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