Nine Eleven

After a long day I got home,

Mom's on the phone.

The twin towers.

People Cower.

Smoke just billows into the air.

Hurt everywhere.

The flow of tears.

All of our fears.

The brave pilot, now in heaven,

Flight eleven.

Tom McGuinness,

Always with us.

Old Man and The Sea

In every story, there are obstacles that the main character has to overcome. In the novella The Old Man and The Sea, the main character, Santiago, faces many obstacles. The largest conflict he has to overcome is stated in the title; the sea. Many smaller conflicts come along with this one bigger one. While he is trying to stay alive and catch the marlin far out at sea, these problems only make the situation worse. After he finally defeats the marlin, sharks come and eat it until only the skeleton was left.

The old Man in the book faces multiple things in the sea. One of them is just the sea itself and its vast loneliness. “…and the surface of the ocean was flat except for the occasional swirls of the current” (30).Everyday that he is out there he tries to be optimistic about the situation even when he himself probably wishes that he were just back at home. This was a very obvious conflict for him because it's in the title. It was a big part of the book. I believe that the sea was symbolic of a large problem that anyone could have, and showed that sometimes the large problem can end up defeating you. But that you just keep on living.

Another conflict that faced Santiago was the marlin. This was what the whole book was based on. The old man was patient while waiting to catch it, but it the end result didn't end up going his way. Santiago held the Marlin on the rope for multiple days while it pulled his along and he was still able to catch other food to eat and survive. He was wise in the way he conserved his food and ate when he needed, but he was still weakening as the days passed and the fish persisted. “He felt faint again now but he held on the great fish all the strain that he could” (91). His objective was to prove to himself that he wasn’t a failure and to finally be able to have something to eat.

The conflict continued to reveal itself when sharks in the ocean that were able to smell the blood of the dead fish being dragged from the back of Santiago's skiff. As he aggressively tried to stab them and get them away, they continued to eat pieces of the marlin. “The two sharks closed together and as he saw the one nearest him open his jaws and sink them into the silver side of the fish…” (113). The conflict finally overcame Santiago. All of his hard work and believing did not pay off. It showed that even when things are looking up not everything can go your way, no matter how hard you work for it. Santiago had been a non successful fisherman for many years, and he was not able to overcome that. He was crushed. The effect it had on Santiago was sad. Though the young boy tried to comfort him, the old man knew that he had let himself and the young boy down.

Throughout the whole book Santiago's motive was to catch the marlin and to finally prove to people that he could be successful. This was his last hope to make some money to save himself. He was not able to accomplish it and he was very disappointed. The old man had become very close to the marlin over their course together and he respected the fish despite the fact that he had to kill it. The fish had put up a good fight, but the sea as a whole is what was able to take him down. It doesn't say in the end of the book, but hopefully in the rest of his life he was able to rise above his let down. Bad things happen to people, and not everything always turns out for the good, but you keep on living and you have to push past it.

First Quarter Reading Book

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards. Penguin Books, 2006.
Genre: Realistic fiction

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter is an intriguing story about Dr. David Henry who decides to give his handicapped child away without his wife knowing it saying that she had passed away during birth. The book is based around how she grows up with another women who was supposed to bring her to a special needs home, and the struggle of the relationship between the doctor, his wife, and their daughters pretend “death” that the doctor had lied about. Set in Lexington, the book is interesting and a wonderful read.

Jodi Picoult states about the authors work, “Kim Edwards has created a tale of regret and redemption...of characters haunted by their past.” While the book jacket reads, “For motives he tells himself are good, [Dr. Henry] makes a split-second decision that will haunt all their lives forever.”

In this book, the reader is able to see two different separated lives through different people’s eyes. The book puts you in question about what’s to happen next, mysterious, about love, loss, and secrets. There were good descriptions about the times when Norah was actually happy, or in great despair, and I could always picture what was going on very well.
This book is shows two different separated lives, intertwining with sadness, regret, and redemption. This book reminds me a lot of My Sister’s Keeper, by Jodi Picoult, not only because of the name, but by how it shows views from different people, and how much of the story is about family troubles, love, and hardship. Both of the books kept me thinking about what the person could have done to make the situation better and about what would happen next.

“It was true that he’d once sought unity, as if the underlying correspondences between tulips and lings, weins and tress, flesh and earthm might reveal a pattern he could understand...he would stand watching her- this mystery, a person he would never really know, curled around her secrets” (202).

Having a cousin with down-syndrome who is my age, I could never picture my aunt or uncle ever even think about haven given her away. But in this story, I knew that it was only from his past bad experiences that Dr. David Henry made these decisions. Everyone has felt it in their lives, the feeling of regret, and doctor Henry kept this lifelong secret. I really liked this book and felt that I learned something from the relationships, hard times, and love that happened in this book.

The Value of Cozy Feet and Good Vacations

What defines value? How does one know what he or she truly values when they are surrounded with great things every day? Moments and events seem to be such precious memories but great things and objects surround us on a daily basis.

I slide my left foot down through the boot; warmth suddenly makes my foot content on such a cold morning. I repeat the same steps on the right. These aren’t just any boots; they’re Uggs; shoes made from sheepskin, warm and cozy as if I am wearing slippers all day.

To me, no other winter boots can compare to my Uggs. These are shoes that I work hard to earn money for, and it definitely pays off all winter. They are chestnut, classic tall, at least for this year. I receive my new Uggs in the mail, packed securely to endure the trip over from California. One hundred and sixty dollars in one package, I can’t wait to open it.

I sometimes wear my old ones, fit perfectly to the sole of my foot, but they just aren’t as good looking and clean as my new ones. The sheep wool inside is not as soft, and there are old marks of dirt.

The soft shade of chestnut brown always seems to complement my cozy winter outfit perfectly, with suede heel guards and a flexible sole. Twin-faced sheepskin keeps my feet snug so I can still be fashionable throughout the winter months. On some days to mix it up I can roll the boot down to give it a different feel.

I wake up with a light ray of sunshine coming through my window; I can smell the faint smell of the ocean and hear the soft waves crashing gently up onto the seashell covered shore. Outside I hear two neighbors starting their morning jog. Moments like these I wait for all year.

Going to Shelter Island is hands down the best vacation for me. I get up at my own pace, and eventually walk out to the kitchen for breakfast and to my brother’s annual favorite, crumb cake from the tiny supermarket on the island; IGA George’s. We decide it’s a beach day, pack up some sodas and snacks, and head down to the beach. My family chooses to go to a farther beach today, so we pile into the car and head off, woods all around, no stop lights to be seen. No one goes through the day without seeing at least one deer.

My aunt takes me on our annual little trip to Marika’s, a small antique store where I love to look at all the old things. I get a new ring there every year. On rainy days we go on the small ferry to get to the Island over, Greenport, to go to all the shops. Every night the family gathers downstairs to play pool, ping pong, shuffleboard, and to hang out, a tradition that I don’t think will ever die.

One day for lunch we go down to the drug store, where inside there is a small diner counter. My mom has been going here since she was born, my Dad since he was around 16, and the island has barely changed since they can remember. Just the laid back feel of these few days brings back old memories.

My aunt and uncle also bought a house there this past year, making the trip even more fun with two houses to go to now. My aunt and I love to make sea glass jewelry from glass found on Shelter Island beaches. My uncle takes the kids clamming every year. Coming home with our clams so that my aunt can make her delicious buttery stuffed clams. I’ve never tasted others as good. On the last day, we head out to Pat and Steve’s, another custom of our family, to have breakfast.

I love these quiet trips to Shelter Island, relaxing and having fun. Going rollerblading with my cousin when she comes up, just sun bathing on the beach, going out to ice cream at the Tuck Shop, or going on night walks along the beach, I’m always having fun.

Between my Uggs and my vacations to Shelter Island, these two values seem extremely different, but also have similarities. My Uggs keep my feet warm and are a fashion statement during the winter. They have to be my favorite pair of shoes I own. I work hard babysitting and doing chores for the money, and when I finally get them I am just so happy.

On Shelter Island, I get to spend quality relaxing time with my family. Repeating traditions I have been since I was born. Sunny ferry rides and beach days to die for. I never want to leave.
Whether wearing my boots, or wearing a bathing suit, I always have a smile on my face. Both of these things make the seasons better, either an item or an event that I can look forward to. They both have memories, they both are worn and overused, but I never get tired of these things. Sometimes, I just love snuggling up in my sweats and my Uggs, with snow falling gracefully onto the ground, but then again, its great to be able to lie back, read a book and relax on the beach in Shelter Island.

A Deadly Day

“Please buckle your seat belts we are about to get ready for take off.”
The overhead voice was heard all throughout the cabin of the plane. A young women dressed in a navy blue pencil skirt, a blazer and a small scarf tied around her neck stood at the front and held up an oxygen breathing mask to demonstrate like she did at least twice a day.
A pudgy older man well dressed but not superfluously, buckled his first class seat belt over his large lap and sat back in his comfy chair. His hair was a gray silver, and he wore a thin pair of metal glasses. He rode on planes all the time and this ride was not particularly any different from any other time he rode on one.
Farther back in the coach section sat two girls, excited at their new found independence. They were riding alone together for the first time. The brunette haired girl’s name was Emma, she was 14, and not worried about the plane ride at all. The other girl, Mya, had lighter hair and had just turned 15, and was worried about taking off. The plane rumbled over the runway but then smoothly started to flow through the air. The worst part was over, or so Mya thought. The flight attendant pushed a cart full of food down the aisle, stopping at each person to quietly ask if they’d like a refreshment or snack. Mya put on her headphones and laid her head back on the head rest letting out a sigh. Emma looked out the window looking out over the clouds they were passing by. She could still see the ground and the view was amazing. She could see a large body of water that lessened down to what looked like an estuary. A covey of birds flew by below.
“Oh my god I can’t wait till we’re in Florida!” said Emma to Mya.
"I can't wait to get off this plane," replied Mya. "Atleast I'll know when were close when I can see the beautiful mangrates out the window."
Back in first class, a movie had just started, but the business man was not interested in the previews. The flight attendant finally rolled her cart up to his seat.
“Hello Mr. Johnson, how are you today?”
“Fine thank you, just the usual.” replied the man.
It was obvious that he was quite a regular on the plane, especially considering he had a “usual.”
"Beautiful flight weather, huh?" the flight attendent said to Mr. Johnson.
"Oh yes," he replied, "only a slight eddy today."
Suddenly, a crash was heard from outside the plane and a red light started flashing throughout the once calm cabin. People started to panic though they had no clue what was even going on. Mya took one look out of the window only to see that the jet under the wing was on fire.
“Just stay calm,” she thought to herself. “The pilot will think of something.”
Once again, the voice was heard throughout the cabin.
“Alright everyone, this is an emergency but the best thing you can do for me and for yourselves is to stay quiet, calm, and in your seats.” The pilot’s voice had a slight quiver in it but was obviously trying to stay cool and collected. He used clout to try and keep everyone on the plane safe. They were all his responsibility.
The plane started to descend downwards, but not too fast at first. Mya and Emma were hugging each other and praying for dear life and sobbing onto each other's shoulders. Mr. Johnson sat quietly. He knew this was going to end badly, and there was no need to panic in his last moments. The flight attendant sat in her emergency landing chair with a grave look on her face.
“We are going to try and make an emergency landing.” said the pilot.
Up in the cockpit of the plane, the pilot was pressing a number of buttons to try and fix things. None of them seemed to help at all. Up ahead, he saw a large river, but didn’t know if that would be suitable enough. But it was his only hope.
The two girls both took out their cell phones and started to cry over the phone to their mothers. Their mothers both of course started to freak out but tried to stay strong for their daughters. The flight attendant was ordering everyone to put they’re heads down on their lap as this was the best way to stay safe and to protect the key parts of their body.
“Just stay strong, and pray that we’ll get out of this safe.” Emma sobbed and whispered to Mya.
She had a nervous coutenence but Mya could tell that she was trying to be brave for her. A rumble and a huge crash sent many flying forward over seats and Mya heard bloodcurdling shrills. Both girls were terrified, and Mya felt a strong compunction in her stomach. Mr. Johnson was not doing so well. He had terrible head trauma that was possibly life threatening. After a few seconds, all was still. There was no sound except for the few sobs of some people. The plane seemed to be gently bobbing back and forth. The pilot emerged from the cockpit and opened the emergency door. People were quick to exit and swam safely a few feet to shore with firemen there to abet them. The injured people who were left in the plane were quickly cared for by the plethora of ambulances and fire trucks that arrived at the scene. Mya felt sick seeing the people who were so badly injured and felt grateful that she only needed a cold poultice to put on the swelling contusion on her forehead. She even saw a man laying in a prostrate posision but no one could help him because there wasn't enough helpers to console everyone. Emma looked around and saw some peoples tattered clothes laying all over. Mya and Emma couldn’t stop crying and hugging that they were alive. They’re prayers had come through.
As for Mr. Johnson, he didn’t end up so well, but his last words were to thank his wife for being so good to him and that he loved her. Although he passed away, I think he had a great life, and he seems to be living pretty well up here with me looking over the rest of the world for the people that still live in it. As for the rest of the survivors, you have much more of your life to live, and for the deceased, I had a reason you had a reason to come and join me.