Sonatina Gena

I need help with making my voice sound "lighter" and I guess more clear. I try to think "light" but then I start getting breathier, which is another problem I have. So, it just goes in this cycle.

I want to try for my school musical and I'd prefer a slightly "lighter" voice. Can anyone help or give advice? It would be nice if anyone also gave me suggestions on how to sing with a less breathy voice too.

I'm 14 and I still have baby teeth that's falling out. When I went to the dentist, she gave me an x-ray which showed that two of my teeth didn't have any permanent teeth under them, so I'll have those baby teeth forever.

So, I'm wondering if this is common, to not be born with enough permanent teeth?

Ever since I was little, and even before then, my parents always fought over the most stupid stuff. My dad is also an impatient moron who always blames my mom for something she can't control (she has OCD). Every month they get into at least one arguement and they don't talk for days, and they pretend it's okay and they actually thought I didn't notice!

They went too far tonight over the lawn or something stupid. I don't want to type out the details. They actually told me to leave them alone and go to bed. Every single time I try to stop them, my dad just says he's right and starts blaming it on my mom. I later learned that it just came out of a simple miscommunication and my dad started accusing my mom saying that "she had no trust in him."

How can I stop them? Even if they do apologize they'll just start it again. I can't concentrate in school or anywhere and I'm just so scared.

I bought some black wedges that are open-toed and have white polka dots. I can't find a picture, but I don't think they're that hard to visualize.

For the truly clueless, just imagine these but with not too small but not too large white polka dots, a slightly less tacky wedge part, and without the frills in the front. (These aren't the actual shoes, though). http://www.target.com/Xhilaration-Tory-Canvas-Peep...

So, what would and what wouldn't match? Thanks!

Well, I have a casual party next weekend at night. What should I wear? I just want to know, like, a t-shirt and jeans, sneakers or flats, etc. Just an item, and I don't need a link or anything like that. I just need ideas, as well as jewelry.

Please keep it appropriate. Thank you!

I've always been a really good student, but lately I've been going a bit down-hill. Mainly because I missed three days and none of my teachers bother to meet whenever I come and ask them what homework I missed, and I've got a horrible French class, which really bogged down my mind. It kind of feels like my mind is just... I dunno. Slowing down? I desperately want to switch French classes, because that, I believe, is the real cause. I love learning new languages, but something is not clicking in that class. I've had bad teachers in the past and I've still learned something, but I'm trying my hardest in this class and nothing is coming through.

What can I do to get back on track? I'm in 8th grade. Thank you.

I've been mainly wearing blue, since it's my favorite color, but I've been wanting a change. I'm just looking for opinions on what you think will look best on me. It's not like I will completely go with your ideas; I'll kind of combine your's with mine. I'll still wear blue, though.

Well, I'm 5'1. I have really long, black hair (around the middle of my back) and brownish/grayish eyes. I'm also on the skinny side and not very curvy. My figure is kind of... eh... well, skinny, but not the point of anorexia or anything like that. I guess I'm just normal. I'm Asian, if that helps any. I also wear glasses.

And what colors should I avoid? Just looking for some opinions. Thank you in advance.

I really want to improve my singing, so, do vocal lessons really help? I'm really embarrased by how bad I sound, and I'm a bit shy when I sing, so I was wondering if they would even help me.

I always kind of sound like I have a cold or something when singing, but I have correct posture, and I sing well in a group. When I go solo, I always panic and sound bad.

So, should I take some?

Since I'm here more often, I figured I'd get better answers. This still relates to adolescents anyway.

So, I was wondering what your study habits and good tips are. Whether it be how to concentrate better or how to manage time better, etc. I need to develop a better routine anyway. I hope other people will get ideas as well.

What I usually do is after I finish one subject, I take a small break. If I can't concentrate, I read or write. If I REALLY can't concentrate, I end up taking another break. If my mind is still not set on that subject, I switch subjects. Pretty basic. Lol.

Thank you in advance! :-)

I've been using this acne wash and Differin to help my acne, and they've completely botched up my skin tone and made it more sensitive and dry. I had been using this Neutrogena moisturizer, but that was too strong. The one for sensitive skin didn't moisturize my skin, though. So, now I need a new one. This Neutrogena one makes my skin tone look really bruise like, and it makes my face too shiny and oily looking, even though there is no oil (I've tried blotting).

I have sensitive skin and an oily T-Zone. Now it's not as oily because of the acne stuff, but it will probably be oily later once I stop using it. Don't suggest Aveeno or Clean and Clear, please. Aveeno is too oily and Clean and Clear is too strong. Oh, and I'd like it to be able to bought at a local Target. I'm not into spending four dollars to have something shipped here, y'know?

Thank you!

For about two weeks, it feels like life has just been dragging behind slowly. I keep saying, "I'll do this in a minute; half an hour; an hour; later." I end up not doing anything until the last moment. I keep having migraines and it's hard to sleep. I'm worried about my grades, especially. I'm usually a really good student, the one with all A's. Part of this slump is because of this academy essay thing that I worked very hard on.

Some classes are too easy and boring. Another class has this horrible teacher. I missed two days of school and I can never find my teachers to catch up my work. I'm just really stressed out and I feel like I'm slowing down. It feels as if nothing is motivating me.

What can I do? I'm getting behind in everything. How can I catch up and relax? Thank you.

I figured this should go under "Education and Reference" but I didn't get any answers; so, as a student, I figured this was my next best choice. Sorry if there was a better section.

I'm in 8th grade, and I applied for this academy. Tomorrow, a writing prompt will be given to all applicants, and an interview may follow. I'm really shy and nervous when talking to people I don't know, and I usually botch interviews, and mess up in general when I'm talking to others (stuttering, fidgeting, you name it).

How can I show them that I'm confident, and what should I do about this shyness? Oh, and what things should I avoid doing?

Thank you so much in advance. (I guess this can kind of go under Adolescent, as many deal with being shy, right?)

I'm in 8th grade and I've always been the person who likes art, specifically writing, and I plan to be an author. Still, I do really well in mathematics, but I dislike the general subject. This is the same with my mom, but my dad is the opposite, because his specialty is math.

8th graders here have the opportunity to take a test to end up in either Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ, as a replacement for regular high school) and the Academy of Science (AOS, we'd go to there and our regular high school on alternating days). Both schools focus on math and science and both are hard to get into. My mom agreed that I shouldn't go to TJ if I planned to become an author, but she said that I should try out for AOS.

Another little incident like this happened and my dad is angry at me for not trying out for TJ and he's been ignoring me and everything. To be honest, I would have loved to try out for TJ. Is this fair? Please help; thank you in advance!

Well, she's a huge High School Musical fan, so I am going to play "Breaking Free" on the piano and videotape it and send it over to her house, with bloopers at the end. :P I was also going to videotape all her friends at her old school (she moved) and send that along as well.

I HAD a "going away" present for her in September, but I never got the chance to give it to her. I was thinking of giving it to her now, but I was afraid it would be offensive or rude. The gift basket includes these chocolates from my Dad's trip to China, a gift card, and a "newest" Kelly Clarkson CD. Hence I emphasized "newest" because it isn't really new and it's kind of a, "Oh, you planned this ever since SEPTEMBER just so you won't have to worry about it now." sort of thing.

I thought it may have been offensive in that sort of manner... So, opinions? She's 13. Thanks!

Well, I'm only 13 so I can't really buy anything or run around the mall for a present, and I play the piano, so I decided to put that to use. I will play a piano tune for my Mom, Dad, and my friend. I'm also making a Photoshop collage. Also, I have...

... for my mom, my dad and I are planning to get this really nice kitchen set of plates and... kitchen stuff, since my mom loves to cook.

Mom and I are getting Dad this beautiful watch, and some ties. :P I'm playing a Lord of the Rings tune for him.

My friend recently moved, so I'm planning to videotape all her old friends and they can give a little message. I'm playing Breaking Free for her, since she's a huge High School Musical fan. I don't know if it's appropriate, but I wanted to get her a "moving away" gift in September. I didn't have a chance to give it to her, so I was thinking of doing it now, but would that be somehow offensive?

Thanks for your opinions.

Odd question, as it's for a school assignment. For those fashion-intuned, could you please tell me what the latest fashions and stuff are in France for teens. What's "a la mode" in France? :P

Uh, I just need a few small things. If anyone here knows more about French schools, please tell me. I need serious help.

Thank you!

Okay, I recently started using the acne wash with made my skin SO dry. If I put moisturizer on it, my cheeks would turn red and it would completely burn. Even after I stopped using the wash, the moisturizer hurt for a few days, then it stopped burning after I washed my face. I want to try a new moisturizer to see if it will help.

I have really sensitive skin. I've been using this "oil-free" Neutrogena one. I have an oily T-Zone (great, huh?). Everytime I wash, I splash some warm water onto my face, put on the wash or cleanser or whatever, then rinse with cool water, if that helps.

So, any tips? Moisturizer suggestions? Any ideas on what is really happening? Thank you!

During this open house before school started, my friend (let's call her Sally, ok?) claimed that she smelled alcohol around her gym teacher, so she thought her teacher was drinking. Of course, she told all her friends. A few days ago, one of HER "friends" (name is Courtney) just randomly went up to that gym teacher during class and said, "You know... My friend Sally told me that you were drinking during open house!" Just... randomly. Now both my friend and her "friend" face suspension and even being expelled.

However, my friend FORGAVE Courtney and still wants to be friends! She claims it was just an "accident". That was not an accident. Someone dared Courtney to do it or she really wasn't a friend at all. Unless she was drunk as well, there's no way it could have been a mistake!

What am I supposed to do? Let them be friends? No. Because of my friend, her friend is facing suspension. Because of her friend, my friend is facing suspension.

Of course, I can't let this go on! I was just shocked and furious when my friend claimed it was just a "mistake". How can I make her come to her senses and ditch Courtney for good? And how to face this whole... ordeal overall? Please help. Thank you! :-)

Well, I there's this guy who is also my crush and once my friend. We talked quite a bit and he seriously changed my life. I was shy before I met him and I didn't care how I looked or anything, but I became outgoing and my health inproved after meeting him. I wanted to thank him for everything, so I was trying to look for him one night at this party. I blushed and turned away everytime he got near me. I think he thought I was stalking him (not true) and since my best friend was with me, he thought my friend liked him! He stopped talking to me.

Then, a week before school began, we saw each other while I was getting icecream. Exchanged an insult, and comeback for fun. Then he stopped talking to me completely. Funny thing is, my friend also moved. Everytime I go up to him, he walks away.

What have I done and what can I do to repair our friendship? Does he like my friend? I don't care about the entire crush thing (even though I do). I would do anything to keep our friendship, though. He lives near me, and I can never see him in school because he's always hanging around with friends. And what do I say? He can't have forgotten me, so he either liked my friend (unlikely, as he and my friend are COMPLETE opposites), or he's angry at me for some unknown reason. I don't know why, though. Please help me? Thanks.

Well, this may be a bit long, so please bear with me. There's a whole backstory to this. It's all really simple, but it seems long. Last year, in Science, we were supposed to pick friends to do labs with. I was really shy, so I didn't have a lot of friends. I ran into this guy and we became friends yet we never even talked before. That was the start of the largest crush I had.

We talked in Science class, and he always made me smile. Then it hit me. He was the one making jokes and I was too shy to make any witty comebacks! My personality started to change. My confidence grew and I became very outgoing. My health became better. I wanted to thank him for everything, so I was looking for him during a party at school. I blushed and looked down everytime I came near him. One of my closest friends was with me. I wasn't stalking, but I guess he thought I was. I think he also thought that my friend liked HIM, since sweet me would never have a crush! He stopped talking to me.

The end of school year, we started talking again. School ended without us saying goodbye. About a week before school started, the same friend and I were getting icecream. Lo' and behold, my crush comes riding on a bike. He stopped and shouted out, “Well, if it isn't...” and he said a butchered version of my name. I smiled and yelled back, “At least pronounce my name right!” He yelled his version again.

On the first day of school, I tried talking to him, but he ignored me. Funny thing is, my friend also moved. It's like he doesn't think I exist anymore since I was always with me friend. What did I do to make him angry at me? As I recall, the last thing I said to him wasn't anything mean. Or did he like my friend?

It's not even a matter of me liking him. I still do, but I will do anything to save our friendship. I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't found him. I can never talk to him though, because he's always with friends. Any ideas? He lives near me. I've been wondering for months what I did.

Please help? Thank you!