Speak Project

How does this bird represent me? The bird represents freedom. I honestly feel free, like I was able to fly away from it all and I'm learning how to build my nest, my future. I see myself as a funny, vibrant person who is very colorful, but on the inside I am a sensitive person and I'm not quite sure who I am yet. The colorful feathers represent my colorful outer personality. The red and black feathers represent the uncertainty and the pain on the inside. The light, gentle purple represents the sensitivity underneath all of the baggage.

Speak Free Writes

1. Why do we sometimes not like people who are really good at things, like sports, music, art, or school? Is this fair? Are adults like this? (20).

       Why do people frown upon others who are better then themselves? This sort of thing happens all the time no matter where you are. Usually younger children and teenagers get caught up in this competitive game in life which is being better then everyone else. But it happens to adults too. I never really understood why but as humans we get this angry felling when someone does something better than you have, you can deny it all you want but it has happened to everyone in some way. It is unfair to dislike someone who has been good at something and possibly better than you. Would it be fair to you if you did something really good and someone disliked you for it? You would probably say, “No it wouldn’t be fair.” Well if that were true why does everyone seem to dislike others better than themselves. Is it because it belittles you? Or makes you feel like your not important? Well there is no reason to dislike someone better than you at something, because you are good at what you do and no one can change that. So don't feel angered when someone does something you can't because you have your own goals to worry about and you can do what everyone else can't which is be you.

 

2. Mr. Neck doesn't understand Free Speech as David Petrakis does, but through this part of the novel, the reader can think about what it means to have the freedom to say what one believes. What does free speech mean to you?

F            Freedom of speech. Does it really even have a meaning? Have you ever been told not to say something to someone because its not nice, or there’s no use in saying it? Well the law freedom of speech say we have the right to say what we want to who we want. Yet everyone seems to think it is okay to tell someone their not aloud to say some things. There is no point in having the freedom of speech if it is taken away anyways. To me freedom of speech is being able to say whatever you please with out people telling you their are limits to what you can and can not say. There is no need for a freedom of speech if everyone is going to judge you for what you say anyways.

 

3. Are we sometimes different people on the outside than we are on the inside? Which characters from the novel fit this description? Why is this true about people, do you think?

       People are all different in many ways. Everyone has their own personalities. Some people don't like to express the way the feel inside like others may like to. Melinda doesn't like talking to people because of the incidents that happened to her. She takes a long time to express what is really going on and how she feels. Melinda doesn't really show ow she feels inside to others, this proves that Yes, you can be different on the inside than you are on the out. This happens to many people after something tragic happens to someone usually they don't want to express all of their feelings. I do believe that people can be different on the inside then they are on the out. It all depends on what kind of person you are.

4. Melinda's parents tell her that she's too old to go trick or treating and she pretends to be mad. Why do you think Melinda is both relieved and sad not to go trick or treating? What does it feel like to leave childhood traditions behind? (39).

       Melinda is happy her parents aren't making her go tick or treating. She does not have any friends besides David who she does not really see outside of school. She does not want to tell her parents what had happened to he at that party so she pretends to be angry that she can not go trick or treating that year. Melinda is also a bit sad because she feels as if her whole childhood has already disappeared after what had happened to her at the party, and not going trick or treating just adds to that. Not being considered as a child has its good and bad aspects and i thing Melinda realized this in the book.

5. Why is it that people sometimes "like us" more when they can get something out of us? Are the Marthas good friends to Heather? Why or why not? (82).

       Us humans are naturally greedy people and love getting what we want. When someone just hands you anything you want you seem to want to hang onto that person. When people start to act like they like you so much more when you're doing something for them or giving them something they are truly not your real friends. Heather is a “Martha” only because she does everything they want from what i believe. I honestly don't see the Marthas as Heather's friend at all because they have only used her to get what they desire. These girls do not treat Heather as a real friend would. People do not need to be catered at their every wish. Its not hard to do things on your own sometimes you will live.

6. Write about one of Mr. Freeman’s “words of wisdom” and how it is either true or false, based on your learning and experience: (choose another quote if you like)

-"You must walk alone to find your soul" (118)

-"Art is about making mistakes and learning from them" (122).

-"Nothing is perfect. Flaws are interesting" (153).

       Mr. Freeman's quote “Nothing is perfect. Flaws are interesting.” is a completely true and inspiring quote. Everything and everyone have flaws. Nothing and no one can be perfect. If everything were perfect life would be absolutely boring. An imperfection doesn't have to a bad thing you only see something how you choose to see it. See you imperfections as something good because no on should tell you that your flaws can mess you up or make you different from everyone else. Being different is a good thing no one and nothing should be exactly the same. Imperfection is beauty.

7. David is a true friend to Melinda, but he tells her something she may not want to hear. He says that people have to speak up for their rights, referring to the suffragettes. What should his words mean to her? (159).

       David is not insulting Melinda in a bad way. He wants Melinda to know that she can't be happy without speaking a single word. If nobody knows what her problems are no one can help and nothing will change for her. David just wants to help her speak up because he is a true friend and only tells her what he believes will truly help. Melinda struggles with speaking to people and David is trying to help her find a way through that because he wants to be there for her as a friend. David is the only person who has been their for Melinda and she should trust him and take the advice.

8.Melinda's father explains to her that the arborists are cutting off disease and damage to make it possible for the tree to grow again. How can the pruning of the tree be compared to Melinda's life? (187).

       Melinda has struggled with a lot of thing in the past year. After the indecent at the part the summer before her whole life got turned upside down. Everything has changed fro Melinda and know one even knows it. She is not broken. She is holding on by just a little just like the tree is. Melinda need help with what has happened and with the help she can become a new person and be happy again. The tree is the same way, with a few trims and fixes the tree will be as good as new and back to a healthy start. Melinda's life is much like the trees'. With a few changes Melinda and the tree can go back to how they once were, happy and healthy. Bad things don't have to turn into worse things with a little help everything can change.

Speak Free Write Assignment

1.) We sometimes do not like people who are good at things because we have the feeling of JEALOUSY! Yes, jealousy. Most likely because, for personal reasons, they don’t want to feel the “shine” taken away from them or let everyone watch them succeed instead of others. I do think it is fair because everybody goes through it and has it inside them somewhere. Everybody feels the same thing you are feeling one day or another day. And adults are definitely like this, duh.  It’s not like when you hit a certain age you stop having the same emotions. That will be very interesting and a little skeptical. Don’t ya think? I also, think that adults act more jealous then kids do because adults have money and can buy more things for themselves like a house, or a sports car, a yacht, pool, Jacuzzi, nice clothes, new sunglasses, etc.

2.) I think that free speech means that you have the freedom to say what is on your mind, what you might be thinking, or your opinion. Not at any given time, just freely. It seems the more the world understands this it is just getting out of hand. Yes, you probably don’t go to jail for it, but when you do have a line that you can’t cross. Some people use the “freedom of speech” as an excuse when they get handcuffed or someone calls the cops on them. You can’t just go anywhere and everywhere cussing people out, or talking about people to their faces. Watch what you say, but just know you have a right to freedom of speech.

3.) Most definitely we are different people on the outside than we are on the inside. You can be the prettiest person I have ever seen, but the meanest person to any and everyone who gets in your way. You can be the beach “hottie”, but the rudest person to everybody. It doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside just how you act on the inside or what you show people because actions speak louder than appearances, in my case. The character that fits the description is the Marthas because they are like the cool crowd that everyone wants be apart of but in reality they don’t really care about you.

4.) Melinda is relieved that her parents said she is too old to go trick or treating because she didn’t want to admit that nobody invited her to go with them, but she is probably sad because she had so many good memories with her friends that she missed and loved so much but didn’t have no one to go with. It feels not depressing but depressing because you don’t have anything else to do when that day comes around; you just mope around trying to figure out what to do, but not get upset thinking about. But the saddest thing about leaving a childhood tradition behind is going back to school and your friends bragging about what they did and you don’t have anything to tell them so you just sit there alone.

5.) People sometimes like us more because we are like a tool when they are in need of some construction building to upgrade their lives more, in my opinion. It seems that certain people can’t just be a real friend to someone by having someone to share good times with, laugh at each other’s jokes, sleep over each other’s houses, or invite them to a party. The Marthas in my opinion are not really good friends to poor Heather or even friends at all. It seems like since she got that modeling job in the mall they all started “noticing” her even more than before  and wanted to be her bestest bud.

6.) “You must walk alone to find your soul.” I like this “word of wisdom” statement. It seems to show me to walk on your own path by yourself to find who you are on the inside. I actually like it a lot. You can’t find yourself in a group of people who you can’t relate to or they can’t relate to you, but if you separate yourself from that group you will be able to find yourself no matter what. It might just take some time. If you are confused on whom you are question yourself and look in the mirror, is this who you really are?

7.) His words should mean to Melinda a whole lot because David is basically telling her you have the right to speak up. To use your speaking abilities to do something; to say something. Don’t let people make you tiny by walking all over you because they yell and scream. If you have a point that needs a little proving you better scream and shout and jump around more than the other guy to prove your point. You might have your very first shouting tournament with someone who doesn’t care what you have to say. You need to tell people what is on your mind before your chance goes to waste.

8.) I think that the dad is actually cutting down the tree to show Melinda it doesn’t hurt to start over and become a changed person since she came out and told people what she did was necessary because of what happened at the party.  The pruning of the tree can be compared to Melinda’s life because the tree grows like she grows in the story, its limbs branches out showing that she can do different things and change herself to have different relationships with different people, and the leaves shows just how far she came and how much she improved knowing that she grew into a better person than she was when she started out at the crazy, twisted roots.

Unwritten rules of owning a cat

In loving memory of Max 10~2~12

 Owning a pet is a big responsibility, but from my experience, cats aren't that hard to take care of.  Here are some tips on owning a cat. By the way, these tips will most likely be for the cats on the street. If you bought a pure-bred (not a stray) then don't pay attention to this post.

Rule #1: Only pick them up , about, twice a day.
One thing that I do remember, is that my cat was moody. One day my cat loves me and would lay on me, and the next day he would scratch me and bite me for no reason. Whether he loved or hated me that day was unpredictable.So that this doesn't happen to you, I recommend that you only try to pick them up 2-3 times a day. If it is having that day were it is in love with you, it will come to you on its own. Don't be tricked by its fake "sweet angel kitten" act. It could turn ugly if you let your guard down.

Rule #2: Never own or wear any black clothing
Every cat sheds, and when it sheds, it gets everywhere. It gets on your furniture, it becomes part of the air, it gets in your food, which to leads to the mouth, and most important, it gets on clothes. So it really isn't smart to own black clothing. If you own a naked/shaved/bald cat, you don't have to worry about this type of stuff happening to you. Another smart thing to do is to have a huge supply of lint rollers. Even though you can't see it as much, the shed is on all of your clothing. Also brush the cat everyday or else it will throw up hair balls,that is no lie.

Rule #3: Always clean the kitty litter once a day.
From my experience, if the kitty litter is not cleaned once a day, the house begins to smell like cat pee and poop. So unless you like the smell of cat box, I recommend you clean it everyday. There were times when I was paranoid that I smelled like litter odor, because I did not follow this rule all the time. Another tip is to not have it in the family room, your bedroom etc. If you put it in, maybe, the garage or outside, your house probably will not have a kitty odor. Also a thing that people are doing now is potty training their cat. It is recommended to do it when they are young. If you do it when they are already used to the kitty litter box, it will be more of a challenge for, both, you and your cat.

Rule #4: Never ever ever own rodents, birds, reptiles, fish, or even insects.
This is not Tom and Jerry. The cat won't use objects to try to kill the other pet.Your cat will succeed in killing the other pet in any way. I once had a fish, her name was Princess, and it was like any other day. I went to school, then came home. When I walked into the door, my poor Princess was dried up, laying on the carpet, dead. To make it worse, someone in my house joked and said "Hey guess I don't need to get dinner.We're having sushi!"  So to save a life, please, do not own any other pets. However, I recommend owning another cat, other than this one, also. The other cat is less likely to become depressed, lonely, and suicidal if it has a friend.

Rule #5: Take your cat the veterinarian regularly.
This is the most important one. Cats are like humans, they need to have check-ups too. I wish that I had done this with my cat. Maybe he would have had more time or maybe even not died at all, if I took him to the vet. Also, if you ever think that something is wrong with your cat or they are acting weird don't even think twice about taking them to the vet. It is important that the cat be fixed when you first get it, so that it can not have kittens or not get another cat pregnant. While you are there at the first appointment, also get all of their shots done. If you do not get these done, there is a high chance it will spray or get rabies.

P.S.  These are only tips that come from experience. However, not all of them happened. I was not a bad cat owner, if that is what you got from this whole post.

Unwritten Rules of Being in the Girl's Locker Room

The Girls locker room!!! Being in the girl's locker room is not a scary place just be aware of your surroundings. You can't turn your back for one second without something happening to you or to someone else. Be prepare.

1. If you are in the girls locker and you know you kind of have a stinch on you or you're musty. Tip: take your clothes off at the same time as the person next to you, so you won't be automatically spotted.
2. Make sure you do not have a murph (wedgie) or girls will say OUT LOUD ewwww pull that out! That's so NASTY! I see your "behind."
3. If you are ASHY and in NEED of some LOTION whisper to one or two people that's the closest next to you do you have some lotion. If not, make the quickest route possible to the nearest water place or someone you can TRUST to get some lotion on those ashy ankles or someone will EMBARASS you in front of everybody in that locker room because of how ashy you are.
4. If you are wearing flats, sandals, or shoes that don't need socks make sure you bring an extra pair of socks for p.e. or spray your shoes with something that smells like febreze. If you don't, rumors will go around and say you have some smelly fungus feet.
5. If you are on "that time of the month" wear some shorts under your pants or make sure you smell really good before removing any clothing because if anyone smells something, they will say something OUT LOUD.
6. Do not forget your p.e. clothes because if you do that word LOANER will stick to you.
7. When you are dressing out, make sure you have your backside to a wall or something that covers it because your friends will come behind and smack you as hard as they could. REAL TALK! Be prepared and take cover.
8. If you let out a little gas be sure you are not the first one who says, "Do you smell that," because they will automatically blame you and put you on blast.
9. Make sure you have every undergarment on right and tight before taking off any clothes because whoever got flashed will say something that makes you feel bad about yourself and everyone will stare at you like you have something on your face.
10. Lastly, before you are finished make sure you look in the mirror and check every aspect of your body to see if anything is messed up or showing something or anything because most girls will just let you walk out looking like a hot mess.

These are the unwritten rules of being in the girl's locker room. Take them in and make sure you don't forget. Be prepared and take cover!

Unwritten Rules of Going on Pointe

          Pointe!! Ummm ya it hurts! What is pointe? Pointe is when a ballerina goes on the tips of her toes. Pointe shoes are hand made shoes ballet shoes with multiple parts to allow ballerinas to go on the tips of their toes. So what are the unwritten rules of going on pointe?

1. Get over your box!! The box... the tip of your pointe shoe (usually made of paper hardened by glue and occasionally wood). Lets just say if you don't get over your box don't be surprised if you have a broken ankle...
2. Don't complain... When I say complain I mean don't say, "This hurts my toe..." It hurts every ones toe. You can ask about how to reduce pain in your toe which would be nice to have less pain. Don't complain because you knew before you were on pointe the levels of pain most likely to be involved.
3. Keep your toe nails short!! If they are too long they can crack... I know the feeling of cracked toe nails... it's not fun! Cut them enough to where you don't break skin! If your nails are too long they can also be pushed away from the skin that holds the nail to the toe. So your nail can be pushed away from the skin and start large amounts of blood... not fun! Beware of ingrown toe nails!
4. Despite the pain in your toes try to look happy. Yeah it's hard I know. But try to look like you are living your dream and be happy. Despite the pain remember why you are doing this? Hopefully it's because you love it.

      Follow these rules... please!!! And if your going on pointe good luck!

The Unwritten Rules of Going to The Girl's Bathroom.

The Unwritten Rules of Going To The Girls Bathroom:
1. Don't ever go alone. You never know if your enemy is in there doing her make up and you might need back up.
2. Always wash your hands. Even if you don't usually, do it because if someone sees you leave without doing it then rumors will spread saying you're dirty.
3. Don't actually sit on the toilet. You have no idea who's sat there.
4. If you see two girls arguing in there then you leave.
5. If all the mirrors are taken by the popular girls doing their make up then you just wait till they're done to wash your hands.
6. ALWAYS check if there is toilet paper. NOBODY is going to put their hand under the door to give you some.
7. Don't put your backpack on the ground. The ground is disgusting and that's why you bring your best friend so they can hold your stuff while you do your business.
8. Don't talk to anyone from separate stalls. That's just weird and nobody wants to be bothered while taking care of business.
9. DON'T EVER, EVER, look through the crack in the stall. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU MIGHT SEE.
10. If you're going to text while in there, go in a stall so the proctors won't see you on your phone when they walk in.