Some people endure high school. Like Josh. High school was not his favorite time of life, I think. When we go driving through the beautiful highlands lying north of the valley, Josh often points out the lakes and/or ice cream shops that he visited during regularly scheduled school days.
Yesterday Emma was allowed to hang her campaign posters. She's running for student body president. I took the kids to school early and we hung the posters before all the good spots were taken. Funnily enough, the politics of elementary school aren't nearly as cutthroat as they seemed to be in high school. Anyway, I asked Josh if he ever ran for office in school. He just kind of looked at me.
I ran a couple times. I never won. But I did successfully help a few of my friends campaign. I got to be on the student council since I was the Honor Society President. I served with several of my friends. My best friends included the FBLA president, the Senior class president, some Sterling Scholars, the Key Club president, Student Body President, various athletes, members of choirs and bands, and (of course) the drama club. There's more. I just can't remember it all.
I loved high school. Obviously. I was always busy. A typical day could easily include practices for assemblies, play practice, choir practices, football games, basketball games, voice lessons, student council meetings, NHS meetings, Seminary Council meetings (we had released time LDS seminary and I served on that council as well), homework for my classes (including AP classes), and my 10-hour/week part time job as the "Snack Bar Girl" at a roller skating rink. And I loved every second of it.
I had the best friends. We did so much together and kept each other on track. I'm not always the easiest person to love. I know that shocks you, but it's true. Yet, so many of my friends from 14 years ago are still my friends, despite the fact that I've had 17 different addresses in 4 different states since we graduated.
And I get to see some of them this weekend -- starting tomorrow night when I land at Cindy's house. I love that we are taking this trip. The kids are just as excited as I am. I think we've all been wanting a chance to get out of the house. The only bummer is that Josh has to work so he's not coming. That's really sad. (I'm going to miss you, Baby!) But I'm still really looking forward to being with my friends, meeting spouses I haven't met before, watching my kids play with theirs.
I'm so thankful for my wonderful memories of high school and for my friends that I've been able to keep.
Showing posts with label High School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label High School. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
#3 I'm Thankful For......
I was a loud and attention-seeking drama queen once upon a time. I know it's so hard to imagine that. But it's true. I said stupid things. I did stupid things. Most of the time I actually thought about what I was saying or doing before I did it and decided to go ahead and do them anyway because they'd be funny. I think you could call that Premeditated Stupidity.
So what am I thankful for? I am SO thankful that there was no You Tube, iPhones, Facebook, or even digital cameras when I was in high school. I know there are people that remember some of my "finer" moments. But I am so glad there is nothing recorded to PROVE that I actually did those stupid things.
What stupid things? you ask. Why the heck would I tell you? You probably remember more moments than I do.
So what am I thankful for? I am SO thankful that there was no You Tube, iPhones, Facebook, or even digital cameras when I was in high school. I know there are people that remember some of my "finer" moments. But I am so glad there is nothing recorded to PROVE that I actually did those stupid things.
What stupid things? you ask. Why the heck would I tell you? You probably remember more moments than I do.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday Lesson
Today at church we had an interesting lesson. Because it was the fifth Sunday, we had our final meeting combined, men and women. Generally, that final hour of church is spent with the women in Relief Society and the men in Priesthood lessons.
Our bishop had been inspired to speak about the issues the youth are facing today. He told us that two years ago our youth (young men and women ages 12 to 18), were a total number of 24. Now, after many more houses have been finished, they number 72, with 15 more kids turning 12-yrs-old throughout the coming year. That's a large group of youth. Anyway, the bishop invited two young women to speak the the mass of adults today to candidly and openly talk about the things they are exposed to everyday.
Within their high school, these two young women described being accosted by foul language, sexually explicit language, and others of their friends falling to the temptations of sexual activity, homosexuality, bragging about STDs, immodest clothing, non-enforced dress code rules, and other things that would scare any parent.
One thing I found very interesting was that these two juniors in high school both had to rack their brains and actually pray for inspiration as to what to share because they have done so well at blocking it all out. They have grown up with moral examples and have already discovered their self-worth, so they have not paid any attention to those things that would harm them physically, mentally or spiritually. They have surrounded themselves with people that hold their same values. They resist the call to be "of the world" around them.
I realized that I was very lucky growing up. I had good parents who taught me well. I knew I was a Daughter of God. I had friends that lifted me up and kept me on the right path. And some of them are reading this now. I love you and thank you for helping me keep my youth a much easier existence. I was nowhere near being perfect (there are plenty that can verify that!), but because of the good people around me and the testimony I had of the Gospel, I bypassed a lot of pain and sorrow.
Thank you for being my friends! You've helped me more than you'll ever know! :)
Our bishop had been inspired to speak about the issues the youth are facing today. He told us that two years ago our youth (young men and women ages 12 to 18), were a total number of 24. Now, after many more houses have been finished, they number 72, with 15 more kids turning 12-yrs-old throughout the coming year. That's a large group of youth. Anyway, the bishop invited two young women to speak the the mass of adults today to candidly and openly talk about the things they are exposed to everyday.
Within their high school, these two young women described being accosted by foul language, sexually explicit language, and others of their friends falling to the temptations of sexual activity, homosexuality, bragging about STDs, immodest clothing, non-enforced dress code rules, and other things that would scare any parent.
One thing I found very interesting was that these two juniors in high school both had to rack their brains and actually pray for inspiration as to what to share because they have done so well at blocking it all out. They have grown up with moral examples and have already discovered their self-worth, so they have not paid any attention to those things that would harm them physically, mentally or spiritually. They have surrounded themselves with people that hold their same values. They resist the call to be "of the world" around them.
I realized that I was very lucky growing up. I had good parents who taught me well. I knew I was a Daughter of God. I had friends that lifted me up and kept me on the right path. And some of them are reading this now. I love you and thank you for helping me keep my youth a much easier existence. I was nowhere near being perfect (there are plenty that can verify that!), but because of the good people around me and the testimony I had of the Gospel, I bypassed a lot of pain and sorrow.
Thank you for being my friends! You've helped me more than you'll ever know! :)
Friday, November 13, 2009
That Same Old Routine
My latest 'Fess Up Friday spoke about stress. The tremendous amount of stress I've been feeling lately. It just seems like a lot of things have been out of control lately. I want a routine. I want MY routine. Everyday I want to get up and do the same ol', same ol'. I've discovered in my old age that routine is paramount in raising kids and overall daily life.
However, several years ago I would've rather died than accept routine in my life. I lived in the moment. Spontaneity was my middle name. At least it would've been if I knew how to spell it.
I was thinking about this while I was in the shower this morning (one of the best places to think). As a senior in high school, why did I hate the thought of keeping a routine? Then I remembered: I had virtually no responsibilities. I worked about 10 hours a week as the Snack Bar Girl at a roller skating rink. Out of my eight classes, only two, maybe three, required me to do homework. The only real responsibility I had was to be to school on time, and that didn't happen all that often. Nearly every morning I ran through the halls to get to the office. If I could convince those in charge of the morning announcements to allow me to give one of the announcements, then I could convince my first period teacher that I was only late because I was busy with my Student Council responsibilities ("You heard me giving the announcements, right?"). I'm pretty sure my teachers knew what I was doing, but luckily none of them actually called my bluff.
So in summary,
No Responsibilities = Me circa 1996
Tons of Responsibilities = Me circa 2009
And for now, that's okay. I'm willing to be boring if it will keep my life balanced and in check. Although I do miss making those morning announcements sometimes.
However, several years ago I would've rather died than accept routine in my life. I lived in the moment. Spontaneity was my middle name. At least it would've been if I knew how to spell it.
I was thinking about this while I was in the shower this morning (one of the best places to think). As a senior in high school, why did I hate the thought of keeping a routine? Then I remembered: I had virtually no responsibilities. I worked about 10 hours a week as the Snack Bar Girl at a roller skating rink. Out of my eight classes, only two, maybe three, required me to do homework. The only real responsibility I had was to be to school on time, and that didn't happen all that often. Nearly every morning I ran through the halls to get to the office. If I could convince those in charge of the morning announcements to allow me to give one of the announcements, then I could convince my first period teacher that I was only late because I was busy with my Student Council responsibilities ("You heard me giving the announcements, right?"). I'm pretty sure my teachers knew what I was doing, but luckily none of them actually called my bluff.
So in summary,
No Responsibilities = Me circa 1996
Tons of Responsibilities = Me circa 2009
And for now, that's okay. I'm willing to be boring if it will keep my life balanced and in check. Although I do miss making those morning announcements sometimes.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Dancing Babies
Today we decided to surprise the kids and take them to a matinee to watch "High School Musical 3." It was 
a cute movie. I was trying to figure out if I would've liked it as a high school senior, and I'm pretty sure the answer is, "Duh." It was all about how great high school is and a musical. What more would I have asked for? My only negative thing was the focus prom had in it. My prom (cotillion) wasn't the highlight of my senior year (thank goodness for you, Min) but other than that I really loved high school and really liked the movie. Afterwards, Matt asked if he could go to the front of the theater to dance to the credits music. This is a tradition I think Josh's mom started with the kids. But, Abby and Matt went to dance. Emma decided to sit with us. Just as I was beginning to wonder if she thought she was too old to go dance, she got up and rocked out with her brother and sister. Thank goodness she hasn't gotten too old for everything yet. The three of them danced at the very front of the theater, right in front of the screen, and seemed to really like the movie. I love that they find so much pleasure in music. I love that my husband sees it important for us to do things like go to the movies together. I love that I have so many good memories of my own high school years. It was a good night.
a cute movie. I was trying to figure out if I would've liked it as a high school senior, and I'm pretty sure the answer is, "Duh." It was all about how great high school is and a musical. What more would I have asked for? My only negative thing was the focus prom had in it. My prom (cotillion) wasn't the highlight of my senior year (thank goodness for you, Min) but other than that I really loved high school and really liked the movie. Afterwards, Matt asked if he could go to the front of the theater to dance to the credits music. This is a tradition I think Josh's mom started with the kids. But, Abby and Matt went to dance. Emma decided to sit with us. Just as I was beginning to wonder if she thought she was too old to go dance, she got up and rocked out with her brother and sister. Thank goodness she hasn't gotten too old for everything yet. The three of them danced at the very front of the theater, right in front of the screen, and seemed to really like the movie. I love that they find so much pleasure in music. I love that my husband sees it important for us to do things like go to the movies together. I love that I have so many good memories of my own high school years. It was a good night.
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