Self-Discipline

I have a hard time disciplining myself to do my homework before going on the computer, practicing piano and viola every day, working on Personal Progress all the time, and other things. If I'm in a good mood, it's easier. But if I'm tired, had a bad day, or just plain grumpy, I just can not make myself do that. There have been several times when my mom has made me go and practice or something and I stomp off crying, but I do it because I don't want to lose privileges like the computer or something. I'm mad at times like that, but in the end it's usually not so bad. But I still hate it when that happens.

I hate myself for not being able to just force myself to practice every day. I wish I could be more like my dad in that area - he is really busy, but he makes himself study all the time and exercise every day, even if it causes him to lose sleep. I have my good days - like today, for example: when I got home, I did my homework, grabbed an apple and went to the computer, then practiced piano and viola afterward - but they are few and far in between most of the time. I have to be inspired to change. Sometimes I am inspired, but not enough to change me. I feel overwhelmed with everything I have going on as well as the thought of what will come later. Several people have asked me why I don't quit the piano or the viola or something, but I tell them that I can't do it. I love those instruments, and yet sometimes it kills me to think of practicing on them. I have goals for the future, yet I don't work toward them now. I'm overwhelmed, but I'm not doing anything about it.

Heavenly Father gave us weaknesses to keep us humble. I'd say this is one of them. But maybe, if I work toward that goal, being self-disciplined will be one of my strengths someday. Hm, just writing this post is inspiring me right now...

First Week of Junior High

Junior High has been great so far! Besides a few locker problems and trying to find my classes on the first day, it's been a pretty good week. It's been crazy, but good. I've already had a few algebra assignments, I'm working on a five-paragraph English essay about the villainization of snakes, and I've been assigned my term project for science. But even with all of this work, I'm determined to do as well this year as I have done any other year in elementary. I plan not to procrastinate my projects until the last second, discipline myself into working every day to do better, and also I want to get back on a regular practicing schedule (for piano and viola), though I haven't quite made myself do that yet. If you have any suggestions, please comment - I'm open to any tips on how to keep myself going even if I'm wading through piles of homework.

Anyway, my favorite class is drama, because we get relaxation day every Friday and we play fun games that build our focus (because the foundation of acting is focus). Our first relaxation day was amazing - one person actually fell asleep. We listened to soft, beautiful music while our teacher spoke softly to us about tensing different parts of our body and then letting them relax. It was wonderful. My favorite teacher is our CTE teacher though - he is so fun. And CTE is a fun class too, but drama is still my favorite.

To all of my friends - how was your first week of school?

Summer!!!

It's finally SUMMER!!! I have lots of great plans. Our family is going to Puerto Rico (more about that afterwards) - I'm so excited! I also have my other plans, like going through all my stuff (toys, books, clothes, etc.) and doing arts and crafts and hanging out with friends --- it's gonna be so fun!

Sad thing - during the summer you're usually home more than during the school year. That means messier house which means (ugh) more chores. I'm NOT excited for that part. All well!

Oh, I also plan to earn a lot of money this summer doing lemonade stands, working in gardens and such, mowing the lawn, doing extra chores, etc.

I love summer! Don't you?

More on Space Camp

Latest news: I probably won't be going to space camp after all. At least not the one in Alabama with ages 8/12. It's really expensive, plus the plane fee. But I'm still saving up for something really cool. And I'm still considering going to a camp, just not space camp. I think an art camp would be fun, and way cheaper.
I'm excited for Summer, because I'll be able to work a lot more.

Chores

I hate chores. A lot of people do. But I know they have to be done, or our house would be a pack-ratty wreck, which I would not like.
My chores:

• dishes
• clean bedroom
• swish-n'-swipe upstairs and downstairs
• sweep and mop kitchen floor
• every now and then vacuum
• take out ALL garbages up and downstairs
• dust
• take out recycling
• and sometimes other things...

Does anybody know a good way to do chores with a cheerful attitude? I know I can just choose to have a good attitude, but sometimes that is really hard. Tell me how you all do it!