Four Years Ago..

Four years ago I was eleven years old. When I was eleven there were several things that I couldn't do. I couldn't talk to boys on the phone, chill with guys outside of school, I couldn't stay out past nine, I couldn't date, I couldn't have a cell phone and I could only talk on the house phone. When it was time to go to sleep I had to shut any and everything off. I couldn't watch t.v. while doing homework. Now that I'm fifteen I can hang out with and talk to boys on the phone, I could stay out until one o' clock. I have a cell phone, I can watch t.v. while doing homework, I can chill with whoever, wherever. Majority of the stuff I couldn't do that I do now was because my dad didn't think I was ready to be doing. Now that I'm way more responsible and mature, I have priveledge to a lot of things.

Monkey's Being Pets? I Don't Think So.

Honestly, I don't think a monkey would be a good pet. Why? Because monkey's are wild animals that are not supposed to be house pets. They are supposed to be out in the wild around others like themselves not secluded. I don't think a monkey would be a good pet because they probably would swing all over the house, break dishes, make a lot of noise, throw poop everywhere, and eat all the fruits in the house. I don't think monkey's would be a good pet they belong in the wild.

The Youngest Person I Know...

     The youngest person I know is my nephew, Alon. He's about to be two on December 30. That baby is a bundle of joy and he always puts a smile on my face. Since the day he was born he's always made me happy. When my sister gave birth to him it was the most exciting thing in the world. I was waititng for him to be born just so I can see how adorable he would be. Everytime I used to hold him, he'd smile in his sleep and have me just smile to myself, my heart would just shine. Now that he's just about two years old he's walking, running, laughing, joking, and talking. I can't wait until the years go by and I watch him grow up to be a handsome young man.

The Oldest Person I Know...

 The oldest person I know is my grand-father, Connie Barner Jr. He's very loving and kind. He likes to drink, but he's not an alcoholic, with the family. He's very funny and he cracks jokes all the time, whether its a family event or just anything. He's always full of joy and he tries to make everyone feel better when their down. He lets it be known that your strong and that you can become whatever you want to become if you put your head to it. I'm happy to have my grand-father around and I appreciate everything that he does for everyone.

If I Were a Wonderful Painter...

 If I were a wonderful painter and my parents let me paint anything on my walls I would paint some unique, something no one would probably ever do. I would paint something different on both sides of the walls. On the East side of my walls I would paint the sunrise in colors of orange, blue, yellow, and some shades of pink. Just so I can be calm when I wake up. On the west side of the walls I would have the sun setting at the top of the wall, and the moon and stars going from the middle to the bottom of the wall. I love nature so I would have a lot of trees flowers, butterflies, and birds, etc... I would just have my wall painted based on nature, so I could feel really comfortable in my room.

Lunch with Tyra Banks

  If I could have lunch with any famous person it would be Tyra Banks. I've been admiring Tyra since I was little and I just love everything she has done and accomplished. From just a young age she aspired being a model and made it out of the city of Inglewood to become something bigger and better. From critism to rejections she's made it with her mom behind her every step of the way. I would talk about any and everything that she is willing to answer. I would love to get advice from her to kind of guide me in the path that I want to go in. It would really mean a lot to me to get some kind of words of wisdom from someone I admire the most. It would be exciting and encouraging at the same time to make me always want to do better. And to accomplish bigger and better things with my life.

My Brothers & Sisters

 I have two sisters and three brothers. Their names are Shamira, India, Durron, Laguan, and Otis Jr. Shamira is my oldest sister. She's nice when she wants to be and she likes to shop a lot. She a party animal and she likes to dance and have fun. We act a like and think the same a little bit. I love hanging out with her. My second oldest sister India is a little bit mislead. She had it hard growing up but she's getting through it progressively. We have some of the same similarities in like and dislikes and she's my favorite sister. My Oldest brother Durron, is my favorite brother. We click and we get along very well. He's the only one out of all of my brothers that I can really talk, laugh, and joke with. He's married now and he's very happy. My other brother Laguan, I've been scared of him since as long as I can remember. He pulled a snake out on me when I was about six or seven and I never liked being around him since then, he's having a pretty hard time right now but getting through it as the days go by. My last brother Otis JR, I've only met him once. I haven't talked to him since I was about seven and thats all I can really say about him.

If I could have any animal for a pet it would be...

  If I could have any animal for a pet it would have to be a tiger. You may be saying in your head "What in the world is this girl thinking!?" but I love exotic animals. I would keep it in my house at night and in the day it would be in my huge back yard in the wild where it belongs. I would take care of it like a mother takes care of her child and feed it whatever it needs to eat. I would have an animal trainer come over to my house and teach me how to play with the tiger and how to feed it. And I would like the trainer to tell me any and everything I need to know about the animal. Once I get the basics of teaching this tiger and learning to cope with it I would buy another one so it can mate and have babies. Then I'd release them to a zoo or have someone take them back into the wild. :)

My Journey on a Pirate Ship

 One day my friends Aubrey, Lashon, Precious, and I went on a journey. Not just any ordinary trip, but a journey on a pirate ship. We all went out for a trip on the beach and we saw an abandoned ship on the shore and we decided to check it out. Aubrey came up with the idea and everyone pretty hesitated the fact of doing that, but we sort of had an epiphany about it and decided to do so. All of us climbed into the ship and decided to take a look all around it. Precious wanted to drive it and we all sat back and enjoyed the ride. Lashon was being obnoxious about how she so called gets sea sick we all ignored her and continued the ride. This ride across the shore was more like a cruise sort of but we found a whole bunch of weird things on the ship like gold, and lots of jewels we found pirate clothing but we never thought anything of it. We thought that someone had old halloween costumes here. As we're sailing across the sea something bumps into the back of us and what do you know its a bunch of pirates on another ship trying to get our attention. Their yelling at us saying we stole their boat and we pay no attention to them. Once they got irritated they started shooting and we jumped out and swam back to shore.

Writing Prompt: 3 Today, there are more and more reality shows on television. Do these shows make good television? Why or why not? Explain your answer using specific reasons and examples.

     Almost every day there is a new reality television show. All types of them are on air now. From what’s going on in a celebrity’s life to regular people at home. These shows consist of a lot of drama and some more than others. Some just show how to be respectful to your peers and actually try to educate some young minds. But are these shows making good or bad television? Honestly, I think reality shows are making good and bad television.

     The reality shows that are making good television are the ones who people rarely pay any attention to at all. People are too busy paying attention to the unnecessary drama on the other reality shows. Most of the good reality shows are trying to send out a positive message to people who watch them, some of them entertain people in a good way. Reality shows make an image and broadcast a message to let people all over the world know what to do and what not to do in certain situations. Reality shows give insight to people who may admire the celebrities or the people on the shows and that makes them more interested in the show.

     The reality shows that make television garbage and not worth watching are the ones who send out negative messages to children and adults. Like the girls who are running around being 15 and Pregnant, to the wild children on Parental Control, and then to the reality dating shows. All of these shows really don’t need to be on television. No one needs to know that you’re 15 and Pregnant that’s not anything to be proud of because now that they have that baby their lives are done with. They can’t have a normal childhood now. The disrespectful children on Parental Control have no respect for elders or the people their dating and it urks my soul to see the parents just take it in like they do. And for the women and men on the reality dating shows, show how desperate they are to find love by going on television and competing with other people to get the girl/guy of their dreams. It makes people think that how these people act on television is the way to act during any and almost every situation. Some of these people on reality shows set a bad example for people in the community and it sets a bad name for people in general. I just think some of these reality shows show a little bit more than they should.

    Reality shows that are out today are making television good and bad for all the right and wrong reasons. Although reality shows are giving us insight to celebrity’s lives, its posing a lot of drama on national television for the whole world to see and that is not acceptable. Its leading children and young adults and some adults into the wrong direction by pulling them into the drama they see on television every day and night. Television should set more positive images than they do negative and television would be so much better than it is with all these drama filled reality shows.

My Deepest Fear

 My deepest fear is death. Death is my deepest fear because I don't want to leave my friends and loved ones behind. I don't want to be apart from those who I love and cherish the most. I don't want to go away from everyone wondering who's going to care or love me when I'm gone or who is going to miss me and visit me when I'm deceased. I want to live forever, but I know that isn't possible. People say that death shouldn't be a fear because everyone does it, but I don't want to go away at all. I know that heaven is a better place but I'd rather be in this place called Earth. Even though Earth is just as bad as anywhere else I'd rather be here enjoying my time with friends and family. That is why my deepest fear is death.

My Own Restaurant

  If I had my own restaurant it would be called "Creative Dishes". It would be really big, very unique and different. It would have flags from all over the world on the walls. I would have bright colors on the walls. It would sort of be set up like EL Toritos like how they have cushion seats and booths that are bright colors of orange and red. Everyone from qualified chefs, pastry chefs, nice waiters, and hosts. I would serve every type of food, from jamaican to chinese, to seafood to soulfood. anything and everything will be served there. If customers have new dishes that they like I would like them to tell me so I can put it on my menu and have it open for everyone to try.

Creative Non-Fiction ; Write quickly a personal memory of either swimming or: a time you were totally happy, or: a time where you believed you could fly, or: a time where you were deluded with your own power.

     One of the happiest days of my life was December 30, 2008. It was the day my nephew Alon Kelvin Washington was born. It was one of those days where I was anxious for him to arrive, like a kid is during Christmas time, just waiting to open presents. That whole day was full of peace and happiness. Just seeing my sister hold him in her arms just put an instant smile on my face, you could say I was in awe. It was like he was the most beautiful baby in the world. The first time I held him in my arms, I was like this is how it feels to be happy. Everytime he does something new it makes me feel like a proud auntie. From his first steps to his first words he makes me smile all the time. Even now that he gets on my nerves, I still love him even more everyday.

Writing Prompt #2

Does Computer Communication Limit Our Interpersonal Skills and Our Ability To Have Meaningful Relationships or Does It Help Shy People Communicate More Openly With Others?

     Some people believe that computer communication limits our interpersonal skills and our ability to have meaningful relationships. Others believe that it helps people communicate more openly with others in a better way. I believe that both sides have a valid point. Although it is good that computer communication is helping other people communicate with others if they are shy or don’t really know how to start a conversation with someone in person. Personally, I believe that those who are internet struck should let go of that when they are talking to elders or loved ones. Computer communication is limiting interpersonal skills, the ability to have meaningful relationships, and helping communicate with others.

     Shy people tend to turn to the internet when they want to speak up about an issue or just talk in general. Although it helps them communicate more openly it is as well lowering their confidence to actually speak in front of someone or an audience. For example: say is he/she has a speech to make or has to present in front of a large group. He/she would feel very uncomfortable and shy because they never actually experience times where they actually have to speak in front of someone. That’s not good, and the more they internet chat, text, and IM the more their speaking skills will lower. On the other hand it does higher their typing skills and gives them the ability to type way faster than the average person does.

     People already have a hard enough time developing proper interpersonal skills, and for shy folks it’s even harder. Communicating by computers and IM and text messaging lowers ability to even develop those skills. It lessens speaking and writing skills, because majority of the time people tend to speak how they text or IM. For example: it slightly takes away the fact of personal skills knowing how to talk to someone. Why? Because if that person is applying for a job or at an interview they may forget what type of setting their in and starting using the language they use for text messaging and IMing. Email, IM, texting, and other sources that has to do with non-verbal talking really doesn’t show any emotion at all so that person may take it the wrong way and you don’t want that to happen.

     Meaningful relationships are something everyone looks forward to if they don’t already have many developed. It could be with a friend, a loved one, a significant other, or whomever. But if all you want to do is sit down in front of a computer or just text the day away you may start to drift away from those who you want to have meaningful relationships with. Your loosing contact with those who don’t use the internet at all or don’t have or know how to text on their phone. Especially the elderly folks in your family, for them they prefer you to pick up the phone or mail them a hand written letter. Internet communication makes you lose the means of a real relationship. Internet and texting use, in some cases, make people not want to talk to you. It limits trust and the other means of a relationship, because some people can only say stuff on a text or email other than saying it in person. That’s a bad habit that shouldn’t be followed as well.

     I feel that people should communicate more in person or through hand written letters and verbally talk on the phone. Loved ones feel more connected if they see and talk to you in person or just by hearing your voice, that way they can tell your emotions when talking to you. Talking to people on the phone and in person makes them feel more intact with you. Emotional attachment can’t really be shown through an email or text message. People happen to like it more when you do verbal contact rather than online or some other source.

I Know I'm Not Crazy... Is That a Dinosaur!?

   It's monday morning, I'm just waking up. I open the curtains to my bedroom window and what do I see in the backyard a HUGE dinosaur. Not just any dinosaur either! It's a freaking Tyranosaurus Rex! I'm thinking in my head " Please don't eat me!" and "Is anyone else seeing this?". Now I'm a scary person, I'm trying my best to get out of that place I call home as soon as possible. I'm not about to be like those crazy white people on Jurassic Park and try to see what's going on. I'm getting the heck out of there. I guess it saw the window open and me shuffling around the house to gather my things. All I know is that as soon as I turned around to see if it was coming it just roared and I said oh heck no and started to run towards the door. I can feel that this dinosaur is behind me so I start running as fast as I can to anywhere. Everyone in the middle of the street and on the sidewalk stare in awe as they see me getting chased by this thing. Are you freaking kidding me!? Call the police or something. But no one does it. I feel like I'm in a horror film. Or maybe those guys from Jack*** are trying to punk me. This just isn't right. I run out of breath and all I'm saying to myself is "breathe". I fall down and what happens next is a mystery that shouldn't be told.

                                        The End

If I Could Make Any Meal For My Family It Would Be...

     If I could cook any meal for my family it would have to be Thanksgiving dinner. I would make honey ham, smoked turkey, greens, macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob, cornbread, sweet potatoe pie, and apple pie. The ham and turkey I'd have baking in the oven while I'm preparing everything else. I would buy some mustard greens and some hot peppers to make it just a little spicy and get a turkey leg to put in there. I would clean the greens in the sink like I was taught and put them in the pot with the turkey leg and hot pepper. For the macaroni and cheese I would buy the medium sized spiral noodles and get two blocks of cheese. First, I cook the noodles until their ready then I put them in the pan and put a little bit of butter and just enough milk. Then, I get the cheese and shred it, and spread it across the noodles. Next, I mix the noodles and cheese together and put it into the oven. For the corn on the cob I just clean the corn and wrap it with foil and put it into the oven. For the corn bread I'd buy the Jiffy cornbread and do what the directions say and thats done. The sweet potatoe pie and apple pies , I would have my sister or stepmom do. I would want to cook this meal for them to show them how thankful I am for them being in my life and preparing me a good meal everyday.

Writing Prompt #1 : Should parents give children allowance regardless of behavior to teach them how to be financially responsible or should they give children allowance as reward of completing chores or when they behave properly?

Parents everyday are giving their children allowance for a large amount of things. Some are giving their children money to teach them how to be financially responsible. Others are giving their children money to reward them for good behavior and doing the chores around the house. The real question is which one matters the most? In my opinion Parents should only give allowance to their children when they complete chores or when they behave properly.

     Giving children money regardless of how they act makes them think they can get whatever they want. Whether it’s true or not, no child should think that they can get whatever they want regardless of their actions. Of course teaching your child how to be financially responsible is a good thing but also you don’t have to give a misbehaved child money to do that. You can give your child a little lecture about how important it is to be financially stable in the long run.

     Rewarding children for doing good and doing what their supposed to do makes them want to do much better. If the child knows that they will get rewarded for all the good they do they’ll continue to do better. You’ll feel proud as a parent to know that your child is doing what their supposed to do as well. If you reward them all the time for all kinds of behavior they will

develop the skill of not knowing what is good and bad. They will not want to do good because

they know they are going to get rewarded anyway.

     Children who get allowance that are doing what their supposed to do tend to act better towards their parents. Those who get allowance regardless of their actions seem to have an attitude towards their parents for any given situation, and/or reason. Teaching your children how to be financially responsible is good, but can be done in any other way. The giving allowance to children who really don’t deserve and/or appreciate it shouldn’t receive allowance at all. They tend to walk over parents and try to control their parents life which is highly unacceptable, not all but most children do that.

     Parents should only give allowance to their children when they complete chores or when they behave properly. Giving children money regardless of how they act makes them think they can get whatever they want. Rewarding children for doing good and doing what their supposed to do makes them want to do much better. You’ll feel proud as a parent to know that your child is doing what their supposed to do as well. giving allowance to children who really don’t deserve and/or appreciate it shouldn’t receive allowance at all.

10 Haikus

Flowers are blooming
Bursts of colors come alive
Fragrant smells around us!
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Spring, nature wakes up
Flowers and trees are blooming
Animals are coming out!
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Tulips are blooming
Sun is out and shinning bright
Green grass is growing
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Beaches are open
Strong waves are hitting the rocks
Kids are coming back.
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I hear birds singing.
Birds are chirping everywhere.
Their wings touch the sky.
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Nature blooms, It's spring
Flowers awake from their nap
Cool breezes on my face!
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Butterflies are flying
Their orange wings touch the sun
They perch on fresh leaves!
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No school in summer.
Swimming in the cool water.
Sipping lemonade.
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Bees buzzing, it's spring
Nature wakes up from its nap
While the wind blew softly
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FROGS jumping around
Frogs hopping away from snakes
Frogs doing cool tricks

Free Write : When I wake up...

  When I wake up in the morning, from a nap, or anything I just want to thank God for blessing me with another chance to experience life. He doesn't have to do it but he does and I think he does it for a significant reason that isn't supposed to be known. I thank God just for letting me see the light of another day and letting me continue to experience this journey we call life. I thank him for letting me have yet another day to share with friends and family, those whom I care for the most. I don't pray like I should,but I think God knows that I'm very grateful for the things he does for me daily. And thats just letting me wake up.

Free Write : This journal is...

 This journal is sort of like my diary. It is like my diary because I put all my thoughts about a certain subject into this journal. It's like an emotion spill to put everything into here. It just takes an lift of my shoulders to just spill information into a journal without having to talk to anyone about how I feel about the subject or situation. This very much relates to my diary. Except for the fact that my diary is a little bit more personal and not so much deatailed.

Describe one time when you were brave.

     I remember one time I was brave. I was in the 5th grade and we had to do the Macbeth play. I was so nervous to perform the play in front of my peers. I thought that I would forget my lines or not do anything right. Stressing was one thing I didn't want to do, so I confronted my teacher about the situation. She told me to just relax and look at one of my friends in the audience to kind of take my mind off of the actual subject. I finally got the guts enough to go up on stage and perform the play, using the techniques that were instructed by my teacher. And actually, I did a pretty good job. After that, I didn't have a problem standing in front of people anymore.

Imagine you had a hundred dollars, but you couldn't keep it. You had to give it away to a person or charity. Who would you give it to? What would you want them to do with it?

      If I had a hundred dollars and I couldn't keep it, I would donate the money to Child Help USA. Child Help USA is a charity that helps and takes children in from abusive and neglected homes and try to provide them with a better, more stable environment. I would want them to use the money wisely as in a sense to make better ways to provide the children that are with them and in the program. I would want them to use the money to buy food and clothes for the children. They could even buy new toys for the kids or whatever necessary that is needed for the children. I wouldn't want them to waste the money on something unecessary. I would like for them to make everything that charity has to offer a better place for children.

The I Am Poem

 I am unique and determined.

 I wonder why there is so much hatred in the world.

 I hear the wind breeze passing by.

 I see the stars shining bright.

 I want to be successful and live a long healthy life.

 I am unique and determined.

 I pretend to fly around the universe.

 I feel the heavy dusk air from the atmostphere.

 I worry about when the world may end.

 I cry when I think about my mother.

 I am unique and determined.

 I understand why people keep things to themselves.

 I say good-bye to drama.

 I dream about making my life the way I picture it to be.

 I try to get along with everyone.

 I hope to follow my dreams of success.

 I am unique and determined.