Sweet November

Ah. Well. Here I am again to the world of Blogger.com.
Halloween was very, interesting, to say the least. I was a Geisha this year, the costume came with the fan and wig, so I figured what the heck and went for it. I think the outcome was actually pretty good. I painted my face white with the red lipstick and everything.
November is here, with all its characteristics.(Or, they will be here soon at least). The leaves,needless to say, with tones of orange, reds,yellows and browns. The crisp and brisk air as you walk and step over crunchy leaves on the asphalt pavement. With November just emerging, it marks the start of the holiday season. Thanksgiving will be here soon, and there is so much to be thankful for. After Thanksgiving will be Christmas, but luckily we still have time for that. School is going well, and besides the occasional sweeps of panic that I have about the things I have to do I have to say that life is good. November here we come.

Calm Before the Storm

Well, here we are, early October. Its amazing how time can fly yet go so slow at the same time. As you could tell from my last entry, I was pretty upset and fustrated about something. Well, a few things actually. But, I think I'm going to pass on that rant, for now anyways. I've calmed down since then, and decided just to write a quick,not very deep entry while I still have the time. I'm going to say in advance that this might be my last entry for awhile, because of how busy I am and/or will be very soon.

These next few months are going to be pretty monumental for me, as the college process is going to be in full swing. I can't say that I'm excited about it-I know that It will be a relief when the whole process is said done But, regardless, until then, although it is tedious, and very stressful, as I've been lately, I am making sure that I don't rush anything and put thought into everything.
Also, not exclusively in my world, but, nevertheless, very important, is the 2008 election, which is progressing every hour. The last debate is at Hofstra University, and I would have loved to go,actually. It would have been so exciting to be part of history as it is happening. Unfortunately for me, though, tickets are only being given out through a student-only lottery process. Oh well.
Hm.What else is new? Oh,I am now officially the Treasurer of Literary Magazine :-). Lastly, Halloween, is also around the corner, although that is kind of being put on the backburner right now,which, if anyone knows me, is totally unlike me to do. I just have to stay organized and focused, and try not to stress(too much,anyways..) I guess I'm going to go relax for a while...
Until Next Time
--Melissa

A Hovering Cloud

I kind of want to go on a bit of a frustrated rant right now,but I think I'll hold off. I want to organize my thoughts.
-Melissa

On a Clear Autumn Day...

Well, it is officially the first day of fall. Hooray!. Granted, summer was nice, but fall it itself is a totally different species. So many great aspects come with fall. The cold,crisp air. The blanket of oranges,yellows,reds,and browns that cover the trees as they fall with the slight breeze. Then of course, is hot apple cider with Cinnamon and warm hearty soups. Also with fall, comes, Halloween and Thanksgiving. Both of which I'm very excited about. So,Like i said before, sure, summer is over, but fall certainly isn't too shabby-to say the least. I'm actually kind of excited, in a way, for fall. There's something about it.....

So, I can honestly say that my lack of blogging consistency lately has been due to the fact that I've been really busy with everything. School has been in session for a while now, and I'm still adjusting a little bit.These next few weeks, and even months, are going to be challenging. Not just for me, but for alot of people. SAT'S, Recommendation forms, college visits. Its a busy time of year indeed. I better get my day started. Until next time.
~Melissa

Brother,can you spare a dime?

Time for a font change. There, thats better. Anyways, Its Sunday evening, and I should be eating dinner soon. Until then, I figured I can write a quick entry. I might as well explain the title for this particular entry; a few days ago, I got a text message which said "Hey,do u know ne one who can sell me a dime?". Totally oblivious, I didn't respond and go about my day, thinking "dime?that doesn't make any sense.". Later on though, at the dinner table, I ask my dad if he,in fact, knew what a dime was, to which his reply was "Melissa, thats drugs!,why?" So, I told him about the message and now,you can say that I am fully aware of what a dime is.


It's fascinating how that we can simply dial a number, press send, and come in contact with someone. Anyone. Most of the time, we are connected with the person that we want to. We talk with those people, chat a while, say goodbye and be on our way. Other times though, we are connected with someone that isn't intended, as was the case with the text message, or the numerous wrong numbers that everyone occasionally gets on their house phone. It makes you wonder, about the person who sent the message, what was going on at the time, and so forth. In a way, a message can give us act as a small window and give us a tiny glimpse into a person's life, a person's world. It kind of gives off an aura that we are all connected somehow in this complex world, even if just for a moment to reflect on a message intercepted.
Until Next Time
Melissa

One Step At A Time

Let's see, its Friday morning, 11:11 (not intended,lol), and I just finished my breakfast. (I know, I woke up late this morning.) I have a few things to talk about, I think.
Yesterday I went to my first college visit at St. Joseph's, and, I think it went well. The campus is smaller, and the pool and library is really nice. Academically, the classes are all taught by professors,which is good. In sum, I liked it, and am going to keep it a possibility. I feel relieved that I finally broke the ice and started to visit colleges. There are still more that I want to look at, but I'm glad that I made some small steps in the process. Later on that day, I went go-karting (I guess that was a day for firsts,lol), it was so much fun, and I'm actually pretty good at it. I am happy to say that I didn't crash once. After that me,Chris, and Rebbecca(Chris's friend.), went out to get something to eat because it was around dinner time. All in all I think that yesterday was a really nice day. Thats it for now, this is kind of a quick entry, Ultimately , its important just to take things one step at a time. Until Next Time.
Melissa

Wheel in the Sky

Again, It was been quite a while since my last entry. It's a little late,(actually, more like just late, with the time pushing 11:30 pm.) I think I might finish my entry tomorrow once I get some of my thoughts together. I have a few things to write about;some good, some bad, some in between. I guess though, the nature of life itself is to be filled with many events, experiences, and emotions. I'm not really sure how to start this entry, but In a way I guess its already been started. Might as well just delve into it then. These past few weeks have been pretty eventful,such as in finding out that a family friend was struck by a car while riding his bicycle, passing away days later. Everyone has been pretty upset over it, especially Chris. He thought of the kid as kind of a little brother, I feel so bad for him, and the family. I can't imagine the sadness that the family is going through. There was a candlelight vigil last night, and the viewing/wake is tonight. My prayers to his family,friends, and loved ones to keep them strong during this time. I'd also like to take a moment to say Rest In Peace Matt Haley, who will be truly missed.

Many of us, I think, take life for granted. Day to day, we live our lives, taking the short cut, or not saying the "i love you" before we leave. I think its important to remember, that nobody ever promised tomorrow, and that everyday could be our last, and I think its important to live that way. As if everyday is your last. It can be said that there is a plan for us all, and we are put into each others lives for a reason, even if that reason is unknown to us at the time. With that being said, I think I'm going to end this entry with the poem that was selected at the wake tonight.


The Dash Poem

by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning… to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And he spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

Until Next Time
Melissa

Hiatus

Well, again, It's been awhile since i last blogged, but thats okay . Wow, it almost August, where does time go?. Anyways, these past couple of weeks have been very...erratic, I guess. Yeesh, lets see. I went to the movies with Chris on Sunday, or should i say Monsoonday. Okay, So maybe it might not be the best joke, but oh my gosh we got SOAKED. Racing through the parking lots of not one, not two, but three theaters was an adventure in itself to say the least. Never wear flipflops on a possibly rainy day, because they only get in the way when your trying to race through feet deep floods. And the thunder, and the lightning too.What a stormy day that was. I've never been more glad that I brought a sweatjacket with a hood.

That was sunday, which, the day itself was good, things got crappy as the night went on. That night, I wast then made aware that Creamsicle, my goldfish of over 13, years, has a bloat condition and is swimming upside down. Based on experiences with other goldfish, which have had the same condition, its NOT good diagnosis. Not good at all. We got some of those little brine shrimp and put them in the tank to try to help him. Hopefully he pulls through....

I guess I could blog about my allergies,lol, but I dont want to give them any more satisfaction or power over me. I'll keep it short and just say that Cold Compresses and myself are becoming very close. But hey, that comes with the territory of summer I guess.

Right now one of those Court Shows is on t.v, this lady is sueing another because she hit her parked car. The defendants defense is " it was illegaly parked". What the defendant dosent mention though, which is exposed 2 minutes later, is that she Doesn't have a license! Is that crazy?. She goes onto say that she's been driving for three years and that she knows the rules and regulations regardless. Apprently, the judge remarks that she obvisously didn't know to turn around before she puts the car in reverse to check for cars behind her. Ahh, society today.....

Oh well. I guess I'm going to keep it light this entry, much like the lunch I'm eating right now. Until Next Time.
~Melissa

Jump!

The following is an entry from March 8th 08 from my livejournal site, I didn't to get lost among old blog sites, So i figured I'd transfer it here:

Sometimes in life I guess, you just have to put yourself in action. Be spontaneous. Take a chance.Do something. So many people can just wait and wait and wait for life to happen. And then you know what? Newsflash: Poof!. Its already happened. Realize that life doesn't start after you get a big promotion, or once you confess your love to your childhood crush.It starts now. Live while your alive, and make the best of your life while your doing it. Don't let life pass you by as you wait for something better. Sure, It may be written in the stars, but WE hold the telescope. We choose how we react to a situation, or let it get the best of us.So take a deep breath,and relax. Looking back, It will be worth it.

Only Time Will Tell

Well, Its been a tiny bit over a month since I last posted. I had a few things to blog about, but this time I just think I'm going to play it by ear. Whatever I get to so be it. Or maybe I'll just ramble and see where this entry takes me. Who knows. Anyway, since my last entry.....
School Is officially over , which marks the end of a few things. The end of a really great year. The end of all regent's exams-forever. The end of 11th grade. The end of being a junior. We all know what comes after that folks. This past year, I kind of feel that I've learned a lot about friendship, strength within, as well as confidence. At times I don't think we realize how much we have actually grown until we look back. It's fascinating how some things have such a nice way of working themselves out. Sometimes its hard to comprehend or absorb the fact that I'll be GRADUATING in a year from now. Although junior year is over, I'm pretty sure (and hope!) that senior year will also contribute to bigger and better things.


"But all endings are also beginnings. We just don't know it at the time."
-Mitch Albom

Summer. Now, thats something that I think I can talk about. Its early July and you would never know it unless your calendar hit you in the face, because it is so overcast and cloudy right now. As little kids summer meant freedom. Summer-where the possibilities seem endless. Where anything can happen. The sparkle of the crystal blue water ripples in the swimming pool,the faint aroma of a barbecue meal in the distance, or maybe the sound of the ice cream man around the block. Its amazing how all of these little elements intricately weave themselves into our lives. As much as I want to relax(and will), I know that this is the summer where I start looking at colleges, and life after high school. These months can maybe be a time for adventure or new experiences . Even now, who knows what summer will hold for each of us. I guess we'll wait and see.

Law & Boarders

Man, I am such a slacker.Haha.I have to start busting these entries out if I wan't to get them out in the time frame that I want to get them out in. I had this entry saved as a draft from a week or two ago. Too bad I cant backdate it with a timestamp, oh well.

"Me again. Sick though, my throat hurts and I feel like someone filled my nose with cement. Oh well. Coldpills here I come. I wanted to wait for a couple of things to happen before I officially started this entry. Let's see. For a while, I was really nervous about a Supreme Court Project that I had to argue in class. When I say nervous, thats kind of an understatement. Ok, so maybe I was more like terrified. Well, It's over. And I ask myself the question: What on Earth was i worried about? Granted, It wasn't a walk in the park by any means, But it wasn't a death sentence. Never would I have thought I would be capable of stepping up and doing something totally out of my comfort zone. But I did it. And I did a damn good job. I guess the moral of the story is to never underestimate ourselves. We are capable of so much more than we think.

Then was the Concert. The final hurrah of the graduating seniors. When they played the senior piece, everyone else went in the wings. my teacher gave a speech, and she was getting choked up. Before you know it, a good chunk of us backstage were getting kind of emotional too,myself included. I really wasn't expected to feel emotional, but, when you've been playing with the same people for almost 7 years, it kind of grows on you whether you realize it or not. Its going to be kind of strange not walking into orchestra and seeing some of the familiar faces who've been there for so long. Next year, Its going to be me on that stage playing the senior piece, but I really can't think about that right now. I don't think I'm ready just yet,but when the time comes,I will be.


Then, was the music banquet. Again, the last banquet for everyone in the music department. It was a really fun night. The weather was great,(except for the wind towards the end when trying to achieve last minute pictures.hah). I was at a table with my friends and everyone had a really good time. My feet were alittle sore the next day but It was well worth it.

All an all, I'm curious to see what the rest of the year will bring. More Next Time."


So, there you have it. That marks the end of that entry. I want to do a current entry,reflecting on the end of the school year and stuff like that, maybe I'll do that sometime this week. Until next time....

Method Of Acting

So,here I am again. It's kind of late,but that shouldn't stop anyone from blogging, so why should it stop me?. Things have been kind of busy lately, with school and whatnot. School is going pretty good, I have a jam packed super busy week coming up, between fun things, like the music dept banquet, and not so fun things, like my gigantic supreme court presentation. More on that after it happens, lol. I'm sure I'll have alot to say--Heh,heh.Hm, My concert is also next week, so yeah,things will get a little sweaty. In english, we're reading Hamlet(which is great so far ,btw.), and I'm reading the part of the Queen (not entirely by my choice,haha, but I really don't mind--Apparently I'm a much better reader/"actor" than I think I am.). Sometimes i wonder why people are so afraid to do certain things,like reading aloud in class. Nerves, maybe?. When I'm reading aloud,though,I get a little nervous.Not really about what everyone is thinking about me, but more along the lines of how I want to do a good job and not disappoint anyone. All in all, so far, its been interesting, in a good way.

In a way, though, I guess we are all actors. Day to day we live our lives, some of us pretending, or hiding our true emotions and true selves. Sometimes, though we can relate and find people of who we can see their true selves, and vice versa. Groups of people can put up a front, to hide behind who they really are. Maybe its out of fear, worries of rejection, or maybe in most cases the acceptance of others around us. Some can ask:Why do we want to deny ourselves..ourselves?. Acting , in its many different ways, is among all of us each day. Whether its at work, at school, or with people.Confidence and knowing who you are is something that doesn't come overnight, but rather growing slowly over time. In the end, to simply put it, It's best to be yourself.

~Melissa

Impressions

I really don't feel like doing homework yet. So why not write for a while? (I can't think of any reason not too anyways,lol) Last night I had NYSSMA around 8:15, and , I'm really curious to see what my scores will be. What a day it is outside. Cold, a strange gray hue, and peculiarly windy. I wonder if its going to rain. It probably will. But who knows. Stranger things have happened. All I know is, the clouds and sky give me an impression that it might rain.

Impressions are a pretty interesting thing, arent they?Each and Everyday we are bombarded with so many impressions from different sources: events, the media, and, what I feel to be most important, actually, people. Sometimes I don't think that we completely realize how often and profoundly our lives are effected. Or, conversely, how we can impact the lives of others. Sometimes a person leaves on us a negative impression- onset forth on us to make us stronger throughout our struggles with the individual. Sometimes, though, people can have such a positive effect on us- From these people we can learn from, about life and sometimes can even make us look beyond ourselves and push us in a way to things that we aren't even sure we can accomplish at first. These impressions are from people who will always stick out in our memory, are a part of us as these people leave in us footprints that can't be washed away. I'm sure everyone in their lives has atleast one person (or, maybe even a few) in their lives. Maybe its a close friend, a great teacher, or family member. Someone who inspires or believes in us. The heart of this idea, is ourselves. Little do they know how much they have impacted our lives, these impressions are within each and every one of us. You might not know it, but we don't realize how much we can influence others every single day. It can be something as simple as a smile that can make all the difference in the world. Everyone has the power to make a difference, because, just as silently as others are positively impacting and inspiring our own lives, we are impacting and inspiring the lives of others.....

~Melissa

Life Through A Fisheye Lens

I guess this will be my first official entry on blogger.com. Lets see how this site works out for me. Wow,It sure has been awhile,lol. So here we are again, about 2 months and 2 weeks later. A few things have happened, and didn't happen since the last time that Ive updated. Lets, see. Well, I had my birthday about 2 weeks after my last entry. It was a good day, Its kind of hard to believe that I'm 17 already (I can only imagine what my parents must think,ha ha.) I had a nice time at Gasho-the japanese restaruarnt where they sing and cook the food in front of you, lol. Lets see, what else has been going on. After that was St. Patricks day (which can be summed up as corned beef+cabbage+potatoes+carrots+irish soda bread=one very happy happy day) lol. Then I had my college planning day with my parents and guidance counselor. So I guess i can kind of elaborate on what happened then. Well, my counselor said that I was on the right track, being that I had already registered for the May SAT (more on that later). But, Im really not so sure. I mean, soon, I have to start looking at colleges and careers. It seems so daunting and overwhelming sometimes I guess. But, of course I know Im not the only one going through it so I guess that can make it a little easier. I guess this summer I will start looking into it a little more.Once testing and everything has died down. After that awakening, I had my SAT a few saturdays later. It wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be, I get my scores some time next week. So we'll see how that goes. After that was my AP US test, but I wont know about that until July. Next week I have NYSSMA, which should be very entertaining,lol. Ok.Well, enough about those kinds of things,lol. Now onto more fun stuff in the life of yours truly.

Junior prom was last night! And my oh my what beautiful weather we had,haha. Geez, I was freezing my butt off walking into the gym. Overall, It was a fun night. One of my major beefs was the DJ-For like the first 2 (out of a four hour shindig) they played this crappy music that I had never heard of which was like virtually impossible to dance too. Go figure. At the end of the night though, it turned out to be fun. So i can't complain that much really.

Awhile ago I started thinking about how one minute you think you have things figured out and then out of the blue so many things can change. And, when looking at the new situation and reality that you have in front of you, things seem kind of strange and you are kind of in a state of disbelief. (I guess you can say that in a way,Its like looking at Life through a fisheye lens) Woah, when did this happen? Or, hm, I guess things are going to be different now. Then, sometimes we start to wonder: Is the situation itself making us feel kind of wacky? Or is it our own selves, thinking that a new situation will somehow change our own worlds and relationships? In the end, I think its a combination of both. Its just a matter of pulling will and effort to adapt and more forward. Ultimatley,thats all you can do.

I guess i'll write more later. Hopefully I'll try to update this more often. Until next time
~Melissa