Writing Center

I wish I had gone to the writing center sooner. I was at a stand still with my work and had no clue how to make it better... I went and got so many helpful tips that made my paper 100% stronger.
Mary Beth helped me so much! It was not as scary as I was expecting because Rory was there also and we took turns talking to her while the other wrote.
I am definitely going to go more often next semester!

What is the best part of your day, week, month, and life?

Day
The best parts of my day are usually when something funny happens. I also like being around people I enjoy.

Week
My favorite days of the week are Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. I like wednesday and Thursday because the week is almost over. I enjoy Saturdays because those are the days I don't have busy schedules. I spend my Saturdays sleeping and hanging out with friends.

Month 
The 18 is usually my favorite day of the month because that is when my cell phone data is renewed...

Year
My favorite part of the year is the summer. I go to camp in Mississippi. It is a Jewish camp and I LOVE IT. It is my home... I consider Baton Rouge as my second home... I love seeing all of my friends I don't usually get to see throughout the year. It is what I look forward to.

Life
I don't really know what has been my favorite time in my life so far... It is hard to tell for me because I don't know what is coming soon. I am excited to find out!

Reading and Working

Last week, I read The Lord of the Flies for around 3 hours.

On Thursday I went to the writing center, during my study hall, for my Literary analysis

I left Friday for Arkansas. I was on a bus for 9 hours. I read abut 5 hours, looked over wordly wise,and worked on my literary analysis.

What are your thoughts of "Lord of the Flies"? Predictions, Questions, Thoughts?

I like Lord of the Flies so far... Everyone I have asked about it didn't like it as much. My mom said SHE had to read it in high school! That blows my mind. If they have been reading the same book in schools for this long, there has to be something really powerful in it.
My mom didm't like it because "they aren't very nice to the pigs"and "it has really weird stuff in it"
But I guess it works for William Golding because it is a very popular book!
My friend, Olivia, also didn't like it. As well as most of my camp friends.
I think I am liking it a little more than them because I understand what the references and the literary elements are doing. We have discussed a lot of different parts and I understand a lot of things are done for a reason.
I am curious if there will be a reason it is called lord of the FLIES... I am sure there is...

http://internet-pets.blogspot.com/2012/03/lord-of-flies.html

This Weekend (Free Post)

This Friday, I am missing school to go to Arkansas! I am going for a NFTY event called Fall Conclave.  (National Federation of Temple Youth) I am so excited to see all of my friends from camp. I am staying at a friends house with all of my other friends. I have never been to this event before so I don't know what to expect. I remember my brother going but I wasn't allowed to go. I also remember having boys at my house for other events.
On Sunday, I am coming home on the bus with my friend from Mississippi and she is spending the week in Baton Rouge with me! I am so excited! I hope I don't get sick...


I read 2 hours and 17 minutes of Lord of the Flies

Washing the Dogs

This weekend my mom made me wash our dogs. We have 3 dogs, a westie, a bulldog, and a shitzu... My dogs hate getting bathed, and I hate bathing them just as much. I had to go find the special shampoo for the Molly, the westie, towels, other dog shampoo, and the dogs. They hide in the most inconvenient places from me!
First I washed Bacchus, the bulldog. After he shook off and got me all wet, I had to walk him un and down my street to dry him off. Then I put his leash on the gate and washed the rest of the dogs.
My mom also makes me blowdry the dogs... (yeah. really.)
I brought one in to get dried and when I came bad, Molly and Bacchus were both covered in dirt.
 Of course.

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/25513453

Class Reflection

When my class was told that we were stranded on an island with no adults or anything...
First, we elected a leader. Then, we assigned jobs for each person... And living situations... It seemed pretty stale, but if we were actually stranded on an island... I don't think we would last that long.
We would disagree on one thing and probably split into two groups and create some battle and end up killing everyone...
Everyone also forgot about the first graders that are stranded with us... what is our plan for them?


this week
- I read Lord of the Flies for 46 minuets
-Short story work 1 hour

Reading update

I am still reading "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green
I haven't had much time to read it the past two weeks. But I read a total of one hour and 20 minutes.
I read and annotated short stories for 50 minutes.

Personal Question

What makes someone want to recommend a book to someone?

Reading Post

I read an hour and 30 minutes of "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green
It is pretty interesting so far. I am wondering if this book has the same plot pattern as Green's other books that I have read. Nothing too unusual so far. But I will have to keep reading to find out!

Blog Comments

Date of Comment	Title	My Post
9-5-13 7:37 P.M.	9-3-13 Cole’s Blog Divergent- Don’t judge a book by it’s cover	Cole, I know exactly what you mean. I hated it at first because I was so close-minded about sci-fi. But I did indeed like it after the romance kicked in! - Nina
8-25-13  2:34 P.M.	8-21-13 Ellie’s Blog The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo	I know how you feel! I am such a slow reader. And volleyball does make it hard to get all my homework done. Especially reading! But if I do find a book that is "catchy" I honestly can't put it down!
9-28-13 1:29 P.M.	9-22-13 Ellie’s Blog Allie’s Thoughts	I really like how it doesn't flat out say, "My parents were killed by a drunk driver" it takes small pieces and shows the reader instead. The second paragraph is really sad too, but it attaches the reader to the character. I really want to read your short story when you write it.
8-28-13 1:25 P.M.	8-23-13 Claudia’s Blog Character Before Sleep	What a great idea! And "He's number 32, such a cute number" Can't wait to see your short story.
8-18-13 5:58 P.M.	8-14-13 Maddie’s Blog MY TERRIBLE WEEK :(	I know how you feel... I'm having a pretty wretched week as well.
9-25-13 2:13 P.M.	9-25-13 Maddie’s Blog (Not Titled)	I love the tone of voice this has. I can imagine your voice saying it. I saw a raccoon at a plantation and it scared me so much! It was eating dog food and ran right towards me! I ran for my life.
8-5-13  7:28 P.M.	8-2-13 Wonderer and Ponderer  Reading and Working	Kaylin, I think it is very neat that you are furthering you're reading into social studies. What is your topic? Love reading your posts, Nina.
Sept.-3-13 8:30 P.M.	Aug-25-13 Nina’s Notes My BRFTY Experience (Comment response to Cole)	Well Jack was a freshman... so I think I was about 8 or 7...

Short Stories

I had a bit of difficulty following a few of the short stories. Because they are short, they take the whole time to introduce the character, setting, and plot all mixed together. A lot of the stories, I have realized, are mocking something. The stories are a way for other people to understand or find the humor in other situations.
I found "Dry September" especially hard because it was told by 3rd person. But there were many characters and nobody knew the actual truth. It shows both sides of the story but not the story. Everyone has an assumed idea of what actually happened and they don't car to listen to the other side.
The short stories were very interesting to read and try to follow.
Highlighting is helpful, but I get carried away and end up highlighting everything. I like annotating, though, It keeps me interested.

I read a total of 2 hours reading and annotating short stories.
20 minutes reading "An Abundance of Katherines" By John Green

Looking For Alaska by John Green

*Do not read if you are reading or plan to read "Looking For Alaska" or "The Fault in Our Stars"
(Which EVERYONE should read...)

This week, I finished "Looking For Alaska." Like John Green's other book, "The Fault in Our Stars," it played with my emotions. John Green
The climax of both books are the love interests dying. Right when you get attached to them and then you find out they are gone. Then he shows how the main character and everyone else react and cope with their death. After they are gone, the books become gloomy and overcast.The things they were in all the time seemed lifeless. We realize we took those moments with them for granted. John Green's books don't really end until they find some relief.
I am planing on reading another John Green book. I have yet to pick, I hope it is as meaningful and interesting as these two.

I read for 4 hours and 13 min this week. Completing Looking For Alaska by John Green

Character Voice

(Character with anxiety)
I have to get a good night sleep tonight. I have a big day ahead of me. Everything is going to be so much fun! I can't wait! ...
What if my friends don't show up... or my dress doesn't fit?...
WHAT IF I GET SICK?!?! Oh no! Am I getting sick?
Is it hot in here?
What if he changes his mind about me? What if he doesn't want to go with me?
What if he has already told me and I just wasn't listening or he forgets to pick me up all together?!?
Why is it so cold in here?!?
I need to calm down. ...
Since when is it 12:54? Im going to be exhausted tomorrow.
Great.

Narative

I don't think I need to change any names in my narrative. I think it would be cool to have a picture of my D'var Torah (what I wrote about). Im not really sure what I could add to make it more fun or cool... Maybe a wordle would be cool, or some parts from Numbers 11... I don't honestly know....
I will need to find my speech ...
-Nina

Dialog Texting Mom

  10:00 AM 4-13-13
Mom: Where are you?
Me: Looking 4 u... Where might i find you?
Mom:
 11:49 AM 4-14-13
Mom: Are you doing homework?
Me: Mom, it is a weekend, I am at the pool.
Mom:
 2:15 PM 4-16-13
Mom: Why aren't you answering your phone?
Me:
 2:25 PM 4-16-13
Me: Mom, i just got out of school... My phone was off...
Mom: Ok sweaty
 2:12 PM 4-17-13
Mom: Hi  bunny!
Me:

(This isn't a real conversation, it is an exaggerated conversation...)

Looking For Alaska By John Green

* Spoilers, Predictions, etc. are in this blog post... Do Not Read If You Plan to or Are Reading The Fault in Our Stars...

After reading The Fault in Our Stars, I decided to read another book by John Green. I am currently reading Looking For Alaska.
So far I have seen a lot of similarities in these books. John Green uses metaphors to carry his stories. In The Fault in Our Stars, the character, Gus, is a big fan of metaphors. In Looking For Alaska, a character, The Colonial, says Alaska "lives for pretentious metaphors".
This slightly worries me. Gus and Alaska are both the narrators' love interests. In The Fault in Our Stars, Gus dies...  I haven't reached the rising action in Looking For Alaska yet... But I can guess from the title, something is going to happen to Alaska.
Also, there is a part in Looking For Alaska that speaks about Emperor Augustus. Who used to be on some Roman coins with "Filius Dei" underneath. Which means Son of God.
(So I looked up which book was written first )
Looking For Alaska was written long before The Fault in Our Stars. I wonder if the character Augustus is based from this book.
I am eager to finish this book to see what happens to Alaska.

-Nina

September 10-16, 2013 

I read for 270 minutes, I am 42% into Looking For Alaska

The Fault in Our Stars (last entry for this book)

Last night, I finished The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

I had very high expectations for this book. John Green did a really great job with describing the characters. I became attached to everyone immediately. Everything Hazel did intrigued me. The deeper I got into the pages, the more attached I got. I can see why everyone who recommended it to me did.

I liked this book because the story was fiction, but the topic wasn't sugar coated. It wasn't a story about a strong girl everyone loved and she also wasn't an inspiration to everyone. (But she inspires me.) She didn't expect people to baby her and tell her it is okay. She had a very real view on her Cancer.

The Fault in Our Stars doesn't have a happy ending. I do agree with my friend, Emma, who recommended it to me: It is a real ending. It isn't a stupid love story where everything is happy and fake. It is real life relatable. It is a melancholy story. I followed the story of two young people fall in love,  everything is flawed but they try to make the best of it.

It touches me that Hazel didn't want to be the one who hurts Augustus with her soon to be death. In the end, she realizes he was the one to hurt her.

3 hours and 16 minutes of reading The Fault in Our Stars 

(finished)

http://www.lovelaughterinsanity.com/2012/07/fault-in-our-stars-john-green.html

The Fault in Our Stars

I didn't really have time to read as much as I did last week. I am really enjoying it though. As I read on, I see more and more reasons why people have recommended it to me. I have even recommended it to my friend.
I have gotten into the romance in the book. I am really starting to get attached to the characters. I can also feel something bad coming. I am dreading the turning point because I do not want my OTP [one true pair... (favorite fictional couple...)]to get messed up. I know that there is something bad coming because Green has kept the pace of the book fairly light. I just hope the the problems can be resolved and end on high notes.

I read for 2 hours and 30 minutes. I am 75% through.

Daily Thought...

When I went to my old school, I used to pass a billboard that said, "If not you, who?" everyday on my way home from school... I am at a different school now. Three years after graduation, I passed that same sign, but it had been changed... To an advertisement for the "McChicken Sandwich"...

What Makes Someone Want to Recommend a Book? - The Fault in Our Stars Response

I am reading The Fault in Our Stars by John Green for outside reading. It was recommended to me by many people. Now that I have read half of it, I can see exactly what compelled them to recommend it to me. Green's book includes so many relatable topics but even more topics or experiences that I could never imagine happening to me.  

My best friend, Hannah, recommended it to me this past summer. Her dad was diagnosed with cancer in his arm and kidney.  Hannah was exposed to Cancer and the possibility of losing her dad all the time. She could understand how the children and friends of cancer patients feel. She loved reading The Fault In Our Stars because she could relate. She recommended it to me because my grandmas both were diagnosed in the same year. 

My friend, Emma, recommended it because it is realistic. She likes it because it isn't a "stupid love story." Everything isn't happy and fake, bad things happen. Life goes on. She said it was "real life relatable." 

"The Fault In Our Stars" by John Green

6 hours 

(read on kindle) I read 50%

My BRFTY Expierience

When I went to bed last night, I didn't expect to be woken at 5 AM with my lights flashing on and off with the older members of BRFTY (Baton Rouge Federation of Temple Youth) screaming "WAKE UP!" But I also didn't know I could have that much fun in Baton Rouge before the sun rises.

After I was dressed, in the allowed five minuets, I left my house and got in the unfamiliar and small car. Another Freshman, Isaac, was already there waiting. He was not very happy about the unexpected wake up. Isaac's sister was assigned to wake us up. We drove to a secret location (The LSU Lakes) in silence. The car was very small and I didn't want to be "that-person-who-takes-too-much-room-in-the-car," so I was pressed against the car door. We were there early. The board members introduced themselves first, then the freshmen. We all walked to the damp sand and were chased by an angry goose. The goose was funny to watch, he/she poked out his/her chest and looked to the left and ran. This goose had way better posture than me. At a moment like this, surrounded by all my new and old Jewish friends, by a calm lake, waiting for the sun to rise... all I could think was "This would make a really great vine," (of course) We still had and hour until sunrise. My friend, Henry, and I had a sand fight. It goth everywhere, in my mouth, ears, nose, hair, EVERYWHERE. It was such a fun experience. Even though the sky was too cloudy when the sun actually started to rise. 

I didn't even expect what was going to happen this morning. I remember when my brother was a freshman. I heard voices one morning and thought they were from my aunts. (who live in New Orleans and not Baton Rouge) Then Jack left and I walked into the room where my parents were and asked who was here. They calmly told me he had been "kidnapped". I didn't even think twice about it.  Not until this morning when it was happening to me. This whole experience was crazy, I still have sand in my ear! I feel closer to the people in BRFTY, now. I am also really excited about the next four years. I am more even comfortable with the idea of being in high school, driving, and becoming a member on the board when I am a senior or a junior. 

The Knife of Never Letting Go Response

This Summer, I read The Knife of Never Letting Go. I really hated it in the beginning. I didn't like how things were spelled wrong. Once the plot picked up a little, I started to really like this book. I could not put it down! I felt the feelings Todd, the main character, felt. This book has a fast pace without any rests.

The action was non-stop! I don't really like books with action but I really enjoyed all the intensity in this. I could never guess what was about to happen. Many of my favorite characters died. I didn't like that very much, but Todd and Viola kept going. They didn't ever stop. Thats why the ending is so disappointing. Todd and Viola are so close to finding what they have been looking for, and then Viola is shot! Everything is at an upward slope and then everything suddenly drops! And everything they worked for was over. I was so disappointed. But I guess thats why there is a second book. I hope everything is resolved in the next books!

Free Blog

Hello! I'm Nina.
I am so excited to be starting my first year in high school! I am expecting it to be very hard. So far, I have noticed I have a lot more freedom than I had in middle school. I am just getting the hang of knowing my schedule and where my classes are. Unfortunately, my classes are spread out all over campus. I have to walk all over!

 It is also nice having an hour long lunch period... because the line for food takes about 20 minutes or more! After I eat lunch I can do work I need to do in the library. I can also see my friends that I don't have any classes with... I am excited to be in Dr. D's english class. I'm also excited about blogging in english class... (even though this post is late)  Other than that, I am ready to work hard!