Journals- When writing a journal, I usually just write about whatever comes to my mind. I don’t second guess what I’m saying in journals, since journals are my own ideas and thoughts. I feel free writing journals. As if everything I say is right. I don’t mind writing them at all and would much prefer writing them instead of essay’s any day of the week.
Creative writing is similar to journals in my opinion. Although I don’t feel as free doing creative writings, I still have more options when writing them. I can make my writing unique and “creative”. I enjoy making up stories from my imagination since they will always interest me. That is how I write them, I just write about the most creative idea I can think of and let my mind do the thinking while my hand continuously are typing.
Essays- I actually despise writing essays. Every time I hear the word essay I think of English class and school. Not saying that there is anything wrong with English, however, it usually means homework and a lot of time that I would rather not spend typing on my computer. There are always requirements for essays and you must make sure that you fulfill them appropriately to receive a decent grade. When I write essays I just aim to get them done. I never really thought about how I mentally write them, I’m just anxious to finish them.
Poems- Poems are very fun in my opinion. They are numerous types of poems that enable me to choose a different type at any time. I like forming rhyming poems, because they sound really cool when they are read and it’s challenging to determine a word that rhymes and actually makes sense for each line of the poem. In poems you can include any type of writing style, such as iambic pentameter, which makes them enjoyable. When I write poems I always think about how to make it sound cool and deep. I try and put as much thought into each word and line as possible.
I’m not going to lie. I really don’t like writing too much. You need to write for every class and subject in school, which is obviously irritating. I don’t mind taking notes and writing information about science for example. However, writing essays, are extremely boring.
As I have grown up my vocabulary has enhanced and I have been using larger words in my writing pieces. I used to stick to the 3 letter words which everyone knew the meaning of. Now, I might include a few words that I may have just learned that week or recently. I have come a long way in writing. As I look back on my folders and other essays I have written in the past, I realize how much I have learned. I’m sure when I handed in some of my essays in 9th grade I thought they were terrific. Now, when I read them I don’t even know what I was saying and it seems so boring to me.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Psychology
Journal 6
Mary Anne was the childhood sweetheart to a medic Mark Fossie. He gets her to the camp where she learns many new things. She is a very fast learner at Vietnam and starts to understand the language and learn how to cook. A few deaths strike and she immediately goes to fix the bodies. She repairs arteries and shoots morphine. She basically becomes one of the men when she cuts her hair short like all the veterans.
Mary Anne loves the war and everything about it. She refuses to go home and stays as long as she possibly can. She is told to go home but insists on staying and even goes missing a few nights. They get engaged but then realize that there are complications with the relationship as she then disappears.
Mary Anne begins to become distant. She returns a few weeks later and seems to ignore Fossie. Fossie overhears her singing and decides to go into the room to find out what she is doing. She has a necklace made of human tongues that she wears around her neck. She tells Fossie that she is fine and the he doesn’t understand Vietnam the way she does. She was loved by everyone at their company. Mary Anne later perishes in a cross fire.
To me Mary Anne is crazy because of the way she had acted after staying at Vietnam for a little while. She seemed to become nuts ignoring her love, and doing really crazy things such as singing with that tongue necklace. To me she was going insane, even though she seemed to like Vietnam and apparently truly find herself.
Mary Anne was the childhood sweetheart to a medic Mark Fossie. He gets her to the camp where she learns many new things. She is a very fast learner at Vietnam and starts to understand the language and learn how to cook. A few deaths strike and she immediately goes to fix the bodies. She repairs arteries and shoots morphine. She basically becomes one of the men when she cuts her hair short like all the veterans.
Mary Anne loves the war and everything about it. She refuses to go home and stays as long as she possibly can. She is told to go home but insists on staying and even goes missing a few nights. They get engaged but then realize that there are complications with the relationship as she then disappears.
Mary Anne begins to become distant. She returns a few weeks later and seems to ignore Fossie. Fossie overhears her singing and decides to go into the room to find out what she is doing. She has a necklace made of human tongues that she wears around her neck. She tells Fossie that she is fine and the he doesn’t understand Vietnam the way she does. She was loved by everyone at their company. Mary Anne later perishes in a cross fire.
To me Mary Anne is crazy because of the way she had acted after staying at Vietnam for a little while. She seemed to become nuts ignoring her love, and doing really crazy things such as singing with that tongue necklace. To me she was going insane, even though she seemed to like Vietnam and apparently truly find herself.
How to tell a true war story
Journal 5
1. Return to the short story, “How to Tell a True War Story.” Find and list as many elements of a true war story as possible. Look for the following phrases for prompts:
“A true war story…..”
• “You can tell a true war story by… ”
• “True war stories do/do not…”
A true war story is never mortal.
In any war story, but especially a true one, it’s difficult to separate what happened form what seemed to happen.
In many cases, a true war story cannot be believed.
In other cases you cant even tell a true war story.
You can tell a true war story by the way it never seems to end.
A true war story, if truly told, makes the stomach believe.
True war stories do not generalize.
They do not indulge in abstraction or analysis.
You can tell a true war story by the questions you ask.
Therefore, its safe to say that in a true war story nothing is ever absolutely true.
Often in a true war story there is never even a point.
Sometimes a true war story cannot be believed because some of the most unbearable parts are true.
2. Now re-read and think about the list of elements of a true war story. How do these elements affect and influence your responses, as a reader, to the stories in this chapter and in this book?
The elements that make a true war story make me think about the stories more. I cringe when I hear some stories and wonder how they could have gone through this. I realize how these stories are truly in the fact that they never end and make my “stomach believe”.
3. According to O’Brien, why are stories important?
Stories are important because they reflect upon events that have happened. They are for used for joining the past to the future he says.
4. What is more disturbing to you, the death of Curt Lemon or the killing of the baby water buffalo? Explain your reasons.
Curt Lemon - because he is a person. I favor people’s lives over animals no matter what. However, I still am upset that the animal died in such a gross way as well. I admire animals and don’t want them to perish either. The water buffalo bleed to death which makes me grieve for it, but a humans life especially one that fights in Vietnam is very sad.
5. On the last page of the story, O’Brien says this story was “not a war story. It was a love story.” What does he mean by this? In what sense was “How to Tell a True War Story” a love story?
When O’Brien is told that the stories made the lady sad but she encourages him to write more, he wants to tell her that they aren’t war stories but love stories. His love for friends and everything else he lost and misses, is told out of his love and through these stories.
1. Return to the short story, “How to Tell a True War Story.” Find and list as many elements of a true war story as possible. Look for the following phrases for prompts:
“A true war story…..”
• “You can tell a true war story by… ”
• “True war stories do/do not…”
A true war story is never mortal.
In any war story, but especially a true one, it’s difficult to separate what happened form what seemed to happen.
In many cases, a true war story cannot be believed.
In other cases you cant even tell a true war story.
You can tell a true war story by the way it never seems to end.
A true war story, if truly told, makes the stomach believe.
True war stories do not generalize.
They do not indulge in abstraction or analysis.
You can tell a true war story by the questions you ask.
Therefore, its safe to say that in a true war story nothing is ever absolutely true.
Often in a true war story there is never even a point.
Sometimes a true war story cannot be believed because some of the most unbearable parts are true.
2. Now re-read and think about the list of elements of a true war story. How do these elements affect and influence your responses, as a reader, to the stories in this chapter and in this book?
The elements that make a true war story make me think about the stories more. I cringe when I hear some stories and wonder how they could have gone through this. I realize how these stories are truly in the fact that they never end and make my “stomach believe”.
3. According to O’Brien, why are stories important?
Stories are important because they reflect upon events that have happened. They are for used for joining the past to the future he says.
4. What is more disturbing to you, the death of Curt Lemon or the killing of the baby water buffalo? Explain your reasons.
Curt Lemon - because he is a person. I favor people’s lives over animals no matter what. However, I still am upset that the animal died in such a gross way as well. I admire animals and don’t want them to perish either. The water buffalo bleed to death which makes me grieve for it, but a humans life especially one that fights in Vietnam is very sad.
5. On the last page of the story, O’Brien says this story was “not a war story. It was a love story.” What does he mean by this? In what sense was “How to Tell a True War Story” a love story?
When O’Brien is told that the stories made the lady sad but she encourages him to write more, he wants to tell her that they aren’t war stories but love stories. His love for friends and everything else he lost and misses, is told out of his love and through these stories.
War in Iraq
Journal 4
O’Brien was on the border of Canada when he had made his decision. He had received his draft car to go to war in Vietnam. He new he didn’t want to go to war, knowing that it could lead to his death, however, his respect of his family steered him in the other direction. Because he didn’t want to disappoint his family, he turned around and was headed off to the war.
He is upset with himself for going off to war because he knew he didn’t want to and the only reason he did was for his family. Personally I think he is brave for going to war. He knew that he was a death bed waiting to happen. However, regardless of what he believed, he went off to war to not disappoint his family.
If I was in his situation I would have gone to war as well. Even though I know that I had a good chance of not coming home safely if at all, I would fight for my country and family. There was really no point for us to be involved in the war like we had been, but if other American citizens my age were going off to war; I am just as capable of helping our troops survive and protect one another out in combat.
I sure as “heck” hope that we don’t have a draft or anything as severe as Vietnam was. I don’t think we could ever have another war quite like Vietnam. At least I don’t think the war in Iraq will be like that considering no one seems to be as involved as they were in Vietnam. There were numerous riots and anti war songs and posters going around to stop Vietnam, however, as for the war today, it isn’t as publicized. Nothing could be quite like Vietnam.
If there was a draft today I would probably be forced to vacate America because of my parents. I don’t mind going into the services and fighting for my country. I would be terrified and nervous every day of my life, but I know our troops are feeling the same way right now.
O’Brien was on the border of Canada when he had made his decision. He had received his draft car to go to war in Vietnam. He new he didn’t want to go to war, knowing that it could lead to his death, however, his respect of his family steered him in the other direction. Because he didn’t want to disappoint his family, he turned around and was headed off to the war.
He is upset with himself for going off to war because he knew he didn’t want to and the only reason he did was for his family. Personally I think he is brave for going to war. He knew that he was a death bed waiting to happen. However, regardless of what he believed, he went off to war to not disappoint his family.
If I was in his situation I would have gone to war as well. Even though I know that I had a good chance of not coming home safely if at all, I would fight for my country and family. There was really no point for us to be involved in the war like we had been, but if other American citizens my age were going off to war; I am just as capable of helping our troops survive and protect one another out in combat.
I sure as “heck” hope that we don’t have a draft or anything as severe as Vietnam was. I don’t think we could ever have another war quite like Vietnam. At least I don’t think the war in Iraq will be like that considering no one seems to be as involved as they were in Vietnam. There were numerous riots and anti war songs and posters going around to stop Vietnam, however, as for the war today, it isn’t as publicized. Nothing could be quite like Vietnam.
If there was a draft today I would probably be forced to vacate America because of my parents. I don’t mind going into the services and fighting for my country. I would be terrified and nervous every day of my life, but I know our troops are feeling the same way right now.
Superstition
journal 7
In the novel, superstitions are spoken about mainly with Henry Dobbins. Henry Dobbins has a girlfriend who he thinks about each day at Vietnam. Even though he doesn’t see her, he keeps her in his mind by wearing her pantyhose around his neck for “good luck”. He manages to avoid and survive a land mine as well as a firefight he is engaged in. With his superstition he believes wearing the pantyhose around his neck he believes he is kept out of danger and it is a positive superstition. Even after he gets dumped he keeps it around him to keep him safe in Vietnam.
There are both negative and positive superstitions that people think about. Some say they are just in people’s heads and not true, however others believe they are true. For instance, some people believe that having an umbrella open inside a house is bad luck. Therefore, they would never open their umbrella inside their house because they believe something bad will happen to them. Another superstition that reflects bad luck, is walking under a open ladder or seeing a black cat cross. Mainly people keep their superstitions in their head and stay away from them. Good superstitions such as the one Henry Dobbins has are reflected in the way people act or do specific things.
I really don’t have many superstitions that I can think of, however, I’m sure I do have some superstitions that I just can’t think about but are always there in my head.
Also, many superstitions come from heritage or culture. There are some people that have superstitions based on their religion or something that their parents taught them which they learned when they were little. For example, clay hamsa on a wall is believe to protect the inhabitants of the house from harm, and scarabs on stone bring good luck to people in Egypt. Superstitions are very personal and can be either good or bad.
In the novel, superstitions are spoken about mainly with Henry Dobbins. Henry Dobbins has a girlfriend who he thinks about each day at Vietnam. Even though he doesn’t see her, he keeps her in his mind by wearing her pantyhose around his neck for “good luck”. He manages to avoid and survive a land mine as well as a firefight he is engaged in. With his superstition he believes wearing the pantyhose around his neck he believes he is kept out of danger and it is a positive superstition. Even after he gets dumped he keeps it around him to keep him safe in Vietnam.
There are both negative and positive superstitions that people think about. Some say they are just in people’s heads and not true, however others believe they are true. For instance, some people believe that having an umbrella open inside a house is bad luck. Therefore, they would never open their umbrella inside their house because they believe something bad will happen to them. Another superstition that reflects bad luck, is walking under a open ladder or seeing a black cat cross. Mainly people keep their superstitions in their head and stay away from them. Good superstitions such as the one Henry Dobbins has are reflected in the way people act or do specific things.
I really don’t have many superstitions that I can think of, however, I’m sure I do have some superstitions that I just can’t think about but are always there in my head.
Also, many superstitions come from heritage or culture. There are some people that have superstitions based on their religion or something that their parents taught them which they learned when they were little. For example, clay hamsa on a wall is believe to protect the inhabitants of the house from harm, and scarabs on stone bring good luck to people in Egypt. Superstitions are very personal and can be either good or bad.
My Story
Journal 3
If there is one event in my life that I could make forever it would certainly be regarding the teen tour I went on in the summer of 2006. It was a memory that will always be in my head from day 1. 30 days of pure fun, and each day told its own story. Day 1 of my trip went something like this…
There I was a stranger to many. Only one of the 50 teenagers that paid for the 30 day tour out to the west. 7 A.M. and I was ready to take off with my 3 good friends and 8 other teenagers flying out to Minnesota with me. All that kept crossing my mind was me hoping that I remembered everything I needed in my suitcase for 30 days away from home. The luggage I had to carry was a burden on my shoulder and I was so happy when it finally was taking its trip off to Minnesota with me.
I rested my head on the seat and thought about everything I was about to be getting into. Questions were un-answered and I was un-sure. How was this trip going to be? Am I going to like everyone or want to go home? How many more people am I going to meet? Question after question came to mind, and suddenly we arrived.
My good friends and I stuck together as if we were going into an unknown place and needed each other’s shoulder at every moment. We were scouting out everyone and their appearance. Trying to judge what their personality was like and what they act like. Not much time passed before we needed to get on the bus. We barely got to meet anyone but did get a few new names. The tour instructors were excellent and seemed very nice and outgoing. I was for sure this was going to be a fun trip when I met them.
When we got to the campsite we set up our tents and were assigned tent-mates for the night. That is when my adventure began and I started to truly become family and close friends with the teenagers living with me during the summer of 2006.
If there is one event in my life that I could make forever it would certainly be regarding the teen tour I went on in the summer of 2006. It was a memory that will always be in my head from day 1. 30 days of pure fun, and each day told its own story. Day 1 of my trip went something like this…
There I was a stranger to many. Only one of the 50 teenagers that paid for the 30 day tour out to the west. 7 A.M. and I was ready to take off with my 3 good friends and 8 other teenagers flying out to Minnesota with me. All that kept crossing my mind was me hoping that I remembered everything I needed in my suitcase for 30 days away from home. The luggage I had to carry was a burden on my shoulder and I was so happy when it finally was taking its trip off to Minnesota with me.
I rested my head on the seat and thought about everything I was about to be getting into. Questions were un-answered and I was un-sure. How was this trip going to be? Am I going to like everyone or want to go home? How many more people am I going to meet? Question after question came to mind, and suddenly we arrived.
My good friends and I stuck together as if we were going into an unknown place and needed each other’s shoulder at every moment. We were scouting out everyone and their appearance. Trying to judge what their personality was like and what they act like. Not much time passed before we needed to get on the bus. We barely got to meet anyone but did get a few new names. The tour instructors were excellent and seemed very nice and outgoing. I was for sure this was going to be a fun trip when I met them.
When we got to the campsite we set up our tents and were assigned tent-mates for the night. That is when my adventure began and I started to truly become family and close friends with the teenagers living with me during the summer of 2006.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Healing on the Hill
Journal 2
On an average day at school I usually am carrying a backpack, along with my laptop case, and my sweatshirt. I only carry my laptop because it is mandatory in our school, otherwise I would leave it at home because I prefer to take notes by hand. My laptop weighs about 4 lbs. The weight to me has no bearing on it’s importance and the weight doesn’t mean anything to whatever I carry, being as though the smallest things can mean the most in life.
My sweatshirt varies daily each day I come to school. Certain days may be heavier then others, since on the colder days my sweatshirt is heavier. But, in the end, they still serve the same purpose.
My backpack weighs the most out of everything I carry. I have never used my locker once at Pascack Valley High School because I prefer to have all my books in my backpack at the same time. The weight I carry on my back doesn’t bother me when I’m walking from class to class or even home from school. My locker is just in a bad location for my classes and would cause me to be late for class if I had to continue to switch my books each day. My backpack contains every notebook for each class, usually 3 textbooks or so, however this year only about 1 or 2. Also, my backpack contains the necessities such as a calculator, pens, pencils, gum, agenda book, folders, and a water bottle. These are just daily materials that are in my backpack that I use ritually.
Parental pressures in school are very irritating, and to me they weigh more of a burden on me that the tangible things. Throughout high school my parents have continued to apply pressure for me to succeed in school and get good grades. My dad is absurd about school and e-mails my teachers constantly making sure I am doing okay in school. They never get off my back about grades and continue to pressure me even though I’m a senior and into like 7 colleges already.
On an average day at school I usually am carrying a backpack, along with my laptop case, and my sweatshirt. I only carry my laptop because it is mandatory in our school, otherwise I would leave it at home because I prefer to take notes by hand. My laptop weighs about 4 lbs. The weight to me has no bearing on it’s importance and the weight doesn’t mean anything to whatever I carry, being as though the smallest things can mean the most in life.
My sweatshirt varies daily each day I come to school. Certain days may be heavier then others, since on the colder days my sweatshirt is heavier. But, in the end, they still serve the same purpose.
My backpack weighs the most out of everything I carry. I have never used my locker once at Pascack Valley High School because I prefer to have all my books in my backpack at the same time. The weight I carry on my back doesn’t bother me when I’m walking from class to class or even home from school. My locker is just in a bad location for my classes and would cause me to be late for class if I had to continue to switch my books each day. My backpack contains every notebook for each class, usually 3 textbooks or so, however this year only about 1 or 2. Also, my backpack contains the necessities such as a calculator, pens, pencils, gum, agenda book, folders, and a water bottle. These are just daily materials that are in my backpack that I use ritually.
Parental pressures in school are very irritating, and to me they weigh more of a burden on me that the tangible things. Throughout high school my parents have continued to apply pressure for me to succeed in school and get good grades. My dad is absurd about school and e-mails my teachers constantly making sure I am doing okay in school. They never get off my back about grades and continue to pressure me even though I’m a senior and into like 7 colleges already.
What I Carry
Journal 1
On an average day at school I usually am carrying a backpack, along with my laptop case, and my sweatshirt. I only carry my laptop because it is mandatory in our school, otherwise I would leave it at home because I prefer to take notes by hand. My laptop weighs about 4 lbs. The weight to me has no bearing on it’s importance and the weight doesn’t mean anything to whatever I carry, being as though the smallest things can mean the most in life.
My sweatshirt varies daily each day I come to school. Certain days may be heavier then others, since on the colder days my sweatshirt is heavier. But, in the end, they still serve the same purpose.
My backpack weighs the most out of everything I carry. I have never used my locker once at Pascack Valley High School because I prefer to have all my books in my backpack at the same time. The weight I carry on my back doesn’t bother me when I’m walking from class to class or even home from school. My locker is just in a bad location for my classes and would cause me to be late for class if I had to continue to switch my books each day. My backpack contains every notebook for each class, usually 3 textbooks or so, however this year only about 1 or 2. Also, my backpack contains the necessities such as a calculator, pens, pencils, gum, agenda book, folders, and a water bottle. These are just daily materials that are in my backpack that I use ritually.
Parental pressures in school are very irritating, and to me they weigh more of a burden on me that the tangible things. Throughout high school my parents have continued to apply pressure for me to succeed in school and get good grades. My dad is absurd about school and e-mails my teachers constantly making sure I am doing okay in school. They never get off my back about grades and continue to pressure me even though I’m a senior and into like 7 colleges already.
On an average day at school I usually am carrying a backpack, along with my laptop case, and my sweatshirt. I only carry my laptop because it is mandatory in our school, otherwise I would leave it at home because I prefer to take notes by hand. My laptop weighs about 4 lbs. The weight to me has no bearing on it’s importance and the weight doesn’t mean anything to whatever I carry, being as though the smallest things can mean the most in life.
My sweatshirt varies daily each day I come to school. Certain days may be heavier then others, since on the colder days my sweatshirt is heavier. But, in the end, they still serve the same purpose.
My backpack weighs the most out of everything I carry. I have never used my locker once at Pascack Valley High School because I prefer to have all my books in my backpack at the same time. The weight I carry on my back doesn’t bother me when I’m walking from class to class or even home from school. My locker is just in a bad location for my classes and would cause me to be late for class if I had to continue to switch my books each day. My backpack contains every notebook for each class, usually 3 textbooks or so, however this year only about 1 or 2. Also, my backpack contains the necessities such as a calculator, pens, pencils, gum, agenda book, folders, and a water bottle. These are just daily materials that are in my backpack that I use ritually.
Parental pressures in school are very irritating, and to me they weigh more of a burden on me that the tangible things. Throughout high school my parents have continued to apply pressure for me to succeed in school and get good grades. My dad is absurd about school and e-mails my teachers constantly making sure I am doing okay in school. They never get off my back about grades and continue to pressure me even though I’m a senior and into like 7 colleges already.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)