Just Tell Me What You Want!

Finals are the most stressful thing. They are more stressful than any chapter test, any speaking quiz in Spanish, any group project, more stressful than any school deadline. Why? Because you can work your butt off through out the duration of the semester, stuff all the information for that one test in your short term memory, and blow it because of one test. One terrifying test.

Don't get me wrong I completely understand the point of finals. I understand that the whole point of the course was to learn the information, and the test is supposed to prove that you learned it, and you deserve the credit. Though, I have a terrible time testing, and I usually make a 70 on my finals. I know that's not terrible, but a 70 drop your semester average like 5 points.

What's really annoying though, is the teacher who will not give you a nice black and white review of what they expect on the test. The ones that pretty much hand you a packet that has a list of titles in every chapter. The ones that say, "I want you to pick out the important stuff." Well I have a question, if you already know the important stuff, if you are the one administering the test, why can't you just tell me?! Why make me guess? Why make me over cram for your test, enabling me from sufficiently studying for another? It's completely pointless and makes me want to dig a hole and climb into it.

Also, the teachers who just give you practice problems can end up being completely problematic. (no pun intended) I mean I can understand if they are specific ones the teacher wants make sure you can do, but if they are just copy and pasted from old test and, "may be similar to those on the final" don't waste my time. Don't give me busy work around finals. IT DOESN'T HELP. IT DOESN'T MAKE ME WANT TO STUDY FOR YOUR TEST ANY HARDER. IT DOESN'T MAKE ME PREPPED FOR YOUR DANG TEST. 

What I do like, is the teacher (which I have only one this year) that administers a review that is not only the exact questions, but in the exact order as the final. These are the teachers I want to throw a party for. These are the teachers who understand school, and how sometimes when it comes to giant tests, knowing the general information. It isn't fair to those who are bad testers to try to trick them into  over studying. It's not helpful, it's stressful and just down right WRONG. 

The Completely Unsupported Speech I Wrote in Five Minutes

Social Media such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Tumblr all potentially serve as a positive way to connect with people all around the world. You can share news with friends and family, and even meet new people. They can also be used as teaching tools as well as create hobbies for the users. However when misused they can lead to negative consequences such as anti-socialism, issues with public speaking, identity theft, or even some consequences as serious as death. Death, can mostly be attributed to younger more naive who seek to use these websites and applications as portals to bullying and harassment. Some even use them anonymous ways to send hatred and threats to other users. Fake accounts are created on websites such as Facebook and Twitter, where they can send anything out that they want using any name they wish to use. There are even social sites created with intents of you being anonymous, including the website Ask.FM where users who sign up are given an “ask box” where other users or non users are supposed to ask the person questions. This may at first sound like an okay idea but like any “good” social media site it comes with potential negative consequences. Seeing that users can be completely anonymous, and anyone, with or without an account can send messages to users, there have been many instances where people, typically teenagers , see this as an opportunity to harass someone, or voice their negative opinion on others.

Of course NONE of these website creators intended for their websites to be used in this fashion and have even try to prevent this with many security tools. The sad part is most teenagers don’t take all the necessary precautions to prevent this.

Even though it seems teenagers are the only ones who do not take necessary steps to prevent this, adults are guilty as well. Many adults have been victims of identity theft. Bank accounts have been hacked into through spam emails, or distribution of personal information into mocking social media sites, or sites that resemble popular websites, that are actually controlled by hackers. There are cases that pop up everyday, sadly, lives are ruined by something that can easily be prevented.

In addition “social media” ironically poses a risk of anti socialism and fear of public speaking in those who constantly use online websites as their main form of communication. It allows the more antisocial users to avoid being social in person. Dating websites (most 18+ only) are a form of social websites where users set up profiles that can be used to meet people they want to potentially have a romantic relationship with. Seeing that users probably have no mutual friends with this person, and no history with this person, it can be very dangerous. Not only do these websites aid in making a person more antisocial but can potentially result in the dangers of those who use them. There has been many instances of kidnapping among users who share personal information with people who they believe they can trust. A person does not need an ID to create an account which makes it easy for people to create fake accounts on these websites. Even if the person can prove who they are to the other user does not make them any more safe or trustworthy. That is why I feel websites like this should tried to be avoided as much as possible.

Social media sites can assist in communicating with people you haven’t spoken to in years. It allows users to chat, and enjoy themselves. Though every site has it’s perks, it also has it’s risks. This is why users should try to take all steps and safety precautions to prevent any negative consequences.

A Generation Torn From Innocence

It's actually generally scary how teen pregnancy is becoming like an okay thing. When I was 4, my sister got pregnant with her first child. She was only seventeen, going on 18. And it was the biggest "OMG!" The biggest, "Holy crap, you are what?!" I mean, I didn't know that at the time, but now I know how much of a big deal with was to everyone. And she was almost 18, almost a legal adult, and it wasn't only a big thing to my parents but other people around her. Now, we have entire TV shows about teens age 16 getting pregnant. No, it's not glamorizing or giving the "O.K."for teens at 16 having children, but it makes it a cultural normal. Which if you ask me, is very unsettling. My niece is in middle school, 6th grade. She told me that one of her friends had a pregnancy scare. A WHAT? A PREGNANCY SCARE?! Meaning, your 12 year old friend is not only having sex, but is doing it unsafely? I can't. I just can't. That actually creeps me out. NO NO Nooo NOPE nOOoo. I'm 16, and the only pregnancy scare I've had is that nightmare where the doctor told me I was pregnant to triplets. Oh speaking of pregnant 12 year olds, I was watching beyond scared straight and their was a 12 year old on the show who was an aspiring gang member. OH MY GOSH. What?!? How is that even a thing? I'm fortunate to haven't gone through drug addictions, pregnancy, violence or anything in that general area. There was also a kid on that show who was like 11 and possession of cocaine. Who was "holding it for his friend."COCAINE. I've never even seen cocaine in the flesh, let alone "held it for a friend."

Okay, back on the subject of pregnancy. I just really don't understand. You would think shows like MTV's 16 and Pregnant, would shy kids, yes kids from getting pregnant. Like, I don't know about these other kids running around having kids, but I have goals. I have dreams. And you would assume everyone else would too. I guess they just have to work a child into theirs. Or at least, try and do that.  Which if you ask my sister, is one of the most difficult tasks, even with the support, love and care of your parents.

But honestly, if you and your boyfriend are too scared to buy condoms, you are too immature, too young to be having sex. I hate to sound cliche, but what's worse, buying one pack of condoms, or buying cases of diapers? Which reminds me, if I learned anything from my sister's three pregnancies, diapers are super expensive!

Which Came First, the Book or Movie? Does it Really Matter?

So, I've been thinking, does it actually matter if you read the book before you see the movie. I mean I think it actually just might be how you like to read your books. If you are like me sometimes the movies ruin the visuals you have created. I end up disliking the movie because that is not how I wanted the main character to look, or they added a slightly different ending that should of left the audience hanging. So I guess in my opinion it doesn't ruin the movie so much if you read the book after. But then there is the down side it will ruin the ending for you, and that's part of the thrill of reading the book, it's supposed to motivate you to finish the book. Like "OMG I have like 5 more chapters I wonder what is going to happen to Blah Blah and Bleh Blah. I have to finish it!" But if you already know how it's going to end it's sort of like "eh, I'll finish it later. I already know they fall in love and have 3 kids and adopt a puppy." The motivation just isn't there. Unless you are me, and have an OCD where I have to finish something I started, even if it is not the best book ever.


So I guess the moral of this blog post is, well I guess I haven't really established one. I guess the fact of the matter is some books are gonna be better if you read them first, unless you like to always watch the movies first. Or maybe not even watch the film at all. Or maybe you aren't a book person anyway so you don't even consider reading the book. We all have out own ways of doing things and sometimes they change depending on the situation.

Hate is a Strong Word, BUT I REALLY REALLY REAAAALLLY DON'T LIKE YOU

I actually cannot believe how much I hate chemistry. Like I actually have a serious hate for it. And it's so weird because I love math-type puzzles, and just math generally. But it's just like, it's hard to do math calculations when you don't have a deep understanding as to what you are calculating. Like whats a freaking mole? And what is a beta ray? And how come it changes elements when you put a ray through something? And which one causes skin cancer. I CAN'T. I actually get so mad at these stupid problems. And the fact the tests are timed and even if you beg and plea you cannot get another minute. And sometimes I need that extra minute because I didn't finish calculations or I didn't double check it. Or I was searching my brain for the formula. It's unfair. Time tests suck especially when have of the concepts on the test are freaking self taught. I go in for tutoring and it just makes me more frustrated because instead of help he tells me where it is in the book, and where in my notes it is. If the solution to my inability to understand chemistry was so simple to find, do you not think I would understand it by now? I would. Because I use text books, and I try and study and I look over my notes. Again, and again, and again, and again. I need another person to TEACH it to me. To go over it with me. To help me have an actual understand instead of just re-layering the same text that is supposed to help me learn the material. BUT THAT IS NOT HOW I LEARN. I love algebra and geometry and math because I had a really awesome 8th grade math teacher. I used to actually dislike math, and love science (the tables have for sure turned. ironically of course, seeing that math and science are cross curriculum subjects...) either way, I'm good at math because, my teacher would not go on until everyone, and I mean EVERYONE knew what they were doing. They didn't just keep on trucking because they were running out of time. Every question I had, she could answer in a way I could understand. I would always ask why something worked, she could explain it to me. If I even try to ask why in chemistry I get a "well you see, if you understand molar mass and why there is 6.07 trillion mega rays in a hydrogen atom with 77.0002 mass then you would get how many Cheetos have thirty three grams of sodium on a Wednesday. I sound like I'm exagerating but sometimes that's how I see chemistry. HOW CAN YOU TELL ME I SHOULD KNOW THESE THINGS IF YOU NEVER TAUGHT THEM. SHOULD I BE READING THE TEXT BOOK COVER-TO-COVER?! No. And everyone is like "just go into grade level classes it's soooo easy" but it's like ehhhh. I don't want easy. Easy wont help me on the STAAR, easy wont help me on the PSAT or the SAT or the LMNOP like bleeeeeegggghhhhh. I JUST WANT TO GRADUATE AND GO TO COLLEGE. BUT IT'S HARD TO DO THAT WHEN I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY PUTTING A GAMMA RAY THROUGH HELIUM TURNS IT INTO NITROGEN.

Okay that's it. I'm dropping out. (okay not actually that would only create more problems. and more tears.)

Lucky Us

I swear my family has the best contest luck. I guess it makes up for the Arocha curse. (It's where anything that could possibly ever go wrong, does. Let's just say I've been late to my own birthday party more than once.) Anyway, my sister enters a lot of contests online through like radio station websites. Over the past few years she's won private concerts, and a meet-n-greet with Ludacris and The Goo Goo Dolls, she's won two separate trips to Las Vegas for two people. She's one tickets to many concerts including George Strait, Maroon 5, and passes to Warped Tour/La La Palooza (one or the other). She won a framed, signed, KISS album, a $500 gift card to the Dallas Cowboy's Store, and a bunch of Circuit of the America's merch. ($300 value). And while that's super cool and all, I've entered like 10 contests in the past 3 or so years. And I've won, tickets to a Never Shout Never contest, (which wasn't a raffle, it was an art contest, but either way). I won a meet-n-greet with B.o.B, I won passes to Warped Tour, tickets to some Star Wars Premiere (I don't really know what it was because I never picked up the tickets, and this was like a few years ago anyway). I won tickets to Austin Kids Festival, and while I was there I wont passes to all Round Rock Express games of the 2011 season. (I think I went like twice lol) I won $50 gift card to Sonic (which is one of my favorite because lemonberry slushes are the best thing that has happened to this world) and I think that covers just about everything...

Except what I won two nights ago. The coolest one of all. (Yes, cooler than B.o.B seeing as I know like two of his songs, and no one really likes him anyway. He did sing to me though it was pretty cool) ANNYYWAAAY. Two nights ago I got two voice mails, one from Office Max (which I have an interview today after school for them) and one was from another unknown number...When I clicked on it they said "Congratulations..." and I was at Central Market, so it wasn't the most quiet spot to listen to my voice mail, but either way I thought it was just a spam call because I get those off the wazzoo because I entered my number in some website thing and now they call me every other week to tell me I can lower my taxes, which is funny because I'm 15 and don't have a job yet. So my heart didn't drop when I heard congratulations, and when I was taking my phone away from my face I heard "two wristbands" and I was like SAAAAY WHAAAAAT? And I put it right back to my hear and heard the rest. "...for ACL this weekend! Please come pick them..." And then I remembered I had entered a texting contest like two weeks before. And It all clicked! I won ACL wristbands! I listened to the message again to confirm it. So today I have to pick them up before five, so I'm having my mom go for me. I promised my friend one so I'm going to sell it to her for $100 (which is like super generous, but she did take me to a Taylor Swift concert and the tickets were only like $50 which makes up for the other money I could be making, and she payed the hotel prices and she drove us and yeah..)

So moral of this blog, my family has bad luck generally, good luck in contests, and I'm going to ACL this weekend, and making $100 along the way!

Does "Obamacare"?

Honestly, the most confusing thing right now is Obamacare. It's truly hard to tell if it's a bad thing, or a good thing. Obviously like anything the government puts forward there will be negative and positive light being shined on different aspects of it. The crucial part is trying to find out what is actually important, and what will affect the public as a whole. Basically, the government is going to force everyone to have healthcare. Now, at first yes, it sounds like a good idea. Even the unemployed get healthcare, so no more visits to the minor emergency room for chronic diseases , and no more of the government's money randomly going to people's medical bills to random hospitals. (Obviously it's more complex than that, but you get the idea). But the crappy part about this is every business will have to start supplying healthcare for their employees. And what about those smaller, local business who cannot afford that. Well, they either go out of business or raise the price of their products, which will also lead them to going out of business. This is another reason that if i were going to vote I would have voted Mitt Romney in last year's election. He cared and had ideas that would support small businesses, unlike Obama, who claims that the reason small business are successful is because of the government. (Hahaha) Sorry, I just come from a family that has many owners of small business who never took a dime from the government, and are now millionaires. They worked their butts off and it payed off. And no, not everyone has the same success with opening business but it's unfair to say that the more wealthy (especially small business owners) should have their taxes raised because the government is the only reason they made it. (I'm sorry for this tangent, but it relates to why I dislike how Obama wants to handle things.)

Others will argue that places like Canada, and France are running just fine on Socialist Economy. And yes, most would tell me I'm incorrect for labeling us as socialists, which we aren't completely. (but I don't about 50 years from now...) Either way, the reason that socialized health care works in countries like Canada and France is because they established their health care among that idea. Bringing in Obama care is equivalent to Canada taking away from the unemployed or those on low income. It doesn't sound right does it? How is that any different than changing our system of healthcare. And yeah, if you already have healthcare, you can keep it. Which I guess is good, but is also the reason democrats are calling republicans selfish. Which it does sound selfish because, if we don't have to change, why can the government just go ahead and give health care to those who are struggling? Well it all comes back to the question should the government have control over health care? Which honestly, I don't have the answer to. But hopefully someone holds the correct answer.

Oh by the way the government is shutting down, or it did shut down. Meaning until one party decides to cave in, the government workers are kinda screwed. Which is really dumb and lame and ugh. Sometimes I wish it didn't have to work like that, but I guess you know what you are going into when you decide to work for the government.

Honestly, I do sort of hope democrats are all "fine, we wont fund obamacare" but I don't see that happening seeing that the elephants have been all "let's just not do this whole obamacare thing" like forty times and the donkeys are all "um, no, we are going to so..."every time.  Which is funny because you think that the elephants could just stomp on the donkeys, metaphorically of course.

Do you realize what you just said?

 

Retard:

1. adjective- characterized by retardation: a retarded child

2. noun- (used with a plural verb) mentally retarded persons collectively 

Okay, so one of the current things (and frankly an old thing) that has been bugging me is words being used incorrectly. I know you may have heard or even said something along the lines of: "I dont want to do that, that's retarded!" In that cotext the words is being used to describe something being not worth your time/ dumb. This is very offensive in this context but even more so when you call a person retarted when they do not have a mental retardation, and you really just mean they are being dumb. I mean it's so much nicer to just call something or someone dumb, as bad as that sounds. It's be coming a very bad habit, and was even a bad habbit of mine at one point.

Gay:
1. adjective- happily excited
2. adjective- homosexual

Also another one that is very offensive. Which is also used in the same context as "retarded". For example "Dude, that is so gay!" or "You're so gay." Again, with the point you are trying to get across you might as well replace "gay" with "dumb". Especially since that is what you mean anyway. I actually find this one kinda funny because the two actual deffenitons are sooooo completely far from the way the word is used derogitorily. I think it's obvious as well though, as to how this is offensive. You are I mean what if we started saying "100 question test? That's so straight!" or "That's so Blonde!" or "That's so Mexican!" You are just taking an adjective that shouldn't be used offensivly to begin with, and use them as an insult. It's really redicioulous and offensive.

Thats gonna hurt in the real world

There are so many ways around standardized tests. And really our only goal is to "pass them". I swear in all my years of school (or at least since 2nd grade, I kid you not) when standardized tests roll around we spend more time learning how to take the test, than learning the information. We are taught how the tests will "trick us" we are taught "short cuts" we are taught how to "mentally prepare". "Sleep well the two nights before, wake up and eat a full breakfast, limit stressful activities.." But do these giant tests we are taking even test our knowledge? I think to some extent yes, but on the surface...not so much. We are never really told to study but told to prepare ourselves.

I think every student has there own way of learning and are better at doing somethings than they are others. I think that your school grades are not a reflection how much you know, nor are these tests. Really the only thing that I think is even worth our time is "Using your current knowledge of _______ and the table/passage above answer the question that follows." Those kind of questions help put the knowledge we are given into real world perspective. I wish there was an easier way to test that really tested on if we knew the material or not. The only time this is really examined is in math. When we are given the bubble in your answers, because you aren't given four answer choices that you can use "common sense" to rule out.

So in other words, standardized testing is annoying and lame and in some ways a waste of time. (Time spent on how to take the test that could be used learning I don't know...the information!)

How about no...

It was a big concern there for a while that some how these MTV shows 16 and Pregnant, Teen Mom and now Teen Mom 2 are making girls want to get pregnant. Not to over generalize, but  most girls would not look at the show they are watching and say "I want to look like a total idiot on TV". Most of the "mothers" on current Teen Mom 2 are not exactly the ideal role models. No, I do NOT mean that because they had children at young ages. But the way that some of the girls on the shows is ridiculous. Now don't get me wrong, I actually love this show and find my self watching in every Tuesday at 8! Haha, but seriously. These shows do not make girls want to run out and get pregnant. In fact the struggle that some of these girls face would really make you not wont to be in there position. Some lose family, friends, money, or even their chances at education. I think the only thing this show is capable of doing  is making pregnant teens want to get on the show. I guess it really depends on the girl, and the situation she is in. These shows definitely do NOT  "glamorize" teen pregnancy. And luckily after the 3 or 4 years the shows have been airing, there wasn't a sudden spike of young girls intentionally getting pregnant.

B&BW

      Even though Bath & Body Works is very over priced, I walk out of there with no less than 5 new products each time I walk in. My favorite products from BB&W are their candles. They are each $20 but all have a really genuine, nice smell. Each with a different popping color and detailed pretty packaging. They have smells from Vanilla Cupcake to Moroccan Market. Other than candles B&BW also sells mini hand sanitizers. My favorite sanitizer is definitely Island Margarita. It really does smell like a sweet margarita, and is the best smell out there. As far as body care goes, my favorite collection is Sweet Pea. Sweet Pea has lotion, body cream, hand sanitizer body soap, perfume and even body mist. Though Sweet Pea includes a lotion the best lotion from B&BW is Malibu Heat. Malibu Heat is a summery sweet smell, like coconut and sunscreen, and is definitely smooth and sweet!

March Favorites

Food/Drink: Sprite Zero was my favorite drink of March! It is very light and bubbly. And has no sugar, which means no guilt!  

App: The March Madness app was definitely the coolest app of March.It allowed me to keep up with my brackets and even watch live when I needed to. It gave you the scheduling times, and who was going up against who. And also showed you the past history of who won, the scoring and all the details! Even a recap option.

Clothes: My favorite shirt of March was my mint green peplum top with studs along the collar. I bought it from Papaya, and this is the same shirt just not the right color:

 Event: Despite my sunburn, the Austin Rodeo was by far the highlight of March! I rode every ride and went to a lot of events indoors. I didn't have the chance to see in concerts though. But I did buy some really cute boots!

Product: The bath and body works candle "Poolside". It smells like a mixture of chlorine, sunscreen/tan lotion. It is by far one of my favorites from Bath & Body Works. Also the popping yellow and even the scent takes me back to summer which spring makes you long for!

WHAT MOVIES/SHOWS TAUGHT US ABOUT: HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT MOVIES/SHOWS TAUGHT US ABOUT: HIGH SCHOOL

If you were like the rest of us you probably went into 9th grade with one of these  expectations:!

1. The "HSM" expectation:

The whole “Diversity works it self out in the end” kinda thoughts.
Where high school is nothing but NONSTOP fun, and drama. And anyone can be in a school musical. (lol.)

2. The “Mean Girls” expectation:

Maybe you thought high school was gonna be like this, constant hook ups, and break ups. Or even just your flat out general girl bitchiness. Generally speaking, this movie targets bullying, and glam. A dog-eat-dog place, always fighting to be on top, and being the most powerful. Now we can agree high school may consist of this a bit, but not so much the glam, then again my old school is known as the “artsy freak school”…awkward.





3.  The “Superbad” expectation:
       
The thought of high school is nothing but drugs, sex, alcohol and of course… PARTIES. Yes, high school does obtain some sense of this, BUT that’s not all high school is. This movie will teach you one thing, high school is all about who throws the biggest blow out of party, and getting the most girls (also, if you are into that..try watching Project X)






4.  The “Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging” expectation:

In this movie, “high school” is all about what girls LOVE,

• Thongs
• Boys 
• KISSING! 

At one point or another, girls, you have wanted your high school experience to be all about BOYS and KISSING! I mean come one! Who wouldn’t (;


5.  The “Degrassi” expectation:

The whole “some how we are all connected” kinda thoughts.
The nonstop drugs, sex, screw ups, romance, crazy and scandals. And some how they all link back together.
Maybe I don’t give this show enough credit. I see the diversity in the show, how we see high school. The whole cliquey, bullying, and, I mean they have one of every “stereo type” character in the show. Maybe that is the problem. There is just too much going on.
But out of the 5, this show is probably most valid.
I don’t know about ya’ll but school for me is,
SHOW UP, “LEARN”, EAT, TALK WITH FRIENDS, GO HOME. 
I don’t feel like I’m getting the full high school experience you know? Degrassi does highlight some important things about high school that I wish I could have. But seeing that I find it hard to even pass all my PreAP classes, I don’t know how easy it would be for me to be like the girl I admire MOST from Degrassi,
 Claire.
She’s so gorgeous right? She wasn’t always like this. She started out as dorky, weird, socially awkward freshman. But soon bloomed into everything I want to be. She’s a journalist for the school print, has a cute, sweet, caring boyfriend, and even though she has rough patches, she can fight her way through. Also, she knows of everyone, and everything that goes on at school.
Lets be honest, most shows, movies, or even books forget to talk about the most important aspect of school…
THE WORK! My current HOPE & PRAYER in school is, GOOD GRADES!
But other than that, I want to take all this hype about high school and channel it to make my high school years the best years of my life!
I want to try everything.

I bet when you heard that sentence what came into your head was,

• Sex
• Drugs
• Alcohol

When I really meant GETTING INVOLVED

• Trying new things
• Join Clubs
• Be active in school funded things
• Hang posters
• Stay after school
• Make new friends
• Talk to people who you usually wouldn't
• STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE! 
• Try new styles
• Try new hair
• DATE

But everything you need to remember,
“Whatever it takes, I know I can make it through”
we can make it through high school together!!!

Why It's Lame

      It's funny how they think that executing the use of plastic bags in cities will actually end up being only a positive out come. Plastic bags cant be recycled, and are much more sanitary than these cloth reusable bags we have to get in the gist of using. The idea is to limit the amount of plastic that enters the land fills. I don't think we should have to boss people around and tell them what they can and cannot do to achieve this. People, especially here in Austin where already getting into the habit of the three R's. Reducing, Reusing and Recycling. This can even happen with out you knowing you are doing it. Here are some ways that plastic bags have been used efficiently given the full three R treatment.

 Reducing:
 People have been reducing the amount of bags they need by carrying their DRY food/goods home in reusable bags. Its easier and cleaner to carry the moist foods (deli meats, packaged raw meats, milk, etc) home in plastic bags. (Which you can rinse and dry at home).

Reuse:
Even around my house we have found many uses for plastic bags.

• Carrying home wet clothing from the pool (they might mold cloth bags!)
• Picking up dog-doings.
• Carrying your lunch to school.
• Mini trashcan liners (cuts out buying mini liners, and keeps those our of the land fill!)
• You can even take them BACK to the store and use them for the next grocery batch.
• To dispose of dirty diapers.
• Packing shipping items. (cuts out those pesky little peanuts!)
• Keeping items dry when it’s raining.
• Use them to separate shoes in your suit case
• Litter box liners (cuts out buying these as well)
• Car/ Locker trash bags  

Recycling: 
Take them to a food bank, hospital or even a library. You can usually find bins at grocery stores where you can throw them in and they will do the rest for you! 

Forgive and Forget

My first semester of High School was not spent at Austin high, but at McCallum. The biggest question I've gotten "What did you not like about McCallum?"  Now, to keep this a nice post, I'll create a sort-of-equal pros and cons list. *Warning: This document will be VERY opinionated.*

McCallum High School: 

Pro:

• It's a rather small school, you won't get lost!
• You'll pretty much see everyone in one day. 
• They've got the "Fine Arts Academy" Label.
• They've got a pretty sweet band that wins competition!
• Great Visual Art teachers, who are very dedicated.
• Being your self is okay, and fashion isn't a big deal.
• It's easy to feel at home, and comfortable.
• Long passing periods, and many short cuts to class!
• Live music from the students during passing periods.
• Also, guitar practices in the halls sometimes. So more music!
• Bake shop opened between classes! (Best fresh Brownies and Rice Crispies!) 
• Right up the street is McDonald's, KFC, Dan's, even a gas station.
• Brand new, gorgeous theater.
• The put on some great performances, especially Choral music.

Con:

• There is one main hallway that is ALWAYS clogged.
• The classrooms tend to be over stuffed with students.
• Majority are extreme democrats. (Again, bad for me.)
• If you dress nice, you'll probably be singled out. (Name brand, nice clothes)
• The music directors tend to favor better performers, I'll be honest.
• Sometimes it feels like its only "WIN, WIN, WIN!" not, "Do your best, enjoy it."
• It only has one floor (Maybe for you that would be a Pro, not for me!)
• Lunch is super early for A lunch. (Like 10:36)
• The sinks work. Sometimes. (Solar-powered)
• Their journalism department owns like one camera...
• Some teachers didn't really seem to enjoy their job. (this of course can occur anywhere)
• You can't really use most of the lockers. Like the new ones are off limits...
•  Every teacher I had used those annoying paper-passes, the ones that if you don't use them you get extra credit. (which I could go on about how they are completely unfair, but will save that for another time)

So to sum it up, I did kinda have to milk out those pros and it seems to over power my cons. But those are just things that could be seen from any student. I personally, didn't have the best experiences there with my peers. I didn't get "bullied" per say. It just was such a small school that if one person didn't like you, most people didn't. Obviously McCallum has very nice attributes, but I believe Austin High suits me better! 

Must or Bust? #1

       "Sweet, sassy and soft" is how Audrey Ashburn would describe Maybelline New Yorks's Baby Lips. The cute new lip product took control and now is in the makeup bags of  millions. Most, like Ashburn, would "totally recommend it!" But is Baby Lips really worth the $5 a pop at your local pharmacy? Maybelline claims that in "4 weeks 94% had less rough lips, 82% had visibly less dry, 77% suppler, 77% had better-looking lips." Though some, like consumer Anna Arocha, would disagree.

       "Baby Lips did make my lips feels moisturized when the product was on." Arocha said. "After it would rub off, my lips felt more dry. It made them feel sorta weird." Whether or not Baby Lips keeps your lips hydrated, the popping colors and the sweet smells keeps the costumers coming back.

               Currently there are 6 baby lips including, Peach Kiss, Pink Punch, and Grape Vine.  There are also other rare limited edition ones out there sold for the same price. Each of which come in eye catching, girly tubes.



Disclaimer: Article was written to practice my journalistic writing. The quotes taken from "Anna Arocha" where taken from personal opinion to balance the article. "Audrey Ashburn" quotes are from actual person. I do not own rights to the photograph or the product names listed, this is not a sponsored article.

Where's the Storyline?!

Isn't funny how meaningful music is? I mean, pop music? Don't you think the song lyrics are so meaningful? And those dang "artists" they just write all of their own music, and that is their natural voice, you know. That is totally them singing, no auto tune there.

Let's just break down one of the current popular songs:
This one is called "Starships - Niki Minaj":

Starships were meant to fly, (What is a star ship..? Assuming it's a ship, of course it was constructed to fly..)
Hands up, and touch the sky. (Well, this is a common action associated when listening to music at a club, or some sort of concert.)
Can't stop 'cuz we're so high.( I do hope she/the real lyricist is referring to the space, star, aircraft.)
Let's do this, one more time. (And...yeah)


It's funny because, I would extract more lyrics, but this is really the whole song. I mean come on. Why, why would this at all ever be number one on http://www.itunes.com/?! Like, this song literally serves no meaning. Now I know, everyone has their own taste. But I wish music was like it used to be, wholesome and enriched. A lot went into a song, into an album. I like emotional songs, songs that give hit a certain emotion. The artist in this era that I have a lot of respect for is artists none the less. People who call themselves artists but don't even construct their own music annoys me. Even people like Justin Bieber, or Bruno Mars I have some respect for. Have you heard either of them live? I mean DANNNG! Sing it! They also are instrumentally talented. But don't get to show off because of course, that kind of stuff  "wont sell". If the MUSIC artist can either sing, song write, play an instrument or well, that's it. THEN they reallly are music artists. Now, even music like dupstep is actual artists. They construct their own twists on things, they don't just slap their name on studio, fake crap that went through and was picked at by 100 other people.

Crash and Burn

What kills more than 5,500 teenagers each year? Suicide? Homicide? Cancer? If you answered yes to any, you are flat out wrong. Each year, thousands of innocent teenagers are killed while at the wheel of a motor vehicle. According to http://www.allstate.com/  Risk of car crashes for teens are the highest at age 16, and 40 percent higher than 18 year-olds and 30 percent higher than for 19-year-olds. If that is so, why is that when you're 16 you are aloud to have a state issued drivers licenses, and even in some places, like South Dakota you can get yourself a learners permit when you are 14! Are you kidding me? FOURTEEN? I  just turned 15 four months ago, and I'm not where near ready for my learners permit, let alone on my way to get a drivers licenses. What's the reason for these teens crashing? Sadly they are all caused from the typical naive, risky-teenager. (Of course, some teens are exempt from that allegation.) Cellular Devices, Speeding, and of course the great old pressure of peers. Cell phones are usually glued to teenagers hands, and most every teen has one. All state gave a serve, and 56 percent of teens who took it said they make and answer phone calls while driving.While luckily, only 13 percent said they would compose or read a text message. Speeding is a no brainier. Teenagers, again typically, love the rush. They think it's fun, exciting and thrilling. I think sometimes teenagers forget the purpose of them being able to drive. Which is getting yourself from point A to point B without public transits, parents, or any other crazy time consuming ways of transportation. And is it sad I find it funny that a almost half of teen drivers would say they driver safer without friends in the car? I mean what are they thinking? "Oh no, Sally is about to get into the car, better forget everything I know about driving safely!" I mean seriously. What's so cool about driving unsafely? I honestly think I would find my friends "cool" if they knew how to drive in a safe, officiant manner. Then again, maybe I'm just another exception. Why is that it's so easy for teens to prevent car crashes, yet there are soooo many teens dying this way?! It just really blows my mind.I think they should either raise the age here in Texas, or at least make it harder for teens, especially my age, to get their licenses. (With the exception of hardship licenses.)

AISD "Safety"

 Austin Independent School District has a policy regarding the websites students are aloud to have access to while on school property, that is if you run of their WiFi. They block websites that are typically associated with entertainment and not education. The only games that are allowed are on websites like http://www.funbrain.com/. Educational games that test you mathematical equations, spelling, or other academic skill to complete levels. Any sort of nonacademic, social media website is not allowed. The only one, however, that is happens to be http://www.tumblr.com/. Tumblr is an online blogging website that allows you post pictures, text, videos, and music. Other users "follow" your blog and have a news feed they can reblog your posts, or your reblogs. Although Tumblr gets past the AISD criteria, it is an unmoterated website. There policy does not protect against, illegal, mature or even taboo content, where YouTube's policies do include this. Tumblr is a free for all, where YouTube has it's rules. http://www.youtube.com/ is an online video host website that does not get passed the AISD criteria for what is "appropriate" for K-12 students. YouTube also has many safety settings that can be locked from the server, but still is not aloud. YouTube is allowed for teachers to access, and they use YouTube a lot for educational purposes. YouTube beholds many educational videos. Though, it does contain many other things including, Music, Music Videos, Television shows etc. 

YouTube PROS: Safety Settings, Educational Videos, Playlist Settings, Tutorials, News, Live Broad Casts.
YouTube CONS: Users can post comments, Some inappropriate stuff slips by, Music and other forms of entertainment.

Tumblr PROS: You can search online photography, You could maybe find a few educational blogs.
Tumblr CONS: You can look at adult content, You can listen to music, You can watch videos of ANYTHING, You can look at ANY kind of picture, you can send messages, no safety settings, you can create "profiles", you can send anonymous messages to users, you can make and look at blogs.


I don't know about you, but Tumblr make's YouTube look like sesame street.

Hi, I'm Anna.

Welcome to my blog, Creatively Critical. I'm Anna and I made this blog not only to get a grade for the second semester of Ms. Salazar's 8th period class, but to pour my heart and soul into meaningful blog posts not only to entertain, but to inform. I will use a variety of creative styles of writing to express my thoughts, and opinions on things going on in the world. To my understanding, the rest of the class has already been making blog posts. I am new to this whole shin-dig because I'm new to the class. Not only the class, but Austin High School. I happily left McCallum in pursue of a better social and academic setting. I was actually pleased by my first day at Austin High, and plan to stay my entire high school career. I look forward to creating more posts soon!