#6 Superbowl

This year's Superbowl was definitely a big deal in the East Coast.  Although I'm not a huge fan of football, it was exciting to hear that the New York Giants were going to be playing.  It seems crazy that the love of one thing could bring so many people together at home and in the stadium.  However, it may differ a little at home.  I just recently heard on the radio that 50% of viewers watch the Superbowl just for the commercials!  I never knew they were such a popular thing until last year, when I got to school and everybody was talking about them.  This year I made sure to watch most of them; they are quite funny.

#5 News Log: Immigration

          The issues on illegal immigration have recently been increasing in the US.  Like many other illegal immigrants, Amelia Reyes Jimenez was deported for immigration violations.  Giving birth to 4 children in America, she was heartbroken when she found out that her children would be taken away from her and sent to foster care.  Each year thousands of children are separated from their undocumented immigrant parents.  The kids wind up in foster care and eventually may even be adopted by US citizens, while their parents are either deported or held in federal detention centers.  Due to her unlawful actions, Jimenez has lost parental rights by an Arizona judge.

          Illegal immigration is a very touchy topic for many people.  I feel that most immigrants don't realize the consequences of their actions when they come to America illegally.  I understand that they want the best for themselves and their unborn children, however America is not always the answer.  There are so many immigrants found in America today that do not have the opportunities that they believe they would have once they reach the country.  I think they would live better lives if they continued to live in their homelands rather than here.

Source: Stolen Babies? Immigrant Mother Loses Four Kids

#4 I would choose to be...

I would choose to be richer, because it would allow me to do things which could potentially make me a happier person.  With my money I could attain more knowledge from around the world, see different things, and meet different people with just a plane ticket.  It's always been my dream to travel the world and experience different cultures--especially try different foods! I would also be very charitable with my money.  I'd like to donate and help others in need.

#3 What does "grace under pressure" mean?

To "grace under pressure" means to be calm and cool during a time of stress.  When you are stressed during a difficult time of your life, it is most important to keep your composure and having a positive outlook on things.  In order to be successful you must not get upset and must stay level-headed when under pressure.  An example of having grace under pressure is the way women stood for their rights and stayed strong while being suppressed by society.

#2 Free-write: Jump

     The first thing that comes to mind when I think of the word "jump" is the times that I used to spend with my close family friends jump roping at their house.  Our families would often get together when we were younger and one of our favorite games to play was jump-rope.  Using the jump-rope in different ways, we would jump on our own, hold it from two ends while someone jumped in the middle, play snake, and sing songs.  I remember the memories so vividly and often wish we would do it again sometime.  My sister and I don't see those family friends as frequently as we used to.  I almost don't know them anymore actually; the only impression I have of them now is what I see on Facebook.  I do like change, but I wish things could stay the same sometimes.

MP3 #1 I just love it when...

I try on a few shirts at a store and find that one shirt that I love and have to buy.

#10 New Year's Resolution

It's not like I'm not a strong believer of New Year's Resolutions, but they never seem to work out for me.  I think I either forget about my plans or don't care enough to make an effort.  Seems like my problem with everything.  So that's why my new year's resolution this year is to put a little more effort into every thing that I do.  From my school work to cleaning up my house more often, I want to change the way I do things.  In order for me to change my habits for good, I want to improve the way I do things from this new year forward.