"Dirty Mouth, clean it up with Orbit gum"

Walking down the hallways of high school you can hear obscene, dirty, and inappropriate language. So much so that it no longer phases me, I just keep walking and pay no attention. Although, there are times when I tune in and listen to the words exchanged between people, and I am appalled/shocked at times. I feel that there is a fine line between what is appropriate to say, especially in public. There is no helping what thoughts or words stumble into our minds, but there are things that we should just not say out loud. My feelings apply to books as well. When I read obscene words in a book I usually just read over it, unless it is put in at an awkward moment. If it is unnecessary for plot development. Or a word that divides a character or group of people in a way that challenges their position in society or in life. Theses words also set a desired mood and feeling in the book, it can be assumed that they are not suppose to effect us personally, but for a reason (in the authors mind).

Independent Reading Project

I am reading "The Lost Boy," which is the sequel to "A Child Called It" by David Pelzer. I absolutely loved his first book and I am very excited to read the second book to hear about the continuation of his life. The books are a reflection on the authors life, and the reality of it makes for an extremely captivation story. Not only are the stories true, they also evoke such emotion and understanding of the world around us, that is hidden from us at times. Reading it has made me realize how lucky I really am, and it has opened my eyes to everyone around me. The lessons and the stories told in this book linger in my mind and remind me to approach and act in a different manner toward people. We all have a story to tell and Davids story has inevitably had an effect on my life. I will be pursuing a degree in psychology throughout my college years, therefore I will be faced with many stories and situations such as the one David lived through. It is stories such as this that inspire me to take action. To follow my passion of helping people, and reach my hand out for someone to take it.

So far the first 5 chapters have captivated me. I am 100 pages in and I did not want to put the book down. As for the presentation aspect of this project...it may be difficult. The topics and ideas discussed in this book make for a very dramatic reality. I think that I would be out of my comfort zone if I had to act out an event in an abused childs life. For this reason I may have to read a different book.

Kite Fighting

Hope as defined in Websters Dictionary is "the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best." Kite fighting is just that for the people of Afghanistan, hope. It is their reassurance that despite all the hardship they have encountered, they can still find that hope. Times may not be considered the best but in the end they will be okay, and for some that is all they can ask for.

Kite fighting mends the divisions of society. Socially people use the past time as a way to unite the people. Despite being so different and so divided for once they can find unity within each other with this event. Kite fighting involves teamwork and commitment, the people have to support each other for a common purpose/goal.

Free Write

Adrenalin pumping, sweat soaking, heart racing, there's no turning back. Not today. Each step penetrating the pitiful earth. The eyes of two fellow soldiers following my every motion, their breath steady with my quickening strides over and around the coal black boulders. Never. A month ago I did not know them, today I rely on them. Who are these people? Brothers. Warm salty tears sliding down my petrified face, I cry for those whose tears were stolen from them. I cry because the pain has swollen within my tired body, my fear has evaporated. I am strong. I am stronger than you, for you. They say time heals even the deepest wounds, but these wounds are not healin'. They created this, and they expect us to finish it for them. They are weak.

Walk The Line

Authors add powerful, shocking, and even disturbing events in their texts to grasp and hold the readers attention. If they did not write that way then people would not read the books due to lack of interest or motivation. Also by adding these emotions and feelings to a piece of writing the reader is able to "fall into the pages of the book," in other words, they are able to relate to the character and the situation. This also encourages the reader to finish out the book to see what might happen, and to perhaps read more books written by that author (if they like the writers style, and context). Society has a role in creating shocking and maybe even disturbing events by connecting and extracting true historic events and circumstances and putting them within the book.

To Atone or Not to Atone

I believe atonement for past sins is possible, but that atonement comes only with penance,sacrifice, and the pure desire to rectify the situation. We have all made mistakes, they are inevitable, I have made and will continue to make them (everyday even). Regret is a hollow feeling, one that tugs at your conscience, and it is not until you fix what you have done that you can feel settled again. We have the ability to make something "good again," this is true. We can do this because we have to in a way. There are things that cannot be fixed completely, but the surface of that cut can heal. I try to get caught up in regret, because I fell that if I do I will realize that I have many regrets. Instead I do not see things as regrets, but instead as a realization that I should next time do it in a different way or manner.

Decisions...decisions.

The decisions I make are influenced by the people around me, the circumstance, what Ive been taught, the possible outcome of the situation due to my decision, and my personal opinion on the matter. My decisions will always effect someone, whether it is myself or everyone around me. This causes problems when making decisions, sometimes I consider the effects my choices I may make, but when I fail to realize I run the risk of possibly hurting someone. This goes to show that we should be careful with the decision we make, because they effect the people around us. For example the decision of going to college with effect my family and my friendship with my friends. I am the last sibling in the house so my parents relationship with shift. I see my friends everyday, and seeing them only a couple of times a year will also shift that situation.