Blog Fest - What am I here for?

Hello people of the twenty first century! Today I was in class, and one of my class mates said, 'everyone in our grade seems to be doing blogs!'. I'm not going to disagree with her. I think what I wanted to say is that everyone does it for their own reasons, and I definitely have mine. This is because I've already had pretty major trust issues, and to sit here and type my thoughts and feelings is actually pretty hard for me.

I'm not entirely sure what the 'theme' of this blog is, but I'm very certain of what I don't want it to be. I know that many people do it for the same reasons as me, but what I wanted to tell you guys was that with the help of this blog, I'm hoping to tell you guys my outlook on life, and how I perceive things. And by all means, if you like writing about a guy your totally crushing on, or like telling everyone your day to day activities, then I appreciate that, but that is what I don't want to use this blog for.

Mainly, I want to make these things I write for you guys entertaining, not really depressing, and even sometimes educational. I want to put a smile on your face when you have a blue day, or make you chuckle to yourselves. Honestly, just putting a bit of fun into a good old fashioned blog. I'm hoping to share embarrassing stories, and times in my life that are stupid and silly, and most importantly share my goals for the future.

I know that everyone has a different taste in what they like, and don't think I'm trying to tell you what to write and what not to. I really hope you all like the stuff I've been writing, and hopefully if you do I can keep it up. Sorry this has been a bit of a boring post, but I was just wanting to clear things up. Thank you for your support.

Thanks guys!
Bertie Botts

BertieBotts vs Theory

Hello people of the twenty first century! I slightly touched on me being a band-nerd in a previous blog, if you haven't read that one, it'd be awesome if you could after you have read this.

I started playing clarinet in Grade 4/5 (can't really remember), and as I am now in Grade 10, I have been playing for over 5 years. This is pretty impressive if you ask me. Not only because playing a musical instrument requires a lot of time, practice and persistence, but because I have completed 2 AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) exams, and this year am hoping to complete my Grade 6 clarinet exam. The higher the level of exam the more difficult, and until now, I have been able to avoid theory. Not any more. To pass this year I also have to complete a Grade 3 Theory exam, and pass.

I'm not going to lie, I actually kind of enjoy theory. Most people don't believe this and think I'm insane, but I guess each to there own. But, if it ever came to Practical work, or theory, I'll pick Practical by a mile. I slightly touched on Grade 1 theory, although, this was around three years ago. So yeah, my memory has faded a little.

My music teacher has encouraged me to start theory lessons for a while now. So today, I had my first ever proper lesson. It was a little nerve racking, I thought I would be terrible. I was a little bit actually. It must've seemed like I flunked my way through a few grades. I was a little embarrassed with some stuff that I have to do, especially since it was one of the first things you should have learnt. Whoops. But overall, I went fairly well.

My teacher is actually only in Grade 12, so she's only a couple years older than me. This makes me a little more relieved, especially since she would know about the school work and whatever else we are given to complete in the afternoons. I was extremely happy I had a teacher that I not only got on well with, but could also have a laugh with. She was also completely understanding when I had no clue what I was doing, which was a relief.

Honestly, I was hoping that I would get out of doing homework, but of course not. I actually got around 10 pages of my work book to do. But, fortunately, this didn't take that long because it was mostly simple stuff. So yeah, I've got another lesson in a few days time, and I'm hoping that will go well. It's almost as if I'm back to start, to learn again. But I'm see how it goes, I mean if I wan't to pass I have to do it.

I really hope you guys are enjoying reading these blogs. I have absolutely no idea if you like them or not, I haven't had any feedback. But by all means, if you enjoy these, please either leave a comment, follow, and definitely keep reading! I would appreciate that a whole lot.

Thank you!
Bertie Botts

Boring, that's an understatement.

Hello people of the twenty-first century! I'm am typing this now as I sit dying of boredom at out annual school music camp. I must admit, it's not terrible, but, I would still rather be doing other things. Here I sit, supposed to be doing a sectional rehearsal with the fellow Clarinet players in our Wind Ensemble, but instead I am sitting watching girls turn themselves into human pretzels, and listen to boys gossip like teenage girls.

No, there isn't that many people here. To be exact, eight people including me, and this is after around five just randomly walked out. I don't blame them, I could be doing productive things right now, like sleeping, or homework that I won't necessarily want to do either, but I'm stuck in this 'Meeting Room' with what seem to be very strange people.

I guess, if I had someone that I actually could have a proper conversation with, I probably wouldn't be having so bad of a time. But of course, they are at Jazz band, and because I play Clarinet, the world is punishing me. If I was to rewind time, which unfortunately I can't, I would pick the a Saxophone instead of the Clarinet. So yeah, here I am.

I attempted to actually play for around 20 minutes, but gave up not long after. So, what to do now? Well, I must admit I have a major thing against Flappy Bird. Not because it's a bad game or anything, but because I can't do it! I've tried and tried and the highest I can get is 19. Embarrassing right? So yeah, I thought I might as well do something productive and blog to you guys.

Well, that's about it from me for now. I also want to say it's finally March! This year is going so quickly, and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

"The two enemies of human happiness are pain and boredom." - Arthur Schopenhauer

Thank you!
Bertie Botts

Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!

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

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.

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

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

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