Children

A child's' life is when the parent has the able to teach their son or daughter how to tie their shoes, ride a bike, read, and how to respect others. Children are the love we care for and the people we do not want to let go. Vincent Liu explains childhood as one of the important periods of our life:

Childhood is a period of time that I think is the most important moment of a person's entire life. The life of being a kid is such a wonderful and beautiful thing to have. I never really thought about it when I was young, but as I continue to grow older I started to realize about how just amazing being a kid really was. When we were little, we didn't really need to worry about anything in our life, and the only thing that we really care about is thinking about how we would spend our day playing around. It was time when we could just do almost anything we want and is most likely that we are able to get away with it simply because adults realizes that we don't know any better. It was time where our curiosity and imagination was at it's best and ran wild like a horse; a child's imagination knows no bound, and our curiosity multiplies every time we learn something new.

 While reading Vincent's post, I agreed to almost every part of it. This is because a childhood has its good and bad outcomes. For example, if a person did not have a good childhood experience, like, they were sexually harassed, abused, or simply, did not like their parents, that persons childhood is not a period of which they like to reminisce about. On the other hand, a person who had a lovely and healthy childhood would always talk about their experiences when older and will realize that they childhood was so much easier then today.

When Vincent says, "a child's imagination knows no bound, and our curiosity multiplies every time we learn something new", I do agree with this point, but when a child gets older, their imagination is more developed because they have been exposed to more things. As a child, they are not exposed to a lot of things, and if they are, they would not know what it is, what it does, what it is form etc. On the other hand, when they get older, the ability to be able to define something would be clear and enlightening. 

As a result, a childhood experience can go both ways, and sometimes, one-way maybe better than another.

Last one.

Wow, it is finally winter break. I am so excited. The only thing i have to do is finish this blog post and another then, I will officially begin my break off school.

So, this morning, my group and I had our last discussion about The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon. And i hate to say it, but it was a sucky/terrible discussion. It is really challenging for us to ask level two and three questions.  I say this, and many of the other group members say it as well that because we cannot relate to his experience, it is challenging to talk about something we do not know about. On a positive note, we all loved and admired Christophers talent and determination. For example, when he told him mom that he had to go back to Sweden to take his Math Level A test but she no because they were all the way in London, but luckly she was going back to Sweden and he was able to take his test although he was tired and could not do math has usual, he still took the offer got an A grade. Christopher's life over-time shows the many risks he took.

After u finished reading the book, I was unattracted to the book. This is because, the first and second parts of the book were emotional and enthsiastic, and because of the major events during those parts, I assumed it was going to end off with a resolution. For example, near the end of the book, the bond between his father and him were not complete. I wanted to know it is was going to forgive him or just, not. Also, I assumed maybe the Father and his Mother were going to get back together. So many question, but no answers. I hate books that leave  readers in a blurrrr. I just want too know.

All in all, the group discussion was not at it's best, and the next time I read a book that is challenging to analyze, i just need to work harder and re-read that part once more and make-up a level two or three question from there. This is because not all the time will I read a book that will be easy to understand, analyze, and interprete. It's just how life works. 

Well, now I have to do one-more blog post and I am off to start be wonderful, long break.

Happy Holiday!

You're so Beautiful, No Matter What They Say.

While reading many peoples blog's, I noticed a topic that defines the teenage life, today. Vanessa Berrios makes it very clear:

If you were to flip through the newest edition of every single fashion magazine out there, you will always see a skinny girl on the cover. Never in my life have I seen a decent looking girl on the covers of the trends that us girls follow these days. Society has tortured the minds of woman and especially young teenage girls. They manipulated them into thinking that the only way that they could be beautiful is by looking like the anorexic girls in the magazines and on television.

 I totally agree with her response to Christy's post. Many teenagers always look through magazines or go on omg.yahoo.com. They show what is in and- out. They provide negative and positive ideas about what people wear, how they put their make-up on, and more importantly, weight. Weight is what changes everyone’s idea about beauty. Teenagers are manipulated into thinking that if they are fat or simply, not skinny enough, they are ugly. Magazines, "people who think they are perfect", and the Internet are creating an unsuccessful generation. This shit needs to stop.

The long legs, nice hair, skinny waist, big boobs and butt- are all what these magazines want us to see and believe. If we are not like those beautiful women on there, we are not fit for society, and die. And because of this, many teenagers commit suicide. They don't feel that they are fit nor welcomed to their own community.

When watching television, I notice they put-down those who overweight. For example, the main character from Precious- all they talk about is her weight, and how her dress doesn't look good on her, but it would look good on someone else. I don’t know why people assume it's fine to critize people's appearance to they world, why do they think it's okay?

Back where my parents are from, Eritrea, there are two types of people: Adults and Kids. I believe this "teenage" generation is just all in our heads. American's psychotically made this up. These “teenage” groups of people were created to increase America's wealth, economically. That is all.

The Curious Kid

Well, it has been along week. Now,  we are going towards the hectic and discouraging part of school: Finals week }:<

During Mr. Sutherland's class today, my group and I had a discussion about the second half of The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon it was not as intriguing and energetic as the previous discussion we had last Friday, but it was all right. Although the discussion was not awesome as usual, we hit a few interesting points. For instance, Vincent, he gave a lot of clarification and back up to his observations of the book. He also tried to integrate a few level three questions, but it was challenging, for all of us. Another engaging discussion question was: "How does Christopher's mind work and had does it affect the book". Many people responded to the question by say that his disability and life style is what bring the book together; the climatic events streaming in the book, relates to the hardships and achievements Christopher overcomes. This question brought plenty of comments and other questions.

During my experience of the second half of this fascinating book, I could say was very stimulating and pleasurable. I say this because understanding that Christopher has a syndrome, you can see the differences between a person with the condition and without, which shows the positive and negative affects on a person. Christopher is very knowledgeable, and observing how he reacts with certain things and how he understands stuff establishes a closer connection with the reader and the character. This is because I figured out that his mother did not die and his father was lying to him the whole time. This fact stimulated lots of questions in my head, like: "Was his Father lying to him for the better, or was it because he hated what she done to him? This question was also asked by Amber, many people responded by saying that because of Christopher's disability, he did not want him to take it the wrong way or he just did not want to tell him because it is embarrassing to the Father. I totally agreed with everyone’s analysis on this idea, but building to a level three question is harder than scratching a chicken's butt.

So, what I learned about my group is that for now on, we should write down lots of level three questions while reading the book individually. This will improve our discussions and reduce the amount of level one and two questions during the discussion. I also understand why our discussion was not attentive and enthusiastic as usual (because we had that stupid family day, thingy).

I cannot believe we are almost done with the book; this is insane. I freaking love this book; it’s so unusual and sticking. I predict that Mrs. Alexander will tell the Father where Christopher went and he will go to the train station and find him and tell talk to him about this huge move he is willing to take. I think Christopher is not going to go; he just cannot go. He just can't.

That One Curious Guy

Doing a blog post on a Saturday night = wEiRd...

So, earlier this week, I had a discussion with Amber Gomez, Vincent Liu, Ianna Wilson, and Elijah Mekwunye, about The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon. We had many questions about the structure of the book, the main character (Christopher), his disability, his mother, father, and how the context relates to the world. We had many disagreements and clarifying questions. For example, I believe Amber asked this question: " Is only the first page of the book Christopher's story? Or is the hold entire book his story?" Many people said that he writes parts of his book part-by-part, but the entire book is the journey he is growing through while writing his story. 

Another interesting question that was brought up during our discussion was asked by Elijah: "Why does Christopher have 'Good Days', 'Bad Days', 'Super Good Days', and 'Black Days'? Is this similar to other people with this condition? I really like this question, but I was not able to answer because other people were talking over me or I was just too scared. Well, if I did answer this question, then I would say that in the beginning of the book he says that he thinks logically, so, he needs a legitimate reason why he has these days rather than just out-of-the-blue. Also, this relates to real people with this disability- they need a clear explanation why things happen.

What I learned about my group mates if that their are a few people who will talk a lot and their are a few that do want to talk, but does not want to interrupt the other person (me). I need to learn to say what I want, when I want. Although other people might interrupt me, I need to fight to get my voice heard (make my voice louder or just tell the person to go after me). What we talked about showed me that we are all different, not only culturally, but also socially. This demonstrates that whatever people are, we should respect them by any means.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I am happy. Like, really, really happy. Do you know why? Do you want too know why? Okay then.

In a few days, it’s going to be Christmas. I am so excited. Although I do not celebrate this holiday, (religious reasons) I still cannot wait for it to come! Karisa Coleman also describes the reasons why Christmas is fascinating:

...I also enjoy going downtown in San Francisco during Christmas time because there are so many people shopping there with their friends and family. There are also a lot of sales in stores and it's always fun to go shopping with your friends. I enjoy going to Union Square with friends as well because Macy's puts up a huge Christmas tree and a couple of weeks after they put it up they light it up at night. It may not sound that exciting, but it's just fun to be there with friends and people who are close to you. They also have puppies and kittens in their windows for adoption. I personally don't agree with trapping animals in windows, but they are cute to look at. 

 While reading through her blog, this part shows the similarity between her enjoyments and my selves. First of all, I love going to Downtown San Francisco and looking at the awesome lights all around; they are very unique and appealing. Also, I love walking around San Francisco with my family and friends; laughing and making a fool out of us is what makes these days complete. Secondly, I absolutely, positively love the Black Friday sales. Although I never went shopping on Black Friday, I still love how people have the integrity people have to stay in all all-night just too buy some shit. It's captivating.  Lastly, I love going to the mall and checking-out the awesome Christmas clothing and melody in the stores, especially Macy's; they have the largest Christmas tree in their store. It is enormous and ravishing. All in all, Christmas is a holiday that bring joy and delight too everyone.

Not only do the lights, sales, and huge Christmas tree’s stimulate me, but also I am also thrilled that I have three weeks off school. Yea, I know, twenty-one day's off school. This is my gift for Christmas. I cannot wait to cherish this irresistible break. 

This is the only reason why I love ASTI.

Them Girls

Everyone has different experiences in life; some people have it easier than others. In How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents, by Julia Alvarez, she describes the changes based on the girls experience in the Dominican Republic (the Island) and America. In the novel, the cultural and traditional struggles between the Garcia girl's native culture and their newfound identity in America, establishes different ethical and religious events in contrast to an American. The events that are describes in the novel, appeals to people without the immigration similarities and people who can relate.

This book exhibits many tribulations where the girls are exposed to the unwilling. This demonstrates fear and the tension of life in the Dominican Republic and their new America.

In the beginning of the second half in the novel, Trespass, the Garcia’s were celebrating their first year as Americans. Although it was a challenge for them, not all of the family members were happy about their stay in America.  When the family was making a wish before blowing out the candles, Carla states:

“Why do you wish for on the first celebration of the day you lost everything? Everyone else around the table had their eyes closed as if they had no trouble deciding,” (150)

This exemplifies that back home, the family was very wealthy, and the change from one country to another was stimulating, but challenging from them all. Carla, as a child, does not understand the amount of dedication and integrity the parts had to come to America. They had to talk tough many risks, it was all for them- to have an easier life, versus their parents. This demonstrates that ultimately, Carla's life in America is overwhelming and horrific. The new environment, language, and tradition in America differs compared to the Dominican Republic, which makes it hard for her to adapt to her new home, especially because she is a young child.

This is important because it shows who the writer’s prime call is too. The exploitation of the Garcia family immigrating to America shows that the book expresses real-life events and the common anger and disputes one has after moving form one place to another. It emphasizes this by detailing the feeling of one person’s reaction versus a group of people. As a result, the specific elements in the novel fully aware the readers of the several features in the book; this makes it glorifying to read.

The unwieldy and tricky aspects of life demonstrated in the book, translates into a unique and exclusive comprehension. This is because, the many pieces of literature sometimes render to an out of control and shocking surprise.

When Yolanda went to college, there was this guy that she liked, but did not fully understand the opposite sex in America; they are different. As a result, the reaction of  what Ruby Elmenhurst asked for was  extraordinary:

“…Finally he cut off, said [Ruby], Hey, Jesus Christ I’ve waited five years, and you look like you’ve gotten past all your hang-ups. Let’s just fuck…” (103).

This emphasizes that Ruby’s urge to have sex with her was asked in a rude and inappropriate way.  I can only imagine the amount of embarrassment and disinterest she had when he oddly said, “let’s just fuck.”

This ties into the cultural and religious views that are shown in the novel because many women do not interact with men in this certain way. They are mainly together at home and they know what the man wants. As much as this sounds awkward, women in other countries do not have these awkward and rude conversations with men. The men know their limits. On the other hand, people who are not from the same native culture, their identity is not shown based on their cultural beliefs. They are normal people. This establishes different outcomes and awkward experiences with diverse people. All in all, people who can relate to these events have a closer connection to the book.

 In the second part, Trespass, Carla is walking home and there was a car following her. This experience was a scene where she was in shock and ineffable about:

“The man had tied his two shirt ends just above his waist and was naked form their on down. String encircled his waist, the loose ends knotted on front and then looped around his penis,” (157)

This shows that the amount of explosion to a new immigrate creates fear and ambiguity to Carla’s mind. The uniquely odd scene she was faced with established a scar in her, the challenges to explain this event in neither English nor Spanish brought in the aftershock of the event and the cultural differences between an America and herself.

Considering this event has a lot of background and traditional means behind it, this appeals to a person who has an explicit reason to maybe why Carla had this shock and the inability to explain her observation to the police. For instance, as a person whos parents are from a close cultural and religious based family, these types of events are not exposed. This event maybe similar to my belief: that she might of never experienced this before and because her parents never talked to her about the other gender and sex, it was a shocking and unexplainable occurrence to her.

This book appeals mostly to the people who clearly understand why occasions, like the examples I gave, happen. As a result, during certain events in the book, readers who have similar backgrounds clearly understand the events and reasons behind it. On the other hand, people who do not have that type of connection to the events, may be confused about the situations.

This relates to the traditional and cultural side that impacts their identity in America. The feeling that they were not safe, they did not have family any friends, created fear and discomfort to their new home. The cultural and traditional events back home were not as significant and exciting in American versus the Dominican Republic. Also, the misunderstandings in America that created hatred to their new home established sadness and will to leave-back to the Dominican Republic. Although life in America is helpful, the hardest part is settling and understanding that they are lucky to be in America.

In conclusion, the girl’s identity from their native cultural living space changes when they are in America. The newfound identity produces a change to their social and physical events. All in all, the closer connection you have to one book, establishes hope and curiosity to another. 

Last one.

Wow, I am done with the book. It seems like it went pretty, darn fast...

Although I did not like the book in the beginning, it started to become more entertaining at the end. I have also realized that Carlos's family is very similar to me. A women's role versus men’s are visible and distinguishable in the vignettes and in my family. That is why the book became more delightful and valuable to read.

In How The Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents, by Julia Alvarez, in the third section, the vignette that shocked me the most was: An American Surprise.

In many countries, families have maids. And the maids are very close to the family, but know when they cannot do certain things and can.

 In this vignette, the maid, Gladys, she was black (I think?) was accused of stealing Carla's bank, when evidently Carla gave it to her because she did not want her to sell the wallets her dad bought for her. I believe the reason why she accused Gladys is because, first of all, she is a maid; they are there for the money, and if they sneak a few more bucks they will do so. But not all maids are like this; some are trustworthy, honest, and respectable with other peoples goods. They will not take "clean-up" and swipe everything in their belongings, assuming they did not do anything. In An American Surprise, the mother assumed she stole the bank maybe because she saw her stealing before, she looked suspicious, or was always eager for her money. Her acts maybe gave the mom a reason not to like her. All of these factors are intertwined in the assumption of Carla's bank to be "stolen".

Well, back where I am from, we had a similar incident, and it did not go well...

We had a maid. She was really nice, helpful, and funny. She never said she was tired, sick, or asked for more money. She was the best. One day, my eight year old cousin went into his parents room (In Eritrea, a family lives together, not like the American house hold- mom, dad, and two kids) and saw the maid cleaning, she went into his moms jewelry closet and saw her putting it inside her apron. He yelled, well in Tigrinya. Well, in English terminology, he said: Mom, Mom, she took your gold, she took your gold, (In Eritrea, you know not to touch peoples jewelry without their permission, just compliments on their gold. That’s it!) And so, his mom came up and they started to fight, she was yelling and yelling (like someone was trying to steal her stuff; that's exactly want happened :b). After the battle, the parents threw her stuff out the house and did not pay her. It was all-bad.

In conclusion, the events in book were very similar to my family experiences, which made it more enthusiastic and amusing.

I Like it How We Dribble Up and Down the Court.

While scouting through many student blogs, I have found and interesting and fascinating post. While reading through Vy Truong's post about basketball, I felt it should be shared once more:

Basketball is one if the sports I am most confident with playing. I spent most my child hood playing basketball with my brother or at a youth center I used to go to. I used to play basketball almost everyday but then I got lazy and really busy with school. Basketball was now not part of my life but I want it to be. This is why I want to play this year and to get in fit. It is a great way to work out. I never know why I enjoy playing basketball cause I hate running and balls but basketball has always been the sport that I never hated.

Vy is so really cool. She's like my role model.

Realizing how confident she is about this sport shows true dedication. This shows my how I should not give up a sport I like, just for school purposes. I say this because; I fear if I play a sport or do any other alternative activity, I will ruin my academic career, and downfall. I fear that I will not do as well and ruin my grades. I do not want that to happen, so I just do not do anything besides school stuff. What a boring life, huh?

While reading through Vy's blog, and looking at how she is taking the courage to play the sport she loves, makes me feeling like, I am a chicken. Chicken, chicken, chicken... Being able to balance school-life and an extra curricular activity shows responsibility and integrity. This is also beneficial because colleges understand how challenging it is to balance an additional activity that can interfere with school. This will show colleges that you are able to level yourself between two activities. That is so good! This is the main reason why I want to play a sport. I love badminton. 

Badminton is so much fun. Although I am not good at the sport, I could improve by playing on a team, because you do not have to start well, but soon after will become an expert. I wish I had the similar push as Vy, to make me join a badminton team. Is there such thing?

Anyways...

Vy, I love you. Your blog makes me very happy. Considering that you go to ASTI, and have a lot of work and adding another activity in to your hectic schedule is risky and beastie-like. I believe in you and i hope you make the team.

As a result, when loving something, you should try to do something about it. I feel like I'll be in a dream if I was on a badminton team and getting good grades in school. Ughh 

Oh, I have this notebook titled True Stories I Made Up. I have not written in it since middle school. I should start, and my dream life will be my first…

My Life is Average.

Hello. So, I am at my parents store and on the computer- obviously... This is my first time doing a blog here; let's see how it goes.

My brother is sitting on the left side of me and my sister is sitting on the right. I am really bored. Like, really really, bored. In the morning, my mom, sister (Sara), brother (Ahmed), and I went to the Southland Mall. I was very excited. The feeling of my mom paying for everything was thrilling.

Here is a little family background: Sara attends Encinal High school; she is a senior. Ahmed is eleven; he attends the Academy of Alameda.

About a half hour later, we had to leave. WHAT???? Already? Why?? My mom had to go somewhere. We woke up early on a non-school day to go shopping, and know we have to leave. I was so mad. I did not buy anything. This is frustrating to write about...

Soooo...

My mom dropped us of at the store and brother, sister, and I have been watching movies. That is it. On this awkward break, we do nada. I cannot do my homework because I am not at home- obviously. I wish I brought my backpack. I already finished my math, but I need to do the Wenke analysis and study for the history quiz, ughhhh. I hate my life. Someone shoot me.

Anyways...

I cannot believe we have school tomorrow. We should of use one of our furlough days for Friday, it would of made so much more sense, rather than having a random day off from school then, coming right back the next day.

...

In conclusion, Thursday was a total, fail. I had to stay up 'till 11:14 just to study. Do you see how much dedication I have for school; it's crazy. So, today is Friday, I finished all my homework and I have one more blog to post. I don't know why, but I don’t like blogging anymore. I need change. Spice things up.  Maybe it is just the topic I write about. Is my life really this boring?  Do I need a physiatrist? No you don’t, Nawara. Yes I do. Okay, this is getting weird; I should stop.

I am hungry. There is a cold box of pizza taunting me, should I eat it? Maybe I will…. Yumm, that was tasty. 

Yoyo- why is that so funny?

Yay! We finished the second paper clip, now we are one to the next one, lol.

The second half of the book seemed to go by really fast. This happened because I did not focus a lot about the structure of the book, but the context.

This half has many back and fourths about the Dominican Republic, the Island, and America. For example, when Fifi went to the motel with Manuel, her mother knew about it and sent her back to America. The reason why she sent her back was because of gruesome, uncivilized acts, and did not want to ruin her reputation. During these times, many people categorized people based on their children. They more pay or occupation the children have establishes the parent’s status. This is why the parents are always strict on their children, well in my perspective...

This is also common in my family as well. I hear many conversations about his or her child attending college with a full ride scholarship, one with a PhD, and another who is a pharmacist, doctor, engineer, biologist, the list goes on and on.

In the Trespass, the third to last vignette, there were many scenes in which, Carla did not appreciate her accent and her language barrier. For example, the scene when the man in the car was half naked, and was asked to get in the car. When she got home, she told her mom about the incident and she called the police. When the police wanted to talk to her, she did not know how to explain the event in English nor Spanish, which prevented her to explain her scene. As a result, something that prevents to do something really important establishes confusion and discomfort.

In my experience, many of my family members are also impacted with a language barrier- English. Although they have lived in America for a long time, it is still a challenge in their everyday lives. This is why I believe many parents want their children to be born or raised in America- to not have a challenge similar to theirs. This is way we should always thank our parents. Our lovely, lovely parents…

Teen Beans.

While reading through many people's blogs, I finally found a topic that is easy to type about. Vanessa's Berrios is about how nowadays, many adults think that there is something wrong with the teenage generation, today:

Usually, you will most likely see an adult say “What has happened to the kids nowadays.” They think that we have all changed for the worst. To them, we are so different to how they were back when they were our age. I think that the older people think that everything we do is wrong. Apparently to them, every aspect of what we do and how we behave is not right.

I definitely agree with Vanessa. The attitudes elders assume about the teenagers today are ruthless and invaluable.  The assumptions adults put on use are only what they here on the news and rumors. For example, on the news, they always report that the percentage of teenage pregnancies has increased. So, many people believe that all the teenagers are unimportant, weak, and insignificant to the American society. They degrade us. 

I understand why they do this thought. They are angry and fear that more and more teens will get pregnant early, drop of school, and will not be able to support America. Many families are angry as well. Sometimes it is their daughter who is pregnant. It is really hard to get angry and help a child you is pregnant. So, patience is a tool that is to be developed during this new transition in life.

My parents are a totally different story...

My parents... Let me tell you, they are not scared to put out their opinion about anything...

When they see pregnant teenage girls, specifically, my dad, he gets really mad and starts yelling at me. He is like "We need to move out of this place, look at this girl *points at a pregnant teen* and starts asking rhetorical questions: what is going on with the world? Why is this happening? Are there any pregnant girls at your school? If there is I am taking you out...blah blah blah. My dad’s ridiculous, but I love him

Anyways...

Adults need to consider that all teens are not pregnant and rude, ruthless, and crazy. We are normal people going through our teenage days. We make many mistakes, but also, help with community service. Degrading the teenagers will create pressure, fear, and instability in our nation. So, mom's, dad's, aunties, uncles, grandparents... be nice. We will grow out of it and become great men and women, well, most of us...

I Don't Want to Read it.

When learning about my family history, there are a collective amount of harsh experiences. They worked really hard coming to America and raising a family. My parents always say: " We brought you here, so you better do good in school and have a good job,” They want me to have an easier life. I love them.

I always ask my parents what happened during the time when Ethiopia and Eritrea had war with each other. They never have time to explain, so I let go. All of a sudden, my uncle, Salah Johar, wrote a book about his childhood during this war. The whole Eritrean Community was very proud of him. He has been a great model for all of us. The book is called, Of Kings And Bandits. The main idea in this book is that he was an ordinary child and all of sudden everything changes. He connects it to his culture, religion, and family. Considering I did not finish the book, I do not know a lot about it. The book is sooo long! It's very descriptive and tiring. My dad keeps telling me to read it, but I don't want too. I believe the reason why he is forcing me is because he wants me to understand how hard it was coming her and to appreciate their hard work. I absolutely do honor their hard work, but the reading it not needed. In a few weeks, we are going to have a convention for my Uncle. Many of my Auntie’s, Uncle's, and other older relatives are so proud of him. They cry because if his dedication in his culture and religion. He is spreading the word for all the people impacted in this war, and that really means a lot to them. On the other hand, the youth does not care. Even though we are proud, we just don't want to read it. Sooner or later, we will...

Overall, I am blessed and overjoyed that one of my family members wrote a novel. So, to honor his hard work and devotion I will finish this book and clearly understand the commitment my family did worked hard for. Considering that I have piles of homework, it will take time to finish the book. I am not promising a certain date, but someday...

It's in Reverse Chronological Order.

While reading the first part of How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents, by Julia Alvarez, it was hard to distinguish: who was talking, who were they talking about, and sometimes, what they were talking about. I was just reading and reading until I got something, and believe it or not, I did.

This book has many cultural, traditional, and religious based ideas. Many of the problems that go on during the book, has a reason behind it based on what I said before. Such as, marriage, work, and children. For example, Sofia, also known as Fifi, ran away to a man. She actually did not marry that man. She just had sex with him. She found another man, named Otto, Fifi asked for his hand in marriage, and he said, yes. And that was that. They got married, had children, and lived happily ever after... not. Her dad is mad. Like mad, mad. He is not talking to us own daughter. This happened because she got married without her dad's permission and untraditionally, unethically, and uncommonly. This creates anger in the family and gives a bad appearance to the parents of the daughter who ran off, got married, and has children.

As a result, this shows there is a close bond between the family and the values of self-respect.

What I have learned throughout this novel is that there are many things the girls know that the dad does not know, and he is slowly catching up. For example, when he saw Fifi's love letters. This shows that "papi" will try to figure out other hidden secrets about his children. Also, I think we are going to find out other things he has done as well. In the beginning of the novel, they do not change talk a lot about the dad, not in similar depth as the other four girls. I feel he has deep dirty secret. Like, raping Yolanda. In the fourth vignette, Rudy was touching her, and she reacted impulsively…sounds like something bad happened during her childhood.

For my essay, I want to analyze the differences between the four girls and the parents. The different traditional values changed when the girls were in America. How, when going to America, people change and seeing how the traditions and cultural values slowly eliminate.

That One Thing.

Many people have their up’s and downs about their writing: diction, syntax,and tone. I am included in that group of people. Realizing the changes in my writing, creates new expectations within it. During my blogging experience, the strict “ school-life” writing structure changed from more caged writing to more freestyle. I will look, in detail, at one generalized topics and three of my favorite post’s this quarter.

When I first started to blog, i did not want people to see my as the girl who writes about “ weird things” or “ too personal stuff). I entitled to write about the basic or general idea(s): School :0. It was the first few weeks to a month of school. I wanted to write about the subject school- it was easy to write about, people would not think it will be “weird” , and it is a re-occurring subject in the American teenagers life. I longed this idea since the beginning of the school year. I was scared. I was not going to make it. Blogger helped my withdraw this negative thoughts out of my head and to realize: it was going to be okay. Considering my other writing class, we do not have a selection of writing types. We- do -what- teacher-say.  Similar to robots. Blogger assigned me to expectorate the brutal language lingering in my brain. While I was re-reading this blog, i have spotted many misspelled, unpunctuated sentences, and other grammar errors that were put in this post. I clearly understand why; I was mad.

During the first quarter, I read many students blogs.I was fascinated. I have envisioned the topics they have written about. They were not general, not deep-down-and -dirty, but they were- personal. As I became aware of, i came to a conclusion: I can do they same thing too, and so I did: Friday-Friday. Friday-Friday was about my religious faith and family gatherings. While reading this, i could not believe i really wrote this. I felt like it was wrong to do, but i had this feeling of encouragement and strengthen Telling the world about my family, my religion, and my personal activities, provided my with superiority. I do not know why. I just felt like “ damn, you’re good person” or like “ damn, I am so cool for writing about this.” Friday- Friday was one of my topics that I ab treasure. Blogger put me in a place that made my write about anything i wanted to write about. I do not have to be scared, ( unless i was insulting a teacher- I will be so screwed).  This topic esteemed me to write about other ideas- in my own voice. For instance, Dude, chill and Bruh, Bruh. Just noticing the blog titles, it sounds very... original and abstract. Similar to my voice. The enduring blog posts generated a unending wind of comprehension.

Dude, chill was a response post to Amber Gomez’s blog. It was all about love and more love. This was a re-occurring subject during that time. It created many contrevorsy and    missunderstadings of ones belief in love.  Amber, was in rage.

While reading her post, I responded by stating:

Woe, Amber, that took a lot of... dedication.

While reading my reponse, i realized, i sounded superb and rude. I felt like i demolished her sense of reasoning and was voting for one side versus another. I never considered this to be me. It does not sound like me. Evidently, it is. During time, i should more individuality and implemented my own ideas, without backing out because of my fear in her reaction. I am a man. I have shown my opinionated self in... my self.

Bruh, Bruh. This was one of those little brother gone big moments:

my brother is growing up. He will never stay young, not even if you try to trick him about his age (which I have tried before... did not go well). It is time to let go.

I never knew I had this type of feeling towards my brother. It is usually, I hate him- that annoying kid. You know, the usual. This post was about the changes of my little brother. He is growing up. I could not believe it. I was scared. I felt like he was not going to fit in, in his new school, and understand the system. It sounds really mean, but this is how I - one-hundred percent felt during this time. Realizing that he was old enough to take care of him self: homework, tying his shoes, and making his own breakfast, signified “ it is time to let go. Writing about my personal family member created a relation to the world while i was writing this post.  Understanding that the “school-life” structured essay never provide specific  writing topics people want, on blogger, I am able to address any topic- freely. This helps me express my emotions that are hard to verbally take out. It is like a free session with a psychiatrist.

In conclusion, the effects that blogging has had on my life has greatly impacted the means of my writing. The strict “school-life” structured writing creates an enormous amount of stress and free will. On the other hand, the lovely blogger, insights with a massive amount of topics- being able to choose anything I want to write about is glorifying. My favorite, inspirational blogs above provide myself with happiness and the love of writing, which I never knew can happen.


School life and blogging has its distinctions and similarites. Many people blog about their school experiences and others write about Losing a Friend, Dougie-ing , or Writer’s Block.

The “school-life” structure changed from more gated writing  into more abstract writing.

The unique type of study provides ones ability to improve their comprehension.

Even though I clearly understand where she is coming from, everyone is entitled to an opinion, nuff said.

People have the right to implement their idea about anything, and in this case, Love.

Ineffable

Battles come and go. During the holoucaust, many people were threantened, killed, and emotionally tortured. Primarily, the jew were the main target during thid time. They lost their family and faith in the concentration camps. In the memoir, Night, by Elie Wiesel demostrates his time during the holucaust. He lost a lot, including his spirtuality o fteh supernatural. Elie Wiesel battles with his thoughts on the supernatural.

In the beginnning of memoir, Wiesel is emotionally and physically disciplined upon his religion. He is Jewish. Wiesel knows a man named Moshe the Beatle- a man of all work at a Hasidis Synagoge- very religious. Out of his great relgious status, Wiesel was encouraged, and wanted to become a boy of intense worship- a rabbi. Soon after, Moshe asked him a question: " 'Why do you play?' he asked me, as though he had known me a long time.' I don't know," (31). This demostrates unclarity and confusion. Knowing that Wiesal is very religious, he does not fully underdtand why he does such thing. His religious prayers is a repeat in his everyday live. He prays because he has too. It is the way of live, how he was grown up.

Later, Elie will begin to judge external events against his own beliefs about who God is, and what God's role should be.

After months of horror and relentlessness, Wiesel began to juxtapose the relation of God and the damage people are going through-- reality. Such as, the jews are being treated unfairly and the not like humans. The  torture people are going through  create a lost of interest in Gob. For example, " For the first time, I felt revolt rise up in me. Why should i bless his name? The eternal, lord of the universe, the All Powerful and terrible, was the silent. What did i have to thank him for?" (31). Wiesels believe on God his slowly filtering away. He does not see any changes on hope and freedom. Wiesel battles between the reality and the fantasy. Does not see the connection between the two. As a result, his changes become finalized

In the end of the memoir, Wiesel's alterations changes his view on God, and creates a new importance.

Wiesals aspiration on God is elimated.  He worries more about reality--survival. His views on God are clearly stated. For instance, " It is the end, God is no longer with us," (73). Final answer. He has no believe in him. The All Mighty. The Powerful. gone. His view on reality did not connect in the belief in his mind. Gob. The alteration created Wiesel to worry about survival rather that the prayers and forgiveness to "Gob". As a result, Wiesal battles between reality and Gob.

In conclusion, Wiesals adjustments concluded his belief. He tries to connect reality to the supernatural, and their was not any overlaps. When troubles occur, people automatically changes their thoughts. As a result, Wiesal battles between reality and God.

P.S- I am so mad!!!!!  I had an awesome essay ready to publish, but all of s sudden, it magically dissappered. I was going to cry. I worked SOOOOOOO hard, and now i had to turn in this. I AM SOOO MAD. I want to cry. I wish it was all a dream.

I worked so hard, soooo hard. I cannot believe this happened. I loved it. I was so happy. It made so much sense. I cannot believe it is gone. I am totally going to get a bad grade on this. I know I am. AAAAHHHHH.
 I am so @#$%$@#$%%## mad! Words cannot express how mad i am.

Hmmm...

Does "right" actually mean "right?"
Does that mean "left" means "wrong?"

Friday- Friday.

Yessssss, it is finally Friday. I have a load of homework and umm... homework, ahhh- the life.


As a Muslim, Fridays are important days of the week- ever week. I do not clearly understand why they are, but they just are. As a result to this day, many of my family members gather to ones house and talk about our religion, read the Qur’an, and talk about our week.


This is how it goes. The mother's stay in the living room and: gossip. The men and the children ( cousins and I), go into a room and collectively recite the Qur’an and our uncles lecture about our Dīn (religion). It feels like I am in a night class. No Joke. But sometimes, my uncles talk to about  The Day Of Judgement- which makes me really scared. This is because, in the Qur’an, it states that: The Day Of Judgement is coming soon. My uncles translate what the Qur’an says so we can clearly understand what the words in the quran mean. This is so sad because we should be able to understand what the characters mean without the english translation. So sad. Okayyy, back to the topic...  It gives us a warning about our society and tells us what is going to happen and when. It is very specific. ( like a description essay Valdez would give an 'A' on).


When reading the holy book, it gives me a closer connection to Allah. It tells the stories of Prophet Mohammed (p.b.u.h) and how much he dedicated his life, gave to the poor, and spread the Islamic Religion. He was a great Muslim and a honorable man.


After reading the Qur’an, I wonder if I am doing what God wants me to do? Am i satisfying him? Is he accepting my prayers? Am I doing my prayers correctly? Will I go to heaven or hell? These questions are always lingering in and out of my hand. It never goes away. I hope God he proud of me...
 Are my actions medial to Prophet Mohammed (p.b.u.h)? or fair below the expectations? I am scared.


As a result, these Friday gatherings recollect my spirituality and provide me a closer connection to the supernatural. I hope these Friday's will pass on- generation to generation.

Losing a Friend

These past days have been unbalanced and hectic. I almost forgot we had to do a blog. Thank God for planners...

While reading many blog posts, I came across Amber Gomez's post about one of her friends. It sounded that she was really sad and wanted to back track to the "good times" (when they were close friends), she states:

 And so I cry. And I remember all the good times we had together. And I just pray that if we aren't ever going to have times like that again, then I hope that I will never forget them. And maybe, you never will either.

This part of her blog made me cry and feel really devastated about the friends I lost throughout my life. 

Knowing Amber, she has been through a lot. She is very smart, talented, and an amazing friend. Noticing that she is slowly losing/ or lost a friend makes me feel that I should do something about. When I say, do something about it, I do not mean go over to that person and attack or threaten him in anyway. I mean, talk to her about it and try to establish a plan where she can talk to him or be able to see him more often. Sometimes, a friend you may love may not have the same feeling towards you.

People change...

When knowing someone for many years and instantly change before your eyes may: want new friends, different friends, or want to become a new person. To do so, the person takes away the people he uses to hang with, and change his past self for a new self (if you know what I mean).

When I was in sixth grade, I had a friend who would boss me, and other people around. I became her friend so I can become "popular", "cool", and have the right to make fun of others. After all the insults she gave others and myself, I had to walk away. I felt what she was doing was unreasonable and unfair. So, I hanged out with the other girls. After a few months, the "popular" girl came to us and wanted to apologize towards her past comments. We forgave her, but we did not hangout with her. We wanted her to feel bad about her actions. Looking at her all-alone at lunch, lunch recess, after school, I felt the need to hang with her. I did this because I thought I was going back to the old me. So, during lunch, we talked and talked. She was actually really nice and sweet. I liked her. We later became close friends. 

What I am trying to say is: People change for better, for worse...

I hope your friend and yourself will justify away to hangout or see realize if it was for the better...

Hope you feel better Berrrrr :)

Dougie?

Hey, yo'! can you teach me how to dougie?
I realllllyyy want to learn.
I have been watching a load of video's, but it does not work.
Sooooooooo, i would like someone to teach me how, in person. Face to face.

Ps. who ever is reading this and knows how to dougie, please take into consideration that it will take a lot of patience and perseverance.
Thank you!

Dude, chill.

While looking through Amber Gomez's posts, I found an interesting and unaware topic. Love. This abstract word has many twists and turn's about what people believe it is. Love, hmmm. 

Noticing that Amber was angry toward the freshman's thought's, I was thinking it should be posted once more:

You are freshmen. You are wayyyyy too young to say love is fake. Oh my gosh! You've got me screaming! Love does exist; you just haven't found it yet! Relax and stop depressing the people that ARE in love!

Woe, Amber, that took a lot of... dedication.

Even though I clearly understand where she is coming from, everyone is entitled to an opinion, nuff said.
People have the right to implement their idea about anything, and in this case, Love.

Many people who are in relationships would always say, " I love him/her". They say this because they believe that the person would never leave them and always be by their side. This is not always the case. People have relationships that do not feel like a relationship. Meaning, the guy/girl does not want to hang out with them, they might be really shy, or just not the type of guy; they might love them but the other spouse may not. This turns into hatred and angriness

People have relationships where they loved him/ her but the other did not. This automatically turns the person who is in love- angry and humiliated. They had so much love for him/ her that they did not realize if the other spouse did as well, (maybe, some of the freshman's, had a similar scenario, and soon after- they believed love is not real).

Amber, I am happy you are in love, but you have to take into consideration that everyone does not (or did not) have the same feelings as you. You may be a lucky one. In which, your spouse love's you as much as you love him, but that is not the same to the six billion people on this earth. I guess what I am trying to say is: love has its twist's and turn's and changes people's belief on it.

This fundamental word can create many debates upon ones thoughts.

Ps. " Love don't cost a thannnggg," I really wanted to put this in my paragraphs, i just did not know where.

Peace Out!

Bruh, Bruh.

I cannot believe the amount of test's we had today; it was insane!

Anyways...

Here I go. I am sitting down with the brother on the right side and my sister on the other. Furthermore, my dad is in the living room watching a soccer tournament in Dubai, they are screaming so loud I cannot concentrate on my post. So if my bog sound's weird it is not my fault. 

Anyhow...

I cannot believe my brother is in the sixth grade. I feel like he school is in elementary school forever. Even-though that would be weird, do not want my brother to grow up (woe, I feel like a parent). He used to go to Shelton's Primary Educational Center (S.P.E.C), but then the school closed down. My sister, brother, and I went to that school for nine year. I was private. We were rich then... Now, he goes to Academy of Alameda, I could not he is in middle school.  He was so excited on the first day of school; He wanted to be there an hour earlier. I had the same feelings as him, but I wanted to go to school early so I can have a tour of the school and understand my campus so I would not get lost. He just wanted to open his locker and make new friends. We are such opposites. Friends were the last priority I wanted to exhibit or maybe the last thing I wanted to think about. 

Today, I went to my brother’s school for the first time. He gave me explicit instructions on how to open a longer because I have not opened one since eighth grade... so sad. His instructions were clear that I finally opened the lock; I was proud of myself. Then, I tried it once more and it did not work- stupid lock.

In the end, I have concluded my brother is growing up. He will never stay young, not even if you try to trick him about his age (which I have tried before... did not go well). It is time to let go.

Ps. did you notice I did not tell you my brother's name? Well, here it goes, *drum rolls*... Ahmed Ahmed. Pretty neat, huh? Or not?