Hello, all!
On Tuesday of this week, I was in attendance at my very own Eagle court of honor! I was afraid I'd miss it, but mom and dad brought me in just in time. We had a good outcome, and the ceremony was amazing. There was a lot of time and effort put into the ceremony, and it showed. During and before the ceremony, I received several different objects. Before the ceremony, I got a plaque from my grandmother that says "Eagle Scout November 19, 2009 David Franklin Whitesell III" Thanks, Grandma Kay! I also was given a knife in a coin shape with a 1-inch diameter that has a knife, scissors, and a nail filer. Thanks, Aunt Kathi!
During the ceremony, I was given a credit-card-sized card that recognizes me as an Eagle Scout and (afterwards) another that recognizes me as a member of NESA (National Eagle Scout Association). Also during the ceremony, I was given a binder full of letters of commendation from famous Americans all across the U.S. and one from out of the world. There were letters from George and Barbara Bush, Dick Cheney, John Glenn (astronaut), Condoleezza Rice, Charles Dahlquist (LDS Young Men Gen. Presidency), and other former presidents, secretaries of government, and Boy Scout and LDS leaders.
While Dad was in Brazil, he picked up an eagle made of gemstones, including an emerald body and an amethyst head. It's really beautiful. Finally, I received an American flag flown over the Capital on my birthday this year. That is really very special to me.
Now, about the juggling. One of my goals in juggling club (see Interscholastic Events at Wayland Middle School) was to join the 3-minute club, a feat which I accomplished on Thursday. Now, juggling for three minutes is not difficult. So to make it difficult, you have to juggle with 2-pound balls for 3-minutes. Very tiring, but I did it - Hooray!
Quote of the Day:
"Leadership is the art of getting someone to do something you want done because they want to do it." - Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890 - 1969)
Bye, dAvId :)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
I'm back :)
Hello everyone, sorry it's been so long.
When I woke up this morning, it was normal. When I looked out the window, it wasn't! Guess what was different? SNOW!!!! Yeah, the white stuff that coats everything when it rains at a temperature less than 32 degrees Farenheit. So I got to test out my snow boots. (One guy asked me if they were snowboarding boots. ???) They work ok, but I prefer tennis shoes. Anyway, back to the snow. It looked really cool in the morning when everything had a deep blue tinge to it. Not so good now that it's afternoon and I can see the slush, branches etc. Oh, well, maybe it'll snow again tonight.
During Social Studies class, we have been learning about the Declaration of Independence and the constitution. Much more important now that I'm in MA. We have had a class debate, staging the debate over the slave trade grievance in the D. of I. We also got into little groups to discuss how the law-making body of government should be created to give equal rights to large states and small states. It's a very large topic.
I've had a lot of tests recently. Maybe like mid-year exams? There was a fairly large science test, a somewhat large math test, and a large Spanish test recently. Not to mention the English test tomorrow. It's quite stressful. I think I made it through okay, though.
I have recently come into the invention of...the Rubik's Cube. It's a very interactive toy, and it is a great way to spend the time. I can solve one in 1:48 minutes. I can also make patterns with it. I really enjoy playing with it.
Quote of the Day:
"I've been trying for some time to develop a lifestyle that doesn't require my presence."
-Garry Trudeau (1948-)
Happy Holidays (though I shall blog again before they're over!) :)
When I woke up this morning, it was normal. When I looked out the window, it wasn't! Guess what was different? SNOW!!!! Yeah, the white stuff that coats everything when it rains at a temperature less than 32 degrees Farenheit. So I got to test out my snow boots. (One guy asked me if they were snowboarding boots. ???) They work ok, but I prefer tennis shoes. Anyway, back to the snow. It looked really cool in the morning when everything had a deep blue tinge to it. Not so good now that it's afternoon and I can see the slush, branches etc. Oh, well, maybe it'll snow again tonight.
During Social Studies class, we have been learning about the Declaration of Independence and the constitution. Much more important now that I'm in MA. We have had a class debate, staging the debate over the slave trade grievance in the D. of I. We also got into little groups to discuss how the law-making body of government should be created to give equal rights to large states and small states. It's a very large topic.
I've had a lot of tests recently. Maybe like mid-year exams? There was a fairly large science test, a somewhat large math test, and a large Spanish test recently. Not to mention the English test tomorrow. It's quite stressful. I think I made it through okay, though.
I have recently come into the invention of...the Rubik's Cube. It's a very interactive toy, and it is a great way to spend the time. I can solve one in 1:48 minutes. I can also make patterns with it. I really enjoy playing with it.
Quote of the Day:
"I've been trying for some time to develop a lifestyle that doesn't require my presence."
-Garry Trudeau (1948-)
Happy Holidays (though I shall blog again before they're over!) :)
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Interscholastic Events at Wayland Middle School
HI!
I joined the cross-country team for Wayland Middle School a while ago, and I've been doing great! Our track is 1.6 miles long, and it goes on and off school property, from the field to the surrounding neighborhood. Other tracks are longer, because the range is 1.6-1.8 miles long. On my first run, I got sixth place, fifth in my school. I've also gotten eighth and tenth on other runs. Because of my cross-country running, I have decreased my mile time from 6:59 minutes to 6:20 minutes and I plan on, eventually, running the mile in under six minutes. :)
During lunch on certain days, I participate in the Juggling Club. There are a range of items to juggle, such as balls, clubs, and...well, more balls. There are also devil sticks and diablos. I can juggle fairly well with balls, and so I have started trying the diablos. There are two sticks with a string connected to them. There's a sort of double ended triangle thing that spins on the string, and you do tricks with it. I'd give you a link to someone who's good at them, but, funny thing, I can't find anyone!
Quote of the Day:
"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare."
-Juma Ikangaa, 1989 NYC Marathon winner
DaViD
I joined the cross-country team for Wayland Middle School a while ago, and I've been doing great! Our track is 1.6 miles long, and it goes on and off school property, from the field to the surrounding neighborhood. Other tracks are longer, because the range is 1.6-1.8 miles long. On my first run, I got sixth place, fifth in my school. I've also gotten eighth and tenth on other runs. Because of my cross-country running, I have decreased my mile time from 6:59 minutes to 6:20 minutes and I plan on, eventually, running the mile in under six minutes. :)
During lunch on certain days, I participate in the Juggling Club. There are a range of items to juggle, such as balls, clubs, and...well, more balls. There are also devil sticks and diablos. I can juggle fairly well with balls, and so I have started trying the diablos. There are two sticks with a string connected to them. There's a sort of double ended triangle thing that spins on the string, and you do tricks with it. I'd give you a link to someone who's good at them, but, funny thing, I can't find anyone!
Quote of the Day:
"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare."
-Juma Ikangaa, 1989 NYC Marathon winner
DaViD
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Unusual Scouting Trip
Hi, all!
On Friday - Saturday, I was the Troop Guide for a troop campout in the new troop. I planned what foods we brought, what gear we took, and what requirements we passed off. Dad and I arrived first at the camping site, and set up camp. We started our fire (only 2 matches - Wow!) and had a campfire program. Then we slept.
Then...came...Saturday...The Interesting Day... I made breakfast and we passed off some Scouting requirements. Then, we went to the lake for our service project. Here is where the real story begins...
Seven of us came around the lake, armed with garbage bags, gloves, and protective footwear. We headed out, picking up bottles, cans, and shredded newspapers. As I walked along the shore, I found several glass bottles. Knowing they were trash, I picked them up. I started heading back towards camp, and then...And Then...AND THEN...the bottles tore through the bag and gave me a bloody gash on my knee. I hobbled back to camp and sent my friend over to get Dad. We cleaned it up and waited for the others.
That gash is most troublesome. I didn't quite have to get stitches, but it was a close thing. I have butterfly bandaids on it and adhesive tape holding them on. I have to bend my knees as little as possible (only up to a "normal" angle) and I can't play around as much as before. Worse, it might last for up to a week before it's healed enough to keep from using the butterflies. Annoying indeed!
Anyway, back to what everyone else found as "garbage." We had quite a group of strange and mysterious things that people leave behind. I'll mention a few: 1) the elastic band from a pair of underwear - just the band! 2) a scary mask from halloween 3) human droppings in a butter container 4) a newspaper 5) a six-pack of beer - with three full bottles! Finally, the REAL surprise - 6) A GAS MASK, such as was used during WWI & II. What a collection!
Quote of the day:
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
- Theodore Roosevelt (1858 - 1919)
dAvId
On Friday - Saturday, I was the Troop Guide for a troop campout in the new troop. I planned what foods we brought, what gear we took, and what requirements we passed off. Dad and I arrived first at the camping site, and set up camp. We started our fire (only 2 matches - Wow!) and had a campfire program. Then we slept.
Then...came...Saturday...The Interesting Day... I made breakfast and we passed off some Scouting requirements. Then, we went to the lake for our service project. Here is where the real story begins...
Seven of us came around the lake, armed with garbage bags, gloves, and protective footwear. We headed out, picking up bottles, cans, and shredded newspapers. As I walked along the shore, I found several glass bottles. Knowing they were trash, I picked them up. I started heading back towards camp, and then...And Then...AND THEN...the bottles tore through the bag and gave me a bloody gash on my knee. I hobbled back to camp and sent my friend over to get Dad. We cleaned it up and waited for the others.
That gash is most troublesome. I didn't quite have to get stitches, but it was a close thing. I have butterfly bandaids on it and adhesive tape holding them on. I have to bend my knees as little as possible (only up to a "normal" angle) and I can't play around as much as before. Worse, it might last for up to a week before it's healed enough to keep from using the butterflies. Annoying indeed!
Anyway, back to what everyone else found as "garbage." We had quite a group of strange and mysterious things that people leave behind. I'll mention a few: 1) the elastic band from a pair of underwear - just the band! 2) a scary mask from halloween 3) human droppings in a butter container 4) a newspaper 5) a six-pack of beer - with three full bottles! Finally, the REAL surprise - 6) A GAS MASK, such as was used during WWI & II. What a collection!
Quote of the day:
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
- Theodore Roosevelt (1858 - 1919)
dAvId
Friday, August 1, 2008
Moved!
Em hotep, konichiwa, and bonjour!
I'm not taking language classes, but I sure am busy! We are currently in Dad's apartment, after a week of movers being here. They took everything apart, packed it, and loaded it. I think they left on Friday, maybe Thursday. We were in a hotel from Wednesday to Sunday.
We get lots of exercise here. We go swimming every day. When we walk the half-mile, it takes us five minutes, both up and down. Yes, we have another hilly region. Sadly, we don't have our bikes, as they were packed up and will come to us in a week.
I'm going to Scout Camp next week, so I'm packing Scout clothing, papers, and other equipment. The name of the camp is Camp Squanto, named after a famous Native American. He taught the settlers how to plant corn. In turn, they shot him. Ironic, isn't it? I should be having fun during the next week, though. :)
Quote of the Day:
"A people that values its privileges over its principles soon loses both."
-Dwight Eisenhower (1890-1969)
"BYE"
-David (1995-)
I'm not taking language classes, but I sure am busy! We are currently in Dad's apartment, after a week of movers being here. They took everything apart, packed it, and loaded it. I think they left on Friday, maybe Thursday. We were in a hotel from Wednesday to Sunday.
We get lots of exercise here. We go swimming every day. When we walk the half-mile, it takes us five minutes, both up and down. Yes, we have another hilly region. Sadly, we don't have our bikes, as they were packed up and will come to us in a week.
I'm going to Scout Camp next week, so I'm packing Scout clothing, papers, and other equipment. The name of the camp is Camp Squanto, named after a famous Native American. He taught the settlers how to plant corn. In turn, they shot him. Ironic, isn't it? I should be having fun during the next week, though. :)
Quote of the Day:
"A people that values its privileges over its principles soon loses both."
-Dwight Eisenhower (1890-1969)
"BYE"
-David (1995-)
Monday, July 21, 2008
Last Post Before Movers Come!
Hello, everyone.
This will probably be my last post for a while, because the movers are coming in about two hours. Everything I need is packed into a backpack, framepack, or suitcase in Mom and Dad's room. From Dad's descriptions of the movers, I'd call them a 'flood.' They will start in one room and box up EVERYTHING!!!
Along the lines of EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING has been cancelled, stopped, staunched. There aren't any more piano lessons (Piano will be packed), there aren't any more magazine subscriptions (I hope), there aren't any bills to pay (We wish), and everyone will forget all about us and we'll have to start over again (Maybe).
Quote of the Day:
"The boisterous sea of liberty is never without a wave."
- Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
daVID
This will probably be my last post for a while, because the movers are coming in about two hours. Everything I need is packed into a backpack, framepack, or suitcase in Mom and Dad's room. From Dad's descriptions of the movers, I'd call them a 'flood.' They will start in one room and box up EVERYTHING!!!
Along the lines of EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING has been cancelled, stopped, staunched. There aren't any more piano lessons (Piano will be packed), there aren't any more magazine subscriptions (I hope), there aren't any bills to pay (We wish), and everyone will forget all about us and we'll have to start over again (Maybe).
Quote of the Day:
"The boisterous sea of liberty is never without a wave."
- Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
daVID
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Eagle Project and A Boating Experience
Hi, everyone!
Great weekend. I'll start off with the Eagle Project. It's finished! We got together quite a few people to help, and almost didn't have enough paintbrushes and rollers. The front of the stage is black and the cabinets in the back of the auditorium are blue (I'll see if I can get some pictures in later). We completed the project using only $170 of store donations and some donations from friends.
Mom said that it made a real difference, having black and blue areas in a 50 year-old auditorium. I'm glad I was able to improve the school's auditorium.
Floaters. . . . . . Huh? What kind of floaters? you ask. There are inner tubes that are attached to a boat by a 15-20 foot rope. 1-2 people will ride on one inner tube. The boat driver tries to knock the people on the inner tubes off by dragging them in and out of the wake and by spinning them in circles. We had 1-2 people on each floater, so it was a race to see who got thrown off first. Dillan Deffense, one of our ward members, was the best at it. He survived the longest and managed the best tricks (it's hard to stand up at 30 knots!).
This was the main attraction on the lake, but we had a quick 1/2 hour break at 2:00 to grill hot dogs on the boat. After that, we had to get a bunch of kelp out of the anchor.
Quote of the Day:
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
-Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919)
David
Great weekend. I'll start off with the Eagle Project. It's finished! We got together quite a few people to help, and almost didn't have enough paintbrushes and rollers. The front of the stage is black and the cabinets in the back of the auditorium are blue (I'll see if I can get some pictures in later). We completed the project using only $170 of store donations and some donations from friends.
Mom said that it made a real difference, having black and blue areas in a 50 year-old auditorium. I'm glad I was able to improve the school's auditorium.
Floaters. . . . . . Huh? What kind of floaters? you ask. There are inner tubes that are attached to a boat by a 15-20 foot rope. 1-2 people will ride on one inner tube. The boat driver tries to knock the people on the inner tubes off by dragging them in and out of the wake and by spinning them in circles. We had 1-2 people on each floater, so it was a race to see who got thrown off first. Dillan Deffense, one of our ward members, was the best at it. He survived the longest and managed the best tricks (it's hard to stand up at 30 knots!).
This was the main attraction on the lake, but we had a quick 1/2 hour break at 2:00 to grill hot dogs on the boat. After that, we had to get a bunch of kelp out of the anchor.
Quote of the Day:
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
-Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919)
David
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
