Yay Summer!

The great thing that blogs bring to students can be explained as followed, “Self-expression must pass into communication for its fulfillment.” –Pearl S. Buck. This quote is exactly what some blogs were about for me. Over the past school year I have learned that blogs, although a seemingly tedious extra assignment to be the icing on my cupcake of projects to complete each week, can actually be very helpful as a way to express myself while also being productive and on task with school work. Unfortunately, I didn’t discover this until recently, and in my blogs it is apparent that some blogs meant more to me. I think what I liked best, is that we didn’t get feedback, so no one could tell me that my thoughts, ideas, and interpretations of anything to everything were wrong, but I still knew my peers would have access to my blog, so it made me strive for quality more. I was able to say was I thought, and not get judged on whether my opinion agreed with my peers’ or my teacher’s.

The blogs I was able to enjoy most were the ones that asked my opinion and didn’t have strict guidelines, compared to the ones that asked me to analyze something and need certain structure. Mr. Eggers sheds some light on the tremendous impact self expression can have on a student in this short passage, “The key thing is, even if you only have a couple of hours a month, those two hours shoulder-to-shoulder, next to one student, concentrated attention, shining this beam of light on their work, on their thoughts and their self-expression, is going to be absolutely transformative, because so many of the students have not had that ever before.” -Dave Eggers. Although it is a great thing to learn how to express your thoughts in a plethora of ways, including in structured writing, people need a way of self expression, but many often don’t recognize how to do so. That is why blogging could be very beneficial to a student who didn’t discover the wonderful world of writing about their own thoughts and opinions on their own.

“Olivia’s English Blog” has definitely been a good tool I could use to help me brainstorm, learn, and grow as a writer. It was also a helpful resource to look back at when typing essays. The blog not only helped me learn more interesting ways to convey my message, but I was able to take pride in my work, which helped me realize the importance of enjoying what I do, and even if I don’t enjoy doing something, making it something I am proud of. So not only did the blog help me develop, grow and absorb information as a writer, it also helped shape me as a person. There is something awesome about going back and looking at my work, being able to see my own thoughts and opinions from before, along with my writing style and, shall we say, lack of vocabulary. I have learned a lot from my first year of high school, and I am glad that I gritted my teeth and did the blogs, because it has certainly paid off in the end to be able to reflect on my progress not only in English class, but in 

other classes as well and how I have mentally aged as a person.

THE END.

Favorite assignment

There have been loads of assignments this year that I could choose my favorite one is the last blog called "A Good Experience with Poetry." Maybe it's because it is most fresh in my mind, but I thoroughly enjoyed completing this blog. The assignment was to "consider my poetry background" and "write several paragraphs on how it positively affected" my life. And then I had to share about how I feel about poetry now.
I really enjoyed this assignment because it was the first time I connected with what I was writing about, and I felt purpose when writing the blog post. One contribution to why I may have liked this particular post could be that I finished it on a Wednesday, when far too often I finish blogs on Saturdays, but I don't think that was the main reason. I really got to voice my opinion while writing and I felt like I accomplished something when I was done. I liked that I finally was able to express my own thoughts and emotions in my work, instead of what I was supposed to write about and someone else's ideas.
Another key reason that I enjoyed this assignment so much was that ever since I seem to be writing poetry far more often. Before the post I wrote a poem her and there. I was stressed out beyond belief and I felt overloaded with everything going on in my life. But now that I am writing at least a poem a day I feel much more serene. This post gave me the opportunity to find something that helps me think more clearly. I am grateful for the assignment, because finding a better way to express myself has made all the difference.

POETRY.

Shel Silverstein was basically how I was introduced to poetry. Of course when I was even younger I heard nursery rhymes, but I didn't recognize them as "poetry".  But Shel Silverstein was my gateway into the world of poets. His words were fun and silly and just made me feel better about myself. Although poetry is far too often dark and intense (and that can be a good thing) I miss reading the fun careless words of Mr. Silverstein that made me enjoy my child hood.

I was in second grade, Mrs. Ryan's class. We all lined up in the pod and everyone was "shhh"ing each other, which was only making it louder. It was everyones' favorite time of the week: time to go to the library. Along with everyone else I gathered around Mrs. People's chair scrambling to get that perfect spot on the carpet next to the bookcase and all my friends. I sat there, leaning against the book case, waiting for Mrs. Peoples to excuse us so I could go read my favorite book to cuddle up with in the library. When she let us go my best friend and I "briskly walked" over to the section by the big metal book stairs that had Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends we climbed to the top of the book tower, and plopped down, knowing we were in for twenty minutes of giggles and pure joy, soaking in the very beginning of a whole new world of poetry. 

I knew nothing of prose, allusions, iambic pentameter, or onomatopoeia. All I knew is Where the Sidewalk Ends was so popular that no one was aloud to check it out anymore. And I knew reading it just made me feel better and sent me home from school with a smile on my face. It was funny, it rhymed, and some of the poems were long (to a second grader), some were short, and some were just right, like my favorite "Spaghetti." It was funny, it rhymed, it sort of used repetition, and "pasketty" was just my favorite food. I had the page number memorized, and knew exactly where to find it. The poems in Where The Sidewalk Ends were funny, clever, and made me happy. There was a variety to choose from, each with its own individual tale and way to make me read, think, and laugh all at the same time.

I love writing poetry; on weekends, during winter break, spring break, and from 2:37pm to 8:00am on week days. Writing a cute little rhyme can be a fun way to surprise a friend, or a good way to remember something important, or it can be my way to release all of my energy and thoughts onto a piece of paper, or a napkin even. When I write a poem it is like the weight of the world is being lifted off my shoulders. It takes away all of the bad feelings inside me, and leaves me refreshed with a clear mind. But when you mix school with poetry it takes all the fun out of it for me. I don't like reading poetry if I don't personally know the author, because there isn't much I can do about their aching soul. Also one poem can have a plethora of meanings, so when a teacher says "No, Olivia, what the author is actually getting at is ______." it may open my mind to a different view of the poem, but no one can really be wrong in poems' meanings. When writing poetry in school my poems aren't very good because I don't like to share my personal expression of my thoughts and feelings with my class mates or my teacher. Poetry is a personal thing, and when you have to turn it in or assign it that takes away from the privacy of ones thoughts and emotions.

R&J Conflict.

There's a variety of conflicts I could choose from the play, but Juliet's internal conflict and the choice she has to make between her family and her "true love" Romeo are most intriguing and relate able. "My husband lives, that Tybalt would have slain, and Tybalt's dead, that would have slain my husband." (3.2.115) Juliet is leaning more towards Romeo, for she know Tybalt would have killed him, and her love for him is clouding her judgement. Romeo is a murderer now, and Juliet's intense love for him put's her in harms way. Even though Romeo  killed Tybalt, Juliet still chooses him over her family because she is in love.
This example of conflict in Romeo and Juliet is very similar to many teenagers' lives, but not so specific. At this age many kids are choosing to spend more time with friends and less with family. Now, we know that we could just stay home and help out our parents instead of going out every night with our friends. But we are gaining more freedom, and able to choose what we do more often, and who we do it with. Just as Juliet is choosing Romeo over her family.

Romeo and Juliet: It's in West Side Story

West Side Story was created by Aurthur Laurents in the '50's. The comparison is almost exact to Romeo and Juliet, except Maria lives on.
West Side Story is a musical about Maria and Tony's love. The two fall in love almost instantly, just as R&J. There is even a scene where Tony goes to Maria's fire escape to talk to her after he first met her (shown below). Maria and Tony are from two different families in rival gangs, the jets and the sharks. Tony is the only one who dies, and he is killed by someone in a fight, but he wasn't fighting very hard since he thought Maria was dead, and wanted to die because he couldn't live without her. At the end, although Maria's body was still alive, something inside her died when Tony died in his arms. His death did, though, bring the Jets and Sharks together just like Romeo and Juliet want their families to do. In the 50's when this musical was made, I don't know if Laurents' purpose was to create a modern day R&J, but he did just that very successfully in the tear jerking West Side Story as anyone could see with the plot almost perfectly fitting that of the play by Shakespeare.

So far, I haven't directly related too much with the events of the book, other than two. But something I think everyone can relate with is getting help from the people we are closest with. Romeo shares his love problems with Mercutio and Benvolio, and they give him pretty good advice, which is to move on. Maybe it wasn't this exact scenario, but I have been in a position to give my friends advice on what to do, and I've of course asked them for advice as well. I think the relationship between his friends is very important for Romeo. The two guys kind of pull Romeo's head out of the clouds and just want him to enjoy his life. Romeo is lucky to have good friends such as these. To go along with the theme of feuding families, Romeo and Juliet are caught in the disagreements between their parents. I'm sure other people than myself have also been caught between to fighting parties, and not sure what to do. The story of the Montagues and the Capulets is relate-able on a variety of levels for many people, these are just the ones that fit to my life.
Reading in class sure does take up time, but it helps me a lot! I read at home every night and even though it's hard to decipher sometimes, I get the main things that happened in that scene. However, the humor isn't very clear until we read it in class, so the in class reading is helping me stay interested in the book by giving me a laugh. I usually read the scene, and then go back and read the left side pages. That helps me understand the context and it makes more sense. When we read in class I find even more things that can be more clear. It's showing me that every word Shakespeare wrote in this book means something, and helps me follow the storyline a lot better and keeps me interested.

Great Expectations All Wrapped Up. Last week :)

I think it's a sort of universal experience for someone to be lost in their life for an amount of time, like trying to find your true self. Charles Dickens uses Pip's family and friends to show how the story usually goes. A good example of this is most peoples' teenage years. The kind of generic story is kids saying to their parents "Just leave me alone." Which, I've never really seen or done that, but I've definitely felt it! When some one is trying to go off on their own and try to understand them self better, and they become lost, or get into trouble, what they need most is not to be alone, but to be around the people who know them the best and are the closest with. I think Dickens was probably realizing that the best time periods in his life were not filled with solitude, but swarmed with family and friends. In general, people tend to feel better when they know that there is a net to catch them when they fall, or friends to share laughs with, because laughing by yourself isn't that fun.The key message within Great Expectations is that friends and family make tough times better, and good times great.

Thoughts. Reading. Dickens!

I was pretty pleased with the way the book turned out. The characters were intriguing, and could keep my attention, although I confused their names more than once. In my mind, everywhere Dickens described was grey and depressing, besides Mrs. Havisham's garden. I like that because it kind of gave me hope every time he went back there. Dickens is definitely not my favorite author. Once I made it past stage two of the book it began to be easier to read, but his detail and structure of dialogue and interactions between the characters was the opposite of enjoyable for me. Pip's story was pretty touching to me. I think we all kind of take people for granted sometimes. Especially those who are closest to us, so this helped me realize how lucky I am to have such a great family and group of friends. I had to re-read things a few times to fully understand, but I got it eventually. Without anyone telling me I was able to guess that Pip's convict was his benefactor, and I was the most excited when my prediction was proven.
Reading was really difficult for me to fit in my schedule, and I didn't necessarily look forward to it. Towards the end of the book I listened to it on tape, but before that discovery I had some issues. I read in my living room at first, and that worked fine, but I couldn't quite get comfortable so I wasn't focusing as much as possible. I also tried to read in bed, but I just ended up falling asleep while reading the book. My homework load had exploded and I was not finding much time to read. Then I changed my study schedule so I had some breaks, which helped me focus more while I worked, saving me more time. once I completed my homework for other classes then I sat in my chair at my desk and read. But I still compared with Sparknotes afterward to make sure I understood. Reading outside of class was not what I looked forward to, and often time I dreaded it, but it wasn't completely horrible once I got there. I needed a better attitude about reading. However, I am much more chipper if we read in class, and I usually understand better that way. But this has sort of helped me grow as a reader.
Have a nice spring break Mrs. Gilman :-)

Heartbreak Photo

Heartbreak is a definite motif though out Great Expectations. We all know of Pip ucmu to face constant rejection and negligence from his love Estella. This relationship seems like a one way street. Pip tries so hard to please Estella, while Estella is just there not really making an effort. When Estella doesn't give Pip the same attention she gives her other suitors, I hope Pip began to realize the truth about they're "love".
To counter, Clara and Herbert are opposite of heartbreak in the novel. Clara and Herbert know how the other feels about them and kid to eachother. This sort goes along with Pip's realization about His relationship with Estella.

Pip's character is altering

Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day.


This quote is used to show when Pip decides for sure that being a black smith won't be enough for him, and that he is finally going to pursue becoming a gentleman at any cost. There is a big difference between talking about something, and actually doing it. Pip finally crosses that line and I'm afraid he will do whatever necessary to gain status and class, even hurt or leave the ones he loves. This selection is showing that Pip is beginning to think for himself more, and that may not be the best thing for him.
One day I decided to alter happened fairly recent to the present. I overheard some kids talking unfavorably about another student and I paused to think about how I would feel if I were in that position. Human nature is judgemental, and we all tend to think of ourselves far too much, especially in comparison to how often we think of others. I'm trying to be more open to new friendships and to stop people when I see them being unkind to/about someone.

Connections

The major theme that I keep noticing in Great expectations is how Pip isn't as appreciative as he should be towards his family. He's constantly searching for more money, power, and so called "love" when he should be seeing how wonderful his relationship with Joe is. Every bird must learn to fly, but that doesn't mean that Pip should at all disregard Joe. If I was in control of Pip's life choices, he would go back to become Joe's apprentice. I admire the whole "follow you dreams" theme that was at the beginning of the novel, but it's clearly not working for Pip and his life is much more dull. Even though at the beginning he had a mean sister and his dreams weren't fulfilled, he was living the dream. And if he were to go back to the forge now it would be even better since Biddy is there due to Mrs. Joe's condition. Anyway, its obvious that Pip is unappreciative of his nice life at his home. There are numerous references I could make with the same overall theme but Stones of Mourning Creek, one of my favorite books, seems to fit pretty well.
The main plot in Stones of Mourning Creek by Diane Des Bequets is about racial discrimination, and how Francie (a Caucasian girl) and Ruthie (an African American) become best friends, and there is a lot of conflict over the matter. Now Francie doesn't like he dad very much, but the relationship between Ruthie's brother and parents seems to fit best. Ruthie's parents are very influential members of the community, black and white. They accept everyone and are all for integration and right for everyone, but they know how it is. The father is the reverend at the church, and is very welcoming and supportive to everyone. While the mother knows all the people in the town and reaches out to anyone who passes by offering them a meal or just someone to talk to. They have quite a few children, but the only kid's you ever really get to know and Ruthie and her brother. Now you think with these great parents Ruthie's brother must be a good kid. And he seems like he is, but he has a dark side. He works for one of the meanest men in town and it was very influential for him. He beats kids up, kills helpless kittens, and hangs out with the wrong crowd. Like Pip, he doesn't realize the wonderful family he has.
Pip has more than just Joe and Mrs. Joe. He has Biddy, and Herbert, and Jaggers, plus many others who care for him and have become close with him, but maybe feels like he is alone because he doesn't have any biological parents. Ruthie's brother has so many welcoming arms, but also feels like he doesn't belong in a more than half racist community. There are forces, whether external or internal, working against these two boys and it's hurting them emotionally. Instead of expressing their feelings they run, and make unfavorable choices.
These two examples illustrate the trait in all of us where we make rash decisions and actions when we don't understand what's going on sometimes. Whether it is socially, mentally, and physically we all sort of find way to avoid or live with the issues at hand.

Second stage, whoa.

In the SECOND STAGE, we are getting to know the Pockets pretty well. Their family is huge, and it's somewhat hard to keep track of them at times. Mr. and Mrs. Pocket seem like they have extremely contrasting personalities. Sarah is snobbish and strange, while Mr. Pocket is common and friendly. Unfortunately, Sarah has more say in the household and "controls" most things. An example of this is Jane taking care of the baby. Sarah won't do it because she thinks that she is above it I guess? And she doesn't treat her help very nicely. Plus there are a bunch of kids running around. Herbert really doesn't seem to be connected to them at all, and is off on his own adventure apart from his family.
So, in class we talked about how Pip moves to London and observes the city. He describes it as gross and dirty,  to me it doesn't sound like a place you'd wanna live. But I guess he's still pretty content with his new life. I find this somewhat ironic (I know thats not what we are supposed to be talking about, but it kind of keeps occuring in this novel) that Pip is happy living in this gross place, with just people to guide him. Honestly, I'm disappointed in Pip for not missing Joe. It's just depressing to me that Pip is content with his money and everything when he can't share it with people he really likes (Joe and Estella?). And up until now all he has been talking about is becoming a gentleman, but it's peculiar that Pip isn't unsatisfied with his new life which, let's face it, isn't so great.

Whats going on here?

Okay so chapter five was pretty confusing to me. It might be because I read when I was tired, but once I re-read I still have some questions. Particularly on the first page of the chapter. Here is the passage:
"'Missis,' returned the gallant sergeant, 'speaking for myself , I should reply, the hounor and pleasure of his fine wife's acquaintance ; speaking for the king, I answer, a little job done."
It might just be me, but I'm so confused with the context and I just don't understand what they are trying to say there. Thanks for any help :)

Group Essay with Melanie and Emery

Hey guys, not too much has changed on my body paragraph since yesterday. Still the same outline, but I just made it sound better and made sure my commentary worked with our thesis. For the most part it's the same basic ideas I showed you on Friday, but I just made it sound smoother and transition better.
I think that we might have used the same transitions within our body paragraphs, so we should go over that Monday. Is there anything you remember from yesterday that needed to be changed in my paragraph? I have new vocab and sentence structure, but I want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

Animal Farm Project Evaluation

Classmates:
Reagan wrote a lovely poem on the book animal farm. I love the style and voice behind it. Her creativity through the hidden message made the poem fun to read but also informative about the plot of the novel.


Grace/Molly/Sarah/Kady made a rather entertaining movie. I liked that they went to a farm, it enhanced the movie and looked as professional as possible. The humor made the clip interesting and memorable. Good job!


Leah used technology to her advantage and created a nice comic about Animal farm. There are clip art images of farm animals which make the piece interesting. Her post was about the difference between what the animals say and what the animals mean. She definitely nailed the meaning of the book.


Meghann created a picture on her computer of a barn and some farm animals. She included a couple paragraphs about her project. Meghann also went for the what they say vs. what they mean format and communicated the plot to the reader.


Melanie produced a power point presentation on the book. She introduced the key characters and showed the symbolism. Mel did also summarized the plot.


Joel's project was pretty great. He drew a picture on the computer showing that humans had more power than pigs (man>pig). He drew another picture of a pig in human clothes next to a man to show that pigs wanted power like humans had (man=pigs). Joel showed the pigs true motive in a fun picture.


Donna/Adrienne made a cute little movie. Although she used toys the movie was pretty accurate and true to the plot. Her use of the farm rules in her movie enhanced the experience.


Me:
I really like my project. Compared to movies its pretty short, but I put a lot of effort and thought into it. Ever since I learned about haiku's during writing class in third grade. Sadly, I never get the opportunity to write them, so I took my chance and did it. I tried to show the plot of the novel and characters. I am satisfied with my project because it incorporates what I like to do and my hard work.

New years resolution!

I have a few new years resolutions for 2011 that I'm hoping will work out. A few include break my nail biting habit, raise my grades in math and science and to exercise more often.
I've had a habit of biting my nails for a long time. I'm not really sure why I do it besides being bored, but it certainly isn't due to stress. Anyway, I figure that its a pretty unnecessary and some what gross habit to have so I'm just going to stop. Any time I catch myself I will stop and I will trying to wear nail polish to remind me when I subconsciously bite my nails.
My grades have been lagging a little bit due to lack of attention to detail in my science and math classes. The grade I have in algebra 2 is an A- which I hope to bring up to an A before the end of the semester. My grade in physical science is a B+ which I will at least raise to an A- before finals. Sometimes its just hard for me to understand certain aspects of the lesson or I don't do a thorough job in studying. I am going to involve my teachers and actively participate in class asking about things I don't understand. While I study I will eliminate all distractions and give the work 100% of my attention. Also I have some extra credit opportunities in both of those classes that I will use to my advantage to help raise my grades. My goal for the Second semester of my freshman year is a 4.0
Now I exercise regularly, but mainly due to the sports teams I participate in. My goal is to exercise everyday Even after basketball season to stay fit and ready myself for the summer soccer team I plan on joining. I have made a workout plan for my P.E. class and I plan on using that to increase my strength but mainly focusing on my cardio endurance and speed.

I've taped my goals next to the mirror in my room as a reminder to stay on track throughout the year. These goals are important to me and I hope to reach each of them.

ANIMAL FARM

Hello I hope your winter break was enjoyable... just like you will enjoy this haiku!

It is called 

"Animals' Nightmare"

Despised Jones evades

vertebrate rejoice amid;

the pig tyranny