Making a left turn instead of a right...

There are probably over a million times in my life where I wish something would have turned out differently than it did. However, there are also over a million times that I’ve looked back on my life and have been thankful that some things turned out the way they did. Those times we look back on and wish we had said something, or done something different cannot be changed now. But what if they could? What if every time you said the wrong thing, put the wrong answer, or did something you shouldn’t, you could go back and re-do the event? It would be a pretty perfect world I must say. I would have a pretty perfect life. I would love to go back and re-do my first time taking the SAT, and place the right answers down, but we all know that it’s easier said rather than done. I think the things you choose the wrong path on, are setting you up to gain life experiences. If I hadn’t made such a (for lack of a better word) TERRIBLE score on the SAT the first time, I would have no perseverance to do better the next. However, one event this year I would go back and change is who my math teacher is for Algebra 2. I knew after the first day of the class that I wasn’t going to be learning anything, but why didn’t I switch? A certain boy was in my class with me, and of course I stayed because he was there. WHAT A DUMB MOVE. Honestly, if I could just re-do that, my year would be a lot less stressful. I wouldn’t have to be freaking out about my Algebra exam tomorrow because I would know the material. I wouldn’t be freaking out about what I’m going to do next year when I’m in a higher math. I wouldn’t be so worried about getting into college with my math scores. If only I had just listened to my head, and switched classes. Life would be easier. I cannot fathom if there even is going to be a good outcome of having this math teacher. I guess one good thing has come of it actually. I’ll never stay in a class for a boy EVER again. 

15 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Was 15 (granted I'm 14)

1.       Never stop believing in the magic of Santa Claus, because when you do, the thrill in Christmas fades away. Since its Christmas time, I’ve started to think about how much I wish I still believed in the magic of Christmas. It takes the excitement out of it since you know everything you’re getting. Nothing turns out to be a surprise, and that feeling of when you were a kid, rushing down the stairs to see what Santa had brought you goes away for good.

2.       Never let a boy come between you and your parents. Most likely, he’s not worth it in the long run. It will forever jeopardize the relationship you have with your parents, and the wall of trust they have in you will quickly fall.

3.       Never get roped into doing something you know is wrong. You have a voice, don’t ever forget that! So use it, and stand up for yourself when your friends try to pressure you into difficult situations (like sneaking out of your house).

4.       If he’s not a gentleman, drop him like it’s hot. If he doesn't show respect for you one way, he probably won’t any others either. If he won’t hold your door and treat you like a lady, then he needs to go. NOW.

5.       When your parents tell you “No”, don’t start yelling at them. This will only increase the amount of trouble you are in and doesn’t do anything but maybe help you feel better. Talk to them rationally about the problem, or if you are still so mad that you can’t talk, write a letter! It works wonders, I promise.

6.       Don’t be ungrateful or hateful to your parents. They've probably given up a lot so you could have what you want, so don’t be selfish. They deserve appreciation and respect after all, they pay the bills.

7.       When a boy says “I love you” he most likely doesn't. I’m not saying every boy is like this, but the boys in your future will be, so take this to heart. They say it because you LOVE to hear it. Lots of times we all use the word “love” improperly. Sometimes we think we feel something more, or want something more than to just “like” someone. We want to feel loved and be loved. We want it, even though most of the time our definition of the word is slightly off. All we want to know is that somewhere out there, someone does. I promise you, somewhere they do. However, at this moment and time in your life, this boy doesn't. Pack it up, and move em’ out.

8.       Whoever told you “grades don’t matter” was a liar. Trust me, I get that right now you think that boy you are texting is much more important than the Geometry book sitting next to your phone, but he’s not. You don’t get a second chance at grades like you do with boys. I get it, I slacked off in 9^th grade too, but you would be better off picking up a book rather than a phone. If I had the chance to do it over again, I would have studied harder than I did.

9.       If you’re going to play basketball, PRACTICE. Nothing in life ever comes easy. I’m having to figure this one out the hard way right now. I didn't practice basketball, therefore I pretty much suck. If you are going to dedicate yourself to a sport, take it seriously.

10.   Don’t fight with your nana over something stupid. She’s old, and you never know how much time you have left with her. After that broken-hip scare this summer, you should stop with the talking back, it gets you nowhere in life.

11.   Always have manners. I don’t care where you are, people are always listening. They’re always judging you by what they hear and what they see, so don’t give them the satisfaction of calling you “disrespectful”. When really you just had a bad night and forgot to put the ma’am on the end of yes. You’re mom and dad implemented them for a reason, so use them.

12.   Don’t be afraid of failure. I know I've had a hard time accepting failure. It’s just not in my nature, but be warned that not everyone can succeed. All you can do is try your best. I promise that’s good enough.

13.   Never think you’re not good enough. Just because you may not have the grades of other people, or the SAT scores, or the looks does not mean you do not measure up. It just means that you’re different, and honestly, who wants to be a look-a-like? There will always be someone who you see as “better” than you. My advice, use it as perseverance. “One day, I’ll have better SAT scores than her.” Don’t beat yourself up because you feel like you don’t make the cut, because there is always someone out there comparing themselves to you.

14.   DRESS TO IMPRESS. I don’t care where you go or what you’re doing; you always need to look decent. Everywhere you go there are people judging you for what you look like; it’s in our human nature to judge people’s appearances before we get to know them as a person. “You can never be too smart, or over-dressed” is a fabulous motto. Never give the whole “I just rolled out of bed” look. It doesn't do anything but make people look at you weird.

15.   Classy > trashy. Wherever you go, always be sure to have class. Don’t handle yourself without care and make people ask themselves why they hang around you.  For an example, don’t be disrespectful of other people’s opinions. Simply state yours and listen intently to theirs (see if you can find flaws). 

Turkey Break!

So, I am sitting at home on a Saturday night, and I decided to be productive and go ahead and write my blog. It’s about my Thanksgiving break which, if you asked me, could have been MUCH longer. It started off with us getting beaten by our “hometown rivals”. If you ask me, Person High School isn't much of rival when it comes to anything but sports. Their lack of sportsmanship and class was indescribable. I mean, seriously, who holds up newspapers and “boos” the other team as their coming out of the locker rooms? Oh, that’s right, PERSON DOES. The students who held up the newspapers were just asking to get a beat down. It was derogatory and un-called for. You’re a 4A school so gradually you would beat RCS, a 1A school. Tons of people on Twitter said, “Your school size doesn't matter, 4A is just to describe how many people are in your school.” No, school size doesn't matter, but it sure as crap makes a difference when you’re looking for talent. Another thing, when you’re up by oh I don’t know, let’s say 50 POINTS, there is no need for your team to continue dunking the ball, because it’s demeaning to the other team. RCS boy’s walked out of the Person Gym not being able to talk because they were so mad. I have never hated Person so much. They just suck at life if you ask me. I would just like to personally say, congrats to Person, they successfully murdered the hopes and dreams of other student athletes at RCS. I hope you are all super happy with yourselves, because you’re all on my ex-list now (consider yourselves warned).
After the bitter game between Person and RCS, I spent the rest of the week in the mountains visiting family for Christmas. I learned that my dad’s side of the family never changes. They’re always such boring people. I mean, I love them and everything, but I don’t think I could have dealt with another day of being around them. If it’s any proof of how bored I was, I read a 400 page book while I was at my Aunt Paula’s house.
My break ends with me writing this blog while watching the last ever episode of iCarly on Nickelodeon. I’m officially bawling my eyes out because it’s just so sad. Oh, and good news! I haven’t heard from my “bully” all break! I’m pretty sure she still wants me in a body cast, but hey, at least I don’t have to deal with her anymore. Anyway! I hope your break was fabulous Ms. Wright! I’ll be seeing you at school on Monday (sad face that we have to go back).

Person County Museum (GASP)

When I visited the Person County Museum (who knew we had a museum, right?), each of the journalism students were told to pick a person that they found interesting. For me, Captain Edward Fletcher Satterfield caught my attention. First of all, because I had never heard of him before, and who doesn’t love to learn about someone who you don’t know? It turns out that Captain Satterfield led a pretty boring life until he fought in the civil war.

Captain Edward Fletcher Satterfield was just being his senior year of college at the University of North Carolina when the Civil War began. He was a soldier in the 55^th North Carolina Infantry. Satterfield was commissioned a 2^nd Lieutenant on May 10, 1861. Satterfield died on July 3, 1863, during the battle of Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. He was shot right as he was approaching the Union line just south of the Bryan Buildings. There is a monument dedicated in his honor, on the court house lawn in Roxboro. Satterfield’s body was never recovered; however he will always be remembered as the man who carried the Confederate Flag furthest during that great battle.

Through my visit to the Person County Museum, I learned about the life and journey of Captain Satterfield. An interesting man, and had I not been to our museum I would have never known of his existence; which I think is pretty sad. He was a cool guy, an important guy. However, no one knows of him or his accomplishment because they don’t venture to the Person County Museum. I think as a Person County citizen, you should at least venture to our museum and see the history of our county. This man carried a flag, who knows what others did? 

Boulevard of Broken Dreams

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams”

First off, the only word that comes to my mind is wow. After listening to this song carefully and analyzing every lyric, all I can think is “Did I pick a depressing song to blog about or what”? Obviously “I walk a lonely road” represents the hollowness and sadness felt in his voice. This song to me, talks about a man who has pushed everyone who has ever cared about him away. He walks alone because there is no one who is willing to stand beside him. “My shallow heart’s the only thing that’s beating.” His life is the road that he constantly walks; aimlessly trying to find a way back to the person he used to be. It’s as if he is the walking dead because his life doesn't feel real to him, almost resembling some sort of dream, or a parallel universe where he’s the only one living there.  His life has been full of continuous dreams, all broken by his fear of letting anyone ever get close to him.

 Like every other teenager out there, I can relate to this song. You’re walking without knowing a destination, or where you will end up next. He feels lost and incomplete, with only the company of his own self as he walks down a depressing path. I feel that if he had his life to do over again, he wouldn't have pushed so many people away, and then no one would have to find him because he wouldn't be walking alone.

Literary Devices

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” is a metaphor used to describe someone’s life being damaged for a long time by having his dreams shattered.

“I walk this empty street on the Boulevard of Broken Dreams, where the city sleeps and I’m the only one and I walk alone” this is to represent the mood of the song which is remorseful and gloomy.

Fur-Ever Friends

When I think of animals, the first one that comes into my mind is my dog, Abby. She is a Boston Terrier, and we got her when she was about two years old. You could say we formed a kind of bond, Abby and I, because our personalities are extremely similar. We run together, play together, and at night sleep side by side. So you can imagine the first thing that popped into my mind when I walked into my journalism class and was told that the Person County Animal Shelter’s death rate was 95 percent. I pictured Abby. I immediately felt called to do something for these animals, due to lack of adoption and having a limited amount of space, many animals must be put down in order to make room for more.   

 Many people adopt animals when they are just born because they think they’re small and cute. What some don’t realize is that their small and cute animal is going to grow up and become bigger as time goes on. Some owners have unrealistic expectations for their animals, and this leads to them being dropped off on the side of the road or street corner. This has happened to my family many times, where stray cats or dogs find themselves wandering up our driveway, looking for food and water. We live at a crossroad where animal owners think is the best place to drop off their unwanted pet.

 If owners are not going to breed their dogs on purpose, they should take responsibility and get them spayed and neutered so they are not able to reproduce. There are many alternatives to cost when it comes to having your pet spayed or neutered.

 There are other ways besides having your animal euthanized. There are adoption agencies and foster agencies that are available and will care for the animal until a permanent home can be found. But most importantly, there are people who donate their time to spay and neuter animals cheaply. Pet owners must be willing to absorb some cost for their animal to be safe and not be able to produce young. This would lower the death rate simply because there were no unwanted offspring.

 I think all animals deserve a loving and caring home just like people do. After all, if you believe man is the most intelligent animal, then why are we killing our brethren?

Top Ten Favorite Authors

Top 10 Favorite Authors

1.  Richelle Mead

2. Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

3. Kathy Reichs

4. Maureen Johnson

5. Suzanne Collins

6. Kate Brian

7. Hailey Abbott

8. Susane Colasanti

9. Miranda Kenneally

10. Huntley Fitzpatrick

Some people say that what you read defines who you are as a person, and I believe this to be true. I chose to do a top ten list on the authors of some of my favorite books. I narrowed down my list by picking out which author wrote the book I enjoyed reading the most. This was the toughest decision I’ve probably ever had to make because my love for books is so strong. What separates my top ten lists from all others is that I feel a connection with not only the books, but the authors of them as well. I take different adventures with each author, and they are each filled with a different story. My mood everyday depends on what book I’m reading. Because of these authors I get to go different places around the world without having to leave the coziness of my bed.

The Cupcake Queen!

How to: make cupcakes!

Step one: gather your supplies.

·         3 eggs

·          a mixing bowl

·         Cupcake mix

·         A spatula

·         Vegetable Oil

·         Water

·         Measuring cup

·         Icing

·         Oven mitt

·         Cupcake tin

             Baking cups (the foil that goes around the cupcake)

Step Two: Pour cupcake mix into mixing bowl.

Step Three: Take measuring cup and measure out 1 cup of water and pour into mixing bowl.

Step Four: Crack three eggs into mixing bowl.

Step Five: Pour 1/3 cup of vegetable oil into the mixing bowl

.

Step Six: Mix ingredients together at a medium speed for 2 minutes.

Step Seven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step Eight: Place baking cups into cupcake tin.

Step Nine: Take mixed ingredients and pour them into each cupcake hole. (It is best to do this with an ice cream scoop. If you do not have one a spoon will suffice.)

Step Ten: Make sure each hole has the same amount of ingredient mix.

Step Eleven: Put cupcake pan in pre-heated oven. (The oven is hot so an oven mitt is advised.)

Step Twelve: Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Step Thirteen: When the cupcakes have risen properly, use the oven mitt and take them out of the oven.

Extra Step: if you are not sure the cupcakes are done, take a tooth pick and stick it in the middle of the cupcake. If it comes out clean, your cupcakes are done. If it does not, it must have more time in the oven.

Step Fourteen: For them to cool faster, put them in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes. This way when you put icing on them it does not melt or slide off.

(Optional Steps)

Step 1: Apply icing with a spoon starting the middle and moving out.

Step 2: Take a spoon, after applying the icing, and put on sprinkles to make an extra special batch of cupcakes.

And that’s how you make cupcakes, You Are Welcome. 

Movie Review of The Lorax

Dr. Seuss’s movie, The Lorax, is about a twelve year old boy named Ted Wiggins who lives in a walled-in town called Thneedville. Everything in Thneedville, except for the people, is either made out of plastic, metal, or synthetics. Ted sets out to find a real tree for his friend Audrey, who he has a major crush on. His grandmother tells him if he wants to know what happened to the trees he should talk to the Once-ler. Ted discovers that outside the city, is a barren, contaminated wasteland. The Once-ler agrees to tell Ted about trees if he comes back over a period of three visits. The mayor of Thneedville, Aloysius O'Hare, who has made millions off of bottling fresh air, threatens Ted and tells him to stay in town. With the help of his grandma, he slips out of town without Mr. O’Hare knowing.

Over the three visits, the Once-ler tells Ted of how he left his home in search of the perfect material to make his Thneed invention with. He comes across a forest filled with Truffula Trees. At first he cuts down one of the trees, this signals the Lorax, guardian of the land, to come out. The Once-ler makes a deal with the Lorax, vowing to never cut down another tree ever again. Soon the Thneed invention becomes a huge success and the Once-ler agrees to start cutting down trees in order to speed up production. The Lorax warns him not to, but the Once-ler becomes blind sited by greed and fame, and he ignores the Lorax’s warning. Soon almost every Truffula Tree was chopped down, and he had polluted the sky, water, and landscape. Finally the last tree was cut down and the Once-ler had realized what he had done but it was too late. Eventually the Lorax sends the animals that were in the forest away because they could no longer survive there. The Once-ler watches as the Lorax disappears into the sky leaving the word “Unless” cut into a stone.

In the end of the movie, the Once-ler realizes why the Lorax left that word, because unless someone like Ted cared an awful lot about the trees, nothing was going to change. The Once-ler ends up giving Ted the last Truffula seed and tells him to plant it in the middle of town where everyone can see it. However, Mr. O’Hare will do anything in his power to not let that happen because if trees are planted they give fresh air for free, which would ruin his business. Ted, his mother and grandmother, and Audrey all set out to help get the seed planted. When they get to the center of town, O’ Hare tries to stop them by starting a protest. Ted decides to show them what is on the other side of the wall by taking a bulldozer and ramming it until it falls. Horrified at what they see, the townspeople agree that the seed needed to be planted. After the seed is planted and time passes, the land starts to recover, the trees are re-growing, and the animals are returning. The movie ends with the Lorax coming down from the sky and landing on the stone that said “Unless”. The Once-ler wraps him up in a hug for he has redeemed himself.

I think the word "Unless" represents the most important component in the movie because unless someone cares a tremendous amount about the environment, nothing is going to change. The environmental state will only get worse from here if this generation does not act fast.

In my opinion, this movie gave an educational lesson to all ages. However it was especially geared towards getting through to kids ages five, six, and seven to teach them about what will happen if you do not take care of the environment. I would rate this work as excellent because it gave a simple to understand message to kids about taking care of the world they live in. It was easy to grasp what the message was they were trying to send when watching The Lorax. 

I think this movie could have been improved if the producers had taken more time to build up the characters and given them more time to fully develop. The characters depth gets sacrificed sometimes due to how much money it cost to to produce that movie.

Link for the song "Let It Grow"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27JZzSgcY20

*speak for the trees by going to visit energystar.gov to learn more.*

A Children's Story

I thought "A Children's Story" was very interesting because of the young teacher. I found it ironic because on the outside she appeared nice, sweet, and petite; however, on the inside she was not sugar and spice and everything nice. I was against her brainwashing the kids, but the way she did it I thought was very smart. The children thought they were believing in the right thing when the new teacher convinced them to. She is an intelligent woman no doubt and she is only 19 years old, granted the kids were young and at that age their opinions were influenced easily. To me, it takes a lot of brain power to brainwash someone, even if they are just children; and by the end of the story, even little Johnny who in the beginning was convinced she was mean and going to hurt them, thought her way was the right way.

Definition of Courage

           According to Webster’s English Dictionary, the definition of courage is:  mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. However, in my personal opinion, the definition of courage is much more than just having strength or the ability to survive danger. Courage is when you stand up for what you feel is right, regardless of what other people might say to tear you down. It’s when you take an idea in your head, and put it into action. 

            I think the most courageous people are the ones we don’t notice, because they do not ask for praise or recognition for what they do, they do it because they feel it is the right thing to do. You are not born with courage, you are born with potential, and what you do with that potential is up to you. It takes a lot of courage to put down what you know, and step out into what you don’t know. Courage is when you have faith of your convictions; it’s in your heart, in your soul, and in your mind. 
            In a way, anyone can have courage. When you have courage, you change not only your life, but other people's lives as well. To me, courage is something that cannot be defined. You do not ask for courage, it's something that comes out when hard times show up. Michael Ore said it best in the movie The Blind Side, “Any fool can have courage, but honor…that is something you should strive for.” 

These are some of the public officials who put their life on the line everyday. Not everybody can do what they do and have a smile on their face. These men show courage because they put their life on the line everyday.

In this picture, she shows courage by being a firefighter. She goes into tough situation, and saves lives while risking her own in the process. This woman also shows courage because she is the first female fire fighter in Roxboro. She has shown to other women that they can do anything they set their minds to, and I think that takes a great deal of courage. 

To me, this woman shows courage because she is living with cancer. She fights for her own life everyday of every month of every year. She found out she had breast cancer five years ago, and this past Christmas, the doctors told her she had liver cancer as well. I think if she can fight long and hard for her life, everyone should too.

Everyday heroes are the ones we don't usually notice. Take this picture for an example, somebody who rescues animals, so they don't suffer, shows a great amount of courage. This bunny has lost a leg, and now is at a shelter getting taken care of. You can show courage at any age. Courage doesn't always mean you lay down your life for others, but that you are willing to go the extra mile and do something someone else will not. 

This is a picture of my great grandfather's grave. He served in World War 1, and was in the 323 Infantry. I think any person who fights for their country has to have not only courage, but honor as well. They take pride in their country and are willing to go into unknown places and fight for America. That takes bravery all by itself. 

Below is a link to a song I think gives the true definition of courage.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMw7YP4aPR0