Letters to Electra - Week 2 of the End of Year Holidays

19/12/14

Dear Electra,

What I'm planning to do for the holidays is to:
- Read as many books as I can
- Conduct science experiments
- Watch many movies and TV series
- Talk to Gwen
- Bake
- Sing
- Solve mathematical equations
- Blog about my activities during the seven weeks.

The only thing I haven't followed in this list is conducting science experiments. I've been thirsting to test this experiment which involves planting a popcorn kernel in a wet tissue paper and observe the method. "Why haven't you done it yet?", you ask? I can't research it. You see, I'm testing this experiment through the Scientific Method, but I can't complete the first step. Should I go ahead without researching first?

The books I currently have from the Library are shown in this picture (not including the Harry Potter book):

I've actually loaned out the 'Blue' novel and both of the Spanish books in 2013 too, but I couldn't finish them. I can't wait to read them again!

Yesterday my family and I bought a new keyboard! I tend to get over-excited about instruments, especially if the instrument is one I've been dying to play and own. I've never learned how to play, so the only songs I've learned so far are nursery rhymes.

A new obsession I have is 'Freaks and Geeks.' I love that the show has realistic content about high school, and since I'm entering high school next year this show will be useful. I guess my favourite character is Lindsay Weir, since she has such a strong persona and is aware of who she really is. She's also immensely intelligent.

via www.hollywoodreporter.com

Sadly, Electra and Marian will go on a hiatus because I don't have enough to post about on both of my blogs. But I will be posting about how the remainder of my holidays went on MEDL.So, advanced Merry Christmas and a happy New Year, Electra!

- M ★

The Last School Week of 2014 (A.K.A The End of the World)

5/12/14
Dear Electra,

School for 2014 is over! My feelings are spinning inside a tornado. I'm actually entering high school next year! I think people don't make a big deal out of this, but unfortunately I am not one of those people. So many things happened this week, the same level of busyness I experienced in November. These things include:
- Singing 'I Dreamed a Dream' for my music assessment
- Co-Curricular Prizegiving (also, I'll introduce you to 'Joker')
- Learning the negative impact drugs put on drug addicts
Let me write these sentiments into separate paragraphs, shall I?

I planned originally to sing and play the guitar to 'Won't Love You Any Less' by Nat & Alex Wolff, but the song, as I thought in my opinion, wouldn't excite the audience and get me an excellence. I then considered 'A Change in Me' from Beauty & the Beast, but I couldn't hit the high note at the near end of the song. Flash forward to the day before the final assessment and I still haven't found the perfect song. That night I searched for 'Les Misérables' and landed upon 'I Dreamed a Dream' sung by Fantine. There were some parts which I couldn't hit, but overall I did it and it's all done.

On Tuesday we had the co-curricular prizegiving, which commends people who have achieved in sport, music, drama, and merit in academic. I received a merit award in Spanish, most contribution to music in year eight, and most improved vocals in year eight. During this prizegiving, a guy Gwen & I call 'Joker' was staring at me (as she told me) during the length of the prizegiving. Joker is extremely smart, being an all-rounder in drama, music, sport, and academic; lucky chap.

During this and last week, the year eights had to learn about how drugs affect people. We watched this frightening documentary about drug addicts who live/d in New Zealand and they described their experiences with drugs and the outcomes. There was this mother who warned her son to stop taking drugs, or otherwise he would be kicked out of the house. The son chose to stay on drugs and eventually gained an infected arm. Wow, talk about karma! I choose to stay on the anti-drugs pathway, hopefully for the rest of my life.

Flash forward to today, the last day of school in 2014 for the juniors. I was slightly depressed that this year was ending because of all the memories I've experienced throughout the year. Camp, exams, meeting new people, learning a variety of things, 2014 has really been the best year of my life so far. I cannot handle the long wait for 2015. Four weeks left of this year!

- M ★

Letters to Electra - C A M P

26/11/14

Dear Electra,

As a year eight (13 years old) this year, I had the chance to choose one of four camps - Waitomo Caves, Beach, Farm, or Forestry. None of the first three didn't interest me, so I selected the latter. Trust me - this camp didn't disappoint.

We spent five days there, from Monday to Friday. It was a beautiful way to cherish nature and the planet we live on. Once this Earth has decomposed, we wouldn't have another place to raise our children. We went on hikes, stayed at a waterfall, and swam in a river nearby our camp. The main highlight, as I've mentioned already in this paragraph, is understanding the beautiful creations nature can provide.

I'm actually writing about my camp experience on Marian's Everyday Life until Friday, so you can read about the shenanigans I got up to.

- M ★

Letters to Electra - Final Examinations (A.K.A the main cause for stress)

12/11/14

Dear Electra,

I've missed you! I haven't written to you in one month! This November has been the busiest month of the year, consisting of final examinations, year eight camp, club meetings, and many more! I have written some letters from the past which weren't sent out to you since I didn't have time. Here they are! Hope you enjoy.

- M ★

31/10/14

Dear Electra,

Halloween! We don't celebrate Halloween here at my school. Instead, we had a year eight speech competition. Some of the speeches presented had topics like, 'Homework should be banned,' and my favourite, 'Boys are better chefs than girls.' You're probably going to say, "Marian! Aren't you a feminist and find this sexist?" Calm down, Electra, the ending wasn't that bad. He finished with, "My nana's a good cook, and my mum's food is delicious," or something similar to that. This speech won first place equal with another guy's speech, which was about 'books are better than movies.' The second placer went to my female friend and she spoke about 'advertising and jingles,' and didn't even hesitate to use Taylor Swift as an example. (She's a die-hard Swiftie, along with my other friends.)

- M ★

2/11/14

Dear Electra,

HAVE YOU SEEN ANY OF THE STEP UP MOVIES? They are extremely addicting to watch. If you haven't seen it, then I won't write spoilers. Each Step Up movie has their individual stories and combinations of characters. My favourite characters are Moose & Camille. You get to see both of them together in Step Ups 3 & 5. The choreography actually inspired me to dance freestyle. You should check out 'mah moves' (no, please don't. I can't actually dance (unless you include hardcore 'crumping')). My favourite Step Up movie in the 3rd one because, I don't actually know. Maybe it's the fact that Moose and Camille are both in it. Maybe...

Here are some pictures of Moose & Camille:

Via www.pinterest.com/pin/474285404481290931/

Via onthesetofnewyork.com
Fun Fact: Alyson Stoner who plays Camille was my idol
when I first saw 'Cheaper by the Dozen' when I was
seven or eight years old. Now she's playing my favourite
character in Step Up!

- M ★

4/11/14

Dear Electra,

Athletics! Since we have health and my teacher is helping the athletics, my class & I are basically having free time and watching the competitors. I am currently sitting on top of a pillar at the place where the Three Musketeers used to hang out when we were still close. I am also watching the year eight girls' long jump and one of the girls who was participating was talking to her beau. They are, I guess, the most popular couple in our grade, because me and Gwen always see them walk around the school together. Oh no, it's about to rain and there's no shade to hide under except for my umbrella. Gotta go!

- M ★

Letters to Electra - Inspired by the Wolff Brothers

8/10/14

Dear Electra,

I am at the public library with my noisy laptop and you. I'm listening to the 'Naked Brothers Band' as always since last week. I think I'm over 'Boy Meets World' and 'Girl Meets World' now because instead I am 'sacrificing' my life to the NBB & Nat Wolff.
I have been writing so many (well, if you consider 4) songs inspired by the NBB. This is the first song I've written inspired from them, it's entitled 'A Connection Was Made' and is based on a letter:

I will try to converse 
to an anti-slack
about our secret desires
and entering perilous tracks.

This chap knew how to live 
he was smart, sporty and charming.
But underneath it all
was a vision full of harming
(was a vision full of harming)

A connection was made
between the two of us
both scared, frightened & startled
but neither surprised, blushing or puzzled.
We knew a today
that a connection was made 
(a connection was made)

The depression departed
and contentment started
I look at the past 
remembering at long last
the sun found us all

A connection was made
between the two of us
both scared, frightened & startled
but neither surprised, blushing or puzzled.
We knew a today
that a connection was made 
(a connection was made)

Flash forward to the day

the day that exclaimed 'yay'

we found each other leading a powerful life

A connection was made
between the two of us
both scared, frightened & startled
but neither surprised, blushing or puzzled.
We knew a today
that a connection was made 
(a connection was made) (2x)

I asked my mother for a song theme last night and she replied with "being virtuous." I haven't finished it yet, but here's what I have written as the first verse and pre-chorus:

Lead a life full of hope

lead a life full of love

and you'll figure it out

remember what Ben said:

"Eat not dullness; drink not to elevation."

And a true life is what you'll take hold of

While you weep or mourn,

know that this will be over soon.

I think that was the most hippie-sounding song I'd imagine writing. No surprise that I feel hippy every day.
Okay, enough about writing songs. My second and last week of Term 3 holidays have been more 'chilled out' than the first. Gwen was supposed to come over on Tuesday, but she couldn't because she was sick. I guess I have to tell her about my songwriting and obsession with the NBB next week.
Later on tonight, my family and I will attend a pyjama party to celebrate our friends' birthday. It sounds exciting as it is (I hope so). I love slumber-like parties.

- M ★

Letters to Electra - Welcome to October

1/10/14

Dear Electra,

The holidays have just started last Friday afternoon, a perfect day to start. So far, I have talked to Gwen twice because she's been going to the badminton courts and I and my two other friends been rehearsing a performance for my friend's 18th birthday. We are going to perform 'Price Tag' as an opening scene and if I get the chance I will sing the Lodovica Comello version of 'I Only Want to be With You' as a solo. A SOLO. Yes, Electra, I am frightened. What if my 'special person' comes unexpectedly? What if I release gas while singing? I totally have to stop doubting. But there will be 110 people! Oh well, it's just one performance for two or three minutes.

From the 13th of Oct. to the 12th of Nov., Electra & Marian will be inactive due to my exams. There will be another hiatus for only one letter on the 19th of Nov. due to camp. Meanwhile, enjoy this and next week's letter as the blog is still active!

I have run out of things to write about. Visit my other blog, Marian's Everday Life, to read what happened at the 18th birthday party of my friend in my perspective! Hopefully, there won't be any words of negativity nor epic failures. Thank you for reading this letter!

- M ★

Letters to Electra - Final Exams & Camp

24/09/14
Dear Electra,

D'ya miss me? I apologise for no letter last Wednesday. I got carried away with school. Speaking of school, this week is the last week of the term! I am slightly depressed because I won't be able to talk to my friends and receive homework and most importantly, see 'special' people. As you read on our Facebook page, I tend to stress when I have no school tasks to complete. Let's do a checklist of my homework:

Maths: Statistics assessment completed, tasks on homework website may appear, enlargement of a cartoon character
English: library book
Religious Ed.: Worksheet on physical, social, emotional & intellectual and spiritual abilities
Science: none
Social Studies: none
Health & P.E: none (possibly get more fit & eat a balanced diet)
Woodwork: none
Music: none

Out of eight, half of the subjects have homework to be completed (including health & p.e), so I guess that's enough.
I've noticed that I'm busy for the two-week break. On the first week, my family's helping with my friend's debut, and on the second Gwen is coming over because we need to learn how to construct a tent for year eight camp. Can't believe the end of the year is coming. Once these two weeks of holidays are over, it's time to study for FINAL EXAMS. As I have learned last year, always study your exercise book, not irrelevant books about the physics of a balloon popping. After the exams, that's when the fun starts, CAMP! In my school we have a choice of camping at Waitomo Caves, a farm, Tauranga beach or forest. I picked the latter, as well as Gwen & a special person. Although exams can be stressful, I'm excited for it. This can really unlock my potential for academics.

About the musical, I have been cast in the ensemble! I'm very excited for next year when we'll start preparing. Yay!

- M ★

P.S: There will be no Girl/Boy Meets World GIFs on these letters from now on.