Grade 11 Memories

Hey blog world! Summer is finally here! I just got home from my last day of grade 11! As I usually do at the end of the school year I’m going to do a post on some of the many memories I have made this year.

• On the 2nd floor near the enterance there is a case with mannequins inside that display work the students in clothing have made. One particular mannequin I named Fantine. I named her that because the dress she had on reminded me of Fantine’s work outfit in “Les Misérables” . One day around the middle of the school year I noticed that Fantine was now nude. The dress she once wore was now thrown over the mannequin next to her. I laughed at this and renamed her Patricia (after my favorite Chris De Burgh song “Patricia the Stripper“).
• One night I went out to Jungle Jims with my family for supper. In the treasure chest I saw a bunch of clown noses! I took one for myself and I also took one for each of the students in the special needs classroom just for fun. I gave them to them the next day and they loved them! They went around all recess pretending to be clowns! They looked so cute in their noses!
• We got to listen to the “Big Bang Theory” theme song in Bio when we were learning about evolution! That was awesome!
• For career we had to job shadow someone. I job shadowed Janet Cull at Spirit of Newfoundland! Best school project ever!!! Click here to read the blog post I wrote about my experience that day.
• I made a lot of yummy things this year in nutrition.nachos, flower cupcakes (which I admittedly failed at making LOL), macaroni and cheese and lots of other yummy stuff. My favorite thing I made this year was the butter chicken. I’d never tried it before so I was skeptical at first but when I tried it I loved it!
• I found so much joy in one of the simplest things. Playing with raw macaroni! The special needs teacher has a tub of raw macaroni that her students use for sensory play. They put their hands in it, dig around to find toy fish she’s hidden and there’s a pot, cup, spoon and measuring cups so they can pretend their cooking. I got to play in the macaroni with one of her students several times this year and I absolutely loved it! It felt really nice on my hands and it was fun to pretend I was cooking! It also made my heart happy to see my friend smiling and laughing as she pretended to make supper for her teacher.
• On my schedule Biology comes before English. One day I got mixed up and accidentaly went to English when I was supposed to be in bio! I went into my English classroom, sat down and it took me and the teacher 8 minutes to realize I was in the wrong classroom! We laughed for quite a while.
• On Winter Carnival day I stayed at school instead of going on one of the many field trips. I forgot to sign up for one! I spent the morning with the special needs class. We painted and made ice cream! I had a lot of fun.
• We had a talent show at school and I performed in it! I sang “Taylor The Latte Boy” by Kristin Chenoweth. A lot of people though I wrote it LOL! I lost out to a punk rock/screamo band named “Idol Sock”. Despite my loss I still had a blast!
• One day at school my friend who is non verbal and in a wheelchair was watching her favoirte ebook on the computer during lunch time. It’s called “Red Is Best”. I joked with the teacher saying that to her purple is best (purple is her favorite color). That to me sounded like a good idea for a book, so I said so and the teacher said maybe I could write it! I thought that would be a cool idea so I took on the project. I called it “I Love Purple”. I wrote it in one night and the next day when I read it to my friend she squealed with joy and flailed her arms. It made me so happy to see that she loved the book. It’s now also in the form of an ebook. The teacher recorded me reading the book and turned it into a slideshow ebook for my friend.
• I got to rap for my music class! I took applied music this year and it’s a performance course. We get 8 practice classes and then we have to do a performance in front of the class. For my 2nd last performance I decided to mix it up and try something different than what I’m used to. I decided to rap! I rapped “Everytime You Run” by Manafest. It’s my favorite Christian rap song. The class really enjoyed it! I was glad they did.
• I got to film a kitchen safety video for Nutrition. I had grave difficulty getting past the first fricking line (“OMG! The “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” marathon starts in 5 minutes! Mom says I can’t watch TV until I’ve put all the dishes in the sink to be washed. I better hurry!”) Other than that it wasn’t too hard to do. It was really funny and the class loved it! The teacher even showed it to her other Nutrition class and told the other Nutrition teacher that if he needs an example for his students when he does this project with them to use mine!
• In my Math class if we had class last period on a Friday we wouldn’t do any work. The teacher would play a game with us! Usually either Scattergories or Family Feud. It was awesome! I was really good at both. Another great thing about this was that sir would award the winners with extra marks on their tests.
• In French class as a way of saying goodbye to the aide who had been helping us during the year we made crepes. It was my first time doing that. It was cool! They tasted great too. I put nutella and strawberries in mine and it was delicious!
• During peace week we had different theme days. We’d have to wear certain colors on each different day. On Pink day for anti bullying (which ironically landed on a Wednesday ) I wore everything pink! I put my Elle Woods  costume that I wore for Halloween two years ago on. One of the student council members saw me and was astounded by the amount of Pink I had on! She took my picture for the year book. On red day for drunk driving awareness I wore everything red. I even tied a MADD ribbon into my hair!
• Also during Peace week we had a disabilities awareness day. Students could sign up to spend a period in a wheelchair, wearing a blindfold or wearing a pair of noise cancelling headphones. I wore a blindfold. It was a very interesting experience. I was really nervous in the hallway! I learned a lot from doing this. Click here to read the post I wrote about that.
• I won a few awards this year! I was very proud of that. I won an ambassador award for competing in the Lion’s Club Speak Off and the 2014 Winter Games in Clarenville and the special education teacher gave me an award for being kind, caring and helpfull in her classroom.
• On Valentines day I got a rose! My friend gave one to all his female friends. That was so nice of him. It made my day!
• We got to watch “Rain Man” in Career. It’s one of my favorite movies. I was really happy the teacher showed it to us in class!
• In French we got to create board games! I made a “Les Misérables” jeopardy game. Unfortunately we never got to play it in class. Oh well!

What are some of your favorite memories from this school year? Tell me in the comments!

End the R Word

Hey blog world! A friend of mine recently used the R word in a blog post. She didn’t mean to do it and didn’t realize how bad it was. I told her how offensive I found it and she very politely apologized and replaced it with “Stupid”. The R word is the word “Retard” or “Retarded”. The English language has well over a million or more words. You have a very extensive vocabulary to chose from. Please don’t use the R word! It’s a very mean and derogatory term. Especially to those with special needs such as myself. We find that word the most offensive! Especially when people call us the R word. It hurts. A lot. Please join me (and Dr. Cox http://www.r-word.org/r-word-video-john-mcginley-psa.aspx) in spreading the word to end the word! Click here to learn more and pledge not to use the R word!

Leah

To The Tune Of

It Hey blog world! The Daily Post issued a writing challenge (found here) called “To The Tune Of”. Basically I have to rewrite a song. A friend of mine likes doing this in her free time. She takes songs and adds fancier words to them. I thought that’s what I’d do for this writing challenge. I’m going to fancify (I know that’s not a word but it is now) “Goodbye Earl” by the Dixie Chicks

Mary Anne and Wanda were best of companions throughout their period of education in High School both affiliates for the 4H club both efficacious in the FFA succeeding graduation Mary Anne ventured searching for a incandescent dissimilar universe Wanda searched all around this metropolis however all she discovered was Earl

It was not two occasions thereafter she got espoused that Wanda commenced succumbing to misconduct she donned ill-lighted spectacles elongated sleeve blouses and makeup in order to superimpose her contusion

She belatedly received the moxie to file for annulment she allowed the constabulary to handle the issue however Earl waltzed about the restraining order and admitted her into intensive care

Immediately Mary Anne circumnavigated in from Atlanta upon a red eyed midnight voyage she clutched Wanda’s extremity and they conspired a gimmick and they didn’t prolong to mediate that Earl was obliged to decease

Adieu Earl! Said black eyed peas? They savored unobjectionable to me Earl. Do you sense as though you are lackadaisical? Perhaps lounge and retire Earl. Is it not atramentous, encased in that sailcloth Earl?

The constabulary disembarked to apprehend Earl they scoured the abode high and low then they sloped their headgear and said much obliged females if you get wind of him notify us

well the weeks passed and spring oscillated to summer and summer etiolated into fall and it appeared that he was a unaccounted for being whom no one missed at all

Therefore the females purchased some acreage and a roadside stand out on roadway 109 they vend Tennessee ham and strawberry jam and they do not lack slumber at twilight for Earl was obliged to decease

Adieu Earl! We require an intermission, let us venture to the lake Earl. We will stow a luncheon, and wedge you in the trunk Earl. Is that tolerable? Superb! Let us  go for a commute Earl, exclamation!

There you have it blog world! A fancier version of “Goodbye Earl”. Now it’s your turn! Take a song you like and rewrite the words! Have fun!

Leah

 

Spamalot Auditions

Hey blog world! As I said in my post Monty Python I would post up audition info for Atlantic Light Theatre’s upcoming production of “Spamalot” when availlable. It’s now availlable! They posted it on their facebook page (feel free to like them if you drop by) on Saturday. Auditions for “Spamalot” are June 21st and 22nd (this Saturday and Sunday) at the Arts and Culture centre. To book an audition time e mail them at info@atlanticlight.ca. I’m auditioning on Saturday! I hope to see some of you readers there! Good luck to those who audition and remember to always look on the bright side of life! If you don’t get a part you can always go see the show (which is what I plan to do if I don’t make it)! It’ll be at the Arts and Culture Centre in February!

Leah

UPDATE: I just looked at Atlantic Lights website and they are looking for people 18 years and older. I am not able to audition but maybe some of you reading this are! As I said above good luck!

Friday the 13th

Hey blog world! How’s your day been going? I’ve been having bad luck so far. My school has just started final exams and we have a schedule of what day and time each exam is. I looked at the schedule and didn’t think my exam was until Tuesday. I slept in this morning until around 9:00. I got up and just double checked the schedule and had an “Oh cr*p!” Moment. I’d completely forgotten that I was academic English! My exam was today and I was already late! I immediately got dressed and scarfed down a peanut butter sandwitch and called my Pop to drive me to school.

When I arrived I was an hour late for the exam! I was so worried that they wouldn’t let me take it. Thankfully I was able to take it. I was so relieved! Once I had completed the exam I went to the special needs classroom to buy a hotdog and can of pop since again all I had this morning was a peanut butter sandwitch and half bottle of cranberry juice. Thankfully some good luck came about here! I ordered a hotdog and can of diet A&W rootbeer and said to the teacher I was so glad to be there getting food because all I had this morning was a peanut butter sandwitch since I was in a rush and she let me have the food for free! That was so nice of her! After I ate my hotdog and drank my pop I got a piece of fudge. That I paid for. The special needs classroom uses the money to fund fieldtrips and fun cook days so I thought I’d pay for the fudge because it’s such a worthwile cause.

When I got home not too long ago I experienced more Friday the 13th bad luck. My poppy couldn’t unlock my front door! He tried all of his keys several times but couldn’t unlock it. Eventually he did unlock the doorknob but he accidentally locked the top lock as well and he couldn’t get it unlocked! After trying for quite the while he finally did though so that was great.

Are Friday the 13th’s unlucky for you? Tell me in the comments!

Unleash Your Inner Dickenson

Hey blog world! Several months ago the daily post (you can go to www.dailypost.wordpress.com for today’s daily post) tasked bloggers to write a poem. I’d been trying for a while with no success (I used to write poems a lot but have been having writers block lately). I’m going to give this another try and write about one of my favorite things. Spirit of Newfoundland.

In Downtown St. John’s there’s a beautiful place inhabited by Ruby Brace and other colorful characters that you’re sure to adore. This place is Spirit of Newfoundland and I think it’s simply grand! You’ll become instantly happy when you walk through the door.

The staff are very friendly. There’s always service with a smile! If you need anything from them they go the extra mile, to make your night the best you’ve ever had.

Their new screech room has screech galore. There’s even screech stains on the floor! You can get screeched in here if your a CFA (Come From Away). They even have screech cake to eat, it’s a little strong but also sweet. It’s absolutely to die for and after one piece you’ll be wanting one more!

Broadway calibre shows are what they do. You’ll be feelin’ groovy by the time the shows through. A superstar band and cast will create memories for you that will last. Each performance you won’t soon forget. They’ll make you laugh and sing and dance, and maybe if you get the chance you’ll get chosen to come up on stage and be in the act!

Got nothing to do? Nunsense, that’s not true! Book a seat to a Spirit show! Go duet yourself, call them today. You’ll be glad you did, as my last thing to say, long may your big jib draw my friend. See you at Spirit. The end!

It’s not much but at least it’s something! Now it’s your turn! If you are a blogger I challenge you to write a poem! Have fun with that!

Leah

Monty Python

Hey blog world! And now for soemthing completely different! Lately I’ve been on a Monty Python kick. Monty Python is a British comedy group that had their own sketch comedy show “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” and they had several movies as well. I’ve been spending many an afternoon watching sketches from “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” recently. Probably due to my excitement over Atlantic Light’s announcement that they will be doing “Spamalot” (a musical written by Monty Python”) in February. Auditions are coming up soon (I’ll post more info on that when availlable) and I plan to try out for it! Anyway Seeing as I’ve been watching a lot of Python lately I thought I’d share with you my favorite Monty Python songs and sketches.

“Wink, Wink, Nudge, Nudge” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ona-RhLfRfc: This is kind of innuendic (is that a word?) But it’s funny! Especially the ending!

“Silly Job Interview” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_bsMGsBjWc: John Cleese is one of my favorite Pythons! I loved watching him make a total fool out of the interviewee in this sketch!

“Self Defence Against Fruit” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piWCBOsJr-w: I thought the whole concept of this sketch was really funny! Fruit is not something you need to self defend against! Unless it’s a pineapple, banana, coconut or any other type of fruit that’s hard, sharp or pointy. Also I thought it was hysterical each time the instructor would do something to one of the students. The best part was definately the tiger!

“The Lumberjack Song” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9NAu3sPJFk: This is a hillarious song and the accompanying sketch is also very funny. I found it very “Sweeney Todd” esque. My favorite part of the sketch was when he played the recording and the man had no idea and actually carried out a conversation with it LOL! “The Lumberjack” song is absolutely hysterical! I laugh so much I nearly lose my breath each time I hear it!

“Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlBiLNN1NhQ: This is Monty Python’s anthem! It’s their most popular song. It’s such a fun song and it makes me happy!

What’s your favorite song/sketch from Monty Python? Answer the poll below!

Janeway Telethon 2014

Hey blog world! Yesterday I was on the Janeway Telethon! This was my 8th year doing it. I started 8 years ago by donating $40 of my allowance and loved it so much I kept it up! It’s an annual thing for me now. It feels so rewarding to help them out. My Niece collected money and donated on the air with me as well this year. Every year they held the telethon in the Janeway hospital but this year (and from now on) the location has changed. They broadcasted from the Freemasons Hall in Mount Pearl. I had never been there before so I was excited to go and see it! It looked very nice.

When my Mom, Niece and I arrived we saw Shelley Neville ! Her and Peter Halley  were going to be performing on the telethon. I was really happy I was there the same time as them! I talked to Shelley a bit and showed her the medals I won on Saturday (I wore the rhythmic gymnastics medals I won to the telethon) and we even got a picture together ! Shortly after that Peter came!!! We said hello to each other for a brief second then Peter had to go downstairs to get his makeup done. Even though it was short I thought it was nice getting to say hi to Peter. Then me and my Niece got our checks. They give us these HUGE cardboard checks to show on air! It’s so cool getting to hold the big check! The reveal is fun too!

After we got our checks we were lead to the stage area. It looked really pretty! We were told we could sit and watch until it was our turn to go on. Knowing it was soon Shelley and Peter’s turn I was excited I got to sit down and watch them! First Shelley performed a solo with Sandy Morris (of “The Wonderful Grand Band” and “8 Track Favorites”) on guitar. She sang “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” . It was beautiful! As was her next performance with Peter. They sang “Wave Over Wave” . I loved it. As I said it was beautiful! I felt so honoured to be a part of the live audience watching their performance.

After they performed I learned that Peter would be hosting for a little bit. I got really excited and hoped that he would be me and my Niece’s interviewer! I asked one of the behind the scenes people who it would be and she said Sharon Snow and Edie Sheer. I was slightly disappointed that it wasn’t Peter but was still happy to get them. I had Sharon Snow before and she was a good interviewer so I was glad to get her again. Eventually another behind the scenes person came and told me that there was a change and Peter would be doing our interview!!! I was beyond thrilled! A big smile came across my face and it stayed there a long time!

Before the interview Peter talked to me and my Niece. He asked us why we did what we did and how we raised the money. I told him that I sold keychains. I brought one with me and asked if I could show it on air and plug my keychains and he said I could! He also said he’d buy one from me. That was nice of him. A few minutes after we talked it was time to go on! He introduced us by saying “I’m here with one person who I just met today and another person who’s an old friend of mine” then he said my name and put his arm around me! That was very sweet of him. I put my arm around him. Then he asked me the same questions as before we went on. Why I donated and how I got the money, then he asked my Niece why she donated and how she got hers. Then we got to reveal our checks! We had raised $60 each. Not bad I think! Then to end our interview off Peter plugged my keychains! He showed it on camera, read what it said (“Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation”) and said people could contact me if they wanted one. Then I gave out my e mail address. Hopefully that plug will get me some more business so I can get some more money for the Janeway!

After the interview we got a picture with Peter ! Then after saying goodbye it was time to go. As we were leaving the stage area I saw a pretty cool person sitting in the audience area with his family. Ashton Toope is one of this years miracle kids that was profiled on the telethon  He’s Newfoundland’s first cool baby. The little darling is even cuter in person! I told him how inspiring he was and got to shake his hand! After doing that Mom, my Niece and I left.

I had a great time at the telethon and can’t wait to do it again next year! Have you ever appeared on the telethon? What did you do? Tell me in the comments!