The teenage years are a whirlwind, with people trying to find who they really are, and hopefully our blog will help us all survive these odd years of our life.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Organizing Tips Are In Your Future
Hey! Smiles and I are starting a new page were we will write our favorite tips and tricks for organizing and if you have any questions you can leave them in the comments and we will keep posting as we get more tips and ideas. Thanks! -- Music
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Thrift Shopping & Gossip Girl
Hey, blogettes! It's me, Smiles! Sorry I haven't written a post for a while, it's just that I have had nothing to really write about until today. Now I know today is Saturday, but instead of sleeping in like I normally do, I decided to get up and go thrift shopping with my dad. Thrift shopping with him is always fun, and he finds all these awesome things. Plus he kind of knows my style and vibes on things, and gives honest and good advice. I also like him because he sometimes lets me go around the same store he is in on my own and look. My mom follows me around and freaks out when I pick something up that it is showing too much or costs too much, and my dad isn't like that. As long as we are thrift shopping in a store of his choice, and as long as I really like it, or it fits me and I really like it and will wear it he will get it for me no matter what the cost is.
Today I scored an awesome green padded folding glove like chair, and it fits into the corner of my room which I call the nook beautifully. I am sitting in it as I am writing this. I also scored a couple pair of jeans and a lot of shirts. Now people may be wondering if I buy my undergarments(including swimsuits) and hats second hand, and the answer to that is no. I require those things to be new and I stand firm on that. My dad respects that, and my mom on the other hand is questionable since she just wants to save a lot of money. Everyone thinks that girls are close to their moms when it comes to shopping and things like that, but I really am closer to my dad, and prefer that I go shopping with him. Besides it's faster too, because when thrift shopping my mom could take at least three hours.
I also realized that I needed to lose some weight because I am I think the same size as my mom right now and my mom is considered fat and overweight. No wonder people call me obese. I almost cried in the dressing room because I was so self conscious of my image now and seeing that my haters were really right, and had every right to be talking about what I was wearing and what I looked like because I look awful, and I am just now seeing this. It's just now hitting me.
I know that I will never be perfect, and I will never be a model, but I also know that I can't have plastic surgery until I am eighteen and that if it bothers people that they just need to look away because I am happy enough with my looks to still be out in public with them. If God wanted me to be a model he would have blessed me with looks and not brains and I am not so sure if I am blessed with either of them anymore. I am blessed with life on this earth even though I was a mistake that was supposed to be erased at the start. I mean I was supposed to die shortly after I was born or have serious problems that would cause me to die a couple of years after if we were lucky.
Don't worry, Mackenzie germs are no longer deadly. They just make you lose your image for a while is all, and then I have seen people get back together after a month or two of being a part because they found out that someone in their group of friends were hanging out with me the infected weirdo who is ruining everything. I'm also trying to lay low keeping the protection of you people in mind while still going on with my life and leaving my mark on the world that no one will really give a crap about later on. I just know that my legacy will be forgotten because I seem to be forgotten most of the time. I remember second grade. I was the last person in my class. The teacher always forgot to read off my name and then she got mad at me for being late for role. That is what it was every single day even though I was on time and usually the first person in the room I would still be counted as an unexcused absence, and it stunk big time. It made my family look like bad people and me look even worse. At that time I was the shortest girl in the grade still.
Now I have big feet and a large tummy. Someone left a note in my locker saying that I should be a clown and I couldn't have agreed more with them really because I saw how they got that. I looked like a freak too. I still do and I always will because I have vowed never to get plastic surgery or any surgery that would majorly alter my image unless it was needed to save my life. Anyways got to go just thought I would give you the heads up on what was going on, and on some things that you people have been dying to know and need to know to keep your images safe. I would also advise you that once people find out that I write on the same blog as Music that you quit reading my posts and read only hers to save your image. If it gets worse I may even advise Music to stop writing altogether because her image is going to be going down too because she is in contact with me and working on something with me directly. I wouldn't want to make a dear friend of mine have to go through something like what I do but that is just me, and that is because I am a person who cares and is aware of others.
Today I scored an awesome green padded folding glove like chair, and it fits into the corner of my room which I call the nook beautifully. I am sitting in it as I am writing this. I also scored a couple pair of jeans and a lot of shirts. Now people may be wondering if I buy my undergarments(including swimsuits) and hats second hand, and the answer to that is no. I require those things to be new and I stand firm on that. My dad respects that, and my mom on the other hand is questionable since she just wants to save a lot of money. Everyone thinks that girls are close to their moms when it comes to shopping and things like that, but I really am closer to my dad, and prefer that I go shopping with him. Besides it's faster too, because when thrift shopping my mom could take at least three hours.
I also realized that I needed to lose some weight because I am I think the same size as my mom right now and my mom is considered fat and overweight. No wonder people call me obese. I almost cried in the dressing room because I was so self conscious of my image now and seeing that my haters were really right, and had every right to be talking about what I was wearing and what I looked like because I look awful, and I am just now seeing this. It's just now hitting me.
I know that I will never be perfect, and I will never be a model, but I also know that I can't have plastic surgery until I am eighteen and that if it bothers people that they just need to look away because I am happy enough with my looks to still be out in public with them. If God wanted me to be a model he would have blessed me with looks and not brains and I am not so sure if I am blessed with either of them anymore. I am blessed with life on this earth even though I was a mistake that was supposed to be erased at the start. I mean I was supposed to die shortly after I was born or have serious problems that would cause me to die a couple of years after if we were lucky.
Don't worry, Mackenzie germs are no longer deadly. They just make you lose your image for a while is all, and then I have seen people get back together after a month or two of being a part because they found out that someone in their group of friends were hanging out with me the infected weirdo who is ruining everything. I'm also trying to lay low keeping the protection of you people in mind while still going on with my life and leaving my mark on the world that no one will really give a crap about later on. I just know that my legacy will be forgotten because I seem to be forgotten most of the time. I remember second grade. I was the last person in my class. The teacher always forgot to read off my name and then she got mad at me for being late for role. That is what it was every single day even though I was on time and usually the first person in the room I would still be counted as an unexcused absence, and it stunk big time. It made my family look like bad people and me look even worse. At that time I was the shortest girl in the grade still.
Now I have big feet and a large tummy. Someone left a note in my locker saying that I should be a clown and I couldn't have agreed more with them really because I saw how they got that. I looked like a freak too. I still do and I always will because I have vowed never to get plastic surgery or any surgery that would majorly alter my image unless it was needed to save my life. Anyways got to go just thought I would give you the heads up on what was going on, and on some things that you people have been dying to know and need to know to keep your images safe. I would also advise you that once people find out that I write on the same blog as Music that you quit reading my posts and read only hers to save your image. If it gets worse I may even advise Music to stop writing altogether because her image is going to be going down too because she is in contact with me and working on something with me directly. I wouldn't want to make a dear friend of mine have to go through something like what I do but that is just me, and that is because I am a person who cares and is aware of others.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Music Events and Aches-- Music Marvel
Hey! Sorry I haven't written in awhile, as Smiles said we are very busy. This Saturday, I am going to a Honor Band, with my saxophone. I wish it was with my ukulele! I am kind of nervous because we actually have to try out for chairs. I haven't practiced a lot, but I still practiced. I have to wake up early and then drive there and then I have to practice for like six hours.....now, don't get me wrong I love to play, but not for SIX HOURS. At least I get free food!
Another cool thing that is happening is we are going to a Choir concert. Smiles and I are both going to a concert and usally only the grade above us get's to go, but this year all of our choir get's to go. You could kind of call it an Honors choir. For this we have to learn four songs, and we only have two right now. It isn't until later in the spring, but it's not to early to be prepared. Both songs so far, one for the whole group and one just for girls, are in different languages, which is the hard part. Both songs have a lot of repeating, but it still is hard. By the way, I added my favorite songs to the music page, if you want to take a look.
Now on to aches. Now, I'm not saying I'm not athletic, but the last time I was this athletic was volleyball season so I had a whole quarter in between. This quarter we started P.E. with a new teacher. He teaches good, but not a lot of us have been that active in a awhile, so all of us hurt. I had to hobble and limp for half the week. Almost with any action I did, even laughing, it hurt.
BUT, enough of my personal problems. Well, I guess this wraps up my post, and make sure to leave suggestions in the comments! BONUS: Comment "I PLAY THE UKE" if you play the ukulele too, I am just curious. If you don't play the ukelele comment "I PLAY ________" and fill in the blank with the instrument you play!
Another cool thing that is happening is we are going to a Choir concert. Smiles and I are both going to a concert and usally only the grade above us get's to go, but this year all of our choir get's to go. You could kind of call it an Honors choir. For this we have to learn four songs, and we only have two right now. It isn't until later in the spring, but it's not to early to be prepared. Both songs so far, one for the whole group and one just for girls, are in different languages, which is the hard part. Both songs have a lot of repeating, but it still is hard. By the way, I added my favorite songs to the music page, if you want to take a look.
Now on to aches. Now, I'm not saying I'm not athletic, but the last time I was this athletic was volleyball season so I had a whole quarter in between. This quarter we started P.E. with a new teacher. He teaches good, but not a lot of us have been that active in a awhile, so all of us hurt. I had to hobble and limp for half the week. Almost with any action I did, even laughing, it hurt.
BUT, enough of my personal problems. Well, I guess this wraps up my post, and make sure to leave suggestions in the comments! BONUS: Comment "I PLAY THE UKE" if you play the ukulele too, I am just curious. If you don't play the ukelele comment "I PLAY ________" and fill in the blank with the instrument you play!
We're Still Here
Hey, blogettes! I just thought that I would say that we are still here, it's just that we have been super busy, and really don't have a clue on what to write about anymore since there really isn't anything going on for middle school girls at our school right now besides practicing for honor choir and looking forward to the start of track season by some girls. The buzz feed at our school right now is that the ceiling collapsed during second high school lunch yesterday, but only three squares were damaged and no one was hurt so there really isn't anything to report on there, and another high school teacher who had a baby like six months ago is pregnant with another one at twelve weeks. I can't believe that, but you know, people do what they wish and she wishes to have kids that are close together in age probably.
Right now, it is reading lab, and she is giving us something like a free day, and I am using it to write a post that states that Music and I are still alive and well just super busy and have no clue what to write on here. If you ladies have ideas feel free to leave a comment and we will most likely do them because we are so lost and will write about anything at least I will because I hate leaving the blog blank for long periods of time. Music on the other hand has the equal amount of power on this blog and can do what she wants since she is not under me, and does it quite well. She manages the power and posts quality posts that I know are awesome on the blog, and most likely for you ladies reading as well because awesome is what you all deserve.
Middle school is crazy, teenage life is crazy, college is always crazy, some high schools may have drama and be crazy as well, I have been blessed to attend a school where high school is drama free because everyone seems to get along with each other and be accepted for just being them and being there each day, so you need awesome, cool, and fun posts to get you through and maybe give you ideas. I swear though, this blog even though you may be learning from it it won't look educational right from the start or ever at that. It will be learning in disguise. It will help you out in life and make things less complex even though when it comes to some things it is about the person and nothing that we post can help other humans who are boys or non readers of this blog. Even the readers of this blog may be lost at times, but we will try our best to avoid that.
Middle school is crazy, teenage life is crazy, college is always crazy, some high schools may have drama and be crazy as well, I have been blessed to attend a school where high school is drama free because everyone seems to get along with each other and be accepted for just being them and being there each day, so you need awesome, cool, and fun posts to get you through and maybe give you ideas. I swear though, this blog even though you may be learning from it it won't look educational right from the start or ever at that. It will be learning in disguise. It will help you out in life and make things less complex even though when it comes to some things it is about the person and nothing that we post can help other humans who are boys or non readers of this blog. Even the readers of this blog may be lost at times, but we will try our best to avoid that.
We will try our best to make this blog for everyone and fit everyone's needs and wants on this blog. I mean I think I have added another writer which was a smart move now that I am looking at the blog.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
30 Random Facts About Me At This Time
Hey, blogettes! It was requested that we both do a post with random things about ourselves, and our life, as well as our family, and this blog. Basically it could be about anything that effected us. Here is my post.
1. When I grow up I am going to be a marine biologist who hopefully works for a park like SeaWorld or Six Flags.
2. I ended last semester with a 4.00 GPA or grade point average, so even though I don't like school I am good at it.
3. I am addicted to running now.
4. I am a victim of bullying who is slowly overcoming it.
5. I like being active.
6. I also like my sleep.
7. I don't like to pick up my room, but I will pick up and organize anything else.
8. I am really lazy and tired after I get done running, and all I want is food and some down and alone time before I do other things.
9. I am going to school at a small school, and I really like it because you can feel more comfortable raising your hand in class and asking for help if you don'y understand something, which is my key to success and you get to know everyone in your graduating class and what group you kind of fit in with better and for sure before you get into high school.
10. Although private schools sound like they have less issues with bullying, you have to wear a uniform and it costs a lot of money, and usually the classes are a lot harder or below my level meaning that I already know this information and it comes easily to me. Besides then you are like in isolation and I like the fact that I can get out and do things and see the world and learn hands on as well as express myself through the clothes that I wear and the music that I listen to because even though people have taken away everything else from me through bullying they can't take these things away from me.
11. I am a Christian and am open about and express my faith every chance that I get, and I do it confidently because I know the rights that allow me to do what I am pretty much by heart or I have a sheet with them on it handy.
12. I like acting, and am hooked and take every chance that I get to be in shows at our school or doing things on the stage because it is my home away from home and where the real me comes out, and shines.
13. I don't like crying in public or being upset and worried about something in public. I save that energy until a time where and when I am alone to let it all out and not have a care in the world.
14. My favorite animals in no order are a platypus, dolphin, and penguin.
15. My favorite sports in no order are cross country, track and field, and swimming.
16. I was born with a blood clot on my brain and wasn't supposed to live through the surgery to remove it let alone be walking and talking or even hearing and seeing. I am a fighter though and I proved the doctors wrong with the only defect being my sight which is being fixed with glasses as we speak and is close to being perfect and normal as well.
17. I love the water because it is another place where I feel free and can open up and be myself.
18. Even though I am hurt, I tore my meniscus last season, I have already signed up to do cross country again next year. The feeling that I get when I run distance is amazing, and anything to do it again because it is something that I don't get that often. I really could get in touch with and connect to the real me while running distance. I was accepted on the team and belonged well whether or not I was the real me or the fake me.
19. I am the only person that the doctor has treated whose injuries act like they aren't even there with treatment. When he asked me if I had any pain at the last appointment I just shook my head and then I said without the brace yes, a little bit, but I think my body is training itself to get used to the injury, and the injury to not slow me down.
20. I have only had four serious things that required me to go to the hospital since my birth so I have been fairly healthy.
21. I enjoy art, writing, reading, and again being very active in both sports and fine arts.
22. I play the B flat clarinet in band, but I can play the bass clarinet part on there sometimes if it is needed since I was going to do the base clarinet but my arms aren't long enough to reach the low low notes just yet.
23. I am an alto in choir although I am hitting more high notes now so I think that I will be moved to saprano here pretty soon.
24. I have two tiny dogs for pets. One is named Sieanna and she is a yorkie beschaun, and the other one is named Sophie and she is a teacup poodle palmerian. They are both two or three years old now and we got them shortly after they were born I think it was when they were two weeks old or so. They are so much fun to have around.
25. My favorite flowers in no order are dand orchids, roses, sunflowers, and daisies.
26. I don't like early wake up calls, and without the right type of music I am not a morning person at all.
27. I don't like plain things.
28. My favorite bands in no order are One Direction, OneRepublic, LMAFO, Jamie Grace, and Toby Mac.
29. My two favorite genres of music are Christian and Pop.
30. I am single, and proud of it.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Cross Country (XC)
Hey, blogettes! It was requested that I do a post about cross country to make it easier for all of the runners out there that already do it, or for those girls that are thinking about doing it next year. I say go for it because it really is a challenge for just yourself, and not only do you learn how to be a better runner, but you get stronger, and learn a lot about yourself as well as other skills that you can use in normal life. Anyways in this post we will cover what you will definitely be needing, what meets are like, how the places work, my must haves for meets/bus rides, and what the team I was on was like. This may be a long post and I can't break it into parts really well so just bear with me and go with it.
You will definitely be needing a good pair of running shoes, and socks, and a pair of shorts or running tights as the weather gets colder. I liked dry fit tops the most, and as the weather got colder I switched to long sleeve dry fit tops, although your standard t-shirt works, I really liked the dry fit because it helped me feel weightless and fresh still even though I was sweating buckets in the intense workout. A good deodorent is also a must have. You should apply the deodorent ten minutes before your workout so it has time to set before it has to worry about sweat, and as your body gets used to the intense workouts you will notice that it takes more to break a sweat, and that you sweat less as well. A reusable water bottle is also a must have because staying hydrated is key, especially in the start of the season when it is so hot outside.
You need to replenish your fluids just as fast as you are losing them, and drinking and having enough fluid in your body also helps make the workouts seem easier because you aren't dying of thirst ad your body isn't tensing up either. I like the Conigo brand of water bottles, because they have a sipper, and can be operated using only one hand, and is leakproof too. I also like it because they have measurements on the side so that you can easily keep track of what you are drinking and if it is enough for what your body is doing and going to need. It was also nice because at the start of the season the coach told us that if we had a 24 oz bottle that we needed to be drinking at least two or three of those per day, and she said the more we drink the better off we are. I most of the time got four to six water bottles in a day. She was right because by the end of the season when I kept on hydrating more and during the times when I was drinking more, I found things to be easier.
You will also need to be eating three well balanced meals per day, and getting at least six hours of sleep each night in order to have enough energy to get through the school day and then the workout. I quickly learned that she was not kidding about needing that much sleep because I went to practice on three hours of sleep one time, and I swear, I just barely had enough energy to get across that finish line and then I felt to the ground in a heap of exhaustion. Sleep is important, and so is school. She made that clear that even though we were in cross country and going to be tired that we still needed to give school our everything.
Our practices were 90 minutes long, but we probably were doing running or things with running for 70 minutes of it most of the time. It all depended on what the weather was like, and what our upcoming meets had in store for us. Sometimes it was hills and track work, and other times it was a really long run with everything in the mix of it. If the weather was really hot we either had it inside or we had early morning practices at 6:00 AM. It wasn't a good wake up call and I was dead when I went to school but that was okay because I was refreshed and ready to face the day. Running always puts me in a good mood for some reason. I guess it's just the feelings that I get when I run. Anyways, on to our next thing.
Meets are a lot of fun because they can be small (10 teams) or very large(45+ teams). You also pull schools from different levels, and age groups vary as well. The meets where we raced were for class 3A and 4A teams, and select 2A and 1A teams. We raced at the class 3A level most of the time, either that or we were invited 2A schools with high regard and image because we were state champions last year. This year however we are runner's up. We also did a lot of fun things back at base camp while we were waiting for results or not prepping for the next meet. It was the most fun after everyone ran because we had a half an hour to an hour depending on the amount of teams at the meet before official results were posted and handed out to the coaches. During that time people blared music and started to break dance, or we pulled pranks on each other or even though we were so dead we somehow had the energy left to chase each other around base camp a little bit. It was also fun because sometimes we had sing alongs, and sometimes they were good and other times they were awful. It depended on the song, and how well we knew it too.
No doubt about it, there was always someone at base camp, and when we were all there it was positive that something fun and crazy was going to happen. We were probably the only middle school team that really used all the rules of having base camps at meets to the max. I mean our base camp was more than a plot of land where we dropped everything that we would need during the times when meets were going on as the bus driver would not be on the bus for us to be getting things until after the girls meets. Anyways most of the time at meets it's girls first and 7th graders before 8th graders, this year however we did have one meet where it was everyone together, but it was really hot that day and there were a lot of teams running. I counted at least sixty different base camps. If high school was with it their base camp was close to ours. and same case with other schools to save space for those teams who had yet to arrive. Getting there early however is key. We got there an hour before go time so that we could hand out things that would be entered when we crossed the finish line, and then we took a quick bathroom break, walked the course, and then we went back to base camp did some stretches, and then the first group would go and find their starting chute and start jog outs while the coach talked with the team of staking themselves out to give support for us mainly and other people too sometimes around the course. It used to be that during our race everyone hung out at base camp for some reason.
You only mattered for your team right from the start since we all were in different chutes. The race official would kind of say what was going to happen and what to know and look out for while we were out there running. He would then go back out of the way and say on your mark and then wait for five seconds which felt like forever and then fire the gun. Then it was find your pace and go time, and you knew that it was every man for themselves after the first 100 meters. Sometimes instead of words, they used a whistle, and sometimes it was a fast start where the gun was just fired. That was what the last meet of the season was, so you have to be ready for anything. I was shocked too because I was a pack runner which meant that I was right up there with the bulk of the people and I was neither in front or in back, that when people passed they were so supportive saying keep it up and that they got this.
Whenever someone fell and was hurt, a couple of runners usually stopped to be there with the runner until the corner guard came. Either that or they talked the runner into getting back up and finishing this thing and they would be right there with them if anything were to happen before the finish line. I brutally wiped out on a hill twice. The first time I wiped out I threw out my back and there was no way that I could finish. I had to even be helped up off of the ground and back to base camp. The last time I fell on a hill, was the last meet of the season. That one was a hard and awkward fall where I was seriously injured, and even though I was tired and scared, and my knee was numb but I could see that my shin was kind of out of place this one runner talked me into getting back up and finish. I ended up beating her in but I think she did that on purpose. I looked down at my leg when I finished since it was numb and my shin was really deformed and extreme weight or bending really hurt, and it felt like my knee was locking every time I walked.
I would later learn that was because I completely tore my meniscus, and the reason why my shin was deformed and my knee numb was because I had a partially torn MCL. I actually went to the hospital that night because I was in extreme pain. They did x-rays, a CT scan, a CAT scan, and an MRI to figure out what was wrong and how much was damaged. The first thing that popped into my mind was could I run again or was my career ended by just this one fall and me getting back up and finishing. They said that as of right now my career in running looked grim, and that distance was for sure out at the time. Anyways, that is a totally new and different story that although tied to this, I am not going into anymore detail about. I can post it later if you wish. Onto our next topic.
Placing for this is kind of confusing. Not only do we use places but we also use paces and points. A perfect score is 15 which means that you had runners in 1-5 places. All the places are worth certain amounts of points and the team with the least amount of points based on their first five runners through wins the meet. If there is a tie, it goes based off of the sixth runner. Places for teams are 1-8, most of the time, sometimes it is 1-4 at small meets. Places for runners at small meets are 1-10, and at large meets it can go anywhere from 1-20 or 25 to 30 or 45 even. The top three runners on each race are most of the time rewarded. Everyone however is running for PRs or Personal Records.
My must haves for meets are sweatpants or really soft fuzzy and warm pajama pants especially as the weather gets cold, sunblock, a cami to put on under our uniform as I quickly found out that the tops show our undergarments, my iPod with a pump up playlist to listen to on the bus and while walking the course to get me in the zone pumped up and ready to run, a blanket, some sunglasses, my cell phone in case my parents aren't there, and maybe my pillow pet. I also brought my water bottle to base camp with me so that I could drink up after I ran. That reminds me. Take your last drink ten minutes before your race and apply deodorent then too that way both have had time to set, and you don't get sick or all sweaty and the deodorent not work too well then. I also liked to have a bandana handy to wipe that sweat off me especially as the season grew colder, and I even used it to cool off with during the really hot times too.
Oh, I know this next question was going to be asked. Let me tell you. My team was so amazing. They were funny, and supportive, and encouraged me to become the best runner possible and to dream bigger and keep on challenging myself and stepping out there. When there was nobody from my school around I could open up and be the real me and they were accepting of that too. Like I said, at meets my team was crazy, and we did a lot of fun and random things that were kind of cool and really funny like pranking each other and messing around. By the end of the season our team bond was so strong that it seemed like we were all from the same school, and could even be a large family. We were probably thee closest knit team out there.
Wow, I don't even know where to begin for this next question because cross country has taught me a lot of good things. It has taught me a lot about myself and the real me, and it has allowed me to meet new people and make new friends with people from bigger schools which would not have happened if it wasn't for cross country. I was also able to compete at a larger level of competition and feel some pressure there to perform well and represent well because we were state champs last year and we had a great name. I also learned that anyone can be a runner and that it is hard to get back on track when you quit something and not to quit something just because other people disapprove but because you want to quit it because it doesn't feel right. I also learned that anything is possible if you have the guts just to go out there and try it. Anything can happen when you trust and believe in yourself and that you can do it. If people are too afraid to try something or if they can't do it they are going to try and bring you down and say that you can't do it too. That's when you go out there and give it a try and maybe prove them wrong. I not only became a better runner in cross country and became a part of a close knit family where people care and it really doesn't matter what team you are on because everyone supports everyone I also learned some life skills. I learned how to believe and trust and rely on my faith when times got tough because it would help me through, and I learned a lot about myself because I got feelings and thoughts while I was running that felt so good and that I never had in a long time. I felt while I was running distance that I was free and no one could stop me because no one could touch me. I felt like nothing mattered, and that I could do whatever now because I had confidence and I found the real me as well as my path again, and I got the thought that something was going to happen and that help was on it's way and that I was coming out of this bullying phase and coming out of it alive, and well look at me now. It's a new year and a change is coming. I am going to be the real me and turn over that leaf whether there are people there on the other side that are happy with it or not.
You will definitely be needing a good pair of running shoes, and socks, and a pair of shorts or running tights as the weather gets colder. I liked dry fit tops the most, and as the weather got colder I switched to long sleeve dry fit tops, although your standard t-shirt works, I really liked the dry fit because it helped me feel weightless and fresh still even though I was sweating buckets in the intense workout. A good deodorent is also a must have. You should apply the deodorent ten minutes before your workout so it has time to set before it has to worry about sweat, and as your body gets used to the intense workouts you will notice that it takes more to break a sweat, and that you sweat less as well. A reusable water bottle is also a must have because staying hydrated is key, especially in the start of the season when it is so hot outside.
You need to replenish your fluids just as fast as you are losing them, and drinking and having enough fluid in your body also helps make the workouts seem easier because you aren't dying of thirst ad your body isn't tensing up either. I like the Conigo brand of water bottles, because they have a sipper, and can be operated using only one hand, and is leakproof too. I also like it because they have measurements on the side so that you can easily keep track of what you are drinking and if it is enough for what your body is doing and going to need. It was also nice because at the start of the season the coach told us that if we had a 24 oz bottle that we needed to be drinking at least two or three of those per day, and she said the more we drink the better off we are. I most of the time got four to six water bottles in a day. She was right because by the end of the season when I kept on hydrating more and during the times when I was drinking more, I found things to be easier.
You will also need to be eating three well balanced meals per day, and getting at least six hours of sleep each night in order to have enough energy to get through the school day and then the workout. I quickly learned that she was not kidding about needing that much sleep because I went to practice on three hours of sleep one time, and I swear, I just barely had enough energy to get across that finish line and then I felt to the ground in a heap of exhaustion. Sleep is important, and so is school. She made that clear that even though we were in cross country and going to be tired that we still needed to give school our everything.
Our practices were 90 minutes long, but we probably were doing running or things with running for 70 minutes of it most of the time. It all depended on what the weather was like, and what our upcoming meets had in store for us. Sometimes it was hills and track work, and other times it was a really long run with everything in the mix of it. If the weather was really hot we either had it inside or we had early morning practices at 6:00 AM. It wasn't a good wake up call and I was dead when I went to school but that was okay because I was refreshed and ready to face the day. Running always puts me in a good mood for some reason. I guess it's just the feelings that I get when I run. Anyways, on to our next thing.
Meets are a lot of fun because they can be small (10 teams) or very large(45+ teams). You also pull schools from different levels, and age groups vary as well. The meets where we raced were for class 3A and 4A teams, and select 2A and 1A teams. We raced at the class 3A level most of the time, either that or we were invited 2A schools with high regard and image because we were state champions last year. This year however we are runner's up. We also did a lot of fun things back at base camp while we were waiting for results or not prepping for the next meet. It was the most fun after everyone ran because we had a half an hour to an hour depending on the amount of teams at the meet before official results were posted and handed out to the coaches. During that time people blared music and started to break dance, or we pulled pranks on each other or even though we were so dead we somehow had the energy left to chase each other around base camp a little bit. It was also fun because sometimes we had sing alongs, and sometimes they were good and other times they were awful. It depended on the song, and how well we knew it too.
No doubt about it, there was always someone at base camp, and when we were all there it was positive that something fun and crazy was going to happen. We were probably the only middle school team that really used all the rules of having base camps at meets to the max. I mean our base camp was more than a plot of land where we dropped everything that we would need during the times when meets were going on as the bus driver would not be on the bus for us to be getting things until after the girls meets. Anyways most of the time at meets it's girls first and 7th graders before 8th graders, this year however we did have one meet where it was everyone together, but it was really hot that day and there were a lot of teams running. I counted at least sixty different base camps. If high school was with it their base camp was close to ours. and same case with other schools to save space for those teams who had yet to arrive. Getting there early however is key. We got there an hour before go time so that we could hand out things that would be entered when we crossed the finish line, and then we took a quick bathroom break, walked the course, and then we went back to base camp did some stretches, and then the first group would go and find their starting chute and start jog outs while the coach talked with the team of staking themselves out to give support for us mainly and other people too sometimes around the course. It used to be that during our race everyone hung out at base camp for some reason.
You only mattered for your team right from the start since we all were in different chutes. The race official would kind of say what was going to happen and what to know and look out for while we were out there running. He would then go back out of the way and say on your mark and then wait for five seconds which felt like forever and then fire the gun. Then it was find your pace and go time, and you knew that it was every man for themselves after the first 100 meters. Sometimes instead of words, they used a whistle, and sometimes it was a fast start where the gun was just fired. That was what the last meet of the season was, so you have to be ready for anything. I was shocked too because I was a pack runner which meant that I was right up there with the bulk of the people and I was neither in front or in back, that when people passed they were so supportive saying keep it up and that they got this.
Whenever someone fell and was hurt, a couple of runners usually stopped to be there with the runner until the corner guard came. Either that or they talked the runner into getting back up and finishing this thing and they would be right there with them if anything were to happen before the finish line. I brutally wiped out on a hill twice. The first time I wiped out I threw out my back and there was no way that I could finish. I had to even be helped up off of the ground and back to base camp. The last time I fell on a hill, was the last meet of the season. That one was a hard and awkward fall where I was seriously injured, and even though I was tired and scared, and my knee was numb but I could see that my shin was kind of out of place this one runner talked me into getting back up and finish. I ended up beating her in but I think she did that on purpose. I looked down at my leg when I finished since it was numb and my shin was really deformed and extreme weight or bending really hurt, and it felt like my knee was locking every time I walked.
I would later learn that was because I completely tore my meniscus, and the reason why my shin was deformed and my knee numb was because I had a partially torn MCL. I actually went to the hospital that night because I was in extreme pain. They did x-rays, a CT scan, a CAT scan, and an MRI to figure out what was wrong and how much was damaged. The first thing that popped into my mind was could I run again or was my career ended by just this one fall and me getting back up and finishing. They said that as of right now my career in running looked grim, and that distance was for sure out at the time. Anyways, that is a totally new and different story that although tied to this, I am not going into anymore detail about. I can post it later if you wish. Onto our next topic.
Placing for this is kind of confusing. Not only do we use places but we also use paces and points. A perfect score is 15 which means that you had runners in 1-5 places. All the places are worth certain amounts of points and the team with the least amount of points based on their first five runners through wins the meet. If there is a tie, it goes based off of the sixth runner. Places for teams are 1-8, most of the time, sometimes it is 1-4 at small meets. Places for runners at small meets are 1-10, and at large meets it can go anywhere from 1-20 or 25 to 30 or 45 even. The top three runners on each race are most of the time rewarded. Everyone however is running for PRs or Personal Records.
My must haves for meets are sweatpants or really soft fuzzy and warm pajama pants especially as the weather gets cold, sunblock, a cami to put on under our uniform as I quickly found out that the tops show our undergarments, my iPod with a pump up playlist to listen to on the bus and while walking the course to get me in the zone pumped up and ready to run, a blanket, some sunglasses, my cell phone in case my parents aren't there, and maybe my pillow pet. I also brought my water bottle to base camp with me so that I could drink up after I ran. That reminds me. Take your last drink ten minutes before your race and apply deodorent then too that way both have had time to set, and you don't get sick or all sweaty and the deodorent not work too well then. I also liked to have a bandana handy to wipe that sweat off me especially as the season grew colder, and I even used it to cool off with during the really hot times too.
Oh, I know this next question was going to be asked. Let me tell you. My team was so amazing. They were funny, and supportive, and encouraged me to become the best runner possible and to dream bigger and keep on challenging myself and stepping out there. When there was nobody from my school around I could open up and be the real me and they were accepting of that too. Like I said, at meets my team was crazy, and we did a lot of fun and random things that were kind of cool and really funny like pranking each other and messing around. By the end of the season our team bond was so strong that it seemed like we were all from the same school, and could even be a large family. We were probably thee closest knit team out there.
Wow, I don't even know where to begin for this next question because cross country has taught me a lot of good things. It has taught me a lot about myself and the real me, and it has allowed me to meet new people and make new friends with people from bigger schools which would not have happened if it wasn't for cross country. I was also able to compete at a larger level of competition and feel some pressure there to perform well and represent well because we were state champs last year and we had a great name. I also learned that anyone can be a runner and that it is hard to get back on track when you quit something and not to quit something just because other people disapprove but because you want to quit it because it doesn't feel right. I also learned that anything is possible if you have the guts just to go out there and try it. Anything can happen when you trust and believe in yourself and that you can do it. If people are too afraid to try something or if they can't do it they are going to try and bring you down and say that you can't do it too. That's when you go out there and give it a try and maybe prove them wrong. I not only became a better runner in cross country and became a part of a close knit family where people care and it really doesn't matter what team you are on because everyone supports everyone I also learned some life skills. I learned how to believe and trust and rely on my faith when times got tough because it would help me through, and I learned a lot about myself because I got feelings and thoughts while I was running that felt so good and that I never had in a long time. I felt while I was running distance that I was free and no one could stop me because no one could touch me. I felt like nothing mattered, and that I could do whatever now because I had confidence and I found the real me as well as my path again, and I got the thought that something was going to happen and that help was on it's way and that I was coming out of this bullying phase and coming out of it alive, and well look at me now. It's a new year and a change is coming. I am going to be the real me and turn over that leaf whether there are people there on the other side that are happy with it or not.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
New Years Day Post -- Smiles & Music
New Years Post
We figured to bring in the new year, it would be great for the bloggers to write a midnight post together! Now, I am just going to start of with a warning, I’m a little high on life trying to stay up and not to mention a few glasses of pop! How about you Smiles? -- Music Marvel
Well, Music Marvel, I’m high on pop, hot chocolate, and pepperoni pizza. I’m sad though because I couldn’t watch the ball drop in New York which has been my seven year tradition. However, tonight was my first time playing Apples to Apples at my church’s party, it was a lot of fun and I was hooked on it right from the start especially because of the crazy responses. -- Smiles R. Epic
Yeah, I love that game, its always hard to choose between the crazy funny responses and the reasonable ones. Don’t worry I also missed the ball drop. My siblings and I were watching viral videos and playing games. Did you do anything special? -- Music Marvel
I did, I went to my church again, and we ate a lot of good food, and played games. It was fun hanging out with each other, and a great way to spend NYE(New Year’s Eve). We always hold the party every year for church members. We had a small turnout tonight but that just made things more enjoyable or so I thought because we could play longer games and joke around with each other more. I love our church members, they really know how to have a good time and host a fun party and cook good food. -- Smiles R. Epic
Yeah, we usually just have a family gathering and then at about 10:30 my parents go to bed and the kids stay up and as tradition as soon as the clock strikes midnight we shut off all the lights and go to bed. Other than church, so you have any other NYE traditions? -- Music Marvel
I started staying up until midnight last year and I was hooked for some reason or another that I don’t know really. I had a blog last year so I did a post to keep me awake, which isn’t hard since I like staying up later at night anyways, and I got so many comments on it that I decided that we do it again, but this time we did it together, and gave people a good and equal start from the both of us on their new years, especially if they are checking out the blog I want them to get to see everything that it has to offer. I can’t believe that in three months officially that I will be able to start driving. I’m so excited, and I couldn’t wait for this year to come, but now that it’s here I am super nervous about starting to drive. -- Smiles R. Epic
Yeah, I can’t believe how old we’re getting! You are older than me, but we are both in the older group for our grade. It kind of scares me thinking about some of the irresponsible people in our grade driving. I will probably start with lessons from my dad and then after both our birthdays, we will be starting 8th and then after that year we can take driver’s earlier than most people. Props of being old! -- Music Marvel
We’re not that old yet, come on Music Marvel, cheer up! We can still stay awake until midnight or beyond sometime, we don’t have health issues or wrinkly skin or a full head of gray hair just yet and we can get around just fine, well I can’t with my injury but still you get the idea that we aren’t old yet and I don’t want to rush it. I’ll start learning how drive with my dad in the cemetery or if I’m lucky and as the weather and I get better we will do the country. Yep one of the perks of being old is if we do things right and we don’t have tickets we can get a license when we are a freshman. I really like the sound of that. -- Smiles R. Epic
Yeah, we probably won’t have a car for me to drive, because of my siblings, but my year will come where I am the oldest sibling in school, in charge of bringing people home. This is random…..but I really like melted cheese on crackers…….and Wheat Thins in Nutella, I know it sounds gross but it’s delicious. It’s 2014…….I’m going to have to get used to that...I got a new backpack, it’s pretty sweet and it holds a lot...okay now I am just going insane, I going to shut up now….. -- Music Marvel
Same here in my case there will be no car for me to drive my first year of high school, but since my sister is going to be a senior when we are freshmen, I will get to have a car for the other three years since my parents said that she wasn’t taking it to college with her since she was going out of state or even let her take it to college period. I got a new backpack too. I got a Nike one that my dad found at a garage sale with the tags still on it and everything. He only paid a couple of dollars for it and I love it because it has so much room that I can carry my school, gym, and band things all in one and I really like that. You are not insane you just like to be really random and that is what I like about you. You’re not afraid to be bold, crazy, fun, and weird. You are high energy and awesome, and you make me feel happy. You are random and that is why I like you so much. Other people don’t really say what they are thinking or talk from their hearts so sometimes they are lying and faking it on the other hand you aren’t like that. You are amazing and easy to talk to because you are so laid back and fun. I like the way that you see things, and take action to make changes if needed and believe me with me changes are almost always needed at times. I’m so happy that I got to spend my first hour of the New Year chatting with you. I can’t believe I am even up at this time and that I made it clear to midnight. It must be because of what I had to eat that I am set and wired. -- Smiles R. Epic
Aww, thanks. That’s one thing I think God blesses me with was being unafraid to say something and ignoring the fact that no one cares most of the time, but sometimes the right will hear it and there day will be better. Smiles you rock too. You always offer your smiles to people who need things and are very determined. You always brighten my day, and you have a good sense of style. On the topic of backpacks, mine is Embark and it has room for my laptop and books and my jalapenos….okay I think that I’m a little too tired now. We’ll the hours almost up and I would call this a successful first NYD post! We would like to thank all of the blogettes who have read this blog and hopefully had a good year. We write this for you and we are thankful for you guys. I want to thank you personally the welcomeness of you guys and making me already be at home! Here’s to a New Year! -- Music Marvel
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