Q2 Week 8 Comments

I commented on Sarah's blog.
https://sarahcenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/12/writing-center.html?showComment=1481555976200#c6283532219513232829

I commented on Ricky's blog.
https://rickyenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/12/prompt.html?showComment=1481556197259#c2805111542087939647

Writing Center Reflection

Before I went to the writing center I was a little bit hesitant about going. I usually like to work on writing by myself with a teacher helping me occasionally. When I went to the writing center I met with Douglas Robins and he really helped my develop my literary analysis. I had already started my literary analysis before I went to the writing center, but I was having trouble developing the paragraphs. Douglas showed me how I could use my outline and develop my paragraphs from that starting point. This really benefited me because when I worked on my paper after by myself, I knew exactly how I should organize my paragraphs and points.

My writing fellow also helped me with quotations. I also was having trouble embedding my quotes into sentences and making it flow. Douglas showed me how to embed my quotes and how to simplify the quotes (taking out what wasn't necessary and shortening it). When I left the writing center, I left with at least three well-developed supporting paragraphs. I also left with a great introduction paragraph that my writing fellow helped strengthen. Overall, I benefited from going to the writing center and I would recommend for people to go.

How have your priorities changed from middle school to high school?

My priorities have changed a lot from middle school to high school but in a good way. Some people's biggest priorities might be grades and schoolwork, which is still very important to me, but not the most important. I think that the priority of grades has grown for me since middle school because of the pressures of college and the future. I also think that the priority of friends has become more important to me because I have found closer friends that mean more to me. In middle school, I valued friends tremendously, but now I value friends even more for things like loyalty. I feel like loyalty wasn't valued as much or taken as seriously as it is in high school.

Some of my priorities from middle school to high school have also stayed the same. For example, my biggest priorities have always been family and friends, and that hasn't changed. I value family and friends before anything else and I don't think that will ever change for me. Also, one of my highest priorities is allowing myself to rest for a little while. High school has decreased this priority. I don't get enough time in high school to have some free time for myself. During high school, I need to work on increasing this priority becuase it will overall benefit my other priorities like family and friends.

Q2 Week 7 Comments

I commented on Jack's blog.
https://jackcenglish1blog.blogspot.com/2016/12/1st-semester-here-on-out.html?showComment=1480957095081#c5294584194773375448

I commented on Sarah's blog.
https://sarahcenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/12/what-i-love-about-christnas.html?showComment=1480957240568#c6034223589043225095

Literary Analysis Process

The most difficult thing about writing the literary analysis so far was the outline. I wrote a lot on my outline and I developed my points in depth, so my draft was easy to write. As I was writing my draft, I realized how much easier it was to write because I had written so much on my outline. My draft was very easy to write because of this but also because of the writing center. At first, I thought I didn't need to go to the writing center, but going made my paper so much more developed. I didn't know how to even start my draft or develop the paragraphs, so when I went to the writing center, that's what I got the most help with.

Some advice I would give to others that are struggling would be not to be afraid of asking for help. I needed to ask for help and at first, I was hesitant. Now that I asked for help, my paper is very organized and very well developed. Also, asking for help can be with little things like quotations or where to put commas. Also, if you are struggling, get a friend to read your outline or draft and give feedback. Any feedback can help, even if it comes from a sibling or parent.

Q2 Week 7 Free Post Parents

Sometimes parents seem like they don't want you to have a social life. I know this from personal experience. For example, I wanted to go to the movies on a Sunday a few weeks ago, but my parents wouldn't let me. They told me that I had had a busy weekend and I needed to rest. I was annoyed with them and told them that I wasn't even tired, which I thought at the time. I honestly thought that I wasn't tired, but when I stayed at home that day, I realized that I was. I was actually glad that day that they didn't let me go because I would've been so tired that Monday if I had gone.

Parents can also seem very over protective at times. I used to get very annoyed at my parents when they kept texting or calling to make sure I was okay, but now I look forward to those texts or calls because it's good that they know I'm safe. Also, I sometimes get irritated when my parents keep bugging me about who I'll be with or when the event is. Now, I realize that this is necessary for them to know and it's also safer. For example, if there was an emergency and my phone was dead, my parents would know other people with me to contact.

Q2 Week 6 Comments

I commented on Sarah's blog.
https://sarahcenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/11/how-to-be-thankful.html?showComment=1480514529735#c1017958437020442463

I commented on Savannah's blog.
https://savannahenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/11/symbolism.html?showComment=1480514693495#c5349389434490700263

Symbolism

Symbolism comes in many forms, in many different circumstances. Symbolism for me comes from butterflies, especially light yellow ones. When my grandfather passed away, I didn't really know one thing that would symbolize him except for ordinary things like golf and race cars. Everyone remembered him by these things, but I wanted something that I could remember him by for myself. So, as the days went by after he passed away and after his first funeral in Baton Rouge, I sort of forgot to look for things to remember him by. Instead, I just remembered him as everyone else did.

A couple of days later, my family and I had to travel to Virginia for my grandfather's second funeral. I had completely forgotten by now about finding something that could symbolize him for me. After the funeral had ended, I obviously was sad and extremely hot during the summer heat. I wasn't very focused on anything until I looked over at the beautiful coffin and saw a light yellow butterfly swoop across the top of the coffin and back again. I knew this was a way of my grandfather symbolizing that he was still watching over me. From then on, everytime I see a light yellow butterfly, I know that my grandfather is still with me.

How to survive life with a younger sibling

Life with a younger sibling is very, very hard, but occasionally fun. I have a brother that is 2 years younger than me in 7th grade. Most of my friends think he's sweet or nice, even though I have a very different view of him. I think he is very annoying and definitely not nice, but that's just because I see him 24/7. Surviving life with a sibling is challenging but in some ways rewarding. For example, if you have a younger sibling, they will probably look up to you and ask you for advice. This is one of the benefits of having a younger sibling because it shows you how important you actually are in their life.

Some of the down sides to having a younger sibling are very clear like free babysitting, loud noises, and occasional, yet painful, physical fights. Free babysitting is always a good idea for parents, except when it's an older sibling. So, if you are forced to babysit your little brother or sister, come up with as many distractions as you can like tv or games. Loud noises come with any sibling no matter the age, so there isn't really any hope of you avoiding this. If the loud and annoying noises become unbearable, simply go outside.There are many ways to prevent or stop these fights like keeping to your own business or just being nice, but this doesn't usually happen with siblings. So, try to reason with your sibling or come to a compromise that doesn't hurt either one of you.

Q2 Week 5 Comments

I commented on Sarah's blog.
https://sarahcenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/11/critical-lotf-scene-piggys-death.html?showComment=1479156369727#c3071254712816169610
I commented on Jack's blog.
https://jackcenglish1blog.blogspot.com/2016/11/free-post-about-thanksgiving-memories.html?showComment=1479156494866#c8025048848344058806

Critical scene from LOTF

A critical scene from Lord of the Flies that especially matters to the novel is when Simon meets the Lord of the Flies on page 143. What the readers need to notice about this scene is that the Lord of the Flies is foreshadowing events that will happen later in the next chapter. For example, in Lord of the Flies there is a quote from the Lord of the Flies on page 144 that reads, "-Or else," said the Lord of the Flies, "we shall do you? See? Jack and Roger and Maurice and Robert and Bill and Piggy and Ralph. Do you. See?" This quote is foreshadowing Simon's death and it is showing that if Simon disobeys the Lord of the Flies, he will be killed by the others. Also, readers should notice that in this quote, the Lord of the Flies lists the order of who will join in the killing first and then last. While reading this scene, readers should consider if the Lord of the Flies is an illusion or if the Lord of the Flies is actually talking to Simon in some form.

This scene is important to this novel as a whole because it is the death of a main character. The readers are already emotionally attached to Simon when he dies, so it adds to the evil of this book. The readers don't want Simon to die and they aren't expecting it, so when they read this, it seems like the book rose to a new level of hatred and evil on the island. Also, this scene is significant because it is symbolic in showing that the order and good of the island falling apart. Simon's eath is building up to the final destruction of civilization and nonevil of the island, which is Piggy's death. Simon is the Christ figure and when he dies, it is almost symbolizing Jesus's death.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has changed a lot in the past couple of years for many reasons. Thanksgiving for my family used to be pretty simple and organized. Now, however, it seems rushed and very unorganized. For example, it is the week before thanksgiving and my family doesn't know the plans yet or exactly how long it will last. We usually go to our family's duck camp in Pecan Island, but now we go to False River because my great grandma can't make it all the way to Pecan Island and back in one day. Also, my whole family used to stay three to four nights together, but now some of my family only stay one night and some only for the day.

This change in Thanksgiving isn't all bad because there are also new family members. My baby cousin has only been to one Thanksgiving with us, and thanksgiving already seems better with her being there with us. She keeps everyone busy all day, which helps the grandparents prepare the food. My brother and I used to be the only kids at Thanksgiving, so I really like having another kid around, even if she is only one. Another benefit of this change is that the drive to Pecan Island takes around two and a half hours, while the drive to False River is only around thirty to forty-five minutes. Also, since my family doesn't stay together for Thanksgiving as long, we have more time during the week to travel after or before.

Q2 Week4 comments

I commented on Kaelyn's blog.
https://ksenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/11/who-is-your-role-model.html?showComment=1478791903401#c2714756864085373814

I commented on Sarah's blog.
https://sarahcenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/11/how-have-your-priorities-changed-from.html?showComment=1478792011920#c2937749073954882931

Write about your experience with high school so far

My experience with high school so far has been exciting and a little challenging. High school is a lot different than middle school but in a good way. In many ways, I like high school better than middle school. For example, middle school didn't allow us to have a lot of independent time. We were always watched as middle schoolers during break or recess, and now that we are in high school, we have a lot of independent time. I like having this sense of being independent and I think having a lot of this free time helps with social experiences because you don't feel like you are obligated to do a certain thing or hang out with certain people.

I also think that high school is a little challenging because you are required to be independent almost all of the time. At first, I didn't know a lot of the people that worked in the office or in other places of the school, so I was a little lost on who to go to when I needed something. Also, I didn't really know exactly where to go for some of my classes. I have gone to episcopal for a couple of years now but I still hadn't stepped foot in most of the campus. I would have liked more direction on where to go and who to ask when I started my high school career.

Q2 Week4 LOTF Reading Response

[Piggy:] "I don't agree with all Jack said, but with some.  'Course there isn't a beast in the forest.  How could there be?  What would a beast eat?"
"Pig."
"We eat pig."
"Piggy!"
"I got the conch!" said Piggy indignantly.  "Ralph--they ought to shut up, oughtn't they?  You shut up, you littluns!  What I mean is that I don't agree about this here fear.  Of course there isn't nothing to be afraid of in the forest.  Why--I been there myself!  You'll be talking about ghosts and such things next.  We know what goes on and if there's something wrong, there's someone to put it right."
He took off his glasses and blinked at them.  The sun had gone as if the light had been turned off. [...]
"Life," said Piggy expansively, "is scientific, that's what it is.  In a year or two when the war's over they'll be traveling to Mars and back.  I know there isn't no beast--not with claws and all that, I mean--but I know there isn't no fear either."
Piggy paused.
"Unless--"
Ralph moved restlessly.
"Unless what?"
"Unless we get frightened of people." (83-84)

This passage is significant in the book because this passage explains how Piggy views the Beast. Throughout the book, we learn that each character has a different view of the Beast. In this passage, we learn that Piggy views the Beast scientifically and sees the Beast as fear itself. Piggy explains that there is no Beast for reasons such as lack of food. Also, Piggy brings up that this is just the first thing that they will fear on this island, the second is ghosts. This passage shows that Piggy has knowledge of the overall plan of the island. Piggy seems to know what they will fear now and next, and even why.

This passage is also significant because Piggy mentions that the Beast could also be each other. Piggy thinks that the boys will eventually start to fear the others on the island, which is major foreshadowing of Simon's death. For example, the boys feared and killed the Beast that was coming out of the forest. This Beast turned out to be harmless Simon. Also, this passage is significant because the way that Piggy shares the information (saying unless and pausing) of fearing each other shows that Piggy has already pondered this idea.

Week 2 Comments

I commented on Sarah's blog.
https://sarahcenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-elite_24.html?showComment=1477401011283#c8034348734498546670

I commented on Kolin's blog.
https://kolin-english1.blogspot.com/2016/10/human-nature_23.html?showComment=1477401175289#c7382931773739371584

Q2 Week 2 Reading Response

This week I read chapters 1-3 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding, and I noticed a common trend in the setting. The setting of this book is very beautiful and is filled with fruit and flowers. The setting of the island is described numerous times throughout these chapters as pink or containing pink things. I think that the pink island is described so much to show just how perfect the island really is. Also, there aren't any girls on this island, so a pink island filled with boys could also be an ironic joke about this book.

While reading the first few chapters of this book, I have really started to fully understand the main characters. I also think that I have found my favorite character so far, Piggy. As I was reading through these chapters, I continuously felt bad for Piggy because he wasn't being listened to by the other boys. Piggy has mostly all of the good ideas so far. He should have been the leader or at least had a voice on how to lead these newly stranded boys. Even though Piggy is annoying sometimes, I think it is caused by his underappreciation from the other boys.

Human Nature

Human nature in the present day is mainly focused on people being bad and doing bad things. However, I think this is false and that human nature isn't bad, but mostly good. Most people are good people, even if they make mistakes. This leads to human nature also being flawed. Humans aren't perfect and we make mistakes frequently. This doesn't mean that human nature is overall bad, even if we make bad decisions.

Human nature is presented as bad in present day mostly because of the news. If the news didn't show all of the bad things happening so frequently, humans would be portrayed as better people. I think the news does this to show the big problems in the world and then they get more publicity. Also, my family has taught me a lot about human nature. For example, my parents taught me to always be nice to people no matter what and I see this every day at my school. Also, my grandparents have taught me that someone isn't a bad person because of what they did, they are a good person for owning up to what they did wrong.

Q2 Week 1 comments

I commented on Sarah's blog.
https://sarahcenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/10/fall-break.html?showComment=1476989017492#c4166994842021482173

I commented on Jack's blog.
https://jackcenglish1blog.blogspot.com/2016/10/fall-break.html?showComment=1476989308451#c5379016539580610881

Q2 Week 1 Reading Response

This week I read The Pregnancy Project by Gaby Rodriguez. In this novel, the author is trying to show that stereotypes don't define who you are. The author shows this by having the main character, Gaby, construct a project about herself faking a pregnancy. This results in Gaby finding out how hurtful stereotypes can be, even if they aren't really true. I am very fascinated by this unique idea of a fake pregnancy project because I am also realizing how stereotypes affect teens while reading this book.

I really like how the author shows throughout the book how the main character starts to realize what others characters truly think about her. She even finds out that her friends image of her isn't what she thought it was. She realizes that her friends are sticking with her stereotype of being a teen mom and treating her like it was going to happen anyways. I know that people have stereotypes of me based on my friends and family, even if it isn't as big as teen pregnancy. I am also curious to see what my friends would do if I stuck to my stereotypes.

Q2 Week 1 Fall Break Free Post

Fall break this year seemed way too short for me. I went to Los Angeles, California to visit friends, shop, and go to Disney land. I was excited for this trip for a solid three weeks before the Wednesday of Fall break. I had everything planned out in my mind of each day we were there. This was all of could think about, except I didn't think it would feel this short. Especially for two days off of school.

Usually, Fall break seems like a very long weekend for me. This year it only felt like a weekend.The trip was incredibly fun, except it should've lasted longer. I was overly upset when I realized I would only have one more day in California with my friends and family. I tried to make the most of my last day in Los Angeles by spending as much time with everyone and completing my long list of things to do there. Overall, I had a great weekend with my friends and family, even though it should've lasted longer.

Comments for Week 7

I commented on Sarah C's Blog.
https://sarahcenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/10/procrastination-is-your-future-self.html?showComment=1476137102526#c9167776647901637605

I commented on Kolin's Blog.
https://kolin-english1.blogspot.com/2016/10/my-weekend.html?showComment=1476137296540#c9085642610401192139

Q1- Week 7

In Should We Abandon Louisiana? In Some Ways, We Already Have. by Zack Kopplin, Kopplin discusses how Louisiana's recent flood didn't make the national news. Kopplin says that people already think Louisiana will flood, so why should they bother trying to rebuild it? Kopplin gives examples of people who really did think that Louisiana shouldn't be rebuilt, but destroyed, like Dennis Hastert. Although Louisiana is disappearing tremendously, like Kopplin says when he compares a football field size of Louisiana is lost every hour, Louisiana shouldn't be destroyed. There are two major reasons for this, the price and families.

Kopplin says the price of relocating all of the Louisianians would be out of control. There wouldn't be a way to get all of this money for the new homes in different states. Also, relocating Louisianians would destroy many families. For example, some families include very old members who might not be physically able to move to a different state. Some families in Louisiana can barely afford to live here. Imagine if those families had to find money to actually move to a new home. It wouldn't be possible. They couldn't sell their home, so they would have to abandon it.

Comments for Week 6

I commented on Ella's blog.
https://blogellac.blogspot.com/2016/10/free-post-103.html?showComment=1475780332182#c8815666161295846556

I commented on Jack C's blog.
https://jackcenglish1blog.blogspot.com/2016/09/short-story.html?showComment=1475780441233#c1826604838584862038

Free Response Week 6

It's gameday in Tiger Stadium and I can feel the heat of the crowd. Everyone is beyond excited to be here and to witness LSU playing against the enemy. Everyone is crowded around large tents, sharing food and conversations. Families are scrambling to find their rambuncious kids at the large tailgates. I walk around the perimeter of the stadium with friends talking and catching up on lost time. My family calls to tell me the game is about to start.

Saturdays in the Fall are my favorite days of the year because of game day. I don't necessarily understand football, but that doesn't make it any less fun to be in Death Valley. Campus is extremely fun to walk around with your friends because you run into lots of people you know and probably forgot about. My friends and I like to walk around the Basketball stadium and eat food from one of our dad's tailgates. Overall, gamedays for me are more about hanging out with friends and family than actually watching the game.

Week 6 Reading Response

While reading the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, I realized that the main purpose of the book was changing. In the beginning of the book, I thought it was a mystery to find out who killed the dog. About half way through, the theme changes to show the real meaning of a family with a special needs child. The theme is changing to show the mystery of what truly is happening in the family instead of the murder of the dog. I like how the topic changed because as I was reading, I was getting bored of reading about this dead dog for so long.

I also like how the main character shares his thoughts about how he will write his book as he is in a book. While reading this book, I can see the similarities and differences of how Christopher says he will write his book and how it is actually written. Also, the main character is starting to bother me. His behavior is horrible and I feel bad for him because he doesn't know how else to act. His behavior does influence the book tremendously because it creates "rules" for how others have to act around him.

Week 5 comments

I commented on Kaelyn's blog.
https://ksenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/09/100-word-story.html?showComment=1475186063098#c80864374636750674

I commented on Savannah's blog.
http://savannahenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/09/my-best-friend.html

Week 5 Reading Response

In The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, Christopher has just found out very important information about his mother This information includes why his dad was mad at her and if she is really dead. Christopher has also just found some letters from his supposed "mum" that were hidden from him. I like how another mystery was added to the plot before the first mystery was solved. This makes for a better ending because you find out a bunch of truths all at once.

I also like how the author adds in information that is relevant to the story but also not really. For example, Christopher will be explaining something and for the readers to better understand it, he relates it to a different topic like math or science. It helps me better understand what Christopher is talking about and even his personality. Throughout reading these little facts or explanations, I realize how truly intelligent Christopher is. Also, I see how differently his mind works than mine does.

Love at First Bite

When I was in the third grade, my mom checked me out of school on a Friday afternoon. She didn't tell me where we were going, only that we were getting on a plane. Throughout the entire plane ride, I asked her where we were going and why. She finally caved in and told me that we were flying to Oklahoma to meet a friend. My naive, third-grade self believed this was true, so when we got off of the plane I didn't ask any more questions.

My mom drove the rental car to someone's house, who I believed was the friend she told me about. Instead, I walked into the home to find a bunch of lab puppies. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, there was so many! My mom said that one was ours and we were going to take it home. The lady who owned all of these puppies handed me one. Immediately the puppy was biting my fingers, but gently. This puppy was so loving, yet playful. I knew that this was the perfect dog for me. It was love at first bite.

Comments for Week 4

I commented on Sarah's blog.
https://sarahcenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-selection-americas-personality.html?showComment=1474552808611#c3247730292483566082

I commented on Caroline's blog.
https://caroline-english1.blogspot.com/2016/09/dear-10-year-old.html?showComment=1474552675340

Dear 10 year old

 Dear 10 year old,

Don't copy what others are doing or have because you think it's cool. Take what that person does and make it your own. No one should be exactly like another person. It's okay to have something similar to someone. For example, if you and one of your friends have the same necklace, don't wear it because they have it, wear it because you like it. Also, if someone that you think is cool is acting bratty, don't act like them. It definitely won't make you cool.

Don't try to make yourself any older than you already are. Enjoy what age you are now, because you'll never be that age again. If you act older, you'll never know what it feels like to be young. Also, don't wear makeup until you need to. For example, a dance is a good opportunity for some mascara or lip stick, but not school. No cares what you look like with or without makeup. Why are you trying to impress people?

Q1 Week 4 We Were Liars

In We Were Liars by E. Lockhart, Cadence has just been told the truths about what happened after her accident. She seems to just have learned this information, like the reader. I don't like how the author decides to state the truth instead of slowing developing it, like the rest of the book did. It seemed almost like the author was focused throughout the book, but when the author got to the end, they were just trying to finish the book as fast as possible. The end is the most important part, so it should've been the best described part of the book.

Towards the end of the book, I started to become very confused. A lot of information regarding the truth about the characters was piled into less than a hundred pages. I felt like I didn't have enough time to fully grasp what was going on. There also wasn't much explanation as to what the truth really meant or why it was happening. I really wish the author put more details about what was happening at the end so that I wouldn't still be confused after I finished the book.

Week 3 Comments

I commented on Sarah Collier's blog.
https://sarahcenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/09/911.html

I commented on Jack Campbell's blog.
https://jackcenglish1blog.blogspot.com/2016/09/reading-response-to-firm.html

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina was a very powerful hurricane that affected tons of innocent lives in New Orleans and the Gulf Shores area. History's article, Hurricane Katrina, says that the hurricane started in the Bahamas on August 23, 2005. It finally made it to New Orleans 5 days later. New Orleans wasn't supposed to get a lot of flooding because of the levees, but Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne didn't hold back. This lead to the horrible flooding of most of New Orleans.

People in New Orleans were not expecting this and were definitely not prepared, says History's article, Hurricane Katrina. Most people had to be evacuated from their homes and most people lost everything. This is like the events that took place just a couple of weeks ago in Louisiana, but less traumatic. No one was prepared for this, not even the government, but everyone was willing to help out. Everyone that was affected ran out of food and water, had to find shelter on roofs or even the super dome, and some people resulted to stealing. This article says that 30% of New Orlean's population was in poverty before, it only got way worse after.

http://www.history.com/topics/hurricane-katrina

Q1 Week 3 We Were Liars

Where I left off in We Were Liars, Cadence has come back to the island and is learning some of the truths in her family. She is just now starting to see there a bigger problems in her family. I really like how there is a lot of mystery happening right now in the book. When you're reading it, you are eagerly waiting to see what the truth is. The author really draws you in by adding new things to question about the Sin-Clairs often.

I also like how you start to catch the real personalities of the characters through out the book. For example, throughout the book, you find out that Gat has a lot of things to question about himself too. You wonder, does Gat love Cadence or does he actually have a girlfriend back home? The author also pulls you in by making some of the characters know something about one character that you and that character don't know. For example, all of the relatives know something about Cadence's accident that she doesn't remember. Will we ever find out what that is?

Comments for 9/1/16 and 9/8/16

9/1/16
I commented on Kaelyn and Sarah's blogs.
https://ksenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-selection-this-novel-girl-named.html

http://sarahcenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/08/free-post-aunts-birthday.html

9/8/16
I commented on Kaelyn and Danny's blogs.

https://ksenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/09/friends.html?showComment=1473168974929#c2719933818666290687

https://english1danny.blogspot.com/2016/09/this-weekend.html?showComment=1473169163697#c2815457325334759290

Long Distance Call

My dad went on a three week long trip to Africa to hunt. Sometimes we don't get to call him for a couple days. Two days ago we got a call from him and it was really surprising and great. He hadn't been able to call for a whole three days so I had lots of things to tell him. My mom, brother, and I were all sitting in the living room watching tv and all of a sudden we heard my mom's phone ring and an unknown caller was on the screen. We knew it was my dad.

We put him on speaker and gathered around the phone eagerly. We missed him so much that just a couple minutes of calling him made us all very happy. As the conversation came to an end after just 3 or 4 minutes, we felt satisfied. We said everything we needed to say quickly so there was room for laughs. Talking to someone for just a couple of minutes makes a huge difference.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart 9/6/16 post

I have noticed a lot of interesting things while reading We Were Liars by E. Lockhart including the way the author writes. The author seems to over exaggerate events that happen by a mile. For example, when Cadence's father leaves her and her mother, Cadence says that he pulled out a gun and shot her in the chest. She was not actually shot, she was just feeling overwhelmingly hurt by her disloyal father. The author also said that after Cadence was shot, her heart fell into the garden. This is obviously not true because she continues to live after this event without any physical injuries.

I have noticed in We Were Liars, that a lot of tragic and hurtful things are happening to Cadence but she doesn't show that it's bothering her. Her family doesn't see any pain in her either. This bothers me because I share everything with my family and friends, and she should too. When I read this book, I continuously wonder why she isn't sharing anything with her family about how she is feeling. Would the family not care? Or would the family not understand?

I commented on Sarah Collier's blog post.
http://sarahcenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/08/free-post-aunts-birthday.html

I commented on Kaelyn Smith's blog post.
http://ksenglish1.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-selection-this-novel-girl-named.html

First Day and First Week

First days of school are always exciting, but hectic, much less the first week. For everything happening in Louisiana with the flooding, I think this first week went pretty smoothly. Although my family and I were not affected badly by the flood, I know others were. I know it was especially hectic for them, but you couldn't tell that anyone was having a tough time. Well, except for waking up in the morning so early. I would've expected more caios this week, but it surprised me to see how well everyone had adjusted.

Considering the amount of space we had on campus, everything seemed to fit in just right. Since everyone's schedules were changed with different room numbers, it was a little more difficult to find the class rooms. I found all of my classes without much confusion. I hope this was the case for everyone else too. I thought that the teachers were very flexible this week because they knew everyone had a different situation at home. The teachers didn't rush getting supplies or turning in a bunch of homework, which I thought was very generous.

The Crown

For one of my summer reading choice books I read The Crown by Kiera Cass. This is the sixth book in The Selection series. The main idea of The Crown is a young woman named Eadlyn who wants anything but marriage. The problem is that she needs a husband before she becomes queen of Illeá. To find a husband, she has a Selection. As I was reading, I saw Eadlyn becoming less independent each chapter. This isn't necessarily a bad thing because she is realizing she can't do everything on her own, especially rule a country.

Eadlyn used to be very put together and had a barrier around herself and her feelings. Now she has started to open up to people around her, like the candidates for the Selection. As she does this, she makes some life long friends and an unexpected love. The bad thing is that she might be taken advantage of. I think Eadlyn is doing the right thing by opening up to people because she will have to do this for the whole country when she becomes queen. I also think that if she opens up she will find a person that loves her for who she is and not for the crown.