Linda+P



=June 3rd, MSN Chat= yllasi@naver.com (E-mail address not verified) says: I liked the book =D says: so how was the book sally? me too yllasi@naver.com (E-mail address not verified) says: how about you so touching story =D says: the author of the book was very imaginative yllasi@naver.com (E-mail address not verified) says: especially Cusi I agree =D says: i noe! I felt sorry for Cusi cuz yllasi@naver.com (E-mail address not verified) says: I wish I can read the same book again and again =D says: his parents died yllasi@naver.com (E-mail address not verified) says: yeah =D says: I know! sucha good book! yllasi@naver.com (E-mail address not verified) says: My favorite part was the ending where Cusi passed the test of finding the family =D says: what's ur favorite part of the book? hahaha  me too yllasi@naver.com (E-mail address not verified) says: kkkkk now let =D says: i loved the part where Cusi was wandering around Cuzco = = =Greek God Ares Presentation=

= =

=Assignment due: May 21st (first 10chapters)=


 * After reading each chapter, write one paragraph about the plot, characters, setting or theme of the chapter.

Chapter 1 "Hidden Valley"
When I read chapter 1, there were four main plots that described this chapter. The first plot is the introduction, which the introduction of this chapter started with a boy named Cusi laying on a rock with looking below the huts that looked like ants. Also, he talks with an Indian man named Chuto. The second plot is rising action, where they were having a conversation about the "visitor" that is going to keep an eye on the llamas. The third plot is climax, which I think was the part where the main character described the places that was surrounding him in this imaginative way. The fourth plot if the falling action, where I think the part where they met the visitor that talked with Chuto, but Cusi never understanding about what they are talking about. The characters that appeared in this chapter were: Cusi, the main character, Chuto, the Indian man, the Minstrel, who is also an Indian that is dressed-up like one of the Incas, Suncca, the dog, and Misti, the llama that Cusi likes. The setting of this chapter were various. There was rock that Cusi lied on, the huts that looked small, and the valley where almost everything happened.

Chapter 2 "Sunrise Call"
When I read chapter 2, the main plots were introduction, rising action, climax, and the falling action. The introduction of this chapter was that Cusi have listened to the song that the minstrel sang last night. The rising action was that when they woke up in deep-dark morning, they were going to the place where they can greet the Sun God. The climax was that they have reached the cave where there was rocks beneath them. The falling action was that after they have greeted the sun, they needed to go back to where they have come from. The characters that appeared in this chapter are: Cusi, the main character, Chuto, the person who leads Cusi, and the Minstrel, who sings a song during the nights, and playing his ancient instruments. And finally, the settings were: the huts where they left, the meadow where they were in during the adventure, the canyon wall where they get to see before they reach the secret place, and some curvey pathes that they needed to go like zig-zag.

Chapter 3 "Llama-Humming"
When I read chapter 3, the main plots were introduction, rising action, climax, and the falling action. The introduction of this chapter was that Chuto and Cusi went to the place where it was full of Yuchu grass. They went there to get their breakfast, and the minstrel, Misti, and Suncca waiting for them to come. The rising action was when they went to the Llama Corral, where high stone walls were built, to meet Yellow-Ears, the mother of Misti's. When they visited the Llama Corral, they started to talk about some characteristics of a baby and an adult llama. The climax of this chapter was when Chuto needed to suddenly work on weaving the mat, and Cusi working on the new rope for tie-ing bundles. The falling action was when the minstrel started singing ancient songs while they were working, and telling them what the meaning of the song was. The characters that appeared in this chapter were: Chuto, Cusi, Minstrel, Misti, the llama, and Suncca the dog. And finally, the settings of this chapter was the Yuchu grass, where they ate their breakfast, and the stone walls, where the Llama Corral was.

Chapter 4 "Singer of Songs"
When I read chapter 4, the introduction started with Cusi finishing his work and Chuto testing the work that Cusi has done. Cusi looks at the minstrel, who was staring the snow field far away. Chuto and Cusi were observing at the family who had a fire near them to make themselves warm enough, and how happy they looked like. The rising action of this chapter was when Cusi never clearly understood what exactly was Chuto trying to say. Cusi also was making breakfast while wondering. The climax of this chapter was when Chuto and Cusi were on their new task making sandals. Also, the minstrel sung a song about the Holy city of the Incas. The minstrel tries to explain how the advantages of the well-built stones effected the Incas. The falling action of this chapter was when the breakfast was done. However, the breakfast was always the same: chunos with corns. They would make fire and heat by the llama's waste. After when the minstrel sang another song for them, Cusi said something that would sort of offense Chuto. But, he did not know what the exact problem was. They needed to be prepared for the new journey they need to face the next day. And finally, the characters who appeared in this chapter were: Chuto, Cusi, the minstrel, Suncca, and Misti.

Chapter 5 "The Steep Trail"
When I read chapter 5, the introduction started with Cusi waking up in a freezing windy morning. He was really comfortable with his sandals, and he chuckled when he was thinking about the minstrel singing and the works he had done yesterday with Chuto. The rising action of this chapter was when Chuto was vowing for Great Father who lighted the world with sun. Chuto also showed that he was reluctant to leave his llamas behind. The climax of this chapter is that breakfast time was very silent that no one even dared to speak a single word. Only the dog Suncca whined. Their breakfast menu was as same as usual. It was potatoes with corns. Chuto and Cusi was ready for their adventure through the Salt Pits.The falling action was when they begun their journey. There were lots of settings and backgrounds of this chapter. Cusi and Chuto needed to cross the bridge, and Misti and Suncca were showing displeasure of them leaving them behind. When Cusi went across the bridge after Chuto, he was able to just only focus his eyes on only Chuto. He was very dizzy after he have came across, so he chewed some Coca leaves with Chuto in order to let the dizziness go away. The similar event happened to Cusi when he needed to go climb the mountain. He was sort of scared, but he eventually made it. The characters who appeared in this story is the same as the past chapter. There were: Cusi, Chuto, Suncca, Misti, and the minstrel. And finally, there were lots of settings because they have started their journey. The settings were: the trail, Yuchu Grass, mountain meadow, the stone corral, grass huts, river, cliffs, mountains, and the bridge.

Chapter 6 "The Long Way"
When I read chapter 6, the introduction started with Chuto and Cusi resting, washing and eating near the crystal pool of the mountain. Chuto would gather the flowers and carefully explain each flower to Cusi about the flower, and Chuto says that Punga-Punga would be the medicine when they come back to the Hidden Valley. It was odd when Cusi said that the mountain top was very hot and difficult to breathe. The rising action of this chapter was when Chuto named the trees for Cusi. But Cusi thought that the names had nothing to do with him Chuto hurried and suggested to climb to the crest part of the mountain before the evening falls. But Cusi was very exhausted that he couldn't even move a single leg. The climax of this chapter was when they eventuallly met this unfamiliar woman near the huts with a boy that was about Cusi's age. Cusi asked them if they had any water. The boy handed the milk and cool fresh water that tasted good. When they were refreshed with the water, they continued their journey. The woman and the boy have watched them getting into the darkness of the mountain. The falling action was when Cusi smelled the llama's dung, which smelled like he was very safe. When Chuto started to yell out "a---ye"s, there were several children and adults appearing like magic. The cheif of the place was friends with Chuto. The place was called, "Condor Kuncca". Chuto and Cusi was welcomed by mostly men, not women nor children. They were shy. They have settled, eating guinea pig and sweet potatoes for dinner. They finally unrolled their sleeping mat and started to fall asleep. The characters who appeared in this chapter were: Chuto, Cusi, the woman with the boy in Cusi's age, the Condor Kuncca citizens and the king. The settings that illustrated my mind were: the crystal pool where they drank water, the mountain trait, Andes, and Condor Kuncca.

Chapter 7 " Questions"
When I read chapter 7, the introduction started with Chuto and Cusi leaving the place directly after sunrise the next morning. They have gotten packages of dried meat and dried sweet potatoes. The men gave Chuto a gourd of chicha. The rising action of this chapter was when the trail led both Chuto and Cusi through an open meadow, where Chuto and Cusi found the hacienda from far across the distance. The climax of this chapter was when they saw some oxens who really seemed like they were really about to give up all the hard work, and some women and men who spoke Spanish which Cusi didn't understand a single thing. The falling action of this chapter was when they went to the ruins of the Ancient Bath, where they took some bath and Cusi kept asking Chuto about his kins and relatives and his parents. But Chuto refuses all the questions to be answered, which made Cusi to die from curiosity. Chuto finds something to talk about the other stuff like Cuzco. The characters who appeared in this chapter were so far: women, men, Cusi, Chuto, llamas, donkeys, oxens, and Spanish women and men. And finally, the settings were: the top terrace, the far-side of the mountain, ruins of sacred bath, and the hacienda.

Chapter 8 "Outside"
The introduction of chapter 8 started with Chuto and Cusi entering the Valley of the Salt. They saw the men digging shallow holes in the loose grainy soil, which the process of desalination occurred between the salt and the water. Chuto suddenly orders Cusi to work on the same work they are working on. Whenever Cusi felt tired, he chewed the coca leaves which soothed his feelings. Later on, Chuto spins some yarns which made the workers that he learned the skill from women from the Hidden Valley. Since the spun yarn was a new thing for the men to see, they were fascinated to trade some food with Chuto in order to get that spun yarn. The rising action of this story is when the men, Chuto and Cusi was led into the sloping hills, Cusi have seen the mysterious two-glaring eyes that was furious and freaky. After witnessing the furious eyes, Cusi tells Chuto about it. But before that, Chuto introduces Cusi about trucks. Later on, Chuto explains that the furious eyes were just the things that Cusi haven't seen before, which is the wild. Since Cusi have been living only in the Hidden Valley, he wouldn't have known this kind of wild creature. The climax of this chapter was when Chuto started trading some coca leaves with other people, and doing the trade-talk, which made them learn about the other objects they don't know much about. Chuto and Cusi also was searching for some other things to put it up on the market in Cuzco. The falling action is when Cusi saw this boy he didn't know while Chuto was trading, and wanted to become friends with him even though he was Spanish. But unfortunately, Cusi's shyness never flew away. After all the tradings, it became dark. Cusi slept near the llama corral, happy with the fact that Chuto was awaken, because he was scared. Also, in midafternoon, Chuto says that it's too late to travel back to home because it will get dark soon. The characters who appeared in this chapter were: Chuto, Cusi, men (workers), and a boy in Cusi's age but Spanish. And finally, the settings are: the Valley of the Salt, sloping hills, Condor Kuncco, and llama corral.

Chapter 9 "Amauta Comes"
Chapter 9's introduction started with Cusi finally at home, not believing that he actually went out of the Hidden Valley. He tries to sort out all the events that happened lately, taking it carefully as possibly as he could. He misses the songs that the minstrel have sung for him and Chuto, and the adventures he had outside of the Hidden Vally. He also notices that Chuto was being quiet than usual which made Chuto curious. The rising action of this chapter was when it was time for Cusi and Chuto to work on shearing llamas. Cusi loved this activity. After their work was completed, the remaining fur would be used for trading, or the yarn that is made out of llama's fur, to make: caps, ponchos, blankets, and for bundle wrapping. The climax of this story was when Cusi kept asking Chuto how do you know all the things / facts, and lots. He would be really startled to know about it, but Chuto never said a work about it except that Cusi is like a deer that has no patience. Also, Chuto and Cusi kept working on shearing llamas. Chuto explains that he needs to train Misti, the llama, as a burden-bearer. Chuto also explains that the silver llama like Misti brings luck, peace, and prosper to its master. When Cusi went out to take a walk with other 7llama herd, (including Misti), Cusi accedentally over-loads Misti's back, which Misti haven't experienced in his life before, which made Misti to show disapproval by spitting, and the other llamas did the same. But when Cusi took some loads away, all of them stood up and did the llama-laugh. When Cusi noticed that Chuto and Suncca was watching, he was ashamed, blaming Suncca for staring at him. The falling part of this chapter was when Cusi saw a man making a low-sound walking toward him. The man seemed very sturdy, muscular, and ears hanging down till it reached his shoulder, which his golden heavy ear-rings caused the extension, and seemed like a royalty person. The man introduced himself by the greetings of Chuto. The man's name was Amauta, the wise one who will be teaching the facts that Cusi needed to know. Even though Chuto said that he's too young, Cusi was ready. The characters in this story were: Amauta, Cusi, Chuto, Suncca, llamas, and Misti. And finally, the settings were: The Hidden Valley and Cusi's home.

Chapter 10 "A Mission Unshared"
The introduction of chapter 10 started with Cusi not really missing the Amauta, because he was too serious, not making any jokes or teases, and too majestic. But fortunately, Cusi takes the maturity he have gained as a proud thing. But suddenly, Cusi wondered where was his family, and how were they doing. The rising action of this chapter was when the Amauta have said that his work with Cusi is now all done. He left the Hidden Valley. The climax of this chapter was when Cusi saw families laughing and talking together happily which made Cusi envy the happiness and to make Cusi struggle from the un-answered mystery, "Where is his parents?" Chuto explains that the family they were looking at deserved season's gift. Also, Chuto suggests Cusi to choose any llamas that he would like to train with, but only 12llamas. The mind-reading of Chuto went on on Cusi's mind while Cusi was thinking about the unpleasantness that Misti showed to his beloved master, Cusi. Chuto would chuckle at the mind the boy was thinking about. The falling action of this chapter was when Chuto and Cusi planned to take their llamas a walk. And finally, the end of the chapter ended with Chuto praying to the Gods, and Cusi turning away. The characters who appeared in this chapter were: Cusi, Chuto, llamas, Misti, and Amauta. And finally, the settings were: The Yuchu Grass, The Hidden Valley, and the corral wall.

Chapter 11 "The Sign"
The plot of this chapter is when Misti was showing "impatience" towards Cusi. Later on, while Misti was showing "impatience" to Cusi, Cusi realized that Misti was up to something that he didn't have any idea on it. Later on, they reach this place where the ancient remains lay on the floor. Cusi finds the golden sandals lying on the floor, which made Cusi to remind the sentence from Amauta, "Your heart is good and brave. It is yours to command your actions." and the sentence let Cusi to pick it up and touch it. When the night suddenly came, Cusi meets Chuto. Cusi shows the golden sandals and tells Chuto about everything what have happened to him today. Then Chuto says happily that it is the sign that Cusi will soon find what he desires in Cuzco. Then, Chuto suggests Cusi to go to Cuzco by himself and that he'll find something that he desires. Cusi anticipates that it would be the family that he desires. The characters are: Misti, Cusi, and Chuto. The settings were: the place where the golden sandal was, stone corral, and some several trails that led to the ancient place.

Chapter 12 "The Valley Below"
The plot of this chapter is when Cusi rode on Misti and the rest of the beautiful yellow-brown llamas following along in a perfect straight single-file line. Cusi begun his journey in order to meet his parents. Cusi had bags of medicines. The only thing that had not moved a single time was the golden sandals. As Cusi has almost reached to his destination, he was sweating a lot because of the sun. He was very pleased for meeting his parents for the first time. But when Cusi reached the lower valley, he saw Chuto sitting near the fire. The lower valley was all ashes, nothing left but small fires and smokes everywhere. Suddenly, Cusi's tears went across his chins. The heaven trail that Cusi was thinking about was all gone, and nothing was there. Cusi was frustrated, but he continued his journey to Cuzco, leaving the Lower Valley behind. The characters were: Chuto, Cusi, Misti, and some llamas that followed along behind. The settings were: The Lower Valley, and the place where the Great Sun was greeting them.

Chapter 13 "Cuzco Trail"
The plot of this chapter starts with Cusi arriving Allyu, with a guide next to him, who was about Cusi's age. Cusi have traveled through climbing up the mountains and went to the place that had a huge arched door that lead Cusi to the place where exactly Cusi have discovered his golden sandals. The Old One have greeted Cusi and the woman next to him gave some food to hungry Cusi. When the Old One told Cusi to see him tomorrow morning, he was guided through to this place and slept with Misti. Next morning, Cusi have listened to the chant that sounded familiar and have seen Misti with a golden bell around his neck. Suddenly, Cusi was now in the trail that lead to Cuzco, the Holy City. But because the wall guardians didn't let Cusi get in, he was mad. But this Indian tells them that Cusi can go through, Cusi spends the night in Cuzco with dreams he cannot understand. The characters were: Misti, other llamas, Cusi, The Old One, woman, a boy that's about Cusi's age, and the Spanish guardians. The settings were: Allyu, mountain peaks, great arched door, and the walls of Cuzco.

Chapter 14 "The Marketplace"
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;">The plot of this chapter starts with Cusi and Misti and this man that was Indian beginning to explore around Cuzco. Cusi was very excited with the views of Cuzco and he couldn't believe his very own eyes. They were: the grass that seemed fresher than the Yuchu Grass back in the Hidden Valley, many different regions of people (Chinese, Arab, etc.) and flowers blooming all over the place! Cusi also have visited the church that had numerous doves flying in and out, people kneeling, and the candle shop that had various colors that Cusi believed each of them had their own meaning. Cusi have traded most of his wools with sweets that he have never tasted before. He felt shy in the first place, but after trading with many different regions of people, he felt belonged. Now, the man that guided Cusi through Cuzco let him go and disappeared to the crowd. When Cusi tried to go to the place where it had clothes, he suddenly met a stranger that was Indian. The stranger told Cusi to go inside by himself so then he can keep his llamas. After Cusi was done trading, the stranger told him that he will wait outside of the walls of Cuzco and that he'll wait for him. Cusi was free, and he was very glad. The characters were: Cusi, a man, Misti, traders, and stranger. And finally, the settings were: Street of the Stone of the Twelve Angles, and various stores.

Chapter 15 "The Family"
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;">The plot of this chapter starts with Cusi missing Suncca, his beloved dog when he saw dogs passing him by. Cusi was sitting below the shades of the Chruch wall, seeing the doves cooing, people passing in and out repeatedly. Suddenly, Cusi have seen a beggar begging for coins, not food. When Cusi was kind of starting to not care about him, a woman came towards Cusi that seemed tired, and the one that Cusi have seen in his dreams before. When the woman arrived right in front of Cusi, the woman was staring at Cusi's Golden ear plugs. She exclaimed that he's one of them. The woman said that Cusi resembled with Titu. She have also said that she was one of them too, but she was very sad when Titu had ran away from her. But after that, she just went back to the place from where she came from. When Cusi met children suddenly, they have told Cusi that their father does not exactly remember who is who because there was too many children. Suddenly, the children gave a saint name which was Nicho, and that Cusi was very elated to become one of their family. It was sort of strange of the fact that Cusi suddenly and abruptly became one of them. Later on, it was time to sleep. The mother and the father and the rest have eaten their dinner and went to sleep. But suddenly, Cusi have heard a twinkling bell sound. It was Misti and the llamas who were waiting for Cusi. Cusi was very glad to see them. He told the rest of his llamas to follow Cusi. The characters were: the children, a beggar, a woman, the father, a nd the mother. And finally, the settings are: the church wall, and the house that Cusi was about to spend his night.

**Chapter 16 "Keeper of the Fields"** <span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;">The plot of this chapter started with Cusi waking up and listening to the chant for the Sun again. After listening to the chant, he met the Old One that sat on the throne where Cusi have discovered. Cusi had a long conversation between the Old One talking about whether he have brought the golden sandals in, the adventures Cusi have experienced from the Hidden Valley to Cuzco, how Cusi was very alone back in the Hidden Valleys, and how he willed and willed of finding a family. But when Cusi have talked about "sharing", he had found the answer. The answer was that you share something that you want to with somebody that you belong with, because they are your family. Cusi was tense but still. After all that long conversation, Cusi suggested that he will go back to the Hidden Valley, but the Old One said that the trail have disappeared because of the flood that swept all away, including Allyu. Later on, the Old One meets this person and talks together about what have the Old One told Cusi about, and how Cusi found the answer. The characters who appeared in this chapter were: the Old One, Cusi, and Misti. And finally, the setting was just a single place which was: the Old One's place.

Chapter 17 "Written In the Stars"
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;">The plot of this chapter started with Cusi who found the way through the Hidden Valley comming back from Cuzco with Misti and the rest of the llamas. Chuto greeted him very calmly, and Suncca barked loudly. Cusi and Chuto have eaten some food together. Cusi started talking about him longing to live together with Chuto. Chuto was very stern by the time, but Chuto have accepted, and that he ordered Cusi to say this long discription together. And after they have repeated together, Chuto tells Cusi that his mother was the woman that told him about Titu, and that Titu was his father. The characters were: Chuto, Suncca, Cusi, and Misti. And finally, there was only one setting which was the Hidden Valley.

=**May21, Fun Brain Activity**=

<span style="color: rgb(0,0,0); font-family: Helvetica;">**19** || <span style="color: rgb(0,0,0); font-family: Helvetica;">**1** ||
 * [[image:http://www.funbrain.com/funtab.gif width="141" height="14"]] ||
 * [[image:http://www.funbrain.com/correct.gif width="58" height="14"]]

=**May 12nd, 3 Types of Poems**=

**<span style="color: rgb(128,0,128); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Hello Spring, Goodbye Winter **
<span style="color: rgb(178,141,191); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Good-bye, snow man. Good-bye, snow flakes. Good-bye, winter. Spring's ahead!

Good-bye, gloves. Good-bye, coats. Good-bye, winter. Spring, hello!

Hello, flowers. Hello, birds. Good-bye, winter. Spring's in sight!

Hello, shorties. Hello, short sleeves. Good-bye, winter! Hello, spring!

**<span style="color: rgb(128,0,128);">I Wish Poem **
<span style="color: rgb(178,141,191); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">I wish I had no homework, I wish I had no tests to work, I wish I hadno quizzes to work, I wish I had no projects to work. I wish I had never-ending summer vacation. I wish I had a knowledge that is like a computer. I wish I had a candy that never ever melts. I wish I had a magic wand to make all my wishes come true.

**<span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 70%; color: rgb(178,141,191); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">GOOD times. **
=May 8th, Another Haiku!= <span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">

<span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Frothy waves everywhere!
=May 8th, Evaluating Haiku=

= =

= = =May 7th, 2Haikus based on SPRING=

<span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The Flowers of SPRING
<span style="color: rgb(122,122,122); font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> The flowers of spring Blooming and blushing with joy, Dancing with the breeze

**<span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The Cherry Blossom Tree **
<span style="color: rgb(128,128,128); font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> I am colored with: Pink and white but have a branch So then who am I?

= = =HW due May 7th: My Side of the Mountain= ==<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Q1: The main character uses his inventiveness to find food and shelter in the woods by inventing tools step-by-step from the book, and using his knowledge of nature to remind himself which tool would be useful and helpful to him. == ==<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Q2: I would probably not like to live in the woods as the main character did, because since I am more used to the technology of today, I'll never be able to get the knowledge of nature nor the idea of inventing tools because I've never read books about them. Plus, I loathe insects, especially the ones that crawls on your skin, and I've never experienced the way of living in the woods. And these are the reasons WHY I would never want to live in the woods. == ==<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Q3: The author uses descriptive language by using colorful words, and connecting them. The author used the skill of showing not telling, making the reader illustrate the description in their minds. ==

==<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">5. <span style="color: rgb(191,90,166);">Flanges : a cast or formed to give additional strength, stiffness, or supporting area, or to provide a place for the attachment of other objects. ==

__ex)__ When I saw a huge root that stuck-out of the grass, I knew that it was the flanges of the trees.
= = <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">

=HW due May 7th: Blues Song= <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The day when the sky was raining, When I was shamely alone, The rain making sad by my own, When there was nothing but me, Just sitting there like I've lost my mind, The only thing greeted me was nothing but the wind...

The day when the wind was blowing, When I was harshly mad, The wind making me worst, When there was nothing but me, Just standing there like the street lights, When I missed nothing but the clear sight...

= =

=HW due 29th: Langston Hughes= <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Langston Hughes was born in February 1st, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri, and passed-away in May 22, 1967. He was an African-American who wrote poems, the novelist, who also wrote playwrights, and some short stories too. He was very famous in Harlem Renaissance. His parents seperated very early when he was very young. He is known to live with his grandmother until the age of 12, in Kansas. But, he eventually lived with his mother but not with his father, so he is known for living with his stepfather in Illinois. Later on, when he was in high school, he begun to write his very own poems. His poems were read by famous black intellectuals, and he also shared some of his few poems with the famous critic named, Vachel Lindsay. Hughes expressed most of his poems with his mood. In 1919 to 1920, he lived in Mexico with his father and wrote some more poems there. But continuing on today, Hughes's poems are very well-known for people in the world-- especially America.

= = =April 24th, Synonym Poetry=

= = =April 24th, Earth Day POEM=

<span style="color: rgb(128,0,128);">__Earth Day__
<span style="color: rgb(128,0,128);">

<span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Celebrating earth day makes earth lush!
= = = = = = =April 23rd, Earth Day PARAGRAPH=

=
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Earth day is celebrated in April 22nd, and is the day when you plant trees and plants that you like the most. You are not allowed to litter in the streets, you should recycle for everything you trash, conservation is required, and it's when you think thankful and grateful to plants, trees, flowers, and anything that is related with nature. The year that was originated was in 1970, originated by Gaylord Nelson, which is still celebrated in America and even the whole world! Everyone should keep in their mind that everyday is earth day even the earth day has passed by. Earth day is the day for considering peace and gratefulness of nature. Keep one thing in your mind: be optimistic, hopeful and grateful in Earth DAY!!:) =====

=April 23rd, My friend's portrait=

<span style="color: rgb(128,0,128); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">And she lives in her own world! <span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">
= = = = = = = = =April 23rd, List-poem=

__Moods and actions that I take__

 * ====<span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); font-family: Tahoma;">When I'm happy, I smile everyday ====
 * ====<span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); font-family: Tahoma;">When I'm sad, I cry through out the day ====
 * ====<span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); font-family: Tahoma;">When I'm mad, I yell, "What a messy day!" ====
 * ====<span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); font-family: Tahoma;">When I'm walking, I make the sound of my shoes tapping the floor ====
 * ====<span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); font-family: Tahoma;">When I'm running, I make the sound of my shoes rushing to the door ====
 * ====<span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); font-family: Tahoma;">When I'm bored, I yawn for the boredom ====
 * ====<span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); font-family: Tahoma;">When I'm excited, I exclaim for freedom ====
 * ====<span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); font-family: Tahoma;">The moods and actions that I take are various, ====

<span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">
= =

= = = = = = = = =April 23rd, Linda's Self-portrait poem=

<span style="color: rgb(128,0,128); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">
=April 3rd, Short Story Reading Assignment (Due April 14th)=

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">5. Your favorite part of the story.
=<span style="color: rgb(191,90,166);">1. "Saving Shiloh" By: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor =

<span style="color: rgb(243,150,220);">1. The author's background
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The author of the famous "Shiloh" series books, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, was born in January 4th, 1933 in Anderson, Indiana. She is married to Rex Naylor, and recently lives in Maryland with her 2 sons, Jeff and Michael. When she was in elementary school, she would love to write books almost everyday. When she was 16, her very first book was published in a church magazine. The book "Shiloh" was firstly written when Phyllis Naylor lived in West Virginia, when she actually met a dog from the bridge called, "Shiloh." Phyllis Naylor says that Shiloh in the book is not actually a male dog! With her living in West Virginia and getting an idea from the bridge, it actually made her think that the bridge might've lead her to successfulness.

<span style="color: rgb(243,150,220);">2. Plot-the major events in the story
<span style="color: rgb(0,0,0); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The major events in this story was very adventurous and scary. One of the major events was that when Marty and his friend David got a phone call from Michael Sholt, Michael tells them that there's a dead man drowning and that he was floating around the creek and told them to check it out. So, they went to the creek named Middle Island Creek, to see if it was true. But as they figure out that it was just a Halloween dummy, they were getting mad. But by that time, unfortunately, one of Marty's siblings accidentally fell into the creek when she was being silly. Later, Mr. and Mrs. Ellison comes and saves her, but Shiloh also fell into the creek when he tried to go across the creek to come to Marty. When this tragedy happened, Judd Travers, the man who Marty didn't like, saved Shiloh. It was very incredible for Judd to do, because, he mistreated his training dogs all the time. It surely was a tiring day for Marty and David.

<span style="color: rgb(243,150,220);">3. Setting-describe it. Also, how does it add to the story?
<span style="color: rgb(0,0,0); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">There were only 2 settings that was applied to this story. The first setting was Marty's house, where he got the phone call from couple of people, his siblings- Dara Lynn and Becky decorating themselves with their grandmother's old jewerlies, and the place where they realized that her mother (Mrs. Preston) got a toothache. And the second setting was the Middle Island Creek which is the name of the Creek where Marty and David got help from Mrs. and Mr. Ellison by saving Dara Lynn, and saving Shiloh by getting help from Judd- the man who Marty didn't like ever since he firstly met him.

<span style="color: rgb(243,150,220);">4. Characters. Describe them. Do they seem real? Likable? Why?
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">There were many characters who appeared in this dangerous story. The main characters where Marty and David. Marty is very caring and adoring his dog Shiloh. He also seems really hating his siblings, but he actually loves them too, since they are his family too. This made Marty look like he was real because most of the people loves their pet and siblings. The second main character was David, who is the friend of Marty's. David seemed like he sort of liked Dara Lynn because his face was white as a cream when he saw Dara Lynn floating away from people which made him look like he wanted to save her from danger, which made him look real because he actually was the one who really was willing to save someone. The other character that was important was Dara Lynn which she kind of looked like she was silly, because, she tried to balance on the railing making funny noises. She makes herself look like she's quite young because she has done these things, and made her look like she was very real, because, there's lots of young people who are like her. The good helpers, Mrs. and Mr. Ellison were being very helpful for saving Dara Lynn from danger which made them look likable because they were like heroes. The next character which made Marty hate this person- Judd Travers seemed likable in this story because he saved Shiloh, the pet of Marty's from danger, and which made Marty like Judd. Judd was also the heroine-like person in this story because he saved Shiloh in this hard, complicated situation. And the last character, Shiloh was the one who was brilliant that he tried to save Dara Lynn. This also made Shiloh seem likable too.

<span style="color: rgb(243,150,220);">5. Your favorite part of the story.
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">My favorite part of this breath-taking and heart attack causer story was when Dara Lynn was in danger because she fell into the creek and that everybody thought that she was going to die soon, because, this part was one of the causes that actually made me surprised and astonished in a really undescribable way. I actually liked the way how the author described how Dara Lynn fell and how Mr. Ellison instructed her from getting out of the creek. It really made me imagine in my head which seemed very imaginative and creative in a way.

=<span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); background-color: rgb(255,255,255);">2. "The Summer of the Swans" By: Betsy Byars = = =

<span style="color: rgb(243,150,220);">1. The author's background
<span style="color: rgb(0,0,0); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The winner of awards author Betsy Byars, was born in 1928, August, 7th, in Charlotte, North Carolina. One thing that is interesting is that she has a pilot license.When she was junior high, she would will to discover wild lives of animals. She got married in 1950, June 24th. She has 3 children who are: Lavire, Betsey, and Nan. Her husband would go on a several flight, while Betsy Byars was thinking, writing, and reading. And continuing on today, she is writing the fresh new stories!

<span style="color: rgb(243,150,220);">2. Plot- the major events in the story
<span style="color: rgb(0,0,0); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">One of the another breath-taking story's major events, the major event was that the boy named Charlie, who was blind, was lost in the forest while his sister, Sara, was searching after him with her classmate named Joe. Sara was very in this melancholy mood and she was out of tears because she already took all the tears out of her eyes. Sara and Joe was kept on yelling the name "Charlie" more than 100 times. Another major event is that Charlie was scared when he was totally lost and that Sara also admitted that it surely must have been scary and that she actually shared the experience she experieced when she had high fever, and that she wanted to go to the bathroom but found herself in the kitchen, all dizzy and lost.

<span style="color: rgb(243,150,220);">3. Setting-describe it. Also, how does it add to the story?
<span style="color: rgb(0,0,0); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">There were 3 settings for this story. The first setting was the valley, where Sara and Joe would climb up and kept on shouting the name "Charlie" which added to the story. The second setting was the place where Charlie was totally lost which is in the forest and that totally adds to the story of the fact that he got this broken wrist watch around his wrist, wanting to hear the "ticking" sound. He would also sleep there when he was out of energy for shouting for help. And the last setting is the very top of the hill where it actually needs to get added to the story by when Sara and Joe actually tracked Charlie far down the hill where the forest was.

<span style="color: rgb(243,150,220);">4. Characters. Describe them. Do they seem real? Likable? Why?
<span style="color: rgb(0,0,0); font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">There were 3 main characters that supported this wonderful story. The first character that was important is Sara who actually loved Charlie and took a gentle care of him even though he was blind. Sara seemed real because it's actually hard to take care of the siblings who are blind or unable to hear things. The next character is Joe who helped Sara from finding poor Charlie lost in the forest. Joe must have wanted to give it up, but he seemed real by the fact that even though he was exhausted, he never gave up on searching for Charlie. And the last character that appeared in this story, Charlie is one of the important characters too. Charlie must have been really scared of the fact that he was alone when he was lost. But, he would actually kind of soothe himself by trying hard to listen to the "ticking" sound of the wrist watch. It actually made him look like he was likable to Sara because Sara would never watch T.V. shows without him, and she was searching for him all day long which made her look that Charlie was likable.

<span style="color: rgb(243,150,220);">5. Your favorite part of the story.
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">My favorite part of the story was when Sara and Joe found Charlie from the lost-able forest, and that they actually was happy and elated to finally find Charlie from getting lost and getting their feeling impatient. The reason that I actually liked that part was because the author described the situation very patiently, and showed deep-impressioned writings. The paragraphs after paragraphs from that part took me by surprise for almost every single time!

=<span style="color: rgb(191,90,166);">3. "Number the Stars" By: Lois Lowry = = =

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The author who surprisingly won the Newbery Award from the book called, "Number the Stars", used many colorful describing sentences, and even words! She was born in March 20, 1937, in Oahu, Hawaii. It is interesting that she was born in Hawaii. But not only "Number the Stars" have won the Newbary Award. "The Giver" was another book that Lois Lowry won the Award. She had older sister Helen, and a younger brother Jon. She says that she had written the book called "A Summer to Die" by the experience she had experienced her older sister Helen dying. Lois was one of the doctors who worked for World War 2. But, after giving up the job of becoming a doctor, she decides to work on literature in 1972. After working on literature, she clutched on to many successes that she's very famous, which means that she's even famous today! But since she's old, she says that she'll continue writing stories for her children.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">There were lots of astonishing major events in this story. The first major event is that when Ellen needed to hide in Annemarie's house because of her family being afraid of getting arrested by the German soldiers. Ellen's family decides to get seperated for several days in order to hide, and to save themselves. Ellen is very afraid that she might get her family lost and the soldiers arresting her. But, her best friend Annemarie, supports her with all her mights, and that Annemarie's family tries to support and save Ellen from getting arrested by the soldiers by showing the photographs of each daughter- Annemarie, Kristi (younger sister), and Lise, the oldest but died because of car-crash in a rainy day. The soldier believed that Ellen actually was Lise, that they just went away with stepping and scrubbling off the photos on the floor with shiny boots.

<span style="color: rgb(243,150,220);">3. Setting-describe it. Also, how does it add to the story?
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">There were only 3settings that appeared in this story. The first setting was where Annemarie's room was, where Ellen and Annemarie giggled and talked all day long. The second setting was the place where Ellen's house was, where Ellen and her mother celebrated the New Year only given to Jews. And the last setting is the living room with a couch, where the German soldiers went in to see if one of the Rosens (Ellen) or all of the Rosens were hiding in Annemarie's house, and where the naughty soldier turned his shiny boots from left to right to make the photo look ugly. And finally, these photos add to the story by depending on the influency of the story, and how the situation goes.

<span style="color: rgb(243,150,220);">4. Characters. Describe them. Do they seem real? Likable? Why?
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">There were many characters as if I were to compare "The Summer of the Swans" but not "Saving Shiloh". There were exactly 7characters who were in this story. And they are: Annemarie, the main character of this story. Annemarie seems like she's really wanting to support and help her best friend, Ellen. She also seems like she doesn't like Kristi- the youngest sibling, but she actually cares for her sister that she involves her while they were playing with the paper dolls. Annemarie seemed very like the type of likable person because she seemed like she was caring and loving her friend, and that she's always willing to help someone. The next character is Ellen, the best friend of Anne Marie's. She is Jewish, and her family is in hiding for trying not to get arrested. Even though Ellen seems very weak in her mind, she's not, because, she's feeling strong because of her caring best friend, Anne Marie. Ellen seems real because there are people who actually gets supported by their best friends frequently. The next charcter is Kristi, the one who is the youngest sibling of all in Johansen's. She's not really involved in this story that is in the textbook, but I can tell that she's very bright, delightful, and the one who actually trusts on people easily. She seems real, because there are lots of sisters who actually acts like Kristi all the time. The next character is Mr. and Mrs. Johansen, the father and mother of Annemarie's. They are always looking foward to support Ellen like Annemarie does, and they are the friends of Ellen's mother. They seem likable because, parents like them who loves to take care, are always likable. The next character is the German soldier, the one who's very mean and harsh, but doing something he's suppose to do. He seems real because soldiers, espcially from the wars are like them all the time. And, the last character is Ellen's mother, the one who's in hiding in order to not-get-arrested from the harsh and nasty soldiers. She seems real, because most of the parents will do this for their children, and I would have done the same thing as she did.

<span style="color: rgb(243,150,220);">5. Your favorite part of the story.
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">The favorite part of my story was when Kristi, Ellen and Annemarie were talking about Tivoli and Copenhagen. The reason why I liked this part was because it sort of made me to imagine how beautiful Trivoli garden is, and it persuaded me to get the feeling of going to such places like this place. But, the part that I was a little bit concerned was when they mentioned about the fire works, because Kristi didn't know that it was the bomb that made the sound, but Annemarie knew about it. It sort of made me think that Mrs. Johansen is smart of the fact that she told Kristi that it's the firework for celebrating her birthday, not the sound that the bombs made. Another favorite part that I liked was when how the author described how Annemarie and Ellen played over the night. And finally, I think the author used some colorful words that made me more wanting to read some more.

=April 3rd, Word choice & voice= Joonyon PARK

__Word Choice__ Overall: 3/5 Example: "NO!", the doctor yells and then the grandfather yells "Be quiet! JUST HELP ME WITH THIS BROKEN LEG!". Evidence: a. Words are so nonspecific and distracting that only a very limited meaning comes through.

__Voice__ Overall: 5/5 Example: Well, you have a choice of drinking pure water, or a delicious drink like Coke and Cider. Even though I admit that I'm chubby, I personally think that Coke is required for drinking. You should drink it when it's freezing since it tastes yucky when it's warm. Evidence: e. Narrative writing is personal and engaging, and makes you think about the author's ideas or point of view.

= = = = =April 1st, Classwork: The chart= = = = = = =
 * = <span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); font-family: Georgia,serif;">Mundane ||= <span style="color: rgb(191,90,166); font-family: Georgia,serif;">Striking! ||
 * = Big ||= Voluminous ||
 * = Small ||= Undersized ||
 * = Blow ||= Strong Breeze ||
 * = Wise ||= Perspicacious ||
 * = Yell ||= Vociferate ||
 * = Cold ||= Bitter ||
 * = Weird ||= Preternatural ||
 * = Dirty ||= Contaminated ||

= = = = =March 30th, Writing Gym Warm-Up=
 * <span style="color: rgb(191,90,166);">13. Tell a story about children who live in a world where there is no such thing as television, computers, or electronic games. **

= = Once upon a time, not so long ago, I was cleaning up the mess inside the wardrobe. After cleaning up the wardrobe, I was reading this book called, "The Chronicles of Narnia - the lion, the witch, and the wordrobe." When I was at the part where one of the characters called Lucy was playing hide-and-seek with her older siblings and then she decides to hide in the wordrobe, and then she was transportted to the new world. I was sort of curious if the same would happen. Since I was bored and nothing-to-do-person, I just wanted to see what would happen even though I know the consequences. So I went to my bedroom, and opened the wardrobe doors wide, and tucked my legs up and arms propping. I went in. Suddenly, I heard something very weird. Some of the people were speaking the accent and the style of old-english kind of thing. I was really curious. I went into the world where it was unknown. I couldn't understand what in the world were they talking about. So, I decided to ask a woman what year is it today. The woman answered, " Little girl, I thought if you already knew about it I'm afraid." She said. Then she told me it's 1700's. WOW! I was very surprised. I also realized that it was the year that the televisions, computers- and even electronic games weren't invented at all! so suddenly, this brilliant idea popped up in my mind. The idea was to invent these items to become famous! Wow! I never knew that I was able to think about these things! So, I decided to go back to my room and research about how to invent these electronics on google. I printed it, and went back to the world where they yet didn't invent these things. It was very incredible that I made these on my own without a single help! So now, I became famous- only in the year 1700, but NOT in 2009. = =

= = =March 19th, Grocery Items List=

BREADS: I want to eat breads. I hate the kinds that are too hard that my teeth will fall-out and too crispy, so buy the ones that looks really soft so then you feel you're chewing cotton candy when you eat them. I know you like cream, but be careful not to buy the ones that has cream inside, because it would make me throw-up and it's expensive-er than the ones that don't contain cream inside. First, smell the good scent that is lingering around the bread. That bread is the signal for being fresh, and it has been taken out of the oven few minutes ago. Second, make sure it is very soft and squishy. And once again, be aware of the ones that looks harder than a piece of wood!

APPLES: Apples are good refreshers when you eat them up after you're done with dinner. Buy the ones that is pure red like a tomato. The more crispy-ness would make a better taste. Be aware of the ones that are allergy-formers! I am the one who has the terrible effect when I eat apples that are low-qualitied. Make sure and double-check to choose the ones that has hole on it, because they are the ones where the insects passed by. The more red-er they are, the more they look d-licious!!

WATERMELONS: On a hot, gloomy summer day, you would think of some fruit that is very juicy, and delicious. Watermelons are the ones that are the perfect match for hotness flying away! The ones that has the fresh good green color and looks juicy inside would be the ones that would make your gloomy-ness go away! Make sure you lightly knock on them and try to listen to the sound when you knock. If it has the type of sound that is deep, it is the signal that is waiting for you to enjoy the juicy-ness. c'mon! what are you waiting for? just buy one of them before the other customers buy it!!

=March 16th, Writing Gym -- Word Choice=

What could a curious student do in a friend's house?
As you can see above, when I randomly got "What could a curious student do in a friend's house?". You would think various situations. If a student is curious and visit's his / her's friend's house, the curious student can do anything because the student itself is always curious and wondering. "Curious" means: to become very anxious about anything, and not knowing what it is, so the "it" or the person can do anything about it because they don't know the consequences. The curious student can do anything that can be dangerous, silly, and shocking, like your younger siblings and the book called, "Curious George". Based on the word "Curious", I have a little story that I would like to share it with you.

It was the day when a curious student named Goofy, the 6years old kid was heading to his friend named Brainy's house after school. When he was walking and walking and walking, he suddenly arrived. Goofy pressed the door bell. While he was waiting for the reply, he was observing the door bell button very carefully. He was wondering, 'hmmm... why does this little thing make a sound when I press it?' then suddenly, Brainy yelled, "COMMING!! JUST WAIT A SEC..." then he opened the front door. The door striked Goofy's face. Goofy shouted, "OWWW!!! it hurts soo much!" then Brainy was keep on apologizing for the mistake he has done it. Goofy went inside nose bleeding. He was soo wondering about why his nose was bleeding, and why was it red. He was so curious that he even touched it and smelled at it. When Brainy saw that, he said, "stop that! it's disgusting! you're not suppose to touch it or smell it! stay at my room until I give you some pieces of tissues." then Brainy left to get some pieces of tissues for Goofy's bleeding nose. Goofy went to Brainy's room. In his room, there were lots of toys all over the bedroom, and once again, he observed at them. Brainy was scampering towards his bedroom and handed the tissues he got for Goofy. Goofy blew his nose very hard. Brainy shouted at him. "Goofy! you're not supposed to blow your nose hard when your nose is bleeding!!" then Goofy asked anxiously, "why not? I can't let my nose bleeding like this!" then he blew his nose once again. Brainy was very ridiculed with what Goofy have done. Few minutes later, when Goofy's nose was stop bleeding, Brainy proudly grabbed on to his one of the special-est toys that looked like a super hero he had on top of his bed. Brainy said proudly, "I got this toy from one of my old school friends. It's like a good-bye-gift. I think you should be delicate with this." Then Brainy started explaining about the toy. He said, "One thing that I like about this toy is that this guy actually records my voice. After recording your voice, it mimicks back and saves the data. Don't press the red button though, because it's for deleting datas. Right now, I have voices recorded from my old friends from my old school. Be careful!" then he handed it to Goofy. Because Goofy was curious, he wanted to just only once press the red button. And guess what? he DID... :( Brainy was ice solid when he witnessed Goofy pressing the red button. The toy said, "deleting data" and Goofy knew that he have done something wrong. He said, "Oooops... maybe that wasn't quite right... heh heh heh... well see you tomorrow Brainy..." then he left the house covering his ears tight and running away from the porch. He mumbled to his self saying, "geez... what's good being so curious?"

=March 13th, 2009 #5 (Liyana)= At night, I have opened my old notebook. The notebook was written before I left St. Louis. I said that growing up is not good, but I read that my friends, even my families are considering growing old as a good thing. So what I did was to cross Xs out for almost all of the pages. I guess I didn't like what I wrote a long time ago. After reading over my notebook, my back was against my bed. I was stretched and stared out my window, but it was very dark. When I streched my body, I suddenly felt this ood mood that I cannot explain how it felt like... it was just so odd. I think it was the signal that I have grown-up. It was the day when my family including Sitti and Omer, went to Galilee and ate some foods in this resturant. Sitti seemed very interested in Omer. It was weird, but I can understand her feelings about her true love long time ago. Well, I'll be wishing to go back to America someday. :)

= = =March 12th, 2009 #4 (Liyana)= Today, while me, Omer, Kahled, and Nadine were playing together, I played mostly with Omer. I asked Omer about when his father died, and if he knew about him still. His father died when he was five, and that he has a cloudy memory about his father. I sort of felt sorry to his family that everybody considered that Jews and Arabs won't be able to be friends and the war never stopping. Later, all of our family and my friends were eating rice and cauliflower. I guess that it was a good time for my dad and Omer getting along. Suddenly, I thought that Sitti and Abu Daoud was fighting with Omer speaking Arab. I thought they were fighting, but Omer was just telling us that he's very glad to be here. After that, Sitti started talking about her true love too. She told us that (of course Poppy translated it for me) she was hiding her feelings about him. It was such a romantic story, but suddenly, it became plain-quiet. When me and Omer decided to go out later, we went to the place where my uncle used to live. We had another kiss, which was very surprising. We talked and talked and went back to home. Now it was time for us to say good bye after playing with balloons. Even it was exhausting, I was able to experience the romantic moments.

=March 11th, 2009 #3 (Omer)= Today was the jolly-est day I ever had in my life. The reason is, I spent time with Liyana which was very exciting and making me nervous. Of course, Khaled, Nadine, and Rafik came too. All of us played together, but I played mostly with Liyana. Liyana’s father was asking me several questions. I answered politely back to him. All of us (including Liyana’s family) went to West Bank where I told Liyana that it was a different world. It was beautiful there, and it was sort of confusing of the fact whether it was abandoned or not. West Bank wasn’t the only place we hanged-out. We also went to Liyana’s grandmother’s village and played. I think spending times with Liyana is very special.

=March 10th, 2009 #2 (Liyana)= Today, I visited Khaled, and he was luckily not dead. He only got his leg injured. When me and Rafik were on our way to home, Rafik surely had many questions that he was holding on to before we left the hospital. I explained and told him how it was like in jail where Poppy was in. At home, I asked Abu Janan about the market where many innocent people died, and he explained how they died, the things left after the bomb striking the market, and whether the dead people are old or young. I was quite surprised. Oh! fresh good news! Poppy got released tonight! YAY I'm really happy now. Plus, mom's also released from the police office. When our family, including Sitti, was having a little celebration, we ate cabbage roll for dinner. Everything's back to normal now. We also went to Kahled's camp and welcomed him. I was forgetting about Omer these days, so I decided to tell Poppy that I want to hang-out with him. Poppy was taking it quite serious even though it wasn't. So when I begged him for a million time, he agreed. I think I'll have a hang-out party with Nadine, Kahled (when his legs are better) and of course, Omer.

= = =March 9th, 2009 #1 (Khaled)= Oh my god. You are never going to believe this kind of tragedy! Okay, first of all, I got shot by the soldiers! it hurts very much that I can barely move my legs. It feels like my leg is going to fall apart. I am very upset about the fact that they are shooting innocent people like me, and making people look like I'm the guiltiest person in the world or something. Okay, you might be asking me of how I got shot. Here's the reason: I can barely remember to what have happened, because my head hurts so much and my legs too. It was something related to our camp where I got shot. I guess the soldiers misunderstood me as the guilty person which made me surprised. I really, really, really, hate violences, so I just protested it, but Liyana's father was also covering up, so he went to the jail. ow! my leg hurts. Gotta go!

=March 4th, 2009 (Writing the 'writing gym' into an essay) due: March 5=

1. Write about what you think the world would be like in 100years.

There are uncountable expectations about what the earth would be like when a century pasts. As to point out, the world-wide-population on earth at least once might have done something that pollutes the earth. Even you can pollute the earth. Cars burning fuels which create carbon dioxide, factories burning coal, people littering, non-recycling, and numerous pollutions are damaging the earth. I think that referring to this topic, after a century, the world-wide-people on earth can extinct someday. And, the reason is shown on the bottom.

First of all, in my opinion, global warming may be the best reason of world-wide-population extinction to get expected, because if we don’t stop riding cars instead of using public transportations, the case can become worse in a century later comparing to today. Of course, everyone wouldn’t EXACTLY know the answer of what the earth would be like when a century pasts, so everybody on earth should SERIOUSLY take this situation.

Second of all, what can kill the whole world-wide-people on earth? When global warming gets worse, it can melt down all of the ice bergs in Antarctica, North Pole and South Pole. And when the ice bergs melt down, think about how ice bergs can affect the depth of water to increase, which can possibly cause the continents to sink someday, which is a diseaster.

Third of all, the way to recover from the brink of extinction, people should use the public transportations like: buses, subways, taxis, etc… or they can buy a bicycle to ride on them instead of cars. Another way to recover is to sort the trashes into recycle bins, and the law should get stricter about people who pollute the environment.

Finally, if you don’t want to let the earth or the people on earth to die in a century later, you would have to once again, read the third paragraph in this essay in order to save the earth and that YOU can make the earth’s live long-lasting.

=Feb. 27th, 2009 (Habibi pg. 189 - 199 3Qs, 3sentences of summary, 3vocabulary words, and 1prediciton)=

Questions:
Q1:On Liyana's breakfast table, what color of marker did Rafik use, and what did he write on the card? Q2: Which type of ice cream would Liyana and Rafik eat when they are done with their homework? Q3: What birthday present did Omer give to Liyana? =Summary:=

=
From pages 189 to 199, Liyana's 15th birthday has finally arrived and she got good presents. I have realized that Liyana and Omer likes each other because Omer confessed his feelings to Liyana in the library, while Liyana was searching for books that were related to Mark Twain. ======

Vocabulary Words:

 * Bilingual -** Involving or using two languages.
 * Burgundy -** A color that is used to describe things that are purplish-red.
 * Brocade -** A thick, expensive material which is often made out of silk, that has a raised pattern on it.

Prediction:
I think that something bad will happen between Liyana's relationship with Omer and to her family.

=Feb. 26th, 2009 (Habibi pg. 173 - 183 3Qs, 3sentences of summary and 3vocab words)=

Questions:
Q1: What did Poppy and Rafik wanted to be when they are reincarnated? Q2: What made the ladies that visited Abboud's house trying to explain about Jesus Christ left? Q3: When Peachy Helen and Liyana went to the Art museum, what did it mean when Peachy Helen looked at one of Monet's paintings, and said, "Look at the wavery edges of things! That's how we could live." = =

Summary:
====In pg. 173 - 183, Liyana and her family oftenly talks about their religion, which sort of made Liyana to get confused with (she's not familiar with churches). Liyana's family has religion, which is not traditionally religious ones. Her family says that it would be good if they believe in half Buddhism, and half Hinduism which makes them consider that reincarntion would be perfect.====

Vocabulary Words:

 * Secular -** not pertaining to or connected with religion, spiritualness and sacred-ness.
 * Incense -** the smoke arising from an aromatic gum or such substances when burned which is used for religious ceremonies and for enhancing mood.
 * Sinner -** a person who sins; a transgressor.

=Feb. 26th, 2009 (Writing Gym)=

=Feb. 25th, 2009=

=Feb. 13th, 2009=