Working Hard to Conquer Hard Work

This quarter Mr. Parker, being the jubilant man he is, assigned us to write eight blog posts. EIGHT WHOLE BLOGS POSTS! I didn't think I could do it, I mean that is at least one post per week and I am a very busy girl. HOWEVER, here I sit and what am I doing? Writing post numero ocho. #proudmoment. 

Ya know, I have to say that sometimes Mr. Parker's class almost makes me cry because of how stressed I am. That was a lie, it DOES make me cry. I have multiple times throughout the year. So the real question is, why would I ever take a class that causes so much fraught? Well, to begin with I would like to say that I learned the word "fraught" while writing a vital vocab. earlier this year. So that can be reason number one I guess. 

Obviously vital vocab. isn’t the only thing we do for that class. So, I better come up with some other reasons. 

The Park City Ski Team Team Room. 

The Park City Ski Team has a locker room at the ski resort that all the athletes have available to store their equipment. Each member of the ski team has their own locker. Some people, including myself, choose to purchase a plaque to put on their locker in which a remembrance, owner's name, or quote may be displayed. Anyway, every single day I walk passed the same lockers, perusing each plaque, and every single day the same one catches my eye. Its plaque reads, "The harder I work, the luckier I get." I have decided this is going to be my life motto because "hard work" can truly get you anywhere in life. And I have without a doubt learned the true definition of "hard work" through the three quarters I have had Mr. Parker as a teacher. 

I have spoken with multiple upcoming freshman who say they are not going to take Honors English because they think they are inept and simply not “smart” enough. I tell every single one of them the same thing: “Mr. Parker’s class is about 1/5 pure intelligence and about 4/5 time management and hard work. It is hardly the matter of how “smart” you are, it is how much time you are willing to put into one class.”

Right now, I have a myriad of things on my to do list. And, I would say over half of them are for English. I have to study for a test, read a book, memorize a speech, write an essay, and finish my blog all by next week. I admit, it is difficult to get all of these tasks done, but it is not impossible. And when I do get them done, it feels that much better. 

I am a straight A student, but I was dubious towards whether this class would ruin the streak. I admit that I almost chickened out last minute, however I did not. And I can now proudly say taking Honors English 9 is one of the best decisions I have ever made. 

I have already signed up to take Creative Writing next year. Partially because I have learned to love to write, but mostly because it is taught by THE Mr. Parker. 

I highly encourage all upcoming students, like any of you are reading this, to take Honors English in your 9th grade year. It is not only a class that prepares you for future English classes in High School or College, but it is a class that will prepare you for life… Where late work is never acceptable!

*As a side note for all you oblivious people, I would like to say that I used seven vital vocabulary words in this blog post. How deft of me… Make that eight.* 

"Very Superstitious, Writings on the Wall"

Superstitious (adj): Having or showing a belief in an excessively credulous faith in and reverence for supernatural beings.

There are an uncountable number of superstitions in the modern day world. Of course there is seeing a black cat on halloween. Or picking up your feet over railroad tracks. And my all time favorite, holding your breath as you pass a cemetery. I mean, we might as well all be granted bad luck because there is no way someone can hold their breath that long.

FACTOID: The average person cannot hold their breath for more than thirty seconds. 

Yeah, I looked it up. 

Beans are life.
(Photo Courtesy of MySnackShop)

Superstition Number 1: 

I sit here eating my green beans, delicately sliced avocado, gourmet chicken, and lightly buttered pasta with a sprinkle of parmesan. This is the exact same thing I eat before every track meet or cross country race. I didn’t even think I was superstitious! 

Superstition Number 2: 

During the fall we had to do a time trial to determine who would be running Varsity at our first cross country meet. The night before I decided to paint my nails this shiny light pink color. If I am being completely honest, at the time I just thought it would look good as my hands swung when I ran. From there on out I always painted my nails that same color, it was lucky!

Superstition Number 3: 

It was my second race of the season, not that it really mattered but I was wearing my hot pink sports bra and matching underwear. Actually I guess it did matter, and it always will. The whole entire race I was just seconds behind the leader. Then at the last second I sprinted to passed her. I’d like to say that right before my kick I looked down at my sports bra and it gave me the encouragement and the energy to run faster. But that didn’t happen. I just wear that sports bra every race simply because I believe when something good happens you must follow the same EXACT routine to make it happen again. #Superstitious.

Superstition Number 4: 

Cheesin' at Herriman because we finished without upchucking! 

This is the last of my superstitions and I have to give all the credit to mother dearest. I was loading the bus to head down to Herriman, the utterly most dreadful course to ever exist on this planet. If that was a hyperbole you would know because I never fail to remind you when I am using my literary devices. It’s no hyperbole, trust me. As I climbed up the stairs on the bus my mom sneaked a little pack of Sport Beans into my bag. She said they would just give me that final boost at Herriman. Even though I thought the beans were stupid I still decided to eat them. It was true the beans did help, actually they are probably the only thing that got me up Herriman’s insane hill. I would like to say that I am going to use them there again next year but I have already planned to be sick that day. I hate that hill with a passion and some magical beans will not ever change it. However, I still take the beans every meet, it’s even become a team joke. “Liza’s got to take her beans!”

Honestly, I don't necessarily believe in the whole superstitious thing but just like everyone else, I am to scared to see what happens if I don’t follow them. Except for those text messages that say if you don’t do something you will have bad luck for the rest of your life. I’m simply too good for those. 

The Vocabulary is Actually Vital, Don’t Forget To Do It

You know those nights where you sit straight up in bed freaking out because you forgot to do something? 

It was 11:40 on a Wednesday night. (Actually, I am not really sure what time it was but just go with it for the dramatic experience). Where was I? Oh yeah, it was 11:40 on a Wednesday night. I had gone to bed without doing any homework thinking that I had none to do. BIG MISTAKE. Life Lesson: There is always homework. Especially if you are in 9th grade Honors English class… Preferably with Mr. Parker. 

Anyways, the hair stood straight up on the back of my neck. My Vital Vocabulary. 

I know what you are thinking… Vital Vocab… Seriously Liza? You freaked out because of Vital Vocab?

I cannot deny it. There was no way I was going to bed that night with the thousands of possibilities crossing my mind: That’s it, I’ve failed the class. I’m never going to school again! When did I become so irresponsible? I’m Appalled at myself. What will colleges think of me? How will I show up everyday to school and face the hatred in Mr. Parker’s eyes? My life is over. 

My heart started beating a million times a minute. My head was throbbing. My shaking hands became clammy.

I bolted upstairs to my parent’s bedroom. They had been peacefully reading but both jumped out of bed at the sound of my scrambling footsteps. By the look on my face they probably thought my dog had a seizure or a real emergency was taking place. 

“MOM, I FORGOT TO DO MY VITAL VOCAB!!!” 

Ya know, usually when a person experiences a sensation like this in the middle of the night, they are comforted by their loving parents… Not laughed at. 

I wasn't kidding...

I guess now that I think back to the night, it was probably a pretty entertaining scene. I was hysterical. 

I have definitely learned more out of not doing my Vital Vocab. than I ever would if I had:

1. Never bound up the stairs if you have a 13 year old dog.
2. Never watch Pretty Little Liars on the night of a White Day. 
3. Never doubt the fact that you have homework… You ALWAYS do.

And, I have learned even more about myself:

1. I should probably keep an agenda.
2. I should probably set an alarm for Monday nights. (Already Accomplished). 
3. I should probably realize that while twenty points may seem like a lot at the time, it is not the difference between me becoming a garbage truck driver or a some wealthy anesthesiologist. 
4. I will always be some over-achieving, painstaking, meticulous dork.
5. I should probably stop refusing to accept number four. 

Two Hours of Happiness

There are two nights during the week that my family lives for. 

We go about a routine unlike any other day… We eat dinner on the couch. My mom stays up past eight o’clock. And the weirdest of all, I don’t wait until nine o’clock to begin my homework. 

You could say American Idol pretty much runs our lives.

(For the record that was a joke. We also enjoy watching the Bachelor.)

(For the record that was a joke too. We are actually a very active family that enjoys going on night walks, long hikes and excruciating bike rides. Because we all know how much I LOVE to bike right???) 

"And this, is American Idol!" -Ryan Seacrest
(Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia)

Every family has that one thing that they kind of keep a secret because it’s a little embarrassing. Well ours is the fact that we absolutely live for Wednesday and Thursday nights because we get to watch our favorite singing competition. Oops, I guess I kinda just let the family secret slip. That’s okay I trust my four followers will keep it under the radar. 

OMG I almost forgot to tell you guys the great news! I obtained another follower on Tuesday, that brings me to… Da da da daaa da da da daaaaa four followers!! I don’t know if I have ever been so excited before. Morgan, whoever you are, just know that you totally made my week… And probably my month too. 

HE'S SO COOL.
(Photo Courtesy of Pitch)

ANYWAYS, back to American Idol. 

SO, when I try to express my love for the show to my friends, I am immediately shut down by their gossip from some show called the Voice. Like, why would you watch THAT when you can watch Idol, am I right? I do not know who the judges are on The Voice, but American Idol has the best of the best, which is practically unbeatable. Harry Connick Jr., who has sold over twenty-eight million albums worldwide. Jennifer Lopez, named the world’s most beautiful women by People Magazine. And Keith Urban, I don’t even have to justify him. IT’S KEITH URBAN. The most beautiful man in the world… Named by ME. 

As you can see, American Idol is a pretty special thing. And the best part is it makes everyone happy. 

My mom has something to look forward to all day long and it gives her a reason to stay up past her usual of eight o’clock. 

My dad, although he puts on the, “I am way too cool for this show” face, I almost always catch him texting in a vote on the American Idol app. 

My dog, because if you haven’t noticed, dogs like any scenario where the family is all sitting in one room and they can wedge in comfortably between two members. 

My sisters and I because we simply love the show… And looking at Keith Urban!

And lastly, my super cool teachers, who are happy because television is making a positive impact on the amount of procrastination I do in a week. 

Who knew TV could be so great? 

Obviously not  the people watching the Voice, am I right?

Almost Famous

Hello to my three loyal followers. SO, I figured you were kind of bored about hearing me complain about the warm weather. It may come as a surprise, but I'm actually kind of digging the heat. 

Ski season is coming to an end for me, that means right into track. And track is THAT much better when you can run in shorts, which mother nature has made the only option. 

Every Tuesday and Thursday the distance crew runs to the top of Swede Alley and then down the center of Main Street. You would be surprised how many people gasp as they see our bare legs and sleeveless arms. If you haven't already guessed, these are usually the people wearing a long fur coat, a scarf, gloves with hand warmers, most likely two pairs of pants and carrying a grande cup from Starbucks right under their chin so the steam warms their shivering face. And to keep their mascara from running as their eyes water in the “bitter cold weather”. Not to mention this is all taking place on a bluebird day with a temperature low of fifty degrees. LOW. 

It’s funny to think about what they would be wearing if they had come a week earlier and experience twenty-five degree weather. Or better yet, if they came in December when we considered warm to be three degrees. 

Running Down Main Street!
(Photo from Claire Breiholz's instagram)

Finally they blink after a good eight seconds of wide eyes due to the sight of exposed skin and decide they want to take a picture of us so they can remember the “crazy” runners they saw while visiting Park City, UT. 

I like to think that they send the picture to all their relatives and that I will become famous someday.

Of course I have always looked forward to running on Tuesdays and Thursdays because they are our easy days. However over the past couple of weeks, these two days have become even better. It seems we usually find ourselves walking down main street just because it is easier for all the wide eyed tourists to take our picture. 

I’m not even going to try to hide how thankful I am to these overdressed out of towers because: 

Number 1: Just when I feel like my legs are going to give out in the middle of a run, the tourist’s insane outfits make me smile boosting my energy. 

Number 2: They give me the opportunity to stop running each time they take my picture. Always a bonus. 

And Number 3: if they ARE sending these pictures to family and friends they are bringing me one step closer to reaching my ultimate goal in life of becoming famous.