Hey everyone~
It's been forever since I've posted, hasn't it? I'm so sorry about that... but I have reasons! (Not all of them are very good reasons... but they are reasons, nevertheless.) First of all, I've not been feeling super amazingly awesome lately. I had some sort of virus a couple weeks ago -- except at first, we didn't think it was a virus! We were all convinced it was yet another line infection, and went to the hospital because I had a really high fever. Fun times. When the labs came back normal, my mom was like, "It's a miracle, she only has a normal kid illness!!" ...yep. That was not fun at the time, but I can laugh at it now! It was sad, though -- I was sick over Valentine's Day! Jake and I were planning to go out to lunch or something, but we had to cancel. However, because he's just plain awesome, he showed up at my house on Valentine's with chocolate, a card, and homemade chicken noodle soup -- so I can definitely say it wasn't all terrible! :)
About a week after that incident, we ended up going to the hospital again.... this time, because my G-tube moved from where it was supposed to be, and we had accidentally pumped a bunch of Pedialyte into my soft tissue throughout the entire school day...! It ended being alright -- a couple X-rays, an ultrasound, and an antibiotic, and they let us go home! (Too bad it was already 5 in the morning... we were there literally all night. I slept until 2 in the afternoon when we finally got home.)
I can say that I am definitely feeling better physically -- though I'm feeling a bit guilty. My dad has been coughing a bit lately... we think he's most likely gotten the virus I had!
This past weekend, my sister turned 18. It's so weird to think that she's a senior in high school, getting ready to graduate and go to college! And now that she's 18, she's a legal adult... she can go do things like vote, and buy lottery tickets.... it's really, really weird! I feel like she should still be about 12, and I'm still 10. Neither one of us should be in high school or college yet -- it's way too soon! I guess the saying is true, time really does fly. My little brother is already 14!!! It's not natural. I'm not supposed to be turning 16 next month! I mean, I'm totally excited for my "Sweet 16", and I really want my driver's license... but still. It's just.... it feels so weird.
Oh, so this weekend, my sister's birthday isn't the only thing that happened! I also got to present at the Innovation in Action expo with Jake, and we represented our entire school there. And, I performed at a music festival for the Songs for Kids foundation! The Innovation in Action expo is basically another side to the regional science fair; however, unlike the science fair, it is invitation only. You have to submit a video pitch, and if they like it and think your project is interesting, then they may choose you to come and present your idea. You have only 5 minutes to present, and then there are 5 minutes for the judges to ask you questions. There can be up to 15 groups presenting, but they rarely choose that many; this year, there were only 6 groups including mine. Jake and I presented on our idea, which we call the "100% Apartments". We've researched and planned how to build an apartment complex that is as close to 100% sustainable as possible, and included technologies like trash generators, Durapanel, solar panels, cork flooring, and a ziggurat or steppe-temple shape. The expo doesn't 'grade' projects the way that the science fair does -- we still don't know exactly how well we did or if the judges like us, and there are no medals given out for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. However, sometime soon (possibly this week, actually), the judges will contact us to let us know what they thought of our idea and whether or not they are willing to help us move forwards with this idea, provide us with resources, and actually build the apartment complex. I'm super excited and can't wait to hear what they have to say!
At the Songs for Kids music festival, there were some really good performers. They had bands and other music groups there performing -- and they also chose three kids who are connected to Songs for Kids to perform as well. I was one of those three; the other two were boys around my age, possibly older. The first boy to perform was named Nicholas, and he sang "Stand by Me". Then, I went up and played the keyboard while singing "Never Getting Back Together" and "Livin' on a Prayer"! I am ashamed to say that I have forgotten the last boy's name, but he did sing an awesome, funny song that he wrote and recorded with Songs for Kids!
I've recently finished reading "Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee -- the sequel to "To Kill a Mockingbird". The book was AMAZING, but at the same time... some of it made me sooo mad!!! I don't want to ruin it for any of you who haven't read it yet.... but... AGGHHHH!! It's killing me not to spoil it!! If anyone has already read it, contact me so we can talk. I NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT THIS BOOK!! HARPER LEE, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!!? ...Okay. I'm good now. But, even though it's driving me crazy, I do recommend this book! If you liked "To Kill a Mockingbird", you'll love (and hate) this one, just like me! :)
Today at school, my friend Grace just commented, "You know, in order for me to be graceful, I would have to be full of myself." ...She is very random, like me, which is probably why we hang out! And, at the Innovation in Action expo, they served dinner to the competitors and their families... and I got to hear Jake complain about the lack of hot tea. When I suggested that he get some sweet tea, his response was, "That is not tea! That is black, has been poured over ice, and is a pale substitution for tea!" ....which of course made me crack up. I think I'm going to use both of these quotes in one of the books that I'm writing... actually, I know I am! They're just too awesome not to use.
I hope you all had a great Valentine's day... well. A great January through February is probably more accurate...! And I will try to post again later this week; I've got a few new poems that I'd love to share!
~ Mattie <3
Hi Mattie,
ReplyDeleteGREAT to hear from you!
Yup, it most definitely sounds like a LESS THAN STELLAR couple of months. (understatement multiplied by hmmmm 100?!)
Glad you're finding ways to tell stories about it, painting word pictures, framing them and moving on to whatever's next.
Yes, time certainly DOES fly.
And (MAJOR oops) I discovered the gal who was stuffing Valentine envelopes put the little kid's stuff into the teen envelopes. Here's hoping that was good for some chuckles, rather than disappointments. (I know I was disappointed, so figure receivers were too. Don't ya just hate it when you make marvelous plans that run into kinks? Ahhh well. We're working on it).
Driver's licenses are important Milestones!
LOVED hearing about all the activities you've been part of. Wouldn't it be MAJORLY COOL if they'd build that complex? And allow you to add even more ideas? Hope there's room for a garden or patios with built in planters for veggie-growing (and a few flowers).
Keep expanding all those marvelous ideas and talents!
Luv Ya!
Ms Lu (and Mocha)