September 2004 Archives

 

september 25, 2004: typity type type

I've finally updated! Aren't y'all happy? Sorry? haven't had much time lately. Or if I have had time, it's been spent mostly reading, babysitting or doing homework for Algebra/Chem!!! Gahness. Nothing too much going on today, of course. I stayed home, watched TV, did random things around the house. Nice easy relaxingful day.


Things that happened in the past week or so...well, I did go to Borders with JJ after school. We spent like an hour in the humor section, looking at various books and pointing out things to each other. Like Republican and Bush quotes, creepy jokes, Worst Case Scenario, etc etc. In the end, I got 3 Discworld novels (Guards! Guards!, Men at Arms, and Small Gods) and he got this amazingly hilarious book. On lies and such. Hummus. Heehee.

Mmmm...there have been lots of tests and if only there was a time machine...but there isn't. So crap with that. I just don't like tests. For one thing, I'm never in the right mood, or if I am, I always get distracted by something. Like announcements (in Chemistry), thinking how cold/hungry I am (AP Euro) or having my chair squeak every time I move (in Algebra). Grrrr. Don't you ever feel like you're not doing your best? Not to mention those Scantron gnomes. How I hate thee.

My fake sister and I were talking the other day about future and college and all sorts of crazy things like that. I think I've finally decided on a direction for myself, which is nice. I always like to have at least some sort of vision for what I'll do so I have a backup plan to fall upon just in case. I've always been interested in medicine and researching (call it a spinoff from 2nd grade, if you know what I'm talking about). Cindy says if I liked science, and if I wanted to make myself stand out, I should go to a camp. And then she sent me this website that was really cool. I think it was the National Institute of Health, or something like that. Anyways, there were soooo many different choices to look at. For instance, there was a camp where you could go to learn about Mental Health (dealing with child development, Alzheimer's, etc etc). I thought that was interesting. Anyways, Cindy and I talked some more and maybe I should go talk to Mr. Gannon or Mrs. Thiese about that. I really want to do something and I feel really restrained at times. Maybe it's just my personality. I can never learn perfectly in school, I have to look at it outside of school. Like Scholastic Bowl...I'm so much better at learning random facts one at a time than huge chunks of processed information like history or math. I never knew I knew so much until I joined last year. It was a little creepy. Like, information has just buried itself inside my brain and isn't disturbed until awakened. Like, there was a question during a tournament asking where the oldest (government? parliament?) in the world was, and I buzzed in right away since I somehow knew it was the Tynwald in Iceland. I'm serious. If you had asked me earlier that day in a normal conversation where it was, I wouldn't have ever known. But in that particular S/B situation, I knew.

Well, I'm off subject. Back to me and my direction. I want to research deafness now and how to help out those who have problems hearing. Today I spent a few minutes poring over this medical encyclopedia, just looking over the ear, the throat, and the nose. Did you know that those three are connected, therefore thought of as one single medical entity? At least, I think...Anyways, the reason I want to go into researching deafness is because I figured, I've already spent so much of my life devoted to music, and music, in plain words, is just organized sounds. So I've learned in Music Theory, that is. Also, my dad does so many different things with sound in his job and I could learn a lot from him. He's also been having some troubles with his ear, he has a 'tinnitur', meaning this high ringing sound. I think it's like what Beethoven had before he went deaf, and it scares me knowing that that might happen to my dad someday too. So if I look into that, maybe someday I can help out lots of people. I always want to help, and if you give me a chance, I'll try O_o

I think I'll end here today. I'm still sorry that I don't have that much content up compared to my old Phalanges Site, but hey, it's been about 3 months and I almost have 1000 people on the counter! So thanks for coming, and I hope you'll tell more people about this. Especially when finals is coming up, heehee.

:: Posted by Kat

september 15, 2004: beware, for the ides of september be upon us

Can you believe I went the whole day without realizing it was the ides of September? I just figured it out now. I want to smack my head now. *bad een* Hmmmm...not many updates. School won't let me make as many pages as I want, so all I really have up at the moment are a couple of my stories. Sorry...just a few. I also am working on my games page, because I have a saved document of cheats and such, so I'll just copy and paste them for you ^_^


Today was a pretty crappy Wednesday. Sorry, but it was. For certain reasons, Kristine and Rachael know. I told them in German...and I don't want to say it here since I don't want to publicly denounce anyone. I think that's a pretty crumby (props to Holden) thing to do: Say something about a person and put it where everyone can read it. I know a few of you have done that and it's pretty much lowered my opinion since the reader only gets YOUR opinion and not the person's. It's like me vs my mom in arguments. She always goes for her side, and never listens to a word I have to say. (Actually, I made her stop yelling once long enough to hear my side, and when she did, she felt so bad she shut up for the next hour or two. True story, I swear.) Anyways, yeah, I didn't really much like this day. Sure, I had fun occasionally. Thank goodness for lunch, German and Music Theory. Those are my happy classes. Everything else=phhhht.

Tomorrow, I'll definitely feel different. Probably happier. So you can just pass anything depressing I say off as just *een* having a bad day.


AYSO was fun. Shlee slapped JJ. Twice. "You SLAPPED me!" ...heh. Ummmmm...not much else to say other than there is a gang war between AYSO and EYSO! Me and Liz were snapping our fingers. Heh. If you haven't heard, which most of you haven't, the EYSO is trying to make people not go to AYSO. Apparently, before it started, they invited a whole bunch of teachers and directors out to lunch or dinner, I don't remember, and told them to have nothing to do with us. Well, upon hearing that, some of them contacted Dr. P, telling him. And so now, we are all shocked and appalled. Rebecca was talking to me (She's from Batavia, and an AMAZING viola player) about how she tried out for the Youth Symphony but when they found out she was in AYSO, they wouldn't let her in. Instead, the 16th chair violist made it! And I was like all openmouthed. That is just plain stupid. Okay, sure, maybe some of the dates that Dr. P are sorta bad...very bad...but that's no reason to not let an incredible person in. Or people. I could rant on and on about the evils of the world, but I probably shouldn't. You're probably reading this for something else. Dunno what. Do I have a spark?

Hee.

Ashley's 16th has come and passed us by, and Rachael's birthday is now coming up. Yay! We're all so old! I can't believe Kristen, Liz and JJ are graduating this year...and next year it'll be my Ennifijer, RossRoss, Hayley, Melissa, Scott, Manda Anda and...oh, so many other people! Sigh...Well, that's what we get. I think I have a phobia of growing up and change. I really do. I'm scared to death whenever I think of the future. I hate not knowing what I'll do. Sure, I have all these dreams...but dreams can't exactly carry me through life forever. 'If only, if only, the woodpecked sighed'...


Can't wait 'til Scholastic Bowl! Me and a few peoplies want to talk to Mr. Schoen about having pre-Scholastic Bowl meetings. Before the freshies come and take over. Bahhh...at lunch today, me and Ennifijer and RossRoss were discussing the ideas of possible 'hazing'. Mwahahahaha...like, buzzing and not letting them try. (Bzzz...FRESHMAN ARE STUPID! Bzzzz...NO! Bzzzzz...You're wrong!) Things like that!

At least I have something to look forward to...

:: Posted by Kat

september 11, 2004: 'tis 4 days before the ides of september

Today is September 11...I don't think I have to explain the implications that go along with that simple statement, now do I? I feel like I should be feeling something, but I'm not, other than a dull sense of regret and empathy for all that people suffered. Maybe it's because I wasn't too affected by the events that happened that day. None of my close family members or friends died...if it hadn't been telecasted all over the place, I probably wouldn't even have known. But that's enough of that, I don't want to start talking about inner subconsious feelings and all that. O_o


I had a pretty rough day on Thursday...I don't feel like going much into detail since I don't want to relive those feelings but I'll just say that if I could've had a new day, I would have taken it. Immediately. And that my mind is cruel.

Ummmm...AYSO! Cindy is pressuring me to quit. JJ too. But I don't want to because I miss playing in orchestra. Any orchestra, actually. I don't want to stop playing for a year because I really do take this as a 'learning experience'. AYSO is making me try hard, something I never did in EYSO Phil, nor GHS orch (of course). Because there are a lot of people better than me, mostly the IMSA recruits, so I feel I have to prove myself. So I got there, saw Agnes Ma and we chatted a little bit. Then I was led to the band and orch room (and dropped off case along the way) and then to the auditorium, where I busied myself making peace doves out of used sticker tags. I gave one to Shlee, Liz, Liz's mom, and two tiny ones to JJ. JJ is one of three percussionists, apparently, but I'm happy. The ones from EYSO didn't come (thank goodness for that) so I guess the section is pretty decent. The room was very crowded, with 125 people, and extremely hot. Agnes left for a while to get her picture taken and when she got back, she said it felt 20 degrees hotter. Of course, that was exaggeration, but still. HOT :(

I felt untalented since my sightreading on the spot was somewhat horrible (didn't expect the speed, didn't expect the numerous high notes) and the foot by my hand distracted me. I DIDN'T WANT HIS FOOT TOUCHING MY BOW! And that was that. I made faces at JJ across the room...like when the 5th grader introduced herself. Heh. About 70% of everyone there was a sophomore, and either from IMSA or St. Charles. I think that Amanda, Shlee, Liz, JJ and I were the only Genevians. Oh, and Jen and Jeff Yonkus. Heehee. *the end*

I came back from babysitting about an hour ago (it's 7:14 right now). I also babysat last night until about 10. I know I shouldn't be accepting all of these jobs, but I feel obligated to. And don't yell at me. I do. So there. (...) There are bad moments, but I think good moments outweigh them. On Friday, I couldn't help wistfully wishing that I was at the football game, with the Sesame Street music courtesy of the AMAZING marching band, but...instead, I spent 2 hours pitching to Jack. And retrieving balls. But he's a nice person at heart. Or, maybe the demon child was at rest for the moment. He gave me a golf ball, and I was told twice that I was the best babysitter ever. Actually, almost every person I've ever babysat has told me that. Sara Williams, Mac, Jack, Peyton, etc etc. It gives you a good feeling. Not to mention that every time Peyton sees me, she runs and flings her arms around my waist. Or sometimes at night, when I read, Maggie leans her head on my arm.

Cuteness.


I wish I saw more of some people and less of others. I hardly ever talk to Crystal in person any more. At lunch, I sit by her, but I always end up feeling guilty since I'm off talking to JJ or Jennifer (sorry, Crystal). But otherwise lunch is good. Heh, JJ and his PC magazine. One day, we were both looking at it, and he was so ecstatic about the Apple. (Ironic, isn't it, Kristine?) And then we were talking about chips and all sorts of things and it was a nice computerish moment. I hardly ever talk computers with people. Usually I just go *eep*, but *eep* is good too. *shooka shooka* ^_^

KATHLEEN IS THE GREATEST, says Pat's calculator. Heehee. I took his calculator and wouldn't give it back. So Sean and Pat and Terry were giving me *angry faces* in Algebra 2 Honors. Ummmm...nothing else to say now. Oh, BEEF SONG! Aka Hoedown from Rodeo by Aaron Copland ^_^ Great fun. Chris Werve was all like, BEEF! And me and Jeff were like, BEEF. It's WHAT's for DINNER. TONIGHT. And even though some people didn't get it, it was still good fun.

And Kristine, Rachael, Chris and Craig should stop making me agree to ask a certain person to Homecoming. Oh fine. Kyle. They want me to ask him to Homecoming. Or Craig's going to 'talk' to him for me, which I didn't want him to do, but he probably did anyways. Sighness. I admit, I do want to go to Homecoming with Kyle but who knows?

*glares*

:: Posted by Kat

september 5, 2004: the zephyr song

Have you ever seen one of those little whirlwinds, like where the grass/sand/paper on the ground gets swept up in this little mini whirly tornado type thing? If you haven't, you don't know what you're missing out on! You see, the other day I was out on the driveway when I noticed this little pile of grass swirl around in a mysterious circle. It was so cool, I stopped to watch it. Then I wanted to feel the wind so I stepped into the middle. Of course, the grass stopped blowing around but the wind! It felt so cool on my face, like a little fan. Yeah, it's hard to describe. Go jump in one someday and you'll see ^_^


My daddy came back from Taiwan around 3:30. He brought back lots of food, no pencils, sadly, but I have a new kind of caramel. Now they're individually wrapped. Isn't that great? I also have this sorta dried squid thing, okay. That sounds disgusting but it tastes super amazing. I might even let you people try some if you don't think it's that nasty O_o Ummmm...nothing too exciting today. I did all of my math homework except for the calculator worksheet (Chris has my TI-89, darn him) and then I finished my chemistry. There were so many problems and in the end, I just decided not to use the book and use common sense since basically, all the questions were asking the same thing. Is this a compound, or a mixture, or is it a solution or heterogeneous? Bah. And what about chocolate cake? Or milk? *GET AWAY FROM ME!!!*

Heh. Sorry about that. Ummmm...well, tomorrow is Labor Day. I might see Kill Bill with JJ. Who knows? That would be fun. "Regale us with your voice, JJ!" FOMBL


Well, I'm about done with today's post. How can I jazz it up? Well...

Here's a list of some great books out there that you should read. You'll probably never hear of them in school, nor pick them in the library, so here's your chance to find out all about these mysterious books!

The Bean Trees, (I'll tell you the author when I remember)
Downtown, by Norma Fox Mazer
Angela's Ashes, by Frank McCourt
Dump Days, by Jerry Spinelli
Do Angels Sing the Blues?, by A.C. LeMieux


There's a good start off list.


You know what? I was thinking, I should have a fundraiser for all of those various diseases (that one muscular disease, cancer, etc etc). My idea was to have writers all over contribute by writing something and then having people buy it. Like little short stories. I could sell all of mine (check the Writing section) for like 25 or 50 cents apiece. And prospective writers could do so as well, as a way to advertise their writing. Wouldn't that be great? There'd be huge tables or rooms with copies of all of these amazing stories or essays or whatever, and all of the proceeds would go to a good cause. Not only that, maybe we could hire local talent, like Serendipity (Alissa, Cindy, Kelly, Claire) or The Velvet Velvet, or whoever to come and play. Tip jars would be out, maybe even art from various artists (anyone would do, little kids, big kids, professionals). And all of it would be right here in Geneva since there are so many talented people. So what do you think? Why let our talent go to waste, or why let our skills be kept a secret? We should help others and I think that this would be a great idea.

Now if only I knew how to start it...I could always ask the principal, or maybe plan it with a few of you people. (eep?) Email me if you're interested, have an idea/suggestion to base off mine, etc etc.

Call this an offshoot of my need to help other people. *sigh*

EEEEEEEEEEP! EEEEEEEEEEEEP! (lol crystal, remember when you were doing that on the stairs at the high school in order to try and find me? teehee) *shooka shooka apple rain dance*

:: Posted by Kat

 

 

september 3, 2004: arsenic from a peach pit

'Tis September, the most wonderful month of the year/If you're looking forward to Oktoberfest and its mouthwatering beer! ...Actually, I couldn't think of a better rhyme for 'year', so excuse me for trying to become a poet on the spot! Anyways, yes, 'tis September. Shlee and Rae are turning 16 incredibly soon and it makes me feel sad once more to realize all of us are growing up...*sniff*


Alright, so today was a half day. I got home, filled up on foodlums, then went straight to sleep for the next two and a half hours. Well, that was the plan. I got the first two parts done but the sleeping was an issue. Mrs. Bodine called me right before I was about to fall asleep; I was in that comfort zone, y'know, where I was in a really nice spot, all cozied up next to my blankie and on my pillow, and then of course, my mom banged on the door to 'wake me up'. I had to let Sammy out in an hour for like 10 minutes. So I was like, 'Sure...' and then I headed straight back to sleep. Actually, 50 minutes later (I checked out Caller ID...yes, we do have Caller ID) Mrs. Feehan called. Today, I shall be babysitting for Kendall and Courtney. Maybe Mac, it really depends on whether his dad depends to stay or go out to dinner with everyone else! That's maybe about 5:30 ish, and I'll get a call anyways. Right now it just so happens to be 2:32 pm. Did you know that? Well, now you do.

According to Mr. Arnett, half days are such a waste of time. I wholeheartedly agree. Take first hour. PERSONAL FITNESS. I get there and arrive in the nasty locker room, change and then our class has to run a lap (and a half) in a giant circle. Then we're done. Waste of time, not to mention it gets me all icky and hot. Grrrr. Oh well. Chelsea showed me her bracelet though, the one for the girl's fundraiser. Sometimes, I want to do something good too. Like put my talents to good use. I could maybe write and illustrate short little fairy tales for little children who are stuck in the hospital (too bad I don't know any), I could make bead bracelets and assorted jewelry (no talent required, just much time) or maybe do something musical. Like play the piano. Or violin. Or viola. Or even...sing. Hey, I sang for Maggie like 2 days ago at night. To 'put her to sleep', LOL JJ!!! So funny. I'll talk about that later. Anyways, next was Chemistry. We just had a quiz on the first 36 elements minus the ones in the middle and then she gave us a pre-lab. (Watch that silver nitrate people, you don't want spots all over your face and neck!) AP Euro was yet another quiz...dang it, I messed up Ukraine with Romania! What's wrong with me? I always mess up the easiest thing like, someday, I'll probably add 1 + 1 and come up with 5. Something along those lines, at least. Good thing I don't program computers ^_^ Ummmmm...then was the English vocab quiz. It was super easy, except for the homograph, homonym, homophone part. I got at least one of those right, I know that for sure! And German...we had a quizzypoo (LOL my Music Theory class) over imperatives and vowel changes in certain verbs. I finished first and I realized I conjugated 'sein' wrong, but I figure I'll just go to German Club to catch some extra credit. Last year I had soooo much extra credit, it was insane! Then in Algebra 2, we went over calculators and how to use them in absolute value, graphing and other stuff. Stephanie and I were like...'Ummm, we don't have calculators.' Heh. And I also have a TI-89 so a lot of stuff will be different. I'll have to consult the thick thick manual to figure out how to do most of this stuff. But I suppose I have one advantage: I can clear out single lines, and the rest of you can't! Mwahahaha. Oh, and if he had a choice, Mr. Thomas would become a carnivore. (I'll make a link on the school page) We got our tests back in Music Theory (I missed one on the back...mensural notation appeared during the 13th century, the lowest note is the one you hear in the harmonic series, and my attempt to put humor in my test got me a point off but that's okay...) and spent the rest of class learning all about time signatures and notes. 128th notes! Yay! ... I wonder if I'll ever see one of those. I've already seen plenty of grand staff eighth and sixteenth note connections between the treble and bass clef, and 64th notes, but gosh darn it, I want to see a 128th note in action now!


I'm reinstating the Secrets section, so if you were already a member, you can still enter. And for the rest of you, don't ask me how to get in, for usernames or for passwords. If I want you to see the page, you'll see it. If not, too bad.

Life is unfair/People pull out their hair/Try not to care/Good things are rare

See that? Yet another attempt at Kathleen's poetry skills. Well, light humored. My deep poetry goes on forever. And as for story poetry, you can see my work in action dating back from the summer of sixth grade in the Lunar Peak Prophecies. Dude, now that I look back at it, it's so cool! I really could make a story out of the Prophecies; Everything is laid out as far as plot and main characters. ^_^

More recent 'good advice' from my mom...

1. If you don't drink water today, your kidneys will explode and you will die.
2. Don't stay on the computer too long! Your eyes will rot...get off the computer right now!
3. If you walk outside by yourself, a bad man will come and kidnap you in his car and then I won't see you for another 3 years.
4. (more kidney advice) Drink more water, otherwise, the doctor will take out your kidney. Then you have to get a transplant.
5. Those pants look too nice on you. Buy something cheaper.
6. You should wear this shirt with those pants...see, there's a green spot here. It matches. No one will notice that stain if you do. Green w/ green. It's fashionable.
7. Don't wear eye makeup unless you want your face to look ugly.
8. (an old favorite, rarely used now) Nail polish makes your fingernails fall off.


I hope you listen to every single one of the above and take it to heart.

:: Posted by Kat