This Is It.

I still can't believe that last night was probably the last night my family and I would do something together as a family this Summer.  Wow...Where the time gone?

So, last night, my family and I went over to a friend's farm to watch The Fireworks Show of the Summer!  I  was, of course, reluctant to go sit outside on a foldable chair on someone's farm on my last free Friday night of the Summer!  My mom pretty much guilted me into coming last night.  She said that this was probably going to be the last time we would do anything as a family this Summer.  Yes, I caved.

The drive there was quiet.  (Everyone was exhausted and slept most of the way there.)  I just sat there and worked on some blog ideas.  (FYI, I have to show you the cute new notebook I recently bought for the blog and my personal use!)  But when we finally arrived, we parked the car and had dinner.  Dinner was some yummy picnic food and pop!  Yum... (Yes, I just said POP!)

Sitting outside was ehhhh... You have to understand, I'm a "City Chick".  All my life, I've been a "City Slicker".  Always.  I love the city.  So, sitting outside on a farm is not my first choice for some "Family-Bonding-Time".  But time with my family is precious no matter where we are in the world.

I'm sorry I didn't get any good pictures of the fireworks.  But I must say, the fireworks were amazing!  I took a few cruddy pics.  (Blame my phone...)  But then, my arm got super tired because the fireworks were set off sporadically.  I decided to focus on the show itself rather than my silly phone.  If you had seen these fireworks, you wouldn't blame me.

I am so glad I went to the show.  Even though I was reluctant at first; I really enjoyed the show.  I read online that the fireworks show we saw was part of a WORLD RECORD for the Most Firecrackers Set Off and the Highest Firework Set Off in The World!!!!  How cool is that!?  Both of the record setters/breakers were spectacular.  The show itself was breathtaking!  I was "ooooh..." and "ahhhhh..."-ing the whole night long.  

When they were setting off the record amount for the Most Firecrackers, the bones in my chest were shaking and rumbling!  The sight of all of the firecrackers were great, but the shaking and noise was the best part of the show... ;)

There were smiley faces and hearts.  Traditional Ones and Palm Tree-Looking Ones.  There were so many types of fireworks and firecrackers.  They were so many different shapes, sizes and colors!  

I'm so thankful to have spent a great night with my family.  My family is the best thing God has ever given me.  They keep me grounded in the crazy world I live in today.  And I have no clue how they can deal with me and my craziness some days!

Have you ever seen such amazing fireworks ever in your life?  Do you love spending time with your family in the summer?  Can you believe Summer is almost over?

xoxo

5 Things I Need While Studying

In less than 2 WEEKS, I will be starting high school as a freshman!  I still can't believe it!  But I know I need to get serious and focused about the work ahead of me.  I've been working on ideas/notes for future posts about how I study during the school year.  Make sure to check in again to read them soon!  They are almost done, but I figured I might as well talk about the 5 Things I Need While Studying.

{music...blasting}

No matter where I am when I'm studying, I need music!  Whether I'm in my room, at the library, my dining room, my living room, or my kitchen; I always have some type of music playing.  Sometimes on the TV, my radio, my computer, or my phone.  I usually listen to my local Pop Stations, though.  My house is usually noisy in the evenings because everyone is running around working on something.  So, I need some sort of way to block out the noise.  That's where music comes into my study routine.  My friend, Naha*, has to deal with the same problem at her house.  So when I go over to her place to study or work on a big project, she whips out her IPod to blast some Pandora.  I am a total fan of SILENCE, but I usually need music to concentrate.  I usually use my GRANDFATHER'S radio in my room 24/7!  I am just praying it doesn't die on me anytime soon. (Knock on Wood...)  

{calculator}

Ummm...Duhhh...Kind of self-explanatory.  This one is a total no-brainer when you are taking Advance Math and Science courses.  I absolutely LOVE my scientific calculator from Casio.  I bought it two years ago, I think.  It is "mature" enough for me that it works in all of my advance math and science classes.  Yet, it didn't cost me over $100 like most of the graphic calculators do.  (But I have to buy one of those $100 calculators in the near future during high school...)  I keep my calculator in my pencil pouch; so it's always within my reach during any class and while studying.  Trust me when I say this, calculators are LIFESAVERS!  Most teachers would look at you funny if you started to pull your phone out during class to use the calculator.  Actually, very few of my teachers allowed my classmates to do that during class... Then, there are the rules for standardized tests stating you can't have a phone out during the test.  I've learned to always carry around a calculator.  I tried using JUST my phone; it didn't end well for me to say the least.  

{water/drink}

Obviously, you have to stay hydrated to stay focused while studying.  Remember to grab a glass/bottle of water before you start on your homework or start studying.  (Unless you want to make getting a drink a form of taking a break.  Which is ok.)  I can't stress this enough...DO NOT get a sugary soft drink.  Only one thing can come from that choice, Sugar Rush and then CRASH...Game Over!  I try not to drink anything with caffeine in it past 4 o'clock because then I can't sleep.  I end up losing sleep and messing up on tests.  

FORMULA: Caffeine + Night = No Sleep = :(

(Exception: MIDTERMS AND FINALS! and any major all-nighters/projects...)

{snack}

For some reason, I always need a snack before I study.  In the afternoons, my schedule consists of: I come home, change out of my uniform, grab a snack, and crack open the books.  I usually try to grab some type of fruit with dip or pita chips...I LOVE PITA CHIPS!  Fruit is not only healthy but filling as well.  If I have the "munchies", I grab a small bowl of pretzels, crackers, or pita chips.  Potato chips are oily and gross.  They usually make me feel sick after I eat them.  But I have to say, I prefer grabbing candy to eat while studying at night because after I finish an assignment they are a little reward!  Skittles and Starbursts are AMAZING!

{flexibility}

I am usually very fussy while studying.  I need the perfect space, the perfect noise level, the perfect lighting, etc... I sometimes get fussy on who's in the room with me while I study!  Sometimes I need TONS of room to spread out my "junk" (a.k.a. textbooks, notebooks, papers, binders, etc...).  Then, there are days where I need to be able to sprawl out on the living room floor and see everything I need to accomplish.  I mainly just study on my bed or at my huge dining room table.  One of my favorite teachers says she did the same when she was in college; she would spread everything out on her dining room table in her apartment.  It kind of just matters how I feel that day.  Am I going to be Lazy or Energetic?  Focused or Off Track?  It varies day2day  All I know is this...I NEED FLEXIBILITY!

What kind of environment do you need to be able to complete your homework or study? 

xoxo.

P.S. "Study Buddies" are the best people ever!  I usually am a "Study Buddy" with my friend/neighbor Naha*!  We always accomplish so much more if we are working together.  I keep us super focused and serious, and she keeps us calm, cool, and confident.  Plus she knows how to relax and not over-work our minds and bodies.  She is such a great friend to me! :)  We always are the Super Team when we partner up for projects.  (But that's another story...)  :)

Ashton Kutcher's Amazing Advice for Life

On Sunday night, Ashton Kutcher won the Ultimate Choice Award at the 2013 Teen Choice Awards.  I never really was a big Ashton Kutcher fan when he was younger, but I had seen some of his movies in the past.  I'm also looking forward to seeing his new movie "JOBS" soon!  But last night, my opinion- like so many other people's in America- of Ashton had changed for the better.  Most celebrities thank their parents or agent or friends but especially their fans when they win a big award, but Ashton did something a little different.  He decided to not only thank his fans for their support, but he also sent out some amazing advice to teens everywhere in America.  

I actually didn't watch the Teen Choice Awards this year, but I heard everyone RAVING this morning about Ashton Kutcher's amazing speech.  So, I decided to look up some info about the award show online and found a video of it on Youtube.  And I have to say, Ashton Kutcher did give a really great speech.  I don't care if you think his shows or movies are vulgar or not.  When I was watching him deliver his speech, I totally forgot everything about him or his career or his personal life.    

When Ashton Kutcher walked on stage for the award, he was dressed in jeans, a t-shirt, flannels and a ball cap.  (Pretty casual, right?)  Of course, as soon as he got on the stage he cracked a joke.  But then he became pretty serious when he started talking to everyone.  Ashton Kutcher said that he was going to reveal three important secrets that helped him be successful as an actor in Hollywood.  They were "Opportunity", "Being Sexy" and "Living Life".  I just assumed that he was going to joke around during his speech, but he really surprised me.  

The first secret he talked about was "Opportunity".  The first thing he said about opportunity is that, "Opportunity looks a lot like hard work."  He talked about the different jobs he had acquired since he was a thirteen year old carrying shingles up a roof with his father.  But he said every job he had was just another stepping stone to his next job.  He said he never quit a job until he got another one.  So, I guess you could say he started out as just a typical teen trying to make something of himself.  

The next bit of advice he talked about was "Being Sexy'.  Despite what most people watching- and the audience- thought, he was not making some type of crude reference.  He said that, "The sexiest thing in the world is being really smart."  That right there was a HUGE confidence booster to all of the nerds out there like me.  He then went on to say that it's not only sexy to be smart, but also being thoughtful and being generous.  (But not many teens in the general public would agree with him that it's sexy to be smart.  I WISH more people thought it's sexy to be smart.)  

Finally, Ashton Kutcher talked about "Living Life".  He said he relearned this concept recently while working on his new movie about the infamous Steve Jobs.  He described how in life we are sometimes taught that we're suppose to grow up, stay out of trouble, get an education, then a job and start a family.  (I think that there's nothing wrong with that idea, but he's saying that people can aspire to do more in their life.  Especially teenagers who are just starting to figure out their path on the Road of Life.)  He said that we can change that concept; that we can be bigger than that.  We can build our own life that other people can live in, instead of the other way around.  I agree.  He said we should, "Build a Life; Don't Live One."  That is something I intend to do with my life.  I'm just a small town girl who aspires to be someone that is respected for her intelligence and is an inspiration to others.  I think that phrase is a good mantra to live by if you are someone who is aspiring to be successful in your life.  

You never know where some of these famous actors are going to be in five, ten, fifteen, or even fifty years from now.  But at least Ashton Kutcher gave one AMAZING speech that probably touched thousands of teenagers out there searching for their place in the world.  I know I have been somewhat affected by what he said.  It gave me confidence and a bit of a reminder that anyone in America can be successful if they REALLY want to be successful!  I hope other teens were inspired to work harder in school and life to accomplish more and become the person they dream of becoming. :)

Good Luck Everyone!

I hope you can be happy and prosperous in your life!

P.S. Ashton Kutcher revealed that his real name isn't Ashton.  That his real name is Christian Ashton Kutcher.  I think it's understandable to change your name if you want to be an actor. 

Sperry Top-Sider's

So recently, I've been Back-To-School Shopping (as I've mentioned before).  But recently I went to the mall to shop for my clothes!  If there's one thing I've learned from my mom about clothes is that, you can own one simple chic outfit for your whole lifetime if you have enough handbags and shoes to be able to accessorizes every day.  I totally agree with her on that.  I love buying what I call "Staple Pieces" that are simple, and I can "Mix-and-Match" for multiple outfits.  But I have recently fallen in love with designer shoes and bags.  My mom is always either "loaning" or giving me her old handbags, and we always share shoes.  I have a few things from Coach, Nine West, Kate Spade (older bags and wallets), and her old beloved FENDI!  I love, love, love FENDI!  FENDI ANYTHING!!!!  I own a few wallets and purses from FENDI, but my mom has the rest of her collections in her closet.  I'm waiting and hoping to be old enough to inherit more bags from the amazing Italian designer.  

While shopping at the mall, I came across an amazing sale for Sperry Top-Sider's.  It wasn't an huge sale, but they had so many designs of my new favorite boat shoes in stock.  I absolutely was in shoe heaven.  (FYI the sale was at Macy's.)  These Sperry's may not be Manolo Blahnik's (yes, I know my shoes), but to most teens they are pretty fancy.  Most of my friends started wearing them two or three years ago, and I thought they were customized.  I had no idea that you just buy them online like UGGS.  I really didn't have time to worry about my shoes (plus I had more than enough pairs in my closet then).  But now that I'm entering high school, I am OBSESSED with buying a pair.  The only problem is that I don't think they'll fit into my strict dress code.  Yes, they even have a strict dress code for shoes and socks at the school I'm going to attend in the fall.  I have been meaning to ask my upperclassmen mentor if we are permitted to wear them (or that there's an unwritten rule that allow us), but I always forget to ask.  It may sound funny, but asking about that is on the top of my list of questions for orientation.  And yes, I do have a list of questions for orientation in a few weeks.  I want to have an excuse to buy/wear them!  

These are just a few of my favorites from the women's section on Sperry's website...

Sperry's Women's Lola Skimmers

These would probably be the only pair that would be permitted at school.  Simple, but classy.  They'd work.

Sperry's Women's Angelfish Slip-On Boat Shoe

These are really popular among my friends.  Some even have the sparkly versions with sequins.  I use to hate sequins, but now I absolute think they are adorable on Sperry's.

Sperry's Women's Angelfish Slip-On Boat Shoe

I love these because they add a pop of excitement to the simple denim.  I use to think leopard print was cheesy, but I love it on my shoes. (In small amounts of course.)  I think they are a great print with the denim. 

Sperry's Women's Angelfish Slip-On Boat Shoe

These are totally Little S!  Chic but bubbly and sparkly!  I probably wouldn't wear them because I think they are just a little TOO flashy.  But Little S LOVES SPARKLES!

Sperry's Women's Angelfish Slip-On Boat Shoe I think these are such a great mix of sparkles and pop! These are the sparkly versions of the pair I mentioned above.  I've seen some of the upperclassmen at the high school wear these at off-campus events, but I don't remember if girls were wearing them on my "shadow day".  I think they would work for dressing casually...

I already have a few ideas on what handbags to use in the fall, but I'm stuck in a rut when it comes to my shoes.  I'm probably going shoe-shopping before orientation, but so far I only have 3-4 decent pairs of shoes/boots that fit my dress code.  Sad, right?  I am on the hunt for the perfect pair of shoes for school.  More importantly, I am on the hunt for the perfect pair of suitable Sperry Top-Sider's for my new school year.  It's going to be tough, but I want Sperry's.  And I'm determined to get a pair...one way or another.  

Do you have any type of shoe, bag, or accessory that you are absolutely DYEING to own?  

If you are a Sperry's owner, what do you think of your pair?  Any tips or advice on getting a pair of Sperry's?

~Your Carrie Bradshaw-In Training

"Latin" Pens

Ever since my "Shadow Day" at the high school I'm going to attend in the Fall, I have been talking about and looking for these multi-colored pens by Bic.  They are pens that hold four colors that allow you to use all four colors at different times.  I was introduced to "Latin" Pens after sitting in on my tour guide's Latin class.  I myself have signed up for Latin as my language for high school.  Then, "Santa" (aka. my parents) bought me a few boxes of "Latin" Pens for Christmas last year.  I was so excited to find them in my stocking; I was practically jumping up and down when I found them that morning!

I am IN LOVE with these multi-colored pens because they can be used for so many things outside of school or Latin class.  I use the  pen for almost all of my classes.  I use them for studying, writing notes and lists, color coding my agenda, etc...  Although, my favorite thing to do with my "Latin" Pens is...DOODLE in my notebooks, agenda and lists.  My friends and I will trade "Latin" Pens, borrow them for class, show each other our NEW "Latin" Pens, and just doodle on each other's papers in class with them.  We are nerds, but I think they are such a helpful tool when studying.  I recommend them for anyone who wants to spice up their notes and be able to say the boring notes they are studying are actually...pretty.  There are so many kinds and so many designs.  They come in different sizes and colors.  I'm sure anyone and everyone will be able to find their perfect "Latin" Pen! :)

I usually buy my "Latin" Pens at any school supply store.  My favorite brand for buying these multi-colored pens are from Bic.  I prefer the light green, blue, purple, and pink colored pens because they just look cuter on paper.

Please Comment on whether or not you have a certain writing utensil you like to use to stay organize.  Also, please try using a  multi-colored "Latin" Pen some time to see why I love these amazing little pens!

XOXO
~Your Latin Nerd

Catfish: The TV Show

Calling all Catfish fans!  This post is in honor of you guys.  Last night, I sat up to watch one of my new favorite tv shows.  Catfish: The TV Show is an American reality-based docudrama television series airing on MTV about the truths and lies of online dating. The series is based on the 2010 film Catfish and is hosted by Nev Schulman.  (Found that online)  

I actually got hooked on the show over the summer after finding it On-Demand.  Every Tuesday, I get home from rehearsal then I go straight to the TV to watch my two favorite shows.  First is Twisted and then the new episode of Catfish is on MTV.  I guess I'm just a creature of habit.  Last night, I decided I wanted to blog about Catfish: The TV Show because it's one of my Summer Favorites.  

First of all I have to say that Nev and Max are awesome!  They are so kind and really know how to prep someone for just-in-case kind of situations.  I think Catfishing is the online version of a blind date gone wrong.  Let me explain to those of you who have never seen Catfish: The TV Show.  Catfishing is "The phenomenon of internet predators that fabricate online identities and entire social circles to trick people into emotional/romantic relationships (over a long period of time)." (Urbandictionary.com)  You can call me old fashion, but I don't trust everything I see or read on the internet.  I'm sure other people have made so many new friends and relationships with people online, but I don't think I'm ready for Social Media Relationships.  I've seen that some of these online relationships don't involve someone getting hurt.  And I love that about the show.  I believe in living happily ever after, but I don't believe in being naive.  When you're naive, you increase the risk of getting yourself hurt.  Online dating is a way of the future, and shows how we as a culture are evolving.  Yet, this show begs the question, "Is online dating the NEW way to meet your 'Soulmate'?" 

All I can say is "Watch Your Back Online", "Always Be Honest", and remember that you don't always live "Happily Ever After".  I believe in Living in the Moment; Living in the Real World.  The internet is part of the real world, but you don't get to go on dates where you sit and talk for hours together if you are only sitting at home chatting on Facebook.  I love the internet and social media because it lets you communicate with people anywhere in the world.  Which is both a good and bad thing.  With over SEVEN BILLION people in the world, is it necessary to date new people online to be able to find 'Your Perfect Match'? 

But I have a serious question for the people who have been Catfished or are in a serious online relationship.  Please don't take this the wrong way; I'm just really curious... Do you fall in love with the person because of their looks and profile image then become more attached with their personality?  Leave a comment if you have an answer to my question. :)

Also, for any of my readers out there, "Have YOU ever been Catfished or 'Hooked' someone into a fake online relationship?" 

The "My Life"...My Number One Back-To-School Supply

I can't believe it is almost AUGUST everyone!  And you know what that means... Back-To-School Shopping Season!!! I was joking with my mom the other day that I must really be a nerd because my favorite time of the year is Back-To-School Shopping!  I was practically jumping up and down the other day when I saw a Back-To-School advertisement on TV.  I know,a little strange...  Well I don't care what people think because I love staying organized.  It is the only way I can keep some sanity in my school life! :O

My Summers are often slow, but Back-To-School Shopping reminds me that Summer is coming to a close.  That means one thing: School is starting soon, and I need to get my game face on!  Most of my friends ask how it is that I could keep all of my applications, contests, volunteer work, extra curricular activities, personal life, grades AND school work all in order without going crazy.  I always would pull out one of two of my little personal agendas.  My friends would all flip through it and see how organized I was.  I also had an agenda JUST for my homework assignments and tests.  So when people saw my crazy personal agenda, they would call it, "My Life".

My friend/mentor actually got me started with the idea of keeping a personal agenda during her Junior year.  She always carried one around with her everywhere.  So, I kind of 'stole' the idea from her, but she doesn't mind.  All of last year I started to keep a personal planner to write EVERYTHING down.  And when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING.  I didn't have the room to write assignments or upcoming tests down though...that's for the school agenda.  Anyways... below is a picture of what the design of my agenda is like.  I jot down events in the monthly sections and actually details in the weekly sections.

Monthly and Weekly designs are a MUST when buying an agenda! 

Over the summer, I kind of took it to the next step.  I started to color code everything just so it would stand out a little more.  Of course, I had to use "Latin Pens" (inside joke I'll explain later) to color code everything.  This is what type of planner I use.  The inside looks just like this except I don't have translations of the same month.  I have everything inside of my agenda.  I use to only write one or two of the big things when I first got it.  But I realized that you should write every single little event in your life so you don't forget.  I have trouble remembering what books to take home let alone have to worry where I'm suppose to be in 20 minutes.  Trust me, it is soooo helpful to just be able to glance at the monthly calendar every evening to see when an application is due.  I would have missed so many deadlines if it weren't for this little planner!  Whooh...

This is what the inside of my current agenda looks like (except my months are only in one language)

Now, I recently bought a friend a 'Life' after he would call, text or even steal my planner to find out when we had an extra practice or when the deadline was for the applications.  So, I had a choice.  Give him "My Life"  or buy him one of his own.  It was Christmas time; so I just bought him one that was on sale and gave it to him as a present.  To tell you the truth, he STILL uses it today!  Some of my other friends love just looking at "My Life" because they love to read all of the quotes I write in the margins for inspiration.  I even write some of my more famous quotes in my friends' agendas!

My advice to anyone that is doing some Back-To-School Shopping, buy a "Life"! I always buy mine on sale because I'm kind of a cheap-skate.  But Mead always has good student planners to keep you really organized.  My current one is a medium sized Blue Sky personal agenda.  I love it to pieces.  I always tease my friends that I would be totally lost without "My Life" .  So if you have a disorganized teenager living at your house, then buy them a little "Labor Day Present" as my Algebra teacher always says!  You will be thanking yourself later, and the student will be thanking you as well. ;)


Good Luck All You Back-To-School Students!  Please send me some feedback on the ways you stay organized and what you think of "My Life"!!!  I can't wait to read your comments!

-Your Back-To-School Shopaholic