Sometimes I think about the things I miss out on...

The days pass, and each year I always have that empty hole at the bottom of my stomach. I realize that I don't get to do the things normal teens get to do. I never went to a football game, never to a high school dance, and kept myself away from clubs that struck my interest.

I can't help but to cry when I think about it. My parents are constantly on the move I don't think I've lived in a single house for more than 2 years. I am struggling through my teenage years, with nothing but books, and colleges to worry about. I never get to just go out and have fun. I am not allowed to screw up.

I am a Stepford daughter. Apparently, I can do no wrong. I bring home a grade any less than a B and I get the largest guilt trip anybody can possibly muster onto another. But for the rest of my siblings, it's good job I'm so proud. Yes, both my parents boast on how intelligent I am for a 2 months premature baby. But really what does that have to do with anything?

All I want is 2.5 more years of being a teenager. I don't want to miss out on things that will never happen once I graduate. I don't want my parents to force me into a field that I don't want to be in. I'm interested in the arts gosh darn it. I am not teacher, lawyer, or any of that other crap they seem to think I want to be!

I think about my life when I go to bed and how much I've missed out on because of the constant relocation and how I maybe affected in the long run and I could sit there and cry cry like a baby. But it won't ever do me any good and I know this but the only thing that I have to turn to is my writing. But sometimes I can't even bare to write.

Hope ALL is well,
God Bless,
Hugs Not Drugs,
Mercedes =)

The Fort Cherry Review

On my first day at Chartiers Valley I literally wanted to cry. I had never experienced a feeling like this in my entire life I felt insecure, unloved, forgotten, unimportant, lost, and completely embarrassed. The whole experience was awkward. The building is a circle not the normal two story rectangular building I was used to. Not one familiar face in the hallway, not one familiar voice saying don't fall, but that's just the humor of being at Fort Cherry Jr./Sr. High School. Located in McDonald, Pa Fort Cherry High School is not such a big school, but for their lack of size they make up for it in a big way. Being at such a small school was terrific, everyone knew each other, the teachers 90% of the time had an extremely warm and welcoming smile on their face when you walked in the room.

FCHS was one of the most rewarding places I've ever had the liberty of being. All the classrooms have a specific calling, every single one was different. Whether it was Mr. Hallowich's [history] big mouth or Mrs. Knight's [English] blogs, something was always going on. I felt worthy of intelligence while in both classrooms. The teachers there are irreplaceable. The school had a technology boom too! Even though it was a little tedious at times was incredibly useful. CVHS hasn't really dabbed into that yet. I felt as if I was preparing myself for the future. Being at such a close- knit school I gained friendships, friendships that I hope will remain as strong as they ever were.

All throughout the school there were a significant amount of places you "wander" to. The library, one of the few places I never wanted to leave. Ms. Perkins was the greatest she really bonded with all of the students and was loved by all. The nurse's office (I've paid my dues...once or twice, ok more than a dozen times) Mrs. Cowden was a genuine individual, who I adored even when I was in an above tolerable amount of pain and or discomfort. The classroom, one of the most important place behind the walls of FCHS, where wit beyond measure was a (wo)man's greatest and most desired treasure. Every single teacher brought something (joyous or repulsive) to the table (classroom). Though we had a slight bit of advantage thanks to the technology boom.

The hallways, the halls were pretty hazardous partially, no fully because of my two left feet. As for the pep rallies, let's just say CVHS is completely lacking in school spirit. It's only my first week and already I miss the Ranger crazed high school. But what can you do?

The classes at FCHS have a little bit more diversity as well. I actually had trouble picking my electives this time around because Yearbook is only offered to juniors , and concert choir I don't think I want to go down that road at CVHS ( unsatisfactory memos about the class). As for the "major" classes I am taking IBS Honors English, a bit more demanding than Advanced I am told, Chem Lab, IBS Honors World History (supposed to be taken in 11th grade), Spanish 3 (same deal), and Algebra 2. As for my horrifying choice for electives I chose Driver's Ed, a required course at FCHS, and Journalism, which has led me to write this article.

I can honestly say that FCHS has more of a variety when it comes to choosing electives and a lot of the electives at CVHS are AGAIN REQUIRED at FCHS and I have made a very stalwart consensus that this arrangement is particularly appalling and I eminently think that this will affect me in the near future. Where as students attending FCHS won't be as affected. So put your hands together for the members of FCHS's school board. Making up with it's diversity of academics, FCHS is lacking on what is known here as the FLEX program. This program is worth one credit, so it's just like a class, only it's spread out a 1/4 credit each high school year. The program was developed so that high school students can devave elop skills and the necessary requirements for their chosen field of work. I have concluded that this is a great program expect I now have 30 hours of community service due the end of January. But luckily for me I am moving.

The Mercedes Review in FCHS is a completely honest, unbiased review I am giving the school two thumbs way, way up. Congradulations you have altered my first judgement of FCHS, for better I promise not for worse. A complete group of 5 stars. FCHS is one of the most unique schools I have attended, and the only school I thought I had potential in. Thanks go out to everybody there for making the experience worthwhile. Of all the schools I have attended, I recommend Fort Cherry because big things come in small packages.

*Read the full article in October 2008's The Ant ( There's a paragraph and a few pictures more)
Remember Hugs Not Drugs,
Mercedes
=)

Highlights of the Presidential Debate

John McCain entered Tuesday's presidential debate needing Barack Obama to stumble or in the very least the GOP nominee had to deliver a performance that could help change the direction of the campaign. Election Day is closing in and valuable time is slipping away. Obama is making gains in key battleground states as well as in a couple of traditional Republican strongholds. Have you honestly listened to what he has to say?
Am I the only one listening?
Well am I?

Last night's debate was so boring. I dozed off. But I tivo-ed it and watched it this morning.

Hello? Anyone? Are you up for higher taxes and a crumbling economy?
Well Obama seems to be!

I was pro-Obama for a short while.
I thought all through the debate closely listening to everything each candidate had to say I was appalled by the constant "shakiness" in Mr. Obama's voice and believed that he was downright lying.Neither candidate had a stellar performance. Each failed to effectively use the town hall format to express compassion for the problems voters are facing. Instead, Obama and McCain used the debate as a soapbox to tout their policy positions and criticize one another on their policy stands.
There are still 27 days remaining in what has been a triathlon quest for the White House. The election isn't over, but McCain needs a quick change of course. He's got my vote.... well if I COULD VOTE anyway.
Mr. Obama is not ready to lead.

My name is Mercedes and I approve this message.....

I could be a FANTASTIC President, right?
God Bless,
Mercedes

9 Words Women Use =]

1. Fine : This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
2. Five Minutes : If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
3. Nothing : This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
4. Go Ahead : This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
5. Loud Sigh : This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)
6. That's Okay : This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
7. Thanks : A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say you're welcome.
8 . Whatever : Is a women's way of saying drop dead
9. Don't worry about it, I got it : Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking "What's wrong?" For the woman's response refer to #3.