Into the Wild

1. My impression of the book so far is that it's very interesting. Although the writing style isn't the most captivating style I've read, the overall plot keeps me enticed. I think Chris is a smart guy with a lot going for him, but I think he takes the whole "escaping reality" and "finding yourself" a little too far when he gives up everything he has to head into the wilderness. It's a bit extreme for me, but at the same time, I understand. I think it could be even more interesting if we heard the story from Chris's point of view rather than other people who have researched and known him. The fact that we find out he died at the beginning of the book kind of ruins it because there's not much to go off of after that. There's nothing to build up to, no climax. Therefore, what are we waiting to read about? What's left to keep us readers engaged? The maps are a nice visual and help us understand where everything is taking place, but I think the writing could use some more "oomff" to give it something extra.

2. One word I would use to describe Chris would be extreme. Most people who feel as though they need a break from everyday life would maybe play hooky from school, take the day off or work, take a bubble bath, go for a run, or take a nap. But Chris, decides to give up his whole life, his posessions, friends, and his family. He heads off into unknown danger not knowing his future could be cut very short. I feel as though that's taking extreme measures and almost seems suicidal. Maybe Chris is depressed and that's his personal way of dealing with it. The possibilities are infinite, but I think some less extreme action could have been taken to relieve whatever stress and feelings Chris had building up inside of him.

3. I think one theme is balancing life. Not everything has to be perfect, even though I have a hard time understanding that myself. Chris was fed up, needed to leave, didn't care if people knew, he just needed out. Things such as school, work, friends, family, ect. weren't balanced for him. He was doing it all, and very well. But, at some point, most people will crack from doing so much. If we do a little bit at a time, don't take on more than we can handle, know it's okay to say "No" everyone once in awhile, and have some self-respect, I think we all will be okay. Balancing is a skill and takes time to achieve. But I think that if we don't balance out our lives, we can go crazy and then you don't know what could happen, and as Chris's example, things can be taken a lot farther than most people would expect. 

4. Text-to-text: Personally, I think Chris McCandless is much like Peter Pan in the Disney classic, Peter Pan. Peter, lives in "Never-Never Land" where he won't ever grow up and will always remain a child. Even though this is not Chris's goal, they both just want to escape the real world, be their true selves. No more conforming to rules of society, being told what to do or how to live your life, no drama, and certainly no trying to be someone who you're not. Sometimes getting away, making your own fun, and being in your own is just what the doctor ordered for your own sanity.

5. Text-to-self: Although I can't exactly relate to living in my own in the wilderness, I can relate to the idea of needing to get away from all the stress and people giving you a hard time. I am someone who is constantly stressed out and am always over-filling my plate. There are times when life is just plain hard and there's not much you can do about it. Often times, with family issues, I need to get away from my house for a few days or a week. I stay at my best friend's house where we get our mind off of all our troubles and just try to have fun with each other. Being away from home helps me clear my mind, regain some sanity, and calm down. Also, one night, I was just fed up with everything and needed to leave. I hopped on a plane the next morning and headed down to my aunt's house in Florida. My mom booked it (she works for northwest) and other than her, no one knew I was going. I didn't know how long I was going to be there, but it didn't matter. I needed a break and a vacation. It was relieving being far away and able to do my own thing and figure things out. Chris and I are a lot alike in that aspect of finding your own space as needed and I think it's normal for anyone to just take breather from the stress life can bring and find the light at the end of the tunnel. 

6. Text-to-world: I think one text-to-world example of this is the drug problem we have in the United States. So many innocent people are hooked to these deadly, hurtful substances that snuck up on them by trying it maybe once or twice. Most people don't consider giving up everything they have, packing up, and moving into the wild. They think that using drugs or alcohol will help them escape their problems when in reality, it just makes things worse. You can't avoid life, you just have to face it. If you choose not to face it, you try to run from it. In the end, some people end up getting run down and take drastic measure. Many drug abusers are slowly killing themselves without even realizing it, which is a lot like Chris. He thinks he's doing the right thing, giving up materialistic things and his whole life to experience something different, calm, and peaceful. But both the wilderness and drugs are dangerous and whether you realize it or not, sometimes taking the "easy way out" isn't always so easy. One quote I really like is, "It's wherever you go. Because no matter where you run, you just end up running into yourself." I think it's the plain truth and shows that you have to face the music at some point and you are who you are and if you want to change it, you have to deal with it.

Movie Reviews

Review 1

Legally Blonde (2001)

California blonde-bombshell, sorority sister, riches, style, and a hot boyfriend...what more could a girl ask for? Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) is a real-life Barbie Doll, and everyone knows it. Things always seem to go her way, that is, until her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III (Matthew Davis), dumps her for a "Jackie" instead of a "Marilyn" and heads off to Harvard to make something of himself. Confused and hurt, Elle fights to regain the love of her life. By pooling all of her resources and her quick wit, Harvard's newest student is Elle Woods. "I once had to judge a tighty-whitey contest for Lambda Kappa Pi. Trust me, I can handle anything." When a sudden bomb drops of Warner's East Cost ex-girlfriend, Vivian (Selma Blair), and he are reunited, Elle fights even harder while keeping her composure and her pride. Lawyer Barbie is doing it all, in style, inspiring, and in pink. Though this movie is hilarious and entertaining, it is the ultimate chick-flick. Any woman would find great pleasure in the film, and also inspiration. Elle Woods sets the perfect example that anyone can do what they put their mind to. All goals are attainable , you just have to really want it and put in the hard work and put forth an undying effort. Even though Elle is at first the complete opposite of a lawyer, she manages to become a role model for other law students and a very successful lawyer. That gives the audience a hope for a positive future. Another theme throughout the film is to not judge someone superficially by their external appearance ("Don't judge a book by it's cover"). Elle appears as a dumb blonde, but deep down she has more talent than what appears on the surface. Elle Woods is an upbeat, outgoing, compassionate, smart woman who is trying to find her place in the world. She wants to keep her loved ones close, which makes her a very relatable character. Warner, on the other hand, is more fake and feels as though he needs to carry on the prestigious family tradition of being a lawyer, he doesn't know who he is or what he wants out of life, which also is easy to relate to. The artistry in "Legally Blonde" is wonderful, it really makes Elle stick out compared to the rest of the "Regular Joe" type of cast. The script is well-written, full of comedy and description; not too long and not too short. Be sure to get your own copy of  "Legally Blonde" at your nearest Target or Best Buy. 

Review 2

The Notebook (2004)

Warm-hearted and compassionate Duke (James Garner) visits slowly deteriorating Alzheimer's victim, Miss Allie Calhoun (Gena Rowlands), daily at the local elderly care home. As ordinary as this seems, there is much more to their story. "The Notebook" is a truly romantic tale of two timeless lovers from two completely different worlds. Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) is a poor country boy with a sense of adventure. His life is instantly changed one sweet summer night when he spots a beautiful 17-year old girl, Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams) at the town carnival. Allie is an upper class sweetheart, city girl, spending her summer in the country. At first, Allie is resistant to Noah's charming looks and wild sense of adventure, but she soon falls head over heels for the boy. "It was an improbable romance. He was a country boy. She was from the city. She had the world at her feet, while he didn't have two dimes to rub toether." Little did the two opposites know that one summer would change their lives forever. Noah and Allie fight for their relationship; Allie's parents disapprove of the lower class, lumber yard worker boy and suddenly move her away before the end of the summer. Several years pass, Noah goes off to war, broken hearted, and Allie becomes engaged to a handsome and rich solider. Somehow fate brings the two back together and the struggle between what's right in Allie's heart and what's right for her social status becomes difficult. The love story continues on as Allie is forced to choose her future, but Noah needs her back, "I want to that because I want you, I want all of you, forever, you and me, every day." Allie had written their story down in an old notebook she owned which is what Duke reads back to her in order to help Miss Allie remember their truly special story and how much he loves her. Love is the most important theme throughout this wonderful film. Whether it's young, old, forbidden, or family love, love is a very important part of living and turn your world upside down. It takes dedication, commitment, and honesty, but there is nothing more worthwhile in the world. It ties into another them of never giving up on your dreams. What's meant to be will always find a way, you just can't throw in the towel. Noah and Allie never gave up on each other and somehow found their way back to one another. The audience can relate to all of this, which is why most enjoy this captivating love story. The style of the film is classic and true. The flashbacks to the 1950's and today's world make great connections for the audience to see Noah and Allie's endless love. The comic aspect of the movie makes it a little more light-hearted than heavy and something enjoyable. They set the ultimate example of how to love through anything. No matter who you are, you can find love in the most unexpected places, and nothing else should matter. This beautiful tale of two lovers an be found at your nearest Target or Best Buy store. Get your copy now. 

The Sit Down / The Future

The Sit Down

I think there are a lot of problems right now that need to be addressed. First of all, we need to get our economy back to a more stable position. Maybe letting poor people who can't afford housing shouldn't be buying homes that expensive. We either should help them pay for it or build more homes for a cheaper price so they can still be sheltered and have a place to live. Without being able to pay for the houes, brings down the housing economy and therefore causes the unfortuneate foreclosures. Also, I think our environment needs to be taken care of. We need to take more serious action to preserving it. We act like we have unlimited resources which are actually running out because of pollution and over use. I think we should also figure out a positive solution to the war in Iraq as well. We need a fair leader without high taxes. Someone who can preserve our country and help it prosper in a positive way.

The Future

1. In 2012, I think we forsure will be our of Iraq. That seems to be a huge goal for the democrats and people are just sick of it. I also think our economy will be somewhat restored, but still having its struggles. We will definately have much higher taxes and the popularity of Obama will most likely go down. We will survive all of this, even though many won't be as thrilled about it as they could be. Things will be different both good and bad. Our environment will still be heavily struggeling and I think issues like abortion and gay marriage rights will be allowed.

2. In 2035, I will be in my forties. Things will be so much different than they are now. We will have a new president, maybe even a woman. Everything will be a lot more technological and I just can't predict anything. I think our economy will be booming again. There will be new ways to recycle and conserve our enviornment. We won't be in Iraq, that will be long over. Oil and gas prices will most likely be much higher, afterall, we are looking ahead 30 years. Comparing our oil prices today to those of 1980, they're much higher, so the likelihood of those prices being even higher, is much greater. There will be millions more immigrants in the U.S. Poverty will still exist and most likely never really be completely solved and/or prevented.

20 Things Worse

20 Things Worse Than Finals...

1. Pulling a muscle
2. Getting in a fight with a friend
3. Being left out
4. A speeding ticket
5. Studying for finals
6. Scraping your car 5 times a day in the winter
7. Showering with a sunburn
8. A really bad hangnail
9. Being lied too
10. Stepping in a puddle with your socks on
11. Losing your cell phone
12. Not making a team
13. Stepping in dog poop in your bare feet
14. Escargot
15. Slivers
16. Rug Burn
17. The Saw movies
18. Too much make-up
19. Being anxious all day
20. Taking off wet jeans

Free Blog

Purchasing a calendar is quite important
Updating, labeling, color coding
Posting it somewhere noticeable is one hint.
To keep your brain from eroding.

Asking for help is not weak,
For we all need help giving our schedules a little tweak.
Don't pack too much into one day
Little by little,
Come what may.

A smile or two,
A little bit done.
In no time
We will be having lots of fun.

Love Poem

Fortune Future

The desert of life
Saving the best for last
Two halves, one surprise within

Sweet and Crunchy
Anxiously awaiting
Comes with the meal,
Part of Life
Makes or Breaks a deal

Can’t realistically predict
Or give us the future we desire
In that moment,
That person

Sweet sense of hopefulness
Honest only if true,
Not necessarily though

Different culture,
Different people,
Sometimes don’t always mesh

Exciting and scary
Sometimes we wonder
How, why, or what if?

All we can do,
Put our feet up and relax
We all need our meal
Come what may

In the end,
We all will have it
Selfish consumers
Full stomachs and hearts

A little piece at a time
Bit by bit.

October 7th

Today I realized that getting stuff done without putting it on the back burner is a good thing, and the greater thing is the feeling you get once it's done. Last night for example, I had so many tasks to do, e-mails to send, my room to clean, a facebook group to make for my TEC team, college essays to edit, skate, dance, sleep, there was basically a lot to do. I really wanted to put all of the e-mails off but after skating, I came home and just made myself send them all and create a new e-mail address. I felt so much more accomplished by the time it was time to go to dance. Me, being one of the world's best procrastinators, felt so much better and I'm working on changing my bad habits to just GETTING IT DONE and forget about it...it's so worth it...that's my tip for the day to staying organized!

Love Metaphor

"Love is as crazy, scary, and fun as a rollercoaster at the fair."

Love is an emotional ride. At times it's very strong and
exciting...as in the start of a crush or the beginning of
a relationship. There is often bumps along the road such
as arguments or misunderstandings. That is kind of like
working on a relationship to keep it strong...which is like
slowly creeping up to the top of the rollercoaster. When
you're on a straight path...things are fine in the relationship
and the ride is still going...but nothing bad, good, scary, or
exciting is happening. You anticipate what's next. No matter
where you are on the rollercoaster, in the end, all that matters
is that you're on it and you're glad you purchased the ticket.
Love is tough, but in the end is well worth it. Even for those scared
of heights (or relationships) it's taking risk that is well worth it.
For it is better to have love and lost, than to have never loved
at all. The ride is there, and all you have to do is hop on and
see where it takes you.

Love is like a...

Hartley Coleridge
Friendship

When we were idlers with the loitering rills,
The need of human love we little noted:
Our love was nature; and the peace that floated
On the white mist, and dwelt upon the hills,
To sweet accord subdued our wayward wills:
One soul was ours, one mind, one heart devoted,
That, wisely doting, ask’d not why it doted,
And ours the unknown joy, which knowing kills.
But now I find how dear thou wert to me;
That man is more than half of nature’s treasure,
Of that fair beauty which no eye can see,
Of that sweet music which no ear can measure;
And now the streams may sing for others’ pleasure,
The hills sleep on in their eternity.

http://www.poetry.com/lovepoems/lovepoem.asp?id=555

I think the theme of the poem is the love of friendship.
The poem is describing two best friends that were so
close with eachother, they basically were one soul...each
other's other half. Their friendship was a positive one, a
beautiful one. No one can understand their secrets and
their closeness...only they can ever know and ever understand.

The author uses metaphor or simile to express the theme
of the piece when the poem says, "That man is more than
half of nature's treasure..." This shows that they view their
special bond and relationship as a treasure and that they
are fond of eachother and think highly of one another. I think
this does a great job describing the powerful friendship.

Organization

Staying organzied during a busy week is quite a task
Sometimes it seems to be easier to forget it all and wear a mask.
Through pajama day, homework, tests, roasts, and practice
Early the bell should ring, the students it should dismiss
Giving us more time after hours
Once our activities are done, the night would be ours.
Planning and preparing for all the great events
All for the fun that is meant.
So spreading out the work and getting it done,
just in time for homecoming fun

Poetry Critque

I Carry Your Heart With Me by E. E. Cummings

I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)
I am never without it (anywhere I go you go, my dear;
and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)
I fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)
I want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is
you here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;
which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart).

1. I chose this poem because I thought it was really a pretty
poem, romantic, and relateable for many people. It prompts
questions, thought, and is often times just comforting for some
to read. The metaphores and very creative and I think this
poem is very beautiful.

2. The title fits the poem perfectly. The title is repeated a few
times throughout the poem and through connecting the rest
of the poem with the beginning and end lines, it's obvious that
the author is talking about a loved one. The connection between
the middle text and the title fits well because the title is almost
acting as a summary to the poem. It's one of those "all in all.."
statements.

3. One metaphor is "Whatever a moon has meant." This influences
the poem by prompting more though and inference. No one knows
what the moon is thinking, just like sometimes people don't know
what their loved one is thinking. Sometimes love doesn't have a
reason, it's just there. Another metaphor is "The sky of a tree
called life." This influences the poem because its comparing a tree
to life. People often hear of the phrase "a family tree" which
represents generations and generations of peoples' families.
So comparing life to a tree in turn, makes perfect sense.
It makes the poem more interesting and helps peole consider
life in a new way.

4. I think the tone of the poem is more serious. It's a man
expressing his love and thoughts about his true love. This
is nothing to joke about, but not to be upset about either.
It's just someone honestly telling their true feelings and is
in a loving, yet more serious and almost frightened tone.
He doesn't want to lose is his love.

Organization is a Skill

Over the past week, I've learned that staying organized is something that takes a little bit of time everyday. It doesn't just happen overnight, and it can't just happen once. Take cleaning your room for instance, it's obviously going to get messy again if you just keep throwing your clothes on the floor when you're done. If you put back a shirt everytime you decide not to wear it, then you're sure to sustain a decently clean room. Or if you take college applications for another example, there's no way to get them all done in one night. But, if you work on one school at a time, a little bit at a time, the stress level is sure to stay at a minimum. Also, making sure you make time during the day to get the impotant things done is very important, or else then you panic and freak out about not having any time left. Staying organized takes both a physical and mental effort everyday and in time, it should become a positive, healthy habbit.

Possible Titles

Some possible titles for my Personal Narrative are:

• Light at the End of the Tunnel
• Cold Rink-Not Cold Heart
• Passionate Performance
• Passion Penetrated
• Skating...So Much More Than a Blade on a Block of Ice

Last Week's Blog

Last week, I got confused about the blog assigment and didn't blog for the day! My topic is about being organized...so a poem I'm writing is:

School, homework, sports, and church
College applications and games to attend
Getting it all done late is easy to become a trend.
But if a little at a time is done every day,
We shall all feel good and have more time to play.
Working hard is all in a day's work
Sometimes a little extra gives us quite the quirk.
Getting enough sleep at night is the final touch
4 hours a night is not that much.
So organizing your time is like planting a seed,
All in time, you're sure to succeed

Personal Narrative

One passage in my rough draft that I think needs help on "idea development" is:

For example, there was one day when I really wasn't having a good day and skating was just not happening for me. One of the older girls in high school came up to me and told me this, "Hey, it's the days that you don't wanna be here, but you still come, that make you a true champion." Those words have been planted into the back of my mind ever since then. Now that she's off in college and I'm one of the older girls to set the example, I try to keep that sayin in my mind and influence others in that way.



I don't think that the passage is very well developed and could have a lot stronger description or cut to the chase a little sooner...any ideas?

Discover

Today in class we were asked to try to try to come with an few ideas for a topic we enjoy and feel like we could blog about on a weekly basis. The title "Discover" is meant to represent the process of brainstorming which we will be doing today. Our "A-Z charts" are supposed to help give us some ideas of possible topics. Here's a few ideas of what I've come up with so far.

Skating
Summer

Travels
Hornettes
Camp (C.O.P.)
College
High School

Twilight
Minnesota
Florida

Work (Hollister)

Senior Year
How to Stay Organized

Friends

Caffeine

Cooking/Baking

Naps
Lakes

Running
The Sun

There are so many good possiblities, it's hard to choose just one. But we'll be able to switch topics if we want to so this one isn't set in stone. For now though, I will be blogging about How To Stay Organized throughout the school year.
Staying organized throughout the school year is definately a challenge. Being in high school means lots of studying and homework, but also a lot of other outside activities such as athletics, school clubs, church, and familiy activities. It's hard to balance them all out...no one wants to work all the time..and if we don't work at all...well that's not good either.
So is there a secret to filling up a day with a little work and play? How do we do all this and manage 8 hours of sleep a night? There's not one secret, but there are any tips and tricks that can help keep one mind from going insane. Those tips and questions are what I will be blogging about for the time being.