I Don't Want Perfection.

As the school year closes, I'm learning things I will do, say, act, buy, or think differently next year. I'm making a mental list of activities I must take part in, school clubs I want to be involved in, and ways to make a name for myself in my senior year. One thing in particular I've learned, is my unending disgust for perfection. I am my own worst critic.

Looks. Everyone is judged in high school for how they look. And I'll be the first to admit that I stereotype students by how they dress. Typically, it tells a lot about the person. But dear fellow high school preps, snobs, and even people who judge me- I am human. I am a teenage girl. My nail polish will hardly ever be perfect AND match my outfit at the same time. I have more bad hair days than I can count. I don't always wear make-up. I oversleep. I don't always look like I stepped off the cover of Seventeen or even American Cheerleader. I often wear things that are already old news in the fashion world. Or last year's tee shirts.
On the flip side, I like to keep my wardrobe fresh by mixing outfit combos. I love to accessorize. I highly recommend resale shops. I love to bargain shop. I like to create my own flair and style. And be me. I love to look pretty, but it means nothing if I don't feel pretty. And that does not mean I have to be perfect.

School work. Sometimes we have days that we are sinply not in the mood. Some days we have other things in our lives occurring that make it hard to focus on a history assignment about the French Revolution. Or maybe we physically feel awful, but absences aren't an option. These things happen. And I am no longer going to beat myself up over them. I am promising myself that I will try harder than ever during my senior year, to excel with my future in mind. But that doesn't mean perfection.

General personal flaws. Rumors, bad names, fallouts, and just plain jerks. They are everywhere. In high school- trusting no one is the best policy. (But you learn nothing that way.) Several points I need to make here-
A. I believe in a conflict, that you should try to "be the bigger person." Although, I don't think it always solves the problem. Hear me out though, I think there are certain ways according to each circumstance to handle ths issue. Maybe the person in question needs a non confrontational request for an apology. Maybe parents or police should be involved. (Please not that I am not promoting violence. Simply saying that "letting it roll off your back" does not always work.)
B. I am a Christian. I do believe the commandments of Jesus Christ. But being a Christian means that you are forgiven when you do wrong. Not that you are perfect. The only perfect being to ever walk planet earth is Jesus himself. I have my own personal opinions about piercings, tattoos, etc. I believe everything has a boundary. And not everyone's boundary is the same. This however does not give you the right to be rude or hateful to someone because of that choice. Live your live, not theirs!
You Only Live Once. Yes, this rap song by Drake and Lil Wayne has gone viral, and isn't the cleanest. Although, the message is so true. We have one life to live, and it could be taken away at any moment. Why waste so much time, money, and disapointment trying to make it perfect? It won't ever be. Obstacles are thrown our way each and every day to teach us and help us grow. So what if someone does something different than you? So what if your wedding isn't traditional? So what?

I only want happiness. I don't want perfection. One day I want to be able to tell my grandkids that I worked hard at what I did, but I had a great time while taking each moment and making it last. I want to inspire them to do crazy things, and learn from them. I want them to know that I will always love them, no matter what dumb things they do, and that I won't judge them. I want the best for my family, now and in the future. But not perfection.

New Perspective

Over the past year I have developed some opinions about things due to experience. One of them being school. I love to gripe about school. The list of things I hate about it is endless. The list of things I'd rather be doing is rather lengthy. I so often feel sorry for teachers and the students they have to put up with, and the work they put in for little recognition.  I have strong opinions about the things BA schools is doing right and wrong. BUT, I've come to realize something...if you don't like something- change it. Do something about it.

(Pictured above is Mr. Chitty, the 2012 BAPS District Teacher of the Year)

If you would have asked me in January what my college plans I would have told you that the sound of college makes me want to barf. If I don't have to go, I'm not. I am going to work and save and ponder on my future. But seriously, what good will that do me?

When I was younger, I wanted to be a teacher. I love office supplies, decorating, teaching, presenting, getting dressed up for work, etc. Teaching is something I just keep coming back to. I realize that with teaching there are a lot of things that could stress you out. Defiant students, students who simply don't care, hateful parents, grading homework, etc. But (differing with age group) I've seen on so many occassions, the best teachers are the happiest. If you truly enjoy what you do, you are happy. If you are happy, your job is done to a higher standard. With some age groups, (and with boundaries in play) friendships are made. Memories are made. Teachers impact kids more than they ever know.

Throughout the school district I attend, there are things that I support, and things that simply disgust me. However, sitting back and complaining or planning on discriminating, I can join the team and work to make it  better. This entire mindset is going to take a tremendous amount of hard work, and heart. I've decided to make this my goal to make my family proud, support a future family, and make a difference.

So the moral of the story, little tykes, is- if you don't like something, CHANGE IT.

Senoritis. And I'm only a Junior.

I have just been self diagnosed with a pre-mature case of SENIORITIS. Everyone I know has it, and it's spreaading faster than wildfire. Broken Arrow seniors have already recieved their caps and gowns and the surrealness of it all is setting in.

Stores are stocking up on bikinis.

College acceptance letters are in the mail.

Warmer temperatures and tornado warnings are moving in.

The growing pains and itches of becoming that many steps closer to being an independent adult can be felt everywhere.

School becomes harder to focus on as teachers cram in more information for end of the year tests.

BA is on the brink of starting the dreaded block scheduling that lasts nearly a month.

Summer classes and programs are popping up on every corner.

Vacations, internships, and camps are being planned.

Are you ready?

Summer is within reach. Keep the goal in mind and keep your mental train on the tracks. Just a little bit longer...

Madness. The Full Series.

Nearly impossible.

I truly don't understand how this happens, but I feel as though karma is out to get me. I cannot seem to get or holf onto a full set of anything!

1. The Twilight Saga- I have books 2 and 3

2. Step Up- I have the soundtrack to the first and the second DVD

3. High School Musical- I own the first and third on DVD

4. The Hunger Games- I own the second book

I feel like there are more things that belong on this list...

Anyone else have this problem?

May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor

It has Arrived. The biggest epidemic to hit theaters since the Cullens. Katniss Everdeen. The Hunger Games.

Last night I stayed up to go to the premier and it was amazing. The effects of the futuristic set and the capital were incredible. The over the top Effie Trinket was captivating and just as peculiar as in the book. The action was incredible and Katniss was beautiful. Now unfortanutely, some aspects were left out simply because the book was so jam packed with action.

Without givng the movie away to those of you who haven't read the book- the ending is unexpected. There were times that I wanted to cry, and I;m sure I would have if I didn't know the outcome of certain situations.

Stats: Language is minimal. Not enough to really effect the movie. But just as pinterest says, sometimes "gosh darn" doesn't cover it.

There is no sexual content. A few sweet kisses (with Josh Hutcherson!!!) in life and death situations but that is all.

There is some gore. Not much, and the majority of it is blurred out. However, the plot of the movie is centrally to kill all the other opponents in the arena.

Be prepared to take several bathroom breaks BEFORE it starts. The movie is nearly three hours long.

Now, it is up to you to decide. Team Gale or Team Peeta. More info to come.

PS. I won't have time for a nap before work so anyone should feel free to drop off a snack at work to keep me awake! (:

It's Spring Break y'all

Two words. Spring and break. Put them together and you get a phrase that generates happiness for any age. For some this means getting wasted, for some this means a vacation, and for me it's a priceless week away from school. Can I get a "Hallelujah"?

The majority of my spring break will consist of helping around the house and babysitting. Another portion of my time will be spent at my awesome new job. But don't get me wrong- I plan on spending time with my friends too. I am hoping to get my toes done with a new friend, and see Channing Tatum's newest comedy flick 21 Jump Street. I'm also looking forward to my boyfriend coming home from Spring Retreat with his youth group on Wednesday. He is arriving in Missouri as I write this, but I miss him already. Although it helps to know that he is safe, and having a blast as well.

But the real reason I love spring break and I am counting down to summer- is no school. This means not waking up at 6 am, no boring classes for 6 hours, no homework, and time to do what is really important/ necessary to me. Again, don't misunderstand, I think school is very important. Especially in today's world. Knowledge is power. However, the school system is broken. Teachers cannot control disrespectful students, administrators can't or don't solve problems, and the majority of of adults that work in the school system cannot relate to students therefore, they can't do their job to the capacity needed. There are also a multitude of opportunities available that don't require college educations. People all over our country have worked their way to and through a decent job to a comfortable standard of living without secondary education.

Side note: If I could say what I truly thought to some of our school officials and teachers, this is what I would say (more generally towards high school associated administration)-

"Have some compassion. I understand that students shouldn't sleep in class or finish their homework right before it's due the day of, but some of us lead very hectic and chaotic lives that you may never be able to understand even if you tried. "

Okay, okay, I'll get off the school rant, I just have had a few less than pleasurable experiences throughout my years in the public school system. So this spring break has only just begun, and its already going by too fast, so hang on!

Be bold. Try something new. Make a new friend. Take a break from something stressful. Rearrange furniture. Catch up on sleep. Take naps like a toddler. Cook something new. Buy new clothes. Spend time with family. Journal. Write. Stay up late and do something unexpected.

That is what spring break is all about.

She said yes

Today my boyfriend of almost nine months asked me to be his date to his senior prom. It was very original.

After school, before getting into the car, he handed me a sharpie and says "Turn around."

When I turned back around he had a white tee shirt on, that said, "Natasha, Prom? 4.28.12"

Then he says "Wait, you have to mark your answer." and turns around. The back of his shirt had a "yes" box and a "no" box. He had the "no" section marked out, anf then it said- "Looks like you have to say yes!" Which of course I did. Who could pass that cuteness up? Not me!

Also- ladies, I think it is completely dumb to make him wait to see the dress in question until the night of. It will be so much easier for him to coordinate if he knows what you are wearing. It's fun if he can help pick it out as well. Plus it's just a preview. On prom day he will see you with all your accessories, hair, nails, make-up etc. The "he can't see the dress" business should be for the wedding. You are still in high school. Relax, chicos.

Thanks, sweetheart. I can't wait to make a statement with you this year at Prom. It's going to be fantastic!