3.) Name the three parts of Fahrenheit 451 and explain how they are relevant to respective content. Use specific examples from the in your argument.
Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 is composed of three different sections, each with a separate title. Each title is there for a reason, as it connects to the content within the specific section.
The first of the three sections is called "The Hearth and the Salamander". I wasn't sure what a hearth was, so I looked up it's definition. A hearth is; the floor of a fireplace, but it also defined as home, and comfort. It think both sides of the definition are relevant to the book. Montag is a fireman, so fire is an average part of his life. The very first sentence of the book is "It was a pleasure to burn.". Firemen in this book don't put out fires, they instead create fires to destroy books which are illegal is the society. Burning is a comfort for Montag. In the beginning, burning gives Montag a purpose, burning is something enjoyable and beautiful. Burning is Montag's hearth, it is his home. I also looked up the word salamander, knowing that it was a liZard. What I didn't know, is that a salamander is also defined as a mythical creature- and one that has the possibility of surviving in a fire. While there is a machine at the firehouse called the salamder, I think that Clarisse is the 'main' salamander in Montags life. Clarisse asks Montag "'Do you ever read and of the books you burn?'" and at the time Montag is shocked almost at the idea of reading. But Clarisse sets off this fire inside of Montag (pun completely intended). The idea of reading, and the idea of knowledge and secrets becomes incredibly attractive to Montag. Clarisse represents this mythical creature who can survive fire- she is a unique person in this society, she sticks out like a sore thumb, she has knowledge that no one else does. Clarisse is what gets Montag started on the idea of reading.
The second section is entitled "The Sieve and the Sand". Sieves are people that cannot keep secrets. And while sand is loose debris, similar to dirt, it's also the passing of time. Both of these connect to Montags wife Millie. Millie knows that Montag has books. She realiZes that her husband has been collecting books, and that scares her. " He searched the house and found the books where Mildred had stacked them behind the refrigerator." Millie is ready to turn Montag in, she represents the sieve in Montags life. The sand represents a part of Montags life that's leaving him, which I also think is represented by Millie. "'Millie, does-' He licked his lips. 'Does your family love you, love you very much, love you with all their heart and soul, Millie?'" Millie's 'family' on her television screens has become more important to her than her husband. Millie ends up turning Montag in- becoming the sieve in his life, and becoming a mere memory- the sand.
The last section of the book is simply called "Burning Bright". it starts of with Montag being forced by his Captain Beatty to burn his own house. "'...but piecework, with a flame thrower.'" Montag does as he's told, he burns his, destroys everything. He then kills Beatty, and runs. The "burning" part of the title is quite literal, and I think the "bright" has a lot of meaning. I interpret the "bright" as smart, and intellectual. "'Welcome back from the dead.'" Granger says to Montag. Granger is one of the group Montag finds after he runs away and escapes the city. Granger and the rest of the group memoriZe books- these are the people that accept the importance of books and knowledge and run away from society to pursue it. These people are "bright". Montag joins the group, and we leave him with them.
Ray Bradbury has reason for each of the sections titles. He used symbolism to foreshadow what was going to happen in each section. And for me, by going back and looking at the titles, I was able to understand the book as a whole much better.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
TU Tuesday- Local
http://blog.timesunion.com/localarts/northern-lights-changes-name-to-upstate-concert-hall/23235/
While this article is really just about Northern Lights changing it's name to Upstate Concert Hall (which I think is ridiculous- if it's just a bar, why make it sound so much fancier than that? I love this place don't get me wrong, but I do not like the new name.), I think it's more about identity. The "new" owners- who have really owned the venue for about seven years- want to move on from the past. They want this as a place of their own, and they think that Upstate Concert Hall is a more fitting name. They have all the rights to change the name. They own it, operate it, and have fixed it up. I just can't get past the name. To me, the name doesn't fit. But hey- they improved the venue, so maybe the name will come around as a good change as well.
While this article is really just about Northern Lights changing it's name to Upstate Concert Hall (which I think is ridiculous- if it's just a bar, why make it sound so much fancier than that? I love this place don't get me wrong, but I do not like the new name.), I think it's more about identity. The "new" owners- who have really owned the venue for about seven years- want to move on from the past. They want this as a place of their own, and they think that Upstate Concert Hall is a more fitting name. They have all the rights to change the name. They own it, operate it, and have fixed it up. I just can't get past the name. To me, the name doesn't fit. But hey- they improved the venue, so maybe the name will come around as a good change as well.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
7.) Do you think Memorial Day is about remembering death or celebrating lives?
I think that Memorial should be about celebrating lives. People that go into the army and fight wars for us, fight those wars to protect us. They literally die to let us live. If we don't celebrate our own lives, then them ding for us was a waste. Memorial Day should be a bittersweet holiday for those who celebrate it. Of course you do want to remember the soldiers that died, and appreciate what they've done for you. It's equally important though to celebrate your own life and the lives around you. They died because they knew that you had a reason to live. Prove to everyone that died for you that it wasn't a waste, and that you're going to do something with your life. The best way to show your appreciation for everything the soldiers have done to you is to do something with your life. Honor them through your own actions on your own life.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Both Bradbury and Gatto are against traditional schooling in one way or another. In Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Bradbury expresses a disapproval of schooling through character Beatty saying "'Out of nursery, into college and back to nursery.'" By this Bradbury is trying to say that you start of strong in school. As a kid, you learn. You become educated, and then you hit a wall. You stop learning. If you stop learning and lose knowledge, then why go to school in the first place?
Gatto is also against the traditional school setting of "...six classes a day, five days a week, nine months a year, for twelve years." This forced schooling causes boredom, and clones according to Gatto. Not only are the students of traditional schooling bored from classes all day long, but the teachers are bored to. How can teachers get excited about teaching kids, if the kids don't care? It goes both ways though: why would a student care if a teacher doesn't? Gatto sums it up in saying that traditional schooling consists of "Laboratories of experimenting young minds, drill centers for habits and attitudes that corporate society demands." We're not teaching these kids: instead, we are grooming them to play a role in our society. "'School is shortened... Why learn anything save pressing buttons, pulling switches, fitting nuts and bolts'"? Bradbury says through character Beatty again. Forget education: as long as people know how to play a helpful role to society, then we're all good.
Exactly what Gatto is against about traditional schooling is what Bradbury shows through the knowledge of character Beatty. Schools do nothing to create independent, thinking individuals according to both authors. Instead, schools produce mindless kids to do necessary jobs to keep society running as it is.
Gatto is also against the traditional school setting of "...six classes a day, five days a week, nine months a year, for twelve years." This forced schooling causes boredom, and clones according to Gatto. Not only are the students of traditional schooling bored from classes all day long, but the teachers are bored to. How can teachers get excited about teaching kids, if the kids don't care? It goes both ways though: why would a student care if a teacher doesn't? Gatto sums it up in saying that traditional schooling consists of "Laboratories of experimenting young minds, drill centers for habits and attitudes that corporate society demands." We're not teaching these kids: instead, we are grooming them to play a role in our society. "'School is shortened... Why learn anything save pressing buttons, pulling switches, fitting nuts and bolts'"? Bradbury says through character Beatty again. Forget education: as long as people know how to play a helpful role to society, then we're all good.
Exactly what Gatto is against about traditional schooling is what Bradbury shows through the knowledge of character Beatty. Schools do nothing to create independent, thinking individuals according to both authors. Instead, schools produce mindless kids to do necessary jobs to keep society running as it is.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Tried and True
A.) Anybody could be your future husband/wife. Don't judge them.
B.) Books are your friends. Read.
C.) Collect something. Don't become a hoarder, but have a collection that means something to you.
D.) Dance. One of my favorite quotes is "There are shortcuts to happiness: dancing is one of them."
E.) Everyone deserves a second chance. But a fifth? Not so much.
F.) Forgive, but don't forget. Memories can hurt, but will help you out.
G.) Give someone a hug, everyday. You'll brighten their day, and yours too.
H.) Have a bad day every once in a while: it'll help you to appreciate the good days.
I.) Imagination is awesome.
J.) Jump off something (don't hurt yourself) because it's fun. It's even better if you do it with someone.
K.) Kill them with kindness. If someone really gets to you, do nothing but prove you are the bigger person.
L.) Love! Whether it be a boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse, family member, of friend. Having someone you love in your life is such a great thing.
M.) Music is the best thing in the world. Who cares if you're not a musician; listening to music can and will do so much for you.
N.) Never say never. I hate that quote, but it implies trying new things which is fantastic.
O.) Open up to people and you'll meet some great people.
P.) Popularity is stupid. Don't care what the "popular" people think of you: as long as you have your own friends, you're in good shape.
Q.) Question everything. Learn to doubt, but learn to learn.
R.) Respect everyone. You don't know what's happening in their life, and you have no right to give them anything less than respect.
S.) "S" is the best letter to have in Scrabble. You can put it at the end of almost any word, and get points for the entire word. It's awesome.
T.) "To infinity, and beyond!" Do it. Whatever bring you to "infinity". Find happiness in new adventures.
U.) Unique. Be unique. Don't be normal, normal is boring. "Why be normal, when you can be yourself?"
V.) Vote in elections! Get your opinion out there somehow, your opinion does matter.
W.) "Why" is the best question word, because people then explain something to you. Ask "why" and listen to the answer.
X.) "X" is the worst letter ever. Don't name your kid a name with an "X" because that's just asking them to get mad at you.
Y.) You should be your number one concern. If you can't take care of yourself, you can't take care of others.
Z.) Zealous is an awesome word because it's a cool way of saying emotional. Be Zealous in what you do.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
TU Tuesday- Commencement Speech
http://www.sweetspeeches.com/s/2030-amy-poehler-2011-commencement-address-at-the-harvard-university
Amy Poehler gave a commencement speech for the Harvard class of 2011. At first I thought that was a little weird; why would a comedian give a commencement speech for the best college in the country? As I read on though, she made a bunch of great points. As an example of Poehler's comedic side, she opens up the speech with "Friends, Romans, countrymen: lend me your beers." Later she says "I graduated from Boston College. Which some call the Harvard of Boston." Throughout the speech she makes some funny remarks, but she does have something nice advice to share.
"...the answer to a lot of your life's questions is often in someone else's face." I completely agree with that, and I almost find it funny that she's telling this to a bunch of Harvard grads. I know she meant it as some nice life advice, but it's almost making fun of them. They obviously incredibly smart if they're graduating from Harvard- so I can't help to wonder if Poehler is making fun of the stereotype that nerds don't socialize with other people. I know she's not, but the second time I read through the speech, that's what came to my mind.
It's really great advice though. "Hold someones hand while you do it." I think that's great. It's encouraging these recent grads to try new things and make something out of their life. It's also encouraging them to do it with someone, find someone that makes you happy: whether it be a boyfriend/girlfriend, a friend, a coworker, a family member etc. Spend time with the people in your life, enjoy their company and try new things with them. I think that's awesome. Martin Rutte said "You have to do it by yourself, and you can't do it alone." I think this is a point that Amy Poehler would agree with based on her speech- you may be told that you have to do something alone, but you'll never get anything done without support of loved ones. You need to learn to appreciate the people in your life, as they provide so much for you.
Amy Poehler gave a commencement speech for the Harvard class of 2011. At first I thought that was a little weird; why would a comedian give a commencement speech for the best college in the country? As I read on though, she made a bunch of great points. As an example of Poehler's comedic side, she opens up the speech with "Friends, Romans, countrymen: lend me your beers." Later she says "I graduated from Boston College. Which some call the Harvard of Boston." Throughout the speech she makes some funny remarks, but she does have something nice advice to share.
"...the answer to a lot of your life's questions is often in someone else's face." I completely agree with that, and I almost find it funny that she's telling this to a bunch of Harvard grads. I know she meant it as some nice life advice, but it's almost making fun of them. They obviously incredibly smart if they're graduating from Harvard- so I can't help to wonder if Poehler is making fun of the stereotype that nerds don't socialize with other people. I know she's not, but the second time I read through the speech, that's what came to my mind.
It's really great advice though. "Hold someones hand while you do it." I think that's great. It's encouraging these recent grads to try new things and make something out of their life. It's also encouraging them to do it with someone, find someone that makes you happy: whether it be a boyfriend/girlfriend, a friend, a coworker, a family member etc. Spend time with the people in your life, enjoy their company and try new things with them. I think that's awesome. Martin Rutte said "You have to do it by yourself, and you can't do it alone." I think this is a point that Amy Poehler would agree with based on her speech- you may be told that you have to do something alone, but you'll never get anything done without support of loved ones. You need to learn to appreciate the people in your life, as they provide so much for you.
Friday, May 11, 2012
85 How I Went From Very Shy to Less Shy
Three groups of people got me to come out of my shell. Camp, GOHTY and GP.
If you ask anyone what I was like up until freshman year, they would tell you that I was the sweet, quiet girl. Even if you ask people today that I don't really know, they'll tell you that. But ask my friends- or really anyone I've had a few conversations with- and they'll give you a completely different answer.
Summer before freshman year was my first year going to camp. I was in a bunk with thirteen other girls I had never met before in my life and I only knew two people in the entire unit. I kind of had to become more outgoing. I became more comfortable talking to complete strangers, and some of those strangers are my best friends today. I came into freshman year talkative and friendly, a different person than I was in eighth grade.
Freshman year, I joined my temple youth group (then called Temple TI's, now called GOHTY). I was the seniors favorite freshman. They loved me, and they were such great role models. They were always incredibly nice and inclusive. If it weren't for that group of seniors, I probably wouldn't be involved in GOHTY at all.
Last but not least, GP. GP is the most supportive group of people I know. I could walk into rehearsal any one day singing Brittany Spears at the top of my lungs, and instead of laughing at me people would join me. We're all a little weird, and being with other people who are comfortable with being a little out there helped me to be comfortable with it.
Sophomore year has been a new Julia. I went to camp again last summer, made even better friends and learned to have fun and not care about what others think. I joined the GOHTY board, learned how to lead programs and services and how to be comfortable in front of other people. And in GP, I had a decent sized role which helped make me more confident in my voice and mostly in my singing.
Eighth grade me was quiet, shy, and not comfortable around anyone besides my small group of friends.
Tenth grade me is loud, talkative, sarcastic, and comfortable with almost everything about myself.
If you ask anyone what I was like up until freshman year, they would tell you that I was the sweet, quiet girl. Even if you ask people today that I don't really know, they'll tell you that. But ask my friends- or really anyone I've had a few conversations with- and they'll give you a completely different answer.
Summer before freshman year was my first year going to camp. I was in a bunk with thirteen other girls I had never met before in my life and I only knew two people in the entire unit. I kind of had to become more outgoing. I became more comfortable talking to complete strangers, and some of those strangers are my best friends today. I came into freshman year talkative and friendly, a different person than I was in eighth grade.
Freshman year, I joined my temple youth group (then called Temple TI's, now called GOHTY). I was the seniors favorite freshman. They loved me, and they were such great role models. They were always incredibly nice and inclusive. If it weren't for that group of seniors, I probably wouldn't be involved in GOHTY at all.
Last but not least, GP. GP is the most supportive group of people I know. I could walk into rehearsal any one day singing Brittany Spears at the top of my lungs, and instead of laughing at me people would join me. We're all a little weird, and being with other people who are comfortable with being a little out there helped me to be comfortable with it.
Sophomore year has been a new Julia. I went to camp again last summer, made even better friends and learned to have fun and not care about what others think. I joined the GOHTY board, learned how to lead programs and services and how to be comfortable in front of other people. And in GP, I had a decent sized role which helped make me more confident in my voice and mostly in my singing.
Eighth grade me was quiet, shy, and not comfortable around anyone besides my small group of friends.
Tenth grade me is loud, talkative, sarcastic, and comfortable with almost everything about myself.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Essentials for a Happy Life
List 10 things that are essential for a happy life and describe why each item is important.1.) Good friends. Everyone has those friends that they hang out with on occasion just so they're not lonely, but good friends are a necessity. Without true friends, a person would feel like they are facing the world by themselves which must be a scary feeling. Luckily, I've made incredible friends here in Guilderland through the music department, and through my dance classes. I'm even luckier in that I have friends from temple that live in near school districts. On top of that, I've made the most amazing friends at sleepaway camp. I have great friends in so many places, and I'm so grateful. I could never get by without these people in my life.
2.) Supportive family. I have a great home life. My father is a psychiatrist, and my mother is a bookkeeper so we live an incredibly comfortable life. More important than they're jobs is the fact that they support my brothers and I in what we do.They support my brother, as he's going off to play D3 baseball in college. They support me as I'm learning how to drive, preparing for my temple confirmation, and getting ready to go on a trip to Israel- without them. And my little brother is getting ready to become a Bar Mitzvah: which there is no doubt he is prepared for because of my parents always nagging him to practice his Torah. I have such supportive parents, and knowing that I have a great support system will definitely help me when I grow up and start to make hard decisions about what I'm going to do with my life.
3.) Good food. I love food! I love to bake, and I wish I had more time for it. I make these awesome almond macaroons and Oreo balls. It's so sad though, because the macaroons would take me an entire afternoon to make, and the Oreo balls take three days. I just don't have time to bake and it's so upsetting. Honestly, whenever I have free time I'm baking. Good food just brings a smile to my face. I love baking for other people too. My brothers ask me to bake for them and their friends, and they love when I do. I love seeing them enjoy the food I made. Something as little as making my awesome brownie cookies brings me a little closer with my brothers.
4.) Music. I could not begin to imagine life without music. I listen to music whenever I get the chance. It calms me down, and it makes me feel good. Right now, I'm really into an artist named Brett Dennen, and a band named Fun. Listening to either of them just makes me feel good. Fun. has such a cool sound, and Brett Dennen's voice is so interesting. I love listening to music, and I also love choir. I love to sing, and choir is more than just a place for me to grow my musicianship- being in choir has provided me with a great support system. I love singing in choir almost as much as I love my choir kids.
5.) Dancing. I feel good when I dance. I feel athletic and fit. I feel emotional and creative. Dancing is the ability to express emotion through physical movement, and I think it's so cool. Again, dancing has provided me with a group of friends. I don't know what I'd do without my dance girls. They're a constant source of laughter for me. Without dance, I'd be missing out on amazing friends, and a chance to express how I feel while staying in shape.
6.) Performing. If you've never performed on stage, I feel sorry for you. I love being on stage. At choir concerts, I love being up there performing songs we've spent so much time on. I absolutely love being in musicals. The stage in this school is like a home to me. We rehearse on stage, so we're so comfortable up there. And then when it comes time to perform the show. The rush of being on stage in hair makeup and costume, performing what you've memorized so perfectly and having the audience react. It's fantastic. And last but not least, dance recitals. There's almost nothing that compares to being in a dance recital. All of the different costumes, shoes, songs, girls, everything. I just love to perform (when I feel prepared of course) and I would encourage anyone and everyone to perform somewhere if they get the chance.
7.) Books. I adore reading. When I find a good book, I would honestly rather curl up on my comfy couch with my book and a fresh cup of tea than I would go out to dinner with people. Reading takes you places you can't go otherwise. I'm a huge Harry Potter fan. The Harry Potter books take me places that I could never dream up by myself, but that I now dream of all the time. Those books taught me how to be a good friend: great books can change you.
8.) Travel. I love going places! Utah is one of my favorite places in the world because of the beautiful red rocks, and the amazing hiking trails. This summer I get to travel to Poland, the Czech Republic and Israel. I'm so excited, that I'm actually counting down the days until I leave for this once in a lifetime trip (53 days, if you were curious). Traveling gives you new perspectives on so many things, and those new perspectives can affect who you are and how you think. If you've never been out of the state, do yourself a favor and take a trip. Go new places, meet new people and have new experiences. It's worth it.
9.) Clothes. Here comes my materialistic side, but I love clothes. The outfits I put on in the morning completely match the way I'm feeling that day. I dress how I feel, and it's a great way to express yourself without feeling like you have to explain everything. Wearing a good outfit makes me feel awesome, and everyone should be able to experience feeling like you look great.
10.) Dogs. I am a complete dog person. I love my dog more than I could begin to tell you. Out of the three hundred pictures I have on my phone, a good fifty must be of my dog. My dog is just so important to me. Dogs make you feel loved, and who doesn't want to feel loved? My dog greets me when I get home, she cuddles with me, and for when I'm really upset and have to talk to an animal, she listens. Dogs are just such loving creatures and I feel like everyone deserves a dog. I just love dogs!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Philosophy
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/materialism?s=t
Materialism is defined as "preoccupation with material objects" or "disinterest in values". Basically, materialism means caring more about material goods than values and beliefs. For example, tons of kids nowadays care more about having the iPhone, than they care about being a good friend. they'd rather have the iPhone as a way to communicate with their friends, than actually hang out and talk to their friends. I believe that everyone is materialistic, and if they say they aren't, then they're lying. I'd like to think that I'm not materialistic, but I have an iPhone, a Mac laptop, and tons of nice clothes. My reason for saying I'm not materialistic would be that my clothes aren't brand name- but in reality, I wear brand name clothes, the name just doesn't matter to me. The only way to really not be materialistic would be to live in a different kind of society. Our society is a consumer society. We are all consumers, we are all materialistic. Materialism is just a fact in the kind world we live in. In our world, I think it's how people deal with materialism that can redeem them. People that brag about their material goods, in my mind are arrogant, but also stupid. yes, I love my iPhone, but I also loved my old Chocolate phone and would just as happy with it if it worked. In my opinion, how you flaunt your material goods is what defines an American as materialistic. In reality though, we're all materialistic... we just don't want to admit it.
Materialism is defined as "preoccupation with material objects" or "disinterest in values". Basically, materialism means caring more about material goods than values and beliefs. For example, tons of kids nowadays care more about having the iPhone, than they care about being a good friend. they'd rather have the iPhone as a way to communicate with their friends, than actually hang out and talk to their friends. I believe that everyone is materialistic, and if they say they aren't, then they're lying. I'd like to think that I'm not materialistic, but I have an iPhone, a Mac laptop, and tons of nice clothes. My reason for saying I'm not materialistic would be that my clothes aren't brand name- but in reality, I wear brand name clothes, the name just doesn't matter to me. The only way to really not be materialistic would be to live in a different kind of society. Our society is a consumer society. We are all consumers, we are all materialistic. Materialism is just a fact in the kind world we live in. In our world, I think it's how people deal with materialism that can redeem them. People that brag about their material goods, in my mind are arrogant, but also stupid. yes, I love my iPhone, but I also loved my old Chocolate phone and would just as happy with it if it worked. In my opinion, how you flaunt your material goods is what defines an American as materialistic. In reality though, we're all materialistic... we just don't want to admit it.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
TU Tuesday- Classified
http://timesunion.kaango.com/ad-wedding-gown-never-worn/20561581
Gorgeous strapless gown with some detail, and side rouching. Fitted through bodice and slight flare below the hips. Not a mermaid gown. Never worn. Size 4. Asking $500. Relocating and don't want to bring it. Located in Delmar. Contact by e-mail:
"Why do you have to go?" my mother asked me for the thousandth time. Can't she understand I'm not happy here? I'm much to embarrassed to remind her why I'm leaving, but it be worse to stay.
"You know why, Mom. I can't be here anymore."
"I'm just going to miss you. Do you have to move so far away?"
"Yes, Mom. I do. I have to get away. Everyone here knows me. Everyone. And they all know that he left me waiting! Everyone knows Mom, everyone!"
I look at the dress. I can't decide whether to stuff it into my suitcase, or to burn it. I spent so much money on it, I know I shouldn't be getting rid of it. Even if I sell it, I'll never get all of my money back and it'll break my mothers heart. But just looking at the dress breaks my heart. It's such a "gorgeous strapless gown". It breaks my heart.
"No one is judging you here, honey. Everyone feels for you."
"No Mom. I'm going. I'm making a classified for the dress. I'm leaving this town, and I "don't want to bring it'. I am ready to move on. "
I grab my laptop, and write up a quick classified about my dress. I finish packing, and tell my mother to take care of selling the dress and to keep the money. I grab everything, get in my car and leave. Time for a new start in a new place with new people. Most of all, a new me.
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Friday, April 27, 2012
U= Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies (Old Recipe)
http://www.foodcookingrecipes.net/Ultimate-Chocolate-Chip-Cookies-Old-Recipe-Recipe-10739.htm
3/4 Golden Crisco shortening.
I don't remember what I was baking, but I was baking something and my mom told me I needed to use shortening. My little brother wanted to help me bake, but just so he could lick the bowl once I was done. he always tries the ingredients, and when he tried the Crisco, he ran to the sink and started downing water. I guess Crisco doesn't taste too good by itself.
1 1/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar.
Recently, I had a couple of my best friends sleep over. We were making cookies, because earlier that day I had found these gingerbread cookie cutouts, but instead of just a normal standing figure they were ninja cookie cutouts. They're so cool, so we just had to make cookies. But my friends and I weren't very smart, so we didn't really pay attention to the directions, just to the ingredients. We just put all the ingredients in a bowl and started mixing. The brown sugar clumps were so hard, the we couldn't really mix the dough. We endind up taking that thing you use to tenderize meat, and hitting the dough with it to get the brown sugar clumps to go away.
1 Egg.
I have always hated eggs. I like sandwiches with egg, cheese and bacon/sausage, but I just can't deal with plain eggs. A couple years back, I started reacting to some foods, so I went to get an allergy test. Turns out, I have a very mild allergy to eggs.
2 tb Milk.
last weekend, I babysat for a two year old named Ryan. He was such a sweet little boy, and really easy to take care of. We were eating dinner, and he started crying though. I asked him what was wrong, and he tried so hard to get the word "milk" out, but he was crying so it took me a little while to figure out what he wanted. Once I figured out he wanted milk, his face immediately lit up. He was so happy when he got his milk that he blew me a kiss. That little boy loves his milk.
2 ts Vanilla.
My little brother bakes with me a lot. One time ehe commented on how good vanilla smells, and he asked what it tastes like because I have always told him not to taste it. Sarcastically, I told him to "chug it". Adam being Adam, poured some onto a spoon, and then ate the whole spoonful of vanilla. He freaked out about how bad it tasted, it was pretty funny. When he asked me why I told him to try it, my response was "You should know when I'm being sarcastic by now Adam."
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour.
One time I was at my friends house, and we were baking cookies. She was way more into baking than I was at the time, and she told me to add an extra half cup of flour. She said it makes the cookies fluffier. I always add extra flour to my chocolate chip cookies now.
1 ts Salt.
One Aprils Fools day, I gave my little brother salt instead of sugar. He was so mad, but it was just too funny.
1 c semi-sweet chocolate chips.
One time when I was baking chocolate chips cookies, my friend and I thought the recipes said 16 ounces of chocolate chips. In reality, it said 1, 6 oz bag of chocolate chips. Those cookies were literally all chocolate.
1 c coarsely chopped pecans.
I like almonds, so if I'm baking I always use almonds. If the recipe says pecan, sorry but I'm going to use almonds.
3/4 Golden Crisco shortening.
I don't remember what I was baking, but I was baking something and my mom told me I needed to use shortening. My little brother wanted to help me bake, but just so he could lick the bowl once I was done. he always tries the ingredients, and when he tried the Crisco, he ran to the sink and started downing water. I guess Crisco doesn't taste too good by itself.
1 1/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar.
Recently, I had a couple of my best friends sleep over. We were making cookies, because earlier that day I had found these gingerbread cookie cutouts, but instead of just a normal standing figure they were ninja cookie cutouts. They're so cool, so we just had to make cookies. But my friends and I weren't very smart, so we didn't really pay attention to the directions, just to the ingredients. We just put all the ingredients in a bowl and started mixing. The brown sugar clumps were so hard, the we couldn't really mix the dough. We endind up taking that thing you use to tenderize meat, and hitting the dough with it to get the brown sugar clumps to go away.
1 Egg.
I have always hated eggs. I like sandwiches with egg, cheese and bacon/sausage, but I just can't deal with plain eggs. A couple years back, I started reacting to some foods, so I went to get an allergy test. Turns out, I have a very mild allergy to eggs.
2 tb Milk.
last weekend, I babysat for a two year old named Ryan. He was such a sweet little boy, and really easy to take care of. We were eating dinner, and he started crying though. I asked him what was wrong, and he tried so hard to get the word "milk" out, but he was crying so it took me a little while to figure out what he wanted. Once I figured out he wanted milk, his face immediately lit up. He was so happy when he got his milk that he blew me a kiss. That little boy loves his milk.
2 ts Vanilla.
My little brother bakes with me a lot. One time ehe commented on how good vanilla smells, and he asked what it tastes like because I have always told him not to taste it. Sarcastically, I told him to "chug it". Adam being Adam, poured some onto a spoon, and then ate the whole spoonful of vanilla. He freaked out about how bad it tasted, it was pretty funny. When he asked me why I told him to try it, my response was "You should know when I'm being sarcastic by now Adam."
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour.
One time I was at my friends house, and we were baking cookies. She was way more into baking than I was at the time, and she told me to add an extra half cup of flour. She said it makes the cookies fluffier. I always add extra flour to my chocolate chip cookies now.
1 ts Salt.
One Aprils Fools day, I gave my little brother salt instead of sugar. He was so mad, but it was just too funny.
1 c semi-sweet chocolate chips.
One time when I was baking chocolate chips cookies, my friend and I thought the recipes said 16 ounces of chocolate chips. In reality, it said 1, 6 oz bag of chocolate chips. Those cookies were literally all chocolate.
1 c coarsely chopped pecans.
I like almonds, so if I'm baking I always use almonds. If the recipe says pecan, sorry but I'm going to use almonds.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Famous Poem Starters
"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"
"... Excuse me?"
"It's Shakespheare."
"Okay.."
"It's a compliment, you know."
"Sure it is."
"It is! It's like this: 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day' and who doesn't like summer? Summer days are those days that we get to lounge around, not a care in the world. Those long days filled with swimming, and bike riding and popsicles and just anything and everything. And the weather, the weather is beautiful. Do you get it now?"
"No, but you're weird, in a kinda cute way."
" 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?' Because you make me feel like a don't have a care in the world, you make me feel like I can do anything and everything, and you're beautiful."
"Wow. Thank you."
"Can I take you out sometime?"
"I'd love that."
"... Excuse me?"
"It's Shakespheare."
"Okay.."
"It's a compliment, you know."
"Sure it is."
"It is! It's like this: 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day' and who doesn't like summer? Summer days are those days that we get to lounge around, not a care in the world. Those long days filled with swimming, and bike riding and popsicles and just anything and everything. And the weather, the weather is beautiful. Do you get it now?"
"No, but you're weird, in a kinda cute way."
" 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?' Because you make me feel like a don't have a care in the world, you make me feel like I can do anything and everything, and you're beautiful."
"Wow. Thank you."
"Can I take you out sometime?"
"I'd love that."
Monday, April 23, 2012
Nursery Rhymes ARE Relevant to Life
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~pfa/dreamhouse/nursery/rhymes/dream.html
What did I dream?
I do not know;
The fragments fly like chaff.
Yet strange my mind
Was tickled so,
I cannot help but laugh.
I day dream, much more than I should. I sit in class, and one word will set me off in my head. The word "hill" will bring me back to camp, and I'll start daydreaming about camp. The phrase "Oh my G-d" will make me start singing "Baltimore Crabs" in my head, and I'll start daydreaming about the musical. Sometimes, I get so into a day dream, that I start smiling or laughing out loud. I love day dreaming- though I know I daydream too much- because I never remember my dreams I have at night. I like to imagine, and daydreaming is how I let my mind wander and imagine. It may never actually happen, but seeing all this stuff happen in my head is pretty cool.
What did I dream?
I do not know;
The fragments fly like chaff.
Yet strange my mind
Was tickled so,
I cannot help but laugh.
I day dream, much more than I should. I sit in class, and one word will set me off in my head. The word "hill" will bring me back to camp, and I'll start daydreaming about camp. The phrase "Oh my G-d" will make me start singing "Baltimore Crabs" in my head, and I'll start daydreaming about the musical. Sometimes, I get so into a day dream, that I start smiling or laughing out loud. I love day dreaming- though I know I daydream too much- because I never remember my dreams I have at night. I like to imagine, and daydreaming is how I let my mind wander and imagine. It may never actually happen, but seeing all this stuff happen in my head is pretty cool.
Friday, April 20, 2012
I don't have a good voice.
When I sing alone, I get scared.
My heart races, and my voice shakes.
I love singing though.
I love choir, I love being in musicals.
My auditions are always awful.
Freshman year, was Phantom of the Opera.
My voice shook, cracked, squeaked, and I forgot the words.
Of the most embarrassing moments for me.
I came out of that audition holding back tears.
I knew I wouldn't make the show.
I still had dance auditions the next week.
I didn't want to go.
But I did.
And I gave it my all.
I decided that I would make sure no one thought I had no talent.
I was going to dance, and I was going to dance well.
And I did.
Next week, the call-back list was up.
I wasn't on it.
I knew I wasn't in the show.
I was so disappointed in myself.
My singing audition went so badly.
At the end of the week, the cast list was put up.
I almost didn't go to look at it- I knew the waterworks would come when my name wasn't there.
I skimmed through the leads, sure I wasn't there.
Next, the ensemble.
If my name wasn't there, I didn't make it.
My name was missing.
Tears were coming, I could feel it.
But then I saw another section-
A list of dancers.
And there I was.
My singing audition was absolutely awful.
But I gave my dancing audition my all.
It paid off.
being in the musical has done so much for me.
It gave me confidence in my dancing.
It gave me friends, that became family.
It gave me teachers that I'm close with, and I can trust.
And it even made me a little comfortable with my singing voice.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Amanda Talar
http://blog.timesunion.com/amanda/a-real-superpower/23417/
http://blog.timesunion.com/amanda/this-is-gonna-be-good/2/
Amanda Talar is a young women who is "a (late) twenty-something" writing blogs for the Times Union. She was helped out by Kristi Gustafson Barlette, as she says she's a "product of On The Edge", Gustafson Barlettes blog. Talar can "find humor in almost anything", and does so in her blog. The article I read by Talar was entitled "A Real Superpower". This is such a sweet article, it makes you want to smile. It's about love. Talar grew up with a single mother, so she never saw her parents being affectionate with each other. "I found myself observing friends' parents, other family members, boyfriends parents etc.- often taking notes on what I would/wouldn't want for myself." Talar is fascinated by love. She still finds herself watching couples she sees out in public- which I can relate to, because I do the same sometimes. "I've literally got your back, simple and true love. Now that's a magical power." The way Talar worded that is great, because it gives a whole new meaning to "I've got your back". It's not just about helping friends in need, it's about supporting the one you love- which is a fantastic lesson that I took from this article.
http://blog.timesunion.com/amanda/this-is-gonna-be-good/2/
Amanda Talar is a young women who is "a (late) twenty-something" writing blogs for the Times Union. She was helped out by Kristi Gustafson Barlette, as she says she's a "product of On The Edge", Gustafson Barlettes blog. Talar can "find humor in almost anything", and does so in her blog. The article I read by Talar was entitled "A Real Superpower". This is such a sweet article, it makes you want to smile. It's about love. Talar grew up with a single mother, so she never saw her parents being affectionate with each other. "I found myself observing friends' parents, other family members, boyfriends parents etc.- often taking notes on what I would/wouldn't want for myself." Talar is fascinated by love. She still finds herself watching couples she sees out in public- which I can relate to, because I do the same sometimes. "I've literally got your back, simple and true love. Now that's a magical power." The way Talar worded that is great, because it gives a whole new meaning to "I've got your back". It's not just about helping friends in need, it's about supporting the one you love- which is a fantastic lesson that I took from this article.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
NYT Tuesday
A contemporary mind to create,
To rebel- passion in an artistic philosophy.
A Ballet.
Popular culture, symbolic of the favorite works.
Atmosphere of love, passion, musicality, and understanding.
New and open, an extraordinary past leaves for a tremendous present.
A Ballet, with the dancers split evenly- the symbolic reflection of the past or the stunning strengths of the present?
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/04/arts/dance/lourdes-lopez-to-succeed-edward-villella-in-dance-company.html?_r=1&ref=arts
To rebel- passion in an artistic philosophy.
A Ballet.
Who had raw energy, and style?
Decades of committed dancers, interpreting a tradition.
Popular culture, symbolic of the favorite works.
Atmosphere of love, passion, musicality, and understanding.
New and open, an extraordinary past leaves for a tremendous present.
A Ballet, with the dancers split evenly- the symbolic reflection of the past or the stunning strengths of the present?
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/04/arts/dance/lourdes-lopez-to-succeed-edward-villella-in-dance-company.html?_r=1&ref=arts
Saturday, March 31, 2012
What Five Relationships Have Had the Greatest Impact on Your Life?
1.) Olivia Taub. This girl is my other half. Have you ever wondered if there's someone, somewhere in the world who is basically a clone of you? I have, and it's kind of a weird thought, I know. If there was though, Liv (I almost never call her Olivia) would be my clone. We met at camp, and we immediately became great friends. It's awful that's she's my best friend and I only see her a couple times a year- but it's fantastic that we can still stay best friends. We are literally as close to the sam person as we could be- we love the same music, the same movies, we find the same guys attractive, we like all the same people, we dislike all the same people, we have the same sense of humor, we're both dancers, we have similar style and the list could go on for hours. The first time she came to my house, she immediately got along with my family And the first time I went to her house, her mom and I started talking right away. We're just so similar, that we fit right in with each others family. She's made me more comfortable with who I am, and I hope I've done the same for her.
2.) Maddy Berkowitz Cerasaeno. She is the strongest girl my age I know. Her family is far from ordinary- I know her from temple and camp, so she's Jewish. (She and Micah (the next person on the list) convinced me into going to camp so that right there changed who I am today.) Also, she adopted from China while her younger brother is adopted from Cambodia. And on top of all that, I recently went to the wedding of her two mothers. She has the most diverse family I've ever heard of, and I love them all to death. Maddy has taught me to appreciate how good I have it. Not that her family isn't amazing- because they are. But my family is an ordinary family and I never get made fun of because of them. Maddy gets so much ridiculous hate about her family that she doesn't deserve at all. And yet, she is till an incredibly supportive friend and I value her friendship so much. Our friend Ben always jokes around when he sees one of us alone. If he were to see Maddy alone, he would run up to her and say "Where's Julia? Is she okay?" because Maddy and I are inseparable once you get us together.
3.) Micah Cutler. If it weren't for Micah, all of my friends would be girls. He was my first guy friend, and her honestly taught me how to be friends with a guy. If it weren't for him I'd still be that awkward girl who's almost scared to talk to guys. Besides him helping me get over my irrational fear of boys, he's the boy version of me. His birthday is even a day after mine. We're both just so sarcastic and blunt when you get to know us. We're the kids who walk into confirmation classes at temple singing at the top of our lungs while he's giving me a piggy back ride- and no one's surprised. We have such a close friendship, that people often ask us if we are dating. We're not and I don't think I would ever date him- he's just such a great friend and I feel so comfortable around him. He's like a supportive big brother- even though I am older than him... even if it's only one day older.
Olivia, Micah and Maddy are my camp family. The three of them have gotten me through so much and I only wish they lived closer to me, and I saw them more often.
4.) Michelle Breton. She's just so much fun to be with. Shell (that's what I call her) is pretty much a part of my family. I've been friends with Shell since we were about four. She's the friend that we take on vacation, and the one who when she comes over she cooks for me. Everyone in my family calls her Shell, and if one of us were to call her by her full name, it would be answered with a gasp. She's so close with my entire family that she's like the sister I never had. Knowing that I have a family member outside of my family is pretty cool.
5.) Shauna McDonald. She's the girl who appreciates me weirdness. We're both kind of bizarre when you get to know us. We've been friend since we were four so we've had a long time to get to know each other. In some ways Shauna and I are very similar, but in other ways we're incredibly different. That's probably what I value most about our friendship- we appreciate and adore the weird quirks that the other has. It's a great feeling when someone is totally okay with who you are and you're completely comfortable with them. I'm used to that at camp and temple, but at home in Guilderland people honestly judge you so much. So to have a friend in Guilderland who doesn't judge me at all is so fantastic.
6.) Justine Ochs. I've know her since I was about four. She has always been one of my best friend- Justine and the two above her, Shauna and Michelle, are some of my best friends. We like to call ourselves the Fantastic Four. I would be a completely different person if I hadn't known Justine for my whole life. She's just one of those people who you always have fun with. She's also the friend that I argue with the most. We get in little fights about the most random things- but it never effects or relationship. I love that I know I'll always have her. She's taught me what it's like to worry about a friend which has made a huge impact on me. She's just such a fantastic person and I worry that she might make some bad decisions but I know she's much smarter than that. My friendship with her has made me a better friend to everyone.
Almost everything I said for Michelle, Shauna and Justine applies to the other two as well. They're some of my best friends, and we've shaped each other into the people we are today.
(I know it said five, but I couldn't take one of these amazing people off the list!)
2.) Maddy Berkowitz Cerasaeno. She is the strongest girl my age I know. Her family is far from ordinary- I know her from temple and camp, so she's Jewish. (She and Micah (the next person on the list) convinced me into going to camp so that right there changed who I am today.) Also, she adopted from China while her younger brother is adopted from Cambodia. And on top of all that, I recently went to the wedding of her two mothers. She has the most diverse family I've ever heard of, and I love them all to death. Maddy has taught me to appreciate how good I have it. Not that her family isn't amazing- because they are. But my family is an ordinary family and I never get made fun of because of them. Maddy gets so much ridiculous hate about her family that she doesn't deserve at all. And yet, she is till an incredibly supportive friend and I value her friendship so much. Our friend Ben always jokes around when he sees one of us alone. If he were to see Maddy alone, he would run up to her and say "Where's Julia? Is she okay?" because Maddy and I are inseparable once you get us together.
3.) Micah Cutler. If it weren't for Micah, all of my friends would be girls. He was my first guy friend, and her honestly taught me how to be friends with a guy. If it weren't for him I'd still be that awkward girl who's almost scared to talk to guys. Besides him helping me get over my irrational fear of boys, he's the boy version of me. His birthday is even a day after mine. We're both just so sarcastic and blunt when you get to know us. We're the kids who walk into confirmation classes at temple singing at the top of our lungs while he's giving me a piggy back ride- and no one's surprised. We have such a close friendship, that people often ask us if we are dating. We're not and I don't think I would ever date him- he's just such a great friend and I feel so comfortable around him. He's like a supportive big brother- even though I am older than him... even if it's only one day older.
Olivia, Micah and Maddy are my camp family. The three of them have gotten me through so much and I only wish they lived closer to me, and I saw them more often.
4.) Michelle Breton. She's just so much fun to be with. Shell (that's what I call her) is pretty much a part of my family. I've been friends with Shell since we were about four. She's the friend that we take on vacation, and the one who when she comes over she cooks for me. Everyone in my family calls her Shell, and if one of us were to call her by her full name, it would be answered with a gasp. She's so close with my entire family that she's like the sister I never had. Knowing that I have a family member outside of my family is pretty cool.
5.) Shauna McDonald. She's the girl who appreciates me weirdness. We're both kind of bizarre when you get to know us. We've been friend since we were four so we've had a long time to get to know each other. In some ways Shauna and I are very similar, but in other ways we're incredibly different. That's probably what I value most about our friendship- we appreciate and adore the weird quirks that the other has. It's a great feeling when someone is totally okay with who you are and you're completely comfortable with them. I'm used to that at camp and temple, but at home in Guilderland people honestly judge you so much. So to have a friend in Guilderland who doesn't judge me at all is so fantastic.
6.) Justine Ochs. I've know her since I was about four. She has always been one of my best friend- Justine and the two above her, Shauna and Michelle, are some of my best friends. We like to call ourselves the Fantastic Four. I would be a completely different person if I hadn't known Justine for my whole life. She's just one of those people who you always have fun with. She's also the friend that I argue with the most. We get in little fights about the most random things- but it never effects or relationship. I love that I know I'll always have her. She's taught me what it's like to worry about a friend which has made a huge impact on me. She's just such a fantastic person and I worry that she might make some bad decisions but I know she's much smarter than that. My friendship with her has made me a better friend to everyone.
Almost everything I said for Michelle, Shauna and Justine applies to the other two as well. They're some of my best friends, and we've shaped each other into the people we are today.
(I know it said five, but I couldn't take one of these amazing people off the list!)
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
T = TGI Fridays
My restaurant is TGI Fridays which is located in Stuyvesant Plaza. The last time I went there was Friday night after a performance of Hairspray!. It's a GP tradition to go to TGI Fridays after the Friday night show. When GP went, they were extremely accommodating for us, and tried to put as many of us near each other as they could. They also stayed open until about one a.m. when we were almost the last people there (there was still a few people at the bar though) which was really great of them. My table had a waiter named Spencer, and he was hysterical. We had a lot of fun with him, and I'm sure he enjoyed a table of girls swooning over him. Everyone at my table with starving from the performance so we all got the "3 for $12" deal. I personally got an appetizer of dumpling, a main course of chicken and pasta, and for dessert I got an big Oreo- but instead of cream in the middle it had vanilla ice cream. I also got a berry smoothie which was really good. All of the food was really great. After the tax and tip, I ended up paying $25 even for my meal which I don't think is bad at all. TGI Fridays has a really nice and chill atmosphere. It's not somewhere you go if you want to go somewhere fancy, but for a fun night out with friends it's fantastic.
Monday, March 26, 2012
The Books That Changed My Life
My favorite books would easily be the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. I could go on for hours telling you what I love about the series; because there's honestly nothing I dislike about the series at all.
Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were my role models growing up, and I still admire them so much.
Harry's life is so far from the life of an average kid. He a wizard, he's famous, and he's a target to be murdered. Yet he manages to find so much in his life that's fantastic. He's determined and proactive as well. In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry learns of the dementors from Azkaban that come to occupy and protect Hogwarts from Sirius Black. Harry knows that there's no way he'd be able to fight Voldemort, or at the time Sirius, with the dementors around. So Harry asks to learn how to fight of the dementors so he's able to defend himself. One last thing I admire about Harry is how loyal he is. He and his bests Ron and Hermione argue all the time- what friends don't? They always find their way back to each other though. The three of them are the definition of amazing friends.
I'll be honest, I've always wanted to be Hermione Granger. She is "the brightest young witch of her time" after all. Not only is she a genius, but she's always been herself. No matter how many times Hermione got picked on for being so smart, or for having Muggle parents, she always stayed true to herself. She's so proud of who she is, and I think we need more role models like Hermione Granger. Of course like Harry, she's so loyal to her friends. Hermione often acts as an intermediary for Harry and Ron when they argue. Hermione has this amazing ability to listen to both sides, not take any sides, and help Harry and Ron make up with each other. I just admire Hermione so much and I honestly wish that she wasn't a fictional character because like I said, Hermione is the perfect role model for girls.
The reason I connect with the Harry Potter series so much isn't because of the fantasy aspect; though I love that part. Harry Potter is so amazing because of the relationships in it. The relationships within families, students and teachers, enemies, and friends. Relationships are something everyone can connect to and the relationships in Harry Potter really click with me. The Harry Potter series are hands-down my favorite books.
Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were my role models growing up, and I still admire them so much.
Harry's life is so far from the life of an average kid. He a wizard, he's famous, and he's a target to be murdered. Yet he manages to find so much in his life that's fantastic. He's determined and proactive as well. In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry learns of the dementors from Azkaban that come to occupy and protect Hogwarts from Sirius Black. Harry knows that there's no way he'd be able to fight Voldemort, or at the time Sirius, with the dementors around. So Harry asks to learn how to fight of the dementors so he's able to defend himself. One last thing I admire about Harry is how loyal he is. He and his bests Ron and Hermione argue all the time- what friends don't? They always find their way back to each other though. The three of them are the definition of amazing friends.
I'll be honest, I've always wanted to be Hermione Granger. She is "the brightest young witch of her time" after all. Not only is she a genius, but she's always been herself. No matter how many times Hermione got picked on for being so smart, or for having Muggle parents, she always stayed true to herself. She's so proud of who she is, and I think we need more role models like Hermione Granger. Of course like Harry, she's so loyal to her friends. Hermione often acts as an intermediary for Harry and Ron when they argue. Hermione has this amazing ability to listen to both sides, not take any sides, and help Harry and Ron make up with each other. I just admire Hermione so much and I honestly wish that she wasn't a fictional character because like I said, Hermione is the perfect role model for girls.
The reason I connect with the Harry Potter series so much isn't because of the fantasy aspect; though I love that part. Harry Potter is so amazing because of the relationships in it. The relationships within families, students and teachers, enemies, and friends. Relationships are something everyone can connect to and the relationships in Harry Potter really click with me. The Harry Potter series are hands-down my favorite books.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Bucket List
1.) Float in the Dead Sea in Israel. Every single person I've talked to about their trip to Israel, has told me about the Dead Sea. The pictures I've seen of the Dead Sea are so cool- pictures of people floating in the water, reading a book. Everyone loves it, and it just sounds like such a cool experience.
2.) Get paid for a dance performance. I know I'm not going to be a professional dancer- I don't have a dancers body, and I don't have the extreme determination required to be a professional dancer. But I would love to have at least one performance that I got paid for- something like a half time show. I just think it'd be the coolest thing to get paid for something I love.
3.) Be a camp counselor at a sleep away camp. My counselor made a huge impact on me this year. She taught be not to take everything people say to heart, but to always keeps other peoples emotions in mind. She never flat out said that, but that's what she taught me over the summer and it's really changed me for the better. To have to the same kind of impact on someone else would be the most incredible thing.
4.) Meet Daniel Radcliffe. If you don't know who he is, first; I'm disappointed. Second, he plays Harry Potter in the movies. I'm that nerdy girl who calls herself a "Potterhead" because of how important Harry Potter has been to me. When I'm upset, I honestly do go and read Harry Potter, and I feel like the books have taught me so many friendship lessons. SO you'd think I'd want to meet J.K. Rowling; and believe me, I do. The reason I want to meet Daniel Radcliffe more though is because he's the face I associate with Harry Potter. Not only that, but I'm a theatre nerd and he played the lead in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying for a while. He's just perfect to me. I don't know what I'd do if I actually met him. I'd probably cry.
5.) Ride and elephant. In my room, I have these three huge pictures on one wall. One is a picture of a water lily that I took. Another is a picture of me and my brothers. And that last, and my favorite, is a picture of an elephant that I took at a Zoo. I don't know why I love elephants so much, I just think the are the coolest animals. It would be a dream come true to ride an elephant.
6.) Own a business. I have no idea what I want to do in college, and even less of an idea about how I want to make a living once I'm a grown adult. I hate the idea of sitting in an office and doing nothing but paperwork- I can deal with some paperwork though. If I owned a small business, sure I'd have to do some paperwork, but there'd be so much more for to do since it would be my business.
7.) Go sky-diving. I love roller coasters, I love adventure course, I love high ropes courses, I love heights. Though I without fail get scared before I do any of those, I love the thrill. Sky-diving is the combination of all of those, and seems like the ultimate thrill.
8.) Become a confident solo singer. I've been singing in choir since the third grade, and I love being in musicals. I would love to be a lead in a musical one day, but as of right now I have no confidence in my voice. Once I find that confidence in my voice, maybe I could get a lead though and that would mean so much to me.
9.) Fall in love. I'm only a sophomore in high school, so it's no surprise I haven't been in love before. What could be a surprise though, is that I've never even had a boyfriend. I guess I'm kind of anxious about it, and I can't imagine growing up without falling in love.
10.) See every show on Broadway. I'm a theatre nerd. My list of shows that I want to see at the moment could go on forever, but right now Godspell is at the top of my list. I just love musical theatre so much, and I wish I had the opportunity to see every show there is because that would just be fantastic.
2.) Get paid for a dance performance. I know I'm not going to be a professional dancer- I don't have a dancers body, and I don't have the extreme determination required to be a professional dancer. But I would love to have at least one performance that I got paid for- something like a half time show. I just think it'd be the coolest thing to get paid for something I love.
3.) Be a camp counselor at a sleep away camp. My counselor made a huge impact on me this year. She taught be not to take everything people say to heart, but to always keeps other peoples emotions in mind. She never flat out said that, but that's what she taught me over the summer and it's really changed me for the better. To have to the same kind of impact on someone else would be the most incredible thing.
4.) Meet Daniel Radcliffe. If you don't know who he is, first; I'm disappointed. Second, he plays Harry Potter in the movies. I'm that nerdy girl who calls herself a "Potterhead" because of how important Harry Potter has been to me. When I'm upset, I honestly do go and read Harry Potter, and I feel like the books have taught me so many friendship lessons. SO you'd think I'd want to meet J.K. Rowling; and believe me, I do. The reason I want to meet Daniel Radcliffe more though is because he's the face I associate with Harry Potter. Not only that, but I'm a theatre nerd and he played the lead in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying for a while. He's just perfect to me. I don't know what I'd do if I actually met him. I'd probably cry.
5.) Ride and elephant. In my room, I have these three huge pictures on one wall. One is a picture of a water lily that I took. Another is a picture of me and my brothers. And that last, and my favorite, is a picture of an elephant that I took at a Zoo. I don't know why I love elephants so much, I just think the are the coolest animals. It would be a dream come true to ride an elephant.
6.) Own a business. I have no idea what I want to do in college, and even less of an idea about how I want to make a living once I'm a grown adult. I hate the idea of sitting in an office and doing nothing but paperwork- I can deal with some paperwork though. If I owned a small business, sure I'd have to do some paperwork, but there'd be so much more for to do since it would be my business.
7.) Go sky-diving. I love roller coasters, I love adventure course, I love high ropes courses, I love heights. Though I without fail get scared before I do any of those, I love the thrill. Sky-diving is the combination of all of those, and seems like the ultimate thrill.
8.) Become a confident solo singer. I've been singing in choir since the third grade, and I love being in musicals. I would love to be a lead in a musical one day, but as of right now I have no confidence in my voice. Once I find that confidence in my voice, maybe I could get a lead though and that would mean so much to me.
9.) Fall in love. I'm only a sophomore in high school, so it's no surprise I haven't been in love before. What could be a surprise though, is that I've never even had a boyfriend. I guess I'm kind of anxious about it, and I can't imagine growing up without falling in love.
10.) See every show on Broadway. I'm a theatre nerd. My list of shows that I want to see at the moment could go on forever, but right now Godspell is at the top of my list. I just love musical theatre so much, and I wish I had the opportunity to see every show there is because that would just be fantastic.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The Language of Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUV5r281XLY&feature=fvsr
^ link to the music video.
Lyrics to:
Milim by Harel Skaat
http://lyricstranslate.com
Hebrew Transliteration
Again, the sadness is here, again the fear is here
And the end is weaved in my window
A cracked glass and again silence
Exhausted and thrown, in my mind
The light is asleep and tears of blood
are burning in my throat
A scratched door handle, a falling ceiling
When I sing this last song to you
You left me only words,
a shelter in the shadows
Organized books and between the rooms
You lest me only words
a bouqe of locks
My God, you left me only words
The walls are silent now
and what did you take when you ran away,
yes, what did you take?
In this war you may have won
And what was left for me when you left?
You left me only words....
Even the ice gets cold when I remember
How today you are across from him
lit by his shadows
fall apart for him
the words you left me
you are now saying to him...
You left me only words.
Dear Michael,
Here's the story of us. Short and sweet. How we started with lies, and ended with lies.
You bumped into me in the hallway one day. You would never watch where you were going, you're much too cool for that. You helped me pick up my books though, I was in shock. You started talking to me. You walked me to class. You told me you thought I was beautiful. I believed you. I was floating for the rest of the day.
I found you standing in the same spot where we bumped into each other the next day. You told me you hadn't been able to get me off your mind. I believed you.
That night you called me. I still don't know how you got my phone number, Michael. We talked on the phone for hours. Our first real conversation was perfect, that's how I'd like to remember you. During that conversation you told me you felt like you already knew me. You told me you wanted to get to know me better. I believed you.
Fast forward a month or two. We're dating, and we're happy. We were as close to inseparable as you can get, without being obsessive. I cared for you. You said you cared for me. I believed you.
On our four month anniversary, you told me you were going to pick me up and take me out to dinner. Instead, you took me back to your house where you had cooked an incredible meal for us, and rented Titanic. That day, you told me you loved me. Like an idiot, I believed you.
A few weeks later, you said you didn't feel that way about me anymore. I didn't- and still don't- understand how a feeling like that can just disappear that quickly. I may still love you, but I'm over you now. I've moved on. What I'm not over, is all the lies you told me. How can you love me one day, and not two weeks later? Everything you said, and I believed were lies. That hurt me, Michael.
If you take anything from the story of us, let it be the power of your words. Please, please, please- do not say anything you don't mean. Sure, it made me feel fantastic and loved at the time. But Michael, look at where we are now. I truly believed those words; that I now see you telling another girl.
You left me with nothing but the memory of the lies you told me.
Sincerely,
Allison
^ link to the music video.
Lyrics to:
Milim by Harel Skaat
http://lyricstranslate.com
Hebrew Transliteration
Shuv ha’etsev kan, shuv hapachad kan
Vehasof nirkam bechaloni
Zgugit sduka veshuv shtika
Muteshet vezruka bedimyoni
Haor nirdam, dmaot shel dam sorfot li
bagaron
Yadit sruta, tikra shmuta
Cshe’ani shaer lach et hashir haacharon
Hesh’art li rak milim, miklat ben
hatslalim
Sfarim mesudarim, uven hachadarim
Hesh’art li rak milim, zer shel man’ulim
Elohim, hesh’art li rak milim
Kirot shotkim achshav uma lakacht keshebaracht?
Ken, ma lakacht? Bamilchama hazit ulay nitzacht
Uma nish’ar li kshe’alacht?
Hesh’art li rak milim, miklat ben
hatslalim
Sfarim mesudarim, uven hachadarim
Hesh’art li rak milim, zer shel man’ulim
Elohim, hesh’art li rak milim
Hesh’art li rak milim, miklat ben
hatslalim
Sfarim mesudarim, uven hachadarim
Hesh’art li rak milim, zer shel man’ulim
Elohim, hesh’art li rak milim
Vegam lakerach kar, ksheani
nizkar
Ech at hayom mulo, mueret
betsilo
Nishberet bishvilo, et hamilim shehesh’art li
At achshav omeret lo
Hesh’art li rak milim, miklat ben
hatslalim
Sfarim mesudarim, uven hachadarim
Hesh’art li rak milim, zer shel man’ulim
Elohim, hesh’art li rak milim
Sfarim mesudarim, uven hachadarim
Hesh’art li rak milim, zer shel man’ulim
Elohim, hesh’art li rak milim
Vehasof nirkam bechaloni
Zgugit sduka veshuv shtika
Muteshet vezruka bedimyoni
Haor nirdam, dmaot shel dam sorfot li
bagaron
Yadit sruta, tikra shmuta
Cshe’ani shaer lach et hashir haacharon
Hesh’art li rak milim, miklat ben
hatslalim
Sfarim mesudarim, uven hachadarim
Hesh’art li rak milim, zer shel man’ulim
Elohim, hesh’art li rak milim
Kirot shotkim achshav uma lakacht keshebaracht?
Ken, ma lakacht? Bamilchama hazit ulay nitzacht
Uma nish’ar li kshe’alacht?
Hesh’art li rak milim, miklat ben
hatslalim
Sfarim mesudarim, uven hachadarim
Hesh’art li rak milim, zer shel man’ulim
Elohim, hesh’art li rak milim
Hesh’art li rak milim, miklat ben
hatslalim
Sfarim mesudarim, uven hachadarim
Hesh’art li rak milim, zer shel man’ulim
Elohim, hesh’art li rak milim
Vegam lakerach kar, ksheani
nizkar
Ech at hayom mulo, mueret
betsilo
Nishberet bishvilo, et hamilim shehesh’art li
At achshav omeret lo
Hesh’art li rak milim, miklat ben
hatslalim
Sfarim mesudarim, uven hachadarim
Hesh’art li rak milim, zer shel man’ulim
Elohim, hesh’art li rak milim
Sfarim mesudarim, uven hachadarim
Hesh’art li rak milim, zer shel man’ulim
Elohim, hesh’art li rak milim
English
Again, the sadness is here, again the fear is here
And the end is weaved in my window
A cracked glass and again silence
Exhausted and thrown, in my mind
The light is asleep and tears of blood
are burning in my throat
A scratched door handle, a falling ceiling
When I sing this last song to you
You left me only words,
a shelter in the shadows
Organized books and between the rooms
You lest me only words
a bouqe of locks
My God, you left me only words
The walls are silent now
and what did you take when you ran away,
yes, what did you take?
In this war you may have won
And what was left for me when you left?
You left me only words....
Even the ice gets cold when I remember
How today you are across from him
lit by his shadows
fall apart for him
the words you left me
you are now saying to him...
You left me only words.
Dear Michael,
Here's the story of us. Short and sweet. How we started with lies, and ended with lies.
You bumped into me in the hallway one day. You would never watch where you were going, you're much too cool for that. You helped me pick up my books though, I was in shock. You started talking to me. You walked me to class. You told me you thought I was beautiful. I believed you. I was floating for the rest of the day.
I found you standing in the same spot where we bumped into each other the next day. You told me you hadn't been able to get me off your mind. I believed you.
That night you called me. I still don't know how you got my phone number, Michael. We talked on the phone for hours. Our first real conversation was perfect, that's how I'd like to remember you. During that conversation you told me you felt like you already knew me. You told me you wanted to get to know me better. I believed you.
Fast forward a month or two. We're dating, and we're happy. We were as close to inseparable as you can get, without being obsessive. I cared for you. You said you cared for me. I believed you.
On our four month anniversary, you told me you were going to pick me up and take me out to dinner. Instead, you took me back to your house where you had cooked an incredible meal for us, and rented Titanic. That day, you told me you loved me. Like an idiot, I believed you.
A few weeks later, you said you didn't feel that way about me anymore. I didn't- and still don't- understand how a feeling like that can just disappear that quickly. I may still love you, but I'm over you now. I've moved on. What I'm not over, is all the lies you told me. How can you love me one day, and not two weeks later? Everything you said, and I believed were lies. That hurt me, Michael.
If you take anything from the story of us, let it be the power of your words. Please, please, please- do not say anything you don't mean. Sure, it made me feel fantastic and loved at the time. But Michael, look at where we are now. I truly believed those words; that I now see you telling another girl.
You left me with nothing but the memory of the lies you told me.
Sincerely,
Allison
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Lucky Blog
For my tenth birthday, my Grammy Dee gave me a bracelet. It's an incredibly simple bracelet- it's a plain silver cuff with the word "Peace" engraved into it. It's simplicity is so beautiful, and I love this bracelet so much. I wear it every single day without fail. Occasionally I'll take it off for a few minutes at a time to polish it, and I really should bring it to a jeweler to get it reshaped. I've been wearing it so long, that it's pretty deformed now. The only times I ever take it off for more than a few minutes are for performances like musicals or my dance recitals. Even then though, I wear it all day leading up to the performance. It may seem weird that I take my lucky bracelet off for performances, but it's just that I'm not allowed to wear it during shows. It's always in the dressing room, in my bag though. I'm never far from it.
In twelve days, I'll be turning sixteen. In twelve days, I will have been wearing this bracelet everyday for the past six years.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
TU Tuesday- Crime
http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/Ark-police-say-sibling-shooting-not-accidental-3406357.php
http://www.cleveland.police.uk/young-people/The-Law.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youth_detention_center#Mental_Health
Can you arrest someone who is both mentally ill and young?
The article I read was about a little girl who is thought to have shot her younger brother. The girl is nine years old, and autistic. She had told everyone that two men broke in and shot her brother, but no evidence was found that someone had broken in. The police are starting to doubt that two men really did break in, and they're starting to think that the girl shot her brother and is lying about it. While I couldn't find information about New York state, in Cleveland you're not able to arrest someone under the age of ten. So while it's possible that the girl murdered her brother, right now there is nothing that the police can do about it. Once the little girl is old enough, she could be sent to a Juvenile Detention Center. Most detention centers provide mental health services. While many juvenile delinquents suffer from mental disorders, most of them are very different than autism. But the mental health services are provided, and someone like the little girl in the article could benefit from those services.
http://www.cleveland.police.uk/young-people/The-Law.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youth_detention_center#Mental_Health
Can you arrest someone who is both mentally ill and young?
The article I read was about a little girl who is thought to have shot her younger brother. The girl is nine years old, and autistic. She had told everyone that two men broke in and shot her brother, but no evidence was found that someone had broken in. The police are starting to doubt that two men really did break in, and they're starting to think that the girl shot her brother and is lying about it. While I couldn't find information about New York state, in Cleveland you're not able to arrest someone under the age of ten. So while it's possible that the girl murdered her brother, right now there is nothing that the police can do about it. Once the little girl is old enough, she could be sent to a Juvenile Detention Center. Most detention centers provide mental health services. While many juvenile delinquents suffer from mental disorders, most of them are very different than autism. But the mental health services are provided, and someone like the little girl in the article could benefit from those services.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Scurples
8. You buy a scarf from a discount store as a gift for a friend who is very label conscious. You have an empty box from a trendy store. Do you repackage the scarf in the box and give it to your friend?
I might use the box, but purely because it's a box to put the scarf in. I would never intentionally lie to a friend about something that I find ridiculously stupid. I personally don't wear much clothing with a brand name on it. Why would I buy a shirt with a brand name on it, and then wear it? That's like paying to advertise for the company. Say a purse has a little brand symbol on it, that's fine. But I find being "label-concious" ridiculous because there is no reason for it- except to try to impress others with material items. I might possibly use the box, but if my friend gets excited about the name on the box I would tell her that it was the only box I could find and that gift is not from that store. It really shouldn't matter where you got it- if you like something, use it.
I might use the box, but purely because it's a box to put the scarf in. I would never intentionally lie to a friend about something that I find ridiculously stupid. I personally don't wear much clothing with a brand name on it. Why would I buy a shirt with a brand name on it, and then wear it? That's like paying to advertise for the company. Say a purse has a little brand symbol on it, that's fine. But I find being "label-concious" ridiculous because there is no reason for it- except to try to impress others with material items. I might possibly use the box, but if my friend gets excited about the name on the box I would tell her that it was the only box I could find and that gift is not from that store. It really shouldn't matter where you got it- if you like something, use it.
Monday, March 5, 2012
My Blog Idea
Write an apology to someone who means a lot to you, but keep the person anonymous.
I love seeing him perform. His voice melts me. His acting is fantastic. When he slicks back his hair for his character, you can actually see his face and I love it. He's incredibly talented, but his personality is better.
I've known him almost my whole life, but we just became friends this year. What amazes me about him is how comfortable he is with himself. To be honest, I used to think he was a freak. He was always just kind of different. This year, I decided to give him a chance. I wish I had done it sooner. He has become a great friend. I love absolutely talking to him. I look forward to the part of my day where I spend a solid forty minutes talking to him. Today we talked about movies the whole time. Sometimes we play Tetris. Once, he explained the difference between half-steps and whole-steps to me (we're both music kids, but he's much more informed in it). He introduced me to my favorite band, and he talks me up when I'm not feeling confident. I admire him so much. Not only for his talent, but for how he's so comfortable with being a little different than other people, and how he makes sure everyone is comfortable around him. He's a person that really values others feelings, but doesn't let their opinions get to him. He's just such an incredible person and I wish I had the confidence to apologize for not giving him a chance earlier. I truly am sorry.
I love seeing him perform. His voice melts me. His acting is fantastic. When he slicks back his hair for his character, you can actually see his face and I love it. He's incredibly talented, but his personality is better.
I've known him almost my whole life, but we just became friends this year. What amazes me about him is how comfortable he is with himself. To be honest, I used to think he was a freak. He was always just kind of different. This year, I decided to give him a chance. I wish I had done it sooner. He has become a great friend. I love absolutely talking to him. I look forward to the part of my day where I spend a solid forty minutes talking to him. Today we talked about movies the whole time. Sometimes we play Tetris. Once, he explained the difference between half-steps and whole-steps to me (we're both music kids, but he's much more informed in it). He introduced me to my favorite band, and he talks me up when I'm not feeling confident. I admire him so much. Not only for his talent, but for how he's so comfortable with being a little different than other people, and how he makes sure everyone is comfortable around him. He's a person that really values others feelings, but doesn't let their opinions get to him. He's just such an incredible person and I wish I had the confidence to apologize for not giving him a chance earlier. I truly am sorry.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Revisions
Original Poem:
Dreams and New Shoes
Everyone tells you to follow your dreams. But what about their dreams?
What happened to the dreams they dreamt as a child? The dreams they dreamt wearing their red high top Converse.
Dreaming that one day, those Converse might change to high heels, or running shoes, or cleats, or even business loafers. Did the dreams come true?
Did the dreams die? What shoes are they wearing now?
I wonder what happens to past dreams. Dreams can't just disappear.
Dreams must go somewhere. Maybe, when I'm done with a dream
I'll give it to someone, someone who needs that dream.
Mimi Moriarty's Advice:
In Dreams and New Shoes, it was very clever to use a concrete image - shoes - to show time passing. Unfortunately, you abandoned the tactic when you started asking questions. I suggest you stay with the metaphor of shoes, and how people change when wearing different shoes. Don't be a wonderer - be a story-teller!
Revised Poem:
Dreams and New Shoes
Revised Poem:
Dreams and New Shoes
Everyone tells you to follow your dreams.
What happened to the dreams they dreamt as a child?
The dreams they dreamt wearing their red high top Converse.
Dreaming that one day, those Converse might change to high heels, or running shoes, or cleats, or even business loafers.
I have a pair of purple converse.
Maybe I'll end up with a pair of purple pumps.
My brother lives in his red ReZig sneakers.
He might get his own personalized pair of baseball cleats with red shoelaces, one day.
My mom wears tan leather wedges.
Did she have leather boots when she was a teenager?
Did she dream of growing out of them, and maturing to wedges?
Did my father wear moccasins, which magically transformed into loafers?
I'm dreaming of those purple pumps.
Walking into my office, standing tall.
I'm dreaming of being successful,
and putting my best foot forwards.
I liked the first poem a lot, which is why I submitted it. But I really think the revised version is cool. I scrapped most of the first poem to really go with the shoes idea. My favorite part of the revised version would be how I look at me and brother, but then our parents to and I start to think about where their shoes led them. The revised poem helped me get more into the idea of shoes representing growing up and I like that a lot.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
S= Eight People I Emulate
Dr. Suess-
Dr. Suess had a huge influence on my childhood, and even who I am today. "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better; it's not." is a quote from The Lorax that I like to say is like a motto for me. I emulate Dr. Suess because of the positive effect he has had on me as a person and I would love to inspire someone in the same way.
Shakespeare-
William Shakespeare was obviously a very influential writer. Although I don't think that I'm creative enough to write original pieces, I do love to write about things that happen to me (but tweaking the story a little so it's how I wish the event actually happened). I emulate Shakespeare because of how powerful his writing is to so many people, and I think it's be fantastic for people to treasure my writing that way.
Meryl Streep-
In my mind, Meryl Streep is almost immortal. She a fantastic actress, has an incredible voice and can dance. Not only that, but in every interview I've seen or read of hers; she seems like an intelligent likable person. I sing, I dance, and I act; though not nearly as well as her. I emulate Meryl Streep because of her amazing talent.
Shannon McDermmot-
I dance at The Dance Studio in Guilderland. Miss Barb is my dance teacher and Shannon is her helper, but Shannon is the one who actually teaches us. Once you get to high school, Shannon becomes almost like an older cousin to some girls, like me. She's such a great person. I envy her dancing, and not only that but she's some kind of doctor or nurse during the day. I emulate her because she's kind, smart and talented- who wouldn't want to be like that?
Stevie Wonder-
Stevie Wonder amazes me. I played piano for a few years a kid, but I didn't love it and eventually dropped. How he is such a talented pianist, and is blind is incredible. I emulate him because of his music ability.
Bruce Springsteen-
Bruce Springsteen is just a legend. In my head, he's the definition of classic American music. "Born to Run" never fails to get me to sing along. I'm not a great singer, but if I were and I made it big someday; I would want to be a household name like he is. I emulate him because he's a legend.
Suzanne Collins-
I'm a huge fan of the Harry Potter series; I proudly call myself a "Potterhead". When my friend told me to read The Hunger Games series, to be honest I didn't want to. For whatever reason, I felt like that would be betraying Harry Potter in some way- it's weird, I know. I gave in and read The Hunger Games though. I loved it, almost as much as I loved Harry Potter (nothing can top Harry Potter for me, so that's saying a lot). I have always been the girl that makes random Harry Potter references, and now I'm the girl who brings up The Hunger Games all the time. I emulate Suzanne Collins because her books have reached such a broad spectrum of people, and she's a fantastic author.
Jennie Somogyi-
Jennie Somogyi is a principle dancer at the NYC Ballet. She's been a featured dancer in so many ballets, but she's been in two of my favorites as well- Agon, and Apollo. I'm a dancer, and I do dance pointe. I'm never going to try to be a professional dancer; I love dancing and I'm pretty good, but I don't have the body, the natural talent, or the drive it takes to be a professional dancer. But as I dancer, I admire all the hard work I know she puts in to do what she does. I emulate to Jennie Somogyi because I only wish I was right for the role of a professional dancer.
Dr. Suess had a huge influence on my childhood, and even who I am today. "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better; it's not." is a quote from The Lorax that I like to say is like a motto for me. I emulate Dr. Suess because of the positive effect he has had on me as a person and I would love to inspire someone in the same way.
Shakespeare-
William Shakespeare was obviously a very influential writer. Although I don't think that I'm creative enough to write original pieces, I do love to write about things that happen to me (but tweaking the story a little so it's how I wish the event actually happened). I emulate Shakespeare because of how powerful his writing is to so many people, and I think it's be fantastic for people to treasure my writing that way.
Meryl Streep-
In my mind, Meryl Streep is almost immortal. She a fantastic actress, has an incredible voice and can dance. Not only that, but in every interview I've seen or read of hers; she seems like an intelligent likable person. I sing, I dance, and I act; though not nearly as well as her. I emulate Meryl Streep because of her amazing talent.
Shannon McDermmot-
I dance at The Dance Studio in Guilderland. Miss Barb is my dance teacher and Shannon is her helper, but Shannon is the one who actually teaches us. Once you get to high school, Shannon becomes almost like an older cousin to some girls, like me. She's such a great person. I envy her dancing, and not only that but she's some kind of doctor or nurse during the day. I emulate her because she's kind, smart and talented- who wouldn't want to be like that?
Stevie Wonder-
Stevie Wonder amazes me. I played piano for a few years a kid, but I didn't love it and eventually dropped. How he is such a talented pianist, and is blind is incredible. I emulate him because of his music ability.
Bruce Springsteen-
Bruce Springsteen is just a legend. In my head, he's the definition of classic American music. "Born to Run" never fails to get me to sing along. I'm not a great singer, but if I were and I made it big someday; I would want to be a household name like he is. I emulate him because he's a legend.
Suzanne Collins-
I'm a huge fan of the Harry Potter series; I proudly call myself a "Potterhead". When my friend told me to read The Hunger Games series, to be honest I didn't want to. For whatever reason, I felt like that would be betraying Harry Potter in some way- it's weird, I know. I gave in and read The Hunger Games though. I loved it, almost as much as I loved Harry Potter (nothing can top Harry Potter for me, so that's saying a lot). I have always been the girl that makes random Harry Potter references, and now I'm the girl who brings up The Hunger Games all the time. I emulate Suzanne Collins because her books have reached such a broad spectrum of people, and she's a fantastic author.
Jennie Somogyi-
Jennie Somogyi is a principle dancer at the NYC Ballet. She's been a featured dancer in so many ballets, but she's been in two of my favorites as well- Agon, and Apollo. I'm a dancer, and I do dance pointe. I'm never going to try to be a professional dancer; I love dancing and I'm pretty good, but I don't have the body, the natural talent, or the drive it takes to be a professional dancer. But as I dancer, I admire all the hard work I know she puts in to do what she does. I emulate to Jennie Somogyi because I only wish I was right for the role of a professional dancer.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
TU Tuesday- Culture
http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/Israel-raises-alert-level-after-overseas-attacks-3310661.php
http://www.jewishmag.com/106mag/poemsdruck/poemsdruck.htm
Israel is a huge part of my life. Ive never been before, but I'm so excited to say that I'm planning on going this summer. So when for this blog, you told us to read and write about a different country, I thought of Israel right away.
I'm so excited to go to Israeli. I'm excited to hike across Israel, to go to ethnic restaurants with falafel and pita, to try the famous chocolate covered pop rocks, to visit the Western Wall and to meet Israeli teens.What I'm nervous about though, is the fighting that is going on between Israel and Iran. When you search Israel on the Times Union website, the only articles that come up are ones about the conflict. The article I read reminds me "The Iranians and Hezbollah are determined to disrupt Israeli life and to act against Israelis all over the world". I am determined to go to Israel this summer, and the conflict won't stop me. But reading about just how determined Iranians and Hezbollah are to crush Israel is pretty intimidating. Going to Israel scares me, but I'm doing it anyways.
I read a poem about why Israel belongs to Jews. The entire poem was powerful, because of how it mentions the Jewish belief of Israel being ours. "Secure and not yielding to intimidation." Is exactly how I feel about Israel. I know it's in danger, but in my head it's safe. There has been too much put into Israel for it to go down in flames in my head.
I just want to go to Israel eat those famous chocolate covered pop rocks after visiting the Western Wall and hiking from sea to sea.
http://www.jewishmag.com/106mag/poemsdruck/poemsdruck.htm
Israel is a huge part of my life. Ive never been before, but I'm so excited to say that I'm planning on going this summer. So when for this blog, you told us to read and write about a different country, I thought of Israel right away.
I'm so excited to go to Israeli. I'm excited to hike across Israel, to go to ethnic restaurants with falafel and pita, to try the famous chocolate covered pop rocks, to visit the Western Wall and to meet Israeli teens.What I'm nervous about though, is the fighting that is going on between Israel and Iran. When you search Israel on the Times Union website, the only articles that come up are ones about the conflict. The article I read reminds me "The Iranians and Hezbollah are determined to disrupt Israeli life and to act against Israelis all over the world". I am determined to go to Israel this summer, and the conflict won't stop me. But reading about just how determined Iranians and Hezbollah are to crush Israel is pretty intimidating. Going to Israel scares me, but I'm doing it anyways.
I read a poem about why Israel belongs to Jews. The entire poem was powerful, because of how it mentions the Jewish belief of Israel being ours. "Secure and not yielding to intimidation." Is exactly how I feel about Israel. I know it's in danger, but in my head it's safe. There has been too much put into Israel for it to go down in flames in my head.
I just want to go to Israel eat those famous chocolate covered pop rocks after visiting the Western Wall and hiking from sea to sea.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Valentine's Day
I know Billy loves me because of his eyes. Scratch that, because of the way he looks at me. I don't know what color eyes he has to be honest, but the look in his eyes when he saw me said more than words could. He looked genuinely happy to see me.
It had been almost a year since I'd seen him last. About a year and a half ago, we met. We were both spending our day volunteering at the food bank. Most of our group has decided to work with sorting canned and boxed foods. Billy and I had talked at lunch and immediately we clicked. The two of us subconsciously decided to work with refrigerated foods- we knew no one else would want to. We'd be alone. And we were; we worked with sorting out the refrigerated food all day, all by ourselves. We talked the entire time. There was not a single awkward silence, making eye contact was never weird, and we obviously felt pretty comfortable with each other. I had never felt so comfortable with someone right away. We exchanged phone numbers, and went home. From there, we would talk every once in a while, but that was about it.
Six-ish months later, about a year ago from now we met again. I was working in a Sunday school classroom at my temple. It was the day of a big arts festival my temple has. I didn't know this, but there is also a 5K race the days of the arts festival. I was in the office of the temple, where the copy machine is making copies for my classroom. Out of nowhere, Billy walks in. He was drenched. He rad just ran the 5K, in the pouring rain. He saw me, and reached out to hug me but stopped short; he didn't want to get me wet. He shook my hand and we talked for a few minutes. We both had massive smiles on our faces the whole time. I had to go though, I needed to bring the papers down to the classroom.
This past week I saw him again. His parents work at the temple, I've learned. His mother works in the office as our bookkeeper. His father does odd jobs for us; he does the custodial work, as well as cook for the kids who come in for confirmation classes on Wednesdays. I walked into temple on Wednesday, and who did I see? Billy was standing in front of the doors to the large gathering room where we always eat dinner. He saw me, and just opened his arms. And I walked right into them. We let go and started talking- the look on his face was priceless. He was just so happy, and so was I. I was so glad to see him, and it felt fantastic to see that he was happy to talk to me.
The look he gave me proves to me that no matter how little time we've spent together, we really care about each other. Whatever you'd like to call our relationship, I know that it's going to keep growing.
It had been almost a year since I'd seen him last. About a year and a half ago, we met. We were both spending our day volunteering at the food bank. Most of our group has decided to work with sorting canned and boxed foods. Billy and I had talked at lunch and immediately we clicked. The two of us subconsciously decided to work with refrigerated foods- we knew no one else would want to. We'd be alone. And we were; we worked with sorting out the refrigerated food all day, all by ourselves. We talked the entire time. There was not a single awkward silence, making eye contact was never weird, and we obviously felt pretty comfortable with each other. I had never felt so comfortable with someone right away. We exchanged phone numbers, and went home. From there, we would talk every once in a while, but that was about it.
Six-ish months later, about a year ago from now we met again. I was working in a Sunday school classroom at my temple. It was the day of a big arts festival my temple has. I didn't know this, but there is also a 5K race the days of the arts festival. I was in the office of the temple, where the copy machine is making copies for my classroom. Out of nowhere, Billy walks in. He was drenched. He rad just ran the 5K, in the pouring rain. He saw me, and reached out to hug me but stopped short; he didn't want to get me wet. He shook my hand and we talked for a few minutes. We both had massive smiles on our faces the whole time. I had to go though, I needed to bring the papers down to the classroom.
This past week I saw him again. His parents work at the temple, I've learned. His mother works in the office as our bookkeeper. His father does odd jobs for us; he does the custodial work, as well as cook for the kids who come in for confirmation classes on Wednesdays. I walked into temple on Wednesday, and who did I see? Billy was standing in front of the doors to the large gathering room where we always eat dinner. He saw me, and just opened his arms. And I walked right into them. We let go and started talking- the look on his face was priceless. He was just so happy, and so was I. I was so glad to see him, and it felt fantastic to see that he was happy to talk to me.
The look he gave me proves to me that no matter how little time we've spent together, we really care about each other. Whatever you'd like to call our relationship, I know that it's going to keep growing.
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