Blog 6: Catch Her in the Oatmeal

When I moved to Woodcliff Lake six years ago, I was so excited about all of the new people and experiences I would enjoy. Woodcliff Lake is a little bit to far for me to have seen my old friends frequently and our schedules became so different. However, soon after moving here, I sensed that making new friends in fourth grade was not going to be as easy as I thought. Most of the people knew each other since preschool and all of the families were quite close. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised because I was close will all my friends for a long time before I moved here. It was only difficult for me. Both my mom and brother had a hard time settling in as well. The only person that seemed unaffected was my father, and that's because he still went to work in the same place everyday.

By nature, I am not a very outgoing person. I like to be around people and make new friends, but I am very cautious. Maybe the other kids felt that characteristic about me. I also enjoy time alone with myself to read and listen to music and be with my family. In time, my situation improved, but deep in my heart, I am not sure the move was best for me socially. Last week, I went to a college fair with hundreds of colleges represented and I bumped into so many of my friends from the old neighborhood. It was so good to see them. I can't believe how much we've all grown. Once I start driving, I know it will be easier to get together with some of my old friends more frequently.

I know I attend a fabulous high school, the groups that were close in fourth grade when I moved in are still together. I guess cliques are apart of every society, which includes schools. It is quite interesting to sit back and see all of the dynamics over time.

Blog 5: Caulfield's Lasting Voice

After reading the article critiquing Catcher in the Rye, I am looking forward to reading the book. Anytime there is controversy, there is usually interest and passion involved. The article discusses the emotions, behaviors, profanity, and language depicted in the book, which makes it controversial. The author seems as interesting as the story he writes. I don't think he will disappoint me and I will be as captivated as thousands before me.

The girl quoted in the last paragraph of the article is correct about people dealing with situations differently, especially during the coming of age years. We can try to learn from other people's experiences, either how to handle or how to not handle a situation. Last year, The Taming of the Shrew brought out divided opinions. We were divided in Shakespeare's role of women in the novel.

Blog 4: National Day on Writing PVRHS Gallery

Hemmingway Piece

By: Alecia Christiano

The author was depicting the situation well. The conversations flowed well and kept my interest. This was intended for anyone. It was a sad family situation, which was somewhat suspenseful. I would recommend that she proofread and spellcheck before submitting the document. I caught two very blatant typos. Overall, I thought it was enjoyable reading and I was anxious yet saddened to read the ending.

Blog 3: Family vs. Law

I agree with Wes that everyone has to pay for their crimes no matter who they are. Wes retells a story to David from when he was a young boy, which makes it more difficult to arrest Frank. Frank recalls that he and his friend were being chased by the Blackfoot brothers who were known to hurt people. As the brothers got closer, Wes saw his brother Frank and friends who saved him from an inevitable beating. Frank and his friends tried to catch the Indian brothers, but didn't. Frank was in the right place at the right time when Wes needed him the most. Wes could get Frank out of the mess that he is presently in, but he can't go against his convictions to do so. These are obviously more serious crimes and Wes is the sheriff.

Blog 2: Character Analysis

David Hayden is both the narrator and a main character in the book Montana 1948. By way of eavesdropping, David learns some horrible news about his Uncle Frank's inappropriate behavior. There is a lot of tension and talk in his house, but David's parents don't include him in the conversations. David understands that they do not include him because of his age and the subject matter, but he wants to know everything that's going on and wishes he could be directly involved. As much as David is unhappy with the turn of events in his life, until his parents have no choice but to include him, David seeks information in any way that he can.

Thank goodness I have never been in David's predicament, or anything like it. I always enjoy being part of family conversations and getting updated on what's new. I always ask my mom who she spoke with on the phone, and what's new, or what's going on, and she almost always shares with me. I think this need to be a part of family interactions becomes natural during the teenage years. I, like David, want to be included in the good and bad.