Garda's English Blog

 It's the year 2050 and the world is recovering. The people frustrated by our government revolted, and after much fighting reinstated a new leader. The environment is slowly making a comeback, and new technologies help restore species once extinct. Robots and AI are now commonly used both in the workforce and at home, aiding with menial tasks.  Today in class we answered more questions about The Color Purple. The questions were harder today unfortunately, but I managed to finish them.

 If I wrote a letter to my future self I'm not sure it would be a very meaningful one. I believe that there is no wisdom I could give now to my future self that I wouldn't already know. This is because I grow wiser with every year, as I continuously experience things that change my understanding of the world. I think I would write something silly to give my future self laughs, or perhaps I would include a funny doodle. Perhaps I would remind myself of my good memories in highschool, because surely my memory of it is better now than it will be in 10 years. Today in class we continued reading the Color Purple and answering questions about it. The questions were pleasantly not too difficult. Usually I read these and get absolutely stumped, sometimes I even have to skip a question because I just can't think of anything. Today luckily was much better.

 The first thing I do when I start a project is to look for inspiration. I'll go to social media such as Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to look for posts which match the energy of the project I'm trying to create. Once I get a feel for what I want I'll start a sketch or a rough draft. I'll look back at the posts I've found and other references I might need often to incorporate things like anatomy, style, and mood. My favorite project of mine was this art project I made for class. The project is a cardboard cut out of two gar, my favorite fish. I think it turned out quite cute! Today in class we brainstormed for a practice literacy analysis prompt. It was tough thinking of things, but I know that if I were going to actually continue and write the analysis it would make the whole process much easier.

 A few years ago I started taking hiatuses from drawing. At the time I had a lot of schoolwork, and I wanted to spend my time doing other things. It also certainly didn't help that I was so strict with my art. I had to make every piece to the best of my ability, and I think over time that burnt me out. Now I no longer regularly draw. I've been trying to get back into the hobby, but unfortunately I have to relearn a lot of it. Art used to be such a huge part of my life, and now I can hardly touch it. Today in class we went over the writing process. I had mostly forgotten about it, so the review was helpful. I will definitely have to use the cluster thing when we write in the future.

 Something I wish I could unhear is the mean words my step father shouted at me one morning before school. He was angry at me because I was failing a class and was running late on leaving the house that morning. The things he said though were uncalled for. He had no idea what was going on in my personal life and put me in this narrative that I was lazy and had no respect for anything. We've made up now but it still hurts sometimes when I remember that's how he sees me. In class today we had the opportunity to work on missing assignments. I was missing more work than I thought I was. I'll have to work harder in the future to keep up with my assignments. 

 A moment I felt I had the power to make a difference in someone else's life was when the 8th graders played with the marching band at a football game. I went into my freshman year scared and without many friends. Joining marching band fixed that, and it made school a bit more bearable. Knowing this, I try my best to influence the 8th graders to join a club or organization. It doesn't even need to be band related to have a positive impact on someone. 

 The place I feel the most at peace is in the shower. The warm water is comforting, and the white noise of the fan seems to block everything out. I also have the peace of mind that while I'm in the shower I won't be bothered. No one asking me about grades, or what I'm going to do after highschool, or even someone telling me they need me to do something for them. For once I'm allowed to exist in the moment instead of worrying about my future.

 A time I had to rely on someone else was for a school group project. It was nice to share the responsibility of the project with someone else even though I then feel pressured to give my best work as to not let my partner down. Sometimes I can't help but worry if my partner will put in any effort too, but it always have turned out well. Today in class we scanned through letters in the book The Color Purple, and then answered questions about it. I think I did pretty well answering the questions, although I don't know for sure as I don't know how to check my grade. 

A memorable dream I had was during my freshmen year when I had my first marching band camp. The camp was 2 weeks long, 12 hour days spent marching and music in the hot sun. It was very intensive with the only down time being an hour for lunch and dinner. When I finally returned home every night I was excited for a moment of rest, except I didn't receive a break even in sleep. I would dream about practicing the exercises and music we had learned that day. I specifically remember how vivid and realistic those dreams felt, it was like I was trapped in a marching band hell. Today in class we continued reading The Color Purple by Alice Walker. I think it is interesting how the dynamic between Celie and Shug Avery is developing. It almost seems like Celie is crushing on Shug Avery, although I believe their relationship is much more complicated than just romantic feelings.

For winter break I visited my dad in Idaho. I stayed almost the entire two weeks, but I did not go out very much. I went to a suit store to buy a tie for my father, and on another day I went ice skating and shopping. I prefer staying home and relaxing though, so I was happy to not do much. On Christmas my family watched movies together and had fancy dinner. On new years eve I had a Godzilla marathon with my dad, but the very next day my favorite pet chicken died. I never set goals for myself for new years because I think it's silly. I'd rather not put any expectations on myself and avoid stressing over or getting excited for something I always give up on halfway through. I guess I have to have goals though, so my 5 goals for this year are 1) get good grades, 2) improve my physical health, 3) get better at jazz, 4) draw more, and 5) get my drivers license.