Fire Breathing Madam Librarian and her Castle of Many Books

I had another encounter with Madam Librarian today. The battle continues... Princess Ash is once again making her way to the Castle of Many Books. In order to gain access to this Castle, which is guarded by Madam Librarian, she must possess the magic pass. On her quest to find this magic card, Princess Ash found a willing subject who had the power to provide her with this magic pass. As Princess Ash approached the large glass doors which had a buzzer attached, she entered with confidence. She knew Madam Librarian would have to bow down to her request for entrance. With Madam Librarian breathing fire, Princess Ash gleefully waved her magic card, selected a book and sat deep into a stone bench. I'll get you my pretty, she implied. No more than 2 minutes had passed when Princess Ash was asked to leave yet again. Princess Ash mustered up enough courage to ask "What is your issue with me? Every day I come here with a magic pass, signed by a powerful subject and every day you tell me I cannot be here." Madam Librarian informs her this Castle of Many Books is her territory and only she says whom may enter. Princess Ash spoke again stating "I have done all you have asked of me. I am not any trouble. My educators have written passes for me to be here everyday and still you throw me out. I want to know why?" "I only accept yellow passes" Madam Librarian replies. "The subject which has written this magic card is not permitted to hand you a magic card and the card they did sign states Princess Ash is to study and you are reading."... If you can't even read a book in the library then what the hell is the library for?...Back to the story. Princess Ash left in such a hurry Madam Librarian was chasing after her asking "who are you going to talk to?" "None of your concern" said Princess Ash. Princess Ash took it upon herself to see the King over the entire land. The King (Vice Principal) knows her well and she believes he is the only one that can end this reining terror. After a meeting with the King, Princess Ash was assured she would be able to enter the Castle of Books with no further attacks. The King said "if Madam Librarian has a problem she'll need to take it up with him." He added in a joking manner "you may go to the [Castle of Books] every day as long as you don't put a virus on the computers or plan on bombing the school." Princess Ash assured the King she wouldn't. But, she's not so sure about Madam Librarian...but that's High School.

Political Correctness...Yuck!

How do you define a cause? Littering, loitering, lobbying. These may be answers if you believe in political correctness. When the whole world becomes politically correct, no one dares step out on a limb for what they are really passionate about. Our assignment in English class is to present an issue or cause you are passionate about. Oh but wait...as long as it's not controversial, as defined by my teacher. Isn't this what makes it a cause? She continued further by saying it has be something that is politically correct and acceptable in society. Where's the passion in that? Political correctness just may become my 'new' issue. Does anyone want to join me in a campaign against political correctness? Warning: This may be too controversial...but that's High School.

Another Day Another Lock Down...

What's up with all these lock downs? We've had 2 in 6 weeks. Is the threat to our safety really up or does the administration feel the need to torcher us. Just when the final bell is about to ring in our final class for the day, we hear the intercom buzz and our Principal announces another lock down. After a short pause to allow for all the moaning, she follows up with instructions to back away from the windows and door and also to turn off the lights. Once again we envision scenarios of guns on campus, gang fights, or someone suicidal. We all pull out our 'not allowed on campus' cell phones and begin our 'not allowed' texting. Everyone's asking What the !+@"&% and when can we go home? Two hours went by before we heard there was a robbery many miles from our school. I've heard of being cautious, but this is ridiculous. All the excitement and once a week lock down and fire drills brings me back to the childhood classic of The Boy Who Cried Wolf. If there really is a fire or the need for a serious lock down most likely everyone will die. No one takes them seriously anymore...but that's High School.

Enter Library At Your Own Risk

Students claim to go crazy in high school. Is it any wonder? Our mornings begin at 5:30am. Schools in session until 3:00pm. Homework keeps many up until 1:00am and this cycle repeats 5 days a week for 10 months. We now maintain a (un) healthy diet of energy drinks, candy bars, and medication for ADD/ADHD. I mean, come on. Is there really no other way to graduate? People have managed to live thousands of years without this rigor. Do we really need all the information being taught in order to survive the big, bad world. Wouldn't a little sleep help everyone get along. Imagine rested teenagers excited to go to school and feeling challenged through material necessary for human advancement. Teacher's delighted that we are awake and alert...Schools have always said they teach us to read, write and do math, right? If teachers constantly suggest using the library, why do the 'Madam Librarians' in our schools encourage us to leave the library? Our library sits empty unless a student takes the time to ask a teacher for a permission slip to enter the library. Try entering without one and wow! Look out! Madam Librarian is like a terminator waiting to squash you like a bug...but that's High School.

Smile - Backwards...

What's wrong with smiling and being happy? Why do some people think we have to see hell or have gone there and returned with scars in order to become something significant? For the last two years, in certain classes, I've been referred to as rainbow barbie. Anyone who really knows me knows that's the furthest thing from the truth. But what if I were all rainbows and butterflies? Isn't there enough moaning in the world without my adding to it? If you're up to date on my blog you know I have been excited about the up-coming poetry reading which I was assigned to lead. My committee has put little effort forth and I have taken the responsibility of doing things myself. NOTICE I say MYSELF!! True, very true. My teacher would like to think otherwise. Today, I was humiliated in front of my team by my teacher for not doing more to make the committee work. I've heard it said you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. This is exactly how I've felt. My leadership skills were attacked and to top things off, my teacher questioned my readiness for the college dorm life, due to the fact I could not get my team to work. I bit my tongue and screamed inside my head so loud I got a headache. Due to the fact that I was taught to respect authority I have been placed in the box of goody-two-shoes, add to that a positive attitude and I've just become someone unusual. To summarize, if you're disrespectful, wear a long face of tragedy, and cuss, you're regarded as someone capable of leading and held in great esteem. Sounds backwards to me...but that's High School.

Every one's a Comedian

I went way out of my comfort zone during my speech class. The task assigned was to sell the audience on an idea or product. My performances are always serious with an element of tragedy to them. Today, I took a new avenue and ventured into comedy. Over the past few days of practice, I was sure I looked goofy. I rehearsed in front of my family, they laughed. But still, it didn't feel right. Standing in front of my classmates, not knowing how I would be received, I was thinking of ways to ask my teacher for a second chance at the assignment...The speech began with a serious tone then upon the word 'jaw' my comedic routine began. My mouth opened wide and I began making some weird face stretches as I convinced my audience the benefits of vocal exercises. The laughter began. Oh no! Now I wondered how to keep my composure and not start laughing myself. Staying true to character I pulled it off quite nicely. My teacher loved it and gave me an A+. My classmates said it was a side of me they have never seen. I haven't seen it in me either. Well I guess it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, 'Every one's A Comedian'...But that's High School.

A little of this and a little of that...Seniors win

The wheels on the bus go around and round!..Ugh! I hate the bus and apparently so do the bus drivers. The turn around on bus drivers is weekly and every time a bus driver quits it increases my bus ride home by 45 min... I received my grade for a test in Marine Science. A test I spent all week studying for, gave up my entire Sunday afternoon and enlisted a study partner in an attempt to make sure I get an A. I knew I had it down. If you had asked me any question, I had the right answer. Well, my paper had a great big 'C' across the top corner. What happened to all the preparation? Frustration welled up in me like a cannon ready to blast and on top of this I had my online teacher wanting MORE DETAILS to a question about plants which I have already written three paragraphs. How much can you say about a tree, really. To put it simply, a tree grows, we cut it down, make stuff and burn what's left. Any questions? I asked my family to tell me everything they could about trees. I took what they said and added a lot of adjectives, thru in a few verbs and 'voila'. The answer is now the length of a children's book. The highlight of my day was our Pep Rally. The crowds were screaming so loud I had ringing in my ears. We, seniors, won the Spirit Stick. But wait, is it rigged? The seniors win every year...But that's High School.

GPA addiction

Have you ever asked yourself "what's the importance of gown colors at graduation? Why does the white gown signify the line between achievers and slackers? When did a simple color define your level of success and who you are? What happened to wearing school colors signifying good ol' school spirit? The current requirement to where the esteemed white robe during graduation is now set at 4.0 GPA. It is a fact, only 20 years ago the highest GPA you could obtain was a 4.0. Now it's close to a 10.0. This honor has added a new addiction to the list of common addictions among high schoolers. We are all familiar with the addictions to drugs, sex and parties, but who is talking about the GPA addiction? This GPA addiction has characteristic which are not limited to: studying endlessly, withdrawing from time with friends and family, number of hours spent in a library, amount of money spent on tutoring and also includes squeezing meals in while ready more books. (I have to confess, I have at times become involved in this new age addiction) The high, of course, is good grades and the honor of wearing a 'white robe'. Where's the school spirit? How healthy is a 10.0 anyway? Speaking of health...my school is so dirty you can see the mold growing on the air vents. Everyday I have ill moments which are relieved after I have extended breaths of fresh air, only to start over again the next day. When we complain, the administration lets us know the building is being cleaned. I'm sure the teacher's lounge is clean. I've seen the mop bucket used for general cleaning. I'm sure the soap and water have not been changed since 1999... I'm thankful for hand sanitizer and fresh air, but I'm still not sure about the 'white robes' ...But that's high school

Twist of Mystery

A twist of mystery today...We had a lock down which lasted 45 min. Administration would not tell us why. My common thought always takes me to Columbine High School in Colorado. I thought of gun shots and chaos. But other stories, much more creative, lied in the hearts of my fellow classmates. The rumors circling the room, which you are welcome to choose from, are as follows: a freshman girl beat up a senior guy; some guy jumped out a window; a teacher had a meltdown; and the best one yet, a kid "accidentally" fell out of a wheelchair while riding the elevator. Before you cast your vote you should be aware there are no kids in wheelchairs attending our school this year... Do you ever feel cheated by teachers? Because of the lock-in we only had 20 min. in my last class. We were suppose to use the entire class time to answer questions and work on a review. Due to unforseen limited time, the teacher asked us to complete our study tonight on our own. Does this mean the teacher will be available tonight for phone calls to answer questions? Of course not...WHAT'S UP WITH ALL THESE HALF DAYS? The school board has approved a half day every other week for the remainder of the year. Wouldn't it be more productive for all involved to turn these 2/half days/month into 1 full day/month, preferable a Friday or Monday. Think of all the studying we could get done. (smile) ...On a higher note, the plan for the reading is going well. We have selected a backdrop/scenery and the title is coming together. The board voted against my amazing idea of using a street address as a title. Something like 211 Portside Rd. (good isn't it?) I'll have to take this rejection with grace. In order to keep the mystery alive, I'm not going to reveal all. Best I can tell you...read High school Junket every day...That's high school.

That Darn Squirrel!!!

Yesterday I was too busy being a squirrel hero to write. I was taking a short walk with my brother and looked down. This probably has to do with stepping on a slug a couple weeks ago. Ugh! I can still feel the slimy slush beneath my feet. At least I learned a lesson about stepping on slugs or else I could have killed a baby squirrel. I looked down and an ugly bald thing, looking more like a rat then a squirrel, it freaked me out...so I shouted at my brother to "take care of it!!" He has saved a baby squirrel before and knew exactly what to do. We wrapped it in a cloth, placed it in a box then my mom drove it to a rescue center for squirrels?? By the time the excitement was over. I hadn't eaten dinner, hadn't begun my homework, or finish my on-line classes. Do you think my teachers would buy the excuse of 'a squirrel ate my homework?' Anyway, my heroism for the betterment of animal kind came at a cost, my sleep. oh, the sacrifices we make. Today, I was put in charge of this years Fall Reading. There are 7 people on the board. (For those of you who don't know what a reading is, it's where creative writing people take the stage and read their best poetry.) The theme we've selected is 'Neighborhoods'. Our next assignment will be the choice of a title. Any thoughts? At the end of the day, feeling tired, I hopped on the bus and rode home looking like a bobble head as I fell asleep while the bus bounced. But that's high school...

Swine flu

Oh my, the swine flu has come to my school. Or has it? Some people have reported being taken down by the swine flu and many more are 'claiming' the swine flu, good excuse for skipping school. For those of us who are brave enough to attend our classes, we are not getting anything done due to 'sick' computers. Teachers have been asking to have them fixed since June. I've heard our computers are number 523 on the list to receive maintenance. Today my dad volunteered to fix a computer for one of my teachers. He was successful in getting Internet on 5 of the computers and knows what's wrong with the printer. He's coming back tomorrow to fix this. My teacher was so thankful, she gave me a bag of cookies. I reaped the rewards for his effort. I still haven't received my senior ID. The school office says it's because their too busy, but they never say with what. I thought seniors where number one priority? ...I guess not if their busy...but that's high school.

September 8, 2009

Have you ever ask yourself why on LABOR day we do not labor? After a three day weekend of doing absolutely nothing, my teacher found it amusing to give out a pop quiz today. Isn't it wrong to ask a student to study over a holiday while the teacher spends time at the beach? Sometimes I wounder if they have some kind of secret club, Teachers Unanimous. Perhaps all teachers come up with what they think is the perfect plan and then cackle inside like witches as they watch our grimacing faces the next day. No, not all teachers are like that. A few are on our side helping us fight off the evil barriers that come with getting into college. I think SAT should stand for SET ALL TRICKS... Tell me if I'm wrong, but doesn't 99.9 percent of vehicle have air conditioning? Why is it only 2 percent of school buses have air conditioning? I sat on the bus today dehydrated, no beverages allowed because they may spill and watched scarcely as I felt all the moisture leave my body and form a puddle on my shirt. Isn't that the 'pits'...but that's high school.

My senior year begins...

School started two weeks ago.. and Oh-my-gosh!!.. have I had my set of ups and downs. On my first day I already had my first problem. I hadn't read the books for summer reading, well that's not totally true. I read the boring one. You know the classic one, The Odyssey. All English teachers, since the beginning of time, rave about and claim it's the greatest since the beginning of literature. Explain to me why all English teachers require you to read books by dead people, most of whom's works were not published until they were dead?.. If the material was boring when they were alive, there's a good chance it will still be boring when there dead. Anyway, back to my first day. The other required reading book was the ROAD. If you haven't heard about it, it's definitely not a book that I would recommend. I've heard it makes Stephan King look like a nursery rhyme, not that I would know. I've never read it. I read the synopsis of it though and BOY! did it ever freak me out!! After lengthy conversations with my parents I switched out of AP Lit and into Honors English. Everyone and their next door neighbor thinks I'm out of my flippen mind, but at least my mind isn't contaminated. The other major upset in my week was my college search. My school really should offer a class on getting into college 101, or at least be courteous enough not to hoard the information. Get this... I had to go through TEN, yes TEN people, to get information on what a brag sheet is. I found out it's really not that complicated. What is complicated, however, is on-line classes. I'm taking algebra 1 for credit recovery and for my test I had to write an essay describing what I had learned in the chapter. Get this... I was being graded strongly on grammar use and punctuation!! Is it just me, or has the world totally gone flip side?... I'm really fed-up. Why am I learning grammar in a math class; horror in a literature class; not allowed to cook in a cooking class; and looking straight out of a 1950's film in my required attire of black smock and pearls for my senior year book pictures? You get my point? But that's high school.