Women Lie, Men Lie, Numbers Don't

Here's the top ten reasons why you should take AP English 11, and even continue on into 12:

1.  The books you will read (with the exception of a few like Amsterdam) are very good, namely One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and In Cold Blood.
2.  Ms. Serensky is actually one of a kind, take that as you will, she is a lot nicer than she seems.
3.  The people you engage in classroom discussions with are (mostly) intelligent and won't judge you for speaking intelligently.
4.  Again on classroom discussions, they are fun and bringing up extreme viewpoints is also fun because people get mad at you and it is always fun to provoke people into fighting you or each other.
5.  You are greatly prepared for the AP test and just engaging in the lessons will guarantee a passing grade.
6.  SOAPSTones are your friend.
7.  Your intelligence will increase exponentially, if it does not we guarantee your education back.
8.  You will remain with the same teacher and the same people if you choose to continue on to AP English 12, which is nice as you are already accustomed to those in AP English if you were not before.
9.  Ms. Serensky has a quote on the board everyday.  Sometimes they are by Dr. Dre.
10.  If you are lucky enough you might be read an excerpt from Thomas' journal. 

McAljunphy

Junior: "These days, I'm finding my powers of self-delusion are sort of epic" (97).
McMurphy: "'Let me talk to 'em" (141).
Algernon: "'Oh, well!'" (25).
Junior: "'Ok then'" (99).
McMurphy: "'Get to your duties'" (150).
Algernon: "Of course I admit that the faults were all on my side'" (29).
Junior: "'This is the end of the line'" (123).
McMurphy: "'Don't it work alright or something?'" (179).
Algernon: "'Oh, do let me read them'" (33).
McMurphy: "'Take it easy'" (191).
Algernon: "'That is exactly what things were originally made for'" (15). 
McMurphy: "'I plan to stay clear of that'" (193).
Junior: "'See you later'" (123).
Algernon: "'Well I'm hungry'" (17).
McMurphy: "'Visions from the Devil'" (195).

Tha Fog

"Nobody complains about all the fog," no one else but me (128).  No one else can see it but my favorite book.  It's like when I'm reading the book "I can taste the splinters" of the pages.  The intense empathy that bromden feels is also transfered to me.  The book speaks to me on a whole other level.  The story itself, conceptually is amazing, and the characters are animated within my mind.  I also enjoy that Kesey blanced his own experiences with his imagination to provide for an interesting story.  Similarly, I feel as though mental illness is something that everyone fears.  The only difference is that I confront my fears while others fear to face fear.  Sometimes I feel as though our classroom models the book too, and I can relate to that.  I can relate to Bromden when the nurse, "stabs me again with both eyes as I go past her" (152).  Sometimes I feel like Ms. Serensky does that to me.  Other times I feel like I am in the fog when she says things like, "Jimmy's naked," becasue thats simply not true and I wonder if I am missing something. But one day I will be free of the chains that bind me to this school and I will escape the fog.

Look at Me Now

These top 10 were honestly pretty hard to think of since I haven't really attempted to remember much of this since I don't really plan on basing my success on my highschool moments or telling my new friends in college, "Oh and guess what so and so did in blank's class."  On another level, most of these will hardly seem entertaining as I haven't been in a gang fight or a school yard brawl, but I'll try my best to provide.  These next events are in no particular order and if I can even come up with 10 to match with quotes before 12, as it is 11:12 right now, I'll be impressed. I also decided to count the numbers in Chinese, because I can.

Number Yi
Talking about sea turtles for an entire period in Mr. Brownlow's APUSH class for an entire year comes to the front of my mind when I think about memorable events.  The fact that it had no relation to class or the AP test in two days made it even better.  If one had walked in the classroom at that point they might have, "thought the whole bunch was crazy as loons" (Kesey 145).

Number Er
This is not necessarily a moment in high school but it happened sophomore year and I'm surprised Dom didn't mention it since both he and Alex K. were on the team.  Going to global competition for Destination Imagination also stands up there in memorable events.  Even though we came in sixteenth out of some eighty teams, our bad behavior still reminds me of Mrs. Marino's "ranting and screaming behind us" (Kesey 144).

Number San
Getting inducted into the Cum Laude should probably rank up there too, although I don't mean to brag, but then again Ms. Serensky talks about her Valedictorian all the time.  Most of the people in AP English got inducted into it anyway.  I guess all that hard work paid off in the end.  Too bad it doesn't help "to bring some [of these memories] clear in my mind again" (Kesey 325).

Number Si
Going through four different Chinese teachers also stands out in my mind.  The school's inability to form a Chinese program as well as my class's terrible behavior seemed to chase them all away.  Either way the whole experience seemed to me as quite an event.  However, two still remain...for how long I wonder?  Maybe they "were wise to welcome everything" (Currie 292).

Number Wu
This is where it gets hard.  I guess along with Chinese...when Jeff and I drew a picture of the American Revolution with George Washington in a tank and attempted it to relate it to the Chinese dialogue for the day kind of sticks out.  Some how the teacher never caught on and that seemed to be one of the only skits we got an A on.  I really do suppose "anything, anything, anything is possible" (Currie 302).

Number Liu
I guess I would have to include writing my first data sheet.  To be honest it really wasn't as bad as I thought.  It was tedious but I think that I would rather do one than a paper.  I seem to get better grades on them.  But data sheets just go to prove that every detail, every little thing matters, "everything matters" (Currie 292).

Number Qi
I never thought myself as the type, but having a relationship and high school and even continuing it now while the person is not even present in school has helped me to get through high school.  I guess I might add, besides education and some friends, that it is one of the positive things to come from high school.  I guess I always thought "I couldn't wait all that time" but then again I guess I was wrong (Wilde 49).

Number Ba
This is a little random, but having classes with Stemler really sticks out in my mind.  If you haven't had a class with Justin I feel bad for you.  He is very funny and never fails to comment on others ignorance with me.  He also got me mildly addicted to Mountain Dew for a short while.  Justin wouldn't put up with "any Bunburying," he would put a stop to it at once (Wilde 29).

Number Jiu
Traveling to Costa Rica also proved as a high point.  I never thought that traveling with a school group would actually be fun.  But naturally Carolyn was there, so the party was also there.  All jokes aside, I actually had fun and met a friend who I actually still stay in contact with.  Going to that country and meeting all the friendly people "I couldn't expect a more enthusiastic welcome" (Wilde 29).

Number Shi
"Of course I would admit that all the faults were on my side" (Wilde 29).  Of course I must reference and repent for all of those comments and jokes that I have made at others expense.  But high school would have been meaningless without laughter.  Besides, we have all done this.  And who has proved as a better example of making fun of people than our own teachers.  I'll save all the good names to prevent any feud here. 

I guess that tops it.  There's my top ten. And all before 12am.  I really am amazed at myself this time.  But I guess, when am I not?  And hopefully "one by one others will join me [in reading this blog]" (Currie 301).

Houses With Tears

Out of all the poems for the grueling poetry papers that I had to write, "Sestina" by Elizabeth Bishop, proves as my favorite one.  The imagery and contrast between child and grandmother clearly conveys that, "Everything matters" (Currie 276). One acts innocently, unexposed the the world, while the grandmother has proved a seasoned veteran of life's conflicts.  However, the idea that the child is a seed and that the grandmother serves as a guiding figure presents the image of "a warm blanket of humanity" (Currie 302).  Clearly, the grandmother does not want to child stained as a result of exposure to traumatizing events.  The rain, the almanac, and the other objects in Bishop's poem remain personified and display comfort to the grandmother, yet clearly remind her of the tragic event that she evidently weeps over.  However, the innocent child remains unaware of this and continues to draw houses.  Although these pictures also have elements of sadness and images resembling tears, the child does not seem sad or shaken.  The mental state of the child conveys that "anything, anything, anything is possible" (Currie 302).  I love this poem because of all of the complexity of the events that occur in the poem.  The personification and contrast in characters add to the complex meaning of the poem and allow it to stand out in my mind.

AP English in "High Style"

I really struggled to remember my favorite day, not to say that class is not memorable, but just simple that school is not important to me after after I exit the building.  I was able to recall one day however, a day that I label "High Style."  The class discussion was focused around everyone's favorite book Amsterdam.  Although, I kind of feel like Bromden when I read Amsterdam, "I can taste the slivers in my mouth" (Kesey 176).  However, that all took a back seat on this day.  As usual, the discussion proved very general with the usual people talking and Jillian getting embarrased and what not.  Then something magical happened.  It was an event that "made Hiroshima look like a cherry bomb" (Currie).  Chris was dubbed "High Style" as well as the coolest kid in class.  Now, my memory from that day is a little hazy, but this is what I think happened next.  A bolt of lightening shot down from the sky into the classroom and hit Chris giving him divine powers.  He suddenly had a new appearance as well: slicked back hair, some aviators, a flip comb, and a fresh pair of pastel shorts that Donley might be seen wearing.  He was without a doubt, too cool for school.  He then had us do all of his work, data sheets and papers.  He even tricked Ms. Serensky into giving him an A for the semester and got her to call up her people in the college board to secure a 5 on that upcoming test.  He was so cool that it would be "out of the question" for even Lady Bracknell to deny his coolness (Wilde 49).  And that is actually how class would have been run everyday since then. However, Chris recognized his power and being so cool decided not to use it all the time.  Only when he has to.  Maybe tomorrow "High Style" will emerge again.

Basically an accurate representation of High Style


"LL COOL J"

The Normal Abnormalties: What Happens When Two Worlds Collide

The scene.  Lane has retired from Algernon's service and now works for Rodney as a person servant.  This is his first day on the job. Lane knocks at the door.  Rodney answers.
Lane:  Why hello, you must be Rodney?  I'm Lane, your new manservant.
Rodney:  "I'm cocaine addict" (133).
Lane: Oh...(awkward silence) I'm very sorry to hear that sir.
Rodney:  Oh, no I mean it's really not a big deal.  I'm sorry, where are my manners?  I'm Rodney.  You can come in if you want.  So, you want anything to eat?
Lane:  No sir.  And aren't I supposed to be getting you the meals?
Rodney:  Nah just forget about it.  You play any ball?
Lane: "I have had very little experience of it myself up to the present" (1).
Rodney:  Listen Lane, enough idle chat, there's just something I've gotta say...(Rodney cues the Marvin Gaye)..."I'm gonna get real weird with it."
Lane:  I don't think this was in the job description sir.
Rodney:  Listen Lane, "that doesn't make me feel better about where I'm at" (132).
(Rodney begins to take his clothes off).
But you can't say I didn't warn you.  (The music begins to intensify, and Lane begins to sweat.  All of a sudden a knock is heard at the door).
Lane: I'll get that sir.
(Enter the Asian Fast Food Man)
Rodney (with just pants on): Oh, I forgot I ordered Chinese.
(Lane pays the bill)
Rodney: Lane help! Heeeeeeeeeeeeeelllllllllpppppppppp!
Lane: Dear Lord! What is the matter?
Rodney: This happens every time, I can't get these poopy boxes of Chinese food open!!!!  I try every time! Every time! But I can't ever get it! "I wish dad was still here because he'd know just what to do" (237).
(Lane picks up a box and opens it with ease)
Rodney (still half naked):  Wow! That was a neat trick! Do it again!
(Lane proceeds to open the rest of the food)
So Lane, tell me about what you do in your free time.
Lane:  Well sir, usually I go out clubbing on the east side of town with some of the chaps around there.  We usually end up at a show or the bar.  On a normal night I usually have about "eight bottles and a pint" (1).
Rodney: Oh you don't say?  My brother Junior goes there a lot.  I bet he could out drink you though, I bet he beats you in flip cup.  He's always playing that here.  Usually he plays against himself, since I'm not allowed to drink.
Lane:  Oh, you don't say?  Where is this brother of yours?
Rodney:  Well the last I knew he was tripping on DXM, GHB, percocet, and a combination of some methamphetamines.  He's growing some weed in his room if you want some.  Personally, I don't touch the drugs.
Lane:  I thought you mentioned that you were a cocaine addict sir?
Rodney:  Who told you that?  Why are you trying to bring up such dark points in my past Lane? Huh Lane? You know I'm getting very angry.  Very, very angry.  And you don't want to see me when I'm angry. 
(Lane looks for various exit points)
(Rodney chuckles)
Oh I'm just kidding Lane.  That was really funny, your face got red!
Lane: ....
Rodney: Anyway, I'm kind of nervous, I actually haven't seen Junior since he left the house on Tuesday as high as a kite.  "I'm worried someone kidnapped him" (136).
(An alarm rings on the clock in the kitchen).
Rodney: Geeeezusss Lane! What time is it?
Lane: About half past eight sir!
Rodney: Bedtime!!!!!!! Whooooooo!!! Bed time, bed time!
(After Lane reads Rodney several Dr. Seuss stories, accompanied by a massage and several cookies, Rodney dozes off to sleep)
Lane decides not to serve Rodney and quietly leaves.  He then dials a number on his phone.
???: Hello Lane, where are you it's nearly 12!!!
Lane:  I'm sorry Junior your brother was quite a handful, I'll be at the bar shortly.
Junior:  Well hurry up! We've already finished up the Grey Goose and the Yak is going fast! (Chatter in the background).
Lane:  Be there in five.  You think Rodney will mind if we drive his Lambo?
Junior:  Hell nawww. But I like the Bentley better.
Lane: Alright, I'll take the Bentley, see you in five.
End scene.

The Best Day Ever :0

I know a lot of people will probably disagree with this but I really, for lack of even better words, do not care at all.  I have decidedly chosen that Junior's "best day ever" served as without a doubt the day that the Destroyer of the World's hit the earth, causing what was most likely mass destruction and panic.  After all, the voice in Junior's head notes that "all of [them] feel everything" (302).  The voice indirectly characterizes Junior's feelings, also subtly hinting that indeed this is what Junior wanted in this life that he literally wished for.  However, Junior's closeness to his family is not the only reason as to why it is his best day ever.  Junior has finally realized that "everything ends, and everything matters" (292).  This juxtaposes Juniors prior trains of thought in which he could not come to terms with the Destroyer of World's.  The juxtaposition indirectly characterizes that he has finally learned how to face the Destroyer of World's, prompting a tone of togetherness, proving only further that today really is his best day ever.  Also, in his final moments, Junior no longer sees "visions that make Hiroshima look like a cherry bomb" and instead he sees the Destroyer of the World as a magical entity that has brought him closer to his family than he ever imagined.  The simile greatly juxtaposes Junior's current vision of the Destroyer of World's as it comes toward the earth.  The juxtaposition creates a content tone, as Junior feels fulfilled after living two separate lives.  One brought safety to earth, with the drawback of personal abuse and anguish.  While one allowed Junior personal freedom and pleasure, with the drawback of earth's destruction.  However, Junior chose the second life after all and knew what he was getting into.  So clearly, why not make his last day the best one of them all?  I even believe that Dom said, "It never does get to zero," referring to the countdown on the side.  This is true, and if zero is nothing, or extinction, no one can actually know what exactly happened after the meteor hit.  And if Junior lived, it truly would have been the best day ever!

Junior's Enlightenment of the Past AP English 11

Dear Junior,
     Hopefully you are still alive in some sort of universe or dimension out there.  As you would say, "Everything matters" (292).  Well, so would my teacher Ms. Serensky.  All of her assignments, all of the exercises we do in class, they all matter as preparation for the AP test.  Well, last year I thought 'what is the point to all of these assignments?'  I was rather perplexed you see.  That was until the end of the year when it all started to click.  Junior year AP English was rather hard.  I actually find this year to be easier.  You would probably like AP English since you're so smart.  You're probably smarter than Ms. Serensky, but I'll warn you she's always got a few tricks up her sleeve.  Anyway, last year I got a 5 on the AP test.  I was hoping that you could tell me what I might get this year?  If you could just ask that ominous voice that tells you that, "You were wise to welcome Everything," that would be much appreciated (292).  I mean, I welcomed every assignment last year in English class so I do not really see why it would have a problem telling you what I might get on the test.  This way I will know how much studying and prep work I should do leading up to the test and in class currently.  I could choose like you to "suffer every same calamity and anguish a second time," or you could just tell me what I'm going to get so I will not have to suffer the pain of all the class work.  If you tell me I can tell Ms. Serensky and she can exempt me from all assignments.  I mean let's be honest, the voice is going to say 'Of course he will get a 5.'  Well, hopefully you just let me know, thanks Junior.  Say hi to the wife and kids for me.

Your Best Buddy,
Henry

The Future of AP English 12 8th Period

I cannot say that I came up with this all on my own.  I actually did not at all.  I give credit to Haley for the idea behind this blog post, I have done the implementing.  Like our book has Junior live a short life, only to age thirty-six, this blog post focuses in on where the people in eighth period English will be when they are thirty-six.  To start off, I will focus on Kathryn.  Kathryn will end up as a graduate of Miami University and will end up settling down soon after to start a lovely family with some unknown husband.  Next, Chase; who will eventually end up with a great big bushy beard and will make some big money doing something very intelligent that none of us can comprehend.  Tina will go to college and find the man of her dreams and her life will soon mirror a Disney movie, where she plays the main character.  Lizzy will be the proud mother of many children, six to be exact, and they will all be very intelligent and will make her very proud.  Also, all kids will be exactly two years apart.  Sarah will be the creator of the next Mona Lisa or the Sistine Chapel, one of the two.  Either way I believe it is safe to say art will be a big part of her life.  Haley will become the next Ms. Serensky, since they already have so much in common.  The two will also become lifelong friends who constantly keep in touch.  Katie will become the first woman president, or at the very least a politician.  It just makes sense.  If neither of those, she will for sure end up a lawyer.  Alex will end up a professional tennis player.  I know, I would not expect it either, but he is going to be greater than Federer and Rodick combined.  Mariel will also end up with a nice little family, however she will end up as an astronaut who leads the first expedition to Mars.  Dom will end up as a movie star after spending some time on Broadway.  People will regard him as the next Harrison Ford.  Carolyn will end up as Mother Nature.  She will literally become one with the trees, like the Greek Titan Gaea.  Chris will end up making some bank as he makes his way to the top as an official of the Republican party.  Jillian will marry Alex.  Duh.  Everyone knows that is on the way.  They get back together and have Long Rice Kreger, the pride and joy of their lives.  Hannah will become a journalist and write about numerous world events, eventually she becomes a member of the UN.  Elizabeth will end up as a marathon runner, she also becomes the next female Lance Armstrong, but without the cancer.  Kelly goes to Michigan, gets married, has kids, and has a successful career as a magazine publisher.  Brooke, like Dom, has a career in theatre and but instead becomes a singer.  And I, well I think you know what happens to me...

Down With the Sickness

Everyone I know has gotten sick recently.  I too have come down with some symptoms.  As of yesterday, I had the worst sore throat of my life as of last Thursday, had chills, and much fatigue.  Luckily, I now have some antibiotics and I am feeling much better as I fight off this bacterial infection.  However, I know some other people that, like me, are not or were not feeling so great.  As dropped by English yesterday to turn in my soapstone before I went to the doctor Ms. Serensky informed me that she had the flu over the weekend.  I felt bad for her, the flu is the worst, and I have stayed out of its path for several years now.  But like Ms. Serensky, there are others that are fighting off colds, the flu, and other infections.  Just the other day my brother stayed home with a fever and a headache.  Also, before school even started today I noticed the unusual amount of people coughing in the hallway.  At the end of first period I stopped at my locker where I talked to Jillian, who, in a hoarse voice told me that her throat has also been sore for several days now.  Then as second period started, Kyle told me that he thought he was starting to get sick, and that it was, "All Jimmy Boldt's fault," for getting him sick. And I just thought, wow, that's two more down.

RoAd RAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >:0

Sometimes my friends think that I have road rage.  You know like, getting mad when people go to slow, honking at people for making bad turns, getting pissed when they puill out in front of me, flashing people for going to slow, flashing people with their brights on, and getting mad at people when they walk out in front of me.  My friend Kyle Mansour quotes me on, "I'm in the car, and you're not, who's gonna win?"  I'll admit sometimes I get fired up, but people just have it coming.  Some people just shouldn't be on the road.  I don't understand people that go 35 in a 40.  I want to go 40, not 35.  Or when people slow down for unreasonable conditions like, "OMG it's raining!!!!" or "Holy cow there's so much snow!!!" when there's just a few flurries.  I also don't understand why people go so slowly in the morning on the way to school.  The school zone signs aren't flashing, so there's no reason to go less than 35mph.  I also hate it when people don't realize that they can turn right on red, or when they pull out quickly in front of me and end up going slower than the speed limit.  It's like why did you cut me off again, when you just could have waited 3 more seconds.   Although, I will admit I do like to drive 5 over the speed limit, but I'll aceept the speed limit as a minimum.  And I don't understand why people drive who can't see over the steering wheel.  Some people just shouldn't be on the road.

Still Grading...

Less work, harder work, plentiful grading.

It's Raing Cats and Cats

So we got this new cat.  My mom's friend's sons found him in their garage.  She told me this about a week ago, and asked if Rory and I wanted him.  My first reaction was sure, but I made no attempt to go over and get him.  So, my mom's friend ends up bringing him over and I grew quite attached to him in a short period of time.  I like cats, their one of my soft spots.  We have had him for about a few days now, and he has been little trouble. Except for when the other cat tries to kill him, there are so many not so very nice names I could refer to her by. She is the incarnate of the devil, in cat form.  Also, he does have worms.  I guess that's kind of problematic since it causes him to eat a lot and it is just straight up gross.  However, the real problem I have come up with deals with what to name the cat.  Nothing has really come to mind.  Since his colors are black and white my mom started calling him all of the generic names: Oreo, Salt and Pepper, Tux (I don't really know where this one came from).  However my brother and I shot her down pretty quick on those.  My dads were no better, I cannot even remember what kind of inane things he had suggested, they boggled my mind with silliness.  Eventually we all agreed upon Dempsey.  Except now I think Patrick Dempsey.  My brother chose it and I am not actually sure how much I like it anymore.  So, if anyone has any ideas for cat names...I am open to suggestions

The Ambrosial Sound

C, D, Bb, Eb, A, C, D, A, C, E, C#, C.  This is the begining to my symphony, which I  woudl entitle, "The Ambrosial Sound."  It would be played throughtout concert halls in the nation.  It would be as grand as the nation's deficit is deep, or Thomas Donley's patriotism for our great nation.  My inspiration, like Clive's would come from a multitude of sources.  I would use Lifetime and working out for my inspiration of the melody and completely wing the begining out of pure imagination from my mind.  For the finale, I would have Gucci Mane come in and assist me in writing it.  His beats are "off the chain" (no one ever says this).  Of course, like Clive this would cause me a ton of stress.  I would probably become depressed, paranoid, suicidal, or an alcoholic.  Clive seems to fit some of these categories.  However, I think my symphony would be better than Clive's.  On a larger scale, it would have more flare and grandeur.  Mine would also be much mroe creative as well as imaginative.  I might even play it before the blog show, if I feel as though those around me are priviledged enough to hear it.  When it comes out I will be remembered forever and will have everlasting fame as a composer.  It will be played at all sporting events, politcal ceremonies and conventions, and before school.  I now understand the kind of pressure Clive is going through...

The Many Faces of Adversity

I believe that someone has already written on a topic of this nature, however with a new class I thought something of the sort might hold some entertainment.  As I glanced around the room today during discussion, I took note of many people's facial expressions as they listened to their classmates talk.  As usual, there are many different categories of expressions: indifference, confusion, annoyance, heavy judgment, interest, and of course the occasional gaze.  The indifference category might include such people as, those who only care about getting their point across, possibly in order to get some highly valued "discussion points."  Not to be offensive, but as Jillian talked today I noticed the look of anticipation on Lizzy Burl's face.  She did not like being interrupted, no, not at all.  As a matter of fact I feel as though the class had a good laugh at the immediate shift away from Jillian's name questions onto Lizzy's other topic.  The second category, the one of confusion, has a few members.  I would even count myself as a temporary member for brief periods of time.  However, more notably I often notice very confused expressions coming from Jillian.  Although, I guess her questions remain synonymous with her facial expressions.  The third category can be combined, a culmination of annoyance and judgment.  Typical are the rolling eyes of Greenlaw, the "Connolly Glare," and yes, even the "Alex Hurtuk Stare Down of Impending Doom."  The fourth category, the one of interest has few people.  However, these people are notable and often seem interested in discussions.  Such people include both Haley and Mariel.  The fifth and final category consists of those people who tend to...gaze.  People such as Chase and, I might be wrong in saying this, Dom and Chris.  I felt as though the gaze tended to be a guy thing.  I will admit, this was quite a fun game to play during the discussion and it kept me thoroughly amused.  Sorry, but I'm not sorry if you are on here and do not like the category you have been placed under, this is "The Big Hurt" after all.  (Just kidding, I meant no offense by any of this to anyone at all)

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blog Fish

Originally, I thought about taking the stance of disagreeing with classroom discussions, comments, and arguments as the focus of my blog, oh and completely sandbagging people for no apparent reason.  However, this blog project/assignment turned into a whole other beast, and I am not talking about Marshawn Lynch Beast mode (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWLP2cOxXEM).  The interesting thing for me at least, dealt with the fact that one could take a creative approach to their blog posts and topics.  Similarly, I enjoyed reading others blogs and I felt a few times at least that writing helped to blow off steam of some sort.  In a way blogging served as a sort of journal that reflected the AP English 12 students' frustrations, anxieties, and joys.  Also, blogging seemed to have captivated Ms. Serensky, giving her some additional humor into her life.  Of course I often felt the same way.  I enjoyed writing stories about Long Rice and adding in occasional random titles to my blogs that do not make any sense.  I could have done without the comment section though, or at least had the option to comment on peoples blogs as many times as I wanted and to still have it count.  I think that we should continue to do blogs, even though I often have an increasingly hard time thinking of things to post about.  Also, I think that Ms. Serensky should have a blog and should have to do two entries a week.  I am curious to know what she would blog about.  All I can say is that if the blogs do not continue, I will be astronomically disappointed.

Marshawn Lynch Beast Mode

Now I have a feeling that I know what you will say here, "Oh, those guys do not even have a chance."  Well, we do.  Our team, team 2 or otherwise known as team 2 cool for school, will wreck everyone in the extra credit challenge.  Everyone, knows about the cheating that goes on and all of the "collabos" (for you novices out there that phrase really means collaboration), but we play it fair.  We are those no nonsense kind of guys.  We could do this game with both hands behind our back and our eyes closed.  Plus the "dream team" (Donley, Kreger, Schiferl, and Shoemaker) have proven last time that they are not so high and mighty.  Oh yes I am calling everyone out.  As for Greenlaw and O'Hera and those "top scoring" girls, everyone knows Ms. Serensky's slipping them answers just so they can beat the boys.  Oh yeah, we know everyone's tactics.  Well, team 2 cool for school will not take any special favors or considerations.  We have this game on lock down anyway.  We have got some special strategies to put into play as we make our way to the top.  We have our secret game plans called: "the give and go," "the lame duck," and the "Marshawn Lynch Beast Mode."  I will say no more except that our team has prepared for game day.  So when you see Hurtuk, Gilbert, Russo, and Lange walk into the room on game day, you know it's about to go down.  Get ready to lose.

Where's my Dad?

I rolled up to Lifetime fitness in my 10 year old Toyota highlander with 195,000 miles on it, I had a feeling it was going to be a good day.  I walked in the door and got pumped.  I met my boy James Victor Scolaro and we hit our daily routine on the weights.  I saw Jillian there too, she said that she was embarrassed since she only goes on the Oliptical for five minutes and never goes over by the weights since the big people there intimidate her.  Anyways, after our hour and a half session Jimmy has this crazy idea that we should do yoga.  I am of course thinking why not?  It cannot really be that bad.  Well, it was.  I should have never agreed to do it, as I was already exhausted.  More importantly, it was a special kind of yoga called Hot Yoga, where the turn the temperature in the room up to 105 degrees.  It was ridiculous.  It lasted for ninety minutes and although I hated it at first I began to like it, coming into deeper contact with my inner-self.  Towards the end of the yoga the last part deals with meditation, during this time we both fell asleep for five minutes.  I never knew yoga could be such an exhausting task.  I am glad that I did not immediately dismiss yoga.  Despite what Ms. Serensky says, or I guess apparently what she thinks that all of us do, I did not prejudge this situation or think that I was too good for it.  I would actually say that AP English helped me in this case by opening up my mind with the idea of trying something new.  Often times my mind opens up in the discussions, I am not ignorant to what my classmates say.  I like hearing their observations and points of view, and often times I relate that information to my own life and experiences to see how I would apply it.  Oh and I also recommend that everyone give yoga a try.

Gotta Catch 'em All, Pokemon

I have no idea what to blog about.  I have thought about several things I could write about, but nothing seems to really stick.  At first I thought about writing about my interesting trip to Mongolian Barbecue over break, where everything at first seemed normal, until the cooks there started belting the Pokemon theme song.  However, I had no idea how I could relate this to AP English.  I also thought about blogging about the data sheet again, or something of how all the hard work I put into it means something, but nothing came to mind.  I thought about blogging about all of the stories I heard from my family over break, like how my cousin who cheated his way through high school now wants to become a teacher, but that just seemed boring and some of the stories and events are not school appropriate in any way.  Ironically, thinking about all of this caused me to analyze myself using the invaluable skills I have learned from AP English class.  At this point I have determined that I am a bit cynical and definitely not ready to go back to school since I cannot even focus enough to think about a decent topic for a blog entry.  On top of that, my cynical attitude has caused me to determine that I will not be a happy camper come Monday morning.  I am directly characterizing myself as on edge and pissed off.  Similarly, I feel as though school on Monday will cause me to feel like Ms. Serensky does when someone forgets to bring money for a book.  Oh well, at least I have done all of my homework.