I was skyping with the mother today, and somehow we started talking about skydiving and other "risky" activities. My general thoughts on participating in high risk activities is to go for it. If you are happy and you are not hurting anyone else, why not?
Then I started to think about whether I would, for example, go bungy jumping should the opportunity arise. I told the mother that if someone offered me a free bungy jump, I would do it. However, I won't go hunting out these type of activities on my own until after the "prime if my life." It wouldn't be too bad going out from a heart attack mid-jump.
Then, I thought about what is the "prime of life." Is it when you're in your best physical shape? Is is defined by the height of success in one's career? Or is it just when one is happiest? I couldn't and can not decide. I guess it depends on each individual.
After much speculation, I would love to try some high risk activities. I really want to experience paragliding and sky diving! I AM GOING TO RIDE THAT ROLLAR COASTER! (Don't hold me to that, I'm a chicken.) To be completely honest, I will have to say this topic has been ended with a, "we'll see."
What's a high risk activity you've always wanted to try? I'm going to make a bucket list.
Until next time,
Sierra
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Introducing: Stormageddon (Le best friend)
'Twas a dark and stormy night. My unknowing, 11-year-old self had no notion whatsoever of the horrors she would encounter for the next three years. She excitedly packed her backpack and set out an outfit. She lost hours of sleep that night wondering about what the next three years would hold for her in the prison that is middle school...
The next day, eleven-year-old Sierra entered her first class, art. The teacher was at the door with a deck of cards and said, "pick one." So she did, and he said, "your seat is the one with the matching card." So Sierra found her seat at the corner back table, where two other kids were already sitting and talking. Or, at least the girl was talking and the boy sat with glazed eyes fixed in her general direction. It was the first time Sierra ever laid eyes on Stormageddon, and her first thought was, This is going to be a long year.... Sierra soon found out that, even though Stormageddon talked about Manga way more than was healthy, she was pretty cool. She later discovered that Stormageddon had 7 1/2 out of 8 classes with her that year, so it was very clear that a higher power, like Fate or The School System, insisted on them becoming friends.
Five years later, I still can't get rid of Stormageddon. It's not like I haven't tried either. I was districted to a high school that only about five people from my middle school go to, and she happens to be one of them. I've also left the country a few times, but she's always there waiting for me when I get back. We've done some ridiculously stupid things since that faithful art class. I love her more than Chipotle and Idina Menzel, and I miss her very much. You can count on up coming stories of some of our misadventures.
Until next time,
Sierra
The next day, eleven-year-old Sierra entered her first class, art. The teacher was at the door with a deck of cards and said, "pick one." So she did, and he said, "your seat is the one with the matching card." So Sierra found her seat at the corner back table, where two other kids were already sitting and talking. Or, at least the girl was talking and the boy sat with glazed eyes fixed in her general direction. It was the first time Sierra ever laid eyes on Stormageddon, and her first thought was, This is going to be a long year.... Sierra soon found out that, even though Stormageddon talked about Manga way more than was healthy, she was pretty cool. She later discovered that Stormageddon had 7 1/2 out of 8 classes with her that year, so it was very clear that a higher power, like Fate or The School System, insisted on them becoming friends.
Five years later, I still can't get rid of Stormageddon. It's not like I haven't tried either. I was districted to a high school that only about five people from my middle school go to, and she happens to be one of them. I've also left the country a few times, but she's always there waiting for me when I get back. We've done some ridiculously stupid things since that faithful art class. I love her more than Chipotle and Idina Menzel, and I miss her very much. You can count on up coming stories of some of our misadventures.
Until next time,
Sierra
Monday, February 17, 2014
Pros vs. Cons (Being an exchange student.)
Here's a list of a few pros and cons of participating in an exchange year.
Cons:
1) Believe it or not, you can get a little lonely in the beginning.
When I first arrived, I remember the first week seemed to last a month, and the first month was a year. But now, I have no idea where the last five months have gone and the clock keeps ticking faster.
2) The language barrier.
This one is a given, but when you're trying to make friends, it can get really frustrating. Everyone here has been so kind and welcoming to me, but there's a difference between making small talk with 'that kid in some class' and having a full on conversation with friends. I never had to sit alone or anything, but I was so tired of not understanding the jokes and the topics being discussed. It was a constant battle in my head. I kept telling my brain, Hey buddy! Can you you hurry it up there? I've been here for two full hours already! Let's get fluent!
No worries. I know the process is slow, but eventually, you will stop feeling out of the loop. And little by little, you will reach the point of true friendship; where you may easily gossip about how cute Brad's butt is to your heart's desire.
3) The occasional homesickness.
Yup. I especially miss my dogs.
4) Not hearing about everything going on at home.
And I don't mean how your BFFIAB got stood up by the high school hottie because the International Corgi Dog Show semifinals were on. I mean, my brother recently broke his foot and nobody told me until three days after the incident.
Me: "Brother! Why are you in a full-body cast!?!"
Mom: "Oh, I thought you knew! He got hit by a truck last week."
Me: "..."
5) It can be difficult re-adjusting when you come home; especially with school.
I haven't had to deal with this yet, but I know it's coming. Most countries don't accept a year abroad as a year of school, so you have to repeat the year. For me, I've known I wanted to do this for a while, so I've taken two years if summer school, I will take another course this coming summer, and next year will be packed. I prefer a packed Senior year rather than graduating with the Sophomores. Sorry guys.
The pros:
1) Its's the best, most efficient way to learn a language and get immersed in a foreign culture.
There's no denying it. I learned more in the first two months here than the four years of classes I took in school. I feel completely comfortable speaking Spanish even if my grammar isn't perfect.
2)You meet really interesting people.
Somehow, when I'm traveling, I tend to bump into pretty cool people. Whether it be bus, train, or plane, I've found myself in quite a few interesting conversations. Now remember I am not saying you should completely throw stranger danger rules out the window. Never specifically tell strangers your future plans, but it's fun to share stories of your past adventures.
3) You make some of the best friends you will ever have.
I will probably bring up some of these friends in future posts when I talk about the crazy situations we've gotten ourselves into.
4) Everyone finds you really interesting because you're foreign.
Especially in the beginning, you never run out of topics to talk about. It's great.
5) You mature, becoming more independent and responsible.
I've known a lot of exchange students from all over the world in my life. This statement does not apply to a few of them at all. However, for the most part, being away from home for such a long time does cause you to change. I would say the change is a positive one 99.99% of the time. At least, I've never known an exchange student who changed for the worse during their year abroad.
6) You have amazing experiences.
So far this year, I've visited Bilbao, Santander, Madrid, Rome, Florence, and the Vatican. I'm planning to go to Paris in a couple months too. Even if you can't travel once you get to your host family, I've tried a ton of new things in my host town.
7) You will try new things and maybe find a new passion.
For those of you who don't know, for the last two years of Spanish high school, you can go into one of three branches of studies; technology, humanities, or art. I'm studying in the art branch and, let's just get this out of the way, I am horrible at drawing, painting and sculpting. And guess what we focus on in the art branch! Drawing, painting and sculpting! At the beginning of the year, I was taught that I'd been holding a pencil incorrectly my whole life, as well as other things. It was torture for a long time. But after being forced to draw and sculpt every single day for almost six months, I can confidently say, the awful, putrid stick figures that I brought with me to Spain have been left in the dust. When I arrive on American soil, my stick figures will be glorious.
I've also taken up kickboxing, which is painful but really fun. And I'm in a Spanish theatre group, so I've learned a lot of traditional Spanish shows.
8) You will make memories that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
I keep a journal with me here, but I may never read it because I know I'll never forget.
In the end, there are way more pros than cons to participating in an exchange year. The best thing to do is face the challenges with a smile, and know where the closest ice cream store is for when times get rough. Be patient, have a sense of humor, and have fun!
Until next time,
Sierra
Cons:
1) Believe it or not, you can get a little lonely in the beginning.
When I first arrived, I remember the first week seemed to last a month, and the first month was a year. But now, I have no idea where the last five months have gone and the clock keeps ticking faster.
2) The language barrier.
This one is a given, but when you're trying to make friends, it can get really frustrating. Everyone here has been so kind and welcoming to me, but there's a difference between making small talk with 'that kid in some class' and having a full on conversation with friends. I never had to sit alone or anything, but I was so tired of not understanding the jokes and the topics being discussed. It was a constant battle in my head. I kept telling my brain, Hey buddy! Can you you hurry it up there? I've been here for two full hours already! Let's get fluent!
No worries. I know the process is slow, but eventually, you will stop feeling out of the loop. And little by little, you will reach the point of true friendship; where you may easily gossip about how cute Brad's butt is to your heart's desire.
3) The occasional homesickness.
Yup. I especially miss my dogs.
4) Not hearing about everything going on at home.
And I don't mean how your BFFIAB got stood up by the high school hottie because the International Corgi Dog Show semifinals were on. I mean, my brother recently broke his foot and nobody told me until three days after the incident.
Me: "Brother! Why are you in a full-body cast!?!"
Mom: "Oh, I thought you knew! He got hit by a truck last week."
Me: "..."
5) It can be difficult re-adjusting when you come home; especially with school.
I haven't had to deal with this yet, but I know it's coming. Most countries don't accept a year abroad as a year of school, so you have to repeat the year. For me, I've known I wanted to do this for a while, so I've taken two years if summer school, I will take another course this coming summer, and next year will be packed. I prefer a packed Senior year rather than graduating with the Sophomores. Sorry guys.
The pros:
1) Its's the best, most efficient way to learn a language and get immersed in a foreign culture.
There's no denying it. I learned more in the first two months here than the four years of classes I took in school. I feel completely comfortable speaking Spanish even if my grammar isn't perfect.
2)You meet really interesting people.
Somehow, when I'm traveling, I tend to bump into pretty cool people. Whether it be bus, train, or plane, I've found myself in quite a few interesting conversations. Now remember I am not saying you should completely throw stranger danger rules out the window. Never specifically tell strangers your future plans, but it's fun to share stories of your past adventures.
3) You make some of the best friends you will ever have.
I will probably bring up some of these friends in future posts when I talk about the crazy situations we've gotten ourselves into.
4) Everyone finds you really interesting because you're foreign.
Especially in the beginning, you never run out of topics to talk about. It's great.
5) You mature, becoming more independent and responsible.
I've known a lot of exchange students from all over the world in my life. This statement does not apply to a few of them at all. However, for the most part, being away from home for such a long time does cause you to change. I would say the change is a positive one 99.99% of the time. At least, I've never known an exchange student who changed for the worse during their year abroad.
6) You have amazing experiences.
So far this year, I've visited Bilbao, Santander, Madrid, Rome, Florence, and the Vatican. I'm planning to go to Paris in a couple months too. Even if you can't travel once you get to your host family, I've tried a ton of new things in my host town.
7) You will try new things and maybe find a new passion.
For those of you who don't know, for the last two years of Spanish high school, you can go into one of three branches of studies; technology, humanities, or art. I'm studying in the art branch and, let's just get this out of the way, I am horrible at drawing, painting and sculpting. And guess what we focus on in the art branch! Drawing, painting and sculpting! At the beginning of the year, I was taught that I'd been holding a pencil incorrectly my whole life, as well as other things. It was torture for a long time. But after being forced to draw and sculpt every single day for almost six months, I can confidently say, the awful, putrid stick figures that I brought with me to Spain have been left in the dust. When I arrive on American soil, my stick figures will be glorious.
I've also taken up kickboxing, which is painful but really fun. And I'm in a Spanish theatre group, so I've learned a lot of traditional Spanish shows.
8) You will make memories that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
I keep a journal with me here, but I may never read it because I know I'll never forget.
In the end, there are way more pros than cons to participating in an exchange year. The best thing to do is face the challenges with a smile, and know where the closest ice cream store is for when times get rough. Be patient, have a sense of humor, and have fun!
Until next time,
Sierra
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Nasal Nostalgia
I've always been super sensitive to scents. When I smell rain, I think of my grandpa. When I smell axe, middle school horrors flash before my eyes. When I smell cat pee, I think of condos and mini-golf.
It's been said that the human's sense of smell has the most powerful affect on one's mind when it comes to getting those nostalgic feelings. I definitely agree with that. Sometimes I'll be in a friend's house and I'll smell the lemon scented Pledge. Then I can't stop laughing because all I can think about is my dog freaking out. She used to love the stuff! Every time we dusted the furniture, she got so excited and started rubbing all over everything which kind of defeated the purpose of dusting.
However, there have been times when my super smelling strengths have been used against me. Occasionally, there will be a scent that is just so offensive to me, I can't quite function. Once, I went with the father to see a show at the Kennedy Center. Everything was fine and dandy until the couple with the seats next to ours arrived. The woman's perfume was so pungent and all together repulsive, I felt as if my nose was suffering a mass ambush that went on for the whole three hours of the performance. The lady was very kind and I didn't want to be rude, so I tried to ignore it, but it was so awful. I ended up casually using my hair as a shield and curling up against the father's shoulder, sobbing quietly, for the majority of the night. I probably looked ridiculous. I don't even remember the show because my whole brain was on lockdown. Moral of the story, no matter how delicious you think your perfume or cologne is, ladies and gentlemen, please keep to one or two squirts for the good of humankind. Too much of anything is bad; especially drenching in perfume that's been labeled, Le Devil's Sweat Glands.
Until next time,
Sierra
It's been said that the human's sense of smell has the most powerful affect on one's mind when it comes to getting those nostalgic feelings. I definitely agree with that. Sometimes I'll be in a friend's house and I'll smell the lemon scented Pledge. Then I can't stop laughing because all I can think about is my dog freaking out. She used to love the stuff! Every time we dusted the furniture, she got so excited and started rubbing all over everything which kind of defeated the purpose of dusting.
However, there have been times when my super smelling strengths have been used against me. Occasionally, there will be a scent that is just so offensive to me, I can't quite function. Once, I went with the father to see a show at the Kennedy Center. Everything was fine and dandy until the couple with the seats next to ours arrived. The woman's perfume was so pungent and all together repulsive, I felt as if my nose was suffering a mass ambush that went on for the whole three hours of the performance. The lady was very kind and I didn't want to be rude, so I tried to ignore it, but it was so awful. I ended up casually using my hair as a shield and curling up against the father's shoulder, sobbing quietly, for the majority of the night. I probably looked ridiculous. I don't even remember the show because my whole brain was on lockdown. Moral of the story, no matter how delicious you think your perfume or cologne is, ladies and gentlemen, please keep to one or two squirts for the good of humankind. Too much of anything is bad; especially drenching in perfume that's been labeled, Le Devil's Sweat Glands.
Until next time,
Sierra
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