Way to go Ron Currie Jr.!

My favorite book we read this year was The Namesake. Unfortunately, it is not one of the three books I chose to study for the AP test (my love for the book would have distracted me from studying), so sadly I cannot rant and rave about it. I try to explain why it is a great book, but no one listens. I could always try again, but Ms. Serensky will probably just say, “Put your hand over your mouth Ertel so you stop making noise.” I guess now I can talk via blog, which is a good substitute I suppose. So, out of the three I chose to study, my favorite book would have to the Everything Matters! I really liked this book; it seemed very relatable- or at least more relatable to me than 16^th century characters or mentally unstable patients.  Whenever I see this book, I think to myself, “‘It’s good to see you!’” as opposed to when I see One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which just turns me in a bad mood (184).  This is definitely one of the best, most interesting, and most relatable books we have ever read. But that’s okay if you don’t believe me, “Making you believe me isn’t important” because as long as I know it is a great book, I’m content. But just don’t say anything bad about this book or The Namesake directly to me, “Because that does upset me” (132). A lot.  Also, my appreciation for this book has exponentially grown after we read The Importance of Being Earnest. No offense, but I do not like reading as Gwendolen. Maybe I’m ditzy, but I’m not that dumb and desperate for a husband (don’t even try to say I am). Therefore, “All there is to say is I miss” reading Everything Matters! (127).  I mean, not to be overly confident in this book, but I think “it contains the secret to saving the world” (100). From what? Who knows? Everything. Maybe the 2012 apocalypse. Think about it.

My Top Ten

10. Othello play. Not only did I get to crutch all around the theatre and up stairs (it’s a difficult task; some even consider it a work out), I went all the way to the end only to find there were no seats let. Don’t worry though, Chris Lange, Ms. Serensky’s dad and I bonded. I really did enjoy this; it made the play very memorable. Now we’re all great friends; we even hang out on weekends. And, when we see each other, “We embrace,” all three of us! Kidding…that’d be concerning (Currie 183).

9. When I spoke without interrupting anyone or stuttering or messing up for the first time. I think it was last week. It took me almost two years, but I did it. “’Tis pitiful,” I know, but I struggled (Shakespeare 5.2.207). Now, “I will speak as liberal as the north” or at least try to (Shakespeare 5.2.217).

8. The day I entered economics class. This is literally the easiest class I have ever taken.  Easier than freshman year classes. It makes me feel so smart. In all of my other classes, well, “There’s a lot to worry about there,” but in econ, I have no worries at all. I pride myself in my 100% in the class; it’s like a mini confidence booster (Currie 41).

7. First AP class…APUSH. When I finished that class, it was amazing. I hate history so being done with US history was a very good feeling. Plus, history used to be easy and boring, not hard and boring, but “Now like everything else it isn’t as much fun as it used to be” (Currie 232).  As we grow older, school becomes less and less likable. Hopefully that doesn’t continue in college or we’re in big trouble.

6. Getting accepted to all of my colleges. I was so proud when I received all of my college acceptance letters. “I know this act shows horrible and grim.” the fact that I am so proud of myself, but I can’t help feel a sense of happiness to say that I got accepted to all of the colleges I applied to (Shakespeare 5.2.200). My mom seems a bit upset that I was not rejected and continually says, “You don’t know rejection! You need to know rejection!” and I tell her I get rejected everyday, especially in English, so she shouldn’t worry.

5. I answered a question correctly in APUSH. This was sophomore year and I was in a class with all juniors except Alex Kreger and Justin Stemler. I knew nothing. Absolutely nothing. And Brownlow picked on me. When I got questions correct though, it was epic, at least for me. But “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” I messed up again the next day (Currie 77).

4. MC Game 3^rd Quarter. Who wouldn’t want to win the game and get 10 extra credit points? And who doesn’t love competing and a day off from analyzing to just have fun and play a game? If you don’t like these days, you’re a loser. And Mariel (top scorer) rocked. “I thank you, valiant” Mariel (Shakespeare 2.1.86).

3. I beat Alex on an in class essay. Yep, I beat him. I know people are reading this and thinking it’s a lie, but I promise it’s true, it really did happen. I expected it to be an awful score, but it was actually a good score and when he saw it he said something like “This is strange” (Wilde 23). And under his breath, “Villanous whore!” (Shakespeare 5.2.226). Greatest day ever. I had never beaten him on anything and it was a great moment of superiority.

2. I got passed proficiency level (50%) on my computer science AP practice test. If you think I’m bad at English, you should see me in this class. It’s awful. And doesn’t help that the class is full of eager, genius, and in love with computer science junior boys. Proficiency level? Yeah I know, it’s “Pathetic, I know, but it doesn’t take much to thrill you” when you’re me (Currie 203).

1. Anticipated to hopefully be on this list- Gradution Day! I feel like this will be a great academic moment, knowing we all have high school diplomas. “Already, I can’t wait for this [high school] to be over (Currie 183). I mean don’t get me wrong, I love high school and all of you, but I think to a certain extent, we are all ready to go to college, live on our own, and experience life out of the bubble.

Welcome back, Sestina

Although I truly do dislike most poems and the dreaded poetry papers that go along with them, I do have a favorite poem.  My favorite poem we read this year actually just popped back into our lives yesterday! As I was going through the very stressful AP multiple-choice test, I realized how much I liked the poem, Sestina. For some odd reason, I really like how each line ends with one of five words. Also, when I read the poem, I was so ecstatic that I actually knew what the passage was saying. I felt like Emilia, and said to myself, “Oh God! Oh heavenly God!” or something along those lines (5.2.215).  I usually like poems that rhyme and this was the first poem I liked that did not have rhyming. I like the childish and sing-song nature of rhyming, but I suppose the repetition of the five words is a pretty good replacement. Also, I liked the metaphorical nature and personification of the poem, which went “Against all rules of nature,” but that only made it more interesting (1.3.101). “I know this act shows horrible,” my liking a poem for it’s repetition in my life and it’s childish nature, but it really is my favorite (5.2.200)! I am very glad I read it, and “I found it by fortune” because of my being in AP English 12, but it was lucky (5.2.223)! Hopefully, there will be a Sestina on the actual AP exam, too!

We Are The Champions (of AP English 12 8th period)

Cat dedicated To Mariel ^^

The best day by far was the 3^rd quarter multiple-choice game day. My team (Kathryn M., Kelly O., and Mariel M) won if you had forgotten. There was suspense as usual, but our team was confident.  We still had our doubts though – Sarah Greenlaw with her National Merit Award was still giving us grief.  But, we just remembered, “there is always doubt and fear, even among philosophers, fanatics, and triple amputees” and even AP English 12 students. And, in the end, we won, “At last!” (Wilde, 54).  We knew we had a good chance, considering the characteristics of our team.  Mariel continually said, “’They’re wrong,’” they’re all wrong. She didn’t actually, but considering she got the highest score, she could’ve said this with no protest from anyone (Currie, 136). So, after all of our hard work (and Mariel’s genius mind) and contemplation of what metaphysical conceit meant, we won. This was not only the best day of English, but also possibly my life (kidding, I’m not that obsessed). But, I can truly say, that for the first time in English class, I was “in a state resembling happiness” (Currie, 196). We were so excited that we won, we busted out of the classroom bragging to everyone. Of course the Dream Team was bitter about losing; they were probably saying demeaning things to us females such as, they “rise to play, and go to bed to work” (Shakespeare, 2.1.113). But, obviously by winning, we proved them wrong. Thus, when the 4^th quarter game occurs this week, you know what team will win again, and hopefully, it will be even better the second time around.

Merriman + Emilia = Love

Merriman and Emilia are both servants in the same household.

Merriman: Excuse me, I am looking for a Cecily’s diary, you wouldn’t have happened to see it by any chance?

Emilia: No! I am terribly sorry, I have not. That “Poor lady, she’ll run mad” if she loses her diary (3.3.315)! You better find that soon. I know I would. That’s where I express my feelings about how I dislike my husband so.

Merriman: “I suppose that is all right?” (29). To just speak poorly about your husband?

Emilia: What ever do you mean?

Merriman: You think it is okay to write badly and negatively of your husband.

Emilia: Yes it is! “I will not charm my tongue; I am bound to speak” (5.2.181). My husband, Iago is the strangest, most evil man ever. “I’m gonna get real weird with it” and tell you the truth, Merriman.

Merriman: “Yes, Miss,” do continue (24).

Emilia: Well to start off, he calls me names all the time! He really does treat me terribly. All my married life, I have accepted it. But now, I think I should put a stop to it. Don't you agree? And, I have an idea.

Merriman: “Yes, Miss” (24)?

Emilia: Well, I know that I do not love him so anymore.  I have to admit, “I have a thing for you” (3.3.299). The way you serve, the way you bring drinks, the way you call the dog-cart. Everything about you....I think I am in love.

Merriman: “Yes, Miss” (24). Okay. 

Emilia: Well then it is settled, meet me back here at 10:00. We shall embrace and run away together, to be married for the rest of our lives.

Merriman: “Yes, Miss” (24).

Disappointment at it's Finest

Today is my first day in AP English 12. Last year I may have been the dumb one in class, but this year will be different. Today is the day that I will do well in English. I will talk. I will say intelligent comments. I will not mess up. Today, “anything, anything, anything is possible” (302).  My goal is to impress Ms. Serensky today. Maybe she’ll give me above a 2 on my essays this year. To get a 3… I would just die of happiness. As I sit in your seat, the voice inside me says, “ you feel everything” (302). And it is right. I do. I feel nervous, and on edge. This day could turn out wonderfully… or terribly. So, the discussion begins. And I jump in, giving my comment in what I believe is an intelligent manner. But when I stop talking, I realize everyone is looking at me. And judging me. Hardcore. Then, Henry says, “I disagree” and I know I’ve got no hope in my argument now. Apparently I said something very foolish.  I begin “to tremble and grow warm” (302). I have ruined the potential to remake myself as a smart student in this class. I actually “feel pity for these people” (302). What am I supposed to do though? Take the zero? Maybe. This day was supposed to be great. And now, it is turning very quickly. But, “when I was sick, I had this dream,” I was an AP English 12 champion (286)! And the most popular kid in the class- not Chris Lange.  I try to talk and “there are so many things I know, but can’t say” (208). I simply cannot find the words to express my feelings.  But now I’m angry. I think to myself, “what the f**** does it matter” (145). And then, the whole class starts laughing at me. WORST. DAY. EVER. 

Lane Doesn't Like AP English 11

Jillian: Hello, thank you for allowing us to interview you. Would you like anything to drink before we begin?

Lane: Yes, “eight bottles and a pint” please (1).

Jillian: We’ll see what we can do about getting you that. Let’s begin for now though. So how has your experience during discussions in English been thus far?

Lane: Well, personally, during discussions, "I don't think it polite to listen” (1). I rather interrupt my fellow classmates as much as possible.

Jillian: Okay, that's a bit interesting. I try not to interrupt, listen attentively, and act considerate towards others.  Well, what do you think about your classmates?

Lane: They bore me; most of them are fairly unintelligent. I mean, think about it, AP English 11 students are “rarely of a first-rate brand” (1). Why, what do you think about them?

Jillian: I disagree a bit.  I mean we do have three national merit winners in our class.  I think the students are some of the smartest in the school, maybe even in the country, or the world! So you don’t really like the class very much?

Lane: To be honest, “No, it is not a very interesting subject” (2).

Jillian: Oh really, I mean I may not be very good at the subject of English, but it is by far one of the more interesting classes I’ve taken in high school. If you dislike the class, does your grade suffer?

Lane: Not really. You see during essays, the essay topic, well, “I never think of it myself" (2). I usually try to sit next to one of those rare smart kids like Thomas Donley, Sarah Greenlaw, or Alex Kreger. But that Donley kid, he always writes so small and shields his paper for wandering eyes. It’s like he doesn’t want anyone else to see his ideas! Psshh… loser.

Jillian: Hmm, I guess my question then is …why do you take AP English?

Lane: Basically, it “was in consequence of a misunderstanding between myself and a young person” (1).  Mr. Iammarino scheduled me for that class by accident.

Jillian: Ohhh I see. I am fairly confident I also am in the class by mistake as well, especially since I’ve discovered that I’m the ditz of the class. But I think I take it a bit better than you because I enjoy it at times and don’t cheat. Maybe you should try that outlook out sometime.

Lane: Nahh, and besides “I don’t know that I am much interested in" (2). your advice. Are we done here?

Jillian: Yes, thank you for your time today.