Reading Log ~ Week 15

Reading and Annotating chapters 9-12 : 75 minutes

Tracker Journal on blackboard for chapter 1-8 : 1 hour 30 minutes

Tracker Journal on black board for chapter 9-11 : 35 minutes

Tracker Journal on black board for chapter 12 : 15 minutes

total: 225 minutes (3 hours 30 minutes)

NOTE: I needed to catch up on working on Tracker Journal. I had all my quotes chosen in my book, but need to put everything in journal.

How is ninth grade english different from eight grade english?

Going from eight grade english to ninth grade english to me was a big jump, but it was for all my classes as well; middle school is different from highschool. Now that we are in highschool, this years english has challenged me to write more, as well as read more. With blogging every week with four paragraphs minimun total to write, it allows me to become a better writer. Also, the reading log every week I feel as though is better than every quarter. Last year since it was per quarter, i might forget to read but I could catch up, which then creates stress because I am behind. This way, I am always organized and complete the reading requirements as well. 

Comparing this years english to last overall I enjoy it better. I feel as though it is well-rounded with the use of technology like blogging, ebooks, and etc. It creates a entertainment aspect of the class with being educational at the same time. Although it is a heavier work load, I am able to acept it and complete my work on time. All in all, this years english I feel as though I enjoy much better. I can not wait to see what is to come in the rest of our year.

Learning From The Writing Center

Going to The Writting Center was more helpful, fun, and better than I expected it to be. When I walked in, eveyone was so nice. They welcomed me, introduced themself, and even gave me candy. The fellow I was working with was one a friend of my sister who I knew well, which made it easier on my first vist. During this vist, although she was close with me she did not allow that to get in the way of helping me with my paper. We stayed on task and got a lot of work done. She said I had spelling problems just like my sister, helped me realize my common errors, and how to elborate. She also was very good at saying instuctions in ways that I can understand. 

After my writting center vist, everything was not fixed for me. Because of this, I got a learning experience out of it trying to do what she helped me with by myslef. By doing this I was able to work and look back what she would have done by my self. I was very greatful that this was a requirement becasue otherwise I most likley would not have gone, and I would have missed out on a good experience. I now know that I can go, recieve great help, and enjoy it as well. I look forward to going again in my future. 

Reading Log - Week 14

Reading & Annotating LOTF Chapter 5 - 35 minutes

Reading & Annotating LOTF Chapter 6 - 25 minutes

Reading & Annotating LOTF Chapter 7 - 28 minutes

Reading & Annotating LOTF Chapter 8 - 31 minutes

Working on quotes for each chapter - 35 minutes

Total - 154 minutes

Reading Log ~ Week 13

Reading and Annotating LOTF (2&3) : 50 minutes
Studying For Wordly Wise Quiz 6 : 20 minutes
Editing and Finalizing my short story : 30 minutes
Reading and Annotating LOTF (4) : 25 minutes

Total: 125 minutes

Create Your Own Prompt

Prompt: Thanksgiving break is coming! Write about your plans for the break. Who are you spending it with? What are you doing? Where are you celebrating? Etc. Incorporate 2-3 Wordly Wise words from unit 1 - 7 in your post. Underline the word(s) that you use.

I can not wait for Thanksgiving break! Although I am spending it at home, I get to spend time with my friends and family. My old babysitter from first grade who is like my older sister is in town too, so I get to spend time with her as well. The only problem is that she brought her dog, Ellie, with her so we now have six people and four dogs in the house. When everyone is talking, the TV is on, and the dogs are barking, it creates a loud hubbub.

Because of all this noise, it has been hard for me to study and do my homework. Since this is the last week before the break, I have a lot of assignments due like papers and projects. I also have two test as well; one in World History and one in Biology. My World History teacher is assessing us on Ancient China while my Biology teacher is assessing us on topics like passive transport, osmosis, and much more. All in all I have alot of stuff to do. The good thing is, all of this noise is coming from downstairs, so I am able to lock myself in my room and complete my work. I can not wait for the week to end and have a relaxing break and their is only 5 days left.

Rihanna Concert ~ "Free Post"

This weekend was amazing! I was invited to go with two of my friends to the Rihanna Concert in New Orleans. After school on Friday Lala, Grace, and I, jumped in the car as fast as we could and drove to New Orleans. When we arrived to Lala's apartment, we listened to all of her songs as we were getting ready. We could not wait till the concert! Once we were dressed and ready, we meet up with other friends for dinner. The dinner was yummy. Time was ticking, and the concert was about to start, so we rushed out the restaurant and went to the concert.

When we drove up to the Pelican's arena, it was packed! There was so many people outside trying to get in. As we walked up to the security, you could hear the music coming from inside the building. We walked in during the middle of A$AP Rocky, who was opening up for Rihanna. We were able to hear a few of their songs, and then we had to wait until she came out. At around 10:30 pm, Rihanna came out on stage and the arena went crazy! Everyone was screaming, dancing, and having so much fun!

The concert ended up being amazing as we all expected. I was able to take great picture and videos without my phone dying which was great! I couldn't believe that I just saw her in person! I loved the concert and was thankful that I was invited. As we got into the apartment at 1:00 am, we were all tired that we went to bed right away. It was a great night, and I enjoyed every bit of it.

Reading Log ~ Week 12

Working and Finalizing My Rough Draft of Literary Analysis : 1 hour 5 minutes
Reading & Annotating Lord of the Flies : 55 minutes

Total : 120 minutes

Bangerz

Last week, Miley Cyrus released to the public her concert tour dates and locations. On March 18th, she is coming to New Orleans. I must go! Even though she has gone off track and become a little wild, I still love her. I grew up watching her show, Hannah Montana, and listening to her music. I listed to both Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus. Yes they are the same person, but their music is completely different. Miley's music was herself, while Hannah's was a character. 

Getting back on the concert, I need to go. I have been to all of her concerts and I can not miss this one. I was able to go to the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus/Jonas Brothers concert which was so fun. Then later in fifth grade, I was able to go to her Breakout tour which is Miley Cyrus singing. Now, that Bangerz has been released I need to add on to my concert tours and go. I pre-ordered her album so I had it when I woke up, and listen to it all the time. Although her songs are different, it is still the pretty voice singing. 

I really hope I can persuade my parents into letting me go! I know my sister will help me out as well because she wants to go too. I think we might create a little tag team and work together. I guess I shall see how it goes!

Deserted Island Simulation Experience In Class Reflection

Reflecting back on my experience, I feel as though I simply would not have survived with my class. As sad as this statement is, I know that it would probably be true. In real life, we most likely would have continued arguing and nothing would have ever been completed. People would gradually start leaving and doing their own thing until everyone was separated from each other. I would be one in which would leave and start my own living with Audrey and Madison (we have already discussed what we would do).

Although before this split up, I feel as though we would have managed to a leader, assigned jobs, and stared to work on the process of living here. From there, things would no be completed and people would leave. Bedsides, leaving people like Parker, would go insane causing others, like Ernie, to go insane as well. Maddie said she would backstab people, which might happen, causing other problems as well.

Although this was a weird experience I felt like it was a great way to introduce the book. It allowed me to want to read the book, and want to see what happens when they landed. Did they do what we did or did they do differently? I had to read and find out.

Reading Log: Week 11

Reread "A Worn Path" ~ 7 minutes
Editing my thesis statement ~ 10 minutes
Creating a bare bone outline ~ 15 minutes
Creating a detailed outline ~ 46 minutes
Doing both peer marks ~ 38 minutes
Reading(Finishing) Hate List ~ 13 minutes

Free Post ~ Homecoming

My first homecoming week, homecoming pep rally, and homecoming dance was a great experience!

Homecoming week was so much fun dressing up everyday, and yes I did dress up everyday. Sure there were people who did not, but I was not one of them. Everyday I had a costume and I loved it, especially since we don't get free dress that much.

The homecoming pep rally was probably the hardest. Since I'm a cheerleader, we had to create a dance, pyramid, baskets, and a grades dance for the pep rally. Creating this was terrible expecialy since we started the monday of homecoming week. Yes, time was scarce and practices were long. Having late night practices until 8:30 pm and then morning practices at 6:45 am was terrible, but our hard work paid off. The dance was great, everyone hit their stunts, nobody fell, and the crowd seemed as though they loved it.

The dance was fun as well. I loved getting ready with my friends, and then taking pictures was also good too. The dance was fun as well, especially since I knew upperclassman. I got to hang out with my friends and enjoy the night. I can't wait till Sadie's comes around, and I hope it is just as much fun.

Update on Literary Analysis

So far, I have done many steps in completing my literary analysis. I started off with creating my thesis statement, which took a while but once I figured it out steps from there were easy. I created a bare bone outline, that I then based my detailed outline of. Of corse I had to find quotes and do all the other steps in order to have a fully developed and complete outline, but it didn't take me too too long.

Throughout this process so far, I have constantly looked back at my notes that we took during class, Dr. D's examples and template of the outline, and I even asked my sister for help since she had Dr. D as a teacher freshman year. Personally, I think creating my thesis statement was the hardest step of this project, but once you had that to me it was easy sailing.

Since I have completed all of these steps, I now need to create a rough draft by combing all my things in my detailed outline, and adding information as well. Can't wait to see how this turns out!

Reading Log ~ Week 10:

Finish Up Reading and Annotating "An Occurence at Owl Creek Bridge" ~ 13 minutes
Reading and Annotating "A Worn Path" ~ 42 minutes
Reading and Annotating "How the Leopard Got His Spots" ~ 37 minutes
Reading Hate List by: Jennifer Brown ~ 18 minutes
Reading Teen Vogue ~ 11 minutes

Reading Response: Three Annotations

Reading and annotating these three short stories was harder that reading and annotating all of the other ones we have done. It took forever for me to choose a story that I liked, then it took double the amount of time to read and annotate. I was trying to do my best and get a lot out of it because as Dr. D said it will benefit you.

After R&A (reading and annotating) "An Occurrence at Owl Check Bridge," "A Worn Path," and How the Leopard Got His Spots," I realized that it is different, really different. I know that each story has its own theme, different characters, and all of that, but when reading them back to back, its so weird to switch stories.

As for things I have noticed, I do not quite know. Yes, I know about the story, characters, events, and everything, but as for the literary analysis I do not know what I am supposed to be looking for. I feel as though tomorrow when we talk about it during class, I will get a better understanding.

Grayson

Today is one of the best days ever! I have been counting down the days and today is the day, the day my family and I get Grayson! For years my sister, Caroline, has been wanting a big dog. She persuaded me and my younger brother into wanting one as well. On October 11th, her birthday, my mother and father told her she was getting a silver lab, the dog she has been dreaming of. 

Today was the day we could pick her up. We had the name, Grayson, a collar, leash, food, and a bed for her to sleep in. We left my house around 10:30 am and drove a little over an hour to get her. We were so excited when she was in the car with us on the way home a little while after we pulled up. 

Now that we are back at home, we have been trying to make her feel comfortable. She is slowly making friends with the two dogs we currently have and is getting used to the house. Grayson is so fun to play with too. Although she is bitting on everything I can't help but smile at her. Yes, it is still my sisters dog which is annoying, but I still get to play with her when she isn't around and a gymnastics. I can't wait till she grows up to be a big dog!

Reading Log:Week 9 & Personal Question

Reading & Annotating The Return ~ 32 minutes
Re-Reading All Short Stories ~ 1 hour 27 minutes
Hate List By Jennifer Brown ~ 9 minutes

Total: 128 minutes

Personal Question: Does this story have an emotional effect on me, the reader?

Reading Log Week 8:

Reading & Annotating And of Clay We are Created ~ 39 minutes

Reading & Annotating Girls In Their Summer Dresses ~ 34 minutes

Reading & Annotating Waltz of a Fat Man ~ 33 minutes

Reading Hate List By: Jennifer Brown ~ 16 minutes

Total: 122 minutes

Mapping Out Short Story

Short Story Unit & Reading Log: Week 7

Wow... I can't believe we have gotten this far with our unit, and this far into our school year already! Over all, I have learned that there are many different components to a short story like character and setting. Within those components there are also sub topics that I never knew about. Having Prezis on the board and class discussion have been helpful to learn these components as well. Even though my block gets out of hand a little, I was able to look at the board and get notes while people where talking so that was helpful.

My favorite was the one about Harrison. It was crazy and weird and very enjoyable to read. As I kept on reading more and more stories, I was able to understand the stories more and more as well! Through out my learning experience with short stories, I feel like I have learned how to write my own. I'm very excited to write my own and make it as unique as the others!

Reading Log ~ Week 7:
Reading & Annotating A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings ~ 36 minutes
In Class Reading (Hate List By: Jennifer Brown) ~ 13 minutes
Reading & Annotating Dry September ~ 43 minutes
Reading Hate List By: Jennifer Brown ~ 28 minutes

Comments:
Ellie's Blog ~ Short Story Plot
Nina's Post ~ Short Stories

Character Before Sleep

I'm so happy I am in bed. I feel like I haven't been to bed this early since freshman year in high school. Boy do I miss high school. I miss the teachers who were understanding, and I was able to talk to. I miss my old friends and my parents paying for almost everything. Wait...what am I talking about? I hated high school, there was so much drama. People would be ticked off over anything. I'm so glad to be moved out of my house and living in my own apartment. College is great! There are new friends, cute guys, more events, and much more. I was waiting for four years till this moment, and now I'm actually living it in.

College is weird though. Sure I love it a lot, but I feel like something is different about this college. The people I feel like know me, and everything about me and my past. Why did the Smoothie King worker ask how I'm doing with my parents divorce... I don't know her. I've never even seen her. What about the weird, but very attractive baseball player Dylan. He's number 32, such cute number, but I don't know him. Yet he came and talked to me about how to become better in English. Sure I'm a terrible english student, but I haven't asked anyone to help me or find me help. Maybe this is just a great college, that cares about you as a student. It might not be such a bad thing. I mean they were tryin to help me, right? What about that physco teacher that has the cracked glasses. Every corner I turn, I see him in my peripheral vision. He has to be up to something and so do the others. I need to tell Brittany about this. I guess I'll do that tomorrow, she could help me right? Ugh, I hope so cause this college is weird.

Reading Response & Reading Log: Week 6

As I have mentioned before in my reading log I am reading Hate List, and I still am. Hate List is about a boyfriend and girlfriend who create a book called the Hate List. Within this book, they included anything or person that they hated. One day the boyfriend, Nick decided to shot everyone on the Hate List in order at school. Valerie, the girlfriend, didn't realize this until he was going in order.

This book is very interesting especially because a school shooting happened somewhat recently. I love reading and figuring out details about this instance as the book continues forward. Everyone who as read it says it just gets better, so I'm exited to keep reading on.

 Even though I am enjoying to book, I do not like how it jumps around. It will go from the day that Nick was shooting, to Valerie being in the hospital, then back to current day school life. It is sometimes hard for me to understand what period of time each new chapter is during, so I'm reading much slower than I usually do, but I don't want to give up. I'm taking my peers advice and continuing forward because as they said it just gets better, so I can't wait.



Reading Log: Week 6
Reading & Annotating Harrison Bergeron ~ 37 minutes
In Class Reading (Hate List By: Jennifer Brown) ~ 10 minutes
Reading & Annotating To Da-duh, in Memoriam ~ 33 minutes
In Class Reading (Hate List By: Jennifer Brown) ~ 10 minutes
Reading & Annotating A & P ~ 31 minutes

Total: 121 minutes

Comments:
Parker's Blog: Writing in the voice of my character
Maddie's Blog: Short story characters thoughts

eBook & Reading Log: Week 5

After the presentation we had about ebooks, I am excited to make one of our own. The examples Dr. D showed us in class we so cool. Even though they were different, each had details that caught my eye. I am a little nervous of it being public, but at the same time I'm excited. I will be able to read my fellows classmates pieces that I would not have the chance to read and they can also read mine as well.

Before publishing the ebook our class would need to think of a great title that catches the eye of the reader. We also would need a vivd title page that does the same job. I think it would be neat to have a copy right page like the examples did because it looks official which is always cool. We also should include a table of contents page that make our book organized. It would also be great if there are media like pictures and videos that would appeal to our readers.

Besides creating and preparing the ebook, I need to prepare my piece as well. I'm thankful that I don't need to change any names because I already as my sister for permission. I do want to double check my spelling and punctuation before publishing it, and adding a picture of one of the letters as well. Overall, I don't think I need much changes.I can't wait for the book to be put together and up and running. I am curious how it is going to look and turn out. Guess I will just have to wait and see!


Reading Log: Week 5
Working on 2nd Draft ~ 57 minutes
Working on Final ~ 33 minutes
Editing ~ 18 minutes
Reading Hate List By: Jennifer Brown ~ 15 minutes

Total: 123 minutes

Comments:
William's Blog : Reading Response 5
Kaylin's Blog : E-Book And Things

Peer Reading: Literacy Narrative

"We are going to be peer editing today." I heard this sentence come out of my teacher's mouth. As Dr. D said that I knew there would be good and bad things. The good thing was I was going to be able to read my fellow classmates papers, see how I could improve, and help other people improve. The bad thing was, sometimes people are just careless, and say good paper. They don't give you any real feedback in order to make your paper better. Keeping that in mind, I knew I didn't want to be one of those people.

As the papers began to be passed around, people were looking to see who has theres. The first paper I received was Clark's. It was a vivid story about one of his past teachers in lower school. This teacher gave him a large point value essay that he was not wanting to do. Clark decided to push through it, and afterwards realized that this teacher pushed him to become a better writer. The story was very relatable because many of teachers have the same effect on me. Clark had great ideas though out the paper as well. When I fished reading and adding suggestions to Clark's, Dr. D handed me another paper to read. This paper belong to one of my good friends, Ellie. I knew I couldn't wait to read it.

As I finished reading the first paragraph, the bell rang to go the next class. Ellie told me I could keep it, finish reading and then hand it back to her later. I was excited because I knew what her paper was about, but I didn't know the details. Ellie's paper was about her Spring Break experience. In order to go she and two friends needed to persuade Ellie's father or his girlfriend to take them to her condo. They all decided to write a letter and it worked. As I was reading this paper, I realized that it was vivid as well. Some of the scenes I could imagine in my head. It was like I was watching a movie. She also included great dialog that as a reader is always interesting to read. I finished Ellie's, made comments, and handed it back to her before lunch. I couldn't wait to read mine because I never had a chance to after class.

During tutorial, I finally had a chance to read my comments. As I opened my paper I was a little upset. I didn't receive a lot of comments which is good because people thought my writing was good, but its hard to edit off of no comments. Although I was a little upset, I didn't really mind. I was able to read two great papers that day, which made everything all better.

Reading Log: Week 4

Working in Tutorial(Rough Draft) ~ 35 minutes
Working on Rough Draft ~ 28 minutes
Last Minute Rough Draft Changes ~ 11 minutes
Hate List By: Jennifer Brown ~ 26 minutes
225 Magazine : 13 minutes
Hate List By: Jennifer Brown ~ 17 minutes

Total: 130 minutes

Comments:
Rory's Blog ~ Dialog
Ernie's Blog ~ The Talk of Liars

Travel Troubles

          It's a late Friday night, and the sky is dark as ink. Claire and her mother are on their way to the beach for Fall Break. They are on a road that is surrounded by trees. and has no signs or lights.

         "Mom, when are we gonna be there?" Claire whines.

          "Soon," her mother responds.

          "How much longer?"

          "Not much."

          "When can we eat?"

          "The next stop we see."

          "Is everyone else already there?"

          "I don't know my phone is dead."

          "Do you have a charger to charge it?"

          "In my bag, yes."

          "Do you want me to get it for you?"

          "No thank you."

          "Are we lost? Do I need to look up directions? Do you want me to call someone? Maybe dad could help us, think so?"

          As Claire went on and on, so did the drive. A little while later, she was passed out in the passenger seat, no more questions to be ask. In a few hours, the sun would rise and it would be morning. Will they make it in time? Will they make it to the beach? Will they be lost forever?

Literacy Narrative

Even though I just recently turn in my rough draft, I enjoyed writing this assignment. I personally like it because my topic that I chose occurred in the past. This allows me to think about my past, how things have changed, and how things haven't change. I also am enjoying that it is personal. It's easier for me to write because its about me.

So, far I have yet to hit major bumps along the road. I often have trouble repeating myself wither it is thoughts or words, it will happening a handful of times throughout my work. I also don't have that many questions. Although I missed Friday for the pep rally, Im not able to answer on what advice I'd like from my classmates. 

I'm looking forward to continuing on this paper, because it is one of the few that I am enjoying. I actually found a letter that I wrote her tester when packing up my house, so it was fun to read over it. Maybe pieces of it will appear in my final draft. Who knows?

Reading Log: Week 3

In Class Reading ~ 12 minutes (Two Way Street By: Lauren Barnholdt)

Annotate The Norton Field Guide ~ 44 minutes

In Class Reading ~ 10 minutes (Hate List By: Jennifer Brown)

In Class Reading ~ 14 minutes (Hate List By: Jennifer Brown)

Hate List By: Jennifer Brown ~ 47 minutes

Comments:
Kaylin's Post ~ 5 Natural Household Ingredients To Get Ride of a Sunburn
Carson's Post ~ Free Writing 3

Pretty Little Liars Summer Finale

On Tuesday, I came home from cheer practice and quickly tried to finish my homework before seven o'clock at which my favorite show comes on, Pretty Little Liars. I have been watching this show since the first episode premiered in the summer of 2010, and I love it. It is about this group of five high school  girls and one night there best friend, Allison, went missing. Ever since they found her body a year later, they have been receiving texts from this person called "A". This person is putting their friends, family, and themselves in danger. As the show goes on, more information is revealed, but new information is also added.

When I finished my homework, I was just in time to watch the Summer Finale. I sat down on my couch and didn't move until the episode was over. The episode reveled new information on "A" and the "A Team", but also ended when a scene to think about. When it ended, it put a twist to the plot, and everyone started to tweet about it. This reminded me on how authors sometimes end with a statement that leaves the reader thinking. It is a great technique to use to get your audience to read more, but in this case to watch more of the show. I can't wait for the show to come back on, and to see what will happen next!

Two Way Street~Again

I recently just finished Two Way Street when we read today for fifteen minutes during class today. I was very impressed by the book because at the beginning it took a while to get into. The book dealt which relationship stuff that I would never think I'm doing until I'm older, but it was kind of interesting to read.

Going back to my question I had which was, "How can I relate to the main character in this book?" My answer has yet to change. Over her experiences throughout the book, we never became more related. I was disappointed on how the book ended but Cole told me that there is a sequel to it! I am really excited to read the next book, and see how the story continued.

Reading Log: Week 2

Creating Book Chat Prezi ~ 25 minutes

Working in Tutorial for Book Chat ~ 45 minutes

Two Way Street By: Lauren Barnholdt ~ 26 minutes

People Magazine ~ 7 minutes

Two Way Street By: Lauren Barnholdt ~ 19 minutes

Total: 122 minutes

Comments:

Nina's Blog Post ~ The Knife of Never Letting Go Response

Audrey's Blog Post ~ Summer Reading Response

Ellie's Blog Post ~ The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Cole's Blog Post ~ A Scene From My Life

First Day of High School

Waking up early in the morning wasn't a great way to start off a day, but it wasn't just any day. Today would be my first day of high school. I was finally going to be done with middle school, and its drama for the rest of my life. As I ate breakfast, put my uniform on, and got ready for school my sister kept telling me, "This is weird! We are both in high school now!" It was weird; I am growing up and becoming a high school student.

As I was in the car with my sister, I was asking where is English, and where is Geometry Honors, trying to figure out where each of my classes are. It was going to be a whole new world. I've never really been in the high school buildings besides the foreign language, because it’s the same as middle school. My sister was telling me about the teachers, and how their class is. I was excited to see for myself how I would like it.

When the bell rang for the first class I was happy to see who was in my classes, and how high school is different from middle school. I found a few differences throughout my day. One, is that you start off from where you picked up. One the first day, I had received a spiral, homework, and homework schedule for the cycle. Another difference I found was the freedom. I don't have to have a little pass to go to the nurse, I can leave lunch when I'm done, and I have more time to do work or hang out with my friends. I loved it! Even though it was the first day, I could already tell I would love high school way better than middle school. I couldn't wait to see how the year would turn out!

Two Way Street

I am currently reading Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt. This is the third book I have read that is by her, and so far I love it. The book is about a teenage girl who recently was dumped by her boyfriend, but is having trouble moving on because he went straight to another girl.  The problem is, that when they were dating, they planned to drive cross-country to college orientation.  As the ride goes on, she will figure out the real reason for why he broke up with her, and that the MySpace girlfriend is not real.

Last week, I made a question in my idea book. That question was, “How can relate to the main character in the book?” This question is hard for this particular book because I have never been in this kind of situation. I’m not to that age where your going to college, or you go with you ex-boyfriend.  Maybe later in the book, there will be an event or problem that I can relate to, but I guess I will have to read more to find out!

Reading Log

Zine ~ 20 minutes
Preparation for Book Chat ~ 45 minutes
Two Way Street By: Lauren Barnholdt ~ 56 minutes

Total: 121 minutes

Cheerleading Tryouts

Through out my life, I have played many sports such as soccer, tennis, and volleyball. I have also been in gymnastics and swim team. At the end of last year there were tryouts for volleyball and cheerleading. I decided to do something new and try out for cheerleading. Weeks before tryouts, I went to LSU worked with a cheerleader on tumbling, jumps, dance, and of corse cheers. When the week of tryouts came I was a nervous wreck. There were many of girls trying out for the same thing I wanted, a spot on the JV Cheer Team. During that week of tryouts, we attended practices after school learning the dance and cheer we would need to show the judges on the day of tryouts. As tryouts came closer and closer, girls began to push harder and harder. They wanted to make the team just like everyone else.

On the day of tryouts, we all showed up early in the morning. As time goes by and varsity finishes, its was time for JV's turn to tryout. Since I had the smallest number, I was the first to go for JV. As I walked on out into the gym, I saw a table in the middle filled with six judges. When they said okay, I went out and gave it the best I had, and did my cheer, dance, and tumbling to the best ability I could. Once I was fished, I walked back into the locker room I felt relieved; it was over. Now all I have to do is wait for the results.

A week after tryouts, an email was supposed to be sent out to the group of girls who made it. On that day, I had a volleyball tournament at St. George. When the tournament ended or us, the full team went out for dinner. At the dinner table I was constantly checking my phone for an email. As the dinner was coming to an end, I received an email saying congratulations! My hard work paid off, and I made the team. Even though my teammates were sad I was not going to be with them next year, they were all happy that I made the other team. It was a great experience to share with my teammates, and I was going to miss playing with them. The benefit about cheerleading is I have to cheer at certain volleyball games. That allows me to do my new sport, but still cheer on my friends in the sport I enjoyed. I was able to get the best of both worlds.

Divergent

I enjoyed this year’s summer reading more than any other summer reading I have had. The books were more enjoyable than years past, but there was one book that topped them all. That book is Divergent. When I first bought the book to read, it looked big and boring. It looked like it would take the whole summer to read, and I really didn't want to read it. My sister told me, "Claudia you have got to read it. I promise you that you'll enjoy it." Guess what? My sister was right. 

I started to read Divergent on my flight to South Carolina during the summer. When we landed, I was almost half way through. The next day when we drove to Myrtle Beach I finished the book twenty minutes before we arrived. I usually take a while to read a book, but this books plot, setting, and characters made me want to continue on reading. The way Veronica Roth would end each chapter by just stopping in the middle of an important event, made we read the extra chapter to find out what will happen. I loved the way Roth created the dystopian society of the many different factions. With each faction having its own unique traits made me wonder what faction would I fit in to and what would my friends fit into. 

All in all, the book was great. It was so great, that I continued on reading and went to the next book in the series, Insurgent. I recently finished that book as well, and impatiently waiting for the third book, Allegiant, to come out later this fall. I bet it will be as good as the rest!