Day Twenty Eight – Driver’s Ed, Working on the Couch, Debate Scholarships, Making Plans, and Learning about things I know tons about, Monday, October 25th, 2010.

Well, I woke up late this morning, thank goodness, because I am exhausted even still.   I worked on some U. S history before it was time to practice my driving, by driving my mommy to CVS to pick up some prescriptions.  Then we went and picked up some McDonald’s for lunch (yes, we really do have that a lot), and then we sat around and did work for the rest of the day, from the couch.  I got an e-mail from the William Jewell Debate Squad, and they said that they would love for me to debate with them!!! I asked MS. Brackmann to write me a letter of Rec. for them, it is so exciting.  Next year is going to be an exciting year, for real!!!!  All in all today was a day of reading things that I already knew and working on things I already knew about. So, it was a good day, I still have some work to do later. It should be pretty good. YAY SENIOR YEAR!

Krissy.

Days Twenty Three to Twenty Seven—Week of Craziness, Class from Bed, and Life

I was accepted to Rockhurst and UMKC within two days. I had class from bed every day, and my life basically started to fall into place. It was a really good, week, but considering that this is Day Twenty Eight of school that I am writing this, I have no idea what I should say about it, I got a lot done, like 5 chapters all together, from all of my books, it was really exciting, and I’m glad that I have self-discipline to be able to do that.  It was a good week, all in all.

Krissy.

Day Twenty Two: “Mommy Overslept”, Jamming Out, Crazy Debate Cases, Not Wanting to Talk to Anyone, Lessons in Hope, and the Most Valuable Lesson. Thursday, October 14th, 2010.

“Mommy Overslept” is what I woke up to this morning. Those two glorious words proved to have a fabulous day behind it, minus math of course.  I spent the entire morning working on British Literature, trying to catch up with this new book. Which is really confusing, I have to say.  All the while, Katti and I were jamming out to my Top 25 Most Played, while my mom sang along, it made me smile, and she’s so crazy, ayeayeaye.  I actually went most of this morning without thinking about college; which is definitely a good thing, since it’s starting to majorly stress me out. 

                Then I went to debate class, and we had a really good class about the Counter Plan, which is a beautiful thing.  I really enjoyed the class period trying to put together a counter plan with this girl, Bethany. She’s really really smart, but soft spoken. So, it was interesting to have our two personalities together. I actually feel like I learned something today, even if it is just about Kristina debating in college. J

                Finally, when I got home, I made the spiciest breakfast burrito ever for lunch (it was delicious, but even cooking it burnt my nose, so you can imagine how it burnt my mouth and my stomach! Ayeayeaye).  Then, I got to work on some crazy Consumer Math. I understood the first half of it, but the further into it I got, the more frustrated I got, and I ended up getting really angry.  This carried into my next subject: Government. It’s not even that I’m doing a frustrating unit, but just the work load, and the fact that my sister was knocked out in the next room, and I’m tired, and, well, everything just got to me. Lately, I have been doing this thing, where when I’m mad, I don’t want to talk to anybody, like at all. I just don’t want to move my mouth. Which is really weird, since I’m a talker, right? Anyways, that’s what happened, and my mom was getting all mad because of it, and it was just all around bad.  But, the plus side of that is, I got all of my government done.

                While I was doing that, I watched this video about the Chilean Miners that were rescued last night, and  I was literally moved to tears.  My mom and I had this discussion on Hope, which is exactly the best way to describe these events. When so much had gone wrong, and when so much had happened, and so much COULD have happened, these Chilean Miners and their families kept the faith and kept the hope, and that is why we as Christians, a country, and as a world need to come together more often.  Yesterday, everyone was praying for those 33 men.  They didn’t care what religion they were, what religion the miners were, if it was different, or even if they usually prayed or not, everyone was praying for them. Last night they had this 20/20 Special about the Miners and their stories, and the complete story for those of us that had only started watching recently.  They showed telecasts from all across the world it was amazing to see so many people, STRANGERS, sitting glued to their TVs praying for them and their families; praising God, for the rescue workers, the Chilean Government, and the President of Chile. This story was truly a lesson in hope, and overall, I think that is the most important lesson I learned today.                     Krissy.

Day Twenty One: Getting Nothing Done, While Getting Tons Done, Tuesday, October 12th, 2010

               Well, I woke up all excited for school, and I needed some sleep.  I got all of my History done, including a test, which I aced! It was really easy, actually, since I read and did the Section Review Questions. I am really starting to like those, I actually feel like I learn something when I do those; which is really good. Then, I read some Jane Eyre; it’s actually starting to get good!  It is really interesting, and I think that I am going to like it the more I get into it.  Brandon even said that he liked it, and he doesn’t even like to read, crazy, right? Then, I took a nap. I really needed said nap. I love home school so much. How many times during school do you get to take a nap in public school? The answer: Not often, if ever. It made me happy. Then, I woke up for Sign Language; that we didn’t end up going to because Katti and I both feel horrible. So, I went up to Lincoln to send my transcripts to William Jewell and Rockhurst University.  The latter, we will be visiting tomorrow! So exciting; and Mikka’s here! I am so nervous and so excited, it’s all crazy! Life is happening right now! It’s so exciting.  Then I worked on some Consumer Math and finish some government.  Today was pretty boring and pretty exciting all at once. Not all that much happened today, but everything that did happen, seems like such a big deal. Life is in session!!! YAY SENIOR YEAR!

Krissy.

Day Twenty: Limbo, Bookstores, College Essays, Life, Change-Ups, Curve-Balls, and Things That Don’t Change, Monday, October 11th, 2010

U.S History is awesome. It is all starting out well, and I am learning so much; the same way with Government.  I am officially getting a new British Literature book, so this week is something I’d like to call “Limbo”. I am basically spending the week reading Jane Eyre and working on talking about that, since it was written by a British Novelist, and throughout the entire novel, talk about it with my mom, because she is reading the Spark Notes.  It seems like a really good book, so far. I worked on some math, and got really good at Payroll Deductions.  It’s really interesting.  Then, life started to throw curve balls and change-ups at me (It’s the playoffs, and I love baseball, please bear with the baseball metaphors).  I got my college essay for William Jewell, back from the “College Admission Assistance” people and I edited it up and sent it over to William Jewell. As I was doing this, I realized that after I send them my transcripts (hopefully tomorrow), I will know if I am accepted there or not, IN THREE WEEKS. Everything is changing. Life is changing, I’m growing up, and by Thanksgiving I will know where I’m accepted too. And by Christmas/the New Year, I will probably know where I’m GOING, that is terrifying to me. Everything is about to change, and I don’t know that I am ready for it. I’m so scared. But, I know it will all work out in the end…. I have been dreaming my entire life about going to college, and doing what I love.  I can’t give up on that now! Especially, if I’m only giving up because I’m afraid; I suppose that it all will work out, and I will just have to get over my fear, because things aren’t going to be any better if I’m terrified.  I suppose I should just look at all the things that are going to stay the same: I’m still going to have amazing friends (and boyfriend) in my life. My sister is always going to be here for me. My parents are always going to be my parents. I’m always going to have a strong backing, and I will always have a ton of people in my life that love me. It will all turn out the way it’s supposed to, I just need to have faith.

Krissy.

Days Eighteen and Nineteen – Distance Learning, Being Flexible, Early Childhood Education, Re-thinking Your Life, and Self- Discipline, Thursday, October 7th, 2010 and Friday, October 8th, 2010

These two days have to be lumped together because, I can’t tell the difference between them in my mind.  They both just kind of happened, actually throughout the entire weekend, I did the school work related to these two days. 

                Let’s start with Thursday. I got up at the regular time and worked on Math for a long time, and then did some British Literature, before Debate Class. It was really interesting trying to catch up, luckily, she is eliminating the Informative Speech (after I did all of that work, right?). But it was interesting to talk about all of the kids in my class’s topics.  Then, I went to my Aunt’s House and started to pack up to go CAMPING! It was a lot of fun to go shopping and learn how to set up camp, and stuff like that, and then I got some work done, with a lot of just looking at the Lake and thinking in between.

                Friday, the kids came out to the campsite, and we started to hang out and have a good time, and I tried to do some more of my homework. However, Lex got it in her mind that she wanted to learn how to write, and so I ended up spending 3 hours trying to teach her how to write the alphabet (in caps), while still trying to get some work done.  I got a lot done then too, but I think it was a lot more fulfilling to teach a little one how to write.

                Saturday was a lot of the same. Doing some work here and there, and also teaching Lex her letter’s….a lot.  I got a lot of my work done (all but two things that needed the Internet). It was really interesting to see how quickly she was picking things up the more and more we practiced.

                I also had a lot of time to think about my life. I started to think about things that have happened in the past that I can’t change, and yet, I somehow started to forgive myself.  I got upset about a lot of the college stuff that has been bothering me lately. Yet, the beauty of the lake began to help me feel better about it.  I started to let things go and just enjoy the weekend, later Saturday night, I didn’t find myself thinking about how much things sucked, or how everything was changing, I could only think about how amazing it was out there, to just hang out with the little ones, and to improve my handwriting, while helping a little person learn how to write for the first time.

 Liam, Lex, and I discussed love a lot, and how everyone and everything deserves to be loved. It really warmed my heart to know that, even in the days that we live in, little kids still understand what love is, and know that everyone needs some. It made me happy.

Sunday, today, I had to come back to the real world. I had to finish all of my homework, and be reminded about all of the homework that I had to do, and all of the scholarships I needed to apply for, essays to write, and a lot of things to stress and worry about.  I suppose we will see what happens this week.

Day Seventeen: Not Hearing from Colleges, Getting a Lot Done, the Fair Tax, Taylor Swift, and Science Experiments – Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

I was sick this morning when Mom went to take Katti to the doctor.  So, I got to stay in bed for a little while. It definitely helped, when they got back, I felt tenfold better, and I was ready to work.  That test that I didn’t get to finish yesterday, because it was too hard? My mom and I literally had to go through it with the book and the teacher’s manual to find the answers, and even some of the answers we couldn’t find.  My mom and I are very upset with this book. We are definitely going to be looking into a different set of books, or at least a supplemental book.  We don’t really know what to do; it’s hard for us since it’s my first and last year to know what works well for us.  I feel kind of bad for my mom because she has to deal with me and Katti’s lesson plans and on top of that she has to run the house and everything like that, and when stuff goes wrong, like this, I just feel horrible for her.  We went through that, and then I read the next part, I’m glad we are starting the Renaissance; hopefully it will get a little easier. But honestly, I’m just excited for Hamlet; and Shakespeare. I am definitely a fan of him, and his work.  Then, I worked for TWO HOURS, TWO FREAKING HOURS!!!!!, on math work. It was really hard, and all about the metric system, again. I had to redo that part that I failed yesterday, at least I got an A today. Then I helped Katti with her experiments. It was really cool. I had done them before, so it made me smile doing them.  Then, I spent about two hours working on my debate outline; on the Fair Tax. It made me really happy. It is such an exciting topic, and I got really excited about it.  I enjoyed myself.  During this, Katti and I were screaming Taylor Swift at the top of our lungs. Best way to write a paper, ever.   I had a blast writing it.

Finally, I started writing my blog today. Since I have been writing this journal for a long time, I figured it was about time to start posting this for the world to see.

Krissy.

Day Sixteen: College Essays, Federalism, Horrible English Tests, Failing the Metric System, the Bad Kids in Sign Language Class, Debate Essays, and Being Exhausted – Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

Today was one of the most stressful days of my life. The Title pretty much sums it up. Last night I applied to Rockhurst University and today, I applied to William Jewell.  Both schools don’t have anything specific on their websites for home school students.  This worries me. So, I have emailed them, and I am waiting on a reply back from them about all of that; while also waiting on acceptance/rejection letters from Northwest Missouri State and the University of Missouri – Kansas City.  I wrote an e-mail to UMKC today, about how my application is “incomplete”, so we will have to see what happens. About Northwest Missouri State: They called on Monday, and they got rude with my mom about me being home schooled my senior year, and they ACTUALLY called her STUPID for doing this “to me”.  Apparently, since I am home schooled they won’t even look at my application unless I have a GED score of some number and/or an ACT Score of 24.  Just so everyone knows: Before I left Lincoln Prep, I was at exactly the 50% mark in my class. I have a 3.75 GPA, and a 23 on my ACT.  This is a lot better than a lot of people that get accepted there, straight out of high school. They aren’t exactly the most prestigious college in the Midwest. So, needless to say, IF I do get accepted there, I will really have to question if that is what I want to do.  I was very stressed about this today, and the fact that I haven’t heard anything from UMKC upsets me a lot. It is coming up on a month since I sent everything in there. It’s really starting to freak me out. If I don’t get into UMKC, I honestly have no idea what I am going to do with myself. But it will all work out, I suppose. 

I think the whole college essay thing, for applying to William Jewell is what really set me off.  I wasn’t expecting it. And I wasn’t expecting having to write anything at all, for any colleges. So, I had nothing prepared.  I started to have a major freak out, right then. It was not a good thing, and it only got worse from there. I talked myself into believing that I was never going to get accepted to UMKC, and that no college will accept me, and I broke down. This is the real part of Senior Year, right here.  Eventually, I calmed myself down enough to get some work done.

So, back to school: Today was such an up and down day! My day started out pretty good, getting some U. S History done, finishing the Chapter and answering the review questions. When I got that finished I moved forward to British Literature. I had this Unit Test, that I swear was basically impossible, and mom had taken Katti to the doctor, so I was left to fend for myself, so, basically I ended up putting it aside for tomorrow.  Then I worked on Consumer Math, and it was crazy hard. When am I ever going to use the Metric system!?!?! Never!!! It is really hard, and I am going to end up having to redo it tomorrow. About that time, mom and Katti got back, and we ate some McDonald’s for lunch; then got ready to go to Sign Language class. Which was really fun! Katti and I are definitely the bad kids in that class. We always make funny comments and get everyone else started.  After that, I sat at my computer for the rest of the evening, even during dinner, trying to get my debate work done, trying to even pick a topic (I chose the Fair Tax!), and trying to get pictures off of my phone onto my computer, and then finally writing an essay for William Jewell and submitting it to my college people.  While having a few minor freak outs, and mini naps (more like passing outs) along the way.

Finally, it is about eleven at night, and I am laying here trying to finish reading some American Government so I can be ready for tomorrow. I should probably get to that.

Krissy.

Day Fifteen: Federalism, Baby Pictures, Lady Gaga and Feast Fever – Monday, September 20th, 2010

Today, I got to work on a lot of history classes.  I read all Chapter 8 in U.S History, and then I took the test, getting through things pretty quickly.  Then I read and discussed this King Arthur story in British Literature, by this guy named Malory.  It was pretty interesting.  Then, over lunch break I took a nap, because I wasn’t feeling all that great. When I woke up, I ate and we discussed the rest of Chapter 6 of American Government, we are finishing over the Constitution.  It seems really interesting, I have a test over it tomorrow, and I’m pretty excited to move onto the big chapter over Federalism.  I have always loved Federalism since Jared and I ran the Federalism Disadvantage at debate camp, it seems pretty cool since I understand it.  Then, my mom and I assigned all of my work for the Feast.  I am so excited for the Feast, but I definitely need to bring all of this work with me, so that Mikka can have someone to do homework with.  So, I think it will be cool, plus I won’t really get rusty and forget anything, and I can keep moving forward. Then, we look EVERYWHERE for some of my mom’s favorite baby pictures for the Senior Party.  I then got my last few things together to finish as much packing today as possible, so that we can just hang out tomorrow.  I am very excited.  I am so ready for all of this.  I most definitely have feast fever.  At this point I am watching the news, which Lady Gaga is talking about “don’t ask, don’t tell”, and talking to Brandon on Skype, waiting for William to get on.  I miss him so much; he will be home in 31 days! YAY!  I’m so excited for everything in the next few months!!! YAY SENIOR YEAR!!!!

Krissy.

Day Thirteen: A Stock Market Kind of Day (Or the Ups and Downs of a Home School Student) – Thursday, September 16th, 2010

Today started out rough, with a headache. We finished reading the Constitution, and then it was time to lie down for a few minutes before heading off to Debate; which was definitely the highlight of my day. At first I was really nervous because, I thought everyone was judging me, but everyone is actually really nice, and I made a lot of new friends.  I also demolished these boys in my first ever time/space debate.  This was really awesome. Everyone was definitely like heckling and stuff during my speech; I was really intense about it. I was so proud. Then, when we got back, I finally had something to eat, and I worked on Math, which was horrible, I had to take this quiz like four times before I got a passing grade on it. I was very frustrated, but luckily I had Brandon to help me out, my own personal tutor!  Then, I did some other stuff. But the most exciting part about today? I went up to Lincoln to send my transcripts to my colleges that I am applying to. AND I AM OFFICALLY APPLIED TO: Northwest Missouri State University and the University of Missouri – Kansas City!!!!!! YAY, SENIOR YEAR! Krissy.

Day Fourteen: Performing Arts, Skating, and Brandon – Friday, September 17th, 2010.

                Performing arts was really fun; I got to do a lot of improv. Then we went skating and had a lot of fun, we got to hang out with some of my friends from debate class;  and then I hung out with Brandon, not a lot to talk about.  We are giving up on French, because it’s really hard to learn from the computer, other than that, Friday was really good.

Day Twelve – Shopping?, Debate, Living the Dream, and WHAT WOULD I DO WITHOUT HIM!??!?! – Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

Welcome to Real Senior Year.  Actually….not really.  I spent my morning sleeping in, and then I went to Wal-Mart with my mom and sister to get some last minute shopping done before the Feast.  I got some really cute clothes; lots of nerd stuff, all very cute.  Then we finally got home, and worked on some U.S History.  Which was really funny, actually, Mom and I kept screaming the answers at each other, so that I would remember, it was hilarious; Katti kept looking at us like we were crazy.  Then we went straight into American Government, and I read the entire (original part) of the Constitution out loud to my mother.  We stopped to talk about certain things, and we worked on this little work sheet thing.  I didn’t realize a lot of the things that were in there. Crazy; you learn something new every day.  Then I worked on some VERY FRUSTRATING math.  I was like throwing calculators and slamming my hand on the table frustrated.  It’s probably all the stresses, of how much I still have to do before we can leave for the Feast, or how little of time I have left to do everything.  It’s really starting to get to me.  But anyway, I’m sure you are wondering what I am referring to in the title when I said “What would I do without him?”? This is referring to both Jesus and Brandon.  As I have been getting stressed out today, I have been venting to both of them.  Trying really hard to let everything go; I don’t know that I could have gotten through today without one or both of them.  I feel a lot better about math at least now.  As soon as I got done with math, I jumped into doing debate work.  I realized that I would basically be reading the entire book in one night, so that I could be prepared to MAYBE debating tomorrow for the class of people I don’t even know and probably think I’m a stuck-up-bitch, that knows it all because she was in public school and on her debate team for so long, and on top of that, a lot of them have probably known each other forever, and it’s weird because I’m from the outside.  I’m probably thinking too much into this; it’s just really weird being the new kid in your senior year.  I worked on that for a while, and then I worked on my “college prep class”. Basically all I did was: call Lincoln Prep about my transcripts and get my UMKC application ready to send out.  Which I DID!!!!!!!!  YAY! I’m now almost officially applied to UMKC!!!  Then, I did a bit of housework, and got everything together to eat and start to take it easy for a while, while I read some more debate book, and caught up with some news.  I watched some of the baseball game as well. The Royals won, and the YANKEES LOST!!! I was so excited.  But, now, I am wasting time when I should be reading my British Literature book, to write this, I think really I just need to vent, and get some of this off my chest though; so that I can actually pay attention and retain a lot of the stuff I have going in my classes.  I still have about a chapter and a half to read in my debate book before I go tomorrow, as well as like 15 pages in my BritLit book to read before I go to bed…oh joy.  So, I should probably get to that. YAYYYYYY……..? Senior year?

Krissy.

Day Eleven: The Show Must Go On, the Constitution, Writing Your Own Amendment, Give Me a Sign, and Take Me Out to the Ball Game! – Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

Today was a pretty interesting day, overall; and exhausting.  I had a test after some review this morning, in U.S History.  I got a B, on said test. It was really frustrating in that I have really done the same thing every single freaking year, but to meet all of the state requirements, We have to do every single chapter, instead of skipping ahead to where we usually leave off at, joy…. But I think it will all pay off when I have stellar grades.  Then in British Literature, I started reading the excerpt from The Canterbury Tales in my book; that story is actually really interesting.  I did a lot of this morning’s work, in this subject, from bed, because I was feeling so nauseous; it was really weird.   But I still feel like I got a lot done. Then, I just now (at 10 o’clock at night) started this story about chickens, I don’t really understand why it is relevant and why I need to read it yet, but it seems interesting, like philosophy wise, at least.  Consumer Math was really interesting today, it was a concept I never really learned how to do, so I feel like I actually learned something today, which I love.  I hate it when all I feel like I did was review.  Then American Government, still by far my favorite subject, was really interesting, we got to like the Constitution in today’s terms, talking about Amendments and that kind of stuff, my mom and I had a really interesting conversation about like all of it.  Then, I got to write my OWN AMENDMENT!!! It was really cool; I wrote it about how public schools should bring back a time for students to pray at school.  I felt very debate-like; probably one of my favorite feelings, ever.  Then, I had a little bit of free time before it was time to leave to go to Sign Language Class.  Personally, free time and getting done around noon or one, has to be like the best part of home-school, for real.  Sign language class today, was both frustrating and really learning enriched.  I was a little frustrated by the end, but I started out really excited because I was actually remembering a lot of the letters, and learning words and stuff like that.  I was really excited about it.  I felt like the class clown, or like the bad kid or something because I was getting really excited and freaking out and distracting Katti.  I really hope that Melissa wasn’t upset.  But whatever, I really do feel like I learned a lot.  Then, we got to my grandma’s house, ate some McDonald’s and I sincerely tried to do some work while watching the news.  That didn’t really happen that much.  But it was fun, nonetheless.  Then, Lex and Liam got here, and we had a blast just being silly with them, we definitely taught Lex a ton of things in Sign Language, that kid is super smart.  As we got ready for the baseball game, we kept practicing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”. It was super cute too hear Lex sing it; after Katti and I had taught it to her a while ago.  I love that kid.  Anyways, we went to the baseball game, and I sat and talked to Cheryl for a long time while everyone else went through the “Hall of Fame”.  We had a really good conversation about, like, everything.  Boys, debate, home-school, my sister, my family, everything; mostly about Brandon, of course; however, I will not be going into detail about this.  Then, we got some food, and went to our seats; in the outfield, on the first base line! The Royals game was amazing.  They rocked that game; they got three hits in the first inning, three hits in the second, and five in the third.  The A’s didn’t even score until like the 6^th inning or something like that, and they only ended up scoring 3 hits in all.  Around the 5^th inning, we began the count-down to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” for Lex, she was like overly excited about this; and I think I made it worse, by doing the count-down and telling her about how it will be on the jumbo-tron and how the entire stadium would be singing it along with her.  When the 7^th innings stretch finally happened: Lex and Liam sang their hearts out.  It. Was. Amazing. I was so proud.  The whole way to the car after that, all Lex could talk about was how excited she was about it, and how she couldn’t believe that it happened, and that the ENTIRE stadium sang it.  It may be one of the most beautiful moments I have had with the kid.  I was so proud.  That, and they were cheering and booing at the right times, basically feeding of my and Jeff’s reactions; but, still, it was really cute and heart-warming.  On the way home, Lex and Liam were just talking, and they were very cute. I loved it. Finally, I am doing some last minute work, and trying to get enough done so that tomorrow we can go shopping for Feast stuff.  I can’t believe the feast in only 8 days away (basically 7 at this point {its 11:30})!!! I’m very excited. I can’t believe it is only the eleventh day of school, as well.  I feel like I have covered more in these eleven days than I would have in 2 or 3 months of regular school.  I really love home-school, and I really wonder why I didn’t do this earlier.  The quality of my education has substantially gone up, by about 500%, I would say.  I feel smarter, and I am less frustrated.  Yes, I do have moments when I ask myself WHYYYYYY I ever did this, what I was thinking, why I gave up my “social” life, my senior year, and everything I had going for me at Lincoln Prep, and then I realize: This is the best thing that could have ever happened to me.  I would have been miserable at Lincoln.  I would have hated every moment of it, I would have complained about it every day, I wouldn’t learn half as much as I have been, I wouldn’t have half the classes I do, and I wouldn’t be half as happy as I am now.  I am really pleased with how swimmingly this year seems to be going so far – even if it is only the eleventh day.  I just keep smiling about it all.  Also, since I finished my first outline for debate, I am feeling more confident about that, and it really looks like I will be able to do well in Sign Language. AND I will definitely get to play volleyball, and possibly SOFTBALL!!! Ah, I am so excited; this year has to be the best Senior Year anyone could have asked for!!! YAY, SENIOR YEAR!!!!!!!!

Krissy.

ay Ten: The Enthusiasm Curve, Hitting the Wall, and Cosmetology School – September 13th, 2010

Today started out really interesting: Mom took Katti to the doctor, and I was left here to work, all alone, and stay focused.  It was actually surprisingly easier than I thought to stay focused and actually get quite a bit done.  I was watching the news at the same time, so multitasking was pretty awesome, I enjoyed that.  I really feel like I learned quite a bit as well.  When they got back, I still had some work to do, but Katti and I kept talking.  Crazy, right? As if we didn’t get to talk to each other enough while we were at home together all of the time, we had to do it in class. Although, I suppose it wouldn’t be school without some distractions and talking in class.  So, we got all of our morning classes done, and at the beginning of lunch we helped my mom dye her hair.  Very cosmetology school! It was pretty legit.  Later I will be cutting Katti’s hair so it looks good when we go to the feast.  Then we ate some lunch, I had this really weird Gluten Free Vegetable Soup, I will not be eating again.  Then, back to work.  I got to do quite a bit of really boring government.  I would enjoy all of it, if it wasn’t the same thing we do every single year.  Plus, at this point I am beginning to feel the first effects of “Feast Fever” and Senior-it is. It’s a real thing, people.  I am so ready to be done and just go to college, that it’s crazy!! I always told my senior friends that it wasn’t that big of a deal and they should just get over it, etc. But no, this is legit.  However, I think that being home schooled is going to significantly cut down on this, considering my days are way shorter, I don’t have to deal with stupid people, and I can do everything on MY time.  I’m very pleased with this turn of events.  So, al-in-all, today I got a lot accomplished, and I still have quite a bit to do with the debate work, and the sign language practice, but I think it will all work out. I’m just really glad that I get done with school at about 1 o’clock every day so that I can work on my extra-curricular stuff, unlike with regular school.  So, I would say that everything is good, at this point.  So excited for Sign Language Class tomorrow, followed by the ROYALS game!! Wednesday we are going shopping, Thursday is Debate Class, and Friday we are going SKATING with the other home school kids! I’m very excited. This week is going to be great.  AND there are only NINE DAYS until the Feast, and we get to see everyone, it is going to be totally awesome!!!!!

Krissy.

Day Nine: French, Shakespeare, Debate, and Sleeping in. – Friday, September 10th, 2010

Sleeping in on Friday’s is the best thing ever.  Let me tell you.  We got up around ten and got started on Bible study around 10:15.  It was pretty interesting, about how you should go to God and have faith when you have crappy things going on in your life. It was pretty interesting.  Then I got started on French, let me tell you, I am not good at French at all.  But it’s alright; it was pretty fun learning about it.  Then, I got to do Performing Arts; it was actually really interesting learning about the different roles that we all play in day-to-day life.  My assignment, which is going to be really interesting, is that I have to observe people over this weekend, and see what roles they play in different situations, and what qualities they have in that situation, basically I need to figure out what things I would mention about that person, if I were writing a play about my life.  It should be pretty eye-opening; I’ve already noticed a ton of things in the past few minutes since I got the assignment.  At this point, I am starting to work on my outline for my Persuasive Speech.  It’s going to be basically awesome.  I’m writing/speaking on: Why More Girls Should Join Debate. Awesome? I think so. Later today, Mikka and Brandon are coming over, and we have a few things planned, it should be supremely awesome.  The two of them together is usually mega awesome.  I’m excited to talk to Mikka about all the stuff that has been going on since the last time she was over here. I really love that girl, like a sister.  This weekend should be pretty awesome.  I’m definitely holding my breath for tomorrow though, with all of this September 11^th stuff flying around in the Media, and the proposed Quran burnings, I suppose all we can do is sit and wait and see what happens.  Although if it does happen it isn’t going to end well, and I think most of America knows this.  I’m just fearing for our troops at this point, they have already been throwing stones and that kind of stuff at them, and there have been tons of protests and flag burnings around the world, all because this guy even proposed that he is going to burn them. What is going to happen if he actually goes through with it?  The rest of the weekend should be good; I am definitely looking forward to catching up on some sleep.  I’m not used to only getting 8 hours yet, I definitely miss 12-15 hours of sleep. At this point, back to debate work, I would really like to get it done before Monday.

Krissy.   

Day Eight: The Social Experiment – September 9th, 2010

I had a horrible headache coupled with a stomach ache this morning.  So, I went to class and worked through U. S History with my mommy, she mostly read stuff to me and we discussed it.  Then as we started working on English I had to go lay down.  I had to get up to go to Debate class.  I have no idea how I feel about debate yet.   Really the class is exactly what I took sophomore year, Intro to Speech.  It is really weird.  The kids are really weird.  And I’m 98% sure that most of them don’t like me, and/or don’t know what to think about me.  It’s just really frustrating, that’s all.  Then, I came back ate and went to sleep, because I could barely sit up.  Tomorrow on top of my fun classes, I’m going to have to try and catch up on some government.  But that’s okay; it’s my favorite class ever.  I can’t wait. Now to get some more sleep.

Krissy.

Day Seven: Days like Today. September 8th, 2010

Today was super good.  I woke up in a super good mood and started in on my test for U.S History.  I did pretty well on it, 87%; awesome.  Then we reviewed for my open book test for British Literature.  I also did pretty well on that one, I feel.  Then, we decided to skip on math today, again, since I’m so many days ahead.  Then, we worked on a little bit of Government, before we took Katti to the Chiropractor at ten.  While we were there I even did part of my homework, reading the next section in the chapter.  Now, I am sitting around getting a little bit of work done so that I can go to my doctor’s appointment later, and then get a head a little bit for tomorrow’s busy day of debate! YAY! I’m super excited; hopefully their skill levels won’t be far below me.  I have missed debate a lot though, so either way it will be really good. YAY SENIOR YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!

Krissy. 

Day Six: Long Weekends, Sign Language, Getting Done Before Noon, and Churches Chicken – Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

Today was a super long day.  I am definitely glad that this week is going to be a short one, since we had that long weekend.  Even though I was sick all weekend, it was nice to just do nothing.  I spent a good part of yesterday evening working on French, since I was sick on Friday.  So, that was exciting. I’m not exactly good at French; Spanish is messing with me at this point.  But I’m sure it will get better.  So, moving on to today, it wasn’t the best day ever; I started out really tired.  Which can never end well, right? Wrong.  My first class: U.S History, didn’t go so well, but it did go better than it has been going, which is a plus, of course, I’m starting to get into pretty interesting stuff.  Then we did Riddles and the end of chapter stuff.  It also had this “Old English Chronicle” thing, and I got to write my own!  About BARACK OBAMA!!!  I think it was some of my better work, honestly; mostly because I sincerely love Obama.  I got done with that just in time for Katti and me to start our last classes at the same time.  (We skipped Math today, because we are so many days ahead, and we needed to get everything done so that we could get lunch and go to Sign Language Class).  American Government was super awesome today.  I got to watch this video of actors reading the Declaration of Independence, with commentary by MORGAN FREEMAN! Ah, it was super awesome.  Then, I got to read the Chapter on the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.  It was a super interesting chapter.  So, I got done around 11:50, and got dressed to go around, run errands, eat some lunch, and go to sign language class.  So, we got all of that done, and then drove around for a little while before class.  Finally, when class started, I was soooo frustrated.  I didn’t know what to do, and I kept getting lost, the chick was going like super-fast.  But it was super interesting.  Her daughter is, like, awe-inspiring.  She is completely deaf; but she is a third level black belt, plays piano, and is learning how to play the flute, among other things.  She has these implant things that makes it so that she can hear, when she has them on. She is super cool.  She makes me believe I can do anything.  Then, we came back and got Church’s Chicken, and Katti and I got hit on by the guys behind the counter, it was really funny.  Now, we are home and winding down, trying to get things done so that we can get ahead tomorrow, since I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow (yay?).  Tomorrow might be a little stressful; I have more than one test and the doctor’s appointment, as well as getting ahead for debate and Home School party the next day.  But it should be good, I am very thankful that this week is going to be a short one.  YAY SENIOR YEAR!!!!

Krissy.

Day Five: Things like This Only Happen to Me – Friday, September 3rd, 2010

So, Friday’s we get to sleep in a little, and have fun day.  Usually on Friday’s we would do a little house work, have Bible Study, do some French, and then I would do Performing Arts, and Katti would do Art.  Well, that failed today.  I woke up feeling very feverish, and had a horrible stomach ache.  So, mom, thankfully, let me take something and go back to sleep.  I am sooo thankful.  I felt horrible when I woke up.  I also had some pretty interesting dreams today.  I was thinking about writing one as a short story, maybe for kids, but it is a little….angry (?), scary (?) for kids. So: probably not.  But anyway, that’s what happened today.  Being sick pretty much ruined my chances of doing anything fun on this three day weekend, but then again it will be really nice not to have to do anything, and I can just lay in bed and hopefully get better.  I suppose I have nothing more to say today. Happy Three Day Weekend! YAY Senior YEAR!

Krissy.

Day Four: High School Naps – Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

I FINISHED BEFORE KATTI!!!!!  It was like the best feeling ever.  Today was really good, even though it started rough.  I woke up not feeling very fabulous.  So, I figured the morning wouldn’t go that great, and it didn’t.  I kept getting extremely frustrated with U.S History, which is ridiculous, since it’s my elective.  It’s just frustrating that I have done all of this stuff, like a million times.  But, I can see it getting better.  It’ll be great!!  Then, we finished Beowulf, I have to say, I’m very glad that we did.  It makes me feel like we finally accomplished something in English.  Next we are going to do some Old English Riddles (joy?).  Then the Chapter Test.  English is the class that I’m actually on time with; it’ll be nice to get a head for once. Then, it was lunch time, Katti and mom went to the Library, and I lay down for a while.  It was soooo nice to have a nap, in HIGH SCHOOL.  After all of the years we said that we missed naps, I finally got one, in the middle of the day.  When I got back up, I ate some lunch (which was awesome), caught up on some news, and then started on Consumer Math, it was super easy today, although I think that the people that made it assigned the things out of order, because it taught me how to change mixed fractions into improper fractions AFTER it had been asking me to do it.  I thought that was really dumb.  But it was cool. I am now all the way out to September 20^th.  Mom said that that will be good when we are trying to do debate and sign language, we can skip on that class and we won’t be behind.  Next, was American Government, still by far my favorite subject.  We started with chapter review. We ended up having a really intense discussion over the material.  Then we did a test.  I did pretty well on it.  Which leads to now: I am done before the brat!  I think I am more excited than I should be; I am sitting here watching her do work as I type this!!!  I have to say I’m pretty excited for tomorrow.  I have my fun classes: French and Performing Arts!! I think I’m going to like Fridays!!  It should be a good day.  I need to see what my plans for this THREE day weekend are going to be.  It should be pretty awesome!! 

Krissy.

Day Three: Fish Sticks and Rainy Mornings? - September 1st, 2010

Today was better than yesterday, is really the only thing I have to say.  It wasn’t necessarily a bad day, and it wasn’t necessarily a good day either.  The morning started out a little groggy, since it was raining, and kind of nasty outside.  I was freezing for most of the day too.  But those are really the only bad parts, except U. S History.  It was a lot harder today and I kept getting frustrated, mostly because we are still doing colonial life, which we do EVERY SINGLE YEAR.  So, I was just really bored, and then Katti got done before me, which is frustrating.  I think that she is really skipping over stuff and not really doing the work, that’s why she’s been going back and having to redo so much. But, it’s her loss, she’s just hurting her own education and I need to continue to tell myself that, or I am going to start skipping over stuff, which will not end well.  So, then, we started Beowulf. It only got better today, now that I’m starting to understand what is going on in the story, I can follow thoughts and the plot at this point, now that I’m starting to understand Old English.  Then, of course, Katti got done before me, when I had only been at it for a few minutes, so we called it quits and started lunch. This was, really, mom and Katti eating while we watched music videos.  I got some work for the Feast done, as far as planning the senior/ Grad Party.  Hopefully we’ll be able to do that, and it can be really intense, awesome, and fulfilling at the same time.  Next, was Consumer Math, which was really good today, I actually remembered everything that I was going over, and it was relatively easy.  So, I got all the way out to the 15^th, and considering today is September 1^st, I would say that is a big deal.  I think I’m getting pretty close to the end of chapter test for that, which should be really interesting, to see how I do on my first home school math test, compared to how I did on all my other math tests over the years.  Finally, mom and I had American Government.  We had a discussion today over, like, parts of the government and parts of politics that are necessary for the freedoms that we have.  It was really good, it got pretty deep, I think that is what I’m going to like best about the home school thing, that we get to have really good conversations about things, without stupid comments and having to go over the same thing a million times.  So, overall today was really good.  It sounds like we will be having fish sticks for dinner (thought I should probably explain the title).  I’m actually pretty excited for tomorrow.  I was looking ahead in my books, and it looks like I will hitting some more interesting things, and probably a few tests, which means Friday, we can start on a whole new chapter. YAY SENIOR YEAR!!!!

Krissy.

Day Two: Things Get a Little More Complicated – August 31st, 2010

Well, today was nothing short of frustrating. I didn’t sleep very well last night, so I came to class tired. Probably not the best idea ever but it was a pretty good day. I started the day with a very boring U.S History assignment, which I blew. It was horrible. I felt like I know all the stuff and then, as I was taking the test I realized that I didn’t know any of the people. As if: that was going to help me somehow with the rest of my life, anyways.  It was just a little frustrating. It was also frustrating seeing Katti constantly moving forward, while I was still stuck on my first subject. It just doesn’t seem fair that her lessons are so much shorter than mine, or maybe she just skips through stuff. I don’t know, but regardless, it’s frustrating.  Then I started reading “Beowulf” for British Literature.  It is actually pretty interesting, save that it is confusing.  It seems a pretty epic (pun intended).  Then, as soon as Katti got done with her three things (which of course left me in the middle of mine), we went to the grocery store, as a “field trip”.  It was really weird being there with only, like ten other people. I’m sure a lot of people were wondering why we weren’t at school.  When we came back, we had some lunch and put the groceries away, and got back to work.  It was time for consumer math. The beginning was pretty easy, talking about giving change.  And then it got harder; with long division.  Apparently, I never learned how to do long division properly, and I got owned by the program. Luckily, mom knew how to do it (I know, crazy right?!), and she showed me how.  So, I ended up getting a good grade.  I even had a quiz today, it was pretty intense, but I ended up getting a hundred percent on it!!! I was so excited when mom told me that.  Last, I had American Government, which is officially my favorite subject.  Today was a little frustrating again, because it was all about English people and all of the rules they had and everything that led up to how we Americans do what we do, and have the rights, etc. that we have.  And then even before I was done reading the chapter to do the activity sheets, Katti got done, and go to go and take a nap, which angered me to the extreme.  I hope that she doesn’t get to get done before me every time, I think that she should have to play games or study or something, it just seems unfair, because I’m the senior and she’s the freshman, and hers is on the computer, and my work is so much harder than hers.  I guess I’m just saying this because I’m tired and frustrated and not handling the situation very well.  But, I will take that as is, thinking about how good my education is going to be by putting in all of these extra minutes/hours.  That being said, I still have HOMEWORK to do. Which is crazy insane. I have to read a certain amount of Beowulf tonight, so that I can be ready for class, and I really need to study my U.S history book, since I have to retake that test in the morning.  But, I think that I just need to let all of this stuff go, and get ready for tomorrow, maybe take a break for a little while tonight, and then do my homework, then talk to Brandon for a while to get my mind off of it.  I just think I’m really tired today, really.  Overall, this home school experience hasn’t been all bad so far.  I actually feel like I’m learning something instead of feeling my brain cells die by listening to people’s stupidity.  I’m just really glad that we did what was best for us. I’m sure tomorrow will go a lot better.

Krissy.

Day One: The Last First Day of High School – August 30th, 2010

Well, today went by really fast. I really enjoyed being able to work at my own pace, and learn what I thought was important.  The books are really insightful and had a lot of stuff that you don’t necessarily get to learn in public school. Today, I actually left “school” feeling like I had learned something.  On top of that it was really nice to be able to listen to music while I was reading and doing work.  And being able to leave or go to the bathroom, get a drink or some food, whenever I wanted to was nice as well.  I really enjoyed the one-on-one attention.  It made me feel better that what I was learning was legit, instead of just being another one in twenty five.  Also, I noticed last year, that if you are proficient in whatever class it is, you get less attention, and that was usually me.  That being said, I didn’t feel like I got as much attention as I deserved in High School, and I could have done better throughout the years if I had had that kind of attention.  The only thing I didn’t really like about today was the “Consumer Math”.  I felt like it was way beneath me, and I’m not even that good at math.  However, Mama-Teacher said that it will probably get harder as we go along. This will be nice. I’m really tired of doing addition and subtraction.  U.S History was pretty interesting.  I learned a few things, but for the most part today was mainly review.  British Literature is pretty confusing at this point.  I think that the book is a tiny bit over my head, and it’s all heavy on the JESUS.  So, that could also be a part of it.  Then we had lunch, pizza rolls.  I already talked about consumer math.  And finally, I have American Government (Which will be Economics second semester).  It is, by far, my favorite subject.  I’ve always been pretty interested in Government anyway, so, having this opportunity to learn it in books that the actual government doesn’t control is pretty interesting, and definitely an experience I wouldn’t have gotten to do in Public School.  I am definitely going to love it.  Although this book is also pretty heavy on the JESUS, as well.  Finally, I think the only thing I’m really going to miss is the “senior feeling”. Going to senior meetings, walking down the hall being the oldest, the oldest and most experienced on the debate team, class t-shirts, and all of the other fun stuff that goes along with being a senior.  Although, I was never really into that stuff anyway, I just kind of think it sucks that I won’t get to experience it.  Even though, I really feel like I did last year, since most people thought I was a senior, and I had the most experience on the debate team.  So, I suppose it all worked out.  And mom has been talking about signing me up for the senior stuff through the home school association, which should be pretty neat.  All of that being said: today was really good, and I’m really happy with the outcome.  I was really scared about this whole home school thing and all the change but it doesn’t seem to be affecting me.  I haven’t been accepted to any colleges, or gotten any scholarships yet, so we will have to see what comes out of that, that will definitely add stress. Then we’ll have to see what happens with this whole “debate” team. It’s all going to be a play it by ear, day-by-day type of thing.  I’m not worried.  HAPPY SENIOR YEAR!!!!

Krissy.

Day One Eve – Sunday, August 29th, 2010

Senior year is upon us. I am terrified. This year is going to be super scary, stressful, and hard.  But I also think it will be pretty fun, exciting, and interesting.  I have come to terms with how different this year is going to be. It’s going to be weird not being the big senior on campus. That is one of the things I regret about leaving Public School, but imagine the possibilities this year holds. How far ahead can I get going at my own pace with fewer distractions!? Why didn’t we do this, years ago when I was bored in class? I’m just really excited at this point. I definitely have the back-to-school-butterflies.  Which is weird considering my hike to school is, fewer steps than it would take to get to the kitchen.  I’m really excited to get started on all of my work; I have some pretty interesting subjects this year, so it should be intense.  Needless to say, this year is going to be unlike any other.  This journal is a document and a tribute to the year that is my final year of high school. The year when everything changes, the year I start to grow up, and the year that starts the beginning of the rest of my life.  This journal will be used to record my growth as a person, in my faith, as an “adult”, and as a child.  I will probably also have ideas, epiphanies, realizations, rants, proclamations, and things of that sort in this journal.  I’m sure every post will be different.  Moods will change, days will be different.  Some days it will be excited, happy, and positive. Others it will be short and sweet. And some days will be annoyed, angry, and upset.  In the future (Hey Future Me!), it will be interesting to go back through and read what happened throughout the year, how I grew, and how I dealt with things.  I will also hold myself to going back and revisiting each month. That being said, hopefully I will write in this journal once every day, every other day or at the least every week. It should be an exciting experience, overall. Maybe I’ll write a book in the future using everything I wrote in here. Or maybe I’ll pull an Anne Frank and publish it. Whatever becomes of this, I’m sure it will be interesting. 

Krissy