100 Years

Through the grapevine, I have discovered that the choir will be singing 100 Years by Five For Fighting at Springfest this Friday. This song, one of my favorites of all time, not only will bring numerous tears for many during the performance, but clearly displays a message I feel we all need to hear. I feel that this song truly displays the need to enjoy your life to the fullest because we have limited time to live. As we end our high school careers, I am in shock that this monumental chapter in our lives ends in only a couple of days. I remember walking into school my freshman year and feeling nothing but anxiety and fear of all of the "old" kids roaming the halls. Now, we are those students we felt to be so much older than our freshman selves. Where did all of our time go? I have spend many days thinking about this question that can never be answered. I cannot help but fear that I have wasted my high school years in complete ignorance to time and importance. However, if I were to go back and re-live my childhood, I would not change a thing. The moments of stress, pain, and complete impatience to move on in life have helped me to become a better person and encouraged a further appreciation for the amazing times I had these past four years. Remeber fellow high school graduates,  "there's still time for you/time to buy and time to lose." I can only hope for a future well spent while looking back on a past that could have not been experienced in a better way. Good luck to the Senior class in all the amazing futures that lie ahead for each and every one of you.
100 Years
Five For Fighting

I'm 15... for a moment
caught in between 10 and 20
and I'm just dreamin'
countin' the ways to where you are

I'm 22... for a moment
and she feels better than ever
and we're on fire
making our way back from mars

[chorus]
15 there's still time for you
time to buy and time to lose
15... there's never a wish
better than this
when you've only got a hundred years
to live

[verse]
I'm 33... for a moment
still the man,
but you see I'm a they
a kid on the way, babe
a family on my mind

I'm 45... for moment
the sea is high
and I'm heading into crisis
chasing the years of my life

[chorus]
15 there's still time for you
time to buy and time to lose
yourself
within a morning star

15... I'm all right with you
15... there's never a wish
better than this
when you've only got a hundred years
to live

[pre-verse]
as time goes by
suddenly, "oh why?"
another blink of the eye
67 is gone
the sun is getting high
we're moving on

[verse]
I'm 99... for a moment
in time for just another moment
and I'm just dreamin'
countin' the ways to where you are

[chorus]
15... there's still time for you
22... I feel her too
33... your on your way
everday's a new day

hooo-.
hooo-.

15... there's still time for you
24... it's time to choose
15... there's never a wish
better than this
when you've only got a hundred years
to live

"Farewell Blog Entry"

Dear Fellow AP English Survivors,
     I would just like to say a bitter sweet farewell to all these years we have had together. Even though I find true excitement for the years ahead, I cannot help but remember all of the memorable times we have all had together. I believe that all of you have left a true impact on my character. Many of you have pushed me to become a better student, friend, and person. Without a doubt, the intelligence of my fellow students has been a true motivation toward my own and others' success. With this said, I can only thank all of you for the help you have given me throughout my high school career. Without the great people around me, I  would not feel as confident leaving my home and venturing out into a whole different atmosphere. Thank you everyone for all you have done.
Kelsey Butler

1) You are recognized as one of the best writers in the school. 2) The relief after finishing a Datasheet...priceless. 3) You get to spend everyday with Ms. Serensky! 4) You leave high school without fearing the hard English classes in college. 5) You never have to listen to lectures, but actively participate during every class. 6) You get to share every opinion you have of the characters and themes of different novels. 7) You remain in a constant AP English mindset allowing for endless discussions during commons. 8) You spend a whole day hearing about the reason why Ms. Serensky is Ms. Serensky (candy included). 9) You reach the ability to write an essay in thirty minutes or less. 10)You recieve multiple choice extra credit EVERY quarter with a two day break from class.

Algernon: "[she]is still concious" (Wilde, 9)
Emilia: "O my good lord" (Shakespeare, 5.2.105)
Entity: "You must stay put" (Currie, 5)
Algernon: "It is very foolish of you" (Wilde, 6)
Emilia: "I am bound to speak" (Shakespeare, 5.2.181)
Algernon: "produce your explanation" (Wilde, 5)
Emilia: "[she] might quickly make it right"(Shakespeare, 4.3.84)
Entity: "For now, let [her] worry about these things" (Currie, 8)
Algernon: "modern literature [is] a complete impossibility!" (Wilde, 6)
Entity: "They frighten you almost literally to death" (Currie, 32)
Algernon: "It is a great bore" (Wilde, 9)
Entity: "The power is [hers]" (Currie, 30)
Algernon: "Yes, but [she] must be serious about it" (Wilde, 8)
Emilia: "Say that [she] slack [her] duties" (Shakespeare, 4.3.90)
Algernon: "look at the inscription inside...I call that business" (Wilde, 3,4)

Every Thing Matters!

My favorite work of literature from this year remains Every Thing Matters! by Ron Currie Jr.. I find this novel to have multiple twists and turns that make it such an interesting read. Multiple times throughout high school, I found myself trying to find alternative ways to avoid the inevitable. However, this novel shows how sometimes you cannot prevent certain events from occurring, but one can definitely redirect their life in the direction they desire. I feel as though this novel has reiterated numerous lessons in life that I have forgot these past couple of months of high school. I continue to countdown the days until school finishes so I can enjoy my stress-free summer. However, similar to Junior, this negative attitude toward the present time in my life only prohibits me from truly appreciating everything occurring at the moment. Junior finally realizes that he needs to appreciate his past "Because even in the last moment there is still Everything" (Currie, 302). The profound lesson of living in the moment is one of the reasons why I enjoy this novel so much. I have recognized that "It does matter. All of it" (Currie, 268). Instead of wishing my last few weeks of school to be over, I now recognize that I must spend this time to recall on the wonderful time I have had here at Chagrin Falls and the preparation it has made to make sure that in my future "anything, anything, anything is possible" (Currie, 302). Sometime in our future, we may see Ms. Serensky "get in a vehicle and try and find you in the state of Ohio." We have time to experience new things and we must live in the moment to cherish these experiences in life.

"Top Ten Most Thrilling Academic Moments of My High School Career"

Throughout my high school career, I have experienced multiple memorable academic moments that I feel I will remember for the rest of my life.

10) One of my most thrilling moments remains when my group did not come in last place for the multiple choice extra credit game in English class. Trust me when I say, "It looks so bad" to be the only team that does not receive extra credit (The Importance of Being Earnest, 7).

9) Many would agree, Physics remained a constant struggle throughout last school year. However, I find the tests in his class to be quite thrilling due to the uncertainty of how well we actually did on each of them. I will never forget the stressed and confused faces as I looked around the room with the same fear on my own face. However, everyone seemed to "quickly make it right" because by the end of the year we all ended up with straight A's in his class (Othello, 4.3.83). I guess hard work pays off.

8)Some of my overall most thrilling academic moments have been while writing an in-class essay for AP English. Continuously throughout my essay, I question "Does Anything I Do Matter?" (Every Thing Matters, 9). I have found no matter how much I stress about these papers, I seem to do better than I imagine I will. The thrill of not knowing if you will finish or end up with a successful product always leaves me in anticipation on essay days.

7) I remember the long months it took to complete my Honors English 10 Research projects were some of the most annoying in my entire high school career. As I eventually turned in the finished project, I remember was in disbelief saying "I'm not crazy. This is real" (Every Thing Matters, 90).

6) One of my favorite teachers, Mr. Roberts, nominated me for Tiger of the Semester junior year. Although I was expecting one of the boys who believe "Girls don't think it right" to receive the award, I was honored after Mr. Roberts gave a memorable speech about the time spent in his classroom (The Importance of Being Earnest, 3).

5) In Computer Science, we have a competition of the best coder for Tic Tac Toe. We face each other to see whose code can conquer all others. Although many would say their code failed because of a "misunderstanding between myself and a young person", the thrill of watching my code against another only brought excitement then eventual denial  of failure (The Importance of Being Earnest, 1).

4) I never thought it possible to receive a 100% on a final, a final in English especially. Although my embarrassing presentation "will not go from my mind", I remain very proud to say I received 100% on one of my AP semester exams (Othello, 4.3.31).

3)Passing my AP tests was very exciting. Coming out of the tests last May, "I [was] nothing if not critical" (Othello, 2.1.118). I had no idea of my results and remained critical on the parts I struggled with on each of the tests. However, my stress turned into relief after I received my results.

2) Among my most thrilling moments has been receiving the letter of recognition from the Cum Laude Society. After months of early stages of senioritis, I had come to realize"no one likes change unless it is from something bad to something good" (Every Thing Matters!, 7). However, I realized this change from summer being over and many months of school ahead of me was not too exciting, I needed to appreciate the good education and smart people I was surrounded by at Chagrin Falls and cherish the time I had left to leave my mark at our high school.

1) The most thrilling moment I have had in my High School Academic Career has been receiving my acceptance letter to Purdue University. College acceptance "inspires absolute confidence" and highlights that our academic successes have truly paid off (The Importance of Being Earnest, 10).

The Crossroads

The Crossroads by W.H. Auden remains one of my favorite poems from this year. This poem discusses the separations of friends in life and the path individuals choose to take. I feel this poem relates to our lives now and the upcoming separation as we all continue our way to college and other adventures after high school. This poem reminds me to recognize that there is "no time at all" left of my childhood years (21). This thought gives me fear but motivation to cherish the time left and prepare myself for the major decisions coming my way. The poem recalls how major paths chosen by individuals will affect the rest of their lives and the people they will become in their future. This poem allows me to realize that I am "about to make the most important decision in your life to date" (190). Among my future decisions, I will have to grow from my past mistakes and learn to leave the many individuals I have felt comfortable and familiarized with. This poem highlights how high school is a place "of decision and farewell" (8). This home for the past eight years of my life has taught me to realize "It does matter. All of it" (268). Like one of my favorite books from this year recalls "Everything ends, and Everything matters" (292). However, this end can only bring upon a bright future and another crossroad in life where I must decide the path I want my life to lead due to all the lessons I have learned throughout my life.  

A Thank You to Ms. Serensky

Throughout these past two years, I have questioned the reason for Ms. Serensky's "cruel" but genius mindset. Fortunately, during one of my favorite days in AP English 12, Ms. Serensky explained the cause of her intelligence and teaching techniques. As we sat together in our tightly packed circle, Ms. Seresnky eloborated on her own experiences of lEnglish class and a similar struggle to become a creative and insightful writer. I felt as though our class could finally relate to Ms. Serensky on a higher level as she continued to create parallels between our escalating learning. Ms. Seresnky elaborated on her valedictorian status in high school and how this given confidence became destroyed in her first college classes. Similar to our own downfalls in AP English, Ms. Serensky faced defeat in "one of [her] scariest moments" (50). She described an identical horror to my first paper in AP English and the realization that much knowledge needed to be learned to succeed in a higher level of English. Ms. Serensky expressed a similar mindset as myself as I recognized that "then I saw no harm" (4.2.4). She explained her acceptance of struggle and the recognition that from this struggle can only come growth and development to become a better writer. Her own experiences of trial and error allowed me to feel proud of remaining in advanced classes and made me appreciate the opportunity of having such an amazing teacher to prepare me for my college classes. All of the members of AP English would agree that "you can't go anywhere without meeting clever people" (16). However, from hearing about Ms. Serensky's path to success, I feel as though I must use these clever people (Ms. Serensky} to my advantage and learn as much as possible to become the best writer and student possible.

A Casual Meeting Between Amy and Cecily

Amy:"Hi" (61)
"This is the part where you say 'hi' back" (62)
Cecily: "Pray let me introduce myself to you. My name is Cecily Cardew" (34)
Amy:"You're a special one, aren't you?" (63)
Cecily "I hope so" (35) "I am very fond of being looked at" (35)
Amy: "This isn't going to be one of those 'it's not you, it's me' conversations, is it? " (88)
Cecily:"I only met you to-day for the first time" (34)
Amy: "I'm sure that it's very real to you. Which is the part that makes you crazy, see?" (90)
 Cecily:"there is no reason why i should make a secret of it to you" (36)
Amy:
Cecily:"I'm gonna get real weird with it. I was forced to write your letters for you" (32)"What ...are you talking about" (88)
Amy:
Cecily: "To-day I broke off my engagement with Ernest" (33)"I'm going to need a little more explanation than that" (88)
Amy:
Cecily: "I don't like the name Algernon" (33)Amy: "like the time you thought it would be funny to let me believe , for three days, that you thought you might be gay?" (90)"out with it...Not funny at all. You should go home" (89,91)

Cecily: "I don't think so" (35)

Amy:

Cecily: " Oh no! I live here" (35)

Amy: "I'm guessing it has something to do with terrorists? " (207)

Cecily: "I think your frankness does you great credit" (31)

Amy: "Oh. No. No, no, no... I really am sorry. But I liked you better when you were crazy" (218, 208, 230)

Amy:"You've got about ten seconds to convince me" (90)
Cecily:"It would distress me more than I can tell you...if it caused you any mental or physical anguish" (37)
Amy:"That's...inconvenient" (212)
Cecily:
"But I forgave you" (33)
Amy:"That's why I stopped apologizing" (208)
Cecily: "I knew there must be a misunderstanding...it had always been a girlish dream of mine to love some one" (33,39)

Thoughts of Our Newest Student on Their Best Day in Class

Essay day. I cannot wait to use my sneaky words as a key weapon toward an A. Clearly, my essay will remain the most valid and witty of all. Look at everyone. They all look so nervous while rummaging through their binders for paper. John is even informing Kelsey that she "needs to chill out." How pathetic. These students will not see what hit them after I recieve my 9+. Ms. Serensky will then feel the need to withdraw from her title as teacher. Wait, Iago, focus. Ms. Serensky remains the key obstacle toward achieving my success. I must "Observe her well" (3.3.198). She reminds me of myself. She and I smirk as we watch everyone pull out their hair. We both find the stress quite amusing. I wonder how I can persuade her to believe that I actually know what I am talking about in my essay and see truth in my words. I should start with begging or a simple: "My lord, you know I love you" (3.3.116).  After she sees I am looking out for the goodness of her, she will sway my grade in my favor and "all things shall be well" (4.2.169). My words will be the best way to win all that I desire. This truly is the best day of AP English 12.Evil Iago Smile

Pain

Dear Unknown Entity,

I have found that many of your lessons to Junior pertain directly to AP English 11. At the beginning of Junior's life, you explained to him that "no one likes change unless it is from something bad to something good" (7). In my AP English 11 class, I have found that many would agree with this statement. Many would agree that the change in work load and amount of endless stress AP students faced their junior year remained unpleasant and definitely not desired. However, I would have to say, the change into a more dependent and knowledgable student definitely enabled my continued learning and belief that "anything, anything, anything is possible" (302). Like Junior, I have found that time is of the essence and we must use our time to our full advantage. In AP English 11, we thoroughly learned time management through in class essays. We developed skills that we believe to be impossible at the beginning of the year and gradually worked our way toward greatness. However, this greatness came with a toll as many of us faced detrimental grade drops, occassional "why am I taking this again?," and the numerous sleepless nights. However, Ms. Serensky, similar to you, has taught us to "seek the meaning in sorrow" (292). She enabled us to use our pain as a tool to become even better students. By the end of AP English 11, I was able to appreciate all of the hardships of the class and recognize that pain is necessary to develop and grow. I feel as though your guidance with Junior has helped him to realize this as well. I applaud you for your tremendous patience.
Sincerely,
Kelsey Butler

Let It Shine

As Cleveland weather continues to fluctuate in these brutal winter seasons, I have noticed the gradual change to warmer weather creates a gradual change in my attitude. I grew up in Los Angeles, California and met each day with sunshine and warmth. Upon moving to Chagrin Falls, my usual daily temperatures dropped dramatically. As a result of this change, I find myself with a less positive attitude in the winter months. I feel as though the weather greatly influences a persons' emotions. Roaming outside with sprouting flowers and no snow brings me hope for warmer weather and a time when I will branch out of my depressed winter mentality. Cleveland's horrible weather has prohibited me from leaving my house. The numerous activities I engage in during the summer become only memories as I stare at my wall trying to reinvent an activty equivilent to the adventures outdoors. At work, the customers are much more approachable and friendly as spring comes and the hope for laying out on a warm summer day becomes more realistic. However, why can just a slight change in temperature affect an individuals whole lifestyle? Some reasons for this effect could come from a change of apparel. In the summer, one has many more clothing options without having to coordinate a coat with an outfit. Also, the morning sun and evening sunset allows for a longer day and a brighter greeting every morning when the last thing we want to do is go to school. The sunshine gives me a brighter outlook on the day ahead and reminds me of the summer soon to come.

The Little Things

These past couple weeks, I have had many little moments that have surprisingly affected me in negative ways. One that is predominant in my mind occurred yesterday night. Allison and I arrived at lifetime fitness to find chaos in the parking lot. We knew that at this rush hour time slot, it would take ages to find a parking spot. Finally, after ten minutes, Allison and I scope out a car slowly making its way out of the parking space. Eager to claim the spot, Allison turns on her blinker and we patiently wait to pull into the space. Finally, the car pulls away and we continue to pull forward. Out of nowhere, an adult in a bulky SUV swings in front of our car and takes the spot. The woman didn't even seem phased by her rude action. I cannot even explain the frustration and shock Allison and I faced at this moment. We clearly were waiting for the spot and a grown women felt the need to take what was blatantly not hers. I know this little rant sounds completely foolish, but I have found little acts such as this one always seem to linger in ones' mind for the longest time. On numerous occassions, customers at Chagrin Pet and Garden will feel as though they can treat us with no respect. They will make rude comments, tap their foot from their impatience, or talk on the phone while we attempt to figure out what they want to purchase. I fear that I hold my expectations of the goodness of others way too high. How much should we expect from others? I feel as though I want to recieve the respect that I give to others. Unfortunately, many individuals to not understand the concept of this golden rule. In reality, individuals can act as kind or cruel as they want to be. I can only hope others will recognize when their selfishness has gone way too far.

Where Has It All Gone?

Restaurant      At Home Meal 

The other day my father and I were looking through my past purchases over the month. As a high school girl, my father expected  numerous tabs from beachwood mall and other clothes stores. Sadly,  I wasted one of my whole pay checks on nothing, but food and gas. To make the matter worse, the result of my mutiple gas purchases only occurred beause of my need to go out for food everyday during the weekend. This makes me ask myself multiple questions. Why do I eat so much? When is too much food too much food? How does restaurant food remain so appealing? Are the numerous food choices the attraction, or the fact the food comes from the effort of another? I find my impulse to eat out a result of complete laziness and my frustration with the limited choices I find in my own pantry. The most frustrating thing about meals is having to make a concoction that you, in five minutes, will not even want to eat. Then, after the meal, you must clean up. If you neglect this task, your parents run in yelling about how they "just cleaned the kitchen" (when really you cleaned it yourself an hour before). This leads to only further frustration and a complete ruin of the amazing meal you dreamed of having. So where has the money all gone? The money has gone to a hungry stomach and a lazy mindset.

Paper vs. Data Sheet

Deeper thinking results in severe migrane.

For Real?

After reading our novel Amsterdam, I can't help but question the sincerity of those around me. Vernon, who obviously remains a horrible friend to Clive, remains secretive toward his unfriendly ways in the eyes of his peers. How can we truly know people are sincere? Can one believe everything the other says? The truth is, we are all guilty. Everyone has there moments when disguising your true feelings is necessary in the situation.  I find this alot while working on the weekends. A customer will browse in and take there sweet old time. Occassionally, they will ask a question and argue for a better price on dog food. When I first started working there I ended up waiting on some nasty customers. The worst ones I have come to find either won't make eye contact or have their cell phones glued to their face.  However, being the loyal employee (who doesn't want to lose her job), I must smile politely and act as though they aren't being the most annoying person in the world. As I said, we are ALL guilty. However, I can't help but question where to draw the line. How can someone recognize a real smile from a fake one? One can never know what exactly goes through the mind of others. Although this can be frustrating, in a way it is a blessing. I would love to say people always tell the truth, but that would be me not telling the truth. Sometimes, it is just better to be fooled by a lie then face the ugly truth. 

Time?

After our poem assigned for class Monday, Ms. Serensky wrote a similarly themed quote that caught my attention in today's class. As I recall, William Penn quoted "Time is what we want most, but what we use worst." I have to agree, time plays a huge role in our lives. Ironically, I began thinking about the concept of time last night in my family room. This subject seems to bring upon endless questions that will always remain unanswered. When did we begin? When will life end? What is time? Like I said, we will never know. But, what should we do about this uncertainty? Penn implies that most people do not use their time wisely and hope to have more time rather than enjoying the time given. In a sense, I agree that many individuals take advantage of their lives without the recognition that their lives have to come to an end. However, striving away from this pessimistic mindset, I am a firm believer in the claim that everything happens for a reason. The time spent on one thing leads to the time spent on another. Why should one feel they have wasted their life away when they need certain events to prompt others? Time does set limits on ones' lifestyle. However, these limits prompt the accumulation of important things in ones' life. Time allows one to recognize what they truly care about. In a way, time limits discourage wasted time, but, rather, encourage one to use their time wisely. With the uncertainy time presents, one can only hope they use time to their full advantage.

I See The Light

I see the light. Today during Calculus, our class started reminising on  how we can see the light. As we quickly approach the end of January, I see the bitter sweet feeling I have toward graduation and moving on with my life. Since fourth grade, I have seen myself familiarize with my fellow students and build friendships I see lasting for years to come. At this time next year, I see myself surrounded with a crowd of strangers, rather than, these people I know too much about. I see the day I leave the bubble and introduce myself to a much bigger world. I see myself stressing over the ridiculous work loads of college. I see myself anxiously waiting to introduce myself to teachers and students. I see myself having to readjust to college life. However, I see myself eagerly waiting for the end of this chapter in my life and to move on to a completely different atmosphere. I see that the secure nature of Chagrin Falls has enabled me to feel comfortable with meeting new people and exploring different imperfect environments other than my childhood home.  I see myself coming back home on breaks and sharing my new experiences with the people I have been forced to live without. I see myself being prepared for the worst because of the years of experience and numerous lessons I have encountered in my high school years. I see a bright future ahead. I see the light.

The Overall Picture

These past couple have months have been filled with constant communication. I feel that apart from our daily discussions, Blogger has played a whole role in conversation between AP English students. Although my procrastination has left me stressed multiple Sunday nights, I have found Blogger as a unique and casual way to display my ideas about English class. First of all, I usually have many things to say after discussions. This new tool helps me to express my ideas after class is over and without having to face the horrors of our competitive discussions. I continually express my fears of public speaking throughout my blog. Therefore, it remains clear that Blogger provides me with a stress free way of speaking my mind. Not only do I get to express my own ideas, but I read and learn about the other students in my class. I have found that each blog seems to have a specific theme that has allowed me to get to know each student more deeply. For instance, if you visit Haley's blog, it is filled with shopping bags to represent her obvious love for shopping. The blog banter at the beginning of class, also provides a fun way to start our class. Rather than digging right into worksheets, journals, or discussions, we laugh about the ridiculous things people blog about. Blogger has definitely been a positive asset to English class and I hope to continue with Blogger in the future.

Open Space

After discussion the other day, I realized the impact of space. On Thursday, our usual open circle enclosed into a much more welcoming setting. I have found that over the course of this year's discussions, the gaps between both sides of the room have created many problems. First of all, I tend to have difficulty hearing my neighbor let alone the students all the way across the room. This conflict leads to numerous interruptions, embarrassment for the interrupter, and repeats on previously discussed material. I also find the space, in a sense, overwhelming. In one of my previous passages, I commented on my difficulty with public speaking. Although I have improved, I still find the huge hole in the middle of our room to be problematic. It creates a spotlight on the person speaking rather than an enclosed circle of conversation where everyone has something to input. The ability to closely interact with others in our class allows students to focus and sort out the text efficiently. Last Thursday, I felt as though our class discussion turned into an in depth conversation rather than contest who could speak the most. The main reason for this change was, I believe, our compacted space.

Sudden!

I jumped. The sudden appearance of the insane man in our movie today made me jump. That feeling of shock and suprise always seems to affect me. Ironically, I have seen Shutter Island before. Ever since childhood, I have thrived off of sudden fear. On numerous occasions, I have found myself flipping through the channels trying to find something to watch on TV. Of course, I always stumble upon some classic thriller. For some unknown reason, I stay on this show for as long as I can just to see if I can survive the fear. It seems to be a love-hate relationship. The adrenalin always builds as I find myself slowing beginning to sweat, and at times scream out of complete horror. I find this strange, though. Why do I enjoy completely "dying" out of fear? I find that many of us, including myself, enjoy the unknown. In English class, we will walk into the classroom, see the journal on our desk, and freak out about what we will have to write about all period. However, when we are told of the journal ahead of time, we realize that journals are not that scary. Everyday we are met by sudden suprises that prompt unneccessary fear within us. But why? Like my obsession with scary movies, I feel that we all need a little sudden shock in order to stay interested. Without any aspect of surprise, we would not engage ourselves into our lives, but rather have certain known expectations everyday. Where is the fun in living like that?

Poof

During this holiday season, I made sure to watch more than enough movies. My dad suggested that I should watch one of his favorites, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.  He claimed this movie is one of the best of all time. I immediately thought about how Ms. Serensky chose Shutter Island over this supposedly amazing classic. After shuffling through many confused thoughts, I began to understand why she chose against watching this movie. First of all, the movie, The Namesake, was definitely an embarrassment after reading the novel during english class. In a larger sense, I have found that every movie I watch after perusing the novel comes no where close to the epic imagery and entertainment it possessed while I read. For some reason, I find myself disappointed by the scenes in a movie when they do not match exactly what I had pictured from the novel. Movies take away from ones' ability to imagine and create their own view of the story. They also rarely exactly follow the full story-line. Many movies stray away from important aspects of the original book. This not only takes away from the full story, but leaves me disappointed when I don't see one of my favorite parts of the novel on screen. Therefore, I am grateful for the chose of Shutter Island during english this week. I not only get to watch a good movie, but I will not lose the scenes I have imagined from our last novel. In the future, I will continue to enjoy books rather than rely on movies as entertainment. From my own experience, books have much more value.