Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Family Dynamics at Holiday Gatherings


                During the holiday’s, when thinking of the up and coming family dinner that comes along with the holidays (which I consider just a second Thanksgiving), I picture in my head the image of huge table of food, with plenty to fill everybody 100 times over, and the family reminiscing over adult talk, and the cousins and nephews veg’ing in the basement from full tummies, the Hollywood staple of what Christmas dinner should look like. Although that image in my head is a little too abstract to what I consider my actual family dinners, which really go something along the lines of my grandmother, uncle, aunt, mom, and dad, squeezing into our over cramped dining room table that is too used to seating only three or four, and sitting in mostly silence, while my mother and grandmother aid my Autistic aunt and uncle in getting themselves served, and making sure that my uncle doesn’t devour his food too quickly as he will frequently get sick.
                Although my holiday situation may seem extremely awkward to others, it isn’t too hard to handle, along with tons of experience with my Autistic relatives, I have my mother’s exquisite food to occupy all of my talking. Regardless, I wouldn’t for a single day trade my Holiday dinners for a the average family dinner, because I simply love each person in my family dearly, and each Thanksgiving, or Christmas, or just random visit I get anxious with excitement for them to arrive.

Response to "If" Questions


                 For one of the “If” questions it asked what the hardest thing about being a teenager is in today’s world, and I answered that the hardest thing about being a teenager is being yourself, and/or finding out who exactly you are instead of what you think you should be. So many people in this day and age especially have some sort of standard that they feel they must comply with, or put up a front of themselves for self-protection, when really the only image that you should reflect is that of your own true personality that defines you.

                Some people may disagree with me, and some may not even notice it, or care to, but I’ve seen the effects of social pressure warp people into someone else completely- as a high school student you see it every day. It’s quite lame.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Post-Thanksgiving Lists


12 Books:

1.       The Fault in Our Stars - http://johngreenbooks.com/the-fault-in-our-stars/









10.   It’s Kind of a Funny Story- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0804497/ 

11.   The Slayer Chronicles -  http://theslayerchronicles.com/books.html  


12 Places and 2 People for Each:

1.       Cabo- Chase and Hannah

2.       Maui – Cole and Hannah

3.       New York – Cole and Hannah

4.       California – Mom and sis

5.       Colorado – Chase and Cole

6.       Lake House – Mom and Dad

7.       Seattle – Sis and Mom

8.       Canada – Cole and Dalton

9.       Arizona – Mom and Rufus

10.   Washington DC – Dalan and Hannah

11.   England – Cole and Dalton

12.   Columbia – Nana and Mom

 

Image Inspired Essay and Poem - 11/11


                The guitar chimed throughout the music hall as the man on stage strummed its strings with perfect elegance that could only be matched by a well-seasoned musician. With each plucked string, there followed the echoing pop of the strings against the beautiful maple neck, and the room filling sound that put many in a trance. Although this man makes it seem easy, I know that it is anything but, for I have given music a shot of my own, but maybe to those that are successful maybe that’s an analogy for life to them- guitar/music in general requires a great deal of effort, and time with much trial and error, but if you try hard enough and put everything you’ve got into it, the result is absolute happiness. Everyone applauds the man as he resigns his song to an end and begins to pack his things, and takes a bow in front of his now long loyal fans.

                From that day on I made it a goal to never give up on myself and to always keep trying to improve, and no matter how bad my song may sound at the moment, you can always perfect it into something absolutely beautiful.

 

The guitar chimed throughout

The music hall as the man

On stage strummed its strings

With perfect elegance that

Could only be matched  

By a well-seasoned musician.

With each plucked string

There followed the echoing pop of the strings

Against the beautiful maple neck

And the room filling sound

That put many in a trance.

The man makes it seem easy

But I know better

It is anything but easy

But maybe that’s some sort of

Analogy.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Food inspired

              My family has come to our house every year for thanksgiving from as long as my start at elementary school and then on, but I never quite understood why we never went to any of our relatives homes for thanksgiving. Most of my relatives live in Oklahoma, Kansas, and even Texas, so why not meet in Kansas, or Oklahoma? In fact, I had never been to any of their houses ever. Well, one year I figured out why.

                I was fourteen years old and my parents had decided that we were going to Oklahoma for Thanksgiving “for a change.” I agreed and happily boarded my families car as we quickly took off down the interstate where we awaiting piles of tasty food gorgeous deserts.

                As our long, and drawn out trip to my uncles house ended, we hopped out of the car and were greeted by Uncle Pat, cousin Trisha, cousin Lana, and cousin Kayla, but something was off, I knew it. As we walked in the door to their house, I realized, I didn’t smell any food. What?

                As we walked into the living room, you could plainly see the kitchen, and in fact there was not a crumb of food to be found in there. It didn’t even look like a normal kitchen, because of the lack of anything but a stack of plates in an open cabinet, and an overflowing drawer filled with utensils, clearly none of which were for our use. As I look across the room I notice for large colorful plastic bowls filled to the brim with a mix of Doritos, Chex Mix, and Munchies. Apparently my uncle could not cook, but he did have a rather great taste in chips and dips.

                Although this particular thanksgiving was not what I expected by a long run, I still had a great time talking with family once we all quickly gorged down our short selection of food. Ever since, we’ve always done it at our house from then on, and I think my family agrees on why.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

My Movie Personality and Such


1.       If I’m being honest, I can’t say that I have one actual havorite movie, but I do have a top three which would be Forest Gump, The Wackness, and Toy Story 3.

2.       I don’t really care to watch the cheesy chick flick movies that they show on lifetime, but I pretty much have to sit through them when I’m with my mom at home.

3.       I watch a movie every night pretty much right before bed while I’m getting ready to go to sleep just to have background noise.

4.       I just need my bed and a glass of water, but I usually end up getting up and doing something before the movie ends.

5.    YOUR PERSONALITY

Take a look at how you scored on the Big Five personality dimensions below.
Your scores, compared with the responses of other people, suggest that you may be described as follows:

YOU ARE 50% EXTRAVERTED.

6.    You are moderate in activity and enthusiasm. You enjoy the company of others but you also value your privacy.

YOU ARE 50% AGREEABLE.

7.    You are generally warm, trusting, and agreeable, but you can sometimes be stubborn and competitive.

YOU ARE 92% CONSCIENTIOUS.

8.    You are conscientious and well organised. You have high standards and always strive to achieve goals.

YOU ARE 83% EMOTIONALLY STABLE.

9.    You are generally calm and able to deal with stress, but you sometimes experience feelings of guilt, anger and sadness.

YOU ARE 67% OPEN TO NEW EXPERIENCES.

10.  You are practical but willing to consider new ways of doing things. You try to seek a balance between the old and the new.

11.  If my life was made into a movie I would want it to be a comedy.

Dan in Real Life ?'s


·         Marie wants books that “pull her in.” Which would you suggest for her?

o   A book that would “pull” Marie in could be one of my favorite books, Thirteen Reasons Why, because the book was written in a way that just kept you guessing throughout the whole book, and a beginning that pulled you in right away, which is something I like in a book.

·         Dan’s family is very involved in his relationship. How involved do you think family should be in you relationships?

o   I believe that family should be involved slightly in your relationships, because before long, parents will start to get nosey.

·         Dan and Marie aren’t supposed to fall in love. Is illicit love more appealing to us?

o   Illicit love is the most appealing to us because most humans always desire more in their life, whether it is from a new TV to a whole new relationship. It’s sort of sad how that works out, but at the same time the heart wants what it wants, I suppose.

·         Dan is widowed and then falls for Marie. Do you think there is only one true soul mate or lots of options?

o   In my opinion there are multiple people they are compatible for one person, it’s just a matter of searching out for them, but some are more lucky on the draw that others.

·         Have you ever been grilled by someone’s family the way Dan's questions Marie?

o   My girlfriends dad told her to invite me to come to dinner with them at Colton’s, and of course I said yes, but when I got there it wasn’t just her parents, it was her whole family’s worth of uncles and cousins, and mind you they are from Willard, so they like to get loud, and I got nothing but crap from them all night, which was kind of awkward at first but over time it got pretty hilarious.

Friday, November 15, 2013

This is...

This is our lake
a place to breath in the fresh air
and breath out the sibling rivalry
a chance to bond when our gaurd is down
and our hearts are full.
That is my boat hair
strangly similair to modern day style
That is our love for one another
and although it is still there,
distance has dulled the true feeling
the feeling of companionship
and of being bestfriends.

This is my sister, now far from home
never coming back to the lake we once called ours
caught in the web that is her own life
distant but never forgotten.

This is my sister
and this was our life
forever changed by marriage
and adulthood.

But I would never change the kiss
that I always plant on her head.



Thursday, November 7, 2013

Childrens Story - King Leotus


                King Leotus was once a brave and valiant king that ruled over vast amounts of land with thousands of people loyal to his command. The kings sword would cut through enemy in battle as if they were butter, and his armor was made of tempered steel and dragons bone so that no one sword would be so powerful as to penetrate its barrier. The king was revered all over his majestic kingdom, and feared by all others that crossed his path.

                One day, while the king was at his throne, brewing over his most recent victory, a door fell open silently as to not be heard by anyone around, and a small black head of what appeared to be a young boy popped through the passageway, analyzing the surroundings before passing through. The king remained unseen by the boy and watched as he crossed the corridor, trying best not to make the slightest noise. Before the boy could cross the room the king let out a large “Halt!” The boy was stunned in his tracks and appeared frozen in time for only a moment.

                As the king swept his way toward the child, he noticed a large bag at the boys shoulder made out of a wrapped up bed sheet, and the king was instantly curious.

                “Give me that bag.” Demanded the king, his voice stern and full of pride from many past war cries. The boy proceeded to unravel the sheet’s sophisticated knot the held it together, and said nothing in reply to the kings demand. Inside lay three golden candlesticks, and six silver pendants that looked identical to his. At second glance the king realized that they indeed were his war pendants.

                The king looked down at the boy as he reached the verge of tears, afraid of what may lay next for him. The boy was dirty, and very skinny. His clothes were withered and had been patched countless times. The king dropped to one knee as to get closer to the child, but said nothing, only looking from the boy to his stolen bag of items. The king asked “Why did you steal my things? You are only but a small child.”

                The boy replied through sobs “I was hungry,” looking down at his bare feet “and I haven’t any money to buy food.” The king looked into the boy’s eyes as he spoke, and could tell that he was being truthful.

                The king grabbed his most prized medallion, and put it around his neck and tossed the rest of the bag into the boy’s hands. “Stealing is not permissible in my kingdom,” said the king “and his punishable by law. Although, not assisting a soul in need is worse, but I do not want to catch you again, understand?”

                The boy nodded his drooped head, turned, and walked out of the king’s enormous manor. The boy learned from then forth that you must earn what is yours, and not through stealing.

               

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Books for Kids

Title of the book: Harry Potter
Author of book: J.K. Rowling
Is there an authors bio in the back?: Yes
What does it say about the author?: J.K. Rowling has win countless awards from her best selling series Harry Potter and was granted the position as an officer of the Order of the British Empire.
Describe the cover in a detailed sentence: Harry is surrounded by a candlelit room with his wand drawn, and on the back Ron and Hermione are standing with Mad Eye Moody in a door way looking suspicious.
# of pages: 870
List of characters: Harry, Ron, Hermione, Dumbledor, and Snape.
Describe the setting: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry 

Summarize the book in 3 sentences: Harry is traumatized by the tragic death that takes place in the previous book and is now infuriated by the Death Eaters. He comes to find out that his father founded a secret underground rebellion called The Order of the Phoenix and Harry joins. Later on he goes on a search for Voldemort and ends up battling him.

Does this book... (Yes, or no)

Have animals as characters? Yes
Use rhyme? Yes
Teach a lesson? Yes
Have monsters or creatures? Yes
Have kids as characters? Yes
Have adults as characters? Yes
Use humor? Yes
Have illustrations? Yes
Use photos? No
Use a sentimental tone? Yes
One word or phrase repeated throughout the book? Yes?

Copy down your favorite/ most interesting sentence in the book: "Instead he smiled, raised his hand in farewell, turned around and led the way out of the station toward the sunlit street with uncle Vernon, aunt petunia and Dudley in his wake.

What ages are most drawn to this book? All ages.
Why?: because it triggers everyone's imagination.

Is this a book you would have liked as a child?: I did.
Why?: because they made me want to be a wizard.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

I Was Being Followed


                I was being followed; that much was for sure because I could feel it. Exactly what I could feel, I don’t know but I knew it wasn’t friendly and it wanted something, so I began to run but stumbled and fell only a few yards from where I began, and pain shoots through my ankle. I look up to see only to familiar fog that blinds my path three feet away from my face. I turn towards the direction at which I felt the mysterious presence coming toward me, but there is only the same fog, and silence.

                I was not imagining this, I know I wasn’t, I could feel a pair of cold eyes staring into the back of my head, and to me that was enough to believe that I was in danger. This path was not unfamiliar to me; I walk it every day after work to get to my house as sort of a short cut instead of walking through all of the neighboring subdivisions. The path is beaten, and there is hardly anyone ever on it, and the only ones that travel on it are bike riders, but it is too dark and foggy for that now. Just me, and the mysterious being that stalks my every move.

                I pick myself up with caution and limp toward my destination, which should only be a mile or so away by now, but who could tell for sure when you can hardly see your hand in front of your face. I can’t help but cackle at the fact that I am so frightened, because I’m shaking so hard that it’s giving me a migraine. I think back to the time that I’m with my family at a nearby cave park, and I fell into a deep crevice that opened up in the ground upon me spending over it, that is the last time I ever remember being this scared. The thought of my family wrenches my heart and drives me to hobble my way home faster, but then I hear it, a deep gurgling growl that arises through the trees that makes my knees buckle beneath me. The growl came from behind me so I refuse to look in that direction, because I know that once I do I may see what I have been dreading this whole time.

                My throat aches and I realize that I am yelling for help at the top of my lungs, but no response is returned except the sounds of breaking twigs coming from behind me.  Sweat pouring down my face, I look back at the noise and a silhouette stands before me about four feet away, still staring at me.

                “What do you want?” I cry out at the beast. I watch as its three fingered hand draws into one pointed finger and slowly fixates it on me. I scream before I know what else to do, and for a moment it is all that I can do. Slowly the beast lurches towards me, isolating every bone in my body; I cannot walk, I cannot talk, my body is still aside from the constant shake that convulses my body.

                This cannot be my end I have way too much relying on me, and my mind races back to the thought of my family standing in front of the house. Mom is watering the garden and dad is teaching my little brother how to catch a baseball. The memory shoots a pang through my heart and tears through my eyes. I look to my right as to escape the frightening sight of this terrible beast standing above me willing to take my life at any instant, and notice the large drop off that flows off of the trail. I took my only opportunity and I rolled, not knowing what was below awaiting me there. Hitting branch after branch, I finally find the ground, and everything goes black.

                I wake up in the hospital, and the bright lights burn my slowly opening eyes. I look to my right and see that my arm is in a cast, and my family is by my bed asleep. Relief courses throughout my body at the sight of safety, and a tear rolls down my eye. I quickly pull myself together and try to think back on what had happened on that gruesome walk home, and all that I see is the sight of those claws pointing at my chest.

                I force myself to relax, although the pain medicine does most of the work, and my eyes slowly close for rest, and that’s when I hear it again.

               

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Halloween Spirits



                If I were to make a potion that I would later trick someone into drinking, it would have to be a mute potion. My reason being that people talk way too much as it is but there are always those set groups of people that talk way over the top, and besides who needs a voice anyways? Everyone has a phone anymore that they could just text on if the need arose, but I suppose it would sort of suck if their phone battery died. Although, they wouldn’t be able to complain about it and that is all that matters. I do suppose though, that I could be a little bit less harsh and just make a sleeping potion, because that would still yet enable them to make audible noise, they would just be asleep. My final potion would be a love potion, so that anyone that I desired to have would fall into my arms carelessly, without all of that awkward get-to-know-you business.
                The best costume that I have ever worn was really not even a costume at all. Ever since seventh grade I have been told countless times that I look just like the famous teen idol Justin Bieber. I used to believe that it was just my long hair that swished around my head and curled at the ends from being ‘flipped’ so much, but even today, short hair and all, I still get told that I look almost Identical to the pop singer. One day in eighth grade, my friend Chase and I decided to go to the annual Halloween Pub Crawl with his family in order to scope out all of the odd costumes, crazy performers, and drunken people. I was not feeling extremely festive this year so all I brought to this festival of horror was a clown mask that I had since last year, and I hardly even wore it because it smelt like old latex. Before I knew it, everyone around me would shout out things such as “Hey look, it’s that Bieber kid!” or “Let’s get a photo Justin!”, and I carried on by saying that my costume was indeed the infamous Justin Bieber.
                I was putting on my Halloween costume when I heard something move inside my closet. This was odd considering that the only things I have in my closet are clothes, but this sounded like a tennis ball had hit the wall inside of my closet. Upon this realization a cold chill rushes its way up my back at the thought of what this mysterious sound might be. Before I investigate my closet I pop my head out of my bedroom door, and call for my mom to confirm that she is still home, she replies with a “Yes, Honey?” and I tell her that I was just checking. As I close the door of my bedroom, preparing to turn around and face this noise, I feel a brush of cold air stream across my shoulder, as I turn around my eyes plummet into a darkness that overtakes my entire body. Neither a yell, nor restraint would have stopped it, and then I am gone.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Music Influenced Freewrite


                On Tuesday, I believe, we were told to listen to a song(s) and during which we would write about whatever it reminded us of, or what it spoke to us. Many of these songs were familiar songs and artists such as ACDC and Eric Clapton, but the song that really spoke to me the most was an unfamiliar song by Dwight Yoakum. I didn’t catch the name of the song, but it was very 60’s country and had a bit of a folk sound as well.

                I believe the reason why this song spoke to me so much was because it sounded identical to the songs that my mom would always play through the speakers in the living room as she cleaned the house. I also realized how long it had been since I have had the experience, and it sort of made me sad. Although this is a small thing, it always seems to be the smallest memories that make you miss your past, and your family.

                After we listened to each song we were told to underline our favorite sentence within the song, and mine was “I don’t really see cleaning day much anymore.” The funny thing was, I really didn’t realize I had written that line until I re-read my entry.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Music- Teachers vs. Students


What music or songs reminds you of your childhood?

                Mr. Loudis- “The song that most reminds me of my childhood would have to be… The Chipmunks Christmas Song. I have no clue why, but that song was the first to pop into my head, probably because it was huge whenever I was a kid!”

                Me- Although the Chipmunks song is hard to beat, the song that most likely reminds me of my childhood is Forever Young by Rod Stewart, because my mom would always blast countless Rod Stewart songs because it is one of her very favorite artists.

Who is your favorite singer or group or song and why?

                Mr. Loudis- “My all time favorite artist right now hands down has to be Hopsin, more specifically, the ‘Ill Mind of Hopsin Five’ album. I know that sound odd coming from ole mister Loudis, but I believe that Hopsin is trying to recreate that influence of older hip hop music that didn’t just talk about how great you think you are. Although if you like that sort of stuff, more power to you!”

                Me-My favorite artist would have to be John Mayer, because he is one talented musician, and a little bit nuts.

What music reminds you of someone you love?

                Ms. Self – “Some 60’s folk music reminds me of my dad, because that’s what he loved.”

                Me- Classing rock because of my mom.

Do you go to concerts? Which concerts are memorable to you? Why?

                Ms. Self- “ I went to a journey concert once when I was your age, and waited for three hours in line so that we would get good seats. That was a great concert.”

                Me- I go to quite a few shows quite often.

What radio station do you listen to in your car? Do you sing along?

                Mr. Declue- “I listen to NPR… so no. But I have quite a conversation with the radio.”

                Me- None.

Which music or artist do you really dislike?

                Mr. Declue- “The Beatles, hate them, they suck, no.”

                Me- Justin Bieber, hands down.

Music as Writing


When you listen to music, what emotions does it evoke?

                -Really, it all depends on the song that is playing. There are many different types of music, and the ones that are more up-beat feel good songs usually give a happy feeling, and sad songs a depressing feeling. But there are the times when a happy song can remind you of a lost loved one or something like that, and it could always make you feel nostalgic.

What is your favorite song? Why? Is it connected to a certain time, event, or place?

                -At the moment I would have to say that my favorite song is The Days That Shape Our Lives by Man vs. Hero. The song is pretty self explanatory to the title in that it sings about how the days that we are young shape who we become in the future, and I’m at that time in my life when every decision I make counts.

How has your taste in music changed over the years?

                -Over time my music taste has evolved into a weird mix of pop-punk, hardcore, and underground hip-hop. When I was younger all I listened to was classic rock because that’s what my parents were into so I assumed I should be the same, but over time I came into my own taste, and started listening to the things that described me.

Why do you gravitate towards certain types of music? Why do you think you dislike certain types of music? (Influence, history, parents)

                -I gravitate towards my type of music because I feel that it is more blunt, and realistic than generic artists in today’s society that only talk about sex, drugs, and partying. Hardcore, although is quite angry sounding, is actually very relieving because it allows you to purge on your anger on what is happening in your life at the moment and there is always a certain song that speaks to you- or screams rather.

Would you ever want to sing or be a musician professionally?

                -In my opinion, anyone that has ever liked music ever has dreamed of being a rock star and performing in front of thousands of people. Me, personally am the same, but is it a passion that I’m reaching out for? No, and that’s because for one, I couldn’t sing to save the world, and two, I would write music that was for myself, not for other people just so that they would buy it.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

6 Word Memoirs to Remember!


All That You have is now.

 

Rise To The Occasion, Be Yourself.

 

Do what your heart tells you.