One Big Dramatic Family!

Authors Note: This piece is my feeling on the musical I was in, "Thoroughly  Modern Millie." I share my thoughts on practices and my new family. I take this work as a proud piece, even if it is not an essay. I mambeled on and on, but that's because I had lots to write about..... good things to write about. Later on I am planning to write a true essay on the musical.

Being in the musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” was a great experience for me. By experiencing the musical, I definitely learned how to be myself and how to create a character within my role. Normally, I am outspoken and I am shy around others. In this musical I was able to interact with others who I normally wouldn’t talk to. I learned that becoming friends with others isn’t a bad thing, and most importantly, I learned how to be apart of a second family. My drama family.

I wasn’t expecting to like drama from my first experience when I was in the play “High School Musical.” I hated it and I thought I wouldn’t want to do it again. After some thought, I decided it would be best for me, knowing that there is no class in high school. This year was much better now that we had the new auditorium and dressing rooms. We also had a smaller cast, which made it easier to remember names and to become close with all of them.

Last year, I felt like a nobody. My teacher’s didn’t know my name and they really didn’t know if I was even in the show or not. I remember walking into class one day and the director asked me if I was tech crew or not: that made me mad. This year was a lot better. Comparing this year and last year, overall, this year way by far better. I have made new friends, and I learned my lesson on judging others.

This semester was extraordinary because Ms. Hartz knew each and everyone of us-- that’s what I love about having a small cast. In this semester I was a minor role, and I got who I asked for- Lucille!  I enjoyed being a Pricilla Girl because it made me feel special. Last year I was a brainiac and I felt like I wasn’t even seen. For those who were not a lead or minor role in this musical, I felt like that they were more noticed than last year. Like I said, teacher’s knew who we were.

Another thing that I wanted to point out, was the fact that the rehearsals weren’t so bad. I remember in seventh grade when I wanted to get the heck out of class. I wasn’t recognized and I didn’t feel special.  This year, more practicing kept me going... I loved it! Teachers’ kept us going with encouragement even when we were bored, this made us want it more!

When it became tech week, this is when we definitely became a family. We loved each other for who we were and we didn’t judge each other. School can be known for gossip and feeling self conscious, but not in drama. Drama was drama and we kept school drama out of it.  Our teachers made us feel loved and they taught us to become a family. When we had drama last year, I remember feeling like the teachers only worked with the leads, and I felt like the leads though they were everything. Don’t get me wrong, they were important, but everyone is equal. This year, our “Millie” was extremely nice to everyone, no matter the part. She treated everyone with respect and didn’t care who we were, she loved us for who we were. I loved that about her! I will always remember when we were behind backstage waiting and getting ready with one another. We laughed and belted the songs. We took pictures together and made each other laugh. I felt so close with everyone, I even brought ice cream for the cast.  Another thing I remember was giving Danielle her gift: That made me happy.

I felt like I could bond with all my peers, even the boys. I normally and shy around others, but this time, I was myself. Pictures was the most fun part. A cast member's mom came and took pictures. All of us were being silly and goofing off, and we had fun with it. I loved this year’s drama.

When it came to show time, we were all rallied up. Nervous, excited, anxious, happy, no matter what, we were all hugging each other and being ourselves. We encouraged the nervous, greeted the excited, laughed with the anxious, and was happy with everyone. This was the year, when I learned, that I have another family, a true family!

Love Taken for Granted.

Authors Note:  This is a theme analysis on the book "The Pearl." I focused on how there can be more than one theme in a novel, and how different themes play different roles in different novels. This is also my DWA Assessment. 

Kino, his wife and newborn son, are living under unstable, unsanitary conditions. When they come across The Pearl of the World, they don’t know what it can do to their family. “What will you do now that you have become a rich man?”(pg.31), and that is simply to trust and love each other for what they had, not for what they have. The Pearl, written by John Steinbeck, has the main themes of trust and love intertwined throughout the book.

Trust is one of the main themes, because of it’s role within the novel. The Great Pearl of the World is now in the hands of Kino and his wife, Juana. They come to realize that they can sell the pearl to have enough money to do what they want in life. With the gossip around town of their big find, Juana realizes that ‘The song of Evil’ has come to visit. Throughout the middle of the book, people are being killed and their family is being hunted down.  Juana knows that they need to save their family by getting rid of the pearl to save them. Kino isn’t trusting her and is moving on with his life. After numerous times of times when ‘Song of Evil’ has come, they run away and hide. Surrounding themselves with family trust is what needed to happen to continue their normal life. The way Juana tells Kino why they need to get rid of the pearl,l is a pure way of learning to trust, and Kino does the exact opposite.

Although trust is something that was needed in the book, love is another main theme within the book. When Kino doesn’t exactly trust Juana the first several times, he learns that love is more important than the pearl. There are many ways how love is shown throughout the book when Kino decides to finally trust his wife. One of the main ways how love is shown in the book, is at the very end. Kino decides to throw the pearl back into the water to save his family; he does this to show Juana how much love he really does have for her.  As time passes, he eventually does learn that loving and trusting his wife is more important than money.

The Pearl  intertwines the main themes of trust and love, because it shows how trust and love is actually needed within real families that may have the same issues. Just like how trust and love is needed within Kino’s family, it is also important in the Tuohy family. The Blind Side written by Michael Lewis is based on the true story of Michael Oher. This book has the same themes of trust and love because of the devotion and support the Tuohy family gives Michael. Michael has no family and is living on the streets, but when S.J. Tuohy tells his mother about him, they soon learn that he needs love in order to survive. They trust him when they bring him into their house to spend the night, because they don’t know what he will do. Love is definitely shown to him when they ask him if he wants to be apart of their family. After he agrees, they adopt him. Michael realizes that the trust and love they give him is exactly what he needs to live a happy stable life.

Throughout the book, the main themes trust and love are incorporated in and throughout. Trust and love is something that every family needs, and in the book The Pearl, it’s what the family needed to stay together as one. Advantages can make you strong, but trust and love is what makes you stronger.

Physical Values Within My Daily Life!

Authors Note: This essay was written for the "Fitness and Health Spring Essay" for gym. I wrote about the value of what physical activity  provides for me. In this essay, you should pick our outstanding work choice and great back up knowledge. 

When I think of  physical activity, I think of running, jumping, and activities that make my body’s adrenaline flow. To me, the  value of physical activity is very important. This is what keeps my body healthy and going strong. When I am in gym, at volleyball, outside, or even at a park, the excitement makes me happy. There are many reasons to why physical activity is valued within my day. I am able to have challenge, stay in shape, and give reminders to myself about my daily health in food.  The value of physical activity is just as important to me, a normal school subject is.

Challenge is something everyone needs in their lives; to make their brains and bodies work harder for something they want to achieve. To keep me striving for something I want to achieve in my physical life, I keep things pretty simple, and gradually make them tougher. In gym, I keep my fitness testing right where I need them to be, and then if I accomplish that goal, I make them progressively harder. This pushes me to work at my fullest potential. Physical activity provides me challenge to get better at something that I may want to achieve to help me get a healthier body.

While maintaining substantially moderate goals for myself, I continue to realize that physical activity provides me to keep my body in shape. I know that for my age and height, I am overweight; I have no shame of admitting to it, but I know that if I want to stay in shape, I need to maintain a healthy life. Physical activity in my daily life helps me stay in shape because it keeps me moving. Something, that I do outside of school and sports, is a fitness program called “Insanity.” “Insanity,” is a really intense workout that keeps your heartrate up going for an hour or so, each day of the week. This is something that my body is able to adjust to, and the physical activity coming from this workout, keeps me in shape, which is something I strive for. I progressively get better, and I do realize this over time. Getting and maintaining a healthy shape is important to me, because I know that in my own skin, I need to keep working.

The value of challenge and keeping my body in shape is very important, but the physical activity that I do in and outside of school, reminds me that eating right, is just as important. People might question me and ask why the value of physical provides me to think about what I eat, but somehow, it just does. When I am working out in school or in the pleasure of my own home, I think about how what I just did (working out) will not be worth it, if I just go back into the kitchen and eat a whole bunch of junk food. Knowing that’s not right, I choose something else, such as an apple and water or some fruit with milk. Something that is not just go back into my butt or stomach. Now, I am not saying that I limiting what I eat, but how much of it I eat. Sure, I still get a school lunch, but that doesn’t mean it’s not, not okay to eat. I just watch how much I eat, and some days I will count calories to make sure I am staying in the right calorie range. The physical activity just gives me reminders about how I should be eating, so that what I do with the physical activity, pays off in the end!

The value of physical activity provides me with lots of challenge, staying in shape, and eating reminders, and this keeps me happy every day. Each component of what what physical activity provides me, goes hand-in-hand with each other, and I know that I am a healthier person because of it.  Physical activities, reminds of the values it has for my body.

Spring Is Finally Here

Authors Note: This piece is about how quickly spring can transition from scary to warm and inviting. In class we focus on figurative language, so you should look for some figurative language in this piece. Tone is something I worked hard on so that stanzas flowed effortlessly. Spring is something I look forward to in these coming weeks, so this is what inspired me to write this poem.

As the trees sway rapidly like a dogs’ tail
You can hear the the sky rumbling around like  bowling balls in an alley
The lightning flashed so bright, it was like a beam of light from a flash light  
Wind picks up quickly, and cats get thrown harshly
The nails of the cats are being scraped like nails across a chalk board
“Boom, Bang, Ba-boom” is the sound of flying trash can lids bashing on the ground
The storm would be here in the blink of an eye

Their eyes’ fill with  terror and horror as the dark booming clouds come ahead
Hiding their emotions as their hearts’ beat a millions times per second
But, as the storm passes through, like a knight in shining armour, their terror fades away
Beautiful spring has sprung, with flowers like no other

Flowers pop up everywhere you look
Miles and miles away, you can see color
The ground looks like a watercolor painting sploshed against the grass
Elderly people out for dazzling walks
Birds chirp and sing to the light  wind, that glides across the trees like skates do on ice
The park was an inviting invitation to sit down for a picnic and lay in  the sun

Nothing’s  like the heat of the sun hitting your back
Shorts and tank tops ready to be worn
Warm weather to kick back and relax
People come out of their houses, from being locked up for the winter
Sun goes down and leaves a cool chilly breeze
But we know, that spring is here

Life Should Be Filled With Courage

Authors Note: In this theme analysis piece, I have picked out the theme- Courage. Courage is something that people need in life and the novel, "Where The Heart Is," is able to show that. You should be able to pick out good voice, and at the end, you should see the effort I put into the conclusion.
 
Something that many people don’t carry  with themselves anymore is courage. People carry lots of shame and doubt, and this world should actually be filled happiness and courage. Courage is something someone has, or something that is given. In the book “Where the Heart Is,” by Billie Letts courage is a motivational word that keeps this young teenage girl moving. Although courage is something that you can give, it’s not something that is just words off the top of your mind: Courage is something that comes from your heart, what you stand for.  

Courage is the main theme in this novel because courage is spread into the heart of Novalee. Novalee is a pregnant 17 year old and is struggling living her life. Not having a home to live in, and being dumped by her boyfriend at a local Walmart, is a struggle.  With the help of the people she meets throughout the book, she is able to have the baby, and be safe. Throughout the book, she meet very interesting people who become family to her; gives her support and courage. Since living in a Walmart, isn’t the easiest, Novalee meets people who soon become very close to her:Family. With courage surrounding her, she is able to have her baby, Americus, and is living with Sister Husband, a close loved one. Courage is what makes Novalee, Novalee.

Even though Novalee has family that is very supportive, and is safe and healthy, there are many other issues that occur throughout the book that required lots of courage. Courage is majorly shown when her family realizes what she doesn’t have. They help her by giving her a place to live, other than a Walmart, and give her necessities to live. When she has nowhere to go, her family gives her the courage to get through hard times. The courage that is delivered to her, is what makes her stronger and warm-hearted. In this book, Novalee and Americus, realize that they can share their love and trust, along with their courage too!

This novel is very similar Lexi, and the book “Perfect.” These books show the same theme because courage is an important part in the books. Lexi has a disease called bulimia, that causes her to be unhealthy. Her family is giving her lots of courage to stop this bad habit, to become healthy and well again. Each day, Lexi goes to a group council to help stop this bad action. With the courage of her friends and family, she is able to stop. When she finally stopped, she realized what could’ve have happened to her body: She could have eventually died. Lexi realizes that the courage surrounding her, helped her, and saved her life.

Courage is a main theme in the book “Where The Heart Is,”because the courage her family gave her, gave her many opportunities that Novalee would never be able to say thank you enough for. Turning life’s corners can throw many problems at you, but that never stopped Novalee from living her life - Courage is what gave her that ability.
 

Words Can Backfire

Authors Note: This piece that I chose to write is an ABC poem. I decided to focus on writing a poem of my choice because I wanted to complete one of my goals. One of my favorite reality TV shows is The Bachelor. I really enjoy this show, because I enjoy to see who wins. In particular, there is this one girl who was recently sent home due to rude behavior and she was really evil. She didn't get along with any of the girls in the house and created lots of drama. This poem reflects what I thought of her and what I thought of the show so far. This is my creative piece!

Words Can Backfire!

A lthough love usually at first sight
B arriers are put up to protect yourself
C ontinued throughout a relationship
D on’t let your gaurd create a different person
E ven at times when you are shy
F aking a different side, is not okay
G uys surrounding you is an awesome feeling
H ello?!? you should only have feelings for that one and only special person
I solating yourself is not that fair
J ealousy is creating drama for yourself
K now-it-alls are not fun to be with,
L oosen up girl, you're not the only one here
M any people have the same feelings as you do
N o one cares how you feel
O pen your eyes to see reality
P eople also take in what’s surrounding them- not like you do
Q uit creating a character when you are around him, you are most definitely not
R ude is one word for you, but quite frankly, ridiculous is too!
S ent home is what’s around the corner for you!
T rouble is the only problem you create
U mbrellas, aren’t going to cover it for you either
V iolins can play sad music, but none of the other girls care
W aiting on you hand-and-foot, is not someone he wants in a wife
X rays can come all you want- stop getting hurt on purpose, because it’s becoming a show
Y elling at girls can create Sean to question you
Z one yourself in now, because you're being sent home!

Love is Never Ending!

Authors Note: In this theme analysis piece, I have picked out the theme love. Many novels have many themes but in the book, "The Blind Side," by Michael Lewis, "love" just stuck out to me. You should be able to pick out good word choice and know that love is never ending!



One strong word is love, and people have many views of it. People interpret love in many ways, and have multiple meanings for it. Grandma's kisses to her grandchildren, a father teasing his kids, or spouses hugging one another, are all types of love, however that is not the type of love in the book “The Blind Side,” by Michael Lewis, tough love is. Not knowing where this boy came from, the mother teaches  him to love himself for who he is, not from what people judge him as.

Love is the main theme in this book because the family spreads it into the heart of Michael. Michael is a poor guy who has no home, and this family takes him in. Many families wouldn't take home a stranger, but with the love and support in this family, they trust and have enough love, to take him in. The book shows a lot of love, just by the way Michael feels in the book. Sean Tuohy said "We were wondering if you would like to be a part of this family," and Michael Oher responded,"I kinda thought I already was." Since Michael already thought that he was part of the family, and the family loved him so much that they wanted to adopt him, you can definitely see the love and the theme in this book. Love is something that you give or just happens, nothing that you force.

Even though Michael was now a part of the family, there are many other incidents of love shown through the book. Love is majorly shown as the respect for Michael changes. As they learn that Michael is a phenomenal football player they realize that loving him is just going to encourage him to be better and be stronger. When Michael realized what they have done for him just so that they could have fame, he realizes that their love has gotten him where he is now. The family comes back to each other, and their love have reunited. Now, they are a family. A family with lots of love to share.

This novel is very similar to Bethany Hamilton, and her story and movie called “Soul Surfer.” These two stories both have love as a theme because love plays an important part in the books. Bethany goes through a lot within her lifetime and each day she lives, love is surrounding her. Each day she goes surfing, her love for her hobby, is what makes her put her heart and soul into surfing. When her arm is amputated, her family shows love as a theme by caring for her and helping her get through her rough times. Finally when her arm heals, she surfs again; this is because of her dedication and love for surfing. She realized that with the lover she has surrounding her, and in her heart, nothing can stop her.

There are many reason why love is a theme in the book “The Blind Side,” for multiple reasons. Along with the battles of not knowing what is coming around the corner and not knowing where Michaels mom is, he knows that he has people that love and care for him- a true family.

Whimsical Winter Wonderland!

Authors Note: In this piece, you should be able to pick out some descriptive words. This piece is about winter, and what I think represents winter. In my opinion, I think that there are many things in the world going on, and this is the busiest time of the year!

Winter is something you can see, feel, and almost taste. The sight of winter is something people either love or hate, usually never an in between. People say they can sense winter, but in reality, you can’t until the season has officially appeared. When winter arrives, you can most definitely tell when snow starts to fall. Most often, it is when the temperature drops dramatically, to such in the forties and even lower. When snow falls, you can see it glimmer in the air. Dropping one by one, each different and unique. Some kids like to catch the glistening snowflakes as they fall on their tongues and eat them. Another thing kids like to do, is make snowmen, play in the snow, and ski. Skiing is a very popular sport, people use their talent and is even a very ambitious sport to enjoy. As little kids, making snow angels is a way for them to experience winter, without being a drap, plus its a way to get energy out!

During winter there are many different religions being celebrated throughout the year, one being Christmas. Many kids and their families celebrate Christmas. At this holiday, they are many presents being gifted and memories being made. Something else that represents holidays and winter in many ways is eating. Lots of people tend to each excessively over the winter. People and adults don’t really like to eat  exercise because it isn't the nicest outside. With the holidays coming, there are lots of sweet treats and junk food being consumed, which means more food, more weight. There are many other things that represent winter too! Not just bad things. Winter is a time of year to enjoy what you have, stay warm inside, and be with your family!

Mr. Mason's Creepy Ending!

Authors Note: In class, we were told to write an ending that was a prediction based off our knowledge of the story. You should see how I related my ending to the way of the story. The story was kind of creepy and unrealistic, and that is how I made my ending- creepy and unrealistic. This is piece was a fun and creative way, that I could predict what was going to happen next.


When she saw Troy again, he wouldn’t be the same person.

Molly was swaying back and forth in the hallway outside the door, she knew that he was going to be a completely  new person.  When the door creaked open, she said, “Troy! What happened?”
He mumbled, “Nothing. Not a single thing.”
“But, but, I heard a noise. The same exact noise that the whole school heard before Dale had changed,” she quickly stated.
“Eh, nothing happened,” she replied in a sleepy voice.
“Then why do you seem tired like Dale?”
“Can’t a guy just be sleepy? I am just tired, that’s  all.”
“Ok Troy, you listen and listen to me now! You tell me what creepy Mr.Mason did to you, or else,” she said sternly, right before Troy butted in.
“Or else what. I am sleepy. You want the truth?,” he said with a smirk.
“Yes, yes I do,” she said.
“Ok, the truth is, that he dropped a piece of glass on the ground, and it shattered,” he said while yawning.
“That’s it?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, then why are you not being really annoying like you were when you went in?,” she questioned.
“Because I am tired Molly! I am just plain old tired. I told you the truth, and now leave me alone. I am the same person!,” he hissed.
“Okay, sheesh. I was just asking. I am afraid, that you will be different tomorrow at school,” she said worried.
He then stated, “ I am fine. Mr. Mason just did that to scare the school, so you guys won’t get on his nerves. He just was trying to scare you. That’s it.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes, Molly.’
Molly, just thought and thought. She then thought of all the memories of what Dale used to talk about all the time. Maybe Troy was telling the truth. Maybe, Mr. Mason was just a plain old boring teach with bad breath, who didn’t like annoying kids. Molly knew that Dale always talked about his mom being a makeup artist. Maybe, she just liked to do his makeup for practice. Hmmm she thought. Then seconds later, everything made sense. Then Troy started to talk again,” Do you wanna get some ice cream?”
“Sure,” she replied.
The next day at school, Troy was himself again, and school was normal again. Mr. Mason’s jars was just colored jelly in a jar. And from that day on, Mr. Mason realized, that he did have a student that liked him.

Thank You Ma'am Alternate Ending

Authors Note: In class we read the story "Thank You Ma'am." We then were told to write an alternate ending to the story. This is my take on how I think the story should end. Look for sympathy from Roger to Mrs. Jones.

He barely managed to say “Thank you” before she shut the door. Walking down to steps from her stoop, he thought, “Man, I could do a lot with this money.” He continued to walk down the steps and kept walking until he hit the stop sign at the end of the block.

Knowing that he had no one to go home to, he went to the nearest gas station so go find a cardboard box in the dumpster behind the building. Roger knows lots of tricks and tips, in order to manage himself. Digging through the garbage, he found a large refrigerator box, some year old candy, and a old paper bag with some old outfits in it. He took the stuff and went to the nearest park. Since Roger felt kind of bad, he hoped not to run into Mrs. Jones at the park, since that would be kind of awkward. Later that day, when he finally reached the park, he parked him and his stuff near a big oak tree. Roger sat in the box, and laid down to sleep. He put the money  in the bad with the old clothes, and dreamt about how he should be more thankful.

The next morning when Roger woke up he started to talk to himself, “I feel so bad. I knew I should’ve been more kind. I will feel sorry until I die.” He kept babbling to himself. Roger felt so upset and miserable, that he vowed to himself, that he would take the money back to Mrs. Jones and return it. And with that said, he surely did.

Just a Letter to Our Founding Fathers!

Authors Note: In this letter essay, you find that I am writing an essay to the Founding Fathers. You will see how I explain how the U.S. Constitution has helped us in many ways, in today's world. This is my essay for the Patriots Pen.

Dear Founding Fathers,

Over the past 200 years, there has been many changes in the government since you created the  US Constitution. Even with our strengths through technology, the Constitution has helped our nation immensely, just like teachers help kids learn. Knowing that so many changes in the government have occurred over these decades,  the Constitution has helped citizens by leading us in many astounding ways.

Today’s government has been grown upon what you initially wrote in the US Constitution in many  helpful ways . During the years that government  has evolved, one thing that has changed is the way we communicate. Communicating face to face is the way it used to be; now use email. Computers are like a new form for writing documents, because 200 years ago, you would have to write documents and do work by hand.  This  new form of writing is very useful for the government, because when making laws, they are able to easily type what want to get approved from the branches.  Already stated, our communication has changed a lot from over 200 years ago.

Our government is  based lots of our decisions and laws based off the Constitution.  The Constitution has helped us in many ways, because without the Constitution, there probably wouldn’t even be laws.  Setting up the Constitution the way you did really affected the way our nation is now, because it impacted the way things are in our life.  With that said, I am very grateful for what you have put in our hands, because what you have given me as a citizen of the U.S.   You gave me the freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom of religion, just to name a few. Without the freedom of speech and religion, I know I wouldn’t be who I am because of you. I am able to go to school, and believe in what I want to believe in. I am not forced to do stuff that is unfair and not right; I know that I am glad where I am today.

Thanks to you, I am able to be respected with care, and have freedoms I wouldn’t have in other countries. To think that is all because of the  US Constitution that you wrote, I know that I am one lucky citizen, as with the rest of the citizens in the U.S.!

Sincerely,
Liana J.

Confidence is Key!

Authors Note: In this piece I worked on cause and effect. You should be able to see something interesting or descriptive, and see how it effects the rest of the story. This piece is based off a true story that happened to my volleyball team. Also, you should be able to see it in the view of me!

One event that happened to me in real life is that during a volleyball match, we were lost majorly. My team and I were doing good at practice and we thought we were all prepared. We had our set up right, our passes were great, and we had a great server. My team and I were on a great streak of getting our sets over and our serves over, until we were in serve-receive. The other team who had a really strong server, and a great blocker/tipper. All of a sudden we were doing horrible. We were losing majorly because they had such strong serves, we couldn’t return them. Also, when we went to block a ball, they tipped it right back over. Then we couldn’t regain our confidence to come to come back.

Since their serves and blockers were so strong, this effected our team, because it caused us to become weak. We weren’t able to pass the ball back on serve-receive, or even pop the ball up high enough to get a good set up, when there was a tip. After not being able to return the ball back, time after time, we didn’t have enough confidence in ourselves. This effected us majorly because when your team and yourself doesn’t have enough confidence, it knocks you right down. Losing during a game, caused us to lose the whole match.

If we changed the way we looked at things, and wouldn’t have been so down on ourselves, I know that we would have been able to win. Knowing what I know, we could have shut them down, and one the whole entire match. When you give your team good feedback on good things you did, you will be able to continue it, and gain our confidence back.  I know that we would have definitely won, if we wouldn’t have been so ashamed in ourselves because we could have got one good pass over, and we could have gotten the chance to regain ourselves.  I know that good feedback, energy, and confidence, is definitely a key in winning a volleyball match.

Perfect

Authors Note: I wrote this essay on the main conflict in the book Perfect. I explain how the conflict was resolve in the book, as well as connecting to a person I hold dear to my heart!

In the book Perfect, there are countless conflicts. The main conflict in this book, is how Isabelle can't bear to realize that her father is gone, she has a hard time, and changes her eating habits dramatically. The main conflict in this novel is person vs. self, although at the ends, Isabelle is able to move on over her loss, and is able to overcome her bulimia.

In the beginning of the book, it is very easy to pick out that she was very close to her father. Isabelle looked up to her father in every possible way, as a role model.  When her father passed, Isabelle just couldn’t help but eat mounds of junk food, and drink tons of soda and juice. She then realizes that she thinks she's eaten so much, that she takes in another way of comforting herself, but still being skinny. She continues this, until her sister catches her throwing up in the bathroom. Her mother puts her in a group of kids with the same issue, with a therapy teacher guiding her through this rough time.

The conflict was finally resolved in the book when figuring out that a popular girl at her school has the same disease as her. She became close friends, with someone she never thought she would even talk to.  They talked to each other to help one another get through their rough times, and even though, "the popular" didn't over come her disease as easily, Isabelle knew she had to one way or another. Every time she ate dinner, she told herself not to make herself purposely puke. She told herself no, no matter how much she wanted to, and in the end, she over came her disease.

The main conflict is a lot like Jimmy is to my family, because he is becoming very ill, and may become even more sick, and everyone in my family is trying to help him. Even though Jimmy is not doing so well, I know he is teaching my family, by showing us that everyone can't help him in every single way, and he can over come his battle on his own. Jimmy is a role model to everyone in my family and will be forever!

Experiencing the Moments of Freedom!

Authors Note: In this piece I am conveying a personal narrative. You will find lots of emotions, and feelings of what I got to experience in Costa Rica! I will always remember these moments in time, and I have learned a valuable lesson as well!

As you zip across the jungle, you hear and see the sounds of trembling water. Landing on the plank, and jumping off of the end of the line, surrounding you is nothing but natural beauty.This exhilarating place is Costa Rica, the Central  American country known for its magnificent zip lining across the treetops. Costa Rica gave me nothing but the most exciting and pleasurable experience of a lifetime: to be zip lining over nothing but  natural rainforest beauty!

Many people have a bucket list, with many different things things on it they want to do before they die. They may have going to State Fair, holding a duck, swimming in a lake, or climb a tree to the tippy top. On mine there was zip lining in Costa Rica, now, it’s crossed off. I got the amazing opportunity to go to Costa Rica with my family, and I am glad that I did so that I can say that my major thing to do  on my bucket list is crossed off. Zip lining in Costa Rica was one of the most amazing and memorable things I have experienced in my life.

When my family and I arrived at the destination, where we started the adventure, we had to sign a whole bunch of papers explaining that would could not sue them for any reason. Momentarily after that, we went to go get geared up and and put helmets on. The people here speak Spanish, so I was one of the only ones who could understand their accent. They told us to put all the equipment on, and we’d head up to the starting plank. At the top of the mountain that we climbed up to learn the safety information, we met a family from San Diego. Much later we finally got to start. Willingly, I had said that I didn’t want to go first, so my mom did. Toward the front of the line, I knew it was my turn next, and that’s when my heart started racing.

Standing among the beauty of the rainforest, and taking it all in, the guy told me it was my turn to go. Although I was scared, I knew I needed to do this for the experience. I closed my eyes and zoomed across. During the middle of the line I decided to open my eyes really quickly, instead, I ended up keeping them open. The freshness of the wind whipping my hair back, eyes fluttering in shock, and listening to the sounds of nature, made me realize that right then and there, was a moment of a lifetime. Descending, I knew that I shouldn’t be upset because there was more lines to go. Reaching for them to grab me, I recall them asking how it was. All I remember saying was “Wow, it was amazing!” Beyond the expectation I had for it, it was a great turn-on. I now realize how many people are fearful of it, but wouldn’t you be glad to say you did? Now, we are walking to the next plank. Much climbing and a lot of hiking, it was so much fun to be able to just let free and not hold back. After continuous lines of enjoyment and thrilling rides, it was the last one. This had to be the longest and the highest. I jumped onto the line and I went from there. Off into the rainforest where no one could see you because the treetops were in the way, it was just me and nature for the last time in the air. In between mixed feelings, this one had to be the greatest. When you are in the air, trust me, you won’t think you will die, it’s going to be the most amazing time of your life! This is sometime I will never forget, and something I want to do again.

With many words said, this had to be the trip with the most emotions running through my body. I am very grateful for the time I got to spend with my family. Now I know everyday, not to take things in my life for granted, but to take it as a privilege. Each and every day, I learn something just because of this experience. If I wouldn’t have done this, I wouldn’t be where I stand now. All I have left to say, be free and don’t let go!

He's With Me

When Lexi goes to school she never would have guessed that it could change the way she looked at love, that one day in school she meets a boy that is now her love of her life.  This gets her into a love story that has her lying and telling secrets, every step of the story.

A Little Piece of History!

Authors Note: Imagine yourself overlooking a peaceful place somewhere in Honolulu, Hawaii. Think about how wonderful it sounds, ocean waves crashing, birds chirping, and leis floating in the water. Now imagine this- Loud booming noises, kids and parents screaming, dead bodies laying on the sand and floating in the water, bombs going off everywhere, and people searching for family. Now, also think about this being the same exact place. This is Pearl Harbor. 

As I walk up the walkway to the submarine, I stand atop the ocean world. It's beautiful out here in Honolulu, Hawaii! I can see many things, from ocean life, to leis floating in the water. It's just then when look a little further out towards the horizon, and I can see the pieces left over from the attack just a couple feet from the Arizona. Pieces from the war that is. Not just any little pieces of litter, here there is no litter in the ocean. The water is crystal blue, I am talking about the pieces left over from the attack of World War 2. These pieces are huge, giant pieces of tanks and submarines, that are rusted to the brownish reddish you can't even describe. Yes this is it, Pearl Harbor, and boy am I dazed in shock that I am even standing here.

It is now that I realize that the war was this horribly bad. I am sitting in the movie room, located on Pearl Harbor, watching real footage from World War 2. This short film is scaring, yet informative. Loud booming noises and crashes, make echos in the movie room. People make their noises, some are crying, some are scared, and some are shocked. Me, I am one of the scared ones,  covering my eyes half the time. My family is sitting next to me, their eyes are glued to the screen watching every action at every second. At this moment in time, the film is showing gory and bloody parts. This is not what I came here to do. I came here to see the monument and pray to god that all these people are at rest, and happy in heaven. At this moment, I see battlers carrying their friends in clothes all wrapped up, piling them in a pile. How scaring is this? I can tell that the movie is wrapping up. It is now at the point where the woman in the movie starts saying, "This is Pearl Harbors’ History!". 

As we exit the building, we start forming a line onto the boat. This mystical boat gives my nerves some tension. I am getting tense because I am afraid that war is going to start right now on this boat. I tell my dad, and he makes me feel safe again. Looking out the side of the boat, I glare at the luminous water that's sparkling. It always catches my eye here in Hawaii. We finally arrive at the Arizona. Bystanders wait in the isle waiting to get off. When I step on the platform, it kind of jiggles and it frightens me. My mom starts to take the lead and my family starts to follow. When we enter the standing piece of glory, we start to make our way in. All over the walls, there are inscribed names of the people who served in the navy. Glancing at the wall I look at the "J's" to see if I can find the last name Jackson. Whoa-la, I certainly do!  We re-trace our steps going the way we came in but on the opposite side of the wall. On the table, there is a bucket with a bunch of flowers that you would normally see on leis. Taking a moment for it to sink in, I realize that we are supposed to throw some in, in memory of the ones who served. It really started to sink in, that below the water there are pieces of metal rusted to the point of no way to recover it back to its original condition. Plus, the pieces are in the middle of the ocean. I also look down and realize that there are dead bodies, decayed and drowned at the bottom. It worries me, but I realize, that I wouldn't be here without them. Each and every one of the battlers that helped our country will always be a hero!

On the way back to the main land, where the cars are parked and where everything else is, I sit next to my mom on the boat. It never came across to me that I would ever get the chance to see a piece of history. It amazes me. On the boat every passenger sits quietly, not one peep. All you can hear is the sounds of the motor running the boat. As you swish across the crystal blue ocean, you eventually come to a stop. You get off and you then can leave. Our family hopped in the car on the way back home, but I still wonder, "Could this happen again?". All I know, is that I have gotten the chance to see a part of US history, and yes it was Pearl Harbor. 

Just Around the Corner!

Authors Note: College is just around the corner, and it really starts to sink in. Being in middle school makes you think twice. College is just around the corner, we have to get used to it.

May 17th, 2012
College

“Mommy?”
“Yes dear”
“Guess what I want to be when I grow up?”
“Hmmm, what does my darling want to be when she grows up?”
“No mommy! You have to guess first, then I will tell you.”
“Okay... do you want to be a farmer?”
“No mommy ! You’re silly. I want to be a plastic surgeon.”
“Oh really?”
“Yup, I want to be able to make old people look young again.”
“I see honey, that’s very...... it’s very a different job.”
“I know, I will make you look young again.”
“Haha you are very funny, but let’s just keep being focused on being in 1st grade for now, okay?”
“Okay mommy.”

This is how it goes for most every parent. Your child tells you what they want to be, but then 2 weeks later, it changes again. In a child’s perspective, everything is cool, and interesting. Now, in 7th grade, things change. This is the grade where you pretty sure what you want to be.

As a 7th grader, I know what I want to be. I want to be a neonatologist, these people take care of the babies in the NICU who need help, after birth. This job is means a lot to me, because I want to make sure each child that comes into the world is taken care of properly. Once you are in middle school, things start to take place. You really start thinking that things are sinking in, and you’re almost going to college.

College can be scary. I am not looking for it. Colleges can be huge far away from home, they could be far away, it’s expensive. There are so many things that run around in my tiny little head. I think that the most thing that I can do is think that in the future I can be what ever I want to be, and know that my friends and family will always support me. I am not excited for college, but I know it will help me in my career soon to be!

The True Meaning Of Family!

 Authors Note: Family has a important meaning. Family means love. Love is somethings that can be spread easily. I love my family no matter what, even if my sister gets on my nerves. I love my family, including my sister.

May 14th, 2012
Siblings

The best memories you make can be with your siblings. I have two siblings, Katie-9 and April- 33. I really don’t remember my sister April because she is my 1/2 sister. I barely see her because she lives farther away. On the other hand, my younger sister who is adopted as well, lives with me. Sometimes we get along like cats and dogs. Other times, we get along like ice cream and sprinkles. I guess it just depends on our moods. In the past years we’ve lived with each other, we have had many memories. I have many other memories with friends, but the ones that really have a meaning from the start, stay with you forever. I do have many friend memories though. My sister and I have have very close bond. Even though, I don’t always see in her eyes’ path, we will be sisters no matter what, and I will always love her!

The Circle of Friendship!

Authors Note: This piece is about how you can have many, many friends and still have a couple close friends. This Friends piece relates to me because in the story, I talk about the people that are close to me. Becca is AMAZING, and Chloe is AWESOME!!


May 10th, 2012
Friends

I love all of my friends, but I have some really close friends. Their names are Becca and Chloe. They are so sweet and caring. I have many friends but these ones are the closest to me. If I ever have an issue I can trust them with anything. They keep my secrets and don’t share with anyone. When you say you have a good friend, should have good qualities and support what you do. My friends are as sweet as cotton candy and they continue to be even as life goes on.  

In the past few years, I have learned many friendship qualities. Sometimes you may fight with your friends,  but that just means you are still in the learning process. Becca and I have had a couple fights or spatz, but life goes on and we get over it. When you have a friend, you may not agree on everything, which is ok. It just means, you are unique and have your own personality. As with Becca and I, we are very close. As close as a woven basket. I basically go over to her house every day and don’t even knock. I just walk right on in. Do I get into trouble? No. I am so close, it doesn’t even matter. Becca is my friend.

I also have another friend. Her name is Chloe. She is another close friend to me as well. I love her, but in a friendly way. In a close friendship way. We hang out once in awhile.I am sure that I would be able to walk right into her house as well, but we don’t live as close. Chloe and Becca are the best friends I could ever ask for!!

The Reading Sensation!

Authors Note: This paragraph shows how sometimes when picking a book, you may want to read until you don't even realize what time it is after you've read the whole book. This is the same was I felt, and I am still reading the book "Perfect" by Natasha Friend. Even know I am still reading it, it is still that good.

Sometimes when you are reading, your body starts to warm up like a blanket. You feel like you want to curl up in a chair in the corner and just read for hours. When choosing a book, you sometimes, don’t know what book to read; that’s when recommendations come into play. The book I am reading now is called “Perfect” by Natasha Friend. This book is very well written and I think that this book teaches a good lesson. This main character is having troubles with her body, and is throwing her food up after she eats a ton. This genre is realistic fiction, and it is kind of girly. I would recommend this author or book to anyone, even though I am not done with it yet. This book is very good and I personally think that it teaches an amazing lesson.