Thursday, July 8, 2010

7/8/10

Today many of my friends and I received the scores from our AP biology exams in the mail. Some of my extremely smart and brilliant friends got rather high scores. And then there's people like me that didn't do well at all. And then there's people whose parents are unhappy with their scores. I have a message to all of those kind of parents out there:

I don't understand what's wrong with failure. If your kid isn't trying, that's a problem. But when your son or daughter is taking a hard course, or a course that's challenging to them personally, what's wrong with doing their absolute best? Even if it isn't up to par to your standards. Some people just don't have an aptitude for science or English, or what ever subject it is. As long as your kid is trying their best, they should get praise, not punishment because they didn't get an 105% on what ever it is.

Students today are under more pressure then ever to be the best. Not everyone is going to get into Harvard or Stanford. Some kids are just happy getting their GED. So here is my mission for all you parents out there.

Embrace failure. It's just a part of learning isn't it? What I learned from taking honors biology is that I'm never going to be a doctor or a scientist and that I need a break from science to focus on aspects of my life that I can actually make a living out of. And I bet every other student in that course learned something about themselves, whether they got an A+ or an F- (if that grade even exists). I just want parents to realize that everything is a learning experience, and the grade is simply not an appropriate measure of intelligence.

This is going to sound cliche, but what if Thomas Edison's parents had told him he was a failure after his first light bulb design didn't work? Maybe they did, but clearly he didn't listen. Because if Thomas Edison, or Alexander Graham Bell, or anyone else that did something important had considered their first screw up a failure, where would we be? Because in truth, it wasn't a failure, it was just something they could improve. When Walt Disney was kicked out of art school, he didn't say, "Well, I guess I'm never going to be an artist now." He just realized that that institution wasn't the place for him, and he could go and be important somewhere else.

So biology was just my first screw up. Scratch that, Algebra I was my first screw up. But that doesn't mean I listen to the people pulling the disappointed card on me. Because I'm not disappointed in myself. That class was the hardest class I've ever taken and I know it was for many of my friends. I know I didn't do as well as I could have. I'm just happy I didn't go crazy and shoot someone. And everybody else should just be proud of themselves too. And so should their parents. Because I know how upset my friends are, when they have no reason to be!

In the scope of it all, 9th grade bio is just a minuscule part of my life. And in twenty years when I'm hopefully settled in doing what ever I've decided to do with my life, I'm not going to think to myself, "I wish I had done better on my AP bio exam." Because essentially, it doesn't matter. There are some tests that do matter, for certain things. And I have the potential of putting a really bad metaphor about how high school is just a drop of water in the ocean that is life, but I think it would be better if I didn't at this moment.

So, I hope this has put somethings into perspective for you. And I apologize if it's jumbled and ramble-y, but I really had to speak my mind. Thanks for reading.

Monday, June 28, 2010

6/28/10

For some reason, everything I have recently become obsessed with has started with the letter. It was suggested by my friend that I have a subconscious connection to the letter. I just think it's interesting.

There are three main things I've obsessed over: The Battery's Down, Bones,and Ray Bradbury's Fahreinheit 451The Battery's down is a musical-comedy web series on YouTube about the life of Broadway actor, Jake Wilson, struggling to make it big. Wow, that sounded oddly official and review-esque. Anyway, The Battery's Down is hysterical, and all together just a very good show. It is starring and written by Jake Wilson, along with many of his talented, also young actor, friends. The musical numbers are composed by a variety of talented musicians and the series is directed and choreographed by Connor Gallagher. And I'm not talking stupid but funny choreography like in A Very Potter Musical, I'm actual choreography.

What I also love about The Battery's Down is their menagerie (new favorite word) of guest stars. So many prominent players in musical theatre have been in this show! Some of my favorites included Sutton Foster, Alice Ripley, Jonathon Groff, John Gallagher Jr., Susan Blackwell, Allison Janney, Jennifer Laura Thompson, Shoshana Bean, the cast of 13, Bernie Telsey, Tituss Burgess, Matthew Morrison, Whoopi Goldberg, Nikki Snelson, Deidre Goodwin, Perez Hilton, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Caissie Levy, Kyle Dean Massey, Andrea McArdle, Kelli O'Hara, and Annelise van der Pol. As I typed that I felt like I was the announcer that lists the performers in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. But anyways, that's not even everyone they've gotten on the show. Some of them are portraying characters, others play exaggerated] versions of themselves, and some make quick cameo appearances. And I am rambling on about this topic. On to the next obsession.

Bones. For years a few of my closest friends have been utterly obsessed with this show. Being in their presence has required me to watch a few episodes here and there, and when I found out that the entire series was available on NetflixInstant I decided to watch from the beginning. I'm hooked. Completely 100% hooked. And after doing some researching/stalking, I discovered that the majority of the principal cast has a training or background in musical theatre. This kind of made my life.

What I really like about Bones is that it is an extremely intelligent show. And I like the characters a lot. But the show is like a cross between a doctor show and a cop show, so it takes all the adventurous aspects of a murder mystery and pairs them with the science of a show like House. I love House also but I don't have to get into that now. Anyway, I love Bones so much and I'm bothering everyone because I talk about it so much

My last "B" oriented obsession is Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Bradbury starts with a B, in case you didn't catch that. So basically, I can't explain many of the principles of the book, because my words will not do Mr. Bradbury's any justice. But I just felt so weird after I finished the book, because when I went to put it back on my shelf I realized that this extremely small (only 189 pages in my edition) book was surrounded by a lot of books of a significantly greater size. But this difference is, this book is so much larger in meaning. And that was my tacky philosophical like bit for today.

Happy birthday to the fantastic, multi-Tony-Award-winner, Mr. Richard Rogers, the equally as fantastic but more hilarious Mel Brooks, the wonderful Kathy Bates, the amazing John Cusack, and the adorable Kellie Pickler. I'm into adjectives today.

I hope you've enjoyed reading about my obsessions as much as I enjoyed writing about them. You probably didn't, but then again they're my obsessions.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

6/22/10

Today, for the first time this year, it felt like summer.And I hate to say it, but the only reason is because I was taking pleasure in the misfortunes of my friends.
I know that sounds bad. But the only reason this is true is because today, for the second time this summer, I went to the beach. However, this time I went with my friend Lyla while the majority of my other close friends were sitting in a class room enjoying their first day of summer school. No, my friends aren't stupid, they're taking summer courses. I was planning on taking one with them but there was a change of plans. So, due to this twist of fate, I was lying on the beach completely relaxed while my friends were diligently studying, or something along those lines.

And the weird part is, I don't really like the beach. I don't like sand. Or salt water. Or the sun. Or unnecessary human interaction.

Just kidding, unnecessary human interaction isn't a problem. But I do like school. I like books and I like learning about things I care about (a.k.a. not science). I like good teachers (a.k.a. not my science teacher) and I like having something to do every single day. Short term goals are the best!

But it took a whole week of summer vacation for me to realize these things. I will admit that in freshman year I kind of failed at the whole self motivation thing. I was satisfied by a solid B, and once I got there I stopped trying because I knew my grade wouldn't move. But I feel like I can really work harder next year. I'm taking a break from science and I can really focus on the areas that hold my interest, English and history. And I have to do math, but math isn't really that bad. At least it makes sense.

In addition I also have all my performing stuff, Hebrew High, and Friendship Circle. So maybe next year will be better. Just by detracting one negative aspect of my life I could change a lot. And I like that idea.

But for now I don't want to think about going back. Even though right now I kind of want too (especially since my school district postponed the first day of school to September 1, the same day Hogwarts starts school), I know that once I get there I'll live for breaks. Once the school year starts, I'll try to remember the feeling I have right now.

Today I wish to honor a very special man. Today is Joseph Papp's birthday. I can honestly say if Joe Papp hadn't revolutionized the Broadway stage, I would probably be really depressed. Considering I wouldn't have my A Chorus Line and HAIR soundtracks to listen (and belt) to on a day to day basis, my life would be empty. When I first got my ACL soundtrack I listened to it six times straight. I recall doing the same with HAIR. Sorry about my obsessive rant.

In addition, it is Meryl Streep's birthday. Otherwise known as the greatest actress who ever lived. Enough said.

Cyndi Lauper was also born today. She's pretty cool.

And Freddie Prinze. He was in the live action Scooby-Doo movies.

Oh, Erin Brocovich was born today too. I saw the movie of her life once.

There's also Dan Brown. I see his books on the shelves of Barnes and Nobles.

Now it's time for bed. It's been nice chatting with you!

Friday, June 18, 2010

6/18/10

It's been over a month since I've last written. Fortunately, now school is out for summer. I wish I could say school was out forever (tacky song reference). But unfortunately, I have three more years in the corrupt public school system.

So far summer has been exactly as summer should be. I've been to the beach, had a sleepover on a week night, been to the movies, and used grammatically incorrect sentence structure in every day conversation. But there is a storm cloud drifting over my bright summer days. The looming presence of the dreaded summer assignments.

See, I'm taking three honors classes next year. I was going to take an additional regular class but due to lack of monetary income in the family I had to re-prioritize. So I guess dropping science is a new way of saving money. Well technically I didn't have to drop a science. I could have dropped a performing arts class. But honestly, I would much rather develop my right brained, performing aspects and become an all together happier and more confident individual then take a chemistry class with a bunch of juniors and learn about elements and that stuff.

So for the rest of the summer I am pretty much planless except for summer homework and working diligently with Sammy and Sydney on the musical. Considering the majority of my friends are abandoning me in suburbia for vacations to far off lands, I'll probably write a lot. I'll take the opportunity to comment on everything trivial in a quite cynical manner. I'm excited.

Happy birthday to Roger Ebert and SIR Paul McCartney.

P.S. Toy Story 3 was absolutely brilliant. I cried twice. Go see it now. Drop everything, get off your butt, and see this movie. That is all.

Monday, May 17, 2010

5/17/10

Today, STAR testing came to it's unfortunate but inevitable end. Tomorrow it's back to the old grind, staying at school until 3:00 each day and going to all my regular classes... *dramatic sigh*

In addition it's going to rain tomorrow. In the middle of May in SoCal it is going to rain. And it was freezing today (yes 68 degrees is freezing), but in true Californian fashion I wore a skirt and my new sandals anyway. Maybe if I refuse to believe that the weather is taking a turn for the worst, it won't. Like fairies. If you don't believe in them, they die.

Currently, I have an urge to watch both Juno and Zoolander due to their respective incredibly catchy soundtracks. They're both really good movies too.

That was my short spaz for the day. Happy birthday to Howard Ashman, Bob Saget, Craig Ferguson, Tahj Mowry, Nikki Reed, Daniel Curtis Lee, and my friend Sierra! May is just chock full of birthdays isn't it?

Now go clap if you believe in fairies and enjoy an orange mocha frappuchino.

Monday, May 10, 2010

5/10/10

Well today was my AP bio test. My father had to wake me up at 6:00 in the morning so I could get ready for my ride to pick me up at 7:00 so I could get to school and start taking my test at 7:30 and finish around 12:00. So when the test was over I called my mom and left school. I was done for the day.

Technically, I'm not supposed to discuss the multiple choice portion of the test with anyone at any time for any reason. Ha ha, right. And I'm not supposed to discuss the essays for at least 48 hours. Once again: ha ha, right. Just so you know, I wrote the best essay ever written. And by best I mean wittiest. And by wittiest I mean... well, you'll see in 48 hours. I'm afraid if someone reads this and I've written my answer and a person from the test finds out I will have "compromised my test score."

All in all, I'm just really glad this test is over and I'm one day closer to spring break the sequel/summer. This test was the cause of so much stress and multiple mental breakdowns. And now I'm almost completely worry free. Starting Thursday I have STAR tests (they're these stupid standardized tests mandated by the state 2nd-11th graders in California have to take) which are SO easy, plus I get to get out of school early.

OH I FORGOT TO TELL YOU GUYS!

I'm getting inducted into the International Thespian Society. I'm so excited it's ridiculous. At my school they make a really big deal about the inductions and it's all top secret, but all my friends who are already part of the troupe keep saying weird things like, "You need to let us know if you're allergic to any animal hair or foods," and, "Unless you're extremely comfortable with your body, I suggest you wear a bathing suit under your clothes," and, "Make sure to get a haircut afterwards." So I'm scared, but I'm really excited to. It's a right of passage.

Because today's almost over, May is going to be a really good month. Every year May is extremely busy and somewhat stressful, but now that the stress is over I just get to do all sorts of fun activities.

Happy birthday to Fred Astaire, Bono, Kenan Thompson, and last but most definitely not least, my daddy!

OK now I have to go to Hebrew High. BYE.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

5/5/10

There come's a point in every school year where it is no longer about learning, but about torture.



Yes my friends, testing season has begun. Tomorrow is my geometry final, even though school isn't over for over a month. I also have a biology test tomorrow. Monday is my AP biology exam. And then there's STAR testing. The tests just continue from there.



I have seven questions left to practice with for my geometry final. I'm in a much sorrier state for my biology tests, but I'm always in a sorry state for my biology tests. At least I have an 85% in the class and my AP exam doesn't count towards anything. (nonetheless my stress level is exceedingly high)



Fortunatley, I still have Friends. I also have friends, but they don't help me stay awake at night while I study my brains out. Speaking of staying awake, people (namely my parental guardians) have expressed their feelings towards my sleep habits, mostly using the word "unhealthy" to describe them. I don't really know what I'm supposed to do. If I sleep, when will I get anything done? And trust me, I enjoy sleeping. But everyone has to make sacrifices. We're in a recession.



Speaking of a recession, I'm probably alive in the worst generation to be a teenager ever. We're being completley cheated in our education. And everything costs a lot of money. And I like stuff that costs money. Haha... I'm really spoiled. But that's ok. At least I don't think I'm deprived like I did when I was little. I do get a weekly allowance that I spend on things.



I just wish I babysat more often. No one hires me for anything anymore. And chances are when someone asks I'm busy. But I'm a really GOOD babysitter. I'm not registered or anything but I'm not stupid. I can deal with a couple kids for a few hours. Plus kids just really like me.



This post is making no sense whatsoever. I'm really tired and I have a ton of work to do. This, my friends, is called procrastination.



I'd like to learn how to ride a bike. That was just one of those things I never got to in my childhood, and I don't have a care, so I would really like it if I could have a mode of transportation that's not only good excersize but also good for the environment.

DUDE I just had to restart this computer because it randomly turned itself off. The warnatee on this better be valid because it keeps acting stupid.

By the way, I'm kind of addicted to WebMD.com. BEST WEBSITE EVER.

Happy birthday Nellie Bly and Adele. Yeah.