Just thought I'd catch everyone up on what I've been up to lately....

Though I spend (... waste) a lot of time on the computer, I haven't gotten around to blogging lately. Some theories why:

I'm too damned busy

With track just wrapping up last week (I made it to counties! :D), I find just enough time to check my Facebook, stumble around weheartit, read the blogs I follow here on Blogger, and check out my dashboard on tumblr.

I have nothing (or too much) to write about

I'm sorta at a loss for words when I sit down in front of a computer, and I'm trying to figure out if it's because I don't have anything to say, I keep forgetting everything I want to say, or the things I write about isn't what I really want to write about.

Like I said, track ended as of recent, and that's sort of been taking over my life! But summer's only weeks away so hopefully I'll have more spare time and be more inspired. :)

Fingers crossed.

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

These past few months.

These past few months have been the most hectic ever. Between failing every subject basically one week, and then becoming a genius in a matter of days, my production of Once Upon a Mattress ending while I tried to start getting ready for spring track: I was a mess.

My musical was a little less then a month ago. Oh gosh, what I learned from that experience. It made me realize plenty of things.

1.) DON'T TRY TO REPLICATE THINGS, IT WON'T WORK

It's like the sequel to the Sandlot, it just isn't as good. Last year, in 8th grade, I had a truly amazing experience in my school's drama club. Everything just added up to this formula for a great success. I was friends with everyone, the director had everything under control, the stage crew teacher was one of the coolest men on this planet, the play was a bit obscure and it was a learning process getting accustomed to it that made for great memories! So basically, I walked into this new experience, in a totally different school, with totally different people all in a completely different musical expecting it to be the same. And it wasn't. Which, is partially my fault. I can't just sit back and let whatever magic happened last time, just magically appear all over again. If you want something to be enjoyable, you make it enjoyable. And, for the most part I didn't. So I really didn't like some of the people, well that doesn't mean I sit and complain and talk about how I'd rather be at track. So I really hated staying at school until nine at night, well that doesn't mean I sit and complain and talk about how I'd rather be at track. So people were mean and my costume was horrendously funny, well that doesn't mean I sit and complain and talk about how I'd rather be at track.

Do you see a pattern?

2.) I LOVE TRACK.

When drama ended a lot of seniors (and even some lower classmen) made speeches about how drama is the best two/three months of their lives. How the relationships they've made will last for years after they graduate and how they just can't even describe the joy they get from coming here. And while the speeches moved me and on certain aspects I did agree with them, I kept on thinking of track while they rambled on and on about drama. And how every word they said was how I felt about track. I love going to practice, I love the people, I love the crazy situations we get into, I love running, I love the coaches, I love weight room conversations, I love playing potato chips in the lobby looking like an idiot, I love the stupid things we come up with, I love beating myself at meets, I love loving track. That's it. And I'm so happy I'm back. :)

Me today running my 100 :)

** Drama isn't all the hell-hole I portrayed it to be these past couple months, yes it made me threaten to kill myself multiple times a day I'd say but in the end, a show is a show. And if you get joy out of putting it on, it was worth it. And I did I love putting on the show and I definitely don't regret my decision on auditioning. Will I do it next year? Only time will tell, but as of now I don't hate drama, even though you might think I do. :) Song stuck in my head today: "Song of Love" from Once Upon a Mattress :P Keep on keepin' on, Madison

HELLO

Okay, so much to say so much to say so much to say! I have all these crazy thoughts spinning around in my head and I can't wait to get them down onto TFL because then I can make room for new ones! (Yes I just abbreviated my own blog, no I don't care!)

First off, there's been a lot of changes with the physical appearance of the blog lately, if you haven't noticed! But one I'd like to just point out for a sec is to your right ----> if you have a Facebook, which I'm sure you do. Click like! That way if you don't have a blogger and aren't friends with me you can still be up to date on the latest TFL (here I go again!) posts without constantly checking back here (I know you doooo) or without me constantly making it my status. Sound like a plan superman?

Hmm.. what else.

Oh yeah! Now that track's ended I'm already booked up for the off season with my school's drama program. I made it into the play! This year we're doing Once Upon a Mattress and even though things have been slow so far with it (only one rehearsal in two weeks...?) and I really miss track a break from late nights is always nice and I'm sure drama will get better!

So between Pretty Little Liars which is on RIGHT now and trying to get everything else sorted out for school tomorrow I have to go but plentyyy of posts to come this week. :) Arrivederci!

Song stuck in my head today: "Make It Mine" by Jason Mraz ♥

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Track ♥

Thank you, for blessing me with this team.

I love every second.

I know I'm just a "little freshman" but WTF has been the best high school experience yet. Most days, it was my only reason for coming to school! I love all the new friends I've made in track, and I'm counting down the days until spring track starts. Thanks for a great season, I hope to continue this all throughout high school it has been some of the most fun I've had while been on any team! I love you guys. ♥

Song stuck in my head today: nothing worth hearing

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Track.

Track's great! I love hearing people talk about being in track, I really don't know why but everything you can say about it is pretty funny. My favorites so far....

"You should be in a freak show...!"

"That's what track is!"

"Track and XC are the only sports where an old guy with a gun can tell you to take your clothes off."

"Everyone dates everyone on the track team. We're one big family, it's a little like incest more in a more excepted form."

♥

Song stuck in my head today: "Saskia Hamilton" by Ben Folds & Nick Hornby

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

A Medley Of Thoughts

There are too many things I need to write about today! So many things happened that I wanted to write about or had to do with what I wrote about yesterday, so here it goes...

I have my first track meet tomorrow. I'm really nervous! I'm less nervous now after thinking about it for a while but I still can't believe it's tomorrow! So this morning on the bus I listened to some music to keep my mind off of it. The first song that came on shuffle was "The Remedy (I Won't Worry)" by Jason Mraz. Isn't it funny how the subtitle encompassed it all? I love how music has its way of doing that.

So shine the light on all of your friends. When it all amounts to nothing in the end.

So if you have something pretty minor coming up like a track meet (they don't change anything huge in my life!) but you're still nervous, don't worry because in the big scheme of this world it really won't matter much.

Something happened today that I really wanted to vent about so much! It reminded me of my whole honesty post and how this blog is supposed to help me, not suppress my feelings! I think the world was giving me a test to see if I'd write about it or not, well thanks world for screwing up my night! It was like something so cheesy out of a movie. Ugh, if only I could tell you in full detail. I really am afraid though... why can't I be open about certain things?! Please show me someone who honestly doesn't give a crap about anything people have to say! I need them. I want to vent about it so badly.

I'll try.

It'll sound weird but I'll try, for my own sake.

I was talking to someone today and in the most slow and hushed tone they said "So... I was thinking..."

Turns out, after minutes of avoiding the subject and beating around the bush, they just wanted to bring up someone they used to like.

WHAT?! Gosh, if only I could tell you how the whole conversation went, seriously! You got my hopes up and created all this damn suspense over some girl you liked! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Don't you hate when people do that?? Don't you?! Honestly the person said "No, never mind." No! Don't never mind me, you say you wanted to tell me something: so spill! But then when it turns out to be a total, complete and utter letout it makes it even worse! Hey buddy, normally when people beat around the bush it means they have to share something secretive, important or heartfelt. I know you had the hots for her and if you had common sense you would remember I was sorta against the whole thing!

Anyways, now that I somewhat got that off my chest and feel really silly and odd but happy...

When I got home in a bad mood after this conversation I saw that my mom had hung up the Christmas stockings and I really stood there, smiled, and said "Thank you" to these velvet oversized boots because they welcomed me and as freaky as this sounds, made me feel a whole lot better.

Song stuck in my head today: "Stuck On You" by Sugarland

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

And We're Off!

Yes, I'm officialy back into daily running.

Winter track started yesterday, and so far so good. But it's extremely different this year.... :(

1.) Its harder- no duh!

2.) It's cold!

3.) I miss everyone. Either my good friends I used to run with are not doing track or are going to a different school and I'm sick of it already! I do have friends on the team, but none of them are really at my pace. They're either too slow or too fast.

I hope my season goes well.... I really don't know what to expect from it at all!

Song stuck in my head today: "Only The Good Die Young" Glee cast version

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

I'm Back On Track- Literally

I started running again this Monday, because I need to get back in shape if I have any chance of trying out for my high school's soccer team and I just felt lazy not doing it. Track ended for me in early June so it's been a good two months since I've stepped foot on a track and it's not easy to start it up again! My sister and I are trying to get some laps in every day so we can get back in shape. I'm not saying that I'm fat! I just feel lazy. It's been going pretty well, I've missed a couple days because of parties and things like that but besides that I guess it's okay. After we went running one day though, I started to get really upset. And on the walk home I talked to my sister about it for a while. You see, I have this thing about pushing myself. I can't do it. It's so hard for me to get myself to do things, even finishing up this blog posts took some days to do. I explained this to my sister, and surprisingly, she understood! We talked for a while about it and she made a couple references to Nickelodeon's greener Earth campaign "The Big Help". She said, "I understand Maddie, how it's hard to get yourself to do everything you want. Think of The Big Help. They want to you to be kind to others, get a good education, make a difference in the world, and go green! That's a lot to do!". That's really the story of my life. I dream big and never try to accomplish it. I rarely stick with things, and want to do everything. I need help! I'm not sure how to go about doing what I want to get done, and to keep myself motivated. Anyone got any tips? Hopefully when the school year rolls around, (one month! Yikes!), it'll present me with an extra clean slate (since I'm starting a whole new school) that I can organize and fill up with opportunities. Maybe I should check out The Big Help online... think they'll have ideas and tips?! I've tried writing down lists of small goals I'd like to accomplish during the day, but that's very short-lived... Help!

This is a quote I kept finding when I Googled laziness... not sure what to make of it yet. I don't think it really pertains to me 'cause I need to keep running! :P

This person had a lot to do...

Maybe if I start making my To Do lists more colorful I'll get them done??!

Song stuck in my head today: "Magic (feat. Rivers Cuomo)" by B.o.B

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Glee Review #1: Hell-O (Season 2, Episode 1)

Soooooooo, as I promised, here is my very first annual Glee blog post! (Note: These will now be on Thursdays because Glee has moved back to Wednesdays if you didn't see the commercial last night!) And just remember there will most likely be *SPOILERS* so read with great discretion!

Last night fellow Gleeks, was the come back of most of your favorite shows with a great episode, "Hell-o", after a hiatus for oh, what, 3 1/2 months?! I have to say, it was great having the show back. I loved the songs and nothing seemed to disappoint except (sorry! I have to find something to criticise, as hard as it is) I hope it's less dramatic in the following episodes. I think it will be because this was a season premiere, so things have to be spicy to draw people in for higher ratings for next week. Don't get me wrong, I love all the drama! But I don't want it to be too fake, and too fast y'know?

And one other point, some things I was confused about:
1.) Did Rachel really break up with Jesse?
I asked around to my Gleek friends, and they all agreed that Rachel only said that so she wouldn't have to quit Glee, and was really dating this Vocal Adrenaline heart-throb on the sly. I hope so! Because I'd really like to see him in more than just one episode, though with the fierce competition brewing for the coveted spot at Regionals, I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of his lovely locks.
2.) What was Terri(y?) saying when she was talking to Emma about her and Will's prom?
My friends said this was also unclear to them, we only understood that Will had danced with Emma to him and Terri's prom song. If any of you readers know more about what happened, feel free to comment, and respond to anything else! (:
3.) Is Jesse just using Rachel?
Once again, my friends all agreed that they think this is true because you see the 'coach' of Vocal Adrenaline was standing in the legs of the stage while Jesse and Rachel were in mid-kiss, and Jesse opened his eyes during the sweet moment to somewhat mischievously acknowledge his coach's presence.

Good news!! I just was listening to some of last night's Glee track on iTunes, and they had a preview of: Glee- The Music, the Power of Madonna (which is next week's episode! if you missed the "Vogue" music video, HILARIOUS!) and four out of the eight well anticipated tracks are featuring Jonathan Groff, who plays Jesse St. James! So, if you were nervous you'd miss your favorite new character, there's one more thing to look forward to next week! Here's the songs from next week for you, you can pre-order them on iTunes if you'd like:
1.) Express Yourself (feat. Jonathan Groff)
2.) Borderline/Open Your Heart
3.) Vogue
4.) Like a Virgin (feat. Jonathan Groff)
5.) 4 Minutes
6.) What It Feels Like for a Girl
7.) Like a Prayer (feat. Jonathan Groff)
8.) Burning Up (feat. Jonathan Groff)

I can't wait to hear "4 Minutes" and "Like a Virgin", how about you? Leave your comments.

Also, you've might've heard by now, but just to keep you informed.... Jonathan Groff played the lead along Lea Michele (Rachel Berry) in the Broadway production of Spring Awakening, and from that experience if you don't know the show.... well they definitely have chemistry!

Here's some memorable quotes, if you missed out on some last night because of quick runs to you fridge and were lost when everyone was laughing at them today!
"Did you know dolphins are just gay sharks?" - Britney
"Sometimes I forget my middle name." - Britney
"Don't go all super size me, I don't date fat chicks" "I'm pregnant!" "And is that my fault?" - Puck & Quinn
"I carry a rape whistle!" - Rachel
"We have to wear sunscreen on stage..." - Jesse
"I remember when I used to get nervous." - Jesse

Hope you all liked the first post, and don't forget to tune in next Wednesday at nine to watch the special Glee Madonna episode, and here every following Thursday. Got suggestions? As I said, comment, comment, comment!


The Glee girls performing "Hello Goodbye"

As for me things are good! I did five perimeters of the school today but my friend Jennie who I mentioned is out for a week or two after pulling a muscle. :( Feel better Jennie!

Song stuck in my head today: "True Colors" by The Glee cast

Have a great day!!!! ♥

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

The Internet (did you know, it has to capitilized?!)

The Internet is a wonderful thing.

The Internet is a horrendous thing.

The Internet provides us with such a great tool, that allows us to communicate world-wide and provides us with a fountain of information right at our fingertips. Just like I'm doing right now. I'm able to share my thoughts and feelings at any given moment, to more or less, the world! I can make movies, share ideas, plan trips, e-mail friends, share pictures over Facebook all without leaving the cozy confines of my home. I can make friends, meet new people, play games, do research for homework, talk to my family, the Internet is full of endless possibilities.

The Internet is a dangerous tool, made available for it to be in use by anyone. Good or bad. The Internet is too vast a medium for our world. What I'm typing right now can be twisted and used against me, printed out and ridiculed, and can be shared all over the web. I can post embarrassing pictures of people I know, and by they time someone takes it down, who knows who's seen it by then? I can sit at home and laugh at my classmates pictures on Facebook, point them out to my friends, and giggle at them in hall and they wouldn't have a clue what we were joking about. I can create mean websites, mocking my enemies, and inviting those who know them to join. I can create fake profiles and deceive people I know, what they think they're hearing from some cute single high-schooler, is just a backstabber with a keyboard. Not only can I hurt people, but this can all happen to me.

I've never done any of those things I've mentioned to anyone. But I wanted us to think about how uncontrollable the Internet really is. Think about it: your parents but controls on your Mac so you can't accidentally run into some porn or something while Googling up pictures for a slideshow, or so you can't go on any websites with mature content, information on illegal activities or so you can't create a MySpace, Facebook or Twitter. But when you go to your friends house, are those same blocks still there? Most likely you'll know someone who has parents that are less protective. You can, and will, be exposed to all the stuff on the Internet that someone hasn't wanted you to. Computers have become such a necessity it's hard not to stumble across something raunchy while just e-mailing your aunt. And think about the countless suicides you've heard about in school and on the news do to cyber-bullying. In this day and age most likely every teen you ask knows someone who's been hurt over the Internet. And sometimes it's not even someone you know, like that chick from school who's jealous that you're going out with her ex. It could just as well be a strange Turkish man you've never seen in your life, that may be the source of the harassments. If the world wide web has had such a great impact on everyone's life, why don't we just categorize time like back in the day? I think I'll try.... today is April 13th 2010, B.I. (B.I.= Before Internet, for those of you not as clever ;))

As you can see, I'm starting to ramble on and on. Just point is, be safe, don't get too computer obsessed (face it, we've all been down that road!), and never hurt others.

As for an update on my live, accomplishing my goal of being able to do a split, has started off with a rocky start. :/ But, on the bright side, in track today I ran 18 minutes straight without stopping! (Just turn a blind eye to that stop to tie my shoe... hey! That could be dangerous!). Sorry I couldn't post yesterday, Mondays are super tight so if I ever do post, it's a miracle! And, for all you Glee fans out there, special blog tomorrow!!!

Song stuck in my head today: "Beast of Burden" by The Rolling Stones

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

Getting High Off Yourself: True?

You might have heard it before, maybe not. That people can get high off themselves, by finding something they like doing, like a sport, or activity and being able to reach that level of pure ecstasy. You might have just heard this from health class, trying to turn you away from the dangers of drugs, giving you an alternative high. Or you might hear it from people who are extremely active, or have such passion in their favorite activities. I never really thought about it much, but today I think I might have gotten just a taste.

As I said in my first post, I joined my school's track team. I had only had two practices before today, I enjoyed them but they was nothing really special. It was the usual sports regime for me, tiring drills, laughing with friends, and at the end of the day, knowing you could've done better.

That's the thing. I came home last night knowing I could've pushed myself way harder as we ran for 15 minutes straight around the track, I could've accomplished that feat without the two water breaks. So I went into practice today with more than just a water bottle, but a goal. A goal to do my best, and really mean it. If my coaches told me to run how ever long without stopping, that meant no stops, not sneaking out of the pack of Nike clad girls for a sip of water.

So I did it. I did four perimeters of the school, without any stops. And once it was over, I wanted more! I realized that strong self-determination is such a beautiful thing. Once you sit down and think, I really want this! And mean it, not just say, "Oh I tried my best" as an excuse, you can do anything.

I'm not saying I was amazing, like Flash or something. No one can ever reach their full potential. I went home ecstatic and eager to push myself harder, not knowing what else I was capable of.

After practice officially ended, my friend Jennie and I both went for a half perimeter around the school to head to the locker room. When we got there, we were in front people walking from the field to the locker room (which is a very short walk!) and knowing we left the same time as them, and seeing some people's faces aghast as we turned the corner, was a pretty great feeling.

Song stuck in my head today: "Magic Bus" by The Who

So, go out and do something you've always wanted to, but never gave it your all. You never know until you try. And if you don't like it, well... screw it!

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison

The Flower List #7: Start a Blog

As my first post, I'd just like to let anyone out there reading this (I hope someone's reading this!) know some things about me and this blog. My name's Madison and I'm blogging about things that I want to share with the world, and accomplishing my Flower List. My Flower List is the list of things I want to do before I die. People always ask me why I have a "Bucket List" at such a young age. Well, I've realized that life is way to good and way too short to just sit around, and I need to start making some goals, and have some adventures. That's what this is all about, adventures. And every time I accomplish something I'll have the same format blog title, and write about it. Thanks to Blogger I can cross of number seven! But I don't have high expectations, I just hope to make people think, inspired, and have some readers. I've realized I set my expectations way too high in the past, so just one reader would put a smile on my face. Anyways, enough with introductions! I find them way too boring and vague. So here's the start of my 'real' blog,

For days I've been waiting for the trees in my town to change. You know, when their bare branches turn into beautiful canvases for white flowers at the beginning of spring. And so far there's only been buds. I woke up this morning, hoping as I'd walk to school that they'd finally bloom. But, no luck. So I'm walking home from my first track practice today (which is a whole 'nother story) and halfway during my trek home, I stop suddenly in the sidewalk noticing the rows of flower covered pear trees framing my street, scaring my neighbor.

Then, in the blissful glory of all these trees I'm about to cross a street and I here a way too familiar voice yell, "Hey! Ho!". I know automatically this is my sister, because she's been singing that randomly for the past week. Then I see my dad on his bike, riding along side her in the street with my little sister in one of those hitchable tent things for babies. My dad came up and explained he was going to surprise me at track but they started riding home once I called and told them it ended at four, not five. And just to add to the list of good things that happened after that, I saw my family friend picking up his car from outside my house, I had a sudden craving for orange juice which is really weird because I normally hate orange juice, and then my sister and I both spontaneously got cotton candy ices from the ice cream man.

Now, I'm one of those people where the little things turn my whole day around. So all these little great events after another made me extremely happy. But besides my normal behavior, I got to thinking if the world just has these moments made to cheer us up. Because when I think of it, I was walking home from my first day of track, sweating like a pig, and mad because I waited at the school for my friend who didn't end up walking with me, and as soon as I step onto my block I'm hit with a wave of tiny miracles. I wanted to put this here, to see what who ever may be reading this, had to say in the matter. Had you ever had those moments, out of the blue where the world seemed to be sending you some sort of message?

Song stuck in my head today: "All My Lovings" by The Beatles

^^ I'll always write that 'cause there's always a song in my head and hopefully you might learn of a new song and YouTube it! Hope you do (:

So thanks once again to Blogger and everyone for helping my cross off #7.... let's hope it wasn't a waste to put it on there, but hey you learn from your mistakes. Expect new posts everyday.... if not it's 'cause I was probably too busy or had nothing too blog worthy!

Keep on keepin' on,

Madison