I Want to Play the Violin Again

Every time I hear violins playing, it reminds me of my elementary school orchestra days, playing the violin, and it makes me want to play again.

It also reminds me of when my sister used to play in her elementary school days. One time she showed me how to play a few notes, and when I played them, she wanted to show our parents that I could play them.

I played the violin in fourth and fifth grades, and quit after that. I am now regretting that decision, as I absolutely love the sound of violins, and really, really, really miss playing.

I still have the violin I played, but it is too small for me now. I have checked out prices for a full size violin (which is the right size for me), and they seem to be decently priced, so I will hopefully be getting a new one soon (key word *hopefully*!)

It has been quite a long time since I last played, so I will be really rusty playing the violin again, but I know I will get the hang of it again.

I just hope I'll play more often than I did in elementary school!!



 

10-Year High School Reunion

I can't believe my ten year high school reunion is coming up next month. How is that even possible?!?!

These past ten years went by so fast. Quite a few things have happened in that time, some good, some bad.

But, I wouldn't change that for anything.

To be honest, I didn't really enjoy high school. I didn't do well in my classes, I was really shy, I didn't do any sports, clubs, or activities. I didn't go to any sporting events.

Although I did go to dances throughout my high school career. They weren't too bad, but not too great either. At least I was with my friends at the dances, though.

There is no venue as of yet, but I really want to go to the reunion, which is on September 27th.

On September 26th, there is going to be a Homecoming football game, which I am planning on going to, hopefully with some friends.

There is also going to be a pre-reunion party for the class of 2004, but there is no set venue for that either.

I am slowly starting to get excited for this reunion. Some of my friends I haven't seen since graduation, and I hope I get to see them next month.

I can't wait for September 26th and 27th to get here!!!

Back to School Time

Well, it's that time again. Getting ready for school.

Last week I went to school to pay for my fall tuition, and to get my school book.

I am taking a class called culinary math, on Monday mornings. Math is my worst subject, and I am not looking forward to taking it. But, it is a required class, so I figured I would get it out of the way as soon as possible.

I skimmed through the book a few times, and I will definitely be needing help with this class. There's a lot of fraction and decimal work, and this form of math truly confuses me.

One of my brothers is very good with numbers, so I will definitely be going to him a lot this coming semester.

So, we'll see how this class goes.

My Resolutions

I just wrote a post on my Wordpress blog on this. Here is the link to my post.

Grades Have Been Posted

The grades for spring semester classes have been posted, and...

I got a B in my Intro to Baking/Pastry class. I am very happy with that!!

The other students in the class made it more enjoyable to be in this class. Although, I am glad the semester is over, as it means I don't have to get up early.

I am not a morning person, so getting up between six and seven a.m. was hard for me. The class started at 8:30 a.m. and it was a five hour class.

But, it was actually kind of fun, as I love hands on classes like this. We made different desserts for the school's cafe and bakery, which were really good.

Plus, people have commented on how they really liked the dessert, which made taking this class worth it.

So, I am very happy with how things are going, in accordance with my degree. I am really enjoying/loving it!!

I Still Want to Be a Special Education Teacher

Even though I didn't do well in classes while I was going for my special education degree, and had to switch majors, I still want to be a special education teacher.

Part of the reason is that I have a learning disability myself, and have some idea what it's like to be in the special education program, and some idea what those students go through.

Another part is because I have several friends who have disabilities, both physical and non-physical. They have inspired me to want to be a special education teacher.

Also, I love children, and this is probably the best way for me to help them.

Although, I am a very shy person, and do NOT like speaking in front of a group of people. And, I didn't really do in school, until I got to college. And I didn't really like school because of this.

But, I still want to try again for my special education degree. I also tend to check out teaching ideas on Pinterest, for if I do become a teacher. There are a lot of great teaching ideas on there, which makes me want to be a teacher even more.

I also plan on going for my teacher's aide degree as well. So, even if I don't become the main teacher in a classroom, I'll still be able to help out in the classroom, as an assistant.

I just hope that I can do better this time in my classes, than last time. I seriously want to get a degree in this field. And that I will have a lot of support in this dream.

Although, this won't happen for a while, as I want to concentrate on finishing my baking/pastry degree, before starting another one.

This Needs to Stop

Yesterday, there was yet another school incident, this time a stabbing. It happened at a Pennsylvania high school, where a 16-year-old stabbed 21 people.

Just because you are hurting, that does not make it right to take it out on other people. If you feel the need to hurt others, PLEASE TALK TO SOMEONE/GET HELP.

No one deserves to go through something like this. Ever.

Prayers, thoughts go out to those affected by this event.

School Support

I recently saw this article about a teen who is/was going through a rough time, and his school decided to rally with him.

It's amazing to see that there are still people who truly care about others, and have patience for that. It makes life a lot better when people decide to help others, rather than hurting them.

Why Do I Still Want to be a Special Education Teacher?

Why is it that I still want to be a special education teacher? I never really liked school all that much, because of how I did in my classes, I was and still am shy, and I really DO NOT LIKE standing up and talking in front of a group of people. I also have a learning disability, so that made school harder for me.

Plus, colleges with education/special education degrees ask a lot from people, and I don't think I am able to meet their requirements. Especially with my learning disability

I am thinking about getting a Teacher's Aide degree, though, so I will still be in the classroom that way.

But, for some reason, I still really want to get my Special Education Teaching degree. I don't know why.

I guess maybe because I love children, and this is one of the best ways for me to interact with them, and help them.

I'll figure something out soon, in regards to special education teaching. I'm leaning more towards being a teacher's aide, but I'm not giving up on being a teacher. I don't want to give up on that just yet. We'll see what happens.

Well, that's all for now. More to come later.

Finally Taken the Food Sanitation Exam

Well, I was finally able to take the Food Sanitation and Safety exam on Thursday. After about two months of waiting to hear when it would be available.

I took the Sanitation class in the fall, and at the end of the semester, the state, who administers the exams (the test is for a license), suddenly decided to change the exam, so we didn't get to take it when we wer SUPPOSED TO.

We were all very uspet and frustrated by that. We didn't know when we were allowed to take the test, or how long it would take for them to make up a new test.

But, at least we still had an opportunity to take the test, and I am glad I was able to take it.

A guy in my baking class this semester was also in my Sanitation class last semester, and he told me that the test was coming up, so I am very glad I was able to hear about it in time to be able to take it.

The teacher who proctored the class told us that it will take about ten business days for us to find out how we did. I hope I did well. The test didn't seem too hard, but some of the questions were tricky for me.

But, I'm glad it's over now, and that I can relax. Wish me luck on my grade for this test (which is for a Sanitation license)!!

Finally Baking in Class

We started baking in class on Tuesday. It went pretty well, in my opinion.

Me and one of the two guys in the class (there are about 12 females in the class, including me) made biscuits and Valentine's day cookies.

The class also made petite fours, other cookies, tarts, pies, and corn muffins. It was pretty cool.

We were allowed to bring home some biscuits and corn muffins. I had some last night and they were pretty good.

The rest of the food was put in display cases to be sold to the public. I hope they like them!

I'm looking forward to baking more in class, and seeing how it all turns out.

The only down side to the class was that I cut my thumb on the knife I was using, which is from the pastry kit I got for the class. What a way to start the baking portion of class!

Fortunately, the cut isn't deep, but it'll definitely take a while for it to heal completely. I can't wait for it to go away, so I don't have to wear gloves all the time during class.

Otherwise, class went went, and am looking forward to next Tuesday's class!!

First Day of School and Fall Semester Grades

Well, yesterday was the first day of school for the spring semester. It went well; the teacher was really nice, it's a fairly small class (about 10 or so students, including me...and out of those ten or so students, only one of them is a guy), and it seems like a really interesting and fun class.

I am taking Intro to Baking and Pastry, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday.

I do have homework, but it's easy: read chapter 1 of the book.

I also have to get a pastry kit, non-slip dark shoes, a chefs hat, neckerchief, and side towels (that go at your hip for when you need to wipe your hands). This class is becoming really expensive. I hope it's going to be worth it, though.

Also, I checked the school's website yesterday, and saw that they posted the grades from the Fall semester (finally). I got an A in my Food Sanitation & Safety class, which continues my A streak for this degree.

I'm not really striving for all As, that's just how well I am doing so far with my baking/pastry degree. I just want to pass my classes, so I don't have to repeat a class, or drop out of school.

So, school is going well overall. Which is great!

This is the first time, in probably ever, that I can truly say that I enjoy school, and look forward to going to every class. I guess that's because I am learning something that I am really interested in, and because I have teachers who are really involved in their students' education. They truly care.

I hope to own my own bakery someday, and I am well on my way to achieving that dream.

Back to School (Almost)

The other day, I realized that the spring semester, for me, starts on Tuesday. I can't believe break is just about over. And that I actually forgot I was registered for the spring semester. It feels like yesterday that it just started. Why does time do that? Speed up? Although I am excited about going back to school, I'm also nervous.

 

I am only taking one class once a week, from 8:30 am to 1:20 pm (yeah, weird hours, I know), every Tuesday. I bought my school book on Thursday (it's a big book, and thankfully it's the ONLY book I need this semester), and I need to buy a notebook or two, then I'll be prepared for class.

 

I hope the teacher for this class (Intro to Baking and Pastry) is as nice and understanding as the teacher I had for the spring and fall classes. She understood that I have a learning disability, and needed some help/more time on things (if I needed it). She truly cared about her students, and their success in class.

 

Since I started going for my baking/pastry degree, I've come to like school more, and having teachers like her, makes school even MORE enjoyable, which I love.

 

I have been getting straight As with this degree, which makes school just the more enjoyable, and likeable for me. I don't really remember making straight As in school. Ever. I didn't really do all that well until I started this degree, which is partly why I never truly liked or enjoyed school before. But, at least I still have a chance to do well.

I'm not a morning person, so it'll probably be hard for me to get up really early, but at least it's only once a week. (I foresee a lot of naps in the upcoming 4 months or so, for me!)

 

So, I am really looking forward to the spring semester starting, and, shockingly, doing homework again. The only things I am NOT looking forward to are waiting for the bus (I don't have a license yet :(  ), and getting up early.

 

Well, that's all for now. More to come later.

Dangerous Weather Here

Well, the next few days will be dangerous in terms of the weather. The temperatures will be below freezing, and there will be several inches of snow (6 + inches). Many schools will be closed, as well as many businesses.
I volunteer on Mondays, and when I saw that the library will be closed tomorrow, I was happy about that, because I did/do NOT want to go out in the conditions we are supposed to have tomorrow.
The high school that I went to is having a snow day tomorrow, which shows that they have some common sense this time in closing the school. They seldom close the school, and I was kind of surprised, but happy that they are closing tomorrow.
Winter is my least favorite season, so I can't wait for it to end, and spring to start. I really do not like cold weather, so the weather we are having is really not making me happy.
I just can't wait for all this to be over.

My Food Sanitation & Safety Teacher is Awesome!!!

My teacher told us today that she was dropping Test 4, and instead giving us her final exam next week. There is a ServSafe exam the following week, which we have to take as well.

 

Well, for the teacher's final exam, we have to take it in class, instead of at home like we did for all the other tests.

 

But, when leaving to go home after class, my teacher offered me the option of either taking the exam in class, or at home. I have a learning disability, so that is probably why she offered that to me.

 

I decided to take it at home, because then I can have more time to prepare, and take the test. I can be more relaxed during the test.

 

I had her for a class previously so I know she was a really good teacher, but this made her an awesome teacher. I am SO glad I got to be able to take two different classes with her as the teacher.

 

She has really helped me feel confident in my schooling, that I can do well in my classes. That makes all the difference for someone like me. And I love that!!

 

So, many thank you's to my teacher, for all that you have done for me. You have no idea how much that means to me, what you have done, and I will miss being in your classes.

I'm Getting Ahead of Myself

The last couple of days, I have been getting ahead of myself.

 

I haven't even finished my baking/pastry degree, and I'm already planning on double majoring in Teacher's Aide and Digital Photography degrees after I finish this degree.

 

I really need to focus on the now, and not worry about the distant future. I am doing well in my current degree, and I want it to stay that way.

 

I don't want to get distracted by other things, even if it's something I really want to do. Especially if I can't do it now. Like these degrees I want to go for.

I have three more weeks left in the fall semester (one class per week), and then I am done for a month. I recently signed up for the spring semester, in which I will be taking (hopefully) Introduction to Baking/Pastry.

 

I am really looking forward to the spring semester, and I seriously hope the class doesn't get cancelled, like the fall class did, and having to sign up for another time frame. That was the first time that ever happened to me, and I hope it never happens again.

 

I am seriously surprised that I am so into school now, as I never really liked it until I got to college. But, I guess that's a good thing. School should be enjoyable. Learning should be enjoyable.

 

Well, that's all for now. More to come later.

Time to Think About Spring Semester Classes

Well, registration for spring semester classes started today. I have already decided which classes I want to take. I just hope they won't be filled up when I register for them, and that they won't be cancelled before I can take them.

 

I am hoping to take a culinary mathematics class and an intro to baking/pastry class. Math is not my best subject, but I figured that since it's required, I might as well get it out of the way. Plus, I have brothers who are really good at math, so I can ask them to help me out when I need to.

 

Ever since I got to college, I have actually started to truly like and enjoy school, so I am looking forward to the spring semester. I hope the teachers are as nice as the ones I've had so far, especially for spring and Fall 2013.

 

So, bring it on, Spring 2014!!

School Update

Last Friday was my first day of school. It went pretty well. We watched a couple videos about chocolate making, and the teacher gave us samples of different types of chocolate. It is supposed to be a four hour class, but the teacher let us out after two hours. That was fine with me, though. I had stuff I needed to do.

Yesterday, I went to school to get my uniform for the class. It actually isn't a bad uniform, so I won't mind wearing it. Except maybe the pants. The pants are checkered black and white. I don't have problems with the colors, just the pattern. But I'll get used to it. Today, my mom took me to Bed Bath and Beyond to get some other materials for the class.

I need a candy thermometer with a probe, 2 plastic/rubber spatulas, an offset spatula, and a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl. I got the plastic spatulas and the offset spatula, but the store didn't have the other stuff I needed. I'll have to either go to school to get the rest of the stuff, or some other store that carries that stuff. I need them for this Friday's class, so I will have to get going real soon.

I can't wait to start making stuff in this class. It seems like a lot of fun. I just hope it isn't too difficult. If it is, and I can't handle it, I'll probably have to drop out. But it's only once a week, so I don't think it will be too bad.

Well, that's all for now. More to come later.

School Starts Tomorrow

I can't believe school starts tomorrow. I kind of wish I had more time to prepare for school, but I guess I need to start sometime. Plus, the class I'm taking is only once a week, so it won't be as stressful on me as other classes could be. I just hope I don't have panic attacks during class, since it's a 4 1/2 hour class. I've been dealing with depression/anxiety/panic attacks for a few years now, and last semester, I had problems with panic attacks.
Though, even with the emotional stress, I still did well last semester. I got straight A's, which, of course, I was happy about. Though, I was kind of surprised. I didn't expect straight A's. But I'm happy. I hope I do well in this coming class, as well.
I've been looking for a job to have on the days I'm off, as well. I really hope I get a job soon. I really need the money. And something to do. Right now, the closer to home the job is, the better, since I don't have a license and a car yet. When I have the money, I'm going to get a license, so I don't have to be so dependent on others.
Well, that's all for now. More to come later.

4 Days and Counting

School starts in 4 days, for me. I am excited/nervous/anxious. I don't know what will happen, since it is a 4 1/2 hour-long class, and I've been dealing with some emotional stuff lately. So I don't know how I would handle that long of a class. But, I'm looking forward to the class.
I've been applied to a bunch of places for jobs, over the last week or 2. I really hope I get a job soon. I need the money. And the job. The first thing I want to get after I get a job is a cell phone. I really need one.
Well, that's all for now. More to come later.