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Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Taylor [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] Date Posted: 17:30:57 08/20/12 Mon In reply to: Lucy 's message, "Introduction" on 03:59:50 08/20/12 Mon Hi Lucy, Thank God there's another girl here! :) I hope you can write to us here often. There is another girl named Ivy here too but neither one of us has posted much. I think that's great that you want to be a lawyer. I've been thinking about doing that also. Why do you want to be in the navy? You live in England? That's really neat. I would love to visit your country! There is so much history there. Have you ever been to the US? I guess I should tell you more about me. I'm 13 & I will be in the 8th grade this year. I have a 12 year old brother, a 10 year old brother and an 8 year old sister. We all get spanked with the paddle mostly but sometimes still by hand. It hurts either way. I like to listen to music somtimes, mainly Avril Lavigne but I like some classical music too. I like the violin and I used to play it but gave it up a couple of years ago. I'm thinking of playing again though. I also like sports like volleyball & soccer. I play softball too. I like to run especially in the mornings. It's really refreshing and sometimes my dad and brother run with me. So it's so neat that you are here! I hope we can chat some more! [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Replies:

[> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 03:55:32 08/21/12 Tue Hi Taylor, yes it's really great to have another girl on here, we always seem to be dangerously outnumbered. I would love to be a lawyer, but it's so competitive to qualify and practice over here, especially for barristers, which is what I'd want to be. My Dad's in the Navy and I've been a cadet for yers and really enjoyed it, but again it's very competitive to become an officer. England is pretty cool, and you are right, there is so much history, which I love. We have a cousin who lives in California and I went to see them a couple of times when I was very young. I'd love to go to New York. I really like classical music as well, what sort of stuff do you like? I listen to a lot of jazz too, in fact I'll listen to most things and enjoy them. You should start playing the violin again, it's great to play an instrument. Does anyone else in your family play? I've never been that into competitive sports like football (soccer :P ), but I like running sometimes. My main 'sports' are sailing and riding. I'd love to chat anytime, it's great to hear from you :) Lucy [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Taylor [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 11:59:50 08/21/12 Tue Hi Lucy, Nice to hear from you. I am glad you came here. I wasn't sure I was going to continue here if no other girls would post. I'm not sure about being a lawyer yet. I would also like to be some kind of social worker or something where I can work with poor kids & their families. My parents say it's possible to do both. I think I know what a barrister is but could you explain it for me? What's the difference between that & being a regular lawyer? That is so cool that your dad is in the Navy! My dad was in the Army when he was younger but it was only for a few years. He served in Iraq in the first war over there in the 1990's. I don't think that's for me. He said it was pretty scary at times. What kind of ship is your dad on? My family has been to New York several times, mainly upstate NY. That's where my dad lived until he was a teenager then they moved here. So we still have family there. I've never been to California but I would love to go. I like violin & piano concertos a lot. After I wrote my last post to you I got my violin out & started to practice again. My mom said it's not too late to sign up for music classes at school so I'm going to do that. I have been listening to jazz since I was little but I never cared for it much until recently. My parents like it so it gets played alot in our house. Some of it is really nice to listen to. My brother Kevin plays piano still & Shannon is taking lessons too but they don't really like it. Sean used to play also & he did the violin for awhile but not anymore. The only sailing I ever did was on our uncle's boat on a lake. It was ok but I get a little nervous being out on the water. I guess I wouldn't be very good in the Navy! :) I haven't done much riding but I always liked it. It's really great to chat with you. I hope to hear from you soon! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 03:58:28 08/22/12 Wed Hi Taylor Yeah, it gets a bit lonely when no other girls are regularly posting. Being a social worker sounds rewarding, and I'm sure you could combine it with law, like maybe legal aid for people who can't afford lawyers? In this country there are two types of lawyers, solicitors and barristers. If someone says 'I'm a lawyer', they are probably a solicitor, there are more of them and they deal with most legal stuff. Barristers are the ones who appear in court, so when a case gets to that point a solicitor will have to employ a barrister for the client. I'd prefer to argue in court than deal with stuff outside of it. Also I'd say there was higher prestige to being a barrister, plus they can get paid LOADS and have really good job security and places to work. Hope that explains it a bit, sorry it went on for so long. A lot of the time my Dad works on the ground. He used to work on Carriers but he can't now because we got rid of them all :P It is cool but it does mean he's away a lot, and even though he manages to stay in the country sometimes he has to go down to Portsmouth and places so he's still away from home. What did your dad do in the army? I didn't like Jazz much until recently either. I preferred classical stuff, but my Chris (who is technically my uncle but is more like my brother) got me into it and now I really like it. It's great you're going to start playing again, I really enjoy it and the better I get the more fun it is. I've never had a problem with being on water, but I get that some people do. I really enjoy sailing and tbh I enjoy falling in sometimes lol. Riding is also fun but falling off then is less so :P Lucy [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Taylor [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 18:26:12 08/22/12 Wed Hi Lucy, Yes, I know what you mean. I don't have anything against talking to boys but I am more comfortable talking with other girls. I don't know what happened to Ivy. She was coming here for awhile then kind of disappeared. I hope she comes back. Thanks for the explanation. I'm still confused though. Why do you have different kinds of lawyers? In my country a lawyer does all of that. I think it's interesting though. I think I would like arguing a case in court. I'm going to join the debate club when I get into high school. My parents say that will be a good way to learn how to argue properly. I already know how to argue but I just don't win very many with my parents! :) That's pretty cool that your dad was on carriers! Why did they get rid of them? My dad was a radioman with an infantry unit. He only spent a few years on active duty. He's an accountant now. He says it's dull compared to life in the Army but he will take that any day. My mom is a bookkeeper for a supermarket. She works part time so she's home during the week sometimes. I am really glad I started the violin again. I guess I missed it more than I thought I would. Nice talking to you. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Ivy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 20:01:55 08/22/12 Wed Hey! I'm here again! I might disappear again, though. Anyways, welcome to this forum, Lucy. It's cool that you live in England. How was it like living in the country that is hosted the Olympics this year? I've heard that you guys have a long and complex history, and great art and architecture. Now we got that out of the way, I'm Ivy. I'm 13 and I live in the States. I saw that you like to sailing and riding. I tried sailing once. Emphasis on once. I kind of crashed into another person on the first try. Go me! Nice to meet you. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 04:09:27 08/23/12 Thu Hi Ivy, it's good to know you're still around. Living in Britain is pretty cool, although I didn't watch that much of the Olympics I think everyone was proud to have them here. We do have a lot of history, which I really love. I'm not trying to be rude or anything but I really can't imagine living somewhere where there is so much less history. Oh everyone crashes as some point, it's part of the fun :P Most little sailing boats can take quite a lot of punishment so it's fine :) Nice to meet you and it's great to have another girl. Lucy [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Ivy to Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 16:49:40 08/27/12 Mon Hi Lucy, It's nice to hear from you again. You guys should be proud. The Olympics were awesome. But NBC sucked at broadcasting. I mean, who cuts off the fireworks? While I envy the fact that you guys have a larger amount of history, I don't envy the amount of homework you guys probably have. :) I am proud of the fact that, even as a comparatively young nation, US history has a lot of complexity, idealogical progress, and accomplishments made in 236-ish years. You know who your next king is, but we have yet to guess. We have a bunch of what ifs floating around and we have to find the human motivation behind these presidents and their actions. Maybe I will take up sailing again. We have huge lakes and rivers around here, so I'll think I could ask some friends if they would sign a release contract, so I won't be held responsible for their future injuries. :) And, what does "jibing" mean? Hope to hear from you soon. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 04:42:15 09/02/12 Sun Hi Ivy Sorry I've been away for a few days, we were seeing family in Edinburgh. That's somewhere that has a lot of history, it's a fantastic place, I love it. I'd like to go to University there. Glad you liked the Olympics, shame the broadcasting wasn't up to scratch. I suppose you had to deal with ad breaks as well. America has definitely acheived a lot in not too long, even though it's young it has so much interesting history already, just in a shorter period. We know who the next king is, but not the next prime minister, I think we still have plenty to guess about and what ifs over here. You should try sailing again, I don't know anyone who hasn't enjoyed it after giving it a serious try :) umm, jibing is the opposite of tacking, it's like turning across the wind the long way round (that's not a great way of explaining it, it's a lot easier to draw). I try to avoid doing it because I always misjudge it. Lucy [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Ivy to Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 15:44:01 09/08/12 Sat Hi Lucy, Don't worry. I've been away for a week that was filled with quizzes and essays. Have you heard that Taylor will stop coming this forum? Guess there are only two girls now. It's cool that you went to Edinburgh. My dad went there for business once. He took pictures and the scenery was stunning. How's the university there? I heard it was really good, but I don't really know how it differs from American colleges. Ah, I forgot about the prime minister. I'm sorry if I sounded ignorant. I'm wondering though if they're held to the same standards as a king? Or are they just a spokesperson for the people? We had ad breaks. But it was a perfect time to grab chips or a snack. Then again, the broadcasting station gave us spoilers about who won IN a commercial, so they should never broadcast it again. On Labor Day, I tried sailing again. I recruited some cousins to come and help me. After we got past the safety lecture from one of the people there, it was kind of fun. We probably made many mistakes, but, now that I'm older, I actually tried again. How long have you been sailing? It must've taken some time to get used to the different environment and skills it need. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 03:51:37 09/09/12 Sun Hi Ivy Yes it's really sad that Taylor's leaving, I'll miss chatting with her. I wish there were more girls on here. Edinburgh is an amazing city. It's where I was born so it's nice to go back. The University is one of the best (and oldest) in Britain, and very hard t get into, I might not manage to go there. I'm afraid I don't really know enough about your colleges to compare them. Don't worry, I'm sure I sound pretty ignorant about american politics. The Prime Minister is more like a President that a King, they are elected to run the country, the Queen provides continuity and stability. (quoting Chris there, he knows about this stuff) I really hate ad breaks, but I suppose you get used to them if they are always there. Great that you tried sailing and enjoyed it. I think more people should give it a go because it is fun once you get going. My family do a lot of sailing, so I've been involved since I was really little. I started sailing dinghys myself when I was about eleven, and now I do it with cadets. Lucy [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Ivy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 17:24:30 09/19/12 Wed Hi Lucy, I have to make this short because I need to start on a paper. Sorry, I haven't been responding lately, I've been busy with school work, clubs, and I had to go to Chicago for a weekend, so I was away from a computer. Edinburgh sounds cool. I hope you get in. I heard that you can take a year off before college in Britain, while in the US, it's more conventional to go to college right after high school. I think the grading system is different - in all levels of school. Ah, that makes sense. I only read about a few of your prime ministers, so I don't know a lot. I have a quick question, though: Why isn't the Queen's husband called the King? You never get used to ad breaks. I mean, you can go up and get a snack, but when you really want to watch something, it's not on. Sailing was fun. I did it twice since I last posted here. I think I'm getting better with the terminology. The more I know about it, the more it gets interesting. I told my friends about sailing once, but they're soccer/baseball/softball/basketball/football fanatics, so they don't really understand my growing interest. I thought this was going to be short, but I type pretty fast. I hope to hear from you soon. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 16:30:53 09/22/12 Sat Hi Ivy Don't worry about responding late, I'm struggling too thanks to school. Hope chicago was good. Edinburgh is amazing, it's a fantistic city if you ever get a chance to visit. People do do gap years between school and university but I would say it's more common to go straight there. The grading system is completely different, like almost everything to do with schools. We've discussed things on the forum but I still don't really get your system :/ I was talking to Chris about PMs and stuff and he said your government is unusual because the President as kind of the prime minister and king at the same time. Most countries will have a king or president as a figurehead and also a prime minister to run the country. Prince Phillip isn't King because he didn't inherit the throne - he wasn't the son of the last king, he just married the queen. So it's not his birthright to be king, but becasue he's a member of the royal family he is a Prince. Hope that makes sense. Different counries have different rules and it changes over time, sometimes it even varies between marriages. Queen Mary of Scotland (so this is in the 1500s) had several husbands, and one of them did become King and got all the powers of the King, just by marrying her, but the others didn't. I think he had to struggle to make it happen, it wasn't automatic. (Sorry, I tend to ramble on about history like this) Sailing is good fun, and it's much more interesting than football etc. as you learn about it. It's also a lot more relaxing a lot of the time. Talk soon Lucy [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Ivy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 19:37:11 09/29/12 Sat Hi Lucy, Sorry I haven't responded in a while. I've also been busy with schoolwork and the times I do get on here, I only have enough time to write short questions/responses. Chicago was great, but from what I've seen and heard about Edinburgh, it won't compare. I hope you manage to get into the University of Edinburgh. When will you have to apply? The American system is very confusing. The states are given power for education, so some of the states use one curriculum, other states use another, and so on. My friend moved from Texas a few years ago and she was taught exactly the opposite of what we were learning. Even today, the grade point average system that my state uses is completely confusing to her. It doesn't help that we're going to learn a whole new grading system in high school. So I can't really tell you much. I've heard in England that there is an A level. What's that? The president is both the prime minister and a king in the way. But, he's still very limited in the way in which he could "run a country." Nothing can be done without Congress's approval. It's funny because people blame the president for overspending, but Congress decides the spending. The president only decides the budget. The same thing with this year's election. Voters are looking for candidates that will change the economy or maybe foreign policy with everything happening in Libya, but the present Congress, out of 111 other Congresses in the past two centuries, have gotten the least amount of things done and the least amount of bills passed. The president proposed many bills to change the economy, but the Tea Party made a pact of sorts to stop every bill the president proposes. Unless the president gives out executive orders, he's not running a country. He's helping to run the country. Thanks for explaining it. I always got confused because I assumed that Prince Phillip was a distant relative or something, not her husband. Don't worry about rambling. I'm guilty of it, too. Sailing's grown on me, but, in the morning, I was trying to show my friends basic sailing skills (because those are the only ones I know). It worked out fine, except for the minor detail that we crashed into a tree. So football it is for them. Hope to hear from you soon. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 05:45:38 09/30/12 Sun Hi Ivy I think Chicago and Edinburgh are completely different, and it's impossible to compare them. I'll apply for University when I'm in sixth form (the last two years of school). I can apply to five, then they will make me offers or not based on what I'm predicted to get in myt A levels, as well as other stuff. A levels are the standard final qualification you get from school, it's a two year course in your last two years, and you usually do three or four of them if you want to go to Uni, because they usually ask for three quite high grades. The American system does sound confusing, I think it's better to have one standad system across the country.We do for A levels but before that it can be very confusing with different schools teaching different things. I understand about the president. It's the same here, the Prime Minister can't give executive orders, Parliament actually makes the decisions, and he leads his party in the House of Commons in Parliament and heads the Cabinet which proposes bills. Everything Parliament decides theoretically has to be approved by the queen, but that's automatic now. Prince Phillip is a distant relative, they are actually third cousins or something. Where it gets confusing that he was a Prince in his own right before they married, but because he had a foreign title he had to give it up before the wedding and become Mr. Phillip Mountbatten and then straight away was made a British Prince when they got married. Details, details, it's not as fun unless you crash into something. Glad you're enjoying it though, even if everyone else is harder to persuade. Talk soon Lucy [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Ivy to Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 16:38:21 10/21/12 Sun Hi Lucy, Sorry I haven't replied in a while. How are you? I've been really busy and this is the first weekend I had the chance to try to post something. I'm sure they're completely different now that I think about it. I don't know about Edinburgh, but I'm pretty sure they don't hold yoga lessons in the middle of the streets. Correct me if I'm wrong. Edinburgh, from pictures I saw, have a much more medieval to a neoclassical feel to it, while Chicago is a much more industrialized and robust city that was used very often as the trading center of the Midwest. Thanks for explaining what A level means. I kept thinking it was a grade and not a final qualification. It does sound better to have one standard system, but I don't really know how people would react to it. It would stretch the duty of the federal government and it would cause parents to yell in outrage that only they have control in what their kids learn. The system sounds similar. Can the Queen propose laws or make huge decisions without the support from the Prime Minister or Parliament? Thanks for explaining Prince Philip. I haven't sailed in a while and my friends sure don't want to try again. It's getting colder here and I'm playing ice hockey now. I hope to hear from you soon. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 10:49:45 10/24/12 Wed Hi Ivy, good to hear from you again. Yes I haven't been on much either, also I haven't heard much from Taylor, do you know if she's still around? They might well do yoga in the street in Edinburgh, it's fairly quirky. It is definitely an old city though, while Chicago I think is very definitely a modern city (I suppose most in the USA are). I suppose it is confusing calling them A levels when that is also a grade, I've never really noticed that before. I can imagine people would be up in arms about the goernment trying to standardise the system. I may be wrong but I've always thought people in america are really touchy about the government 'interfering' in their lives. The Queen can't propose laws at all, she only approves things parliament has voted on. It's the Prime Minitser and his party who propose everything. In theory she could refuse to approve something she disageed with and it couldn't become law, but I don't think that's happened for hundreds of years. Yes, the sailing season is pretty much over here now as well. I'm doing fencing now instead until spring. I've never tried ice hockey, it's not really a big thing here. Talk soon Lucy [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Ivy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 21:10:01 10/26/12 Fri Hi Lucy, I'm trying to post more. I haven't heard from Taylor or her brothers in a while, but I think they'll come back once they saw that more people are posting more often. I hope, though. It kinda depends on what American you're asking and what kind of government it should come from. Some people are wary of a big central gov't and would advocate a federal standardized education system(I don't like when they describe it as strong. A limited gov't could be strong.) Others are wary of state governments because it wouldn't be united enough and soon they'll start acting like separate countries (in the case of the Articles of Confederation.) That's interesting. It's like she hardly has a role in lawmaking and I think most people in the US think that the Queen is authoritative in power. It's cool that you fence. I haven't tried it. Why do fencers need to wear that protection, though? From my perspective, it's a bendy piece of metal or plastic. Hope to hear from you soon. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 13:54:51 10/27/12 Sat It would be nice to hear more from them, hopefully you're right about them posting more again. I'm sure it must depend on different people, but I think in general people in America will be more favourable to decentralised goverment than in the UK, probably just because America is so much larger and has the capacity for it. We do get plenty of talk of decentralisation and devolution here though, but for different reasons. I think a lot of people think or assume that the Queen is much more powerful than she is. Really she just acts as a focus for attention and like a personification of the country, although obviously her ancestors used to be much more powerful. Fencing is fun, maybe you should try that as well :) You do need the protection though, the mask obviously because even with a bendy piece of metal you could lose an eye or something. And even though foils do bend easily, it still hurts if you get hit with one and epees are a lot worse, so the other protection is definitely appreciated. Talk soon Lucy [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Ivy to Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 21:11:43 10/29/12 Mon Really? Why do you talk about decentralization? Actually, I'm not sure if the US really has the capacity for it. They say the larger they are, the harder they fall. But, I think you're right. Speaking generally, most Americans associate gov't with getting out of their business. All I really know about the Queen is that she was great in that video with James Bond. That's a good enough personification for me. :P I might try it. I have a guy friend who fences. I still don't like the protection, though. Even if it makes sense, I guess. I don't know how you see in those masks. Epees? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 10:53:36 10/30/12 Tue Scotland and Wales are always going on about it, and there is a lot of debate about the pros and cons of them becoming more independent. I don't know if Northern Ireland is the same but it wouldn't surpirse me. That film at the olympics was amazing, it was really surprising for us as well because she's never done anything like that before, and she's seen at terribly serious. I've never thought there was any problem with the protection, what don't you like about it? The masks are fine once you get them on, you can see normally. There are three types of swords in fencing, foils, epees and sabres. Foils are the most common one, they're the really bendy ones and the ones most people start with. The rules for epees are more complicated, and they don't really bend, so it hurts a lot more if you get hit with one. And sabres are just weird :P Lucy [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Ivy to Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 09:23:06 11/04/12 Sun Hi Lucy, Sorry I haven't responded in a while. I got spanked for skipping school with Roman, a friend of mine, for an alternative rock concert. :/ It was completely worth it, though. I gather that Northern Ireland is independent from Ireland? Don't worry about it. I normally think protection is stupid and then I fall and break an arm. :P Happened twice already. Anyways, I think I could stand the protection now that I know that you can see out of it. Aren't sabres like swords or something? What can't you do in fencing? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 16:32:46 11/07/12 Wed Sorry to hear about you getting into trouble. Have you ever got it with a belt before? Sucks doesn't it? At least it was worth it (from your pov at least) Hope things are back to normal now. Ireland became independent about 90 years ago, but Northern Ireland stayed part of the UK, there was fighting between pro Irish and pro British forces until really recently, and there's still a lot of controversy about who it should belong to. I'ver always thought they go in for more protection in America, like for hockey and american football. It makes sense for fencing though and it's not restrictive or anything. Sabre is the third sword you can use, but you use the edge not the point, so the rules are really confusing. I just stay away from it. Lucy [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Ivy to Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 16:36:33 11/26/12 Mon Hey. Really sorry I haven't responded to you in almost a month. I had a bunch of stuff to do before Thanksgiving. They always like to torture us before breaks. But, I guess over in Britain, you don't have a Thanksgiving break. I never got the belt before that time. My sister did a few years ago. It hurts! You get the belt, too? I never knew that. It's kinda like the territories that the U.S. has, except it's much larger. Puerto Rico just petitioned to be the 51st state, even though, in the past, they had a say in who's president, they just didn't have to pay an income tax. They do, but I just hate protection, as a general rule. :/ I tried fencing, kinda. A friend of mine fences, so he kinda showed me how to do things. Well, he showed me after laughing hysterically when I made a complete fool myself when I tried to use the foils like Star Wars characters. Isn't he nice? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 17:26:20 11/30/12 Fri Hey Ivy, don't worry about being away for a while, I understand that it's hard to post when you're busy. We don't have Thanksgiving break. When exactly is it and how long do you get off? I've only had the belt once too, from my grandpa, not something I ever want to repeat. It sounds like it's a rare event in your family, so it hopefully won't become a regular feature. How old was your sister when she got it? I don't think it's quite the same, I'm not really sure about the details of territories, but I would have thought they were more like British dependencies, like Gibraltar and the Falklands etc. Ireland was actually part of the UK, so it would be like one of the states breaking off. (I think, correct me if I'm wrong) Yeah, I was like that when I started, none of the rules made any sense until I'd been doing it for weeks. Anyway, using it like a lightsabre is officially more fun, so people should just stick to that :P Lucy [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Lucy for Taylor [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 04:22:52 08/23/12 Thu Hi Taylor Nice to Ivy is still around. I don't know, it's a wierd system, but I suppose they require different skills, and that's the way it's always been. Debating can be really good, I'm in the debating club at school. I know what you mean about arguing, maybe your parents will find it's a two edged sword ;) . We are going to get new carriers but they aren't due to be finished for a few years so until then we'remanaging without. Also the Navy has been shrinking and cutting down for ages, which a lot of people are angry about (especially my Dad). Doing radio sounds cool, I imagine accountancy is quite boring in comparison but it does have its advantages. My Stepmum's started to work part time too, so it's nice to have her at home more often. I really miss the piano whenever I don't play it for a while, it's great you've started the violin again. What sort of stuff do you play? Lucy [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Taylor [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 23:21:07 08/24/12 Fri Hi Lucy, Sorry I haven't posted here the last couple of days. I got in trouble yesterday & I just haven't felt like doing much of anything. I got a spanking yesterday & I guess I deserved it but I really didn't think so at the time. I am really looking forward to starting school again on Monday. I like our school & teachers & I get good grades. I'm glad I got back into violin. I need the practice badly though. It was kind of awkward at first but I'm starting to get comfortable with it again. I don't really play anything in particular. I'm mostly doing the practice lessons from before. I do like to listen to Mozart though I just can't play it very well. My parents got me a couple of cds last year, one was Mozart & the other Bach. They are both beautiful. I would love to play like that but I'm no where near that level. What do you play on the piano? I took lessons when I was younger. I switched to violin when I was 9. Do you do recitals or anything like that? I think piano is just as beautiful as violin. I like listening to both. I hop we can stay in touch once school starts. I really like chatting with you & Ivy. Have a good weekend! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 15:48:21 08/26/12 Sun Hi Taylor I'm really sorry you got spanked yesterday. I hope it wasn't too bad. Glad to hear you're looking forward to school. Over here we don't start for a while, I'm looking forward to it but I'm making the most of time off :) It must have been a bit awkward starting the violin again. I'm badly out of practice on the piano even if I stop for just a few days. You should try playing Bach, I'm sure there's plenty of easier stuff out there. On the piano at least he's good to practice with because he excersies your fingers really well. Chris (who's way better than I am) plays lots of Beethoven and says it just tires you out and leaves your hands stiff, which Bach never does. I always used to play classical stuff, I liked Bach and other Baroque composers, but recently I've been getting more into Jazz, which is fun but quite hard to get into if your used to classical. I play in concerts at school or church sometimes but not much, and I've never done a recital, I'm not nearly good enough :P Yes it would be great to keep chatting when school starts, I hope it goes well for you. Do you have exams or anything this year? Lucy [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Taylor [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 20:51:42 08/26/12 Sun Hi Lucy I have never tried to play jazz. I think that would be hard to do. My dad says that it is more intuition than technique when you play jazz. I think I know what he means. I think I'll just stick with learning to play classical for now. School starts tomorrow & I am looking forward to it. I haven't seen some of my friends all summer so it will be nice to catch up with them. The only exams I will need to do will be entrance exams for whatever high school I will be going to next year. I won't be doing those until next spring. My parents have already decided that I will be going to a Catholic high school. I don't have a problem with that. There are some very good ones here. I'm not sure if I want to go to an all girls school though. I mean I still like boys and all that so I think I would rather go to a coed school. But I will have to narrow it down to at least 3 schools by next spring & then take the entrance exams for the schools I choose. Do you have to take exams? What are your schools like? I wonder how different ours are from yours. Your history classes must be so fascinating. I won't be getting into that really until high school but I have read some of it. My dad is a history buff & has a lot of good books, mostly ancient history but he likes all periods. I think it would be really cool to study history in your country. Maybe I will someday! I have to go now. We have a 9pm bedtime on school nights & I have to do some stuff before I go to bed. Good night! :) [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 04:23:39 08/27/12 Mon Yes, I think he's probably right about jazz being intuitive rather than technical. I think once you've got past that barrier it gets a lot easier. Fair enough if you're happy sticking with classical though, there's plenty of it around :) Yes, it's good to see everyone back after summer, I've managed to keep in touch with some people this year, but it will still be nice. So how old are you when you start High school, 14? Good luck choosing the right one. I think coed is probably best. Next year we have GCSEs, which are external exams so quite important, but this year it's just internal exams. Schools over here are quite complicated and very different to yours, it would be interesting to compare :) Lucy [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Taylor [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 19:12:52 09/02/12 Sun Hi Lucy, I'm really sorry I haven't posted anything for so long. We started school last week & I have been really busy. It's been nice seeing old friends again. There are some new kids here too. It's still hard getting used to the school routine again though. And I managed to get in trouble the 2nd day of school already. It wasn't anything major but I got detention and a demerit. I didn't think that was fair but there isn't anything I can do about it. We do have testing also. I think I told you in another post that we don't but I forgot about the Terra Nova and Explore tests. We do those in a couple of weeks. I signed up for school band/orchestra and will start violin lessons next week. I have been practicing everyday & I'm actually getting better. Even my brother Sean said I was getting better. He usually teases me about my playing. I am really glad I started doing this again. We had our first soccer game Friday & we won 4-1. I play midfield most of the time. I didn't score any of the goals but I stay pretty involved in the action. Yes I will be 14 when I start high school. My birthday is in November. I think a coed school would be great but my parents might overrule me on that. I will try harder to stay in touch here. Even with homework and violin & soccer practice I should find a few mintues to post something. Bye now! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 04:37:21 09/03/12 Mon Hi Taylor, nice to hear from you again. Don't worry about not posting for a while, I'll probably be the same when school starts. I always find it hard getting back into the routine as well. My stepmum has said it seems to take me about a year :P I hope you didn't get into much trouble at home after trouble at school. What are Terra Nova and Explore tests? Good for you on the violin playing, It's great it's going so well :) Also well done on the football (sorry, I will always call it football) who were you playing against? I do think coed schools are better for the most part. Mine only went coed a few years ago and boys I know who were there at the time say it's much better now. Do your parents not like the idea of coed schools? Yes, I hope you can find time for a post now and then, ity's great to hear from you. Lucy [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Taylor [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 19:55:25 09/03/12 Mon Hi Lucy, I just got the usual lecture from mom (and dad) about paying attention in class. I have a bad habit of talking in class. I'm not cheating or anything like that just chatting sometimes. But we can get demerits for stuff like that. It's up to the teacher but I thought it was totally unfair to give me a demerit the 1st time. I sure shut up after that. Explore tests are for 8th graders to help them decide what courses would be best for you for high school. It's nothing firm but it lets you see what would be the best direction to go. The Terra Nova tests are an achievement test that we take from 3rd grade thru 8th grade. I guess it's a way to see how well we are learning what we are supposed to be learning & how much we retained from last year. Don't worry I understand that you guys call it football instead of soccer. Our football is much different. We almost always play against other Catholic schools in our area. Sometimes we play one of the public middle schools. Thanks about my violin playing. I am really glad I started playing again. I agree about coed schools being better. My parents, especially my dad says that an all girl school would have fewer distractions. I'm not sure I agree with that. I mean, I'm at a coed school now & I'm doing ok. I don't really have a boyfriend. But there are a couple of boys I like. We have to be careful about PDA (Public Display of Affection) at school though. They kind of frown on that at our school. So I don't see what the big deal is. A friend of mine who is in 9th grade now goes to an all girl school & she said it's alright but it's a little weird with no boys around. I guess you get used to it. When do you start school? You must have a short school year or do you go longer? Are you getting nervous about going back? I used to but I wasn't this year. I think next year will be different though. As always it's really nice chatting with you. Bye! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Introduction Author: Lucy [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 04:18:36 09/04/12 Tue Hi Taylor Yes I think that is a bit unfair, the teachers should probably cut you some slack as it's the start of the year, but maybe they want to make a point. Explore tests sound like a really good idea. We don't get anything like that for choosing courses, we just have to work it out for ourselves. Are Terra Nova tests within the school or external? Yeah I've realised there are a lot more words than I thought that are different in English and American English. Are you pretty familiar with some/ a lot of them? American football (which is what we call it) is completely different. It's kind of like rugby, but not quite. I think coed schools are definitely better. I don't think it's that 'distracting', it's not like you just stare longingly at each other all through lessons. And I really think you turn out better and more balanced if you'vebeen to a coed school. Chris was in the last year of my school to go coed and he says he found it really strange dealing with girls his own age suddenly, after years of hardly seeing them. We start again this thursday. Private schools over here start later and finish earlier than state schools, and we get more holidays, so good news all round :P I suppose I'm a bit apprehensive, but not really nervous, it will be good to go back. Talk soon :) Lucy [ Post a Reply to This Message ]