It's been a hectic week, and there's still more to come. We have our first football away game this Friday night at Collins Hill! If you're interested, come watch us beat their butts. :-P But no school on Monday (hooray!).
~*~
The Dessert Preview was not at all what we expected. Especially considering many of us were dreading it...
I've been pretty sick lately. I don't know why. I suspect Charles gave it to me in language arts by sneezing all over my binders (haha, just playing Charles!), but school today was miserable.I was cold the whole day and the high was 85, and my head hurt with a sore throat. Okay, so I am exaggerating. It wasn't that bad...
It was pretty depressing that we had band rehearsal today considering how sick I felt... especially when all these kids sit out when they aren't really sick. I guess I felt okay because I didn't really want to fall off the podium at any point or anything. Still, I was pretty depressed that we had rehearsals (yeah, whine. whine. whine.. :-P).
I came home and talked on the phone for an hour.. (heh. >.< you know who you are.) which made me feel a lot better mentally, but I was feeling physically more horrible (oh grammar.) and didn't want to go back for our Dessert Preview at all. (The Dessert Preview is an event we have every year, omg I just realized it was the seniors last ever! :O oy.. =(, where we officially play through our show for our parents. And.. eat a load of dessert. Pretty neat, I guess.) So I get there, down 3 brownies and some Cherry Coke, and try to fake a smile for the show. How sad.
... But ...
Tonight has been... amazing. There's no other word for it. Phenomenal would be too prentitious while great would be an understatement. It's not that the band all of the sudden played better or louder than ever. It was just this feeling on the field throughout the whole thing, like everyone wanted to work together to make this show go right. For the first time this year, I felt like I was actually communicating with the band... Musically. It's always been systematically like talking after rehearsals and giving commands, but this time.. there were no words. Thank you guys for playing with your hearts and doing the dynamics (yes!). I know we still have a looonnngg way to go on the music and the drill, but for what we've done so far, and all that we've gone through, you have been wonderful. I've been feeling like crap all day, but a small 8 minute interval with the band has made me feel a lot, both physically and emotionally, better. Why stress out and feel depressed when there's so much music to hold on to?
My favorite part though...
Giving out high-fives at the door with Whitney after it was all over.
It's amazing how a group of crazy, sweet, and talented kids can brighten my ordinary day.
;)
<3Emily
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Essays
Sitting here 3 hours before midnight I feel as if I want to cry. No, not for the reasons you think. Although I have piles of procrastinated Physics webassign, Econ studying, and essay writing, my eyes water by a different cause: my friends.
In language arts these days, we've all been reminded that the present is fleeting. That in a few months, we'll be sending off applications to some of the most intimidating and most prestige universities in the world. We've been pushed to write something interesting about ourselves and our experiences. We've rattled our brains and stared blankly at the white Word document hoping that in some miraculous instant, we'd turn into a wonderful and amazing person who has had so much life and so much love to write about. At least, that is what I thought we were going through.
I've gotten to read just two of my dearest friends' essays this past weekend. And both have brought tears to my eyes. You must be thinking that I am some kind of sappy weenie, and okay, I'll admit it. I am a bit emotional and over-sentimental. But. I realize that they didn't reach deep into themselves to find that interesting person because she was there near the surface all along.. for both of them. Stories about the strong bonds of love within families and between people and stories about the memories we've shared eating fried rice have all come up within their essays. Sometimes I wonder -- maybe this essay writing process isn't such a dirge. It is a final, concrete wrap up of the experiences we've had in high school and of the hopes and dreams that we have for our futures. Something to remember ourselves and our friends by in the future. I have to say that college essays seem to give us all a sense of closure for the childhood part of our lives. Thinking of it that way, there's no pressure to impress...
I am so thankful for such amazing friends who have opened themselves up in their essays and shared some of their beautiful experiences with me. I know they weren't writing it for my purpose (duh. how self-centered is that?) , but I still feel very honored to have been allowed to read some of their writing. I hope we all take these few months as an opportunity to show the world who we really are by seeing this essay writing process as a gift rather than a burden.
--Emily
In language arts these days, we've all been reminded that the present is fleeting. That in a few months, we'll be sending off applications to some of the most intimidating and most prestige universities in the world. We've been pushed to write something interesting about ourselves and our experiences. We've rattled our brains and stared blankly at the white Word document hoping that in some miraculous instant, we'd turn into a wonderful and amazing person who has had so much life and so much love to write about. At least, that is what I thought we were going through.
I've gotten to read just two of my dearest friends' essays this past weekend. And both have brought tears to my eyes. You must be thinking that I am some kind of sappy weenie, and okay, I'll admit it. I am a bit emotional and over-sentimental. But. I realize that they didn't reach deep into themselves to find that interesting person because she was there near the surface all along.. for both of them. Stories about the strong bonds of love within families and between people and stories about the memories we've shared eating fried rice have all come up within their essays. Sometimes I wonder -- maybe this essay writing process isn't such a dirge. It is a final, concrete wrap up of the experiences we've had in high school and of the hopes and dreams that we have for our futures. Something to remember ourselves and our friends by in the future. I have to say that college essays seem to give us all a sense of closure for the childhood part of our lives. Thinking of it that way, there's no pressure to impress...
I am so thankful for such amazing friends who have opened themselves up in their essays and shared some of their beautiful experiences with me. I know they weren't writing it for my purpose (duh. how self-centered is that?) , but I still feel very honored to have been allowed to read some of their writing. I hope we all take these few months as an opportunity to show the world who we really are by seeing this essay writing process as a gift rather than a burden.
--Emily
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Writer's Block
How is it that when you have to write the most important essays of your life, you blank out completely?
----
I have been such a bum lately! I've been doing the minimum requirements for school work and slacking off in band, and all I ever wanted to do was talk on the phone. I did nothing but 20 physics problems and 20 minutes of clarinet today. But I also went to Kristen's party (which was really fun!!!! :D) and I relaxed a bunch. Still, I have a load of work and I'm falling behind! :S..... And I find myself blogging since Common App doesn't work.
I guess Senioritis has already landed.
--Emily.
----
I have been such a bum lately! I've been doing the minimum requirements for school work and slacking off in band, and all I ever wanted to do was talk on the phone. I did nothing but 20 physics problems and 20 minutes of clarinet today. But I also went to Kristen's party (which was really fun!!!! :D) and I relaxed a bunch. Still, I have a load of work and I'm falling behind! :S..... And I find myself blogging since Common App doesn't work.
I guess Senioritis has already landed.
--Emily.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Frustrated
It's hard to keep up with a blog when school starts. It's even harder to keep up with other things.
For example. Isn't sad how the things we care about just seem to go away when academics become an issue? It seems like before school started, I was extremely pumped up for band. I couldn't wait for games to start and for us to be productive and get those big trophies at competitions. But since I've gotten loaded down with Calculus homework, Chemistry tests, and Lit essays, Band's become a second priority... and clarinet.. hasn't even made the list of top 5's.
How can I call something my passion when it isn't even on my top priorities list? I never intend to major in music. Maybe not even minor in it. But I know that I really do enjoy playing in an ensemble and conducting one. Band is supposed to be my escape from the stressful academic world, but even if this is the case, I should still take it on as a priority. Not just go through the motions but actually get into it even when I have 3 tests hanging over my head the next day. It's never been hard juggling school and band, so I find it really weird that I'm struggling with it this year. Anyways, if I just pick myself up from this ditch and start getting back into the highs of marching band, I'm sure things will stop looking so gloomy.
The 5 AP class thing is going better this week. I actually made an A on the Chem test that I thought I failed. The calculus quiz today was a joke. Physics is really fun. Lit was a little disappointing. I got back my summer reading essays, and they weren't marked quite as high as I thought I deserved.. but then I did make grammar mistakes and did not double space. See? Here's something else I'm having trouble with this year: Not being a grade whore. I'm trying not to worry so much about the numbers and just focus on doing the task at hand. I guess I should read my little "To Seniors" inspirational note again and get a priority check. It still hurts a little when things don't go just the way you expect them to. (Yeah, the only child in me is coming out.) So number one thing other than prioritizing: stop worrying about the wrong things.
XD
For example. Isn't sad how the things we care about just seem to go away when academics become an issue? It seems like before school started, I was extremely pumped up for band. I couldn't wait for games to start and for us to be productive and get those big trophies at competitions. But since I've gotten loaded down with Calculus homework, Chemistry tests, and Lit essays, Band's become a second priority... and clarinet.. hasn't even made the list of top 5's.
How can I call something my passion when it isn't even on my top priorities list? I never intend to major in music. Maybe not even minor in it. But I know that I really do enjoy playing in an ensemble and conducting one. Band is supposed to be my escape from the stressful academic world, but even if this is the case, I should still take it on as a priority. Not just go through the motions but actually get into it even when I have 3 tests hanging over my head the next day. It's never been hard juggling school and band, so I find it really weird that I'm struggling with it this year. Anyways, if I just pick myself up from this ditch and start getting back into the highs of marching band, I'm sure things will stop looking so gloomy.
The 5 AP class thing is going better this week. I actually made an A on the Chem test that I thought I failed. The calculus quiz today was a joke. Physics is really fun. Lit was a little disappointing. I got back my summer reading essays, and they weren't marked quite as high as I thought I deserved.. but then I did make grammar mistakes and did not double space. See? Here's something else I'm having trouble with this year: Not being a grade whore. I'm trying not to worry so much about the numbers and just focus on doing the task at hand. I guess I should read my little "To Seniors" inspirational note again and get a priority check. It still hurts a little when things don't go just the way you expect them to. (Yeah, the only child in me is coming out.) So number one thing other than prioritizing: stop worrying about the wrong things.
XD
Sunday, August 17, 2008
hm.
:)....
why is happiness always ruined by a Chemistry test?
What I need to accomplish tonight:
1. finish Econ homework
2. study for Chem test
3. do Chem lab
4. college essay?
5. webassign?
why is happiness always ruined by a Chemistry test?
What I need to accomplish tonight:
1. finish Econ homework
2. study for Chem test
3. do Chem lab
4. college essay?
5. webassign?
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Hot Sauce
I figure all of the posts will be named "School" if I don't think of unique events for titles. Today at lunch, I ate oven fried chicken with a load of hot sauce, and in the middle of lunch I said "hey if I had a bottle of this, I would totally drink it."
Anyways....
I can't believe it has already been three days into the school year! And I am completely bogged down with work and responsibilities! Let me just say that I am really glad that I quit my job before this all started and that although I am sad about this, I am glad I did not do Atlanta Youth Winds. Just focusing on school work is hard enough with band practice, honor society meetings, and after school Chem labs.
And now for some procrastinating!
Here's a little bit about each class..
Chem:
So far we've reviewed compound nomenclature, Stoichiometry, and the Sciencetific Method/basic chemistry knowledge. It isn't that hard at the moment, but I still have to keep myself on top of everything because this will all change any minute! We have a test on Friday (already, I know! but we've had all summer to review this... so it isn't that bad.) over the first three chapters, and we had our first lab today. I like our class this year. We have some really cool/nice people who are willing to work hard. At least, that is what it seems like at the moment. I'm sure we'll take a few beatings and start to feel differently eventually. The after school experiment today was hectic. It was the most simple lab ever, but I felt ADD and so did many other people. :D Heh heh. But working with the people in the class was really fun. I feel happy about our "Chem Family".
Lit:
Aha. The only class that constantly reminds me about those college apps. I've already started one and written one essay, but the rest is still not finished, so it haunts me. I'm glad Dr. Tilley keeps telling us to get on the essays and fix our resumes. At least that way I won't procrastinate too much.
Economics:
Pretty interesting class. It makes me happy that the one Social Studies course I am taking this year has no history and is more of a contemporary class. I loved Human Geography, and from what I've seen so far, Econ is probably going to end up being the same type of thing. That makes me happy! :) Also, Petmecky is one of the best teachers at Parkview, so I can't wait to have him!
Calculus:
Hm. Calculus takes some getting used to. I was really confused the first day when D Wag said all this about squishing the function with closer epsilon/delta values to get a limit or what not. But I get it better today. One thing with calculus: don't think about what you are doing. Just do it. If you ponder too much, it'll get confusing. Anyways, math isn't bad so I just need to readjust and Calculus won't be that bad either.
Band:
Same as always. Awesome. :)
Physics C:
We actually learned Calculus in Physics today. It was much easier in physics for some reason... *ahem*
So far, I like Chemistry, Calculus, and Physics. But these are my toughest classes... Gotta dominate, yeah? :D
That's about all I have at the moment.
What follows is a "blog entry" for our econ assignment.
Take Care.
--<3Emily
P.S. I really crave Bruster's mint chocolate chip right now...
Emily Josh Emily
-------------------
Why Fight Over Globalization When There Are Issues At Hand?
Ever since the Industrial Revolution of 1750, our world has become more and more globalized. People have made it easier and more efficient for societies to contact and influence other societies. Countries have higher standards of living based on an improved ability to manufacture material goods. And diverse cultures originating in specific areas around the world are being transmitted to other places in the matter of seconds. Globalization in our generation refers to the interconnection of far-reaching societies. It has a wide impact on other aspects of human life as well including personal, political, and environmental aspects. Take the environment for example; the impact of globalization on our environment is a controversial issue. Some argue that globalization is bad and should be stopped because it promotes activities that lead to the destruction of the environment. Others say that the economy should be our number one priority, and once countries reach a certain level in economic development, they will have the ability and the resources to protect the environment. Politicians, policy makers, and environmentalists spend too much time arguing over this issue. Why is everyone so stubborn? Can they not see that if we continue sitting around and arguing about something like the environmental effects of globalization nothing will ever get done and both the environment and the world economy will start going down the drain? The key to getting things accomplished in life is to be proactive.
So, instead of being so close-minded, the debators on both sides should take a moment to see the other perspective and understand it. That way, a solution can be worked out to improve both aspects of the issue. Environmentalists should see that although globalization can be harmful to the environment, it can also eradicate unemployment and increase opportunities for people to have better lives. Proponents of globalization should also realize that industrialization does damage the environment, and if they don't do anything about it soon, they won't have a society (much less an Earth) on which to build a global economy on. Without the necessary resources provided for us by our environment, industrialization would not be possible. So you see, if people would open their minds to the fact that life is not all black and white and that issues cannot bend just one way or the other, we can do something about the conflicts between globalization and the environment. In order to truly move forward, we must learn to be open to other ideas, be willing to pay the costs of giving things up, and be cooperative to achieve a united goal for a better future. Wishful thinking, but possible if people would get over their differences.
Anyways....
I can't believe it has already been three days into the school year! And I am completely bogged down with work and responsibilities! Let me just say that I am really glad that I quit my job before this all started and that although I am sad about this, I am glad I did not do Atlanta Youth Winds. Just focusing on school work is hard enough with band practice, honor society meetings, and after school Chem labs.
And now for some procrastinating!
Here's a little bit about each class..
Chem:
So far we've reviewed compound nomenclature, Stoichiometry, and the Sciencetific Method/basic chemistry knowledge. It isn't that hard at the moment, but I still have to keep myself on top of everything because this will all change any minute! We have a test on Friday (already, I know! but we've had all summer to review this... so it isn't that bad.) over the first three chapters, and we had our first lab today. I like our class this year. We have some really cool/nice people who are willing to work hard. At least, that is what it seems like at the moment. I'm sure we'll take a few beatings and start to feel differently eventually. The after school experiment today was hectic. It was the most simple lab ever, but I felt ADD and so did many other people. :D Heh heh. But working with the people in the class was really fun. I feel happy about our "Chem Family".
Lit:
Aha. The only class that constantly reminds me about those college apps. I've already started one and written one essay, but the rest is still not finished, so it haunts me. I'm glad Dr. Tilley keeps telling us to get on the essays and fix our resumes. At least that way I won't procrastinate too much.
Economics:
Pretty interesting class. It makes me happy that the one Social Studies course I am taking this year has no history and is more of a contemporary class. I loved Human Geography, and from what I've seen so far, Econ is probably going to end up being the same type of thing. That makes me happy! :) Also, Petmecky is one of the best teachers at Parkview, so I can't wait to have him!
Calculus:
Hm. Calculus takes some getting used to. I was really confused the first day when D Wag said all this about squishing the function with closer epsilon/delta values to get a limit or what not. But I get it better today. One thing with calculus: don't think about what you are doing. Just do it. If you ponder too much, it'll get confusing. Anyways, math isn't bad so I just need to readjust and Calculus won't be that bad either.
Band:
Same as always. Awesome. :)
Physics C:
We actually learned Calculus in Physics today. It was much easier in physics for some reason... *ahem*
So far, I like Chemistry, Calculus, and Physics. But these are my toughest classes... Gotta dominate, yeah? :D
That's about all I have at the moment.
What follows is a "blog entry" for our econ assignment.
Take Care.
--<3Emily
P.S. I really crave Bruster's mint chocolate chip right now...
Josh
wow
?
wow what
oh
I looked in my pocket
and I found some crackers
and I think they've been there for a while
because I've never seen this flavor befire
*before
butt flavored?
-------------------
Why Fight Over Globalization When There Are Issues At Hand?
Ever since the Industrial Revolution of 1750, our world has become more and more globalized. People have made it easier and more efficient for societies to contact and influence other societies. Countries have higher standards of living based on an improved ability to manufacture material goods. And diverse cultures originating in specific areas around the world are being transmitted to other places in the matter of seconds. Globalization in our generation refers to the interconnection of far-reaching societies. It has a wide impact on other aspects of human life as well including personal, political, and environmental aspects. Take the environment for example; the impact of globalization on our environment is a controversial issue. Some argue that globalization is bad and should be stopped because it promotes activities that lead to the destruction of the environment. Others say that the economy should be our number one priority, and once countries reach a certain level in economic development, they will have the ability and the resources to protect the environment. Politicians, policy makers, and environmentalists spend too much time arguing over this issue. Why is everyone so stubborn? Can they not see that if we continue sitting around and arguing about something like the environmental effects of globalization nothing will ever get done and both the environment and the world economy will start going down the drain? The key to getting things accomplished in life is to be proactive.
So, instead of being so close-minded, the debators on both sides should take a moment to see the other perspective and understand it. That way, a solution can be worked out to improve both aspects of the issue. Environmentalists should see that although globalization can be harmful to the environment, it can also eradicate unemployment and increase opportunities for people to have better lives. Proponents of globalization should also realize that industrialization does damage the environment, and if they don't do anything about it soon, they won't have a society (much less an Earth) on which to build a global economy on. Without the necessary resources provided for us by our environment, industrialization would not be possible. So you see, if people would open their minds to the fact that life is not all black and white and that issues cannot bend just one way or the other, we can do something about the conflicts between globalization and the environment. In order to truly move forward, we must learn to be open to other ideas, be willing to pay the costs of giving things up, and be cooperative to achieve a united goal for a better future. Wishful thinking, but possible if people would get over their differences.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
School stuff
Hey guys! :)
I hope you all had amazing Thursdays... even if you were at school for an hour or so. I'm so excited about this upcoming year! I can't believe I have most of you-- except.. Kristen, Devi, and Timmy.. :'(-- in all of my classes. Even if we don't have a class together, we will still definitely manage to spend an amazing senior year with each other. I promise!!
Here is my schedule:
01. AP Chemistry - Okor
02. AP Lit - Tilley
03. AP Economics - Petmecky
04. AP Calculus - Wagner
05. Symphonic Band - Magner
06. Advisement/6B lunch - Webster
07. AP Physics C - Heier
Senior pictures also came in the mail for me today. I have four choices. My hair isn't looking too brushed in some of them, so I'll probably be restricted in which one I pick.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I think I like A and C, except my hair is really messy in C. (You can't tell from this size, but if it is a little bigger... eh, I guess it won't show up on the yearbook.)
---
I've had a great day! In band, we are 3/4-way through our ENTIRE show!!! Last year we didn't even have the first one completely down, and we only had 3 pieces. This year we have 3 out of 4 already on the field! Thank you band kids for working so hard and staying motivated. This really means a lot to me and the rest of the band.
Oh! And I finally bought a planner today. Yes! :D
<3Emily
I hope you all had amazing Thursdays... even if you were at school for an hour or so. I'm so excited about this upcoming year! I can't believe I have most of you-- except.. Kristen, Devi, and Timmy.. :'(-- in all of my classes. Even if we don't have a class together, we will still definitely manage to spend an amazing senior year with each other. I promise!!
Here is my schedule:
01. AP Chemistry - Okor
02. AP Lit - Tilley
03. AP Economics - Petmecky
04. AP Calculus - Wagner
05. Symphonic Band - Magner
06. Advisement/6B lunch - Webster
07. AP Physics C - Heier
Senior pictures also came in the mail for me today. I have four choices. My hair isn't looking too brushed in some of them, so I'll probably be restricted in which one I pick.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I think I like A and C, except my hair is really messy in C. (You can't tell from this size, but if it is a little bigger... eh, I guess it won't show up on the yearbook.)
---
I've had a great day! In band, we are 3/4-way through our ENTIRE show!!! Last year we didn't even have the first one completely down, and we only had 3 pieces. This year we have 3 out of 4 already on the field! Thank you band kids for working so hard and staying motivated. This really means a lot to me and the rest of the band.
Oh! And I finally bought a planner today. Yes! :D
<3Emily
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Last Work Day... Ever!
Work did not go very well today until more than halfway through my shift.
I went into the job extremely frustrated since I've forgotten all the pre-calculus that we learned last year. It wasn't a random burst of stress. I was working on the summer assignment with Courtney before work, and I couldn't do half of the problems. (Hope and Timmy were there too, so I guess you could say it was another fried rice day.) I don't know what is going on. I pray that it's just a summer thing that will go away when school starts... but then again, I did spend this summer working a brainless job, painting and repainting my nails, and getting smacked in the head by people at the pool. (You know who you are. Ahem. :-P) You know. All the stuff that takes away from your academic time while taking away brain cells. So, if I've completely lost my ability to think, I can understand a little bit. It's still no excuse for the ridiculousness of how many problems I couldn't do on that calc packet. For shame!
My first two hours working today was a disaster (grammar?! like, should it be hours..were..disasters? or hours was a..?? =/). First, I was already frustrated from my homework. Secondly, it was my last day, so I was feeling a little slack.. okay extremely slack, and I didn't want to tag anymore clothes. I half-heartedly stuck tags on clothings and stared at customers like they were idiots when I ran the fitting rooms. (Yeah, I know. How can I be so horrible? I'm not sure.)
Well, two hours go by and my assistant manager comes around to tell me that I tagged a whole row of pants wrong. So, I say in a pretty crappy mood that I would fix them. And I did. But then a few minutes later the manager (I guess she got tired of sicking the assistant on me and decided to take care of this herself) comes to scream her head off at me because, apparently, I did not fix the pants correctly. She didn't make me redo them, but she started checking me every ten minutes and screaming "sensor!" when I wasn't working on tagging the clothes. (Yeah, you know, those scary Korean lady types.) I'm pretty annoyed by this point because I thought I had definitely fixed them the second time around. Everything was going badly, so I went on a break when I finished tagging the last rack that was out. I didn't understand why she was so angry. Yes, I tagged them wrong the first time. But the second time, I promise I really didn't do THAT badly.
During break I called Jwong, and I decided (which he agreed to/suggested) that it would be best for me to just suck it up, fake positivity/happiness, and get the job done right. It would be awful to leave on my last day with the manager completely angry at me. That was definitely not the last impression I wanted to leave with the store. Then I went back to work and acted happy and worked diligently. But I got demoted from the tagging position (good riddance) and had to work on putting back clothes and fixing the folded shirts which were a complete mess.
I didn't feel completely better because I knew my manager was still mad at me. So after we closed, I went to talk to her about it. I apologized and told her that I really appreciated her giving me an opportunity to work at the store. In turn, she explained why she was so angry. The day before, I tagged something that was wrong. (Ugh! I don't know why I keep messing up this week! But obviously, I'm not perfect. At anything.) Which completely threw off the merchandise putting out. She owed it to her boss to have all the correct boxes of clothes out everyday, and because I messed up yesterday (whoa harsh, but I deserve this I guess.) we were two boxes behind schedule. Then she said she couldn't get mad at the manager yesterday because he said they were too busy and he couldn't watch what I was doing. What a load of crap. He is just too pansy to take any blame for himself. (Sorry, I don't have much respect for him since I've seen his... people "skills" when it comes to dealing with customers. Anyways, I shouldn't be bashing.) But at least she cleared that up with me. I hate it when people are upset with you or annoyed with you and you don't know why they are that way. I just feel like if I know what is going on, I could at least care more which gives a better chance at fixing or preventing problems. After she told me all of that, I completely understood her anger, and I totally deserved getting yelled at. We aren't on great terms, but at least she knows how sorry I feel and she understands that I didn't mess up on purpose. The fact that I took the effort to talk to her about it probably makes it seem less... horrible. Or not. Who knows. Who cares. I tried my best, and I am done.
Now that all of this is out of my system... let me just say something. (Yeah okay, I'm going to get all preachy. But this is mostly for myself.) No matter how much we dream, life is never going to go the way you want it to. We may wish for a perfect job where you get a raise every other month and do perfect on everything, but we'll never get that. We may wish for wonderful people to work with and great customers who come, but we'll never get that either. Leaning around (which is what I did for two hours) with a frown on your face and a negative attitude isn't going to help situations at all. In fact, it will probably make them worse than they are. (I guess I can relate this other county organization thing to this too. If you know what I'm talking about.) If we ever want to get close to a great experience or an awesome job, we have to suck it up when things are frustrating and put a smile on. That's the only way to get through sticky situations in life, and it works. Even if you have to pretend like you are having fun. I promise it eventually rubs off. We are transparent, no matter how much we hide it. Especially me. I tend to wear my feelings on my sleeves. I am a genuine person, and I hate being fake. But it's better to be fake with a good attitude in situations that you don't like than to show how angry or upset you are really feeling. A good attitude not only rubs off on other people, but it especially rubs off onto yourself. Take heed (whoa, Hope, I see what you mean by "sometimes you type a word and you didn't know you knew the word but you actually nailed its meaning right on") and smile.
Now that I've just about spent half an hour on this post, I need to finish up a couple of things and go to sleep.
1. Clean room
2. Organize things
3. Schedule for Thursday
I hope everyone has a wonderful evening. Remember to be positive and show passion. It will take us farther than we can ever imagine...
If you need help feeling cheery:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqHfser_9_s&feature=related
:D It'll knock your socks off.
<3Emily
(P.S. -- sorry this entry was so long. And sorry it is filled with grammatical fallacies... tense shifts... verbosity... etc. I really need to jump on Elements of Style.)
I went into the job extremely frustrated since I've forgotten all the pre-calculus that we learned last year. It wasn't a random burst of stress. I was working on the summer assignment with Courtney before work, and I couldn't do half of the problems. (Hope and Timmy were there too, so I guess you could say it was another fried rice day.) I don't know what is going on. I pray that it's just a summer thing that will go away when school starts... but then again, I did spend this summer working a brainless job, painting and repainting my nails, and getting smacked in the head by people at the pool. (You know who you are. Ahem. :-P) You know. All the stuff that takes away from your academic time while taking away brain cells. So, if I've completely lost my ability to think, I can understand a little bit. It's still no excuse for the ridiculousness of how many problems I couldn't do on that calc packet. For shame!
My first two hours working today was a disaster (grammar?! like, should it be hours..were..disasters? or hours was a..?? =/). First, I was already frustrated from my homework. Secondly, it was my last day, so I was feeling a little slack.. okay extremely slack, and I didn't want to tag anymore clothes. I half-heartedly stuck tags on clothings and stared at customers like they were idiots when I ran the fitting rooms. (Yeah, I know. How can I be so horrible? I'm not sure.)
Well, two hours go by and my assistant manager comes around to tell me that I tagged a whole row of pants wrong. So, I say in a pretty crappy mood that I would fix them. And I did. But then a few minutes later the manager (I guess she got tired of sicking the assistant on me and decided to take care of this herself) comes to scream her head off at me because, apparently, I did not fix the pants correctly. She didn't make me redo them, but she started checking me every ten minutes and screaming "sensor!" when I wasn't working on tagging the clothes. (Yeah, you know, those scary Korean lady types.) I'm pretty annoyed by this point because I thought I had definitely fixed them the second time around. Everything was going badly, so I went on a break when I finished tagging the last rack that was out. I didn't understand why she was so angry. Yes, I tagged them wrong the first time. But the second time, I promise I really didn't do THAT badly.
During break I called Jwong, and I decided (which he agreed to/suggested) that it would be best for me to just suck it up, fake positivity/happiness, and get the job done right. It would be awful to leave on my last day with the manager completely angry at me. That was definitely not the last impression I wanted to leave with the store. Then I went back to work and acted happy and worked diligently. But I got demoted from the tagging position (good riddance) and had to work on putting back clothes and fixing the folded shirts which were a complete mess.
I didn't feel completely better because I knew my manager was still mad at me. So after we closed, I went to talk to her about it. I apologized and told her that I really appreciated her giving me an opportunity to work at the store. In turn, she explained why she was so angry. The day before, I tagged something that was wrong. (Ugh! I don't know why I keep messing up this week! But obviously, I'm not perfect. At anything.) Which completely threw off the merchandise putting out. She owed it to her boss to have all the correct boxes of clothes out everyday, and because I messed up yesterday (whoa harsh, but I deserve this I guess.) we were two boxes behind schedule. Then she said she couldn't get mad at the manager yesterday because he said they were too busy and he couldn't watch what I was doing. What a load of crap. He is just too pansy to take any blame for himself. (Sorry, I don't have much respect for him since I've seen his... people "skills" when it comes to dealing with customers. Anyways, I shouldn't be bashing.) But at least she cleared that up with me. I hate it when people are upset with you or annoyed with you and you don't know why they are that way. I just feel like if I know what is going on, I could at least care more which gives a better chance at fixing or preventing problems. After she told me all of that, I completely understood her anger, and I totally deserved getting yelled at. We aren't on great terms, but at least she knows how sorry I feel and she understands that I didn't mess up on purpose. The fact that I took the effort to talk to her about it probably makes it seem less... horrible. Or not. Who knows. Who cares. I tried my best, and I am done.
Now that all of this is out of my system... let me just say something. (Yeah okay, I'm going to get all preachy. But this is mostly for myself.) No matter how much we dream, life is never going to go the way you want it to. We may wish for a perfect job where you get a raise every other month and do perfect on everything, but we'll never get that. We may wish for wonderful people to work with and great customers who come, but we'll never get that either. Leaning around (which is what I did for two hours) with a frown on your face and a negative attitude isn't going to help situations at all. In fact, it will probably make them worse than they are. (I guess I can relate this other county organization thing to this too. If you know what I'm talking about.) If we ever want to get close to a great experience or an awesome job, we have to suck it up when things are frustrating and put a smile on. That's the only way to get through sticky situations in life, and it works. Even if you have to pretend like you are having fun. I promise it eventually rubs off. We are transparent, no matter how much we hide it. Especially me. I tend to wear my feelings on my sleeves. I am a genuine person, and I hate being fake. But it's better to be fake with a good attitude in situations that you don't like than to show how angry or upset you are really feeling. A good attitude not only rubs off on other people, but it especially rubs off onto yourself. Take heed (whoa, Hope, I see what you mean by "sometimes you type a word and you didn't know you knew the word but you actually nailed its meaning right on") and smile.
Now that I've just about spent half an hour on this post, I need to finish up a couple of things and go to sleep.
1. Clean room
2. Organize things
3. Schedule for Thursday
I hope everyone has a wonderful evening. Remember to be positive and show passion. It will take us farther than we can ever imagine...
If you need help feeling cheery:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqHfser_9_s&feature=related
:D It'll knock your socks off.
<3Emily
(P.S. -- sorry this entry was so long. And sorry it is filled with grammatical fallacies... tense shifts... verbosity... etc. I really need to jump on Elements of Style.)
Monday, August 4, 2008
Work Rant
Sorry to take write over the inspirational post so soon, but there are a few things I need to just let out into cyberspace and rant about. Things pertaining to work.
I quit my job last Friday (thank goodness since I'll never be able to handle all the crazy night hours and going to school..), and good riddance. I mean, no offense, it's been fun. It definitely was an experience. But a few things have just annoyed and frustrated me beyond belief.
First of all, there's the whole job in general. Tagging clothes until you die and being a fitting room nazi. That's fine. That's what we are supposed to be doing at a retail store. But to be doing that while some people are just standing around chatting? Psh. I think I'll just work a little bit slower and still get paid minimum wage. There's also the responsibility part of the store. I turned in my work permit application a month ago and still have not gotten it back. Hello? Aren't managers or whatnots supposed to be taking care of things?? Isn't responsibility a word in the coporate world?? I mean, if high school kids are supposed to know to return things on time shouldn't real life adults in the business industry know to do the same? The thing that frustrates me the most is the fact that on the application it asks for the hours you can work. So, I put Monday-Thursdays after 4pm. A simple factor that the other end should be following up on. But no, I always get scheduled for 3:00-9:00 on weekdays, and frankly, I'm not done with rehearsals until 4pm. And even after I quit, they schedule me for Thursday 12-5pm (one day after my last day). But Thursday I already have NHS volunteering/Open House/band rehearsal. I mean what the crap?? 3pm-9pm I can understand a little bit, but you got a whole 5 hours into when I can't work?? When it clearly states it on my application?! Ridiculous.
I'm not really as angry as I sound. Angry is too strong of a word for my feelings towards that job right now. It's more like annoyed and frustrated.
I know I always try to end on a positive note, but I don't think that's quite fitting in this situation. I know I'm also probably overblowing this whole situation, and that it really isn't a big deal. But it's the fact that these mistakes are chronic and persistent that really ticks me off. I have a few things that are positive to say, but they don't really seem to fit my tone in this post: experiences such as these teach me how to deal with people and they make me less sensitive to the things that upset me.
I am thankful for not having to work after this week, and I am glad that at least I learned a few things from working this summer. I can't wait to hit it up at Starbucks though! ;)
I quit my job last Friday (thank goodness since I'll never be able to handle all the crazy night hours and going to school..), and good riddance. I mean, no offense, it's been fun. It definitely was an experience. But a few things have just annoyed and frustrated me beyond belief.
First of all, there's the whole job in general. Tagging clothes until you die and being a fitting room nazi. That's fine. That's what we are supposed to be doing at a retail store. But to be doing that while some people are just standing around chatting? Psh. I think I'll just work a little bit slower and still get paid minimum wage. There's also the responsibility part of the store. I turned in my work permit application a month ago and still have not gotten it back. Hello? Aren't managers or whatnots supposed to be taking care of things?? Isn't responsibility a word in the coporate world?? I mean, if high school kids are supposed to know to return things on time shouldn't real life adults in the business industry know to do the same? The thing that frustrates me the most is the fact that on the application it asks for the hours you can work. So, I put Monday-Thursdays after 4pm. A simple factor that the other end should be following up on. But no, I always get scheduled for 3:00-9:00 on weekdays, and frankly, I'm not done with rehearsals until 4pm. And even after I quit, they schedule me for Thursday 12-5pm (one day after my last day). But Thursday I already have NHS volunteering/Open House/band rehearsal. I mean what the crap?? 3pm-9pm I can understand a little bit, but you got a whole 5 hours into when I can't work?? When it clearly states it on my application?! Ridiculous.
I'm not really as angry as I sound. Angry is too strong of a word for my feelings towards that job right now. It's more like annoyed and frustrated.
I know I always try to end on a positive note, but I don't think that's quite fitting in this situation. I know I'm also probably overblowing this whole situation, and that it really isn't a big deal. But it's the fact that these mistakes are chronic and persistent that really ticks me off. I have a few things that are positive to say, but they don't really seem to fit my tone in this post: experiences such as these teach me how to deal with people and they make me less sensitive to the things that upset me.
I am thankful for not having to work after this week, and I am glad that at least I learned a few things from working this summer. I can't wait to hit it up at Starbucks though! ;)
Sunday, August 3, 2008
To Seniors, Inspiration and Reflection
I hope most of you read this:
Although there is only a week of summer left before school starts, I am pretty excited about the new school year. This past week at band camp and the GSLT leadership retreat, I've opened my eyes to so many new ideas and insights that I really want to get going this year.
Seniors -- I know we are all really nervous about this upcoming year. I am especially shaking. We've got college applications to fill, AP classes to ace, and extracurricular activities along with family, friends, and a fun life to juggle. And.. AP Chemistry (aiy!). But we must not loose hope! Everyone has a full plate. It's not right for us to complain about how busy we are because we are not the only ones with lives so hectic. We need to suck it up and take on the challenge.
We must make this year the best one ever so that when we leave the legacy of 2009 stays behind in the hallways of our school, the rooms of our homes, anywhere... So that we change and shape the direction of whatever we care about this year towards a better and brighter future. It isn't just about grades anymore. I understand that we should be good students, and I believe that we will. I know that we will get into the good colleges that we dream of going to. But instead of focusing on where we want to go and what we want our GPAs to be, we focus on putting all of our passions and hard work into what we love whether it be our Families, Sports, Physics, Music, etc., and we will make this year an amazing one. Those college applications will take care of themselves. We'd still have to write them and get recs, but having a good resume.. we don't need to worry about that if we just go towards what we love hard core.
I hope we all realize that this is our last year to make a positive impact in our communities -- that after a few hundred days or so, we will never have this opportunity again. We will eventually all fly off (excuse this cliche) in different directions with various hopes and dreams. But we should leave with common ground: the fact that we cared enough and loved enough to come together in our last year to give back to a place that brought us up from our childhood. No matter what positions we're taking on this year, we need to step up to the plate and do the best we possibly can for others.
I wish us all luck in pursuing a phenomenal school year.
~*~
Band camp turned out to be.... amazing. Everyone worked so hard last week, and we got so much done: we are already halfway through our entire show. That's two songs marching and playing! We aren't perfect yet (duh) and we're not 100% focused all of the time, but that's okay because we've done so much already.
I've found it so much easier to communicate with my band this year. It used to be so hard to talk to them! I was nervous everytime I got up in front of the band... nervous about what they would think of me, whether or not they would listen or care, and nervous that they would see my every mistake. I guess I got better at hiding it as the months went along. But I feel so horrible about last year. There was so much I could bring to my band and so much influence I could have had on the musicians, but I never truly took that initiative to make an impact. (I definitely won't let this happen to Emilee! I hope she gets the full two years that she deserves.)
This year has been a change. I'm not sure if it comes with the seniority or with the experience (more likely) but I feel so much more comfortable with the band. I don't worry anymore about what they think of me, and I know that the respect and trust will build as long as I am willing to reach out. I am still working on being a drum major and I definitely don't have it all down yet (I never will)... but I am especially working on the influence aspect of it all. I'm not sure exactly how this will come together, but I am trying harder to reach out to my band peers.
Anyways, my last band camp as an official PHS student is over. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this wonderful experience.
~*~
I've learned something this summer. Sometimes you must do things you don't want to do even though you would much rather fight it until you get your way and do something you love doing. But growing up means accepting to do things that are not necessarily things that you want or even like with a smile. It is a good idea to accept unwanted responsibilities with a positive attitude even when it is faked. Sometimes, those fake attitudes make you change the way you think and open your mind to new ideas and opportunities. Then they become real attitudes that you can turn into action and initiate change. Good change. Sucking it up and pretending to like something you don't may not be such a bad idea after all.
Smile and spread love.
--Emily
Although there is only a week of summer left before school starts, I am pretty excited about the new school year. This past week at band camp and the GSLT leadership retreat, I've opened my eyes to so many new ideas and insights that I really want to get going this year.
Seniors -- I know we are all really nervous about this upcoming year. I am especially shaking. We've got college applications to fill, AP classes to ace, and extracurricular activities along with family, friends, and a fun life to juggle. And.. AP Chemistry (aiy!). But we must not loose hope! Everyone has a full plate. It's not right for us to complain about how busy we are because we are not the only ones with lives so hectic. We need to suck it up and take on the challenge.
We must make this year the best one ever so that when we leave the legacy of 2009 stays behind in the hallways of our school, the rooms of our homes, anywhere... So that we change and shape the direction of whatever we care about this year towards a better and brighter future. It isn't just about grades anymore. I understand that we should be good students, and I believe that we will. I know that we will get into the good colleges that we dream of going to. But instead of focusing on where we want to go and what we want our GPAs to be, we focus on putting all of our passions and hard work into what we love whether it be our Families, Sports, Physics, Music, etc., and we will make this year an amazing one. Those college applications will take care of themselves. We'd still have to write them and get recs, but having a good resume.. we don't need to worry about that if we just go towards what we love hard core.
I hope we all realize that this is our last year to make a positive impact in our communities -- that after a few hundred days or so, we will never have this opportunity again. We will eventually all fly off (excuse this cliche) in different directions with various hopes and dreams. But we should leave with common ground: the fact that we cared enough and loved enough to come together in our last year to give back to a place that brought us up from our childhood. No matter what positions we're taking on this year, we need to step up to the plate and do the best we possibly can for others.
I wish us all luck in pursuing a phenomenal school year.
~*~
Band camp turned out to be.... amazing. Everyone worked so hard last week, and we got so much done: we are already halfway through our entire show. That's two songs marching and playing! We aren't perfect yet (duh) and we're not 100% focused all of the time, but that's okay because we've done so much already.
I've found it so much easier to communicate with my band this year. It used to be so hard to talk to them! I was nervous everytime I got up in front of the band... nervous about what they would think of me, whether or not they would listen or care, and nervous that they would see my every mistake. I guess I got better at hiding it as the months went along. But I feel so horrible about last year. There was so much I could bring to my band and so much influence I could have had on the musicians, but I never truly took that initiative to make an impact. (I definitely won't let this happen to Emilee! I hope she gets the full two years that she deserves.)
This year has been a change. I'm not sure if it comes with the seniority or with the experience (more likely) but I feel so much more comfortable with the band. I don't worry anymore about what they think of me, and I know that the respect and trust will build as long as I am willing to reach out. I am still working on being a drum major and I definitely don't have it all down yet (I never will)... but I am especially working on the influence aspect of it all. I'm not sure exactly how this will come together, but I am trying harder to reach out to my band peers.
Anyways, my last band camp as an official PHS student is over. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this wonderful experience.
~*~
I've learned something this summer. Sometimes you must do things you don't want to do even though you would much rather fight it until you get your way and do something you love doing. But growing up means accepting to do things that are not necessarily things that you want or even like with a smile. It is a good idea to accept unwanted responsibilities with a positive attitude even when it is faked. Sometimes, those fake attitudes make you change the way you think and open your mind to new ideas and opportunities. Then they become real attitudes that you can turn into action and initiate change. Good change. Sucking it up and pretending to like something you don't may not be such a bad idea after all.
Smile and spread love.
--Emily
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