Week 10

I've had a sibling for half my life but I still don't know her at all. She has a habit of writing me notes about things that happened that day. One day she wrote,"We played soccer in school today, I scored two goals and i missed one and i shot a girl in the face." She later explained that she kicked the ball which hit the girl in the face.

week 11 Ellen

Today me and my friends were talking about what is morally acceptable. The conclusion was drawn that the difference between right and wrong is simply perception.

week 10 Ellen

I never get mad. Or at least it happens really rarely. I like to think I'm a pretty even tempered person. I'm aware that I can get annoyed or frustrated but that's different than anger. Anyways, today I got angry and it was the weirdest sensation. My heart started racing and my face got all hot and my brain actually felt fuzzy and clouded. It made me wonder how people who get angry often deal with it because it made me have an emotional rollercoaster for the rest of the day. I wonder why biologically I'm not an angry person and what makes other people angrier than others.

Dawgs

Hey dawgs homies brothers gorls amigos beasts, if any people in Mr. Humphrey's next creative writing class are reading this, just know that this class is a good time. It is what you make of it! If you allow yourself to really delve into your writing and make meaningful pieces, you will enjoy this class. Please appreciate Mr. Humphrey's puns the way that my class did!

Cullen Week 10

Wow. Almost there. Summer 2018. This is the last summer that I will be considered a high schooler I guess. That is weird to think about. At this same time next year, I will have my high school diploma, hopefully. And that this time next year I will know what chapter lies ahead of me, aka where I am going to college, hopefully. Weird. Whatever, it sounds like a later problem so I'm just gunna live up summer 2018 to its full potential. HAGS

Mahony 9

aye aye AYEEE we almost out!!!!!!1
As much as I look forward to hearing Mr. Humphrey's clever puns each day, and guessing how many coffees Sophie has already consumed each morning, and the intriguing discussions that occur each week in anatomy, I am elated to walk out of this building at 1:55 for the 180th time this year, and drive out of the senior parking lot with open windows and blasting music. I sit here typing on this computer imagining my feet tucked beneath the white, warm sand and the wild sea breeze blowing my hair. I am imagining the late night swims in the pool, the beautiful sound of the ice cream truck, and the sunset runs that don't seem rushed. The endeavors to waterfalls, mountains, and flower fields. The all-nighters with friends that leave groggy, sleep-deprived teenagers the next morning; that will undoubtedly reoccur just because it's summer. Summer. This word builds excitement. It introduces endless possibilities. It is what you make of it. Anything can be made into an adventure when you don't have to wake up before 7:35. Summer 2018, I am ready to take you on.

Last Name Distance Learning #3

Baby Grand

Tucked away in the far corner of my basement is a peculiar object. Not peculiar at first glance but certainly after a second one. You see, not unlike others of its type it was not made peculiar, well I suppose it was by circumstance, but not of origin. Although admittedly it does make sounds, this object tells a story without those words or sounds.

It was to be the prized possession of the household, second to me of course. It looked out of place and time. A grand centerpiece for the otherwise frugal household. The first of its kind, it was one of the only items ever bought out of want instead of necessity, for those days every penny had to be saved...or so my father said. But I hated it. I felt vulnerable climbing up onto it like a child and exposed to the judgment of all those in the room. It’s presence demanded an attention that I seeked to avoid, but it’s influence upon my life left me in constant unease. The final straw and testament to its grandeur came in the winter of second grade, my first annual piano recital. The teacher had trouble booking a venue at such short notice and my father offered up our living room, empty as it was. It wasn’t much, just under twenty people seated in an assortment of chairs all dressed in semi-formal Christmas clothing. But walking up to it in the middle of the room felt like walking on stage of an opera house to perform a solo. All eyes on me for longest three minutes of my life. My mind raced as I tried to remember what to do next but fortunately muscle memory kicked in and my fingers carried the show. I played for a total of two minutes thirty for seconds, but in those two minutes, my life might as well have flashed before my eyes because I stepped away drained. The rest of the night was a blur of fake laughs and automatic responses, I was too busy looking at it. It was hard not to, and so I decided I finally had to do something about it. The next day, despite my parents outrage, before I got onto to play I took out a chisel like pen and drew. It wasn’t much but it perfectly capture how I felt the day before going up in front of everyone. It was enough to get me a few bruises and grounded for a month but none of it worked. Everyday before I got on to play it, I would sit down next to it and draw. It eventually got moved to my basement where it wouldn’t be such an eye sore, but that just made things worse - for them. I would be found there hours at a time sitting and drawing, etching into the wood my emotions. Captured within the polished wood are the numerous dates, wins, failures, as well as countless rainy days both figurative and literal. Overtime, the drawings stopped becoming those of an eyesore but of art that my father stood over - proud. But he didn’t move it, didn’t even think about it, feeling guilty for things he had done years ago. He sees how it had growing form an unwieldy act of rebellion to an extension of myself. There it will remain, a reminder to my parents that sometimes that which is worth showing off is sometimes worth more kept to ourselves.

And so it stands, my grand piano. Tucked away in a little corner of my basement carefully cradling the stories of my life.

distance learning ellen #3

Last weekend, I came downstairs to tell my parents the news. They sat in the living room, a documentary dully playing in the background as they absentmindedly completed work they brought home with them: adulting. I entered into the room announcing, “Well, it’s sad to say, but today's the day. I’m officially done with Bah and Beary.” I stood there with hands on my hips, grinning at my newfound maturity. But I swear to God, it looked like these people just found out someone died. They looked at me, eyes as wide as possible, and began questioning me. Why was I doing this? Was I throwing them away? If I wasn't throwing them away, then what was I doing with them? After I reassured them that Bah and Beary would be just fine, they sank in their seats. After a couple seconds, my dad looked up at me and goes, “That makes me kinda sad, El” I laughed and turned around leaving the room, “Your kid is growing up guys! You can’t stop the inevitable!” I know it seems cruel, but it’s the truth.

Some clarification: Bah and Beary are stuffed animals I have had since I was born. Bah is a lamb (lambs go “bah”- very creative name I think), and Beary, the less creative name out of the two, is a bear. I decided after staying with my 20 year old cousin for a couple nights that I did not and should not need stuffed animals to fall asleep. I’m growing up. I’m going to college in a year, I can drive, and my 17th birthday is coming up in a week. I am a freethinker and am in charge of my actions. I do not need two stuffed animals to fall asleep.

So that attitude lasted a couple days. I went a few nights without Bah and Beary, and much to my curmudgeon, had some real difficulty falling asleep. This wasn’t supposed to happen, I should be able to break the ties and walk the talk.

I admit, as of now Bah and Beary are tucked into my bed, waiting for me to come sleep. While it’s not something about myself I freely share, I have come to the conclusion it’s kinda nice I still sleep with stuffed animals. I mean, it’s definitely not cool, but it’s not like the fact that there’s a lamb and a bear in bed, keeps time from ticking on. I’m allowed to hold onto the innocence of my childhood as I fall into a land of dreams, and I’m okay with that.

Week 10

Two sides of me keep showing up even more. I want to go home but I want to stay. There is a desire what makes me want to feel like my old self again, but it's not possible. I will never be who I was because there is no way back, only further. But I think that's the beauty of the life. We change with a time, and if we feel lost, we have a chance to try again.

Cullen DL 3

               My dog is near and dear to my heart. This eighty pounded, yellow lab, has a deep place within my family, and is a fundamental reason to why I smile at home. My dogs name is Tanner. He is nine years old, but still acts like a puppy. Everyday when I get home from school, sports practices, or even late parties, he is sitting at the door, awaiting my arrival. When I am upset, he notices. He notices, and he comes over and licks my entire face with his gross, smelly breath. His brother, Jackson, is my best friend's dog. We got them together. It has kept us as close as we are.
              Before my family had a dog, we were always on the run. Constantly going places, never really home. Upon getting Tanner, my family has learned to slow down a bit. We always are forced to come home to see his shining face, and feed him dinner, and take him for a walk. Dogs do no wrong. You can never be mad at them, or hate them. You can only love them, miss them, and cherish them. Tanner can sense when I am in a bad mood. He tries to make up for whatever put me in such a state, and comes and cuddles with me, or brings me his toy. He genuinely wants me to feel better again.
               My best friends, basically my sister, brother, and second parents, were the reason we got Tanner. They convinced my parents to get a dog with them. We ended up with Tanner and Jackson Blue. Brothers for life. Before we had brother dogs we saw them a lot in the summer, but only a few times during the school year. But now that our dogs constantly beg with their whimpering to see each other, I get to see them almost every day during the summer, and very often during the school year. Tanner allows me to see my best friend, and he gets to see his too.

distance learning #3 KC

My shiny, silver bracelet is an object that holds much significance in my life. It is a very simple, thin-banded piece that reads "BLESSED" in tiny black letters. It is versatile; it can be layered with colorful, threaded friendships bracelets for casual beach trips and silver hoops for a fancy girls night out. Its pliability allows me to slip it on and off my wrist at any given moment. Its simplicity offers an element of style while not looking too flashy. The appearance of this bracelet is pleasing, and serves its purpose. But deeper than that...
This bracelet holds intense significance to me. As cliche as it sounds, when I glance at my bracelet and read the message on my bracelet, it reminds me to be thankful. So often in life, I take the importance things for granted. I can get so caught up in the stupid, insignificant crap, and forget about what truly matters to me. It is a reminder to appreciate what I have, enjoy the moment I'm in, and share my blessings with others. This small silver circle is a representation of life. There is a beginning and an end. I am on a journey; hopefully far from the end. What I accomplish on this journey, I aim to make impactful.
Part of the significance of this object results from its bestower. My best friend Sophie gave me this bracelet on my 17th birthday. She told me that I am a blessing in her life. I carry this message with me, and also always remember how big of a blessing she is in my life. This bracelet symbolizes friendship. Strong and durable yet flexible when messed with. My friendship with Sophie is one that will last a lifetime, this i know. We just need to be flexible to change and honest with each other.

DL 6/9, Reicela

A silver ring with an aquamarine stone always sparkling in the sun. I take it everywhere with me, and never leave it behind. The ring has ornaments of the sea, and inside of the ring is a grafted name- Janet Petravica. The stone is in a light blue color, giving clarity and brightness. That's my sister's ring, and for a long time I wore it every single day because if I did not, I felt bare and unprotected.

This ring represents our relationships and love. She got the ring, when she left Latvia and started a new life in another country. When she came back for just a summer, she gave me a ring as a piece of remembrance. I did't feel lonely anymore, and I felt she was with me all the time. It gave me a power, strength and something to hold on and remember that my sister, best friend, person I can't imagine my life without is with me. Always and forever.

Macey Distance Learning 3

My object is my hat from Greenleaf Hut. My dad bought this for me, along with many snicker bars, when we stopped at Greenleaf on our way up Mt. Lafayette. The hat, now a faded blue with a wrinkled embroidering, fits me about as well as a yamaka. The clasp to adjust the size is partially rusted, and any shape that it once had was lost years ago. Back in the day, however, it was a striking blue with a handsome outline of the White Mountains. The Greenleaf Hut logo and altitude were also proudly depicted, nestled below the hills. To be honest, I’m not sure if it ever looked that grand, or if I just remember it that way; I don’t keep it to be a fashion model.

The reason that I do hold onto the hat has more to do with its time of purchase than anything else. It was given to me on what would become the first of many expeditions that my father and I had in the Whites. My hat has accompanied me on almost all of the following journeys, and has been carried over the crest of Mt. Washington and dipped into the waterfalls of Little Haystack. This hat represents a simpler chapter of my life, a time in which my weekends were filled with adventures and not coursework, an era in which I could put away the outside world and submerge myself in thought as I traipsed through overgrown trails; where any problems were as absent as society itself. My hat was there on all of the camping trips, where the rehydrated chicken soup that I split with my father tasted better than any of the meals that I’ve had in a restaurant. When my dad and I arrived in camp at 1 A.M. with the rain pouring down, my hat was nestled in my bag. When we came out of the woods a few days later, packs heavy and boots wet, my hat stood witness to our struggles. Few souvenirs leave the forest with my father and I, yet the fades and grime occupying my hat remind me of my adventures. Although my hat is now too small to be worn, its travels will be too large to forget.

Week 11 Macey

I heard about Rosanne being fired over her tweet, and it reminded me how it is much harder to earn something then lose it.

Week 10 Macey

I was driving alone for the first time and it felt surreal, like I was watching myself drive but wasn't actually the one doing it. Then I realized that everything that you really look forward to or prepare for feels the same way. Finals, vacations, everything.

Week 9 Macey

I got my license, but my parents still won’t let me drive. This made me think about the myth of Tantalus, and how he had the worst punishment out of everyone ever.

DL assignment 3 due 6/9

Choose an object you own and define how it is symbolic of who you are or who you have become. It can be a pair of shoes, an old toy or some kind of tool( or anything else!). Describe the object first, like you would in a poem or short story, and then explore the ways in which it defines who you are or who you have become. Include insights into the history of the object and how it has become a part of your life experience as well. Your entry should be 2-3 paragraphs long.

Week 9

I hate running and everything about it, but I could't sit calmly aside anymore. I needed to do something to make me feel better, so I went for a jog, and it wasn't that bad. At least I could finally sleep at night.

Macey Distance Learning II

Shakespearean Sonnet 130

CXXX

Her eyes are dull
Her lips are chapped
Her figure's unfull
And her head is scalped

Her cheeks are pasty
Her breath is foul
Her voice is screechy
And her poise draws scowls

All the same
I love her completely
And not for her looks
You must believe me

Distance Learning #2, Petravica

I Had Not Seen It

I had not seen it but now my steps
sounded unstable.

I never heard its voice but now my voice lost it's tone.

And it was a rainy day and my smile
disappeared within the clouds.

But I felt delight of carrying the new
solitude of the dark.

I felt it next to me, burning arms,
shadows and rising pulse.

And my pain, in this blackest night,
entered my body.

But I went alone.

Week 9

I was wondering the other day, if I could be one person for a day, who would I want to be? And I thought, it would be cool to be someone famous because you would get to see their life for an entire day. It would be cool to be someone from a different country because it would be a different lifestyle. It would be cool to be the opposite gender for a day, and have to deal with what they deal with everyday. What would be really cool though, is to be someone that interacts with you on a daily basis, so you could see what you are like from a different perspective. Idk what I would choose, but definitely a cool thing to think about.

Distance Learning #2 Cullen

I hate and I love

We hate or we love. One of the two.
Love can grow into hate.
Hate can grow into love.
Does our mind decide for us which we do?
But can we hate that we love?
And can we love that we hate?
Is that something we can do?
I do not know if we are capable of that, but I know we can do either of the two.

Distance Learning #2 Ellen

Lilac

I inhale the sweet scent

The aroma fills me up

And mixes around within me

The lilac permeates the atmosphere

It blooms across the air

It spreads across time and space

It’s my childhood-

My backyard full of screaming kids,

Freshly cut grass, and grass not yet grown,

A plastic turtle sandbox, guinea pigs,

A rusty sprinkler. Bubbles and bubble wands with

ants crawling all over

And the lilacs in the back and the side of the yard,

They stand like guards

But pretty ones: pink and purple, and white-

There’s white ones too.

These guards stand tall and they stand

For many years

They watch me and the screaming kids grow

And they will watch my son

They will watch my son

They will guard my son

Because he needs a guard

He needs protection

I will do anything to protect him

The guards will stretch across the new yard

They will permeate his youth

They will keep his childhood bottled up in a smell

Much like mine

And no harm will come to him

Under me and the watch of the lilac brigade

week 9

i truly believe everyone is beautiful in their own way. i don't think it's really possible to compare people in that regard, but i think a lot of people struggle with it. "appreciate someone else's beauty without taking away from your own"

week 8

i was really nervous all day because i brought something to lunch that required a microwave. i have never used the school microwave before. so anyways it is lunch and i go to use it and i'm like, shoot, i can't figure out how to open it. and i'm pulling at the door trying to pry it open with my fingernails and all of a sudden a freshman boy walks over and pushes a button and it opens right up and then he just walks away.

week 7

so i went to new york and i was so excited. i was going because of colleges and i had myself all amped up because i was trying to envision myself living here, being a part of the city. so me and my dad step off the train and its already so crazy in the first couple seconds. im trying to convince myself i love it- all the hubub. im starting to vibe and then about a minute later some lady pushes my suitcase and screams "get the f*** out of the way!". ah. new york.

Distance Learning 2 Shanthakumar

The Shore Party

The grill a child begging for more even

though its mouth it has food, food it could never have.

My friends float in the water

A boat speeds by,

bobbing up, down up down,

unaffected, like nothing had happened.

Conversations are replaced with laughter.

Taking about life so long ago

like a second life, a life that is mine but i can never have

things would never do now

Friends I no longer have.

The conversation moved back and forth, up and down….

After a while I realize I'm staring, at the depths of the ocean I'm sinking,

I raise my hand, try to wave I get pulled out.

The cold water reminds me, again the lesson of humility,

As I look back the water still move up and down back and forth, as if nothing had every happened.

week 8

I recently wrote an essay about censorship of the press. I had my uncle proofread it is as he is a newspaper editor and he told me that China censored the word for “censorship.” I guess you can’t be guilty of a crime if nobody can describe what it is.

Week 8 Macey

I went to see Infinity War and although it was good, I learned why stories cannot have too many characters

Week 8

Today I was walking in the rain to the gym and it reminded me old times in Latvia, when no matter if it was snowing, extremely humid or windy, I went to training, because it's who I am and it forms me, what I want to be...

Week 7

I felt quite offended today, when our neighbors called me to sit down at the kids table. I am not kid anymore, I am seventeen!

Week 6

Bad choices make good stories

Macey Week 7

I cooked up a fish that my friend caught and I realized that I’m glad we have supermarkets now, since it did not work too well

Macey Week 6

The Massachusetts hats for DECA were the worst ones and I realized that it was possible for another state to beat us at something

week 7

So I still haven't gotten over cancer and I just found out that there's now a strain of gonorrhea which is totally resistant to antibiotic treatment. So... rip.

week 6

My sister got grounded recently and I'm glad I stuck around for the conversation. My sister whines about being held home against her will and threatens to call the cops and my mom responds without breaking a sweat," this very moment, someone is trapped against their will, probably suffering at the hands of someone else unable to call for help and wondering if anyone 'out there' is thinking about them or remembers them. You are comfortable at home where your 'captors' feed you, educate you, entertain you and provided for you." Its been a month, my sister is yet to respond.

Distance Learning assignment for 3/13 snow day, due 5/19

Use the following link to browse a selection of poems: http://poems.com/archive.php

Choose any poem you like and then re-write it in your own words. You can use the same imagery or develop your own. This is not a line by line analysis of the poem; I want you to paraphrase it or make it your own in a way you see fit. Imagine the poem is a drawing you need to redraw without tracing the exact lines or a poem you wish to steal and by disguising it, you make it look as if you wrote it.

Leave only the title the same.

Have fun plagiarizing!

distance learning last name

Going to the tournament was a blast. We karaoke to the radio singing songs and I was dancing in the back. It was the first time I enjoyed being in the car alone with my dad. No lectures, to yelling just pure fun.
When we finally got there i was too excited to contain myself. I saw all my friends and went over to talk with them. Looking around I instantly felt exhilarated. It was like a scene from my favorite movie, my inspiration to join karate in the first place.
There were kids where are manner of colors with an even more diverse array of weapons. There were kids spinning staffs, twirling nun chucks, sporting swords and other objects I couldn't name. I didn't feel bad at all becasue I belived that I had come in
with the most practical weapons - fists. Unlike other weapons that are large or uncomfortable to keep on your body at all time, your fists are something you always have, and learning to fight with to fight with what you have is one of the fist rules in karate.
I was quickly ushered in a locker room of sorts, one with raked sand on the ground felt way too soft to be sand. We changed into your robes and were given special wooden sandals to walk in. As i was exiting the locker room my dad pulled me aside and
wished me good luck. He gave me, what in his mind, an inspirational speech but it only succeeded in bring about the nerves that I had forgotten about.
Of course, with my luck I ended up being second in line to go. So i prepared myself mental to go and show them 300 or so people what I had against a complete stranger in my first competition. The boy going first seemed to be a regular at these events
because people knew his name and he walked up with a swagger like he had nothing to lose. He wasn't that impressive, I was a head taller and, by the looks of it, a lot more fit. He was small and plump but man could he move. He pulled out nunchucks from
nowhere and started twirling around like a crazed monkey. It was the most ferocious and disciplined routine i had every called my name and i immediately looked to my dad. His smile was gone as if he was thinking the same as me. How could i ever follow that
act. I went to the middle took a deep breath and choked. I forgot how the my routine started, I stood in the middle for what seemed like an but no one seemed to care. It only seemed to add to the anticipation, so i did the only thing i could think of. I rattled off three
backflips and then twisted into a double round house after which i landed on one knee. I stayed like that for another solid 30 seconds to think of my next moves and proceeded to improvise a set of moves that I had bring practicing based on my childhood superheroe Robin.
After my routine I walked back to the benches in shame, not only had forgotten my sequence but I had also tripped up on my landings. I waited for my usual lecture when I was handed my bronze medal but instead I got a hug from my dad. I had rarely ever
gotten those from him. And so when he told me he was proud I burst out into tears of joy. It was the first time I had ever heard him say that. I was confused still, I looked at him and he must have known because he said, "You went out there overcame your nerves and put
on a hell of show and that's all that matters to me!"

distane learning

It was fourth grade. I was, what, 10? Yeah, 10- that seems about right. Anyways, it was fourth grade and it was the fall. This day wasn’t average though, it was the day every kid has marked in their calendars- the Scholastic Book Fair. The day where people aren’t afraid to say they are excited to go to a library. Anyways, I was heading to the library with my class. I was the kaboose- I always liked being the last person in line. That way you can watch the other people in line and, hopefully, there’s no one else around to bother you. Just some quiet time to observe.

We arrive by the library and there’s other classes already in there, running around, screaming, and swarming the posters, erasers, and highlighters.

I trail in later than the rest of my class after staring at a bulletin board in the hallway- Ms. Traywicks class made some poetry. Interesting.

I stood watching the other kids and I couldn’t help but wonder why they wanted to waste all their money on that useless stuff. Me, on the other hand had my eye on the science fiction section and planned to head over soon. I needed to scope the scene out though. Make sure I knew all the options and how to approach this motney of books. But my gaze kept straying back to the other kids. Suddenly, I felt the cool touch of my teacher’s hand on my elbow. “Remember our meeting Riley? Why don’t you go talk to the other kids over there.” She gives me a soft smile and lets go of my arm.

I was reminded of this day when I came upon my copy of The City of Ember. Later on that year I took my teacher’s words to heart. The spring book fair I got a poster of Captain Underpants. I threw it away when I got home though.

3/9, Petravica

Outside everything was so bright and white. The snowflakes were slowly falling down the skies, while I tried to warm up with a soft blanket and a cup of green tea. Christmas was coming, but it didn’t feel that way. Everything seemed odd. I was sitting alone in the house, surrounded by many holiday decorations, fairy lights and candles. The sweet cinnamon scent slowly permeated the house, but I still felt that something was missing. There was an emptiness. It was my first Christmas alone. Did I feel lonely? No, I don’t think so, but I felt different.

I have always believed that Christmas is a family’s holiday, and despite my beliefs I was in London, trying to avoid calls from home so I went outside. I started to walk around my neighborhood and everything was silent and serene. I followed a path inside my mind, I just needed to go and find a place, and I found it. I was standing across the animal shelter. The next thing I knew was I was inside and looking for puppies and older dogs, kitties and older cats. They all showed their different stories, but there was a connection between them. They all were alone. So, I wanted to help and at least learn one of the many stories.

A Christmas miracle, he is to me. I have a dog and I call him Blake. He is a black pug with sparkling green eyes. He is the cutest little thing I have ever met. We do everything together. We wake up at the same time, we eat breakfast and then we go for a run. Blake loves wide diversity of parks, where he can catch squirrels and be happy again. His name might be Blake but he is not as dark as it might seem, he is a sunshine in my life. I am here where I belong and I am happy because I am not alone. I have Blake.

3/9, Macey

I sat behind the wheel, and for the first time there was no parent or driving instructor riding next to me. Instead, a bearded employee of the New York DMV watched me and judged my turns and speed. I hated him. Not out of spite or anger, but just because of the power he held over me. And of course, I just didn't like the DMV to begin with.

I drove with him next to me for the most awkward 15 minutes of my life; him staring at me, and I at the road. Soon it was over, and I crawled back into the parking lot of the DMV. He starts to speak in one of the most apathetic tones I have ever heard, "Congratulations, Clarke. Hand this to the lady at the desk on the way in so that she can give you a license." And with those words, I decided that I no longer hated him.

Week 8

Addictions are weird to think about. There is something within the thing your are addicted to that makes you keep wanting it. I think it's cool that you can be addicted to a person. That means there is something within that person, that just keeps making you come back. Breaking addictions are hard, but when that thing you are addicted to is unhealthy, you must do it for yourself.

Week 7

Wendys came out with their own mixtape. Yes. Wendys the food place. The worst part is, it's not even that bad. It's pretty funny. They talk crap about Mcdonalds. It's called, we beefin?

Week 6

I wonder what it would feel like to be in space, looking down at the world, wondering what each single person is doing, but only being able to see a big blur. I know what it's like to look up into space, but I have no clue what is even up there.

3/9 Cullen

             I peeked out the window, and the world looked so cold to me. I was warm in my house, but the world felt so cold. I turned on the tv, and my thoughts escaped my mind. Scrolling through the channels I felt no sense of purpose in any program turning on. I stopped. The news. Today alone there have been fourteen intentional murders in the United States. Wow. So proud to be an American. I bet four of these murders took place in some random town, and the entire town will be devastated for years to come. The other bunch, probably will go unnoticed. But I'm just sitting here in my warm house, with my cute dog, and way overpriced tv.
             I threw my dogs toy, and he chased after it, brought it back to me, and repeated the same thing about fourteen times. I walked out onto my back porch and I could see my neighbor mowing their perfect lawn. I dipped my feet in the pool to check the temperature. I had enough money to make it as hot as I wanted, but I always kept it at sixty degrees. I walked around to the front of my house, through the white picket fence, and went to the mail box. I shuffled through the different bills and magazines to find the letter I had been waiting for. This letter proved whether or not what I had been studying for months was all worth it. I opened the way to tight seal on the packaging and pulled out the crispy white piece of paper. "You got the job" I said out loud. My body become overloaded with joy, and I screamed a little bit. I finally can do what I love. I finally can move out, and be somebody that matters.
           

Distance Learning assignment for 3/9 snow day

Choose a character from one of your pieces from this year. Using that character's personality and voice, write a post in which your character describes an experience important to him/her (the experience cannot be what you included in the plot of your original story/poem). The narrative voice should be first person. Your narrative should be two or three paragraphs long. DUE by 4/28. Title your posts: "3/9, last name"

Week 1

Yesterday I fell down the stairs. It was embarrassing, but I didn't care that much because all I could think was pain. I hit my head and left hip harshly and I said to myself and others that I am okay, even though I was not feeling that way. When the next morning came, I could still feel the swelling, so I did not want to wake up but I did. I got up, had a great day and I assured to myself that I am strong and I can ignore pain if I want and focus on things that matter more because time can heal everything.

Week Five

Relationships are like an awkward dance, any hesitation can be taken for an intentional action.

Week Four

Someone told me that they've been living for the last 20 years by one saying, "Identify, Conquer, Move on" and the only thing I could think of how well I conquer food.

Week Three

It's really depressing how much money a rapper can make on cheap music and how really interesting and meaningful music doesn't get the recognition it deserves.

Week 2

My sister came home the other day, really angry and really hungry. When I asked her asked whats up she looked at me and frowned, "Nothing, I'm just pretending to be you."

Week One

Watching Game of Thrones I realized just how much the world depends on light, something that we take for granted theses days as we take for granted these days as we have it easy with a flick of a switch.

Week 7

music is the best. It can change your emotions within seconds. There is something so comforting about listening to a beautiful, slow, meaningful song when you are feeling low. Hype up rap is the best when you feel unstoppable. Uplifting indie pop and alternative is my favorite to listen to when I'm driving around with my sun-roof open on a bright day. I have a huge appreciation for all the 70's and 80's hits as well as some of the 90's old school hip hop/R&B. music can unite people together, but can also bring people into their own world; completely detached from the day-today-day dealings. anyways, this was a long way of saying: I love music.

week 7

what's been on my mind a lot recently is how much people think about other people and how you never know when someone is thinking about you. this ranges from passing thoughts about some nameless kid or someone you like thats always on your mind. either way you never know and that just kind of boggles my mind. doesn't it make you wonder who does think of you and to what extent specifically?

week 6

i was thinking about backhanded compliments and how to take them and if they mean anything. i've been told "if you stare at you long enough you're actually pretty" or "sneaky hot". do i chose to discredit this as an insult? but technically is it a compliment? because if i'm choosing to disregard it as an insult then i'm also disregarding a compliment. i think my final stance it to just not let what anyone says bother you - BUT back handed compliments are still a weird thing to try and process/understand

Week 5

Today I realized how quickly the time has gone by and I still have so many things I want to accomplish. It made me quite emotional, I was trembling but smiling at the same time. I should avoid my thoughts and focus more on the moments.

week 5

so i've been having really realistic dreams lately that make me not be able to differentiate between what is reality and not. This particular night I had helped someone make a promposal sign and i truly believed that i had made them drive out to concord that night with the sign and forced them to wear orange. So, around 3 am i text them because i feel so bad that i made them drive out to concord and wear orange when that was unnecessary, however that didn't even happen and i just seemed psychotic.

Week 5

Tomorrow is my 17th birthday. I feel like I have been alive for 70 years but also at the same time only 7. But nope, 17.

Weel 6

I would say the most overwhelming place to be in is a grocery store. People are frantically pushing giant metal carts around tight corners. Standing in long lines, waiting to spend lots of money. The healthy, soccer mom glares in disgust as her kid throws pop tarts and fruit roll ups into the cart. Two middle aged men fight for the last pack of smoked maple bacon. The display of canned tomatoes topples to the ground resulting in a "clean up in aisle 4". Meanwhile, uplifting tunes play in the background.

Week 5

Today was my first time getting gas alone. Initially, I left my car on and began twisting open the cap to the gas tank. Upon realizing my mistake, I called in the reinforcements. My friend being the true homie that she is, drove to the Cumbie's in to help me fill my car in the 36 degree weather. Lesson learned: Sophie is a good friend and I also really need to know how to properly get gas.

Week 5

I almost slept through dance but my brother woke me up because he knows my schedule. it was a nice thing to do

Week 3

Today I took my siblings on a mystery ride to Sullivan's for ice-cream. In the car, I let my little brother Mikey aux, and to my surprise he turned on "Narcos" by Migos. It is amusing to reflect on the fact that kids these days have different childhoods than some of us had. When I was 9 years old, I was listening to Black Eyed Peas and Taylor Swift. Big Mike here is jammin to some rap music in fourth grade. Just a random thought.

Week 2

on a college tour at Providence college, my tour guide proceeded to tell us how he has a flatscreen TV in his dorm and he charges people $5 an hour to come inside and play fortnite. in the first week that he carried out this creative plan, he managed to make $35. I don't know a lot about business, but I know that this kid is going places.

Macey Week 5

I was at drivers ed and I realized that there are way too many laws in Massachusetts

Week 4

All you need to do is to believe in yourself and have a little bit of courage. Because it can be a beginning of something splendid.

Week 4- Joel

After watching the show "Narcos" I am compelled even more by the idea of a villian being the main character for a story, as the audience is able to understand more of what motivates this person to do terrible things, and provides a deeper look into all of humanity.

Week 4

The D in D-day doesn't actually stand for anything symbolic.

Week 4 Burke

Why do we drive on the left side of the car? It seems it would be much safer to have the driver on the right side, farther away from oncoming traffic.

Week 3

Everyone prioritizes things differently. Meaghan just fell up the stairs, bruised her knee, tore her poncho, but managed to keep her soft pretzel in tact in her mouth.

Week 3 Burke

I was watching 60 minutes last night and a story about the Parkland Shooting came up. Emma Gonzalez, the bald girl who is fighting big name politicians and groups, said that she wishes her life could just go back to what it was. It's interesting that she has such a huge role in the gun laws, yet sometimes wishes she could just go back to being a kid.

week 4

I babysat my neighbor and we made slime for two hours. I love being around kids because it makes me forget my own problems and just enjoy myself.

week 4

i went laser tagging for a 4 year olds birthday. i had no mercy.

week 3

i was at the last nordic race of the season and there was a dance party with a dj. i knew it was going to be there and i proclaimed to the team i wouldn't be caught dead out there seeing as it is just incredibly strange. but as the night went on i ended up going out to the dance floor and i got caught up in a human whirlpool. it was so.fun. moral: don't judge and just have fun

Week 4

I love the panic before a snow storm. Grocery stores are always packed because everyone is stocking up on bread, milk, eggs, and batteries. The anticipation of a snow day, the anxiety in the weather reporter's voice... the whole thing! Snow storms are EXCITING!!!

Week 3

Almost ate meat on FRIDAY!!! It's LENT! ooooooof, close call!

Week 2

I was at a restaurant in Boston with my friends waiting to be seated when the host comes up to the front, puts on a pair of glasses, and asks "Are these male or female glasses?" My friend replied, "I think they're pretty neutral." He told us he had just found them in the lost and found.

Week 4 Macey

When I lost power, I wondered what people did back in the day and if life is any better now than then

Week 3 Macey

I was watching Johnny Test and it reminded me how fun it was to think up crazy ideas and pretend they were real

Third Week

Today was the first time I saw cold and dead animal. I thought that I will start to feel paranoid and not be able to participate in Human Anatomy class, but surprisingly it was not as bad. It was time to put rational thinking and emotions aside, and focus on body. I need to make sure if I am ready to be a doctor in a future.

Second Week

In Los Angeles International Airport I met a couple, who got stuck in Chicago for 3 days, because of the snow storm. They were wearing light, short sleeve clothing, while outside was freezing, and their vacation got shorter, because of the power of nature.

Week 3

The theatre department's piece for festival is Love Song, and while we were at the pre-elimination round on Saturday, we watched a play called The Diviners. In both plays, there is an eccentric character at the focus of the action. This character creates a new perspective in the story, as their ways of talking and acting bring a whole new meaning to the work.

Week 2

I was watching the movie Suburbicon, where the story takes place in a highly exaggerated world. This inspires me to create a world which is just as stylized and unique.

week 3

the Dunkin Donuts worker gave me a medium coffee and didn't charge me when I asked for a small because he said I "looked like I needed it." I was happy about the free coffee but it kind of felt like a backhanded insult

week 2

My mom is allergic to bananas but she likes them, so we tried to make banana flavored muffins without actual banana. They didn't taste like banana but they were good anyway

Week 2 Burke

I was watching a movie last week and my favorite line of the movie "could the sky be the next thing to fail me?" I love it because it could be inferred by different people different ways.

Week 2

I hate Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day is like the Voldemort of holidays. Only the Dementors get to see the greatness of Valentine's day. I am Harry Potter. I hate Valentine's Day, and Valentine's Day hates me.

week 2: olszowy

"people are people": in english we talked about the accumulation of time and it made me think about senior year and how everyone is leaving and everyones has their own stuff all going on. Now that i think of it the quote doesn't really make that much sense but at the time it felt really sage so i thought i'd share anyways.

Week 1

Today I was complaining about all my homework to my little brother. He pulled out his simple little math worksheet and said "are you kidding me, look at this thing". Despite the annoying aspect of this situation, his innocence is cute.

Week 1

I was walking through the streets of Boston on my way to see a play when a group of college-aged people walk by my group of friends screaming, yelling, and making a scene. There didn't appear to be any actual conflict; they were just yelling for the sake of yelling.

week 1

My dad and I took our dog for a walk in East Boston camps and talked about stories from when he was in college. He knows I'm nervous to leave but hearing him talk about having fun made me excited for my own stories and less afraid.

Week 1

2/11/18: Today I was at church and there was a little girl and her dad, and the dad was fixing the bow in her hair. I couldn't help but think about how 4 years ago he probably had never held a bow in his life or knew how it even worked, but now he can put it in her hair one handed while she's making a fuss.

Macey Week 2

I was watching the Olympics and I realized how big a deal humans make out of something as trivial as going down a mountain

Week One - Equus

In the play Equus, symbols have a powerful meaning, and can be used as a metaphor to explain ideas. This inspires me to write with great intention behind symbols, as to communicate a deeper meaning which many never have to be directly explained. 

-Joel

Week 1 Burke

"I wish I thought of something"

Week 1

"My Classmate Owen told me that Tom Brady's Wife glues diamonds onto her bra" -Elle, 2nd Grade

Macey Week 1

I watched a documentary on evolution and it illustrated how humans have been chasing the same things for thousands of years.

Prendergast Week 12

Adding Sugar Makes My Coffee Taste bitter

Prendergast Week 13

The more time I have, the more I begin to regret

Vekeria Week #13

"If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving is not for you" -Anonymous

palmer week 13

embarrassment makes you resilient

palmer week 12

i dont like to be the bigger person i like to be the bigger

palmer week 11

texas road house dinner rolls

Cammalleri 13

While the sky cries for whiskey

and the cats in Newark recite collections of Rimbaud

The Pentagon had just outlined a new offensive in Afghanistan

War had broken

Love was in the air

While the quarter ounces of peace 

were cremated

by princes and madmen

while the sky turned a pale shade of orange 

They woke up in a leather boot.

Together,

alone.

Vekeria Week #12

"Banging your head against a wall for an hour will burn 150 calories"

Katz 13

Hearing the name Phineas is so weird outside of the context of Phineas and Ferb

Vekeria #11

Since light travels faster than sound,
people appear bright until you hear them speak -Anonymous

Doolin 13

I use my phone every single day but I've come to realize it never appears in my dreams.

Caldwell week 13

coffee and adderall do NOT go together

Caldwell Week 12

my boyfriend sounds like Obama when he talks on the phone

Arnav Sharma - Week XIII

In my NyQuil-induced haze, those twenty minutes were an eternity.

Waterhouse Week 13

I can't wait to use the line "...because I said so" when I'm a parent.

Caldwel week 11

I wish night gowns were socially acceptable to wear everywhere

cADWELL week 10

you know you are growing up when you no longer get flavor swirls in your coffee

CALDWELL WEEK 9

ARE ALL LADY BUGS, LADIES?

Dilara Week 13

Compliment people. What's the worst that could happen?

McCabe Week 13

"An even number, but odd for me."

Something my grandfather said that I think would make a great book title.

Musante Week 13

What is the purpose of capital letters? Providing a marker for us to easily see names/places/sentences?

How do capital letters change our way of communicating?

do i even need to use them to make sense?

Center Week 13

the harvest moon looming above a dark, tree-lined street - or across the sky from a sunrise in the birth pangs of a new day

Arnold Week 13

“We focus on what we don’t have rather than what we do have” - Mr. Humphrey