Typical Halloween.

Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat. That's a classic saying. Well anyways, its halloween time! It is halloween, it is halloween, halloween, halloween, it is halloween. Halloween means free candy and dressing as crazy as you want. Some girls even think that halloween is an excuse to dress like a slut. I beg to differ. Its like honey, please cover some of that up. Halloween should be renamed to “the night of the slutty outfits”.

What I don't understand is that there is plenty of cute, non slutty, halloween costumes. Most girls insist on recreating non slutty outfits into slutty outfits. All you have to do is add “sexy” to the beginning. Sexy cat, sexy cop, sexy flight attendant. After doing that, cut off the stomach area then the legs but make sure you cut all the way up to the butt for extra sluttiness. And there ya go! A slutty halloween custom. Jk please don't do that.

Another thing that I don't understand is that some girls spend up to $80 on their costumes. You could use that money to buy things that are a lot better. Oh wait here's an a idea: maybe a normal halloween costume? And girls, we don't always have to be impressing everyone. Guys that really like slutty girls probably aren't dating material. I know is clique to say but guys should like you for your personality :)

Overall, let's try not to be too slutty on halloween. Keep it classy, ladies.

Moving on.. Literally.

My parents probably picked the best house and best neighborhood possible in the whole area of Cedar Crapids. I live on a nice little cul de sac that is surrounded by woods. I live about half way down the street and its great. The reason why I am writing such an odd blog describing how much I love my neighborhood is because we are moving. Yes, moving :( I mean not like moving moving, we are still staying on the NE side, but we are still getting a new house. Its crazy to think that someone else is going to live in my house. I have grown up on my little street since I was five years old. This is the only neighborhood I remember.

The greatest thing about my neighborhood is the people that live in it. I live in the fourth house down the street and in the three houses before me also have girls my age. We have grown up together and they are my very best friends. During the summer I was never alone. We would hang out with each day after day. I probably spent more nights at their houses than I did at mine during the summer. They also had older brothers and sisters who were the same age as my siblings. It just worked out really well because the kids were all friends and so were the adults. We would go on camping trips together and have barbecues.

Now, 12 years later, we still hang out all the time and so do our siblings. Not a lot has changed. This is why moving is going to be so hard. I am not only leaving behind a great home where I grew up, I am also leaving a wonderful neighborhood. Its going to be very hard to say goodbye but I guess that is just a part of life....

Music is a Mood Changer

Listening to music can really have a big impact. It can change your mood or even bring you to remember things that happened when you heard that song. I don't know about you but I like to listen to music basically any time I can. I listen to music the most when I am doing homework or just hanging out. I am in love with my mac book, its a amazing and I would totally recommend it to anyone. Well anyways, while I am doing homework on my wonderful lap top I get very bored. This is when I know I need to spice up my study experience with some music.

I usually don't like to listen to my itunes on my computer because I listen to it enough on my ipod. There are many websites that have online playlists for different genres or they can even play music to match your mood. Here are some examples of these websites:

8tracks:

www.8tracks.com/

8tracks is a really cool website that has different playlists. These playlists are categorized in many ways like by words like love, summer, or chill. Once you create an account you can like a playlist and then listen to it anytime. They have thousands and thousands of playlists and my favorite part is that these playlists are made by other users on the website.

Songza:

songza.com/

Songza is a lot like 8tracks except the playlists are made for your mood. When you first enter the website it will ask what you are doing like studying, having a dance party, or cooking. After choosing one it then asks you which genre you want like soft pop or rock. In the end you get a playlists that matches the mood and activity you are doing.

Pandora:

www.pandora.com/

Pandora is a classic. On pandora you create stations for different artist or songs. You can create as many stations as you want and if there is a song that you don't like you can dislike it and the song will never play again on your Pandora.

Well I hope these enhance your studying or hanging out experience. They become especially useful once finals come around. Happy studying!

Success?

Success - it's a simple word with a million definitions. As our life flies by, before we

know it we will be sitting close to the end, looking back at our life thinking: “Was I successful? Did I make something of myself?” Only you can answer these questions, with your own definition of success. To me, success isn't measured by how much money you make, how big your house is but by learning and growing everyday, caring and loving everyone and most importantly being happy.

Happiness is something that seems hard to get but its easier than we think. Sometimes we just go through the motions in life, we get so used to a certain lifestyle. Everyone is so busy all the time and its seems that stress is all we ever feel. I have to do this, do that, get this done or turn in that. If you just stop for a moment and think about how truly lucky we are. Maybe our stress is coming from hard classes in school but remember that many kids around the world don't have access to a good education. Maybe our stress is coming from sport but remember that we are grateful to get the chance to play a sport. Maybe our stress is coming from family, we are lucky to have people that love us.

For couple minutes, just stop everything and think about all that you have, not what you don't have, and that is happiness. Happiness is accepting the fact that life is hard and really sucks sometimes but that its something we can't control. Happiness comes with acceptance not from money, a lot of friends, or fancy things. Happiness is simple but we make it complicated.

So take a moment to just relax and think. Look up at the sky and remember that there are a lot bigger problems in the world than what we are dealing with in our personal lives'. By doing that, happiness will come and you will be successful.

Aussie, aussie, aussie!

One thing most people don't know about me is that I lived in Australia for two years. I was born in Seattle and my dad worked for the world's largest airplane company. When I was three years old his job was transferred to Brisbane, Australia. So the Gilbert family packed up and moved overseas! Since I was so young I don't remember it that well but I can't imagine how stressful it must have been on my parents to move three kids and all our stuff across the ocean.

Living in Australia was an amazing experience. Our house had a big pool in the backyard with tall, green palm trees surrounding. It was warm everyday and we lived close to the beach so we spent a lot of time at the ocean. We went to the Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef, and even got to see the Crocodile Hunter. Since I was so young when we lived in Australia, I started to pick up the accent. It was very small but my parents said I spoke so differently from the time we got there to the time we left.

My favorite memory was when we snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef. We got on a pure white motor boat. It wasn't just any normal boat. There was a big window on the floor which you could watch the wild life below. Looking down into the clear water below, four sea turtles swam under. They had a sort of grace and simplicity that was truly breath taking.

Once it was time to go back to the states my parents took us to China, Japan, and Indonesia on the way home. They figured since we were already half way around the world that we might as well go to Asia too. In China, they are only allowed to have one child so being three American kids with dark hair and blue eyes, we attracted a lot of attention. My mom said that one time I yelled, “These Chinese ladies won't stop squeezing my cheeks! I hate china people!” Cut me some slack I was was only four years old!

I am so thankful that my parents decided to move overseas. Granted it was very young, it still effected me. I got to experience many cultures and meet many different kinds people. My parents loved Australia so much that we almost stayed there. We only came back to be closer to family. Its crazy to think I could easily be living in a different country. I am so lucky and grateful for those amazing experiences.

Look good, feel good, play good

I still remember the first time I stepped on the ice. Its one of those life changing moments that no matter how old I get, I will never forget it. Hockey is my passion and I love it more than I can express in words. It produces a range of emotions for me because sometimes I hate it so much. Times when I have a hard practice or I am just feeling absolutely exhausted, I ask myself, “Why do I do this? Why do I put in so much effort?”

Those thoughts don't last every long because I remember why I play hockey and how much joy it brings me. I play for traveling with my team, scoring goals, and not only do I play for the wins but I play for the hard losses, the losses were I can't help but cry because even after giving it our all, it just doesn't turn out. During those rough times I always go back to the moment when I stepped on the ice for the first time, and that is what keeps me going.

When I was six years old, on a chilly saturday morning, I took my first step into a new passion. The feeling of butterflies as a started to skate around and the whisk of cold air on my face. Honestly, I could barely skate. Even have no idea what I was doing, I loved it. After an hour of practice, I stepped of the ice with a hug smile on my face and ran over to my dad yelling, “Daddy I didn't even fall once!”

I don't expect other people to understand the love and passion hockey players have for the sport. Its the kind of thing were you just have to play it to fully get it. We are different than other athletes. We would move away from home, and our friends, in a heartbeat to play for a better team. We love the long car rides and the tired feeling on sunday afternoons after playing five games. We love the sweaty smell of ice arena locker rooms but most of all, we love the feeling of the freezing cold air on our faces as we skate down the ice. My coach always says, “Play for the girl that feel in love with the game and play for the girl who never looked back.”

We should care!

Politics is all everyone talks about. The election will be here in less than a month and it gets worse everyday. Political adds and debates seem to rule the TV. Youtube and Pandora commercials are all about why you should vote for Romney or Obama. Honestly, it does get very annoying but its important.

Many teenagers, and even adults, don't care about politics. All I want to say to you is: THIS IS OUR COUNTREY TOO. Its not just ruled by the politicians. Well thats kinda a lie but you know what I mean. Saying you don't care about what goes on with politics is so ignorant. Sorry not sorry. But really what the politicians decided effect us everyday. You know how we don't have dessert at lunch anymore? Yup, thank Michelle Obama. Also the amount of taxes our parents pay effect us too or how we have to be in school until a certain age. All of these laws are made by those politicians that you'don't care about'.

Also to those people that don't vote on election day, you are dumb. Sorry not sorry... again. I just don't understand why you wouldn't vote. There has to be one candidate you like. We are so lucky in America to have the right to who runs our country. Many people don't have that freedom, especially women. So ladies just remember that not to long ago women could not vote in this country and know we have an equal vote. Maybe if they threatened to go back to taxation without representation everyone would actually vote. Also if you are old enough to vote you should! There are many people that aren't 18 and would love to have the chance to vote in this election.

Overall, you should care about politics. Yes it gets very annoying and over powering but its so important. So go out there and vote. Voice your opinion on what you believe matters. The great thing about voting is its YOUR choice. Now a days our live's seem to be ran by what other people do but by voting you can support what you believe in. Happy election year!

Standardized? Not so much

The ACT, SAT, PSAT and SSAT are just a few of the many standardized test that are available to take. Many colleges require you to take at least the ACT or SAT and they base their admissions off of test scores. If you don't a certain score on these tests, you won't be admitted into the school.

Most of the standardized tests test our skills in the main areas. These include math, science, reading and comprehension. Also there is an essay section. The different parts of the test can tell you, and college admissions, what your strong points are. Many students will do better in certain categories. Usually categories like math and science seem easier. The hardest parts are probably reading, comprehension and vocabulary. I just recently took the SSAT and the vocabulary section was unbelievably hard. Some of the words I have never seen in my life.

While taking the test I got to thinking... Does this really reflect my true academic talents? Does knowing what words like axiom or nebulae mean really show how much I know? I think the answer is no. I really do not think that standardized test reflect the academic talent of a student in the right way. Many kids are bad test takers or are slower workers. This can be a problem especially when we are given limited time. I do believe that standardized tests are important to take but I think that they shouldn't be the deciding factor on whether you get into a school or not.

I know many talented people that don't do well on standardized test simply because they are bad test takers. This is a skill that can be practiced but it takes time. We usually only have a couple chances to take a test even though it has such an impact on where we go to school.

Overall, I think the test just need to be tweaked a little bit. I don't think there should be as much vocabulary but there should be more math and science. We live in a world that is constantly changing and being strong in math and science will help us keep up with a growing demand. I also think that they should keep an essay portion too. Hopefully these test will change by the time our children take them.  

Netflix is da bomb.com

Netflix might be the best invention ever. Not joking. Its like a gift from the heavens. Well maybe I'm being a little over dramatic but let's be honest here, everyone loves Netflix. Normally we would have drive all the way to a movie store, walk around aimlessly while trying to find that one movie. After adventuring through the screaming children and mushy couples, you finally find the movie you wanted. But wait... PSYCH its ready been checked out! Then all you want to do its hit down the racks of lame movies with bad acting. After gaining composer, you pick another movie and wait in line for 10 minutes will the person in front of you argues with the clerk about fees for their movie that they apparently didn't return on time. We have all have had these experiences. That is why Netflix is amazing.

Netflix is an online movie and tv show provider. Its like having a movie store in your house. Its around $10 a month for unlimited access to all of their instant movies and shows. Netflix's movie choices aren't that great but they have great shows. My favorite show on Netflix is Grey's Anatomy and the best part is they have all 8 seasons. They have all of the updated seasons for their tv shows.

Netflix has choices for everyone. Romance, action, comedy and family are just a few. You will always find something to watch. They also have great documentaries. Don't lie to yourself, you love a good documentary. We are all nerds on the inside!

Another great thing about using Netflix is you don't have to remember to return a movie. There are no fines or annoying phone calls from people who hate their job. You can stop or start anytime you want on Netflix.

So if you don't already have it, get it. It is worth the money, I promise. You can watch it on the computer or connect it to your tv through a gaming system. The only thing you need is wifi. If think your life is complete now, its not. Get Netflix and it will be. Just be careful, it does get addicting. But warning you now you will spend hours and hours watching it. If you are watching a tv show you can't just watch one episode.

Now go online and subscribe. You won't be disappointed! You can thank me later.   

Homeschooling vs. Public Schooling

In our nation education is required until a certain age. If children aren't in school their parents will get in a lot of legal trouble and could even end up in jail. I have always been taught that education is the most important thing. Going to school not only gives you an education, it also teaches you very important social skills.

A girl on my hockey team is home-schooled but she is surprisingly very normal. You would have never guessed that she has never gone to a public, or private, school. But this isn't that case for other home-schooled kids. I've meet some home-schooled kids that are very awkward and they seem nervous about social interaction. Going to school with other kids teaches you how to make friends and how to meet new people. Home-schooled kids don't get this daily interaction.

Another aspect about homeschooling that I believe is unfair to the kids is the fact that the parents will most likely not be able to teach challenging courses as the kids get older. It is very important to be challenged academically, especially when we reach high school. The kids won't get the full experience of taking an AP class or doing labs in science that involve expensive equipment. I think this is an injustice to the kids.

Most of the home-schooled kids I've meet with said that their parents decided to homeschool them because they didn't like the school systems or that their kids were being bullied. I totally understand were they are coming from but if a school doesn't do something about bullying than it probably isn't that great of school anyway. And if you don't like how a school is ran, there are thousands of other schools. You are bound to find one that works.

Overall, I respect the parents decision to homeschool their kids. But this raises the question; Does homeschooling hurt your child more than benefiting them? I believe that it is important to experience social interaction and also get the best education possible and I think this can only be achieved by going to a public or private school. We are lucky to live in country were education is strongly supported and we don't have to pay that much for the amount we receive. So I think everyone should take advantage of this opportunity.

Parking Lot Etiquette

Parking at Kennedy is absolutely insane. We don't have enough space for all the of the students to park so it seems we are just all over. Most park in the North and South Lots but we also can park on the street, and at three surrounding churches. I park at Lovely Lane and most of the time I don't mind it. But sometimes people can be really stupid and I've heard its even worse in the South Lot.

First off, lets not zip through the parking lot going 30 mph. Somebody could be backing out and not see you and BOOM. Accident. If you've been in an accident, it really sucks. Its embarrassing, expensive and usually parents are very angry. And its always awkward if you get in an accident with someone at school because you are then like, “Hey sorry I totaled your car... See you in first hour.” Also you could really hurt somebody. If someone is walking and you come full speed around corner, that could end horribly.

Secondly, YOU CAN'T TURN LEFT OUT OF THE PARKING LOT. There are those people who always try to turn against traffic. Please, there are 20 cars behind you trying to get out too. Then we have to sit and wait for 10 minutes while one person tries to turn left because they can't accept the fact that they will have to add 5 minutes to the time it takes to get home by taking a back street. Sometimes it gets so bad I almost get out of my car, walk up to their window and yell at them to turn right. That has yet to happen.

Lastly, there is no need to blast your music as loud as it goes. Boys, when you bump your bass to horrible rap music it doesn't make you anymore attractive. Loud music doesn't give you more “swag” its annoying and also annoying and did I mention annoying? Just play your music at reasonable level and everyone will be happy.

Battles with fellow parkers are going to an never ending battle. If you are one of those speeders, loud music players or those people that insist on always turning left, please try to limit your horrible habits. Consider the people around you because you can be really irritating, or worse, you could hurt someone.  

Heck Week #1

Is it already past midterm?  Really? Does anybody know where time went? Because I sure don’t. We are officially 30 days into the school year. That means only 150 more days of pointless lectures, annoying people and long lunch lines. Since it is half way through the trimester, its test time. It seems that almost every teacher is giving a test over what we’ve learned since school started. I’m totally okay with taking large unit tests, it’s just a part of school that has to be done. But please teachers, don’t schedule all your tests on the same day, or during the same week.

My plea for help didn’t work. This week seems to be that one week were there is a test in every class. There honestly isn’t enough time in the day for everything. This causes late nights and early mornings, stressful moments during class when you really wish you studied more, and the occasionally screams into pillows will lying in bed thinking about all the crap that has to be done. Sometimes I wish I could just pause the day for an hour and take a nap. A nice long rest would be nice. Some time for quality REM sleep or have time to watch my favorite TV show.  

Sometimes while studying I get to the point that I know I’m going to do bad no matter how hard I study. It’s probably my brain just complaining about how much it doesn’t want to study for 5 hours straight. But we just gotta push through those hard times. All the hours of studying will be worth it in the long run. All of the AP classes which cause countless stressful nights of cramming, will be worth it. Actually I’m not sure if it will, but right now we don’t have time to think about what this will do for us in the long run. We just know we have to do it.

So thank you teachers, for coming together and deciding to have your tests on the same day. We really truly appreciate it. So thoughtful of you all, I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next. Let us know when you have your meeting to decide the next week of hell. Maybe we can have some representatives at this meeting to state our case. LETS ELMINATE EXAMINATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION.