Life Q & A

It was by the popular request of some blogettes that we start a page with weekly updates answering some questions that you may have about life, as middle school and the teenage years at that can be a pretty confusing time with everyone trying to find themselves and where they belong and what path that they need to be on. We are hoping that this page just makes it a little bit easier. If you have a question feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of the page, and we will answer it as soon as we can. Music Marvel and I also lead crazy lives since we are teens and in middle school as well. Enjoy!

Q: My friend hasn’t been nice to me lately. She and I were best friends before we went on Thanksgiving break, and now it’s like she doesn’t want anything to do with me, and I have no clue what is going on or what caused this and I would like some help on knowing what to do to get our friendship back or if it really is over.

A:: Wow, it sounds like you are really in need of our advice, and I will try and help you the best that I can here. I would try if at all possible to talk to your friend in some way and let them know that you are still there for them whenever they need to talk or if they just need to vent about something. Maybe something has happened in their life like a death or parent issues, or maybe they have finally found their path and realized that by hanging out with you was holding them back so they stopped to help their future. It was rude of them just to ditch you like this if that was the case, but it happens and life will move on. There are other people out there in the world, and you will find some other people to hang out with that are right for you. You may have thought that you were true friends, but people change over time, and they change because they want their future to be bright and right for them. We are all different and we need to respect that. Make them feel like they are still your friend even though they may not be that friendly to you anymore. Respect that you are going your separate ways, and know that life moves on. It may be hard because you might have been close, but start looking for other people to hang out with. Even though I lead a pretty boring life, my door is always open for you to come and hang out with me. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: This will most likely happen a lot through your lifetime. At this time in your life you and your friend are trying to figure out who you really are. Maybe she is going through some tough times or maybe she is just being rude. I would suggest finding a good time to talk to her alone and ask her if everything is okay or if she wanted to come sit with you at lunch. Also ask her if you did anything wrong. If she said you did and it was a valid reason, apologize and maybe find a way to make it up to her. If it was some prissy unimportant thin, then I don’t think it was meant to be. Find a group of people who are interested in what you like to do, and maybe you and your other friend will make up some day, but now that it wasn’t your fault. -- Music Marvel

Q: My grandpa died a month ago, and I have had a hard time dealing with his death, and the fact that he is not going to be here to see the highlights of my life such as prom, graduation, my wedding. I need ideas of how to cope with his death and overcome sadness as my friends say that I am becoming depressed.

A: I can help you with this greatly as I have been there and still am there. I lost a dear friend of mine to stage four lung cancer in both lungs in JUne. He was actually my babysitter’s husband, and with him around I never had to worry about nap time. He would always come and get me up once my babysitter was down stairs and he would take me to the park or down to DQ to get a treat since my parents picked me up early and I never got a snack. It was hard to see him go and even harder to know that he wasn’t coming back. He impacted a lot of lives, and mainly mine. Now however, I have kept his funeral card and I look at that every morning. I pray for god and him to help me through things, and that makes it easier. I still act like he is here on earth and it is easier too. I also remember all the fun and good times that we had before he got sick and I got out of daycare. He also went to my church and did a lot there and he worked with my dad on some things there, so it was hard for him too. We worked together to overcome the fact of his passing and some things still make us emotional but we try to avoid those things, and move on with our lives, and try to honor him any way we can. This year we are going to get a team from our church together and go and walk at the local Relay For Life, which is a relay that goes throughout the night and raises money for cancer. I also donated eight inches of my hair to Locks of Love which makes wigs for children who have lost their hair to cancer or other diseases where hair loss is a symptom of the treatment that is keeping them alive or from getting sicker, in his honor. It’s a tradition that I am going to do in honor of him as often as I possibly can. Also tell them the signs of depression and that you aren’t depressed and are sure of that. Try to act happy and do fun things again and be cool. The awesomer and more confident you act and carry yourself the better it will be. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: I know how you feel. I lost my grandpa when I was young and I still really miss him. It will seem like forever until you get over it, but you can find happiness in other things. As for him missing out on your life. Know he is watching over you everyday and is there with you every step of the way. Try to find a new hobby like singing, or painting where you can express yourself. Try to express it in some way how you’re feeling and that might make you feel better. Also talk to an adult. By telling them, they can help you through it and know how your are feeling. -- Music Marvel

Q: I tore my ACL during a basketball tournament over break. I am also a new student at a middle school, and am worried about attracting too much attention and people staring and making jokes about me, as that happened to a person on crutches at my old school. I mean I am on crutches and have a huge immobilizer on. It’s a pain for me to get around and I have to be careful with what I do and how I sit now. Really I am just worried about how school will work in general with my injury. I haven’t seen an elevator, but there is a couple of kids in wheelchairs at my school so I am sure that there is one somewhere. I am also worried what this injury will do for my image and the way people see me and want to help me since I am again new and I still have no clue where some things are because I got to the school like a day before winter break, and getting around with a normal body was confusing and hard enough, and the people at this school can be rude to people with disabilities even if they are temporary, for some reason. Please help me if you can. You probably can’t and that’s okay too.

A: Wow, it sounds like you really are in need of our help, and believe it or not I can kind of help you because I injured my meniscus in cross country, and was on crutches for a week. I agree with you it is awful to get around. Anyways, don’t worry about what people think because accidents happen and you didn’t mean for it to be happening to you at this time. Still be you and act like this injury isn’t there. Still be down to earth and not cocky though and don’t be afraid to stop by the office and ask for help if you are unsure because a new student they should be more than happy to help you. Injuries are always unexpected and a lot of stress for students to deal with especially in middle and high schools. Embrace your immobilizers and recovery things. I know that I drew on my knee brace and tried to make it hidden especially the bulky one that I had at the beginning. Things happen just go with the flow and embrace every minute that you have because it could be worse. You could have hit your head when you fell to the ground. You could have had an injury that required crutches longer or even a wheelchair. Have fun with it. Spice up your looks and do things that bring people’s eyes up and change their moods from rude or pity to oh, this new girl is still confident and has a good outlook on things even though she is injured and maybe she knows something that I don’t. I mean you don’t want to scare people away either with this problem. I have learned that you talk about it a few times like when you are making progress and then you let it drop. Hope this helps, and I hope that you feel better and make a full recovery and get back out there playing basketball soon! -- Smiles R. Epic

A: That sounds like a lot to deal with at once, but don’t worry you’ll be able to handle it. Don’t worry about people laughing at you, most people will probably feel bad. If they ask you what happened you can joke and said you got in a fight with Chuck Norris, but tell them the truth after that. Don’t be afraid to ask things, because people will always be there to help you. They might not see you as normal when you have your crutches, but that is okay because normal is weird. Above all be confident, ask people when you are not sure and try to make friends, things will get better! -- Music Marvel

Q: I am Christian but I am afraid to open up about my faith at school, and since you sound pretty confident on this blog, I am going to ask how did you open up and how are people’s reactions toward you. I am worried also that if I do open up about my faith on campus that I am going to get in trouble or stereotyped rudely.

A: Good for you for wanting to even ask this question about coming out and spreading your faith on campus. You actually have the right to have your bible, pray, pass out bibles during non educational times, recognize religious holidays and celebrate them, hold bible studies after school or during lunch, and talk about your faith in reports or projects. It may be hard because people may think that you are crazy and weird, but you know what let them think because what you are doing is amazing and is probably going to bring more people to know the Lord as their Savior, and want to do more around the school with you which is always cool. I know that my friends try to have Bible studies at lunch sometimes., and we don’t do some things because of our faith and it doesn’t make us feel that comfortable. We support each other and talk about church and stuff like that too. I hope this makes you feel better, and the full list of Christian student rights while on campus can be found online and on the back of the TRUTH FOR YOUTH bibles. If your school neglects your rights to express your religion on campus the Truth FOr Youth Bible COmpany has lawyers that you can contact to work on your case for free and get you the freedom that you deserve because these are stated by the law rights that we have. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: I don’t have as much knowledge in this as Smiles but I’ll still try to help. Don’t hesitate about your religion. Most people where I go to don’t care about your religion and accept everyone, which is a huge blessing. Most people knew I was Christian and most of my friends are Christian, although not all of them are. As Smiles said you have rights and if your campus doesn’t follow them, then you can solve that. -- Music Marvel

Q: I have got a really different haircut and I am worried about what people will think of it.

A: I can relate to this because I donated eight inches of my hair to Locks of Love a week before Christmas of last year. I used to have long hair but now I have a medium sized bob. People freaked out, but loved it much to my relief, and the teachers were really shocked by it. I like the new haircut, and it makes me feel different and fresh too. I mean after three years it was time for a change to happen, and a change with a good cause is always something that I like. If people don’t like it then tell them that they don’t have to look at you. You most of the time have choices at what you look at. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: That’s really cool. I always wanted to get my hair cut short and styled but I really fond of my long hair that I can curl. I would say not to worry because you decided to get it and as long as you like it, that is great. If you don’t like it find some way to wear it that you can stand, and in a few months it will be back to what it was originally. -- Music Marvel

Q: I have ITBS tests coming up next week. Is there any advice you would like to give me on how to make it easier because I can’t study ahead for it nor can I use my notes or any class material.

A: We had a study/test taking skills unit in English and I have learned that before a test you should think of something off topic and positive for a minute, and then think on topic and positive for a minute while taking deep breaths, then you should get comfortable in your spot and get your stuff around that is needed for the test and then afterward. I have also learned that having breakfast helps and so does snacks and sipping water. My school provides snacks for test takers, and then I brought in water last time and that worked out great. Of course since the tests are timed don’t take a water break unless you really need it. Oddly enough our ITBS tests are this week (Monday, January 27, 2014- Friday, January 31, 2014). Good luck! --Smiles R. Epic

A: I would say have a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast. Also staying calm during the test will make it easier. We were told it is best to go through and answer the ones you know and then if you don’t know the answer and you only have a little bit of time left guess, because there is usually a 25% chance you’ll get it right. -- Music Marvel

Q: I just got my period, and I am so scared about what people will be thinking of me now since a lot if things have changed with me.

A: Don’t worry what people think about you so much. Embrace yourself, and be confident in what your life brings and what you are doing. You may also feel better if you check out our period page which has all the information that other girls wanted to know about periods and deodorant and just plain puberty. It explains a lot and makes things pretty clear which is good for newbies like you. Just remember that confidence is key. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: People will not change their thoughts at all, because they won’t notice. Your period as you probably know happens inside your body, so unless you tell them it won’t matter. As Smiles said stay confident, and everything will work out a - okay. -- Music Marvel

Q: We have to dress out, and take showers for gym, and this is the first time that it has ever been required that we dress out and shower for gym class. I’m nervous about what people will be saying about me. Let’s just say I have a large chest and I don’t have a flat stomach. I am also worried because I also wear tampons, which makes me look even weirder probably when you really think about it. Any advice, and why do we have to dress out for gym and take showers?

A: At my school, we are required to do the same except for my gym class is at the end of the day so we aren’t required to shower at school. My advice is try to change in the corners of the locker room so that you at least have some privacy, and take your towel into the shower so that you can wrap yourself in it before you go out. If your shower has like no privacy like at my school you may even wish to use two towels, if of course your school rules/policy allows that, if it doesn’t bring one from home, one to cover yourself in the shower and the other one to get out with and dry off. Don’t worry about your body either because everyone is made different, and we all should respect that. Besides everyone is rushing to get dressed anyways since at my school we have a four minute limit to get dressed with any longer than that and we will be called as late. Oh, and as for your tampon no one is really going to look down there, and besides we are all girls in that locker room so we understand or at least most of us do. If you want to feel more comfortable about your tampon while being active you should check out our puberty page because there were a couple questions on there like yours that should help you out even more than this one. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: As Smiles said most people are going to be in a rush anyway and they won’t pay attention to anyone else. They probably feel nervous too so they won’t stare because they wouldn’t want people to stare at them. Don’t worry about your tampon, because a lot of other girls will be wearing them too. We have to dress out because they don’t want you to sweat in your school clothes and I think that they think the shower will help you smell better, but I don’t think it makes that much of a difference. -- Music Marvel

Q: My boyfriend dumped me, and is now being really mean to me. What should I do?

A: I say that you ignore your boyfriend. I mean if he makes you feel uncomfortable report him at school if he is really stalker like you may even report him to the police. Boys are always confusing and one who dumped you is a real jerk who isn’t worth wasting your time on anymore because you are the bigger person and so much better than that, and what he was giving you as well. I say that you just hang out with your friends for now, and another boy will come a long, and you should slow down and see if he is really right for you before you get into a good and close relationship that will save you from major heartbreak. True love will come when you give it time and you least expect it, and that is also when you for sure get to know that a boy isn’t a jerk is is maybe down to earth and likes you for you and has things in common with you. Taking it slow is always a good thing because there should be no rush when it comes to falling in love, especially when it comes to the boy, or girl, that when you are with them that it feels like you just want to spend the rest of your life with because they make you feel that happy and good inside and just about yourself as a whole entire person. Good luck and I hope that this helps solve some of your issues, and give you some good ideas as of what to do. I have never really had a relationship with a boy besides through bullying, and a fake one that ended in marriage for my money matters class in school, but even then the relationship I have for money matters is good because I can make my guy be whatever I want and feel like. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: I would say to ignore him too. But I would also tell an adult because it could get worse. For right now just shake it off. I don’t have much knowledge in this area so Smiles will be the most help. -- Music Marvel

Q: My older sister’s best friend died a year ago of a sudden cardiac arrest during a home volleyball game, which she was playing really hard in. My school did not have a defibrillator, but they said at the hospital if our school had a defibrillator, and if people were trained in effective CPR and defibrillation that she may have survived this. I wanted some ideas to give to my sister on how to honor her and help the community move on and know that she is still with us in some way.

A: Wow! First off, I am so sorry for your sister’s and your community’s loss, and it is always hard when it is a star athlete who passes away or gets injured. I would suggest that you start a fundraiser to get a defibrillator in at least your school, and then if you have extra money then I would put it toward training, or getting more defibrillators to put in other public places like the park or city hall. You could also maybe even if you had enough buy another defibrillator for your school and put it not near the other one like across the school or on a different level or near another gym or something like that. I know at my school we have three gyms and one of which is near the defibrillator. One gym is in a completely different section which would waste two minutes just going down to get the defibrillator if someone went down. I mean I would if this was me raise money to put one there at that gym. Early defibrillation, and right CPR is key to a better chance at survival. Oh, and for training at my school it is required that you get CPR certified in 6, 8, 1o, and for sure the 12th grade because it is a federal requirement in order to graduate for seniors at every school to take and pass CPR and choking since they kind of go together training before they graduate either in their junior or senior years. CPR certification is good for two years, and that is why my school teaches it to 6, 8, 1o, and 12 graders. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: I am very sorry to hear that. I would say like Smiles raise a money for a defibrillator, or maybe even start a program in her name that makes sure schools have defibrillators and CPR courses. It is very important to learn these things and some people don’t realize how important these things are. If you can’t get a CPR course at school, THe Red Cross usually has them in the summer for people to take. -- Music Marvel

Q: My knee tenses up when I am active. What should I do?

A: I would say go see a doctor. Hopefully they will be able to give you an answer. Until then I would say limit yourself on your activity time. I know that can be hard, but I would say that that would be best until you figure out the problem. Sometimes rubbing or massaging it could help it too. -- Music Marvel

A: Music Marvel and I aren’t doctors, but I have the same issue as you do. I tore my meniscus in cross country, and my doctor has now cleared me to stop using my brace when I run and instead start heating the sore area like 10-15 but no longer than 20 minutes before I run, and then get good stretches in, and just know my limits, and know when I need to stop because something doesn’t feel right. Then when I am done running I am supposed to ice it using frozen water in a Dixie cup and ripping the top off and then just gently massaging my knee when my glutes, quads, and meniscus meets. If my knee locks up a lot you are supposed to go and see your doctor too, but I would pay a visit now as well since you don’t know what could really be wrong with it, and I know this is a few dreaded words that all runners hate to hear but I wouldn’t run until you can get your knee checked out by your doctor. Running could make matters worse, you never know until you seek medical advice. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: What are your extreme cold must haves?

A: I am not sure if you mean for when I am sick or when it is freezing outside, but when it is cold outside I like to have warm blankets, long sweat pants, knee high socks, hot cocoa, a good book, my computer, and of course one of my musical instruments. For extreme colds, I like kleenex, blue gatorade, blankets, netflix, my water bottle, and cough drops. -- Music Marvel

A: Like Music said, I am not sure if you mean that you are sick, or when it is super cold outside, so I am going to give you my must haves for both. First I will cover the sickness. My extreme cold must haves are Vicks Vapor Rub, it helps you breathe better, cough drops, a bucket if I am throwing up, my water bottle to replinish fluids as hydration helps you get better faster, blankets, orange juice, and my computer so that I can get the assignments that I missed from my friends at school and stay ahead of the game. If it is really cold outside, I like knee high socks, blankets, my clarinet, youtube movie parts, or funny vine complications, Pandora, and something to write about for my blog. I also like hot cocoa. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: My great grandma is going to be turning 100 soon and I need some ideas to throw a party that maybe she would remember but for sure the family will remember.

A: I would say have just a nice get together with her family. Bringing out a lot of old pictures and albums would make her happy. Also sitting back and listening to stories will make her feel good because older people like to tell stories and reminisce. I am sure your parents also have ideas so I would ask them. Tell your great grandma happy birthday for me! -- Music Marvel

A: Like Music said I would have a family get together, and a nice party for her where you talk about old times and stuff that she can relate to, and honestly to old people just spending time with them is a big enough gift and that is coming from my 95 year old great grandma. Make sure that you do all the work and reassure her that she is okay sitting back and relaxing and having a good time because my great grandma felt bad about not being able to get up and help out even though it was her party. Like Music also said wish your great grandma a very happy birthday for me too because turning a hunfred is a big deal and a huge accomplishment that when you think about it not very many people get to see anymore. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: What is an honor choir/ band like? What do I need to wear/bring for rehearsals? What to do I need to wear/bring for the show, if there is one? Do my parents have to drive me to the site? My choir got selected for the Tri Rivers Middle School Conference Honor Choir on March 3rd and I have no clue what to expect. If you could help me out that would be greatly appreciated I am freaking out, and I am new to small schools so I am not sure how things will be working out, since you guys do a lot of things differently mainly or probably because you are on a tighter budget than my old large school was. I used to be a part of the WaMaC conference schools.

A: A lot of this will be answered by your instructor. Honor bands and Tri Rivers are different in many ways. Honor bands, you get up early in the morning on the weekend, and your parents drive you to another school and practice from eight in the morning to five at night, or somewhere in that time frame usually. You also get lunch and you can be in sweatpants and a t-shirt till the concert. For the honor bands I have gone to we also watch younger bands before us. Tri Rivers you go to during school hours, your parents will most likely not have to drive you there, and it might go till after school hours but it won’t start before. Tri Rivers we were told to be dressy for rehearsals and then in concert attire for the show. I don’t think you’ll have to bring much to Tri Rivers, only your clothes and maybe your music. Like I said your director will most likely answer all of these questions for you if you ask. -- Music Marvel

A: Like Music Marvel said you should probably ask your instructor if you are unsure about this. The honor choir does take place during the school day and there is a show at night which you should bring dressy clothes for. Like Music said your parents drive you to honor bands, but the school should provide transportation for you to go to honor choir in, and then bring you back home. You are supposed to be more dressy than a t-shirt and jeans for rehearsals, but be in your concert attire for the show, which there is always a show because otherwise it isn;t worth getting together and working on these peices for like four hours straight and then bits and pieces in advance. I don’t know if your Tri Rivers will have choirs before you but ours sounds just like it is for 7 and 8th grade choir members altogether and both boys and girls will be singing at the same time unless it is a selected song that just girls or boys sing which our Tri Rivers honor choir has two songs of one for the girls and one for the boys. For rehearsals you will go into a room for sopranos and a room for altos for sure and then maybe if there is a bass or a tenor and there is a set room for them they may be in that room as well. DInner is usually provided for honor choirs and then you have time to get ready for the concert, and maybe even report for a quick warm up before the concert, and then your parents could come and see what you have been working so hard on in a show that usually starts at like seven o clock ish. Then if it is okay with your instructor they may even be able to drive you home from the event. Most of the time though, you might need to ride back on the bus or with the group and have your parents pick you up from the school. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: I am going to be moving soon. What makes good going away gifts, and meeting new neighbors gifts, as well as things that will make my new home more homey and me again just like my old home?

A: Good going away gifts are a picture of you plus your new address and some supplies for people to write you letters with if you are no longer going to be in that town/ area and seeing them. Otherwise if you still are going to the same school I would just give them your new address that way you can work on projects together or just hang out for a little while after school. It may seem hard moving at first, but it gets easier and better I promise you from everyone else that has moved since I haven’t says that it gets better when you get used to your new place. I like the idea of that a lot and it makes me feel good knowing that I won’t be unhappy when I move for too long if I ever do move. Good things that make houses homey are rugs, and personal objects that you like a lot or care a lot about or even have earned yourself. I mean adding those things will make the house or your room at least your space and not someone else’s before you’s space. If they were younger or their style wasn’t your favorite maybe you could ask your parents to repaint your room as well because that may make you feel more at home too as studies have shown and reported. I hope that this helps you out, I mean I was just guessing and researching for most of this stuff since I have only moved schools, not houses. -- Smiles R. Epic

A: Like Smiles said pictures of you and them are good and your new address would be good. For meeting new neighbors, usually some will come to you, but you could turn it around and bring them cookies and introduce yourself. Making your house homey you can put up everything that was in your old house. This will sound weird but having homemade cookies always makes me feel at home. Burning candles and putting up pictures will also make it homey. -- Music Marvel

Q: I need some pet advice. My parents said that we could adopt a dog or a cat, or get a set of six or eight fish depending on the price, and we can have up to two pets. What pets would you do and why, and where would you get the pets from?

A: I would say get whatever you wanted. If it was me I would definitely get a dog, because I LoVE dogs. I would say if you are looking for a cat or a dog go to a shelter and look and usually one pops out and you think that is my dog (or cat)! That is how we found our dog and one of our cats. For fish I would say go to Pet Smart because the fish we got at Walmart died after like a year and Pet Smarts betta fish was almost two years. -- Music Marvel

A: I also would encourage you to get what you wanted for a pet because it is what you will have to live with and take care of and not us. I would say that I would go for a dog or a cat or both because they last longer than fish do most of the time, but if you want fish like Music said Pet Smart is the best option. I also say that instead of buying new cats or dogs that you should check out shelters. That is where both my dogs came from and they were so cute as puppies that the moment we saw them come out together we knew that they had to be ours. We got our pets from Have a Heart shelter in Wisconsin. It was a shelter run out of a house, and if you saw the place you would have brought home more than two pets. I would recommend dogs because they are really low maintenance animals and they don’t claw like cats do. Again this is totally up to you and your family, but dogs I say are the best option, and after all they do have the nickname of mans best friend. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: I am really busy and I need some advice on how to organize my life and time better to get everything that I need to do done. Can you help me?

A: I use a lot of different things to help organize my life. School = assignment book, home = whiteboard. I like to use my assignment book in school and I cross things off as I go. Also making your locker neat and tidy looking will make you feel more organized and will make you feel good. I always carry one bag with everything in it and I think that’s the easiest. I also have a designated pocket and place for everything so I always know where something is. At home I use a white board and make a list of things I want to do and then wipe them off when I finish them. I also use the designated place for things in my room to. I have a spot for all my CDs and a spot for my helmet and so on and so on, and my rule is if I take it out or move it I put it back. I take my helmet out of it’s spot to ride my bike. I put it right back when I come inside. This method helps me a lot. I might start doing a weekly organizing tip so keep your eyes out! -- Music Marvel

A: I use a lot of different things to keep me organized from post it notes in my locker, to Evernote on my laptop, to my student planner, and white board at home which plans out my upcoming events. I need to keep organized in my life otherwise I get lost, and overwhelmed and that makes me upset for some reason. If you wish we may even add a page with organizing tips if that will help you and other blogettes out. I know that Music is like the queen of organizing because everything is so neat and in line and she does things with ease, and makes them seem like they are easy and nothing to worry about or even bother to think about because it comes naturally. I like her for that reason too. I mean she keeps me in line sometimes too and helps me out with her organizing advice. It is really good, and believe me it works. Organizing is really important to keeping your life in life and good. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: I want to join a theater program but I have read some things coming from kids my age that joined theater programs in their schools when they were in middle school, and some were good, and others sounded awful, and embarrassing and not very friendly or a good place for middle school aged people to be. What would you do, and what would you say on this? Why? I need these answers soon because sign up for the end of year play at my school is March 1st by email, and February 28th in school sign up.

A: If you want to do it, go for it. If you don’t like it don’t do it again. I do theater and it is tons of fun. Sometimes the directors yell and scream at you, but it is all worth it in the long run. Acting really builds your character and makes you a better person. Don’t let others opinions sway you on a topic like this. I have learned a lot (some things I’d rather not have learned) through theater and it is a great experience. -- Music Marvel

A: I say go for it because theater is awesome. I have done it, and like Music said you learn a lot and like some things you wish you hadn’t of but you have a lot of fun and meet a lot of cool people. I mean I feel like Music and I bonded through theater. She helped lead me through it, and got me to stay in it too when there was so much pressure to just give up and quit but if you stick to it you will feel so good especially come show time I mean nothing adds up to that time and especially when you take those bows. It is so worth it and let no one keep you from trying it out at least once. You never know you may end up falling in love with it like I did. Theater also gave me my first kiss from another male. Well Music also got kissed, and it was on the hand but still it was a kiss coming from another guy and I can’t believe I am saying this but it was nice, and those are one of my many theater memories. With that I am pretty much telling you to go for it because it is something that you won’t regret at least trying. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: I want to do track, but I have asthma so I don’t know really how I would do with running. Last time I had a check up the doctor said that I should be careful with sports dealing with a lot of running around or contact as that could trigger an attack. Yes, I do have medicine to treat it but if I run out of medicine or it backfires then what will happen is having to be rushed to the hospital or maybe even death. I could be a thrower without any problems though and the doc said that I could try running now since my body has grown more and gotten used to my asthma medicine and stuff, but I’m scared to do so since the thought of death is on my mind and the doc said I could die. What would you do if you were in my shoes, would you run or throw or maybe even do both and why would you do that?

A: I would say don’t do it if it has anything that has to do with death. But that is just me. I really can’t give you much help because I am not sure of your situation and things like that so I would bring these questions to your doctor. It sounds like you could do throwing, but talk to your doctor about running and most of all trust your body. If you run the first day and realize you can’t do it then I would say stop. -- Music Marvel

A: Like Music said, I wouldn’t do anything with death because I don’t want to die just because I did something that was fun and like everyone else. You have a medical condition so you should know your limits and accept them and just explain to people. No they may not understand but you would still be alive and well and not in danger if they knew why you didn’t do sports. I would ask your doctor like Music also said if you could at least try sprinting if you brought your medicine along. I would be a thrower for sure though since most of the time you don’t run you lift weights, and throw according to my sister, and I would do the other field events if you are clearned to do a little bit of running like 2 or 3 meters at the most by your doctor. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: What do you wear to middle school dances?

A: My first year of dances I wore a nicer shirt and denim shorts or pants. I also curled or straightened my hair. Now, I realized that I get sweaty and my hair loses curl anyway so I go with a t-shirt or v-neck and denim shorts or pants and sneakers. I still dress up sometimes it depends on how I feel. Always remember to bring a pony holder and if you sweat a lot (like me) bring another t-shirt and deodorant. -- Music Marvel

A: Like Music said, my first year of dances I wore a nicer shirt, and jean shorts or pants depending on the season, and then my boots, or a pair of sneakers. I also straightened my hair and put on make up. This year I learned from last year, and I learned that I ended up sweating and looking like crap by the end of the night since I was having so much fun dancing my heart out. I decided that it wasn’t worth dressing up as much for and going through as much as I did just for three or four hours. Now I wear a t shirt and jeans or a shirt that I wear to school anyways, and I pull my hair back in a ponytail, and yes it is still long enough for that, and swipe on some lipgloss if I feel like it, and maybe even some mascara, but most of the time I just ditch the makeup altogether now because by the end of the night it makes me look like a clown. I also wear deodorant and bring that along with an extra shirt just in case something goes wrong or someone has a wardrobe malfunction as that has happened at dances before. Like Music said, it is also a good thing to have if you are a person who sweats a lot as there is a lot of arms up in the air, and pit stains at that time will not be your friends, nor will they be good in pictures as our student council members take pictures of what is going on at every dance of a Keynote at the end of the school year. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: What is a middle school dance like?

A: Awesome! At least my school’s are. I bet your’s is too. It will seem very strange your first dance. When I walked in to my first dance, I was really confused and there were sweaty people every where. I started dancing, but I was really uncomfortable. There will most likely be a lot of flashing lights and REALLY loud music. A year later, I really don’t care if people make fun of me when I dance. I am having fun with my friends and that is all that’s important. Sometimes the dance will die down and no one will be dancing, but get a few friends and then start dancing and soon everyone will be back up again. As for slow dances, I had to ask a boy for my first dance. After that he would ask me, but then he got a girlfriend so I was a loner again. Don’t sit on the bleachers and leave the room if you want to dance, because then boys probably won’t dance. If you want to dance don’t be afraid to ask, and if they say no they don’t deserve to dance with you! I’ll tell you last year my night was made when my crush (not anymore) asked me to dance, and I bet you would have a really fun time if you give it a chance.  -- Music Marvel

A: As Music said school dances are amazing and a lot of fun. There is some drama, but I have learned that if you avoid it you should be fine. The music is really LOUD and like Music said again there is most likely going to be flashing lights, and other decorations that get you in the mood. I used to go with the flow and follow everyone else and what they did, but it wasn’t as much fun as my own moves, and as I broke them out my friends and I had a better time than we could ever imagine possible. I think that dances are also good socializing times even though you have to scream, and you get to see people outside of school and what they are really like. I also think that dance is a great source of exercise. Yeah, and like Music said if things just die down grab your pack of pals and dance like you never have before, you may feel stupid since everyone is like looking at you but that is okay, because they will be joining in soon anyways. Slow dances are always cheesy and sometimes I just pair up with my best friends and dance with them even though they were girls during slow songs, but most of the time if people didn’t ask one of our girlfriends to dance we took a break to rest, go to the bathroom, get drinks, or something to eat, because slow songs lasted 3-5 minutes. I hope that this helps you out a lot because middle schools dances although confusing at first are a lot of fun and very high energy things that you may never forget because you had so much fun. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: Has a blog given you girls more popularity and confidence or less, and have there been more good things than bad things since you started the blog? Have you noticed any changes in your life since you have been a part of a blog?

A: I haven’t been on this blog for long, but I have noticed changes. This blog has given me more confidence in school and not necessarily popularity, but I don’t care about that. I have had all positive responses since when I joined this blog, I have really become more happy knowing I can turn to you guys to hear me out and comfort me. Thanks! -- Music Marvel

A: Wow, this is an amazing question, and you know I really haven’t thought about that because I don’t care what people think of me anymore. I think that it has kind og given girls a light in the way that I see the world, and made me have more fun knowing that people have also been changed or inspired by my blog to do something. It also makes me feel good knowing that you blogettes are willing to interact with us, and take time out of your probably busy days to read our blog. I feel honored to write posts for young women like you. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: This is a weird set of questions, but I have noticed now that I am in middle school that a lot of people have mixed opinions and different thoughts on things when it comes to getting clean especially after being sweaty when you are a girl. I know that I have come to the right place though because my friend told me about this blog and I started reading and I am now in love. It has a lot of cool stuff that is awesome for girls when they are in middle school or older, and your advice I feel is spot on as well, so I know that this question will have a good and detailed or as detailed as you feel comfortable with answer because it is kind of personal. It has also made me rethink my ways to the point where I am coming to you ladies for an answer to these questions to get more information, and make a better choice for me. I have gym last period of the day though but most girls shower right after gym even though it makes them a little bit behind after school since we only have five minutes to dress back into our street clothes before the bell rings for us to be out of school. Do you like showers or baths better? Why do you like showers/baths better? Do you shower/bath(if baths are offered at your school like they are at my cousin’s school) at school after gym class? Why or why not? ANSWER THIS LAST QUESTION ONLY IF BATHS ARE OFFERED AT YOUR SCHOOL ALONG WITH SHOWERS DO you like baths or showers better? Why do you like that one better?

A: That is a hard question. I think I like showers better, UNLESS it is a bath in one of those fancy therapeutic bathtubs cause those baths make you really relaxed and tired and it is like a bit of heaven on earth. ANYWHO baths aren’t offered at our school and I don’t shower because I have gym last hour so I put on deodorant and then shower in the comfort of my own home when I get there. -- Music Marvel

A: This is a hard question. I am like Music, I like showers better, unless I am really sore, and the baths are fancy, another thing that Music also said, and I agree immensely on, and there is no one else around. I mean baths aren’t offered at our school, and if they were I probably wouldn’t take them since our locker rooms are for everyone from seventh grade on up, and it is just crazy to see a person sitting in a tub when you think about it, and it is just crazy and gross and awkward kind of seeing anyone do things that they do to get clean, not to be rude or anything. I don’t shower since I have gym last hour and I actually have it with Music. I put on deodorent and the shower when I get home since our school’s showers have no privacy whatsoever. I sometimes don’t even bother to dress back out into my street clothes. -- Smiles R. Epic

Q: Is owning/running a blog hard?

A: It is not very hard the only problem I have come across is writers block. I really like having a blog. Sometimes editing gets hard and you’ll have to look something up on google, but I really enjoy it! -- Music Marvel

A: Owning and running a blog isn’t hard if you have things to write about. It is really a lot of fun, and a great way to express yourself and inspire people. -- Smiles R. Epic