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!
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
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!
"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!
Sunday, March 29, 2015
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 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.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
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…………
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…………
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
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!
Monday, March 23, 2015
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!
"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!
Sunday, March 22, 2015
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!
"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!
Thursday, March 19, 2015
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
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
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!
Monday, March 16, 2015
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!
"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!
Sunday, March 15, 2015
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!
Thursday, March 12, 2015
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.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
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!!!
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
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!!!
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!!!
Monday, March 9, 2015
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!
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!
Saturday, March 7, 2015
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
Thursday, March 5, 2015
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.)
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
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
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
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."
"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."
"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!”
.
.
.
.
.
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!!
"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.”
.
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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.
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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!
Monday, March 2, 2015
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.
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."
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)
Sunday, March 1, 2015
An Exciting Weekend
This weekend I had the most important Science Olympiad competition of the year: Regionals. If we don't do well here then we won't make it to states. At the awards ceremony I felt like I had thousands of butterflies in my tummy! I could not wait to get the results. Unfortunately I didn't place in Air Trajectory, that was because we didn't recalibrate our device before the competition started. In Entomology I thought I would would do horribly, because the test was vary difficult. When they are calling out 3rd place my heart sank. "And the first place winners for Entomology are… Birmingham Covington Middle School!!!" I could not believe it! We won first place. Vivian and I were the only two people to win 1st place on our team. In Crave the Wave, I knew I would do well: we got 3rd place. Overall our team got 7th place. I am very proud of what I did.
After the competition my mom and I drove straight to Boyne Mountain Ski Resort. We arrived there really late. The next day I skied for 4 hours. My dad and I skied some of the hardest and longest hills. When we got back home I went straight to bed!!!
After the competition my mom and I drove straight to Boyne Mountain Ski Resort. We arrived there really late. The next day I skied for 4 hours. My dad and I skied some of the hardest and longest hills. When we got back home I went straight to bed!!!
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