Phew, We Made It

I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!

I realize I haven't been stellar in the blogging area, but I am trying! Well, I finished my first college semester! Boy, am I glad it's over! Thankfully, I ended the year on a good note. (WELL, DEPENDING ON HOW YOU LOOK AT IT. GRADE-WISE, I DID PRETTY WELL. HOWEVER, THE LAST THURSDAY NIGHT, I MADE A TOTAL IDIOT OUT OF MYSELF...OF COURSE.) So, wanna know my gades? Ok, I'll tell you. Here goes..:

NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY:            B-

PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY:              B

CHEMISTRY MATHEMATICS:            A-

INTRO TO GENERAL CHEMISTRY:    B

ENGLISH GRAM/COMP:                    B

MATH SKILLS FOR NURSES:              A+

Not amazing, but I'm satisfied! Of course, next semester, I will be getting all A's! But, anyways, it's good to be home! It's so weird..I feel almost as if I never left, but I know some things are different. It's nice though.

Of course, for the last few days, I have been stuck in my house! I have no where to go...not cool. But, today was kinda nice, because it was all dreary and rainy outside, so my sister and I rented a movie, and sat around doing nothing all day! lol And then, I got to cook, which I haven't done in FOREVER. And I didn't use a recipe..I feel like sometimes, the best things I make don't have recipes. It's like a feeling. Add a little bit here. Add a little bit there. You just go by instinct, I guess. Kinda like life. If you live your life just by what you're supposed to do, you don't experience anything. You just have bland, old, blah, and boring. No spice. No excitement. No color. Sometimes, it's good to think outside of the box! Experience. Live. Have fun.

Speaking of having fun, I better go turn of the stove before something catches fire!

Bring On the CHALLENGE

   Hey all you readers out there! (HOWEVER MANY THAT MAY BE) I apologize in advance, because this blog is most definitely going to be short, sweet, and simple. Because, you see, although it may be Friday, I still have homework to do, and somewhere to be at 6! So, here goes..
   Not sure how many of you are aware of this fact, but I STARTED COLLEGE MONDAY! Yep, kinda excited. And nervous! Because, let's face it..college in Florida? When the rest of my family is back in Virginia? Not exactly a cool thing. Because, well, you see..I love my family! TO DEATH. And, my sister and I? Yeah, we're pretty close. And, my brothers are too little to be left without their big sister! But, so far so good!
    Here's an update: at PENSACOLA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE for NURSING. Loving it so far. Roomed with my bestest friend, brace buddie, and retainer roomie, DEBBY! On the FIFTH floor of our dorm. Taking BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, BIO LAB, CHEM LAB, MATH FOR NURSES, CHEM MATH, ENGLISH 111, NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY, and I think that's pretty much it.. The food is pretty good.I love my schedule! If I have a morning class, it isn't until 9, which is nice. :)
   I guess college is kinda what I expected, but at the same time, it's not. Some parts are easier, some are harder. I don't know a single person in any of my classes, so that is definitely different. On the good side, my suite mate is a freshman nursing major too, and we have the same bio lab, so it's nice to see a semi-familiar face. lol
   Overall, I guess I'm embracing this phase of life. I still have alot to get used to, but in a few weeks, I'll be a pro at this!
   If you ever have free time, drop me an email! OR, send me a letter! I love mail. :D

nnewma5373@students.pcci.edu

It's Harder Than It Looks

     Saying "goodbye" is easy..unless you're the person who's leaving. It's easy to watch someone pick up their life and start it in a different area. It's easy to watch them get in the car and drive away. It's easy to wish them luck, give them a hug, and tell them you'll see them again in a few days, weeks, months, etc. But. when you're on the other end, when YOU'RE the one leaving..that is a whole different story. Trust me, I went through it..and still am, sorta.
     My first goodbye came on Wednesday night..it was pretty hard, and it kinda surprised me! I mean, for the past few weeks, I've been saying goodbye to friends who have been leaving, and that was fine. I didn't cry. I was still going home, to my house, with my family. But, when it came time for me to leave, I could feel the difference.
     It's not so much that I don't want to leave, and that I'm not excited. Seriously..I'm super excited! And, I look at this as my next adventure. :) BUT, it's hard to look at everyone (especially the monsters, and my brothers) and realize that life is going to go on for them..without me. But, maybe I should stop writing about it, or I might start crying again.

-.-

     So, I realize I wasn't the greatest at blogging over the summer. I know..I'm a failure. haha To bring you up to date, here's what happened: not much! I worked. I hung out with friends. I shopped (alittle too much) I went to church. See, nothing spectacular. Sad? Not really..it was a pretty good summer. A nice recovery after such a hectic school year!

     And, now that you guys are brought up to date on the past, let me fill you in on the future.

     For now, the plan is to head to Pensacola Christian College to study NURSING. In fact, we're in Pensacola, Florida as I type! I'm pretty excited..I've been looking forward to this for awhile. I've kinda known what I wanted to do, and decided in 11th grade where I wanted to go. See, I'm the kind of person that likes to have a plan..for everything. :)

I'm also a bit of an organizational freak. ;) But, don't hold that against me!

Anyways, I already have a "sort of" plan for how I would like the next few years to go: graduate, become an RN, get married in the fall (because, in my opinion, that would be the prettiest season!), wait at least 3 years, have kids, be a stay-at-home mom/part-time nurse until they are in school, then figure the rest out later. haha But that's just a rough plan. Trust me guys, I'm not a control freak..that's just what I think would be nice. :)

    
Anyways, I suppose I should get to bed. Tomorrow is pretty much a 'PLAY' day, which could or could not be super fun, depending on this stupid tropical storm. -.-

                 I REALLY WANTED TO GO TO THE BEACH, BUT THANK YOU WEATHER FOR MESSING THAT UP.

haha

Nighty-night guys!

The Beach Boys Can Fix Anything

Or so it seems..

Here I am, at the beach. (OUTER BANKS) First day: woke up at 7:00, because I couldn't sleep! Ate breakfast, went to the grocery store, made dessert for tonight (it had to refrigerate for awhile). After making dessert, my cousin, JOHN, and one of my bff's, BETHANY, went to the pool. :) After enjoying about two hours of the sun, it was time for lunch. Theeennn, off to the beach!!

It was so much better this year, since the jellies weren't going crazy! The waves were great, and the water was the perfect temperature!! And, I got a pretty good amount of sun to start my killer tan for the week. :)

After the beach, we made dinner..and ate it. Then, off to the beach AGAIN, to play around in the sand.

TO MAKE THE DAY EVEN BETTER, WE HAVE AN ATTRACTIVE NEIGHBOR :D 

 Pretty good day, huh?

Yeah, it was..most of it.

For some reason, I kept getting this feeling of being left out..or third-wheelish..I dunno. I almost hate myself for feeling that way. Especially since, HELLOOOO, we're at the beach!! And, I absolutely love the beach :) I would live here, if I could. AND, I'm going to college RIGHT BY Pensacola Beach, in Florida. So, if I love it so much, why am I feeling so icky? Who knows..it's super frustrating.

I guess because, although this year is way better than last year in many ways, it's also not better. You see, I'm the kinda person that doesn't like to much change, unless it's my decision. Which is super selfish, I know. Kill me. I can't help it. Being the oldest, I very much like to be in charge. ;) So, the changes this year are just hard to adjust to.

Like, for instance, the fact that I'm sitting by myself out here on the deck, at 10:00 p.m. I was kinda bored, so I decided to pull out my laptop and blog..which I haven't done in a long time, and kinda miss. So, I checked to see what I had last written about, and heard the BEACH BOYS song that was on my playlist. And, almost immediately, I was in a better mood. Yeah, that's how much I love them. Not sure why. Maybe because they remind me of the SUMMER. Or the BEACH. Or happiness. Seriously, who can listen to the BEACH BOYS and be unhappy??

Well, you can pick your happy songs, and I'll pick mine! Sorry if you don't agree with me on this..but, for now, the BEACH BOYS are my cup of tea. :)

OR COFFEE WITH CARMEL MACCHIATTO CREAMER, WHICH IS WHAT I'M DRINKING NOW

FINALLY, PRESENTING..

Well, it's all done. Over. Finished. I am no longer a high school student.

*BIG CHEER*

It's been almost two weeks!! Wow, I can't believe it's over already, though. In some ways, I feel old enough to be done..I feel like I matured some, and like I can handle it. In others, I still don't feel prepared..I mean, HELLOOO, in about three months, I leave for Florida, and I am so NOT prepared for that! But, anyways..we can talk about that later. Right now, I have some news.

So, do you remember when I was working on my cross-stitch? Like, constantly. -.- All the time. Nonstop? Yeah well...I FINALLY FINISHED IT!!

Technically, I would have been finished the day after state, if I had won, and gone to Nationals. I only had about two hours of work left. BUT, I was so fed up with that stupid thing, I was ready to rip every stitch out, take scissors to it,BURN it..you name it, I definitely thought about destroying it with that method. Trust me. I mean, that thing gave me enough grief that I was definitely NOT ready to pick it back up again. But, I forced myself to do it. Because, sometimes you just have to force yourself to do things you don't wanna do..

Like, sit through government class, for instance. :) Thank goodness, I never have to do that again!! That was almost as much torture as finishing my cross-stitch. And, ok, most of you will not understand what I'm saying unless you go through what I went through..almost a year of work, staying up late, pulling all-nighters, and literally making myself sick, and all I had to show for it was 2nd place at State competition. The other punch in the stomach was that, I could have totally beaten the competition at Nationals. Goodness, my cross-stitch LAST YEAR would have beaten this year's National competition! But, whatever..God has a plan, right? :)

Anyways..the point is, IT'S DONE! Finally!! And, here is a picture of the finished product:

It's not the best picture, but I'll upload another one after I get it framed. And, yes, I will be displaying it SOMEWHERE in our house..just not sure where yet. Or, I might just BURN it, like I origionally planned. ;)

But, for now, I shall just go to sleep..

GOOD NIGHT WORLD. :)

We Still Have Some Time..

    Tonight was Parent-Senior Dinner. Basically, the parents said things (memories, words of encouragement, ect.) and the students said something, and gave the parents presents. For my parents, I made a video filled with pictures and small video clips. It was special for me and for them, since I do that kind of thing alot, and absolutely LOVE making videos! :) I'm putting it below, so all of you can watch it..it's not as good as I wanted it to be (I got kinda frustrated with the program..) but it'll do for now.
    It was a hard night though..I realized that everything is coming to a close. This whole week is working up to one big event: GRADUATION. Scary thought. I don't think I'm quite ready.
    Don't get me wrong. I'm totally ready to graduate!! I just don't think I'm ready to leave in the fall. Or be out on my own. Or never see some of these people. And, I'm also pretty bummed that I have to miss most of my sister's senior year. Kinda a big thing..bummer. -.-
   I guess there comes a time when you realize "Wow, it's all pretty much over." No more basketball games to cheer at. No more soccer games to play. No more band events..or winning at Nationals. No more youth group. Last math class ever..It just all kinda hits at once. And, wow, it's alot to take in. When you were in 9th, 10th, and 11th grades, you could easily say "It's ok, next year will be different.." But, in 12th grade, you start to say that, and then realize, "No, I don't have next year.."
   As senior years go, I guess this one was pretty good. (I can't really compare it with others, since this was my only senior year of highschool!) Sure, some things could have been different. But, I think the CLASS OF 2011 did a pretty awesome job at being a good graduation class. We had a good run. We placed 1st in band at Nationals, and that was pretty big for me. We came together as a class..at least in most ways. I got an A in my pre-calc, and didn't have to take my final!! So, I guess we can say it was a good year. Of course it had its ups and downs. But, what doesn't have ups and downs?
   Plus, it's not over yet! We still have time to make some more memories!! Three days, actually..well, soon to be two, but who's counting??
   ANYWAYS...tomorrow is a pretty busy day. We have senior breakfast, cap & gown pictures, government final (not everyone has to take theirs, but I do), senior lunch, a few hours to do nothing, and graduation practice until 4:30! THEN, I have to work on my senior board, which I have not even STARTED, and head to church. Oh man, tomorrow is crazy. Maybe I should go to sleep. Yes, good idea. 'Night guys! :)

My gift to my parents. So they won't miss me so much once I leave.

Time Flies When You're Relaxing, Too

Spring Break.

Oh how I couldn't wait for this week to come! With ODACS Regionals, State, and AACS Nationals, I've been crazy busy. Sometimes so busy I can't even sleep! (Although that mostly happened when I was working on my cross-stitch..)

State was very disappointing, but let me tell you, winning at Nationals totally made up for it. That's right. We won.

Faith Baptist AA Band is number one in the nation!!

Yeah, I kinda like to brag about it..sorry. It's what I worked so hard for, and it means alot to me. Honestly, band is my life right now. (spoken like a true band nerd, right? lol) I don't know what I'm gonna do next year without band. To some, it's just a class. But to me, it's so much more. I can't even explain it!

Anyways, I much needed this break! I practically killed myself these past two months, being so crazy busy! I stayed up way too late, pushed myself to the point of getting sick..and, if we didn't have this break, I would probably be dead! Ok, not really, but I would definitely feel it!

I can't believe it's already Thursday though! On Monday I felt like it was almost over, but then I had to keep reminding myself that I still had a whole week! Tuesday was probably the best day, because I spent it with my sister, Heather, the little monsters, and the Hornbrooks..more about that later!!

Wednesday was a pretty blah day..and now that brings me to Thursday! Today is the day I start my first 'real' job. I know, you're probably thinking.."Wow, 18 years old, and this is her first job?? Pathetic.."

Well, sorry! I have put out so many job applications the past 2 summers, and this is the first time I've actually gotten a call back!

Anyways, I start training at Things Remembered today! I'm just alittle bit nervous..but, I know I'll do fine! Sadly, by the time I'm done training today, Thursday will be over..and Friday will be upon us. :(

Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE SPRING BREAK! I totally needed it! But, it kinda put me in summer mode..and then I have to remind myself that summer isn't here yet! Bummer -.-

Yesterday, I was in Target, and I heard this mom telling her daughter that she wasn't going to buy the shoes she wanted because her daughter couldn't wear them to school..and I'm thinking "It's summer..you don't need school shoes!" And then I remembered..wait a second, it actually isn't summer. Only spring break. Darn. There goes my enthusiasm. On the super bright side, only 36 days until graduation! That includes weekends, breaks, Senior trip, finals.. So, I guess, if you break it down, we really don't have long!

Speaking of not having a long time..I gotta go to work!! Have a great spring break!! :D

What An Idiot...

Today was terrible. It started out pretty good..
This morning, I woke up from a wonderful dream, hopped out of bed, and got ready for the day in a wonderful mood. There was prayer group this morning, so I left my house earlier than I would have on most days. I was so ready for the day to start!
Today was filled with things to look forward to: cap & gown pictures, SENIOR LUNCH, and a soccer game in which we were gonna crush Evangel!
The cap & gown pictures went great! I'm pretty excited about them. My class did one where we threw our caps up into the air and watched as they fell..it was just like the movies. :D The only sad thing was, as I looked up at the blue sky and watched the many graduation caps rain down upon us, I realized that there are only 50 days left until graduation! And then, highschool is over. Forever. Wow, that was alot to take in.
Then came the time for senior lunch. I love senior lunch!! Today was pizza, which was ok, because I haven't had pizza in almost 3 months..seriously. Anyways, it was our last senior lunch at school. We get one more, which takes place at a restaraunt during the last week of school.
Finally, came the end of the day. GAME TIME. I was pretty much looking forward to this game.
I'm a starter. I play defense, right wing. It's my position. It's what I'm good at. Last year, I was defender of the year. I'm not trying to brag..just saying, I know how to play defense.
Alot of people think you can just put anyone back in defense, and they'll do fine. First of all, you don't want to do 'fine' in a soccer game, you want to do GREAT. Second, that idea is so not true. Not everyone can play defense. There's a method to it..a type of judgement that you have to be good at. I'm not perfect at it..no way. But I try. And I pretty much get it.
Sadly, I didn't start today. And, I barely even played MY position. The position I love. The position I fit in.
You see, at my school, we were uniforms. They are the ugliest things you ever laid eyes on, but they aren't too uncomfortable, and I only have a couple more weeks to wear them. The girl's uniforms consist of a polo shirt and long skirt. The polo shirt has to be tucked in, or you will definitely be getting demerits.
Well, you wanna know what kept me from playing the whole first half of today's game? My untucked polo shirt. Yeah, I AM AN IDIOT.

I let my team down.

And, I'm mad at myself for it.
I'm not mad at my coach; what he said is true: "If the handbook has a rule about tucking in your shirt, you will follow that rule."
So, yeah, I'm an idiot. For not doing something simple, like tucking in my polo shirt.
And, because I didn't tuck in my shirt, I had to sit the whole first half of the game. When I started the beginning of second half, my coach sent me to the LEFT side of the field. Totally unknown territory for me. So, I had a little trouble adjusting...then, I was switched to the right side..my favorite. And, I played my hardest. Or, I tried to. It was just..a rough game for me. I don't know why. Sometimes it just happens!
After playing most of the second half, my coach took me out to sit for a little bit. Then, he put me back in..AT THE FRONT OF THE LINE UP..basically, I was with the forwards, and mids..ALSO unknown territory for me!
I'm good at defense. It's what I do. But mid? or forward? I'm not used to those positions!! But, I still tried.

The game ended. We lost 4-0. Our coach didn't even talk to us..we just prayed, and left.

I was mad at myself. I cried on the way home. I kicked myself (mentally) for not tucking in my shirt. I let my team down. I don't even feel worthy of a starting position anymore..or any position. And, here's the worst thing....I think I might have lost my position.
I don't want to admit it..or even think it. But I'm afraid it might be true.
However, in everything I have just said, there's only one thing I can do about it:

TUCK IN MY SHIRT

and

PROVE MYSELF IN PRACTICE TOMORROW, AND EVERY PRACTICE AFTER THAT

so, I guess there were two things :D

And, aside from those two things, I can remember this:



1 Thessalonians 5:18.....In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Through everything, no matter what happens, we need to be thankful. And then, we'll get our cup of tea, just how we like it!

A Weekend in the Life of ME

It’s been a super long weekend. We had our FIRST SOCCER GAME yesterday (Friday night)..it went pretty well :) We lost 3-0, but our team is young, and, since it was the first game of the season (and it wasn’t even in our league..it was a homeschool group, so it doesn’t really count for our records) I think we did ok! Of course, as with anything, we walked away from that game with things to work on and learn. But, playing the game is a learning process! So, if we can learn from our mistakes, we will improve!!

Aside from our soccer game, we had school at normal times..which included a government test that I was NOT ready for, a physics test that I WAS ready for, and MACBETH skits in English.

What, you may ask, are MACBETH skits? Well, let me tell you..

Our English teacher, Mr. Madsen, has assigned many different skits through the years. In 10^th grade, we broke up into groups and re-enacted scenes from JULIUS CEASER. Sadly, I don’t remember exactly what we did last year..if I do, I’ll get back to you on that! :)

This year, we have done so many skits, I almost forget some of them..keyword: ALMOST.

It started with EVERYMAN, a piece in our lit book that talks about a guy who wasn’t ready to die, but his time comes. Then, there was DR. FAUSTUS..pretty much the same concept, only this guy trades his life with the devil for more time, but ends up dying anyways. And then, there was MACBETH. For the other two, we pretty much broke up into groups and wrote out our own skits, based on the story. But, for MACBETH, we broke into groups and acted out scenes from the play. It was pretty fun. Two of my friends, Bethany and Debby, and I were the three witches. We did the scene where they’re gathered around the cauldron, making a potion. It was pretty fun, despite the fact that our lines pretty much stunk, and we weren’t really THAT prepared.. we had really great ideas! Like, in the end, when we said “SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES” we were all going to fall backwards onto eachother, but DEBBY decided to be a chicken and didn’t :P

But, she did bring her cat, Edward, who is all black..so he kinda added to the whole “witch” effect. Lol

Anyways, what made today so long? Well, let me tell you! From 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., I was working on my cross-stitch. I’ve been working on it almost a year..since May 2010. Remember the regional competition I talked about in my last blog? Well, I won first in the textile category which was what I entered my cross-stitch in. The amazing thing about that is, I NEVER FINISHED MY CROSS-STITCH 100%. So, obviously, I have to finish it NOW, before state on Friday! And, I still have to get it framed. Sadly, I won’t be getting it professionally framed until after state, when I *HOPEFULLY* go to nationals.

Nope, for state, we’re just gonna get a mat cut for the frame we already have.

But, you’re probably wondering why working on my cross-stitch all day was such a big deal. In fact, you probably think I was just sitting inside on my butt all day, stitching away. Well, you are correct! But, you totally underestimate the type of cross-stitching I was doing!! You see, along with sitting on my butt ALL DAY LONG, I was BENDING OVER my cross-stitch, which causes major back pain. Also, it caused my neck muscles to get tight, and cramped. And, last but not least, MY EYE HAS BEEN TWITCHING ALL DAY, which I am assuming is a side effect from staring at those tiny little wholes on the aida cloth ALL DAY LONG. They also hurt when I move them from side to side. Basically, they just hurt being open. Which, I think I’m gonna fix soon. By going to sleep!

But first, let me just say, there was a major yumminess that made this day semi-bearable. It’s called POMEGRANITE DELIGHT TEA from Twinings. Given to me by Mrs. Karen Blakemore. She is amazing, and I enjoyed every last drop. So, with that shout out to my FAVORITE cup of tea, I think I will say good night.

Sweet Dreams! And, I promise I will post pictures AS SOON as I finish my cross-stitch :D

I Had a Pretty Great Title in Mind, BUT I FORGOT IT!! >:(

These last few weeks have been pretty crazy. Correction; these past few DAYS have been pretty crazy! I'll start from the beginning, so you can understand everything. :)
I go to a Christian school, and we compete in fine arts competitions every year. They start at the in-house level,go through regional and state, and end at nationals! In the state of Virginia, we call it

ODACS:Old Dominion Association of Christian Schools.

Once it reaches the national level, though, we call it AACS Nationals.
Last year, my school took home 1st place in the nation for BAND! It's kind of a big deal to us. :)
I also went to nationals for my art project. I entered the TEXTILE category with a cross-stitch I had worked on, but I didn't place in the national level. It was kind of a let down, but, then again, I was competing against FOURTEEN other people, so it's ok. But, the one thing I took back from that nationals trip was, not only did I want to go this year, but I also wanted to PLACE. I don't really care about FIRST place..just, that I can actually place, period. So, I chose a cross-stitch pattern that was about 3x bigger than last year's, and started working on it May of 2010.

Other than actually competing in ODACS, you also get completely stressed!! In the last three days, I've broken out maybe, THREE TIMES, OR MORE. People, that never happens :(

Boy, let me tell you, I totally underestimated the size of that project!! Not only have I worked an average of more than 600 hours, but I didn't 100% complete it by ODACS REGIONALS. I actually stayed up until 2:30 this morning, trying hard to finish it! Sadly, I didn't. I had about 1/4 of the thread missing..you couldn't really tell, but if you were judging by the pattern, YOU KNEW. It was a major let down to me. Yes, I cried over it. But do you think I gave up? Not a chance. I'm the kind of person that accepts a challenge, and runs with it. Unfortunately, in this case, there wasn't much I could do.
So, I tried my hardest, and finished what I could. Then, I turned it in. In my artist idea statement, I told the judges everything. I told them the hours I had put into it. I told them the changes I would make if I made it to state competition. And, I prayed that they would take all of those things into consideration for how hard I had worked on it.
Trust me guys, I was dead set on being disappointed. I had given myself the pep-talk. I had cried over it. I was ready to be 2nd place.
Well, the time for the awards ceremony came around. It had been a pretty good day. Aside from textiles, I had competed in a small instrumental ensemble with 2 other clarinet players, a home ec. test, and some other band things. Being in LEVEL III, I had to wait two whole levels before they even started in on the awards for my categories. I was a wreck. All I could think about was that it was ok if I lost textiles. I wasn't gonna be angry, or cry. I mean, I didn't totally finish my project! Sure, I put in ALOT of hours! But, if I did lose, I would lose to worthy competition. (the girl I was up against made this dress for a toddler, and it was good!)
The first category to be announced is always Bible..Bible teaching, Bible quizzing, Bible testing. Next is music. This was a semi-stressful time for me. We won in band, large instrumental ensemble, small instrumental ensemble, and placed 3rd in large vocal ensemble. After that, speech. By now I am trying not to think about it. Trying not to cry.. Finally, we get to the art section. Drawings..paintings..photography..textiles.

 *DON'T LISTEN, DON'T LISTEN*

Second place is always called first. "Second place... ...(first name) Lambert."

Wait, WHAT? Did I hear that correctly? That means..

"First place..Nicky Newman."

I DID IT!! I WON!! Sure, it was only the regional level..but, if I won on the regional level, WITHOUT 100% completing everything, imagine what I could do at state, once everything is finished!!
Needless to say, it was a pretty good day/night.! Other than that first place, I received 1st in the home ec. test too. Which is actually hilarious, seeing as this is my third year taking that test, and the passed two years I've gotten 2nd place..always against the same girl! And, this year, I didn't even study! Nope, I was too focused on my corss-stitch! haha I guess that just goes to show what the Lord can do for you!
As celebration, we went to Olive Garden..yummy :)
The only bad thing about winning is: now, I have to finish it! Which means a few more hours with no social life, sitting on my butt in my room, working on my corss-stitch, and FINISHING it for state! I guess it won't be too bad, considering I only have alittle more to do..and I will (hopefully) be well rested to work on it!
Considering the fact that, within the last couple of days, or weeks, I've been staying up until midnight or later working on it, and have gotten barely ANY sleep! Thank goodness those nights are over..or almost over :)

So, being as this is the first night I might actually get a decent amount of sleep, I think I'll go to bed now. Sweet dreams!

Hi, My Name Is Nicky, And I---

I guess now is as good a time as any to tell you guys.

I, Nichole Elizabeth Newman, am addicted to... it's funny, because as I sit here typing this, I am actually about to indulge in a huge cup of:
 caffeine.

And, not just any caffeine..the coffee variety. (Although, sometimes, I turn to Diet Coke)
Yep, it's true. I just can't help myself! When I wake up in the morning, I smell the heavenly smell of fresh coffee brewing in the coffee pot. I NEED to drink at least one hot cup before being FULLY awake!
   This one time, I spent the night at my best friend's house, and, alas, there was no caffeine in the morning. So, as a result of this, I had a terrible headache the whole day. Yeah, not fun.
But, coffee is pretty special to me, as weird as that may sound.. I drink it black. Not because it wakes me up, but because I like the taste of it. Now, don't get me wrong..I like stuff in it too! I am a big Starbucks addict!! I just can't help myself..it's so yummy! :D

So, soccer season started this past Monday. I am pretty excited! Soccer is, in my opinion, the world's greatest sport. Sorry if you don't agree..this is my blog, not yours :P haha anyways. I decided that, just maybe, drinking a ton of caffeine during soccer season isn't the brightest idea. So, I've been limiting myself to one cup each morning. ONE CUP! Boy, let me tell you..IT'S HARD!! Granted, I still let myself drink decaf at night..I just can't help it! I love the stuff!
And, I've been indulging on the weekends. But, so far I've kept my challenge to myself to keep off of the caffeine.
I've also been trying to hydrate, and let me tell you, it's harder than it seems!

So, now that I've let you all in on my little secret (which I guess now is no longer a secret) I guess you can say that life isn't really "My Cup Of Tea"..it's definitely "My Cup Of COFFEE"

It Could Have Been Different..

Remember, we all stumble, every one of us.  That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand. 

 ~Emily Kimbrough

I found this quote when I Google searched "best friend quotes". I thought it was fitting..at least for now. You see, when you call someone your best friend, it means you will be there for them, always and forever. You talk to them, tell them everything. If they tick you off, tell them. Don't go walking on eggshells around them. That's hardly friendship, let alone best friendship. A fight every once in awhile is good for the relationship..we all know not everyone agrees.

And, for that matter, let me just go ahead and toss this out there: nobody's perfect. As much as I hate Hannah Montana, she did one thing right: singing that song. Because, at least part of it is true. There is no one, NOT ONE SINGLE PERSON, who is perfect. Myself included. Shocker, I know! I mean, I always that I was perfect..just kidding, I always knew I wasn't. Duh.

I guess you're probably wondering why I'm saying all of this, right? Well, let me tell you..

About 5 minutes ago I was on a friend's blog...one I considered to be one of my bestest friends, and trust me, I don't hand that title out easily..! Anyways, I read something that was like a smack in the face. A hard one..think of the worst hit you've ever taken, multiply it by ten, and there you go.. And then, I started crying. Man, I seem to be doing that alot lately! But, I had good reason. Usually, when you read something about yourself in your best friend's blog, it's good right? In this case, you're wrong. And, let me tell you, that hurts. As my best friend, at least tell me what you think. Don't blog about me, and then wait for me to see it. Oh yeah, and don't stop talking to me either. Who does that?

You see, I thought things were fine. Guess I'm stupid, huh? Well, I certainly feel stupid now. I guess I never really meant that much to you..because, if I had, you would have treated this situation differently. Thanks for letting me know though..

I didn't mean for that one situation to turn into such a big deal. What happened..that was against the rules. I'm not sorry that I did it..I'm just sorry that it cost our friendship. Because, it did, didn't it? That's what you meant. I know. And, no, I don't understand. Maybe I never will. Maybe you could explain it to me? Of course, then you would actually have to talk to me..and you don't want to, do you?

Let me tell you something though..:I'd rather hear it from you than from your blog.

I guess it's done though. Not much I can do, right?

Remember what I told you the other night..? I told you that if you ever needed to talk, I'm here. It's still true. I'll always be there for you..maybe now from a distance..I guess that's your decision. I hope you choose to talk to me soon..just let me know..

Until then, remember, no matter what..I'm here. And I hope you'll be there for me.

I Know I Can, I Know I Can..

We all challenge ourselves. Some of us challenge ourselves to get better grades in school, or to work harder at work. We challenge ourselves to lose weight. We challenge ourselves to eat healthier. I’m sure the list could go on and on.

Well, a very good friend of mine (Bethany) and I are challenging ourselves to do something. It’s a very HARD thing to do. It’s called: NO COMPLAINING & LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF THINGS. I know..tough. Extremely tough.  You know the saying “harder than it looks?” Well, that saying definitely pertains to THIS.

Believe me guys, it’s HARD to look at the bright side of things..especially when your day is about as dark it’s ever been. We challenged ourselves on a Wednesday, and let me tell you, the day after was about THE WORST day in a long time. It was very challenging to look at the bright side of things.

The day started out pretty perfect..out the door and on the way to school in record time! But, it quickly went downhill after I pulled into the parking lot at school. Bad days seem to work like that; you wake up in a totally chipper mood, and BAM, it smacks you in the face..ugh..

Needless to say, what started as a day where I was going to STAY POSITIVE and LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE, soon turned into a pathetic pity party..sorry guys..it was the worst.. :( And, then, I got frustrated at myself for NOT looking at the bright side..which made everything that much better.. (ok, that was definitely sarcasm..) And, bad news..:I actually cried yesterday. Several times, in fact.

It wasn’t a pitiful type of crying though. And no, I’m not a baby. But, sometimes, when you have so much PRESSURE on you..it’s hard NOT to cry. And let me tell you, the pressure felt never ending. There’s so much going on now! It’s the BUSIEST time of year for me..and there are some things that I want that just feel so out of reach! It doesn’t help that people expect certain things out of you that you feel INCAPABLE of doing. Plus, I’m trying SO HARD to be a good example..and that’s tough. Tougher than tough! THE TOUGHEST!

But, even though I kinda cracked yesterday..I’m not turning back on my challenge to myself! Nope. Not gonna do that. Because I’m not a quitter! So, I’m keeping my head up high. Looking on the bright side. And, most of all, catching (or TRYING to catch) myself before complaining. And, I think it’s helping..at least alittle :)

The Definition

BEST FRIEND:

    Dictionary.com defines this word as: the one friend who is closest to you

    UrbanDictionary uses a WHOLE PARAGRAPH to describe those two words:

Best Friends are very special people in your life. They are the first people you think about when you make plans. They are the first people you go to when you need someone to talk to. You will phone them up just to talk about nothing, or the most important things in your life. When you’re sad they will try their hardest to cheer you up.

They give the best hugs in the world! They are the shoulder to cry on, because you know that they truly care about you. In most cases they would take a bullet for you, because it would be too painful to watch you get hurt.

Here's my definition:

  DEBORAH JONELLE WHITING..my best friend in the whole wide world.

 We are the BRACE BUDDIES.. we both have braces..and I guess something just formed out of that! lol

In english class, we have to write journals..and, this year, Debby and I wrote a whole series about the Brace Buddies: superheroes, who save the world with their super powers! I was N.E., and I had freeze rays. She was D.J., and she had super strength! And, we chose Mr. Madson, our English teacher, to be our boss..we renamed him MR. MADNESS! Good times..

 We've been through some tough situations..like that time where she dated my ex-boyfriend. (No worries guys, we can totally joke about it now :)) Or, just recently, when we had the whole miscommunications thing..yeah, that coulda been better. lol

But, seriously now, I don't know where I would be without her! I can go to her with anything..whenever I need her, she's there! And, let me tell you, that feels great. We all have those moments where we NEED to just..spill everything.. (I think I'm having one of those now..but I have to wait until I SEE HER TOMORROW TO TELL HER :()

Basically, I guess what I'm trying to say is..you can't replace her. She'll always be there for me. And I'll always be there for her! I'll stand up for her when she needs it. And when she needs to cry, or rant about boys, I'll ALWAYS listen! And, mess with her, I kick your butt! :D

There are others too..

Bethany Hader, Kelly Clements,  Sarah Hader,  Jennifer Congdon,  Sam Parker..

people I stick up for, laugh with, cry with, spill secrets to. You can't replace them either! 

I have no idea what I'll do next year when I can't have them with me. :(

But, right now, I have them. :) And, I will cherish these next few months..as much as I want to get OUT of highschool, I don't want to leave them! lol

 Because, right now, THEY are my cup of tea ;) haha

The Difference Between You & Me

**Pay close attention, because there will be a one question quiz over this at the end**

I read something just now that didn't make me very happy. In fact, it made me downright sad.
In today's world, it is accepted to constantly put people down with your cruel words. And, making fun of them is one of the favorite ways to do it. Talking about them behind their backs is another.
I go to a Christian school, and I witness this everyday. Sadly, even at my school, people are cruel. Many people would say they act the way they do because they are "insecure". I don't know if I quite agree with that. I think some people are just really that cruel. Others just do it for popularity, maybe, or hatred? Sadly, even Christians are guilty of this.
Despite what you think, being a Christian doesn't make you perfect. Christians face the same temptations as nonChristians every day! We get angry, we hate people/circumstances, we have attitude problems. But, the difference between you and me? The way I see it: God wants us to BE DIFFERENT. He wants us to treat others different. He doesn't want us to talk about them behind their backs in cruel ways. Or to their faces [in cruel ways] either!
Don't get me wrong guys! I am human too! I don't think I'm perfect..I KNOW I'M NOT! But, I do try. I want to do what God wants me too in my life. I want to live for Him! I try every day to please Him, and no, I don't always succeed. I get angry quite frequently; it's a terrible downfall of mine! I know I should react differently than I do, but, like I said, Christians face temptations too!
But, there's another difference between you and me. And, this one is for all of you Christians out there..if you're reading this, you'll know who you are.
Ready for this? READY??
Ok, here goes..:

    I want to honor God, and you don't.

Phew, there.

I said it.

And, guess what?

I honestly don't regret saying it.

Because, you probably needed to hear it.

You see, I am so dissappointed in you! You go to a Christian school, and as far as I know, you go to church and have a great family. But, you are seriously lacking in your Christian lifestyle. And you know it.
It baffles me that you don't even seem to care. But, I guess I can understand. I mean, first of all, you have all that peer pressure, right? And, goodness knows if you stand up for what is RIGHT, rather than gossipping at the lunch table, you will be shunnned by all of your friends!!

    WRONG

Chances are, when you stand up for WHAT YOU KNOW IS RIGHT, your friends will realize that they are in the wrong.

 Shocking, I know!

But true. :)

And, despite what you think about me, I don't gossip. Honestly, I could care less about anything other than my life, my friends, what I need to focus on for next year, my family..and my own drama! Do you think I have time to gossip about you or anyone else?

NOPE

Gotcha there, didn't I? Sorry to let you down..but, maybe it's time someone told you life isn't all about you...not trying to be mean, but it's totally true. I'm not saying life is about me either..in fact, it's about something much bigger. It's about living for God, and being a good witness, and winning others to Him. Do you realize that? Now you do. So, stop with all this petty "I'm more important than you, no one really cares about you, it's all about me, and if I don't like you I'll make fun of you" attitude. Because, one day, it will come back to bite you. Truthfully.

Ready for that quiz?

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOU AND ME?

Dear __________,

Ok buddy, here's how this is going down. You are gonna read what I write, and you better take it to heart! :) I'm sorry if it sounds harsh, but some things just gotta be said.
First, let me just say, I don't hate you. I might have for alittle while (like, a month?) but I definitely don't now. So, get over it. I want to be friends! I really do! And no matter HOW HARD I try, you refuse! Why? WHAT IS THE REASON FOR THIS? You make no sense! Suck it up, be a man, and put forth some effort here. We had a pretty great friendship, and I would LOVE to have that back! Seriously, you meant so much to me, even as friends, and if that's all I get back, I'm ok with that! So stop being stuck on the fact that I "hate" you. I'm a different person now. If you took the chance to get to know me again, you would KNOW that! So why don't you take the chance? STOP BEING SO SCARED! You are the man, right? PROVE IT.
Second, STOP MESSING WITH MY BEST FRIEND. She doesn't deserve that. Do you not even have the common decency to call her? I'm sure just a text message a day would work wonders! And, seriously, picking up the phone at least once a week can't be THAT hard! I know you're busy with college and everything..but, you did tell her she was your best female friend? DIDN'T YOU? Are you going back on your word? What kind of person does that? If you broke up with her, why can't you let her get over you? Can you do that for me? Please?
Last, I just want to say, sorry if everything in here was harsh. I don't mean to pile it on you like that. I just think you need a smack in the face (virtually, of course). And, I think you're a great guy! I really do! You are a great encouragement to me spiritually. I just wish you wouldn't be so dense sometimes, and that you would realize that your silence really isn't that helpful. It's actually quite discouraging.
Also, I want you to know that, I still care for you. Not in a lovey-dovey way, per se. But, in the way that I would do anything for you. Honestly, I would! If you asked, I would totally give! See, I don't hate you..I just get frustrated at times.
I know you will probably never read this. I just had to..get it all out there, I guess. Plus, a girl's gotta stick up for her best friend! :)
I wanna leave you with this:

Psalm 84:11

The Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.

It's my life verse, I'll let you borrow it for alittle while. Think on that..and good luck in college this semester!

Love,

Nicky

Decisions, Decisions..

             It's January 18, 2011. Almost exactly four months until graduation. (more or less)
I'm sitting at my desk, looking at my computer, trying to absorb this information. I don't know if I'm ready yet. Sure, I can't WAIT until highschool is OVER. But, when I say that, I mostly mean being associated with the immature younger students in my school. Or going to classes I don't even need now! Or sitting in the same spot every day, with no variety! In that sense, yes, I CAN NOT WAIT TO LEAVE HIGHSCHOOL.

But there are things I don't want to leave, too. Like, my friends that won't be going to the same college as me. My amazing teachers..especially Mr. Reed. He's been such a great encouragement (even though sometimes it doesn't SEEM that way). I don't think I'm ready to go off on my own yet either. Paying bills, paying taxes..not something I really look forward to! But, we all have to grow up sometime, right?

I also have things that I want to happen before this is all over. And a measly                   FOUR MONTHS to do it! For instance, I would LOVE to place at Nationals in the Textile category. I've been working SO HARD on my project; sometimes I think it will never be done! But, I'm still working at it!
Also, I would love to win the championship in soccer this year! I am determined to push myself so hard! I really really really want to go somewhere with soccer my senior year!
And, to top everything off, I WANT TO PLACE FIRST AT NATIONALS FOR BAND!! We worked so hard last year, why can't we do it again?

Yes, determination can get me through all of that. But, so can decisions. I can decide to work on my cross-stitch. I can decide to push myself EXTRA HARD at soccer. I can determine to be the best defender again. I can decide to practice my clarinet, and work on the hard parts over and over and over again. And you know what? I WILL. And I already have!

But, more than those decisions, I have others. I need to decide to not be affected (or is it effected? I can never remember!) by the senioritus I already have, and finish my last year strong. I can decide to push through to the end, and have a good attitude about the classes I really hate, or the people that just plain BUG me. I can certainly decide to achieve all A's in every single class I'm in..therefore causing me to not having to take my finals!!

So, that's what I've decided for the rest of the year. Now tell me..What are your decisions?