November 04, 2008

BARACK OBAMA WON BY A LANDSLIDE! The majority of the country is celebrating(:

Everyone else is predicting that the next 4 years of life will be "hell" because a "muslim/antichrist/baby-killer/socialist" is running the country, or contemplating moving to Canada?(Keep reading!) "How could we elect a man like this?" *NEWSFLASH people: we can't! Why? because it's not true. (It's good to know people can predict the future though.) First of all, I made my decision to support Obama based on the issues, not the candidates themselves. (If you look at one of my earlier bulletins then you can read about some of my views.) These are simply MY opinions & you are entitled to yours. I can't argue with you over the war, or abortion, or gay marriage, or the economy because there is NO right or wrong, just opinion. Now that we have elected Barack, and we can start looking into his personal views; He will be our president for the next 4 years and we should ALL be informed about his background and where he stands on the issues. What I'm getting fed up with is all of the lies, and pessimists. What kind of person can say "I hope everyone who voted for him gets shot right after he does?" I think it's quite interesting that the people making comments like this are also the one's in favor of keeping America a "Christian-nation." Spend some time reading your bible and less time reading myspace bulletins about the election and you may become slightly more enlightened. (Matthew 7:1)

*props to Lee for writing this: "How can you say that you are ashamed to be an American? Is that really how you want to associate yourself? If thats what you truly believe, then your not worthy of the title "American".The good lord has given this country the ability to mold the world. A page was turned last night for the better in this country's history, and the world's for that matter. Barack Obama and his administration will now be the most powerful in this world, and that gives hope to so many that haven't had any. Is that what you're ashamed of? If you didn't support our new President that's fine, you had every right not to, thats the belief this country was founded on. Is that what you're ashamed of? If you still don't support him, please have a legitimite reason not to. Not all these crazy claims like "He's a Socialist", or "He's The Anti-Christ"( just 2 little facts: Barack Obama's for gun rights, against gay marriage, but he is pro-choice. Bush was pro-life for 8 years and nothing really changed ...) And if he is the Anti-Christ, show me one bible verse that backs up that claim. Do you honestly think that a man with a wife and small children is the one who has come to doom us all?
And now I want to talk about John McCain. John McCain has served America for 50 years, and has done this country so much good. I can honestly say that I have alot of respect for what the man sacrificed. Do you really think that the man you once supported as your choice of presidential candidate, who spent 5 years in a Vietnamese military prison camp, and gave his service to the US military to protect your right to vote, would honestly want you to say that you are ashamed of this country that has given you the opportunity to be whatever you want to be? I think not. America will always be one nation under god INDIVISIBLE with LIBERTY and justice FOR ALL, and Barack Obama knows this just like you and I do. So today everybody, don't you dare be ashamed of your country, be proud that you just took part in the most historical presidential election in this coutry's history, no matter who you voted for. We're not Republicans, We're not Democrats ...WE'RE AMERICANS, and that's something to be proud of. God Will Always Bless America. And God Will Always Bless Anybody Who Puts Their Trust In Her."

& one more thing: I've heard a lot of talk about people tired of being called "racist" because they don't support Obama. NOT supporting his views does not make a person "racist" (it means you have a different opinion) - hating him for being black & wishing he would get assassinated DOES. Props to the former McCain supporters who have an optomistic outlook!
*It was time for a change-we now have hope for our country(:

HOMECOMING 2008

My very last one ... it has been bitter-sweet for sure. Looking back, some of the best days of my life probably took place last week. I just don't want to forget any of it!

Monday-Nerd Day! Went to PJC, then skipped college algebra to work on hallway decorations, and it ended up much better than I anticipated! All of the classes did such a good job though, and I hated taking everything down! That night, I also got pulled over for having a head light out. Thankfully, the officer was young, and I was wearing make up, so I worked a little magic, and went home free of a ticket(:

Tuesday-Camo Day! HC court practiced for a while, and skit people practiced too. Least favorite dress up day, but only because I hate hunting, and fishing, and I never have anything to wear. Somehow, I managed to get my hands on a sheer camp outfit :D

Wednesday-Classy Day! Went to PJC, then went home to get ready to go to Milton's HC assembly with Cassy. It was nice, but ours was better(: While we were trying to leave, every teacher we passed started to freak out, and kept asking where we were going. Once we explained that we weren't student, they finally calmed down! We hit up the Milton bakery, then I went home to get ready for Pace's HC assembly. My hair kept messing up, and I was mad at myself for not maing a hair appointment, but it worked out in the end. I had so much fun that day, the only problem was that my dress kept riding up when I was sitting down, but I didn't realize it for a while! If I gave anyone a show, I'm really sorry! Some of us went to La Ha after, then Kaitlynn and I rushed back to school for skit practice ... just in time to see everyone walk out the door!

Thursday-Tacky Day-everyone just looks crazy! I got a bunch of roses, and didn't have to do my hair, so overall, it was a great day! I didn't get to go home. I stayed after school, and worked on the senior banner for powderpuff, then went to chik-fil-a, and then straight to the game. I got all dresses in my uniform, then joined most of my class to cheer our playas on ... we did such a good job, i'm not even ticked that the juniors beat us. After our loss, it was time for me to emcee the bonfire. Kaitlynn lost her keys, so it took a while for me to get to the stage, but I made it. Apparently, there was a dead bobcat in the fire!?

Friday-Spirit Day! My day started at the crack of dawn! I was at school at 7 a.m. getting ready for the day! The senior court members met in the cafeteria, then we were all escorted out by football players and cheerleaders. After calling my name out for Homecoming Queen, you could probably see me shaking. Everyone kept telling me that I should have cried, but I didn't want to be one of those over-dramatic girls!! It really hasn't sunk in yet, none of it has, but supaaa excited, & I love the crown(: After I won, I took over as emcee of the pep rally with Logan. I loved all of the skits! Seriously, everyone stepped their games up! Sometime during the majorette performance, I changed into my ghetto clothes for the skit. I'm not gonne lie, our skit was ballin', and I'm really proud of the seniors! Field day was hot! I'm not really gonna miss those too much next year. I did however, partcipate in water works during class wars ... it was interesting, I'm sorry if you missed me running down the field looking like a wet racoon. I had a good time, ha. After I got done cleaning up the gym and the stadium, I suddenly realized that I hadn't eaten in 8 hours, and I was about to faint. Some if us went to Cici's, then I rushed home to get ready for the field. I got ready (big dress, sash & crown, the works!) and was of course 20 mintes late. My mom & dad escorted me on the field, and we took like a million pictures. I changed in the parking lot, and sat with my parents for thr rest of the game, then went home to get some beauty sleep before Saturday, but ended up getting sick!

Saturday-HC Dance! I was up at the school decorating from 8-11 in the morning. I skipped lunch with SGA to get my hair did. It looked so good when I first got it done, and held up through pictures, but it ended up going up at the dance! Devonte came over at 5, then our parents took a million pictures, and I drove us over to K. Floyd's hizzie ... to take more pictures!! Allie drove us all to Carraba's(which was amazing!) and we got to the dance at around 9:15. It looked awesome! The DJ could have been better, but I still have a good time. I was burning up ... it was literally an inferno! the highlight video was great though! After the dance, the group went back to K. Floyd's. I think they watched a movie or something, but I was out like a light. So much for crazy after-parties, ha! I went to church the next morning, and then went back up to the school that afternoon to clean, which took forever, but hey, I got to use the ghost-buster vaccum(:

I don't think people realize how much time & energy SGA puts into this week. They are at the school early every single day, and stay late everyday too ... some days they didn't even go home. Everything was perfect, and I'm so proud of everyone. Underclassmen-live up the rest of your high school days! I know I'm not just speaking for myself when I say that time fliessss!

My Political Views

POLITICS.

On October 07, 2008 I got to see Sarah Palin speak at the Pensacola Civic Center. Even though I am a proud Democrat, I was excited about seeing her speak. She is a powerful woman, and I want to be as informed on both sides as possible. How can I say that I don't like her, and that I disagree with her if I don't know where she stands? She is absolutely beautiful, and has an awesome attitude, however she is not running for president, McCain is. I respect him for all that he has sacrificed for our country, however, I don't agree with most of his stands on issues. That's what this whole election is about - the issues. I have supported Obama since before he even announced he was running for president, and I will continue to be a die-hard fan, regardless of what the rest of my community thinks of him and the Democratic party(:

On October 21, 2008, I went to the Civic Center to see Michelle Obama speak! She is a phenominal speaker & not once did she mention the opponents name. It was basically the same speech that she gave at the Democratic Convention, but that did not make it any less powerful. Instead of bashing McCain, she just spoke about why Barack is the better candidate. She talked about the future of the country, and the possibilities for it! Hopes of a strong economy once again, affordable health care, tax cuts for 95% of Americans (to those of you who make $250,000+/yr-I don't feel bad that you'll have to pay more in income taxes, sorry), a safe return home for our troops-it's all starting to become reality. I'm so inspired, it's ridiculous. She comes from such humble beginnings, and in a few short months, will be the 1st lady of the United States. There is no doubt in my mind that Obama is the better candidate, or that he will be the next President of the U.S. Those who dislike him so much that they are contemplating leaving the country better go ahead and buy their plane ticket-change is coming!

Issues: Abuse in Men and Women

Should the man or the woman be dominant? neither, dominance of either person will not end up in a happy relationship.

Is it a dangerous world for women? yes, but if we stay informed and use common sense, most of the time we'll be fine.

What should be the minimal punishment for rape? lethal injections.

What should be the maximum punishment for rape? electric chair.

Have you ever been abused? no, thank god!

By Whom? -

How old were you? -

Are you still affected by that? -

Was it and/or sexual, physical, or verbal abuse? -

Religion

What is your current religion? proud christian!

What is a good thing about religion? i will never go through anything alone, and i have faith that anything is possible, if i work to follow His commandments.

What is a bad thing about religion? the unrealistic expectations people have for christians, and how closed-minded some of us become.

Are you strict with your religious beliefs? i'm not strict, i'm firm in them. i love the lord, and have unwaivering faith.

What God (if any) do you believe in? the one who sent his son, jesus, to save us all.

What about homosexuality? it's a sin, but so is stealing, or lying. people are born this way, i don't believe that it just happens ... people have no control over their sexual preferences.

Does a heaven like place exsist? yes, and it's going to be glorious!

Does a hell like place exsist? unfortunatly.

Does what you do earth affect what happens when you die? duh! it's also what you did not do that matters too - aka sharing jesus with peeps!

General Current Issues

Are you pro-choice? yes.

Why? the government should not have the right to decide what a woman does with her body. however, i would never have an abortion myself, because all life is precious.

Has anyone you know ever had an abortion? yes.

Do you still love them? yes.

Do you still talk to them? yes.

What is the appropriate age to have kids? when the mother/father/parents can support the child mentally, and also financially, and do not need to rely on child support, or welfare.

Should drugs be legalized? yes.

Why? the governmant has no concern for the health of the american people, all they care about is revenue. if they did, then alcohol and cigarretts would not be sold. if we can tax(weed), then they will make major profit, and potheads will be happy. people like myself, who have no desire to get high will not be affected at all.

Have you ever done drugs? no.

What drugs? none.

Have you ever done heroine? nooo.

Do you currently do drugs? omg, no!

Rate Bush from 1 to 10 on his presidency recently: he's the most unpopular president in american history ... do i need to say more?

How about in 2004? -

2000? -

2001? -

2005? -

If there was a bill to impeach him- would you sign it? no. he can finish out his term. i could never do his job, but clearly, neither can he. i would never vote for a republican, mainly because i don't want more bush-tax-cuts, i don't want a mainly conservative supreme court, i don't want roe v. wade overturned, and i don't want perminant military bases over-seas, and i think embryonic stem cell research could help out many, many americans.

What is a flip-flopper? a person who continually changes a point of view or decision, aka - an "independent."

Do you listen to political TV or radio? cnn - 24/7.

Do you subscribe to any political magazines? no.

Do you think gays and lesbians should have to right to marriage? i don't care.

Why? it does not affect me, at all.

Have you ever kissed a member of the same sex? no.

What would you do if your friend came out gay? support their decision to come out and tell me. it's happened before, and nothing has changed.

How about your parents? FREAK OUT! anyone who has met my parents would freak out too!

Would you still love all of them? of course!

What is the appropriate age for sex? at whatever age you get married, preferably.

Did you like this survey? yes.

UF ESSAY!

On April 25, 2008, my life took a drastic turn, for the better. This was the date that I received the news that I would be the 2008-2009 Student Body President/Student Government President/Secretary of the School Advisory Council of Pace High! It all started with a dream, however, this dream was not my own. Both of my parents were born and raised in third world countries, where voting is not a right, but rather a privilege that a select few receive. They have instilled in me the mind set that "knowledge is power" and have encouraged my efforts in Student Government for the past 3 years. When the notice was sent out that elections for 2008-2009 Student Body officers would shortly begin, I had no idea that in a few weeks, my name would be on that ballot. There were many factors that made it easy for me to think that I would not be good for this huge responsibility. My friends and family thought otherwise, and because of their unwavering faith in my ability to lead our school in a positive direction, I took a huge leap of faith and ran for office.

To my parents, this election was more than a surge of power for their daughter. Instead, it was a symbol of progress, a token that their struggles of the past have paid off, and an indication that where we came from will not dictate where we will go, unless we want it to. In my mother’s eyes, I had broken the glass ceiling that she was certain I was bound to hit, because I am a Hispanic female. Because of the huge honor that I received, my father felt that all of the sacrifices he had made over the years were finally justified, simply because I now have the opportunity to live the "American Dream" that he so badly wanted to provide for his children.

Over the duration of the past 4 months, I have been faced with many new challenges, but have been victorious in all of my endeavors. As President of the largest high school in Santa Rosa County, I feel that it is my duty and obligation to give the students what they want! It is my privilege to say that I preside over the organization that provides "government" for the students, by the students. In college, I will be introduced to new people virtually every day, and I feel that because I spent many weeks during my campaign personally meeting the people, I will have no problem adjusting to the very social, college life. An SGA member’s main priority is to relay the thoughts and opinions of the students to the other members, and officers, and address and questions and concerns that they may have. Because it is now my responsibility to lead these discussions daily, my mind has been opened tremendously. The new experiences I will come across at the University of Florida will always be met with an open mind.

FSU ESSAY!

*The deed has been done ... I sent this essay in(:

For a Hispanic living in a primarily Caucasian society, it sometimes seems hard to honor the customs of my ancestors. It is easy to take many of the luxuries that I have in this country for granted, and even easier to take simple things, such as basic rights, for granted. In El Salvador, men are far superior to women, but thankfully, I live in a country that does not believe that a persons gender determines their self worth. Both of my parents were born in third-world countries. I am proud to call myself multiracial, for numerous reasons. Because I have roots in three continents, the many traditions practiced in my household can be related to those of the American people as well.
On my fathers side, my great, great grandparents left the country of Ireland, because of the potato famine, to start a new life on the small, British-crowned colony of Montserrat in the West Indies. It got it’s nick-name "The Emerald Isle" because of the many families, like mine, who immigrated there. In those days, it was common for the British to own African slaves, but my ancestors believed that it was unjust to treat any human being differently because of the color of their skin. The two races lived peacefully with each other for decades, and approximately eighty years ago, the two races came together, and my great grandmother was born. I truly believe that because of my parents’ diverse upbringing, and the many traditions of their homelands, it caused me to have an extremely open mind, and has therefore inspired me to give back to this country what it has given to me.
My family has been struggling financially since before I can remember, and I am lucky that I am receiving the opportunity to break the chain of poverty. I have been working part time for almost three years now, and my days of working for minimum wage will soon come to an end. I am also working to end stereotypes that are often associated with people like myself. It has taken a lot of strength, time, and perseverance, but I want to get people out of the mind set that all young people are lazy, that women cannot perform as well as men, and that Hispanics are freeloaders and uneducated. As President of my high school, I strive to set a good example for my fellow students in all areas of life. I refuse to settle for mediocrity in academics, in leadership, or in any of my work. In Luke 12:48, the Bible says that "Much will be required from everyone to whom much has been given." I have been given power that most people will never receive, but I also have an opportunity to further my education. My family members in Central America and the West Indies do not even dream of opportunities like these, and it would be a lack of character and judgement to not fully take advantage of the "American Dream."

VERANO, 2008

Hands down, this has been the best summer - ever. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. I feel like I've accomplished quite a bit since school has been out, and I just don't want to forget any of it! It started with spending every spare minute studying for the ACT, taking the test, and receiving a mere 23. The next day, the parentals went to Vegas for a week, and people took advantage of that ... I wasn't alone in my house for more than 5 minutes, and I loved it. Between driving my sister to all of her practices, and gracing my co-workers at the Village Inn with my presence(ha!), I also spent a significant amount of time preparing for the SGA new member bootcamp. It started out with ice breakers, then went to workshops, then we indulged in a game of random questions, and the night ended with a delicious potluck, and an official new member induction. The rest of the week was spent chilling with the homies. I also went to Tristan's birthday party(see 2nd blog) and accompanied my father to the doctor's office for his colonoscopy. They gave him a miracle drug, and he was a very happy man(: 2 days later, I was on a plane, and Boston bound! It took forever to take off, because of the fog, but we finally managed to get on the run-way. While there, we hit up the fair, Cape Cod, went to a few parties, attended the *best church service of my life, shopped, went downtown, saw Wall E, indulged in a lot of ice cream, visited NYC (see blog) and most importantly - spent time with the fam - whom I love/miss dearly. The day after our departure from the beautiful city(which I will one day be a resident of) was spent running errands, and preparing for our first official SGA meeting. It was a good day, spent catching up with everyone, taking senior portraits, and watching a lot of movies at Kristy McDaniels house. The next morning, Kristy conveniently got sick, and all of the girls went canoeing with her parents. If you're ever considering going - don't! The best part of the day was serenading our fellow canoe-er's with the beautiful sounds of Disney movies, Hannah Montanna, and Broadway musicals(; The next week, which started on July 20, was just really great! I had missed my firends terribly, so we hit up the beach, went to Seville to see Chelsea sing, had a game night, went to Starbucks approximately 787 times, and I of course worked, but also had some downtime to see a few of my bests! The next week was another SGA meeting, and Jenna Woorlard's (now Ervin's) wedding, and she looked b-e-a-u-tiful. Allie and I left the wedding and went straight home to pack for our college campus adventure! It started at 4:00 a.m. on July 30th, and we were Tally bound. We fell back asleep once we got there, and woke up in time to take a bus tour, and sat through 3 lame workshops. Then we stayed in the honors dorms, and woke up the next morning and headed to Gainesville. UF is gorgeous! We toured there, stopped at Olive Garden, and then once again, headed back to Tally. The next morning, thanks to my fabulous driving, we made it back to Pace in 2 and 1/2 hours! Since then, I have been going non-stop!

Aug. 1- Nina & I saw The Mummy 3, great movie!
Aug. 2- I worked, Nina & I made our *senior crowns(: I also got to see MICHELLE NORRIS! I've missed that girl terribly, and didn't even realize it! Our spontaneous photoshoot is posted on MySpace.
Aug. 3- WORK, evening church, and I also met my Aunt Fran's new boyfran :D
Aug. 4- I dominated at the mall, and purchased every item on my list! I also got to see Ms. Ariel Henry!
Aug. 5- Waterville with Jennifer & crew, and also K.Floyd's B-day party !! She watched her first "R" rated movie, wich happened to be a low budget, college student film, titled "The Blair Witch Project" ... I forgot how much that movie sucked until I sat through it again.
Aug. 6- SGA meeting, BBQ with the fam, and game night!
Aug. 7- Kay Brown/Middleton's photoshoot, Navarre Beach/Santa Rosa mall with the fam ... and Allie(:
Aug. 8- FRESHMEN DAY! Just know that I am completely stoked about continuously chanting "4 more years" in a few short weeks ... and of course leading pep-rallies :D

Since then, I have been working endlessly at the Village Inn, and also at school! It will resume in a few short days, and please believe me when I say that I do NOT want summer to end, but that I'm more than ready to start presiding over PHS :D