Counting The Mad

How do  you Count The Mad? Are you ordinary or abnormal? When Donald Justice wrote Counting the Mad he knew that there could get many different ways people can interpenetrate this, but I think that this poem is about a crazy person. He believes he is normal, he believes he should have a free life. In this poem Donald wrote "This one was put in a jacket" by this I think he means a straight jacket. Also in this poem it said he cried No No No No. By this he thinks that he should be free and in the end he calls himself ordinary.

The Lottery

The Lottery, most people think this is a great thing to win but not this lottery. When the silence falls upon the crowd it because they are finding out who is going to be stoned to death. When the town goes silent and motionless you think it is because they are praying that there family did not win the lottery. The first foreshadowing is when Mrs.Hutchinson walks in late to the lottery picking. Another foreshadowing is when Mrs.Hutchinson tries to convince everyone that her husband was rushed into picking, so that they can do a re pick. There was a lot of foreshadowing in this book but the last one I am going to mention is that Mrs.Hutchison acted like she forgot that the lottery picking was that day, and also she made up excuses saying "Wouldn't have me leave m'dishes in the sink, now, Would you?"

Really Jane?

Alyssa Czerwinski

5/11/12

Really Jane?

OW! My keys, they hurt so badly. If you didn’t know I am a computer keyboard. I am pretty much the greatest keyboards out there. Practically perfect keys but I do have my flaws. I guess you could say I am sensitive. Okay, fine, I am really sensitive. Being easily upset really stinks and this is why.

 Out of everything Jane does the worst is spit while typing. It just always seems like there is droll constantly coming out of her mouth; if I had a mouth I would be heaving. Seriously Jane? Can’t you keep your mouth closed? Cause’ right now you are grossing me out.

I can’t help but yelp every time someone types on me. My “x” key always hurts the worse since it doesn’t always work and Jane thinks it’s ok then to push it down with all her might.  Even  when I put of an error message trying to tell her to not type as hard she just keeps going like its nothing. There is something going on I wouldn’t just put up a message for you to just keep typing I put up the message so I could get a break the least you could do is read it.

You may not know but I am in love. I am in love with this speaker named Paul, but Jane always makes sure that his sister and him are off when she is not using them… I just want some alone time with Paul, is that too much to ask for? Paul and I are perfect for each other, end of story.

            Jane, I hope someday that you realize that you do a lot of annoying stuff to me. I don’t deserve anything that you do to me, I do not deserve spit, or how hard you push my keys and I should be able to see my boyfriend when ever. I may be sensitive but no keyboard deserves this. OW! Please stop Jane.

Death:There is No Way to Avoid it

Alyssa Czerwinski

4/18/12

Death: There is No Way to Avoid it

Authors Note: This is a four paragraph essay about the main themes of coping with death and trust/isolation issues for the book The Hunger Games and the book Numbers.

In life, we’re promised one thing and one thing only: Death. The worst part though is that we will never know when it’s coming. But is knowing really that great? In The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins I doubt Katniss was pleased to know that while she was in the arena 23 tribunes were going to die. Or in Numbers by Rachel Ward is Jem’s “gift” really a gift? Having to cope with imminent death for others and trust and isolation problems are the main themes for both of these books.

Look at someone else’s eyes. What do you see? How about an eight digit number? No? Oh, I thought so. Jem from Numbers has a gift, she may not like it but she sees the dates that people are going to die in their eyes. There is no way to stop when anyone is going to die, coping with that is close to impossible. Also in The Hunger Games looking into the arena know 23 people are going to die. Not knowing who’s next, who is going to survive, but you still know it is coming and you cannot avoid any of it.

Who can you trust in the arena when you are all going to have to die in the end except for one? Even though there were a couple of alliances made, all 24 tribunes knew that there would be only one left in the end. This created trust issues and Katniss and many others isolated themselves because of it. Jem from Numbers stated isolating herself from the crowd since she found out what the number that she can saw meant. If it was her choice she probably would have never look into anyone else’s eyes every again. She cannot trust anyone with her gift. She can’t because she doesn’t want to be put in the situation where she is forced to say there number.

Life: everyone tries to live it to its full potential even though we know that someday it is all going to end.  In The Hunger Games Katniss knew that in the arena if she didn’t work hard that she would die. And in Numbers Jem trying to make the best of her gift; it’s a lot harder than it seems.  I dare you to try to live life to the fullest even though your life is based on coping with death practically 24/7 and having trust and isolation issues. Is it harder than you thought?

Did the Music Enhance the Poem?

"You don't know what you've got till it's gone," This quote from "Big Yellow Taxi" gave me the impression that this song is sad and depressing. I would never have expected that this song would be fast paced. Since I heard this song my mood about this song changed in a big way. 
Unlike "Field Below" were both the lyrics and the music were filled with despair. After hearing "Big Yellow Taxi" I noticed that the lyrics were  still upsetting but was put to a semi-fast paced song so it sounded less sad and more of a love story. I personally wish this song was put to a slow paced song so people could get the true emotions of how bad it hurts when someone you love is leaving or is gone.

Briarwood Invasion

Alyssa Czerwinski

3/29/12

Mrs.Reagles 2^nd hour

Authors Note: Essay in the point of view of Massie Block from the Clique series when she finds out that Briarwood boys including her ex boyfriend have to start going to OTC (an all girl school where no one has ever been a cooed.) 

They are walking in acting like this was there school… but it isn’t. How could they walk in with their heads so high and eyes filled with confidence? If I walked into my brother school (Briarwood) I would be confident but they are acting like this is there school. I am the alpha of this school and these guys just think they can walk in like they’re the queen bees!

            I turned side to side to see if Alicia, Dylan, Kristen, or Claire noticed – they definitely did. Especially Claire, her bright blue eyes turned stone gray. I scanned the room for Layne. She didn’t seem to mind; she actually kind of looked happy. So did Alicia. Is my school being taken over? And worst of all is it being taken over by guys?

            The feeling of butterflies happened right behind my bellybutton. My head is spinning, how could this be happening? I stormed out of the room and went straight to the bathroom. Now that guys will be around EVERYONE will start acting different. My alpha status is in serious jeopardy. I need to come up with a plan and quickly.

            That’s when it came to me… the greatest plan I have ever came up with. Now all I have to do it tell the girls and the Briarwood-Octavian disaster will be over forever. But will it be as easy as it sounds?

What do Words Really Mean?

Alyssa Czerwinski

Mrs.Reagles 2nd hour

3/14/12

           Words, what do they really mean? "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair." is a famous quote from the poem Mother to Son by Langston Hughes when he says this he means that life wasn't as easy as people may think, there are challenges. The poem goes on uses the same stair idea to explain his mothers life. Only this time he explains that "It's had tacks in it, and splinters, and boards torn up, and places with no carpet on the floor --Bare." Langston is trying to say it there is many difficulties in life a lot like the first. When Langston wrote this he tried to see himself in his mothers shoes and figured being a divorced mother wasn't anything like a walk in the Park.

The Future of the Clique

Alyssa Cerwinski

3/1/12

Reagles 2^nd hour

The Future of the Clique

The Clique… the only thing harder than getting in is staying in. In the first two books of The Clique series by Lisi Harrison, this quote didn’t explain half as much as I think Revenge of the Wannabes, the third book of this series, will. Even though I am only on page 55, I think that Alicia will start her new clique and all the people on her dance team will be apart and also that either Kristen or Dylan will join as well.

First of all within the first few pages of Revenge of the Wannabes you can feel the tension whenever anyone talks about Massie to Alicia. She acts furious about how Massie is the “leader” and she goes unnoticed. If you were constantly compared to someone else, how would that make you feel? I know I would feel fed up and would just want to start over even if that means a whole new group of friends.

Another reasons why I think this is because when Meredith said, “Well you’re prettier [than Massie], you have a ton of friends, your clothes are all designer, the briarwood boys are in love with you and you’re an amazing dancer.” This gave Alicia hope and I think that is how she got the courage to host her own sleepover and start a revolution. With all of the girls on Alicia’s dance team telling her how amazing she is, she must have felt like she was Massie. That gave her an adrenaline rush to take control.

The final reason why I think that Dylan will choose Alicia over Massie is because on the back of the book it states that Dylan thinks Massie is up to no good.This made me wonder if the author was just saying that to throw me off or that Kristin will actually go to Alicia’s new group. The only reason why I think that Kristin will go to Alicia is because Kristin told Alicia out of all the four girls that she liked Derek from Briarwood...who Dylan also used to like.

It is true: staying in the clique is harder than getting in. Although, Alicia doesn't want to be "in" anymore. To be "in" has gotten to be too much work; having always to be perfect, to suck up to Massie, and to be friends only with Dylan, Kristen, and Massie created far too much pressure and drama. Alicia needed to start fresh to be released from Massie's grip.

Melinda... What do you see when she walks through the door?

Authors Note:This is a writing piece that demonstrates what you would see if Melinda from Speak would look like if she were to walk into  using figurative language.

The door opens, and she walks in. She walks so swiftly almost as if she wishes to not be seen. Her hair covers her eyes until she takes her seat. I try not to stare but there is something different about her, I just can't put my finger on it. When she walks she stares at her feet, and wears clothes that you would see on a eleven year old. She lifted her head and her eyes were filled with the fear of being judged. I could tell she prayed not be to seen.

The Hunchback of Notradame has better posture then she does. I try to talk to her but she keeps blowing me off like I'm that annoying fly buzzing around the room. When she finally talked she sounded scared to death. I couldn't help but to wonder , why was she acting so odd? The teacher said her Melinda -- I figured that was her name. She nodded her head enough for Mr.Jones to see she was here.

Expressions

Alyssa Czerwinski

2/21/12

Mrs.Reagles 2^nd hour

Expressions

Authors Note: Essay used to explain how the people in Jenna’s life in the book Rules of the Road help her express her emotions.

It is crazy how many people are in our life. Sometimes these people are important and some are less significant. In the book Rules of the Road By Joan Bauer Different characters symbolize different emotions for Jenna which is a key detail for this story.

First of all Harry Bender is a person who Jenna meets around half way through the book. He is someone she wished her dad was like. Harry gives Jenna hope. He does it in a way that he doesn’t even realize. Since Harry told her his story about him quitting drinking which is what Jenna wanted from her dad her whole life.

Another character that can help Jenna express her feelings is Madeline Gladstone. When I read this book I could tell whenever Jenna was with Mrs.Gladstone she felt strong. She felt this way because even though all the struggles Madeline has, she looks through the rain to see the sunlight. When Jenna is around someone who can overcome  a horrid son who doesn’t  care about her and a hip that causes her not to be able to walk  Jenna can realize that she can get though the difficulties of her dad.

The symbol of Jenna’s anger is revolved around her dad.  Her dad is introduced at the beginning of this story and I could tell that he was not going to be a positive character. He walked into the shoe store she worked at drunk! That was the first time she has seen him in 2 years and 7 months, but that was common for her father Jenna explained on page 8.

People can walk in and out for your life in the matter of seconds.  Some will stay and some will go, you never know. But I know Mrs.Gladstone Harry Bender, and Jenna’s father are the ones that will stay forever to help Jenna express her feelings.

The Worst Possible Outcome

Alyssa Czerwinski

2/16/12

Mrs.Reagles 2^nd hour

The Worst Possible Outcome

 The votes came in, and I had a ton of hope. The votes had just been double checked and the owner of the company is… Elden! Most of the crowd gasped, some just smiled and clapped. I couldn’t move; I was frozen with my mouth wide open thinking how could that inspiring speech not mean anything to the audience?

I began to speak; my voice sounded crackly because I was trying to hold back the tears, “I can’t believe any of you! How could you choose Elden? Didn’t you hear me say that he tried to take my job because he felt threatened!?” I could see in Mrs.Gladstones eyes that she couldn’t breathe, almost as if she was choking… Oh god, she is choking! But not on anything her heart stop and she was gasping for breath. I couldn’t watch as a stockholder tried to revive her. It was too, late she was gone. She died from the pressure of being perfect. I wish I didn’t get her hopes up just to push her down again.

Well this is an awkward ride home. I have to drive myself home with Mrs.Gladstone car but not her. I will never stand up for myself ever again no matter who it is for. Right when I got home I saw my mom and Faith they were so happy to see me but they could see in my eyes disperse and even more stress than I had before the trip. I turned my head because of a roaring noise coming up the street only to see my dad for the last time; I guess you could also say the last time anyone has seen me too. My dad hit me with his car so hard that I was dead from the instant he hit. I saw him get out of his car and ask, “Hey Jenna Girl you’re not looking to good. Are you sick?”

Rules of the Road

Authors Note: One paragraph essay explaining why a certain quote in the book Rules of the Road. This Quote is from the end of the story ergo its gives a detail that could be considered a “spoiler.”

“This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,” I shouted. “This is my father. He’s been drunk driving.” These two sentences mean a lot to Jenna in the book, Rules of the Road, by Joan Bauer. This is important because Jenna knows how hard it is “sell out” a person you love. She knew she had to though. That was the only way to get her dad on a better track for life.  

Mrs.Gladstone

Authors Note: This is a speech about the book Rules of the Road and Mrs.Gladstone.

One of the main characters is Mrs.Gladstone. She is a 73-year-old woman who runs over 150 shoe stores. Mrs.Gladstone has many attitudes towards different people. To Jenna she is impressed that a 16-year-old who is practically in love with her job. This is opposite to her son where she is upset and angry due to the fact that he is forcing things upon her. She values her stores and riches. Mrs.Gladstone is cranky and mean because of her bad hips and her son. Mrs.Gladstone is very important to this book without her there wouldn’t be a road trip ergo no book.

Max is EVIL

Alyssa Czerwinski

1/16/12

Mrs.Reagles 2^nd hour

Max is Evil

Authors Note: Persuasive essay explaining why my dog Max is crazy and evil.  

        About a year ago I bought my newest puppy, Max. When we bought him we thought he would be sweet because he was the only one not barking at the pet store… We were wrong, almost instantly when we got home he started making figure eights around my dining room and living room!  Max may seem nice but on the inside he’s a devil in many ways.

          First of all I have a pet cat. Ever since I got Max I can’t even let her out of her room without Max attacking her. She used to be able to roam the house without any discomfort and now she has to sleep and live in a closet. How horrible does that sound? Therefore because of Max, Cali, my cat, will have to live in a small room until he matures and settles down.

         Sure, Max is cute sometimes -- well, only at night. He cuddles into a ball and just sleeps so soundlessly. One day when I woke up I found him sticking his head out of the blankets and just having his body under the covers. I wish Max always was that cute but normally as soon as he wakes up he goes crazy!

          Max likes to bark. I don’t mean a little, I mean A LOT. Sometimes at cars other times at a wall no matter what you hear him bark at least once an hour. Even though Max is only 15 pounds he sounds like a dog 4 times his size. When Max meets a new person he freaks out and jumps about 4 feet in the air. Most people never see it coming until he’s there.

          The final reason why Max is a devil is that he steals and eats everything! My family, friends, and I all have to hide anything and everything. He goes through bags looking for something to chew on, he goes through boxes, and even jumps on the counter top every once in a while. We literally cannot leave anything out.

          In conclusion there are many reasons why my puppy is evil. I can't believe he was the only dog in the whole pet store who wasn't barking. Within this past year he may have started to jump, bark, steal and eat everything in sight, but sometimes he can be simply adorable which makes up for all the bad.

David's Adventure

 Alyssa Czerwinski

1/23/12

Mrs.Reagles 2^nd hour

David’s Adventure

Authors note: Short story about David trying to buy a new Hot Wheels Car, but it didn’t come easily . This was written to get s a high score in voice.

            David saved up all of his money for a new mustang hot wheels car. He ran all around the store searching for the perfect electric green mustang that he has wanted for almost a month now. There it was. Right next to the Barbies was the mustang selection for Hot Wheels. He searched and searched for the electric green one but it seemed to be nowhere in sight. He was given only one other choice, choose a different color.

            After checking over three times more to see he had made a mistake, but there was no mistake. 45 minutes later he finally chose the poppy red one. David noticed right when he bent down to pick up the red car, a boy from his school walked by with the last electric green mustang in the whole Toys’R’Us. He knew that this means war…

             He followed the boy just waiting for a moment for him to set it down. About 10 minutes after following him he put it down … David made a lunge for the car. Renaldo, the boy from school saw David from the corner of his eye and grabbed a noodle for a swimming pool and tapped him on his shoulder… David jumped as if he didn’t expect it. He grabbed a noodle as well and knew it was time for a fight to the death for the car.

            They hit each other with the noodles David was the first to fall to the ground but he grabbed the car on the way down. He crawled as fast as he could until he was able to get to his feet. Renaldo was close behind David needed to make a diversion, fast. So he dumped one of those huge crates that hold bouncy balls over.  David finally made it to the cash register, the cashier scanned the car and asked for $4.95. David froze, checking his pockets. Where was the money? He almost screamed because he found out that there was a hole in his sweatshirt pocket… Renaldo bought the car and left the store with a smile on his face. I guess you could say David wasn’t so happy.