Hello people of the twenty first century! Today I thought I'd share a little country spirit. Well, I know that the Olympics did officially finish a few days ago. But, give me a break. I am a fourteen year old in high school, and that means one thing - homework. I'd like to say thank you to all those reading these blogs. I know it can be hard getting views, and I'm very grateful for you reading this now. Please leave a comment, or follow this blog to let me know if you like. Or even recommend it to others.
Watching the Games, I was extremely proud of what our humble little country had achieved. Whether it was second place, or last, we all gave it a try and that is the most important thing. At the end of the day someone has to come last. And quite frankly, I don't mind getting beaten by the Russian's who constantly have cold snowy weather.
The host country this year did an amazing job, I don't think they could've picked a better location this time around. The weather was absolutely beautiful most days, with the exception of the odd few when the entire outside area was covered in fog, or snow.
Overall Australia won three medals. I know what you're thinking, 'that's nothing!'. But really, it is for us. We live in a country that has a hot temperature pretty much the entire year. Even in the winter it doesn't get extremely cold. Not to mention it never snows. So to travel half-way across the world, and to compete a bunch of people that live in snow and come out with three medals, that's a pretty amazing result if you ask me.
I take for granted how little training my sport has compared to these Olympians. They have to train constantly for four years, and may not achieve what they wanted. They put their lives on the line for these extreme sports, and although it is excellent to watch, it's heart-breaking to see someone brutally hurt themselves on live television. Especially after all the hard work and effort they put into these sports.
I've never been skiing, although I was born in a quite cold area. So, I can't say how hard or easy it is, but I'm sure it's a lot more challenging then they make it look. It looks so simple and effortless when the athletes fly through the air performing an arrangement of stunts. If only I was that skilled. I'd most likely fall flat on my face. But I commend all of those athletes. For representing your country with pride, for those that have won previously and are still successfully holding their titles, or for those who are the underdogs, the winners we didn't see coming, congratulations.
"The most important thing the the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well." - Pierre de Coubertin
Thank you!
Bertie Botts
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Sunday, 23 February 2014
My life as an Anaphylactic - Part 1
Hello people of the twenty first century! Today, I will be discussing a serious topic. As the title suggests, I will telling you about the everyday life while living with anaphylaxis.
For those of you have never heard of the word, or are not quite clear with what anaphylaxis really is, I will try to explain it as best as I can. When it comes to allergies, the worst type of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis. It can be potentially life-threatening, and isn't something to be taken lightly. It requires immediate treatment, and urgent medical attention. Anaphlaxis can affect your quality of life, and therefore, it requires awareness, education and training.
For those of you have never heard of the word, or are not quite clear with what anaphylaxis really is, I will try to explain it as best as I can. When it comes to allergies, the worst type of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis. It can be potentially life-threatening, and isn't something to be taken lightly. It requires immediate treatment, and urgent medical attention. Anaphlaxis can affect your quality of life, and therefore, it requires awareness, education and training.
Most triggers of sever allergies are cause by food (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy), bites and stings (Bee, Wasp, Ants, Ticks), Medications, and even on some cases Latex and exercise. Food is the most common among these, and causes around 90% of allergic reactions.
Although I am only anaphylactic to one type of food in particular, I am allergic to many under the same category. What does this mean? Overall, I am allergic to tree nuts. These are nuts grown on trees, therefore, this does not include peanuts. Did you know that they are actually a bean because they grow in the ground? Insane right? Well I think so. Tree nuts include Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Macadamias, Pecans, Pine Nuts, Pistachios, and Walnuts. Out of all of these, I am severely allergic to Cashews. Most of the others, I can also suffer an allergic reaction from. In a way, this makes my life a little difficult I believe. Not only because most of my family, and in general society love most of these types of nuts, but because they can provide a fair few health benefits. So, you could say I'm missing out on something.
Sometimes it can grate me, having a food allergy. Most times I eat something new, or go to a restaurant we have to constantly check what is in the ingredients. Especially because most of the time we forget to take me EpiPen! I'm assuming most of you are thinking, 'what the hell is an EpiPen?'. Well, I'll explain that to you as well. I'm not entirely sure if EpiPen's are something you can get throughout the entire world, or just something in Australia, but they are one of the best inventions in my opinion. No, they aren't a super awesome pen that you write with. An Epipen is a needle that holds a dose of adrenalin inside. Only anaphylactic shock sufferers are prescribed them, and they can be quite expensive if not. They expire annually, therefore, it is extremely important to renew them, otherwise, you may just be in a bit of strife if you need one.
Once in anaphylactic shock, an EpiPen is your best-friend. No, the thought of getting stabbed doesn't seem like the most jolly idea, but it may be a matter of life or death. Most symptoms of anaphylaxis are swelling of the tongue, difficulty breathing, swelling or tightness in the throat, persistent cough, hoarse voice, dizziness, and even weakness. This can mean, if you are in need of an EpiPen, and don't have one, you could possibly suffocate. This is where the EpiPen comes in. You are to eject it into your thigh to release the adrenalin in your body. This counteracts the symptoms, and saves your life.
I am very fortunate I have never needed to use mine, but I try to have it on me most of the time. Most of the time that is, I've only had mine for a few years because we weren't aware of how severe my allergy was. Since then, my family are still trying to get used to taking it everywhere, we completely forget sometimes! Although, I have had a few runs in with other types of tree nuts, and they weren't the most pleasant. It makes me even more cautious living my life, especially because my allergies are getting worse as I get older. It really makes your respect life even more.
I will be writing a second blog on Anaphylaxis, describing how my allergies have progressed, and the whole process of allergy testing, also, my previous run-ins with tree nuts. I really hope this has helped those of you who weren't so familiar with allergic reactions, and may even help you if you suffer from allergies. This does play a huge role in my life, and it would be great to see if it could help any of you who do suffer from anaphlaxis, or know someone that does. It'd be great to hear from you, and to hear about your experiences, or even if you liked this post.
Thank you!
Bertie Botts
Friday, 21 February 2014
To work or not to work?
Hello people of the twenty first century! So far, I have really enjoyed writing these blogs for you guys, it almost is strange to be able to read about your own life. I know that it will take a while for more people to start reading my blog, so for those few of you that are reading this now, and enjoy it, I would really appreciate if you could tell you friends or fellow bloggers to come on over and have a read!
It is obvious that getting a part-time job around my age is a rite-of-passage. I have been contemplating whether to get one or not for a while now, and although I am a fan of the idea, I just can't seem to find the time. Some of you will be thinking, are you serious you have heaps of time? But honestly, I'm always busy doing other things. Just the average pile of homework I get from school everyday, and then add that to rowing training, and instrumental and theory lessons, I have a bit going on at the moment. But I guess, I do every year.
Now, I'm not going to lie, I'm not particularly the most motivated person. This can mean half an hour of homework can turn into around two hours. I know what you're thinking, why does it take you so long? Well honestly, distractions. Most of the time a friend will text me, and then it goes a bit downhill from there. I'm a third listening to music, a third text-messaging, and a third doing homework. But at the end of the day, at least it always gets done.
I then sometimes will stay after school a little while to talk to friends. Soon after this I normally then try to run. Not average running though, I look extremely stupid while running. Imagine a polar bear with ice skates on, that's what I think I look like. Although I don't have to do this, I try to because that's what I told myself will make me a better rower. Normally then I finally get to homework. So at this stage, I'm not very motivated. I trying to knock this habit, but for some reason it's stuck.
This year though, I will improve though. This is what I say when I'm typing a blog instead of doing Science. But, it's the weekend, so oh well. I've seen many around me getting part-time jobs and I'm sure it'll be my time soon. I just need to majorly manage my time and focus on the goal ahead. I just need to keep my grades up, pass my Clarinet exams, and row for my squad. Not that hard, right?
It's true what many say, about people not wanting to grow up so fast. I must admit, I'm only fourteen and I'm already starting to wish things wouldn't move so fast. But, there's not much we can do about that, just embrace it and move on.
"Time is what we want most, but what we use worst." - William Penn
Thank you!
Bertie Botts
It is obvious that getting a part-time job around my age is a rite-of-passage. I have been contemplating whether to get one or not for a while now, and although I am a fan of the idea, I just can't seem to find the time. Some of you will be thinking, are you serious you have heaps of time? But honestly, I'm always busy doing other things. Just the average pile of homework I get from school everyday, and then add that to rowing training, and instrumental and theory lessons, I have a bit going on at the moment. But I guess, I do every year.
Now, I'm not going to lie, I'm not particularly the most motivated person. This can mean half an hour of homework can turn into around two hours. I know what you're thinking, why does it take you so long? Well honestly, distractions. Most of the time a friend will text me, and then it goes a bit downhill from there. I'm a third listening to music, a third text-messaging, and a third doing homework. But at the end of the day, at least it always gets done.
I then sometimes will stay after school a little while to talk to friends. Soon after this I normally then try to run. Not average running though, I look extremely stupid while running. Imagine a polar bear with ice skates on, that's what I think I look like. Although I don't have to do this, I try to because that's what I told myself will make me a better rower. Normally then I finally get to homework. So at this stage, I'm not very motivated. I trying to knock this habit, but for some reason it's stuck.
This year though, I will improve though. This is what I say when I'm typing a blog instead of doing Science. But, it's the weekend, so oh well. I've seen many around me getting part-time jobs and I'm sure it'll be my time soon. I just need to majorly manage my time and focus on the goal ahead. I just need to keep my grades up, pass my Clarinet exams, and row for my squad. Not that hard, right?
It's true what many say, about people not wanting to grow up so fast. I must admit, I'm only fourteen and I'm already starting to wish things wouldn't move so fast. But, there's not much we can do about that, just embrace it and move on.
"Time is what we want most, but what we use worst." - William Penn
Thank you!
Bertie Botts
Thursday, 20 February 2014
House Spirit, what's that again?
Hello people of the twenty first century! For those of you who have read my first blog, if that really is anyone, today I would like to share with you a topic that I feel very strongly about. Yes, as the title suggests it has something to do with school House groups.
Now I must admit, I've never been a big fan of House events. I don't really know why, probably the thought of always coming last had something to do with this. But this year I'm determined to have a different attitude.In the last 2 previous years I have attended my high school, my house has got around fifth place out of six Houses. This is not very impressive obviously, but let's face it, one of our Houses advantages isn't having talented sportspeople. The only thing we are actually alright at is cultural activities. Yes, band nerds (this does include me).
Throughout all the schools I've been too, it always seems like I was placed in the losing one. But my point is, you don't need to win every single time to enjoy yourself. And, if anything, losing made us stronger, more determined to push on the next year and see if we could do better. Unfortunately, we never seemed to, and now I've started to tell myself it must be because of the color I am always placed in.
At my first school, which I attended for Kindergarten (or prep as they now call it), and Grade 1, I was placed in 'Lightning'. This House was orange, and you guessed it, we always came second place to our rivals Thunder (I don't actually think they were called that but I'm guessing), which were a deep purple color. I then moved towns, and was placed in a Red House called 'Connors'. We always won the Swimming Carnival, surprisingly, but came last ever single sports day. This is actually not completely true though because once, the points actually were rigged when we were in first place so overall we ended up getting second. So after six years of continuously getting third place rubbed in our faces I was excited to see what my House would be like for High School.
'Rice House', it does have a bit of a ring to it doesn't it. This is my now current school family, and I must say, I am extremely happy with where I have been placed. Again, it is Red, but I guess it is better than a faded old Yellow color that another House sports. All three years, we have had motivated captains, and are continuing to move up in the rank of six. 2012, if I remember correctly, we placed 5th overall. Last year, we tied 4th. That's an improvement!
So, the start of this week was the annual Swimming Carnival. Because it had been raining the previous year it wasn't held, but I remember when I was in Year 8, and that didn't go too well. But, new year, new attitude. Our House dean was fairly confident we would get a good place, and we did have a few good swimmers in our mix. Overall, we placed 3rd. Which was an amazing result. Just remember, this is pretty impressive especially because the groups that got 1st and 2nd were the Houses that win about everything sport related.
What is the point of this blog you ask? Well, I guess all I'm trying to say is to support your House. Even though you may always win, lose, or get somewhere in between, you're the one that contributes to the overall success. Get out, participate, and enjoy your youth! We can all use a little more house spirit.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” ― Helen Keller
Thank you!
Bertie Botts
Now I must admit, I've never been a big fan of House events. I don't really know why, probably the thought of always coming last had something to do with this. But this year I'm determined to have a different attitude.In the last 2 previous years I have attended my high school, my house has got around fifth place out of six Houses. This is not very impressive obviously, but let's face it, one of our Houses advantages isn't having talented sportspeople. The only thing we are actually alright at is cultural activities. Yes, band nerds (this does include me).
Throughout all the schools I've been too, it always seems like I was placed in the losing one. But my point is, you don't need to win every single time to enjoy yourself. And, if anything, losing made us stronger, more determined to push on the next year and see if we could do better. Unfortunately, we never seemed to, and now I've started to tell myself it must be because of the color I am always placed in.
At my first school, which I attended for Kindergarten (or prep as they now call it), and Grade 1, I was placed in 'Lightning'. This House was orange, and you guessed it, we always came second place to our rivals Thunder (I don't actually think they were called that but I'm guessing), which were a deep purple color. I then moved towns, and was placed in a Red House called 'Connors'. We always won the Swimming Carnival, surprisingly, but came last ever single sports day. This is actually not completely true though because once, the points actually were rigged when we were in first place so overall we ended up getting second. So after six years of continuously getting third place rubbed in our faces I was excited to see what my House would be like for High School.
'Rice House', it does have a bit of a ring to it doesn't it. This is my now current school family, and I must say, I am extremely happy with where I have been placed. Again, it is Red, but I guess it is better than a faded old Yellow color that another House sports. All three years, we have had motivated captains, and are continuing to move up in the rank of six. 2012, if I remember correctly, we placed 5th overall. Last year, we tied 4th. That's an improvement!
So, the start of this week was the annual Swimming Carnival. Because it had been raining the previous year it wasn't held, but I remember when I was in Year 8, and that didn't go too well. But, new year, new attitude. Our House dean was fairly confident we would get a good place, and we did have a few good swimmers in our mix. Overall, we placed 3rd. Which was an amazing result. Just remember, this is pretty impressive especially because the groups that got 1st and 2nd were the Houses that win about everything sport related.
What is the point of this blog you ask? Well, I guess all I'm trying to say is to support your House. Even though you may always win, lose, or get somewhere in between, you're the one that contributes to the overall success. Get out, participate, and enjoy your youth! We can all use a little more house spirit.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” ― Helen Keller
Thank you!
Bertie Botts
Sunday, 16 February 2014
Who is BertieBotts? + Valentines Day Woes
Well hello people of the twenty first century! For those who may or may not be wondering, no, my actual name is not BertieBotts. Then why do you call yourself this you say? Well, the truth is, I don't really know! It probably has something to do with my slight obsession with Harry Potter, and the similarities of my last name with Bertie. So no, I'm sorry, I'm even a little disappointed I'm not an every flavor jelly bean. But I'll survive.
I've never been one to really understand why people would want to sit in front of a computer and tell the world about your life, but, it's a new year, so why not? I don't know if anyone will be reading this, but, I'll just tell myself people are for a bit of satisfaction. So, who am I? This is a question even I struggle to answer. But let's get to the basics. I am a fourteen year old female from Australia. Australia? Yes Australia, were the temperature soar throughout the year, and there is wildlife roaming everywhere. Well that's what it seems like to me, whether it's a kangaroo jumping through the outback, a crow annoyingly squawking, or a mosquito biting every piece of visible skin on your body. But despite all this, I really love this amazing country, and I couldn't think of a better place to grow up.
I was born in Hobart, Tasmania, and have moved several times throughout the years. I'd have to admit, I'm not the most outgoing person, and I do struggle a lot to fit in. But, at this stage in life, things couldn't seem to be better. I have a great support group, school, and couldn't be more thankful for the opportunities I have been given.
I have been debating for a little while now whether to start a blog or not, and for some reason, now seems to be the right time. I first started to consider this when I began reading blogs written by fellow Blogger 'Zoella'. I was really inspired to try writing, and see how it went, and if it didn't work out, then at least I could say I'd given it a go. I'll leave her link below:
http://www.zoella.co.uk/
Well that's just a little about me, if you guys want to know anything else, feel free to leave a comment, or just to tell me if you enjoyed this blog so far.
Now, to a more popular topic - Valentine's Day. Yes, the day where people declare their love for each other and spoil girls with unwanted gifts. Although you probably don't care, yes, I do have a boyfriend. Did he get me anything? No, he didn't. Does it bother me? No, it doesn't. Some of you reading this now may be thinking, 'are you insane, he didn't buy anything!', but the truth is, I asked him not to. As a girl, I am expected to love the idea of Valentine's Day, but, I would say it has to be one of my least favorite days. I hate the idea of men spending money on gifts just to get a girls attention. One, girls shouldn't need to be bribed, two, I don't want you wasting money on a gift I don't need, and I probably won't like.
I think the overall idea of Valentine's Day is great, but what it has turned into isn't. I'd rather a boy come up to me and say hi, rather than embarrassing me by buying a singing telegram, and spending money on a rose that will most likely die in the next day or two. But for all those loved up couples, or those others that are enjoying single-hood, I hope you had a wonderful day regardless.
Hopefully, you've enjoyed this little read and continue to spend a little time looking at my blogs. I'd love to hear feedback from some of you!
“In a sense who you are has always been a story that you told to yourself. Now your self is a story that you tell to others.” ― Geoff Ryman
Thank you!
I've never been one to really understand why people would want to sit in front of a computer and tell the world about your life, but, it's a new year, so why not? I don't know if anyone will be reading this, but, I'll just tell myself people are for a bit of satisfaction. So, who am I? This is a question even I struggle to answer. But let's get to the basics. I am a fourteen year old female from Australia. Australia? Yes Australia, were the temperature soar throughout the year, and there is wildlife roaming everywhere. Well that's what it seems like to me, whether it's a kangaroo jumping through the outback, a crow annoyingly squawking, or a mosquito biting every piece of visible skin on your body. But despite all this, I really love this amazing country, and I couldn't think of a better place to grow up.
I was born in Hobart, Tasmania, and have moved several times throughout the years. I'd have to admit, I'm not the most outgoing person, and I do struggle a lot to fit in. But, at this stage in life, things couldn't seem to be better. I have a great support group, school, and couldn't be more thankful for the opportunities I have been given.
I have been debating for a little while now whether to start a blog or not, and for some reason, now seems to be the right time. I first started to consider this when I began reading blogs written by fellow Blogger 'Zoella'. I was really inspired to try writing, and see how it went, and if it didn't work out, then at least I could say I'd given it a go. I'll leave her link below:
http://www.zoella.co.uk/
Well that's just a little about me, if you guys want to know anything else, feel free to leave a comment, or just to tell me if you enjoyed this blog so far.
Now, to a more popular topic - Valentine's Day. Yes, the day where people declare their love for each other and spoil girls with unwanted gifts. Although you probably don't care, yes, I do have a boyfriend. Did he get me anything? No, he didn't. Does it bother me? No, it doesn't. Some of you reading this now may be thinking, 'are you insane, he didn't buy anything!', but the truth is, I asked him not to. As a girl, I am expected to love the idea of Valentine's Day, but, I would say it has to be one of my least favorite days. I hate the idea of men spending money on gifts just to get a girls attention. One, girls shouldn't need to be bribed, two, I don't want you wasting money on a gift I don't need, and I probably won't like.
I think the overall idea of Valentine's Day is great, but what it has turned into isn't. I'd rather a boy come up to me and say hi, rather than embarrassing me by buying a singing telegram, and spending money on a rose that will most likely die in the next day or two. But for all those loved up couples, or those others that are enjoying single-hood, I hope you had a wonderful day regardless.
Hopefully, you've enjoyed this little read and continue to spend a little time looking at my blogs. I'd love to hear feedback from some of you!
“In a sense who you are has always been a story that you told to yourself. Now your self is a story that you tell to others.” ― Geoff Ryman
Thank you!
Bertie Botts
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