Normally I never make new year's resolutions. My dad says that people shouldn't use a holiday as an excuse to change themselves. People can change whenever they want. But,for the sake of this post, I will pinpoint one of my many flaws and go over how I can make myself better.
I guess my worst flaw is how I procrastinate. It's human nature to procrastinate, we all do it, but I seem to have a big problem with it. Whenever I get a project, I usually do it at the last minute. I do this because whenever I get a project I become very anxious. I get worried that I'll make mistakes, turn in poor work and end up getting a bad grade. So what I do is instead of tackling the project early and doing it calmly and carefully, I avoid it because I'm afraid of failure.
I've known this about myself for a long time and believe me I've tried fixing it, but its been very difficult. So maybe I need a battle plan. I could start making to-do lists so I don't have to worry about forgetting things I'm supposed to do. When I get a project, I could try cutting up the work into smaller pieces so the task doesn't seem so intimidating. These strategies should prove to be very helpful.
By not procrastinating not only will my work be better, but I'll also fell less stressed about school. The idea of impending projects won't keep me up at night anymore because I will have them taken care of. I think just the reward of better grades and less stress will keep me sticking to this resolution.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Animal Farm Creative Project
Animal Farm Poem
Beasts of England from far and near,
listen if you'd please
We would like to say
that on this day
Farmer Jones has run off in fear
After a gunning
we sent his men running
they can no longer do us harm
And so we must cheer
so loud and clear
Hurrah for Animal Farm!
Animal Farm, where pastures are green
and where no danger shall dwell
Where our motto is right, uptight, and tright
"All animals are equal"
Comrades we shall lead you,
but please have a heart
We must eat your apples and your milk
to keep us strong and smart
All the rumors that've spread
That Snowball's not dead
Are complete and utter lies.
He is a flicker of dust
A metal to rust
A tyrant with no alibis.
But now a hero is in our midst
We must hail his name as one
A pig with power
To light our dark hour
All hail Napoleon!
Animal Farm, where the pastures are cut by the admirably obedient,
Where the leader is good, who saves our food,
Napoleon was heaven-sent!
You will begin work on the windmill at a quarter to eight,
No breaks, how do you think we will last if we do not work these hours straight?
Your tired hooves are no matter to our Big Brother, Napoleon,
You will work, and work, and Work, and WORK, until construction is done!
So build the windmill on our Animal Farm that will provide electricity,
The things you've heard of Snowball are false, our leader thought the windmill up, see?!
Our leader is sad to announce that there are traitors amongst our kin,
So let the dogs out, his secret police, to punish them for their sin!
This is what happens when you disobey what our loving leader has said,
We rip your throats, and steal your oats,
Stay in line or we'll have your head!
On Animal Farm where we labor for free, and work all through the night!
Take the good horse Boxer for example:
"Napoleon is always right!"
It's sad to hear that strong Boxer has died while the windmill was being made,
But mourn not, for there is work to be done,
While we engage in trade!
One dead horse for "precious supplies", get to work, you have a year.
While your hooves are prying, your old ones dying,
We pigs pour a cup of beer!
Animal Farm, where the pigs and dogs exert complete control,
And those who say WE disobey are WRONG, you ought to know!
Ladies and gentlemen, the civilized, may I have your attention please?
Napoleon is proud to say that our subordinates are on their knees.
They work, they sow, they obey, and they can never do us harm,
So good farmers of England, let's have a drink, courtesy of Manor Farm!
Animal Farm, it was formerly called, now ceases to exist.
We drink and smoke and engage in trade,
How can good humans resist!?
Beasts of England from far and near,
listen if you'd please
We would like to say
that on this day
Farmer Jones has run off in fear
After a gunning
we sent his men running
they can no longer do us harm
And so we must cheer
so loud and clear
Hurrah for Animal Farm!
Animal Farm, where pastures are green
and where no danger shall dwell
Where our motto is right, uptight, and tright
"All animals are equal"
Comrades we shall lead you,
but please have a heart
We must eat your apples and your milk
to keep us strong and smart
All the rumors that've spread
That Snowball's not dead
Are complete and utter lies.
He is a flicker of dust
A metal to rust
A tyrant with no alibis.
But now a hero is in our midst
We must hail his name as one
A pig with power
To light our dark hour
All hail Napoleon!
Animal Farm, where the pastures are cut by the admirably obedient,
Where the leader is good, who saves our food,
Napoleon was heaven-sent!
You will begin work on the windmill at a quarter to eight,
No breaks, how do you think we will last if we do not work these hours straight?
Your tired hooves are no matter to our Big Brother, Napoleon,
You will work, and work, and Work, and WORK, until construction is done!
So build the windmill on our Animal Farm that will provide electricity,
The things you've heard of Snowball are false, our leader thought the windmill up, see?!
Our leader is sad to announce that there are traitors amongst our kin,
So let the dogs out, his secret police, to punish them for their sin!
This is what happens when you disobey what our loving leader has said,
We rip your throats, and steal your oats,
Stay in line or we'll have your head!
On Animal Farm where we labor for free, and work all through the night!
Take the good horse Boxer for example:
"Napoleon is always right!"
It's sad to hear that strong Boxer has died while the windmill was being made,
But mourn not, for there is work to be done,
While we engage in trade!
One dead horse for "precious supplies", get to work, you have a year.
While your hooves are prying, your old ones dying,
We pigs pour a cup of beer!
Animal Farm, where the pigs and dogs exert complete control,
And those who say WE disobey are WRONG, you ought to know!
Ladies and gentlemen, the civilized, may I have your attention please?
Napoleon is proud to say that our subordinates are on their knees.
They work, they sow, they obey, and they can never do us harm,
So good farmers of England, let's have a drink, courtesy of Manor Farm!
Animal Farm, it was formerly called, now ceases to exist.
We drink and smoke and engage in trade,
How can good humans resist!?
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Why I Chose Insomnia
I chose Insomnia by Dana Gioia because, as someone who has experienced insomnia, I understand what the author was trying to convey to the audience. When you are awake at night, you feel as if you are the only one alive. You start noticing noises that you would not normally notice. Ordinary objects suddenly seem to come alive. Dana shows that he understands this experience when he chooses the line, "the murmur of property, of things in disrepair." The idea of inanimate objects making taking on lives of their own is an almost unbelievable experience that only someone sleep deprived can truely understand. Dana seems to understand this perfectly.
The tone of this poem is very dark. The narrator seems to be questioning an insomniac. The questions are ones that are aimed at making the said insomniac feel helpless. The reader in turn feels sorry for the poor sleep deprived individual being questioned.
When I read this poem out loud, I don't want to be to enthusiastic or dramatic, as this is not how the poem is intended to be read. I want to be calm, appear almost wise. I will translate the poem's dark helpless feeling by reading slowly and in a cruel questioning manner.
The diction is not very complicated or formal. I would call it neutral diction. But aside from that there weren't many connotations I could identify. Connotations could identify were useless, dark, endless, drone, and discomfort. These words contribute to the poem's dark tone.
The tone of this poem is very dark. The narrator seems to be questioning an insomniac. The questions are ones that are aimed at making the said insomniac feel helpless. The reader in turn feels sorry for the poor sleep deprived individual being questioned.
When I read this poem out loud, I don't want to be to enthusiastic or dramatic, as this is not how the poem is intended to be read. I want to be calm, appear almost wise. I will translate the poem's dark helpless feeling by reading slowly and in a cruel questioning manner.
The diction is not very complicated or formal. I would call it neutral diction. But aside from that there weren't many connotations I could identify. Connotations could identify were useless, dark, endless, drone, and discomfort. These words contribute to the poem's dark tone.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Poems!
1. BARTER
2. HARTLEY FIELD
3. KEEPING THINGS WHOLE
4. ALL THIS AND MORE, ISRAFEL
It is difficult to choose my favorite poem of these five. I enjoyed them all in different ways. But, because I am an avid Poe fan, I'd have to say I enjoyed Israfel the most. It is a poem about the Islamic angel of the trumpet. It describes the beauty of his song while the Earthbound poet is limited to his own music. I also enjoyed All This And More, simply because of its dark tone, but I can't really tell what it is about. The language in it is much easier to understand than that of Israfel though.
I didn't really dislike any of these poems. Probably my least favorites were Barter and Keeping Things Whole. They were the shortest and the most simple, and I found that that took away from my interest in the poems content. I did not have to think hard or search for meaning while reading these poems, which made them seem almost boring compared to the other poems.
Of these five poems I will either choose All This And More or Israfel. I've read Israfel many times so I feel like I have a deep connection with it. But on the other hand, All This And More would be more of a challenge because its meaning is hard to decipher, which could be more fun. I think if I had to choose between the two though, I would choose Israfel, simply because I am a dedicated Poe fanatic. ALL HAIL THE AMAZING EDGAR ALLEN POE!
I think physical presence will be easy for me because I have good posture and can make eye contact. I also think the level of difficulty will be easy for me because I'm good at memorization and have no problem taking my time with difficult poems. Dramatic appropriatness will be difficult because I have trouble being in front of people and might mess up.
The two poems I watched were by Stanley Andrew Jackson and Jackson Hille. Stanley was able to completely memorize a complicated poem and performed it very well. He was sometimes over dramatic but overall he did very well. Jackson's tone was excellent throughout the reading of his poem and the audience really got the sense that he understood his poem.
I'm a little nervous for poetry outloud, simply because I'm scared of speaking in front of a group. But hopelfully my enjoyment of the poetry I've chosen will shine through in my performance and I will be able to overcome my shyness.
2. HARTLEY FIELD
3. KEEPING THINGS WHOLE
4. ALL THIS AND MORE, ISRAFEL
It is difficult to choose my favorite poem of these five. I enjoyed them all in different ways. But, because I am an avid Poe fan, I'd have to say I enjoyed Israfel the most. It is a poem about the Islamic angel of the trumpet. It describes the beauty of his song while the Earthbound poet is limited to his own music. I also enjoyed All This And More, simply because of its dark tone, but I can't really tell what it is about. The language in it is much easier to understand than that of Israfel though.
I didn't really dislike any of these poems. Probably my least favorites were Barter and Keeping Things Whole. They were the shortest and the most simple, and I found that that took away from my interest in the poems content. I did not have to think hard or search for meaning while reading these poems, which made them seem almost boring compared to the other poems.
Of these five poems I will either choose All This And More or Israfel. I've read Israfel many times so I feel like I have a deep connection with it. But on the other hand, All This And More would be more of a challenge because its meaning is hard to decipher, which could be more fun. I think if I had to choose between the two though, I would choose Israfel, simply because I am a dedicated Poe fanatic. ALL HAIL THE AMAZING EDGAR ALLEN POE!
I think physical presence will be easy for me because I have good posture and can make eye contact. I also think the level of difficulty will be easy for me because I'm good at memorization and have no problem taking my time with difficult poems. Dramatic appropriatness will be difficult because I have trouble being in front of people and might mess up.
The two poems I watched were by Stanley Andrew Jackson and Jackson Hille. Stanley was able to completely memorize a complicated poem and performed it very well. He was sometimes over dramatic but overall he did very well. Jackson's tone was excellent throughout the reading of his poem and the audience really got the sense that he understood his poem.
I'm a little nervous for poetry outloud, simply because I'm scared of speaking in front of a group. But hopelfully my enjoyment of the poetry I've chosen will shine through in my performance and I will be able to overcome my shyness.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Lobsters
Lobsters was by far the most interesting piece of writing we read this week. What was almost more enjoyable was the class discussion we had about it. One question we went over during this discussion was about the last lines of the poem. Those last few words seem to hold the meaning of the entire poem, but that meaning could be interpreted a number of ways. Everyone tried to decipher what "the fire under the world" was, and it was fun to listen to everybody's ideas.
My interpretation of the line was that the world didn't literally mean the earth, that it meant life and the the flame represented death. I think that the message of the poem was that humans are like lobsters, trapped and going through our lives in a sleep like daze, without realizing we are in a boiling pot. Other people seemed to think that the world literally meant the earth. I didn't understand how this could mean anything, but it was interesting to listen to nonetheless.
My interpretation of the line was that the world didn't literally mean the earth, that it meant life and the the flame represented death. I think that the message of the poem was that humans are like lobsters, trapped and going through our lives in a sleep like daze, without realizing we are in a boiling pot. Other people seemed to think that the world literally meant the earth. I didn't understand how this could mean anything, but it was interesting to listen to nonetheless.
Friday, October 29, 2010
The Soccer Season Ends (Finally)
I ain't sayin' that I didn't enjoy the soccer season at Oly High. In fact it pretty much kicked ass. We won every game and our coach really didn't give a hoot about what we did at practice, so we just goofed off the whole time. But I have to say, in spite of all that, soccer was a huge time suck. I'd come home completely pooped, take a shower, eat dinner, and by then it would be 7:00 and I'd still have a pile of homework to do. So, the season had its good points and its bad. But my favorite part by far happened this week, on the day we had our final game.
Well for starters the other team was about 45 minutes late so we had plenty of time to joke around. Everybody gave each other big fat presents as "parting gifts" (which I don't get cause' we'll still see each other every day). We all brought silly string and planned to spray our coach with it after the game. When the other team finally showed up we started playing and scored 5 goals on them in the first 15 minutes (HA!). My mom's friend Amy came and embarrassed me by screaming my name as loudly as she could on the sidelines. Needless to say the game was kinda boring because the other team couldn't play but it was all worth it when we each shot an entire can of silly string at our coach, all 22 of us. The fumes smelled so bad and there were sticky gooey strings all over the field and our coach. I'm pretty sure its gonna take him a while to get that smell out of his clothes, but he seemed like a good sport about it. I sweat it may have been the most fun thing I've done yet this fall. Well, that and TPing our coach's house.
We're not very nice to him are we?
Well for starters the other team was about 45 minutes late so we had plenty of time to joke around. Everybody gave each other big fat presents as "parting gifts" (which I don't get cause' we'll still see each other every day). We all brought silly string and planned to spray our coach with it after the game. When the other team finally showed up we started playing and scored 5 goals on them in the first 15 minutes (HA!). My mom's friend Amy came and embarrassed me by screaming my name as loudly as she could on the sidelines. Needless to say the game was kinda boring because the other team couldn't play but it was all worth it when we each shot an entire can of silly string at our coach, all 22 of us. The fumes smelled so bad and there were sticky gooey strings all over the field and our coach. I'm pretty sure its gonna take him a while to get that smell out of his clothes, but he seemed like a good sport about it. I sweat it may have been the most fun thing I've done yet this fall. Well, that and TPing our coach's house.
We're not very nice to him are we?
Friday, October 15, 2010
Pride and Prejudice
So far I've really been enjoying Pride and Prejudice. I initially thought I wouldn't enjoy it because the language seemed difficult to understand, but after I began reading it slowly and carefully, it started to make more sense. The book is also difficult to understand because it is hard to keep track of who's talking at what time, but I've progressively gotten better at it.
So far in the novel I've noticed the major theme of the difference between pride and vanity. They have both been brought up in several of the characters conversations. Elizabeth speaks about it with Jane, Charlotte, and Mrs. Bingley. In their conversations they compare pride and vanity and often associate pride with good and vanity with evil.
The story Pride and Prejudice has many similarities to a book I read called Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper. The two books share the theme "You can't judge a book by its cover". Elizabeth's first impression of both Mr. Darcy and Mr.Wickham are both incorrect. She assumes Mr. Wickham is a fine gentleman and Mr.Darcy is a proud disagreable man, until her judgments are proved to be false when she learns that Mr. Wickham has lied to her about Mr.Darcy and that Mr.Darcy is actually a fine man. In Out of My Mind, everyone assumes that the main character is helpless because she has cerebral palsy, when it turns out that she is actually a very intelligent girl. This comparison may seem like a bit of a stretch, but It was actually one of the first observations I made while reading this book.
For my project I would like to do a picture or collage, because I love drawing and creating things. I'm not yet sure how I will make it or present it but I'm sure that as I read further, I will be able to come with a good idea.
So far in the novel I've noticed the major theme of the difference between pride and vanity. They have both been brought up in several of the characters conversations. Elizabeth speaks about it with Jane, Charlotte, and Mrs. Bingley. In their conversations they compare pride and vanity and often associate pride with good and vanity with evil.
The story Pride and Prejudice has many similarities to a book I read called Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper. The two books share the theme "You can't judge a book by its cover". Elizabeth's first impression of both Mr. Darcy and Mr.Wickham are both incorrect. She assumes Mr. Wickham is a fine gentleman and Mr.Darcy is a proud disagreable man, until her judgments are proved to be false when she learns that Mr. Wickham has lied to her about Mr.Darcy and that Mr.Darcy is actually a fine man. In Out of My Mind, everyone assumes that the main character is helpless because she has cerebral palsy, when it turns out that she is actually a very intelligent girl. This comparison may seem like a bit of a stretch, but It was actually one of the first observations I made while reading this book.
For my project I would like to do a picture or collage, because I love drawing and creating things. I'm not yet sure how I will make it or present it but I'm sure that as I read further, I will be able to come with a good idea.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)