Photos

*Chels took about half of these photos. THANKS!

“Be HAPPY!”

That’s what Brett wrote on my hand today. Now, let us forget the fact that she even had to write this is on my hand and focus on that fact that she had to make some gesture to try to calm my anxiety (other than worrying).

It seems that my worries are plastered on my face at all times. I even get asked “What’s wrong?” when I’m completely okay, so imagine when I’m not?! It’s sweet though. My closest homies can always make me forget all the work I have with the most valuable/hilarious moments ever, and I tend to just forget my worries in general when I’m around people. I started up a conversation with Carlos in the Deans’ Office and a whole bunch of people joined in. That was fun and talking to Carlos (a.k.a. The Bible Genius) is always interesting. I was so embarrassed and upset about missing Shakespeare by accident, but Mr. Wellington tried to get me to not worry. I’m such a mess, BUT I’M HANGING IN THERE. I’m okay, I swear. I just have a lot to get done, nothing huge.

I remember Mr. Carver caught me a little stressed some day last year and (of course) asked if I was okay. I wondered outloud why everyone is always asking me that, and he said it’s because I’m always smiling, so when I’m not, there must be something wrong. Haha! What a reputation! I am very prone to smiling (and laughing, as you all may know). Sometimes it’s natural and other times I just understand the power of a smile so I smile at random people. YEA! I would absolutely love to start a SMILE-AT-RANDOM-PEOPLE MOVEMENT!

I’m also remembering now that a few days ago I was talking to a teacher (I wish I could remember who!) who reminded me to “keep smiling” as we departed. That’s the best.

I was explaining to Jacob why I didn’t post anything last night and about my common theme of Bad Days recently and how I didn’t want to put that kind of energy on my blog. But whatever: I’VE BEEN HAVING A SERIES OF BAD DAYS, which have brought to light all the little moments of bliss.

:)

And I would like to congratulate all of the 2nd Semester Seniors who have been able to have careless and stress-free/ restful Riverdale times lately. I’m still waiting for my time.

Poetry Slam

My Friday was the very opposite of the day before: pretty bad throughout until the end when I was at the Poetry Slam, which had great energy and was so much fun. Even though I find it disappointing that more Upper Schoolers weren’t there, I could tell that everyone who did attend wanted to be there. It was beautiful and full of courageous poets/performers from elementary school students to teachers. The band was incredible. For most of the poems they improvised in the background, matching the mood of the poem perfectly while also matching up with each other. Then, they’d pick up the volume when the poem was over and give us a chance to groove.

Nat and Neiko were sweet MC’s and they sang together twice (The Man Who Can’t Be Moved and Imagine), and Ms. Quarshie managed to save my day twice, once by talking poetry and gender with me in the morning and then again with this event. I saw Liz Fernandez, whose son is in the Lower School; she plays a huge roll in planning the nation-wide Student Diversity Leadership Conference. I also saw a Lower School mother whose children I’ve babysat and who is very involved with diversity in the Lower School, and heard my buddies Anneliese and Emilio read their original poems.

It was a great time.

 

The Bright Sides

I had a bad very end of the day. To make myself feel better I’ll be listing all the good things that happened otherwise:

1. Sat next to Bronwen in Physics and complimented Greg’s rarely acceptable grey-on-grey outfit and nice cardigan.

2. Had a photo critique session with Corey, Jacob, and Gabe during Advisor and learned a lot.

3. No ILS reading quiz, even though I actually understood it this time.

4. Mr. Harrop commented on the strange mixture of clothing that created my outfit. I responded by telling him, “Oh yea, I was feeling very free this morning!” That got a chuckle out of some people which made me feel funny. And Mr. Harrop said something about feeling glad I felt the freedom, and then concluded that I’m probably the least person he’d worry about not letting myself feel limited. Yes.

5. I forgot that I had a class and went to have lunch. I had the food in my hands when I realized it, but then bumped into someone in my Pre-Calc class who told me that we don’t have class until later. SO LUCKY. But then I didn’t know what time class started, so I got there late and got called out for it. Eek.

6. Joost saved me from eating by myself, and I found the lunch delicious.

7. Kelvin joined us.

8. I left my math class running to get to my Spanish in-class essay. It turns out I was an hour early. What’s up with me and lateness?

9. I bought two Valentine’s Day Candygrams for two great people.

10. I really enjoy warm-up before a game, so that was appreciated.

11. Coach articulated my effort and attitude toward the team perfectly and gave all the seniors an indoor mini basketball and hoop. HOW cool with that be looking in my future college dorm room? Very cool.

12. When I walked out after the game, the sky wasn’t completely dark and still had a blue-ish hue. Spring is on its way!

13. Mr. Harrop saw me in the hall and said, “I’m feeling very free just seeing you!”. I know he was referring to the joke from earlier today, but it is still probably the best thing anyone has ever said to me.

Dumpling Day Rocks

especially because of the fortune cookies! Today mine said:

A day of worry is more

exhausting than a week of work.

A bit controversial. I’m not sure I agree completely, but I really like the idea.

A Friday Lunch

Chels, checking me out. Of course.

Shy ladies.

*Some of these photos weren't taken by me. Chelsea and Carlos took most of these.

SO MUCH

to do.

I served detention for the first time ever today. Advisor cuts. I read Spanish, started memorizing poem, and entered a kind of half-sleeping with my head on the desk state of mind. Then, we had a late game vs. Fieldston. We won!

HOME GAME VS. SACRED HEART TOMORROW.

Be there.

El Día de Nieve Numero Cuatro

Translation: Snow Day Number Four.

I didn’t do much (though I should have) and went to an Urban Word Open Mic in Brooklyn.

SPEAKING OF POETRY, there will be a POETRY SLAM NIGHT at Riverdale on Friday February 11th from 6:30pm-8:00pm …I think, but it definitely begins at 6:30.

Now, I just just checked my calendar and I’m a little devastated because I have an away game at Trinity that night. Either way I’ll make my way back up, SO I WILL BE THERE. And WILL perform. Now, that means I have to do it because I said I would. YES!

Also, there’s a percussions theme. Perfect. I’ve always thought drums and poetry had the best of conversations. That’s why I want to do a collaboration with the Klein Conga Drum Master, a.k.a. Anneliese! I hope.