Reading Poem - AHW

Read, read. Oh, anyone can read. To flip through the fresh scented pages of thick chapter books is one of the greatest privileges of the world. As learners we are obliged to see beyond the black and white text... and into the color hidden between the lines. Yes, to enter the world of a book. Beyond your imagination. Into a world that everyone shares. But all see it differently. Contribute to the world by reading every day. Fly through those rectangular pages that can make changes as big as the world.

Barnyard Wednesday

I just found out that I am going to be pet-sitting baby chicks starting this Wednesday, only for a few days though. My mom's friend is busy, so we are taking care of them. I am sooooo excited! I wonder how big they will be? Gosh, I don't quite know what chicks eat. Where will I keep them? How much exactly can we hold them?! I am expecting them to be small and round. A yellow that is the same hue as egg yolk, well go figure. Also, very fluffy, a tiny little beak, and last but not least to cute button like eyes. Yay!

My Digital Literary Essay for Wonder!

I have finished my essay. Click here to view it:

Ania's Wonder Essay!

By the way, this is also my AHW.

The Envelope

I can not contain myself in the car ride back from school! "Grandma! Drive faster!" And why may you ask? Because…. I need to find out what class I am in and who is in it! I jump out of the car when we pull into the drive-way. "Can you carry my stuff? Thanks!" I yell to her. I rush to the door and ring the door-bell. RING….. RING…. RING! RING! RING! RING! I shove aside my sister and rip open the envelope. And I get…… Yes!

School is coming to a close...

Throughout the year, I have been very successful in my academic achievements. And I want to be next year. I am really nervous to find out who my new teacher is. What if I get split up with my friends? Whatever happens, I'll be happy. It shall be so sad leaving the Joberts team. Message to the fifth graders: Use your time wisely. Seriously. In 7/8, I heard- you don't get as much freedom as we do now. Anyway… I am sooooooo excited for the summer!

My New Look

"Would you like orange, chocolate, vanilla or raspberry flavored gas?" The dentist asked me.

I thought to myself, 'Gas! What on Earth. Oh, Yeah, Laughing gas.'

"Um, I would like… Orange flavored- I mean scented."

"Alrighty."

I was about to get my chipped tooth patched up. It just happened to have been in a sensitive area on my tooth. I saw the hygienist slowly slip the mask over my nose. Instantly I burst into laughter.

"Oh, My!" she said, "This is working well!"

I slowly started to breath in the orange scented air. My fingers started to tingle. My vision became blurry. And everything felt surreal! Best of all: I had this sensation that I would go into laughter at any moment.

In what felt like hours later, the dentist held up a mirror. And I miraculously saw my new fixed tooth.

"I chipped my tooth!"

My water bottle slowly started to slip. My right hand was full with all of my school stuff. So, I hoisted up my water bottle. Nooooo! It got kind of out of control. And it… Hit. My. Mouth! For two seconds I was kind of in a daze, then I looked down a tiny white chunk, rolling to a stop. Then I yelled out, "I chipped my tooth!"

The Fair

Shin Be, my sister and I went to the Birmingham Fair on Friday. We saw Jordyn, Elise, Mahlah, and Ali. And then we went on rides together. We had so much fun. And on the bumper cars we saw Sebastian and Nicolae. It seems that I saw a lot of people that I knew. Even more, I just didn't say hi. I can't wait to go again.

Songs, Songs, Songs

Does it ever happen to you that you get more than one song stuck in  your head? I definitely do. I have a lot stuck in my head now. Especially that there are so many good songs out. And with a good movie like Pitch Perfect 2 out, I know that other people are facing the same situation. But, it makes doing work fun. Just hum a little tune out, to keep your mind off of things. But, statistically speaking I will have them out of my head in no time! Unless...

Science Olympiad Picnic

Yesterday, I had the Science Olympiad party, because it ended officially. The main thing that we did was go geo-caching in the rain, my Mrs. Jacobs' suggestion. So, we all timidly scurried out from under the pavilion beneath our umbrellas. The mosquitos were really bombarding us! We tried not to stray from the path at the beginning, or else we would fall into deep, deep mud. Until… We found the first geo-cache! I aborted the idea of umbrellas and we spent the rest of the time running through the park. And we didn't care wether we stepped into the mud and water or not. And you know what? That is what made that picnic memorable.

It is May!

May

In May 

I truly think in best

to be a robin

lightly dressed

concocting soup 

inside my nest.

Mix it once

mix it twice

mix that chicken soup with rice.

Chicken Soup With Rice -Maurice Sendak

A Great Idea!

I just had a great idea for my future forensics piece. I could do an informative on tarantulas! I know what you are thinking right now. The theme of the informative speech would be to explain why tarantulas make such good pets and to prove and disprove any common misconceptions. I am really thrilled to start writing this forensics piece. It will be fun for me because the experience of processing all of my knowledge about tarantulas into to one script would be fascinating.

Hello!!!

This is how you say "Hi" In all of the languages.


English:

hello

Spanish:
hola

Polish:
cześć

French:
bonjour 

German:
hallo

Japanese:
konnichewa

Chinese:
ni haō

Russian:
privet

Dutch:
hallo

Slovenian:
pozdravi

Portugese:
olá

Latin:
salve

Irish:
dia duit

Finnish:
hei

German Lesson

Recently I had my German Lessons canceled a lot due to my track meets. But, I have been studying. And I have noticed that I made a huge improvement since the year started. I have set a goal that I am completely fluent in German by the end of my freshman year in High School. I am really excited to be fluent because it will give me so many more opportunities in travel. And plus, it is fun learning another language. I recommend that to everyone, because it can significantly change the way your life unfolds! So, don't take spanish class for granted.

Athletic Achievements

Today I had a very successful Track Meet! I broke many of my personal records. For the one mile I came in second out of the 6th grade girls! And there were quite a few girls participating in that event. And along with that I got one of my best times!!! As most of you know: I am a long distance runner, so I pushed myself and decided to do the 70meter sprint… I came in last, but not too, too, far behind. And my third and final event was the 200meter dash I had never done it before. Since I am not a accomplished sprinter I didn't think I would do so well. But guess what?!?! I got 3rd place! This is how it went…

I rush to the 200meter starting line. And I say, "I'm here! Sorry that I'm late." The man tells us all to line up. I choose lane #2. Since 2 is my lucky number! I feel the blood pulsing through my ears. Will I do well? Can I do it? Will I…? Millions of questions race though my mind as I take my mark. "On your marks, get set, BOOM!" I hear the gun-shot and everyone dashes ahead. Oh No! I'm at the back! I put every ounce of energy into my legs as I round the corner. Look! I am passing people, one by one. I see just Megan, A Berkshire girl and Ellie ahead of me. I keep running! And my mom later recalls, "I saw a blonde ponytail whipping back and forth as you passed everyone." Next I'm ahead of Ellie! Final stretch… I make  it! 3rd place!

Forensics at Mackinac

We were finishing up our fancy dinner at the Grand Hotel at the forensics competition. Megan was about to go to her final round. No one else made it. The dinner consisted of an elegant five course meal of appetizer, soup, salad, entrée and obviously desert. It was delicious. Soon ofter Vivian, the other forensics people, and I watched Megan final round. Go Megan. Then we had the awards ceremony. And lastly was the dance party!!! And curfew was technically at 1am but… that didn't apply to us middle schoolers. It was fun watching the happy high schools in their prom-wear, dancing like they were still in 4th grade. Even some of the college boys that were judges were carrying each other around. It was so much fun! Throughout the whole weekend, even though it was cold I had a very grand scenic time!

Mackinac Island

This Weekend, I am going to Mackinac Island!!! The forensics team is going for a tournament. I got a whole new piece to memorize and perform. And the best part is that we get to stay in the Grand Hotel! So, I won't be here on Friday, neither will Megan or Vivian. There will also be a grand gala on one night. Our forensics coach told us that there is this one High School forensics team that buys wedding dresses and tie-dies them just for the trip! Isn't that cool. I am really excited.

The Outer Banks

I just found out that my family is going on a trip to the outer banks of the barrier islands. I am so excited! I have never been there before, so I can't wait to check it out. Here is the catch: My family is going to a place that is less inhabited. Soooooo… we are right next to a large nature reserve, and wild horses roam around freely there! I looked at pictures online of our vacation house with wild horses right under the balcony. I love horses. And the other part of going to a less inhabited are is that there are no roads to get there. Soooooo… we will have to drive for 3 miles when the tide is low, through sand! Imagine that. What if we get stuck? I am really excited!

Driving in Scotland

"Daddy why won't you be driving us around in Scotland?"

"Well, because you drive on the left hand side, so everything is reversed!"

"Oh Yeah, I forgot!"

We were sitting in a taxi on the way to our hotel. Everything looked so different. And I admit, later on in the trip I nearly got ran over by a car, because I was looking the wrong way.

"Why do they drive on this side?" I asked

"I think there is a historic aspect to that. I am not sure, but I think the reason is so that the men would be able to shake each other's right hand while directing the coaches."

"Oh. That makes sense. But still, I wouldn't be able to drive like this!"

Jingle !Jingle!

These are all of the jingles that I can list in 1 minute.

1. Like a good neighbor state farm is there.
2. Nationwide is on your side.
3. I'm lovin' it.
4. Great deals, great prices.
5. Let's get ets.
6. Do you have a Beaumont doctor?

Those are all of the jingles that I could remember off of the top of my head. It's sort of hard to remember all of those jingle when you are under a presageful time constraint. Because, right now, I could probably remember way more.

Spring!

Spring has sprung,
and songs must be sung.

The young birds are here,
and so are the deer.

There is a new breeze,
and we see the trees.

New life is born,
and there shall be no scorn.

Everywhere is new life,
I do not play the fife!

Running to Starbucks

Tomorrow morning I am running from school to Starbucks for the track team! I am so excited to do that. Because: 1) I love long distance running, and 2) once you run there you get a reward of your favorite drink! But, then I have to run back… with a Starbucks frap in my hand! 

I am going to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks!

I am so excited! I am because I knew that I was going to Yosemite… but now I found out that I am going to sequoia national park, too! I cannot wait to go there. I really want to see the towering trees of sequoia and the breath taking valleys of Yosemite. Specifically my family is going on a hiking trip there, soooooooo, that means I will get to see even more beautiful sights. AKA going off of the main road usually has better sights! I am looking forward to this trip!

The DIA

Over the weekend I went to the DIA with Shin Be.

"Now this is art!" I exclaimed as we walked into a gallery filled with artwork of beautiful nature landscapes. The whole room was filled with oceans and sunsets and trees. It was truly a breathtaking sight, but I do like the actual landscapes more.

"Look at these sculptures." Shin Be said.

"Oh… interesting."

"I would want these in my house. Ooh La la!"

"Cool!"

We strode among gallantly hanging photos and more!

Modern Art vs. Old Art

I love most modern art, but some of it is just a complete "NO". Many people picture modern art as different things. Some people think it is one of Andy Warhol's can drawing, abstract sculptures or just a series of shapes. I like about half of the modern art that I see. I went to the DIA over the weekend and there was this one piece of art that was literally 3 squares drawn on a canvas! I felt like my 7 year old sister could draw something better than that. Another one of the art pieces was some neon green paint spilled on a canvas and then the center was all stabbed out! I mean seriously, it was interesting to look at, but I don't know if the artist spent a lot of time on it. What really is art is old European oil canvas drawings, that art shows a moral in it. And that really reflects how much time and skill the artist put into it.

Math Talk

This is how to make a pi symbol. Here are the steps:

1. Press "T" make sure it is capitalized
2. Make another "T"
3. Now you have T T
4. Turn that into TT which is basically pi

Multiplication symbol:

1. SHIFT
2. "8"
3. And then you get *

A long story

This is a song that I learned and I turned it into a poem:

4 little angels all dressed in white,
trying to get to heaven on the end of a kite,
but the kite-string broke and down they all fell,
instead of going to heaven they all went to-

3 little cupids all dressed in rose,
trying to get to heaven on the angels' nose,
but the nose just sneezed and down they all fell,
instead of going to heaven they all went to-

2 little leprechauns all dressed in green,
trying to get to heaven in a limousine,
but the gas ran out and down they all fell,
instead of going to heaven they all went to-

1 little devil all dressed in red,
trying to get to heaven on the end of a thread,
but the thread just snapped and down it fell,
instead of going to heaven they all went to-

but don't you fret and don't you frown,
instead of going to heaven they all went to bed.

Are You ready for Summer Already?

I am ready for summer already! I love school… But, come on?! Summer is so exciting, fun, thrilling, refreshing, pleasant, easy-going and more. Now that we only have a few weeks of school left, I can practically sense everyone feeling the jitters for summer. I cannot wait for all of the new places that I am going to go to. Just last summer I went to Europe and Canada. I really want to know my Summer plans. Yay!

Adventure Park

My two friends: Ellie, Rea and I were at the Adventure park. By now we were in the middle of one of the most challenging courses. Among the trees we were waiting for the next challenge, technically 30 to 40 feet off of the ground. But, unfortunately there were these 20 year old "dudes" and they were holding up the pack. There were about  6 of them. Since we were 3 tree platforms behind them I wanted to speed up the pace. And worst of all the men were whining and acting like little babies in the trees, being really loud. So, I yelled, "Hey! We would have gone faster than you by now!" Then one of his friends said, "Yea man, listen to the ladies!" And then to add on to the burden that he felt Rea called out, "Do you need some aloe for that burn?" We all laughed.

2-Square in the Dark

"Hey Ania! Do you won't to play outside?" asked my sister, Maja.

"Yes just let me get my shoes on."

"Okee-dokee I'll meet you in the front yard!"

I slipped on my shoes and and as I passed through the garage to get outside I jumped onto my bike. I noticed my sister on her bike. And I pedaled as fast as I could. I felt the wind tugging at my pony-tail as I zoomed past her.

"Statistically speaking… I bet you can't catch me!" I cried to my sister.

"You know that you're faster."

"Ha!"

I turned around and then stopped my bike a bit too close to my sister. An idea popped into my head: 2-square! We haven't played it in a while; so why not now?

"Maja, Maja!"

"What?"

"Let us play 2-square… extreme 2-square."

"What is extreme 2-square?"

"Everything is on (that is 4-square vocabulary) and the rules are mis-matched.

"Okay let's play!"

And so for the rest of the evening, until it got dark, we played 2-square!!!

The Dentist

I look up at the glaring fluorescent lights shining into my mouth. This morning I had a trip to the dentist! I noticed the woman arranging some tools that will soon be prodded around in my mouth. I see a gruesome looking point metal scraper, an oddly shaped tooth brush, a shiny tube and more. First comes the scraping. I brush every day, twice, and I floss! So, I am expecting perfection. Then the woman says, "Well, for someone that is doing homework my dentist office in such an organized manner I expect nothing less!" I grunt my thanks. "Absolutely beautiful teeth." Okay, that satisfied me!

Dog Tired

I am not tired, but when I am tired this is how I feel:

I am dog-tired,
I need to sleep!
I am dog-tired,
I am seeing dancing sheep!
I am dog-tired,
I must finish my things!
I am dog-tired,
I will hear my clock as it pings!
I am dog-tired,
I need the rest!
I am dog-tired,
I must prepare for tomorrow's quest!
I am dog-tired,
Are you dog-tired?

Engage Project

My partner and I worked really hard on this photo editing project. If you are in the Joseph class and want to see it (since my class will be watching it anyway) click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAQG3N3Gyag

My First Track Meet

"All people running the two mile line-up please!" said more like yelled Mrs. Geisler. My heart lurched with excitement, fear, nervousness, and something that is too hard to put into words.

"Okay! You too step into lane 2." said the man running the event, pointing at Shin Be and I.

"Here?"

"Yeah!"

I steadied myself into the starting position. I knew I wasn't going to get first place, but all that mattered was that I tried my best. I glanced up at the man shooting the starting gun. He slowly raised his arm into the air. POW! And everyone was off! I paced myself at the beginning. In the end I finished 12th or 13th (forgot which). So in the end I was very proud of my two mile run!
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By the way it was raining for half of the meet so they had to cancel it early.
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This is me in the middle of my two mile run.

Country Music Party

"What did you get for question sixteen? Never mind." asked Shin Be. We were staying late because of my forensics practice. Meanwhile, Megan and Vivian were outside practicing long jumping. We had just finished our math homework and then Shin Be started playing country music off of her iPad! "What are you doing?" I asked.

"I am jamming out." She said while dancing.

"Okay then." So, then we were listening to country music for the rest of the few minutes.

10 Tips for Success With Homework!

1.  Always put 100% of your effort into homework. That may, seem stupid, but it is what you are graded on and how you ensure that you have learned.
2. Use your own techniques remember your homework! Do that by writing it in your planner, making it your home screen on your phone, or even putting a rubber band around your finger.
3. Form a study group and do your homework together. Many people do better if they get help from their peers or some just need ideas. And school is all about sharing knowledge.
4. If you get stuck on anything, take a reference into your schoolbook, or on your teacher's website. This will always freshen up your mind!
5. Be efficient! In case you didn't know efficiency is doing a job quickly yet well. If your do your homework do slow… Does that mean its thorough? If you went super fast… Is it top quality? So balance out your time and knowledge.
6. Early is not late! If you have a big project coming up, it is better to turn it in early. I do not recommend procrastinating to the day before. 
7. Always get sleep. Sleep! Well slept children also do better on tests.
8. If you have a lot of homework plan out your evening so that the hardest and most important items you do first. It is better to lose 5 points on your grade than 50.
9. Pay attention in class! What is worse than not knowing how to do your homework the night you got it. So, your in-class participation is just as important as your homework.
10. Be positive about it! A happy mind is a healthy mind.

Track and Field Experience

Running, stretching, running, timing, learning technique, racing. That is the Track element of track and field. There is also jumping, throwing, longer jumping, and strength. That is much of the field aspects. I love running! Even if you are just running for fun. But, it would seem more real if someone was chasing us, or racing us. I am ready to get up in the morning and run tomorrow!!!

Harry Potter Scenes

"Hey!" I exclaimed, "I recognize this place." Or course! I just remembered when I had watched the first Harry Potter movie.  And we were at the castle where part of the movie was filmed!!!
"Mom, isn;t this the scene in Harry Potter, where they do those broom riding lessons?"

"Yes. I'll take a picture, smile!"

I grinned. It was so much fun. By the way we were at Alnwick castle in England!

Black Pudding is not Pudding

So, it was our first full day in Scotland! I wanted to try a traditional food during breakfast. I glanced through the rows of silver pots in the buffet and decided to go with Black Pudding. In case you did't know: I am a vegetarian and so are my parents. My dad also took some of the blacked pudding. When I tried it it was;t anything special so I ate some of it, so did my dad. I thought this dish was some burnt pudding with oatmeal and spices.

"You guys, I think there is meat in that." Said my mom.

"Noooooo… There isn't." my dad and I explained to her.

"Are you sure about that?"

"We are positive! It's just pudding."

"I'm telling you… " My mom sighed.

Then she whipped out her phone and searched up what is in blacked pudding.

She started, "You might want to hear this," then she read it out loud. "Scottish Blacked Pudding is traditionally made with oatmeal, some spices and… pork blood. I told you."

"Ewww!!!! Yucky!"

I gulped down some water and regretted my choice. I had lost my appetite. Now I know: Black Pudding is not Pudding!

I went to Scotland!

For Spring break I went to Scotland and we also visited England. It was an absolutely amazing trip!!! And their accents were hard to follow. I visited many grand castles, with histories so deep… We also got a great look at the Scottish Highlands, which is what covers most of Scotland!

We took this photo at the legendary Loch Ness. And we even took a boat tour of the lake. We didn't see Nessie though.

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These are just some of the many views in the Scottish Highlands. Here I stand in Glencoe.

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One one of the days we had a traditional Afternoon Tea at our hotel.

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This is a castle (in the distance) on the island Lindisfarne. We visited in on our day in England. If the tide is up in the ocean then one is not able to get to the island.

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(Also in England) This is the Alnwick Castle. We stand here in its beautiful gardens. At this castle they filmed part of the Harry Potter movies.

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This square at the Alnwick castle… they filmed part of the Harry Potter movie. Along with other locations.

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On our last day we took a tour of The Royal Family's Yacht called the Britania. My sister and I stand next to its famous bell.

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We also glanced through Scotland's National Museum. We are standing on the front steps.

Mini Alice in Wonderland Parody

Alice was getting really bored! So, she decided to read some of her sisters books. 

"What good is a book without pictures!" Alice said.

Then she was feeling really hyper and psyched! And suddenly she saw a tortoise zoom by her in a posh looking out fit.

"Oh Dear! Oh My! Oh Me!" Said the tortoise, "It is getting terribly late!"

And then the turtle scrambled through a rabbit hole. Alice, bored in her thoughts, decided to go after the tortoise. She slipped into the rabbit hole!!!

"Ahhhhhh! Oh."

She found herself falling very… slowly. She then landed in a huge cathedral. Where am I?

~Decide what Alice should do next...

Anticipating Scotland

I am so excited for my family's trip to Scotland for Spring break. We don't have any family there… But, Oh it is so much fun to travel to new places. I cannot wait to buy my dad a kilt. Or try playing a bag-pipe. Maybe, exploring the Loch Ness. And even hearing Scottish ghost stories. It will be an international adventure!

Fabulous Forensics

"And next up for the awards is duo!" said the announcer in a gruff voice. My heart lurched with anticipation. So then as one me and Ali walked up onto the big stage. I held my gaze on the neat rows of trophies when I walked by them. The announcer cleared his throat. And he started announcing by the name of their pieces.

"And 6th place is Amelie Badelia."

"5th place is The Actors."

"4th place is 'I'm only kidding'."

"3rd place is Meet the Roomates!!!"

We won 3rd place! Hoorah!

AHW

A Poem

The stars shine,
And I shine bright, too.
The lions roar,
And I am brave, too.
The fox is clever,
And I am smart, too.
The world moves on,
And I grow, too.
The cheetah is fast,
And I am fast, too.
The Earth nurtures me,
And I protect, too.
The eagle soars,
And I have always been able to fly.
I am nature.

The Coffee Shop (continued)

Every single day in the land of San FranOffice, everyone got up in the morning and went to the nearest coffee shop. Life there revolved around simplicity and traditional business and office work. Boring! No one had enough creativity to change their ways. No one. Absolutely no one. Until a spunky 17 year old named N3Pw56oE came along. And yes… everyone has such boring numerical names.

One somewhat different early morning N3Pw56oE walked out of home and strutted down to the coffee shop.

"I would like an expresso please. No room. The usual size please, thank you." said N3Pw56oE.

"Coming right up!" Said the man at the counter who was always there.

"Did you see the news today this morning, Mister?"

"What…" Me. Yes I did."

"I know I am supposed to watch the news but I got soooo tired, I just slept in. Another 'rule break'."

"Well, kid… On the news it said an odd colorful thing is sprouting in the middle of Business Park."

"What is it?"

"I think it is… A flower!"

"Oh My Gosh! Those are forbidden!!!"

"I know… Now that't enough talk. Back to business."

So, N3Pw56oE grabbed her coffee and ran all the way to her business office. She worked for a door-bell company. Boring! An idea sparked in N3Pw56oE's mind! She thought to herself, What was the name of a flower? Think… Think! Think! Aha! A… Lilac. Suddenly, N3Pw56oE had another idea that would defy all San FranOffice odds: She was going to change her name to Lilac. That refreshing coffee did its job.

The Coffee Shop

Every single day in the land of San FranOffice, everyone got up in the morning and went to the nearest coffee shop. Life there revolved around simplicity and traditional business and office work. Boring! No one had enough creativity to change their ways. No one. Absolutely no one. Until a spunky 17 year old named N3Pw56oE came along. And yes… everyone has such boring numerical names.

One somewhat different early morning N3Pw56oE walked out of home and strutted down to the coffee shop.

"I would like an expresso please. No room. The usual size please, thank you." said N3Pw56oE.

"Coming right up!" Said the man at the counter who was always there.

"Did you see the news today this morning, Mister?"

"What…" Me. Yes I did."

"I know I am supposed to watch the news but I got soooo tired, I just slept in. Another 'rule break'."

"Well, kid… On the news it said an odd colorful thing is sprouting in the middle of Business Park."

"What is it?"

"I think it is… A flower!"

To be continued…………

Competing Again!

This weekend I have my first forensics competition of the year with our new pieces… I mean… we! I meant "we" because I am in a duo! If you don't know what a forensics duo is then I shall tell you: It is when you do a forensics piece with another person. It is so fun! Back to the subject, I am both nervous and excited. Excited since, well… competitions are always fun. And nervous because even though it is mostly about having fun, part of me just wants to win, win, win!

Biking to Flying

I was so happy! I had gotten my new bike over the weekend! In the car ride back from the bike shop I couldn't help but glancing back at it with a twinkle in my eye. When we pulled up our drive way, I leapt out of the front seat and dragged the bike out of the front seat.

"So, how does this work again?" I asked my dad.

"This little lever device changes the gear for the back wheel."

"What about the other one?"

"Try not to change that one, it is for the front wheel."

"Okay, I will test her out."

I steadily pedaled off. I was practically flying!

Cupcakes Catastrophe

I was really bored. Then, all of a sudden an idea hit me: Let's make cupcakes! So, I bounded up to my sister.

"Maja, do you want to make cupcakes?!"

"Umm… Yes!!!"

I ran and got the cookbook. When I looked in the fridge to get eggs and milk, my heart sank. No eggs.

ONE DAY LATER

Yes! We have the eggs.

"I have a splendid thought, Maja. We shall get absolutely no help from our parents. She nodded. And in 40 delicious minutes we had the tastiest cupcakes ever sitting right in front of us!

Poor Polyphemus

When I came back from school. I heard a thrashing in my room. That thrashing was the Polyphemus Moth. Poor thing! I gingerly crept up closer. Careful not to scare it, startle it. As I got a closer look on my knees I noticed a tear on its wings! Poor thing. It will never fly. Never find its fellow moths. Never be free… But, us people, will always be free. 

Respect the environment

Don't hurt animals

Polyphemus Moths

So, I was brushing my teeth, ready to go to bed. And then my dad said to me,

"I hear something rattling on your desk."

"You are joking! It's probable the tarantula's crickets."

"No. I think it is coming from your moth both."

And then it hit me: one of the Polyphemus moths are hatching! At the latest Science Olympiad tournament Vivian and I got extra live specimens. We got moth cocoons. And I was sure that they died, since we had a long trek in the cold weather back to our car. So, our supposedly "dead" moths had finally emerged!

Tulum Time

My head bolts upright as our bus lumbers to a stop on the gravelly road. We are about to see the Mayan ruins in Mexico! I was so excited! But, as I walked out of the bus, all I saw was a cute little down in scorching hot weather.

"Gosh! It's so hot here!" I exclaim to my sister.

"I know right! I want to go swimming now."

"Cheer up! We will be seeing one of the most beautiful beaches in a few minutes, there's bound to be a good breeze there."

So, our party of six rubs on our sunscreen and tightens our hats. And for the next 20 agonizing minutes we trudged down the path with little shade. Finally I see the tips of an ancient stone structure. I hurry ahead. We pass under a narrow tunnel which smells of dirt, Ahh. When My sister, my family and I emerge we have a tropical path to behold. With monkeys on either side and an odd abundance of iguanas. After 20 more minutes of enjoyable strolling another archway comes along. And what lay in front of me is a true mouth-dropping experience. The ancient Mayan ruins! Wow. I walk in and hold my breath as I take everything in. This is a great time for Tulum!

A Blast at the Blast

Tickets and prizes, candy and pop, bouncing galore. Those are some of many things at the BCS Blast. In total I got 79 tickets! But, that was only in the first 45 mins. Once in the prize room, I went through a critical procedure of choosing a prize, "Should I get this?" "Oh, I really like that!" "Darn, I don't have enough tickets." In the end I chose a ginormous inflatable bouncy ball, that is good quality. I also got a set of blood worms, evil looking. And two glow sticks! My friends and I spent most of our time wandering the halls, and bouncing in the bounce houses. I had a blast!

An Endless Rope

Down, down, down the rope goes. Into the endless dark abyss. What is down there? No one knows. Not a single soul has ever ventured to the end of the rope. Everyone has their own rope to climb down. You don't know what you will face. Be brave, determined and sort of lucky. At the bottom of the endless abyss, lay your fears. And no: it is not a solid bottom, but a air of success and self pride. Fearless. Don't be afraid of oblivion. Darkness is not the enemy, it is our light.

Wet, Cold and Fun

"You guys come over here!" I yell to my sister and her friend.

We were playing near the woods. And I had just climbed to the top of a super tall snowball. Unfortunately, they didn't seem interested in what I was doing. So, I  started stomping and waving my arms at the same time!

"Hello, come over here."

"Okay we are coming!"

I watched them run towards me. Suddenly I felt the huge snowball lurch. Uh-oh. I stood on it in horror as it split in two. I plummeted into the freezing cold, mucky, slushy, icy, water.

"Ugh! Maja walk around!"

Then I decided to go to the swings. The ground beneath it looked very shiny, so I gingerly stepped over it. I swung back and forth, back and forth, and back and forth a few times then I decided to get of. Nooo! Not again! My whole left foot plunged into the surprisingly deep slush. I shivered. My feet sent a tingling through my whole body. I my goodness! My feet were close to freezing. Now I know, look before you leap!!!

An Agonizing Decision

"Oh No! Why?!" This was one of the hardest decisions ever. I didn't know which cupcake to choose. They were each a different classic flavor. But, I didn't want to regret my decision.

Last weekend I was visiting my grandparents for my grandpa's birthday! Unfortunately, my grandma chose all different flavors of cupcakes. That is too hard of a decision to make.

I kept glancing nervously at the frosted delights. I just could't decide! Finally I decided to go with the German chocolate. Creamy coconut frosting with a rich, traditional chocolate cake. Time for presents!!!

The Very Busy Bunny

A little busy bunny lived on a hill.
The bunny once saw a butterfly and chased after it.
He leaped out of his burrow, through the meadow and back again.
The bunny then was startled by a fox!
He scrambled out of his burrow, through the meadow, across the brook and back again.
The bunny once got hungry for berries.
He jumped out of his burrow, through the meadow, across the brook around the berry patch and back again.
The bunny then saw a pretty girl rabbit.
He followed her  out of his burrow, through the meadow, across the brook, around the berry patch, into the woods and back again.
The bunny once gained some unnecessary weight.
He jogged out of his burrow, through the meadow, across the brook, around the berry patch, into the woods, and past the farm.
That little busy bunny then got very tired.
He slept the hold day through!

Update

I am now working on my iMovie.

Amazing Mayzie

Try this tongue twisting poem that I made:

Amazing Mayzie

Mayzie is as pretty as lazy daisy

Mayzie is amazing, yes indeed

Mazes are amazing too

Though Mayzie doesn't like to gaze into the  hazy maze

Mayzie eats maize that she picks from the maze

Amaze me Mayzie, you never get lazy

Mayzie sounds like 'mazing, right

Amazing mazes are no better than Mayzie

Mayzie hate mazes that are amazing

Even though amazingness comes from Mayzie

And Mayzie weighs no more than her special maize

It may seem like a big "Mayzie" haze in the middle of the amazing maze

JZ is not Maize's favorite amazing singer

Mayzie's best amazing friend is Miss Mays

The maize that Mayzie eats is also amazing

Throughout the days Mayzie is amazed that she is trapped inside the maze

Oh, Amazing Mayzie

Yet, Amazing Mayzie never ceases to amaze me

Chocolate Chips

I am happily skipping through Mrs. Brown's Lab! We are going to have an ice cream party for doing so well in Science Olympiad throughout the season! As I skip, I have a peculiar bag of chocolate chip toppings. Out of joy I slightly toss the bag into the air. And I remind you: the bag wasn't even open. As the bag arches down it sort of slips out of my grasp! I watch in horror as the bag smacks the ground  with a loud THUD! Oh no. I can feel my face reddening and I really gave the other people on the team a good laugh. Well, I goes I have to get the broom and dustpan...

Presentation

Immigrants Presentation

• 5 slides needed
• use powerpoint on my device
• one picture per slide

SLIDES TO MAKE:

• Map from Tegucigalpa to north carolina
• How to travel?
• How to eat?
• Where to sleep?
• Should you make the trip/ the final decision?

42.25 days to walk there

How to Travel?

• To travel I recommend riding on trains. While you are hiding in the bushes simply jump up and grab onto 

(I have a lot more pictures but I can't upload them. I got to class late too since I was giving a tour.)

Master of the Slopes

SWISH! That is the sound of my skis carving through the fluffy, well-groomed snow. This was my fifth run down one of the steepest hills at Boyne Mountain. I loved to carve through the slopes like someone in the Olympics would. I remember when I was younger: I would always keep the "pizza" position with my skis. In other words, poor quality skiing. I am now a master of the slopes. Any hill  that winter has to throw at me I can tackle down… or 

Locked

Chapter 1 - Memories (cont.)

"Run, Tess! Run!" Tristan screamed. I just manage to scramble away as one of once majestic buildings of New York started to fall apart. CRASH! The debris scatter around me, it made my heart skip a beat.
"The infected are terrorizing the healthy." I say, looking up.
Tristan nods, "Oh no! We have company. Look!"
I whip around to see a dozen Chill infected people lumber towards us. I feel like I am about to throw up. I thought we were safe, but no. The infected twitch and jerk with the sickness. They snarl at us. Laugh. Taunt. Kill the healthy.
"Weee j-j-just want t-to see-ee your prrrrrretty little faces," said- more like coughed- the one at the front.
He was a man about our age. Their hair was ripped out. Scars ran through their bodies like rivers. And blood was everywhere.  I couldn't bare to look at any more Chilled people!
"C-come closer. We won't h-huurt you! Come closer… Closer. Closer… Closer…" All twelve were chanting, they started to walk toward us. I didn't realize that I was clenching my knife by my side with fear. I have had enough! "Tristan, I think it is a good time to RUN!" I sprinted away without waiting for an answer. I was way faster than Tristan, but he could last longer. I was heaving for breaths. The pitter-patter of their footsteps was close behind. I was so terrified, I could hear the blood pulsing through my ears. "They're gaining on us!" I ran like the wind. The two of us ran through alleys, past abounded cars, past… bodies. My heart rate was quickening. Fear! They are right behind us! More fear! I am soooo tired. Help! Fear! I froze.
"Tess! Are you okay!" Tristan asked.
"Um, yes!"
"We lost them. You did realize that? Right?"
"Uhh…"
Suddenly for no reason at all I started to cry. My knees buckled under me, I put my head in my lap. As soon as Tristan put is arm around me, I started to bawl. I sobbed, "Everything... has been horrible, Tristan… Ever since the… government released that stupid... virus!" I sniffle. "Shhhh. It's okay Tess. Everything is going to be fine." He smiles " If you survived your freshman year in High School… We can make it through a world of lunatics." He knows how to make me feel better. "Thank you." I whisper." I think to myself doughtfully, 'I am petrified. Oh… some one please help me."

I bolted awake. Tristan is on his knees next to me. Nico and Gabbi are sound a sleep. Soft muffled noises are coming from Nico. "Tess, you were screaming in your sleep. What happened?"
"Nothing." I said. i was still breathing hard.
Tristan looked at me as if i had said the most unbelievable thing in the world. "Really?" he raised his eyebrows at me and cocked his head.
"Tristan, you are the best twin brother in the whole world. Oh… and I was just having a bad dream."
"Gosh, you've got to stop having those."
I stare at the ground, "I hate memories."
Tristan just chuckles and shakes his head. He seems much more mature than me even though I am 4 minutes older than him. I pretend not to notice.
"What's for breakfast?" Gabbi asks as she rises from her blanket. She stretches her arms out like she is yawning. "Hmmm," Gabbi has a smirk across her face.
"Uh-oh, I don't like the look of this." I say sarcastically. Even smarty-pants Tristan turns around to see this phenomenon. Gabbi makes a "Shh" symbol with her finger then she gets on her hands and knees, crawling to Nicos blanket. Nico has a habit of smiling when he sleeps- if it is a good dream, at least. Gabbi slowly rises then jumps on top of him! "The Chilled are attacking us! Grrrr!"
"Ahhhh" Nico screams like a girl. He jumps up and runs away from her. Tristan snickers, while I full-out laugh. "Hey! Gabs, Why did you wake me up like that?!" She shrugs innocently. "That's what you get for sleeping in," she says to him. I sigh, "Today… is going to be a good day."
"I couldn't have agreed more!”

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Chapter 2 - The Change of Plans

"Tess! Your breakfast won't run away from you." Nico says. Ugh, Nico and his manners!
"Whoopsy, Nico. We might as well be dining with the queen." I throw every ounce of sarcasm into my words.
"You guy do realize that this meal might be our last meal?" asks Tristan. I don't answer his question. Gabbi clears her throat, "Okay, enough chit-chat time. So, umm…. Ya. After I made breakfast I sort of drew a blueprint." I raise my eye-brows, "Drew a blueprint?"
"Hey! It's not that simple!" Gabbi clears the leaves of the forest floor away, so that the dirt is visible. She draws a rectangle with her finger, "That is New York City." She now draws an 'X', "We are here- a forest on the outskirts of the city." Now three lines coming from the rectangle, "We have all concluded that the Chilled people are starting to head into the woods in search of… food and flesh. We can all prove that with personal experience. Right?" I shiver. Memories! Gabbi draws some circles to the left, "That is the un-inhabited forest. We need do go-" Tristan interrupts, "But, isn't that where some villages have started to sprout up." Gabbi starts to look unsure, "Yes villages are there, but those are healthy seeking refuge." I get it now! "So we need to go Southwest. Head for the Carolinas?" She nods, "Exactly! And what better time to start packing than now?"
"Oh, there is no time like the present!"
"Should we take everything?"
"Yes!"
We all stand up. The lack of sleep is obvious in our groggy motions. "Did you hear that?" Nico half-whispers. "Hear what?" I ask.
"From down the hill… Sort of like a yell- no, not a yell. Hollering. Catcalls." An wary silence spreads across our camp. Almost… scary.
"I can hear it, too." I say.
Tristan and Gabbi exchange a glance. "Then we'd better start packing. Fast."
Gabbi smiles hauntingly, "Or we might have some nice Chilled friends to deal with later on."
I rush to my blanket. I grab my bag. I can barely think! The sound is getting louder! Okay… in goes my knifes, my blanket, first-aid kit, canteen, and then the rest. A twig snaps behind us. I spin around. "What was that?" my voice is quivering with fear! "Better deal with it now." says Nico, "It might be a squirrel." I am screaming in my mind, 'We have our bags packed Nico, just run… too late." An insane laughter fills the trees. It's hard to see in the light of dawn. A shadow moves behind that thick oak. "Nico don't!" We yell. Too. Late.

A ragged, torn, beaten, hungry, disgusting, sick, Chilled man steps out. "He has a knife, you guys." I say. I am so scared that i am practically laughing. "Hel-l-llllo-oooo fr-rr-r-r-r-iends." He pauses dramatically, and his head tics with insanity. "Weeeee-eee m-m-missss-ssssed you in the city." Our little group of four doesn't even have a signal for when to run away. After so, so many incidents, we just… know when to… GO!!

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Chapter 3 - A New Troop

I was now racing through the forest, they were trying to catch up to me. "Whooaaa-heeee! Kakaka!" The whoops and hollers from behind were getting louder. I didn't want to become one of the living dead.

Nico started to slow down, "I think we lost them back there."

"I think you're right." I said, with sort of too much sarcasm than I had intended.

I doubled over to compose myself. My vision had become a blur with exhaustion. The only noise around me was the now distant yells and chirping of birds- if there are any birds left! This part of the forest looked like a starry night sky, the forest floor was covered in sunlight dapples. It is very different compared to our previous sullen forest.

"Okay you guys," Tristan started, "So… according to my calculations we will be at the new forest in about two days.

I was confused, "What do you mean 'new forest', is there actually a fence saying 'new forest'."

Gabbi chipped in, "Actually there is supposed to be some type of fence," she paused. A look of terror spread across her face. "We have to go now. Then find a bush to hide under.

A knot spread in my stomach. The hollering group is coming closer! I slung my bag over my shoulder and started walking. Fast. Our little band of four walked silently through the dapple forest. Every time one of us stepped on a twig we all cringed.

"They. Are. Coming. Hide!" Nico whispered. He made sure to enunciate each syllable.

I got on my hands and knees- I knew the "duck and hide" drill, it's not the first time we have done it. I rolled onto my back and got under the thickest bush. Unfortunately it was prickly. The needles closed in around me, a protective cocoon. And it was sort of awkward because Nico chose the same bush and he was laying to close to me for my comfort.

"Tess…" he whispered.

"Ya."

"Give me a knife… please."

"Sure," I pulled out a hunter's knife, its blade still shone with metal that hadn't been dirtied with blood.

"Thanks."

"Now shut up!" I whispered angrily.

"Grrr-r-r-r-r-rrr. Did I sss-ssscare yooooouuuu ch-chillllldren-n-n-?" the sick man that was chasing us fell into an insane bout of laughter.

"They found us-" I slapped my hand over Nico's mouth before he could finish.

The sick man started again, "Di-did you r-r-r-eall-l-l-lllly think-k weeee-eeee would let y-yyou ge-t-t-t-t- away? My-eeee friendssss h-he-heard-d you! You! You! All of you!" More laughter, this time from more than one person. I held my breath. I looked up through the top of the bush. I could see Sick Man's knife glinting in the dapple sunlight. Crunching of leaves sounded behind our bush. Someone grabbed my ankles. I gasped, "Ahhh! Let go of me! Let go of me! You freak!" I felt a blade pushing into my leg, "Owww!"

"Let go of her, you idiot." Nico yelled.

He rolled out of the bush. And the pain from my leg escaped almost immediately. I jumped out… with my knife in hand. The second I got out a fighting frenzy broke out. "Ah" some one grabbed my arm, knocked me to the ground. Whoever did that sent two nasty kicks to my rib. The pain gave me adrenaline. I jumped up knife in my hand. The attacker- an older looking man- punched at me, I ducked just in time. Tristan ran over to me, his attacker was on the ground… dead.

"Need help?" Tristan asked. He grabbed the man and pinned him to the tree. The sickly looking man gave him a few good kicks in the groin. Tristan fell to the ground in a ball.

"Don't you dare hurt my twin brother!" I lunged at the man, he clearly wasn't expecting that. I stabbed the man in the gut, as hard as I could. I looked away. I had to kill him to survive! The man choked up blood and in the same second he grew silent.

"Tristan? Are you okay?" I asked. "Wait, are you crying?"

"Yes I am Tess, he kicked me in the pretty spot. Look out!"

I spun around just in time to duck out of the way of a crazy young girl. She had hunger in her eyes. She jumped on top of me without a second to spare. The air escaped from my lungs. She punched me five times in the face. Pain shot through me like lighting. I could taste the blood. It was my turn. I kicked as hard as I could! My attacker shrieked and flew off me. "I I I a mmmm hungry-h-h-h-hungry!" She started flailing and kicking at any part of me that she could, hit me twice. I looked down and slashed with my knife. All of a sudden she stopped fighting and ran away screaming into the forest.

"That was weird." I said to myself.

I scanned our mini war. Tristan was handling a little girl and two buff looking guys. Gabbi was having a fist fight with two girls about her age. While Nico was pinned to the ground by a fat guy. WE were never going to win. And Sick Man sat in a tree watching us.

Out of the blue, a noise I hadn't heard in years blasted near us. And Sick Man fell from his perch. Bleeding. Dying. Everyone seemed to freeze. Two more blasts rose. Nico's attacker crumbled on the ground next to him. One of the buff guys seemed to get the idea, "Run!" They all vanished into the woods.

"Who's there?" I called out. I had heard a sound on the other side.

A brunette stepped out of the woods. She was holding a gun! She blew across the tip of the barrel, as if bragging about her weapon. Then a pure white wolf- no a dog emerged from behind her.

"Please don't hurt us!" Tristan said pleadingly. He and Gabbi got on their knees as if begging. The brunette didn't look sick.

She then spoke, "The name's Eliza. You all can thank me later.”
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Chapter 4 - Meet Eliza

We stare at the pretty brunette and her… dog I guess. Ever since 5 minutes ago, no one in our group of four dared to move. 

Eliza- the brunette- spoke, "Uh, I'm not gonna kill you guys. Unless you want me to, just kidding." Eliza bent down and patted the wolf-dog on the head, then she glanced up at our confused eyes. "Umm… Oh yeah! You guys probably want to know my story, then you tell me yours. No fibs. No- whatever, or else. Come one"

We got up, I never lifted my gaze off of the pretty brunette. And neither did Tristan, I think he was looking a bit too much. Get it? Eliza led us in the direction we were heading, the "new forest" and then broke the silence.

"So anyway," She began. "So you guys now that my name is Eliza, I am 17 years old. Almost forgot- this is Snowball." She patted her on the head.

"Stupid name." I muttered.

Eliza spun around. And next thing I knew she had me pinned against the tree in a choke hold. "Don't you dare say that! My dead brother chose that name. The crazy loonies- the chilled peeps killed him! Understand." She released me.

In the meantime I was coughing up blood. "Are you okay?" Tristan and Gabbi rushed to my side. "Better watch your mouth around her, she has a gun. Genius!" Gabbi whisper to me. I nod an okay.

The brunette cleared her throat, "Anyway, I am from New York. So it was a typical Friday afternoon. My brother, parents, and me were walking through Brooklyn when all of a sudden those cursed virus bombs dropped. Do you guys remember them?"

"Yes."

"So then two days later the Chilled just started roaming the streets and terrorizing everyone. My parents were taken hostage, by a group of crazies on the river. So when my brother and I were just casually, well actually sprinting through the woods here. And they started fighting us…" Then Eliza cried. She is crying like a raincloud. Even for what she did to me, I pitied her. Tristan knelt down and whispered something inaudible into her ear, she nodded. I pat her back, "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. You are lucky you still have your brother," she said between sobs. "So then I joined up with a group in the forest and you are going to meet them."

Gabbi looked up at the slowly setting sun. It was a giant sea of orange. It made her feel, happy I guess. 

"My name is Tess. I am 16 and so is my twin brother: Tristan."

Eliza studied him for a moment. Maybe it had to do with why he whispered to her? "Oh, interesting. Tristan you should stick around with us." Tristan blushed incredibly.

"My name is Gabbi, 19."

"Oh uh, I am Nico. I am 15 years old. Yeah, and I am a really fast runner!"

"Are you sure?" Gabbi laughed.

We continued trekking along the slightly wen path. Tristan stayed towards the front of the group with Eliza. I walked with Gabbi in the rear. And little Nice trudged along in the middle of the path. The scenery of this  coming "new forest" was very different, it was untouched by human feet. Even though we were still a day away, it is truly beautiful here. I look at the brook that rubles over stones by our feet. All of the little squirrels by the trees! They are free from the Chill, they will never have to worry about death and betrayal. I actually envy the squirrels! Those cuddly, red creatures have not a care in the world, besides collecting enough nuts for the Winter!

Fiona the Flower Tot

"Fifi the flower tot! Fifi forget me not!" Screamed all of the children in unison. As little Fiona walked through the narrow hallways of the typical New York private school. Fiona was new there. Even some of the popular girls like Hannah, Elouise and Charlotte became jealous of Fiona's beauty. Fiona was like a snow white among hundreds of evil queens. Fifi had skin as pale as the moon, hair as black as coal, lips as red as an apple, and her cheeks were like 2 roses on her face. And Fiona had a voice like honey, was a true actress, super smart, and really kind. The three popular girls wanted everyone to hate her. Hannah- the great actress and bad singer, started the jingle "Fifi the flower tot. Fifi forget me not." Elouise was the meanest, she spread rumors throughout the whole school. Charlotte used to be the smartest until Fiona came. And the worst part was that no one stood up for Fiona. No one told an adult. No one supported Fiona. No one did anything for her.

Don't be a bully like Hannah, Elouise, Charlotte. A bully hurts more than just the person's feelings, a bully also scared him or herself. But, it is just a bad to be an innocent stand-byer. Be the change you wish to see. And if you just happen to be in Fiona's shoes, stay strong and don't feel bad.

Parenthetical Picture Plan

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. (A galaxy spiraling to earth) Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, (Heaven and Fire) not our Darkness, that most frightens us.” Marianne Williamson helps us understand that we are poweful, and we are able to overcome our own challenges. Auggie is constantly being judged and discriminated my his physical difference (someone being judged). An important idea is the support he gets from his friends and overcoming obstacles in life (A wall). In "Wonder"by RJ Palacio (The cover of wonder), Auggie keeps asking himself the question, "How will I get through school?" I can't imagine what it is like to be Auggie! So, Auggie was always homeschooled, and now he has to go to school. People will judge him and worse, in the end he makes a lot of friends. (friends)  Marianne Williamson would want Auggie to stay strong. This story tells us the challenge Auggie has to face. But mostly, "Wonder" is about overcoming obstacles in life to grow. (A beanstalk growing by a wall)

Throughout the story, Auggie faces many obstacles in school (School). He is like a captive zebra, in a herd of wild horses (A zebra in a herd of horses) . Like the zebra, he was babied, and different, but still heading in the same direction and with the same roots. At first Auggie struggled to accommodate to his new life. I guess he just didn't know what to expect! For example, on page 37 in the second paragraph the Palacio writes, (Someone looking depressed)"I still kept my head way down… no one sat down next to me." This excerpt shows that Auggie didn't know how to handle getting through his normal school day, yet. And what made it even worse was that no one would sit next to him! (An exclamation point) Can you even comprehend how that must have been for Auggie?

Also in the story, (A little hand holding a big hand) Auggie gets constant support from his few friends and family, they help him grow while he overcomes obstacles. He is like a newborn eagle stranded in his nest.(A baby eagle) Like the eagle, Auggie doesn't know how to metaphorically "fly", he is stuck in his own world, and overcomes his own difficulties. For example, on page 267 the first and second paragraph the author writes, (A fight with a bully) "Yo, dude… and we started walking over to Amos." This shows that people do really care about Auggie, because in this excerpt the most unlikely people- Henry, Miles and Amos- (bullies) come and help out Auggie when the other kids were bullying him. But Henry, Miles and Amos also bullied him at one point. Why did they help him? Because they cared. (A heart with wings) They used their strong "wings" to help him fly. That proves that Auggie gets support from his friends. So he grew to become stronger. (A beanstalk with muscles)

By the end of the story Auggie has gotten through (school) school and all of the (A hole in the wall) challenges it had for him. Not only has he overcome obstacles but he has met them head on. These challenges are other kids and classmates, and he has grown to become great friends with them. For example: on page 307-308, Palacio writes,  (A paparazzi) "And the next thing I knew… everyone wanted to get close to me." This shows that all of the people in his class and school have disregarded his (a field of blue flowers with a yellow one) differences and now became great friends. (three friends) Because it is not enough to be friendly, you have to be a friend. Even the"popular" kids came over to him, they wanted Auggie to be in their (a memory book) memories of picture. Like Auggie says in the excerpt, "… Everyone wanted to get close to me."

This essay has proven, that overcoming challenges and obstacles makes you grow. And indeed Auggie has grown to a more confident (The letters CONFIDENT). No more will he fret a school of kids discriminating him. He made it through school! If Auggie decided to continue being homeschooled do you think he would have grown so much? This connects to the real world (A big city) because we all have to overcome challenges, but sometimes we will need some support doing so. In my life, when I go out on on my own in the "real" world (past college) (a beanstalk growing by a college) myself and others will run into problems and obstacles with running our lives. Most of the time those challenges will prepare us for the next one, (a key) failure leads to success. But sometimes friends and family will have to help us. Now, as I think of the power (power)  of overcoming challenges, I realize that much of what we accomplish in life comes from that and the growth. Hellen Keller once said, (the ruins of a wall) "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." (the galaxy again)