Last Day of Softball.

     Today, my phone died. So I have no pictures. But today was my last day of softball and my last day of sports. It was my last day of putting on my uniform. (I did take a pic of me putting on my socks for the last time.) I warmed up for the last time, called "Nobody on, nobody out" once more, and cheered for my teammates for the last day. We deliberated too-long over which saying to call out before every inning, as if picking the wrong one would be disastrous, just like always. We lined up on first, high-fived, saying "good game, good game, good game," just like always. We made the walk back to the dugout while parents cheered "good job, eagles!" with a few new wounds, and a few more memories. Yes, this is a sentimental post. Hopefully the sentiment will make up for the lack of imagery. Because I love my teams.
     This post is for all my teams. I will miss lugging multiple bags to and from school, running sprints fast enough that we all didn't have to do it again, and encouraging mile-runners and outfield-catchers to finish strong. I will miss all of my teammates that have extended beyond the navy out-of-bounds lines on the court, the lines I scrutinized over to call "in" or "out" while Coach Gomez scrutinized me, and have become my friends. I'll miss this.
     Graduation is way too close and way too far. Today I raved/danced maybe a little too much at Robes & Strobes. Actually, definitely too much, to make up for the awk head-bobbing days of freshman year. Who knew that being willing to look like a freak is way cooler than trying to be normal? It's hard to believe I have a major project due Monday when all I want to do is savor my last ten days of school. Assignments, now, more than ever, seem meaningless when I can count the number of senior hall mornings I have left on my hands.
     This last day of softball puts all the "lasts" in perspective. I love this place. I will miss all of you that came with it.

Last SPC!

The day began with Anna's Hey, Soul Sister alarm clock and some breakfast spent catching up on the royal wedding of William and Kate. Any questions were deferred to Mrs. Leib, a RW enthusiast. We then played some softball. Beat St. Mary's Hall 15-2 (?), and went to Potbelly's for some lunch! This is my team sitting outside when we thought it was closed, only to have a worker come to the door and tell us they were open.. a little awk. We watched da boys play number one seed Episcopal Houston. We lost, but our uniforms were better. Then it was time for an epic battle against Greenhill. Long story short, we ended up losing in the bottom of the 7th 5-4. Bummer. But it was legit the best game ever. Ask me in person for the epic tale. We then napped, colored and interacted with a creepy/southern waiter at Macaroni Grill, and devoured some Coldstone. After finishing Napo, building some forts, and creating some schemes, we went to sleep. Zzzzz.

Last Practice!

After the Fine Arts Awards (a reallyreally long chapel service culminated by some muffins), Genie took a pic of me with my ribbon. I was by myself. (Catherine says selfies are my fave though, so I guess I can't complain [Catherine and Anna are watching me write this]). I had an enjoyable meal including Mrs. Ferris. Vinay asked her some calculus questions. Later Sarah and I watched a SUPERCOOL version of Seussical (I say this because a sassy fifth grader implied it was lame). My buddy rocked it out as a kangaroo, just saying. Since we left for SPC today, it was our last practice. Cue sentimental thoughts!! Cue them. This is my last game of catch at practice with CatCat^. I got to take a few at SS, so I was happy. We drove to Fort Worth. And watched part of Napoleon Dynamite. Yesssssss.

Better late than never!

So today we had our last bible study meeting! It was at rusty taco, and we fittingly ate a lot of tacos. It was weird to talk about wrapping the year up.. ahh! This cute kid kept popping up as we were eating. At school we had lunch with our fifth grade buddies! We talked a lot about camp and had some ice cream sundaes. Woo!

Last lift, j-lism chapel, and lax.

Today in history: Meredith Vierra is in England in anticipation of the royal wedding!

After swapping stories about Easter Break, it was time for one of the best chapels of the year, the publications chapel, aka Mrs. Meier's claps chapel. I like clapping. We showed the freshmen how it was done and 4-year j-staffers got their coveted scrapbooks! Congrats! It was Taryn's last day before she leaves for Poland and Israel for two weeks on an incredible opportunity to visit concentration camps an other sites with an actual Holocaust survivor. We'll see you on May 13th! The Mrozek advisory will miss you! After attending a AP meeting make-up sesh and some practice, it was time for my last lift ever! Here's me by the board holding a big weight. It was kinda heavy. Coach Kimrey said he'd miss me. <3. As promised to Philip and Tyler, who signed my discharge petition for government, I attended the lacrosse game (post an awk Jersey Mike's encounter) with some notable other Eagle fans. We totes won. Headed to state! Sarah and I grabbed some sbucks and brainstormed summer jobs. Let her know if you have any suggestions.

OMG ILY Ashton!

Today=softball outing to the Ranger game!! Coach Ashton was playing in right field, so we made her signs, naturally. Some of the cleverness: That Girl in Right Field.. I know her! I know her! (it's the ball girl and she's our coach!); I'm having fun with my softball team!!; a blank sign; Coach Ashton Rox, ILY; and more. Before the game we went down to talk to her but she had to go warm up to throw with Nelson Cruz before I could snap a pic. We went up to our all-you-can-eat seats, that Anna espesh enjoyed. Being the friendly team we are, we made some friends and taught them some cheers. We even picked up a few souvenirs and polished off a tall texan (cotton candy that was taller than sydney!) Selfies were taken. Safety was promoted. Success was achieved.

Easter at the Ballpark.

Jeff Francoeur and I! I was more excited than I seem in the pic, but I think I was showing some signs of fatigue after waking up at 5:00 am to go to the sunrise service this Easter morning (this is what the world looks like at that time) (nice running into you, Sarah, Laura, and Sam). Instead of our usual egg-based festivities (most notably egg wars) we went to the Rangers game and brought a broom to celebrate the sweep of the Royals! Buddy Bell threw  a ball to a little girl right next to me! 'Twas a great Easter. Tomorrow will be three days in a row at the ballpark! Get excited.

Thanks, Chris Davis!

It was super pleasant to sleep in this morning! Lovin' Easter Break. I worked on putting together graduation invitations, and downloaded and artsy new photo app, Instagram. Like the results? [Sidenote on invites, skip down if you do not care: Turns out I underordered.. currently looking for some extras if anyone's in the market. Haha I'm not too worried because my mom thinks invites=gift asking, (which is not what I mean by sending them) but that means I don't get to send them to everyone I know. Know that I am still inviting you, even if I don't send you one. The rule of thumb is usually if I know your parents.] Anyway, Todd came home and we hung out a little bit (I let him pre-open his invite before he gets it in the mail later) before going to the Rangers game! Mom and I went with the Puckett fam, and we were checking out the looming clouds all night -->. They left just in case a storm broke out. In the seventh inning, Chris Davis tossed me a ball!! It was SO exciting! Elvis touched it. I labeled all of the players who touched it actually..

Good Friday.

Woke up this morning and worked on grad invite lists! Weird that it's time for that to happen! After hearing about the Earth day whisper for Sprinkles, Sarah and I jaunted over. Their quota of 50 had been filled an hour later (suspicious) but we of course got some cupcakes anyway. We're really into trying new flavors. This time it was strawberry and praline. I also stopped by ESD to pick up a book. It looked like that ^. Then we made some signs and went to watch Ellen, Sara Myers, and Catherine Duffy in their tournament! Cue downtown adventure! We took a detour to visit my mom at her office. After our escapade, I hit up the Good Friday service (decided this is my favorite week of the church calendar because we endure in a powerful way the lowest and highest points of Jesus' life). After dinner, Genie and I went shoe shopping. Score. It was a good friday.

Winning.

Not only did we totes beat Hockaday 17-6 in our softball matchup, but this day won in many other ways: I finished two papers, got to pretend to be on the Rules Committee of the House and make important decisions for the US, I had the privilege (and stumbled minimally) of reading the Passion for Good Friday on Thursday, some Improv went down. I suggested "schhlerrmmmm" to the spellmaster. It was chosen. The only thing that was not winning was dropping Travis in a cup of water.. or else this stuff would be documented. But I'm nursing him back to health. Girls' lax had the most intense game ever.. and was outscored. Anyway, after the game we got to see The Princess Bride at the Inwood for the benefit of St. Jude's! Mrs. Salz was there! Camille and Mack worked it out fabulously. 

Hump day.

Today, on this hump day of a Wednesday, many-an-exciting thing happened. Firstly, Maddy began o organize a senior game of assassin. We are getting really excited. I just heard about it from my HP friend last week, and now we're doing it. Woo!! In study hall, Vinay let me use his supa-fly beats headphones and I got really into listening to all different types of music to see how they sounded. I couldn't help singing along/dancing to a few.. but apparently it was a little loud. They're noise-cancelling though, who can blame me? We traveled to Arlington AGAIN today, and I took a pic with my bff Carissa. On the way back we passed by the St. Alban's old campus! It was cool. And under contruction. After we got back, I did some homework until Bible Study (which was at starbucks because our usual location house was sick). I wasn't sure if I would be able to handle the load of work, but as always, am glad I went to be refreshed for the week. Four day weekend starts tomorrow!!

Weathered, but not broken!

After driving to Arlington (in the midst of dart gun fights) to play Oakridge, we were rained/tornado-warning'd out. Genie drove Madi and I home so that we wouldn't have to wait at the Ridge (as my friend refers to it) through the storm.  How crazy is it that we had record heat (94 degrees) and a near-tornado in the same day? I originally had 4 major projects due tomorrow, but in multiple acts of grace, two got moved to Thursday. How do things like this happen fourth quarter senior year? Juniors: be warned. But through the high stress of having so much to do, and having to be in Arlington, we made it home ok. And I think I'll be able to finish my work. House of Representatives, I hope you like my bill.

Anyone seen a poet?

Today was the infamous Monday after prom.. it was interesting to see some seniors who had vocally decided not school here this morning.. I guess the Lobster was a little intimidating. We has the privilege of hearing a little poetry from Susan Briante. She's a poet. She knows it. She asked us about creative writing; you know, any poets, short story writers or bloggers? Cue everyone turning to look at me in the back.. hey guys. I would have purchased one of her books but the sirens sounded for the last ever fire drill! Happy was reminiscent. This is the stop portion of stop, drop, and roll. I tried to find her after the safety-promotion and found myself asking the title question. At practice, Catherine forgot her shoes and looked a little silly wearing mine.. no worries though because Anna remembered she had some extra, smaller, ones. After hitting like 8 buckets, we got out of practice early for Passover.. we support the world's religions. I observed with a flourless chocolate cupcake from Sprinkles.

Morning glories.

 

^thri11ed to be awake at 10am. We had some bage11s. (going through 1 of those stages.) After my momma drove me home and got me some coffee, I did some chemistry with my neighbor Matt. He doesn't know I took this. It was too bad I had to cut the Hess's Law lesson short to head to the softball tea! But it actually wasn't because there were finger sandwiches and senior gifts to be had (the pic with my phone was weird..)! Yea, our sport has a tea. Therefore we win.

PRAWM.

(hipsters use unconventional spelling) "Guys take a pic for my blog!!" They really like participating. I wish I had more photographic documentation of the night, but Travis was not always by my side. So, let's start from the beginning (a very good place to start). This morning Ellie and I got our nails done (Fiji and Hard to Get), and I learned just how ticklish I am.. embarrassing. Ran into a Shelby and a Greenhill girl beautifying ourselves for prom night! After 5,000 pics of the exact same pose (rough estimate) we headed to the 11MO (it says limo..) and to PROM! It was fabulous, of course. We got our dance and gambling on. Though I did not win a prize, I did my best. And that is all that matters.  After the dance, we took a spin in the limo (with some sunroof use) to McDonald's and loaded up on nuggets, dipped cones, Coke, and the like. Apparently most place are closed at 1AM, who knew? There was more party to be had at Brian's (thanks for hosting, by the way!).  I drank a whole can Monster in order to be able to drive everyone home.. and consequently couldn't sleep until 5:30. I counted my bobby pins (40). Kate, I read one of the essays you had lying around in your room (don't worry, you made an A). Needless to say, today was a blast.

Eclectic interests.

Somehow Friday finally arrived! Firstly, Mattie Berry had the coolest birthday with buttons everyone wore in celebration! Elise related BNT cells to real life (heart science application!), and JD and MacKenzie collab'd on Realize. Post angry comments below to convince Mack to let me post the vid. In study hall, CatCat and I completed a cat puzzle (what else?) Please note Christian's purring in the background. Later, Senior Practice got reorganized due to some power outages and cold weather, but we still got to three-legged race, eat sundaes, have a whipped cream fight, and watch the baseball game. I have no media because I had whipped cream on my hands. And face. And in my hair, too. Because of soem CRaZy wind, s'mores night morphed into Best Thai/prom supplies shopping night! Snapped a pic of Ellie and I (I'm in the mirror) before some Pad Thai, and Ells snapped me in my favorite aisle (aside from the produce aisle). Big day tomorrow! Don't expect a post until Sunday..

I love Earth!!

After six cars, 7 houses, and equipment associated with softball, school, photography, graduation, and sororities on my back (along with some helpful friends who helped me carry my items without a car for a home), I made it home. Success. The majority of these things was done in a tank top. Yes, it was Tank Thursday. Note Sydney making a makeshift tank in order to celebrate! Not to worry, in spirit of being green, Anna and Catherine found some alternative uses for the sleeves. Maybe this day was really good, or maybe the Starbucks run Taylor, Caroline, and I went on made it seem good. But I think it really was. Loved seeing everyone's green accessories today! I Toms'd it. Katherine biked it. After practice/an almost team adventure, I used my Chik-fil-a coupon (jury's still out if I was first) with Catherine and my new bff Max. There was ketchup. But there was more to be done at Cabaret Night!! (Note Hannah's excitement, I spotted her e-recycling a printer earlier this day. So Smith, SO green). Everyone did sososo well, I wish I had pics of all of you. Way to host, rock lobsters Austin and Michael. But Britani and Gerald (sibling duo!) did the last song pre-Jersey boys, an a capella, cray cray, awesome performance of Stand By Me. Cami11e was disappointed in herself for not videoing it. I think we all were.

Milestones are plez.

Today I got to pass an NHS torch by running the very first meeting for the new inductees! They didn't laugh at my jokes.. I tried to not take it personally. Today was also THE Sydney Narvaez's birthday! Check out this vid of her parking WITHOUT her mom!! She's growing up! And after delivering some sorority packets, I hung out at the Slivas' before bible study only to watch Madi deliver a packet to Mrs. Sliva! Took this creeper pic of their interactions. It's a good thing this week culminates with prom..

We are in Hawa11!

Breakfasted on a bagel this morning that we now have at our house. Score. Then learned about E=mc2, nbd. Caught up with my senior buddy at chapel! She was wearing free dress for getting no demerits the entire year. Sup? And, most importantly did all of the above in a lei, because it was Hawa11an rally day. Before the year started, I tried to think of all the words with two ii's for Sen11or propaganda purposes. I thought of skiing and Hawaii. Who would have thought both would come up?? Senior Night for softball was supposed to be tonight, but the other team canceled.. good thing we instead got to have our would-be game snacks and still receive flowers and be showered with gifts, as well as hit some live pitching. Good deal.

100th/101st post!

SO this is the 101st day of the year, but since I didn't get to celebrate 100 yesterday, we're doing it today. There is cause for celebration because today student council made their speeches (which I was really excited about because seniors don't normally get to hear them) and there were def some memorable ones. Bennett actually learned the Napolean Dynamite dance. I may or may not have captured it on video. (Posted here soon). But there were also some proud parents watching their athletes sign blank sheets of paper (it's the thought that counts) to commit to college! Congrats/standing O goes out to Chloe, James, Teddy G, Mandy, Austin, Grant, Ryan, and Philip. So athletic. I think they drew pictures. Our grade would. Today I also found out that I am the semi-permanent negative end of the battery (CatCat's positive because she emits wicked fast pitches). And please check out Sydney's fantastic one up there (serif included!).

Feeling accomplished.

Started off this lovely day (thank goodness the weather actually was lovely) with a mission: finish some sorority packets. Check out my first complete one (Mrs. Smith's!)^^. Note the maroon folders. Pretty flossay, eh? The day was filled with Staples, park (see pic), CVS, and Kinko's runs, but we worked it out. A thank you goes out to Ellie Skochdopole for lightening the mood with this email.

Sorority packets.

At least I had some nice conversations with some of your moms.

For those about to rock.

Today was pretty rock'n (see mac n' cheese). Instead of first period, I had an Eagle Edition photoshoot on the last Paste-Up ever! Bittersweet for the staffers. Went on to chapel where Grandall's advisory switched our perspectives. Seniors were bringing up the back. Multiple times I pulled the 'what just happened/what'd they say' card. Sorry advisory. Miss being a freshman. But actually, I was thinking and I can't really remember where I sat sophomore year.. weird. The forgotten year. Anyway, lunch was a total blast with Rock'n Mac n' Cheese! To all off-campusers, you missed out on this pretty sweet moment ^. Total rockstars. Two tests later, it was animal theme at a sparse softball practice. "Kangaroos, elephants, zebrufalloes, oh my!" An unsuspecting spectator at practice/our sonic run may have said that. After some quality time with Austin Magnuson for a parting shot (tear!), Catherine and I attended the WT White/Jesuit game.  We did not run into Matt but he is still a really supportive fan. I made a frenemy/anti-acquaintance in my first-ever bullying experience though. Sorry for relaying a telepathy-passed cheer from Sydney, Angela. (Good thing I just got back at her by blogging.) After much practice (and discovering my new fave CPK dish) I cheered "Go Max!" really well, too. But Jesuit ended up winning by a run.. Get 'em next time, orange team.