Day 14 - Happiness

In general, I think of myself as a happy person. I mean, yes, I do have my “down days”, but they’re usually for a very important reason. For example, when a friend ignores me or acts differently around me, it usually upsets me. But that would affect everyone, wouldn’t it? But other than major things like that, you can always see me smiling or laughing with my friends. My happy qualities have always been important to me – although I don’t have the humorous personality I’ve always been jealous of, happiness, to me, is the next best thing.

I believe that when someone is happy, it reflects onto others. As we’ve all heard many times before, “A smile is contagious.” And I think that is completely true! A smiling, laughing person will definitely make another feel the same way. I know from past experiences that when I’m upset, and another person smiles in my direction, I instantly feel better. That one, little smile can totally change my mood, and how I’m feeling, and that’s what I love most about happiness.

Although school is very stressful, I rarely have breakdowns. One technique that I have is going to bed at a reasonable time every night. I try my hardest to be asleep by 12:00. Sometimes, that isn’t an option, if I have too much homework, or I’m absorbed in a conversation with my friends. It can be difficult to determine which is more important: sleep, or homework/having a social life. Of course, homework should always be a priority. But then again, sleep can totally affect your mood the next day. From past experiences, I’ve learned that if I get less than 7.5 hours of sleep, I am a grouchy mess in the morning and throughout the day. On the other hand, 9+ hours of sleep can make me drowsy and tired for the entire day. On a school night, finding the perfect medium between too much and too little sleep is key for me. It can improve how I treat others the next day, as well as how I personally feel. I guess what I’m trying to say, is that the right amount of sleep is a factor, which adds to my happiness!

Day 13 - Wishes (11:11)

Although many people think that it doesn’t work, I am a proud believer of 11:11 wishes. I wish for all sorts of different things – material items, a good grade on a test, or even a chance to talk to the guy I like. Most of the time, these wishes don’t come true, but it has become a part of my daily routine! Whenever I catch it, I close my eyes, make a wish, and keep thinking about that wish for the rest of the minute. I say it over and over in my head, and only open my eyes when I think it has moved on to 11:12. Making a wish at this special time of day is fun for me – I don’t necessarily believe everything I wish for will come true, but it’s worth a shot, isn’t it?

I get very frustrated with myself when I miss 11:11. I often look up at the clock with a couple of minutes left before 11:11, and Facebook or Tumblr distracts me. I continue, mesmerized by the interesting information and photos on the internet, until I look up again, and realize that it is a couple of minutes AFTER 11:11. I am always overcome with disappointment, regret, and frustration. I think to myself, “If I had looked up at the clock even 30 seconds before, I would’ve been fine! But nooooo, stupid Tumblr felt it was necessary to keep my busy for too long!” But what’s the point, anyway? If barely any of my wishes come true, why keep trying? Well, it’s something I enjoy doing! Although, technically yes, I can live without making wishes at 11:11, but it’s become such a habit of mine, that I barely even think before I make the wish! It’s really bad, I know…

Why is this such an important time for me? I don’t understand! It’s just a couple of numbers on a clock, right? Why must it be such a significant, exciting part of my day? Maybe it’s the amazing feeling that rushes through me when I realize that my wish has come true, and maybe there’s hope after all. Or maybe it’s one of the only constant things in my life that I know will always be there for me, even when I don’t want it there (which won’t happen often, I can tell you that). Wishing on 11:11, for some unknown reason, is something that I look forward to every day. But, why, you ask? That, I still can’t figure out. I’ll let you know when I do.

Day 12 - Funny People

Is it just me, or are funny people absolutely amazing? From past experiences, I’ve definitely realized that a humorous person can make your day much better. Within the past year, I have become good friends with Ben, who is one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. With just one joke, he can brighten my entire day! It amazes me how people can do that; how they can change someone’s mood entirely based on their personality. Is humor something you’re born with? Or do you develop it over time?

As with Ben, there are many people in my life that make me laugh every day. Alessandra was my best friend from Kindergarten to the beginning of sixth grade, but unfortunately, we drifted apart. Although we didn’t talk for the majority of seventh grade, we’ve become a lot closer this year! One of the characteristics I love most about Alessandra is her humor. A funny face, a sarcastic remark – whatever it is, I always laugh so hard when I’m with her. Whenever she’s around, I can’t help but laugh, and I think that’s a really great quality to have.

Sadly, I don’t find myself very funny. Whenever I try to crack a joke, I usually end up standing there awkwardly, hoping people might smile a little. I guess you could say I’m the “laugher” in most situations at school. I rarely say anything funny, for I am afraid of looking stupid (which is usually the case). I envy people with humorous personalities, as well as people who aren’t so caught up in other’s people’s perceptions of them. I guess what I’m trying to say, is that I am so thankful for funny people – they bring a smile to my face every day, and even though I can never return the favor, I hope they know that they are very talented!

Day 11 - Emma

So, there’s this girl. Her name is Emma, and she is one of my favorite people in the entire world. We’ve only become best friends recently, within the past year. Although we’ve basically grown up together, I only just realized how great of a person she is. She has introduced me to many things, from new foods to new clothing, and she has given me a totally different perspective on everything. Emma has changed my life for the better, and I am so thankful for a best friend like her.

Emma and I are total opposites, personality-wise. She is very straightforward, always honest with people, and she isn’t afraid to express her opinions. But, Emma can also be very shy when it comes to opening up to new people. I, on the other hand, am a very shy person in general. It can take months, or even years, for me to warm up to a new person. In class, I don’t like answering questions, for I am afraid of getting it wrong and looking foolish. I also try hard to please others, and often find that I am not doing the same for myself. Emma has shown me that not everything I do needs to be perfect, and I should stop stressing about making others happy. Emma gives me different ways of looking at everything – whether it’s a math problem, or a picture I took with my camera, she interprets it in a totally different way than I do.

I think that our opposite personalities are one of the main reasons why we’re such good friends. Emma is so free-spirited and individual, while I rely on others most of the time. Emma isn’t worried about fitting in, or looking “cool” in front of her peers, unlike me. She focuses on making herself happy, which is something that I’ve always looked up to. I respect her, but in the best-friends-who-envy-each-other kind of way. I’m sure she’s not totally confident in herself, but who is? Emma uses her individuality and unique personality to drive her social life, which is one of my favorite things about her. In all honesty, she is such a great person, and I enjoy (almost) every second I spend with her. And as graduation draws closer and closer with every day, I can’t help but worry that we’ll lose touch, and I will never be as close with her again.

Day 10 - The Longest Trip Home by John Grogan

While reading isn’t one of my favorite activities, I’ve learned to enjoy the books that I’ve read over the past few years. Yes, I’d rather hang out with my friends or go on Tumblr, but when neither is an option, reading is my go-to pass-time. One of the best books I’ve come across in a while is The Longest Trip Home by John Grogan. I read this during Spring Break of 5^th grade, and I’ll admit, drugs, sex, and religion were a little too much for me to handle at that age. But besides that, there was an obvious message hidden inside the pages of the book. John, an ill-behaved boy who grew up in a devout Catholic home just outside of Detroit, shares his successes and troubles throughout his process of growing up.

John’s mischievous childhood would be a parent’s worst nightmare: imagining his teacher naked, using his telescope to spy on his “hot” neighbor, Mrs. Selahowski, in a skimpy bathing suit, stolen sacramental wine, and many more. But, besides the inappropriate manner of all of his mistakes, each taught the author and his readers a valuable lesson. There were a couple of events that made me feel genuinely bad for him. After becoming a druggie, a drinker, and an all-around bad-boy, John Grogan had yet to kiss a girl. He was a junior in high school, and when he had the opportunity to be with a girl named Lori, alone, he had no idea what to do. He studied her features and made small talk, and when the chance finally came to lock lips, he was so excited. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out as planned. Their kiss, which he described as “French kissing with a power tool”, was painful for John. He awoke the next morning with a nickel-sized gash on his upper lip. Thanks to Lori’s braces, he was questioned multiple times by his parents, his friends, and his peers at school. Luckily for him, he wasn’t considered the awkward-kid-who-had-never-been-kissed anymore. Although this was an awful moment for John, I found it very amusing. What I love most about this book is that it is humorous and entertaining, yet emotionally touching. It showcases the rollercoaster ride lifestyle that John grew up with, which has taught me many lessons and has helped shape the past few years of my life.

Day 9 - Arizona

When I woke up this morning, the last thing I expected to see as I opened the blinds was snow. And of course, there it was: lots of white, cold, messy snow. As much as I love sledding with my friends and walking to Newtown with snowflakes twirling all around me, there’s nothing I want more than to be in Arizona once again. I know it’s only January, and it’s a little early to be thinking about summer, but I just can’t help myself! With 5 more months to go, I find myself remembering the way the scorching sun felt on my back, the caution you had to take around cactuses, and the view of the mountains from outside my window. And after 8 years, I can’t wait to go back once again.

My family and I are creatures of habit: we stay at the same hotel in Scottsdale every year, we sit by the pool all day (and attempt to tan), go out to dinner at night, and go to the Fashion Square mall at least once. On the first and last night of every trip, we eat dinner on the terrace at the main part of the hotel, right next to Pinnacle Peak, overlooking the city of Phoenix. We walk back in the dark, on the trail that connects the hotel to the “Residence Club”, which is where we stay. On the last night of our vacation, in June, I had a terrible encounter with a cactus… or a “Jumping Cholla”. Marguerite, my friend, was on the phone with her mom when I let out a deafening scream. Marguerite and my parents both turned around to see me on the ground, crying with pain. A small cactus somehow made its way under my foot (between my heel and shoe), and of course, I had stepped on it. There were hundreds of tiny spikes in my foot, and the entire cactus was still hanging on the bottom of my heel. My father picked me up, and we all ran back to the main hotel. Right away, a woman with dark, curly hair jumped out from behind the front desk with a first aid kit. Each teeny spike she removed from my heel made me flinch. A wave of relief rushed over me when the woman told me I was going to be okay. She sent us back to our rooms on a golf cart, and warned me not to walk on my foot for about two days, just in case there were any pieces left. Although I was traumatized by this experience, I was still looking forward to going back to Arizona in August. I couldn’t wait to feel the blazing, dry heat, and that’s the same way I feel today.

Day 8 - Laurel

Throughout my childhood, my parents have been a big part of my life. They’ve been to every piano recital, dropped me off at school every morning, and taught me everything I need to know. But aside from my parents, there is one person in my life that has made a huge difference. Laurel King, my babysitter from when I was a child, has become one of the people I look up to the most. I interviewed her, asking her questions about how the time we spent together influenced her life now…

1. From your perspective, how have I changed throughout the years?

• You have changed exactly the way I would have expected you to - by not changing much at all. You've always been creative, mature, responsible, and happy. The things I used to enjoy doing with you when you were younger are the same things I still enjoy doing with you. We always worked on creative projects - from drawing cities and making sand art when you were younger to finding a cuter, more fun way to make cupcakes more recently. Even as a child you were always mature and responsible - you never did anything you knew wasn't right. You never made fun of anyone or talked to anyone differently just because they were different from you. You were always so open to different perspectives and viewpoints, and I still see that in you today. You were always a happy child, except those first few months when your parents would leave - you got over the "toss the ball" distraction very quickly during those points. You were always a happy kid - some of my favorite memories were dancing to the Naked Mole Rat song and drawing silly pictures with sidewalk chalk. We still have those happy times together - just with more age-appropriate items, like dancing to Top 40 hits and drawing instead with nail polish. So you've changed tremendously in looks and appearance, but you are still the same amazing person that helped me grow up, too!

2. What was your favorite part of babysitting for our family? The Mac & Cheese? J

• My favorite part of babysitting you.... That’s a tough one...there are so many different things I loved! But I have to say, Mac & Cheese was a big selling point J One thing I loved was that your family became an extension of my own. Your dad jokes about the fact that I never used to talk when he would drive me home, and I think it's amazing that I changed from that shy, unsure person into someone that feels comfortable sitting at the dinner table with you guys! I was so honored to feel so close to a family that didn't HAVE to like me! They just did. I knew I could always count on you and your parents for anything - heck, they bought me my first car, essentially! Watching you for all those years made me grow up in a way that could not be replicated. Your family always treated me as someone more special than just a "babysitter," which made me happy because I was more than just "babysitting."

3. Did babysitting influence your decision to become a teacher? If so, in what ways?

• Babysitting definitely influenced me to become a teacher. I wish I had known not all kids would be as easy and smart as you were, though J There was something so cool about watching you read words and understand two languages at such a young age. I remember when we used to practice writing your name. Or when I taught your the fingerspelling alphabet and you picked it up after like two times. It was such an awakening concept to see that kids aren't just born with all of the tools they needed to know - they had to learn them. Watching you grow up made me really think about this, and I thought it was fascinating to see how you developed and learned throughout the years. Even silly things - like finally being able to dribble a basketball made me think about how kids change and how I wanted to be a part of that. I also really enjoyed the "kidness" that I felt when I babysat for you - we would sing Disney songs, draw pictures with glitter, read fun stories, etc. I realized I wanted to be that connected to children for a very long time - there was such a fun, imaginative spirit that I knew I wanted to have in my life forever.