I think I am mistaken when I thought summer was freedom. I feel incarcerated, seriously. But enough with me, I compiled my tips on how to liberate oneself for the summer.

1) Define what you really want to do for this period. There are lists of lessons, workshop and sports clinics available for you to explore. You can even initiate something on your own without enlisting on these programs, such as writing, making handicrafts etc. Don't enroll in something that hasn't piqued your interest. Remember that. It's way better if you SERIOUSLY wanted to do it (with the assumption that this choice was good for you).

2) Now when you have #1 figured out, tell your parents. They may have other plans for you *coughvoicelessonscough* and your really have to work your way for your choice to appeal to them. There are other parents who think that sports *coughjudocough* for an asthmatic kid is not a good idea, and for I recommend that you make them view this in a different perspective - tell them it's not physical strain, it's physical gain. ;)

3) If everything went against your plans, fight for it. Is it because of the schedule? Is it something that you did? Or is it something that others don't want to see you in? If there's nothing wrong with you but rather with the people around you (considering your plans with distaste with no sound judgment) make your move. Persuasion is a key factor for this but if everything else failed, have yourself signed up for anything you would be willing to risk lest your choice became a possible one. It would really stick to their minds if they saw your determination!

4) Now if you have more than one problem to work out, an extra effort is required! For example if they drastically reduced your computer hours i.e. 3 hours despite the fact you're working on your writings, then make do with pen and paper and write! Of course this would really strain your muscles and take more of your time, but as long as you have your poems and stories written down, you would not have to worry about them going down the drain of oblivion. Then, do the arduous task of encoding. For my part, this is not really recommended because it involves stealth, but then if there's no option available then sneak in the wee hours and do your stuff! But that is you're a nocturnal worker. Different situations call for different responses though.

5) If you think you really need all of this (i.e. I feel a calling, I feel restless etc.,), then just ask your parents to trust you. If they couldn't then I guess better luck next time.

Sounds like one of those motivational articles from Seventeen and Candy. However, those are designed for parents who have the ideal response to the actions suggested. How I wish that was the case for me too. I did not sign up for Martial Law and there's no way the system's going to be totalitarianism.

* Taking out and going places with your children when you feel like it is not considered freeing them.

* I have many writings to encode and it takes time. Hello bloody fingers. -_-