Take the CHANCE

This is the last week of ninth grade, and boy! this year has flown by. Looking back on my year, I would say that it was pretty fun. But, I do have some regrets. I didn't "take the chance" enough. In seminary, I was always terrified to bare my testimony. I thought that I would just get up there and my words would slur and I would blush. But, I did promise myself that I would do it just once. The last period I had was the last time for baring testimonies, and I got up and did it. It wasn't scary. I didn't slur. I didn't blush. And I sat down feeling happy, and for the rest of this weekend, my life has been blessed and I have just felt generally better and more confident. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I was so held back by my fear, when in all reality, it was unrelavant. I would have also liked to participate in classes more than I did. I wish I had been more vocal everywhere. I wish I hadn't been so shy! So, next year, I want to be MORE. I don't want to be scared. That's about it.

My Life Soundtrack!

Life Soundtrack: Songs of Innocence and Experience

I haven’t really had that many exciting, extravagant or tragic events in my life; I am what you might call very ordinary. But of course, like all other teenagers, (and pretty much the whole of society) I spend loads of my time listening to music. And with those constant tunes in my ears, I tend to connect certain songs with people, places, events, and even feelings. Throughout my life, I have had certain songs stand out for being very connective with an event. I have listened and tried to put them in chronological order, and for the most part they are. I hope you enjoy the Sound Track of Mim, and if you ever want to go on to YouTube, you should give it a listen.

“Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles

Whenever I hear the beginning notes of this song, I have very strong happy feelings. I can just picture a sun coming up over a mountain to greet excited faces ready to be refreshed after a long, cold winter. “It’s been a long, cold, lonely winter. It seems like years since it’s been here.” This winter (and practically all the other winters I have had in my life) has seemed to take forever. But it does take a winter to realize how much I really love the warm sun. Who wouldn’t associate this song with the joyous times of summer?

“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane

Until the third grade, I was homeschooled. In this song there is a specific line that reminds me out growing out of homeschool and has my argument for why I should go to public school, this line is as follows: “I’m getting older and need something to rely on.” I guess this doesn’t remind my exactly of homeschool itself, but the words appropriately show the feelings that I felt. I remember feeling like I was maturing, and another line from the song “Oh simple thing, where have you gone” reminds me of how I felt.

“I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz

In the sixth grade, I went to one of my best friend Josie’s cabin. I remember I had just been becoming familiar and fond with Jason Mraz’s songs, and upon meeting Josie’s dad, I thought that they looked so much alike. Whenever I hear this song, I think of her dad, and going to her cabin that fine winter week!

“Redemption Song” Bob Marley

In fifth grade, my sister, my dad, and I went to England to visit relatives, and just see and experience things in general. The plane ride was broken into two parts, 9 hours, and 3 hours. Luckily, I had my trusty brand new mp3, but the only music I had was Bob Marley. For those long hours on the plane, I listened to Bob nonstop.

“Island in the Sun” Weezer

In 2009 (I do believe) I went to Mexico with my dear friend Myrinda. One night, (yes, it was night, and to my excitement we didn’t get eaten by sharks, though it is unknown if there were some lurking around. And until my dad told us “we didn’t know what was in there” we had no intent of getting out of the water until sun rise!) the waves were ginormous. We were out there  on our little boogie boards singing our modified version of the song “Island in the Sun” which included all of the colors of the rainbow, Oh, good times, good times.

“Nobody’s Home” by Avril Lavigne

8^th grade was a rough year. I went through this phase with so much drama and just teenagerness that I got really depressed and turned into a real punk. “Nobody’s Home” was my main jam when I was feeling down. I was sad, and this song sunk to my level. Just to give you a taste of this song: “She wants to go home, but nobody’s home, it’s where she lies, broken inside.”

“Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson

I made new friends earlier in this year, (Tori, Brandt, Shane, Jake, Alex, Myrinda, Eliza…ETC…) and one of the first times we were at the Nye’s, Seth was entertaining us by singing this song in various different voices.

“Happy” by Nevershoutnever

This was the first song that I learned on the ukulele, and was also the first of many songs that we would play in the “Ukulele Group” we formed. I think it also symbolizes the group of all our friends. “You make me happy, whether you know it or not”. We are all pretty weird but fit into the group perfectly in our own ways.

“Better Together” by Jack Johnson

November of this year, I went to California with Myrinda. During the car ride home (it was a daunting 15 hours) I decided to memorize the song “Better Together”. Memorizing a song in one sitting takes listening to the song over and over again, which can be a tedious task. This repetition has resulted in me thinking of California, or rather the car ride back from there, every time I hear it.

“Tighten Up” by The Black Keys

This song reminds me of moving because when I was organizing my parent’s closet (in which I earned $100) nobody else was home, and I was belting this song with all of my heart and soul.

“We are Young” by Fun, and “Sail” by Awolnation

Both of these songs remind me of my best friend Tori because I found out about both of these songs through her, and whenever we are in her car, we like to blast them (along with others) and yell, practically scream them. She does this dance to “We Are Young” that I have to do every time it plays. Haha.

“I Just want to Run” by The Downtown Fiction

As you probably expected, this reminds me of track, and just running in general. When it is track season, I get in the best shape, and like this title of this song states “I JUST WANT TO RUN.”

Thank you for looking into my life soundtrack. You have probably taken some things out of it that you may or may not have known before about me. I have a really fun filled life, with only one or two sad events taking place. I am pretty much your average Joe, but I may look at things differently than you, or any other average Tim might.

Mother's Day: my mothers

 Well, Happy Mother’s day to all. Included in this post will be the letter that I wrote to my mom for this Mother’s Day. But for part of this entry I would like to include a tribute to women that I consider one of my “mothers”.

My Aunt Diana. Throughout my life, me and my cousin Makenna were what you might call “best cousins”. We did so much together (I resist saying EVERYTHING, but it was pretty close to that). We had sleepovers at least once a week (I was homeschooled around this time, so I had a pretty clear schedule). Since I was over there so much, I became very close with my Aunt Diana. After the years of freedom passed, and both Makenna and I’s schedules fogged up, I kind of broke off from Makenna for a while. We ceased having sleepovers weekly, and only got to see each other every once in a while when we would have a family gathering. I always was close to my Aunt Diana though. I remember once my parents were going on a backpacking trip, and my siblings and I had to spend a few nights over at their houses. Because my cousin participated in dance, she had to be gone for the day. I went to All-a-Dollar with Diana, got some snacks, then went back and just watched movies. I love my Aunt Diana.

Mama Nye. I have lived in the Nye’s ward for about 7 or 8 years, and all the years previous to these last two I would always hear the term “Mama Nye”, but thought it was just a catchy phrase for her. I didn’t think that it would actually apply! I started to call her Mama Nye after one rather depressing night in mutual. I was the newest beehive, and just felt like I had no friends. I was trying to fit in so hard, but it just seemed as if everybody had their crowds set and I wasn’t in with any of them. We were walking on this trail (which I can’t remember the name of) and all the girls had bikes except for me. Mama Nye was walking with me, and just talking to me. It made me feel so much better about my position in the Young Women’s! I remember another time, again after a mutual night, I was still kind of having troubles fitting in, and I asked Mama Nye for a ride home. Of course, she agreed to, and we set off. We were just sitting in the car the whole way, a few chit chats here and there, but mainly the whole ride I was busy feeling down because I didn’t fit in. When I stepped out of the car, I said “Thanks” and she replied with something like “Anytime other daughter!” Once again, it boosted my self esteem. Mama Nye continues to be a person that I look up to. I am over at their house a lot, mostly until late into the night, and I love it there, there is so much love in their home. Mama Nye IS Mama Nye to every kid she associates with. She holds a very big part in my heart because I know that I can always turn to her. There is no better way you can describe her.. “Mama Nye” has its own description, and I wish that I could somehow explain it. She is like a second mom to so many lucky people, and I am happy to list one of them as me.

Lastly, I would like to express my love and gratitude for my own mother. Though I love these two women that I have written about, my Mom is a different story. Of course she gave birth to me, raised me through the rough and even the smooth, and continues to provide for me, there is more than that. My Mom is my friend. Sometimes I can see myself in her actions, and it is very reassuring that maybe, just maybe, I could grow up to be like this miraculous woman. She has the best work ethic I have ever seen, and is truly my inspiration for my drive with everything I can do. Gotta impress Mom! It is the best gift when I get her approval, and I love her oh so very much! She’s stuck with me for so many years, and I know she will stay with me for however more! I love my Mommy!

Now, here is the letter that I wrote to my mom for this mother’s day!

 Haven't I already told you?

How pretty you are?

How understanding you are?

How funny you are?

How your style is on the dot?

How generous you always are?

How you’re so healthy?

Haven't I already told you!!!!

How I love to go shopping with you?

Walking is the best (for my health, and for a good time) when your around?

You help me in time of crisis (like that one time {almost every week} when I didn't have any clothes? Yeah, you got them for me.

You pay for all my wants and needs.

You got my back, like a good friend should.

You read so fast I can't even keep up.

Honestly. Haven't I already told you?

How good you make me feel about myself when I am down?

How you are so supportive?

And honest when it comes to...everything.

How you know what cute boys look like when you see them and you point them out to me?

How you are so cool? (Seriously though. I am so happy you don't wear mom jeans... I got to have my extra supply of clothes!)

That you have great work ethic?

You work harder than you sleep. (Which is a big thing for you)

How smart you are?

How you have great ideas always?

How you are so outgoing and can talk to anyone?

Haven't I already told you all of these things?

Don't I tell you them on a regular basis?

Well, yes, I do!

But I will continue telling you these things for the rest of your life!

First, because I love you, and they are true!

And second, because (even out of all my "moms") you are the best mom in the world!

Have a very happy mother’s day!!!!

(And while you’re at it, enjoy being your stunning new age of 30!!!! {The age everyone thinks you are})

Love, Mim

I just cant think of anything fresh to write about. Enjoy some science!

          Water is one of the main factors of life. The planet is 74.3824% water. 97.5% of all water on Earth is salt water, 2.5% as fresh water. So, we don’t have much water that is drinkable, comparably. This article interested me, because everyone needs water, including me!

          Suat Irmak is a professor in biological system engineering. He is trying to make it so that less water is loss from evaporation from plants and soil. Nebraska uses a lot of water to irrigate crops. So he decided to do the research and experiments there. To try to save water from being unnecessarily evaporated, he has made an underground drip catching system to prevent it. There are also machines that measure how much water is being evaporated from the crops, so they can make the necessary changes and adjustments to save as much water as possible.

          My opinion on this study is that it is a good way to use their time and money since water is so vital to the survival of everything. But, as always, I will stick with my theory of leaving things as natural as possible. More problems could come to the surface after using this new system. I also don’t know why they would do that right now, when it has been raining so much. So, I think they should really take a long look at the different things that may come up. Determine whether it is really worth their time, and money.

          I know that it has been raining a lot lately because my basement got flooded, along with many others in my neighborhood. So, I don’t know why the rain shouldn’t just be used to water the crops, and let the natural water cycle go on in its ways that it was created to be made in. If “global warming” is really happening, then fresh water from glaciers and stuff will be melted and we will have that much more drinkable water. But I do support this, because you can never have enough water.

Please one, disappoint the other.

At this very moment, I am on two teams. Fairfield Track Team. And Wasatch Soccer. These past (how long has track been going on?) weeks, I have been so stressed and overbooked. Track everyday, soccer 5 out of 7 days, and just various social activities. Last year, I was so much better at track than this year. I just can't run as fast. I can run longer, but not faster, so distance is out of the picture. Anyway, the coaches loved me last year. I could do the 400 in 1:11 and I hung out with all the... "Track Stars" even though I wasn't the best, I was good enough. This year I went in pretty much expecting that I would do the same. When my first time came out as 1:21 though, I got thouroughly disappointed in myself. The weird part is that I am in better shape than last year. My soccer coach then all the sudden decided to have soccer practice... Mondays 5-6, Wednesdays 6-7, Thursdays (game days), Fridays 6-7, and Saturdays (game days). Track ends at 5 on week days and 4 on Fridays. So for a week, I went from track to soccer everyday, and with other commitments, I wouldn't have any time for homework or anything until 8 or 9 every night. I was totally over doing it. Then the first track meet came. I had four events... I did all of them, and even after my last race (the medley) finished my race, took off my shoes, got a few comments from the coaches, and ran to my car while the rest of my team was finishing it up. Consequently, I didn't get to my soccer game until the beginning of the second half (40 minute halfs). My coach, who was pretty furious, didn't put me in until the last ten minutes.  I cried to myself on the side line because I very much wanted to go in. After the game, my dad ran into Home Depot. While he was doing his buisness in there... I called a very dear friend of mine. I told him about my track meet and game and how my coach punished for me being late, I asked for advice because I obviously couldn't be doing both even though I loved both very, very much. He asked which I was better at. Which was soccer, of course. I then told my soccer coach that I wouldn't be late again. I ended up getting kicked from three of my events. At the next track meet, I finished high jump, and found out that my medley team needed me. So, again I ran my race, and ran to the car. I made it to my game in time, and my coach played me the whole time and we won 5-0. Now, I don't qualify for the 400 anymore because I didn't try very hard for the second round of timings because I had decided I wanted to be more serious with soccer. The last track meet is coming up this Thursday, and I want more than anything to run more events. But, I also have a game that starts right in the middle of the track meet. Right now I am really stressing about it. Should I try to qualify again? What if I can't make it to the event if I do qualify? Now my soccer coach loves me again, and has gone back to starting me, but now I feel like I let down my track team. I can't wait until track is over.

And it all started because of a dream...

When I was little, my most terrifying fear was black dogs. And it all started because of a dream. I dreamt that I was in the basement of my old old (that is two houses old... if ya get me) house and these three huge dogs shattered the window, and started to relentlessly rip me apart. As I watched limbs fly, I actually felt pain. I woke up terrified. Throughout my childhood, I was deathly scared of black dogs. I have grown out of that, of course, but a theme has arose... my deeply fears are caused from experiences that I have in dreams. One that has stuck, is murderers. So the dream goes like this: I was home alone, watching the news (I wasn't in my house though...O.o) and this picture of a horredous woman came up "Murderer on the loose". This woman had eyes like steel, emotionless, cold, evil, and you could tell that she had caused pain, just from her eyes. I then heard the backdoor open. Thinking it was my parents, I stood up, happy as could be. To my dismay, the woman was standing there. A bag in her hand. I frantically reached for anything to fight her off... I took a firm grasp on the remote, and threw it at her head, missing by centimeters, she ran at me with a knife. Killing me.
Another, I am at a wedding in Yellowstone. I was walking over to this podium thing to give a speech, and all the sudden, the earth splits, and lava is splashing all over, seeing that I was probably doomed where I was, I jumped hoping to get to the other side. I missed my destination just by a few inches, again, falling to my death.
Yet another, I was in Mexico, and the ocean started to rise. Everyone else was running, but I felt that I could swim. While I was under the water, it lowered itself drastically, I hit my head, and, yes, you guessed it... DIED.
Here ya go again, I was trapped somewhere (can't remember) and since I am way claustrifobic, I ended up killing myself.
I also have "Hunger Game" like dreams, and I never can win. Never. I always die.
Sadly, in my dreams, as you can see, I always die. My friend (lucky her) always has the man of her dreams come and save her from her near fate. I am always the one determining it though. Like, I could have run away with the murderer, or the dogs. But, I stay for the fight and always end up loosing. After analyzing my dreams, and a few instances in my life, I have the "Fight" instinct in the "Fight or flight" thing. I think that is why I always die, because I never really stand a chance. Once, I was walking home from my one friend's house with my other friend. It was way dark, and I am deathly scared of the dark, all the sudden this dog comes out from the bushes barking and running at us. My friend sprints down the road, but I stop frozen, with clenched fists ready to fight, but still very close to fighting. It is always a thing with me. Sort of depressing knowing that I will die if I get in a situation like that. Hopefully they will be weak. If I ever encounter a bear, I will die. Ah, crap.

we are IMPACTED

Today I was writing my book review on Goodreads (Okay, okay, so maybe my life is so dismal that I do homework that isn't even due over spring break. But, who cares, right? He he,,, not me...) and I thought I was doing a spectacular job, I actually thought that it was some of my best writing. I had written like 4 paragraphs (long paragraphs, might I say) and I was getting into it, and was actually enjoying writing it, I thought it was way insightful..Whether anyone else would think the same is debatable, but anyway. I was listening to some Coldplay on youtube, and then I realized that it was preventing me from getting done with my review faster, so I went to delete that tab, and accidentally deleted all the tabs, resulting in a loss of all my book review. I was so mad! I can't believe that it didn't save anything! I think that an improvment is needed here! So I gave up, because it frustrated me so much. It was going to be my blog for this week. But because of the tragic loss of all my hardwork, this will have to do.
Once upon a long time ago, my science teacher said something in class. My science teacher isn't that exciting so I don't remember the lesson and don't recollect why he would have said such a thing that left such an impact on my life. (Okay, now that I am thinking about this, I don't exactly recall how he worded this, or how to word this at all, but let's give this a chot.....) Everything that you come in contact with has an impact on you, and ultimatly is what builds you up to be the person that you will be. The only reason that this has stuck with me is because he said "Like, Honors English students, they will be different than those who haven't read Great Expectations." I was like oh dang..thats me I am so cool. But the more that I have thought about it, the more it has intriged me. It has totally given me a new perspective on the world, and my life. It made me want to DO things. Doesn't it make you want to do the same? I want to travel, to Rome specifically, just to see things. (NERD ALERT FOR THE NEXT SENTENCE) I have actually been researching some things over the break. Did you know that whole wheat bread and whole wheat pasta is actually bad for you, conflictive to prior beliefs? Yeah! Crazy, huh? I also went and got a tour of the Conference Center in SLC and when before I wouldn't have enjoyed going to tour a building that I have been in before, I actually learned a lot. It seats 21,000 people, and on the roof there is a garden, on the west side of the roof it looks like it would if you were in the Rockies; pine trees and such. On the east side, it looks like what it would have looked like if you were in the Oker (is that the right spelling?) mountains, more meadowy with flowers and things. It was gorgeous, and I ended up loving the tour. Our tour guide was German, and that was pretty cool. Something that I have been thinking too, is that even if you saw the exact same things as someone else, you would take them different. So everything is unique for you.
This was probably pretty boring for you to read, because it is pretty personal to me. But there are some things that I would like you to take out from reading this; NOW is the time to get out and do things. Get off your lazy butt and do something awesome. Have an impact on someone else. I love the signs that you see sometimes on the highway that say "unplug". If you haven't seen some, I do believe that there is one on I15, but I am not really sure. Also, nothing is going to be enjoyable unless you go into it with an attitude that it will be worth while and fun. So, maybe you should be nerdy once in a while! (:

Girls v. Boys

In my regular English class, there was a question that we had to write a response to that was at least 100 words. I wrote about that many, and felt rather unfinished. So I thought that I would continue the thought. The question was whether same sex or opposite sex make better ‘best friends’. I certainly couldn’t sufficiently pontificate this in a measly hundred words, so I will continue, but I am just going to do it from my own (a girls’) point of view.

My best friend is a girl! And there are many advantages; I can just talk, and she will listen. It seems that when I am with boys, I always have to be running around, doing something constantly, and it feels like only in a blue moon that we just sit and talk.  I don’t really have to look like anything spectacular, or flirt (that would be freaking weird). With girls, you can primp. If you didn’t already know, primping is when you get ready even further than you had at the beginning of the day. My best friend and I primped for like 4 hours on New Year’s Eve. Partly because nobody could hangout before 7, and I went over to her house at like 2, and once we got started, we just couldn’t stop! Sure, I ended up running around, getting all dirty therefore undoing all my ‘hard work’, but it was kind of a bonding thing, I guess. Chick flicks are another thing. I won’t even go into that, they are pretty self explanatory. It’s always nice to have one girl there when you are hanging out with a group of guys. If you need to go to the bathroom, or start your period, or anything of that sort, then you automatically have a reassurance by your side. Boys don’t really care and are grossed out. I love my best friend! Anything negative doesn’t apply to her, we are really close and so it is always good to have her around!

Now onto boys; boys are so fun to hang out with! You can always find something fun to do, and I feel like you never end up sitting around eating ice cream getting fat, which is, you know, nice. Boys are so much easier to get along with, especially if you don’t know them really well. I would rather be in a situation stuck with some guy that I didn’t know than a girl. It might just be because of the constant attraction girls and boys have that makes it more interesting. Some of the most fun times that I have had are when I am the only girl. I can express my less feminine side… Which is watching sports, and playing sports and eating lots, and etc. I have a really competitive nature, and so it is a great time when I get somebody that I can compete with and that will kick my butt so I can actually get better. With girls, it is always just a little more weak, and wimpy..You know what I mean? I don’t get self conscious when I am the only girl. Though it is nice to have a girl there to help you look alright, there is so much competition; it is just natural law. Even if the guys aren’t hot and you don’t like any of them, for some reason, you just have to be the one they talk to. And last but not least, the obvious; there is so much less drama! Girls have drama written all over them.

Dude... 4th term already?

Holy crap.

. The other day, I went swimming at this one place called Crystal Hot Springs, and I lay in the sun for like 3 hours straight. The only thing that I gained is a whole lot more freckles. But that night when I climbed under my covers, a great smell came about. A smell that just whispers…Summer. I bet you know the smell; it is a mixture of salt, chlorine, grass, sunscreen, all those things associated with summer. Though these things might not smell good on their own, but when you blend them together on your skin… you get a smell that just opens up your lungs, charges your muscles, and awakens your senses. This smell makes you WANT to get out, makes you crave going on a run, sitting by the pool, it makes you want to smile. This smell is ultimately described as “sun”. It is what keeps the world warm. It is what makes water sparkle. It makes everything glow. It just makes the world beautiful. I love the sun.  

To sum things up a little essay I would like to call Charles Darwin (I don't exactly believe in what Charles Darwin thought, though humanity may, but it was worth like 200 points, so I guess it is okay to go against my beliefs.. since it's for school and all. What I don't really understand is, why isn't it an option to write an essay on why you don't think that this is right? But that is just my opinion...):

Charles Darwin

A Gentle Revolutionary

        Beliefs on evolution are vast and wide. Some believe that nothing can evolve, and that everything is how it was created by a great procreator. Others, that species evolve over time. And even some believe that there is a path or route that animals take with evolution in order to get to a point where they will be the best that they could be. Which are right and which are wrong? Well this essay isn’t about what I think, but it is about the life/ decisions of Charles Darwin.

 Charles Darwin had dreams; not exactly his though. He wanted to become like his father, and his grandfather who were both physicians. When that didn’t work out, due to a disliking of the college courses, he wanted to become a naturalist. And a naturalist he was.

He set voyage on a ship called the Beagle. As it traveled in South America, he passed the Galapagos Islands. He came across a species of bird that was similar to one from a different region, with the only difference pertaining to that of the beak shape. He started asking himself questions on what he thought about evolution. He doubted one belief that said that the creator visited every little island, so he came up with his own thoughts and beliefs on the theory of evolution.

        He believed that animals had arbitrary evolution patterns; that nature had no control on how the animals would evolve, or even if they would evolve.

        Something cool about Charles Darwin is that he was buried next to Isaac Newton, because of his significant impact on science.

Some people didn’t like him, others did. But if you like Charles Darwin or not, you have to understand the role he played in figuring out the “correct” way evolution takes place!

A N?????????????????????

What the heck!!! So I am checking my grades, and I got a 3.9.. yay!! I am so happy!!!. But while I was skimming over my citizenship grades, I had all H's and then my  eyes caught the sight of a N? What? I After rubbing them, getting a drink of water, and breathing deep it came to my terrified realization that it really was a…a…a............ a N. I'm like, are you freaking kidding me? And I have it in geography of all places, where I thought that the teacher liked me. But I guess not. It doesn't make sense. I have never been tardy, I listen and participate in that class just as much if not more than my other classes, I get most my assignments in on time; there has only been like two that I haven't gotten in. The only thing is a few times he told me to be quiet when I was talking. But does that deserve a N? I really don't think so. And other kids in my class that talk aren't getting N's. They aren't even getting S's. They are getting G's. I am on the verge of either hyperventilating, or just thinking that it is a mistake. Oh please oh please be a mistake. I would be okay if he said that I was getting a N and gave me that slip thing, and then let me have the chance to work it off. But no, I just see it here when I am checking my grades and the term is already over. Are you pooping me right now? Tomorrow I will go and talk to him, but who knows if citizenship can be made up after the term is over. I am willing to work if work is needed! But honestly, I can’t think why I have that. Okay. It will probably be okay. NO! Doesn’t it take tons of work to change it? I really hope that he would be able to change it. I guess I am more mad that I have the N without knowing why than having the N. I seriously don’t think that this is fair. Why didn’t he tell me that I had one before? Because the last few weeks I have been really  good, I swear! My parents are going to kill me. I can’t believe this! I am so grounded! OH…..(insert name of geography teacher)… Curses…. Are you trying to give me a heart attack, or ruin my life? And also, I totally thought that he liked me as a student! You know? Like he just didn’t seem annoyed when I talked to him, and he would say hey in the hall! He even greeted me first! Is he bipolar? I don’t understand. Oh man. It’s time to go take a bath and start on my new book that I am going to read for this term. Yoga would be nice too. I am so happy that track is starting up. Good exercise will help! I have never gotten a N! This is so confusing to me. My brain is going to explode. Have a good day. Pooooooey.

Responses to the Black Death

How different were the responses of the Christians and Muslims to the Black Death?

            The Black Death took place in the mid 14^th century, resulting in the deaths of one third of the deaths of the Middle East and Europe at that time. The Black Death spread from China to Europe (Document 1). It was believed to be caused vicariously through rodents; specifically through the fleas that nested in the pests. The Black Death brought death to most of the people who started to show symptoms (Introduction). Though everybody must have acted different, they have separated the reactions primarily into two groups; the reactions of the Christians, and the reaction of the Muslims.

            The reactions of Christians at this time were panicked, as alike mine would had been. They would dig ditches, and pile dead bodies. Once the ditches were filled, more would be made. Many people abandoned their own family trying to escape the terrifying symptoms; these symptoms started with swelling in their crevices, and spitting blood. After the symptoms, death itself would follow (Document 3). Along with panic, the people became more and more wicked, taking every little chance to cause malice; priests even focused more on the pay, than their own salvation, and the salvation of their people (Document 6).

            Christians even went to the extent of blaming others; the Jews particularly. The Jews were blamed for poisoning the wells. People of Strasbourg tried to protect the Jews from a mob; but that failed. The people would burn the Jews to death and or pull them; limb for limb, apart. Every crank depended on them saying if they were guilty or not. Therefore, death was the only way out for the Jews (Document 7). Christians reacted through fear, and viciousness. But, how did the Muslims react?

            Muslims reacted very different from the Christians. Muslims turned to their religion, fasting and praying for the space of many days (Document 9). They went forward with religious activities (Document 10). They basically just let what was going to happen; happen. They even went as far to look upon it as a blessing (Document 4).

            The Christians reacted with evil, panic and wrong doings. The Muslims reacted with good deeds, praying and fasting, and turning to religion. In conclusion, they reacted very different towards the Black Death.

Great Expectations

Great Expectations was a pretty good book. Reading it, I felt smart and sophisticated due to the language in it: Olden days. It is a little complicated to read but I liked the story line, even though it was slow moving at some parts. I would recommend it to anyone that is mature, and can read fast. This book is really boring if you read it a few pages at a time. If you read it in bigger chunks, it helps to make the book more interesting.
The beginning of the book is my favorite. Talk about attention grabbing! Pip is in a churchyard, when he is approached by a convict. The convict threatens him, and eventually gets Pip to give him food. Later on, Pip goes and lives with an old lady who has broken dreams; Miss Havisham. Miss Havisham has an adopted daughter named Estella, Pip ends up falling in love with her. As he grows older, he wants to become a gentleman. Sadly, Estella is getting married. He gets a benefactor; who ends up being the convict. The convict shows up to his apartment, which is rather frightening to Pip. There are many twists and turns in this part of the book; with lots of twists and suprising connections. The convict soon dies in result of broken ribs; and Pip's inheritance is taken away. He goes to jail; and his brother in law comes and gets him, taking him back.

My Perfect Boy

Every girl has their expectations of what their perfect boy would be like. I don’t know if that is the same for boys, actually I am pretty sure it isn’t. Even though it would be nice for your soul mate to match your perfect person, they usually aren’t. Even with this discouraging thought, it is still nice to dream! So I would just like to give my list of qualities and such for my “perfect boy”.

Let’s start with the outward appearance. Tall would be nice, at least 7 inches taller than me. Fit, you know; good muscles, active, and etc. A good back and shoulders, most people wouldn’t really be focused on that, but it really makes a difference. Bacne (back acne) is not attractive. Smell and hygiene; Really. Food doesn’t smell good, sorry guys. I like the smell of manly deodorant; it’s not that hard to find a good smelling deodorant, take a girl with you. Good hands is a big thing too, long fingernails is the most disgusting (okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration) thing. Especially if there is crap in them. He will also have to KNOW how to hold hands. Interlocking fingers is nice, but not the whole mitten hand approach. I like it when guys where socks when they are inside. I hate how feet look. Okay, enough on outward. Let’s dig a little deeper.

Passionate is the biggest thing for me. Anything; if they are passionate about something (and again, I say anything), it is so attractive. Even if it is something totally nerdy, like fencing, or something. I just wish that guys would just EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS. If you like me, tell me you like me! My heck. Religious is nice. Yes, I love it when guys love God. Nice, courteous, devoted, outgoing, loyal, loving, mother-loving (any boy that treats his girl like a princess, has been raised by a queen), nice to kids and animals, warm, good hugger, good kisser (c’mon), smart, gets good grades (actually great grades, I need to be provided for), clean, organized, understanding, funny (not dirty funny, because then we are ASSURED of what’s going on in your head. We can pretend like you’re not thinking nasty things about girls the whole time, but when you express it, no), good eye connection (looks at your eyes), knows how to text back (it hurts feelings), not afraid to be unpopular, romantic (not all the time though, but every once in a while. Another word but Baby, or Babe, or Sexy, or Hottie. We like Beautiful, and gorgeous, and princess, and honey, and sweetie, and…just anything that doesn’t refer to our sexual appeal.), accents (bonus, but let’s not get stuck on that), slow to temper  (but knows how to argue).

OH I could go on forever, but I am getting close to my 500 words, and who would want to do more work than is required? Not me! Especially since I have more homework to do that is due tomorrow. Have a great week!

Israeli-Palestine Conflict Report

            The Israeli-Palestinian crisis is known as one of the world’s longest on-going problems. Could solving this long going feud resolve conflicts in the Middle East? Many think so. But just how could we solve this crisis? Could these two states live in peace and happiness side by side?

            Some people have suggested plans that I took the time to look into, and read about. They are called the “one-state solution” and “two-state solution”. I am going to start off with one-state solution and tell you about that.

            The one-state solution is where there will be a focused support for a specific side. This could be good because it would be making the two “equal”. It would mean that they would have to share the land, making Jerusalem equal to both Muslim and Christian religions. Although, I don’t think that this is entirely fair  though the sound of “equality” makes the plan sound more appealing. I like the two-state solution plan better.

            Jerusalem is a holy land for Muslims. While they need to try to live in harmony with their neighbors, they should still be accepted and respected for their beliefs. The two-state solution would probably be better, or at least I think so, than the one-state solution. The two-state plan would separate the two (Israeli and Palestinian), leaving them as totally different entities. Ehud Barak said “Without such a separation, there is no future for the Zionist dream.”

            Both of these plans have their ups and downs. I think that if they favor one side, it will cause contentions. However, if they separate the two, then they might also end up quarreling. If I were to pick the way to solve the Israeli-Palestinian Crisis, I would choose the two-state solution. It would give them fewer reasons to fight.

            If solving the Israeli-Palestinian dilemma would solve [all] problems in the Middle East, I don’t know. But I do know that if they can get it figured out, then the lives of the Israeli and Palestinian people would be easier!

SOURCES: http://israelipalestinian.procon.org/

Judgement of Paris

The Judgment of Paris; you can’t escape fate

            Babies are abandoned sometimes. Reasons? There are many. Not enough money to support the kid, going insane, just want to party, I could go on and on, but for now, I want to tell you a story about a guy named Paris. Paris was abandoned, left to die, all because of a warning that he would be the downfall to Troy; the city which his parents were the rulers of. Meanwhile, while Paris is living on a lonely island, there is a banquet going on. Eris, the god of discord, was not invited. She was furious. She threw a golden apple into the banquet which had “for the fairest” written on it (Michael Stewart). Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite, seeing the apple, wanted to know which one of them deserved it the best. They went to Zeus to have him judge who would get the apple.  Zeus, knowing that if he chose one, the other two would hate him, sent them to Paris. The most beautiful women Paris had ever seen were asking him to judge which was the most beautiful. What a decision! Each of the women tried to bribe him. Hera made a promise that if he chose her, she would make him the ruler of the land. Athena promised that he would be successful in war. Aphrodite had the deal breaker, she promised him the most beautiful woman in the land to fall in love with him. (MMIX Mythica) The interesting story The Judgment of Paris illustrates three themes.

            The first theme that I think is mainly illustrated in the Judgment of Paris would be that you can’t escape your fate. Later in the story; Paris chooses to pick Aphrodite as the most beautiful goddess because she had promised him Helen; the most beautiful woman in the land. Even though Helen was already married, she would find Paris irresistible. Paris kidnaps Helen, and she falls in love with him. Her family is furious. When they find out that Paris is the son of the Trojan rulers, they decide to attack the city, which consequently resulted in a 10 year war which was the downfall of Troy (Cheryl Evans and Anne Millard 42). Him destroying Troy was the reason his parent’s abandoned him, but yet, he was not able to escape his fate (Kathleen Myers 35).

            The second theme that it shows is that gods manipulate and use mortals for their own good. IN the beginning of the story, each of the goddesses; Aphrodite, Hera, and Atehna all try to bribe Paris into picking them to be the most beautiful goddesses so that they will be able to obtain victory of the beauty contest (Cheryl Evans and Anne Millard 41). In this example, the theme that gods manipulate and use mortals for their own good is illustrated.

            The third and final theme that the Judgment of Paris elucidates  is that beauty can be controlling. Who was the winner of the contest? Aphrodite. What is she the goddess of? Love and beauty (Micha Lindemans). Obviously, love has something rather appealing to it. Paris chose love over success in war (which was a big thing in their time period), over ruling over land. Both of those things could have probably resulted in love sooner or later, and I know this because trust me, ladies like a successful man. But because it was love, he picked it fast. Therefore, my point proven, the theme love can be controlling is also illustrated in the story of the Judgment of Paris.

           

            So be it not being able to escape fate, being manipulated by gods and goddesses, or being controlled by love, the story of the Judgment of Paris demonstrates them all.

The Fall

I had a rather painful experience last night. I was invited to go up to my friend’s house; he lives about a mile away if you stay on the street, but if you take a short cut up through my neighbor’s yard, it cuts down the distance immensely. To be expected, I took the shorter path, one because I am lazy, and two because it was close to getting dark. My friend and I left at about seven, hoping to get there at 7:15 if not less. We ended up getting there at like 8.

                We got to my neighbors and started up the stone stairs. My friend said that we should go back to my house because she really needed to pee, I was like whatever, just wait until we get there. We were laughing because we had just gotten scared by a bird flying out of a bush. I had my hands in my pockets because it was cold outside. I tripped over my own feet, and fell; flat on my face onto the corner of the next stair. Thoughts going through my head at that point in time? Why aren’t my arms working. I tried really hard to get my hands out of my pockets, but not in time, because before I knew it, my elbow hurt from hitting the stair, but failing completely to catch myself. Luckily, it did slow my momentum a little, because if not, I don’t know where I would be right now. I first felt my eyebrow hit the stair, then my cheek bone. At first, I was almost positive that I broke a bone or something. But after a few seconds, I realized that it only stunk a little. I put my finger to my eye brow, and felt some ragged skin. I looked at my friend, who was laughing hysterically, and consequently had peed her pants. I asked if I was bleeding, she said yes, and that it was going down my face. After putting my finger to my head the second time, and seeing the blood, I started to cry. Then I realized how funny it was, and how bad it hurt, so I peed my pants also… partly because I didn’t know what else to do. And then, continued crying. I got to my house, got a lecture from my parents, got ice and ointment, and then got a ride up to my friends. For about an hour, my cheek felt numb, and swollen, and I was totally expecting to wake up the next day with a sick black eye. But when I woke up this morning, it just looks the same, there is only a little browning, it is tender, and I have the little cut above my eye brow. Which is totally less than I thought it would be, which actually disappointed me.  Now I really just feel like a wuss for crying, and stupid for peeing my pants. I really hate when I over-act things, and then don’t have good evidence.

Tired, Lazy, WHY TRY?

This third term, I am finding that I am getting more and more lazy, and I feel more tired each day. Why is this happening to me? I will tell you why.

Not only is third term proving to me each day why it is called "the hardest", but the weather is bringing me down! It is not warm enough to play outdoor soccer, or be outside, or wear shorts, or do anything fun. I have to memorize a hundred things, and study my butt off. My friend group is falling apart. I wan't summer to come already! Oh! And only a few more days until I move into my new house! I am waiting to do a blog on the whole process of house buying and why it is a pain, and why it is good until after I move! So in 2 weeks expect something along those lines... anyways... Ah, I'm in a bad mood.

Here are my thoughts on Gregor Mendel...
Interestingly enough, I actually like biology because I actually learn things. I am interested in the Gregor Mendel guy because I understand it. Mama and Papa Nye explained it to me. Thumbs up for understanding!!! (:

Gregor Mendel

He was born in the Czech Republic. He was considered a gifted student and was sent to a school in Germany. He always did very well in his studies. He went to take the test for his education degree, and failed it four times. He had very high strung nerves and would storm out of the exam rooms; consequently, he would fail the exams. He was a monk, but no, monks aren’t what we perceive them to be. He spent a lot of his free time doing beneficial things such as visiting the sick, attending church meetings and such. One of his college professors was none other than Doppler (who is the person who the Doppler effect is named). He substitute taught and then was so good at teaching that they hired him as a full time teacher; ignoring the fact that he hadn’t passed the test to get his teaching degree. He took fascination in pea plants, and in the monastery he cross-bred them. He came up with the Punnett Square. Gregor Mendel was a very high strung man, he later took up cigarettes. People thought very well about him, though, and put in good words about him in his obituary. He was a very prodigious man!

Some science reports that I have written!

I am very tired today! The super bowl was good, even though I was rooting for neither team. (Who cares about football anyway?) Have a very good week (:

          Girls and guys bleach their hair sometimes, it can be thought of as desirable. But for coral in the Great Barrier Reef, this is thought of anything but desirable.

          An international research team was lead by Mark Wells and Malcom Shick. Mark is a chemical oceanographer and Malcom is a marine biologist. They were studying coral in the Great Barrier Reef. They found that the coral was bleached. It is known that coral is bleached when temperatures and solar radiation are high, making it so that the antioxidant defenses in the algal endosymbionts and the fish that live in them is overwhelmed and fails them. Not this time. The high temperatures have been limiting the iron in the coral making their photosynthesis and antibiotic systems drop down low, causing them to be beached.

          My opinion is that man tries to control the earth too much. I think that it’s cool and interesting that they observed that. IF they do anything about it… I personally think they shouldn’t. If we mess with natural things too much, they will have to be dependent on the unnatural things we put on them to control them. It is like if you tear some tendons in your ankle (I speak from experience) and you wear your brace past the time your ankle has healed; soon your ankle will lose mobility and strength in your ankle.

          They should leave it alone. It is obviously a natural thing. The sun creates heat, doesn’t it? The temperatures have been higher; that is true, but the seasons will go by, temperatures will drop. Things will be back to normal sooner than later. There is no need to interfere with something that will eventually heal itself over time.

          Observing things is a great way to expand knowledge, and even wonder; but I say if it’s not going to cause the end of the world, then leave it alone!

          You may have heard the saying, “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”. As I was searching for an article to do my report on, the word “diamond” caught my eye. Of course, I was interested and clicked on it.

          I came to find that a planet and its pulsar located in the Milky Way Galaxy. But, not just any pulsar, this pulsar was ‘unusual’. A pulsar sends off radio waves which were detected by an international team of researchers led by Matthew Bailes of Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia. They decided to name the pulsar “PSR J1719-1438” and then continued their research at the Loveli radio telescope in the UK and one of the Keck telescopes in Hawii. They found out that the “diamond” planet orbits this pulsar in just over 2 hours. The planet is fairly small, but that is for the better of the planet, for if it was any bigger, it would be ripped apart by the gravity of the pulsar. The planet has slightly a greater mass then the planet Jupiter, so that means that it has to be made up of things such as carbon and oxygen, because lighter things would be too big to fit the measurements needed to not be torn apart. The density of the planet means that a large part of it has to be crystalline. THAT would mean that most of the planet may turn out to be similar to diamond.

          I liked this article, but, I don’t think it was very necessary to research it. There was no positive, nor negative effect in finding out that somewhere in the Milky Way there may be a planet made of diamond. If it didn’t cost so much to travel by rocket, then maybe we could go and search it out and see if it had worth of any kind. I do like the thought of a planet, being a big huge diamond. But I could live without it.   

          A planet fully (maybe) mostly made of diamond, or something similar far away serves neither me nor you any purpose. It costs $20 million just to get to the International Space Station (according to an estimate made 3 years ago), so just think about how much more it would cost to go to this supposed diamond planet. And I do feel that there are more desperate issues right now.

          In conclusion, I like knowing that there is a planet perhaps made of diamond (or something similar) is somewhere out in the outer space. It really serves me know purpose to research it any further, or the scientists, in my opinion. They could be trying to figure out more urgent things that the world scientifically could use a boost. It’s like knowing that there is a very expensive diamond necklace at a store in Idaho, nice to hear, no real need.

For the LOVE?!

Got back from soccer practice about 20 minutes ago. It started at 6:30, and though it is a Saturday morning; I play soccer for fun, so I loved it. And I thought that everybody else on my team did too. But only I and three others showed up.
Where is the passion? Where is the love? It seems that most people don’t really DO things for fun. They only do things because they are required. Looking at the book that I have to read for Honors English (Great Expectations), the only way I am going to get it is if I want to read it. So far, I don’t really understand what is happening, even though I am seven chapters in.
I have made a goal. And I would love to share it. I have been giving a half-hearted attempt to "Love More". But, in the optimistic rave that I am on right now, I am going to do better than ever.
I also invite whoever is reading this blog (probably nobody, unless Thompson takes the time) to join me in my effort to "Love More".
To "Love More" doesn't only mean to love the things that you already like. It also means to love the things you HATE. After a while, they won’t be things you hate; which is the outcome I am hoping for because I hate so many things.
Is it even possible to start to like something you absolutely loath? I would say YES. It has already started to happen for me. Annoying people, just annoy me. But since I have wanted to love more, I have actually made some new friends. Another thing; I hate to work out. I then thought about how soccer is working out, and now I like it. I like it also because I have this huge fear of getting fat. I hate eating healthy, and along with my fear, and some delicious concoctions that I have eaten lately, I have been able to like to eat healthy foods, some of the time. Since I can’t think of anymore things that I have come to like, I will move on.
So, other than liking things you hate. “Love More” can also be loving things you like. For example, I love hanging out with people. Every time I am with anyone, I want to make every time the sickest time yet. I love soccer, and so I show up to the early morning stuff, and I work on soccer when I am at home, so then I am better, which results in me loving it more when I play. I like it when my mom is happy, so then I work (making me like working) so that she is then happy.
So, I have officially run out of things to say. But I would suggest to you to join me in this “goal” of mine. If you like happy people, be happy because then they will be happy, and the world will be a better place. (:

Why wouldn't Peter Pan want to grow up?

No, I did not just watch the movie. I was just thinking about how I am kind of nervous for growing up. Life is pretty great as a teenager. The only real struggles that I have would be that my parents don't let me go and hangout with my friends, and there is some monsterous assignments assigned in school. There is a long list of advantages for why you would WANT to grow up; but instead of focusing on that, I want to focus on why you wouldn't want to grow up.
The first and most prominant reason is that a job is required. Which would mean stress, and long days...every day. Not that school doesn't do that already. But, a job will probably be more important to do good at. All the bills and taxes and payments that they have to make are headache worthy. Not only are my nessesities taken care of by my parents, but also the things that I want. They pay for recreation, parties for me, new stuff... etc.  And even if I do have to do a few chores to earn some money, it is never an unreasonable or even difficult amout. Yesterday, I wanted to go to Get Air, and I didn't have any money. My friends Mom (not even my Mom) had me vacuum their house and I got 10 dollars. If the job that I get pays that good, I am absolutely fine doing that! Vacuuming is so easy! But even I know that the jobs that pay the best aren't that easy. The jobs that I want aren't that easy.
Kids. Now, I am not saying that I don't want/like kids. But they take up so much of your time. When people grow up and have children, it's like they go through a total change. They know longer spend their time sitting around eating and watching TV (although there are plenty of grown ups who do that, but look how far they have gotten in life...Not very). Once kids are in the picture, that is your life. You can't run away from that, unless you want to be a total horrible person that everybody hates and you will go to jail for neglegence. But, I might actually eb excited for parenthood. I love babies so much.
When you are grown up, you aren't aloud to eat all the food out of the cupboard anymore a stay a healthy, skinny size. If you can find the time to work out when you are grown up, you have to do a lot of it. And if you can't, you deal with being fat. That is a big reason I do not want to grow up. I will have to keep track of my diet. And since I probably wont be in soccer anymore, due to children, I will have to work out on my own; and that is totallly boring.
Old people can't help it. When you get older, you get ugly. You get wrinkles, and droopy eyes, and squeaky limbs, and discolored skin from all the fun you had when you were young, being tanned from the sun. Not to mention the hair thinning and loss, and teeth falling out. When I was in California, there was a museum that we went to, and it had a booth that would take your picture and "age" you. Let't just say EWW.
In conclusion, Peter Pan doesn't have such a bad idea of staying young forever. I have the life!!!

My Book Report on October Sky

Since I am going to mesquite this weekend, I will not have time to write a sophisticated blog post. So, for your enjoyment, here is a book report that I wrote a long time ago.
In the early 1950's rocket launching was something that was just a mere dream of a few West Virginia "nerd" teenagers. Thought only reachable by the Russians, the BMCA (Big Creek Missile Agency)took up to challenge the dream. It is easy to get caught up in the "blast-off" of "October Sky: A Memoir". This book seemed a threat to my regular read. 428 pages sounded like an unreadable amount. Once I got reading, I enjoyed it. I would recommend this book to any science loving readers.

"Sonny" Hickman doesn't have much of a future percieved for him. His brother, Jim, seemed to have it set out for him. Jim was on the football team, always had a date, and was exceptionally stylish. Sonny, on the other hand, was the definition of a wimp. He never seemed to get the girl he wanted, he read bookshelves full of books, teachers loved him, and he was destined to be another of the mine workers, like every other man in coal wood. He father was the mine superintendint, and took his job very seriously. His dad never seemed to like Sonny. Always Jim. Things were as dull as ever when the Russians sent "Sputnik" into space. Sonny and his group of friends; Roy Lee, Quentin, Sherman, O'Dell and Billy decided that they would start builing rockets. A lot of failures followed. They even blew up Sonny's moms rose fence. The whole town of Coalwood was against them. Before they would succeed with gaining any ground they would have to trade, blow up, and ruin a lot of things. Soon enough, they started to gain air. At one point, Sonny decides to give up building rockets because of the death of his friend. The boys teach themselves trigonometrey, and then calculus to make their launchings more successful. In the end, they enter the science fair. They win at National Levels and they all move on to greater things.

I usually wouldn't think of reading a book about rockets. But this book gave me a new love for the science of it. I would have never guessed that I could become interested in it, and I'm pleased that we read this for my science class. I liked the way that it was told. I liked how well descibed the feelings of Sonny were (you'd hope they would be since this book was written by the one and only Homer Hickman Jr {Sonny}). I didn't like how slow moving it was at first. If this wasn't required I probably would have put the book down after the first few pages.

This book turned out to be a good book, and I'm happy that I read past the first few pages. I would recommend this book to anybody who loves science and is interested in learning new things. But don't get me wrong; even though this book was scientific, it was exciting and kept you on your toes

Oh no!

I constantly forget things. It is such a big problem that is always been a dilemma with me. For example, I forgot to post my blog! I thought, well, it doesn't matter. One day wont hurt. But that would cause me to get more raveled up in problems. It is a kin to smoking. If you start, you wont stop! On the subject of smoking, I hate that smell! When people smoke, I wish that they would just wash their clothes. Or does the smell just stay?


To complete 500 (Oh and please, please count this as last week! The 8th)

You would never think that one baseball game could effect the rest of your life. Or that someone you thought could easily be your worst enemy at first, could turn out being your best friend. In "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok, just that happened. This book wasn't my favorite, because of the creepy "bromantical" tint it had on it. Lines such as "Danny and I were together almost everyday during the first month of that summer" and "And then I was crying too, crying with Danny, silently, for his pain and for the years of his suffering, knowing that I loved him..." had me alittle giggly. Boy? Loving a.. BOY? How outrageous. But, no, they were best friends. So it is alright. 

Reuven Malter is a jew who liked to play baseball and lives with his father. One day, Reuvens baseball team plays the challenging, unfamiliar, team of Danny Saunders. During a play, Danny hits the ball and it smacks Reuven in the face, which shatters his glasses and a piece of glass gets in his eye. When he goes to the hospital he meets two interesting characters that he makes friendships with. Danny tries to come and apologize, gets rejected the first time, but then the second. Little did they know that that one silly ball game would lead to a friendship that effects both of their lives forever.They end up graduating highschool together and attending the same college. At one point, Reuven moves in with Danny because his father has a heart attack. Reuven is very good at math, but choses to become a rabbi instead. Though Danny is traditionally suppose to have the role of a tzaddic inheirited to him, he instead goes into the field of physcology. 

This book is taking place during the end of World War 2. Because of Reuven's dad, Reuven and Danny are forbidden from seeing eachother for a while. The theme of this book, well, there are actually many. But the main one would be "always be willing to get to know someone, because you never know what a great friend they could turn out to be. If I were to recommend this book to anybody, I would recommend it to anybody beyond the age of 12; mainly because the book is hard to follow at some points. Something different about this book is that it doesn't show the different chapter pages in the table of contents, even though there are different chapters. It also splits the book up into different "books" where it doesn't really make sense to. Since it is in the middle of the story, and it is all contained within one book.