Playing a part in the school play and going to Beta convention might just kill me. Not literally, of course, but it really is extremely time consuming. This week is going to keep me so busy that it is very likely I will not get any sleep. In case you are wondering what exactly is going to have me so busy, I will share a run-down of my week.
Playing Sister Berthe in The Sound of Music, I have subjected myself to countless hours of rehearsal and singing. I have practice right after school on Monday for two hours, and then have another two hour practice on Tuesday night. Also on Tuesday, I have Beta convention practice.
I am also lucky enough to have to wake up super early two mornings in a row this week. On Wednesday I will be attending Beta practice before school and on Thursday you can find me at play practice at a lovely six a.m. I have to leave school after first period on Thursday because I have a doctor's appointment in Little Rock. Lucky me.
On Friday I am going to Beta convention and will get back from the trip at around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. I just want you all to know that if I yell at you this week, it is because I am stressed to breaking point. It is nothing personal.
Because I am positive that I am not the only one stressed, click here for a little information on how to keep your stress levels down
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Lock and Key(Taking a Stand)
Sarah Dessen once again touched my heart with her book Lock and Key. Over and over, Sarah Dessen's novels have spoken to me and told a story that I can completely relate to, and I love that about her work. Her unique writing is so easy to connect with and she always has a different story to tell.
In Lock and Key, Ruby Cooper lives a very dysfunctional life. Her mother can hardly keep a job for more than a few months and when she does snag a new one, Ruby is constantly dragged along to help. Ruby's mom is always going on spur of the moment trips, leaving Ruby alone for several days, but when her mother disappears and isn't seen or heard of in weeks, Ruby comes to realize that she has been abandoned.
Ruby tries her hardest to keep up with the rent and bills, but eventually her and her mother's landlords find out that she is a minor living alone. Social Services is called and Ruby ends up living with her older sister Cora and her husband Jamie.
Though Ruby tries her hardest to keep people at a distance, in fear of being hurt or abandoned again, she finds herself making friends and growing ever closer to the cute neighbor Nate. Ruby sees Nate's life as perfect, as she rides with him to school every morning and helps him with his errands, but she soon comes to find out that his past is as checkered as hers, and that his rough way of life may not be quite over yet.
Ruby had always thought that the need to independent of everyone was the most important quality to achieve. To her, owing anyone anything was weakness. But as she lives with her sister and brother-in-law longer, and as she learns of Nate's rough reality, she begins to worry and care deeply for others, and she gives in to her own need to be helped. Not only does Ruby allow herself to be helped, she begins to feel a burning desire to help others.
This book contained several themes. The first theme is to get to know people and to allow them to give help because nobody can carry all of life's load on their own. No one should be naive enough to assume that they can do everything by themselves. A second theme in the book is to take a stand for what is right or what is believed. In this novel, Cora and Jamie take a stand and bring Ruby to live with them after they learn that she has been abandoned. Later, Ruby also takes a stand and makes Nate let her help him after he has rejected her assistance for so long. Ruby's friend Olivia also takes a stand with her cousin Laney. Laney wants to run a 5K but Olivia knows that it may be too dangerous for her. Olivia tries her hardest to keep Laney safe.
I would recommend this book to girls of any age. It helped me to realize the importance of allowing myself to be helped when I think I have to carry a burden by myself. It also helped me to realize that there are always options out there, and that there simply are not just too many locks and not enough keys. We always have the keys we need, we just might need a little help looking for them.
422 pages (2 books)
In Lock and Key, Ruby Cooper lives a very dysfunctional life. Her mother can hardly keep a job for more than a few months and when she does snag a new one, Ruby is constantly dragged along to help. Ruby's mom is always going on spur of the moment trips, leaving Ruby alone for several days, but when her mother disappears and isn't seen or heard of in weeks, Ruby comes to realize that she has been abandoned.
Ruby tries her hardest to keep up with the rent and bills, but eventually her and her mother's landlords find out that she is a minor living alone. Social Services is called and Ruby ends up living with her older sister Cora and her husband Jamie.
Though Ruby tries her hardest to keep people at a distance, in fear of being hurt or abandoned again, she finds herself making friends and growing ever closer to the cute neighbor Nate. Ruby sees Nate's life as perfect, as she rides with him to school every morning and helps him with his errands, but she soon comes to find out that his past is as checkered as hers, and that his rough way of life may not be quite over yet.
Ruby had always thought that the need to independent of everyone was the most important quality to achieve. To her, owing anyone anything was weakness. But as she lives with her sister and brother-in-law longer, and as she learns of Nate's rough reality, she begins to worry and care deeply for others, and she gives in to her own need to be helped. Not only does Ruby allow herself to be helped, she begins to feel a burning desire to help others.
This book contained several themes. The first theme is to get to know people and to allow them to give help because nobody can carry all of life's load on their own. No one should be naive enough to assume that they can do everything by themselves. A second theme in the book is to take a stand for what is right or what is believed. In this novel, Cora and Jamie take a stand and bring Ruby to live with them after they learn that she has been abandoned. Later, Ruby also takes a stand and makes Nate let her help him after he has rejected her assistance for so long. Ruby's friend Olivia also takes a stand with her cousin Laney. Laney wants to run a 5K but Olivia knows that it may be too dangerous for her. Olivia tries her hardest to keep Laney safe.
I would recommend this book to girls of any age. It helped me to realize the importance of allowing myself to be helped when I think I have to carry a burden by myself. It also helped me to realize that there are always options out there, and that there simply are not just too many locks and not enough keys. We always have the keys we need, we just might need a little help looking for them.
422 pages (2 books)
Taking a Stand, Simba Style
Between great childhood classics such as The Lion King and Hercules, who can say that Disney movies do not teach children valuable lessons? When I was small and watched these movies I, of course, did not directly interpret the lessons being snuck into the entertainment. But now, looking back on all these films, I can clearly see several lessons, morals, and lifestyles being covertly taught.
In the popular Disney movie The Lion King, Simba is convinced to run away from his home by his very own Uncle Scar. Scar convinces Simba that he is directly responsible for the death of his father, and Simba, frightened by what the rest of the pride will think about that, flees from his pending responsibilities of being king. The young lion runs and finds a home with a misfit meerkat and warthog, Timon and Pumbaa, and does not think about his home until his long-time friend Nala crosses paths with him while hunting, but also bearing bad news. Scar ended up being a total jerk as a king and let the hyenas have free reign throughout the kingdom and Simba, upon hearing this, makes his way back to Pride Rock.
In the end, Simba confronts Scar for his rightful place as king of the pride, but Scar is unwilling to go down without a fight. Simba wins(because of course in the movies the good guy always wins) and gains his right to rule.
Simba's taking a stand affected so many characters, from himself to his friends to his family. His mom was incredibly happy to see him again, as was his best friend Nala. Timon and Pumbaa rejoice for his victory, and though they are not lions, they join his pride. But the most outstanding result of his taking a stand was that he found out the actual cause of his father's death, putting an end to the guilt he felt. He was able to reclaim him rightful place in the circle of life(haha, pun intended) and was able, of course, to live happily ever after
In the popular Disney movie The Lion King, Simba is convinced to run away from his home by his very own Uncle Scar. Scar convinces Simba that he is directly responsible for the death of his father, and Simba, frightened by what the rest of the pride will think about that, flees from his pending responsibilities of being king. The young lion runs and finds a home with a misfit meerkat and warthog, Timon and Pumbaa, and does not think about his home until his long-time friend Nala crosses paths with him while hunting, but also bearing bad news. Scar ended up being a total jerk as a king and let the hyenas have free reign throughout the kingdom and Simba, upon hearing this, makes his way back to Pride Rock.
In the end, Simba confronts Scar for his rightful place as king of the pride, but Scar is unwilling to go down without a fight. Simba wins(because of course in the movies the good guy always wins) and gains his right to rule.
Simba's taking a stand affected so many characters, from himself to his friends to his family. His mom was incredibly happy to see him again, as was his best friend Nala. Timon and Pumbaa rejoice for his victory, and though they are not lions, they join his pride. But the most outstanding result of his taking a stand was that he found out the actual cause of his father's death, putting an end to the guilt he felt. He was able to reclaim him rightful place in the circle of life(haha, pun intended) and was able, of course, to live happily ever after
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Taking a Stand, Natasha Style
Taking a stand is not always easy, but surprisingly it does seem to be easy for small children. I had no problem standing up for a cause or standing up to a bully when I was young.
When I was only four, my sister and I were playing after church with some other kids around our age. There was one boy(who will remain unnamed to save him embarrassment, because many of you know him)who was extremely rowdy and really loved to pick on little girls. On this particular day he decided that it would be fun to pick on my sister Breanna.
Big. Mistake.
He would not leave Brea alone and she was getting really upset, so naturally I was there to help. Now I am not saying I handled this the right way, but seriously, I was four. I ran up to this kid, who is two years older than me, punched him as hard as I could, and then yelled at him to leave my sister alone. It was definitely the wrong action to take, but it worked. He left Brea alone from then on. Brea was obviously pleased and, unlike my parents, she did not care that I had just hit a kid. I got into a bit of trouble, but I think it was worth it in the end after seeing my sister's face when she finally just got to relax and play without having to worry about being bothered.
Taking a stand is extremely important in our world. Everyone needs something to believe in, and there is no point in believing in it if we are not willing to defend the belief. I would like to encourage everyone to take a stand for something they believe in, although I recommend doing so in a nonviolent way. (I learned my lesson [[:)
When I was only four, my sister and I were playing after church with some other kids around our age. There was one boy(who will remain unnamed to save him embarrassment, because many of you know him)who was extremely rowdy and really loved to pick on little girls. On this particular day he decided that it would be fun to pick on my sister Breanna.
Big. Mistake.
He would not leave Brea alone and she was getting really upset, so naturally I was there to help. Now I am not saying I handled this the right way, but seriously, I was four. I ran up to this kid, who is two years older than me, punched him as hard as I could, and then yelled at him to leave my sister alone. It was definitely the wrong action to take, but it worked. He left Brea alone from then on. Brea was obviously pleased and, unlike my parents, she did not care that I had just hit a kid. I got into a bit of trouble, but I think it was worth it in the end after seeing my sister's face when she finally just got to relax and play without having to worry about being bothered.
Taking a stand is extremely important in our world. Everyone needs something to believe in, and there is no point in believing in it if we are not willing to defend the belief. I would like to encourage everyone to take a stand for something they believe in, although I recommend doing so in a nonviolent way. (I learned my lesson [[:)
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Never Teaching Teachers
One of my biggest pet peeves is when my teachers do not teach. It's like seriously, you were hired to pass on your supposedly supreme knowledge to your seemingly ignorant little students so that is what you should be doing! Here is just a few things that teachers frequently do when they should actually be teaching:
1. Grading papers from other class periods
2. Assigning busy work while they finish the book they just could not put down or do something else not class related
3. Working on things for other classes
4. Preparing a ten year long test for the class over stuff they have not even been taught (So what's the point of the test?)
5. Fantasizing about three o'clock
6. Sit there doing absolutely nothing (That is right folks! Your teachers really do just sit there and waste your time by doing absolutely nothing else besides sitting.)
Now do not get me wrong, I have some great teachers. They actually teach and they happen to be great at it. I bet the reason why the teachers who hardly ever teach are bad at teaching when they actually do teach is because they do not have any practice. Sounds plausible enough to me. Just a few tips for any teachers who might read this post:
1. If you have other stuff you absolutely HAVE to do, plan a short lesson and then use the left over time.
2. If you do not feel like teaching, quit your job because you obviously chose the wrong career.
3. If you feel you are bad at teaching, PRACTICE! Teaching your class will actually help you improve. It will show you what works and what does not, and I guarantee your attempts will be appreciated more than your students not knowing anything on the semester test.
Note to Mrs. Gillmore: I know there are several fragments in this post. I put them in intentionally because I felt they helped to convey my mood and position on this subject.
1. Grading papers from other class periods
2. Assigning busy work while they finish the book they just could not put down or do something else not class related
3. Working on things for other classes
4. Preparing a ten year long test for the class over stuff they have not even been taught (So what's the point of the test?)
5. Fantasizing about three o'clock
6. Sit there doing absolutely nothing (That is right folks! Your teachers really do just sit there and waste your time by doing absolutely nothing else besides sitting.)
Now do not get me wrong, I have some great teachers. They actually teach and they happen to be great at it. I bet the reason why the teachers who hardly ever teach are bad at teaching when they actually do teach is because they do not have any practice. Sounds plausible enough to me. Just a few tips for any teachers who might read this post:
1. If you have other stuff you absolutely HAVE to do, plan a short lesson and then use the left over time.
2. If you do not feel like teaching, quit your job because you obviously chose the wrong career.
3. If you feel you are bad at teaching, PRACTICE! Teaching your class will actually help you improve. It will show you what works and what does not, and I guarantee your attempts will be appreciated more than your students not knowing anything on the semester test.
Note to Mrs. Gillmore: I know there are several fragments in this post. I put them in intentionally because I felt they helped to convey my mood and position on this subject.
Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar, penned by English playwright William Shakespeare, hooked my attention and presented a controversial issue in a different way.
When this play was handed out to my English class, I was a bit wary because I didn't think it would be good at all. We started reading, and to my surprise, I actually liked it. Though in my opinion Romeo and Juliet was better, I still enjoyed Julius Caesar, and part of that was probably because it was easier to understand than Romeo and Juliet was.
The main characters of the play such as Caesar, Antony, and Brutus were actual people. The reason that I liked this play could have very possibly been because the story involves real people and actual historical events. It was really cool to see how Shakespeare interpreted these events and to see how he thought the characters would have reacted in certain situations.
The tragedy of Julius Caesar tells the story of the murder of Julius Caesar and the repercussions that his killers faced after his death. Marcus Brutus, along with a group of patricians, plotted to kill Caesar. Though most of the group aided only because of their jealousy, Brutus helped because he feared that Caesar would claim absolute power and become a tyrant. Their plan, which at the time seemed brilliant, ended up hurting them because Mark Antony, who dearly loved Caesar, turned the people of Rome against Brutus and civil war was brought upon the empire.
A theme of the play was that all acts bring about consequences and if you are prepared to commit the act, you better be prepared to deal with the consequences. After the conspirators kill Caesar, Antony turns many of the Romans against the conspirators and war breaks out.
I generally like Shakespeare's style and way of writing. He usually writes in poetry using iambic pentameter. Iambic pentameter can be recognized by ten syllables in each line, usually with every other syllable being stressed. In his plays, a lot of older language is used because of the time he grew up in. Because people in today's era aren't used to this way of writing, it can sometimes be very difficult to understand, but I think that the language aided to the historical aspect of Julius Caesar.
Though some of the play didn't interest me, all in all I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys plays or an unusual read.
209 pages
When this play was handed out to my English class, I was a bit wary because I didn't think it would be good at all. We started reading, and to my surprise, I actually liked it. Though in my opinion Romeo and Juliet was better, I still enjoyed Julius Caesar, and part of that was probably because it was easier to understand than Romeo and Juliet was.
The main characters of the play such as Caesar, Antony, and Brutus were actual people. The reason that I liked this play could have very possibly been because the story involves real people and actual historical events. It was really cool to see how Shakespeare interpreted these events and to see how he thought the characters would have reacted in certain situations.
The tragedy of Julius Caesar tells the story of the murder of Julius Caesar and the repercussions that his killers faced after his death. Marcus Brutus, along with a group of patricians, plotted to kill Caesar. Though most of the group aided only because of their jealousy, Brutus helped because he feared that Caesar would claim absolute power and become a tyrant. Their plan, which at the time seemed brilliant, ended up hurting them because Mark Antony, who dearly loved Caesar, turned the people of Rome against Brutus and civil war was brought upon the empire.
A theme of the play was that all acts bring about consequences and if you are prepared to commit the act, you better be prepared to deal with the consequences. After the conspirators kill Caesar, Antony turns many of the Romans against the conspirators and war breaks out.
I generally like Shakespeare's style and way of writing. He usually writes in poetry using iambic pentameter. Iambic pentameter can be recognized by ten syllables in each line, usually with every other syllable being stressed. In his plays, a lot of older language is used because of the time he grew up in. Because people in today's era aren't used to this way of writing, it can sometimes be very difficult to understand, but I think that the language aided to the historical aspect of Julius Caesar.
Though some of the play didn't interest me, all in all I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys plays or an unusual read.
209 pages
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Top 10 Leaders
1. Al Gore- tries to take carfe of environment, very "green"
2. Ghandi
3. Nelson Mandela- stood up for beliefs
4. Barack Obama- first black prez, now ain't that nice
5. Bill Clinton-helped improve economy
6. Jesus- saved everyone from sin
7. Eleanor Roosevelt- strong woman leader
8. John F. Kennedy
9. Optimus Prime- Optimus is fearless and amazing
10. Mufasa
2. Ghandi
3. Nelson Mandela- stood up for beliefs
4. Barack Obama- first black prez, now ain't that nice
5. Bill Clinton-helped improve economy
6. Jesus- saved everyone from sin
7. Eleanor Roosevelt- strong woman leader
8. John F. Kennedy
9. Optimus Prime- Optimus is fearless and amazing
10. Mufasa
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