Whistling in the Dark
Lesley Kagen
popular fiction
pg. 126-159
It's finally the Fourth of July and the girls are pumped for one of their favorite days of summer. They go out to the park for all the usual festivities. Troo is taking her bike over for the decorating contest, but Greasy Al Molinari came up and ripped off some of the flowers. However, Troo still tied for first place with Artie Latour. They ended up fighting over a prize of a raccoon skin hat, and of course Troo won. Then Troo went off for a while and Sally spend some time talking to Ethel and Mr. Ray Buck. After that, Sally ran into Nell who was with Eddie yet again. The sack races were about to start and Troo was with Willie and wouldn't come soon enough. Sally ended up racing with Artie Latour and Troo with Willie. Sally and Artie won, upsetting Troo. After the fireworks, Troo and Sally began walking home, and stopped by at Fitzpatrick's Drugstore to talk to Henry. After they left, Greasy Al Molinari came up to Sally and Troo on the street and began to beat up Troo. Henry came to save the day though, and then his father too. They thought Troo now had a broken nose. And of course. Rasmussen showed up again. But then Henry's dad drove Sally and Troo to their grandmother's.
I still find it suspicious how Rasmussen is literally everywhere Sally is! I'm with her on this one. And I also love how Nell and Eddie are back together again....just like all high school relationships today.
Monday, February 28, 2011
2.28 Diction Exercise
"Once Upon a Time"
by: Jack Gilbert
A) stumbling, Mediterranean, accidentally, composed, melody, intensity, baffled, tender
B) 1- ornate, archaic
2- metaphoric, obscure
C) In Jack Gilbert's "Once Upon a Time" his ornate, metaphoric diction alludes to the reminiscent thoughtfulness as he recalls the joys of youth.
by: Jack Gilbert
A) stumbling, Mediterranean, accidentally, composed, melody, intensity, baffled, tender
B) 1- ornate, archaic
2- metaphoric, obscure
C) In Jack Gilbert's "Once Upon a Time" his ornate, metaphoric diction alludes to the reminiscent thoughtfulness as he recalls the joys of youth.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Whistling in the Dark
Lesley Kagen
popular fiction
pg. 100-126
Sally returned from her outing with Nell and Eddie to find Troo in the backyard making all of her flowers to decorate her bike. She told her about her run in with Rasmussen. Sally and Troo then started to discuss what they would have to do if their mother died until Troo left for the playground. When Troo left, Wendy came by to see "Thally O'Malley." When she came over, Sally decided to ask her questions about her accident in order to find out if Rasmussen did that to her. Wendy avoided most of Sally's questions though. After Wendy left, Sally went down into the basement where she liked to hide and escape things. Once she found a shoe box in a whole in the wall that was filled with pictures and stuff. There was a picture of Washington High School Class of 1940. Sally recognized almost everyone in that photo including her mother. After studying the picture many times, Sally finally realized the one person she couldn't put a finger on was Rasmussen. Later that night, Sally and Troo over hear Nell and Eddie fighting again. However, they don't worry about it and are playing their usual game of red light, green light with all the neighbors. All was fine until Sally was suddenly pulled down by her braid by someone right by the Fazio's. They whispered, "Sally, dear, I love you," before running off. Sally was positive it was Rasmussen, but when she woke up, Rasmussen was holding her on her front porch comforting her.
Even though this book is set in around the 50's, it still relates a lot to times today. There are still abusive relationships like the one between Nell and Eddie. I'm also really interested in to whether or not Rasmussen is the one behind all the murders and the one harassing Sally...
Lesley Kagen
popular fiction
pg. 100-126
Sally returned from her outing with Nell and Eddie to find Troo in the backyard making all of her flowers to decorate her bike. She told her about her run in with Rasmussen. Sally and Troo then started to discuss what they would have to do if their mother died until Troo left for the playground. When Troo left, Wendy came by to see "Thally O'Malley." When she came over, Sally decided to ask her questions about her accident in order to find out if Rasmussen did that to her. Wendy avoided most of Sally's questions though. After Wendy left, Sally went down into the basement where she liked to hide and escape things. Once she found a shoe box in a whole in the wall that was filled with pictures and stuff. There was a picture of Washington High School Class of 1940. Sally recognized almost everyone in that photo including her mother. After studying the picture many times, Sally finally realized the one person she couldn't put a finger on was Rasmussen. Later that night, Sally and Troo over hear Nell and Eddie fighting again. However, they don't worry about it and are playing their usual game of red light, green light with all the neighbors. All was fine until Sally was suddenly pulled down by her braid by someone right by the Fazio's. They whispered, "Sally, dear, I love you," before running off. Sally was positive it was Rasmussen, but when she woke up, Rasmussen was holding her on her front porch comforting her.
Even though this book is set in around the 50's, it still relates a lot to times today. There are still abusive relationships like the one between Nell and Eddie. I'm also really interested in to whether or not Rasmussen is the one behind all the murders and the one harassing Sally...
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Whistling in the Dark
Lesley Kagen
popular fiction
pg. 57-100
Sally has been spending her time trying to convince Troo that Rasmussen is the killer, and he is after her next, but Troo won't believe her. The girls have still been spending a lot of time away from home. Today, they spent the day at the school on the playground in their summer camp program. They finally went went home when Hall wasn't there to cause trouble. A few days later, Sally writes about her charitable works of the summer for school. While she's at it, she writes a letter that she plans to send to her mom in the hospital, finally telling her what her father told her when he was dying. That night, Troo and Sally are going to sleep, when Hall comes home completely drunk. He comes to their room and pins Troo up against the wall, but Sally started singing his favorite song about beer that we all know: "ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall, take one down and pass it around," saving Troo from getting really hurt. However, the Fourth of July was coming up, and there was a bicycle decorating contest Troo always participated in. This year she was making tons of flowers out of tissues she stole from the store. Sally and Troo then go to their favorite place in the park, where Troo finds the shoe of a girl that was murdered and molested not too long ago. Instead of calling the police and risking Rasmussen showing up, the girls pulled the fire alarm in the park, an offense they had done more than once. Although, when the girls arrive back at home, they find Rasmussen sitting on their front porch waiting for them. Apparently some of the firefighters thought they saw them hiding across from the park. They denied it however. Anyways, he left to go talk to the other neighbors. Nell, their older sister came home though. Her boyfriend Eddie's aunt is a nurse at the hospital could get them into see their mother. Sally wants to go, but Troo doesn't. While on their way, Rasmussen pulls Eddie over and calls Sally out of the car. He asked her again if she pulled the fire alarm, and she admits to it finally. He pities her and gives her his number card with $5 taped to it. While getting it out of his wallet, Sally sees her picture along with one of the girls who was murdered in there, raising her suspicions. She gets back into the car when they all decide to go get food instead of going to the hospital. Sally then witnesses Eddie freak out and yell at Nell right in front of her.
In this part of the book, it takes you deeper into the plot. I'm really enjoying it so far. It's really suspenseful and keeps you guessing constantly what's going to happen with Rasmussen. It's also a classic story of a little kid who is trying to get everyone to believe them but no one will.
Lesley Kagen
popular fiction
pg. 57-100
Sally has been spending her time trying to convince Troo that Rasmussen is the killer, and he is after her next, but Troo won't believe her. The girls have still been spending a lot of time away from home. Today, they spent the day at the school on the playground in their summer camp program. They finally went went home when Hall wasn't there to cause trouble. A few days later, Sally writes about her charitable works of the summer for school. While she's at it, she writes a letter that she plans to send to her mom in the hospital, finally telling her what her father told her when he was dying. That night, Troo and Sally are going to sleep, when Hall comes home completely drunk. He comes to their room and pins Troo up against the wall, but Sally started singing his favorite song about beer that we all know: "ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall, take one down and pass it around," saving Troo from getting really hurt. However, the Fourth of July was coming up, and there was a bicycle decorating contest Troo always participated in. This year she was making tons of flowers out of tissues she stole from the store. Sally and Troo then go to their favorite place in the park, where Troo finds the shoe of a girl that was murdered and molested not too long ago. Instead of calling the police and risking Rasmussen showing up, the girls pulled the fire alarm in the park, an offense they had done more than once. Although, when the girls arrive back at home, they find Rasmussen sitting on their front porch waiting for them. Apparently some of the firefighters thought they saw them hiding across from the park. They denied it however. Anyways, he left to go talk to the other neighbors. Nell, their older sister came home though. Her boyfriend Eddie's aunt is a nurse at the hospital could get them into see their mother. Sally wants to go, but Troo doesn't. While on their way, Rasmussen pulls Eddie over and calls Sally out of the car. He asked her again if she pulled the fire alarm, and she admits to it finally. He pities her and gives her his number card with $5 taped to it. While getting it out of his wallet, Sally sees her picture along with one of the girls who was murdered in there, raising her suspicions. She gets back into the car when they all decide to go get food instead of going to the hospital. Sally then witnesses Eddie freak out and yell at Nell right in front of her.
In this part of the book, it takes you deeper into the plot. I'm really enjoying it so far. It's really suspenseful and keeps you guessing constantly what's going to happen with Rasmussen. It's also a classic story of a little kid who is trying to get everyone to believe them but no one will.
2.23 Diction Exercise
A) cruddy, bubbles, mercy, take-backs, kill, concentrate, shut up, bash, crudded-out, grounded
B) 1- chatty, common, vernacular, colloquial, dull
2- figurative, obscure, metaphoric
3- caterwaul, cacophonous, discordant, jarring
C) Lynda Barry's vernacular, jarring diction depicts the bleak, disheartenment felt by Roberta Rohbeson.
B) 1- chatty, common, vernacular, colloquial, dull
2- figurative, obscure, metaphoric
3- caterwaul, cacophonous, discordant, jarring
C) Lynda Barry's vernacular, jarring diction depicts the bleak, disheartenment felt by Roberta Rohbeson.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Whistling in the Dark
Lesley Kagen
popular fiction
pg. 1-56
The novel starts off with Sally O'Mally telling about when her and her younger sister Troo found out their mother was sick. However, she then recalls how they ended up where they were that day. Her father and Troo's father had died in a car accident several years ago, leaving Sally, Troo, their older sister Nell, and their mother alone. Their mother met a new man, Hall, soon after. A few months later, and they were married and moving to the city for the first time ever. Now it's summer, and their mother has been hospitalized, so the girls are left to fend for themselves because their stepfather is always drunk and causing trouble. Nell, who is way older, spends most of her time with her boyfriend rather than looking after Troo and Sally like she is supposed to. Troo and Sally end up spending most of their time outside or at their neighbor's houses in order to avoid Hall. One night, they ate dinner with their neighbors, the Fazio's. They planned on spending the night there as well to avoid a run in with Hall at home, but Sally became uncomfortable in the middle of the night and had to go home to sleep in her own bed. However, when she left, she was being followed by someone. She made her escape into someone's bushes where she slept for the night. She believed it was Rasmussen, the police officer who lived in the neighborhood, the one she believed to molest and murder two other girls in the area. Although, in the morning she woke up to find an ambulance outside Latours'. Supposedly her friend Wendy was pushed down her basement stairs, by who Sally thought was Rasmussen.
So far, the book is entertaining and intriguing. It deals with two little girls and the troubles they face, which are common problems today. However, I'm only 56 pages into it so I'll have to keep reading.
Lesley Kagen
popular fiction
pg. 1-56
The novel starts off with Sally O'Mally telling about when her and her younger sister Troo found out their mother was sick. However, she then recalls how they ended up where they were that day. Her father and Troo's father had died in a car accident several years ago, leaving Sally, Troo, their older sister Nell, and their mother alone. Their mother met a new man, Hall, soon after. A few months later, and they were married and moving to the city for the first time ever. Now it's summer, and their mother has been hospitalized, so the girls are left to fend for themselves because their stepfather is always drunk and causing trouble. Nell, who is way older, spends most of her time with her boyfriend rather than looking after Troo and Sally like she is supposed to. Troo and Sally end up spending most of their time outside or at their neighbor's houses in order to avoid Hall. One night, they ate dinner with their neighbors, the Fazio's. They planned on spending the night there as well to avoid a run in with Hall at home, but Sally became uncomfortable in the middle of the night and had to go home to sleep in her own bed. However, when she left, she was being followed by someone. She made her escape into someone's bushes where she slept for the night. She believed it was Rasmussen, the police officer who lived in the neighborhood, the one she believed to molest and murder two other girls in the area. Although, in the morning she woke up to find an ambulance outside Latours'. Supposedly her friend Wendy was pushed down her basement stairs, by who Sally thought was Rasmussen.
So far, the book is entertaining and intriguing. It deals with two little girls and the troubles they face, which are common problems today. However, I'm only 56 pages into it so I'll have to keep reading.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor
The jubilant energy in Gene Kelly’s and Donald O’Connor’s dancing in Singing in the Rain depicts the comical playfulness of the scene. Both Kelly and O’Connor perform enthusiastic dance moves, covering the whole area of the room. Their dance moves are very jumpy, repetitive, and synchronized with all their kicking and tapping. Kelly and O’Connor make their dancing appear effortless with their whimsical precision. They both perform their acrobatic dance moves with happy, joyful faces. The joy and energy in their moves alludes to the sarcastic liveliness of their dance.
I think this is the poem I'm going to read out loud in class this week.
"The Poetry of Bad Weather"
By: Debora Greger
"The Poetry of Bad Weather"
By: Debora Greger
Someone had propped a skateboard
by the door of the classroom,
to make quick his escape, come the bell.
For it was February in Florida,
the air of instruction thick with tanning butter.
Why, my students wondered,
did the great dead poets all live north of us?
Was there nothing to do all winter there
but pine for better weather?
Had we a window, the class could keep an eye
on the clock and yet watch the wild plum
nod with the absent grace of the young.
We could study the showy scatter of petals.
We could, for want of a better word, call it “snowy.”
The room filled with stillness, flake by flake.
Only the dull roar of air forced to spend its life indoors
could be heard. Not even the songbird
of a cell phone chirped. Go home,
I wanted to tell the horse on the page.
You know the way, even in snow
gone blue with cold.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Last Song
Nicholas Sparks
popular fiction
pg. 101-141
Ronnie has now returned to Bower's Point with Blaze and Marcus and the other trouble makers. Marcus tries to put moves of Ronnie, but just makes it obvious she's uninterested. But yet, Marcus is hard headed and takes a while to get the point. Blaze is there and witnesses all of the above. She ignores it for the time being. However, the next day, Ronnie finds Blaze in a music store they visited the previous day. Blaze knows about Ronnie's shoplifting past, so she decides to place valuable records in her bag. When Ronnie goes to leave, she sets off the store alarm, unaware of Blaze's prank. She's furious because this will not go well because of her record already full of previous shoplifting incidents. The police arrive and take her to her father who will attempt to work out a deal with the store owner to save his daughter. Meanwhile, Ronnie's father is forced to close off the piano in his house at Ronnie's wishes. Ronnie hasn't played the piano since her father left when she was younger and is very sensitive about playing. Later, Ronnie finds raccoons on the beach eating at sea turtle eggs. Being the environmentalist she is, she calls animal control to set up a cage to protect the eggs. Until they arrive, she sleeps outside on the beach in hopes of protecting the nest. Eventually they arrive, and it happens to be Will, who came to set up the outline for the cage.
The book is still becoming more intense!! I admire that Ronnie cares so much about animals. She sleeps outside on the beach, knowing there's raccoons all around her in attempt to protect the nest. I wish I could do that....
Nicholas Sparks
popular fiction
pg. 101-141
Ronnie has now returned to Bower's Point with Blaze and Marcus and the other trouble makers. Marcus tries to put moves of Ronnie, but just makes it obvious she's uninterested. But yet, Marcus is hard headed and takes a while to get the point. Blaze is there and witnesses all of the above. She ignores it for the time being. However, the next day, Ronnie finds Blaze in a music store they visited the previous day. Blaze knows about Ronnie's shoplifting past, so she decides to place valuable records in her bag. When Ronnie goes to leave, she sets off the store alarm, unaware of Blaze's prank. She's furious because this will not go well because of her record already full of previous shoplifting incidents. The police arrive and take her to her father who will attempt to work out a deal with the store owner to save his daughter. Meanwhile, Ronnie's father is forced to close off the piano in his house at Ronnie's wishes. Ronnie hasn't played the piano since her father left when she was younger and is very sensitive about playing. Later, Ronnie finds raccoons on the beach eating at sea turtle eggs. Being the environmentalist she is, she calls animal control to set up a cage to protect the eggs. Until they arrive, she sleeps outside on the beach in hopes of protecting the nest. Eventually they arrive, and it happens to be Will, who came to set up the outline for the cage.
The book is still becoming more intense!! I admire that Ronnie cares so much about animals. She sleeps outside on the beach, knowing there's raccoons all around her in attempt to protect the nest. I wish I could do that....
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Last Song
Nicholas Sparks
popular fiction
pg. 67-100
Ronnie is now at Bower's Point, the sketchy place she went with Blaze and Marcus. She is not really enjoying herself, until her father's friend arrives to take her home. She is humiliated and mortified. She returns back to her dad's house, very unhappy with him. She goes home and goes to bed. She wakes up and leaves the house as soon as she's ready. She ventures to the pier where she runs into Blaze again. She asks Blaze if she missed out on anything last night, but she didn't. Ronnie and Blaze head off to the diner to buy Blaze some food since she hadn't eaten since yesterday morning. Her and Blaze talk, hearing all about Blaze's childhood and the troubles she faced. Marcus arrives, causing trouble as usual. Him and Blaze fight as usual as well. The book then switches views, to Ronnie's father's view. He is spending time with Jonah since his other child avoids him out of spite.
The book is getting intense still. I'm loving it!!! It's definitely better than the movie so far. It has so much more detail and stuff. If you like the predictable novel, read this!
Nicholas Sparks
popular fiction
pg. 67-100
Ronnie is now at Bower's Point, the sketchy place she went with Blaze and Marcus. She is not really enjoying herself, until her father's friend arrives to take her home. She is humiliated and mortified. She returns back to her dad's house, very unhappy with him. She goes home and goes to bed. She wakes up and leaves the house as soon as she's ready. She ventures to the pier where she runs into Blaze again. She asks Blaze if she missed out on anything last night, but she didn't. Ronnie and Blaze head off to the diner to buy Blaze some food since she hadn't eaten since yesterday morning. Her and Blaze talk, hearing all about Blaze's childhood and the troubles she faced. Marcus arrives, causing trouble as usual. Him and Blaze fight as usual as well. The book then switches views, to Ronnie's father's view. He is spending time with Jonah since his other child avoids him out of spite.
The book is getting intense still. I'm loving it!!! It's definitely better than the movie so far. It has so much more detail and stuff. If you like the predictable novel, read this!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Last Song
Nicholas Sparks
popular fiction
pg. 1-66
Ronnie lives in New York City with her mom and little brother. She is leaving the city to go spend her summer with her dad in North Carolina against her will. Her mom drives her and Jonah (her little brother) there. They arrive, and Ronnie acts very teenager like. She doesn't want to be there and makes it clear. Upon her arrival, she leaves her father's house to go explore. She goes and walks down the beach to the pier. On the pier, Ronnie meets an interesting girl named Blaze. Blaze is very strange, her and her boyfriend, Marcus, have an interesting relationship. They take a weird liking to Ronnie. Ronnie however, is ran into by a very good looking volleyball player, who spills her drink all over herself. He feels horrible and wants to make it up to her. His name is Will and he also takes a liking to Ronnie. But Ronnie ignores him for now, and heads off to find herself a new shirt. She also buys a new shirt in order to hide from her dad, wanting to be alone. Afterwords, Ronnie finds herself going off to a shady, sketchy place with Blaze and Marcus.
So far I'm loving this book! I've seen the movie but finally decided to read the book. It's pretty intriguing. It has that same, predictable story line as most popular novels do. I really think Ronnie could do better for herself, but I'm just trying not to ruin it for myself because I have seen the movie. Until next time!
Nicholas Sparks
popular fiction
pg. 1-66
Ronnie lives in New York City with her mom and little brother. She is leaving the city to go spend her summer with her dad in North Carolina against her will. Her mom drives her and Jonah (her little brother) there. They arrive, and Ronnie acts very teenager like. She doesn't want to be there and makes it clear. Upon her arrival, she leaves her father's house to go explore. She goes and walks down the beach to the pier. On the pier, Ronnie meets an interesting girl named Blaze. Blaze is very strange, her and her boyfriend, Marcus, have an interesting relationship. They take a weird liking to Ronnie. Ronnie however, is ran into by a very good looking volleyball player, who spills her drink all over herself. He feels horrible and wants to make it up to her. His name is Will and he also takes a liking to Ronnie. But Ronnie ignores him for now, and heads off to find herself a new shirt. She also buys a new shirt in order to hide from her dad, wanting to be alone. Afterwords, Ronnie finds herself going off to a shady, sketchy place with Blaze and Marcus.
So far I'm loving this book! I've seen the movie but finally decided to read the book. It's pretty intriguing. It has that same, predictable story line as most popular novels do. I really think Ronnie could do better for herself, but I'm just trying not to ruin it for myself because I have seen the movie. Until next time!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Last Night at the Lobster
Stewart O'Nan
popular fiction
pg. 107-146
So in the last few hours left at the Red Lobster, an elderly couple comes in as their only customers. They take their time and enjoy themselves. They're almost halfway done with their meal when the power goes out in the restaurant. The waitress brings candles to the table to provide them with light, even adding some romance. When they're ready to pay, they wanted to pay with a credit card, but because the power was out, they couldn't. They didn't have cash either. Manny just ended up giving them their meal for free. They told him it was the best part of their day so far. Eventually the power comes back on. They await customers, but none show up. Until, a bus full of tourists pull up, but not to eat. They needed to use the restroom and Manny allows them to. Once they leave, Manny calls it quits. Manny and the rest of the staff make sure everything is cleaned up on their last day of work. That's basically it...
Nothing exciting ever really happens to me in the story. You can read it for yourself if you want, but I honestly wouldn't really recommend it. But go for it if you want!
Stewart O'Nan
popular fiction
pg. 107-146
So in the last few hours left at the Red Lobster, an elderly couple comes in as their only customers. They take their time and enjoy themselves. They're almost halfway done with their meal when the power goes out in the restaurant. The waitress brings candles to the table to provide them with light, even adding some romance. When they're ready to pay, they wanted to pay with a credit card, but because the power was out, they couldn't. They didn't have cash either. Manny just ended up giving them their meal for free. They told him it was the best part of their day so far. Eventually the power comes back on. They await customers, but none show up. Until, a bus full of tourists pull up, but not to eat. They needed to use the restroom and Manny allows them to. Once they leave, Manny calls it quits. Manny and the rest of the staff make sure everything is cleaned up on their last day of work. That's basically it...
Nothing exciting ever really happens to me in the story. You can read it for yourself if you want, but I honestly wouldn't really recommend it. But go for it if you want!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Last Night at the Lobster
Stewart O'Nan
popular fiction
pg. 73-106
Manny becomes frustrated with everyone in the restaurant so he decides to leave on his lunch break to walk through the storm to the mall. He is in search of a Christmas present for his pregnant girlfriend, Deena. He already bought jewelry for Jacquie, one of his waitresses he happens to be in love with, but she ended things because they could never work out. He resorts to jewelry once again though. He makes his purchase and trudges through the snow back to the Red Lobster. He returns to that he has now lost another employee, cutting them even shorter on staff. Business is slow for the time being. However, Manny does discover that upon Fredo's departure, he cut up both Manny's jacket and the cook Ty's jacket as well, all in anger. Manny goes outside to find their windshields punched in as well. Ty and Manny struggle to fix it before allowing too much snow into their cars.
There is still nothing major going on in the story. It's just not very exciting too me. Luckily, I'm almost done. But I don't agree with him so much on buying gifts for both his pregnant girlfriend and the other girl he secretly loves....but oh well!
Stewart O'Nan
popular fiction
pg. 73-106
Manny becomes frustrated with everyone in the restaurant so he decides to leave on his lunch break to walk through the storm to the mall. He is in search of a Christmas present for his pregnant girlfriend, Deena. He already bought jewelry for Jacquie, one of his waitresses he happens to be in love with, but she ended things because they could never work out. He resorts to jewelry once again though. He makes his purchase and trudges through the snow back to the Red Lobster. He returns to that he has now lost another employee, cutting them even shorter on staff. Business is slow for the time being. However, Manny does discover that upon Fredo's departure, he cut up both Manny's jacket and the cook Ty's jacket as well, all in anger. Manny goes outside to find their windshields punched in as well. Ty and Manny struggle to fix it before allowing too much snow into their cars.
There is still nothing major going on in the story. It's just not very exciting too me. Luckily, I'm almost done. But I don't agree with him so much on buying gifts for both his pregnant girlfriend and the other girl he secretly loves....but oh well!
Teenagers, Friends and Bad Decisions
This article discusses how research has shown that teenagers are more likely to make bad decisions when with their friends. They are under lots of peer pressure when they're with all their friends. They feel the need to do what they think would be cool and popular in order to impress their friends, although many times it's not the best decision. I know from experience that my friends and I are definitely more likely to get into trouble when we are together rather than alone. We feel the need to not care as much and have fun. But we don't do anything dangerous like some teenagers. Some teenagers will put their life and the lives of others in danger because of peer pressure. Many times it involves decisions with driving, alcohol, or drugs. I can say I've never dealt with that, but some teenagers end up in bad places when they're when their friends, all because of peer pressure.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Life
So I've been babysitting a lot lately. I'm loving it. The more I babysit, the more money I get haha. I was at the Y today working out on the elliptical when the lady I babysit for texted me to babysit for her in like an hour. I was happy to do so. I ended up playing outside in the snow with the little girls the whole time. But also while I was working out, the lady's friend called me to babysit for her this weekend. I've never babysat for her before and I've never even met her, so she talked to me forever on the phone. She had to tell me all about her kids, animals, what her house looks like, and literally everything. She told me her and her husband usually go through an interview process when finding new babysitters....but the other lady recommended me so I got lucky. I'm scared to babysit for her though, she was crazy!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Last Night at the Lobster
Stewart O'Nan
popular fiction
pg. 30-72
So the Red Lobster has just been opened for its final day of business. At first business is slow, aside from their regular Mr. K, who is disappointed to hear that the Lobster is closing. Manny and all the workers are forced to handle the lunch crowd, but its really not much because of the growing blizzard outside. A business party arrives saying they called to see if they took reservations but were told they did not. Yet, Kendra, the hostess, forgot to mention it to the rest of the employees, not giving them a heads up of the rush that awaits them. While the business party is inside, Manny is forced to deal with the snow outside. He calls the snow plows hoping that they show up soon. But he still has to go outside and fight the snow blower to keep the sidewalks clear. Meanwhile, inside there is a table with 2 moms and a little boy. First the little boy spills his drink and proceeds to drop his spoon 3 different times, with him mother demanding a new one. Nicolette completely lost her patience with him. Finally, they go to leave, when the little boy throws up all over the restaurant floor. Of course, his mother claims the workers are laughing at him and leaves furiously, leaving Manny to clean up her son's disgusting mess. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Fredo, one of the line cooks became very angry and left. He didn't say anything to Manny, who didn't figure it out till he looked out the window to see Fredo walking to the bus stop in the cold. Manny then gives up and declares that if anyone else wants to leave, go for it. It's their last day, he can't stop them.
The book has gotten a little better. It's still not very intriguing to me, but I'm sticking it out. The little boy in the restaurant drove me crazy. Parents should control their kids! Also, that mom treated her son like he was the best thing and the world and could never do anything wrong, even though he did.
Stewart O'Nan
popular fiction
pg. 30-72
So the Red Lobster has just been opened for its final day of business. At first business is slow, aside from their regular Mr. K, who is disappointed to hear that the Lobster is closing. Manny and all the workers are forced to handle the lunch crowd, but its really not much because of the growing blizzard outside. A business party arrives saying they called to see if they took reservations but were told they did not. Yet, Kendra, the hostess, forgot to mention it to the rest of the employees, not giving them a heads up of the rush that awaits them. While the business party is inside, Manny is forced to deal with the snow outside. He calls the snow plows hoping that they show up soon. But he still has to go outside and fight the snow blower to keep the sidewalks clear. Meanwhile, inside there is a table with 2 moms and a little boy. First the little boy spills his drink and proceeds to drop his spoon 3 different times, with him mother demanding a new one. Nicolette completely lost her patience with him. Finally, they go to leave, when the little boy throws up all over the restaurant floor. Of course, his mother claims the workers are laughing at him and leaves furiously, leaving Manny to clean up her son's disgusting mess. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Fredo, one of the line cooks became very angry and left. He didn't say anything to Manny, who didn't figure it out till he looked out the window to see Fredo walking to the bus stop in the cold. Manny then gives up and declares that if anyone else wants to leave, go for it. It's their last day, he can't stop them.
The book has gotten a little better. It's still not very intriguing to me, but I'm sticking it out. The little boy in the restaurant drove me crazy. Parents should control their kids! Also, that mom treated her son like he was the best thing and the world and could never do anything wrong, even though he did.
Brice Fox & Daniel Weber - This is Indiana (Official Music Video)
So this video really makes me want to go to IU. I am obsessed with this song!!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Last Night at the Lobster
Stewart O'Nan
popular fiction
pg. 1-29
Manny, the manager at a Red Lobster in somewhere in New England, is working for the last day. The company has decided to shut down his Red Lobster. He spends the book talking about his last and final day at the Red Lobster before he moves on to the Olive Garden across town. He starts his day off by arriving at the Red Lobster nice and early, aware that this is the last time he will do so. He's sad about it, but realizes he can't do anything about it. He goes through his morning checklist to make sure everything is all see up while he waits for his very few staff members left to come in. Meanwhile, outside there is a major blizzard, decreasing their odds of customers on their final day. One by one, his staff slowly arrives, most arriving late. Once everything is ready and prepared, the Red Lobster opens for its final day.
So far, I'm not a fan of this book. It's kind of boring. But yet it's kind of vulgar. There's lots of swearing throughout when the workers get mad at one another. When Manny arrives at work early in the morning he is smoking weed, something I'm not a fan of. The book has a somewhat decent storyline so far, I'd day. I think it just needs more drama. It's not really my type of book. But hey, I'm giving it a try!
Stewart O'Nan
popular fiction
pg. 1-29
Manny, the manager at a Red Lobster in somewhere in New England, is working for the last day. The company has decided to shut down his Red Lobster. He spends the book talking about his last and final day at the Red Lobster before he moves on to the Olive Garden across town. He starts his day off by arriving at the Red Lobster nice and early, aware that this is the last time he will do so. He's sad about it, but realizes he can't do anything about it. He goes through his morning checklist to make sure everything is all see up while he waits for his very few staff members left to come in. Meanwhile, outside there is a major blizzard, decreasing their odds of customers on their final day. One by one, his staff slowly arrives, most arriving late. Once everything is ready and prepared, the Red Lobster opens for its final day.
So far, I'm not a fan of this book. It's kind of boring. But yet it's kind of vulgar. There's lots of swearing throughout when the workers get mad at one another. When Manny arrives at work early in the morning he is smoking weed, something I'm not a fan of. The book has a somewhat decent storyline so far, I'd day. I think it just needs more drama. It's not really my type of book. But hey, I'm giving it a try!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Stephen Chbosky
pg. 171- 213
This is the last part of the book. It starts off with Charlie not doing much, just talking about all his friends going to prom and then graduating. At graduation, Charlie's mom cries when his sister gives her speech, and walks across the stage. Very sentimental. Afterwords, Charlie and his whole entire family go back to his house for their party. Sam calls Charlie to come over, but he can't until his relatives leave. After they do, he goes to party with his friends until he realizes he still has school. He spends the next week trying to hang with Sam as much as possible before she leaves for her summer school program. Finally, the night before she leaves, the whole group is hanging out at Sam and Patrick's house. Everyone leaves except for Charlie, who goes to Sam's room to help her pack. She talks to Charlie about how he has to go for what he wants. He can't just sit around and try to make everyone else happy. They end up kissing and all of that, until Charlie freaks out. He sleeps over at their house on the couch and sees Sam away in the morning. He goes home where his parents find him sitting on the couch naked watching tv, but the tv isn't even on. Later we find out what really happened between him and his aunt Helen, but I don't want to ruin anymore than I already have.
In the epilogue, Charlie says some really deep things. It's inspirational. He's riding in the back of Sam's truck and he feels infinite. He feels awesome about his life. He is actually happy with everything going on. He feels good for the first time in his life. I really like that. He says that we must believe him that everything is now good and his life and if it's not, it will be soon enough. I think everyone should think like he does. If our lives are looking gloomy right now, they will turn around eventually. We just have to keep our heads up like Charlie. Overall, I really liked this book. I would recommend it to anyone. It really gives you a unique insight to the life of a teenager.
Stephen Chbosky
pg. 171- 213
This is the last part of the book. It starts off with Charlie not doing much, just talking about all his friends going to prom and then graduating. At graduation, Charlie's mom cries when his sister gives her speech, and walks across the stage. Very sentimental. Afterwords, Charlie and his whole entire family go back to his house for their party. Sam calls Charlie to come over, but he can't until his relatives leave. After they do, he goes to party with his friends until he realizes he still has school. He spends the next week trying to hang with Sam as much as possible before she leaves for her summer school program. Finally, the night before she leaves, the whole group is hanging out at Sam and Patrick's house. Everyone leaves except for Charlie, who goes to Sam's room to help her pack. She talks to Charlie about how he has to go for what he wants. He can't just sit around and try to make everyone else happy. They end up kissing and all of that, until Charlie freaks out. He sleeps over at their house on the couch and sees Sam away in the morning. He goes home where his parents find him sitting on the couch naked watching tv, but the tv isn't even on. Later we find out what really happened between him and his aunt Helen, but I don't want to ruin anymore than I already have.
In the epilogue, Charlie says some really deep things. It's inspirational. He's riding in the back of Sam's truck and he feels infinite. He feels awesome about his life. He is actually happy with everything going on. He feels good for the first time in his life. I really like that. He says that we must believe him that everything is now good and his life and if it's not, it will be soon enough. I think everyone should think like he does. If our lives are looking gloomy right now, they will turn around eventually. We just have to keep our heads up like Charlie. Overall, I really liked this book. I would recommend it to anyone. It really gives you a unique insight to the life of a teenager.
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