Assignment #16: The Journey

My eyes open, and I cannot believe it’s 4 in the morning. I lie in my bed face up and look to the left. My window, surrounded by perfectly sanded oak log walls, is cracked open. I can see the stars twinkling in the dark black sky. This long tiring yawn magically makes its way out of my mouth and I taste the bad breath that accumulated during my 7 hour slumber. I hate morning breath. I was not tired anymore, so I did not know what I should do, but find something to occupy myself with and get my teeth brushed. I got out of my sleep number bed and stepped onto the glossy, wooden floor, then onto my purple, fuzzy rug that matches my bed comforter, my pillows and my desk. I made my way to my sky blue bathroom and took a shower. The feeling of the hot, warm water hitting my back and running down my feet soothed my muscles and helped me relax.

After my half an hour shower, I went to the kitchen. My kitchen was bordered with cherry cabinets and had black granite countertops. My undercounter sink was located in the center of my kitchen. Everything was in place. I had just finished cleaning yesterday.  I took out the peanut butter and the jelly to make myself a quick sandwich and then off to watch a movie. The sun started to rise around 6 o’clock in the morning and you can now see the different shades of green in my living room with a touch of white from the couches.

I heard the birds singing outside. It was a beautiful day in the middle of spring. I slipped on my bright orange zebra - printed rain boots that I always have sitting by the entrance of my cabin and stepped outside onto my patio. The wind picked up and brushed my hair on my face. The forecast did say it was going to be windy today. I could hear my patio swing, swing back and forth, back and forth. The aroma of the outdoor fresh air smelled of fresh rain. I love the smell of rain. I wondered why it would smell like rain if it did not rain yesterday and it was a sunny day today.

 I open my eyes from soaking in the creations of Mother Nature just from stepping out of the cabin and I looked around to the open pasture. About 10 feet away from the front of my house there is a big pond filled with Chinese Koi fish. My two favorite trees, the Cherry Blossom Tree and the Weeping Willow Tree gracefully gave off shade on the right side of the pond. Little small rabbits jump around the meadow and shared the green pasture with my 3 beautiful dogs: my German shepherd, my black lab and my golden retriever. I watched them run and play throughout the front yard, chasing one another. Although everything seemed like a dream, one specific thing caught my attention. I never really paid attention to the mountain that stood behind my dark blue shed.

The mountain caught my attention. I walked toward the mountain. It was strange and frightening at the same time because one big dark cloud hovered above that mountain and as I made my way to the mountain, I realized the smell of rain got stronger and thicker. It took about 10 minutes to get to the mountain when I noticed a dirt path making its way up to the peak of the mountain. Curiosity took a hold of me and before I knew it, I was starting a journey of excitement and a life changing adventure.

It got colder each time I increased in elevation and even creepier as I went higher and higher that even the bumpy, rocky, dirt path became narrower. I finally reached the top of that mountain and I stood in awe. I never seen so many butterflies gathered in one spot before in my life. They fluttered above a small river in the middle of the whole mountain that led to the base of the mountain. The mountain was surrounded by mounds of beautiful, lush, pure green grass that was topped with morning dew and the most beautiful periwinkles you will ever see. It started raining and I twirled and danced. I listened to the beat of rain drops hitting the surface of the river. It was beautiful; it made me smile from cheek to cheek. That was my music. It was weird, though, because as cold as it was I was not cold and as much as it rained my face got wet but my clothes and my hair stayed dried. The butterflies still flew around and you could see a clear bubble protecting them from the rain. It was amazing just watching the way of how nature works.

All of a sudden a series of many colors appeared over the mountain like a ribbon. The breeze from the colors hummed to me a melody I never heard. I always thought humming was nothing important until I heard this. It was nothing I ever heard before. The song the wind sang to me brought chills down my back and the power it had brought me to my knees. A bright glowing white dove flew on my shoulder as I was there kneeling in astonishment and amazement. This light grew in the middle of the sky, it was not the sun, but somehow it was brighter and more captivating and more soothing. I stared into the light and in an instant I blacked out…

Assignment #14: Persuasive Essay: Uniforms

 

          

            I honestly think that having uniforms is not as bad as we all think it might be. I mean the reason why it is not good idea to wear uniforms is mainly because, having the decision of wearing what we want helps us see the different cultures that surround us and make up the people who we love. Culture and religion makes up the diversity we have in our world. But the only place you will really find the mix of people is in America. Because of this, it makes people want to come to our country. We accept anyone and anything with arms wide open.

            However, lately, I have to question what is going on with America now, mainly, because of what happened on September 11, 2001, the mosque the Muslims wanted to build in Section Zero and the racism being brought forth again. Not to mention the bullying happening in the schools. Bullying is slowly making its way up to the charts as the number one problem in schools, I think. This brings me to my reason why we should wear uniforms in school. As much as I hate to be restricted with what I can wear and what I cannot wear, I rather sacrifice my choice of what clothes I want to wear for the safety of others. Yes, expressing yourself follows under the first amendment, but if you think about it there are other ways to express yourself. Everyone is smart enough to think of a combat to the things they want and agree with, so you can also be smart enough to think about other ways you can express yourself.

            You see if we all wear uniforms, we all wear the same thing. Wearing the same thing means it gives bullies less of a reason to bully them. They do not have to make fun of them for what they wear, the shoes they choose, if the clothes they wear is torn or bleached. Bullies tend to pick on the short people, the nerdy kids, the weird looking ones, the fat ones, and the one that smell weird, or just the one that looks poor. I hate it one people judge people just by what they bring into public physically. There’s more to people than what meets the eye, but I guess people do not see that. Just to make themselves feel better about themselves, they destroy others. They bring them down so much, they ignore the love and attention they get from others and come to the mindset that they are not worth a thing that people are better off without them and they are just another dead leaf on a tree. They allow suicidal thoughts enter their mind and think that that is the best thing to do.

            If you, literally, take time to think about how these children, these victims, feel we do not have to worry about what’s good for our schools: Uniforms or no uniforms. To prevent from cases like these, sure I would give up my privilege of wearing regular clothes for the sake of children being victimized by bullies. For the safety of the kids, also, think about during a lock down it is easier to spot the gunman from a crowd of students wearing the same clothing.

Bill Clinton once said, “People will learn to evaluate themselves by what they are on the inside to evaluate themselves by what they are on the inside, instead of what they’re wearing on the outside, then our public schools should be able to require students to wear school uniforms.” This summarizes all of my thoughts and feelings toward uniforms. I don’t think anyone could have summed it up better than Bill Clinton in this quote.

Another reason, to me, why uniforms are a good idea is because it saves us time. We can wake up later because we know what we have to wear. The more sleep, the better kids pay attention in class. It makes it easier for the school too. No dress code violations because we all have uniforms. We are all dressed alike so it gives a chance to actually get acquainted with the person rather than take a glance and “judge a book by its cover.” Uniforms help save parents money as well. They can forget about going school clothes shopping because all you need is uniforms. You don’t have to spend so much money on designer clothes and shoes when you can just go to Wal-Mart and enjoy a pair of khaki pants for about $25.00 and a polo shirt for about $8.00 to $10.00. This helps students concentrate on their education, focus on their studies and class assignments, rather than focus on each other’s physical apparel.

As much as people, think wearing no uniforms is better they are not thinking about the pros and cons of uniform wearing. Only selfish people would think about not wearing uniforms for their own benefit. Whether it is to impress boys or girls or to show off the amount of money their parents earn, the safety of the children comes first. Clothing are material things, if nothing else, people can learn that what’s in the inside of person matters more then what they bring forth physically to this world.

Assignment #15: Multiple Intelligence Essay (Ripples)

       Pick up a rock. Throw it in the water; what do you see? Ripples. They grow. From one small circle they spread and they get larger and larger. One person thrown into the middle of the crowd can make a ripple effect. From actions, ideas or even verbal usage, one ripple can make it a long way. An awakening

Assignment #12: The Black Cat

As I read the short story, The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe, I thought this story was a waste of my time until I reached the middle of the story. People who become intoxicated by alcohol do not realize the things that they could do until they do it. Then when they know what they did, they try to prevent it from happening again or go into denial making the situation even worse then what it already is just like the main character in the story.  

I am shocked of what happened in this story because I never knew the short story would have a twist to it. My eyes have been opened to the fact that alcoholics are as dangerous as serial killer with a knife. All the toxins in their body, dilutes their brains and their thinking. They lose the things the love the most. As I continue reading the story, it made it clear to me that the main character really didn’t care if he killed his wife, but rather he cared that he would not get caught for his crime. The Black Cat, I guess, to me was significant because the cat played a role as a test mark to see how much he really cared for his family. The 2^nd cat that came along was another test, but also played a role to make him feel guilty. I actually think that the 1^st cat was reborn into another cat to see if he would make the same decision or make him pay for what he did.   

Assignment #11: The Concrete Rose

Did you hear about the rose that grew from a crack in the concrete?
Proving nature's law is wrong it learned to walk without having feet.
Funny it seems, but by keeping its dreams, it learned to breathe fresh air.
Long live the rose that grew from concrete when no one else ever cared.

Why would a rose grow through a hard, sturdy, tough concrete? A beautiful rose: luxuries red, petals so smooth and untouched, smell so wonderful so attractive you almost thought it was just a picture. In the time of need everyone has something beautiful and amazing sprout out from the midst of their troubles, from the crack in the concrete. A red rose symbolizes love, respect, courage, passion and reveals unconscious beauty. I’m not a sidekick and I cannot read futures, but one thing is for sure, is that I can tell you never give up when you think everything is going wrong. Nothing is going to get you far enough in life if you quit. Always remember that your rose is going to grow through the concrete at your front door. Whether your rose is, the love of your life, a healing in the time of sickness, money for your financial needs, no homework for a whole week, or something that causes a turning point in your life, that rose is going to grow.

When Tupac said “it learned to walk without having feet,” I knew for a fact that, that line has more than one meaning. When someone is determined to do something that seems impossible to do, do not let that thing stop you. You can do anything if you set your mind to do. Every single one of us only uses one half of our brain, what happened to the other half? You know how many times I have thought about what humans are capable of doing if we actually did use our whole brain rather than one half? I think that if we use parts of our brains that we never used before, we are capable to walk through walls; do things we always dreamt of doing like flying or levitating objects or people. If you think you can do it, then you can do it.

“By keeping its dreams, it learned to breathe fresh air.” Dreams are one of the most powerful things in the world. Dreaming is like an entrance to a whole other dimension. It opens doors for a different world that you can create; a world that you live by and love to be in. A dream is a goal and goals are meant to be reached no matter how ridiculous it might seem. Love it and hold on to it because maybe that dream was the answer to why you are here standing in the middle of this world. If you think about it, dreams are also lessons in life. Dreams can teach you were you needed to be, why things occurred and happen the way they did. However, not all dreams are meant to explain to you the reason why things happen because life always has mystery and maybe you just weren’t qualified to know why. Learning, obviously, is something we do every day. Just because you don’t get it the first time doesn’t mean you can’t practice it and try to rethink different ways to learn it. Help yourself go through places your closest family thought you never could do. Prove them wrong and have them look at you with amazement, and disbelief because YOU did it. Take everything one step at a time and just learn to pass the obstacles, the tests, the trials, the tribulations, and the temptations. You’ll make it through. Become the next Bill Gates. J

Assignment #10: Bullying

I hate seeing people being bullied. I hate how things change in an instant when you switch schools or when you move to a different state. I hate it, also, when things do not change at all. Bullies may follow you to your next grade or the bullies stay behind, but you meet other ones that will tease you for the same thing. There is nothing you can do really when you are in the situation of being bullied. Your reactions just freeze you right in the spot, especially when your bullies threaten you. Trust me, I know this…

           

It started in 2^nd grade, Mary Burns Michael in Ms. Muller’s class. I loved making new friends and I was fooled and blinded by me wanting friends.  I was excited about school. I woke up every morning with my backpack on my back ready to learn, play and have some fun. All my life I have been used by people because of who I am and I guess that is what happened. I let them get to me, but at the same time I kept lying to myself.

“Edna? What kind of name is that? That name belongs to my grandma,” or they would say “hey grandma, need a cane?” or even “Edna Mode” from the Incredibles. I tolerated it. I thought they were my friends, so I figured it was okay. I never believed in the quote “stick and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That was just a load of dirty laundry to me. I could not believe that everywhere I went those insults sticked to me like gum on the bottom of a shoe. It seemed to me that it would never end.

Sadly, I was right. Actually, the insults never ended; it just wasn’t on the daily like it was in elementary and middle school. High School is a whole different story. I know who my friends are and who aren’t. I know when they are making fun of me and when they are just joking around not meaning it. No one has called me grandma in 4 years, but most of my good friends, the ones that I’ve known for more than 2 years call me Edna mode. It doesn’t pain me when I hear that, it just rubs off of me.

Another time I was bullied because of how my ears would stick out. My ears are kind of abnormal from others. I was teased left and right. My other nickname for my elementary school year was Dumbo. I hated that name, even though I loved that movie. I cried when I was alone in the restroom. I could not go through the hallway by myself for 2 minutes before someone would yell out for “DUMBO!”   That name slowly wore off as years passed.

I never bullied anyone in my life. I hated the way they treated me. I never had the guts to stand up for myself because I was so scared. When I realized that their words were lies and whatever they said about me was not true, their insults did not hurt me. I got the courage to help other children who were bullied too. I stood up for them and I was more like a therapist to them. I always try to make people feel like they are worth more than what other people treat them.

Right now, I’m trying my hardest to have all the patience in the world to help my eight year old cousin. He’s been bullied and beaten. This particular kid in his class named Josh, always kicks him and punches him. As I talk to him, I can feel the pain in his voice. His tears stream down his face, and I start tearing up. He tells me no one likes him, that no one tells him his cool, and loving. It hurts me even more when he told me he doesn’t think I love him. My heart shattered. I was stressing with my homework and I had no idea what I was doing, he smacked me on the side of my head and I got mad. I guess the expression on my face made him feel like all he did right was make mistakes. I recently found out he almost tried to commit suicide… a 3^rd grader… 8 years old…

What does that tell you about bullying?

Assignment #13: Halloween Haiku

Clowns come out to play. Monsters call out to their friends. Ghosts start to pass by.

Witches cast their spells. "Children do not be afraid!" That is what they say.

Dolls do attack you. Halloween night is the day. Scary Haunted House.

Assignment #9: Alien Contact

It’s happening again. My eyes are twitching in astonishment. I'm reliving my 5^th grade year. Geez, I thought I had out grown this. I’m standing in the middle of the hallway, in my house, staring at this deformed dog-like figure. I remember like it was yesterday, my best friend, my buddy. It’s been 6 years, but it can’t be. He wasn’t supposed to come back.

            I close my eyes and open them…no one is there. I must be losing my mind. I’m stressing too much. I have 4 more papers to do plus pre-cal homework and its only 8:22 PM. I yawn. That it explains it too, I’m tired and so sleepy. I can be hallucinating. Yeah that’s it, I’m hallucinating. I head to the kitchen table and start one of my papers. I stumble on the computer keyboard trying to figure out what to write about while my little cousin is doing his homework with my favorite crayons right beside me. I can’t concentrate. I keep thinking about my old friend.

            As the time passes by, my eyes slowly start to close. I’m still sitting on the table trying to figure out how I am going to extend this paper. I gave up and my head crashes onto the computer keyboard. I black out. In my dream, my old, blue friend kept walking back and forth in my head. His hands were behind his back like if he was waiting for me or something. Then the lights, in my dream, kept flickering. I had a flashback of when he and I went to go share a piece of cake. Wow, good times. All of a sudden, the scene flushed away like a toilet flush and I woke up.

            I was late to school that morning. I threw on some sweats and a sweatshirt and rushed my way to my first period, U.S history. I tried to stay awake knowing that we were going to have a test on the lecture my teacher was giving out. Sadly, I failed and woke up to the sound of the bell for dismissal. I walked outside the building and just my luck, it was pouring! I dropped my stuff, when the tardy bell rang. I looked up and no one was around. Everyone was inside and in class. As I walked to the front office, I passed someone, but I could not make out who it was. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed this creature following me. I started to run and he started to run after me. I tripped over my stupid shoelace face first. I turned over to lie on my back and this thing started to lick me. Geez, what’s going on???? I’m going insane. This is definitely not my week. I finally, push the sucker off of me and wipe my eyes to see what was on top of me.

            NO WAY!!!

            “Hi friend, I’m Stitch.” That little monster scared the living day lights out of me. I could not believe he came back.

            “Stitch! What are you doing here?” As scared as I was, I was still happy.

            “I missed you. They said I can stay.”

            “That’s great! So were you following all this time?”

            “Jess. I’m sorry if I scared you. I didn’t know how else to approach you.” Stitch’s head was down like he was ashamed. I grabbed him and hugged him and took him to Starbucks. We shared a marble cake plus a vanilla bean Frappucino. We talked about what we have been up to for the past 6 years. Obviously, things have changed, but I got reunited with my blue, small, dog-like creature alien friend.  

Extra Credit

Swiftly, her feet move across the polished floor
A dress so big and beautiful.
Round and outstanding, her fellow man stares into her eyes.
Smiles, like the moon in a dark sky,
light up the ball room.
Quickly, the beat and the rhythm of the music makes them fly.
They twirl, spin and glide
Slowly as the sweet music comes to a stop,
a kiss is layed onto the fair lady's lips
and he departs off into the night.
Her Prince Charming, where has he gone off too?