A time to live, a time to love A time for fun you want to come here we go just dance with me, dance with me slide you up against the door, tell me...

...this is good...


Evening.

My iTunes just found Ricky Martin's Life album. It's pretty much latino rap music. Guilty pleasure album for this week.

So! I thought summer would bring me less drama. Sadly, cellular devices with their texting make that impossible it seems. But for now it's all good. I have better things to do that to preoccupy my mind with unnecessary things.

Yesterday I made progress with cleaning my room. And I worked on it some more today. Almost every single article of clothing has a place, now. Hurray! I also saw Public Enemies last night. It was really well done. The plot kept me intrigued (I hadn't read up on John Dillinger prior to the film, though), the action was maintained throughout with the shootouts, bank robberies, death and mild explosions. Even if you are not a fan of Johnny Depp, I suggest you see this portrayal of 1930's mobsters.

I also bought the Time Traveler's Wife yesterday. I haven't started to read it, yet. I have so many unfinished books to begin with. I'm incapable of going into a book store and leaving empty handed. *Sigh*

Today was a good day.

I met Carter at a downtown coffee shop where we planned to discuss ideas for a playwriting competition, I suppose. We bounced a couple of ideas back and forth before chatting about life, people, events, Sylvia Plath, literature, society, movies, the usual for three hours. We then went to the library where I checked out a collection of Plath poems and I walked him to where he was volunteering for parking for the Waterfront Festival.

I had a lovely walk home without bothering to put my iPod on. It was nice to just appreciate the world around me. I don't want to sound hippy-trippy but I do have those tendencies, I guess. I walked through a park that I like to photography and up the hill to Monk's Cove where Lake Ontario crashes against the rocks. Another favourite spot to take photos.

I stopped at the convenience store close to my house because I was starving. For $5.54 I rented Doubt, which I will watch on my portable DVD player later tonight, and I bought a Drumstick. Ice cream feeds my hungry soul.

On my way home I realized how much I truly enjoy doing something with my day. That every day has the potential to have beautiful moments to cherish if you only take the chance to allow that to happen. I'm planning on leaving my house every day. Maybe only if for a walk around the block, to the convenience store, or maybe to downtown or the beach.

If one never leaves their home, or their basement for that matter, how can you truly appreciate the simple pleasures in life?

Like the man walking down the street drinking a jug of milk? I wish I had my bloody camera for that...

Well, I'm off to go find a less blinding layout.

-LANA

I can't believe you want to turn the page, And move your life onto another stage, You can change the chapter you can change the book...

...But the story remains the same if you'd take a look.


Good afternoon, everyone.

I just put The Hurting record by Tears For Fears on. Oh how I was probably born in the wrong era of music...

I haven't a blog since the last day of school. Not much has really taken place since then. I had Young Driver's in class lessons the Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Somewhat mind numbing, but extremely useful. Saturday my best friend and I went decided to bike up to a local high school to run track. I realized how much I hate running, again. I thought I could grow to like it...but NO. There is nothing fulfilling about running in an oblong shape in the humid morning air. We then biked back down to the beach where it was really hot out.

I decided to tan. That turned into a hideous sunburn on my back and 75% of my body. It no longer hurts (6 days later) but is still fairly red. Joy. It's now peeling which is gross, yet interesting at the same time. Therefore Sunday I sat and watched Notting Hill, Chocolat, and The Sure Thing. I kept movement to a minimum and drank some lovely tea.

Monday I tried to be lazy but I ended up cleaning my room and then my dad rented Taken. Liam Neeson certainly kicks ass, I must say.

Yesterday was Canada Day. Hurray! My gentleman companion came over and we watched Darkman (which has Liam Neeson kicking ass). My dad then had us watch Cliffhanger with Sylvestor Stallone. It was a good bad-movie. The action was well done and the cinematography was cool, but plot and whatnot was pretty...well, crap. Still good, though.

I went to the Waterfront Festival today with me mum. I purchased pretty cool things.

From:

Hermit Studios-Original Design Jewelry: www.hermitstudios.com I have a necklace. The pendant is circular and has both a Pentacle and the Goddess Moons on it in purples. I love it. Jeff was a very friendly interesting man whose wife does silk work. She dyes all of it herself. He also desgins tattoos. My mom had a wonderful chat with him.

Jammy Yang-Microcalligraphic Artisit: Sadly his business card does not have a website... BUT his work is spectacular! He paints on a single grain of rice. My necklace has my name on one side and a pentacle on the back. It is then put into a liquid, possibly water, in a capsule that goes on the necklace cord. It's absolutely fabulous. The skill required to do that is mind blowing! He was featured on Ripley's Believe It Or Not for piece he drew on a grain of rice. Look him up!

antiMatter-Quasi-science t-shirts & paraphernalia: www.totallypositronic.com Her work is so clever! She incorporates molecules onto shirts or tanks. Such as ethyl-alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, adrenaline, etc. I bought one that says Dark Matter. All of her shirts are science related which I thought was pretty awesome. The inner nerd in me, I suppose.

Su's Silk Art-Rick Tao: www.susilkart.com The adjectives I keep coming up with describe his silk art are simply understatements. My mom bought a piece from him which is beautiful. The talent and patience given towards his art is shown. Just click the link. Although seeing it in person is so much more meaningful.

Ten Thousand Villages: www.tenthousandvillages.ca We have a store opening up on our main street of our town and I am planning on volunteering with them. I LOVE their mission statements. They support fair trade and the money from the retail purchased goes back to the artisans in their developing countires. It's a really good cause and their products that they carry are wonderful. I bought a journal and it's cover is made from wood. I can never have enough of those. (Side note: I need to srtart writing, again)

Stanford Photography-Tim Stanford: web.mac.com/stanfordphotography I had a nice chat with Mr. Stanford about photography in general because I was looking at his work and happened to have my camera Jerry slung around my neck. He seems like a wonderful gentleman and I've browsed through his site and he has some really nice shots. I LOVE capturing details in life and he has some beautiful shots with lots of vibrant colour photos.

I should probably really update my photo blog... I think I'll do that after this blog.

I've Learned:

-Many things about driving in the past couple of days. Ground view, scan interesctions left, center, right, mirror, cover break and horn, avoid rear collisions, etc, etc.

-I am still such an academic. I recieved the highest mark in the class on the test for Young Driver's with 94%. I was proud of myself.

-There is nothing comparable to the sound of dead flesh peeling off. Thank-you healng sunburn.

-Free frozen yogurt is much better than paying for it.

-It's really difficult for four family members to agree on a movie to watch.

-I should never try to tan ever again.

- Staying up late and sleeping in is more fun than it should be.

-I'm only going to be young once so I figure it's best to eat all the crap I can now before my metbolism slows down. Ex: Donuts at ten o'clock at night, Cinnabons or cake for breakfast/lunch, a bag of pretzels in one day, Kraft Singles cheese on burgers. Not all in one day, though. That would make me really sick.

-Batman: The Animated Series was quite dark for me to watch as a child. But I still love it even at age 17.

-I don't like unresolved conflicts. They bother me. I'm a problem solver.

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I need to print off more photos for my photo wall, seriously update my photoblog, re-boil the kettle for tea and update my twitter! http://twitter.com/UniquelyLANA

Also! My good friend who writes Life of a Teenage Loser has been writing poetry non-stop for the past couple of days! He also has a Twitter account. Feel free to follow him. He's toying with the idea of writing a book of poetry. I am greatly excited! I am also working on a photgraphy book. But we shall see... My blobmonster drawings may resurface instead... too many creative energies... not enough time to focus all of them...

Anyways! Off to hopefully do those things if I can remember...sticky notes ftw.

'Til Next Time!

-MOI.

Things get damaged Things get broken I thought we'd manage But words left unspoken Left us so brittle...

... There was so little left to give.

It was the last day of Grade Eleven for me today. It feels like a heavy weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. It's absolutely beautiful to not be stressed. With other things going on in my life (no job, being able to sleep in, photo excursions planned, awesome, entertaining friends, and a caring gentleman companion willing to drive me around in his truck) I am feeling quite content. I'm happy.

My drama monologue worked out fine. I got 87%, so that's not too shabby. :) Was able to stand on a desk and shout and throw and kick things, so it worked out for me.

I went to a friend's party tonight. There was a few people who I hadn't met before, but we all got along really well and many good laughs and hilarious moments. It was sort of sad (in a pathetic way) when my best friend turned to me, when we were all in a room gaming, and said: "I think is the largest amount of friends we have ever had."

It was definitely true.

But I laughed.

I've learned...

-Teenage guys must show signs of homosexuality in order to prove their hetero-ness. (or so that happens within my circle of friends)

-That I enjoy keeping in touch with former teachers.

-That the bent arm of my sunglasses can actually be fixed with a bit of patience.

-These are probably going to be some of the best moments in my life and I am going to cherish them.

-Some people are self-absorbed, uncaring jerks who can't take a hint. (I've realized this a long time ago, but it was re-proven to me)

-Because I don't like peanut butter, that bothers people (why...?)

-My hair will probably need to be cut before my scheduled appointment on July 16th.

-No more school until September, which could be my last year of high school! (I'm not sure whether to be happy or sad...I'll decide much closer to the date)

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Also, I seriously need to start up my stick note/white board tendencies again to remember everything I have to do and when...ugh...

Despite my nocturnal tendencies, I do need some sleep.

Goodnight.

-LANA

I don't want to be adored for what I merely represent to you, I don't want be your babysitter you're a very big boy now I don't want to be your mother

...I didn't carry you in my womb for 9 months...



I wrote my Sociology exam today. It went well. There were some questions about an ancient Chinese myth about the stages of women's lives or something? I looked at the page and picked a letter for the multiple choice and went 'ya, sure let's go with this one'. I hate, yet love, multiple guess at the same time.

I am in the process between deciding on a drama monologue for my exam tomorrow. Ugh... But it's the last day of school tomorrow! Yay! And then I have Young Driver's in class lessons Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Tuesday. Yay, but also not so yay because I will then be inside from 9-4 those days...but I'll manage.

I need to e-mail a woman back about volunteering for playwrighting/helping out with drama camps. I keep forgetting to...gah...

I am going to a friend's partay tomorrow after guitar lessons! I am excited! We are going to chill and play video games and she's flown our friend who moved to Vancouver back for a little bit, which is wonderful!

After my exam today I hung out with my gentleman companion and two of our guy friends. We went to Subway, then drove to a friend's house where he told us we couldn't hangout because of his sister's graduation to we walked across the street and swung on some swings that were there.

We then drove back to the other side of town my chill at my place where we played Mario Karts Wii, Smash Bros Brawl and Mario Party 8. Good times... MP8 is really trippy, though.

But Wii games become less fun after a while, especially because the guys like violence and shooting games and I don't have any of those for the Wii. So we went gallivanting to another park by my house and swung on those swings before walking back because we all just wanted to go crash back at our own houses. It was sunny outside and none of us were really used to that with being at school or living in our cool, dark, basements.

Today I Learned

-That when on a swing, your friend can kick your other friend's shoe so that it will almost hit the play structure that you are sitting on.

-It's okay to wear two different coloured converses.

-I like clipping flowers into my hair.

-My one friend always seems to need to go pee when outside.

-That it's quite entertaining to change the speed setting on a turn table to 44's instead of the regular speed when listening to AC/DC's Back in Black album.

-For some reason my mother continues to make food I do not like. Ex: Chicken strips and wedge fries on a cookie sheet. Why do we not have non-frozen food?

From Last Night After My Blog:

-Dancing on the beach to live drummers is good for my soul.

-Your body will probably feel slightly stiff after dancing for three hours on the beach.

-Mosquittos are out to get me. My hand is all swollen up so is my wrist. And my eye was swollen two weeks ago.

-I am pretty much nocturnal.

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I am off to go find some form of dinner for myself.

'Til next time.

-Lana

He caught me looking then but soon his eyes forgot and everything he seems to do reflects just another shade of blue. I saw him searching into you...

...and ached a while...


I have been in a really good mood since Friday, which is wonderful. I've been so stressed lately that I haven't had time to enjoy being content. Which is sad...

I had recently found our 35 year old turn table in the basement, but it stopped working. :(

My dad bought a new one yesterday, though! So I've been playing the vinyl while hanging in my basement.

I rolled out of bed at noon yesterday and decided to clean the rec room/play room/basement of my house. I vacuumed and dusted a bit. Put all the dvd's and wii discs back in their cases. Honestly, I have no idea how hard it is for people to just put them back int heir case! It's irking.

I then moved my desk and all computer stuff to the other side of the room, and moved the desk that had been their to where my stuff had been. So I have a nice corner to work in now with an antique floor lamp that I bought for $45 last weekend. I got it for half price! I love sales. :)

Only two more exams left, still. I should be going over Sociology notes or memorizing my drama monologue, right now. I will. Soon.

I've come up with a list of things I want (would like to do) this summer:

-Not sleep in as much, but still be able to stay up late (not sure how this will work out)

-Rent a cottage for a bit of time.

-Write a play.

-Take photos everyday that will enhance my photography portfolio.

-Do yoga everyday.

-Have track running almost every day. (Help stay in shape for rugby in the fall)

-Maybe get a gym membership. Just for the summer.

-Learn some songs on the guitar.

-Find a way to make money without having a job. (Not sure how to accomplish this one)

-Volunteer at the Ten Thousand Villages store opening up soon in the downtown.

-Go outside everyday.

-Write more. In general.

-Draw more, as well.

-Try to finish a book a week. (It's possible when I have the time. I think...)

-Be happy. Enjoy life. Learn something new everyday. Stay in touch with my friends.

-Learn to drive well through lessons.

-NOT drive into more curbs, swerve into on coming traffic, or turn not sharply enough so I'm stuck in the middle of a road. (Good times...good times... Note to self: Driving IRL is not like Mario Karts, sadly enough.)

-Purchase a Lava Lamp.

-***CLEAN MY ROOM*** (I'm hoping to do that tomorrow after school. I'll keep you updated on that.)

And...

-Indulge in life's simple pleasures. Whether they be sitting at sunset at the beach, or eating ice cream, or dancing in the rain, or hugs from a friend, or seeing an awful movie that you can laugh at later, or discovering a new band, or walking barefoot through the streets....or not having a job so I can do all of those things. :)

I think I'll make a common thing on each post of things I learn every day.

So...today, so far:

What I Have Learned/Realized

-Creating a defense system for your room (by not cleaning it so there is a narrow pathway from door to bed) can go against you if you leave your dresser door open for your hip to bash into.

-Picking at a scratch on your sunglasses will not make it go away.

-Your upper abs WILL hurt the next day if you haven't done crunches in a while.

-I hate crunches.

-My sister doesn't care if I attend her Grade 8 grad or not.

-I tend to care much more than others about everything.

-I really miss House. And would like to come back on ASAP.

-Men do not read instructions. If men read instructions then women possibly wouldn't know so much about everything.

-The best type of frozen yogurt is free frozen yogurt.

-I need to invest in a label maker.

-I don't want to grow up.

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Anyways! I have to go flip the Yaz record I'm currently listening to and go over exam notes. Joy.

I'm hopefully dancing on the beach with other women from the dance studio or the community to music provided by (I think they are Sudanese) drummers. It shall be a blast, providing it doesn't rain...hmm...

I wish everyone a Happy Father's Day! And an enjoyable Litha! (Summer Solstice)

Until Next Time,

LANA

I think I'll go to Boston, I think that I'm just tired I think I need a new town, to leave this all behind...

So!

Just a quick blog while I take a short break from putting the finishing touches on my Sociology paper. It's pretty crappy, I think, but it's better than a 0 for 30% of my final mark for the course. Yay.

I had my Bio exam today. It went okay... One of the questions was a fill in the blank and it asked something along the lines of "What is the offspring called when two different species breed together? ex. horse and donkey". My answer was 'mutant'. It should probably be 'hybrid'. Fabulous. :D

My courses for next year are freaking awesome! Media studies, Grade 11 Art, Co-op, Grade 12 English. And then: Grade 12 Art, Writer's Craft (E-Learning), Musical Theatre and Grade 12 Drama!

I was talking to Carter and my ex-science/physics teacher (he teaches IB which I am no longer in) about my courses and the teacher asked me if I had my driver's license. I said, no, not yet but I will. His response was: "Good, because you'll be delivering a lot of pizza." Apparently he has no appreciation for the arts and therefore needed to criticize my choices. Oh well... I was taken a back at first but just shrugged it off.

I've started to focus a bit more time on guitar playing. It's quite enjoyable.

Anyways! I have to get back to my homework. Only 2 more exams to go before driving courses start and then summer! Sociology on Monday and Drama on Tuesday. Shouldn't be too bad.

I recently got a twitter: UniquelyLANA. Follow me, if you'd like. :)

Til next time,

LANA

I am the one who got away, doesn’t what matter you say, you’ll regret it till you dying day, cause I am the one who got away

So! School has been taking up most of my time. Yay...

We had a Comedy night for drama last week. It was a really wonderful evening full of entertainment performed by our senior drama class. I love the acting high from these events. :)

Saturday I had a dance showcase. It was fabulous. The energy emitted was fantastic. But it's one of those "you had to be there experiences". All the dancers looked stunning and their characterization was superb!

My friends and I recently finished the filming for Zacky's Media Studies project. I'm currently uploading the parts onto YouTube. Woot. I'll link. Here. There are 4 parts because it's 25 minutes long and YouTube is all: "No clips longer than 10 minutes" when I tried to upload them. Eff you YouTube... There is also a Blooper video. :) Check it out, please!

So other than my Sociology research paper, a slideshow for yearbook and a monologue for drama for my final exam I have not much work. I am glad. :)

And our Art & Literary magazine that my group of friends and I and the art teacher have put together is going on sale soon! Yay! We've been putting up a new poster each day at school so that it adds a letter to the title. It's cool how people start asking what the Robot holding the sign with only the letters "Ex N" on it means. We just tell them to keep watching the posters. :)

There's an Athletic Banquet, where whoever was on a sports team this year can pay $3 to get out of some class on Thursday at 10, I think, to watch a slideshow and other people, who are better at sports than you, get awards. And then we also get lunch of some form I think. I went last year for playing soccer. And now I'll go this year for soccer and rugby. Double the chances for not winning anything! Yay! But honestly I just like getting out of class.

I want school to be done for the summer so I can start Young Driver's and get my G2. And have time to sleep and read. And take photos. That's all I really want. Is that too much to ask? ...probably...knowing my luck....

Anyways! I have school tomorrow and am slightly sleepy, so I shall end this blog.

Until Next Time.

-LANA