Dear Malcolm, I cant imagine that you actually want to read all this nonsense, but Im going to type

it up anyways. Two reasons why I will: I like to remember and write all the things I like to do, it gives me a chance to recall everything Ive dabbled in without being rude and because its assigned and I really care about my academic performance. Lately Ive tried to become more trusting of the teachers whom are responsible, at least for a short time, for my education. They must know what theyre doing and even if they dont, they probably still know better than I. My name is Marlena Deidre McCall. My middle name is pronounced De-dra, I myself didnt learn how to spell my middle name until later in life. I go by Marlee, almost like Bob but with two Es! You may however forever know me as five-hourenergy. I was an only child, until the unfortunate birth of my younger sister when I was eight and a half years old. This sounds horrible, but before she was born I really was an angry little girl that I wasnt enough for my parents. However after she got here I loved her and certainly cant imagine life without her, she really is such a cool little girl. Her name is Kedra Diane Grace McCall-that right there tells you shes unique. Sometimes she goes by Gracee, which Dad spelled to match my name. She is ten and in fourth grade. Shes a competitive gymnast and very smart. Her style is awesome; I wish I could borrow her things.

I also have an older half sister who lives here in Charlotte. Shes from Wisconsin and her name is Jennifer. My mom and dad have been married for twenty-two years. My mother comes from divorced parents and therefore I have three sets of grandparents, each is extremely different, but I love them all dearly. I have the good fortune of living close

(like within earshotif youre target practicing with a gun) to my Dads parents. We live in a small town in the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina called Highlands (what a suitable name right?). In the winters our population is about 2,000, but expands in the summers to about 20,000 with the additions of all the second-home owners. Aside from the fact that these people are typically from Florida and therefore drive insanely slow and often find it acceptable to stop in the middle of the road not because theres something obstructing their path but because theres a nice bush off the side of the road and they would like a pictureof themselves next to this lovely bush, I love the wealthy second-home owners because they support my family. My parents own a small construction company and custom cabinet shop. Our construction company may have something to do with the fact that Im an architecture major. I have worked in my hometown since before I could obtain a work permit. I have babysat, worked as a salesperson in an apparel and hiking store, been a cashier and waitress, been a nanny for two children, and an automotive detailer. I love my hometown, probably even more now than when I was there every day, and have every intention of returning to live fairly close, maybe in Franklin, NC. I want to work for the construction company or for an architecture firm. Id like to have a small farm as well. It should include plenty of cattle, sheep, goats, definitely

chickens, a donkey, and a WHITE rooster

with a big red comb. I must have a farm cat and I want a peacock!

I was Valedictorian in a graduating class of thirty-three. Yes, I went to school in the same building as my little sister, and yes, I know everyone. I go home a lot because I love to be with my family and certainly do not want to miss my little sister growing up like my older sister missed my childhood. I have a puppy at home named UGG (yes after the boots!). He is a beautiful blue sable Pomeranian. He has a wonderful personality and I cant believe how I love the little guy. I had never had a dog before UGG, which I got from a breeder in Georgia in the summer of 2010. He is now a year and a half; born on May 10th, 2010, which coincidentally is the same birthday of my two best friends from high schools dogs. Just before winter break while I was home for a few days, UGG swallowed a sewing needle, 4 X rays and week later he miraculously passed it.

Also I have a wonderful man at home named Zach. Weve been together one year. Hes a full-time fireman and hes five years older than me, but its ok because my parents are ten years apart. In high school I played basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Volleyball being my favorite and the sport I see myself continuing to be involved in. I love to waterski, wakeboard, snow ski, and snowboard. Im have all of this equipment and try to take good care of it so it will last as long as possible. I also really like to zip line. I try to be very careful with money. Currently, Im very thankful that God sewed this into my personality because I just bought a new (to me) car and Im going to be able to pay it off.slowly, of course, to build my credit. I have a dodge Durango that I love but it has a special ordered 5.9 liter V8 engine and I bought a Volkswagen Jetta with a turbo power 4 cylinder that you can imagine gets over twice the gas mileage on the 181 mile trip back and forth to Charlotte. I love to travel and have had the opportunity to see some beautiful parts of the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean. Just after this past New Year I went to the Dominican Republic, which was nice since it was 85 degrees there and snowing at home.

I loved Jasper, Alberta, Canada. I really enjoy visiting the Tetons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Breckenridge, Colorado is wonderful for skiing. Bar Harbor, Maine is a beautiful place. Now, Ive done some stupid stuff too. I spent hundreds of dollars on stuff I now just want to sell: a complete audio system with head unit, door speakers, amp, two ten inch subs, 4% tint, undercarriage lights, and presents for people who treated me like junk. Some of the things didnt make me proud to have to admit to God, who knew all along, but rather quite ashamed: Ive drank ...too much-FAIL, and fought with my parents about nonsense things-FAIL, Ive missed online assignments intentionally-FAIL, liked the bad boy (multiple times)-WASTE of time, fallen for the GI-major FAIL, and done multiple things with parental permission-REGRET. Through these things I learned that I dont particularly enjoy unpleasant encounters with law enforcement. In all seriousness though, I really think the stupid things that I look back and say not worth it made me understand myself. I say they made me understand me rather than made me because God made me in his image, knowing who I would be. He gave me my own will, which at times I choose to use against myself but the Holy Spirit which I myself INVITED into my heart reminds me that I know better and now I know in my heart AND my stubborn mind that Im happier when my conscience is free. I even feel like I have more time to focus on my interests and learn more when my conscience is free. Hopefully I didnt end on a bad note, but I must stop writing for Im afraid I may spit out my social security number next. So Ill just end by saying Im looking forward to a good semester. Marlee McCall