Express It... final draft for english essay. 12/19/12

 Dallice Johnson
Mr. Gowans
Language Arts 12
December 13, 2012

Express It

The book Anthem by Ayn Rand is the story of Equality 7-2521, who lives in a society which is striving to destroy all individuality and inequality, therefore causing the community to revert back to times without the technology we have today. Not only do they live without such utilities as phones, cars and even light bulbs but they are forbidden to think about them for they are called the creations of the “unmentionable times.” The society leaders went so far in trying to remove individualism from the community as to take names away. Equality discovered a hole in the ground one day, and tunnel left over from the “Great Rebirth” (where they burned everything from the unmentionable times) and spent much time there. It was there he found the elements he needed to create what is known today as a light bulb. This would be considered to be a serious transgression in the eyes of the council, yet Equality 7-2521 was shocked to find out that the council was not impressed with this discovery. In return they threatened horrid consequences for his sins. Equality was forced to run away, light in hand, so that he and his invention could live and progress. He was followed by a girl, Liberty 5-3000 (The Golden One) they had been friends -despite the fact it was a transgression to have any preference- in the life he had known before his escape. As they traveled together through the Uncharted Forest they fell in love, a feeling no one the the society had known until then. Although the world council made every effort to enforce equality among the members it became apparent that Equality 7-2521 had a need to exercise his individuality. In the same sense that Jonas, from The Giver (by Lois Lowry) learns that equality in his society is not as great as it looks. Jonas grew up thinking all was well in his community, he had an accepting family unit, he liked his schooling and enjoyed the volunteer hours he performed each day. After accepting his assignment as the new Receiver, he gained the knowedge of many pleasures that he had never known because the society had forgotten the times and memories from before the creation of this perfect society. Jonas learns of love and what its like to feel love, he then learns that at home with his family unit he cannot feel the love of his family. Love is not something they know. Jonas then comes to love the baby, Gabe who stays with them. Release is a term the use for the old, weak, or sinners; Jonas always thought it to be a good, noble term and must be a noble action that takes place. Release, taught to all citizens as a wonderful and beautiful thing, because of the new responcibilities Jonas comes to find that it’s a lie told to every member. Release is simply the forced death of a citizen.  Jonas decides that the community has the wrong idea about perfect. He and the Giver collaborate a plan to change the society so that the could know of the pain as well as pleasures of the past. Jonas learned that expressing his individuality is part of life. Both The Giver and Anthem show proof that expressing Individuality is essential, even if it promotes inequality.

An expression of individuality is an important aspect in life without it everyday life turns to chaos and havoc. In our very own society we can see the proof of the aforementioned statement, think for a moment of high school students being forced to conform to a school dress code or behavior policy. How often are the students rebellious against regulations and policies set by superiors. The truth is people need to have the ability to express themselves. Take for instance, the novel Anthem, that ability was taken from the members of the society. Equality 7-2521 had found the tunnel and is explaining how he feels about his new transgression, “We are false in the eyes of our brothers... yet there is no shame in us and no regret” (Rand 36-37). Not only does Equality 7-2521 rebel against the society by choosing to continue visiting the tunnel he also knows he is wrong in doing so but does not care enough to change to conform to the guidelines of his community. Without the permission to express himself Equality 7-2521 turned to a life of hiding and secrets with deepened his lies and rebellion, In life it is necessary to have the ability to express individuality.

A lack of individuality creates a wall for progression; in both novels it is apparent that their strife for equality limits their access to technology. Anthem proves this easily; their society is limited to a maximum technology of candlesticks. Although the community in The Giver is much more advanced than Anthem they both lack the technology of today. Jonas and his family unit along with the rest of the community members ride bicycles for their transportation rather than a car such as we use today. Progress in society derives from ideas, originally ideas must come from an individual. Equality tries to use his idea to better his society, but when he presents his idea for progress in technology with a light bulb to the World Council of Scholars they shut him down saying, “How dared you think that your mind held greater wisdom” (Rand 71).Without the ability to express individuality no progression can take place in any society.

Strife for equality is like looking for dry ground beneath the ocean’s surface. There have been countless attempts to be rid of inequality. Examples include but are not limited to the Extermination of the Jews, Soviet Russia and even our present day “Obama-care,” All of which either have failed or will shortly. This because of one simple truth, true equality is unobtainable. Another example being The Giver, the society created in this book is thought to be perfect, equal and unstoppable. Even in this world (supposedly completely equal) there is flaw. It is stated by one of the elders at the ceremony of twelve “We acknowledge differences. You elevens have spent all your years till now learning to fit in… but today we honor your differences” (Lowry 51-52). An Elder,  leader of this equal society states that there are differences even in their community. It is inevitable, where there are people, differences are found. There is no possible way to create true equality. Along with the perfect society in The Giver, we also have the perfect society in Anthem, where it is considered a transgression to acknowledge differences or show preferences, but of course they cannot escape the differences, each person is given an individual job to serve the community. In order to create complete sameness among the citizens it would be necessary for everyone to have the same job, perform the same tasks and that would simply be ridiculous and useless. Neither book showed success in sameness because it is an impossible request.

Equality seems like a wonderful idea to some, looks good on paper. The truth is, equality is not fantastic in reality. Individuality promotes a healthy environment, allows progress in a society and is important to have a successful community. Demanding equality ensures a period of rebellion from each member of the society. Even the closest attempt at equality does not compare to the true definition of equality because equality is not obtainable. Although individuality diminishes equality, it is an essential part to life and must be preserved in order for a society at large including each individual to prosper.

 

 

 

 

 

Works Cited

Lowry, Lois. The Giver. New York: Dell Laurel-Leaf, 1993. Print.

Rand, Ayn. Anthem. Student Edition. New York: Penguin Group, 1961. Print.

blog post 13

Another poem for make up work.
When I first met you
I felt like I had known you forever,
telling you my secrets
and what I didn't want ever.
you listened to me
I bet you thought I'd never end,
who would have thought
we would become more than just friends.
Over a period of time,
I got to know the real you.
A boy so caring and gentle,
with a heart so true.
You've survived your life
with hurt and loneliness by your side.
I told you I'd never leave
because of the feelings I have inside.
I know you
like no one I have ever known,
and sometimes I wonder
what I'd do if you were gone?
So I have decided
time answers all.
If it is meant to be
time will remove the wall.
I love the way we are together,
you can always make me smile.
Will it ever really be forever?
I guess I will have to wait awhile.
Time will reveal, what lies ahead
but always remember
what I have said.
Meeting you has changed my life
and I really love you so,
the feelings I feel for you
I am never letting go.
Remember me always
and I will too.
I always think of
me and you

Source: When I First Met You, A Love Poem For Him, I Know You http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/when-i-first-met-you#ixzz2FWngfThT
www.FamilyFriendPoems.com

make up work for my missing post #12

Eyes turned as I peeked through the door to my Algebra class. The teacher stood and directed the students attention to the door upon my arrival. "Class, this is EmmaRae Atwood, of Blue Springs, Georgia." The students stared with disapproval, I glanced down seeing my boots, tan legs and light cut off shorts. Suddenly becoming embarrassed as I realize that California does take a liking to southern gals like me. Tears welled in my eyes as I took my seat near the front of the class room. I was surrounded by girls wearing "Prada" and "Bebe" whatever that is. All the boys in this class room were dressed in clothing I had only seen in movies and T.V. shows about rich stuck up snobs. Every person around me (including the kind lady teacher that introduced me) in this school looked like they had walked straight out of a runway magazine. I definitely didn't belong here.
Walking to my Advanced English class seemed to be the most miserable and drug out walk of shame. Stares from teachers and students pierced through me. What kind of forsaken Barbie/Ken Doll was this? How was it that so many smart beautiful and wealthy teens lived so close together and all came to Berkley Hall Academy? The halls in this school were perfectly lit, all the lockers perfectly uniform. I felt as though I had been moved to some sort of flawless utopia. At that moment I missed my home on the farm. I missed waking every morning to the crow of a rooster at day light. Everything that had been my life before was now morphed into this fairytale NIGHTMARE. A week ago I would have never guessed I would be going to a private (on campus only) school.
Days passed and nothing changed. Stares came in with the no decrease in number. After two weeks of feeling out of place I woke up in my dorm one day and looked in the mirror. The gal with freckles staring back at me reminded to much of the kids at school, even i was unimpressed with my reflection. I raced to the on campus market place. I stacked my basket with ribbon, makeup, and jeans.... To Be Continued

This Journey is Our Journey. weekly blog post=make up work #11

    Hmmmm, this is a poem I wrote. I am going to use it as my weekly blog post for the week after Thanksgiving because I am missing that week and the next week so here is one make up assignment. (be prepared, my poem doesn’t rhyme.)
I have tried, but I never seem to get things quite right.
My mistakes never began with poor intentions, yet my guidance to each situation have been all but successful.
Tears and heartache have become the products of my works, my sorry and pitiful excuses of works.
My failures are great, but no more, I refuse to let myself fail This Journey.
This Journey is to be enjoyed, not one to further cause my distress, pain and weakness.
I cannot lose, I refuse.
This Journey is a promise to my happiness, and my promise of success.
My joy will come only from that triumphant day as I stand among the success of my persistance.
This Journey ensures my hope and happiness.
It is now my only goal, I am not afraid to admit that I am allowing myself to become entirely consumed by this new obsession, This Journey.
I will remain unashamed as I proclaim This Journey is my passion.
This journey became and will forever be mine.
I love This Journey, every moment of it.
My times of worry, my times of doubt all vanished when This Journey began.
You, My Journey, are my happiness.
I know I make mistakes, most of which are completely crazy.
For that I am sorry.
I am learning to be better though, learning from you.
And eventually my persistence will pay off, my attempts are something worth our time, not like my past failures.
I will not deny my failure are great in number.
Yet, I will not allow myself to fail this time, you are my strength, hope and every moment of my happiness.
I will not fail This Journey, because, I love you Cody.
This Journey means everything--you mean everything.
And This Journey will not end without a smile resting upon both of our faces.
I will not give up on This Journey
This is Our Journey.

THE END:)

I Can't Find Mommy Weekly post #9

I was eight years old the spring of 2003, a happy young girl with plenty of friends. I had a happy home -or what I thought to be a happy home- and loving family. I couldn’t have been more content with my life. One day after coming home from school I walked in the door to my grandmothers house, something wasn’t quite right. I remember the solemn looks on my family members faces, tear stains on my dad and grandmas cheeks threw up a red flag that something terrible had happened. I was confused why no one would tell me what was going on. I remember thinking how much I hated when my mom was gone out of town, because it always seemed like its when I needed her the most, she always tried to help me understand things that no one else would try to explain to me.

My younger sister, Taylor and I were sent to one of the spare bedrooms, we curled up on the bed and waited impatiently for someone to enter the room. I tried to comfort Tay, telling her that when mommy came back from her trip out of town she would help us understand. I ran my fingers of her back to calm her, as I had learned to do so by watching my mom to it countless time for her. “Everything will get better sis, dont worry.” I repeated over and over in an attempt to bring peace to her mind, as well as my own.

           Much time passed and Tay and I had fallen asleep on the small bed. My grandmother and my moms close friend, Katie entered the room waking me, I tapped Taylor on the back. She woke up easily and waited for someone to explain. We were then told we had lost our mommy.

Our Potential Beauty. Weekly blog pist #8

        As I was sitting in my room with my laptop mini on my desk I pondered on what to write tonight for my weekly blog post. I remembered that I needed to whiten my teeth this week, so i went to my closet and found my bleach trays in my vanity drawers, I then put the whitening paste in the trays and put the foul tasting, gag worthy bleach in my mouth. I began to wonder why anyone would do this-why would i do this? It seems to me that beauty (or societies opinion. Society today paints a distinct picture of beauty, girls today have the media to look to for an example of what they themselves should look like. We model ourselves after these fashion icons, whose pictures are edited and airbrushed until the point they no longer look like people but more or less look like mannequins. Women go to ridiculous measures to mimic the looks of girls on the cover of the magazines, unaware that these girls are almost completely FAKE! Girls starve themselves, spend outrageous amounts of money, and even do things that may potentially harm them in striving to reach the same level of beauty that these photoshopped women have. It may seem worth the pain money and emotional trauma to “fix” ourselves to look like the fashion icons, but it isn’t! From this point on I will refuse to let myself fall into the pit of finding fake beauty, starting with taking out these bleach trays!

         I look in the mirror, My gums are now raw and a deep shade of red, almost bleeding, but my teeth are not quite the glowing white that I was hoping for. I place the trays back on my teeth, the taste making me gag. I need to look nice for school tomorrow I think, someone else can care some other time, but as me, I sure will have some pretty, pearly whites!

love through popcorn Weekly post #7

Today I received a box of popcorn I had ordered from my brother, Ransom. Now, I do not really like popcorn all that much. I don’t enjoy eating it at all, but I ordered some anyway. The look on Ransoms face when I ordered from the boy scout fundraiser was worth the thirty-five dollars I paid to get popcorn I don’t like. I wondered while sitting at my table staring at the popcorn I would three large bags of popcorn I would most likely never eat, why in the world did I i order this much popcorn? Then the memory of me filling out my order form, Ransom stood there gleaming with excitement as I wrote down the dollar amount that was due, as well as the kind of popcorn I decided would be the best. Isn’t wonderful to have the support of a family, especially as a young child with a fundraiser. It is so important to show love to children through doing simple things such as ordering popcorn. Not only did my purchase show love to my little brother but my purchase helps the scouting program. A simple
(sometimes seemingly pointless) act can make all the difference to a child, group, or community.

"Thanks to Gowans" Weekly Blog Post #6

       Blogging? Let me tell you how reluctant i was to make a blogspot account for my english class. I thought Mr. Gowans was CRAZY to expect us to actually do the work he gave us for his Language arts class in the first place not to mention he expected us to do weekly blog posts along side the assignments he would normally give us. I remember thinking how ridiculous he was acting, the third or fourth week of school we made our blogs and were required to write and publish a 200 word post for the blog! I was irate. Where does he think he is? I wondered if he knew he was teaching students at GRHS. We had rarely be required to do anything for school. Now just after the first quarter has ended i find myself enjoying my english blogspot so much that i have even made my own writing blog! I give credit to my AMAZING English teacher, Mr. Gowans. Thank you so much for requiring me to live up to my potential! If anyone is interested in reading some fun short story ideas or possibly critiquing some of my entrees feel free to visit. Happily Ever After.

Relaince (Final draft) due oct 22

    In the story of “Chango,” Bony is a grown man, living in the comfort of his parents home. He finds a severed monkey head “Chango.” Time that could be used to better his own life is then spent with garbage. “Train Time” is a short story of Major Miles and Eneas, Eneas lives on an indian reservation taking care of the elder indians. Major miles finds interest in the boy because he is so willing to share his time to take care of others. The story of “What You Pawn I Will Redeem” is a vignette about a homeless indian man, Jackson Jackson ( or Jackson squared) and his quest to buy back his grandmothers regalia he found in a pawn shop window. The regalia had been stolen from his grandmother long ago because it had been so long Jackson felt it was his duty to return it to his family. He is given 20 dollars by the pawn store owner to start him off on his journey. These three short stories are evidence that people in society are often too dependant and reliant causing them to be selfish and lazy, those that are independent are successful.
     Bony find a friendship with a monkey head he discovered in his parents front yard. He lives off his father and mothers money, Bony does not have a job, house or family of his own. He is an example of someone who is too dependant, he cannot survive in the world without the safety of his parents. His parents often ask him when he will start caring about his life. They tell bony to do something with his life. His father's opinion is clear “Bony needed to stop lying in his calzoncillos [underwear] every morning and go out and find a job, earn some money” (Casares, Chango, 42). Bony is solely dependant on his parents for his shelter nourishment and entertainment. He is a man, not a young boy. He has found little success in his life, and has become very lazy and selfish, not only does he not do anything for his own benefit but does not care that having a monkey head in the yard takes away from his mother’s business, “What were her customers going to say? Who would want to buy perfume from a woman living with such an ugly thing in her front yard” (Casares, Chango, 42). Bony has no sympathy for his mother, of course she isn’t pleased with her son keep trash by allowing a dead money to stay at there home. Bony was shows nothing but apathy for the situation, “He was getting by, except for his parents hassling him about finding a job he didn’t have any complaints” (Casares, Chango, 42). Not only does Bony not care that his actions are negatively affecting his family but is annoyed with them when they show love by encouraging him to do better with his life. Bony has become selfish and completely lazy.
     Eneas is the opposite of lazy, he fends for himself and still finds the time and energy to take care or the Elder Indians. Major Miles recruits/finds kids on the Indian Reservation to send to school outside the reservation in order to give them an opportunity to have a successful life. “Something about the boy made Major Miles forget his determination to depart. Perhaps it was his wordlessness, his uncomplaining wordlessness” (McNickle, Train Time, 93). Eneas does not complain about the work he does. This made Major Miles care about him, Eneas wasn’t some punk for a kid. Major Miles “had decided that day that he would help the boy in anyway possible, because he was a boy of quality” (McNickle, Train Time, 93). Eneas showed independence in his life, this was noticed by others and rewarded. Major Miles picked Eneas to be sent to school and receive an experience that would almost guarantee a successful life for him.
     Jackson Jackson wanders through town everyday, one day he stumbles upon a pawn store that has a traditional Indian Regalia in the window. He enters the pawn store to find out how much the pawnbroker is asking for the item. He explains to the pawnbroker that it was stolen from his grandmother when she was young and that he cannot spend much money on it because he only has five dollars in change, the pawnbroker decides to sell the regalia to Jackson for a very low price if he could come up with the money by noon the next day. Then the man handed him twenty dollars and wished him luck. “I carried the twenty-dollar bill and our five dollars in loose change over to the 7-eleven and spent it” (Alexie, What You Pawn I Will Redeem, 442). The first thing Jackson did with the money given to him was spend it, he continued this irresponsible behavior for the rest of the day till the point he drank himself silly at a bar and was waken up by a police officer the next day on the train tracks. He begged and begged for money “Do you have any money I can borrow?” (Alexie, What you Pawn I Will Redeem, 443). The money he received from begging he spent, he was reliant on others to pay for the regalia, but then the money went wasted. Jackson returned to the pawn shop at noon that day with only five dollars and then the pawnbroker gave it to him for the five dollars. This indirectly encourages the selfish lazy and irresponsible behavior exhibited in the story of Jackson Jackson.
     These stories are evidence that laziness and selfishness are a result of people in society being reliant on others and in turn they reap what they have sown and eventually find themselves living an unsuccessful life full of disappointment and dismay. To avoid this, it would be wise to follow the example of Eneas in the story “Train Time” by being self reliant and caring about others, then will be the reward of others caring for those that care for themselves and show it by being independent.

Saddle Up Weekly Post #5

        “Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyways.” -John Wayne.  
         I have chosen this quote to represent me this year in the 2012-2013 Green River High School Yearbook because I’m a country girl. I love to ride my horse, Dear Prudence. It takes bravery to be able to look at something you have a fear towards and go ahead with a goal in mind and achieve it. In life we can look at fears as something to overcome rather than flee from the problem. Many people look at their fears and run, these people never learn to use that disadvantage of fear to their own benefit. The feeling of accomplishment that comes after overcoming a trial is worth the struggle it takes to beat the conflict at hand. Choosing to “saddle up anyways” gives the person an upper hand in life. Learning to have fears and overcome them is a very useful tool that everyone can use in daily life.

You are how old, and have a boyfriend? weekly post#4

          Lately I have heard many complaints from children about their relationships. I see on social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter, post and tweets about how awful their boyfriend/girlfriend is treating the along with the “I love you so much” posts. To me this is absurd! They wonder why their relationships aren’t working out. Hello children, its because you are in 6th and 7th grade! Your relationship isn’t successful because you are not emotionally stable enough to handle your own issues let alone having to share someone else’s problems. Many parents set restrictions for their kids by not allowing them to date until they are at least 15 or 16, if not older. I give props to these parents, they are wise. Children should not date, youth should wait until they’re of an age where they are both physically mature and emotionally stable for the following three reasons; it can have a negative effect on their social development, it is the cause to many childhood cases of depression and distracts them from what is really important in their lives at the time. For these reasons I support parents who encourage their children to not date until an age at which they are mature enough to handle the added responsibilities that come with dating. 

Dream BIG Baby (Weekly Post)

I’ve been thinking, what if one day we wake up as babies and realize this was all just one BIG dream. Nothing would be the same, would it? Nothing in my dream would have been real. Right now, this all could be a dream. Having a teacher that gives us tons of homework, turning it in later than midnight on Sunday because your computer kept restarting, wondering about a big dream, they would all just be part of a fantasy that our imagination has made up for us while we rest. It is amazing to think that this could possibly not even be a real day in my life. Now of course i don't believe that my theory is correct in anyway but more of just an interesting idea that my mind thought of one day while i was laying in the sand at the beach. If this life was just one dream that gave me a preview to my life, there is no way i would be the same person. I would make completely different choices, I would make a list of what boys and girls to stay away from throughout the rest of my real life, but then again I am happy now and i guess thats what matters. So if this was just a big dream i would be extra careful to make exactly the same decisions in life to insure that i would be this happy then as well as now. I can’t imagine life any different than how it is right now. Life would just be dandy, other than having to experience going through puberty for a second time.

A Complimant to Felice (responce paper)

    Cleofilas married a man named Juan Pedro expecting her life to become a T.V. show sort of life. While pregnant with her second child Cleofilas and her husband fight until it becomes violent and she is abused. Despite her earlier promise to herself that she would defend herself if she was ever put in that situation she is shocked to find herself being hit by her husband. She goes to an appointment for her baby and breaks down telling her doctor what has been happening between her and her husband. Her doctor, Graciela makes arrangements with a friend to take her to the bus station, so that she can escape from the abuse of her husband. Felice picks Cleofilas up at Cash-N-Carry in a pickup truck. Cleofilas is immediately impressed with her choice of vehicle. “Felice was like no woman she’d ever met” (Cisneros 605). This is a compliment from Cleofilas to Felice because she is an independant woman, she is outgoing and she is kind hearted.
Felice drives a pickup truck, and bought and picked it out for herself. “when Cleofilas asked if it were her husbands, she said she didn't have a husband” (Cisneros 604). To be a grown woman without a husband is unusual for this culture, not to mention that Felice drove a pickup. It was hers and only hers, not just a possession of some man. This shows Felice’s independence, as well as her success as a single independent woman.
Felice lives her life in the moment, another desirable trait that Cleofilas notices in the short time that she spends with Felice. “when they drove across the arroyo, the driver opened her mouth and let out a yell as loud as a mariachi” (Cisneros 604). Felice is driving her truck over the creek and lets out a scream, although Cleofilas finds it strange that she burst out readers can infer from her behavior that she enjoyed it, and was not just scared because of it. Another instance of Felice’s outgoing personality is the root cause of her being included in the story, she gave up her time in the heat of the moment to help Cleofilas. Someone she had never met before.
This is also the example for her kind heartedness. Felice had no idea who this woman was, all she knew is that she needed help. It didn’t take her long to agree to help out Cleofilas after being informed about her situation. She put her own needs behind her to help with someone else’s problems. Felice’s act was selfless and kind. Something to be admired by all, not only Cleofilas.
In conclusion, Felice had many admirable traits found in the story “Woman Hollering Creek” Cleofilas notices a few and is naturally drawn to her kind heart, outgoing spirit, and successful independence; because we know a few things about Felice we can accurately guess that the statement “Felice was like no woman she’d ever known” (Cisneros 605). is a compliment from Cleofilas.

Analyzing the Population in the terms of Sociology

The United States is generally a society with an old population. Meaning the average age of the citizens are elderly. The age of the citizens directly influences the problems the government and fellow citizens encounter. For instance, in the US we are troubled with the thought of how we are to provide for the elderly.

          If the United States were a young population such as Mexico the problems would shift from the dilemma of health provisions for the elderly to those similar to Mexico. To explain, Mexico has an outrageous crime rate. The Crime all stems from one major factor. Drugs. To further explain, the drug cartels have caused increasingly worse and worse violent battles with one another, as well as the government. The violence leads to injury and murder. The problem with drugs continues the rising crime rate by also contributing to the small or impulse crimes, such as stealing or vandalism. These smaller crimes would follow the drug abuse due to the need of addicts and the results of the "highs" received from the drugs used by the addicts. along with the above crimes, the use and distributing drugs is a large part played in the amount of crime in young countries such as Mexico.
          By the country being a young population it would cause the problems the government deal with to change to ones similar to those experienced in countries with a young population, and the problems present would seem to almost disappear because of the focus on the bigger problem.

Green Grass Respoce Paper (silver pavements, golden roofs)

Jayanti was raised in Calcutta, India. “I’ve looked forward to this day for so long” (Divakaruni 37). She was glowing with excitement as she boarded the plane to Chicago, there she would meet up with her aunt and uncle. Jayanti had made arrangements with them to live with them as she attended a school at the University. She had many expectations for her new life. It wasn’t long before she came to the alarming conclusion “the grass is NOT always greener on the other side.”

Having been told by her family back in Calcutta that her dear aunt had married a man from America that owned his own automobile business, she made the assumption that she was going to live with a wealthy family. Jayanti was surprised to learn as she arrived at the Chicago airport that her initial accusation was not at all a reality. “Bikram-uncle is a short, stocky man dressed in greasy mechanic’s overalls that surprises me” (Divakaruni 38). Someone who she expected to be dressed well because of a false metal image she had made up for him surprised her by wearing what was normal apparel for him. This left her disappointed and confused at what to expect next.

Jayanti was expecting a nice house, one that would have been found in a magazine. When she came to her new home she was shocked to find that the house she expected was nothing but another false image her mind formed to satisfy her imagination. She took her suitcases to the room where she would stay, “it is the same size as my bathroom at home” (Divakaruni 41). Her room makes her think of the greatness of her house back home, she remembers her mother’s flowers that grew directly outside her bedroom window, The memory makes her want to cry.

Despite the major disappointment she has experienced, Jayanti still has hope. She expresses to her aunt how excited she is to have the opportunity to live in the U.S. and how she is grateful to be able to study at the university in the approaching fall. Her aunt is supportive of Jayanti’s excitement and encourages her by telling her how great she will do. Almost immediately her uncle turns the conversation around, making it negative but also showing the true reality of the matter. “Things here aren’t as perfect as people back home like to think... The Americans hate us” (Divakaruni 42-43). Although he could have been nicer about it, he had a point. He was honest about how he felt, he gave warning to Jayanti about how life is in the U.S.

The truth is things aren’t as perfect as people like to think, no matter where it may be that we are trying to escape to. Jayanti learned this lesson many times in the short story Silver Pavements, Golden Pavements. It is a lesson to be learned by all, the grass is NOT always greener on the other side.

"Horo-Hoax"

Upon gathering information about Sandra Cisneros for a report I am doing for my English class I found an online biography, it shared many facts you wouldn't ordinarily find in a bio. Things such as favorite brand of nail polish and what kind of shampoo and conditioner she uses. One fact listed was that she is a Sagittarius. This simple fact brought countless questions to my mind. I found myself wondering why we care about such things. My thoughts were consumed by ridiculous wonders about my own Zodiac Sign and those of others. How accurate are these horoscopes based on the Zodiac signs of each individual?

I decided to conduct my own test using the scientific process. First i formed my hypotheses. "Horoscopes based on Zodiac signs are highly accurate." Now to test my hypotheses by developing a way to measure my success and failures. I decided i would ask others i have been socially involved with what their Zodiac signs are, that way i could use the information i know about that persons recent behavior and their over all personality. Many of my peers agreed to be a part of my test, three of subjects I chose are students in my school that are very convinced that their horoscopes are correct.

Their behavior was synchronised with the prediction of their horoscope from the previous month. Other subjects that do not believe in such things had the same horoscope. Their actions and behavior had no correlation with their horoscope. Therefore i was able to adjust my hypotheses to fit the test results. "Those who believe that their lives follow the prediction of a horoscope tend to arrange their plans, behavior, and mood to fit the prediction. Others, not following the fad of horoscopes; have no correlation between the prediction and behavior." I believe (after this study) that Horoscopes would be better off named "horo-hoax."

 

Love in a Country Town

I was raised in a small country town, completely surrounded by miles and miles of fields. As a young girl living in a farm town I spent every possible second playin’ at the neighbor boys house or huntin’ and fishin’ with my dad. I guess you could say Im a country girl! Hats and boots included. In my opinion there ain’t a prettier sight than tractors plowin’ up the land as the sun comes up. I’m naturally drawn towards country boys, one in particular. He taught me a valuable lesson. No matter how much you love someone you can’t make them love you back.
December 2011, I was 17 at the time and had a small crush on this guy for quite a few years now. He being much older than I was unaware of this childhood crush. I was working at our local sub-shop BLIMPIE, located in the middle of little ol’ Green River. He would come in several times a day and pick up little snacks or drinks. I often caught myself staring at him, and I reckon the other girls I worked with noticed me stares as well because on December 28th one young lady working at the front counter confronted me about him. Gail is his age, she went to school with him and knows him very well due to the fact we live in a little hick town. She asked me what I thought about Carson John. (that’s his name) I replied by saying “Well, he is_” and before I could finish she was texting him telling him that I have a crush on him and that he should give me a chance. Carson John is 26, and one of the BIGGEST sweethearts I had ever met, or so I thought.
Weeks and months passed and I remained the happiest girl I had ever been, we had been texting and hanging out all the time. I thanked Gail everyday for letting my secret crush slip out. Although I never planned to, I was falling head of heals for this country boy. He made me so happy! Others were confused by this relationship that was developing, Carson John aint the best lookin’ guy around. He is kind of a bigger guy and I was often told that I was too good for him or that I was out of his league. I reckon that some people don’t understand that beauty aint always just skin deep. I found his true beauty beneath what everyone else could see.
March 16th, 2012, My parents were out of town. I texted my mom and asked if I could go get a soda with a friend, after 45 minutes of waiting for her response I justified my decision to go and called Carson John. He gladly agreed to going to get soda. We went to the gas station on main street where BLIMPIE is located. I went in and got two Pepsi’s, (our favorite soft drink)came back out to his truck. His smile made my whole day. As I stepped over the curb my boot clipped the cement and i almost face planted. I looked up to a chuckling Carson John in the drivers seat of his big farm truck. I got in, my face must have been the same shade of red as his truck! I had just embarrassed myself right in front of my Prince Charming. After we finally stopped our fit of laughter we continued our outing. He drove us down long street, then as we reached the designated city limits (where the road crosses the gravity ditch) he slowed down to an almost stop. He then lifted the center console and revealed another seat right next to him. my heart race as I switched to that seat and felt the warm presence of his arm around me. He smiled at me and kissed my head. I looked at the clock, 11:15 pm and already this was turning out to be the best date I had ever had. Our drive progressed as our date and the night continued. Carson John grinned with that cute crooked grin as he turned down an old back road. He parked the truck at one of the entrances to his one of many farms his family owns in town. He turned the truck off. He kissed me head then my cheek. I am positive that my smile was at least a mile wide. He turned to look at me, his eyes that irresistible dark brown. At that moment I knew I loved Carson John. He wrapped his arms around me and we drove back into town. I laid awake for the rest of that night thinking of how to approach the situation of falling in love.
I reckon it was not necessary for me to wonder about my situation because he already knew that “us” was indeed not what he wanted. He was not looking for a relationship with me, just a pal. So there I was, in love with mister Carson John, the man of my dreams and he didn’t give a lick about me. For months I tried and tried to convince him that “us” would be a good thing. I loved him and couldn’t bear the thought of not being with him. But try as I might I couldn’t make him feel the same way about me.
Growing up in a small town influenced the way I think, feel and view the world. Due to the activities i participated in as a young girl I have a natural attraction to the country and especially farm boys. I fell in love with Carson John. He taught me a lesson I will never forget. You can’t force someone to love you, no matter how much you love them.