The End.

I know my previous post says good-bye to fellow AP English students, but I would just like to say farewell to probably the most worthwhile and significant class of high school.  Not to sound repetitive (my last two posts are similar to this) but AP English was a great course to sign up for.  Although nerve-racking at first, the class helped me grow as a writer and a person, and for that I feel confident and prepared going to college in the fall.  Many of my future friends and peers at college may feel anxious at the thought of writing their first paper for college, but I know that I will write a great paper with ease due to two years of AP English with Ms. Serensky.  The past week of games and fun in AP English has let me reflect on all that I've accomplished these past two years.  Talking to juniors in AP English who stressed so much over the AP Exam and telling them that it is all worth it in the end helped me realize that this class really was a great and life-changing aspect of my high school school career.  Just last night when filling out an application, I found out I had to write two short essays.  I really wanted to finish the application, and writing two essays seemed like the smallest, easiest task I could have asked for.  Thank you Ms. Serensky and AP English!

Farewell!

Dear fellow AP English 12 students,
As we all go our separate ways, I know I will miss many aspects of high school.  But one of the bigger parts about CFHS that I will miss, and never forget, is AP English 12.  When we signed up together and went to class on that first day as juniors, we all felt nervous and anxious about the notoriously impossible class.  But we all learned and improved our abilities to read, analyze, discuss and write exceptionally.  The small number of students enrolled in the class helped make it a far better, more influential and significant experience in my life.  I will miss the hilarious class discussions and the AP English inside jokes only the few number of us at CFHS can proudly say they understand.  The class serves as a bonding experience which I will never forget.  
Good luck everyone!
Hannah

Take AP English!

Dear Sophomore,
I recommend that you take AP English 11.  Back when I was in Honors English 10, I was so clueless as to how to write an essay or correctly analyze anything.  Taking AP English was one of the best decisions of my high school career.  I have heard so many excuses for sophomores' reasons to not sign up for the class, such as "I am such a slow reader" or "I suck at English," but the point of taking AP English is to learn, not to automatically be the best student.  I know the class has been one of my best learning experiences of high school and I guarantee it will continue to please students.  AP English has prepared me well for college and beyond and I would definitely tell anyone who will listen to take the class.  I think you would regret not signing up for AP English 11.
Sincerely,
Hannah

A Tour of the AP English Test

Merriman gives Bromden and Ruby a tour of CFHS's AP Testing events
Bromden: So, is this what school looks like now-a-days?
Merriman: "'Yes, sir.'"  As you can see, students often take the most difficult test at the end of the year, to sum up everything they learned (Wilde, 30).
Bromden: Yes, "'Her face is smooth, calculated,'" and very much concentrating on what she is writing (Kesey, 5).
Ruby: "'I've been working for this [test] my whole life'" but the questions just seem so easy.  Merriman, will you show us some other examples of an AP test? (Currie, 296).
Merriman: "'Yes, miss.'"  But first, I would like to spend some more time watching Hannah over here.  Notice how she never looks up from that paper?  She seems to be concentrating so hard, as are the other students in this room.  During some other tests in other subjects, students care less and do not seem to concentrate as much (Wilde, 24).
Ruby: "'I want to do it.'"  AP tests seem like so much fun, an easy challenge.  Bromden, we should sign up to take one together! (Currie, 296).
Bromden: Hahaha oh Ruby, you make me laugh.
Merriman: Shhh!!!
Bromden: Sorry, Merriman, but I just realized that was "'the first laugh I've heard in years.'" Ruby, are you sure you really want to go through one of these tests? I mean, look at Hannah, she seems really nervous (Kesey, 12).
Ruby: I guess your right, Bromden.  But I hardly feel nervous!
Merriman:  I bet you would during the test, Miss.
Bromden: Yeah, I heard some of the students before the test this morning, they seemed extremely frightened.  Although you are intelligent and would inevitably pass, I suggest we do not sign up for unnecessary stress.
Ruby: Well, I think that makes sense.  No point, it would be a waste of time, and Hannah does seem like this test is one of the hardest things she's done.
Merriman: I hope you enjoyed your tour today, thank you for cooperating.

Ruby and Bromden: Thank you!  

My Favorite Book

The Importance of Being Earnest is my favorite book I read in AP English 12 this year.  The comical and absurd assertions put forth from ridiculous members of Victorian society and the light message Wilde depicts make The Importance of Being Earnest "'wicked and...really good'" (Wilde, 24).  Reading the short and famous play made me realize "'for the first time in my life the vital importance of'" being well-read and cultured about different aspects of history, such as the Victorian Era (Wilde, 54).  I also enjoyed this play because I loved hearing my classmates read the lines of some of the absurd characters.  Ms. Serensky's choices for who to read which part seem very humorous and some-what accurate.  In fact, she told us, "'My professor in college picked me to read the part of Lady Bracknell.'"  When the play got going, I was so curious to know what would happen next.  "'The suspense [was] terrible'" but I really did "'hope it [would] last'" (Wilde, 52).  Overall, I am glad I had the chance to read Wilde's famous and comical play, The Importance of Being Earnest.

Top Ten Most Thrilling Academic Moments of My High School Career

1. I entered high school, freshmen year, thinking, "Now that I'm in high school, I am smart."  The first day, although I felt extremely nervous, was quite thrilling as well.  I thought I was smarter than I had ever been, but"'What could have put such an idea into [my]...little head?'" (Wilde, 38). I am not sure, because when I remember the classes I took my first year of high school, I laugh at their simplicity and long to be back in Honors English 9 or World History.
2. Honors Chemistry, my sophomore year of high school, was not my favorite class.  However, when the end of the year came around, I loved doing 'unknowns,' a lab everyday where Mrs. Salyers gave us an unknown substance and we had to perform tests in order to figure out which chemical it was.  I felt like a real scientist and felt "'more pleased with [myself] than I've seen'" (Kesey, 158).  
3. A big moment in my high school career was learning how to study.  My sisters have told me that you think you know how in high school, but learn how in college, and again, that you don't really learn how until grad school.  So, although I will probably become a much better studier in college, I remember how bad I used to be at taking tests in middle school, and how much better I am at test taking in high school.  When I could study and prepare well for tests, I told myself, "'I ain't no little kid'" and gladly moved on in my high school experience (Kesey, 172).  
4. In physics, at the end of my junior year, we built toothpick bridges.  I slathered a bunch of toothpicks with glue and crossed my fingers the day that Mr. Roberts would place weights of the bridges.  But Mr. Roberts placed more and more weights on my bridge, and I though, "'I am quite ready for more'" (Wilde, 31).  It wasn't the strongest bridge, but I accomplished something I had never done before. 
5. Another thrilling moment in my high school experience was when I decided to drop band and take Arabic.  Although it was a difficult decision, I am extremely glad I did it because Arabic is one of my favorite subjects and it helped me realize my interest in international studies.  I realized, "'I am, God help me, in a state resembling happiness'" (Currie, 196).
6. Sophomore year, I signed up for Creative Writing.  I couldn't wait for this class, as I signed up with friends and thought it would look great on my high school transcript. But the first day, I walked in Mr. Stuart's room, and learned that the class consisted of 5 or 6 sophomore girls, and the rest senior, AP English guys.  What made this worse was when Mr. Stuart told us we would have to read everything we wrote out loud to the class.  Having my friends around seemed "friendly and comforting," but the smart, older guys made reading my stories out loud practically impossible (Currie, 46).  However, I found this class a thrilling moment of my high school career due to my ability to overcome a fear, and it's great preparation for AP English 11
7. In Mr. Sweeney's honors algebra 2 class my sophomore year, he placed a sticker on A tests, and when you got a sticker, you put it on the sticker chart in the back of the room.  The stickers helped you obtain extra credit on the final exam, so whenever I received I sticker, it was quite thrilling to walk to the back of his room and place it on the chart.  I felt like getting stickers on math tests was the "'the visible personification of absolute perfection,'' until I got to AP English (Wilde, 31).
8. A thrilling academic school year was taking photography class.  Although I'm not exactly artistic, my experience in that class was fun and exciting.  Learning how to work in the dark room and print pictures was a great stress relief from my other classes.  When I first walked through the mysterious door to the dark room, "'I notice[d] all the machinery...is quiet, like it's still waiting'" (Kesey, 149).  But once I got the hang of things, I realized the thrill of taking a completely different class than all my others.  
9. Another thrilling experience of my high school career was when I realized I could understand and speak Spanish.  The first couple years of the language were slightly unproductive, but the last couple of years, I realized I actually do know Spanish!  The first time I watched a movie and understood what was going on, I felt like I had "never experienced a moment quite like it" (Currie, 285).
10. Last, but not least, I found it quite thrilling when I passed the AP English 11 exam.  I doubted myself so much but actually passing was a confidence boost for AP English 12.  After passing, I feel like, "'Anything, anything, anything is possible'" (Currie, 302).

"Chester:" My New, Simple Life

"Chester," by John Koethe, is my favorite poem of the year.  Koethe's illustration of a simple life through the repetitive mention of a cat makes me realize that "'I been away [from a simple life] a long time'" (Kesey, 325).  I was so caught up with my school work, extracurricular activities, work, and friends that my life was more than complicated.  Koethe's poem was one of the first we read, and although I understood the message he condoned, I didn't do anything about it until much later in the year.  Once everything had buried me in a pile of stress, I felt as if I was "'Not one of those whose sole aim [was] enjoyment'" (Wilde, 23).  After I remembered "Chester" and decided to apply the simplistic life to my own, "'I [felt] a strange and massive sense of relief'" (Currie, 169).  Without worrying so much about all the stresses in my life, I maintained my grades and worked the same amount of hours, spent enough time with my friends and still had time for myself and my new, simple, uncomplicated lifestyle.

    

My Favorite Day

As I walked through the door into AP English 12, I met my group members at the front of the room.  It was the day we had to teach our poem to the class.  Slightly nervous due to our limited time to prepare before class, we began the lesson and before I knew it, the class was almost over.  We passed out cards with fictional couples to each student in preparation for speed-dating.  "There is screaming," as people could not contain their excitement for the game (Currie, 302).  "Everyone was even more surprised" to learn how our game related to the old poem we picked to teach (Kesey, 252).  Everyone had a great time, and as they played their parts as a variety of romantic couples from movies and literature, they made sure not to reveal their "'wonderful secrets of [their lives]'" (Wilde, 22).  However, the game and the class eventually came to an end.  The day became my favorite due to the amazing way it all came together and the fact that my group won the prize for best presentation.

 

Switching Places

Merriman: Hello, my name is Merriman and I am pleased to meet you.

Billy: H-h-h-hi, my n-name is Billy Bibbit. D-d-do you come h-h-here often?

Merriman: No, this is my first time. I am trying to get away, you see, I am a butler at the Manor House, Jack Worthington’s estate.  I am just so tired of being bossed around there, even if it is my job.

Billy: W-w-w-wow, what is it l-like to live in a m-m-mansion?  At l-l-least you don’t live in an asylum, l-l-like me.

Merriman: ‘“Yes, sir,’” but I would enjoy having friends around to talk to like a normal guy once in a while (Wilde, 30).

Billy: ‘“You think I wuh-wuh-wuh-want to stay [there]?’”  The awful Nurse Ratched and my mother control me, what I would give to get out of that place (Kesey, 195).

Merriman: I’m gonna get real weird with it and suggest we switch places, Mr. Bibbit. ‘“The dog-cart is waiting [outside]’” and you can ride it to the Manor! I’ll spend some time at the asylum (Wilde, 32).

Billy: ‘“What do you m-m-mean?’” (Kesey, 264).  D-d-do you think this w-w-would work?

Merriman: Surely! We look quite similar and both seem to need a break from our controlling family members and bosses.  We can meet back here in a week, sooner if necessary.

Billy: Well, I w-w-would like t-t-t-to get away from the w-w-ward, my m-mother, and the t-t-terrible Nurse Ratched.  L-l-let’s do it.  

Merriman: Wonderful.  I will see you in a week! Farewell, Mr. Bibbit.

Billy: G-g-good bye Merriman.

Billy (left) and Merriman look just alike!

Fire Drill

As I look around the room, I make sure I feel comfortable and "'adjusted to my surroundings'" (28).  Before in-class writings, I always come to class a few minutes early and prepare for the task.  I slowly and carefully write a heading at the top of my fresh, clean piece of notebook paper, Nurse Ratched, Ms. Serensky... and then I pull out three new pens to place neatly on top of my desk.  As my class mates start to enter and nervous chatter fills my ears, I block out the voices and mentally prepare.  Soon enough, I am swiftly writing about our recent book, Othello, confident that my paper is intelligent and to the point.  But then, the loud screeching fire alarm goes off! No way am I leaving my essay! No way! But sure enough, we have to go outside.  "'I'm afraid'" that Ms. Serensky will not give us more time (27).  Of course, I don't need extra time, but it sure would be nice.  After we stand outside, the seconds ticking away, we are finally allowed to enter the school.  A classmate, Katie, tells me "I'll meet you up there!" and starts to run.  My whole class seems to be running, and I think they cannot get more time than me! "'You can't run around here,'" I shout as loud as I can (96).  Everyone freezes, distracted enough for me to sprint as fast as I can to the class room.  And, of course, even though this is the worst day in AP English 12, I get the highest grade in the class.

 

A Letter to Ruby

Dear Ruby,

          My name is Hannah.   I am a high school student, but I can pretty much guarantee that your IQ surpasses mine immensely.   Last year, I enrolled in AP English 11, an advanced, college-level English class offered at my school.  Known to be incredibly difficult with a huge amount of work, intricate discussions and complex essays, I felt proud to be a student in one of the hardest classes at my school.

However, as you grow up, I to notice your increasing vast amount of knowledge (You do have the “fourth-smartest person in the history of the world” as your father after all (264)).  Although at first I felt less of myself when you talk about things such as “‘the provision for oil drilling in next year’s budget resolution’” at the age of ten, your passion for the environment greatly impresses me (295).  Before you talk with an important, high-ranking government official, you tell your dad, “‘The flying made me nervous.  But I’m okay now’” (294).  Your ability to speak so passionately about what you care about in front of an intimidating official without feeling nervous encourages me to speak about my passions with more confidence.  Unfortunately in AP English 11 with its difficult discussions, I often failed to speak about my thoughts in front of my classmates, but hopefully you have inspired me to care less about what others are thinking and more about what I feel passion for.   When you have the opportunity to talk with newspapers and news stations about your passion, you say, “‘I want to do it…people are finally ready to listen’” (296).  Your eager and enthusiastic attitude toward the oil issue also inspires me to teach those who are willing to listen about my own passions and to speak up more in AP English.  Ruby, thank you so much, for your fervent, adoring and intelligent personality have taught me to speak out for what I believe in.

Thanks again,

Hannah Zaim

Top Ten

This week, I have been putting off the blog every time it enters my mind, as I cannot seem to find anything to blog about.  Desperately, I decided to Google a blog idea, and eventually I came across a website called Listverse.  This site displays numerous "top 10" lists regarding topics which I did not even think a list could be made. For example, I found a "Top 10 Steps to a Top 10 List" and "Top 10 People Who Vanished in AirPlanes."  As I sat down an started to search this website, a list called "20 Examples of Why You Should Enjoy Poetry" popped up, an I couldn't help but read it.  Each example is a poem or an excerpt from a poem, that the author of this list deems an excellant choice for persuading people to read poetry.  #18 is even "This is Just to Say" by William Carlos Williams!  However, and although I have limited knowledge regarding vast amounts of poetry, the majority of this list does not encourage me to read these poems and enjoy them.  So,  although I spent 30 minutes looking at useless lists, such as the "Top 10 Bizarre Things Cars Have Been Covered With,"  I condemn myself as I do not have the desire to read a few poems that some person believes are some of the best.

http://listverse.com/2008/03/26/20-examples-of-why-you-should-enjoy-poetry/

Aladdin: Misconceptions and Stereotypes

The other day, I was pleased to find Aladdin on TV and sat back to watch the nostalgic Disney movie.  However, as the film progressed, I found myself shocked by the obvious stereotypes and orientalist connotations the movie displayed.  I guess I had never noticed this due to my limited knowledge on the topic, but learning more about the Middle Eastern culture in Arabic class helped me notice everything wrong with Aladdin.  First of all, the movie makers must have not known the difference between the Middle East and India.  The desert background and the song Arabian Nights makes it clear that the story takes place in some Middle Eastern country.  However, Jasmine's palace clearly resembles the Taj Mahal, and her pet tiger and a plentiful amount of elephants, animals that were never native to the Middle East, make many appearances in the film.  The movie makers also clearly stereotyped the marriage customs and treatment of women of Muslims and the Middle East.  Jasmine complains to her father, as she longs to be free of her imprisonment in their castle.  She seems trapped until she finally approves of one of the multiple suitors who come to marry her.  One last scene that struck me was after Jasmine fed a homeless child.  She takes an apple off some man's cart without paying, and he grabs her hand, holds up a knife, and threatens to cut off her hand: "Do you know what the penalty is for stealing?" Although this law does somewhat exist, and is frightening to think about, this is an extreme misrepresentation.  The only country with this law, Saudi Arabia, does not cut off thief's hand unless they can prove that the thief stole for the sole purpose of stealing.  In almost every case, someone who steals has a driving force other than just stealing, as did Jasmine (to feed a hungry child), so Disney once again stereotypes the Middle East as barbaric.  Overall, I still love Aladdin and will still watch it whenever I get the chance, but discovering these mistakes by the movie makers makes me realize how my perception has changed through the years.

Protests in the Middle East

My sister, a Grad student studying Middle Eastern studies and Arabic, has drilled the idea into my mind that the recent events in the Middle East and North Africa are extremely historical and significant today.  My own interest has lead to research and an addiction to various news websites and nightly readings of what happened that day.  Because of the history being made and the importance these events have on our country as well as their own, I've decided to give a brief summary of what is happening in the revolting countries at this point.

Bahrain: The majority of Bahraini people are Shiite-Muslim, but the ruling government consists of Sunni-Muslims, which creates an obvious divide between the government and the people.  Demonstrations by the people have led to violent crackdowns in the country's capital, but people are reluctant to give up.  

Egypt: January 25th, 2011 will be forever known as the day that protests began in Egypt's now famous Tahrir Square.  The Egyptians demanded the removal of their ruler, Hosni Mubarak, who was in power for three decades.  Unemployment and the awful Emergency Law, which says any person can be arrested without a reason, were also driving forces of the demonstrations. Finally, Mubarak resigned, but Egyptians are uneasy due to little improvements in the regime.

Libya: Protests against leader Moammar Gaddafi have caused extreme violence and hundreds to thousands of deaths.  Gaddafi's threatening and harsh speeches and the large amount of corruption in this country have enhanced his people's anger, as pro-democracy rebels continue to take control of many regions in Libya.  

Tunisia: Unrest in this North African country due to unemployment and corruption caused demonstrations.  Unlike the other leaders, president Ben Ali fled from his country in January, and the Prime Minister, Ghannouchi, resigned as he finally listened to protester's demands. 

Other countries experiencing historical demonstrations and protests include Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, and Yemen.  I encourage students to keep up to date with the current events surrounding these Middle Eastern countries, as the United State's relations with the region are of extreme importance and the countries' steps to democracy will be momentous and significant from now on.   

Cool College Courses

Throughout the year, I have received numerous pamphlets, postcards, letters, and fliers from various colleges.  Some I have never heard of, and others are ones that I wish to attend, but the never-ending waste of paper has made me excited for the next four years.  As I apply to colleges and make big decisions, I spend a lot of time leaving through course catalogues.  Here are a few of the most interesting and humorous classes I have come across:

1. The American Vacation: University of Iowa offers this intriguing class, which discusses how American families of various backgrounds plan their vacations.  

2. Maple Syrup: The Real Thing: This course, available at Alfred University, reviews the production of maple syrup and it's significance in our culture today.

3. Joy of Garbage: UC Berkley offers this strange sounding course, which teaches students how to manage their garbage and encourages recycling.

4. Underwater Basket Weaving: This course stays true to its name, as students learn to weave baskets underwater at Reed College.

5. Tree Climbing: At Cornell, students can take this nostalgic class in order to learn to climb trees.

6. Finding Dates Worth Keeping: University of Sioux Falls offers this strange class for students who cannot seem to find the perfect match.

7. How to Watch Television: Seemingly a pretty easy task, students still take this course at Montclair in order to learn how to watch TV.

8. The Art of Walking: We learn to walk at quite a young age, but students at Centre College learn how to walk in a healthier manner.

9. Street-Fighting Mathematics:  Students learn the mathematical aspects of street-fighting when they sign up for this course offered at MIT.

10. Age of Piracy: Students from Arizona State can now learn the art and history of piracy.

I hope that in college, I have time to take an enjoyable class that will most likely teach me about something I never thought I would know so much about!

Would You Rather?

I'd rather write a data sheet.

Fruit!

Prickly Pear

Mango

Persimmon

The past couple of weeks I have been having a particular craving for fruit.  All this thinking about fruit has made me think about the different types I have have had in my life, other than the classic apples or oranges.  My personal favorite is the prickly pear.  My dad has to make special trips out to the west side of Cleveland to satisfy my cravings for this bright, reddish-pink, seedy and sweet fruit that I wait all year for to be in season.  Another favorite of mine is the mango, a more well-known fruit that tastes delicious off the pit, in a smoothie, or frozen.  A fruit that may be less common, that I love , is the persimmon.  Although it makes my tongue feel rough, the juicy, orange and tasty fruit remains at the top of my list.  The pomegranate, another foreign fruit, tastes delicious to eat with a spoon or in the delicious breakfast dish my dad makes on Sunday mornings.  Thinking of my favorite fruits makes me so thankful for the healthy and scrumptious treats.

Pomegranate

Travel

I have always played with the idea of having endless money and traveling to unique, exotic places as an adult.  When I was very young, my family and I took great vacations to far away places, but unfortunately I don't even remember where I have been, and now that my sisters have moved, family vacations are rare.  My "bucket list" of countries continually grows, but the other day I asked my self what top five countries I would visit.  If I could only travel to five countries on my "bucket list," which ones would I pick and why? After hard deliberation and much research, I have compiled a list:

1. Syria: Obviously my number one country for many reasons.  My 50% Syrian heritage, and my dad's childhood in Syria makes me so hopeful to visit this extraordinary country, as I would love to visit the apartment building he lived in and his favorite places to spend time. My sister lived in Syria for a year and loved every minute of it, and of all my 50 cousins, aunts and uncles, the 5 I have never met live here.  My growing interest in Arabic also makes it obvious that I should vacation to this historically rich country.  

2. UAE: Although it seems I add this to my list to see the amazing Dubai and Abu Dhabi, full of majestic malls and over-the-top tourist attractions, and I would be lying if I said that wasn't the reason, I also would love to embrace the mixed cultures of the UAE.  My sister plans to move here in the summer and she has told me about her fascinating experiences in the two big cities.  She told me that although it seems like Dubai and Abu Dhabi would be fake, due to the multitude of immigrants from around the world, she reassured me that each culture that settles in the UAE seems proud and strong to make it's heritage prevail.

3. Spain: After 7 years of studying Spanish, I wish to visit this culturally diverse country.  Known for it's Latin, Roman Catholic, and Islamic inspirations, Spain would be a perfect vacation and a great place to study ancient history, as well as improve my Spanish.  Not only would I enjoy shopping in Barcelona, but visiting the Cathedral of Seville for it's unique antiquity and architecture seems like a great way to spend a vacation.  

4. Morocco: I wish to visit this ethnically diverse, African country for many reasons.  I would love to see it's two prevalent Spanish and Arabic cultures, as both languages and histories greatly interest me.  Moroccan cuisine is also famous for it's Middle Eastern, Spanish, African, Berber and Portuguese roots, which makes it considered very diverse and unique compared to most other cuisines around the world.  Overall, Morocco's strong Arabic culture mixed with Spanish and other cultures makes for a wonderful country and a place I cannot wait to visit.   

5. Greece: I hate to say it, but after reading The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants in seventh grade, I knew that I wanted to travel to this Mediterranean and historic country.  Although Greece has a culture and language I hardly know anything about, pictures of this ancient country always make me long to travel here.  The pride of Greeks and their enriching culture leads to my desire to visit the beautiful and enticing country.

I hope that someday I will be able to travel to these exotic countries.  Although I have many more on my "bucket list," I am now confident of which countries are most important for me to visit in my mind.  Hopefully I will be graced with the opportunity to travel to these unfamiliar countries in the future.    

Don't Think About English!

As the week progressed, my mind occasionally wandered to the blog, trying to come up with a creative and enlightened topic.  However, all I could think to write about in my next blog post was how something in my life relates to English.  I know with the new semester, blogs can be about whatever we like, and when I first heard this I smiled at the thought of having less direction with the blogs.  Now, I still appreciate this new freedom, but it seems to make the whole blogging process harder for me.  I cannot think of any intriguing, intelligent topics to ponder on my blog, and everything thing I come up with always relates in some way to English.  I cannot escape the constant reminder of this class and it seems that I can now relate almost anything in my life to English class.  Now, as I read through my post, I cannot help but laugh at the irony of a post dealing with English. 

Pondering About the Blog

As I sat down to write my first blog post, I stared at the computer screen for at least 15 minutes, worried about what exactly I should write, what other people would think of my post, and many other useless thoughts.  That first time, I decided to write an analytical post, which made me feel the most comfortable and confident.  However, as the weeks went on, my posts became more creative and focused on unique topics.  The blog has helped me open up and become a more confident and stronger writer, for which I am thankful.  Analytical posts became monotonous after the second week, so instead I enjoyed writing about real-life connections to English class and giving information pertaining to books from class.  My creativity has increased immensely as each week my mind periodically brainstorms blog ideas.  Overall, the blogs seem very beneficial as they increase my originality and confidence.

Schedule

As finals approach and I seem incredibly busy with everything I have to do, I find myself making between one to four "to-do" lists everyday.  I do not know why, but the action of crossing off a completed item on my lists seems extremely satisfying and motivates me to get more things done.  I even write schedules for my days with alloted times in which I need to complete tasks.  Unfortunately, the other day I realized the parallels between my obsessive scheduling and Nurse Ratched's control over her ward.  As Bromden explains her strict and controlling personality, he states, "The Big Nurse tends to get real put out if something keeps her outfit from running like a smooth, accurate, precision-made machine" (28).  Kesey metaphorically centralizes Ratched's outfit as the perfection for her scheduled days on the ward.  He generates a precise tone with the positive adjectives "smooth," "accurate" and "precision-made," which enhances the unnecessary perfection of Racthed's predominate manner of running the ward.  All though Ratched and I seem to have a similar way of getting things done, I feel relief at the fact that her actions seem much more harmful than my own. 

St-st-st-stutter

The first day of the new year, my family and I enjoyed a fun day out.  After  a busy day, we sat in the crowded movie theater and watched The King's Speech.  Mesmerized by the great acting and inspiring story line, I walked out of the movie in a great mood.  As we drove away, my dad reminded us of his brother, my uncle, who has a stutter, just like the King George VI in the movie.  He compared the two; both affected by what people think of them and their stutter.  After contemplating the hardships of people who suffer with a stammer, I though of Billy Bibbit, the mentally ill patient on Nurse Ratched's ward who stutters.  While reading Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, I felt the most sympathy for Bibbit because of his pitiful stutter, which increased the compassion I felt for him more than the other patients.  Overall, The King's Speech really encouraged me to contemplate the unusual misfortune of a stutter.

Left: The King's Speech

Above: King George VI and his wife

Below: Billy Bibbit in the movie, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest