Day 54--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This week has been extremely busy. I've had a lot going on at Rec because they're doing a whole bunch of Halloween activities.
Thursday there was a dance and I wore my brown dress that I hadn't worn for any event yet. All the boys were whistling and the girls were jealous, but all in all, everyone was impressed since the only thing I wear is blue jeans and sweats. The dance itself was pretty terrible though. They didn't play very good music and no one danced. It felt like middle school all over again. I ended up going to Rec and playing pool in my dress instead. I'm not much of a dancer anyway.
I carved a pumpkin yesterday. Not my best one but I definitely know what I'm doing next year. I have at all planned out in my head. All I need to do is put in on paper.
I'm going to the corn maze tonight, everyone has been saying how fun it is. I guess they have people standing in costumes waiting to jump out and scare you. Our pumpkin patch has always closed at night, so this should be pretty exciting.
My friend (yes, he's a guy) Jamie Turner's family invited me to spend Thanksgiving with them. I would have stayed on center but I didn't want to be rude and Jamie's got some work lined up so I might be able to make a few extra bucks. Everyone is gonna think that we're like together or whatever but it's so not even like that. The only person I came here for was me and I'm not going to waste my time worrying about someone else. Jamie's family only offered becuase they know how relieving it is to get off center and away from all the BS for a while. And besides, no one should be alone on Thanksgiving.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Good News
Day 49----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, about that good news, I have officially been appointed Recreational President. My job is to try and come up with creative activities for students, advise Rec Staff on student punishment, and keep things organized. But other than that, my duties are more or less the same as far as reinforcing the rules; no chewing, excessive public display of affection, excessive horseplay, misuse of equipment, and swearing. Of course, I have to play for both teams and keep the staff and the students happy.
I wouldn't say I let students get away with a lot, but I'm not a hard ass either. If I have to repeatedly ask a student to behave, I inform the staff and let them deal with it. Most of the kids in Rec are my friends anyway and they respect me so they listen to me, more or less. Many of the them also happen to be guys that admire me, and a quick bat of the eyelashes and a pouty face goes a long way. Don't get me wrong, I have kicked a few of my friends out for not taking me seriously. They know that behind these big brown eyes there is a woman not to be messed with. As my Mom always says, "Don't poke the sleeping bear".
I was also appointed Wing Two Leader in the Dorm. Originally, the Dorm Manager, Barbara Corpuz, wanted me to be Dorm Chief, the highest position within the dorm. Alas, the other head staff was against it; she didn't think it was fair to the other girls or that I was ready, so that didn't happen. Wing Leader is not a big step and its not a hard job. What exactly does it entitle? I'm not sure because I politely declined the position. The reason is because you can't be a leader in Rec, a member of the SGA (next paragraph), and a leader in the dorm, so something had to give. And besides, it won't be my last chance for a dorm position.
I recently signed up for a position in the SGA (Student Government Association). I very much hope that I am elected as Vice President. I think that I could really make some significant changes. Maybe not right away, but over time anything is possible. I felt that I could have more of an effect on student lives and make a difference to a larger amount of students while being a member of SGA, rather than being Dorm Chief and trying to influence a bunch of crabby, defiant, emotional, PMS driven young adults.
*punctuation is hard! damn commas and semicolons. grrrrr*
Anywho, other than that I don't believe I have any more serious updates. I'll keep you posted. 'Night all!
P.S.
Almost forgot! Today, all the students who went on the fishing trip went to a salmon barbecue. I guess it was kind of a 'Thanks for helping out' kind of thing. The food was delicious and I had a really good day! :)
So, about that good news, I have officially been appointed Recreational President. My job is to try and come up with creative activities for students, advise Rec Staff on student punishment, and keep things organized. But other than that, my duties are more or less the same as far as reinforcing the rules; no chewing, excessive public display of affection, excessive horseplay, misuse of equipment, and swearing. Of course, I have to play for both teams and keep the staff and the students happy.
I wouldn't say I let students get away with a lot, but I'm not a hard ass either. If I have to repeatedly ask a student to behave, I inform the staff and let them deal with it. Most of the kids in Rec are my friends anyway and they respect me so they listen to me, more or less. Many of the them also happen to be guys that admire me, and a quick bat of the eyelashes and a pouty face goes a long way. Don't get me wrong, I have kicked a few of my friends out for not taking me seriously. They know that behind these big brown eyes there is a woman not to be messed with. As my Mom always says, "Don't poke the sleeping bear".
I was also appointed Wing Two Leader in the Dorm. Originally, the Dorm Manager, Barbara Corpuz, wanted me to be Dorm Chief, the highest position within the dorm. Alas, the other head staff was against it; she didn't think it was fair to the other girls or that I was ready, so that didn't happen. Wing Leader is not a big step and its not a hard job. What exactly does it entitle? I'm not sure because I politely declined the position. The reason is because you can't be a leader in Rec, a member of the SGA (next paragraph), and a leader in the dorm, so something had to give. And besides, it won't be my last chance for a dorm position.
I recently signed up for a position in the SGA (Student Government Association). I very much hope that I am elected as Vice President. I think that I could really make some significant changes. Maybe not right away, but over time anything is possible. I felt that I could have more of an effect on student lives and make a difference to a larger amount of students while being a member of SGA, rather than being Dorm Chief and trying to influence a bunch of crabby, defiant, emotional, PMS driven young adults.
*punctuation is hard! damn commas and semicolons. grrrrr*
Anywho, other than that I don't believe I have any more serious updates. I'll keep you posted. 'Night all!
P.S.
Almost forgot! Today, all the students who went on the fishing trip went to a salmon barbecue. I guess it was kind of a 'Thanks for helping out' kind of thing. The food was delicious and I had a really good day! :)
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Family Weekend
Day 48---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry I haven't written in four days. I wasn't able to get near a computer all weekend because Mom and John came to visit, and they brought Harry Potter (my dog)! They picked me up on Friday and we went to stay at Great Grandma Sauve's old house (so sorry she wasn't there!). We ate steak, potatoes, and corn on the cob for dinner. First REAL meal I've had in weeks! You probably don't know this, but on campus, anything they fry in vegetable oil and any mixed meat has soy additive. Well I'm allergic to soy and since they serve that almost everyday, I've been sticking to things I know are safe like salad, sandwiches, bacon (they broil in the oven), etc. So you could understand how relieved I was to have some real meat.
Anyway, after dinner, we all watched movies on this itty bitty tv that was left in the house. The screen was so small, John had to grab a stool and sit 3 ft away becuase he couldn't see from the couch. The whole thing was rather comical.
On Saturday, we went out to breakfast then came back and hung out for a while. Around 1800hrs, John went out to watch the Huskies football game at the casino and Mom and I stayed at the house, carved pumpkins, and listened to a book on tape.
Sunday (today), we came back to base and I dropped off my stuff in the dorm and showed them around. They left about an hour later. It was really good to see my family (and Harry) and I'm really glad they could make the 7hr drive out here, but at the same time, I wished I had just stayed on campus. It's just so hard to say goodbye. I miss everyone back home dearly.
*sorry for any incorrect punctuation, I was having some trouble*
P.S.
I have some good news, but I don't have time. Tell you tomorrow!
Sorry I haven't written in four days. I wasn't able to get near a computer all weekend because Mom and John came to visit, and they brought Harry Potter (my dog)! They picked me up on Friday and we went to stay at Great Grandma Sauve's old house (so sorry she wasn't there!). We ate steak, potatoes, and corn on the cob for dinner. First REAL meal I've had in weeks! You probably don't know this, but on campus, anything they fry in vegetable oil and any mixed meat has soy additive. Well I'm allergic to soy and since they serve that almost everyday, I've been sticking to things I know are safe like salad, sandwiches, bacon (they broil in the oven), etc. So you could understand how relieved I was to have some real meat.
Anyway, after dinner, we all watched movies on this itty bitty tv that was left in the house. The screen was so small, John had to grab a stool and sit 3 ft away becuase he couldn't see from the couch. The whole thing was rather comical.
On Saturday, we went out to breakfast then came back and hung out for a while. Around 1800hrs, John went out to watch the Huskies football game at the casino and Mom and I stayed at the house, carved pumpkins, and listened to a book on tape.
Sunday (today), we came back to base and I dropped off my stuff in the dorm and showed them around. They left about an hour later. It was really good to see my family (and Harry) and I'm really glad they could make the 7hr drive out here, but at the same time, I wished I had just stayed on campus. It's just so hard to say goodbye. I miss everyone back home dearly.
*sorry for any incorrect punctuation, I was having some trouble*
P.S.
I have some good news, but I don't have time. Tell you tomorrow!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Fish Hatchery
Day 44-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today, ten other students and I went to Prosser to herd salmon for the fish hatchery. This is how it worked; we took big nets that dragged at the bottom walked them through the water from one end to the net at the other end. It was probably a quarter mile walk. That's a long ways in the water dragging a huge net behind you.
Once we got to the end of the dam, we pulled the net into a small half circle. We then proceeded to catch the salmon with our hands. It was hard work! They were too strong for me and I only caught three, but some of the boys caught on really quick and were practically just dunking their hands in and bringing them up! After we caught the salmon, we put them in bags and sent them up the hill to the fish truck filled with water. Those salmon were pretty heavy and hard to control, especially since my hands were frozen from the cold water. We worked from about 0900 to 1300hrs.
After all the salmon were caught, our Rec Staff, Steve Gardiner, said there was to be a grand finale. He chose the 4 students who caught the most fish and split them up into two teams. We then walked down to a small pond. In it, there were two 20 year old sturgeon ( a bottom-feeding fish about 13 ft long (at that age) and 145 - 200lbs). Each team was to try and catch one, first team that did, won. No prize, they just simply had the satisfaction of winning.
It was rather amusing watching to boys squeal like little girls everytime the sturgeon swam past. Although, I could understand, it IS a damn big fish. It didn't take long for the two teams to try and work together on one fish, and it took even less time for the other guys want to join the fun and jump in the pond with 'em. There ended up being about seven kids and one pissed off fish wrestling in the water, myself not included.
At the end of the day, we were all cold, soaked, and covered and smelling like fish slime. Yum. As soon as we got back to base, I took a long hot shower and put on some clean, dry, not fishy clothing. All in all, I had a pretty good day.
(Do you guys think the above blog is essay material? It's not really essay format, there are some things I didn't do (like a thesis statement), but I have my writing test tomorrow. I thought it would be good to put my new found skills to use.)
Wish me luck on my writing GED test everyone! I'm going to hit the hay early so I'm fully rested. I'm feeling pretty confident that I will do well. I've studied hard and I think it will pay off. Night all.
Today, ten other students and I went to Prosser to herd salmon for the fish hatchery. This is how it worked; we took big nets that dragged at the bottom walked them through the water from one end to the net at the other end. It was probably a quarter mile walk. That's a long ways in the water dragging a huge net behind you.
Once we got to the end of the dam, we pulled the net into a small half circle. We then proceeded to catch the salmon with our hands. It was hard work! They were too strong for me and I only caught three, but some of the boys caught on really quick and were practically just dunking their hands in and bringing them up! After we caught the salmon, we put them in bags and sent them up the hill to the fish truck filled with water. Those salmon were pretty heavy and hard to control, especially since my hands were frozen from the cold water. We worked from about 0900 to 1300hrs.
After all the salmon were caught, our Rec Staff, Steve Gardiner, said there was to be a grand finale. He chose the 4 students who caught the most fish and split them up into two teams. We then walked down to a small pond. In it, there were two 20 year old sturgeon ( a bottom-feeding fish about 13 ft long (at that age) and 145 - 200lbs). Each team was to try and catch one, first team that did, won. No prize, they just simply had the satisfaction of winning.
It was rather amusing watching to boys squeal like little girls everytime the sturgeon swam past. Although, I could understand, it IS a damn big fish. It didn't take long for the two teams to try and work together on one fish, and it took even less time for the other guys want to join the fun and jump in the pond with 'em. There ended up being about seven kids and one pissed off fish wrestling in the water, myself not included.
At the end of the day, we were all cold, soaked, and covered and smelling like fish slime. Yum. As soon as we got back to base, I took a long hot shower and put on some clean, dry, not fishy clothing. All in all, I had a pretty good day.
(Do you guys think the above blog is essay material? It's not really essay format, there are some things I didn't do (like a thesis statement), but I have my writing test tomorrow. I thought it would be good to put my new found skills to use.)
Wish me luck on my writing GED test everyone! I'm going to hit the hay early so I'm fully rested. I'm feeling pretty confident that I will do well. I've studied hard and I think it will pay off. Night all.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Counselor
Day 43----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So I was having a pretty ordinary day, work, study and work some more. That is, until I was called to The Counselors office.
As it turns out, I was to speak with a mental health counselor. Apparently, a staff member was concerned that I had an issue with authority and that I was experiencing symptoms of pre-bipolar disorder. Google it. Most of those symptoms are the WHOLE WORLD.
Anyway, I went and straightened everything out. I hope I passed. But he did say, "See you in about 3 weeks." Uh, oh.
So I was having a pretty ordinary day, work, study and work some more. That is, until I was called to The Counselors office.
As it turns out, I was to speak with a mental health counselor. Apparently, a staff member was concerned that I had an issue with authority and that I was experiencing symptoms of pre-bipolar disorder. Google it. Most of those symptoms are the WHOLE WORLD.
Anyway, I went and straightened everything out. I hope I passed. But he did say, "See you in about 3 weeks." Uh, oh.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
October 17
Day 41 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not sure how much I have to say. I'm almost totally prepared for my Writing test on Thursday. I have only two more chapters to complete, maybe one more to re-read, and I will feel totally confident that I have enough knowledge to score 710 on my writing essay. A lot is hanging on my ability to a write an organized, on topic essay. Tough stuff. I always have so many thoughts. Thankfully, I have practiced the ability to harness them and put them, in order, on paper. Hopefully, I'll have all this studying done by tomorrow so my brain can have a few days off.
Wednesday I have a Recreation trip to capture salmon to bring to the fish hatchery. Hopefully I can be excused from K.P. to go. I'm really looking forward to it.
There was no Rec staff today, so Donovin and I (the two options for Rec President, although he really doesn't deserve the position) we placed in charge. We were told that one of us needed to be in Rec at all times. If one had to run an errand, the other could keep an eye on the place. Well, after I had already been at Recreation since 1400*, I asked Donovin to cover for me from 1600-1630, only half an hour, so I could do mandatory centerwide with my dorm. We refused, saying he was "busy" and he couldn't break his schedule. When I asked him what his schedule was, he said that he was cleaning (by choice, mind you). I tried to explain to him that someone needed to be here. He then retorted that since Rec staff wasn't here, it wasn't a big deal. Well, that's not the the point, I said. I finally just let it slide and wrote an a letter to the dorm staff (one of the girls took it up for me), apologizing and asking to be excused.
After that was taken care of, Donovin decided to break the rules and chew tobacco in Rec. His defense was, and I quote, "There's no staff so it shouldn't matter". I don't let anyone else chew in Recreation and I told Donovin that as a Rec Leader he need to follow the rules just as much as everyone else, or more. He got angry and stormed out. He said he was just going to quit. That's not what I was aiming at but if that's the way he feels, so be it.
*military time
Not sure how much I have to say. I'm almost totally prepared for my Writing test on Thursday. I have only two more chapters to complete, maybe one more to re-read, and I will feel totally confident that I have enough knowledge to score 710 on my writing essay. A lot is hanging on my ability to a write an organized, on topic essay. Tough stuff. I always have so many thoughts. Thankfully, I have practiced the ability to harness them and put them, in order, on paper. Hopefully, I'll have all this studying done by tomorrow so my brain can have a few days off.
Wednesday I have a Recreation trip to capture salmon to bring to the fish hatchery. Hopefully I can be excused from K.P. to go. I'm really looking forward to it.
There was no Rec staff today, so Donovin and I (the two options for Rec President, although he really doesn't deserve the position) we placed in charge. We were told that one of us needed to be in Rec at all times. If one had to run an errand, the other could keep an eye on the place. Well, after I had already been at Recreation since 1400*, I asked Donovin to cover for me from 1600-1630, only half an hour, so I could do mandatory centerwide with my dorm. We refused, saying he was "busy" and he couldn't break his schedule. When I asked him what his schedule was, he said that he was cleaning (by choice, mind you). I tried to explain to him that someone needed to be here. He then retorted that since Rec staff wasn't here, it wasn't a big deal. Well, that's not the the point, I said. I finally just let it slide and wrote an a letter to the dorm staff (one of the girls took it up for me), apologizing and asking to be excused.
After that was taken care of, Donovin decided to break the rules and chew tobacco in Rec. His defense was, and I quote, "There's no staff so it shouldn't matter". I don't let anyone else chew in Recreation and I told Donovin that as a Rec Leader he need to follow the rules just as much as everyone else, or more. He got angry and stormed out. He said he was just going to quit. That's not what I was aiming at but if that's the way he feels, so be it.
*military time
Friday, October 15, 2010
October Graduation
Day 39-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They had seven students that walked to get their diplomas / certification today. A lot of them left right after the ceremony. Many tears were shed, but I personally did not cry because I feel I still have not earned the right to. I haven't been here long enough to really grow strong bonds with anyone.
I wonder if I am even able to. I mean there isn't really anyone back home (besides my family) that I miss. I spent my whole childhood and part of my teenage years in Sequim! I've known some people for years back home, but I don't necessarily miss them. There's very few people who have touched my heart so deeply that I tear up when I think about them.
All the students keep saying I have a "wall" put up. What reason do I have to be defensive? And they tell me that I'm so hard to read, but I'm not hiding anything. Well not really. I don't talk about my past much and I don't ask anyone about theirs. We figure all ended up and Job Corps because we all went through a period in our life that opened our eyes to the bigger picture. We can only see life through our own eyes and all that we have experienced, we have interpreted in our own unique way, and it has made each and everyone of us into the individual we are today. What may seem like a dramatic eye opener to one person, may be a ridiculous sob story to another.
Seeing those students walk today made me excited to see how much I can accomplish in the 2 years of my life. When you go back, and you actually take the time to account for all the happenings and events in your life, whether they be big or small, and put them on paper, it's shocking to realize just how much you've been through. It's stunning how much you have grown, developed, and learned a new part of your Self, how much that you have to offer to the world around you, and sometimes it's hard to believe why you couldn't understand what you have come to accept today.
Sorry that I may be rambling. But those are the thoughts that I have been pondering for a while. Maybe they are words of wisdom gifted to me by God. He's helped me a lot recently. Nothing is coincidental. Everything that happens, happens for a reason. It is the balance of life.
*Pick up the book - Conversations with God, by Neale Donald Walsch
They had seven students that walked to get their diplomas / certification today. A lot of them left right after the ceremony. Many tears were shed, but I personally did not cry because I feel I still have not earned the right to. I haven't been here long enough to really grow strong bonds with anyone.
I wonder if I am even able to. I mean there isn't really anyone back home (besides my family) that I miss. I spent my whole childhood and part of my teenage years in Sequim! I've known some people for years back home, but I don't necessarily miss them. There's very few people who have touched my heart so deeply that I tear up when I think about them.
All the students keep saying I have a "wall" put up. What reason do I have to be defensive? And they tell me that I'm so hard to read, but I'm not hiding anything. Well not really. I don't talk about my past much and I don't ask anyone about theirs. We figure all ended up and Job Corps because we all went through a period in our life that opened our eyes to the bigger picture. We can only see life through our own eyes and all that we have experienced, we have interpreted in our own unique way, and it has made each and everyone of us into the individual we are today. What may seem like a dramatic eye opener to one person, may be a ridiculous sob story to another.
Seeing those students walk today made me excited to see how much I can accomplish in the 2 years of my life. When you go back, and you actually take the time to account for all the happenings and events in your life, whether they be big or small, and put them on paper, it's shocking to realize just how much you've been through. It's stunning how much you have grown, developed, and learned a new part of your Self, how much that you have to offer to the world around you, and sometimes it's hard to believe why you couldn't understand what you have come to accept today.
Sorry that I may be rambling. But those are the thoughts that I have been pondering for a while. Maybe they are words of wisdom gifted to me by God. He's helped me a lot recently. Nothing is coincidental. Everything that happens, happens for a reason. It is the balance of life.
*Pick up the book - Conversations with God, by Neale Donald Walsch
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
15 Minutes
Day 36---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally got 15 min of down time. Let's see how fast I can type. I almost had a breakdown after SST meeting today because I got my first referral because my area of the dorm was dirty. BUT, I did mop! It was the other girl who didn't sweep and that's why it looked like poop. I've been stretched so thin the past few days between K.P., studies, and Rec Duty (I'm running for Rec president, don't know if I told you), that that one referral just totally topped me off. I have an absolute clean record. I'm always on time, I always do my job, and I know how to prioritize. Anyway, after I almost burst into tears, one of the other girls stood up for me, saying she saw me do my job and everything was sorted. Whew!
During K.P. I have two breaks; one 2 hrs, and one 3 hrs. And instead of going to the dorm like most of the kids, I go to education. Everyone calls me Miss. Over-Achiever. I don't really mind. I feel like I'm setting a good example. Everyone knows that I didn't officially complete the 7th grade and that I'm the youngest student on campus. I figure people will get so jealous because I have come of the highest scores in G.E.D. that they will push themselves to do better. We shall see.
P.S.
Don't worry mom, I'm not burning out. I'm just getting started :-) Right now I'm the center of attention, and being the flaming Aries I am, I'm absolutely LOVING it - even though it means I have to push everything I have to the highest potential.
Thank you everyone for your support.
Finally got 15 min of down time. Let's see how fast I can type. I almost had a breakdown after SST meeting today because I got my first referral because my area of the dorm was dirty. BUT, I did mop! It was the other girl who didn't sweep and that's why it looked like poop. I've been stretched so thin the past few days between K.P., studies, and Rec Duty (I'm running for Rec president, don't know if I told you), that that one referral just totally topped me off. I have an absolute clean record. I'm always on time, I always do my job, and I know how to prioritize. Anyway, after I almost burst into tears, one of the other girls stood up for me, saying she saw me do my job and everything was sorted. Whew!
During K.P. I have two breaks; one 2 hrs, and one 3 hrs. And instead of going to the dorm like most of the kids, I go to education. Everyone calls me Miss. Over-Achiever. I don't really mind. I feel like I'm setting a good example. Everyone knows that I didn't officially complete the 7th grade and that I'm the youngest student on campus. I figure people will get so jealous because I have come of the highest scores in G.E.D. that they will push themselves to do better. We shall see.
P.S.
Don't worry mom, I'm not burning out. I'm just getting started :-) Right now I'm the center of attention, and being the flaming Aries I am, I'm absolutely LOVING it - even though it means I have to push everything I have to the highest potential.
Thank you everyone for your support.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
3 Day Weekend
Day 34---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've been super swamped with K.P. and Rec duties and studying. I'm absolutely exhausted but I still need to write 3 essays (I don't NEED to but I'm CHOOSING to) and a clean up schedule for Rec. Today is my only day off from K.P. so I'm going to try to cram as much rest in as I can. I'm about to take a nap right now but I felt I needed to post something so I could keep everyone interested. I'll post again when I get the time. Thanks for your patience everyone!
I've been super swamped with K.P. and Rec duties and studying. I'm absolutely exhausted but I still need to write 3 essays (I don't NEED to but I'm CHOOSING to) and a clean up schedule for Rec. Today is my only day off from K.P. so I'm going to try to cram as much rest in as I can. I'm about to take a nap right now but I felt I needed to post something so I could keep everyone interested. I'll post again when I get the time. Thanks for your patience everyone!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
G.E.D Test Results
Day 31------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------( I got my days mixed up so I googled the duration between one date and the next, found out the actual number of days, and went back and edited ALL my blogs. So happy one month to me! YAY!)
*I'm going to start using military time becuase it's easier. If you don't know it, google is your best friend.*
So I took Science and Reading (800 being highest - 410 lowest) and scored a 660 and a 710. I'm a little disappointed with my scores but so far I have the third highest test scores in the class. If I get a 710 in the next 3 tests, Writing, Math, and Social Studies, my average will be 700. I want AT LEAST that. so I have two weeks to study for the Writing test and I'm gonna work my butt off.
One problem, I start K.P. tomorrow. That stands for Kitchen Patrol. Whoop-dee-doo. It's a mandatory 2 week period that all new-comers have to do. I have to wash dishes from 0600-0800, 10:30-13:00, and 1600 to 1900. That means I have to get up at 0500 and I'll have 5hrs and 30min, total, to study. But then you gotta think of the time it takes to walk to and from the dorms to kitchen and that cuts back about 30 min. Grr. Then NEXT week I have maintenance which is like K.P. only I work from 0800 - 1600 straight. which is good. It won't cut into my Rec hrs and I can get dirty. Finally!
Okay, actually TWO problems. I'm going to have to work something out with staff because Mom wanted to come get me from 15-17 and K.P. / maintenance don't get weekends off. GREAT. Maybe since it's parents it'll be okay.
Anyway, gotta go sleep so I can get up early. Bye!
*I'm going to start using military time becuase it's easier. If you don't know it, google is your best friend.*
So I took Science and Reading (800 being highest - 410 lowest) and scored a 660 and a 710. I'm a little disappointed with my scores but so far I have the third highest test scores in the class. If I get a 710 in the next 3 tests, Writing, Math, and Social Studies, my average will be 700. I want AT LEAST that. so I have two weeks to study for the Writing test and I'm gonna work my butt off.
One problem, I start K.P. tomorrow. That stands for Kitchen Patrol. Whoop-dee-doo. It's a mandatory 2 week period that all new-comers have to do. I have to wash dishes from 0600-0800, 10:30-13:00, and 1600 to 1900. That means I have to get up at 0500 and I'll have 5hrs and 30min, total, to study. But then you gotta think of the time it takes to walk to and from the dorms to kitchen and that cuts back about 30 min. Grr. Then NEXT week I have maintenance which is like K.P. only I work from 0800 - 1600 straight. which is good. It won't cut into my Rec hrs and I can get dirty. Finally!
Okay, actually TWO problems. I'm going to have to work something out with staff because Mom wanted to come get me from 15-17 and K.P. / maintenance don't get weekends off. GREAT. Maybe since it's parents it'll be okay.
Anyway, gotta go sleep so I can get up early. Bye!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
G.E.D. Test
Day 30-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I take my first two G.E.D. tests tomorrow, Reading and Science. This means I have to be up, dressed, fed, and ready to go by 6:40 and walk down to the other side of campus by 6:50 to take the van to the college in Ellensburg. I'm REALLY nervous. I'm also excited though, to see what my test scores will be.
Other than that I don't have much to say. Wish me luck!
I take my first two G.E.D. tests tomorrow, Reading and Science. This means I have to be up, dressed, fed, and ready to go by 6:40 and walk down to the other side of campus by 6:50 to take the van to the college in Ellensburg. I'm REALLY nervous. I'm also excited though, to see what my test scores will be.
Other than that I don't have much to say. Wish me luck!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Minor Success
Day 28-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So Monday. Deep clean day. Don't know if I told you that but it means you only have all of two hours to socialize outside of trade / education. I used to dislike these days, but I've learned to appreciate them. Cleaning and being inside all day gives me time to clear my head and relax from all the drama.
We had SSTs (Social Skills Training), like we do every Monday, and the topic was Dealing with Change. This was right before the announcement that personal electronics such as TVs, computers, stereos, etc (cellphones, ipods not included), are going to not be allowed the upcoming year. Oh boy, you should have heard all the screams and tears. The girls are not going to be quiet about this. They feel that they are being forced into rules (like we usually are) becuase of the boys' behaviour. Which is true. There is not a girl in this dorm that abuses the privilage to have personal electronics. But because there are more males, we are not taken into consideration. I believe there is a comprimise that can easily be reached, but not with the way these girls are going about it. They need to write a formal complaint; what the issue is, why they are opposed, and how they believe they could come to a better conclusion where both sides are appeased. Instead these girls are letting their anger get the better of them. I am so grateful that Grandpa taught me how to be professional and how to discuss political issues.
Now the REAL news. I recieved the Student of the Month Award for Dorm 2 (girls dorm) today. It didn't make a lot of the girls really happy, considering I've only been here 26 days. They're calling me a kiss ass. But there is a difference between brown-nosing and knowing how to survive with authority. I will not allow the staff to talk down to me, but I don't yell or get frusterated with the staff either. I remain calm and I explain how I feel I should be treated, and that's with respect. I made it very clear that I do not mind complying to my everyday duties and responsiblities, but I will not do anything I believe is unreasonable. I am willing to listen to their side of the argument as long as they are willing to listen to mine. If I do happen to lose my temper, which I have, I give it time to cool down and later apologize for my behaviour when it is appropriate.
THAT is why I recieved Student of the Month and THAT is the difference between me and the other students in this dorm.
So Monday. Deep clean day. Don't know if I told you that but it means you only have all of two hours to socialize outside of trade / education. I used to dislike these days, but I've learned to appreciate them. Cleaning and being inside all day gives me time to clear my head and relax from all the drama.
We had SSTs (Social Skills Training), like we do every Monday, and the topic was Dealing with Change. This was right before the announcement that personal electronics such as TVs, computers, stereos, etc (cellphones, ipods not included), are going to not be allowed the upcoming year. Oh boy, you should have heard all the screams and tears. The girls are not going to be quiet about this. They feel that they are being forced into rules (like we usually are) becuase of the boys' behaviour. Which is true. There is not a girl in this dorm that abuses the privilage to have personal electronics. But because there are more males, we are not taken into consideration. I believe there is a comprimise that can easily be reached, but not with the way these girls are going about it. They need to write a formal complaint; what the issue is, why they are opposed, and how they believe they could come to a better conclusion where both sides are appeased. Instead these girls are letting their anger get the better of them. I am so grateful that Grandpa taught me how to be professional and how to discuss political issues.
Now the REAL news. I recieved the Student of the Month Award for Dorm 2 (girls dorm) today. It didn't make a lot of the girls really happy, considering I've only been here 26 days. They're calling me a kiss ass. But there is a difference between brown-nosing and knowing how to survive with authority. I will not allow the staff to talk down to me, but I don't yell or get frusterated with the staff either. I remain calm and I explain how I feel I should be treated, and that's with respect. I made it very clear that I do not mind complying to my everyday duties and responsiblities, but I will not do anything I believe is unreasonable. I am willing to listen to their side of the argument as long as they are willing to listen to mine. If I do happen to lose my temper, which I have, I give it time to cool down and later apologize for my behaviour when it is appropriate.
THAT is why I recieved Student of the Month and THAT is the difference between me and the other students in this dorm.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
This Weekend
Day 27-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday. Well I didn't mention this before, but Thursday I went to the fair and my wallet was stolen. The reason I didn't say anything on my blog was because I didn't want anyone to freak out. Anyway, after the initial panic attack that I had for about an hour, I walked down to the security office and made a report. Then after my sense of hopelessness I accepted it and came to the conclusion I would never see it again. Well yesterday (Saturday) as I was walking out of Rec and to the dorm to take a nap, a group of students and a Rec staff were driving by in a van, honked, and pulled over. They opened the door and practically pulled me in. Turns out they were going to the rodeo (at the fair) and there was an extra seat. What're the odds?
So off to the fair we went. After I got there I thought, "What the hell, why not?" and went back down to security to see if someone turned in my wallet. Lo and behold, there it was! I was so excited I gasped and dropped my hat and almost hugged the security officer standing next to me. There wasn't any money in it of course, but there was only like 13 bucks in there anyway. Everything else was there though! And just think, if I hadn't walked out of Rec at that moment, and there didn't happen to be an extra seat, I wouldn't have gotten my wallet back.
All my friends were excited for me when I walked out with my wallet and we carried on through the fair. I rode the mechanical bull that my friend loaned me money for. I did really well too. My buddy Tim said I looked pretty comfortable up there, even though the guy was spinning and bucking it like crazy. I also watched the the rodeo and I got to go to a Bucky Covington concert (country music singer). So I ended up having a really good day yesterday.
Now today is pretty lazy, I have to be at Rec... like right now but that's alright. It's Sunday, so most all the students are sleeping. I completed some assignments already and did laundry. If that's all I end up doing today, I'll be pretty content.
Yesterday. Well I didn't mention this before, but Thursday I went to the fair and my wallet was stolen. The reason I didn't say anything on my blog was because I didn't want anyone to freak out. Anyway, after the initial panic attack that I had for about an hour, I walked down to the security office and made a report. Then after my sense of hopelessness I accepted it and came to the conclusion I would never see it again. Well yesterday (Saturday) as I was walking out of Rec and to the dorm to take a nap, a group of students and a Rec staff were driving by in a van, honked, and pulled over. They opened the door and practically pulled me in. Turns out they were going to the rodeo (at the fair) and there was an extra seat. What're the odds?
So off to the fair we went. After I got there I thought, "What the hell, why not?" and went back down to security to see if someone turned in my wallet. Lo and behold, there it was! I was so excited I gasped and dropped my hat and almost hugged the security officer standing next to me. There wasn't any money in it of course, but there was only like 13 bucks in there anyway. Everything else was there though! And just think, if I hadn't walked out of Rec at that moment, and there didn't happen to be an extra seat, I wouldn't have gotten my wallet back.
All my friends were excited for me when I walked out with my wallet and we carried on through the fair. I rode the mechanical bull that my friend loaned me money for. I did really well too. My buddy Tim said I looked pretty comfortable up there, even though the guy was spinning and bucking it like crazy. I also watched the the rodeo and I got to go to a Bucky Covington concert (country music singer). So I ended up having a really good day yesterday.
Now today is pretty lazy, I have to be at Rec... like right now but that's alright. It's Sunday, so most all the students are sleeping. I completed some assignments already and did laundry. If that's all I end up doing today, I'll be pretty content.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Oct. 1st
Day 25------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To all of you that play this game... RABBIT RABBIT. Yes Mom and Grandpa, you already got me. But Daddy, Grandma, John and Michelle (if mom has introduced you to the game), I just got you, so there!
Anywho, yesterday I took to math and writing test. I'm sure I scored high in writing comprehension but I got a little carried away on my essay. We'll know monday. I scored a 560 in math (as I wrote in my last blog, it takes 410 to pass and 800 is the highest), so everyone is starting to have a new interest in me. I haven't been to school in 4 years, I'm 16 years old, I came out of no where from some podunk town, yet I am this headstrong, persistent, mature, and bright young woman. Students and teachers are curious...
I had a weird day in education today. I did fairly well on my science practice test (that's all we do is test, test, test) and got a 500. Then I took a reading test and scored a 300. My brain was absolute mush. The words were scrambled and I couldn't focus. But they also had a movie on from 11:00 to 4:00 (right after my science test) since it was Friday. Took me 3 hrs to complete the reading test. I just couldn't do it. I knew that almost all my answers were wrong, before I corrected it. I'm going to re-take it monday when there are NO DISTRACTIONS.
We played kick the can about 3 hrs ago. It was awesome! I was the only girl (of course) and I never got caught. Afterwards we played hide and seek. I was found pretty quick. Where the hell are you supposed to hide in THIS DAMN DESERT?? Remind me to never go to a bonfire out here, it's not like you can run into the woods when the park rangers show up. I'd be so screwed! :-P
To all of you that play this game... RABBIT RABBIT. Yes Mom and Grandpa, you already got me. But Daddy, Grandma, John and Michelle (if mom has introduced you to the game), I just got you, so there!
Anywho, yesterday I took to math and writing test. I'm sure I scored high in writing comprehension but I got a little carried away on my essay. We'll know monday. I scored a 560 in math (as I wrote in my last blog, it takes 410 to pass and 800 is the highest), so everyone is starting to have a new interest in me. I haven't been to school in 4 years, I'm 16 years old, I came out of no where from some podunk town, yet I am this headstrong, persistent, mature, and bright young woman. Students and teachers are curious...
I had a weird day in education today. I did fairly well on my science practice test (that's all we do is test, test, test) and got a 500. Then I took a reading test and scored a 300. My brain was absolute mush. The words were scrambled and I couldn't focus. But they also had a movie on from 11:00 to 4:00 (right after my science test) since it was Friday. Took me 3 hrs to complete the reading test. I just couldn't do it. I knew that almost all my answers were wrong, before I corrected it. I'm going to re-take it monday when there are NO DISTRACTIONS.
We played kick the can about 3 hrs ago. It was awesome! I was the only girl (of course) and I never got caught. Afterwards we played hide and seek. I was found pretty quick. Where the hell are you supposed to hide in THIS DAMN DESERT?? Remind me to never go to a bonfire out here, it's not like you can run into the woods when the park rangers show up. I'd be so screwed! :-P
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