Hello everyone!
I actually have two very crucial things to mention in this post today. And when I say crucial, I mean LIFE or DEATH crucial. I mean crucial-to-your-SURVIVAL-crucial.
An amazing thing happened today. It was a miracle sent from God. Just wait for it...it's coming...
BUT first, I have a question for you.
When was the last time you had nap time at your work or school?
Ah ah ah, don't look at me like that. Just answer the question.
That's what I thought.
Well guess what suckers?
I. Had. Nap. Time. Today.
Yes, that's right. I, 9th grader, 14 year old extraordinaire...was told to lie down, and close my eyes, and relax.
And the most amazing part: It was during P. Freaking. E.
The ironic part: It was punishment for my class who wasn't following directions while we were playing soccer.
So instead of making us do push-ups...or laps...or any number of torturous physical activities...My P.E teacher told us all to go to the mat room, lectured us...and then laid down the law.
Well, we laid down, anyway.
The lights were off...everyone was quiet...I was 5 years old again and not sweating and gross and lying down where I'm sure a hundred sweaty and gross males have laid before me while wrestling...
It was the best punishment ever.
Well, now that I've made you all jealous, I can tell you the really crucial thing that happened today...
My pants ripped.
Huh. Not as an amazing of a statement as I thought it would be. Well, never mind then, this post isn't crucial at all!
Love,
Danielle
Friday, October 21, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Rain, Rain, Go Away, Please Don't Ruin My Homecoming Day
If you're wondering about the title, it's not that hard to figure out.
It never stops raining here. And tomorrow and Saturday are two very important days that I do NOT wish to be rained on. What is tomorrow and Saturday you ask?
HOMECOMING!!! Well, tomorrow is the Homecoming parade and football game, and then Saturday is the dance. I am very excited people!
But before I get ahead of myself, let me tell you guys what kind of week I've had. There are been good parts...and predominately bad parts. Most of the bad parts are due to one little acronym that some of you may recognize...
PSAT's. Preliminary SAT. (For those who do not know what the SAT is, it's pretty much the equivalent of the IB's. Or maybe the IGSCE's. I think. Anyway, let's just say its a major test that everyone must take to graduate and get into a good college.)
So the PSAT is the practice version of the real deal. You have the option to take the PSAT every year in high school until you actually do have to take the SAT. You could study for it if you wanted to, but it's not like there is a study guide or anything. It is mainly a critical thinking analysis, with English and math sections. There were five sections, each with about 25 questions, the last one with 30. For each section, we get 25 minutes and 30 minutes for the last one. So yes, the test lasted 3 hours, including 2 breaks.
Let me just tell y'all. It was a form of torture. It wasn't that it was so hard. I mean, don't get me wrong, there were some questions I couldn't even begin to answer because of the fact that I didn't know what ANY of the answer choices MEANT. And I'm a pretty vocabulary-savvy kind of girl. But overall, the test wasn't too hard.
The reason it was torture, is because of the time limit. If any of you remember, I had the same sort of problem with the TJ test last year. The time limit always kills me. Because I know for a fact that I would have been able to put down a couple more answers than I did, if I wasn't rushing like a mad woman through the questions. I mean, think about it! 25 minutes for 25 questions...that's a minute per question, and in the English sections (there were 3) they had HUGE passages that we had to read first before we answered anything! It must have taken 5 minutes at LEAST to read the passages and comprehend them, and good luck trying to make up for lost time when it came to speedily answering questions...because that was nearly impossible as well. I have never taken a test before where some of the answer choices are so similar to one another. This was pure. brain. torture.
Anyway, that was on Wednesday. On Tuesday, another exciting event happened. Well, two actually.
Let's just say that you know something is wrong when you walk into your school after a holiday and all the lights are off.
Raccoons. Raccoons are the reason our power was out, not only in the school, but also in some houses throughout my town. That was DEFINITELY an interesting morning.
And then a little later in the day, my school attempted to have a fun activity where if you paid a dollar, you could attend a thing called the Flex Games, where everyone piled into the gymnasium and watched students, staff and parents fight to the death. Or compete in relay games, however you want to look at it.
Anyway, during one particularly exciting game, called Human Bowling (where flat scooters are placed underneath big blue mats, and a person lies on the mat and the rest of the team shoves them across the gym and tries to knock over as many bowling pins set up there as they can.) a teacher, ACTUALLY PASSED OUT. Yes, that's right. During our stupid, stupid Flex Games, that barely anyone was watching or taking seriously, a teacher was pushed across the gym on her mat...and crashed right into the wall. The funny thing is, she crashed into the part where padding is placed on the wall...but nonetheless, she knocked her head against the padding and freaking blacked out!
Also an interesting afternoon.
Anyway, despite the exciting and not so exciting events of this week, tomorrow is sure to be fun. I will be in the parade with my other fellow French Club Students (who have been busily creating a SUPER AWESOME FANTASTIC banner that we will hold up...can I say that I was the mastermind? I think I can.) and then after, we will all trudge out to the football stadium to watch us some good ol' American football, and possibly get rained on. BUT HEY. ITS ALL OR NOTHING WITH HOMECOMING, AM I RIGHT?
Except if our banner gets rained on. Then there will be heads rolling.
Love,
Danielle
It never stops raining here. And tomorrow and Saturday are two very important days that I do NOT wish to be rained on. What is tomorrow and Saturday you ask?
HOMECOMING!!! Well, tomorrow is the Homecoming parade and football game, and then Saturday is the dance. I am very excited people!
But before I get ahead of myself, let me tell you guys what kind of week I've had. There are been good parts...and predominately bad parts. Most of the bad parts are due to one little acronym that some of you may recognize...
PSAT's. Preliminary SAT. (For those who do not know what the SAT is, it's pretty much the equivalent of the IB's. Or maybe the IGSCE's. I think. Anyway, let's just say its a major test that everyone must take to graduate and get into a good college.)
So the PSAT is the practice version of the real deal. You have the option to take the PSAT every year in high school until you actually do have to take the SAT. You could study for it if you wanted to, but it's not like there is a study guide or anything. It is mainly a critical thinking analysis, with English and math sections. There were five sections, each with about 25 questions, the last one with 30. For each section, we get 25 minutes and 30 minutes for the last one. So yes, the test lasted 3 hours, including 2 breaks.
Let me just tell y'all. It was a form of torture. It wasn't that it was so hard. I mean, don't get me wrong, there were some questions I couldn't even begin to answer because of the fact that I didn't know what ANY of the answer choices MEANT. And I'm a pretty vocabulary-savvy kind of girl. But overall, the test wasn't too hard.
The reason it was torture, is because of the time limit. If any of you remember, I had the same sort of problem with the TJ test last year. The time limit always kills me. Because I know for a fact that I would have been able to put down a couple more answers than I did, if I wasn't rushing like a mad woman through the questions. I mean, think about it! 25 minutes for 25 questions...that's a minute per question, and in the English sections (there were 3) they had HUGE passages that we had to read first before we answered anything! It must have taken 5 minutes at LEAST to read the passages and comprehend them, and good luck trying to make up for lost time when it came to speedily answering questions...because that was nearly impossible as well. I have never taken a test before where some of the answer choices are so similar to one another. This was pure. brain. torture.
Anyway, that was on Wednesday. On Tuesday, another exciting event happened. Well, two actually.
Let's just say that you know something is wrong when you walk into your school after a holiday and all the lights are off.
Raccoons. Raccoons are the reason our power was out, not only in the school, but also in some houses throughout my town. That was DEFINITELY an interesting morning.
And then a little later in the day, my school attempted to have a fun activity where if you paid a dollar, you could attend a thing called the Flex Games, where everyone piled into the gymnasium and watched students, staff and parents fight to the death. Or compete in relay games, however you want to look at it.
Anyway, during one particularly exciting game, called Human Bowling (where flat scooters are placed underneath big blue mats, and a person lies on the mat and the rest of the team shoves them across the gym and tries to knock over as many bowling pins set up there as they can.) a teacher, ACTUALLY PASSED OUT. Yes, that's right. During our stupid, stupid Flex Games, that barely anyone was watching or taking seriously, a teacher was pushed across the gym on her mat...and crashed right into the wall. The funny thing is, she crashed into the part where padding is placed on the wall...but nonetheless, she knocked her head against the padding and freaking blacked out!
Also an interesting afternoon.
Anyway, despite the exciting and not so exciting events of this week, tomorrow is sure to be fun. I will be in the parade with my other fellow French Club Students (who have been busily creating a SUPER AWESOME FANTASTIC banner that we will hold up...can I say that I was the mastermind? I think I can.) and then after, we will all trudge out to the football stadium to watch us some good ol' American football, and possibly get rained on. BUT HEY. ITS ALL OR NOTHING WITH HOMECOMING, AM I RIGHT?
Except if our banner gets rained on. Then there will be heads rolling.
Love,
Danielle
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Science Research Project: The Cause of My Doom
Helloo family! How is September treating you? What about the weather? Good?
Not for us.
It's been rainging for two weeks straight.
Thanks, Mother Nature.
Other than that, things have been good in the Matta home. Life goes on as usual, eat, sleep, work, eat again, you know the drill...
But there have been and will be a few events that are worth the mention, so let me catch you up...
Nick and I have been going to school for 4 weeks. Which have literally felt like 5 years. I have never been so stressed out in my LIFE.
A main cause of my stress is due to a little thing called SRP, a.k.a, Science Research Project.
I haven't told you all about this little assignment yet because it is has caused so much inner trauma in me that I wouldn't have been able to even explain it, even though I have been working on this for 3 months.
But school just started, you say. Well yes. And no.
Last year, when we were given the sheet to choose our classes for 9th grade, we had 3 options for science. Earth Science Academic, Earth Science Honors, and Biology. Both Earth Science classes are for 9th graders, and even though Biology is offered to 9th grade students, it technically is a 10 grade class. Another thing about taking Biology, is that the big science research project that every student must complete by 10th grade, has to be completed in one year instead of two. So for example, if I take Earth Science Honors, then I would work on my science project all of 9th grade, and then half of 10th grade. If I take Earth Science Academic, then I am not required to do the project.
But if you choose Biology as a 9th grader, then you must complete the project in 9th grade, period.
Don't be fooled...this is not your average, 'pick-a-topic-and-write-an-essay-about-it' research project. This is an actual experimentation research project, where you have to create a hypothesis, create the experiment, collect the data, write several papers on it, and then present your project at a big-deal science fair and get judged by actual looney-tunes scientists. This is no poster-board, last-minute thing. This is a MAJOR project.
And since I am taking Biology, that means I skipped the 9th grade course, where you do 8 assignments for the project, and the rest is finished in Biology. So I had do complete those 8 assignments over the summer, on my own. There were due dates and limited email communication with some of the teachers. And there was stress. A whole lot of stress.
But now that school has started, the due dates are still continuing. The project won't be finished until Feburaray or April or something, so there is still a lot of work to be done.
That, on top of all the other crazy school work I have to complete.
So yes folks. School has officially started.
How many days until summer again?
On the bright side, on Friday I went to my high school's football game for the first time as a Freshman. I went with one of my friends, and met up with some of my other friends there. It was a LOT of fun. I mean, if you know anything about me, you know that I have no interest for sports, let alone football, at all, but it's different when you go with friends and you're seeing a bunch of kids you know, and you have friends in the band and know people on the team, and then your freaking high school WINS against the school that is a major competitor.
I'm telling ya, the reason they won was because of me. I mean, duh. I INSPIRE people. I'm sure the team was all like, "Grunt-Grunt Grunt-Grunt-OH HEY LOOK ITS THAT AWESOME GIRL DANIELLE!" "Grunt?" "YEAH YOU'RE RIGHT, WE SHOULD TOTALLY WIN OR SOMETHING!"
What can I say? I just have that affect on people.
Also, the Homecoming dance is coming up soon, in October. Yesterday we went to the Tysons mall to do some shopping and also to look for a dress, which I did find! But I'm still stuck between two, so I'll let you know what I decide since you all obviously care so much. And just because I know one of you will ask or wonder, I am going to Homecoming with FRIENDS. As much as the football players adore me, this bird is flying solo. You know, the lone wolf. Me, myself and I. Going stag. The solitary seahorse. Individual Iguanas. The Unaccompanied Unicorn.
Yeah, you get the point.
Love,
Danielle
Not for us.
It's been rainging for two weeks straight.
Thanks, Mother Nature.
Other than that, things have been good in the Matta home. Life goes on as usual, eat, sleep, work, eat again, you know the drill...
But there have been and will be a few events that are worth the mention, so let me catch you up...
Nick and I have been going to school for 4 weeks. Which have literally felt like 5 years. I have never been so stressed out in my LIFE.
A main cause of my stress is due to a little thing called SRP, a.k.a, Science Research Project.
I haven't told you all about this little assignment yet because it is has caused so much inner trauma in me that I wouldn't have been able to even explain it, even though I have been working on this for 3 months.
But school just started, you say. Well yes. And no.
Last year, when we were given the sheet to choose our classes for 9th grade, we had 3 options for science. Earth Science Academic, Earth Science Honors, and Biology. Both Earth Science classes are for 9th graders, and even though Biology is offered to 9th grade students, it technically is a 10 grade class. Another thing about taking Biology, is that the big science research project that every student must complete by 10th grade, has to be completed in one year instead of two. So for example, if I take Earth Science Honors, then I would work on my science project all of 9th grade, and then half of 10th grade. If I take Earth Science Academic, then I am not required to do the project.
But if you choose Biology as a 9th grader, then you must complete the project in 9th grade, period.
Don't be fooled...this is not your average, 'pick-a-topic-and-write-an-essay-about-it' research project. This is an actual experimentation research project, where you have to create a hypothesis, create the experiment, collect the data, write several papers on it, and then present your project at a big-deal science fair and get judged by actual looney-tunes scientists. This is no poster-board, last-minute thing. This is a MAJOR project.
And since I am taking Biology, that means I skipped the 9th grade course, where you do 8 assignments for the project, and the rest is finished in Biology. So I had do complete those 8 assignments over the summer, on my own. There were due dates and limited email communication with some of the teachers. And there was stress. A whole lot of stress.
But now that school has started, the due dates are still continuing. The project won't be finished until Feburaray or April or something, so there is still a lot of work to be done.
That, on top of all the other crazy school work I have to complete.
So yes folks. School has officially started.
How many days until summer again?
On the bright side, on Friday I went to my high school's football game for the first time as a Freshman. I went with one of my friends, and met up with some of my other friends there. It was a LOT of fun. I mean, if you know anything about me, you know that I have no interest for sports, let alone football, at all, but it's different when you go with friends and you're seeing a bunch of kids you know, and you have friends in the band and know people on the team, and then your freaking high school WINS against the school that is a major competitor.
I'm telling ya, the reason they won was because of me. I mean, duh. I INSPIRE people. I'm sure the team was all like, "Grunt-Grunt Grunt-Grunt-OH HEY LOOK ITS THAT AWESOME GIRL DANIELLE!" "Grunt?" "YEAH YOU'RE RIGHT, WE SHOULD TOTALLY WIN OR SOMETHING!"
What can I say? I just have that affect on people.
Also, the Homecoming dance is coming up soon, in October. Yesterday we went to the Tysons mall to do some shopping and also to look for a dress, which I did find! But I'm still stuck between two, so I'll let you know what I decide since you all obviously care so much. And just because I know one of you will ask or wonder, I am going to Homecoming with FRIENDS. As much as the football players adore me, this bird is flying solo. You know, the lone wolf. Me, myself and I. Going stag. The solitary seahorse. Individual Iguanas. The Unaccompanied Unicorn.
Yeah, you get the point.
Love,
Danielle
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Definition of High School, By Danielle
So tonight finally offered the moment where I could calmly sit down, collect my thoughts, and venture onto The Matta Connection to write yet another of my insightful and entertaining posts. I meant to write more over the summer...but that didn't work out too well. I meant to write one the day before school started...which also didn't work. I even had the crazy idea that I would write a post after the first day of school...after the first week of school...but instead, I come to you on a Wednesday in September, for no specific reason at all.
Well, except to vent.
So as many of you know, (meaning A. You know me B. You read this blog or C. You can just tell) I am now a High Schooler. It's funny, because, at least in the American culture, high school is the place to be, at least you think so when your little. In all the movies, the main characters are in high school. In all the books, the main characters are in high school. (I'm using All in a very loose way here...I realize not all forms of entertainment surround teenagers in high school, but come on, a pretty large percent does. Look at Bieber. He's 17 and he's a "quote: singing sensation!" And even though there are tons of talented adult singers and bands, all you hear about is freaking Bieber.) So when you grow up idolizing these older, cooler, amazing high schoolers in practically every media you turn to, all you think about when your younger, is how much you want to be in high school, be like them. And really, the only image of high school is what Hollywood makes it seem to be. So basically, I grew up thinking that when you enter high school, you're going to get bitten by radioactive spiders and become a international super hero, you're going to met your soul mate that's actually a sparkly vampire, and when everyone is feeling in the mood, you can stand on the cafeteria tables and belt out your problems in time to a catchy pop soundtrack while your classmates dance in unison around you.
This may shock you, but high school is nothing of the sort.
For starters, if you even ATTEMPTED to try and stand on the cafeteria tables, I'm pretty sure you would get instantly tased and shot. The only thing resembling vampires in high school are the slightly creepy, goth kids that glare at you when you stare at their triple nose rings too long, and the radioactive spiders are rare to come by. (Though I wouldn't put it past you if you got bitten by a radioactive stinkbug...)
Real life high school can be summed up in three words: BIG COMPLICATED CHAOS.
The school is big, complicated, and because of the complicated-ness, chaotic. The student body is big, complicated, and, as suspected, chaotic. And the actual kids themselves are BIG. I was just in biology class today, when I realized that more than half of my classmates were two times my entire body. I've never looked up so much in my life.
Basically, I better start growing rapidly fast, otherwise I'm afraid I might come home one evening with my arm in a sling and two black eyes. "What happened Danielle?" My mom will ask.
"Early Dismissal."
(I realized that if you are not familiar with school, then you might not understand the joke. Let me slow it down for you. When kids are told they can leave a classroom...its like a herd of elephants trying to squeeze through a 24 inch door at the same time. Now imagine an entire school being dismissed from their classes early...yeah. Word of advice: Run.)
Love,
Danielle
Speaking of slings...Nick fractured his wrist on Friday. Which hasn't made much of a difference in his life except he complains a whole lot more and works a whole lot less. Injury my FOOT -_-
Well, except to vent.
So as many of you know, (meaning A. You know me B. You read this blog or C. You can just tell) I am now a High Schooler. It's funny, because, at least in the American culture, high school is the place to be, at least you think so when your little. In all the movies, the main characters are in high school. In all the books, the main characters are in high school. (I'm using All in a very loose way here...I realize not all forms of entertainment surround teenagers in high school, but come on, a pretty large percent does. Look at Bieber. He's 17 and he's a "quote: singing sensation!" And even though there are tons of talented adult singers and bands, all you hear about is freaking Bieber.) So when you grow up idolizing these older, cooler, amazing high schoolers in practically every media you turn to, all you think about when your younger, is how much you want to be in high school, be like them. And really, the only image of high school is what Hollywood makes it seem to be. So basically, I grew up thinking that when you enter high school, you're going to get bitten by radioactive spiders and become a international super hero, you're going to met your soul mate that's actually a sparkly vampire, and when everyone is feeling in the mood, you can stand on the cafeteria tables and belt out your problems in time to a catchy pop soundtrack while your classmates dance in unison around you.
This may shock you, but high school is nothing of the sort.
For starters, if you even ATTEMPTED to try and stand on the cafeteria tables, I'm pretty sure you would get instantly tased and shot. The only thing resembling vampires in high school are the slightly creepy, goth kids that glare at you when you stare at their triple nose rings too long, and the radioactive spiders are rare to come by. (Though I wouldn't put it past you if you got bitten by a radioactive stinkbug...)
Real life high school can be summed up in three words: BIG COMPLICATED CHAOS.
The school is big, complicated, and because of the complicated-ness, chaotic. The student body is big, complicated, and, as suspected, chaotic. And the actual kids themselves are BIG. I was just in biology class today, when I realized that more than half of my classmates were two times my entire body. I've never looked up so much in my life.
Basically, I better start growing rapidly fast, otherwise I'm afraid I might come home one evening with my arm in a sling and two black eyes. "What happened Danielle?" My mom will ask.
"Early Dismissal."
(I realized that if you are not familiar with school, then you might not understand the joke. Let me slow it down for you. When kids are told they can leave a classroom...its like a herd of elephants trying to squeeze through a 24 inch door at the same time. Now imagine an entire school being dismissed from their classes early...yeah. Word of advice: Run.)
Love,
Danielle
Speaking of slings...Nick fractured his wrist on Friday. Which hasn't made much of a difference in his life except he complains a whole lot more and works a whole lot less. Injury my FOOT -_-
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
I Ain't No Pippa
It's actually quite late now, and I should be in bed, but a thought just dawned on me that I thought was important to share.
I was watching a vlog earlier this evening about the royal wedding...and the vlogger was pointing out how she doesn't really much care about the royal couple, but she found herself sucked into the broadcasting of the wedding. And that she ended up really enjoying it.
She also got some clips of Kate walking down the isle and other shots as well, and in the background is Pippa, Kate's sister, holding her train. Now, I don't know about where you live, but on TLC, one of our TV channels, I remember seeing a commercial for a special that will be all about Pippa. I don't really know what the big whoop is about Pippa, but I think that must be nice for her, to have some of the media notice her as well, and not just her sister.
And that's where the thought process came along. I'm just one of those people that likes to place herself in other people's shoes, and I just wondered now, what would it be like to be Pippa, the sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, a.k.a, England's New Face In Royalty? I mean, we were just in London about at month ago and I know for a fact, that everywhere you walk, especially in the touristic parts, there's a gift shop with about 25 different souvenirs with the royal couples faces plastered everywhere. And their wedding, an event that happens a thousand times every day, everywhere in the world, was on live television, in not just England, but internationally too. They're, in plain words, huge. Yes, I agree that, in all simplicity, it was just another wedding for just another royal couple and there will be many more to follow. But the fact is, that a royal wedding, whether you care about it or not, is a big deal. They're rare and international and end up on millions of T.V. screens. Kate's face ended up on I Love Britain mugs. Her FACE became a PRODUCT, an advertisement for an entire nation!!! That's pretty much a big deal.
So what it must be like, for a sister of this icon. Well, the first thing I thought, was if I was Pippa Middleton, I would be pretty darn jealous. Happy for my sister, but jealous. I mean, while royalty holds no interest for ME personally, who knows how Pippa feels about it? And even if she wasn't interested, jealousy is a strange thing. It doesn't really matter if we WANT it. It kind of matters as to who GETS it. And it being your sister, well, probably makes it 100x better and worse.
Now I realize that if her sister hadn't fell in love with a Duke, we wouldn't even be TALKING about her right now. But I'm sure there are times when Pippa must feel like, "You know what? This being the Royal Sister kinda sucks right now yo", or maybe she says that in a more British way, but you know what I mean. She probably thinks sometimes, I wish I could have been the one to meet a Duke and gotten that royal title. Heck, I would.
So folks, here comes the point. I'm not Pippa. I'm not Kate. I'm sure as heck not the queen of England. I don't know what it's like to be them, or to have a royal wedding or be apart of one. But if I was Pippa...
I would be wishing I had a brother.
And if there ever is a Prince or Duke or even a Senator in my future, I'll be thanking my lucky stars that my brother will pose no threat.
'Cause it would really suck to be known as, "The Sister of the Representative of Virginia".
Shesh. And Pippa thinks she's got it bad.
Love,
Danielle
I was watching a vlog earlier this evening about the royal wedding...and the vlogger was pointing out how she doesn't really much care about the royal couple, but she found herself sucked into the broadcasting of the wedding. And that she ended up really enjoying it.
She also got some clips of Kate walking down the isle and other shots as well, and in the background is Pippa, Kate's sister, holding her train. Now, I don't know about where you live, but on TLC, one of our TV channels, I remember seeing a commercial for a special that will be all about Pippa. I don't really know what the big whoop is about Pippa, but I think that must be nice for her, to have some of the media notice her as well, and not just her sister.
And that's where the thought process came along. I'm just one of those people that likes to place herself in other people's shoes, and I just wondered now, what would it be like to be Pippa, the sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, a.k.a, England's New Face In Royalty? I mean, we were just in London about at month ago and I know for a fact, that everywhere you walk, especially in the touristic parts, there's a gift shop with about 25 different souvenirs with the royal couples faces plastered everywhere. And their wedding, an event that happens a thousand times every day, everywhere in the world, was on live television, in not just England, but internationally too. They're, in plain words, huge. Yes, I agree that, in all simplicity, it was just another wedding for just another royal couple and there will be many more to follow. But the fact is, that a royal wedding, whether you care about it or not, is a big deal. They're rare and international and end up on millions of T.V. screens. Kate's face ended up on I Love Britain mugs. Her FACE became a PRODUCT, an advertisement for an entire nation!!! That's pretty much a big deal.
So what it must be like, for a sister of this icon. Well, the first thing I thought, was if I was Pippa Middleton, I would be pretty darn jealous. Happy for my sister, but jealous. I mean, while royalty holds no interest for ME personally, who knows how Pippa feels about it? And even if she wasn't interested, jealousy is a strange thing. It doesn't really matter if we WANT it. It kind of matters as to who GETS it. And it being your sister, well, probably makes it 100x better and worse.
Now I realize that if her sister hadn't fell in love with a Duke, we wouldn't even be TALKING about her right now. But I'm sure there are times when Pippa must feel like, "You know what? This being the Royal Sister kinda sucks right now yo", or maybe she says that in a more British way, but you know what I mean. She probably thinks sometimes, I wish I could have been the one to meet a Duke and gotten that royal title. Heck, I would.
So folks, here comes the point. I'm not Pippa. I'm not Kate. I'm sure as heck not the queen of England. I don't know what it's like to be them, or to have a royal wedding or be apart of one. But if I was Pippa...
I would be wishing I had a brother.
And if there ever is a Prince or Duke or even a Senator in my future, I'll be thanking my lucky stars that my brother will pose no threat.
'Cause it would really suck to be known as, "The Sister of the Representative of Virginia".
Shesh. And Pippa thinks she's got it bad.
Love,
Danielle
Thursday, August 4, 2011
My Summer In A Nutshell
June 17, Marina and the Diamonds Concert, drove to D.C., got stuck in mocking traffic, arrived at ominous crappy building that said 'Atlantic Plumbing Supply', overlooking a wonderful neighborhood with smashed windows and possible gangsters. Walked in, blasted with air condition and loud, loud music. Best. Concert. Ever. I got most of it on illegal video. (ok, maybe its not against the law, but saying illegal makes me feel like a rebel, so shut up ok??)
Moving on. June 18th, we packed all day. Due to school and a certain concert and laziness, no one packed a thing before that morning. Surprisingly, we were finished and ready to go by the time our Super Shuttle arrived, and took us to Dulles Airport. Our flight was relatively late, and we arrived relatively early, not to mention there was a delay of some sort. We spent the evening arguing where we should eat, arguing against buying a book from the Airport Borders, and finally, arguing as to who was more tired and cranky (The answer, would be all of us.)
We boarded our flight, with yet more arguing. (Maybe packing all day wasn't such a great idea) Our seats were all screwed up and according to our tickets, Nick and I were supposed to sit on the opposite side of the plane from our parents. More confusion and arguing pursued. As a result, I somehow ended up sitting with my mom on the left side, with my brothers earbuds and neck pillow, and my dad and brother on the right side, with virtually nothing. Thank God for free headsets supplied by British Airways, that's all I gotta say.
Flight was long, but painless. Other than the fact that a moody, introverted British dude had the isle seat, and I had to pee really, really bad, things went rather smoothly. Oh, and he drank like 5 mini bottles of wine. And we could barely communicate with my dad and brother. And all my 'stuff for the plane' was on THAT side of the luggage compartments. Er.
Finally, landed in London Heathrow Airport. Took a bus to our Airport hotel, whilst rubbing our eyes and wishing we would die. It was early, London time. And most of us (meaning me) got no sleep whatsoever. Airport hotel was actually nice, considering it was, well, an airport hotel. We ate at the restaurant inside the hotel (My brother wasn't tired or jet lagged enough to NOT have a burger) and then crashed for a while in the hotel room. A little later, we were visited by my mother's godchild and ex-babysitter, Vanessa, accompanied with her boyfriend, Mike. We talked and caught up with them in the airport hotel, half living zombie, half social lites, and of course living the dream. We ate and slept the night away.
Oops, maybe too much sleep. Our flight the next morning was early, and required early wake-ups. But with a failed computer alarm (THANKS A LOT MICROSOFT OUTLOOK) and no clock in the hotel room, we woke up LATE. Luckily, we all jumped out of bed like 5 year olds filled with caffeine and sugar, and were out of the room in 5 minutes. (It might have helped that we practically fell asleep in our clothes) As luck would have it, there was a bus going to our airport terminal waiting RIGHT outside the hotel just as we checked out. If that were not the case, we would have missed our flight. (THANKS AGAIN, OUTLOOK)
With the help of some English security, we made it on our flight in time, with none to spare. We flew for 3 or something hours to the Athens airport. My aunt Venetia was awaiting, and so was all our luggage (God is merciful)
In separate cars (Nick, me and my aunt in her mini van, and my parents in the rented car) we drove to my aunts house in Dionysos. It was strange, to see all the roads and run down buildings that were so familiar, but in that, I-think-I-might-have-dreamed-about-this-once sort of way.
We crashed at my aunt's house. What can I say.
After hanging out and talking with my cousin Katatrina for a bit, I left for my friend Marina's house, which is where I would be staying for the next week. Reunion and lots of hugs happened. It was a happy, pretty much sleepless night. I couldn't have possibly talked more in my life.
7 a.m, June 21st, I went to school with Marina. My old school, actually. Crazy and happy and a little bit confusing, going to school with all my old classmates was fun. I enjoyed myself more than is probably considered normal. We were driven back to Marina's house courtesy of my other friend Sophia's mom. (With Sophia, of course)
At Marina's house, we ate and threw ice cubes at each other (Well, I watched them throw ice cubes at each other anyway) Being Sophia's mom's birthday, Mrs. Ioanna, Marina's mom, made THE BEST CAKE EVER, which was like, coconut fluffy cream with drippy chocolate topping....I ate more than necessary.
Another late night ensued, but not as late as the night before, but only because I made Marina go to bed since she still had school the next morning, and I didn't.
June 22nd, Evia day. While Marina was at school, my family picked me up and we went to Evia, a drive-to island (With a boat, if that makes sense) We spent pretty much the entire day trying to find a good beach and eating at tavernas, and finally settling on an okay one. I got no tan.
June 23rd, Marina stayed home from school and so did one of her friends, Hanna, and we all spent the day at the beach together. Tanned for 3 hours under the hot, wonderful Greek sun, and swam in the beautiful Mediterranean sea and DID get a tan, and Marina burned like crazy. I laughed. Spent the evening back at Marina's pool, talking our mouths off and eating pizza and little dough balls that were SO good with Hanna. Marina complained all night about her burns all over everywhere. I laughed more.
June 24th, I went to school again with Marina. The kids there have a half day on the last day of school, so we were back 'home' before lunch. Actually, she went on the bus, and my parents took me to the grocery store. Some things never change, no matter what country your in.
Later that evening, we threw a surprise graduation party for Katarina outside on my aunt's patio thingy. I spent hours painting a sign that said "CONGRATS CLASS OF 2011". People bbq-ed souvlaki. We ate.
June 25th, my cousin Stephen and Katarina picked me up from Marina's house for the beach (again.) We spent a couple hours there, talking and catching up and swapping music 'cause we're cool. When I arrived at Marina's place later, I got dressed and fixed myself up for the get-together we were having with Marina's and my family. The night ended with lots of present sharing and picture taking and movie watching. We watched Glee for the first time with my brother on t.v. We laughed.
June 26th, sad day. We spent the morning saying goodbye to Marina's family. I ate more coconut cake. We loaded up the rented car (a.k.a stupid piece of junk Fiat) and drove to Katerini, where my grandparents live. We spent 5 days there, going to the beach and spending time with my grandparents and eating really good food and laying around slightly bored. Eh, such is life.
July 2nd, we all loaded up the stupid piece of junk Fiat again and drove to Thasos, an island near the north of Greece where my grandparents live. We took a boat to the island and drove to our resort, which was really nice. Thasos, is beautiful. We spent about 4 days there, beach hopping and sun bathing and eating a lottt. We really enjoyed our hotel's buffet dinner every night. Probably too much.
I became tanner.
July 6th, we drove back to Katerini, and spent the rest of the day preparing for our trip back to Athens, and then to London. Which means my mom packed up everything and everyone else sat on their butts.
July 7th, we said goodbye to my grandparents and other family. We drove back to Athens, so so sick of our stupid piece of junk Fiat, that we drove it right off a cliff and into the sea. We dragged its drowned, dead steel corpse onto the beach and built a big bonfire on top of it, and did an rain dance around the fire all night long.
Not really. Just checking to make sure you're really listening.
We arrived back at my aunt's house. My dad, nick and I went out to eat at the best Chinese place ever, Golden Phoenix. My dad cried over his hurting wallet. We went back to the house and spent some time with my cousins and aunt before driving my cousins to the train station to go to wherever the heck young adults go to. Those crazy kids.
July 8th, packed up our remaining things and got ready to leave for the airport once more. Mrs. Ioanna stopped by to say goodbye, but Marina had just woken up and didn't come. Instead, we talked for 2 hours on cell phones and said our goodbyes. We left my aunt's house behind in our s.p.o.j. Fiat whom we grew to love but not really, and my two hairbrushes that I forgot in my aunt's bedroom burst into tears. Sorry hairbrushes. You have now been replaced. *Sniff*
July 9th-11th, best London trip ever. We went everywhere in that city, and it helped that Big Ben was right in front of our hotel. It was so amazing. If I went into detail though, I'm afraid this 'nutshell' of a post will become an encyclopedia. We also met up with Vanessa and Mike on the 10th, and we had lots of fun with them too. We went to some places that we probably would never have gone to if we didn't meet up with them. Oh, and did I mention that we also went on a Harry Potter tour??? YEAH. That was only INSANELY AWESOME.
On the 12th, we left London and said goodbye for the last time. We boarded our flight in the afternoon and watched movies the entire way back to Virginia. A piece of advice: NEVER watch the Green Hornet. The word 'balls' appeared more often than any PLOT or SUBSTANCE did. I liked Diary of a Wimpy Kid better -_-
We took a shuttle back to our house, which must have been the longest drive of my life and crashed for the final time. Lets just say that our little friend jet lag was a bit more demanding this time round.
July 15th, one of Nick's friends invited our family over to their house for a little party thingy. The boys spent most of the night insulting their fellow classmates and watching poop videos on Youtube. Welcome back to Virginia.
July 16th, Nick's friend, my dad and of course Nick and I went to go see the greatest movie of this century, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 IN 3D. *cough* I wasn't excited. And I did NOT cry. Ok, well...
July 19th, I went to a friend's birthday party. YES I ACTUALLY DO HAVE A SOCIAL LIFE, THANKS.
July 21st, two of my friend's came over and we had a super mega awesome POTTER PARTY. We made homemade meringues and pumpkin juice and butterbeer. None were a success, except for the meringues. Then we attempted to watch all 7 Harry Potter movies back to back. (Which took 17 and a half hours) We watched 4 that night, and woke up the next morning to watch 2 more. We didn't get to watch the 6th one, not enough time. And that's because we went to the movie theatres to watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. For me, again. And I did not cry for a second time. I didn't. (Yes) No.
You don't have to tell me I'm a nerd. Dream Team, remember? Already been established.
July 24th, my family went to go visit one of Nick's and my friends, whom we have been friends with for a while. We all chased each other in their basement with various wheeled vehicles, and played a game that I created which resembled musical chairs except without music and without chairs. Yes, I am 14.
And the rest of the summer...has been a blur. Of Boring. We went to Bethany beach last weekend. And that's pretty much it. I think we plan to sit on our tushes and eat for the rest of the summer, to be honest. But don't worry, my blogging days have returned and are here to stay! So you will know of every piece of food that enters my mouth and every seat I sat on. Your welcome.
Hope you enjoyed reading about my summer. Are yours going well?
Love,
Danielle
I would like to dedicate this post to a good friend I like to call, Borders. Borders will be greatly missed by me and all the other nerds in the world that knew this good fellow. Rest in peace good friend, *sniff*
 |
| This guy, was security. shyeah. We instantly became BFF's. |
We boarded our flight, with yet more arguing. (Maybe packing all day wasn't such a great idea) Our seats were all screwed up and according to our tickets, Nick and I were supposed to sit on the opposite side of the plane from our parents. More confusion and arguing pursued. As a result, I somehow ended up sitting with my mom on the left side, with my brothers earbuds and neck pillow, and my dad and brother on the right side, with virtually nothing. Thank God for free headsets supplied by British Airways, that's all I gotta say.
Flight was long, but painless. Other than the fact that a moody, introverted British dude had the isle seat, and I had to pee really, really bad, things went rather smoothly. Oh, and he drank like 5 mini bottles of wine. And we could barely communicate with my dad and brother. And all my 'stuff for the plane' was on THAT side of the luggage compartments. Er.
Finally, landed in London Heathrow Airport. Took a bus to our Airport hotel, whilst rubbing our eyes and wishing we would die. It was early, London time. And most of us (meaning me) got no sleep whatsoever. Airport hotel was actually nice, considering it was, well, an airport hotel. We ate at the restaurant inside the hotel (My brother wasn't tired or jet lagged enough to NOT have a burger) and then crashed for a while in the hotel room. A little later, we were visited by my mother's godchild and ex-babysitter, Vanessa, accompanied with her boyfriend, Mike. We talked and caught up with them in the airport hotel, half living zombie, half social lites, and of course living the dream. We ate and slept the night away.
Oops, maybe too much sleep. Our flight the next morning was early, and required early wake-ups. But with a failed computer alarm (THANKS A LOT MICROSOFT OUTLOOK) and no clock in the hotel room, we woke up LATE. Luckily, we all jumped out of bed like 5 year olds filled with caffeine and sugar, and were out of the room in 5 minutes. (It might have helped that we practically fell asleep in our clothes) As luck would have it, there was a bus going to our airport terminal waiting RIGHT outside the hotel just as we checked out. If that were not the case, we would have missed our flight. (THANKS AGAIN, OUTLOOK)
With the help of some English security, we made it on our flight in time, with none to spare. We flew for 3 or something hours to the Athens airport. My aunt Venetia was awaiting, and so was all our luggage (God is merciful)
In separate cars (Nick, me and my aunt in her mini van, and my parents in the rented car) we drove to my aunts house in Dionysos. It was strange, to see all the roads and run down buildings that were so familiar, but in that, I-think-I-might-have-dreamed-about-this-once sort of way.
We crashed at my aunt's house. What can I say.
After hanging out and talking with my cousin Katatrina for a bit, I left for my friend Marina's house, which is where I would be staying for the next week. Reunion and lots of hugs happened. It was a happy, pretty much sleepless night. I couldn't have possibly talked more in my life.
7 a.m, June 21st, I went to school with Marina. My old school, actually. Crazy and happy and a little bit confusing, going to school with all my old classmates was fun. I enjoyed myself more than is probably considered normal. We were driven back to Marina's house courtesy of my other friend Sophia's mom. (With Sophia, of course)
At Marina's house, we ate and threw ice cubes at each other (Well, I watched them throw ice cubes at each other anyway) Being Sophia's mom's birthday, Mrs. Ioanna, Marina's mom, made THE BEST CAKE EVER, which was like, coconut fluffy cream with drippy chocolate topping....I ate more than necessary.
Another late night ensued, but not as late as the night before, but only because I made Marina go to bed since she still had school the next morning, and I didn't.
June 22nd, Evia day. While Marina was at school, my family picked me up and we went to Evia, a drive-to island (With a boat, if that makes sense) We spent pretty much the entire day trying to find a good beach and eating at tavernas, and finally settling on an okay one. I got no tan.
June 23rd, Marina stayed home from school and so did one of her friends, Hanna, and we all spent the day at the beach together. Tanned for 3 hours under the hot, wonderful Greek sun, and swam in the beautiful Mediterranean sea and DID get a tan, and Marina burned like crazy. I laughed. Spent the evening back at Marina's pool, talking our mouths off and eating pizza and little dough balls that were SO good with Hanna. Marina complained all night about her burns all over everywhere. I laughed more.
June 24th, I went to school again with Marina. The kids there have a half day on the last day of school, so we were back 'home' before lunch. Actually, she went on the bus, and my parents took me to the grocery store. Some things never change, no matter what country your in.
Later that evening, we threw a surprise graduation party for Katarina outside on my aunt's patio thingy. I spent hours painting a sign that said "CONGRATS CLASS OF 2011". People bbq-ed souvlaki. We ate.
June 25th, my cousin Stephen and Katarina picked me up from Marina's house for the beach (again.) We spent a couple hours there, talking and catching up and swapping music 'cause we're cool. When I arrived at Marina's place later, I got dressed and fixed myself up for the get-together we were having with Marina's and my family. The night ended with lots of present sharing and picture taking and movie watching. We watched Glee for the first time with my brother on t.v. We laughed.
June 26th, sad day. We spent the morning saying goodbye to Marina's family. I ate more coconut cake. We loaded up the rented car (a.k.a stupid piece of junk Fiat) and drove to Katerini, where my grandparents live. We spent 5 days there, going to the beach and spending time with my grandparents and eating really good food and laying around slightly bored. Eh, such is life.
July 2nd, we all loaded up the stupid piece of junk Fiat again and drove to Thasos, an island near the north of Greece where my grandparents live. We took a boat to the island and drove to our resort, which was really nice. Thasos, is beautiful. We spent about 4 days there, beach hopping and sun bathing and eating a lottt. We really enjoyed our hotel's buffet dinner every night. Probably too much.
I became tanner.
July 6th, we drove back to Katerini, and spent the rest of the day preparing for our trip back to Athens, and then to London. Which means my mom packed up everything and everyone else sat on their butts.
July 7th, we said goodbye to my grandparents and other family. We drove back to Athens, so so sick of our stupid piece of junk Fiat, that we drove it right off a cliff and into the sea. We dragged its drowned, dead steel corpse onto the beach and built a big bonfire on top of it, and did an rain dance around the fire all night long.
Not really. Just checking to make sure you're really listening.
We arrived back at my aunt's house. My dad, nick and I went out to eat at the best Chinese place ever, Golden Phoenix. My dad cried over his hurting wallet. We went back to the house and spent some time with my cousins and aunt before driving my cousins to the train station to go to wherever the heck young adults go to. Those crazy kids.
July 8th, packed up our remaining things and got ready to leave for the airport once more. Mrs. Ioanna stopped by to say goodbye, but Marina had just woken up and didn't come. Instead, we talked for 2 hours on cell phones and said our goodbyes. We left my aunt's house behind in our s.p.o.j. Fiat whom we grew to love but not really, and my two hairbrushes that I forgot in my aunt's bedroom burst into tears. Sorry hairbrushes. You have now been replaced. *Sniff*
July 9th-11th, best London trip ever. We went everywhere in that city, and it helped that Big Ben was right in front of our hotel. It was so amazing. If I went into detail though, I'm afraid this 'nutshell' of a post will become an encyclopedia. We also met up with Vanessa and Mike on the 10th, and we had lots of fun with them too. We went to some places that we probably would never have gone to if we didn't meet up with them. Oh, and did I mention that we also went on a Harry Potter tour??? YEAH. That was only INSANELY AWESOME.
On the 12th, we left London and said goodbye for the last time. We boarded our flight in the afternoon and watched movies the entire way back to Virginia. A piece of advice: NEVER watch the Green Hornet. The word 'balls' appeared more often than any PLOT or SUBSTANCE did. I liked Diary of a Wimpy Kid better -_-
We took a shuttle back to our house, which must have been the longest drive of my life and crashed for the final time. Lets just say that our little friend jet lag was a bit more demanding this time round.
July 15th, one of Nick's friends invited our family over to their house for a little party thingy. The boys spent most of the night insulting their fellow classmates and watching poop videos on Youtube. Welcome back to Virginia.
July 16th, Nick's friend, my dad and of course Nick and I went to go see the greatest movie of this century, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 IN 3D. *cough* I wasn't excited. And I did NOT cry. Ok, well...
July 19th, I went to a friend's birthday party. YES I ACTUALLY DO HAVE A SOCIAL LIFE, THANKS.
July 21st, two of my friend's came over and we had a super mega awesome POTTER PARTY. We made homemade meringues and pumpkin juice and butterbeer. None were a success, except for the meringues. Then we attempted to watch all 7 Harry Potter movies back to back. (Which took 17 and a half hours) We watched 4 that night, and woke up the next morning to watch 2 more. We didn't get to watch the 6th one, not enough time. And that's because we went to the movie theatres to watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. For me, again. And I did not cry for a second time. I didn't. (Yes) No.
You don't have to tell me I'm a nerd. Dream Team, remember? Already been established.
July 24th, my family went to go visit one of Nick's and my friends, whom we have been friends with for a while. We all chased each other in their basement with various wheeled vehicles, and played a game that I created which resembled musical chairs except without music and without chairs. Yes, I am 14.
And the rest of the summer...has been a blur. Of Boring. We went to Bethany beach last weekend. And that's pretty much it. I think we plan to sit on our tushes and eat for the rest of the summer, to be honest. But don't worry, my blogging days have returned and are here to stay! So you will know of every piece of food that enters my mouth and every seat I sat on. Your welcome.
Hope you enjoyed reading about my summer. Are yours going well?
Love,
Danielle
I would like to dedicate this post to a good friend I like to call, Borders. Borders will be greatly missed by me and all the other nerds in the world that knew this good fellow. Rest in peace good friend, *sniff*
Friday, June 17, 2011
First Day Of Summer
Yes folks, that's right. Today officially, is the first day of summer for me! This statement just makes me want to crack up laughing manically. I think it may be the single most important statement I've ever made in this blog.
Today, as well as being the first day where I can sleep through 6 a.m., is the Marina and the Diamonds Concert!!!! It is at 5 o'clock in D.C., so in order to not be late, (LIKE WE ALWAYS ARE) we're going to try to leave at 3. We might need a miracle to be able to get out of the house that quickly, but hey, maybe the First Day of Summer Magic will be shared with us!
I absolutely cannot wait for the concert, but I REALLY can't wait for tomorrow, which is when we leave for Greece! Our flight is in the evening though, which gives us some extra time to pack. (And allows my dad to mow the lawn...-_-) For now, our plan for the month that we will be overseas is to spend a week in Athens, (We will arrive there on Monday) a little less than a week in my grandparents village, another week in an island (I believe we have decided which one, I just can't remember the name of it!) and then about 4 to 5 days in London. Now, the whole London business is because in order to go to Greece, or come back to the U.S., we have to stop in London, sort of as a midway flight. But when we had originally planned to come back to the U.S., there were NO flights that entire week going from London going to Dulles! (Our local airport) So instead, we decided we would take the opportunity to explore London a little bit more! (We have been there before...we went for New Years a couple of years ago. But we've never really been during the summer like this, and as many of you know if you travel, one trip usually isn't enough ;) Plus there is some family/friend chances in London, as well as my great opportunity to see OXFORD! (hint, hint)
So yes! That is our vague schedule for now. I really can't wait. I hate the whole 17-hours-traveling-with-no-toilet-except-the-one-on-the-plane-which-is-small-and-gross-and-constantly-moving, but it's all worth it for the trip that waits for us!
Oh, and by the way. You should now refer to me as The Amazing High School Freshman. Yeah. That's right. Don't be hatin'.
Love,
Danielle, Middle School Graduate
P.S. I apologize for the lack of funny in my recent posts. But don't worry. I'm sure in the future, I will no doubt have a ginormous amount of complaining/sarcasm filled posts. Patience, mon amis! Oh, which reminds me, French and Guitar exams went well! Scores will be here when we get back!
Today, as well as being the first day where I can sleep through 6 a.m., is the Marina and the Diamonds Concert!!!! It is at 5 o'clock in D.C., so in order to not be late, (LIKE WE ALWAYS ARE) we're going to try to leave at 3. We might need a miracle to be able to get out of the house that quickly, but hey, maybe the First Day of Summer Magic will be shared with us!
I absolutely cannot wait for the concert, but I REALLY can't wait for tomorrow, which is when we leave for Greece! Our flight is in the evening though, which gives us some extra time to pack. (And allows my dad to mow the lawn...-_-) For now, our plan for the month that we will be overseas is to spend a week in Athens, (We will arrive there on Monday) a little less than a week in my grandparents village, another week in an island (I believe we have decided which one, I just can't remember the name of it!) and then about 4 to 5 days in London. Now, the whole London business is because in order to go to Greece, or come back to the U.S., we have to stop in London, sort of as a midway flight. But when we had originally planned to come back to the U.S., there were NO flights that entire week going from London going to Dulles! (Our local airport) So instead, we decided we would take the opportunity to explore London a little bit more! (We have been there before...we went for New Years a couple of years ago. But we've never really been during the summer like this, and as many of you know if you travel, one trip usually isn't enough ;) Plus there is some family/friend chances in London, as well as my great opportunity to see OXFORD! (hint, hint)
So yes! That is our vague schedule for now. I really can't wait. I hate the whole 17-hours-traveling-with-no-toilet-except-the-one-on-the-plane-which-is-small-and-gross-and-constantly-moving, but it's all worth it for the trip that waits for us!
Oh, and by the way. You should now refer to me as The Amazing High School Freshman. Yeah. That's right. Don't be hatin'.
Love,
Danielle, Middle School Graduate
P.S. I apologize for the lack of funny in my recent posts. But don't worry. I'm sure in the future, I will no doubt have a ginormous amount of complaining/sarcasm filled posts. Patience, mon amis! Oh, which reminds me, French and Guitar exams went well! Scores will be here when we get back!
Monday, June 13, 2011
*IMPORTANT UPDATE* NEW READERS, SEE HERE!!
Only 3 more days guys!!
My Physical Education exam went well. It sure was challenging, *wipes sweat from brow* but I think I did well.
It has come to my attention that many of you, in order to be informed that a new post is up, have to be included in my 'email' list. Now, this list, (and if you have Blogger, then you might know this) is limited to a maximum of 10 people. I haven't reached the maximum, but I also would like more family members to read this blog, and in order for them to know about a new blog post, they probably will need an email sent to them.
But the email list won't have much more capacity. So, a new feature added to Blogger is a gadget that I have now added called Email List. (Notice how this Email List is different than my old email list. Capitalization folks.) This is located at the bottom of every page (you might have to scroll past 7 or 10 posts) and is right above the 'Number of Views Counter'. It is just a long, white typing box where I BELIEVE you can add your email and you will be notified about posts.
For those of you who already receive emails, because you either are on my old, limited email list, or you are following this blog through gmail, then that's fine, don't worry about it. You don't have to add your email to the new list unless you want to (which I'm sure then would result in two double emails, but hey, maybe that's just your thing).
But for those in the future, who wish to be told when a new post is up, then please feel free to add your email. I ENCOURAGE it. Because it increases this blogs audience and ensures you don't miss ONE SECOND of Matta Connection goodness. Also, it keeps YOU more connected with this girl right here. So, thank you to those who are loyal readers and give me nice comments and feedback :) I really appreciate it! And again, if you are in contact with any family member (That means somehow related to me, of course) who you think would be interested in reading my silly posts, then please pass the link on!!
So yes :) Just a quick update. Hope everyone is doing ok!
And to those of you in Greece...I can't wait! See you very soon!
Love,
Danielle
My Physical Education exam went well. It sure was challenging, *wipes sweat from brow* but I think I did well.
It has come to my attention that many of you, in order to be informed that a new post is up, have to be included in my 'email' list. Now, this list, (and if you have Blogger, then you might know this) is limited to a maximum of 10 people. I haven't reached the maximum, but I also would like more family members to read this blog, and in order for them to know about a new blog post, they probably will need an email sent to them.
But the email list won't have much more capacity. So, a new feature added to Blogger is a gadget that I have now added called Email List. (Notice how this Email List is different than my old email list. Capitalization folks.) This is located at the bottom of every page (you might have to scroll past 7 or 10 posts) and is right above the 'Number of Views Counter'. It is just a long, white typing box where I BELIEVE you can add your email and you will be notified about posts.
For those of you who already receive emails, because you either are on my old, limited email list, or you are following this blog through gmail, then that's fine, don't worry about it. You don't have to add your email to the new list unless you want to (which I'm sure then would result in two double emails, but hey, maybe that's just your thing).
But for those in the future, who wish to be told when a new post is up, then please feel free to add your email. I ENCOURAGE it. Because it increases this blogs audience and ensures you don't miss ONE SECOND of Matta Connection goodness. Also, it keeps YOU more connected with this girl right here. So, thank you to those who are loyal readers and give me nice comments and feedback :) I really appreciate it! And again, if you are in contact with any family member (That means somehow related to me, of course) who you think would be interested in reading my silly posts, then please pass the link on!!
So yes :) Just a quick update. Hope everyone is doing ok!
And to those of you in Greece...I can't wait! See you very soon!
Love,
Danielle
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Really Stressed + Really Unorganized= Birthday Party???
Hello everybody! How is the weather? Cuz down here, it is HOT HOT HOT. Summer is really on its way...as a matter of fact, it starts this upcoming Friday! That's in four days guys! It's a little funny to think I started this blog before this school year began, with all my expectations and nervousness and hesitance. And now...I'm almost done! 8th grade is only four days away from becoming a complete chapter in my life! And while that is totally and completely awesome...it's also a little scary. I mean, we moved back from Greece about 3 years ago. When we came back, I was a 6th grader, placed right into middle school. So there was a slight, kind of awkward, but none the less definite transfer from elementary school to middle school. Now, I'm about to make another transfer, but this time the change will be a bit more smooth and...transition-y. I don't have to pack my entire room into cardboard boxes, don't really have any friends to say goodbye to (at least not permanently), and the school I'm going to is only across the street from my old one, versus across the Atlantic Ocean. And yet, I have a feeling, it won't really make a difference. The transition will be better, but the nerves will still return faithfully come end of August. Butt you know what? It's either that...or repeating 8th grade. Ha. H-E double hockey sticks NO!
So High School awaits...but before that, thankfully, comes summer. And boy, am I ready to get that show on the road!
This is a simplified run-through of my next four days:
Monday: Think I was kidding when I said 8th grade sucks? I have an exam on Monday, four days before school ends. On none other than...Physical Education. Lord have mercy on me.
Tuesday: A slight hiatus...for now
Wednesday: On my last Civics class of my entire middle school career...I will be performing a debate in front of the class (including a hard-labored-over speech) about the cons of Congressional Term Limits. I capitalized that because it is important. (Don't make me have to say 'not'.) Also, my old man's 42nd birthday!! And yes dad, I did just post your completely true and slightly horrific age on the world wide web! Your welcome!
Thursday: Last day of school! And no, I am not crazy. Thursday is seriously our last day. It is because we go back to school earlier this year, thanks to our wonderful county. End of August, instead of beginning of September (If you need some memory refreshing, go see my second post ever...titled, 'The S Word' or something or other. Maybe I need some memory refreshing.) So, like the kind people they are, they gave us, uh, one day less of school, to make up for the horrible decision making and evil inhumane morals they obviously have. On this day I will be taking, ha, not one, but TWO exams. Last. Freaking. Day. Of. School. Don't even get me started. I'm already close to tears.
And then, Friday, will be the first morning that will be alarm-free, school-free, and stress-not quite. Friday will be fun though, even if it will be a little stressful. You see, there is a long, complicated, dramatic story about how this came to be, but in short, we are going to a concert in D.C. the day before we leave for Greece. A little irresponsible? Maybe. Totally awesome? YES. We are going to see my ultimate favorite artist, Marina and the Diamonds. She is a Welsh/Greek singer who is typically not so well known here in the U.S., but I happened to stumble upon the knowledge of her coming to D.C., and we are sooo going. Thanks mom and dad! (Though even if you said no I might have had to go to extreme measures to get those tickets...don't underestimate my extremity. Guess how I got a Facebook account??)
So yes. We may get our wallets stolen and there's a possibility we will get shot down in D.C., but it's all worth it.
Saturday evening, we will be off to Europe. Don't get excited-I'm still going to blog from across the pond. Less frequently...that can be assumed. But I kept it up pretty well in North Carolina for New Years, so I may surprise you!
So in case this upcoming, crazy week becomes too hectic to blog...than Happy Summer! See you all soon!
Love,
Danielle
P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GILBERTAKI MOU. MY FATHER AND FARTER, YOU ARE AN OLD MAN. BUT I LOVE YOU ANYWAY!
So High School awaits...but before that, thankfully, comes summer. And boy, am I ready to get that show on the road!
This is a simplified run-through of my next four days:
Monday: Think I was kidding when I said 8th grade sucks? I have an exam on Monday, four days before school ends. On none other than...Physical Education. Lord have mercy on me.
Tuesday: A slight hiatus...for now
Wednesday: On my last Civics class of my entire middle school career...I will be performing a debate in front of the class (including a hard-labored-over speech) about the cons of Congressional Term Limits. I capitalized that because it is important. (Don't make me have to say 'not'.) Also, my old man's 42nd birthday!! And yes dad, I did just post your completely true and slightly horrific age on the world wide web! Your welcome!
Thursday: Last day of school! And no, I am not crazy. Thursday is seriously our last day. It is because we go back to school earlier this year, thanks to our wonderful county. End of August, instead of beginning of September (If you need some memory refreshing, go see my second post ever...titled, 'The S Word' or something or other. Maybe I need some memory refreshing.) So, like the kind people they are, they gave us, uh, one day less of school, to make up for the horrible decision making and evil inhumane morals they obviously have. On this day I will be taking, ha, not one, but TWO exams. Last. Freaking. Day. Of. School. Don't even get me started. I'm already close to tears.
And then, Friday, will be the first morning that will be alarm-free, school-free, and stress-not quite. Friday will be fun though, even if it will be a little stressful. You see, there is a long, complicated, dramatic story about how this came to be, but in short, we are going to a concert in D.C. the day before we leave for Greece. A little irresponsible? Maybe. Totally awesome? YES. We are going to see my ultimate favorite artist, Marina and the Diamonds. She is a Welsh/Greek singer who is typically not so well known here in the U.S., but I happened to stumble upon the knowledge of her coming to D.C., and we are sooo going. Thanks mom and dad! (Though even if you said no I might have had to go to extreme measures to get those tickets...don't underestimate my extremity. Guess how I got a Facebook account??)
So yes. We may get our wallets stolen and there's a possibility we will get shot down in D.C., but it's all worth it.
Saturday evening, we will be off to Europe. Don't get excited-I'm still going to blog from across the pond. Less frequently...that can be assumed. But I kept it up pretty well in North Carolina for New Years, so I may surprise you!
So in case this upcoming, crazy week becomes too hectic to blog...than Happy Summer! See you all soon!
Love,
Danielle
P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GILBERTAKI MOU. MY FATHER AND FARTER, YOU ARE AN OLD MAN. BUT I LOVE YOU ANYWAY!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Wednesday June 1st- Beginning of a Wonderful (And Embarrassing) Future
Today shall be known down through history, as "THE DAY DANIELLE TOOK OFF HER BRACES"
People around the world will celebrate by sending lots of gifts and money to said historical figure and embrace the wonderful, braceless future.
Guys, my teeth look great, if I do say so myself. And can I get a 'Heck Yeah!' for gum chewing? Gum chewing is the best.
Just came back from the Guitar concert. Let me sum it up bluntly: It. Sucked.
Bad vibe jumping off the place. No rehersal whatsoever.
Teacher stressing out. Audience arrives before we're even done TUNING.
Let's just say it wasn't a very good night.
On the bright side, all the girls in guitar (about 10 of us) performed two special pieces specifically for us. The bad thing is, on the particular part that I am, (There are different sections of music going on at the same time, so there are different parts (A, B, C...) I felt like I was the only girl playing half the time. And let me just say: When you play in an ensemble, the most reassuring thing is that OTHER people are playing with you. So if you happen to stumble on a note, miss a cue, or lose your place, there are OTHER people also playing that part, so you have someone to back up on. Its not like a solo piece, where every mistake is noticable and you're on your own. You can afford to miss a note or two.
The bad thing is, if NO ONE ELSE ON YOUR FREAKING PART IS PLAYING, AND YOUR THE ONLY ONE ACTUALLY PLUCKING THE DARN NOTES, IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE, NO ONE IS PLAYING AT ALL.
This is kind of how the night went.
Girls Group: *nice music*
Me: Oh man, we're doing good.
Girls Group: *special section where all the parts are seperated and can be heard individually*
Me: Uhh...why does it sound like I'm the only one on my part playing?
Me: HOLY CRAP I AM THE ONLY ONE PLAYING
Me: *tries to be louder and not freak out but freaks out anyway, and while trying to be loud and NOT freak out, I make mistakes and FREAK OUT*
Me: I swear to God I'm gonna kill those little-
*END OF SONG*
And it only got worse from there
*Entire Ensemble's Conjoined Thought: No one is playing*
Me: Oh. Ma. Gawd.
Girl Next to Me: *pees her pants*
Guitar Teacher: *silently calms his inner demons of rage*
Audience: Why is there a big puddle underneath their feet?
Ya. Thank God for my golden smile, or we would have been chased out by a very angry mob.
My family says they couldn't hear our serious blunders, but we all know how that works.
They're lying like little-
*END OF BLOG*
Love,
Danielle
People around the world will celebrate by sending lots of gifts and money to said historical figure and embrace the wonderful, braceless future.
Guys, my teeth look great, if I do say so myself. And can I get a 'Heck Yeah!' for gum chewing? Gum chewing is the best.
Just came back from the Guitar concert. Let me sum it up bluntly: It. Sucked.
Bad vibe jumping off the place. No rehersal whatsoever.
Teacher stressing out. Audience arrives before we're even done TUNING.
Let's just say it wasn't a very good night.
On the bright side, all the girls in guitar (about 10 of us) performed two special pieces specifically for us. The bad thing is, on the particular part that I am, (There are different sections of music going on at the same time, so there are different parts (A, B, C...) I felt like I was the only girl playing half the time. And let me just say: When you play in an ensemble, the most reassuring thing is that OTHER people are playing with you. So if you happen to stumble on a note, miss a cue, or lose your place, there are OTHER people also playing that part, so you have someone to back up on. Its not like a solo piece, where every mistake is noticable and you're on your own. You can afford to miss a note or two.
The bad thing is, if NO ONE ELSE ON YOUR FREAKING PART IS PLAYING, AND YOUR THE ONLY ONE ACTUALLY PLUCKING THE DARN NOTES, IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE, NO ONE IS PLAYING AT ALL.
This is kind of how the night went.
Girls Group: *nice music*
Me: Oh man, we're doing good.
Girls Group: *special section where all the parts are seperated and can be heard individually*
Me: Uhh...why does it sound like I'm the only one on my part playing?
Me: HOLY CRAP I AM THE ONLY ONE PLAYING
Me: *tries to be louder and not freak out but freaks out anyway, and while trying to be loud and NOT freak out, I make mistakes and FREAK OUT*
Me: I swear to God I'm gonna kill those little-
*END OF SONG*
And it only got worse from there
*Entire Ensemble's Conjoined Thought: No one is playing*
Me: Oh. Ma. Gawd.
Girl Next to Me: *pees her pants*
Guitar Teacher: *silently calms his inner demons of rage*
Audience: Why is there a big puddle underneath their feet?
Ya. Thank God for my golden smile, or we would have been chased out by a very angry mob.
My family says they couldn't hear our serious blunders, but we all know how that works.
They're lying like little-
*END OF BLOG*
Love,
Danielle
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