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Everyone is such an example to me and I hope I can be an example to someone in the way that the youth in my stake are to me.