Cross-Examination?

This blog post was a tough one for me. I always do what my mother tells me, and always do my chores...

Just kidding! What teenager actually does that? I discussed this blog with my mother recently, and she said that the thing that I would most likely be cross-examined for would be for not cleaning up my clothes. Sadly, this is true.

Unlike most normal mothers who just yell and say "Please just pick up your clothes!", my mom takes it to a whole new level. She gives me the normal "mom warning", but then she takes all of my clothes and throws them into the front yard. Now, I have to go retrieve my clothes, AND they are wet. So, If you ever saw me being cross-examined by my mother, this is most likely whats going on.

In the end however, I learn my lesson. And I refrain from leaving my clothes on my bedroom floor..for a while! I love you Mom!

Mask Poem

You think that you know me
But can you really be sure?

Sometimes I had behind my pure happiness mask
Full of yellows and oranges

Other times I show my more hidden side
A collage of blues, reds, and even the occasional black

Take a moment to think however,
Don't we all hide behind a mask?

Are we always in a state of ecstasy?
Are we always perfect?

I think not,
Thus I wear the mask.

CEL-E-BRATE Good Times, CMON!

Celebrate family.
Celebrate friends.
Celebrate shelter.
Celebrate EVERYTHING!

Celebration does not only have to be used on necessities. We can also celebrate everything we are thankful for in life, or the people we share these things with. For example, I am thankful for my family and friends who lift me up when I'm down. However I am also thankful for the little birds who build nests in the tree outside my window. I love waking up to that!

So to sum this all up, you can celebrate anything!

Writers Notebook--St. Patrick's Day!!

In my opinion, I consider St. Patrick's Day to be one of those various holidays that kind of gets stomped on by all of those other, "more interesting" holidays. Those holidays like, Christmas, New Years, or even your birthday! However, I kind of enjoy St. Patrick's Day.

I think St. Patrick's Day is a just a fun holiday where people can dress up, be somewhat spirited, and pinch each other. And what could be more fun than that? For example, today I have pinched a total of 6 people and me and my best are wearing pretty awesome green hats. I am quite enjoying myself!

So, before you completely consider "St. Patty's Day" to be just another boring holiday, try to just play along with the fun and maybe you will enjoy it!

Writers Notebook--Persuasion

Persuasion. This is a word and a technique that I, myself, have become quite familiar with. I normally only utilize this technique when I want to get something I want, or if I am trying to help a friend. However, I do use this technique more often then I probably should.

I wouldn't say that I am a professional at the art of persuasion, but I do my fair share of using it to my advantage. Normally, I use the tactic of persuasion that makes people feel sorry for me (Pathos). This type of persuasion can be used when I want to get another cookie at dinner, or when I want to be able to wait another hour before starting my homework.

Persuasion is being used all around us! On television, in magazines, and even on the Internet. No wonder children are beginning to use it more often!

Call of the Wild

"These men wanted dogs, and the dogs they wanted were heavy dogs, with strong muscles by which to toil, and furry coats to protect them from the frost." The novel, Call of the Wild by Jack London truly impressed me with its attention-grabbing plot and unique and colorful characters.

Call of the Wild is an action packed story about the difficult and unsuspecting life of sled dog. The main character, Buck, is tossed around from family to family after being taken from his original home. He has to be broken and raised as a true, cold-blooded sled dog. Throughout the story he learns how to be something he isn't used to. He takes a stand against the top dog, and he even leads the whole team to safety. However, everything goes horribly wrong when they have to make a 5000 mile trip. Can Buck and his team survive?

Each of the characters in this novel have a unique and wild personality. One of my favorite characters is the lead role, Buck. He is snatched up from his home and taken to live in all kinds of new places. However, Buck gains insight and strength and becomes "one tough dog". Another character that really stood out was Solek. He was nice, and always did everything that was asked of him. Though, when he lived in a world that was full of anger and hate, he had to learn the hard way that "all is far in love and war".

I do recommend Call of the Wild to any type of reader. Jack London does an excellent job of portraying the harsh life of a true sled dog.

Writers Notebook--Determination

Sometimes, I think that the people that are competitors in the Olympics are just crazy. They work 18 hours a day attempting to defeat the impossible, and then they go all over the world challenging OTHER people to do what they do. However, this type of commitment is worth a lot. Not many people understand that this type of opportunity doesn't come along all the time, and that this is a great honor.

There are very few activities that I would make this type of extreme commitment for. And sure, I play soccer and I practice 5 days a week running around after a ball just so I can kick it. But some commitments are much less intense than others. But, if the thing that was being committed to was important enough, I would definitely make that kind of commitment.