Skinny Prick

I found Holden at the museum while wearing his red hunting hat. Only a few weeks ago, he had told me he came out of mental hospital where it would suposively help him with his angry disposition. I had an inkling that it didnt help him so much. He started to follow a group of girls guieded by a teacher. His voice pervades through the hallway as he asks the girl if she would like to go out for an icecream. A grimace crosses her face as she runs away to catch up with her teacher.

As Holden's eyes follow the little girl, his head pivots to the large Indian war canoe. He stares at a sage-like man who is supossed to be a witch with its tremulous looks. The war canoe depicts some Native Americans who look ready for a spontaneous attack. He then scratches off a smudge from the slovenly done glass. So a guard comes up to him and my conjecture is that he told Holden to step away. I didnt have any clue of why I came to the museum. He still looked a bit despondent due to his loneliness. Being reclusive in such a big city is not the best idea. Well, it really isn't any of my business. I met him at Elkton hills but he got kicked out somehow. We would always bump into each other at night when he would go out for a sess. That tall, skinny prick, I never liked him.

Anyways, my surmise was that he was thinking of when he was younger. He had told me he would always go to the museum with his class and get partnered up with some phony girl from school. He used to tell me that everytime he went to the museum, thoughts of Allie would recur through his mind. But by that time I was being too suspicious, Holden notices me. But again, why did I come to the museum? He slowly walks towards me with a raised eyebrow. He gingerly takes off his hat as if examining me. I tell him who I am and he greets me. His affable manners show me that he has managed to change a bit. He takes an inventory of his money and shows it to me. So the first thing he says is....

"You wanna go out for a cocktail?"
"No thanks, I will be busy." I reply
"Will you really be busy?" Holden asks
"No I just dont want to go with you." I say.
"Oh...sure." says Holden. I decide to rebuff his request him not because I dont feel like it, but because I didnt want to go out with him.
" So tell me, what's been troubling you? Remember you told me about that mental hospital. How did that...Are you even paying attention?" I say.
Holden just decides to foolishly look away to some cute girl. I've always known him for being avid of cute girls. I immediatly grow abhorent of his ignorance and just leave him their to rot. Clueless, he notices something is amiss, so he starts spinning around to try to look for me. I chuckle as I victoriously walk away. )Hmph...) That skinny prick better not cross my path.

Karma

Have you ever

had a feeling

where the black cloud follows you around

where the black cricket hops right next to you

where the black cat makes

eye contact with you.

Mom and dad rebuke you

when you don't do your work.

They confiscate your phone

they rankle at the rage,

you poor upon them.

Not being conscientious of your actions

triggers the audacity to scream back

and state your point.

This conflict turns into war,

this protest turns into riot,
this fighting turns into murder

this rebellion turns into mutiny.

You make a realization,

your life flashes,

the sky darkens,

you have an inkling that theirs no light.

You embark on a journey of recovery

trying to achieve serenity

in a lonesome place.

Bit by bit,

being torn apart.

But that's right when you wake up,

the alarm rings.

the birds sing

And you wait for it,

wait for that karma to hit you again.

Ackley

Ackley,
that senior,
mistaken for a junior,
"Ackley kid"
he hates it when people call him that.
It makes him go mad
boy he can really get pissed off.
Ackley kid get the hell outta the light
Ackley kid cut your nails on a table won't ya?
Stradlater
his nightmare.
He told him to brush his teeth
he didnt get it.
Holden read the same sentence
again and again
Ackley didnt get it.
Besides of the fact
that he looks ugly,
pimples, nasty teeth, bad smelling
he always hides from people.
Never goes out or anything,
anti-social.

The Old man and the Sea

by: Juan Diego Jimenez


Ernest Hemingway’s wonderfully written novel is about an old Cuban man, the protagonist, who goes by the name of Santiago. He has lost the days where he would do arm wrestling competitions, play a lot of sports, but he never lost his freedom. Now he dedicates the rest of his life on fishing, since he is an old man. He is a poor man and because of this he feels despondent and lonely. But really he doesn't show it. Like if he had nothing left to do. He has no family left but there is this boy he taught how to fish. They both depend on each other and have created a very friendly relationship. They even buy drinks for each other and he’s the only person Santiago has left. (52) “But you haven’t got the boy, you have only yourself and you had better work back to the last line now.” So once Santiago went fishing for weeks without catching a fish and that shows he is a very patient man. But when he went fishing with the boy they caught a lot of fish. Then he went fishing for 84 days and hadn’t caught a single fish and he was alone. This shows that the boy gives luck to fishermen. But he still wouldn’t give up.

His inspiration was the great DiMaggio, which was a famous baseball player in the New York Yankees. Until one day his patience and the good service to God paid off. He finds a gigantic Marlin who seemingly has no chance against the bait Santiago put in his hook. The Marlin was a tremendous catch for Santiago and there for turned into the antagonist. His confidence is so high he decides to go deeper out into the sea. He already had enough fish but then the problems started to occur. When he feels he has another fish in his hook he suddenly gets a cramp on his hand and then he starts feelings weak. He’s weak, tired, dizzy, and dehydrated and he barely hangs on but he just never gives up. And the rest, go find by yourself what happens at the end.

When I picked up this book I had a feeling I would like it because I have had experience with fishing and its fun so that’s why I chose this book. In my opinion at first I didn’t like the book because no drama or action was going on but at the end is where it gets very interesting. I like the way the author clearly describes the feelings of the main character throughout the story.

Santiago used to be an athletic kid whose father was a tough man who taught him how to fish and other things as well. He doesn’t like to give up and he always likes to keep pushing forward. He’s a very religious person besides that he prays before catching a fish. He thinks he talks to God so there’s other resemblance. He has learned to love his enemies as much as his friends. And he never gives up. But even though he is old and weak he is very happy and lives with what he has.

Honestly I look forward to reading books by this author. I ended up liking it and like they say don’t judge a book by its cover.

My Grandfather

My Grandfather

was a soldier,
the batteries
the artillery.

My grandfather
was a patriot,
the blue and the red,
the "Stars and Stripes"

My grandfather believed in justice,
and respect. My grandfather was a sage.

My grandfather
was a fighter,
the blade,
the hilt.

My grandfather
was a prophet
the bible
the cross


He carried around a tiny locket
with a photo
of me.
He knew what was wrong and
did what was right.

My grandfather was a technician
of airplanes.
He would repair the heart,
and it would never crash,
just get back up.

It's no wonder I'm not afraid
He taught me that.

And because of him
I can assure you
that I have learned
from his character.

Even though he still lives in the past
and thinks I grew up way too fast.
Because of him I am a brutal force,
My Grandfather
taught me to show no remorse
then he gave me a crash course
on a gut course
but of course
I couldn't enforce
the required strength
due to the fact that
I was too young and weak.

My grandfather
taught me
not to accept
defeat.

"THE List"

I have to confess about me receiving a detention. Sure everyone is abhorrent about the detention after school or just need to scream and blame on someone else. But I have to say what's in my head. So anyways on Thursday and Friday I misbehaved with a substitute and I guess she didn't like it. So the substitute had a list that she could put a name of a person who disrespected or did anything bad in the class. It turns out that almost everyone except 3 people were not on the list so everyone else had detention. I bet you she looked at some names on a list and starting picking out random names that she wanted to put on the list. Because some people she didn't even know and didn't ask for the name. Others were put in for lame reasons. But I admit that I did wrong by disrespecting the substitute when she asked me to move seats. But what about the other people??? Some just got their time wasted for no reason. Others came to the detention for a reason, like myself. So I think you should be on the list if you have done something that's very bad.

Adoption

I remember when I was very young my mom would tell me how I became to be to be who I am today. The first time she told me this she started like "Would you like to know how you ended up here?" And I would say yes. She said that every time she would have a baby in her stomach he or she would die immediately. So she decided to go to Colombia because some uncles of her live their and she wanted to make an adoption. She wanted two kids no matter if it's a boy or girl. Then she would end "And that's how I got you". Two years after adopting me, another baby girl who turned out to be my sister was also adopted. As I got older I asked my mom to tell me the story again but she never told me the story again. I guess she just waited until I was older so I could understand it.

But the sad part is the fact that the people I was born from probably didn't care about me so they just left me in a hospital. But the truth behind this is that she was a 15 year old girl that had me in her stomach and she just couldn't take care of me. So she let me go. I haven't even seen a picture of them. I don't know who I was born from... I hear people say I don't look like my sister or any of my parents. So I have to explain the reason. But who could of known that this Panamanian family would adopt me. What would of happen to me? What would become of me? Would I be like I am right now?

Kenny

It was in my uncle Kennie's room,
where I grew
the devil's horns
on my head.
Where I made him go loud
but he taught me insanity.
Where I made him go crazy
But he taught me respect.
Where I angered him
but he taught me to raise hell.
Where I made him out of control
but he taught me indigence.
Where I mad him go mad
but he taught me how to be outrageous.
And honestly I like him for that.
He's not like the other uncle's,
saying how much I've grown
saying how school is
saying what I like to do.
He used to be in the army
the 3rd infantry division,
"Marne Division".
I guess that's why he's so damn tough
but I like him for that.
I guess were both evil in our ways
but neither one of us would never admit it
because one of us would have one up
on the other.
But now he works in the pentagon
all quiet and peaceful.
But yeah actually he's a softy
deep inside
kinda like me...

My fractured Finger

You might be wondering why I have a big blue pack of gel on my finger. Well it all started on Tuesday when we were playing basketball in PE and someone passed the ball but I intercepted the pass. I heard a "crack" at the impact of the ball hitting the finger. The pulse started to grow faster. The finger is now inflating and turning into different colors, from purple to green to red, then it just gets thick and fat. I decide not to tell anyone because I thought i simply just jammed it and who cares it will heal in a few minutes. So I keep on playing as if nothing happened and their was so much adrenaline in my body that I didn't feel any pain at the moment.

When I got home and after finishing homework I slept on the finger I had hurt. So when I woke up it started to hurt more than usual. I thought again, whatever in a few minutes it won't hurt. But it was until i got in my mom's car that when my sister got in she thought I wasn't going to school so she slams the car door shut, hard as always. But my finger is caught in the way. "Gaa!" I whisper, then hold my breath and exhale from my nose. I hop in the car and I show my sister the finger she rearranged. She starts laughing with her evil little grin and just giggles softly. Well I don't think she did it on purpose. (Obviously she meant it) I glanced at my mom and she had this look of "move it" which looks like a straight face. She hadn't seen a thing so then I thought why should I tell her? So I didn't of course.

At school people saw my deformed finger and asked me what happened, so I explain but NO they keep on hitting it thinking its funny. But when I get home it starts to hurt more and more. Until I couldn't take it anymore and went across the street to buy the little caste for the finger and the gel pack in the Metro. I had a big thing on my finger but my parents hadn't even noticed so why bother telling them if they couldn't care less. I even looked for some pills to relieve the pain. And even right now it still hurts a little so just don't hit my poor little finger.

Get Outta My Life

Why do feelings have to mess around with your life? They get in your way. They help you on other things. So many profound feelings, just swim around your mind, and you don't even notice. They just start kicking you, but you cant do anything about it.

Like when, you have a big smile across your face all day long. You feel free, open, willing to do anything and simply jumping on your feet. You don't think about anything, just play along and laugh until your cheeks hurt. Your dying of laughter and tears of joy fill your face. But what happens when karma just turns around and bites you?

Like when your completely despondent about someones death and you can't hold back the tears. Your fighting back the pain but just making it harder. The feeling ignores your entreaty to stop it. It impels your command away and takes control. Shouts of yourself crying reverberates in your mind and theirs no stopping it. The mind turns off and just tries to find a solution.

Like when your just pissed off and life seems like an interminable journey of pain. You go crazy, you can't control yourself, you scream at people with a tremulous voice thinking its the answer. You feel the need to become a recluse when theirs nothing else to do in life. Until you lose it and abhor the cruel world and damn the whole universe. You see an open window and you just want to fly. You see a glock and you just want to pop it in your face. You see a knife and you just want to slit the Adam's apple.

Until you try and put your life back together. You have hopes now, it's you against the world now. Your all alone and things start to make sense. You can't get any advice from no sage or your mother. No you have to stand up and fight. Because you know whats right and nothing stands in your way. So don't judge me or I'll raise you ten feet high. Ill be your nightmare and haunt you every now and then. Ill drop a bomb and finish you off. I don't care when I die, I'll take you with me straight to hell.

Yeah I'm talking to it, so just get outta my life. You follow me everywhere like my shadow or the stink of my feet. So I say get outta my life.

My List

1. It has really been taking me a long time to think of what to confess about and theirs really so much in my mind I dont know how to say it so Ill try to focus on other things.

2. I found out that I weigh much more than last year, quote by the doctor "You surely don't weigh more because of food."

3. I USED TO eat sugar right out of a bucket, like plain sugar all by itself. Until their was no more sugar and my mom didnt buy anymore, but she never found out. But that was a loong time ago.

4. I don't know why but this year I have been wanting to play soccer more than ever.

5. Sometimes I say things I don't really mean.

7. I talked with a homeless guy (again) after running some miles. Why does he start talking to ME, is it my face, what I buy or the fact that I walk in the streets alone almost everyday?? eh come on tell me! it's not that I'm starting to be friends with a hobo, no, no way, ahh but who cares!

8. If your smart enough you would notice I was missing a 6 but no you people are so dumb! jkjk

Parents

When I get home I can never have a normal conversation with either of my parents. It's either, "Hey go get this across the street" or "Go do your homework" or "Feed the dogs will ya?" I cant please everyone right. I try my best but they are always cranky or pissed off, maybe in a bad mood but it's still the same. Well and I believe I do have a right to get angry too and fight back. "Mom I'm sick and tired of all these things...".
"What ever just do your work today your sleeping early."
And other things I have said,
"No I don't care what you bought"
"No I won't help you"
"No I won't go with you."
Lately I have been trying to put myself in her shoes. (found out it's a good way to solve things out, you should try it) And well guess what, I just haven't been appreciating things, things she does to me and gives me. Sure we have our ups and downs but that's all part of growing up huh. I really hope I can improve this situation.

Roller Coaster

I waited patiently
in that long line
to buy the tickets
for the ride
while holding her hand.
Though expensive
it's worth it
it's still worth it.

We make our way
up the lifthill.
"click clack click."
Our hearts are laced,
hands are held,
but then it all stops.
That sensation of butterflies in your stomach
just goes away.

As time flies,
it ticks away.
The clock's run out,
its too late know,
shes looking at that other guy
on the other cart
but not at me.

Ive reached the top,
My heart's been catapulted
this way and that.
It's time for the freefall,
just hit the ground and get over it.

Even the smallest parts,
the nails and screws have been torn.
They all break down and everything just starts to fall apart.
I cant fix a broken piece,
I ask for some help but NO
it's impossible.
It's like this damn black cloud just following me around
it's time to exercises these demons!
Their's a beast inside of me
ready to explode any minute,
and I'm holding the pain.

So at that split second,
where you knew it would happen,
where you reached the dead spot
where their's no more path to follow.
You start to realize,
when you come back to the real world
shes not their anymore
dont get me wrong
she never did wrong
she's not the "bad guy"
she's not who to blame
she's not to be crticized.
But Ill be man enough to let her go
But know nothing matters without her.

letter to patt

Juan Diego Jimenez

4747 This Street

Jamestown, VA

September 8, 2010

Dear Patt,

Wats sup my man? I heard you got married a couple of months ago. That's nice to hear. I'm glad you could easily extricate yourself by that divorce. And I sure hope that doesn't recur like last year. A lot has changed over here as well. My parents have already modified some designs for a new house, but we still haven't moved, probably like next year. I like that your not the type of uncle that says like "oh wow you have grown so much" and bla bla bla. It is imperative that you come see us, or you never know, we might make a spontaneous trip over to your place.

I still remember when we went on your boat and you threw me off the boat for eating all your cookies. And how I would swim towards a rock and jump on it, and how you would encompass me with your boat trying to terrify me. Yeah that was fun alright. I hope someday we can meet up again!

Sincerely,

Juan Diego Jimenez

6 things to know about me

1. The dinner that always waits to be eaten is meat and veggies. Iv'e heard that many people say that kids dont care about their health but hey it tastes good actually.
2. I drink a lot of milk and eggs tasty as well, good for growth quoted by mom.
3. Ive realized that I eat a lot of weird food. and willing to try anything.
4. In my house I feel like Im one of those guys running around the jungle trying to survive. And im the prey, so guess whos the predator, PARENTS!!!
5. theres a benefit in having to do chores at home, its that I get payed$$$.
6. Iv'e realized that like a lot of people write about who they like and the crush they have on someone. And I feel like I'm soo past that, and I'm like more advanced, and theres a change from 7th to 8 grade. A big one.

The Clinic

In the summer time of course some people had fun other didn't. But well, I guess I did. Like going to Miami, the beach, shopping spree, football, and just relaxation. What really is stuck in my mind was the football practices. Although it was only 5 days it was an experience that I could never forget. Some coaches from "El Tecnologico de Monterrey University" from Mexico came to coach us, also some New yorkers. People of many ages were invited and all that played football. I was the only one of my age, only one of my team, and probably the only one without a car. Guys from the Varsity league came and they were about 17-21 year olds. The came in their own cars with beer bottles falling out of the car and some of them brought their girlfriends I guess just to show off. But the youngest, besides me, were 16 and 17 year-olds. I'm really lucky it wasn't contact or any hitting because obviously I would get pummeled. But yeah i talked with some guys and theres no need to be scared right. The practices were for 5 days from four to nine and it was like a clinic. Taught me all sorts of things their is to run faster, which it really helped. After those days passed I started being more helpful around the house and willing to do more things. Now I just have to deal with things, I can't fight back now.

50 Cents

After my daily routine of running a mile or more I make use of the cash that I still have. I rest for a while and watch some school kid chase their bus. And others just making out on a bench. (of course I don't stare at that) I make my way through the crowd of pedestrians and go to Popeye's. It used to smell so nasty, which brings back other memories... I remember when I asked some guy why it smelled so bad and he said it was some chemical release. (Like if he knew what he was talking about.) A poor and homeless Colombian man asked me for some change, he was old and looked ready to die. So I was kind enough to give him 50 cents from my wallet.

In the line to buy the chicken, the aroma of the spicy chicken filled with barbecue sauce filled the new scented room. But it was until it was my turn to order that the lady told me I was 50 cents short. I stare at the homeless guy through the glass windows and I tell the lady its OK that Ill go somewhere else. So I walk out and go next door to Subways. Then their I could buy a good club sandwich. After gobbling up the sandwich I go outside and smell the fuel coming from the buses and all the cars passing by. (Wow this is messed up) I make some calls like changing dentists appointments and calling other friends to tell me whats the homework.

And after that the homeless guy comes up to me again. I could clearly tell he is Colombian because he is waving a small Colombian flag and speaks that way too. He starts blabbing about how the FARC are kidnapping people and he and his family need money to save others. And that some U.S. oil company is planning to build some oil field on their land, which are the U'wa people. I understood well because I know some things that are going on over their but then I walked away and pretended I was on the phone. JA how did he get all the way here, I thought.

Slowness

I have to confess that I was really slow in my relationship with Natis (Was at least.) I used to think it was going to be easy, that I don't have to do anything to improve relations, that easy... (what a loser) I thought I knew it all and had a lot of confidence. But I was wrong of course. So I've been told I'm "slow" and I hate to admit the truth but I did. In the summer she was very busy and me even more so we couldn't do anything together. I remember once I disobeyed her when she said "don't keep your hopes too high". I did the contrary I'm sorry. I know other times I've hurt her, but deep inside, I'm sorry. I don't think I deserve mercy or pardon but I know that she deserves the whole damn world! I'd be a savage beast if I ain't got her. She is the key to my life, all I ever needed, not asking for more, and she's just perfect for me.

I remember when people would come up to me and say "dude just break up with her so you wont have to go through all this trouble". But I say NO WAY and push them away. I promised myself they'd never tell me what I can or what I can't say. Like I give a damn what they think about our relationship. It was like almost everyone was against me, and I was alone but with Naty, and to succeed all I needed is her, which I did. So I stood up and fought like my parents taught me. Also the meaning of respect and loyalty. I guess I got to thank them for that because it comes into use. Natis your worth more than millions of best friends and sure worth fighting for , and I'm glad I did, hope you are too!

The Days

I don't want to be at home

or home doesn't want me.

I take my phone

the house keys

and running shoes

with money inside the shoes,

I don't like having

pennies and quarters
inside my shoe,

just the bills

with Andrew Jackson in it.

In the Cinta Costera

I run, run away

not from fear

not from home

but to get everything off my mind

and knowing that anyways I have to get back home.

Of months of doing this

has accumulated

miles and miles

of scattered thoughts

and found memories.

I know when I get to the fountains

I have to stop

because I would be the only kid that goes that far

because the street light doesn't shine so much

because you wont find many people past the fountains.

So I rest on a bench

and stare at the ocean and make the cellphone come to use.

Where no one could tell me what to do,

where no one would tell me what to say,

where no one would tell me what to not eat,

where I could face the fear of others

and run into the darkness

with people in hoodies talking with each other

while handing things in plastic bags,

and groups of people staring at you.

Time doesn't matter

'Cause I have all night,

the necessary money

and in good conditions.

So why on Earth should I be afraid

when I don't have to ask for anything more.

That's just how it is

and just how I like it.

Mad Man's Night

The cold gloomy night was disturbed by a gruesome shriek from the lone house next door. I surmise that someone was in pain. Doors were shut around other houses, windows closed and lights turned off. Clad in my robe, I ran to the fridge to relieve my dehydration. I stumbled across the room in desperation and slipped causing an abrasion. Then I made a cursory search for the phone under the pile of papers.

I called the police and in four hours they came to aid me. A grimace crossed my face as they made an electrifying entrance to the scene. Because I was the one who heard the shrieks I was able to corroborate the loud noise. I simulated I could really be of some help but minutes later they went away. Through the window I saw the same man who had always be on the doorstep of that old man for seven days. The police took inventory of the bedroom. Later they told me that the old man was succumbed that night. By some mad man but he was caught so no more shrieks at night.

On a Daily Basis

Ever since the last day of school in 7th grade my mom has made me do all kinds of crap for my physical conditions and all because she knew I would be couch potato. I thought this summer would be the time to relax and wipe out all the bad things that I've done in the school year and just keep it cool. But No!!! Every morning of my summer I wake up at 5:45 in the morning (by my mom/alarm) to go run in the cinta costera. She said minimum of 2 miles. The good thing of going at 5:45 in the morning is that its still a bit cold and chilly and the sun isn't out. Then the bad thing is what you would be thinking, waken up by mom in the morning! Summer! Jogging with mom! Not cool! But then at night around 7pm I run again each day, so that's night and day, same lame routine. Again and again and again. So after I finish running I walk back to my building and run up the stairs.(9 flights of stairs, not much) then I rest and a few minutes later she makes me do 80 or more push ups. It's not my fault I'm not good at math so I don't know if I do 100 or even more but I say who cares. She never tells me the WHY. I just obey. I have to say that I'm still doing this, the only difference now is that I do this at night.

When I come in the house my little sister and her friends tell me that these muscles of mine make me look fat and calling me other names. I stare at the puny little pale girls and just wish they were boys but just until they ran away and locked themselves up in a room. What harm could they make? Same routine every day, what would you expect from me, lame as always huh.

Blogs

The fact that both my parents know everything their is to know about looking at my blog and reading stuff I say about them is really such a shame on myself. Im pretty sure both of them have read my most recent blog which had some real deep thoughts about them. And it makes me wonder. Who do they think I really am? What will they do to me? Have I really changed that much? That same day I came out of the shower and continued my homework on the computer. I saw my mom in my room but I ignored her and as if nothing had happend the whole day. I guess my mom was thinking that I'd be so scared that she read the blog that I would hide in my room forever so thats why she waited in the room. But NO thats not what I do. She decides to follow me to the computer. "Why did you say that." says mom.

I turn my seat around, look at her straight in the eyes and say, " Look, this is one of my best jobs I have done and I'm just describing what I feel about this situation ok so you dont have to freak out about it..." ( Smooth I thought)

"Well... you are a very good writer." she says

"Sureee." I reply.

Mom walks away and I continue with my homework. I guess next time I should pick my word choices more wisely. Before it gets serious.

Success

This year I hope to be successful...
Things haven't been going so smooth with my parents, ever since we left dad alone in the house he's been moody and cranky every day. Mom is very busy this year, she doesn't have time for me or dad.
This year I hope to be successful...
My grades from the past haven't been good enough to impress my mom or even get attention from her. I hate to admit it but I lack the focus and concentration. I don't mind if she doesn't care, I just mind my own business and try not to get involved. But she pulls me right back in and every day I'm fighting for what I believe. I hate to admit it, but I lack the focus and concentration.
This year I hope to be successful...
I'm in perfect conditions for speed and strength, I should feel proud of myself but I can't when my dad's criticizing me every single day. After all, he's the one that told me to get better for my own good. After all, I'm the one taking orders and executing them without any flaws. Because that's the way he taught me to and that's the way he wants it.
This year I hope to be successful...
I get a phone call from my girlfriend, but my dad ignores the call and shuts it down. He tells me I can answer back but only once I finish my chores. But he doesn't know better, he doesn't know how much I care for her and how much I idolize her.
I know what it means when my dad stands in the doorway with the belt and its strap.
I know what it means when my dad stands in my way with his hands on his hips.
Every weekend my dad tells me, " I need the floors mopped, dishes washed, windows clear, clothes washed." And I would say "yes sir". Then he would grab my head and tilt it towards the furniture and point at the little spec of dust, I know what that meant.
When I was younger he used to tell me, " straighten up that back... plant your feet on the ground...want me to give you a reason to cry?"
This year I hope to be successful...
Not asking for much, I never have, just success.

Realization

I have to confess that I'm really not nice with my sister. Sure that most of the time normally brothers and sisters fight. But what I have done is realized the horrible things I've said and done. My sister always greets me when I wake up, when I come from football practice, when I come from a friend's house, and basically every time she sees me. But I have realized that I say things like"Get outta here." Or" I don't want to see your face." And then she asks me how was my day but I also realize I say things like"What do you care." But the hardest part to it is when my parents here me saying it. Sometimes I can't control myself, so words just pop out of my mouth because I don't have anything else to say.

So my parents teach me a lesson, a tremendous smack in the back of my head by my father's big hands, and then a cheap shot on my cheek by my mom when I'm not looking. My father also hits me for other random reasons not even I can realize. They hit me so much its probably they're hobby. But that's all my fault, because I can't get to understand the importance of not bullying my sister as my mom says. And other times I just play around with my sister in a fun way, well for me and then she tells my parents. I don't try to run, I don't try to hide nor defend myself. Just accept it and show them that I'm not scared because they are my parents. I stand their, waiting on their next move because I don't have another card to play.

When teaching me a lesson my parents main goal is to scare me so I won't do the same thing over and over again. That's just what I can't accomplish. "I'm gonna break those braces and you gonna end up with no teeth! You hear me!" The anger of dad rings through my mind. What he says every time. And I remember what mom says. "Do you know why you're here!? Because of the disrespect you have caused in this family! When will you ever learn!" mom says.
"When I feel like it." I say. I always look at both my parents straight in the eye. But after my response comes the slap. Which is completely my fault. Well the majority of the reasons my parents hit me aren't for this. This is a big realization that I still have to work on. And being nice is where it all starts.

Doesn't know, Lennie

Lennie, he just doesn't understand how to not get in trouble.
Its not that he does wrong,
Its that he doesn't know whats right or wrong.
"I just wanted to pet it" he says
But that's just not right
"I didn't mean no harm, I promise," he says
He just can't control his actions.
"Hide in the brush if anything goes wrong." George tells him
That's probably one of the only things he's good at besides
Racking up a big load of barley
He's good at obeying.
That's Lennie he just doesn't get it.

Ants and Spikes!

The entrance to the beach house in Punta Chame is a rocky road of 30 minutes. But once you reach the house its a whole different story. At first I see garlands placed neatly along the gate and to the beach house. Then a big ranch with just white chairs and a table. Its a very quiet place giving me time to ponder what to do.

I lay prostrate on the grass leaving all thoughts behind. Until I hear a "crack" on my back. I quickly stand up and realize that the area is filled with small spikes in a shape like a ball and they stick to you. I start to pluck off every single spike that was on my shoulder, arm. leg, nose, ear and elbow. I needed to act fast but I was filled with consternation at the sight of red marching ants on my shoulder. I took my shirt off and made a run for it. After my impetuous decision I ran straight towards the ocean.

I launched my body head-first toward the water making a splash of salty, bubbly water at the impact. It was gratifying to hear my sigh of relief. The cold water is delectable when I sat on the soft sand. I stared at all my bites I had in my shoulder and thought, wheres my shirt? I slowly lay down and sighed. And this is only the beginning of the day.

"Juan Diego where were you, you scared me! Get up here right now" Mom shouted.
"Uh-oh."

One and Only. Confession Tuesdays

I always look at her. Trying to make her days perfect, making sure she is always content. That pretty looking girl. I always think of her as an inspiration, a motivation, a Goddess. She is very strong deep inside her, makes her unique, makes her special to me. I would do anything for her. I would make sacrifices for her. And I will. But I don't care what other people say. Because I care for her, I'm not embarrassed, I'm proud of myself. Proud of her. I don't care if I have a little headache or something really hurts, I'm always going to be thinking about her. I didn't think it would be this way, but I am happy as well as she is. She doesn't like for people to expect things from her, I keep that in mind. She knows what I'm talking about.

Every morning in the whole crowd of people she is the only one that shines among them. She is the highest tip of the mountain, the cherry on an ice cream. When she is depressed I am. But that's when I come in to make her day better. That is my One and Only, Natalia.

Pain

This morning I wake up at 5:30 to go to a therapy at 6. The therapy is from 6 to 8. It is designed to relax and comfort my muscles in my back. It turns out that on Sunday, the game day, I had a serious muscle contraction on the back that it got so bad that it made the muscles create a knot, well literally a knot on my back muscles which made back spasms as well. That day. I thought. It was hurting a lot but I still kept on playing. I didn't think it was going to be such an extreme injury so I decided to play. Moms words echo. "You have a bad habit of not telling people when something hurts." Maybe its true, I should keep that in mind, no wonder it echoes in my mind. And I guess its true, I don't like to show pain, because sometimes I just tolerate it. And other times I just don't care about the pain and keep on playing.

Back Therapy

I walked into the cold white-painted small room through translucent curtains. Gadgets and tools were spread across the table and I inhaled the fresh aroma of the usual hospital smell, kind of like plastic. And in the middle of the room a large bed with pillows to support my stomach. As I lay prostrate on the bed the doctor put me on a pair of really dark glasses so the laser wouldn't hurt my eyes.

"I promise this wont hurt at all." said the doctor.
I didn't really care besides I'm half asleep, I thought. This is school time I'm wasting so I should enjoy it. I closed my eyes until suddenly my back was filled with rapture as heat waves were slowly sliding across my back. I let my muscles relax. "Do your muscles a favor, don't think." said the doctor. I shut my eyes and everything seemed to fade.
1 hour later.

I twinkled my eyes as I was waking up at the smell of plastic.
"What time is it?" I asked the doctor.
"Quarter to 9." she replied.
"You mean I"m done." I said.
"Yea those 2 hours pass quick huh, well we were just waiting until you woke up." She said with a little hesitation.
"Well thanks, that was very gratifying." I said.

Cookie Monster

Sometimes when I get home from football practice I just want to eat and eat and eat... and eat. Sure its because I haven't digested anything for 4 hours and its late and I'm very tired. But I have to eat something. I eat my dinner but then I'm still hungry! The doctor told me to not eat a lot of sugar and junk food but well I do. The doctor said I have high cholesterol which doesn't look like it. And actually I have a lot of energy, strong, resistant lungs. I remember the doctor saying. Sometimes I eat just to gain weight but I can't, something about the metabolism that grows too fast, I don't know. And in a matter of a year I weigh the same. Just wanted to say that I do eat eggs( a lot) meat, and milk but after that the junk food.

One in a Million

A small freckle of oppurtunity
Once in a lifetime
One in a million
Time is
Being wasted
But for now
While you can
Do what you please to do
Before its all over
Once in a lifetime
Make the impossible
Make the unbelievable
The thing
That no one else can do...
You decide on your own
You control yourself.

JD Notebook

JD Notebook

Description: If you think about it winter is soft and kind. May be harsh climate but it soothes the hatred inside you, which brings about poetry.

Synopsis: A variety of winter poems.

Poetry:

The Snow Man by Wallace Stevens
Blow Blow Thou Winter Wind by William Shakespeare
Now Winter Nights Enlarge by Thomas Campion
Blizzard by William Carlos William
Lines For Winter by Dave Lucas
Icy Bound by Walter Bargen

Tanka

The days of traffic
Is nothing but time killer
Kind of confusing
All makes sense to me now
Why my mom is so cranky

Worker

Without ants many things would not be possible
Organized and hard working are these small creatures
Rapid paced thinking and
Kind of difficult for such a puny thing
Enthusiastically motivating other people and when they
Rein down all together anything can happen.

Travel

Thinking, dreaming of far away places
Rolling hills, planes, meadows, and rivers
Action filled cities and towns with
Vibrant people coming and going
Everywhere you go
Life is going on.

acrostic poem

Breakfast? Impossible!
Awating the most expected time
Little they knew
Beyond their wildest dreams
Opening day was here
At last, Balboa Academy is real.

My Father

My dad always taught me how to be strong and resist pain. It actually does have some advantages. He is pretty rough with anyone. He knows a lot about chemistry and technology and finances. But he doesn't want to work any other country because he wants to stay with his family. It looks like he doesn't feel anything but I actually, deep inside of him he cares about us, the family. He's always so quiet and calm but not when he comes back from his jobs. He never has time to rest. He stays up all night designing architectures and all those kinds of things. He never gets hugs or kisses because by the time he gets home my mom is already at bed. I think tonight I will make him feel good.

Gear Up

We finally got our gear for football. Everyone has been waiting for this day and me as well. We get to hit people and get hit by other people and suffer. Which if you think about it, it isn't fun but when you do it not to say that its fun. It took the team a while to get all the gear on and discover the secrets of how easy it really is. Well I was lucky that I knew, so I helped other people. I already had my own helmet so I was one of the two people in the whole team with a black helmet which makes me an easy target. I wasn't knocked around as much as I thought It would be but I did knock some heads around. I guess it was really fun.

After Birthday

The day after a birthday doesn't really have a name but that's when I open gifts and receive more gifts and everyone starts saying "oh you're getting old" or "how do you feel know that you're a teenager. Those things really get old and annoying. But obviously no one would tell them that's getting annoying because they would probably take the gift back or wish you a bad birthday. I don't think any one is so smart to do such thing. I got 50 dollars from an aunt and 80 from another uncle. And also some other money. I got into my room and counted my earnings. But well this day should really have a name.

My Birthday

Today was finally my birthday. Everyone greeted me and hugged me even people I didn't know. It was actually kind of funny that I came through the school door and someone came and hugged me and told me happy birthday. Then two other people came and all the people in the table I was at. Then as time passed the word started to spread and soon many people came to me. Then the word progressed through the hallways and classes and soon everyone knew. It spreads like an infection. Many people thought I was 14 but know I am 13. I am still very small. many things happened the day of my birthday. There was the BIG MAMA test everyone is afraid of, the music concert and probably the most tiring day of football practice. After football practice my mom had to go to a meeting in the gym and wait until 7 so the meeting could end. But we went to Pizzaiolo, a restaurant down across the street.

The meeting was finally over and we got on my mothers car. There was a lot of traffic especially around my house. We managed to get through the catastrophe. I got home and took a bath. But when I got out a bunch of cousins and uncles and aunts were at the door step of my house. My mother dragged me to sing happy birthday to me. When everyone was singing I think I fell asleep I'm really not so sure. My cake was a gigantic cheese cake and maybe while I was eating I almost fell asleep as well. It was already 9 and I hadn't even had time to start my homework. But my mom told me that theres some guests. But my mom kind of told them to go away like at 10 because I had to do homework. So I did.

A Rainy Day

After school I went to football practice. It was cloudy and somehow it felt humid like if you were out of a hot tub. But it wasn't hot it was humid. I was really early to the practice, I thought I was late because when I was crossing the street the buses were leaving and I had to wait for all the big and slow buses to pass. And I remember once the coach told me when I was on my way to the practice he told me that if you were in a race a turtle would beat you. But actually everyone else was late. I got their early and the coach told me to bring the big ice-cooler to where we practice. The ice-cooler is really heavy but you know me. But first I had to bring the ice-cooler about 40 yards to a pipe and fill the cooler until its full. Then it gets heavier because first it had ice, now it has water. Then I had to walk with the cooler even farther. Until I finally got to the end and set the cooler down.

I sat down, wiped my face and dranked water. After a little rest everyone came to the practice and the coach told us to do the stretches and all the same boring routine. The clouds were getting darker and it started to rain. Rain fell harder and harder and the lightning started to intensify. We finished are stretches and next we had to bear crawl. In bear crawling you crawl in a series of obstacles with two hands on the ground as well as both legs then crawl like a bear. Most people were going so slow they fell. It was finally my turn and I was going so fast I slipped and hit my eye while eating some mud. Which apperently tastes horrible. I was wearing my school uniform because I forgot to bring other clothes so the school clothes was all muddy ans smelly after practice. Then it started to thunder hard and thats when we ran to the bohio. The coach made us do pushups for 30 minutes without stopping. That was some real big pain. But when the time passed I went to Alejandro and walked to him glad that the practice was over. Well actually I'm not sure it was over because the coach said to go get your bags and come back. I realized that when I was on the car. And I really did smell bad.

Man of the House

Today I was left alone again because my parents went to the beach with my sister and I couldn't play because I had to rest. This time I had a bell, but now one to listen to it. I was the Man of the house. Well the only man in the house. I was incharge of the dogs, feed the dogs, clean up every single kind of dog waste. From little brown balls to large yellow puddles with food on it. That was all my job. And also when it started to rain hard I had to close all the windows and curtains and bring in all the clothes that were getting dried. Once in a while I got bored and I went to Popeyes and bought chicken and soda. Then I went back to the house and my dogs were barking. It was until 5 more hours and my mom came.

Room Service

I had to rest my foot today and I couldn't go anywhere and couldn't do anything involving my legs. First I went to watch TV for a very long time. My room service was ringing a bell. The bell is gold and not so shiny because it is a little rusty. But it still makes a lot of noise. My mom told me that her grandfather had given the bell to her. With the bell, I felt powerful, king-like. I called for ice cream, soda, chips, well its a good opportunity to get fat. And my mom told my sister to also help. My maid was gone to buy some things at the grocery store and that meant my sister had to take care of me and do all the room service. I could take advantage of that. And my mom was going out across the street to the bank. Well I couldn't do anything to my sister and there was no reason to argue with me because she would get in trouble either way. I told my sister to do my homework, just kidding. But I did make her do a lot of stuff. I hope my sister never gets injured, which she probably never will. If she does I'll just have to escape to a friend's house.

The Man

Today I went to Extreme planet to watch the movie called the "Blindside". I guess I really liked it and it was funny and inspirational. I liked the parts of football. It increases my motivation of things I can do, an oppurtunity. Any man, not depending on your past, can do anything. Any man, with hopes of making something happen, will succeed. You will always be important to someone, atleast someone in the world. Man can change. Man can change the world. Man can change the way of living. Man cannot give up the way of the man. And man will never. Despite all the poor or the rich and all the wars and different types of government it all falls into the conclusion. The Man.

The End

I was eating my sandwich at lunch. The sandwich had cheese and ham with butter it didn't taste so good but well, I have to eat. I looked around and some teachers were looking around as if they were expecting something to happen. Then the intercom made a beep and the teachers told everyone to keep quiet. The announcement was that we would have to be dismissed by 1:00 because of the demonstration the SUNTRACS were going to do. Everyone was happy and cheering and stomping like maniacs. Actually kind of funny. I was glad they announced that there was no football practice. We still went to P.E. and it was very exhausting.

In P.E. we played football. I guess today I did a really good job. I felt proud of myself. I remember yesterday that Sean and I went to watch the high school field day but a teacher caught us and told us we have to run 4 laps. Luckily today they didn't remember.

Walking Trouble

After I finished my homework my mom and I went to walk in the Cinta Costera. It was 7:30. I remember when I was on the bus on the way home that I saw about 20 police cars and 100 men stationed around the streets. Others were near construction sites. That's where it usually starts. And they were armed. They were preparing for the SUNTRACS. It is a group of syndicates that are angry of the government because the government raised the taxes for everything so if you want to buy food you can but it will cost you more money. Its just an easy way for the government to make money.

I decided to jog a little bit because my mom was power walking so we split up. I had my cellphone in my pocket. I started to sweat so I sat in a seat and rested. I heard a whistle from a police officer and I think he was chasing someone because there was this bright yellow jacket guy that was moving I guess it was him. I received a phone call from my mom.

"Come back to where we started." said mom strictly. I tried to talk but she hung up. Her voice was deep and she was breathing hard. It must have been from exercise, I thought. I got up with my mom and she told me that a man came up to her and told her to give him the cellphone. My mom said she refused and she started walking a little to the light post and luckily a police officer saw them and started chasing the guy that harassed my mom. Now my mom brings pepper spray. I thought it would be a joke to bring pepper spray but it really works.

Leaving Alejandro

Finally, football practice is over for today, I thought. Brian, Alejandro and I were making car pools because one mom couldn't do everything. So today is my mom's turn. Brian comes with me on the car and and we buy soda at the store. We chill out, drink and eat until my mom told me to hurry up because there is a lot of traffic where we live. We were on our way home and we started to talk about what position would Alejandro be in the big league and what we have for homework and all that stuff.

"Hey w... wait the little league has practice today right? Oh no mom we left Alejandro!" I said. (crossing my fingers hoping she wouldn't get mad.) "Coño carajo JUAN DIEGO JIMENEZ!!! How could you forget." Screamed Melissa. We drove back and picked up Alejandro. "JUAN DIEGO, JUAN DIEGO(his voice started to escalate) whats the matter with you"!!!said Alejandro. But then I just hung up on him. We picked him up and he was on a bench with his head on the palms of his hands. He was lucky I started talking about him.

Science Munchee

Monday was the science munchee. No one remembered that it was today. I just ate a bag of goldfish. We were watching a video. The video was about some animals living in the cold mountains and the Himalayas. For example the Pumas. It was really impressive. I started talking to some girls and telling jokes because sometimes its so long it gets boring. Suddenly I felt a weak feeling of my body. I felt I couldn't move my muscles and my hands were shaking struggling to move. My head suddenly rushed downward to my arms, I felt I didn't have the energy to move. I couldn't lift my foot up and it was shaking too. My eyes closed and I just wanted to sleep. But I thought I can't sleep because I have football practice and I will just sleep all day.

I felt a shove on my back and I quickly reacted so I lift my head up. My body was working again. I scratched my head and thought wow that was weird. I cant sleep during school time I thought.

Chef

This week was my family's turn for every family member to eat in my house for 4 weeks. That's how we rotate. We spend some time cleaning the rooms and floors to make everything look neat. My duty was the chef. I made chocolate chip cookies, brownies, organized plates around the tables, and organized the different plated of chips on the table where we chat, and I made lasagna. The people started coming around 8. Theres some people that eat a lot so I made lasagna and went to buy pizza acroos the street. True that I have a lot of restaurants around my house, walking distance but you can always make food.

The Movies

Paulo called me to go to the movies with him and Alejandro. So I said yes. I went to Paulo's house until it is the right time for us to go. But when we got their it was full. Paulo's mom left us at one of the entrance's of Multi plaza. We quickly worked our way up the first flight of stairs. But then the second one there was big group of Americans (who were probably lost) that just started talking and chatting and others on a cell phone. Big mess. Paulo just stood their as if we had to wait for them to move. But then I kept on walking and he just followed me and I pushed through the crowd. It was funny, everyone was saying "hey" and looking back at Paulo as if he was the one pushing, but it was me moving forward so much they didn't have time to look back and see the real suspect. After that they just walked and chatted farther away. As we got up the stairs I saw the place was full. Then someone shoved me on the back. It was Dyvon. I knew Paulo wanted to get him back after the fight so I started looking at their eyes and examined them. Paulo was acting nice just because it was the football season. Dyvon was full of confidence. He was standing close to Paulo as if he knew Paulo was helpless against Dyvon. I pushed Dyvon aside and asked him what movie are you going to watch. I can't remember what he said. But I was keeping an eye on him.

We wanted to watch blindside. But when we got to the ticket center there were no more tickets for blindside, not for VIP not for normal. So we watched "La Isla Siniestra".

It was a long movie. Especially when Paulo and Alejandro spill their popcorn all over the floor. Luckily no one came in and said pick it up. It's a mystery movie so it's hard to explain.

Doctor

I was sitting on a chair with my mom waiting to be called because I had a doctor's appointment. I hate that aroma of the "doctor smell". The plastic strong-smelling gloves. You could smell it all over the building. And everything white... It's always the same thing. It never changes. Also the plants kind of added something else of a smell. I have a really good sense of smelling due to my lack of eye vision.

I sat on that chair and waited an hour because there was this kid who didn't want to do something. The doctor called and said it was finally my turn. But then the kid was given a lollipop and he just looked at it and started crying. Later he threw it to the ground and stepped on it. I think he did understand what he was doing, he was tall, two inches lower than me. Or he was a gigantic cry baby. Finally it was my turn. The doctor told me to get on the bed and he examined me. The doctor told me I had a series of pulled ham srtings, pulled muscles, and a pinched nerve. No wonder I had so much pain. He said "this isn't so bad ok just take a hot tub and immediatly after you are out put on an icepack." (Basically what Iv'e been doing.) But I wanted to know what was the problem.

Hot Tub

After football practice all my muscles hurt as usual and the leg that I had a big pain on(the left leg)was still hurting. I think that I have been doing so much exercise that I haven't let my leg get a rest. So the coach told me to take a hot tub.

"First put an ice pack and immediately after the ice pack is no longer ice make a hot tub." said the coach. I hadn't really thought of making a hot tub. I started thinking back at the days when I was younger. Everyday making a tub wasting a bunch of water and throwing around the house. Playing with little boats and them throw them to the toilet. Watching the rubber ducky float across the "sea". I asked myself what would I do in a hot tub at this age? Play with a bigger rubber ducky? Obviously not! Well all I did is sleep and didn't even notice what time it was. As I got up it felt like if I had been knocked down. With struggle I stood up and reached for my towel. But their was no towel. Not even a hand towel. And my clothes was stolen by my dog. My sister had 2 tutors and they were talking with my mom at the dining room(Which I could see from my room.) But to get to my room from the bathroom all I had to do is walk right. The door was closed and really it isn't fast to open the door without being seen or heard. My door is directly in front of the hallway which leads to the dining room. I breathed deeply and started to think... I didn't know what to think in this type of situation. Inside I was just laughing. I heard my mother say something smelled like fire. And everyone went to the kitchen and I made a run for it. I quickly skidded to the door and opened it and as I was closing it I swear I saw a tall woman with high heels and a business suite. I inhaled deeply and put my clothes on. As i was putting my shirt on I heard footsteps, which to me it sounded like heels. It got closer and closer. It opened the door and said, "The food is ready."

Pain

It's field day. Everyone has been waiting for this day. A test of speed, intelligence, team spirit and how to peel bananas. Just kidding. I started with the station called capture the flag. You had to get to the other side and grab the flag. But if you cross the middle line and they tag you you're out. So the point is strategies and think tactics. But the other thing is go to the other side whenever you want and get caught which is not smart.

I had a pain under my buttocks and I couldn't run well. I ran with one foot dragging it and the other running normally. I looked weird. And I couldn't run my fastest. But I had to go because the football coach told me to go because it involves running. "I want you to feel the pain, make it hurt, pain is your brother." said the coach. So I did. I was waiting for all the fast people to get out and the person in front of me that was just ridiculously following me to go away but that took a while. I was already sweating and I was searching for open spaces to get the flag. And the worst thing is that my coach was watching me. Until I couldn't wait no more and just ran towards the flag. I was a horse because I was kind of galloping. As I got closer the pain started to increase and I kept on galloping. No one was in front of me and I could get the flag. Until the pain came up to a point like Mount Everest. I stopped and they tagged me. That was my end.

I Don't Understand

Sometimes(maybe always,) my mother explains things to me because I dont agree with it. Sure everyone has their own opinions, yeah express them. I will understand once she explains. But she just goes offboard and starts screaming at me. She doesn't even notice it sometimes. She gets cranky and most of the time she is in a bad mood. But later she screams so much she randomly punishes me. I can't do anything about it; she IS the boss of the house. Like today. My mom had to pick me up today from football practice at 3:30 according to my opinion. She came at 2:30 thinking it would end at 3. So she got mad at me and punished me but she didn't say anything. And again I was doing homework and she asks if I need help, I say yes. We had a big dicussion over a math problem. There is this math problem that she thinks is wrong and she checks in the calculator and its right. She just said "You know what I'm tired of you I'm going to take a bath and rest!"

I understand its been a long day. I understand she teaches all sorts of little kids. I understand she has to check tests and homework. But I just don't understand why she is so cranky.

A Hot Day

Today in football practice Their were almost no people at all. There was 17 out of 40. 4 people were injured but still playing. I was one of them. I told the coach that I can play but I can't run the hardest. He accepted it and besides everyone was tired and beat up. I forced myself and well the more I stretched the better it got. The sun was burning us and we ran out of water instantly. Everyone was complaining that they didn't eat, drink water or stretch well. I just stood silent even when everything hurt. Just didn't feel like talking. And imagine with gear on,(which they give us gear in 2 weeks) that would be terrible. You never know what can wait.

Robbery

On Sundays I go to uncle's houses and we take turns every 4 weeks we change house. My turn was like in 2 months. My dad made a turn and parked the car to go in the house. Just when I got off the car a man with a black mask came running down the street and in front of him were 2 cop cars with the red and blue flashing lights. He turned around and ran as fast as he could towards a fence and just jumped it as if he had done it before. "I wish I could do that". I said. The fence was about the size of my mom(4.9ft.). One cop car went around and the other one got out and it took like literally a minute for him to get up the fence he was small and fat. And obviously his partner was a skinny one. The skinny one just kept looking at him like"should I help or should I let him burn some calories.?" Then my mother shoved me and made get in the house just in case.

Couch Potato

Today is just one of those days that you sit on the couch, put on the TV and eat some ice cream. Well it's called laziness. These are the days that I can take advantage of eating a lot and gain some weight and be couch potato. I really did have a good rest. But still my muscles kind of hurt. Then my parents punished me just because I ate a pretzel which was supposed to be my sister's. I mean I wake up like at 12:00 in the afternoon and just grab a snack, so I decide to get a big pretzel. And how am I supposed to know it's my sister's. I mean we share the food in the house the no my mom just has to punish me just for this. Now I can't watch TV or do anything. It's actually kind of funny. You wait all week long to rest, enjoy your free time and I blow it just by one little mistake. It's incredible how things happen so fast.

Lights Out

I was working on my math work in class until suddenly the light came back on but then zapped right back out then came back on. It made really dizzy because I was looking at a fly that was flying around me. The whole day I felt really tired and weak. I remember my mom told me I had to get some rest or else you won't be able to play football. Also said that if you feel weak you are sick and well today I just couldn't move. All my muscles hurt and I was in football practice the whole week. I also stay up really late on homework and chat with other people. My friends and I are trying to convince the coach to not put practice on Wednesdays because that's one of the days where we have a lot of homework and a lot of time to do it.

Today I was so tired and weak I didn't even feel like laughing. It felt kind of weird actually. I just thunk I need a big big rest from the whole week.

The Boom Box Machine

We were in math and we had to to some work. We quickly finished because well I had a calculator. It was changing decimals to fractions and stuff like that. I had a really bad pain in the neck and I was thinking how it was going to be in football practice. Mr.Lloyd promised us if we finished are work fast we could play a game called seven. In seven you tap your hand on your shoulder on any side indicating to which side you want the other person to count, so you have to go like 1 you tap a shoulder on any side and then the other person ahas to say 2 and so on until the person says 7 they deserve a punishment. I am really good at that, I never got confused because I was always concentrated. Class was almost over and we stated singing random things like if we were a DJ and making jokes. Until Mr.Lloyd told us he can do that. And surprisingly he started making sound effect noises and boom box things and singing too. It's really impressive we all clapped and cheered for him. "Do some more"I shouted. He explained to us he made competitions and he had his own studio and contracted people to work for him. He's from Panama. You never know what can come out of a person's mouth.

Dentist

Finally, schools over I thought. I have a lot of homework but at least I don't have football practice. imagine what it would be if I did. Well my mom would hurry me up and tell me to go like a bullet but I'm tired. I'd have so much homework and probably stay up really late. And I wouldn't finish all the work but you know. When I think of doing homework I think of it as progression. If you finish one then just have to keep on going and advance don't stop. Well that's as far as i know. I just remembered that I was supposed to go to the dentist to get two teeth pulled out. And really I just wanted to sleep. I was really tired. I got off the bus and my mom was already waiting for me so I got on and rode on to the dentist. We got there and the place was full so my mom looked for a parking place and I got out of the car and walked up to the dentist. My mom got mad at me because she thought we got late to the appointment but by the time she walked up the stairs to get to the dentist they already put Anesthesia on me. And the taste was horrible, it stings a little, tastes bad and my lips felt like a balloon with a tongue on it. The dentist grabbed this tool that looked like a screwdriver and just sticked in my mouth, twisted my loose teeth and it just popped out. It was no pain at all, really.

Slice of life #1

When I woke up today I felt sore and pain in my muscles. I didn't want to wake up, well like every other day of my life. Sean's birthday party was yesterday. It was awesome, we had a lot of fun. It was just boys party. We played tackle football, soccer, the pool, and hide and seek around the whole neighborhood. We didn't sleep at all, we just played and played and played some more. Until we decided to sleep but it was 6:00 in the morning and I was in the bathroom with a bad stomachache when my cell phone's alarm blew and they had to wait until I came out of the bathroom to turn the alarm off. Then people were just farting and being nasty, the room smelled great. It felt endless, on my opinion.

I Made it

I can't beleive myself. I made the football team. I didn't think I was going to, but I worked hard and forced myself even when it hurts the most, even when I sweat the most, even if the sun hits me hard on the back and face. I succecced. This is the big league. I am one of the smallest and youngest kids there but will try my best. I didn't think I was going to get in the team because I weigh really low. And now I don't have asthma. It makes a big difference. I'm proud of myself.

He's a Fool

According to Ms.Johnson Booker T. Washington said, "education has spoiled many a good plow of hands." Meaning that education has made them fools and that there is no reason to get education for Booker T. Mama calls them fools because these guys would probably have no where to go and no hope and won't do anything important for their lives. I think these two are alike in some ways because they both tried to change people's lives and going against people but they both failed.

A Raisin in the Sun Essay Questions

I think Beneatha is searching for a better life by trying to find her identity. She changes her hair style, the way she walks, her attitude and all other looks. She is trying to decide what way is best fit for her living. She's also making a good relationship with Asagai. I think by this Beneatha wanted to gain popularity or get known by many people. When Mama got the check of 10,000$ they could use that to spend it wisely on living or just waste it on commodities and cool things.

I think Mama is searching for a better life by putting order in her house. Mama is basically the boss and tells everyone what to do but is very organized. She takes everything step by step so first she will straighten out the people in the house and then worry about the housing and living. Mama thinks that if she puts order in the house and gets everyone in control she will make life easier. After the check of 10,000$ she could do something smart with the money not spend it with some random thing.