#problemless

Yes, I said it, problemless. I don't know why, considering the fact that I have so much stress in my life right now (mostly school related...maybe I'll make a #nerdproblems blog in the future...if I ever get around to it...). I have 3 AP tests this year, which are going to be awful. And I'm tired of standardized tests or whatever they are, since I just took the ACT and SAT within a two week span. Yay.

So anyways, I'm getting off topic. I think the underlying reason why I am (currently) problemless is because it's the end of the year. Finally. It has been such a long year and I'm just ready for school to be done! Also, I can't wait for summer. Even though I won't be home like at all from going to tournaments out of the state, it's going to be a great summer, I can tell.

Another reason why I'm most likely without a problem at the moment is because it's in the middle of softball season. Well, it's almost the end of the school season *crying*, which is kind of sad. But we still have our tournament this week, so that will be exciting! Then the summer season starts, which is also going to be really fun.

A lot of times I complain about annoying/oblivious people who bug me. Another reason why I am lacking problems in my life right now: No one has annoyed me lately. I've been trying to not get annoyed with people as easily, and I think it's working! At the same time, however, I kind of miss those people....I mean, it can be fun to make fun of them sometimes...

So yeah. I kind of don't have anything else to say, other than that my life is problemless which has clearly affected the quality of my blogs. This blog was really boring, so I apologize. But I think it was better than writing about the weather...I tend to talk about that a lot when I have nothing else to say. Technically, this is the last blog I have to submit, but I'll probably end up blogging about random things in the future. Just to warn you.

Some problems, to make up for my lack of.



#softballproblems

Let me start off by talking about this weather we've been having. When it is 40 degrees outside, the weather and softball do not mix well. This past weekend, the varsity softball team played two games on Saturday in like 40 degree weather for a tournament all the way in Black River. We won the whole tournament (yay)! But seriously, it's so hard to play when it's freezing.

This week, we have three games and it's supposed TO SNOW. Um, the last time I checked, it's almost May. Snow in May is absolutely unacceptable. Especially during softball season. -__-

There are numerous softball problems. Here is a list:

1. In the summer, softball players get the WORST tan lines. And they're seriously visible all year...even in the winter.

2. When you think about it, softball is actually a gross sport. When you're all gross and sweaty, the dirt sticks to you and its gross. Sweat + dirt + sunscreen = ew.

3. Sliding is self-abuse. Especially when the ground is rocky instead of soft and squishy. Ouch.

4. Bad umpires ruin everything. Seriously, if you're going to call a pitch that bounces in front of the plate a strike on us, call it for the other team too! People these days....

5. People somehow forget softball exists, so the success of softball players/teams is covered up by baseball and other boy sports.

However, there are several good things about softball, too:

1. Baseball players.

2. Wearing pretty ribbons in your hair is such a fun part about softball! Not sure why...but it is.

3. Tournaments. Not much is better than spending entire weekends in the summer with your team.

4. Winning. Duhhh.

5. Getting hit by pitches and having really cool bruises with seam-marks. But not really.

Well, this pretty much sums up my softball problems for now...I'll think of a more exciting problem to write about in my next blog...for those of you who don't understand the life of softball players...

#movieproblems

I need to watch a good movie soon. All these movies that I've been watching have not met my standards. And let me tell you, my standards are not that high.

First, I think I need to address Human Centipede. Worst movie ever created. How is that even ethical?! It's disgusting and repulsive. No wonder why it's not rated. They couldn't even come up with a rating that was realistic enough to describe such a horrific film. This harsh commentary also applies to Human Centipede: The Final Sequence, by the way. The second one was even worse than the first....words cannot describe how emotionally scarred I am from watching both Human Centipede movies within like a three day span.

While I'm on the horror movie topic (although, I'm not sure you could even consider Human Centipede as horror...), they need to make a scary movie that literally SCARES people. Like, gives them nightmares for months, maybe even years. I haven't seen a horror movie in a long time that actually makes me scared. It's not fun if you're not scared.

Second, I need to address The Hunger Games. Let me just say, I'm sorry if I'm offending anyone who liked the movie, but I think people are giving it too much credit. I mean, yeah, it was a good movie about a good book and was executed well, but there are plenty of other movies like it (some that are even better) that don't get the credit they deserve! The classic old-school movies that were once praised for their great story lines and overall popularity are being overlooked, and I don't appreciate it.

Basically, I wish there was a really good movie or musical (like Rent, one of my FAVORITE movies of all time) that is out now, because I feel like I'm deprived of quality cinema. 

#cookiedoughproblems

One highlight of the cross country season is definitely eating cookie dough. I’m not going to lie, when you have to run 6 miles after a long day at school, you need some kind of motivation. In my case, if I don’t have motivation to run, I’ll complain a lot and it probably won’t end well.

Runners, of all the athletes, are the most deserving of eating the football team's cookie dough. We can seriously eat an entire box of cookie dough after running, but it doesn’t even matter because we JUST RAN 10 MILES. Besides, I’m always hungry after I run so I need to eat cookie dough immediately to avoid passing out or whatever.


The cookie dough definitely gave us motivation during practice and for SWC's and Districts. Unfortunately, we ate all the cookie dough throughout the season and therefore there was none left for Regionals.

Basically, the problem is not that the cross country team ate all of the football team's cookie dough (Well, it might be a problem. But we appreciated the cookie dough nonetheless). The problem is that the cross country season has been over for a while, and I am in dire need of cookie dough. This is problematic.


I think if there was cookie dough available to eat after softball practice, we would have more motivation to work hard at practice. And, you know what everyone says: practice makes perfect. By the transitive property, if we work hard at practice, we will have the motivation to practice more often. By practicing more often, we will essentially become "perfect", thus, winning more games. By winning more games, we can advance in the playoffs and make it to States this year. Cookie dough and winning States....sounds like a good plan to me.

#marchmadnessproblems

This is exciting. Four Ohio teams (OU, OSU, Cincinnati, and Xavier) are in the Sweet Sixteen! But this is problematic for me, considering the fact that I don't understand March Madness, and I have no idea what is going on.

I really don't understand the purpose of people making brakets trying to predict who will win. Seriously. Just watch the games and then see who wins, it's not that hard.

http://www.ncaa.com/interactive-bracket/basketball-men/d1/2012

But anyway, it is a really big deal for Ohioans that there are four Ohio teams in the bracket, because this is rare. But do you know what else is a big deal? Michigan State is the only Michigan team still in it. I don't know much about March Madness, but all I know is that I really want Michigan State to win.

I realized I need to become more informed about this event. Hence the name of the blog, #marchmadnessproblems. I don't understand the brackets and I have no idea when these games are. I also don't understand why the game times are at like 10:17 p.m. Seriously? Why can't they pick a normal time to play.

Despite my hostility towards March Madness, here's what I think will be the outcome, by just looking at the current bracket and not knowing anything about any of the teams:

1. Indiana will beat Kentucky, and Baylor will beat Xavier.
2. Syracuse will beat Wisconsin, and Ohio State will beat Cincinnati.
3. Florida will beat Marquette, and Michigan State will beat Louisville (duhhh).
4. North Carolina will beat OU and Kansas will beat North Carolina State.

From there, I don't really know/care what happens, as long as Ohio State does well and Michigan State wins a lot.

#konyproblems

So there is a problem. And this is a real problem, not at all a sarcastic one.

Many people don't know who Joseph Kony is. In fact, I had never heard of him until i watched the video. But for those of you who dont' know, Kony is a Ugandan guerrilla group leader and the head of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) who has abducted and trained over 66,000 children to fight for the LRA. These children are trained to essentially kill their parents and bring harm and destruction to others. But these atrocities don't stop in Uganda. Kony has traveled throughout Africa and has yet to be arrested.

The video link below is the KONY 2012 video that explains everything better. Please watch this video...it's long but it will inform you about the issue and show you what we can all do to help!

http://s3.amazonaws.com/kony2012/kony_all.html

I found this video very influential. Like I said, I had no idea what was going on in that part of the world, and it finally became clear just how much those children are going through and how it is affecting everyone.

It's crazy. Utter insanity. How has this been going on for eight years and no one has noticed or tried to do anything about it until now? Actually, the Kony and the LRA have been around for 26 years, since they have "forced the internal displacement" of over two million people since around 1986.


Seriously, if we all contribute a little, whether it's donating money, putting up signs, writing letters to the government, or just telling people about this video, I truly believe it will make all the difference. I know I will for sure be posting this video everywhere and telling everyone to watch it.

Some people believe that the KONY 2012 campaign is a "scam" and is just a money-maker like many other campaigns these days. However, I strongly believe that this campaign could literally change the world and, like the video said, bring international justice.

"Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time is now."

#skullfractureproblems

By the title of this blog, I’m sure you can all assume what this is about. Actually, now that the entire school has heard what happened, this shouldn’t be a surprise. However, I think I should tell you guys exactly what happened from my point of view, just to clear things up…because based on all the rumors and twisted stories I heard about, some people just don’t get it.

On Wednesday, February 22 after our softball tryout, the baseball team had their tryouts and started throwing to warm up. The softball team was trying to put away the softball equipment when Abby Rogers (my savior) and I realized that there was no way to go around the guys who were throwing.

I said, “Abby, let’s run so we don’t get hit!” Well, let’s just say I remember running two steps and then blacking out.

Abby was literally two feet behind me when I got hit…and just after the ball hit me I crashed into the wall and then fell face first on the floor. Crazy, I know. I blacked out for a few seconds and when I opened my eyes I had a disgusting bloody nose from falling, but didn’t remember getting hit. I said, “Why does my head hurt so bad…?” 

Abby said, “YOU GOT HIT!!” 

Random people ran over and then I went to the training room. The trainer told me to go to the emergency room, so I did…a few hours later. 

After a cat scan and other tests, the doctors told me I had fractured my skull and needed to be life-flighted to a hospital in Cleveland. But I actually wasn't life-flighted due to bad weather so I went in an ambulance instead. Yay.


    *The next day*

I ended up spending the night in the hospital and that was pretty boring and it was just bad in general. I had a concussion too…so I had to take all these cognitive tests and stuff to make sure I didn’t lose my memory and things like that. One question I was asked was: “Spell the word ‘world’ backwards”. Um, yeah I couldn’t do that. Another question was: “Count backwards from 100 by 7’s”. Yeah I messed that up too…

Anyway, I hope that story cleared things up so people don’t come up to me asking dumb questions like “Wait, why were you playing baseball? Don't you play softball?”, “Wait, so you have to sit in a dark room for two weeks?”, and “Wait, so your eyes turned black?” Yeah, okay, let’s be real here.

Let me give you a current update. Basically, skull fractures and concussions suck. I think I have a permanent headache and I can’t concentrate for more than like an hour at a time. Also, I can’t drive or play sports for 2-3 weeks.

So here’s my advice: Just live in a bubble and life is good.

Because I love Spongebob.

#valentinesdayproblems

Since Valentine's Day was this past week, it's only appropriate to write about it. I mean, who doesn't love Valentine's Day?

Well...that's exactly the problem. Too many people hate Valentine's Day. They always find excuses like "I'm single, so it doesn't matter to me" or "I hate how happy everyone is on Valentine's Day". Well, whether you're single, in a relationship, engaged, married, or whatever else you might be, Valentine's Day is an excuse to be happy, romantic, cute, and eat tons of candy randomly.

Personally, I love Valentine's Day. The little candy hearts are adorable, I love chocolate, and I love giving and receiving those cute little valentines with Disney princesses, Superman, or Finding Nemo on them.

This Valentine's Day, my seven-year-old neighbor came to my house and gave me a valentine. It was the cutest thing ever. By far. He was so excited to give me his Cars valentine, and he happily said "Happy Valentine's Day" in the cutest voice ever. So, since he gave me a valentine, it only made sense for me to give him one, too.

When I gave him his valentine, I forgot how much I missed making those red and pink mailboxes in third grade and putting valentines and candy in everyone else's mailboxes. So, it was a throwback Valentine's Day valentine exchange this year....but this time I didn't have one of those nifty mailboxes...and I only got one valentine...

Well I suppose I should actually get to the point after that random story. Basically, if Valentine's Day makes you upset or you don't like it for some reason, I strongly suggest that you consider the following points about the holiday. I mean, what's not to like...?

1. Valentine's Day is an excuse to eat chocolate and heart-shaped lollipops all day.

2. You have to admit, Merplegrams are hilarious. Unless you're the one getting one...then it's just awkward...

3. If you like/love someone, it's the perfect day to tell them! If you randomly go up to someone on an ordinary day and say, "Hey, I like you, let's date," well, that would be random and slightly uncalled for. However, if you say the same thing on Valentine's Day, it seems normal since everyone else is acting romantic! It's the perfect opportunity, so take advantage of it! But seriously.

4. Receiving valentines makes anyone happy. Don't deny it.  

5. Well, I can't think of a fifth reason...other than the fact that Valentine's Day should make everyone happy...even if you just broke up with your boyfriend or something. Because even if that happens, Valentine's Day is the perfect day to be single and ready to mingle (see #3).

In conclusion, I am trying to convince you to embrace Valentine's Day, instead of pretending to hate it (yes, I know you're pretending...). There are more pros than cons on Valentine's Day, and let's face it, people who hate Valentine's Day are ruining it for the rest of us. So, don't cause problems for the rest of us and learn to love Valentine's Day!

Pro-Valentine's Day!

Anti-Valentine's Day....

#obliviouspeopleproblems

We all know those people who just don't get it. In other words, oblivious people. You know, those people who you never want to talk to. Ever. The way I see it, oblivious people can be categorized into two main groups: the awkward people, and of course, the annoying people.

Awkward people are extremely oblivious. They either don't realize how awkward they make things, or they realize it but don't do anything about it. Either way, it makes for a very uncomfortable situation. Awkward people make you feel like you're the one who's being awkward...when in fact, it's the exact opposite.

Some people might ask, well, what's an awkward situation? Let's just say that if someone runs out of things to say, so they awkwardly ask you about the weather...when they're in the SAME CITY AS YOU...well, that could be characterized as an awkward situation. Awkward situations are not limited to just words. For example, when there is a brief pause or an awkward silence, awkward people also tend to stare deeply into your eyes...and sometimes even into your soul...which is just creepy. Seriously.

*Awkward Silence*
"So...is it raining?"
"Well...you could just look out your window.
I mean, we're in the same city..."

The worst part of it is that these types of people view an awkward situation as completely normal. It's almost as if these types of people have become so awkward that they eventually just get used to awkward situations, therefore, considering them normal. So, for the rest of us, we presume that these people are oblivious. In other words...they just don't get the hint.

The second group of people who are usually oblivious are annoying people. Generally, annoying people are not awkward, because they never run out of things to say...which is exactly the problem. We all know those people who won't stop talking, even after you give them a look that says, "Okay...I think we get the point. You can shut up now." These types of people basically never know when enough is enough, and are entirely oblivious to the irritated glances everyone else gives each other.     

The annoying people are Spongebob and Patrick...
...and I usually end up being Squidward...

Since I gave an example of an awkward situation, I might as well give an example of an annoying situation. One situation that I seem to encounter a lot is when I'm really busy, so I tell someone that I can't talk anymore, but then they keep talking. For what seems like eternity. Another example is when you "forget" to text someone back or whatever, and they kindly remind you that you "forgot" my blowing up your phone with several messages. Not cool.

Despite this hastily made blog, I hope that my efforts have allowed you to be educated about oblivious people. However, although the majority of us can't stand them, you have to ask yourself...where would our world be without oblivious people?

#cyoproblems

When we think of competitive sports, CYO basketball is often one of the last on our lists. However, CYO basketball is, in my opinion, a secretly competitive sport. While many underestimate its athleticism, it should actually be recognized as an aggressive, yet ambitious sport. Through all of my years playing softball and witnessing seam-marks from the ball and bloody knees from sliding, I can officially say that the injuries in CYO basketball almost compare.

You would think that CYO basketball, of all sports, would be the least competitive. In fact, competitive CYO is almost an oxymoron. However, you have to be tenacious and vigorous if you want to attempt to avoid the inevitable. By inevitable, I mean getting kicked so that you fall. Literally. Getting pushed to the ground is just one of many things that makes CYO basketball ridiculously competitive.

Players will smack you, kick you, and elbow you in the face as if it's their job. Well, it's not. They'll also throw the ball at your face and give you disgusting bruises that take like, a month to go away. In addition to all of this, it is also very common to get tripped on purpose. This might just be the worst, especially since the gym floors are basically concrete. When your team only has eight players and four of them are purposely tripped and hurt their ankles, that's kind of a problem.

Winning the first place trophy last year...we keep it real.

The main reason why CYO has become so competitive is that the refs rarely call fouls on any of the players, so it only promotes fierce CYO competition. If you know you won't get a technical for smacking someone in the face...then why not do it? Don't think that just because we say a prayer before the game means we're going to play nice.

Nonetheless, CYO basketball is a very fun and...interesting...sport to play. Last year, we won the Diocese Championship, as shown in the picture above. This year, the St. Joe's CYO Girls basketball team is currently in their season, but it's going to take a lot more effort to win the championship again this year due to the increased competitiveness.

It may seem like I am ranting about the horrible injuries and sportsmanship in this sport. However, as a cross-country runner and competitive softball player, I'm definitely not complaining that CYO basketball is getting too competitive. I'm simply reminding you not to underestimate CYO basketball...because one day, it might be an Olympic sport or something like that. But let's be real, here.