THE START OF SOMETHING NEW

22/3/15

Dear blog,
these past few weeks have been something new, after 2 whole school years of the same repetitive routine times are finally changing and life is becoming more meaningful to me. I'm not going to lie and say that everything is running smoothly and everything is so perfect, because of course it is most definitely not. But most things are good. It is safe to say I'm exited for the future and the way it seems to be beginning to form because of the choices I have been requested to make and commit to recently... what choices you ask?

GCSE'S

Last week, we were given our forms after a HUGE build up of exams, advice sessions & lectures - blaaaah. It is nice to finally feel appreciated by teachers and not to be spoken to like children anymore, I'm not saying we are fully grown humans yet, but you probably know what I mean. We were talked through the different bands and were constantly lectured about how serious this stage in our life is, because it is. We had to choose between a variety of different subjects we could opt for to study at GCSE. We had two options, two reserves & a choice between History, French or Geography.  I chose Media & History & Leisure and Tourism.

I'm happy with the way things are going.

To anyone who are in the same situation right now, just remember never to stress yourself too much, all things will work out in the end.

- Tal

Kill it with kindness... Challenge?

Okay, here is a challenge that's a little.... Different

To start off let me just say that sometimes the build up of schoolwork, maintaining friend relationships and extra activity is not easy, especially when someone else is watching your every move until you mess up. I feel that every little flaw shouldn't matter to people. But with that every one of our little flaws shouldn't matter to us. Because if I say that my hair looks terrible today that automatically gives everyone else the permission to talk about it. 

At our age we all have confidence issues.   And in order to see the true beauty in ourselves we need to look at others virtues first. Think of five good things about yourself. Than about someone who you care about that are NOT sarcastic (sarcasm is our enemy in this case) and then think of five good things about someone you may not get along with. Don't even let yourself think the negative things you want. I feel like whenever I feed the fire, the outcome is always worse. Whenever I want the negative to rule out the positive I never consider the other persons feelings and I become more caught up in others flaws. I am not one for gossiping but even the little I do really puts a large weight on my shoulders and no matter how true it may be it NEVER brings ANYONE including myself ANY happiness in the end. It may be satisfactory for that one small minuet you do it, but it becomes a heavy burden when it breaks your confidence and shatters what's left of your self esteem. It is never ever ever worth the drama or the pain. 

So I have decided that for my challenge if you chose to accept, Tal and I are gonna kill the gossip chain with kindness, and no matter how much it may scare us to stand up for what is right, we can do it knowing the outcome will be better for everyone.

-Ash

Brood.

Is there anybody there? Hello? Can anybody hear me? You know that feeling when you don't feel alone... but are constantly stuck in a river of wonder, confusion & hope? The thing about society here in the 21st century is that teens, like myself, aren't as naive to the big bad world and the things going on, we are no longer oblivious to most things. We are familiar to practically everything.. apart from the things we should know so we are able to carve ourselves into independent, determined and successful adults. What do I mean? - Well, if you questioned a 13-16 year old on Politics I guarantee that 80% of them will not have a clue what you are talking about. But why should we know about stuff like that at this age? can't we just chill with our friends, have fun and learn about all of that jazz later? Can't I just remain on my halcyon demesne? I, myself have thought about these type of questions before, but we ARE smart & we ARE unstoppable and we CAN live the life we dream, but only if we do our part.

It is all about us. Us, we, together, the leaders of our niece's, nephews' & even our children's generations. Think about it, what are you doing in you're lives that will benefit you later on in life. Think, do you get drunk on weekend's, or do you spend time with family, which one makes you happier, which one will you regret a few weeks later, would you rather be told you got in a fight by your mates who couldn't help or prevent it because they were also out of it, or be able to treasure the special memories of family night? I know which I'd rather choose. So now is the time, are you winning or are you losing. Are you creating or are you deflating. Ok.. that was kind of a strange one but I don't regret it. Maybe you are thinking, 'It isn't that easy to get my family around like that' but that was only one example. What is your excuse for your health?

'It's fun, I don't care. I'm a teen this is what we do, back off!'

Do not be that person. Because that is so cliché & irritating. My thoughts right now are kind of dusty. Most of my friends get drunk all of the time. I'm not going to lie and say that it isn't hard, but by that I don't mean the desire to drink alcohol I mean it is hard because times change and people change and it is hard because they know in themselves deep down what they are doing and what the consequences are but simply can not accept it. I have pondered much on this and I have come to a conclusion that the shire fact of unacceptance of reality and consequences within our own minds leads to hatred, suffering, and crazy thinking toward the world and everyone we come across in our every day lives including our family and closest friends. This is actually what the older generations categorised as 'hormones' yes, hormones do play a big role in our lives but hormones don't lead us to depression, anxiety etc. In my opinion, we ourselves lead a life for those things to slowly creep up and we can choose now to be in the happy and not a care in the world of what others think about us mindset.. that way we can overcome the world. I know what and where I'd rather do and be.

I love every single teenager walking this Earth because I know our great powerful potential as we come together and create something no generation has ever seen. High expectations? No. - Future.

I accept Ashy!

LET'S MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE ;)

-Tal

I'm in love

Hey guys sorry I haven't posted in awhile I have just been BUSY! First I sat in my house...... And watched an episode of Sherlock with two of my friends. Then I went to school. So maybe I'm not that busy. Now I am going to a stake dance so wish me luck as I scout out cute guys. Haha! no.               Quite frankly I would much rather date someone fiction right now like... Sherlock Holmes. 

Anyway I am really hoping we can stop by macdonalds on the way home. Maybe the only relationships for me right now are with my food and my fiction. 

Love you! -Ash

Wrapping paper

HI it's Ash, Christmas is coming and I am exited to be out of school for three weeks, aren't we all. But lately I have been constantly worried about homework and activitys that I haven't really been able to post a good post on the blog. I'm not very good at it but I will try.

Here's a summary of the past while in a few words...... Family, Yorkshire puddings, Nativity!, Yummy food, sore back, school, sleeping. 

I am getting pretty hardcore, working out. Maybe just sitting on the couch watching my siblings workout, but that counts too right? I defiantly had the intention of working out. In PE class I accidentally kissed some guys muscles as he intercepted my pass in handball👌. Smooth huh? 

When in England...

Hi everyone it Ash! I love all of the Christmas lights and tree's out to celebrate this season. The colors are so vibrant and turn the neighborhood into a twinkling wonderland. I took a few pictures.
We got the movie Nativity! from England and couldn't figure out how to get it to work on a Canadian DVD player. So finally we tried it in the computer and it WORKED!! My Mom and Brother and I all watched it crowded around the tiny screen and it was probably one of the best comedy Christmas movies of all time. I "visited" England as you can see in this picture. Not really but, it was worth a try. 

Gettin' In The Christmas Spirit!

Shout out to Sister Lybbert, otherwise this wouldn't be possible... and I would be screwed by now.. but anyway haha.

#savingsoulsallaround

This week for our Young Women activity we had a christmas movie night! It is crazy, because, that time last year we were watching The Polar Express and it would have been my 2nd YW activity. I was still an investigator. It's a big thing for me! I can't belive it. I'm so grateful and blessed to have been offered the gospel at that time and to have had such great teachers. I wouldn't have had it any other way. We watched The Nativity! If anyone who hasn't seen it & wants a copy giz a shout! But.. If you are in Canada or any place like that you will need an English dvd player. (I think) The Nativity is so funny! It's not the actual Nativity. But I'm not going to explain. Ain't nobody got time for dat!

Funny story; on the way to school and I found a christmas tree, but it was totally abandoned all on its own so I took it (for my friend because she wanted it) but obviously I didn't steal it I made sure it was okay to take! Durhh. Ps; always make sure if you are going to take something that it is totally safe and fine to take! Common sense really. (;

Also, it has been so rainy in England lately and so cold! That is the reason for the picture that looks so Tumblr.

Don't hate me cause ya ain't me.

Well I love you.
- Tal