Give Us Your Vote

Oh! Give us your vote,
give us your vote
if you know
what's good for you.
Tokyo Police Club, Your English is Good

Last year at school I entered a poetry contest. The winning poems all had to do with love and peace, as I recall, which I think is okay to write about - but they were also reminiscent of the fourth grade, so I thought they were a little undeserving of first, second, and third place.

Not that my poems were much better - looking back, I like what I wrote, but that is a lot different from being proud of it. Being proud of it means that I could spit it out, memorized from so much work on it, at any moment. That I could read it, myself, over and over and enjoy it every time instead of seeing every flaw.

I see lots of flaws in my work, lots of the time.

But I'm entering again this year, trying to reign in my generally aloof topics to something semi-universal (or at least capable of being universally appreciated). I'd really love if you guys would read some of my more recent things and tell me what you think? Either here or there or in an email. I know people have liked what I've read at open-mics, but the judges of this thing are school librarians, not Seattle teenagers.

There is a big difference. (sla.org.uk and needle+thread)

Plus the librarian told me that there is scholarship money involved, which had better stretch out of state, cos I'm in it to win!

Hi

Negative Cosines

My week was like a negative cosine it started low, gained some goodness, peaked halfway, and then slowly plummeted. The problem? I'm not sure when the next period of increases starts--this was also the problem I had on my math test. Needless to say, things didn't really go well today.

J, I hope you're math test went okay. Nina told me that you still had to take it, but that you finished before she did--so assume that means it went fairly well (but stressful).

Have any of you ever been to the Volunteer Park Conservatory? I've been, but not in a long, long, time, but I really want to go. If any of you are up for a trip I would love you to join me. It reminds me of that cute little book about the women who lives on the lane full of lilacs and then goes to the conservatory (ring a bell?). I've talked to C and A a lot this week, but have really heard from J. What's up?

Conservatory (http://ostertagphoto.com/Gardens/WA527I.jpg)

C, I'm sure that your hair was glamorous--don't worry about it. Oh, and A, today I skipped the assembly and hung out in the film room with Louise (a friend from school who is also in newspaper with J) and Sheila ( a girl I eat lunch with). Anyway--I asked her about P.N., and (bad news, you may want to sit down) he has a boyfriend. He is apparently very attractive and can be easily tracked via Facebook. Sorry A, but it may not last.

I'm very ready for summer now. I want those long warm nights--I may like summer evenings better than summer days (except days at the beach).

Loves,
-S

On My Head

Darling, I'm with St. Bernards and we are
scouring the Alps and the Andes.
If they die then it is on my head.
They followed paw prints in the snow to my throne,
to my bed.
Los Campesinos!, Romance is Boring

Happy Weekend!

Today all of the AP English students (or most of them, anyway) showed up for school dressed up in our Great Gatsby costumes; I got some looks from the ignorant sophomores and the creepy comment "I like your lips" about my makeup from my Chemistry teacher (who is now a man, a substitute, as our real teacher has just had a baby). I'll just call him Mr. Kale because he is as bland as that vegetable. (I'm not a huge kale fan - I don't like that wrinkled texture at all.)
I've now tried curling my hair, after a suggestion to do so for the musical. It worked in a semi-curled way - they were messy, because my hair is so short and it's hard to do, but they were sort of cute - but after about twenty minutes my hair was just very bird-nesty with loads of volume.
I'd take a picture of it, but that seems so social-networking... it's not a good look.

Last Friday I got Contra from the library (finally!) and I love it. It reminds me a lot of The Great Gatsby, actually, and I really wanted to use at least one of the songs in our musical. No such luck - it would be really hard. But the theme of social class, and the differences between them, is so prevalent throughout both this album and that book; I think that Vampire Weekend is a band that has really mastered that topic in such a nonchalant way that you almost could think they were faking it. The fact that they can do it in such a catchy, beautiful way is reminiscent of F. Scott Fitzgerald at his finest.

I did manage to get a Los Campesinos! song into our musical, though, which I think is applause-worthy.

Other note-worthy news: I can say "I don't know" and "I don't understand" in three languages, I'm going on vacation next weekend, and I would really like to go to Value Village this weekend. And I am writing an essay, or should be, so I should get back to that...

Halfway Somewhere

So I guess this post is sort of pointless since I'm going to see y'all tomorrow anyways, but I feel the need to write about something or other and so here I am...writing about something or other, and nothing in particular.

What has happened to me this part week? Let me seeee...

Last Sunday: Oh, the closing ceremonies were incredible you guys! Truly. We arrived in Vancouver (hands down my favorite city in the whole wide world) and wandered about Robson Square...then the Canadians won gold in hockey and the place went completely mad! People were screaming and running around and leaning over their balconies dropping Canadian flags on the crowd below. It was like those pictures you see of the celebrations after WWII's end--people honestly had tears pouring down their faces. It was ridiculous. And then, the ceremonies themselves were neat too--we got to go in the VIP seating (one box over from the Prime Minister of Canada, mind you) and wear the white ponchos and wave red and white lights around and stuff. I was so upset to leave--and want to go to London's 2012 games and Sochi's 2014 games sooooo badly...the coolest news of all, though? The next event--the World Cup--is supposed to take place in this town called Vos in Norway...and if my dad gets picked as the TD, we'd get to go! I would go to Norway! I have my fingers, toes, arms, legs, and vocal cords crossed. Oh, and the reason for the picture is I bought that Sasquatch at the Olympics (he was the officially mascot). I was pretty thrilled and carried him around everywhere with me. Here, I'm given' him some love.

Oh, and A, this picture is for you. It's Avril singing "Girlfriend" at the Olympic Closing Ceremonies. Thought you'd appreciate it! (And C, I was going to get a picture of Nickleback singing for you, cause I know how much you love them, but I just couldn't get the angle right xP )

Last Monday, Tuesday: God, I am so sick of school. So unmotivated, so stressed out. Like, the entire thing seems so pointless to me. Half the reason I'm going anymore is to just see friends, and out of habit. I'm doing well and all, it's just...I'm so tired. But something changed this week. Something cool is happening. I can feel it...guys, winter is coming to an end. Maybe I have SAD or whatever, but when it comes down to it, waking up with the sun in the morning and the temperature being arm enough to not shiver as I dodge from classroom to classroom during the day...well, lets just say that there is hope. Summer is coming, ladies and gentleman. Three and a half months. We can make it.

Last Wednesday: Dance gave me a little bit of a boost, but I'm so sleepy! This had been such a crammed week, ehhh...I've slept hardly at all.

Last Thursday: Well...I went to the doctor about my throat thingy, to arrange for surgery. It's officially all set up for April 16th. Oh my god, you guys, I'm so scared. The doctor was telling me about how they're going to use the same drug on me as they did on Michael Jackson that killed him and then the doctor was like, "Well, that doesn't usually happen." Huh. So reassuring. It's not a high-risk surgery, but any surgery is risky. And it's my THROAT. Like, I need that thing.

Yesterday: It was 5:00am and I said, "Today is going to be excellent." And it was. Chinese was a breeze, I aced my Dubliners test and got Kafka as my author for English. Science, history, math, satisfying conclusion to our Spanish ethics trial. No 7th period, hung out with Tom and ate chips and salsa on a park bench and then explored the woods barefoot. Spent the night at Evvy's, watching Doctor Who (I miss Rose!)

Boog si efil*

*by which I mean "Life is Good." But backwards-ly.

Halfway Somewhere picture: bear
Picture of me and Sasquatch: me
Picture of ickiness: Google Health

There Ain't No Cowboy in My Hair

This week has been extremely busy-but, still no excuse for not posting. As off four hours ago I finished 1/4 of my IB film test. It was very stressful, but I'm incredibly relieved. Speaking of which, I've gotten Sunday off so plans for filming are confirmed. What times work for you? It needs to be midday (I have some nightish scenes, so I'll need both evening and daytime). Also, C, I realized you need at least three outfits--it happens over a few days.
More importantly, though-- I now have a little feline friend. He doesn't have a name yet, but is adorable. He's a teenage cat (less than a year) and very friendly. I was doing my biology homework last night and he came and curled up next to me with his arm and head resting on my leg. He also attacked my mom, though--he really loves cat nip and went a bit insane when we gave him some. We adopted him from the Vet where my older sister works. He still needs a name, though. Everyone loved Emmet, but I put my foot done. It's my favorite boy's name and I wanted to save it-- I suggested Lincoln. Any suggestions?

Update: He is now called Jimmy--I had a cuter picture (he was asleep), but for some reason I didn't grab it off the camera. I'll tie it on to the end of the next post.

Jimmy The Cat

At lunch Monday I went to sit with Alicia (can we change this? It will just confuse me) and she was sitting with this extremely cute boy. Turns out he was a German exchange student, and when I say "cute" I mean beyond adorable, attractive, and fit. He has really nice greenish eyes, light brown hair that is a bit shaggy and curls around the edges, has that nice tan you get from sitting outside in the summer (little freckles), and is extremely tall. He's really sweet, nice, and speaks very good English. He told me he was turning 16 on March 11th and that he was a Junior, but I talked to Tom (J's boyfriend) about him and he said he thinks that he knows who I'm talking about and it's actually a sophomore-- I really couldn't care less. Anyway, on Tuesday I was looking forward to sitting next to him so I rushed to Alicia's table and she wasn't there! Our Spanish teacher had switched lunches for that day. I only really know one other person who sits there (and not very well) so I couldn't sit done. I gave him a smile, though, and ( I think) he smiled back. Anyway, I have a feeling I made a really bad first impression on him--which I need to fix. Today, Alicia and I fully circled the cafeteria twice, trying to find him, but we think that he doesn't have our lunch Wed/Thurs. We will find him Friday, though. Oh! Guess what his name is? You know my favorite movie with the Cat Stevens soundtrack? He has the same name a the mail lead (but is nothing like him). J, you must help me with this--you have his lunch two times a week.
What kind of movies do I like... well, I really do like artsy movies, foreign films, indie films and all of those (both funny and serious), and to be honest that's usually what I end up watching. I also, though, really enjoy romantic comedies-- I mean, I'm a teenager girl, it's practically part of my DNA to be a bit sappy. I also, though, like mystery movies (and books--it's a weakness, I have to know what happens), and some action/horror. I'm fairly varied-- the only thing I can't stand is when artsy films go wrong and just turn weird and sometimes creepy.
A, I know you were talking about needing 20's flapper clothes. You can find those hats at Forever 21 (14.95, I think), but you can also get feather clips and stuff there for a few dollars. Also, isn't the key to 20's fashion dropped waist dresses that fall just around (usually, just below) the knee? I looked through my wardrobe and found 2 outfits that were 20's--I'm sure some people in your class will have stuff like that two. 20's accessories are really in style now. I agree with Clair, boys will be harder--but suspenders are an easy way to look more 20's, right?

I never wrote at all about going to Portland--it was very nice, and general population is alot more stylish. Yeah, I think I told you guys the rest.
Sorry, I felt that was just a list of facts--I'll update again this week and it won't be so jam packed.
Also, C, I've been absolutely loving The Tallest Man on Earth (thanks for recommending it). I want to learn this song... While, there would be a song here, but I can't figure out how to put it in. Just follow the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa3lyo_Eowc
Loves,
-Sophie

Dreaming of Paris

Bring the smile we used to cry
This smile is all for you
Then we have to play the game
And to let it go again
Just dreaming of Paris at night
BB Brunes, You Belong to Me

Each night I watched the Olympics, I waited patiently through all the commercials to get back to the games - but I was also waiting for this amazing Windows commercial in French. It was the highlight of the night each time I saw it (which was only twice), and rivaled my love for the two-men bobsled.

Obviously when it was on actual TV there were subtitles.

Sticking with the French theme, on Saturday I watched the 1966 Jean-Luc Godard film, Masculin, Féminin, starring the extremely hot Jean-Pierre Léaud as Paul and the jealousy-inducing Chantal Goya, who plays his girlfriend Madeleine Zimmer.

That's right, over an hour of him (click to watch).

It was a really beautiful and funny film, if a little bizarre. It was about young people in Paris, but I think it basically shows young people in general. Lots of "why don't you love me?" moments, rising pop stars, smoking, 'intellectual' discussions... I would have invited all of you over to watch it, but it was due back and I watched it at about nine in the morning (by myself, I might add - which is probably good as there were a lot of really hilarious discussions that my parents probably wouldn't have liked).

Do you guys like foreign films with subtitles or are you more for the American, Hollywood-type stuff? Artsy films, serious films, action films? Big names and budgets? I mean, I also just watched the new remake of Fame and while it was similar to M/F in that its plot was a little off, I'm fine with saying that it was one of the worst films I've ever seen. I didn't care about any of the characters - they were honestly nothing to me (especially that "cute" guy who would swear like he didn't know what he was saying... some of the weirdest delivery of lines ever). But in M/F the plot was anything but major, anything but predictable and I was still rooting for Paul to completely win over Madeleine or for her friend to admit that she loved him... they mattered.

Sometimes I think that's what Hollywood misses out on.

What do you guys think?

Picture of Jean-Pierre Léaud from here.